#so its quite goofy and not meant to be taken seriously

[pkmoth]

since im definitely gonna have to rewrite the clausten fic wip im so tempted to send screenshots of some bits theyre kinda silly

[enaspaces]

my shuri headcanons 𓃠

a dump of my thoughts because i love her and she’s taken over my mind

• on the trans/nonbinary spectrum. more specifically a demigirl and doesn’t care what pronouns you use on him. owns a binder for specific days that she wants her chest to look flat.

• very lesbian. her heart is for women and non-men 🏳️‍🌈

• i view her as a stud or a stem. it depends on how i’m feeling atm.

• she’s not just a nerd in the science sense she’s a huge fandom geek and has a stan twitter account to talk about her interests.

• also has fan edits of her favorite characters and interests saved on her phone. probably makes her own edits too.

• average minecraft enjoyer (she’s obsessed)

• reads a lot of wlw comics, novels, and other media bc they’re a gay ass.

• has AuDHD, argue with ur mama.

• is almost always seen wearing noise cancelling headphones or earbuds because she gets overstimulated at times. when she visits riri in chicago for the first time, the constant loud city noise is something he’s not used to. he had forgot to pack the headphones he made for himself so riri makes him a custom made pair to help him relax. they end up using riri’s more than their own. (riri indulgently put small cat ears on the top of them and shuri almost cried at the sight).

• catgirl energy. riri may make her look tall but that’s still a 5’5 girl twink that stopped growing at age 13. she’s small and likes to sit on counters, lab tables, the floor and any other weird place that’s not meant to be sat on. she curls up in a ball when she sleeps alone, and if she’s in the bed with someone else her limbs are all over their body. has cute sounding sneezes that m’baku makes fun of her for. one of the lab workers once found her asleep in a random corner of the room. naturally very light-footed and basically has human toe beans, making it very easy to sneak up on people without them hearing.

• has quite a few fidget toys to help her focus on work in the lab and ease her anxiety. a rubik’s cube, fidget spinners, stress ball, pop its, etc.

• she stims. so much. especially after she successfully completes a task or experiment and she’ll do a dance or do the lil hand flapping thing. her vocal stims are always random song lyrics or tiktok meme audios lol.

• has a sweet tooth. when okoye was a dora she’d occasionally bring candy or other sweets for her to snack on. riri goes to the store and buys him all the popular american snacks for him to try. nakia always has a mini stash prepared for when they visit her and toussaint in haiti.

• favorite color is purple. it just suits her.

• a GAMER™. she plays all genres but her favs are probably minecraft, puzzle, or rhythm games. did i mention minecraft? she loves it. riri loves rpgs and pvp games the most and has her play smash bros ultimate pretty often. they’re super competitive with each other and both sore losers lmao. shuri got her to play minecraft once and riri kept getting blown up by creepers.

• ↑ she becomes super close with mj, ned, and vivian through riri. they’re always on discord vc together playing games and doing many other things and it’s the most chaotic shit you’ve ever seen.

• if the word ticklish was personified. simply elbowing her in the stomach on accident would get a giggle outta her. every ticklish spot she has is extremely sensitive and you could have her curled up cackling in tears with ease.

• funny as hell for no reason. life of the party fr. she takes her jokester persona very seriously but sometimes she’s hilarious without even trying. the first time she ever smoked weed was with riri in her dorm and riri never laughed so hard in her life that day. shuri was literally all over the place. she’s definitely a lightweight too, just as goofy, giggly, and clingy in her drunken state.

• definitely likes kpop girl groups. I can’t prove it but they love loona you just have to trust me.

• also loves vocaloid and has a hatsune miku figure in her room somewhere. trust me on that.

• has a list of favorite black american artists. riri definitely put her on some r&b classics and less mainstream artists. has a massive celebrity crush on black women rappers.

• music taste is very versatile. her playlist has almost everything. she just can’t listen to one genre only, she’s too open minded and exploratory for that.

• he’s not one to fall in love easily, but when he does he falls hard. riri was the first person he ever fell for and it changed the trajectory of his life, poor thing had no idea what to do with that information.

• a romantic, lovesick loser. cannot flirt to save his life. flustering him is so fucking easy lmao. riri once called him shawty and he malfunctioned for 5 minutes. whenever he’s on the phone with riri his crush is genuinely so obvious to everyone around him. he be giggling and cheesing real hard 😭. kicking his feet squealing on the bed when he’s alone thinking about the cute nickname riri called him.

• her love language is acts of service and gift giving. she’s not always good with words or emotions so she expresses her appreciation towards her loved ones by distributing her wealth in many ways. buying riri things she might need for college, fixing stuff that breaks in nakia’s home. things like that.

• has trouble being vulnerable with those close to her. she’s lost so much, so opening up to new people is always a scary, big step. it took a while for her to let mj, ned, and viv into her heart because the closer she becomes with them, the more it’ll hurt if she loses them. they take her in with open arms regardless, because having a support system with people her age is something she needs. they take her seriously in ways that the elders don’t. they see her for who she is outside of being a royal figure to her country and allows her to be her full, authentic, geeky self. she’s able to grasp onto the youth that she almost lost when her family was taken away.

• very talkative. can infodump about an interest for hours and completely lose track of time if you let them. they cannot stay still when excited, nor can they keep eye contact, pacing around the room and darting their eyes everywhere while rambling about the history of vibrainium or something.

• maladaptive daydreaming. will lose herself in a song and start imagining scenarios in her head. t’challa once caught her in the act and refused to delete the video footage. sometimes, she pulls up the video her brother recorded just to hear his laughter in the background.

[like-rain-or-confetti]

The Monster You Wanted (Alec Volturi x Reader)

Warning: Dark themes! Blood! Violence!

After being turned into a vampire, the persons human loved ones would deem them unrecognisable. Physically their loved ones features have altered. They're beautiful but some can't ignore the pit in their stomach when seeing the piercing stare their loved one has. However, the biggest change is actually in personality. 

For the first year, a vampires sole purpose is to quench their never ending bloodlust. They'd do anything to get it. Driven mad by constant thirst for human blood. So much so there's almost nothing left to be seen of the human that was once known. A monster wearing a loved ones skin. 

After that first year, the person that used to be can come back, but never entirely. Those who were caring, will begin to care that little bit more after that year. Although underneath, there is still the predatory instincts that require a level-head. Not everyone has the patience of a saint. No longer are vampires strangers to violence. A perfect mix of a terrifying monster and the human that used to be. 

In theory, you shouldn't have been any different. Yet there was no doubt that you were. You were the latest addition to the Olympic coven and almost everyone knew about you. You were very young, barely over six months since your transformation. By definition, you here half way through newborn stage. Although not once in that time had you acted like a newborn. You avoided humans like the plague, finding the smell too much. Although this went beyond self control. It also included the immense guilt you felt at the very thought of feeding from a human. Furthermore, you were more kind than anyone in the Cullen's could ever be. You thought the best of everyone to the extent it was almost naive. 

Some found it strange, off putting such as Peter and Charlotte. So much so that they tried to keep their distance just in case you were to snap. Although you never did. Others, like the Romanians and the Volturi thought it childish, and pathetic. It made you almost outcast from the rest seeing nothing you had done in your vampire life was normal. You were kind but quiet. Unlike any vampire surrounding you, coven or not, it was known you couldn't hurt a fly and everything about that in their eyes was just plain wrong. 

It was you and Emmett who were sent to fetch the Volturi. Knowing their past, it wouldn't go down well if the wolves caught sight of any unknown vampire. Especially those who belong to the Volturi. Emmett's goofy personality was long gone and watched each Volturi like a hawk for even the smallest of movements. It was of no surprise that Carlisle sent the muscle of the coven as well as the newborn. It was a surprise considering it was you. The most harmless newborn ever known. 

Although your kindness could appeal to the leaders. Aro knew Carlisle well. "Ah, young (Y/N). It is always a delight to be greeted with such a lovely face." You rocked back and forth on your heels. It was common given how much adrenaline you had most of the time. Sometimes you just couldn't sit still. Although many considered it an easy fix, a few newborn rages would fix such an issue. "Hello." You said simply with a smile. "Carlisle sent us to fetch you. Just so you don't run into any issues with the pack." "That is appreciated, dear." Marcus responded. "Although unnecessary." Caius added with a small scowl. Your head quickly turned to Emmett. "Let's go!" You chirped, skipping back to the house, your hands behind your back.  "How childish." Felix said to Demetri under his breath. "They're a newborn, be glad someone's pleased to see you." Emmett responded with snark. "Keep your voice down." "Or what? They'll hug me to death?" Felix challenged. "It's not (Y/N) you'll be dealing with." Emmett looked back at Felix. "Emmett." Rosalie warned as you skipped by her with a grin and without a care in the world and into the Cullen home. Almost like you hadn't heard the exchange. 

"Thank you, Emmett." Carlisle approached the door with a smile as the group entered. "What about me!?" You cried out from upstairs. "Thank you as well, (Y/N)!" Carlisle called back with an amused smile before addressing the Volturi. "My apologies I couldn't come out to meet you. I had a phone call from the hospital." "Not at all, Carlisle." Aro responded. 

Felix and the twins moved into the sitting room where Emmett, yourself and Jasper were. You stared at the remote for the TV like it held the world's secrets. "(Y/N), it's easy just pick it up gently." Emmett said. "My gentle isn't the same as your gentle!" You replied. "I don't want to break it!" "You have broken a grand total of four things in this house, (Y/N). All of us have done that in fifteen minutes. Just pick it up. You're overthinking it." Emmett said with ease. "I have to overthink it or I will break it." You replied again. Your hand hovered over the remote, pulling back every time you got close to touching it as if it had bit you. The three guards couldn't believe what they were seeing. Here was a newborn of seven months, jerking away from an inanimate object like it could hurt them. Each guard broke many things in minutes without thinking, including necks. It was very apparent on their faces since Jasper gave them a cold stare in warning. Next thing the Volturi guards knew, you had grasped the remote and apologising to it. They couldn't believe their eyes. "Take it!" You chanted hurriedly to Emmett who chuckled and took it from you. That night, you were agitated. You were hunched over, arms across your stomach and a hand on your throat. Meanwhile Felix and Alec were in the room with you, watching as this went down. They heard you stifling small groans and trying to clear your throat. "What's wrong?" Felix asked but didn't really care. "Nothing." You whispered doubling over a little further. "Seriously, what's with you?" Felix rolled his eyes. That's when Caius walked in and behind him, Jasper. Jasper looked at you. "It's about time you fed. You know it doesn't affect us the same way." You shook your head. "Come, I'll go with you. It's time." You sighed rising to a stand. Jasper led you out the door leaving the Volturi members in the room alone. "They had to be prompted to feed? Disgraceful." Caius sneered. "They feel guilt often." Carlisle said as he walked into the room. "They aren't quite used to and accepting if this life yet." "It's been seven months." Caius responded coldly. "Even you can admit their behaviour is a little odd, Carlisle." "Perhaps, but what would that change?" Carlisle lightly shrugged. "It's unheard of but they haven't been a problem to you or to me." 

Alec sat on a tree branch rather high up, enjoying the night when you returned. "I didn't take you as the climbing trees kind!" You called up to him with a smile. Alec lightly shrugged. You eyed the route to the branch he was on. It was simple enough. The branch trembled as you moved to sit beside him on the branch. Using the branch above as leverage and stepping over him. Alec internally sighed, it seemed the solitude was short lived. "Are you okay? I usually wouldn't think anything of it but you're out here alone whilst your sister is inside." You asked. "Well we aren't conjoined twins." Alec said coldly and you seemed taken aback. Such tone would have caused any other newborn to attack but not you. Never you. The silence made him rethink his words. "What I mean to say is that I'm fine. My sister and I always spend some time apart. It isn't exactly healthy to spend so much time with someone." "Oh, as long as you're okay. Do you want me to leave you alone?" "Do what you wish." Alec responded. "I won't force you to leave after all your effort to get up here and not break the tree." Alec hadn't meant it to be funny. In fact if anything it was supposed to be insulting. Yet you laughed, seeing the funny side. "Well when you put it that way." You swung your legs. "I'll stick around." Alec hummed. "Not many people would willingly choose my company." Alec mused with a hum. "I'm not like most people." You responded flatly, your smile long gone as you looked up into the sky. 

Alec turned his head to look at you and in that moment he knew that you knew how everyone felt about you. "Are you feeling better?" Alec asked. "A little. It did more for my stomach than it did my throat if I'm honest. I thought a mountain lion would have done the trick." Alec wanted to call you an idiot. You didn't have to be the smartest to know that newborns were ravenous. Not even a whole pack of mountain lions would have been enough. Furthermore, animal blood was no where near as fulfilling as human blood. "Well," Alec said whilst looking around. "If you start feeling hungry again, I'm sure there are a few squirrels around." You giggled. "I never knew you were funny." Alec hummed again. "I don't know how you can sustain yourself on that. Animal blood. I never understood in general but a newborn? I don't know how you aren't destroying villages at the very thought." You shrugged. "I've never had human blood so I have nothing to compare it to. Besides, from what I heard. It's better that way. Seemingly once you have human blood its really hard to go back." "Will you at least admit that it's disgusting?" Alec asked, turning to look at you. You bit back a smile. "Go on, admit it. It's disgusting." "It is but, it works." You admitted and Alec rolled his eyes. 

"I hear you've been in the Volturi for a very long time." You spoke up. "Yes, a very long time." Alec answered. "Do you remember what it was like to be a newborn?" "Not entirely. You remember it differently from the other years of your existence.i remember destroying and burning my village to the ground. I remember the rage I felt, the ravenous hunger but it's like remembering a dream. Nothing directly reminds me of it." Alec said. You went quiet, deep in thought. "I couldn't imagine going through what you and your sister did. I found it vile, how anyone could do that to another person." "Not everyone is like you, (Y/N). People usually hate what they don't understand. There are people in the world who want to hurt people, who live for it...like I do." You turned your head to Alec. "I've always been honest. That night changed my sister and I. I don't have an issue with hurting people despite what my gift may be." "You think people should suffer because you did?" You asked quietly and Alec nodded. "Not the best outlook but it's there. I don't intend on changing that any time soon. In fact, that makes me wonder about you." "Me?" "My experiences made me who I am today. So what happened to you to make you the way you are?" You lowered your head. "There really isn't a story to tell." You admitted. "A vampire came across me, thought I was sweet. They figured it was enough reasoning to change me. Carlisle found me before I woke up. I never found out who they were." After a moment of thought, you lightly shrugged. "I don't really believe it changed me much...or at all." "You've never wandered, strayed from the Cullen way of living?" Alec asked. "No, I don't have any intention either. Why?" "It's not often that newborns stay put and in control. You find they like to go nomadic. They just don't do well in covens. Although, I can't say it's impossible. Here you are." "You know I'll always be around." You smiled brightly. 

Days passed and he found himself spending more time with you than intended. He didn't dare admit you were growing on him. Instead, he did his best to swallow it down and pretend it wasn't there. 

You had been used to comments about you by now. Everyone made your behaviour known to be different. You’d be lying if they hadn’t begun to take their toll since the Volturi had arrived. It just meant more pairs of eyes casting judgement on what you should be rather than what you were. The Volturi considered newborn vampires, uncontrollable monsters. Therefore you couldn’t understand why they took such issue with you being the exact opposite. Then again, perhaps you did. Caius had said at least four times that your behaviour wasn’t natural. In the end, they had already drawn their conclusions about you. The Cullen’s were never so blunt. Sure, you were a little different but they welcomed that. After all, they were different too because of their diet. Although you could still see the flicker in their eyes of slight confusion. At least they had the decency to try and hide it. 

Much to your surprise, you had spent much more time with Alec. You would have called him a friend but you weren’t too sure if he’d say the same. He still had his own judgements but he didn’t avoid your company. In your eyes, knowing Alec, that was progress. 

The comments had begun to wear you down and that became evident. You weren’t as lively and cheerful. You had begun to seek out solitude, to the extent that Alec would seek you out for company rather than vice versa. That is when you didn’t talk as much, always saying enough for a decent answer but never going further. You spent more times out doors.  “Something’s wrong.” Rosalie said, watching you sit with Renesmee. She was full of life and, usually, so would you. Not this time. Instead you sat on the ground, not even cracking a smile. Carlisle stood behind Rosalie, his arms crossed and concern etched across his face.  He said nothing as he left the house, approaching the two of you.  “Renesmee, might I speak with (Y/N) alone for a moment?” Carlisle asked. Renesmee nodded with a smile before running inside. Carlisle sat beside you, his back against the tree beside you. “You have us a little worried, (Y/N). Is there anything I can help with?” Carlisle didn’t need three guesses to know what had bothered you. However he thought it important that you said it for yourself. You didn’t look at Carlisle, your eyes falling to your lap. 

After a moment of silence, he spoke up. “Have i ever told you that before I had a coven, I stayed with the Volturi for a decade...on the animal blood diet.” This got your attention, making you look up at Carlisle. He nodded in confirmation. “I was the only one they knew of with such a diet and they didn’t understand it. Aro and Caius tried to change me, bring me to feed on human blood but at the end of the day, it isn’t what I wanted and eventually they grew to respect that. So i know what it’s like for those to be unsatisfied with who you are, to not fulfill expectations. Although I also know that words come and go and you don’t have to change for anyone.“  “Did it get easier?” Carlisle hummed. “It took a long time but i found people who accepted me. Not to mention finding the one who loved me the most of all.”  “What did you do then?” You asked. Carlisle smiled. “I made them my family and i married the one who loved me the most.” You cracked a small smile at the mention of the Cullen’s and Denali. It faltered as something took over your mind and Carlisle’s gaze narrowed slightly, noticing the shift.  “I feel like a freak.” You whispered. “I’m tired of constantly maintaining appearances, all the while everyone is looking at me. I used to be able to ignore it, think of myself as the lucky one who didn’t have to be this monster that newborns are described to be...but now i can’t even do that.” Carlisle listened as you continued. “Everyone’s afraid of me. I see the look everyone gives me. It makes me afraid of me too.”  “(Y/N), you are a wonderful person and no one is afraid of you. You have given us no reason to be-”  “-but that's what is wanted, for me to be that monster everyone is so afraid of. As though that's what is best for the world.” You interrupted. “It makes me sad, but it’s also starting to make me angry.”  “They’ll be leaving soon, just endure. I promise, no one can hurt you. Not unless you let them. When they’re gone, you and I could go on a trip, whatever you like.” You nodded slowly in response. “Maybe.” You said quietly. 

 The Volturi left two days later. You had gotten many comments in that time. However, you had most certainly gained a friend by the end of the visit. After that, the Cullen's left for a hunt. You chose to stay behind. You weren't hungry. It wasn't a lie. Although they returned the next morning to find you gone without even so much as a note. After a lot of discussion within the coven, Carlisle insisted that the Cullen's left you alone and that you would be back. Edward returned after all.

'This world will eat you whole. This world will eat you whole!' You didn't remember why that sentence stuck to you like glue but it never left you. Never had it felt more applicable and ironic. You were on the top of the food chain. Yet you didn't feel like it. You felt as though you were drowning in the world, at the very bottom. You had no clue how long you had been walking. Although you also didn't care, a dark numb sensation flooding through your body. 

Three months had passed and you hadn't so much had made a call. Eventually the Cullen's contacted the Volturi to inform them that (Y/N) had been gone for a long time. The Volturi offered Demetri's services but Carlisle refused the offer, maintaining you'd return upon your own accord. Although he thought it right to inform the Volturi for Alec seeing as the two of you had developed a friendship. 

“Why do people do that?” Esme said to Carlisle. The light breeze brushing the hair from her face, revealing her coal black eyes.  “Do what?” Carlisle asked softly.  “Try to change people they don’t understand.” She answered.  “Some require it. There are dangerous people in the world, Esme.”  “(Y/N) wasn’t one of them.” Esme responded.  “You’re right.” Carlisle responded. “There are many who don’t need to be changed. It’s simply down to the fear of the unknown. Our kind didn’t understand (Y/N) so the first impulse is to try and change them.”  “It’s horrible.” Esme said quietly.  “They’ll come back, Esme. They aren’t the type to just disappear from off the face of the earth. They just need some time.”  “I tried so hard to make sure they knew they were loved. It wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough.” Carlisle took Esme’s hand and kissed it gently. “You’re too good for this world sometimes, my love.” Carlisle said softly with a smile.  

The rain poured down, soaking your clothes and skin. It was nightfall, but you could still differentiate the dark, large clouds smothering the sky. You must have looked odd, walking in the outing rain without even a jacket. Although you didn't feel the cold. It didn't bite at you like it had when you were human. As a matter of fact, you barely felt it. The town around you went unnoticed by you. However you didn't go unnoticed. 

"(Y/N)!?" A female voice called out and you slowed to a stop. Slowly your turned your head towards the voice. "Get in! You'll freeze out here!" It was Angela Weber. You had seen her around a couple of times. Although you were 'home schooled', so those times were usually indirect encounters with someone else. You could hear her heart beat quicken, worry etched across her face. Without protest or even a twitch, you crossed the street and into the car. 

"What are you doing out here!? Did you just get caught in the rain!?" You didn't respond, staring ahead through the windshield although you raised her shoulders up and down as though you were breathing. "I'll take you back to the hotel, you'll freeze out there with that." She nodded to your clothing before driving. "What are you doing here?" You asked quietly. "I've been looking at universities out with Forks. The one I'm in, doesn't really fit me. So I've taken the opportunity to get some travel in whilst I've been looking. What about you?" She asked. "What brings you all the way out here. Is Dr Cullen with you too?" Slowly you shook your head, but didn't give her an answer as to why you were there. Whilst she looked concerned, she didn't press the issue. You knew Angela well enough to know that she was thinking the worst, that something could have it has happened to you. It was sweet of her but unnecessary. 

She led you to her hotel room. "You can take a shower and...if you give me your clothes, I can put them on the radiator to dry off. I have a hoodie and some pajamas that you can borrow." You nodded, heading into the bathroom. You did as she said, not because you needed or would benefit from it, but because you were watching her like a hawk eyed it's prey. You let her be comfortable and do things of her own accord almost like she'd forget you were ever there. 

Whilst you were in the shower, Angela popped her head around the door, not looking at you and gathering your clothes. "I'm just getting these." She said, bundling your soaked clothes into her arms and promptly closing the door. She returned seconds later to drop off a towel and the clothes she'd let you borrow. You were quiet, quieter than Angela remembered. It had crossed her mind to call someone but decided against it. She could handle this. Perhaps you needed the shower and a good night's sleep. Then the two of you could figure out what to do for you in the morning. It required patience to hang all of your clothes on such a small radiator but it was manageable. Your clothes were freezing to the touch and soaked. So much so Angela wasn't even sure if they'd be dry by morning and she had no doubt they were uncomfortable in such a condition. However she would still try. It was a cheaper option to have a hotel room with one bed and one bathroom. She was provided a small TV plugged in, on top of the drawers. Although it wasn't so beneficial now that there were two of you. She turned on the TV simply to break the silence, casting a glance the the pouring rain gliding down the small window above the radiator. 

After ten minutes, you emerged in the hoodie and shorts she had provided. She offered you a small smile and you returned it. "Do you mind if we share the bed? I didn't anticipate two of us." Angela smiled meekly. "It's a double bed, so it shouldn’t be a bother." You responded somewhat quietly. "Good." She nodded. 

After some time, Angela was lying on top of the bed, typing on her laptop. Whilst you had been mesmerized by the pixels on the TV. The TV was so cheap and looked to be slightly older in make that you, with heightened eyesight could see every flickering colourful pixel. Much like what you would have seen when pressed your face close to the TV before your mother scolded you for being too close. It was some comedy late night show with a man how looked to be in his sixties. You couldn't remember who he was but supposedly he was popular. He had the audience roaring with laughter but you watched blankly, as though not in on the joke. You were watching it but not necessarily listening. "Hey, I was thinking." Angela began. You turned as she gained your attention. "I left out that sweater over there for you. I noticed you don't have a jacket and whilst it's not much, I figured it's an extra layer until you get a new one." You followed her pointed gaze to a green sweater that looked to be thin, had a zip and a hood. "Thank you." You whispered. "It's not a problem but...can I ask you something?" You nodded. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine." You responded passively. "You're sure? I was worried something had happened." You shook your head in response. "Nothing happened. I just got caught in the rain and hadn't brought a jacket." 

After an hour or two it was 'bed time'. You made sure to keep a distance from Angela, so she couldn’t feel how cold your body was. The only sound made was Angela's breathing except the slight buzz of the TV that would have been barely audible to a human from such a distance. You had rolled onto your side, facing her, once you knew she was asleep. 

She lay on her back, glasses at her bedside table and arms on her stomach. You stared at her for quite some time, feeling the build up of venom in your mouth and the urge to feed steadily grow. She wore a tank top that night leaving no barrier and complete access to her throat  Slowly you sat up. You contemplated it, it hadn't been the first time as of late. Although the thought didn't bring you any excitement. Human blood still wasn't tempting enough to let go. Besides, you had already fed before arriving in the town. Whilst Angela had always been nice to you, her friends weren't so accommodating. They were reclusive and much like people their age, couldn't help but judge your odd behaviour. You were a Cullen after all, but you were the Cullen that wasn't seen, the home schooled one. The only reason they even knew what you had looked like was because Alice and Bella bumped into Jessica, Angela, Mike and Ben whilst out and your gold eyes were a big hint. Whilst Angela had her moments of kindness, it didn't change that she was mostly a follower of Jessica. She enabled any of Jessica's comments, with a light chastise that always went ignored.  Your reached over, your hand inches away from curling around Jessica's throat, staring at her intently. You pulled back, hands resting upon your knees. 

Angela woke up after sleeping well, much to her surprise. How her day had went, often impacted her sleep that night and she didn't have high hopes after seeing you in such a bizarre state. She rolled over, thinking you'd be beside her...but you weren't. She sat up and you were nowhere to be seen. Your clothes on the radiator gone as well as the green sweater. Folded neatly was her hoodie and shorts she had let you borrow. She reached over for her glasses and phone to check the time. It was nine thirty in the morning. She unlocked her phone to see an unsent message to Ben. One she hadn't remembered writing. 'Thank you :)' 

"Weeks have passed and they still haven't returned?" Alec asked looking over to Demetri who shook his head. "They'll be fine." Jane told her brother nonchalantly. "What else do you expect from a newborn other than to go rogue?" "You heard how they were feeling when we were there." Alec countered. "I can't pretend this is a newborn with a change of heart about their priorities. It's not like them to do this." "You barely know them." Felix said flatly, making Alec glare at him. "I know them well enough to know something isn't right." "It isn't important Alec and until they make a mistake, it isn't our business." Jane responded. "We made it our business when we decided they weren't like us." Alec argued back. "So what do you want to do? Go after them?" Jane asked in annoyance. "No." Alec said sharply. "Then why do you care? They're barely your friend, Alec." "Well, well, well, look who it is." You stopped when you heard the male voice. You were aware of a presence, two of them as two scents hit your nostrils but you didn't think they'd approach. Of course, your suspicions were confirmed by the accent. You turned to be face to face with Vladimir and Stefan, the two remaining members of the Romanian coven. 

You didn't bother mustering a greeting, no longer seeing why you should give anyone anything if they were simply going to use it at your expense. "Carlisle's youngest has wandered off." Vladimir smirked. "Wandered very far to be here, of all places." Stefan agreed. "This is our territory and it's rude to show up uninvited." Vladimir said. You stuffed your hands in the pockets of your green sweater. "Hm? Nothing to say? Not even as much as a 'hello'?" Stefan tilted his head. You stared at the two blankly as they continued. "Not even so much as a smile. “My, my, that's a first." Stefan smirked. Vladimir hummed in amusement. 

The two moved closer to you and you did nothing. Vladimir scoffed, nudging his fingers forcefully against the side of your head. "Absolutely pointless for a newborn." He said to himself. "You'd have attacked the moment you caught onto us if you were anything like a newborn." Stefan said with a sigh of disappointment. "It's a waste of power really." Vladimir agreed. "Now where is that little newborn who was always so happy as we insulted them? Where has that pretty smile gone?" Stefan grinned. "I don't need to do anything for your entertainment." You responded. Apparently they didn't like that answer as Vladimir roughly grabbed your face. "That's because you're laughable by your existence alone." Vladimir seethed threw you to the ground. "You're embarrassing to our kind. Consider yourself nothing less." You had begun to feel anger bubble within you at the out of your stomach but you swallowed it down, an ability most newborns didn't have and almost everyone took advantage of. You looked up at Vladimir from the forest ground with a soft glare. 

Eleazar was following a brown bear, careful not to be noticed, careful not to startle it in anyway with any sudden noises. His hunting ability as a vampire allowed him to stalk his prey with ease.  Although to Eleazar's surprise, he wasn't the only one hunting this bear. 

He locked eyes with you and he was almost horrified. You were dirty, your clothes covered in dirt and your green sweater falling off of one shoulder slightly. You had your eyes focused on Eleazar and he knew you had left the Cullen's suddenly. Although he didn't think you'd end up in Alaska. Your eyes were black and he heard you stifle a quiet groan within your stomach as an arm wrapped around your stomach. There was no doubt in Eleazar's mind you were hungry. However something told him there was something worse going on with you. You had lost your smile, your eyes empty. You looked unharmed yet you resembled nothing of the newborn he had met months ago. He knew about you just as almost everyone else did. Your behaviour, he had never seen before but he mostly kept any comment of that to himself. He knew how gentle and delicate you could be. The (Y/N) he knew couldn't hurt anyone. 

However the (Y/N) that stood before him was very different as shown when your lips pulled back as you barred your teeth with a low growl. Something told Eleazar to let you take the bear. Although he couldn't figure out why that feeling crept up on him. Perhaps it had been the shock of hearing you growl as he slowly raised his hands and backed off. He had never heard you growl and from Carlisle's account, you rarely did. It happened barely two times in your whole, now, 9 and a half months of this life. He couldn't help but be fearful of the newborn before him, fearful of you than he had ever been. You took off after the bear, leaving Eleazar behind. 

As the tenth month rolled around, another trial was being held. However, the Cullen's had decided enough was enough and the coven went to the Volturi for help to find you. There they ended up having to witness the demise of the nomadic vampire. 

He was around eighteen and didn't care for the laws. This made him a reckless feeder. Give him enough time and he'd have the humans attention soon enough. As expected he didn't come quietly and fought back with every step of the way. What made him more of a threat is that he was in his newborn year. Therefore he still had the strength to his advantage. He created more fuss than he was worth, only controlled properly when retrained by both Felix and Demetri as well as Jane using her gift for good measure. 

What wasn't expected was you bursting through the throne room doors. You wasted no time, lunging towards the nomad and a full blown fight ensued. The two newborns snarled and growled with fury that would remind anyone of an animal. Both the Volturi and the Cullen's were stunned and unable to move. Your outfit you had left in was covered in dirt. You wore a green sweater that was unfamiliar and your hair was messy. You were almost unrecognisable to the two covens in behaviour.  You suddenly gained the advantage, getting the newborn to the floor underneath you. Which animalistic screeching you tore at him, his head gone but you weren't done, tearing into his body with an unsolicited rage that only newborns had. 

Felix was first to step forward and you immediately turned to him with a snarl, as though protecting your territory. "(Y/N)?" Alec called out softly. Your head turned to him, still in a crouched position. It was you, there was no doubt but you didn't act like yourself. Suddenly your face twitched, a grimace. Then you kept your eye on everyone in the room. "Have you been harmed?" Carlisle asked softly. You didn't respond, continuing to eye each person warily. "(Y/N)?" Alec said again. It was all he could manage out. You turned to Alec again, this time locking eyes with him. Your gold eyes meeting his red ones. "Where have you been?" Alec asked quietly, questions finally beginning to return to him. Immediately you curled into yourself slightly. "They're hungry." Felix stated. That was when the receptionist entered the room. 

"I-I tried to inform you sooner but I-" It was all she got to manage out before you lunged at her. Your teeth but down with a vice grip and she screamed in pain and terror. You threw her to the ground without breaking away, biting even harder. She screamed more as you moved your head quickly, trying to get more blood. It was torture at the very least but both covens knew better than to even attempt to stop you. They could only look down in horror at what you had become. All remembering that this would have been your first taste of human blood. 

Even after the receptionist was dead, you sucked her dry for every little drop, so much so that the silence made the sight last longer than it should. You finally pulled your face away, mouth covered in blood. You turned to look at the Volturi and the Cullen's, grinning with bloodied teeth. The question you asked was quiet but chilling. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

[janetbrown711]

"its fine, really! I'm used to it...” “what you meant you’re used to it??” but yax

After careful and long hours of research, Yakko came to the conclusion that he at least admired Max.

He had only seen Max in person once, but there was just something magnetic about the far-away prince that intrigued and fascinated Yakko. So much so, that for the next month or so, Yakko dove headfirst into studying all he could about Max and his country. He tried to share the fascinating history and details with his younger siblings, but they clearly weren't as into it as he was. That didn't deter him though, he was determined to learn absolutely everything he possibly could- even going into Angelina's old private study for books.

It was weird not having her around to stop any of it. Was this what pure joy and excitement with no downsides was like? If so, Yakko really liked it.

Either way, he was ecstatic when his mother told him she was officially making plans to take him to Disneyland to see Max (and diplomatic stuff, but they both knew that wasn't the main reason). Upon hearing the news, he then hurried and changed his studies entirely into conversations and how to have them.

Upon his and Max's first encounter, Yakko realized he was terrible at conversations, but now Yakko swore he'd be better than good- he'd be a conversation master. He studied examples both fictional and non about advice and how royals interact with each other and conversations one was supposed to hold and he complied his notes into a handy notebook that could fit into his pocket in case he got into a tough spot mid conversation. After all- he'd probably be there for hours and hours- that's a long time to be entertaining.

So he poured himself into his studies for a week or so (time was really alluding his grasp as of late) and before he knew it, it was time for him to go. However, not before a weird reaction from Wakko he wasn't expecting... seriously, if anything, Yakko expected Wakko to be happy for him because that meant he wouldn't have to hear about Disneyland for awhile, but instead he got really accusatory. But his parents assured him that it was nothing and his mother went to comfort him while he prepared for his journey.

"That's a big notebook," Dot said, lurking by his door as he flipped through his notes for what must've been the millionth time this week.

"I have a lot to remember," Yakko said, putting it in his pocket.

"Why do you care so much?" Dot asked. Yakko blinked.

"I just... do? He's the first friend I've had... ever," He said, making her move so he could head out the room.

"But I thought me and Wakko-..." Dot didn't finish her sentence. Yakko stopped.

"Max is just... different. I can't explain it- I'm trying to understand, but he's really just... different. A good different," He tried his best to explain, but he knew it fell short.

"Oh... you must really like him?" Dot asked.

"I guess, yeah," Yakko blushed. "He's just- the coolest person I've ever met, and now that Grandma's gone and I'm free to just- hang out with people, yeah," He scratched the back of his neck, aware of the fact he needed to get going. When Dot didn't respond to that, he pursed his lips.

"Welp- I gotta get going," He gave a quick wave, not waiting for her to return it before getting going- he wanted to spend as much time as possible in Disneyland.

Hurriedly, he rushed down the halls all the way down the grand stairs and out the main doors to the carriage, where his mother was waiting for him.

"Getting something?" Lena teased, as the coachman opened the door for them.

"Just a few notes," Yakko said, following his mother as she entered. She chuckled.

"You don't need to be so nervous, dear. From what I've seen, Max already likes you very much," Lena said soothingly as the carriage started to move.

"I just... I want this to be perfect," Yakko sighed, and leaned against the window of the carriage.

Lena snorted. "You and I have a lot in common," She said, fiddling with the fingers of her gloves.

"The last time I was out of this castle before the incident was- well... the wedding... but before that? I don't think I've ever been out..." The queen looked back as her home grew further and further away. "Outside of parties and suitors I've never really dealt in diplomatic situations. God knows my mother never prepared me for half of the things- I just..." She took a deep breath.

"I want this to go perfectly too... but Scratchnsniff says perfection is an impossible goal and we should aim for something more obtainable," She reminded herself. Yakko glanced at her briefly, before returning to the window.

He wasn't sure what he thought of Scratchnsniff. Dot and his parents all seemed to like him, but he still hadn't opened up to him, even though it had been over a month now. They'd be doing... okay sometimes, but the moment the doctor tried talking about Angelina, Yakko refused to give him the satisfaction. He knew he was there to help but- yeah... That wasn't going to happen any time soon.

"We got a long ride, huh?" Lena chuckled, more nervously this time.

"Yeah..." was all he said. He had a lot on his mind, and he could tell his mother did too. Hopefully, by the time they actually arrived, they'd be able to make sense of everything and enjoy their time in Disneyland- though they'd have to wait and see.

.o0o.

The ride wasn't terrible, but it was rather long and tiresome, so it was easy to say that when they finally arrived they were both relieved.

Both Yakko and Lena were surprised at just how different Disneyland was from Warnerstock just from the windows. Everything was brighter, orderly to the point of confusion (to them anyway), and boy oh boy was it big. The castle itself was the biggest example of this, as it seemed to have countless towers and was impossible to take in all at once. Then again, the royal family was quite large and Disney was known for it's welcoming nature and having guests often, so it didn't really surprise them. It was just a lot to take in at once.

However, they didn't have to take that all in for long, as they were guided inside by a few guards and were taken to the throne room, where the three kings were sitting- a duck on the left, a mouse in the middle, and a very tall dog on the right.

"Angelina? Wow, it really is you! How have ya been?" The Mouse immediately stood upon seeing them enter.

"Mickey! Oh it's been years hasn't it?" Lena chuckled and went and hugged him, which the mouse gladly returned, leaving Yakko and the others very confused.

"Do... you... know him?" Yakko raised an eyebrow.

Lena cleared her throat and stepped back. "Right- yes, I forgot to tell you, Michael here was a suitor of mine back in the day," She explained. "Obviously, it didn't work out, as both of our hearts belonged to another, but it wasn't a completely terrible three days."

"Oh please, I'm Mickey to friends," Mickey said. Lena nodded.

"Right, yes, Mickey," Lena corrected.

"Oh," Yakko nodded slowly.

"You must be Yakko then. It's a pleasure to have you as a guest," Mickey smiled and shook Yakko's hand. The dog king's head perked up.

"It's a pleasure to be here," Yakko replied, hoping his nervousness wasn't showing.

"Prince Yakko?" The dog king stood and walked over. "It's a pleasure to meet you, h'yuk," He laughed as he shook Yakko's hand. "Max has told me about you."

"Oh, you must be Goofy, pleasure to meet you," His nervousness increased tenfold. He couldn't believe he didn't put that together upon seeing him immediately.

"Daaaaaaaaad," Max entered the room, looking at the ground with his face red as a tomato.

"Hiya Max! I was just introducing myself to your friend here," Goofy grinned, still shaking Yakko's hand.

"This is why I don't tell you things," Max muttered to himself. "Can we go?" He asked, grabbing Yakko's arm, freeing him from the handshake.

Mickey nodded. "Of course, we got our own business to deal with, you two have fun," He said, and with that, Max practically dragged Yakko out of the room.

"I am so sorry you had to deal with that," He sighed as the guards closed the door behind them and Max let go of his arm.

"Deal with what?" Yakko tilted his head slightly.

"My Dad- he just- he doesn't know when to stop no matter how many times I talk to him," Max shook his head. "C'mon, I know a good spot to hang out. Watch out for running triplets."

"Running triplets?" Yakko raised an eyebrow.

"Huey, Dewey and Louie like running around without warning- as do Morty and Ferdie and if Daisy's over then so do April, May and June- just keep an ear out for them," Max explained, checking both ways before crossing a hallway.

"Right, right," Yakko nodded, not really understanding how they'd ever be allowed to do that. Then again, not having a tyrannical grandmother around probably let them have a lot more freedom and fun.

The pair went down a few halls, always checking both ways as they went, before they reached a room that Max let him into to reveal that it led to a fairly small room with a few chairs, but outside of that was a large balcony it was clear the dog prince frequented.

"Nice place," Yakko admired the room as Max opened the glass doors for him.

"I come here a lot to clear my head," Max said, closing the door behind him. "And to get away from my family."

Max must've really not liked them, huh...

"Yeah... I could really use a place like this," Yakko admired the craftsmanship of the columns holding up the railing.

"Watch this," Max winked, picking up a stone from a pile of rocks, and throwing it down into the giant pond in the garden bellow, causing a massive splash and ripple.

"Cool," Yakko said.

"It's nothing really," Max blushed again and went to where the rail met the wall and sat on it. "Wanna sit?" He patted the spot next to him.

"Oh- I uh-..." Yakko peered over the edge cautiously. It wasn't too far a fall, but still. It was easy to say it was far enough down to make even the most un-acrophobic person a little nervous.

"Oh, are you afraid of heights? I'm sorry, I-"

"No no no, I can handle it," Yakko swallowed his fear and sat next to him, glad that it was wide enough for him to feel supported. Still, he wrapped his tail around the edge loosely as a precaution.

"So... what do you think?" Max asked. "Of Disneyland, I mean."

"I think it's really... different. Very organized, very..." Yakko thought to himself. "Very homogeneous and large, yeah."

Max snorted. "Homogeneous?"

"It means similar or 'the same'," Yakko cursed himself internally. Max laughed with a little 'hyuk' in there that made Yakko relax, though a familiar fluttering in his stomach returned.

"You're really smart, aren't you?" Max asked.

"Yeah... my grandmother's pride alright," Yakko looked at the garden.

Great, barely five minutes into the conversation and he already broke his number one rule he wrote to himself: Don't bring up Grandma.

"I don't think it's your grandma's fault you're smart. If that was true, then I'd be a lot more wacky like Dad," Max did his best to reassure, which despite all odds did kinda work.

"You keep bringing up how much you don't like your family," Yakko commented. "Why?"

"Why? You've barely even met them- they are just beyond crazy and drive me up the wall with how embarrassing and tiresome they can be," Max crossed his arms.

"I mean- my sibs can be a little crazy at times but I still like them," Yakko said.

"You don't know them," Max sighed, looking out to the garden too. Yakko decided it was probably best he drop the subject for now.

However, after that was a long stretch of silence, and Yakko started to panic as it got longer and longer and he couldn't think of a thing to say. Thankfully though, he remembered the notebook sitting in his pocket and he slowly and carefully took it out and looked for a good conversation starter.

"What is your favorite type of weather?" He asked, quickly slipping it back into his pocket. Max immediately burst into laughter.

"Where'd you think of a question like that?" He asked.

"If you don't like it I can ask a different one," Yakko turned bright red as he flusteredly turned over, pulling out the notebook and flipping through it.

"Do you have a notebook of conversation starters?" Max caught a glimpse.

"Whaaaat? Me??? Pssshhhh," Yakko adamantly denied, but he sighed, knowing he had been caught.

"Yeah... I figured since I majorly screwed up talking like a normal person last time I'd take some notes so the conversation would be far less depressing and not so... trauma centered," He admitted, showing him the notebook.

"Wait- you think you're screwing up?" Max seemed baffled, which confused the Warnerstockian Prince.

"I mean- yeah..? No matter what I do I always end up thinking about the same stupid topic and I dunno... you seem so much more normal than me," Yakko admitted, looking away.

"I feel like I've just been a bumbling dork this whole time," Max admitted too. "You've been really smart and interesting this whole time, with your fancy words and observations about stuff and... yeah," He scratched his neck.

"You think I'm interesting?" Yakko looked at him.

"Yeah man," Max looked at him, though only briefly. "You're... cool."

That made the fluttering increase tenfold.

"You're really cool too," Yakko smiled. Max nodded his head in acknowledgement, looking out to the garden once more.

"You know... I promised I'd give you some sporting pointers when you came by. Perhaps I should 'make good' on that promise," Max said, gesturing to the pile of rocks and other such objects clearly designated for throwing into the pond.

"Okay," Yakko agreed to it, putting the notes back in his pocket, following Max as he went over to the pile.

"The trick is that it's all in the wrist, and if you keep your eyes focused on where you wanna throw it, it does a lot to help it actually go there," Max said, as he picked up a rock and threw it with all his might, and it crashed far into the pond.

"In the wrist, huh?" Yakko nodded and acted like that made sense. He then picked up a rock, and threw it with all his might. However, his might was rather pathetic, and all he managed to do was to crack the tiling around the pond and it shattered into pieces, as Yakko felt the blood drain from his face.

"Max, I-i'm so so so so so so sorry, I-i-" Yakko sputtered out apologies but Max just started laughing and laughing.

"It's okay Yakko. We're royalty, remember? My dad'll just have someone fix it, it's totally cool," He placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "But hey, other than that, that wasn't half bad."

"She'd totally kill me if I did that at home though," Yakko cursed himself.

"She? Who, your mom? Cuz from what I've heard she's a big sap," Max said, confused.

"Not mom, my grandma," Yakko sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

"Your grandma's dead, Yakko. She can't punish you for that. You can break all the tiles you want here, it's cool," Max said, now deeply concerned for his new friend.

"Right- you're absolutely right. I'm sorry," Yakko took a deep breath.

"It's cool... I get that it must be hard moving on from that," Max's hand lingered on Yakko's shoulder a minute before he put it down.

"Yeah..." Yakko sighed as he realized he broke the rule yet again.

"I know you probably don't want to, but if you ever need or want to talk about it, I'm more than happy to listen," Max offered. Yakko smiled a little.

"Thanks... that means a lot more than you probably know," He said. Max smiled too.

"You're a lot cooler than you give yourself credit for, you know?" Max said. "You may not be the best at sports, but you are really good at talking, which is more than I can say."

"You sell yourself short," Yakko disagreed.

"Maybe we both do," Max shrugged, returning to the ledge.

"Yeah... maybe," Yakko said, sitting next to him once more.

As they began to chat more about much lighter and happier topics, a warm spring breeze began to rush by and Yakko began to just... notice things about Max. The way his fluffy and wild hair flowed in the wind, the way his eyes sparkled when he talked about one of his passions, his cute laugh that he always seemed to try and suppress, the way he stuck his hands in his pockets, his smile, the compassion and comradery in his eyes...

Yakko could gaze into those eyes for an eternity.

"It's getting pretty late... isn't it?" Max began to notice the sky beginning to turn a rosey shade of pink as the sun began to set.

"Yeah... I guess that means we have to get going soon, huh?" Yakko tried to play it casually, but he knew he'd miss Max dearly. Max's side glances told him he felt the same.

"Maybe you can write to me? A-and maybe... Maybe I'll convince dad or Uncle Mickey to take me to Warnerstock?" Max scratched the back of his neck, clearly trying to play it cool.

"I'd love that," Yakko smiled, before pondering if using the word "love" was inappropriate. It wasn't like he- well... liked him, or anything... right..?

"Okay," Max smiled back.

They stayed smiling at each other much longer than was normal, though neither really minded.

"Maxy? Yakko?" The voice of Goofy called for them outside the room outside the balcony.

"I need to go," Yakko said. "But... I will write, I promise."

"I believe you," Max nodded. "Though... don't be surprised if my letters are short and my handwriting attrocious- I'm not the best when it comes to any of that stuff," He said, getting down from the rail, offering his hand to "help" Yakko down.

Yakko took it.

"I'm sure it won't be any worse than Wakko's," He said.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Max chuckled as Yakko got off, still holding his hand.

However, they instantly let go when Goofy entered the room.

"There ya are- you're mom's looking for you. It's gettin' late," Goofy said, opening the glass door.

"Right, yes.. thanks, dad," Max pursed his lips and looked away.

"I'll write, I promise," Yakko said.

"Y-yeah, okay," Max nodded and smiled. "I'll... see you soon."

"See you soon," Yakko nodded, before forcing himself to walk away (a task that was a lot harder than he expected it to be). Goofy then guided him back to the throne room, where his mother was talking with Mickey and Donald (Yakko figured that was who he was), but she stopped when he entered.

"There you are," She smiled as he returned to her side. "Have fun?"

"Yep," He nodded briefly, hoping she didn't expect him to get into detail here and now.

"It's been great catching up, Angelina," Mickey told her.

"I couldn't agree more. And it's been a pleasure meeting you two, Goofy, Donald," She nodded at both of them. "I'm afraid I must get going, but I'd love to meet up again sometime- or possibly take Max off your hands for an afternoon," Lena teased Yakko, causing him to turn red.

"I'm sure he'd love that," Goofy smiled.

"Have a safe trip," Donald said in the scratchiest, most garbled voice Yakko ever heard in his life. It was so incomprehensible he had to actively bury his shock and confusion as to not offend him.

"Thank you," Lena nodded at the three of them. "It's been a pleasure, truly."

"Yeah.. see you," Yakko felt like he had to say goodbye too, but having not just spent the past several hours with them, it felt awkward. Mickey chuckled.

"See you," He said.

With that, Lena and Yakko made their way out of the castle and back into their carriage and began on their way back home.

"So... how was your day?" Lena asked once the carriage began to move.

"It was nice. Max is... cool," Despite his research, cool was still the best word to describe him.

"That's good, he seems like a very nice kid," She nodded in approval. "I wouldn't mind having him over sometime in the future."

"That'd be great," Yakko agreed with enthusiasm that made her laugh.

"Okay, I'll arrange a date," She chuckled.

"What about your day? How was all those meetings?" Yakko asked, not just out of politeness but a genuine curiosity.

"I half expected Mickey not to remember me, so it was a pleasant surprise. And Goofy and Donald are quite the lovely characters too, very strong personalities. I can see why their kingdom works so well," She said with a nod.

"But I know you really don't want to hear about all that. Please, tell me more about Max," Lena said.

Yakko told her all that happened, not glossing over a single detail. She listened with intent, and couldn't help but laugh here and there.

"It sounds like you're rather fond of Max, no?" She said.

"What do you mean?" Yakko blinked. His mother chuckled to herself.

"Oh nothing, I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own in due time," She said.

"Okay..?" Yakko raised an eyebrow, not sure where she was getting at. However, it was clear she wasn't going to be giving any more hints so Yakko dropped it.

Whatever it was, she clearly had perfect faith he'd figure it out sooner or later, so perhaps it was best he focus on other things- like what he was going to write in his letter to Max. There would be so many topics to choose from, and this time he'd have all the time in the world to think of a perfect response. Honestly, he should've started writing letters sooner. It just made so much sense- Yakko could think of the perfect response before sending it away and he could read over Max's responses over and over again. Maybe he could even find a box to store them in. That sounded really nice...

Yakko thought back to his mother's words, and decided it was true.

Yakko was rather fond of his dear friend, Max.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 The End

[darknessisafriend]

Hello!! May I request a Merrill Hess x Reader where Merrill puts on his old baseball uniform and the reader finds it to be a huge turn on? It can be fluffy, smut, or fluffy smut, whichever one you feel comfortable with or connect with the most, or if you don’t like the idea that’s perfectly fine as well.

Heyyyy here it is! sorry for the waiting time and I hope you will enjoy it <3

It had all started during a joyful night where you were out in town with Merrill and few friends, drinking and you were already tipsy. Though Merrill wasn’t far behind, he too got easily drunk. You giggled, he was being already goofy and almost spilled his drink.

“Okay, tell me something that would really turn you on!” asked you one of your friends, everyone giggling and curious. You blushed and pinched your lips together as you thought, a few ideas came to your mind, but one was standing out…you looked at your boyfriend.

“You…wearing a baseball uniform.” You said and everyone burst out laughing while Merrill raised his eyebrows in surprise and interested. He still had his old baseball uniform after all…

“I’ll keep that in mind baby.” He told you charmingly, he was definitely going to try. You blushed and giggled in embarrassment, hiding your face in his neck and hugging him, receiving a kiss on your forehead from your boyfriend.

Actually, after that night, Merrill had quite forgotten about what you had revealed, it remained a huge fantasy of yours but you never seriously dared to ask Merrill, maybe he wouldn’t be comfortable doing that, dressing up with the uniform of a sport that meant a lot to him. In truth you were a bit embarrassed and for now it made you feel better that Merrill didn’t speak about it, hopefully he had been too drunk to remember it.

“Come on Uncle Merrill! I put on my uniform! Do it too! Like a real match.” Requested his nephews excitedly. Their uncle giggled and ruffled the boy’s hair and thinking about it, after all he didn’t wear his baseball uniform in a while, they actually saw him wear it.

“Okay, I’m going to put it on. I’ll be back in a minute.” he said, rolling his eyes amused before running back inside, somehow, he felt like it wasn’t the first time someone desired to see him wear it, but he couldn’t remember who or why... Your eyes followed him; did you hear correctly? He was going to put it on, your wildest fantasy. You heart started to race in anticipation even though you tried to distract yourself in the meantime, you failed miserably; your mind couldn’t stop imagining him in it, you knew all girls had a crush on him when he was playing, now it would be a sight just for you.

“All good! Let’s get started!” you jumped at Merrill’s voice, coming out of your thoughts and looked at him. Your face instantly went red, he was even sexier than in your fantasies, his cap, that shirt outlining his strong shoulders and arms and then his pants…damn…so tight around his strong thighs and his ass…wow it did him great honor. You bit your lower lip and squeezed your thighs together as you felt excitement grow between your legs, how bad you wanted to touch him and him to fuck you with that uniform on.

“Y/N? Y/N!” you jumped out of your lewd thoughts and met Merrill’s gaze, he looked at you amused “Where was your mind? The moon? We need our referee!” he teased you, but quickly he noticed your flushed cheeks, your dilated pupils. It was obvious, you were turned on, and your eyes hadn’t left him since he had come out wearing his uniform.

“Huh n-no nothing! I got distracted, y-you look very handsome like that.” You couldn’t help but say, blush increasing on your cheeks. Your boyfriend briefly looked away, thinking, it was as if he knew it, as if you had told him before. A little smirk formed on his face, he had an idea for later…

Merrill never forgot, all day along he thought about it. He had never done such thing but the thought of you being aroused by his simple uniform, aroused him in return. And he intended on making that fantasy real tonight. You sat in the bedroom you shared, looking at him and his excited smile, what did he have in mind?

“Okay, you sit and close your eyes while waiting for your surprise.” He instructed you, approaching you and giving you a quick kiss. You looked at him in surprise and your heart skipped a beat.

“Do you have a gift for me?” you asked with an eager smile and he smirked in return.

“Yeah, you can consider it as a gift. Now close your eyes if you want to have it!” he urged you excitedly, so you closed your eyes, a light blush appearing on your cheeks.

“No cheating huh?” he said as you heard him open a drawer. Once again, he took his old uniform out of its box, remembering the many victories he had with it; it felt strange to sexually play with it but it would serve a new purpose, a very pleasurable one, he thought. You heard very little noises during a few minutes, only those of someone undressing and then putting clothes on; you had to admit you were very curious now.

“You can open them now.” He said and instantly you opened your eyes, meeting the vision of your fantasies, he was wearing his baseball uniform again, holding his lucky baseball bat in his right hand, but now he was just with you , in your bedroom…that though only terribly aroused you.

“It’s a bit tighter than before though….” He said, turning around to show his back, aware it perfectly outlined his butt.

“I’ve noticed…” you replied, biting your lower lip.

“Liking the view huh?” he grinned at you over his shoulder, suggestively touching his baseball bat, up and down, slowly…

“Yes. It would be better if I could touch.” You said almost impatiently, making him giggle and turn around, slowly approaching you, like a predator with his prey.

“Oh I will let you touch and even better…I will let you decide whatever you want us to do…” he purred, his lips inches from yours, his eyes full of desire. He put his bat aside and placed his hands on your thighs, caressing them, and took your hands, placing them on his butt, his eyes analyzing your reaction to his touch. In fact, you were becoming a mess already.

“I-I want you to…fuck me, with the uniform on…” you slightly stuttered, not believing you had admitted your fantasy again. He licked his lips, looking down at your body before suddenly lifting you up in his arms, you gasped instantly wrapping your arms around his neck.

“With pleasure, miss…” he purred and captured your lips for passionate kiss, making you hum against his mouth, finally, it was happening your biggest fantasy.

Holding you in his arms, his mouth was now tracing kisses on your jaw, slow and yet hungry, he always had incredible lips. He approached from the bed before playfully letting you fall on it, you giggled, looking at him from below. You sat up, desire increasing in your chest, Merrill could see your hard nipples through your shirt, he couldn’t wait to have them between his lips. He made a move to come on top of you, but you stopped him, putting your hands on his belly.

“Wait. Let me…” you murmured, kneeling on the mattress, your hands on his belly slowly starting to caress it. He exhaled, looking at you in this position, he could feel himself getting a hard-on. Slowly you lifted his shirt, one of your hands going to touch his warm skin, feeling his abs under your fingertips; you placed your mouth on a spot above his belly button, sensually kissing it, Merrill’s hands coming to rest on yours shoulders, lightly playing with your hair.

“Y/N…” he murmured with desire, briefly pinching his lips together as your hands travelled down his body and started to unbutton his pants.

You pulled down his underwear just enough to have access to his dick; you licked your lips seeing how excited he was “What wonderful ass your pants gives you…” you purred, your hands traveling to his behind, squeezing his firm butt cheeks in your hands while your mouth placed kisses on his pelvis.

“Y-yeah I’ve noticed…you couldn’t stop staring at it while I played with the kids.” He giggled before biting his lower lip as you placed a kiss on the head of his dick. You couldn’t help but blush, you didn’t think it was that obvious but then it pleased him.

“Now I have it all just for me.” You winked at him before starting to give him a blowjob, humming at his taste. Merrill had to do his best not to melt, he was terrible excited by your view, he never thought his uniform would turn you on so much.

“If-if I had known…I would have put it on sooner…” he breathed before letting out a moan, he felt your hands keeping on caressing his ass, your tongue licking along his length.

“Since you told me…you played baseball…I’ve been fantasying about it…I’m not disappointed.” You grinned between licks “You’re so hot…strong…and you taste so good…” you added, your cheek flushed. Merrill groaned in return and couldn’t take it anymore, he wanted to be inside you, so he seized your chin, taken by his desire.

“And I will give you the whole show of my skills…just for you.” He replied, his voice horse, you swallowed down, your heart skipping a beat, how much you loved when he took control of the situation.

He made you lie down on the bed, and you stole his hat, giggling at his impatience and putting it on your head. “How do I look?” you purred as he eagerly lifted your shirt and undid your bra.

“Hmm suits you…” he purred back, you wearing his clothes were always sexy. He captured your lips hungrily, his hands starting to undo your pants. “Oh, I want you so much Y/N…” he breathed against your lip, letting out a little moan as your hands slide under his shirt again, burning his skin. His mouth traveled to your jaw and then your neck, kissing each patch of skin he could find.

“Oh…Merrill!” you moaned, biting your lower lip as he nibbled your neck and pulled on your pants, taking it off, his fingers already playing with the edge of your panties, he was always so impatient and you loved it, it flattered you a lot. You gasped as he captured your nipples between his lips, you shifted your hips, helping him to take off your underwear and then parted your legs, to impatient to have him.

“My biggest fan…” he breathed, playing and yet saying the truth; his hands ran along your legs, up and down, slow and controlled, contrasted with the rest of his body that showed impatience. His locked his eyes on yours, they were filled with love and strong desire, they spoke more than words as you undid his pants and lowered his underwear, revealing his erection. He captured your lips for a passionate kiss, humming against your mouth, how much he loved being with you, and even more to become one with you. Slowly he penetrated you, his eyes never leaving yours, loving how much it excited you to have him fuck you in his uniform.

“Ah…!” you gasped before biting your lower lips “Y-you did such a great match sir…you’re the best…!” you moaned and that turned him on even more, he didn’t have a praise kink but damn how good it felt to hear it. He grinned excitedly and slammed deeper inside you, making your nails dig into his lower as he kept thrusting with the same intensity.

Soon, the room was filled with lewd moans, yours and Merrill perfectly mixing together, his mouth ravaging your skin while you pulled on his clothes, his hat falling from your head. Pure desire from that fantasy started to be filled with something deeper, the love you had for each other, the bond you had forged over the years. You were madly in love with Merrill and whatever he did, working in a gas station or baseball, living with his brother or away, you would support him and follow him anywhere he went, he had become your anchor.

You came first, your body overwhelmed by Merrill’s touch and sight, you caressed his chest, your whole body trembling as you watched him orgasm, his mouth agape, his eyes closed and arching his hips against your core. His arms trembled and he almost collapsed on you, and rolled on the side, a few drops of sweat running along the muscles of his chest.

“I…I wonder…the effect it would have on you…if I integrated a team again…go national maybe…” he panted with a smile, looking at you as you snuggled against him.

“What a turn on…you, acclaimed by thousands for your talent…fangirls…yet you only belong to me…” he grinned, your fingers tracing designs on his chest.

“I really mean it…I went to a selection, they called me back…I’m starting next week.” He announced, watching your reaction.

“Really?” you gasped “Oh my God Merrill!!” you squealed and wrapped your arms around him, filling his face with kisses and making him giggle. You were so happy that he tried to pursue his dream again, and you knew how combative he was, he could do it and you would support him in the locker rooms and cheer for him in the stadiums.

Tag list: (if you want to be tagged, just ask!) @skaravile @lyoongx @weirdflecksbutok @charlie-sisters @stardancerluv @sgtsavoytruffle @ohcarlesmycarles @rajacero @niniitah-ah @morrisonmercurryphoenix @fly-like-a-phoenix @yukis-writing @stellargirlie

[kuekyuuq]

Gloria, Jet-lags and Imps [6x11]

Let’s jump right in:

Kinda love how Kara lamp-shaded addressed the fact she didn't tell the gang about her adventures in the PZ. She’s not wrong, tho.

...what do I want to say about Mxy using what's basically a well-known gay-anthem to tell his tale? I mean, it didn’t lead anywhere. The original song is about freeing oneself, liberation, stepping out of a (gone bad) relationship and moving on, stronger for it - empowerment. The only connection I could make, is that originally it was Nyxly’s aim to just do that (freeing herself and her kind from an oppressor), but in the way Mxy performed it, that part of the parallel was long over before he even reached the chorus. It’s also a popular Karaoke song, tho, so... he chose it because it’s catchy? I’ll try not to overthink it for now. At least, the Superfriend’s reactions were fun.

Nia exiting the elevator, "And what's this Old Stone?" I love it when ppl enter a room / situation and pick up on words that they couldn't have possibly heard. I think cinema sins ding such... Are we to assume, she dreamed Mxy's rendition of ‘I will survive’? Or is the elevator not sound-proof at all? (If it’s the latter, Nia later apparently telling Brainy “in private” between scenes / during the elevator ride about her Nyxly adventures, was a silly thing to do.)

So, "Jared" created the ring Old Stone to rule them all, it got shattered into the Paragons totems? Nyxly needs the totems and to get them she needs a crystal which also belonged to "Jared" - who happens to be Mxy's ancestor, which is why she needs Mxy / his blood, too.

I have one important and incredibly relevant question here, tho... 

With the introduced imps and their names... Why’s dude named Jared of all things?!

Really, did I mishear that? If so, I’ll leave it as is and never edit, bc that would be hilarious in its own right 😋

...

Not sure what to make about Supergirl paraphrasing a Dirty Dancing quote.  "Nobody puts Mxy into a power crystal on my watch."  ...is he Baby now? (Seriously, though: Which of the writers thought that was a fitting quote to use in that particular context?)

...now, is the exposition section of the episode over yet?

Sensitive Brainy sensed something was up with Nia. He can relate... Nia doubting Kara would understand, too, is ridiculous. But I get it... insecurities and all. But, I mean, just 5 minutes later Kara announces she wants to save Nyxly despite her wrongdoings. And yet Nia still remains convinced, Kara wouldn’t forgive her own personal mini-me... After having witnessed Kara forgiving Lena for a whole season of the writers being stupid messing up to the nth degree. But I digress, Lena’s Lena.

...how old is Nia meant to be again? Just asking out of completely unrelated curiosity.

F*ck. They really went with NewFoundland...

Imma assume it was an executive choice after realizing they couldn’t find enough actors and actresses with a convincing Irish accent... maybe. Again, no offense to Newfoundland! Just... we got the insinuations of Ireland, not Newfoundland... And truthfully, when I think of magic, Ireland is an easy association. Whereas I only due to this whole debacle learned Newfoundland has Irish ancestry. So, okay, the show forced me to learn something new... I give ‘em that.

An easy journey, she said.

Lena's been off-screen for two whole episodes, Kara announcing at the beginning of ‘Dreamweaver’ [6x09] Lena being “back east” (at least insinuating Lena’s left the west-coast already), which span over at least one full day (feat. a scene at night), and ‘I still rise’ [6x10] at least another a whole day (the whole Nia’s mom back for a day deal). And, now, after at least 48 hours she barely just arrived.

Lemme check how long a regular plane would need to fly from California to NFL......... ... .. .. So... approx. 10 hours with at least one layover. 

Yeah, using a private jet made it easier, but apparently also much, much slower...

Or, Lena randomly went some other places / did some sight-seeing in NFL before she decided to finally visit her mother’s hometown...  [Either that or the timelines don’t match up and Lena’s scenes are flashbacks of sorts.]

Optimistic and relaxed Lena is a sight to behold. I rewound 3 times, just to enjoy it for as long as possible. We all knew it was going to be short-lived... 

Let’s check off a few more items...

OMG, Kara hiding behind Alex at the mere sight of the PZ-projector broke my heart!  😢

"Elisabeth Walsh" is the new 'the one you shall not name'. ...poor Lena. 😭

Oh, so Mxy wants to be Patrick Swayze instead of Baby... gotcha.

...is this going anywhere?

KITTY!!! Okay, this must be the best opponent in the history of CWSG. 

Despite the horrible CGI, SG using her heat-vision to project a laser-beam to distract the cat had me in (happy-) tears! 🤣

Gotta love the civilians of National City quickly returning to business as usual once the giant cat is gone. Even the police officers looked rather chill...

Nyxly did look fabulous this episode ^^ 

Andrea being Lena's rock is both great and annoying. I can't fault Andrea. It's just, that we still have to see an on-screen interaction between Lena and Kara and that bugs the heck out of me. I can’t help it. I’m sorry, Andrea.

Nia: "...is my fault." Kara: "Nu, is MY fault!" J'onn: "Stop fighting, kids!" Space-dad has spoken.

Mxy used an LuthorCorp copy machine... and of cos it's faulty. It's not an L-Corp product.

Kara forgiving Nia came as a surprise to her... Oooookay. I mean, the show has been writing Kara a bit inconsistently the past two seasons... so, yeah, maybe being unsure which of her traits apply this week was not such a far stretch...

Maybe it's the hair, but I wished, Florence was played by Alex Kingston.

So, not-Alex-Kingston shows Lena herself with a funny wig and tells her how her mother was still watching her...

If it wasn't for Katie's acting skills (I love her.) I would have already hit my head against the wall repeatedly. Something about these scenes had me constantly cringe and I made it through 5.5 seasons of this show already... Can’t quite put my finger on it, but it was highly distracting from the story that explained Lena’s mom was special even to another witch, where there was domestic abuse, and an accidental murder. Y’know, important stuff, deep-cutting stuff! 

At least, poor widddle Lena got some closure there. Elisabeth was a good cookie. And filled with magic. And Lena’s gotta have that ‘spark’, too... 

....so... Lena’s gonna stay in NFL for how much longer, to train becoming a witch?  Please, just hand her a how-to manual and send her back home, to figure it out on her own, please... (Yes, that would be horrible decision-making, but I need her back with the team!)

On to the finish line: 

So... Mxy IS Nyxly's brother? Wait, that doesn’t sound right... then Nyxly would have the same blood... Did I miss something? Can someone explain, please? Or is he her ex, and that’s where his rendition of “I will survive” makes sense?

Hnn... I can't help, but think Kara's speech for Nyxly was 85% based on her experiences with Lena in s05.

Awww... he said "stronger together"... Mxy... I hope, you'll be okay!

Lena believes in magic now. And I absolutely love how Lena wants to science magic XD

...but apparently magic isn’t science that hasn’t been explained yet, but parallel... powers? concepts? ether strings?

Nyxly has a loyal henchman now. Which was a bit heavy-handed. Took way too much of screen-time, so it better leads to something interesting.

And Kara is on a warpath now. Wooooot! Girl’s got enough.

...what else? 

Did I miss a third Patrick Swayze hint / quote / mention?  I learned, these things come in threes... Y’know, basic writing rules... 

I guess, for once the episode title was meant to be taken literally, Mxy popping up between characters, to try and help. (I need in-show footage, of Mxy sneaking up on ppl, without his powers, on all fours / crouched, just to get the desired effect.) I mean, I’ve never really watched Malcom, but wasn’t he like what Mxy usually is? A bit of a trouble-maker, prankster, chaos-ensuing wherever he goes? ...well, in that case, the episode title didn’t hold up, as Mxy’s scenes were not fun or really goofy. Yes, there was some superficial humor, but just to serve Mxy dealing with not being able to use his powers, which in turn was only barely scratched at (although it turned out to be his final character development crisis, appreciating not having powers and - in turn - facing consequences for once). Again, a whole lot going on in the episode, so a lot of that may have ended up on the cutting-room floor.

...where’s Kelly? Secretly adopting a kid, maybe?

...Kara’s still a reporter, right? I mean, whenever it serves the immediate plot, yes? ...Not even a throw-away line, that she has to pop up at CatCo for appearances sake? Since Andrea is already upset with her AND looking into her friends’ identities? At least, Kara should take a peek to make sure Andrea hasn’t uncovered anything yet... No?

Well, that’s all I’ve got for now. Kue out.

[masterthespianduchovny]

Some people gon be mad at me, but I gotta say it...

Some Scully fans don't understand Scully or her relationship/feelings with/for Mulder.

Scully's relationship with Mulder is this utterly pure thing that is grounded by how much she genuinely cares, respects, and supports him as a person. When you understand Scully's perception of Mulder in this view, seeing her as some long suffering woman doesn't make any sense.

Most of the time Scully sacrifices or choosing Mulder isn't based on romantic feelings, it's based in moral and ethical values and what she holds important. The show sets this up early.

In Squeeze, Tom asks "who's side are you on" and Scully says, "the victim."

This coincides with the side Mulder is on.

Tom was obstructing the case due to his on bias and hatred of Mulder. Despite Mulder's pettiness, Scully understands that Mulder will always prioritize the victim. She chose justice (Mulder) over pettiness (Tom).

When Scully declines a second date with the single father, she's choosing knowledge and curiosity over romance and her personal life.

Interestingly enough, Mulder never asked her to choose him. He's always asked her to be honest about the truth, but he never put her in that situation to prioritize him over her own professional goals or personal life. In fact, he would've understood if she did and said as much.

So when I say some Scully fans don't understand Scully, I'm not being insulting or intentionally rude, I'm saying they're overlooking small character moments that inform her characterization throughout the series.

Scully was not only a workaholic, she LOVED her work. And there wasn't just an obligation to Mulder, it was to the victims as well. I often think about how in this universe, if Mulder and Scully hadn't investigated these cases, either no one would've or it would've never been solved. It must've been something Scully also thought about as well.

Scully mentioned a few times that she joined the FBI to make a difference. Not for prestige or make a name for herself, but to make a difference. She didn't throw away her career for Mulder, she was exactly where she wanted to be. Those other cases handled by mainstream agents were always going to be investigated and solved (if possible), but x file cases?

There's a reason Mulder was called from bumfuck, Kansas or backwoods, West Virginia. There was no one else. Her and Mulder were the only two who took these things seriously.

But also, Scully genuinely genuinely cared for Mulder. Not because she wanted to fuck him, thought he was hot, or really wanted to date him. She enjoyed him as a person. Like truly. After working with him, understanding this beliefs, and meeting many victims, the x files became her passion project too. She attached herself to Mulder because there was no one alive she respected more than him. Someone who stood by their convictions regardless of what others thought to the betterment of people besides him.

He had his flaws, but the great parts of Mulder truly outshined the worst parts of him.

People often overlook how much the x files and her experience changed Scully. The deadpan, straight to the point Scully we know and love came to fruition in season 5. Believe me, I checked. Remember, Scully used to be goofy, open, and free. Then she was abducted, given cancer, kidnapped, sister killed over mistaken identity, etc. That changes a person.

But none of this is Mulder's fault. Mulder changed her in the best way possible. He opened her mind up and challenged her--it was intellectual. Those other things I mentioned made Scully pull within herself and close off. It made her guarded. So suffered so much emotional and mental and literal physical trauma.

As a result, her social interactions changed.

As a reminder, she became a workaholic because of her passion for the x files and she enjoyed it. Then to add on to that, her work was wild as hell, hard to explain, and some of it classified. Scully lived such a unique experience that regularly interacting with others would've been frustrating, exhausting, and her having a sense of feeling misunderstood. And dating would've been a minefield.

Thing is: Scully didn't mind this change to her life. This isn't to say that Scully didn't want or have any friends, it's to say that she didn't strive to have a booming social life nor did she care. Again, she VOLUNTARILY became a workaholic and threw away a normal life for paranormal shit. Someone who does that isn't trying to meet friends for happy hour on Friday or planning to have serious relationships any time soon.

Not only that, some people live lives like this right now and have incredibly fulfilling lives. Some people just work and have one or two friends and they're living their best lives. The idea that just because Scully doesn't have an active dating life and a circle of friends she regularly talks to means that her life is dour is so flawed.

Scully's eventual dissatisfaction with her life was rooted in her believing she should want things that she didn't want. Scully could've walked away. She could've said enough, instead she kept finding reasons to stay because she wanted to be on the x files. And it's quite clear that you can't work on the x files and have a normal life. She didn't want both, she wanted the life that she chose.

At that time, Scully was unable to articulate just how much she wanted to be with Mulder, which is why she positions, "Don't you want to get out of the car?"

She wanted moments of normalcy with him.

And it isn't just because Mulder gets that life because he lives it, its because Scully is actually in love with Mulder for who he is. She's seen Mulder at his best and at his worst and loves every part of him.

Whatever feelings Scully had for Mulder in the past that she pushed away, she couldn't do it anymore. She loved Mulder in a way she couldn't put into words. It was the truest feeling she ever felt, the most sincere thing and she hadn't realized it yet. Then, when she does, it takes them time to get there because Mulder is literally the most important person in her life.

Which seeds were planted back in season 2. In "Little Green Men" (I think), the thought of not working with Mulder saddened Scully because it meant she wouldn't get to see and talk to him. Mulder made a huge impression on her and became important to her very quickly.

So imagine 5-7 years down the road...embracing this feeling and the thought of losing Mulder if things went south would've been devastating for Scully. She wouldn't lose just a partner, she'd lose a best friend too.

Because she genuinely cared for him and he's her literal best friend.

The love Scully feels for Mulder surpasses known definitions of romantic love because her feelings aren't centered in that. She loves him on levels that most people can't imagine. Scully cares for Mulder so much and she shows that by listening to him and protecting him even if Mulder doesn't think he needs protection. She validates him and doesn't trivialize his beliefs even when she doesn't agree with them. It doesn't matter who the person is, Scully will always go to bat for Mulder because he only ever had himself and he needs to someone to say "hey, you're not alone and you're taken seriously."

I bring this up to say, the idea that Mulder doesn't deserve Scully when Scully clearly wants him is flawed. The idea that Mulder should be lucky that Scully "puts up" with him is flawed. The idea that Scully would ever tell Mulder as such or anything resembling (and stressing how she could've been happy with this perfect other man) is flawed. Those first two things are categorically wrong and the last is something Scully would never do because she loves Mulder and that is harmful. Scully would never tell Mulder something that would harm him or that she believed could.

All Things is so pivotal because Scully stops concerning herself with what she believe she should want and embracing what she actually wants: investigating x files and living an unconventional life with Mulder.

Scully wants that.

Not dating around, girls night, or frequent intimate get togethers with her family. She wants to investigate haunted houses on Christmas Eve and discover invisible bodies and help victims find justice.

After her and Mulder get together, she's committed to him. She waited so long to be with him that even while he was in hiding, she never considered dating anyone else. Emotionally and spiritually, she'd been married to him. Now that they'd been together, she didn't want anyone else but him.

Like there's so many layers to this, which hasn't even taken the "like a switch" speech. Or her reaction to Diana, which had multiple levels--romantic, platonic, and professional.

Lastly, the idea that Scully was waiting around for Mulder (to ask her out) is such a basic take. Scully wasn't waiting on Mulder, she prioritized their working relationship over romance AND she knew Mulder had his own stuff going on with himself. Even if she had wanted to date then, she didn't fault Mulder for not asking her out. All the shit he'd been through and was going through, Scully was more concerned about his emotional well-being opposed to upset that he hadn't pursued her.

Although I do get the criticism and the desire for Scully to date, have on screen friends, and shit, it just doesn't track with what we've seen and know of Scully.

Like, this woman almost went on the run with Mulder after knowing him for 2-3 years. They only reason they didn't was because she wanted to see her sister who'd been shot. The reason she almost went on the run was due to moral and ethical reasons and not romance, however, my point is that Scully's convictions and priorities is why her life was the way it was and that's the way she wanted it to be. She then went on the run with him when she didn't have to, but we know she would because 1. his sentence was an injustice (we know how Scully feels about justice) 2. she was madly in love with him and refused to continue living her life without him.

Once again, Scully is discarding any notion of normalcy because she didn't want it and hadn't wanted it since getting assigned to the x files.

And that's on that.

(And it's why I object to the characterization of their relationship in IWTB and seasons 10 and 11. Although it's fine and makes sense for their relationship to have issues at times, the writers handled it so cavalierly and without thought. You cannot have the backbone of the show in a romantic falling out and not address it--not really. They don't try to genuinely deal with such a situation because it's melodrama, but my question is: why introduce it in the first place. If it isn't worth being addressed, it's not worth being introduced. Mulder and Scully had a chat or two, but it was so superficial and lacked teeth. It's not that I wanted the show to focus on them romantically, I just want the show to not bullshit or half ass shit they're introducing and bringing up is all.)

[thegoddamnfangirl]

Ditz

Pairings: Damian Wayne x Reader

 Requested by anon: Hello there! Could you do Damian Wayne x Reader where the reader is super sweet and cute and stuff but she's also really ditzy so everyone (including the rest of the Batfam) thinks she's dumb and it's weird, because Damian hates being around dumb people, but then they find out that she's actually like a genius and she just comes across as ditzy like that because she just really loves being around people. By the way, I love love LOVE your writing!! Every story of yours I read makes me so happy

Thank you so much, anon! I hope you’re safe and healthy, wherever you are. I’m sorry I’ve been inactive forever, and this fic isn’t my best work, I’ve gotten really rusty- but it was really a pleasure to write this for you, and I’m glad you enjoy my fics!

“Father, I’ll be having a friend over today,” said Damian, looking keenly at Bruce across the dinner table.

Bruce looked up from his food, a bit confused.

“A friend that isn’t Jon?” he asked.

“No, she’s a classmate, she- don’t look at me like that Father. Stop. Stop smiling, it’s uncomfortable!” said Damian, scowling.

“What? I’m not smiling!” said Bruce, with humor in his voice. “It’s just, it’s good, I’m glad you’re making friends. I’ll tell your brothers to not walk around in their uniforms.”

Damian shrugged in response, hoping his father hadn’t noticed the slight redness in his cheeks.

---

“WhoOP-“

“(Y/N)!” sighed Damian, grabbing her by the arm as she half-fell over the threshold.

“Sorry!” she laughed. “I’m hyper when I’m excited.”

Damian didn’t respond. Not letting go of her arm, he led her into the manor, towards one of the more favorably furnished drawing rooms (there had been several incidents some others, including someone absolutely ravaging one of the stiffly furnished ones, and one of the sitting rooms being converted into a slobby, messy, caffeine scented “family room”).

“I’d take you to my room but I’m afraid my father wouldn’t permit it,” he sighed.

“That’s alright, Dami,” she responded, smiling at him. “Is everything good with you and your dad?”

“As good as it ever was,” responded Damian, glancing quickly around the room as they entered it. Then he lowered his voice, and said-

“I’ve found that it makes him…warmer, somehow, if I engage in typical adolescent activities. It’s…nice, that way,” he said, his voice catching on the last part as if he wasn’t quite sure what he was saying.

She squeezed his arm, eyes bright.

“I’m glad. See, I told you- with family, all it takes is effort.”

“Yes, well-oh,” Damian stopped mid-sentence, his eyes on the door.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” said Bruce, with a small smile at (Y/n).

“Oh, that’s okay! I mean, hi- hello, Mr. Wayne-“ (Y/n) said, or rather jabbered, words tumbling one on top of another as she got up to shake his hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, (Y/n). Damian-“ said Bruce, looking towards his son, “I just wanted to tell you that I’ll be flying over to Metropolis tonight, but Dick-“ he was interrupted by a giggle from (Y/n), which he chose to ignore “-will be coming over to stay till I get back. No staying out too late, okay?”

“Yes, Father,” said Damian, shooting (y/n) as amused look.

“Anyway, (Y/n), it was great to meet you, I have to get going-“ Bruce began, just as (Y/n) backed up a little and rammed into a small side table.

“WeLP-oh my god, I’m sorry,” said (y/n) as the table fell over. Luckily, there was nothing breakable on it.

Bruce made sure, in a few short words, that (Y/n) was okay, and left the two to their own devices, wondering how it was that Damian had not uttered a single disparaging remark the whole time.

---

“Damiiiii I’m hoooome~” sang Dick, deliberately adopting the high, jaunty tone of voice he knew Damian hated so much.

The manor seemed pretty much empty, so Dick checked all the training rooms, and then he checked the Batcave. No sign of his little brother.

He was just about to call Damian when he heard a resounding thud from upstairs, followed almost immediately by a clang.

It sounded like it came from the little attic room that Damian would use as a studio, so Dick rushed directly upstairs, and shoved the door open to see-

A girl around Damian’s age, sprawled on the floor, her legs dripping with white paint. She was laughing, and a large can of paint was lying toppled on its side. Damian was looking at the girl with a mixture of exasperation and- amusement?

They both immediately looked up when Dick entered the room, and the girl hastily got to her feet.

“Hi!” she said, in an excited, chirpy tone. “I’m (Y/n), and you must be…Dick?” She extended her hand, which Dick took without thinking.

“Oh, shiz, sorry!” exclaimed (Y/n)- her hand was covered in paint, and now, so was Dick’s.

“Heh, that’s alright, kid,” said Dick, slowly processing the scene. Damian’s eyes were set intently on his face.

“Yeah, I’m Dick, you’re a…friend? Of Dami’s?” he asked.

“Yeah!” she nodded, previous embarrassment forgotten as she began to bounce a little on her heels. “Damian’s doing a portrait of me,” she added.

“That’s really nice of him,” Dick said, looking at Damian with incredulity. “I mean it, (y/n)…Damian isn’t nice at all, not ever!”

“Shut up, Richard,” growled Damian. “I need to get back to work.”

Dick laughed, with (Y/n) smiling as she assumed her position on a small stool in front of Damian’s easel, which faced away from the door.

---

Sometimes, when you really, really, like a person, you don’t want them to meet your family, or your family to meet them. The smaller your family, the larger the chances that this person will quickly be exposed to your entire family, but with a large family, you may hope to keep them hidden from some members, at least for a little while.

Damian hoped. He hoped in vain.

“She visited you? She visited you? Why?” hollered Damian.

“Relax, I liked your sister! She’s not a woman of many words, but she seems really nice,” said (Y/n), sincerely.

“Cassandra is not nice,” grimaced Damian. “She’s feral.”

“Damian, that’s not nice,” said (y/n), leaning forward in her armchair.

It was one of those really nice days when everyone was busy in their own thing, and Damian and (y/n) had a little privacy in a sitting room.

“Besides, Jason seems really funny,” (y/n) added.

Damian sat up straight in his chair, eyes flashing.

“Todd came to see you? WHY?”

“He was with Cass when she came over to give me the book I left at your place!” said (y/n). “I like your siblings, I really do.”

“That’s because you don’t know them,” whined Damian, knowing full well the real reason why Cassandra and Todd went to (y/n)’s.

Todd would call it reconnaissance. Damian called it being a busybody.

---

Within less than a month, through some excuse or the other, (Y/n) had been exposed to his whole family. The whole nuthouse. All Damian really needed at this point for his mother to go barging into her room at some ungodly hour and take her for blackmailing him or something, and the picture would be complete.

Damian’s real problem wasn’t what (y/n) thought of his family. It was more the way they had taken to teasing Damian, randomly whispering her name through the comms, asking him about his giiiiiirlfriiiend, someone (and he suspected either Stephanie or Todd) had even left an elaborately embroidered handkerchief with her initials on his bed. Even his father had joined in the joke, occasionally asking him if he needed any “tips” and whether he wanted to be taken to the jewelry store to scout for rings?

It was insufferable.

What bugged him the most, however, was the little talk he had had with Richard.

“Damian…listen. You really seem to like this girl,” Dick had said, making himself comfortable on the bed Damian had just made.

Damian had just shrugged.

“Look, I know what it’s like to really have a crush on someone, but she’s been coming over a lot, and before you start to get serious, I want you to think about how much you really like her. Do you think you’ll, erm, continue to like her?” Dick had asked, a little confused as to how to ask Damian the awkward question.

In spite of himself, Damian had asked what he meant.

“(Y/n) is very sweet,” Dick said, “but she’s a little, she doesn’t really seem your type.”

Damian had stared, as if waiting for him to continue, and he did.

“She’s adorable, Dami, but do you really have fun with her? I mean, not that kinda fun, just, I know if you’re going to seriously like someone they need to challenge you, they need to be sharp and-“

“Are you calling her dumb?” Damian had snapped, feeling his defensive hackles rising.

“No! It’s just, she seems a little scattered and, I dunno, ditzy? I know for a fact that you’re intolerant of anything but the very best in people, both intellect wise and strength wise.”

Damian had just sighed. “She’s much smarter than she looks.”

----

Tim and Bruce were staring.

(Y/n) was sitting cross legged on the carpet, flipping through a case file they had told her Richard was “going through for work, consulting a bit for the GCPD while he took some time off of his job”.

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure,” she said, a goofy smile on her face as she put the file back on the central table.

She had come over to see Damian, and had been talking to Tim and Bruce whilst she waited for him. She’d gotten curious about the case file lying on the table, looked through it, and-

“She might have solved it,” Tim murmured to Bruce, half wondering how he had missed the subtle details (y/n) had picked up.

Bruce looked thoughtful.

“You seem quite observant, (y/n),” he said. “Would you like to give your input on some of the other cases we have? It would be quite helpful for the, uh, the GCPD to gain some fresh perspective.”

“Oh, sure,” chirped (y/n), entirely oblivious to all the surprise she had occasioned. “Let me just-“

She stood up sharply, forgetting that she had sidled almost entirely underneath the extended arm of a hardwood chair.

“Ouch!” she exclaimed, rubbing her head where she’d hit it. “Damn, I need to stop being so hyper,” she grumbled, earning a look of amusement from Tim.

Damian was quite pleased to hear that all of Dick’s previous doubts had been removed, and that the GCPD has received a sudden influx of invaluable input helping them solve at least two cases gone cold.

------

Okay, so i got a little awkward at the end. I’ll get it with practice, though.

Requests are open! Give me something to do y’all I’ll be in complete lockdown for a few more weeks! 

Also, for Damian x reader fics, could you guys please specify in the request roughly what age you’d want him to be around?

[drabbledragon]

Linktober: Surprise

This post is very close to the day 4 deadline but honestly, I had a lot of fun creating and tampering with the plot! Be cautious, though, because there is quite a bit of violence in this one.

AO3 link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26749021/chapters/65454667

Summary: A new friend is brought to camp, and it surprises a certain Ordonian

Warnings: Some violence

Day 4: Surprise

It was a surprisingly cold day out, Twilight mused, although that’s to be expected as the season goes further into fall. The cold, crisp air and colorful leaves reminded him of his home back in Ordon Village; if memory serves, he would be harvesting Ordonian pumpkins with Fado right now.

He sighed wistfully and tended to the campfire with a long stick. He wondered how everyone back home was doing. Beth, Talo, Malo, and certainly Colin missed him, and he was sure Fado was struggling to herd all the goats back into their house without his and Epona’s help. And of course there was his mentor, Rusl - well, one of his mentors, he supposed, now that he met Time - along with his wife, Uli, who were most likely busy taking care of their newborn child; it’s a shame that he was never able to meet their new baby, but if he knew anything about Rusl, he would excitedly tell Twilight all about his child from sunup to sundown.

And how could he forget Midna? Their meeting may have happened by chance but he felt that they were destined to meet. They had grown to be close friends during their travels across Hyrule - maybe even more than that - and not a single day goes by where he doesn’t think about her. He wondered what would happen if he managed to say what was on his mind before she disappeared into the Mirror of Twilight; if his thoughts and feelings would be enough to make her stay, or allow him to live in the Twilight Realm alongside her. He could only speculate at this point. 

He nearly jumped out of his skin when a tan snout poked at his shoulder.

“Wild, is that a bear?!” He shouted, and he looked up to see his protege sitting idly on the creature’s back, a goofy grin on his face.

“Yeah, isn’t it great? I was out looking for herbs when I found a bear following me around! He looked like he was hungry so I did a little bit of fishing for him -”

Which meant Wild had jumped into a river, Twilight frowned, again.

“- And then we became best friends! Like he watched me cook them by the fire and everything! Although he was starting to lose his patience towards the end.” He shrugged nonchalantly as if a bear watching him cook was just another daily occurrence. “ Anyways, did you know he’s a big fan of Hearty Salmon? I’m more of a Voltfin Trout guy myself but to each their own, y’know?”

Twilight was barely able to make it through the whole story without pinching the bridge of his nose, “ Wild, you can’t just bring a bear to camp. You know full - well that that thing likes to go through food and attack anything it sees moving.”

“But he won’t, I promise!” The smile from Wild’s face had now given way to a defensive look, “ He’s very polite and friendly and hasn’t done anything to hurt me at all! Plus you always let dogs and cats follow you around, and you don’t even care when Legend brings a whole flock of seagulls to camp!”

The Hero of Legend stopped whatever he was doing at the mention of his name and gave the two a pointed look, “ Hey, you two leave the seagulls out of this.” But he was paid no mind.

“That’s because cats, dogs, and seagulls aren’t actively trying to maul me to death!” The Ordonian’s voice dropped to a lower volume in order to prevent the others from overhearing. “ You know how many times I almost got killed by a bear? Eight, and five of those times were as a wolf. The last thing I need right now is to make that number nine, or to have anyone die thanks to some idiot bringing a bear into camp. Really, you’re like the only one here who’s constantly putting us in danger.”

Perhaps he went too far on that one. He watched all the fight leave his protege like a potion being drained of its contents, giving way to wide eyes and a pale complexion.

“Wait, Cub, I didn’t -”

But Wild didn’t want to hear it. With a gentle tug of the bear’s fur, the Hero of Wilds nudged his companion towards the forest and left, not a single hint of hesitance shown in his actions. 

Twilight watched as the figure disappeared behind tall trees and overgrown bushes, and a large part of him just wanted to shift into his Twili form and run after their trail, but he paused instead.

Wait, why should Twilight go after him? Sure, he’s his mentor and all and he feels like he has a personal obligation to protect the kid but now that he thinks about it, hasn’t he been coddling him too much? Too many times has he taken to his Twili form to find a lost Wild that had wandered to the other half of a Hyrule just because he had a need for adventure, and too many times had he had to answer to Time for the crazy stunt his charge had decided to pull just for curiosity’s sake. Despite being 117 years old, Wild acted like a child - a feral child, at that - that would rather spend the whole day messing around in an open field rather than helping the people who needed him the most.

He crossed his arms over his chest and huffed. Seriously, how was Wild supposed to grow up and take responsibility for himself if Twilight was always there to bail him out? Maybe it’s about time for the Hero of Wilds to learn that he can’t just do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. He’ll learn in due time, Twilight assured himself, and he’ll be back by tonight for sure.

With that being said, he turned his back and went to go tend to the fire.

Wild wasn’t back that night. Everything seemed well among the remaining heroes, though: Warriors and Legend were locked in their usual banter, Wind and Four were telling exaggerated stories about their adventures, and Sky, Time, and Hyrule were all idly sitting by, amused by everyone’s antics; the only real difference tonight was Twilight and Wild, where the latter was nowhere to be found and the former worried profusely about his charge’s absence. 

Twilight restlessly tapped his foot against the ground and stared into what Hyrule would call dinner. Seriously, where was Wild? The Ordonian thought that he would be back in maybe two, three hours max but it had been ten hours, and there was still no sign of him. Had he gotten hurt? Was he attacked by a hoard of Darias or Gerus that Hyrule often warned them about? Had a Zora grabbed him by the ankle and drowned him in a river? Twilight knew that his protege was very friendly towards Zoras so it really wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities.

“Go.”

He looked up to Time and stuttered out, “ H - Huh?”

Without ever shifting his gaze from the fire, he quietly whispered to his protege, “You’re worried about the cub, aren’t you? So you should go and find him; I’ll cover for you in the meantime.”

He processed the words for a few seconds, and then nodded. The old man was right: no matter how irresponsible, thoughtless, and careless Wild could be at times, he was still his protege, and as his mentor, Twilight should be there with him every step of the way, ready to help him up when he couldn’t find his footing in a situation. He left the group without so much as a sound, and as soon as he was out of sight, transformed into his Twili form and left, fervently following the scent of the former champion’s trail.

It had been about ten minutes by the time Twilight had finally found Wild. He was located in a small clearing of trees with, oddly enough, his bear companion laying down next to him; there was a small campfire going with a makeshift pot held over it, and the wolf could easily smell the tantalizing taste of Salmon Risotto.

He shook his head: this wasn’t the time to be salivating over the smell of real food. With a gentle command to his Shadow Crystal, his form shifted to that of a Hylian’s.

“Cub, I -”

Go away, Wild signed, and as if to emphasize, the large bear beside him growled.

The Ordonian immediately took a two steps back and sighed. This was going to be hard: not only did he have to worry about his friend fleeing if he got too close, but he also had to worry about a bear potentially running up and attacking him, and he really didn’t feel like defending himself from a creature twice his size. He finally chose to settle himself on the ground instead, intent on making himself seem as small and non - threatening as possible.

“Listen, I didn’t mean anything I said back there, alright? We got stranded in Hyrule’s Hyrule, we’ve been travelling for days, infected monsters are always showing up and trying to kill us, and I guess I was thinking about what was going on back home, so I was just really stressed out this afternoon. When you brought a bear to camp, I guess that was the final straw and I just took out all my anger on you. I mean, yeah, you really shouldn’t bring a bear of all things to a camp but that thing about you always putting us into trouble was completely wrong. If anything, we put ourselves into trouble, and it has nothing to do with you being here.”

He watched anxiously as his protege stirred the pot, never daring to meet Twilight’s own concerned gaze. He could see the bear beside Wild carefully watching him, paws resting readily on the ground as if it was anticipating for the Hero of Twilight’s one bad slip - up. After what seemed like centuries, the former champion finally let go of his ladle and brought his hands up to sign again,

You’re wrong, and that made Twilight lean forward, my whole life’s been nothing but bringing trouble to everyone. Back when my Hyrule wasn’t destroyed, everything I ever did just made things worse: I followed Zelda around, and she hated me; I protected people from danger, and now the Yiga are trying to kill me; I did everything I possibly could to prevent Zelda from dying, and I literally ended up dying right in the middle of Fort Hateno, and I was lucky that Impa was willing to put me in the Shrine of Resurrection. Now I’m here with eight different Links from eight different timelines and it looks like everywhere I go, trouble always follows. Just two weeks ago I led a bunch of Bokoblins to us because I took a couple of their weapons, and then five days ago I dyed Warriors’s hair green because I tossed him a green potion and it hit a branch and spilled all over him. 

“Well that could happen to anyone,” Twilight interrupted, “ Those bottles are fragile so one small hit and they’ll shatter.”

Fine, but what about everything else? The Yiga, my Zelda, my Hyrule - everything’s a mess because I can’t get my life together; I can’t even remember what my life was like in the first place!

“That’s different! The part about your Hyrule being destroyed is all Ganon’s fault, not yours!”

Then why couldn’t I live up to be a true Hero of Courage like the rest of you? Why couldn’t I just stop this whole thing from happening in the first place?

Twilight was growing frustrated. Where was Wild getting the notion that he could’ve prevented an immortal evil demon from corrupting his Guardians? He was just a 17 year old kid back then, for Hylia’s sake! 

He opened his mouth to respond back, retort at the ready, when a sudden axe whizzed by and lodged itself into the tree behind him. His surprised gaze quickly met Wild’s for a brief moment before he abruptly stood up, Ordonian sword at the ready. Just a few seconds later, a horde of snarling enemies pushed their way from the forest and surrounded the heroes from all sides.

The Hero of Twilight knitted his brows as he slowly stepped back toward the center of the clearing, “ Darias? But I thought Hyrule said they only show up around Death Mountain!”

“Infected.” Was all Wild whispered back, but Twilight completely understood. It had become a common occurrence by now to see monsters that they were sure only showed up in one place and one timeline now showing up all over different eras; and as if some of them having to fight monsters that they never encountered before wasn’t enough, the enemies’ blood seemed to make them stronger, allowing them to have the upperhand on any poor passerby they could fight.

And it looks like Twilight and Wild were a couple of those poor passersby.

The Hero of Twilight swiftly leaned his head away as one of the Darias swung its axe and in the same breath, the former pierced its chest and forced his sword up, causing the enemy to crumple to the ground in defeat. He rose his sword out of the corpse and grimaced: black blood, these are infected.

He perked up when he heard the dull thuds of feet running towards him and ducked just in time to avoid a monster from either side going to swing at him with their respective axes. He winced when the sound of two heads clunking filled the quiet night air and hastily got back onto his feet to slash at the two Darias writhing on the ground. 

He felt light on his feet as he continued to attack the oncoming enemies. Some came to attack him on their own while others stayed stubbornly in pairs, but the process was all the same regardless: step, lean, duck, sidestep, block, spin, and end his foe with a well - practiced stab. If there were two coming at him, he just needed to be quicker, and that was no problem for a hero who was used to facing five Shadow Beasts at a time. 

Every now and then he would catch a quick glimpse of his protege fighting just a few steps beside him, and just like always, every attack was graceful and cleverly calculated. The Ordonian grinned: Wild may act like a child at times, but he took his fighting seriously, and it showed through his undeterred concentration. No enemy should have ever made the mistake of crossing paths with the Champion of Hyrule.

The last enemy fell down in a graceless heap, and Twilight wasted no time in ending its life with an Ending Blow. There was something poetic about it, he mused as he sheathed his sword, ending a battle with an attack that his predecessor had taught him long ago.

He took an eager step forward towards his protege, congratulatory praises at the ready, when a scaled hand reached from behind and dug into his shoulder.

“Twilight!”

Wild’s shocked shriek rang through the air and Twilight had to do everything in his power to make sure that his pained yelp didn’t join it. His other hand scrambled to grab at the Daria’s wrist and when he did, he used every bit of energy he had left to force it back. The threat of an axe raised just above his head made adrenaline rush through his veins, and he became acutely aware of the blood running down his shoulder and soaking into his tunic; but he couldn’t pay any mind to it, because he needed to focus on biding time for a panicked Wild so he could swipe through his Sheikah Slate and find the weapon he needed.

But he didn’t need to wait for that because in a blink of an eye, a rush of brown fur dug its fangs into the enemy’s side and pushed its body aside, freeing the Hero of Twilight from the Daria’s grip. He watched the brown mass - which he now noticed was Wild’s bear companion - tear at the infected foe with sharp white claws and no mercy. The animal finally stepped back when the creature had been torn to shreds, and took a few seconds to make sure it was dead.

Twilight’s breath hitched when the bear started to pad towards him. He wouldn’t necessarily say that he had a fear of bears per se, but the sight of the very same creature that liked to use him for hunting practice was walking towards him did tend to make him feel a little bit unnerved.

However, to his complete and utter surprise, instead of the animal coming over to attack him, it instead gently nudged at his side and whined. 

He froze. Was this bear trying to comfort him? 

And with that very same suspicion in mind, the Hero of Twilight reached his free hand forward and tentatively placed it on the creature’s head, ruffling the fur in the same way the other Links did when he was a wolf.

“You saved me back there,” He smiled sincerely, “ Thank you.”

The creature yawned back in response.

He startled when he felt a gentle hand touch his good shoulder, and turned just in time to see the Hero of Wilds offering him a red potion.

“For your shoulder,” He urged, and when he saw his mentor ready to protest, he added in a quick, “ Don’t worry, I got 25 more in my bag.”

Twilight drank it greedily, and felt its healing effects immediately. He could dimly feel the gentle knitting of skin beneath his tunic, and when he looked at the injury, he found that there was nothing left but a few white scars; but even those would fade in a day or so.

He looked to see the former champion staring at the ground with his curtain of hair hiding his eyes, “ Jeeze, that was stupid of me. I should’ve kept an extra set of arrows at the ready; I could’ve helped you the second that Daria got you.”

“You did help me, well -” The Ordonian patted the bear standing quietly beside him. “ - your bear helped me, but you know what I mean. Sure, the thing saved me and all but if it wasn’t for you taming him in the first place, I wouldn’t have a ten foot tall animal here to save me. So really, because of you, I avoided getting an axe to the head.”

The Hero of Wilds beamed at him and for some reason, his small smile reminded him of Colin’s back home. 

Ah, he wondered how Ordon Village was doing back home; how much Colin, Beth, Talo, and Malo grew up while he was away, and how Rusl and Uli were doing with their newborn, and how Mayor Bo and Ilia were running and keeping the town safe, and how Fado was doing with preparing the ranch for the winter; and how could he forget Midna? The leader of the Twili, the one who was always there to guide him on his adventure, the one he had grown to love. He missed them all dearly, but he knew he wasn’t alone.

Twilight ruffled a hand through his protege’s hair, “ Y’know, as much trouble as you are, I wouldn’t trade you for the world.”

Because when Wild laughed, he was reminded that the Hero of Wilds was his family, too, and he would do anything to protect the ones he loved. 

<Previous Next>

[anotherkpopvictim]

Seven Is Our Lucky Number - OT7 Story Chapter 7

(Picture source - Edit is by me, but thank you so much to NANA.K for the scan of the photo)

Chapter 7: Seven Forever

A/N: Finally, we’ve made it to the last chapter. Finally, the boys are going to be all together.

I wasn’t actually planning for this last chapter to become Taehyung-centric, but it kind of did. It’s sill OT7 though.

A few specific pairings that were requested are NamKook, VMin and JiKook, so I incorperated those. I also did my best to get some interaction between as many pairings as I could, with only a few that I couldn’t fit in, but the next time I write something with everyone, I will include the ones I missed.

Just a quick warning that they tell each other “I love you” an obnoxious amount of times in this, so I sorry not sorry for that. I’m a fluff monster, alright?

I’ll stop rambling now so you can enjoy ;)

Relationship: BTS X BTS

Rating: M (smut, swearing)

Words: 3977

WARNINGS: This chapter, unlike the others, contains smut, so please do not read if that makes you uncomfortable.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

The six members of Bangtan eyed their second youngest with wide, shocked eyes and slacked jaws. Namjoon was opening and closing his mouth like a fish as he struggled to produce any words, and everyone would have laughed at the ridiculous expression had the focus not been situated elsewhere.

Taehyung could practically see the wheels turning in their heads as they processed what he’d just told them.

Jungkook, who was still seated next to him on the couch, was the first to recover as he’d had his suspicions for a while. “Hyung...” he started, voice full of amazement. “Hyung...that’s so cool!”

Taehyung was the one to be dumbfounded now. “You...you believe me?”

“Of course!” Jungkook jumped up to kneel on the couch cushion and grabbed at his hyung’s arm excitedly. “We really have a lucky number? That’s sick as fuck!”

Taehyung looked a little relieved at the maknae’s response and then turned to eye the rest of his boyfriends with shy trepidation.

Hoseok grinned, “Kookie’s not wrong - it is pretty sick.”

Namjoon looked contemplative, “It’s still hard to wrap my head around but it is...quite astonishing.”

“Astonishing,” Seokjin repeats in a fond voice, eyeing the leader sat on the couch over. “That’s such a Namjoon thing to say. Fuck, you’re so cute.”

Namjoon, totally not blushing at all, looked away with a dimply smile.

Jimin, still perched in Taehyung’s lap, pouted, “I can’t believe I was so drunk that night I can’t remember such an important event!”

Taehyung chuckled, relieved by his boyfriends’ reactions, and poked Jimin’s pouty lower lip.

“Why didn’t you tell us, Taehyung?” Yoongi questioned.

The second youngest bit his lip, guilt going over him. “I...I didn’t think you’d believe me.” Before anyone could protest, he continued with a shake of his head, “You wouldn’t have. Don’t lie to me. If you guys hadn’t figured out our lucky number for yourselves, you would have thought it was just part of my ‘four-dimensional personality’.”

The air quotes and bitter tint to his voice gave away Taehyung’s familiar insecurities about himself.

“Hey!” Jungkook punched him lightly in the arm and he turned to see the other now pouting as well. “I would have believed you if you told me seriously. You’re unique, hyung. You’re special, and there isn’t anything wrong with that. You know that.”

Taehyung did know that. Each and everyone one of the members had told him that a few years ago when the title alien haunted his thoughts at night and their relationship was still in it’s blooming stage. He’d accepted himself now and the words didn’t usually get to him anymore, but every once in a while - like now - those all too familiar insecurities reared their ugly heads.

“I know,” he reassured genuinely. “I know.”

There was a silence then, as everyone took in everything that had happened in the last hour. Jimin couldn’t help but run his hands all over Taehyung’s body, wanting to scratch that itch of his that begged for him to comfort and show Taehyung just how much he was loved.

A mischievous smirk crawled its way onto Jimin’s lips. “You know,” he began with that buttery tone of his that meant nothing good (or everything good). “We haven’t done anything together, all seven of us, for months. I’d say we’re overdue for a group bonding session.”

Yoongi snorted at Jimin’s words.

Hoseok hummed in agreement, “I miss all of us being together. I guess this can be a celebration of our lucky number!”

No one else looked like they were going to disagree, so Jimin turned back to Taehyung and grabbed his face in his small hands. “I love you, my TaeTae,” he said softly.

“Love you, too,” Taehyung replied before his lips were captured in a sweet, passionate kiss. His hands were on Jimin’s hips, and as the kiss got deeper between them, they slipped up and under his shirt so he could feel Jimin’s baby soft skin.

They separated a short time later, grinning big goofy smiles at each other. When Taehyung looked around, he could see that Yoongi had come over to their couch to give Jungkook sweet kisses, as Namjoon, Seokjin, and Hoseok all took turns pecking each other gently on the lips.

Nothing was sexual, not yet. It was all just pure, tender love that they were showing each other. Though, they all knew that wouldn’t last for long.

“Why don’t we take this upstairs to the bedroom,” Jimin suggested, standing up from Taehyung’s lap and offering his hand to him.

Murmurs and grunts of agreement came from the others and slowly but surely, the seven boyfriends made their way up the stairs and to their special bedroom at the end of the hall on the right.

The bedroom had been renovated so that most of the floor was actually a built-in bed that could hold all seven of them on it with room to spare. They had a small closet and set of drawers that held all of their, ehm, play things, as well as condoms and probably too much lube. A few large, comfortable chairs and couches were scattered around the room as well. The entire room was designed specifically for days like these - which were, unfortunately, few and far between with their schedules - where they could all be together, all seven of them.

Seokjin and Yoongi grabbed each of Taehyung’s arms the moment they stepped into the room and he went with them willingly over to the far side of the bed. No words were spoken as they pushed the second youngest down onto the soft mattress and immediately crawled on top of him.

Seokjin peppered Taehyung’s face with kisses, causing him to giggle. “It tickles, hyung!”

“Let me show you my love!” Seokjin replied.

Yoongi was working on sliding Taehyung’s large t-shirt up his torso and over his head, mouthing softly at each inch of golden skin that appeared. “My gorgeous, wonderful, talented, unique, extraordinary Taehyung, I love you so so so much.”

The eldest rapper’s words caused a blush to creep up Taehyung’s neck and cheeks. They made him feel so happy and warm inside. “Love you, too, hyung.”

Hoseok and Jimin had taken one look at the trio on the bed and turned to each other, both waggling their eyebrows in an immature, suggestive manner.

“We’re dorks,” Hoseok laughed.

“Good thing we’re sexy, too, huh?” Jimin snickered.

Hoseok wasted no more time in grabbing the younger by the collar of his shirt and bringing their lips together. Jimin almost instantly poked his tongue into the older man’s mouth, his dick already kicking in his skin-tight jeans. It wasn’t a surprise, really, as Jimin was always so easily turned on by his boyfriends loving on each other, sexual or not.

Jimin pulled the two of them down onto the other side of the floor-bed from where the trio was, Hoseok slipping easily between Jimin’s legs and holding himself up on his elbows as they continued to make out passionately.

Jungkook locked eyes with Namjoon from across the room, and despite having been in a relationship with them all for literally years, the maknae couldn’t help but feel shy under the leader’s burning gaze. A familiar rouge dusted Jungkook’s cheeks as he pulled his bottom lip between his teeth.

“Come here, Kook-ah,” Namjoon summoned, his voice both soft and demanding in tone.

The maknae wasted no time stumbling to his feet from the chair he had been sitting on and moving past the others to get to the older man. Jungkook hesitated for only a second before he slid into Namjoon’s lap completely, his legs on either side of his waist.

“Good boy, prince,” Namjoon praised.

Jungkook snorted out a little laugh as he remembered their skit from earlier, but couldn’t hide from the older that the pet name made his dick twitch in his pants.

Namjoon’s hands grabbed at his waist, teasing the skin peeking out from under his shirt. Their lips fell together naturally, easily, and Jungkook all but melted in his hyung’s arms as the sweet kiss quickly became more intense.

After Jimin and Hoseok had been making out for a while, Jimin became distracted by three on the other side of the bed.

Hoseok noticed his lustful gaze as they continued to grind against each other. He smirked, “Our TaeTae looks so good, doesn’t he?”

Jimin whimpered and nodded his head, eyes never tearing from his soulmate.

Taehyung did look good. Seokjin and Yoongi had done an incredible job using their mouths and soft touches to pleasure the second-youngest. Eyebrows pinched together, mouth agape - Taehyung was a sight to behold.

“Shall we go steal him from our hyungs?” Hoseok whispered conspiratorially.

The man beneath him nodded again, much more frantically this time.

Hoseok and Jimin sneaked up on their two hyungs, grabbing them both from behind gently and peppering kisses over the backs of their shoulders.

“Hi, babies,” Seokjin purred, gripping Hoseok’s arm as it slithered around his middle.

Yoongi moaned as Jimin began nibbling at the nape of his neck teasingly, which made the younger giggle and tighten his hold.

Jimin and Hoseok locked eyes over their hyungs’ shoulders and broke into smug grins as they easily pushed their two unsuspecting boyfriends out of the way. The two of them immediately laid themselves on either side of Taehyung - their true intended target this whole time - practically covering him with their bodies.

“Yah!” Seokjin and Yoongi shouted indignantly.

Once they realize that they were only going to be ignored, they sighed and turned towards each other. It took just seconds for them to make their way over to one of the free comfy chairs, lips locked and hands at each others’ shirts.

Taehyung, surprised by his two more of his boyfriends, relaxed into their touches as Jimin began kissing and sucking at his neck.

“I still can’t believe I forgot that night all those years ago,” he mumbled against his neck. “Actually, what I really can’t believe is that I got so drunk! How irresponsible of me.”

Taehyung and Hoseok both chuckled.

“It was pretty irresponsible of you, both of you,” Hoseok replied, pointedly looking at Taehyung before falling back into his easy smile. “But it’s far in the past. There’s no use worrying about it now.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung agreed with an excited smile. “Don’t worry about it and just give me kisses instead!”

Now it was Jimin and Hoseok chuckling.

Jimin smirked and ran his hand down the front of Taehyung’s torso sensually. “Kisses, baby? Are you sure you don’t want more than that?” He squeezed the prominent bulge in the younger’s pants quickly, eliciting a strangled moan out of him.

“Want more, want more!” Taehyung replied, a little frantic and out of breath with desire. He always had been so easy to rile up. “Want everything you want to give me.”

Without any more fanfare, Jimin slipped his hand under the hem of Taehyung’s loose pants and boxers and took hold of his cock. In familiar movements, he pressed and pulled and tugged at Taehyung’s sizable dick, knowing just how to make the younger man feel good.

Hoseok swallowed Taehyung’s pleased moans as he leaned over to capture his lips tenderly. “Fuck, you sound gorgeous,” he whispered against his mouth.

Jimin shifted his body slightly so his own aching dick was pressed against the side of Taehyung’s thigh and he could still jerk him off without too much trouble. Jimin couldn’t help but whine at the waves of pleasure that went over him as he started rutting against Taehyung’s thigh, slowly at first, then faster as he lost his grasp on control.

Namjoon and Jungkook finally separated themselves enough that they could see the rest of their boyfriends easily. With one last kiss and a smirk, they split up, one going towards Jimin, Hoseok, and Taehyung, and the other going towards Yoongi and Seokjin.

The two oldest members were completely naked by now, and their hands slid over each other’s bodies in something like admiration and desperation. Yoongi was straddling Jin’s lap when Namjoon came up to him from behind and wrapped his arms around him.

“Don’t you dare try what Jimin did earlier and try to take hyung away from me,” Yoongi threatened, even though he was slightly out of breath and didn’t exactly sound all that threatening.

Namjoon chuckled, “I didn’t see that, but it sure sounds like our Jiminie. Don’t worry, I want to join you two.”

“In that case,” Yoongi gave him a grand smile. “Welcome. Hands and mouths and dicks are appreciated anywhere and everywhere.”

Jin laughed underneath him, “I mean, he’s not wrong.”

Namjoon rolled his eyes fondly before leaning down to press kisses against the skin of Yoongi’s neck and reaching out with one hand to grab Seokjin’s thigh.

Jimin let out a startled squeal when he was suddenly lifted up and away from Taehyung and Hoseok. Half confused and half upset, he pouted and began swatting at the arms around his waist. “Hey!”

Then, he was being laid down on one of the small couches and Jungkook was climbing on top of him with a smile on his face - one that was surprisingly not mischievous but genuine. “Wanted you for myself, Jiminie,” the maknae explained as his hands moved quickly to remove the clothing from Jimin’s body. “Haven’t loved you in so long.”

Jimin melted at the younger’s sweet words, his own hands moving to Jungkook’s pants to push them down and off.

Once the two of them were completely naked, Jungkook adjusted himself to a more comfortable position above the older man and then took both of their aching cocks into his hand.

The two of them let out simultaneous groans of pleasure as Jungkook began jerking the both of them off.

Namjoon, Seokjin and Yoongi had moved over to the opposite side of the bed from Taehyung and Hoseok, falling into the fluffy sheets in a tangle of limbs. Both Jin and Namjoon’s bodies covered Yoongi’s completely, keeping him pinned down.

“Look at them,” Taehyung all but purred, his hand lazily jerking Hoseok off but his eyes never straying from the rest of his boyfriends scattered around the room.

Hoseok himself was fairly busy between fingering Taehyung open and marking up his chest with little hickeys. He glanced up at the younger’s words and found that he certainly wasn’t wrong.

The maknae had Jimin pinned on the sofa, his large hand working at their obviously aching erections. Jimin had his own hands clutched desperately in Jungkook’s hair, making a mess of the dark brown locks.

On the other side of the bed, they could see Namjoon giving Yoongi a blow job while the two oldest made out. It was a little difficult to see, but after a few moments, Hoseok recognized the half-hidden movements and moans as Yoongi jerking Seokjin off.

“And they’re all ours,” Hoseok growled out, his throbbing dick demanding more attention. He pulled his fingers out of Taehyung’s ass and spread the leftover lube over his cock. As he fit himself further between the younger’s legs, he brought him in for a lustful kiss. “They’re so fucking hot.”

Taehyung moaned loudly, both in agreement with his hyung’s words, but also because Hoseok never wasted any time sliding straight into his ass. Giving him no time to adjust (not that he needed it) Hoseok pulled back and then thrust his hips forward, beginning a familiar, rapid pattern specific to Hoseok.

Maybe it was weird, but yes, Taehyung did think that all of his boyfriends fucked him in unique ways. Seokjin was always slow but hard, what Taehyung truly thought felt the most like true love-making.

Yoongi was slow and had endless patience, never falling for any of Taehyung’s tricks to get him to move quicker and instead usually receiving a slap to the ass.

Namjoon liked to give it to any of them hard and fast. Looking over at him hastily fingering Seokjin open as the oldest hovered over Yoongi, he was displaying his familiar behavior already.

With Jimin, it was always a surprise. He was different depending on how he felt that day or what his boyfriends’ weaknesses were. That little devil wasn’t joking when he was talking about adapting to wants in Filter, except he also loved to watch his boyfriends squirm.

Jungkook, perhaps unsurprisingly, gave it hard and fast, just like Namjoon. However, unlike Namjoon who had amazing control over his actions and emotions, Jungkook was almost reckless. He never hurt anyone, of course, he wasn’t that harsh, but it was no doubt a wild ride whenever any of them were fucked by him (pun intended).

Now poor Jimin, who always loved to tease them, was getting taste of his own medicine from the maknae as he jerked them both off at the perfect pace. Jimin hated the perfect pace, because it always brought him close to the edge so quickly, but he knew Jungkook wasn’t going to let him come until he came first.

“I hate you,” he groaned out.

Jungkook laughed, “Love you too, Jimin-ssi!”

Taehyung choked on his own laugh at them as Hoseok found his prostate, the tip of his cock easily hitting the bundle of nerves inside of him.

The way Hoseok fucked was slow and hard, holding whoever in was down dominantly. Like now, he had Taehyung’s hands pinned above his head as he thrust in and out of him.

“Hobi-hyung,” Taehyung managed out between breaths, “You guys are, like, the best people ever. You’re all so fucking beautiful and I love you.”

Hoseok giggled a little elatedly, “Love you, too, my baby. Always.”

“Fuck! Right there, Joon!” Seokjin moaned out as Namjoon thrust his fingers repeatedly against his prostate, barely leaving any time for him to catch his breath. His hand tried to keep jerking Yoongi off, but the haze of pleasure made it difficult to remember to focus.

Yoongi was busying himself with marking up the oldest man’s neck with pretty love bites, moaning whenever Seokjin gave a particularly pleasant tug to his cock.

Namjoon watched the two below him with barely concealed lust. His own dick was aching and leaking against his stomach at that point, begging for some kind of attention.

He pulled his fingers out of the older’s ass and lined his dick up quickly. Seokjin didn’t even have to time to feel the emptiness of the fingers before he was stuffed full of Namjoon’s cock.

Yoongi didn’t mind that Jin’s hand went still around his dick because he had the wonderful sight in front of him to admire. One of his hands lifted and ran through the oldest’s chestnut locks, pushing it out of his face.

“Taking him so well, hyung,” Yoongi praised.

Seokjin let out a desperate moan as Namjoon began to pick up the pace of his thrusts. He tried his best to keep touching Yoongi but only succeeded in a slow, uneven pace - not that Yoongi seemed to mind.

On the contrary, Yoongi quite enjoyed the sight of his oldest boyfriend losing control of himself to pleasure.

Seokjin let his head fall and rest on Yoongi’s thigh as he just took what Namjoon gave him. That familiar heat inside him was building and he knew he wasn’t going to last long. “Oh shit! I-I can’t hold it!”

“You need to come already, hyung?” Yoongi teased. “Does Namjoonie feel that good?”

Seokjin could only nod a whimper as the tip of Namjoon’s cock rubbed against his prostate euphorically. He readjusted himself, lifting himself back up on his hands and knees as he got closer.

Namjoon had his brows furrowed in concentration, eyes on the two below him as he refused to relinquish his brutal pace.

Yoongi hummed and continued to run his hand through Seokjin’s hair. “You want to come on me, hyung? Get my thighs all messy?”

And that was all Seokjin could take really. “Yes!” he all but screamed. Only seconds later he felt himself tipping over the edge, a whine spilling from his lips and his cum spurting over his own stomach and Yoongi’s thighs.

Namjoon came after a dozen more thrusts, spilling into the tight heat of Seokjin’s ass. “Fuck.”

Seokjin, still in his post-orgasm haze, ran a few fingers through the mess on Yoongi’s thighs before grabbing the eldest rapper’s dick again, the come making the slide easier.

Now it was Yoongi who was close, having been hard the entire time he was enjoying his boyfriends’ show. It didn’t take many jerks before he moaned loudly and came all over his own stomach.

It was then that Namjoon and Seokjin fell forwards, collapsing half on top of Yoongi on the mattress below them. They took a few moments to catch their breaths and then looked around to see what their other boyfriends were up to.

Jungkook’s grip on his and Jimin’s cocks loosened as he got closer. Jimin was moaning and trying his best not to squirm around beneath him.

“Hyung...” Jungkook moaned out.

“It feels so good, Kookie,” Jimin panted. “Fuck, you know just how to get under me skin, you little punk.”

Jungkook giggled. “Love you, hyung.”

“Love you, too.” Jimin replied, leaning right into Jungkook’s ear to say the words.

There was no warning before Jungkook groaned as he came suddenly all over his and Jimin’s torsos. He pouted as he rode out his orgasm. “Y-You cheater.”

Jimin choked on his chuckles when the maknae began jerking him off faster and harder. “Ah...ah!” The new pace took him by surprise and he came only moments later.

“You can’t tell me you love me!” Jungkook pouted, “You know that makes me come instantly.”

Jimin giggled breathlessly before pressing kisses all over the maknae’s face.

Taehyung and Hoseok were still watching their boyfriends closely, and as each one of them reached their orgasms they became closer themselves.

“It’s our turn now, Taehyung-ah,” Hoseok whispered to him. His hips hadn’t lost their pace and continued to pound his cock into Taehyung’s tender bundle of nerves. “Can you come for me, baby?”

Taehyung whimpered and nodded, letting out a high-pitched whine as his impending orgasm finally washed over him.

Hoseok swore under his breath as the younger tightened around his dick, causing him to cum with just a few more hard thrusts. He loosened his grip on Taehyung’s hands which were still held above his head. The younger tangled his fingers immediately in the older man’s dark locks.

They all fell into a sort of silence for a minute, the only sounds being heard were their attempts to catch their breath. Jungkook and Jimin made their way over to the giant floor-bed and collapsed in the middle, pulling their boyfriends in closely.

“Well, damn,” Seokjin exclaimed. “That was amazing. We need to do this more often.”

The other six grunted and giggled their agreements.

“We won’t be able to with our promotions coming up,” Yoongi said, sounding like he didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news.

“That’s okay,” Hoseok replied, “That just means that when we can be together like this again it will be even more special.”

“I love you guys,” Taehyung slurred out tiredly. “Never forget that.”

Jimin cooed and turned to press a kiss to his lips. “Never. Love you too, baby.”

Declarations of love sounded around the room, making Taehyung break into a big, boxy smile.

“Hey, guys!” Jungkook shouted suddenly. “Guess what?”

“What?” Namjoon replied indulgently.

The maknae grinned brightly, “It’s seven o’clock.”

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

A/N: So this was undoubtedly the most difficult chapter for me to write (hence why it took me sooooo long to post). I’ve never written OT7 smut before and I found it really hard transitioning back and forth between them in the scene. Hopefully, it didn’t turn out too bad, but if you guys have any constructive criticism then please feel free to leave it in the comments!

Hope you enjoyed the story <3

And remember that if you’re going to stream the Dynamite MV to do it properly so the views count!!! Check out xCeleste on Youtube if you need to, she made a video all about it.

[jaylightning]

Chapter 14 - The Boogeyman

The room was quiet for a brief moment with this appearance of the violet-eyed male.  The atmosphere of the room had seemed to change to an eerie calm.  If one was to explain it, it was the calm that came from an acceptance.  Only issue was that no one was willing to accept this feeling.

“Oh, dear.  After business hours, and letting in people?  Y’know, one of ya could at least offer our friend here something to drink?  He’s traveled quite the distance,” Lotus would speak out as he came back down to see the scene before them.  Raven was on his feet, on edge.  One move he saw out of place would see an attack.  Lotus could see this from a mile away.  Meanwhile, Ria and Matthew were keeping back, nervous.  Everyone was simply on edge.  This wasn’t good.

“C’mon, guys ~ Just relax.  It’s only natural to be tense around--”

“That’ll be enough, Lotus.  Plus, I don’t really need a drink right now.” the male spoke, stopping the chef from speaking anymore.

“Okay so this is another secret that Lotus is keeping? if you two know each other, then I’d like to know what exactly is going on... STILL,” A red head was growing more furious by the minute with these new puzzle pieces showing up in the form of Lotus’ background.  Just how much he was hiding was setting off a bomb.

“Don’t worry.  This isn’t much of a secret he chose to keep.  Rather, it is a tale a little too silly to believe.  Much so that I’m sure with this guy’s sense of humor that he’s told you several times, but you shrugged it off as bad humor.”

“Speaking of bad humor, it’s not nice showing up three months early for an audit, Health Inspector, but I assure you everything is fine and dandy here,” Lotus told him.  It wasn’t often that the goofy smile was missing from Lotus.  It was more solemn, almost worrisome.

“Yes, I am more than aware.  As I said, I am only here to help in an issue that you all seem to be having.  I was sent to investigate the matter of your former boss, Lotus.  As you all are staring to learn, there is a bit of a disturbance in your world.  Many species are being invaded and stolen from their homes for a purpose we’ve yet to discover.  We do know a lot of lives have been lost, and we can only assume only more will be taken if this isn’t stopped.  So for starters,” the male approached Lotus with a hand going around the other’s neck, “Let’s take care of one thing--”

“Alright, enough!” Raven had enough and made a charge considering this looked more of a threat than anything.  Within a split second, a flash from Lotus’ neck followed by him collapsing and holding the back of his neck, actually in pain for a change.  The male had spun around to meet Raven and a duck under a fist that was charged with wind.  For a brief second, the violet-eyed male examined the shot and wind before throwing an open-handed palm that would send Raven back with enough force to crash into a booth and break it.

“Raven!” Ria was up and at it to check up on the detective while Matthew was just staring at the male.

“I think ... I get it.  The violet eyes, Lotus’ connection, and this... air.  Along with everything else you just said.  You’re a servant of the death gods, aren’t you?” he asked with Ria looking back over with a little more horror to her features.

“What do you mean--”

“Someone’s read their legends.  Wouldn’t say Servant, but I am of the family of the original Death God, or Shinigami.  Whichever is easier.  My name is Kuraduro Iroth, and I’m here to aid you guys in dealing with Yuuma Samil.”

Standing back up, Lotus would rub his neck as he already had an idea of what had just happened.  Seeing Raven starting to stir and get up, he had to whistle at the damage caused.  “Well ... He did ask for it, but could ya been a little more gentle on the store?” he asked before glancing over to Matthew next, “Also, that’s our little genius.  He reads a lot of things thanks to Mia... Who’d be screaming at us both if she knew I was involved in you guys.  Not that I have a choice.” Lotus commented with the Iroth laughing.

“My apologizes.  On the bright side of things, as of today you are free from your restrictions for this mission.  I believe your friends will need you now more than ever ... but I also think you will need to face your past, eventually.  This goes well enough, I may be able to fully free you-”

“Free him..? You tellin’ me this guy has been confined here in his own store and this city all this time because of you?” Raven asked as he got himself back up, properly, though he had stumbled in doing so.  The question had Kuraduro raising a brow with Lotus giving a small nod. 

“It’s the condition of the power I possess. I told you my dark days were a little chaotic... So what happens when you kill many people and their souls don’t quite make it to the afterlife?  You know that’s a part of my Realm, but... I never quite told you the full truth of my power.  It’s a power that you’re not quite born with.  It’s a power transferred in dreams.” Lotus spoke with Kuraduro patting the shoulder of Lotus.

“Along the course of time, a single entity plagued the nightmares of people it found appetizing.  It preyed on anyone with powerful dreams, and it would consume their very being through those dreams. People would go to sleep, but they’d never wake up.  Lotus had been visited by this demon ... but unlike past victims, Lotus woke up.  The demon’s soul was killed and absorbed into the soul of  Lotus here.  Basically, he is the new dream demon, or Boogeyman as one may call it in this world.”

“Basically, I had a wild imagination the guy couldn’t handle ~” Lotus spoke with a laugh.

The three would just stare at Lotus and Kuraduro that seem to know the full story of Lotus before any of them even knew a thing.  They just knew Lotus had spoken of his power as just his imagination running wild and taking form.  But to go as far as to say he’s a boogeyman?

“Whiiiich is why I have to be restricted and have these visits. This power is very much a mystery considering no one even knew if this thing was real.  It exists only  in its own realm, never seen by a person that lived to tell.  Sorry for not saying anything, but-“

“Look, I’m not going to pretend I fully understand, but I don’t need anymore explanations.  All I need is for this death god to give me a plan.  Boogeyman or not, we got work to do,” Raven spoke before groaning.  Standing still hurts.

“Also, Raven.  Yes?  After we discuss matters, I have something to ask you in private in concern of that power of yours..” Kuraduro would add on with the male looking rather irritated at the comment.  He did not feel the desire to speak to the guy that just launched him like a home-run baseball.

“Wait!  How can we talk if Lotus will die if he speaks anything?” Matthew would ask out with Kuraduro cracking a quick smile.

“The curse has been burned away by my own-ah ... What you might call magic? ability?  Maybe it’s better to call it ‘Anti-magic’.” he explained with Lotus nodding.

“Yeah... Burned.  Could had warned me, by the way..” Lotus muttered the last part, not exactly enjoying that sort of pain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She was hustling out to catch up to Naito that should be close by.  Sure enough, she was able to spot him which she was ready to call out to her love.  What stopped her was a look of seriousness to him.  He was hiding which meant there was something or someone close by.  Ducking low, she would approach the other without a sound and simply just wait for a command from the pyro master.

“Heh... Good thing ya went and changed to something more fitting in spy work,” Naito commented with noticing quick of Mia being out of her typical dresses and more into darker, tighter clothing.  Loose articles could prevent movements which Mia would need being on the field like this.  The issue was that she had no idea what was even going on.  Frankly, she was growing upset by the minute.

“Comment on m’ wear all ya want.  Ain’t gonna change that yer not talkin’,” she whispered with a hand being raised to shush her.

“Chill, hun.  Check it out...” he motioned as he moved away from the bush for Mia to take a peak and view out from what was in front.  She could see a couple of people tied up and being held prisoner by a single woman with long-brunette hair.  She also seemed to be dancing to a song that no one could hear.  ... Wait.

“Hey, Idol?  Do you hear violin music...?” Mia asked with Naito not exactly responding, but he was starting to sweat.

[allaboutmywriting]

Walking the Gallery

can’t afford to go to Harry’s tour lol nothing new so writing this instead--gonna be some chapters, not sure how many yet || 5k words 

Lexy Marks is a recent novelist, who has risen to a reasonable amount of fame for a first-time fiction writer. She ends up at an album release party Harry Styles has thrown, where he tells her how much he loves her writing. Back in the day, Lexy was a 1D stan; unfortunately, she has some trauma related to that particular era of her life. 

CHAPTER ONE:

The check engine light came on as soon as could at least see the stoplights hanging from the intersection behind the row of cars in front of her—whoever had warned her about LA traffic certainly hadn't been joking—and Lexy screamed in frustration when she saw it. With her foot on the brake, she slammed her hands against the steering wheel, in the same manner that she was privy to throwing her phone on the ground whenever it froze. It was a method that never solved the problem, but always made her feel as if it did.

Her father had assured her, incorrectly it would appear, that her 2007 Toyota Corolla would be fine for the six-thousand-mile trip she was taking around the country—from Columbia to Los Angeles, Los Angeles back to Charleston. She'd already completed half of the journey there, but she couldn't exactly complete the other half back with a faulty engine.

The car behind her beeped its horn and Lexy jumped, pressing her foot too fast on the gas, jolting forward uncomfortably. She hadn't expected the traffic to be quite so bad, and she wasn't prepared for the traffic gridlock. She sighed and looked at the clock. 5:57.

She was meant to be there by 6:00. She didn't really know what the where was, somewhere in between Beverly Hills and a direction of Hollywood. She supposed she could've been smarter by not driving in rush hour traffic. Perhaps she could've asked the event holders if she could have arrived in the morning. Surely, they'd have understood that people hailing from the East Coast were not as smooth, talented, or put together as those on the Golden Coast.

The car in front of her moved up a foot. She turned the radio down and scrolled until she found her dad's contact. It was after eight on the East Coast, so he would be home from work. Probably in the kitchen making himself a sandwich with the unhealthy kind of bread and too much mayonnaise—he liked to play around with cholesterol.

"Lexy-loo!" he greeted. She smiled, already feeling at ease from hearing his booming voice. He was a middle school science teacher, the goofy kind, so he said everything with strange inflections and accents. This time, he sounded Irish. "Where the hell are ya?"

"Stuck in traffic." She glanced at the GPS he'd installed for her eighteenth birthday a few years before. It was the nicest part of her car, and it looked awfully out of place compared to the rest of it. She was somewhere in East Hollywood, which contrary to the name, was a little more rundown than she expected it to be. "This has to be even worse than New York."

He laughed, having spent his summers growing up in Brooklyn, back when the twin towers were still a part of the skyline. "You hanging with the rich and famous yet?"

Lexy glared down at her lap, pushing the gas gently as the next car moved forward. She didn't have the time to explain the intricacies of the area to her dad, to let him know that there were entirely more poor people in the area than celebrities, and that she would probably never even come in contact with someone of such a demographic. In fact, after the event or reading or whatever she had tonight, Lexy had half a mind to go handing out food to all of the people she saw on the sides of the street.

"Not yet, Dad." Her calf was starting to ache from staying on the brake for so long, and she tried to stretch it in place the best she could. "Anyway, check engine light just came on and I don't know what to do."

"Huh," he grunted. "Well, is it steady or is it blinking?"

"Steady."

"Did it just come on?"

"About a minute ago." She shuffled her seatbelt around to keep it from digging into her neck.

"Is your car acting up? jerky?"

"No. it seems normal. I can't really tell, though. Traffics at a standstill."

"Well, it's probably not an emergency then. Go find yourself an Auto Zone and they'll do a diagnostic for free. Call me back once they tell you and we'll figure something out."

She frowned at probably not an emergency, her mind speculating as it was prone to, visions of her car exploding in the middle of the LA freeway.

"I don't think I can do it today," Lexy frowned. "I have an event in three minutes."

"Glad to see that the extra three hours has increased your timeliness," he joked and Lexy rolled her eyes. "Just do it first thing tomorrow," he said nonchalantly, yawning. "I'm so proud of you, Lex. Living out your dream. I wish I could be there with you."

She wanted to roll down her window, to lay her arm across it the same way she might have back home, but she took the threats of pollution seriously.

She said a goodbye to her father quickly. Her eyes were already stinging. Lexy was so far from home and so alone. It had just been her and her dad for so long, even while she was busy in college, but he couldn't leave the school for the weeks the tour had taken her, would take her, for fear that the district would fire him. Ain't no rest for a public-school teacher, that's for sure.

Lexy had managed to do thirty-seven different readings without him. Had managed to impress thirty-seven different crowds of people without offending them—had even managed to make a few of them cry. Her twitter and Instagram followers had increased gradually, so that now she had a small following of few thousand, that rivalled the accounts of her high school valedictorian who'd gone on to become an influencer selling tanning lotion.

While Lexy really was living out her dream, having a New York Times bestseller at twenty-two, becoming an author wasn't as glamorous as she always thought it would. Her settlement for the book, which was supposed to be $55,000, after taxes only came out to a little more than half of that, and now she understood why authors talked about how difficult it was to make a living just writing. There were no health benefits in authorhood, and there were no extravagances where bookstores paid her to come talk. Here she was, six months out of college, driving herself around in her own car just for her inaugural book tour.

Who cared if Barack Obama had put her book on his recommended reads of the year, when her car was going to break down and she was going to be late for her first event in Los Angeles?

As the clock shown 6:04, Lexy finally was able to pass through the intersections. Now, if she could just figure out how to change lanes, she'd be doing okay.

&&

Her car started smoking as she turned onto the street. It was framed by huge houses with gates in front—black ones, silver ones, some with outright walls so that you couldn't see what was happening on the other side. About halfway down the street, and with the smoke darkening, her GPS said she arrived.

Just what was this event? Her fingers were itching for her phone, to call her publicist and make sure she was at the right place, but a security guard appeared just by her driver's side window.

He was a big and buff bald-headed man who gave her car a dirty look as he instructed her to roll down a window. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Statement of purpose?"

Statement of what?

It was really starting to feel like she imagined the White House felt like after all—back in the Obama days, not the current ones.

"Hi. My name is Lexy Marks. I've been told to be here."

"ID?"

She grumbled to herself as she reached forward and went through her purse, her fingers shaking as she took at her wallet, and then her driver's license. Her fingers were shaking, but she didn't know why she should be the nervous one.

He cross-checked her license with whatever was on the tablet he was holding, then nodded at her. "Pull around back. You should see the other cars. Park between the two on the back row."

Lexy took back her license, rolled up her window, and waited at the gates until the swung open. Her car continued to smoke so bad that she could see it even through the darkening tones of dusk. The house, which she gawked up at, was black and modern, with gaping windows. There were three stories from what she could tell—Lexy had never seen such a nice place, much less been invited to one.

She tried to park in between the cars the guard had instructed her to—a white Audi and one of several black rovers. These cars were all worth more than her manuscript was, and especially more than she was.

And Lexy had always been awful at parking. Never mind how awful she felt about being late, and how dreadful her stomach felt with her engine smoking.

She couldn't tell just how dark it really was outside due to the multiple lanterns and light fixtures that illuminated the entire outdoor parking space. She was most certainly late, but she wasn't even sure what this event was. She didn't know if they would even notice, if this was an event with other authors, if she was meant to be giving just a reading. Her publicist—Simon & Schuster had given her one along with her royalties' contract—had set up the whole tour for her. All she had to do was arrive on time. And here she was, a half hour late, and if her GPS was right, somewhere between West Hollywood and Beverley Hills.

But weren't the rich and famous known for not being on time?

As she climbed the steps to the front porch, she was certain she was at a mansion. Just whose mansion, she wasn't sure, but she was more conscious, if she ever had been before tonight, of the twenty-dollar black Old Navy dress she was wearing. She'd thought she was being frugal, chic, stylish. She'd even paired them with her favorite pair of chunky blue heels. But now she was certain it couldn't be further from than truth.

There was no one in the yard with her. Across the lane was the security guard, and Lexy contemplated waving him down and asking for directions. Suck it up, she told herself. You're living the dream.

A white cat was perched on the front step and it watched her, lazily, as she knocked twice on the front door. When there was no answer, she rang the doorbell.

There was music coming from inside, banging beats that made it seem like she was entering into a dorm. They were exactly the kind of loud that she heard in college on nights out, at house parties, or in the frats. She couldn't make it out exactly—either that or she didn't know the songs.

When she knocked a second time, the door was sprung open.

"Ay, welcome to the party of the century," A well-dressed man greeted her. He sounded Australian, but Lexy couldn't be certain—she was the worst at deciphering accents. But he was dressed in suspenders and a white t-shirt that read SOUTHERNE in black, bold letters. Behind him, Lexy could see a bunch of people standing around, talking. None of them were dancing, as she had incorrectly assumed from the music, but instead, standing around listening to the tracks.

And now Lexy was certain she had never heard it before.

"Hello? You there?" The man asked again. This time he grinned at her and revealed a set of teeth so perfect they were probably veneers. If Lexy had to choose a new occupation, it would be dentistry. But she was awful at science, math, and everything in between that would lead her to becoming one.

"Sorry." She tried to smile back, but her annoyance ran strong through her veins.

A few of the people around them, beautiful people, women with the sort of hair that didn't have flyaways and men that looked like they came from the cover of GQ turned to look at her curiously, but the company must've been important, because they looked away again.

"I'm Lexy Marks. I was told to come here by my publicist."

She cringed as she thought about how it must sound to this man—acting like her publicist was in charge of her. Much like a parent leading their child to the first day of kindergarten. It was just like her publicist to do this. She knew how unexperienced Lexy was and had been known to take advantage of it before—her first reading in the mid-west had been at a senior home for people who had never read her book.

But his smile only widened, and he opened the door up even further.

"Come in, come in," he said, waving an arm in front of him. He held a wine glass in his left hand. Dark and red, the kind she hated. "I'm Greg."

Well, she could guess that Greg was not the person she was meant to meet here. He didn’t have any idea who she was. But she stepped inside the door anyway, the music amplified, and Lexy had to stop herself from abruptly gaping at the beautiful scene before her. Beautiful hardwood floors that had been stained white, walls so beautifully decorated they looked straight out of a gallery, the people all around her who were so beautiful and dressed so well they might as well be models themselves.

It felt like something straight out of The Great Gatsby.

Greg nudged her arm. "Let's get you a drink, yeah? Have you eaten? We've got loads of stuff in the kitchen."

Lexy shook her head as he followed him through the crowd, saying hi to people as he went. She was almost positive he was Australian.

Lexy hoped she would recognize someone in the crowd, but these were not the sort of people she knew. She even tried to place the voice singing because she had most certainly heard it before but couldn't do it for the life of her. It sounded pop-y and generic, the sort she would've made out to in a club back in college.

"You're lucky I was walking right by the door," Greg continued, stepping beside her once the crowd was sparse enough to allow for it. There must be over a hundred people in the building. All of the windows were covered by long, flowing silver curtains; there was even a balcony that people hung off of. All they needed was a sprawling indoor people.

"What do you do, Lexy? Singer? Actress? Dancer? Triple threat?"

"Um, author, actually."

"Oh yeah?" he turned to grin at her. "Poetry?"

Lexy felt like she was disappointing him. "Fiction."

They entered the kitchen, after feeling like they had walked a quarter of a mile from the front door. The house hadn't actually looked this large from the outside and Lexy wondered if it was the fact that they'd had to navigate all of the people standing in the way.

And this time Lexy did look around with her mouth open. "Oh wow."

The countertops were black marble, and stretched the entire length of the room, which was probably half the size of her house back in South Carolina. The floor was still stained white wood, and the kitchen had double islands in the center, one of which was adorned with drinks—the other with sweets.

It was a kitchen so perfect she would've never been able to dream it up. Lexy couldn't cook—at all really, but if she could, this was exactly the sort of kitchen she'd want.

"Harry," Greg called, almost lazily, to a man in yellow pants and white t-shirt, who was looking out of the kitchen window. "I've brought you a guest."

He turned around to face her, and Lexy furrowed her eyebrows at the man standing there, then her eyebrows shot straight up to her forehead when she finally recognized him.

And all of a sudden, she was right back to being in ninth grade, fighting over which of her friends laid claim to the man standing before her. Hell, Lexy used to keep her toothbrush in a cup with the man's face on it.

His hair, a deep brown, not unlike her own, was wavy and perfectly placed—the definition of artist's hair. His skin was the sort of clear she only ever got when she was wearing a full face of make-up, and immediately, from the time his eyes first landed on her, he seemed to exude charisma.

"Hi," she said shyly.

"What's your name?" He smiled politely at her, without showing his teeth, and Lexy's heart dropped at the thought that she wasn't really meant to be here. Her ten minutes of existing on the estate had made her feel some sort of emotion towards the place.

But how could she be after all? Standing in Harry Styles' extravagant kitchen, in what was most likely his exorbitant mansion, at an event that was clearly some sort of Hollywood party.

She was meant to be reading.

"Uh, I'm Lexy," she stammered. "Lexy Marks."

His eyes bugged out when she said it, but he quickly recovered enough to grin at her, dimples on full show, just like the media trained mega star he was. And though he certainly looked more grown-up than Lexy remembered him as, his smile was the same as it was on her toothbrush cup from all those years ago.

He took a few steps forward and held out his hand to her, fingers covered in rings and pink and blue painted nails. She took it. "I'm Harry. I've been waiting to meet you—you're the guest of honor."

Behind her, Greg rolled his eyes. "You're the guest of honor, mate. This is your release party."

Harry grinned at Greg, then looked back down at Lexy. "I invited a lot of people."

Lexy's heart was beating so rapidly that she was certain if she tried to speak, she would be out of breath. So, she simply nodded.

"I love Beginning with February," Harry continued, naming her title. Lexy couldn't stop staring at his damn smile. It was so perfect. Her dad could never afford braces for her, and she had a thing for people's teeth. "It's my favorite book right now. After I finished it, I immediately read it again. I must've read it eight times by now. I tell everyone it's the perfect antidote to loss and loneliness—I don't think there's anyone I've ever met who explains love and friendship and death the way you do. I've bought a whole box of copies to hand out as Christmas presents. Of course, it would be better if you signed them."

Lexy stood frozen from his exclamation—still processing the fact that she was standing in front of Harry Styles and that he had read her book. More than once.

"I had my publicist reach out to yours, and I was really hoping that I could make it out to your reading tomorrow, but unfortunately I have an interview."

He smiled at her again and Lexy knew it was her time to say something. She tried to seem cool, seem the way that any of the people in the house might would respond, but her brain only backtracked far enough for his last few sentences. "Uh…I'll read you anything you want."

Lexy wanted to punch herself at how stupid she sounded, yet again, but Greg snorted, and Harry smiled, ducking his head.

"What I mean," she rushed to explain. It was his damn smile that got her. "Is that I'll give you a private reading of whatever you want. Like—"

This was just getting worse and worse as Greg began lightly laughing. She rolled her eyes up to the ceiling, then back to meet Harry's. He was a lot taller than she'd imagined he would be, but though his lips twitched, he was giving her his entire attention.

"Thank you for your kind words," she swallowed. "Of course, I'll sign anything you want."

Harry's smile deepened, his dimples appearing. Greg pointed to the door with his thumb, and Harry nodded at him.

He turned back to Lexy, just as the song from the other room changed. This one she'd heard before—something by Lorde, that she couldn't remember the name of.

They gazed at each other, then Harry suddenly clapped his hands together. "So, can I get you anything to drink? Wine? Water? Vodka?"

She was alone with one of the most famous singers of the time. And he was offering her a drink, in his kitchen, somewhere in Los Angeles. She wasn't just living her dream; she was living the whole dream. Everyone's. All of them. A place on Barack Obama's recommended reading list could have never prepared her for this one.

"Um, water. Please?"

He nodded, and turned around to the island, taking one a wine glass, similar to the one Greg was drinking out of, from the side and filling it with water from a pitcher.

He handed it to her, then leaned against the island and picked up his own drink, something green. He was dressed so well…Lexy had always admired fashion but could never get the hang of making anything look good other than wearing neutrals and blank shirts.

"I hope you don't mind being here," he drawled slowly, his eyes on hers, darting back and forth as if trying to determine what her true feelings were. Lexy hadn't heard him talk since the height of her One Direction days, when she would watch every interview that came out multiple times, but she wondered if he had talked quite so slowly back then. "This is my album release party, for my friends, and I was quite hoping you'd do the intermission."

All…of those people…at least a hundred…were his friends? Lexy could count all her friends on both hands. She probably only talked to three of them a day.

"Intermission?"

His eyes still on hers, he nodded. "Yeah. Do you know that bit in your book, the part where Jamaica dies? You have two pages of just wonderful prose there, and I was really hoping that you would read it. Maybe halfway through the songs?" He paused in thought, his eyes rolling up. "Actually, maybe after track seven would do."

She took a big sip of the water. It was room temperature and Lexy thought, in a moment of spare humor, probably the most expensive water she'd ever drank.

But her hand was already shaking, and she doubted that she could convince herself to read in front of everyone in that other room. Well, at least. There would be no way she could control the tremors in her voice. She was used to reading in front of people who knew her, in front of people who liked her reading, who cared about her characters as much as she did.

Not in front of talented, model millionaires.

"I'm sorry. I thought this was a reading."

"It is a reading," he insisted. He ducked his head and crossed his arms and smiled at her again. Lexy had to look down to keep from disappointing him. Those damn dimples.

She felt awful turning him down. But there was so much about the day that wasn't turning out right. Her car, her first day in Los Angeles. And here she was, about to tear up in front of this singer who had to share his work with everyone.

"I'm really sorry, Harry. It's just been a long day. I really thought this was just going to be a regular reading at a bookstore. My publicist, she never really told me, like, what this event was, or I probably would've been really prepared. But I think everyone wants to listen to you. Not me." She opened her purse and pulled out the printed-out pages she'd rendered just for her readings—she didn't know a single author who didn't at least tweak their writing somewhat before reading. "I don't even have those paragraphs with me. I only have chapter one."

Harry took the creased paper from her, frowning down at it. They had her scribbles all over it. Her first chapter had a lot of dialogue, and it was never the best for reading out loud.

But from the expression on Harry's face, you'd think that she'd just taken all of the magic out of it.

She was just about to say as much when the music changed, and her ears perked up. She frowned at the beat. "Is that—"

"Yeah," Harry said, still dejectedly frowning down at the papers. "Never get far from your roots, right?"

"That's what they say," she sighed.

Harry glanced up at quizzically but didn't ask for clarification. He handed the papers back to her. "Look, if you don't want to read, you don't have to. I'd be honored if you would, but I understand if you won't."

She nodded at him, folded the papers back in her bag, and took another sip of her water.

"Harry, love," a man called, walking into the kitchen. This man had brown hair and a long face, and a dark-haired woman at his side. Both of them were dressed—much better than she was.

Harry's face lit up and he set his glass on the counter. "Mitch! Maia! Well, you both look lovely!"

He walked over to them and Lexy took a step back, observing the way he interacted with them. The couple seemed completely at ease around him and it was obvious they'd known each other a while. Before Harry could turn to introduce her to them, Lexy had already set her water on the counter and left the room. She skirted in between the crowds of people, wondering why she'd always thought black was the classiest of colors, yet literally everyone in the room was dressed colorfully. That familiar urge to run away was strong, and she just told herself to get out of the room, and that no one would remember her.

The last chords of What Makes You Beautiful ended, and she vaguely registered the sound of something else start—an older tune, one that she was certain she'd heard before.

There was a group of people standing by the door, but she was able to open it and get out by not paying attention to the looks that they gave her.

More people were out on the porch. Did Harry really have that many friends? They were all laughing, clearly happy to be invited, and here she was running away.

She took the steps two at a time and nearly knocked herself over, sprinting to her car. She yanked open the door and got inside, slamming it back closed. She pressed the lock button, then tried to regain control of her breathing.

There were moments in life that suddenly took her over. It had been like that her entire life. When the air from her lungs would disappear and suddenly feel like there was a valve closed. And while she did have asthma when she was younger, she knew that this wasn't that. She took deep, deep breaths and tried to regain herself.

But the pain was too strong. It came quickly, the way her wrist broke in fourth grade when she fell off her bike and took over her body like it was an epidemic, consuming every organ.

She had to get out of there.

She rummaged through her bag for her keys, landing on her phone, her mirror, her makeup. For the most part, everything Lexy owned was somewhere in her car. It wasn't easy to know what you would need on a three-month trip across the country. At last she found them and jammed them into the car.

Two breaths.

She could feel the steering wheel beneath her hands.

Two breaths.

She could hear the people from the porch laughing, unseen behind the row of rovers in front of her car.

Two breaths.

She could smell the leather of her car, the sun-burnt smell it had acquired from being years old.

Two breaths.

She could see the scent ornament hanging down from her mirror, a green pine tree.

Deep down, Lexy knew why she felt like this. It had come back so suddenly now that she could breathe again—the way it felt to first hear it in the auditorium, how much it hurt, afterwards, almost in hindsight, to hear Mr. Mack, the principal, stumbling over those two words. He couldn't seem to figure out the best phrase, so he said them all. Is dead. Has passed away. Has died. Lexy stared ahead at the little ornament hanging off the mirror and tried not to think of the blue curtains in the auditorium. Or the ugly carpet that covered the floor. That little ornament was meant to smell of pumpkin, but the scent had gone away somewhere in Illinois, and if she stared at it long enough, the auditorium went away and she was alone in her Toyota.

She took another deep breath, convinced she would never again think of Harry Styles, or One Direction, or the night again once she had the opportunity to yell at Samantha—her publicist. She reached forward and turned the key.

But of course, in the spirit of the night, it wouldn't start.

Lexy laid her head upon the steering wheel.

She'd at least have to stop crying before she called her dad, lest he buy a flight and come all the way to LA to lose his job. And what use was being in a healthy state of mind if she destroyed her family’s, too? 

A/N: lmk what you think/thoughts/feelings etc etc 

[imagine-richards]

a first meeting (eddie x reader)

a/n-so Eddie mfing Edwards has taken over my life and I love him so much and he has a grip on my mind that won’t let up till I write about him. So here we are. Thinking about making this into a mini-series of firsts with Eddie. Let me know what you think of this! My first piece on here that wasn’t a request so Im super nervous.

warnings- fluff? Ultra fluff. Blood/injuries. (Eddie has a nosebleed)

The warmth of the room hit you faster than your skin could adjust, dusting your nose and cheeks with a deep pink pigment. The heat aches pinched harshly at your toes as you kicked your boots off, so ready for a relaxing night after a long day at work hiring out skis and cleaning up after obnoxious Norwegians. 

It wasn’t much of an escape from work, considering you lived on-site at the training facility in return for work (the perks of having a family friend in the form of Bronson Peary), and the slopes were in view of your window. You shut the curtains, closing off the view of a tiny silhouette climbing up one of the slopes.

Your jacket was next to come off, before you shuffled out of your thick trousers, leaving you in your somewhat oversized sweater. It was warm enough in your ‘home’ to be more than comfortable in just a sweater and socks, thanks to you being so used to the cold and forgetting to turn the heater off when you left that morning. 

That was the reasoning for you to be sat in your underwear at 8:26PM, curled up on your sofa with some weird old book about bobsledding. It was a totally valid reason- not that you needed one, being in the comfort of your own home. But you definitely would feel the need to explain yourself in about 3... 2... 1-

“Bronson it’s definitely not a big deal but I was just wondering how long nose bleeds are actually meant to last? Because I think 40 minutes is a really long time and also outside kind of looks like a murder scene and oh god underwear-”

The boy came bounding into the room, one hand on the doorknob while the other held a huge wad of tissue on his nose. It was a jerk reaction, shutting the book in your hands and sitting bolt upright, grabbing onto your sweater and pulling it past your thighs, a questioning look slapped into your expression.

“Oh, bugger. Oh god. I’m so sorry. I thought this was where they kept the first aid stuff, I- You’re not Bronson. You’re not wearing trousers- ow!” He covered his eyes with his hand, turning away and subsequently hitting his already bloody face against the door.

You recognised that whimper of pain from the many many times you had heard it at work. If it wasn’t for the fact that the kid was basically a worldwide legend after his stint in the Olympics and how often you’d seen him around, you could have recognised Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards from just that whimper. He fell over. A lot.

“Hey, woah- uh, steady it-its okay, I... You can turn around, it’s fine.” You say, pulling on some pyjama shorts lying on the arm of the sofa. They were shorter than the sweater, but you didn’t really notice that as soon as Eddie turned around again and you saw the mass amount of blood splattered down his jacket.

“Jesus-” “Okay, I’m just gonna go, uh, sorry-”

He turned again, but you held onto his shoulder and turned him back around,

“Hey, no. Sit down. It’s Eddie, right?” You asked, leading him over to the sofe and standing in front of him, leading his hand to the bridge of his nose and making him pinch it while taking the tissue from the other hand. Eddie nodded as best he could as you guided his chin upwards. 

“Right, Eddie, just make sure you keep your head tilted back, okay? I’m just gonna get you something to clean up.”

You didn’t mind blood, so you were fine with carrying the tissues to the bin and grabbing a roll of kitchen roll for the injured skier in your living room. When you returned, you had to hold back laughter at the sight of him, throwing his head back so harshly that his glasses had fallen off his face, meaning he was squinting up at the ceiling, one of his hands where you left it on his nose, the other flapping about madly, trying to find his glasses behind him while trying not to get blood on your belongings.

“What, uh, what did you say your name was?” He asked, voice stifled from holding his nose far too hard. You rushed over, grabbing his glasses before he crushed them, adjusting his grip to the grip that actually stopped nose bleeds and beginning to wipe away some of the blood on his face.

“I’m y/n. The girl who lives in the first aid closet.” You joked, earning an almost pained awkward expression from Eddie. You laughed softly, peering up to swap hands with Eddie, noticing that the blood had stopped flowing. You handed him some tissue as you guided his head back to a normal height. 

“There. The bleedings stopped. Just keep ahold of the tissues in case it starts again.” 

“Thanks, y/n...”

That was the first time he actually managed to meet your eyes and you realised how close you were actually sat to him. You let a smile spread across your face, before feeling the closeness and lack of clothes and the fact that this guy had just seen you in your pants. You stood up, pulling at the bottom of the sweater.

“I’ll just get you something to clean up and then you can tell me how the bloody hell you managed to get in this mess.”

You practically scurried off, finding out a flannel and a bowl, filling it with warm water and returning to Eddie, who was clutching the tissue to his nose.

“Did it start again?” You asked, “N-No.. Just didn’t want to get blood on your stuff.”

You laughed again, ignoring intrusive thoughts on how freaking cute this boy was as you sat back down, a little more space between the two of you this time. You wet the flannel, dabbing at Eddie’s face to get the drying blood off of it.

“I’m really sorry about... y’know.” Eddie stuttered out, once more losing the ability to meet your eye. You shook your head, making him lower his tissue-stuffed hands so you could get at his nose, which was covered.

“It’s okay. Honestly. My fault for not locking my door. Let me guess, I should see the other guy?” “Um.. No. Just the ski slope. It’s quite messed up. Covered in blood.” “Right.” You laughed again, managing to get the last of the blood and dirt up, “Okay, yeah, you’re good to go-”

You had barely finished your sentence before he was standing up, cheeks glowing quite red for someone who had lost quite a lot of blood. 

“Thanks. Thank you, y/n. I-I’m really sorry about...” He gestured over to your body, which looked about as clothed as it did when he first walked in. You stifled an eye roll, still smiling stupidly. It was hard not to, for some reason. Probably because he was so goofy.

“Eddie, seriously. It’s fine. Just... be careful. You’ve lost a lot of blood. Maybe no more jumping tonight.”  “Got it, Doc...” His smile grew, almost in parallel to the silence between you as you both just seemed to just look at each other.

“Well, goodnight, Eddie. It was a pleasure to meet you finally.” “Yeah... Thanks, again. Goodnight, y/n.”

It was a strange start to your story together, but it was a story that everyone at your wedding found pretty hilarious.

[honestsycrets]

NSFW Alphabet || Aslaug

❛ sy’s notes | as requested by @salimahbicharara-comun a while ago. I’m sorry it took so long love. All these gifs below are not mine but go to their proper owners. I tagged my all list. Please disregard if you aren’t interested in F x F, because this is what it is.

A = Aftercare 

Aslaug drops beside you, a small modest smile on her lips. She waits for you to join her and cuddle close.

Aslaug is demure. For her, sex is simple. It’s what comes after that which makes her shy. She’ll tug her fur over her chest and smile at you, gentle and sweet until she feels a need for more.

B = Body part 

“You should grow it some more.” Aslaug runs her fingers through your hair, curling it about her finger. It tightens, and she brings you in for a kiss.

It might surprise you to know that she loves a woman’s hair. She enjoys trickling her fingers through the strands, following the natural wave to the tips. During sex, she might tug at your hair to get what she wants done without saying a word.

C = Cum 

The first time you were with her, you might have squeaked in your surprise when she squirted upon you. It’s not exactly something she’s super excited about-- but if you’re excited, it makes her feel as if she’d done a good job, rolling her hips down your fingers as you eat her out.

D = Dirty Secret 

“You have pictures of me stored?” You giggle, flicking through the folder in question. Aslaug slides beside you. Her fingers slide your hair off your shoulder and leave one chaste kiss there. “Of course. How else do I cope when you’re gone, my love?”

Modern!Aslaug loves seeing her woman in lingerie. She enjoys actually seeing you in tiny bikinis, baby dolls, delicate heels, jewels, and strappy clothes. If you were to dip into her purse and check her phone, you might find a folder of kinky clothes in a personal folder.

E = Experience 

Aslaug knows what she’s doing. Although she might seem quiet, perhaps even secretive, she’s been with enough people to know how to elicit pleasure out of you. Don’t underestimate her.

F = Favourite Position 

It’s always going to be a good day when Aslaug is feeling... curious. You know because of the way she climbs over you, waking you up from your slumber. “My Queen--” 

Shh, Aslaug smiles. Let me.

Aslaug loves to warm up by climbing over you, grinding her cunt up against yours and watching as you progressively get wetter and wetter for her. Although usually she might be submissive, she can’t help herself from being a little dominant too.

G = Goofy 

“And did Ivar chase you away?” she laughs as you lift your dress off your curves, pressing your breasts together with your arms shifting. 

“Like Skol or Hati after the sun and moon!”

She tends to be more serious-- though she won’t hesitate to laugh and have fun, perhaps change the subject time to time, when fucking. Sometimes if she’s embarrassed, she’ll try to be a bit humorous to cover it up.

H = Hair 

Being the queen she is, Aslaug is a woman who is trimmed and well-kept at all times. For her partner to come home, even from raid, she wants everything to be perfect. After all, she is a sexual creature. She needs the sex.

I = Intimacy 

Sex for Aslaug isn’t often romantically charged. With Ragnar and Harbard, she finds romantic sex a little squeamish. After some time of proving that its only her on your mind, though, you end up spooning in bed.

J = Jack Off 

You’re gone for raid again. Aslaug hasn’t been alone in a while. She doesn’t feel the need to jack off when you’re home, catering to every need. But when you aren’t, she drags her fingers across her mound, massaging herself to excitement. There’s no need for a vat of oil when she can think of you, straddling her and shoving fingers inside of her holes.

K = Kink 

“My Q--Queen!” you knead the furs under your hands, gripping the king’s bed. Aslaug found you cleaning her rooms that day and a thought surfaced in her head. She bent you over the bed and took you then and there. Loud slaps of her hips fill the Great Hall.

On occasion, Aslaug likes to feel powerful. One surefire way of doing that is sliding the wooden phallus within your cunt and watching you writhe underneath her deep thrusts. 

L = Location 

Although she often has sex indoors, she loves sex outdoors. It brings her closer to the elements-- to the gods whom she worships. Aslaug loves to have sex while bathing and seeing your reaction when her fingers slip into your hole. 

M = Motivation 

The men of the evening had been watching you pour ale. A thrall-- you’re used to their affections. But not to the affections of Ubbe and Hvitserk, who tug your skirt back with their cat calls. 

“Come with me,” Aslaug slides her hand sweetly over the curve of your ass-- marking you out to her sons.

When Aslaug has someone she wants, she is flashy with her affections. She might run her hand down your hips if she sees a man or woman looking at you, drag you back and take you so loudly that the interlopers will hear. It excites her to know that someone else wants something that is so marked out as hers. When you get her into bed, you realize just that.

N = NO 

A doer, not much of a watcher. Aslaug does not like the thought of having to watch someone else have sex with her beloved. If she is going to fuck, she wants to have her attention squarely on her.

O = Oral 

“You’re doing so good, my love.” She guides you with your hair, shifting you down to her well-loved entrance. You push your tongue into her entrance. “A little more.” 

As with many things, Aslaug loves to be given oral. It isn’t to say that she won’t give, but, well-- she is a queen after all. Your mouth just looks so pretty when its doing what its meant to do, please her.

P = Pace 

Aslaug can go either way. She’s a sensual woman in everything she does. She can take you slow, drag out your orgasms through the night. Or, she might take you quick. Either way, your pleasure is dragged out for hours.

Q = Quickie 

Aslaug is greedy. She’s greedy with her women, her men-- and her attention. Quickies aren’t her thing because often, she believes her time is her time. You should be there to please your queen.

R = Risk 

“You want to be tied up?” Aslaug holds the ropes in her hands. She’s heard of this before. Women and men who like to be tied up and taken advantage of. Though she never imagined you would like to be used like a thrall. You nod, eagerly.

She’s in the business of making her partner feel good. Aslaug might flutter her eyelashes at you, recall how you asked to take her in the ass and seriously ask you what sort of risk it is this time. 

S = Stamina 

“Can we please--” you sob, your cunt squelching around her fingertips. “--I need a break!” 

“Soon, love, soon.” You know its a lie.

Aslaug can most likely hold out for quite while. She’s not easily impressed-- and so it takes work to get her to cum. But, if you can do it, she’ll gush for you. When she is pleasuring you though, its a quite other ordeal. She’ll force you to hold out for her.

T = Toy 

Of course she owns toys! A woman like her needs pleasure when her partner is gone or otherwise sexually unavailable. She’s interested on using them on you too-- just to make you beg for a release.

U = Unfair 

“He is watching,” you note of Ragnar. 

“Let him. It will make the sex better.” 

Most often, Aslaug teases with her eyes. She follows you, tracing your body out. When you sit by her, her hands might slip beneath your dress and seek out what pleasure she can find in the open.

V = Volume 

Her noises are all dependent on you. Do you want her to be louder? Do a better job. Small huffs can easily become dragged out moans, desperate pleads or even the occasional scream for more.

W = Wild Card 

“Ivar,” you trudge to a stop. 

Ivar glances at you, twisting his head so slightly from his mother’s throne. “You’re here to see mother.” 

You rustle with the ties to your dress and let them fall to the floor. Ivar drags his virginal eyes over your curves, rolling his lip into his mouth. You’re not a bad woman after all. He nods, his hand still at his mouth.

Getting to Aslaug means getting around Ivar. Ivar is a picky man for his mother. He expects nothing but the best. He needs to know that you’ll take care of her. Which means one of two things: sneaking around Ivar or facing him head on. He might be able to be impressed. If you know what to do.

X = X-Ray 

Aslaug crosses her legs, a small and light smile growing upon her lips. If you want to see what is under her dress, you’ll have to work harder than that. Her fingers hover at her foxish lips.

Y = Yearning 

“Do you not love me?” It had only been a good week since you had been with her-- but obviously, you made a mistake. 

For her, sex is directly tied for how much you love her. You want to love her? You’ll fuck her. If not, she assumes that you have stopped loving her in some bizarre twist of fate. So love her-- and fuck her.

Z = ZZZ 

Aslaug enjoys a good cuddle. She prefers to bring you against her chest, cuddle until you are good and sleepy. That’s sure to keep you in her bed! She’ll sleep when you sleep.

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[vcdanvers]

Flour and Trouble

A/N: (5-6-19) HEY!! This is my submission for @cant-control-their-fear-imagines  her Summer Writing Challenge- she’s awesome and if you’re reading this, you should definitely pay her blog a visit (:

Prompts: 1 (What’s in that bag and why are you hiding it there?)/14 (Quick! Hide behind the sofa!)

Y/N = Your Name

L/N = Your Last Name

Summary: Mischievous!Reader x Natasha Romanoff, R is known to be a prankster but this time she goes a little too far for a certain someone’s liking. R feels the consequences of this and tries to make it up to Natasha. Fluff. One Shot.

Word count: 1700 something

Warnings: A wee bit of angst but that’s made up for with a lot of fluff- promise.

Disclaimer: I have never written anything before, please have mercy on me, thankS!!! (also your feedback is really appreciated, or, like, leave a like because it’d be cool to know at least one person has read this HAHA)

 It was no secret that Y/N had some curious tendencies. Her mischievous personality was adored but also got her into trouble, more often than she’s willing to admit. Luckily for her, being one of the younger Avengers in the compound, she was let off the hook easily. A little pout was all it took for her fellow team members to have mercy on her (It was incredibly endearing, after all).

Or, well, that was almost always the case. Last time things took a turn and she ended up having to clean the dishes for a week long. If you’d ask her, that was one week to many. But she did really cross the line that time.

 ‘I’m so incredibly bored’ you had whispered to yourself. You had woken up early that morning and was, once again, out for some “good ol’ fun”. After spending your morning gathering the materials you needed, you were ready to start assembling everything for your self-proclaimed master plan. Not only were you mischievous, you were also incredibly resourceful and innovative. The simplest of items could be turned into yet another device to terrorize your team members. This time around you had picked Natasha as your specific target. Natasha had appeared very focused these last couple of days and you thought there would be no harm in trying to distract the redhead a little.

 After setting up your table with a funnel, a bowl, some flour, scissors and Natasha’s hairdryer that you had “borrowed” from her room-without permission- you were ready to get to work. You grabbed the scissors and carefully opened the pack of flour. You created a small opening and poured some of the flour into the bowl. The hairdryer was balanced between your knees to ensure it would be kept upright as you poured the contents of the bowl through the funnel and into the hairdryer. You were ready and all that was left to do now was wait until Natasha would have her daily sparring session. While she was out at the gym, you had time to put the hairdryer back without getting caught and as Natasha would always take a shower after working out, the effects of your prank would soon be revealed. Two birds with one stone, you thought.

 It wasn’t long before you heard a surprised scream from Natasha’s room, followed by her screaming out your name. This was your cue to start running. Natasha was not amused and was out for blood. Your blood, to be more specific. You could hear her footsteps closing in and you knew there was little time left before she would catch you.

Wanda, who had seen the scene unravel, decided to help you out. ‘Quick! Hide behind the sofa!’ she told you and with a swift movement you were on the ground, squashed between the sofa and the wall. You held your breath as you heard Natasha approach Wanda. ‘WHERE IS Y/N’. The words bounced off the walls and came out like a statement rather than a question. Wanda pretended not to know but the Widow was too keen on reading body language and saw right through her. You were close and she knew it.

 A mere 30 seconds later you were roughly pulled from behind the couch by your feet. ‘Y/N WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH TIME THIS IS GOING TO TAKE TO GET OUT AND TO NOT EVEN MENTION THE MESS THAT IS IN MY ROOM RIGHT NOW!’ The string of words came fast and angry. ‘I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention to anger you I just-’. You were cut off before you could further explain yourself. ‘Not your intention to anger me? What did you THINK was going to happen, genius?’. ‘Nat, I’m sorry, really.’ you tried again. Natasha just rolled her eyes and sighed as she angrily walked off, done with your antics.

 Today marks eight days since your little mishap. You had behaved perfectly the past week and a bit, you had cleaned Natasha’s room and did the dishes- like Tony had ordered- with no real complaints. Sure, you thought it was a little unfair considering you hadn’t actually meant to piss Natasha off but you understood the reason behind it. You had tried apologizing to Natasha, multiple times, but she had had enough and clearly was not ready to accept your apology- yet. An idea came to you, ‘What makes everything better? Food. Duh’. You were going to bake her a cake, she would surely talk to you again, right? To make sure your idea would remain a surprise, you weren’t going to let anyone else in on your little plan.

 This resulted in you having to go to the supermarket to collect all the ingredients you needed to bake your cake, all the Avengers were observant and would notice the missing ingredients, which could endanger the secrecy of your plan. You pretended to head to bed early, saying ‘Goodnight’ at just 10PM. You, however, set an alarm for 2.30AM to start your kitchen adventures. You made yourself comfortable and dozed off until you were rudely shaken out of your slumber at 2.30 in the morning. You were quick to turn off the atrocious beeping sound coming from your phone before it could awaken anyone else.

 After having gathered all your previously bought items into a bag you snuck out your room and made your way to the kitchen. You made sure to be extra quiet as you walked through the hallway, past the other bedrooms. As you got to the kitchen you should have noticed a dim light coming from the area, but in your sleepy state, this detail went completely over your head. You were softly humming to yourself, something you did often without noticing. This time it was to the tune of ‘Somebody To Love’ by Queen. This notified the person currently in the kitchen of your presence before you were aware of theirs. As you pushed the door open your eyes fell onto Natasha, who was standing against the counter, eyebrows raised at you. Startled by the unexpected presence you let out a small screech and nearly fell backward, only regaining your balance last second.

 ‘N-Natasha, hey’ you managed to squeak out as a blush made its way to your cheeks. Her expression went from amused to unimpressed upon noticing the bag you were desperately trying to hide behind your legs. ‘Really, Y/N? Another prank, at this hour?’. ‘No, no, I’m not. This is not what it looks like.’ you stuttered out, intimidated by the piercing green eyes staring at you. ‘Then what’s in that bag and why are you hiding it there?’ You held your head down and were thoroughly inspecting your black and white fuzzy socks as you mumbled out ‘I was going to bake a cake for you, to say sorry, because I really miss you and I’m sorry’. Still a bit skeptical, Natasha had to make sure you were speaking the truth ‘Show me what’s in the bag.’ she commanded. You clumsily retrieved the bag from behind you and handed it to her, still too worried about the look on her face to look her in the eyes. As she took the bag she was slightly surprised to find it was, indeed, filled with baking goods.

Unbeknownst to you, the redhead’s expression softened. She stepped towards you, taking your hands in her own. Seeing you so intimidated by her wasn’t something she enjoyed, she wanted to be taken seriously but she didn’t want to be feared by the younger girl.

She spoke softly, trying to be gentle with you given your current state ‘Y/N? It’s okay. I’m not mad anymore. It’s sweet you wanted to bake a cake for me.’

 Her statement surprised you and you felt a wave of relief wash over you, your Natasha wasn’t upset with you anymore. Blood rushed to your cheeks at your own thoughts, Natasha wasn’t yours by any means but you have had a little crush on her for ages. Lost in your thoughts, you only looked up to face Natasha as you heard her calling your name. ‘Are you okay?’ she asked. Your usual goofy grin made its way back to your face as you told her that you were, in fact, okay. More than okay, but she didn’t need to know that. The redhead didn’t look convinced yet, so you wrapped your arms around her torso and leaned into her.

 You made a muffled noise that Natasha was able to identify as “promise”. She couldn’t help but grin at the girl in her arms- she had a soft spot for you and she knew it. As you yawned, Natasha freed herself from your grip, glancing at the clock and seeing it was now dangerously near 3AM. ‘I think it’s time we both head to bed, don’t you think Y/N?’. In return, you pouted at her ‘But what about your cake?’. She slightly rolled her eyes at your comment while remaining a smile on her face, thinking it was quite endearing that you were so hung up on the idea of making her a cake and “finding a better use for flour” as you had jokingly said before. ‘How about we bake it tomorrow instead? Together?’ she suggested, to which you eagerly agreed. Truthfully, you’d take every opportunity you could get to spend some one-on-one time with the beauty in front of you.

 Natasha pulled you out of your thoughts- once again- as she got a hold of your hand and looked at you expectantly. ‘You coming, L/N?’ she asked teasingly. You ignored her little remark and nodded, walking to your room together. As you had reached your bedroom door you paused. ‘Thank you. For forgiving me, I mean. And walking me to my door, of course’ you said shyly, your actions causing the Widow to gaze at you softly. ‘Anytime’ she said, bringing her arms around you once more and letting a small peck linger on your temple before turning around and making her way back to her own room. ‘Goodnight’ she said just audible enough for you to hear and soft enough to not awaken anyone else. ‘Sweet dreams!’ you called back, a little less careful than Natasha had been, earning a chuckle from the redhead.

[ruensroad]

I wanted to write something for Ramadan and JayDami, but didn’t really get around to it until tonight. Here’s a snippet featuring Bat!Jason and a bit of introspection as to maybe why he’d consider wearing the cowl when Damian can’t.

I’m picturing Damian is in his twenties here, but a veteran of the Batsuit for about five years. Jason has been with him about that long.

“You know, it’s creepy how much you look like him,” Tim says conversationally at the end of patrol, pulling back his cowl and reaching over to help with Batman’s. There’s a grunt and a frown and a bit of dried blood that follows that. Tim passes over a wet wipe.

“Do you mean Bruce or Damian?” Jason asks, bone tired and bloody, but obediently uses the cloth to clean up his face. It removes most of the makeup Stephanie had plastered onto him to deepen the shadows of his face, make the image of the current Bat stand. After a month, he thought he’d be used to the charade, but he’s not.

“Both, given the demonspawn looks just like him,” Tim grunts, using a wipe on his own face. “But I mostly meant Bruce. Damian will always look like him when he wears the cowl.”

“And further the ghost story,” Jason chuckles, because the criminals of Gotham have aged, but the Bat never seems to. It’s part of the magic that is Damian Wayne. “And I’m not sure if I want to take that as an insult or not, Timmers.”

Tim rolls his eyes, but it’s fond. Tired too. The years have worn them both down, but Tim has always been an exhausted mess, even with plenty of sleep.

Jason pushes him towards the ledge. “Go sleep, go home. I’m sure you’ve got a warm bed waiting.”

Tim hums happily at that and nods, pulling his cowl back on. “Get home to yours too,” he says, all teeth in his grin. “You know how he worries.”

“Understatement,” Jason laughs him off, waves goodbye, and slides Batman’s mask back down. Even with the temp stitches Dick had sewn in to make it fit better, it doesn’t fit quite right. Rubs the wrong way on his skin, leaving marks. Jason wishes it bothered him more, but it doesn’t. He’s glad the cowl doesn’t fit. He never wanted it to start with.

Love and age had tempered that down, however, and a soft plea in the dark had shattered his walls. He’d taken the cowl up and the mantle, taken its weight and responsibility, and done the job. Temporary basis only, of course. And, thankfully, it’s almost over.

He drops down onto his balcony just as the horizon begins its climb towards light, and slips into the room unseen. And there, on the bed, is his reason for pretty much everything these days, stubbornly awake and scrambling ungainly limbs free from covers to greet him.

“How is it you’re graceful everywhere but on the bed?” Jason laughs as he’s kissed and lets himself be tugged further into the room. The more inside he gets, the warmer he feels, and for a moment the Bat symbol on his chest means absolutely nothing. A perfect feeling.

“You’re late,” is how Damian answers that, patting him down like there’s a live bomb strapped to him, and Jason lets it happen, waiting until Damian is satisfied he is unhurt. Unhurt enough, at the very least.

“You’re bleeding,” he says, touching the spot on Jason’s temple smeared with blackened red. Jason catches his hand and kisses it, shaking his head.

“I’ll live,” he promises and starts in on removing the suit. It’s a struggle, it always is, because it’s not made for him, but for Damian, his every curve and angle. Jason is just as broad but shorter, just enough it feels like putting on a wet sock, most days. Not that he can mind that either. He’s never wanted this wet sock on him in the first place.

Thankfully, more hands make light work, and Damian is an expert. Five years as Batman and he can undo the suit with his eyes closed and half asleep. Jason’s seen him do it, too. In mere minutes it’s a pile on the floor and Jason can breathe, finally, and pulls him back in for a more proper kiss, unrestricted by the weight of the Bat on his chest.

“How were your prayers?” he asks, letting himself be led towards the bathroom. Slipping free from the armor had jostled a few scratches back to bleeding and Damian is clearly on a mission about them. He gives no protest as he perches on the bathroom counter.

“For once, uncomplicated,” Damian admits softly as he tapes Jason back together. “I hadn’t thought carrying Batman would complicate things in my spiritual life so much.”

Jason presses his face into his neck tiredly, listening close. “I can see how it could be,” he offers in support when a beat of silence passes, not fully understanding, but getting it enough. At least he hopes. “Your religion doesn’t exactly condone vigilantism.”

Damian snorts a little, smiling a crooked smile, and lets Jason nuzzle into him like a purring cat. “I’m not sure any religion does, yah habibi.”

“Fair point,” Jason grunts as Damian switches to his other side, leaving him to move from his soft nest of neck and settle for leaning his head against the cabinet. It’s rather jarring. “But you’re doing it for the right reasons. And don’t start arguing,” he adds when Damian gets a stubborn look, “because I know. You took up the Bat because it was your birthright, but we both know that reason died a long time ago. You do it now for Gotham, for its people. And if your God has an issue with that, He can fight me.”

Damian huffs a soft laugh at that, shaking his head. “You’re terribly ignorant about Islam,” he says, pulling on Jason’s white bangs, “but it’s endearing. Thank you.”

Jason catches his hand and holds it. “You do wonders, Damian. Never doubt that.”

“Maybe I do, but I still can’t do it without you,” Damian sighs a little, frustrated. “You hate this, don’t even deny it.”

“I hate this,” Jason agrees, and it’s easy as breathing now, but just as earnest as the first time when he says, “But I love you.”

Damian looks at him the way he always does when he says those words, like it’s a gift. Jason leans forward to press a kiss under Damian’s left eye, his signature move, and feels the man melt against him.

“And I’m willing to do this every Ramadan,” he murmurs into Damian’s ear, “so you can get some peace. Got that?”

Damian nods, sinking into him more, and laughs a little more earnestly. “I’m willing to let you, since you look like a wet cat every time.”

“The only thing Bruce taught me that stuck,” Jason teases with utmost seriousness, making Damian laugh even harder. “Wet cat glares. Fear the Bat.”

He’s kissed for that and smiles, loving the goofy grin Damian’s got now. It still startles him how easy it is to love him, to let himself be loved. To wear this cowl and cape so Damian can pray without guilt. To find it isn’t that heavy, after all, and neither, in that vein, is Damian.

And, Damian’s God willing, he’ll get to carry him the rest of his life.