#someone who i used to love dearly (platonically) once told me that people love me the wrong way

[lostwanderer42]

Oops read a fic where the relationship was written in a way that reminded me of how i yearn to be loved but no one seems to know how to love me

[mschievousx]

now and then | b.b.

pairing: benedict bridgerton x ofc, anthony bridgerton x ofc (platonic)

summary: loraine silva always knew she was not normal. she loves unusual things. she love her father's guns, horses, boxing, climbing a tree, falling from a tree, engineering, astronomy... oh, and a man eleven years older.

series masterlist

ii. two: you felt so happy

the first ball, certainly one of the highlights of the season. it is indeed as grand as people have talked about. the lights, the decorations, the flowers, the performances—they were perfect. on top of that, loraine is a night person, which is why the ton should prepare for a doubled exuberance.

arriving a bit late than most other families who were so eager to catch a match for their offsprings, the silvas entered the hall together as raine compliments with awe.

"lady danbury's balls are always extraordinary, truly worthy of hosting the first of every season."

armand turned to her with an incredulous look, "agatha does not have balls."

she deadpanned at her father and discreetly whisper-yelled, "oh, heavens! stop trying to get us beheaded all the time!"

"it do makes me wonder why i haven't told the queen to behead you yet, armand." the host's voice engulfed them from behind. they both turned to her with a sheepish grin.

"lady danbury, it's a wonderful... ball." raine applaused after letting go of her father, "i must go and greet the queen."

she walked straight away, looking at armand one last time as she put both her fists up in shoulder level as if to cheer him on. the man could do nothing but offer a death smile to his daughter.

as rebellious as she is, raine is still of noble and respectful upbringing. we will not reveal that she did think twice if she should greet the queen or she can just go straight to the drinks. she did end up choosing to greet her. that is what matters, right?

and so she bowed gracefully to her. duty done. as she stood back up, with an utter pretentious smile, she was more than excited to make her way to the beverages.

"loraine," the queen called with familiarity and her steps halted, turning to her majesty once again. ah, so she's speaking as a family friend and not the queen.

"whatever is that sparkling on your leg?"

raine was confused for a moment, before she remembered what she could have possibly put their that was shiny. she turned back to her with a mischievous smirk.

"just an accessory, aunt lottie. it's a must-have."

she replied with full confidence, despite the fact that it is quite clearly shaped like a dagger. of course, it is an accessory. it can be considered as one, moreso that it is quite strapped on her.

she smiled dearly once again before curtsying to leave. as she was out on earshot, the queen turned to brimsley.

"i wish i had done that when i was young."

now that all is done, she cannot wait to taste what kind of drinks they serve during balls as she eagerly continues on her path to the beverages. she swiftly took a glass and sipped it with delight.

"you took the wrong glass. lemonade is here."

her eyes narrowed at that, hinting the arrival of a not-so-welcomed presence. the viscount bridgerton, with his wife and younger brother, joined her after spotting the young lady across the room.

"i can outdrink you."

"i'd like to see you try." kate slapped her husband's arm at the unnecessary challenge. kate is reasonably competitive. anthony? he's the most competitive at wrong times.

raine smirked at kate as the latter winked at her. she turns to the viscount, "i did not take you as someone who loves balls."

before he could answer, benedict interjected after taking a glass of his own, "he has two of them."

the eldest closed his eyes and sighed at the immature comment, "say that in front of her father if you think it's funny."

"oh, please don't. they'll both laugh for hours." she shuddered at the thought, just as the current dance ended.

anthony finished his glass as he looked at his wife for a while before turning to the two, "well, excuse us. i must take my wife to the dance floor."

he lead her to the dance floor without even waiting for their reply. raine scrunched her nose as benedict continues to sip on his own, leaning on the standing round table.

"anthony dances in these events?"

"only since last year, when he decided to actively participate in balls."

she immediately turned to him, mirroring the incredulous look her father had earlier, "why are you saying it like that?"

"why am i saying what like?" benedict turned to her as well, tilting his head and propping it on his palm.

"stop."

"balls?"

raine gave out a grumble, turning her attention back to her drink as the bridgerton laughed at her reaction. they both observed the ball with a comforting silence before benedict saw an interesting sight.

"your father is laughing. i must say, lord silva is really paradoxical."

her brow raised at the mention, "he always does. he just hates you, and don't say that word to him. he'll think it's a compliment."

"it is a compliment."

"it's not."

"wait, lord silva hates me?" upon realising the previous statement, he straightened his back.

the girl simply nodded as a grin made its way on her lips, "he thinks you put a love curse on me."

he dramatically placed a hand on his chest, "you are more likely to do that to me than i to you."

"you know me so well." she laughed as she raised her glass to him which he followed. upon the cue of the music ending once again, he gulped his drink, moving to her other side.

"i do hope you have not given away your very first dance to some other man."

she screamed, internally screamed, and she could almost not hold the grin that was aching to escape her lips, "hm? what ever do you mean to say?"

benedict chuckled, completely seeing through her. he moved to block her view of the dance floor, his left hand manly placed on the lumbar of his back as he offered the other in between them.

"loraine silva, may i be your first dance?"

she beamed at him, drinking the rest of her glass at once as she placed her own hand at the care of his.

"i thought you'd never ask."

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

raine, as talkative as she is, could not find the confidence to do so at the moment. all she could think of was his hands, smell, and body. yes, she grew up with them, but she had never danced with this man in front of her before.

anthony, yes, when he did a poor attempt to cheer her up—which ended up successful because he looked ridiculous. colin, yes, when he offered to be her dance partner as she was practicing after classes. but benedict? she has never even saw the man dance.

so, currently in their second dance, she finally found her voice, "can i just say, i feel so happy i could die."

he laughed as he twirled her, "you have said that a thousand times before."

"genuinely this time." raine intimately uttered as she looked at him in the eye.

"also," she added, continuing with a charming smirk after another twirl, "ever thought of marrying me?"

he narrowed his eyes with a smirk of his own at her, "oh, you opportunistic minx."

"that one i'll gladly take as a compliment." raine proudly grinned, pushing further, "so?"

"let me think," he acted as if he was thinking deeply on the answer before turning back to her, "no."

raine gave a mocked sigh, chuckling right after, "a girl can only try."

the pair continued to dance, sneaking chats and gossips with laughter as they do so. with the music ending, he leads her off of the dance floor.

"well, what must i do now?" she said, now back with the beverages.

"dance, drink, have fun! just as there's no shortage of ladies, men too."

raine groaned at the mention of other bachelors, "ugh, i don't want to dance with other men."

benedict smiled at her adamant refusal of them, "darling, a ball is thrown to socialise."

"i'll socialise with you then."

"we have, for fourteen years already."

she smiled mischievously again, "are you counting?"

he pinched her right cheek as he proceeded to make faces, as if talking to a child, "it's simple mathematics." he laughed as she swatted his hand, standing straight up again.

"for one, you could save your father from lady townbridge. i doubt you'd like her for a mother."

raine groaned once again as the bridgerton boy bid his farewell, "ugh, i don't even like her as a person."

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

the young silva wandered around the ball, trying to find another source of fun. for some time, she stood near lady blackstow and lady vaughan, eavesdropping for a juicy gossip, but all she learned was their husbands' unhygienic activities. she tried to engage with others, hopping from person to person, but could not find them entertaining.

so, when she heard quite the laughter and cheers from the opposite side of a door, she did not even think twice to open it.

"well, what do we have here?" raine, with the largest grin ever, whispered to herself in joy.

the room was a heaven for her. it was full of things she finally deem as fun. there were people playing billiards on her left, cards on the other, drinking at the front, and—that's a familiar face.

"raphael! i didn't know you came back from duty." she greeted as she walked towards the man playing cards, tipping her head to the others surrounding the table as greetings.

the said man turned to the her with a surprised look, "lor—what are you doing here?"

"i'm a debutante?"

"no—" he paused at the misunderstanding, "like here."

"oh, i'm..." she began with a smile before turning to look around the place with more attention, "oh."

there were no women present. not a single strand of lengthy hair. nevertheless, she believe it was not a problem at all, turning back to the table with an excited smile.

"and she pulled up a seat." raphael muttered as the girl inserts a chair in between.

"how come no one told me there's a place like this in a ball?!"

the man placed his palms on his face, whisper-yelling right after, "general's going to kill me!"

"enjoy your remaining time then." raine laughed at his exaggeration as the other men began a new round, "now, watch me beat you all."

and she did! they've been at it now for four rounds. the men, varying in ages, wondered if they should be amazed or insulted by her.

"suck it up, boys." she whispered mockingly to raphael with a teasing smile.

however, her smile and his annoyance were quickly changed with a panic look as he noticed the clock hitting ten. he immediately rushed for raine to took cover on the opposite end of the table, a blind spot from the door.

"general." he greeted with a salute as the said man did arrive on the dot.

"raphael, it's a ball." he reminded, easing the younger one from the salute, "have you seen loraine?"

"loraine?" he awkwardly laughs, which is not helping the situation at all, "no, sir."

"notify leo and—" her father's voice was fading away as he and raphael walked outdoor.

as she stayed still and kept her gaze in front of her, she noticed a familiar head across the room, staring at her with a dumbfounded look. anthony mouthed at her, "what in the hell are you doing?"

on the other hand, as raphael has led the higher-ranking officer in a private corner, he spoke in a hushed voice, "loraine is inside, sir."

the general closed his eyes to compose himself, the activities of his daughter can be quite infuriating at times, "i suppose that's better, isn't it?" he asked as he puff on his cigar before continuing, "keep an eye on her. ford and smith will keep me updated."

raphael nodded, taking in the order as armand exhaled the smoke before walking away,

"and stop playing cards. she'll beat you all."

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

"is father away?" raine asked, raphael affirming. she moved her seat to make room for the latter.

"come, the viscount is betting."

the table has gotten bigger in his return, with the bridgerton son joining them. he offered a hand to shake which the viscount took firmly. he greeted, "raphael montague, pleased to be of acquaintance."

anthony's brows raised at that inquiringly, "you don't happen to be the raphael, do you?"

"how do you mean?"

"oh, lan—" he held his tongue, just realising what he was about to say. he regained his composure with a light cough, "you were mentioned a couple of times in passing."

raine rolled her eyes, "you can say his name, you know. it's not a curse."

raphael replied to the other man with a chuckle, "i hope only the good things."

anthony laughed, remembering a story, "the grenade?"

"oh, please no." he held his head down with a short laugh.

the young silva clapped as another round was about to start, "less talking, more playing, gentlemen."

the round started fiercely, but luck seemed to be on raine's side for the night as she has been getting a good hand. as the rest revealed their set of cards, a cheering and smug raine and an annoyed raphael and anthony are what's left of the round. a tap on the viscount's shoulder distracted him.

"anthony, here you are. mother is—what are you doing here?"

"why is everyone asking that?" raine crossed her brows in annoyance, "you said i should have fun."

benedict turned to her completely from his brother, "this is not what i meant."

"i am having fun."

he laughed mockingly, "do you even play well?"

at the question, groans can be heard as the men were reminded of themselves losing. raine, however, was as pleased as she can be.

"anyone you see here has lost to me."

he rolled his eyes as he shrugged it off, "that's because they've had a drink."

"try it yourself, bridgerton." a man chuckled and voiced it out as a challenge.

the younger bridgerton turned to him smoothly, "you're not going to manipulate me into—"

"scared?"

raine taunted, she knew benedict so well.

"never."

he stated as the older bridgerton stood up and patted his brother's shoulders before leaving for their mother's call.

"what should we wager?" she asked, leaning back on the seat.

"if i win, you won't go into gentlemen's clubs anymore."

her lips formed a thin line at that, yet she slowly nodded, "agreeable."

"inside or outside of the balls."

raine jerked from her seat at once, "that's too much."

now, it's benedicts turn to lean back with a smirk, "i'm going to tell your father."

she likes him dearly, really. but, an irritated look manifested on her features, "alright, you're going to play like this, benedict?"

always with a flair for theatrics, she acted as if rolling her invisible sleeves before placing her wager on the table.

"if i win, you're going to marry me."

his eyes widened, his mouth opening and closing again, seemingly finding the words to say, "that is what's too much."

"these gentlemen are witnesses, ben." she gestured with ease to the men now surrounding their table.

"you are insane."

"only for the things i love, darling."

━━━ ✦ ❘ ☽ 【❖】 ☾ ❘ ✦ ━━━

"lady silva lost."

a man declared as the rest are still in silence. the game was close, so utterly close that they were about to get their wives or inform their mothers of a wedding happening soon. however, as they were nearing the end, the silva girl made a huge error, costing her the chance to marry the object of her affections and the object of her fun.

"okay, but including within balls like this is too much, ben. this is the only entertaining thing in these events!" the gradual change of her tone from acceptance to whining in just two sentences was astounding.

"these gentlemen are witnesses, raine."

she blew out an exasperated breath at the smugness of the man sitting opposite her. she was about to retort when a voice from a man near the door announced.

"lord silva is coming!"

she hurriedly stood up, aiming for the door that would lead directly outside the mansion, to the gardens. raine turned back to them with a grin, saluting to them all with a hint.

"boys, i'll put in a good word to the ladies."

she departed the room just before her father's imposing figure arrived from the other door with a curious brow raised.

"why are you all so tense?"

outside, raine put a hand on a pillar to support herself as she catch her breath. her father's giving her so much exercise these days that she cannot wait for him to return to duty.

"we always seem to be escaping from your father." the young lady jumped in surprise with a hand on her chest at the voice, calming as she saw who it was.

"ben? what are you doing here?"

"well, what was i supposed to do? let you run off on your own? this late at night?" he lightly rubbed her back and asked in a mocking tone, as if pointing out the obvious.

"you know what, you are paradoxical." she stood straight again, lifting her hand from the pillar as she's getting her breath back, "you do things like this but you will not marry me."

benedict raised both his arms as if in surrender, "i am simply caring for you, like anthony and colin do. they would have done the same had they been in my position now. that does not equate to marriage."

"we're unchaperoned." she easily pointed out again, looking at him directly now.

"well—" the bridgerton began, racking his brain on what to say in his defense. he turned to raine yieldingly.

"it really is not a compliment."

taglist: @aadu2173 @imgondeletedis

[mostdontknowit]

Shock

When I was twenty years old (2013) I struggled with adulthood. I had recently came out and fled my parents place. This resulted me in couch hopping between a few people.

One of them, who's name is Jeff, let me stay with him. He also gave me $100 to help me. We didn't have proper wifi, we stole it from a bar net to us, essentially. I didn't know yet at the time I was going to struggle with finding a job. I couldn't go to school and I just flat out didn't know how to job search which killed my motivation.

Jeff and I had sex once but he explained he's mostly a-sexual. He wanted to keep things entirely platonic. I was fully on board as I was still kind of struggling with that kind of stuff. I felt extremely shameful whenever anything became slightly sexual.

Jeff told me he was embraced in Chinese culture and had lived there for a while. His facebook was in Chinese. He also apparently had like several college degree's. He was in the process of getting a degree in counseling.

What I remember about him saying of his family was that they were from California and agnostic. They were slightly homophobic and didn't understand why he dived into Christianity. That kind of stuff isn't too common. Though I guess you hear stories about people converting.

One thing that urked me about him was he analyzed everything I did. This is hard to deal with when living with someone. He was deeply critical of my first love, who broke my heart. But was an insanely great guy and I still hold him dearly. I thoughtJeff analyzed me so much because he was studying to be a counselor.

Someone (let's call him Mike) who he knew from California, moved to Portland. If I recall correctly Mike was a member of Jeff's youth group he was a youth pastor for. Or maybe it was like he was the son of one of Jeffs friends, I honestly don't remember the fine details. But I remember going out with Jeff and Mike a few times. From what I remember about Mike is that he was also borderline a-sexual. I think he was maybe closer to his mid-20s. He was essentially a-sexual but wanted to explore and thought he might be gay too. But it may have been repressed? I also remember him being a virgin which was a big topic for discussion. I didn't know him as well.

I was supposed to live with Jeff until I either found a job or until the new school year. But someone invited me to stay with them who lived in a better location, had full wifi and I got a long better with. After that I never heard from Jeff again and wanted to wait a while before I reached out again. A few years ago I tried reaching out to Jeff but got no response. I wanted to pay him back for giving me cash and letting me live with him when I was experiencing my own housing crisis. But I never got a response. I tried googling him a couple times and got his business information, but I thought that would be inappropriate for me to contact him that way.

Anyway the actual crazy part of this all is that I just found out Jeff was arrested for "multiple charges of oral copulation of a person under 16, sodomy of a person under 16, and forcible lewd act upon a child," that took place between 2006-2008. This was several years before I met him. I'm in quite a bit of shock about it. There's a lot of things that don't make sense but then a lot of things that do. Like maybe he was saying he was practically a-sexual as some weird cover up or to disguise his own insecurities? Was him analyzing everything I did some kind of sign of him having control issues? I always thought the whole thing about living around in China sounded suspicious and I especially thought him having several degree's sounded suspicious. I wonder if "Mike" was one of the Victims, I remember thinking Jeff seemed interested in Mike but I always dismissed it.

[zaceouiswriting]

The fairy stone Pt.2 (final)

Character: Klaus Mikaelson x male reader, Hope Mikaelson (platonic)

Universe: Vampire dairies, The Originals

Warnings: Death

The nights became longer. For every moment, you were chained up in this dark, wet place. A dungeon of sorts. Sometimes you see one of your captures. They look good, even great on some of these days. Three of them look at you in pity, when they come to get more of your fairy dust. The one thing that was keeping you alive.

In the years though, you produces less and less of it. They actually gathered you dry of it. On rare days, they still get some, but not even close to what they once could gather.

Only two of the people, who took pity on you, actually were concerned for your well being. Tried to talk to their leader to set you free, for years. But only encountered anger and his wrath in from of a dagger. Then you will not see them for a while. 

Not once has the leader of your capturers ever visited you, which only strengthened the pain you felt in your heart.

You even tried to flee from this place yourself a couple of times, especially in the beginning, until the bound you with chains, made of gold and copper. Which with fragments of the stone you gave them, could hold your magic in you.

Hope was lost for you a long time ago. Now you just waited for the death, that was long overdue. You saw worlds flourishing and fall. But never see one of your own kin see die outside of battle.

Alone the thought of an death this way, was humiliating for you. Never in your eternal life, you would’ve ever thought it would come to something like this.

Just another day in the Mikaelson dungeon, waiting for your demise. Only for you seeing a small child in this dark place.

At first you were confused, thinking you hallucinated. But the child was real. It touched you and asked if you were okay.

Most of your strength was used to give the little girl a smile, „What are you doing here?“, you asked concerned.

The girl only cocked her head to the side, looking at you, trying to piece you together. You could feel immense power radiating from her, even stronger than the one of the man you once loved so dearly.

„What is your name?“, you asked her a question again.

„Hope,“ she stated matter of factly. Which brought you to laugh. Not because her name was stupid or that it didn't fit her, but because she might be your only hope.

You two talked for hours, every day. Since you knew her, you hang on you life a little bit more. So sure that one day, someone would set you free.

And after months off getting to know each other you asked her, „Could you let me free? I don’t have much time left and I really want to see and feel the sun one last time.“

Your smile was genuine. And Hope knew as well as you did, that time was running out for you fast. She even mentioned it a couple of times, but you tried to be nice and not devastated her, because at this point, you two became friends.

She broke your chains with ease and even helped your stand up, „Wow, you are way stronger than you look,“ you teasingly told her, which got you a slight punch against your arm.

But both of you laughed. She was mature for her age. Maybe even a little bit too much.

Slowly she helped you walk up the stairs. You holding yourself near the wall to not fall backwards back into the dark.

As soon as the sun hit your sickened skin, you felt free. The air, dancing around trough her greasy hair and almost grey skin from the long time, you haven’t seen the sun.

For just a moment a spurt of strength came over you and without Hope you ran outside, directly into a patio with people sitting in it. The one who captured you so long ago.

Your eyes held nothing but hatred for all of them, even the one you loved most in your entire existence.

„What? How did you get out?“, he angrily asked you, storming over to you. But Hope stopped him in his tracks.

„He is my friend, dad!“, she exclaimed loudly.

Your world crumbled again. Eyes switching between the man and the girl, not wanting to realize the extend of his betrayal.

„You betrayed me, to became a full hybrid, let a woman conceive your child and what after that? Protect it against everything in this world? Even when I would die from it?“

Bitterness laid on your tongue as you spoke those words. You couldn’t hate Hope, she was innocent in all of this, but her family, you could hate them.

„What do you mean? You can’t die, you are a fairy,“ he dryly sarcastically through his hands in the air.

„You mean the fairy, you took the fairy dust off of, every time his body and magic tried to feed him magic back? Inside of chains that prevented me of building something that would’ve allowed me to live down there forever?“ 

Your words got the man in front of you thinking. Everyone only knew what your kin was telling them. So they actually did not know anything.

„Look at me Klaus,“ you asked him to do, but his eyes never looked at you directly, „LOOK AT ME!“, you screamed with all you had left.

Finally his eyes finally met yours, dead and completely unfocused on anything. Just then, you finally gave up. The love you once thought was in him, wasn’t there anymore, he looked at you in disinterest.

You finally gave up. As your body fell to the ground, the small child, hold your head before it could smash into the ground as well.

„Little Hope,“ you whispered with all your strength gone now.

Her tears at least showed you, that not everything in their family was dead yet.

„Give me your necklace, little Hope.“ She did as you asked her. Without any other word, you broke her skin with your finger, as well as your own. Both your bloods dropped down on her necklace, which had a part of the stone, you once gave her father.

„Whatever the fairy council decided to do to your family, you will be except of it, as long as you wear this and keep me in your mind. Okay? Never forget me, child born of the dust of an fairy.“

Not long after, you closed your eyes and the sun was shining down at you, your body began to vanish into dust. The last bits of fairy dust your body would ever produce. Your ashes if you will so.

Before you vanished from the realm of existence, a scream breaking all the realms trough, could be heard. The scream of your kin, wanting for vengeance.

[imagine-a-life-like-this]

Finding Love (L.F)

Warnings : like one swear word, mentions of divorce, reader doesn’t believe in love

Word Count : 2891

Synopsis : her best friend set her up on 7 dates for a project he called “finding love”, but none of the guys made her heart flutter the way he does. 

“Okay, so there’s just some final questions you have to answer.” I nodded, barely looking at my best friend, thinking about the conversation I had with his professor just a few days prior.

           “I hope Felix’s grade won’t suffer because I didn’t find love with this project.” I told her. “He worked really hard, picking out 7 different guys he thought would compliment me well. And they were all lovely, but Miss, I just don’t believe in love. I tried because I don’t want Felix to fail, but none of them sparked anything in me.”

           “Y/N, Felix’s grade will not suffer just because you didn’t find love, though I don’t think that’s true. Forgive me if I cross a line, but I believe you already found love before this project began, but you’re scared. For you, love has always equaled loss, and this person is someone you could never lose, so you refuse to love them. Think about it for a minute.”

           “Felix is my best friend.” I countered and watched as she smiled.

           “I never said it was him.” I just stared at her, going through her words again. “Think about it, Y/N. Love isn’t as scary as it seems.”

           “Did you enjoy the dates you went on?” I met his eyes, pretending like I was listening the whole time. I nodded and watched as he wrote my answer down. “Let’s go through each of the dates and then continue the rest of the questions.” Again I nodded as Felix set the papers down and focused all his attention on me.

           Chan was the first guy I went on a date with for Felix’s project. He picked me up and I felt comfortable with him as soon as I opened the door. He greeted me with a warm smile and an awkward laugh as he stumbled over his introduction.  

           We ended up at his place, ordering some food and watching dumb romcoms on Netflix. The two of us laughed at the over-the-top cringey moments, and at some point, we fell asleep. I don’t remember falling asleep, I just remember waking up some time later, wrapped up in Chan’s arms with him still asleep.

           It was an enjoyable date, something very lowkey, but there was no spark. It felt more like a hang out than a date.

           “Did you just leave while he was sleeping?” Felix asked with a chuckle.

           “No! Of course not!” I countered, laughing at how ridiculous that would be. “I woke him up and he walked me home.” Felix nodded, urging me to go on.

           Minho was next, and at first he seemed like he’d rather be anywhere else, but he quickly opened up. “I figured since it was a nice day, we could have a picnic.” He told me with a smile as he walked towards the park.

           It was really relaxing. We just sat on the blanket he brought, munching on the food he made while getting to know each other. He told me about his family and his friends, what he was studying, and what he hoped to accomplish in life. If I’m honest, I could listen to Minho talk about his dreams for hours and not get bored.

           When he asked me about myself, it was like I drew a blank. The only stories I could come up with were all about Felix. How we met, how we agreed to attend the same college so we wouldn’t be separated, how he is the only person I’d ever need in my life.

           “You talked about me?”

           “You seem surprised.” I laughed. “You already know you’re my favourite person. Of course I’m going to talk about you.”

           “Look at you being cute.” I felt the heat rise to my cheeks at the compliment, something that didn’t happen with the guys I went on dates with. Sure, they complimented me, and I was flattered, but they didn’t seem to effect me the way Felix does. “Continue!”

           To me, the date with Minho was the most intimate. It’s the one that felt the most like a date. But again, the spark wasn’t there.

           Changbin was the third, and I must say I was surprised. I’ve heard the rumours about him around the school, so when he took me to the planetarium, I was rather surprised. “Felix said you were into astronomy.” I smiled so wide when we got inside and the show began. I spouted off random facts I knew to Changbin who seemed really interested in what I had to say. He listened to every word I said, and even spouted off some of his own facts.

           It was like running into an old friend, someone you haven’t seen in years but missed dearly. We clicked immediately and it felt like finding a safe place. For a minute I wondered if this is what people were talking about when they found their soulmates. But the longer I spent with Changbin, the more I realized that the connection I was feeling was purely platonic, on both ends. He’s definitely someone I see in my future, but only as a friend.

           “Hey, at least we’re getting somewhere!” Felix explained. “For a whole minute you thought he could be it!” I laughed at how excited Felix seemed, but my heart seemed to fall to my stomach. Why was he so focused on me finding love? Why does he seem excited to see if I fell for one of the guys he set me up with? “Keep going! 3 down, 4 to go!” He smiled at me, and I felt butterflies erupt in my stomach. No. No that’s not right. I must have eaten something weird.

           Hyunjin took me to an escape room. I’d always wanted to do one but was always scared. Hyunjin didn’t really give me a choice, telling me I would have loads of fun. So, we went. Unfortunately, he chose one of the hardest rooms they offered, thinking we were smart enough to escape.

           It was fun looking around different rooms, trying to find the clues to escape. He was really easy to work with, and though we didn’t escape, we made it pretty far. We then grabbed some ice cream and just walked around, learning more about each other, and complaining about how difficult the room was. “You know, if I wasn’t so distracted by how pretty you looked, we totally could have escaped!”

           “Oh so you’re saying it’s my fault?” I giggled, taking another bite of my ice cream.

           “It is! But it’s okay, I forgive you.” He smiled as he stole a bite of my ice cream.

           “Yah!” I screamed before quickly stealing a bite from his and sticking my tongue out at him.

           “You’re lucky you’re cute.” We parted ways soon after, but I had a smile on my face the rest of the day. It was really fun and something I wasn’t expecting from these dates.

           “Would you go out with Hyunjin again?” I shook my head and Felix’s wide smile seemed to faulter. “Well moving on then!”

           The date with Jisung was the most cliché, but it was still a lot of fun! We went to the amusement park and spent the day riding all the rides and even trying our hand at the different games. I’m fairly sure I ate my weight in sweets that day, but Jisung didn’t judge, and honestly ate more than I did.

           I was nervous at first, but I was quick to fall out of that and just be myself. Jisung is someone that makes you feel comfortable being whatever kind of person you are.

           As the sun set, we finished the day off on the ferris wheel. Super cliché, but it was really cute how excited he was. So I followed him onto the ferris wheel and took in just how beautiful the amusement park looked at night time, with all the lights on and couples walking around hand in hand.

           He walked me right up to my front door and told me to have a good night. I watched as he walked away out of sight before heading inside. My feet were aching, but I couldn’t stop the smile from forming.

           “Let me guess. Still no spark?”

           “No spark.”

           “Well okay, date number 6!”

           Seungmin took me to the aquarium, and it was so much prettier than I remembered. The last time I was there, my parents took me and my older brother. I remember looking at all the pretty colours, in awe of just how pretty the fish looked.

           This time around, though I was still in awe at how pretty everything was, I was more focused on watching the little kids run around in amazement, wondering if that’s what my brother and I looked like to the adults when we came.

           Seungmin seemed really nervous the whole time, barely saying a word and instead leaving most of the talking up to me. But he didn’t seem annoyed, instead he seemed intrigued by all my stories. He shared a couple of his favourite memories about the aquarium and told me why it was his favourite place. “Let me take a picture of you!” I exclaimed at one point. “To add to your memories at your favourite place.” I think that was the moment I first saw him smile wide. It was so precious, and I would have done almost anything to see it again.

           “Oh so you’ll go to the aquarium with Seungmin but not me!?” Felix pouted and crossed his arms over his chest.

           “Yah! It was your idea that I go on these dates!” He continued to pout. “Okay fine. Let’s go to the aquarium sometime.” He smiled wide, uncrossing his arms and clapping. “You are probably the weirdest person I know.”

           “But you love me!” More than I think both of us realized. “But enough about us, what about date number 7.”

           The date with Jeongin was the most unexpected as he took me to the library. We picked out a book for the other to read, found somewhere secluded to sit, and began to read. At some point, he handed me a headphone, and we listened to music together as we quietly read.

           Every once in a while, he would do or say something that would make me laugh. It’s like he made it his mission to make me laugh as loud as possible and get us kicked out. It worked, by the way. I have no idea what he said, but I couldn’t contain my laughter, and the two of us got kicked out.

           We ended up at a quiet café just down the block and just talked. We talked about the book we were reading, about school, friends, family, past, aspirations for the future. He was the easiest to open up to. He never looked at me with a look of pity, the way others do when they find out my tragic past, and instead made a joke to lighten up the mood.

           I think I spent the longest time with Jeongin. We just kept telling stories and laughing and before we knew it, the barista was coming up to us to tell us they were closing. Neither of us even noticed it was dark out.

           “So it seems like all 7 dates were successful in one way or another.”

           “I suppose you could say that.” His professor’s words kept ringing in my mind. My whole life, I’ve believed love was something just in books and movies. I would see the couples on campus claiming to be in love, just to break up later.

           I watched my parents argue every single day before divorcing. I watched my brother fall head over heels in love with a girl who played with his feelings. A part of me wanted someone to come along and change my views on love. Show me that love can be a beautiful thing. Falling in love was a risk, and I just wanted someone to be worth the risk.

           And as I sat beside my best friend, recounting the seven dates he set me up on, I was hit with the realization that I found my person a long time ago. Felix was the person I turned to when I needed a shoulder to cry on, he was the first person I wanted to tell all good news to. When I pictured my future, he’s right there beside me.

           He was right in front of me this entire time, and I just refused to believe it. As much as I hate to admit it, his professor was right. To me, love has always equaled loss. You love someone, you lose them. Felix is the only person in my life I couldn’t lose. It would be like losing a piece of me.

           “So out of the seven of them, is there someone you’d consider going out with again?” Felix picked up his papers he previously set down on the table, no longer looking at me.

           “No.” I answered simply, completely coming to terms with the fact that I’m in love with my best friend. “They’re great guys, but I think I know someone better.” I smiled, looking down at my hands clasped in my lap.

           “You do?” Suddenly, the project he’s been working so hard on was forgotten. He looked at me, and I looked right back, admiring his soft features. I guess a part of me always knew he was the one for me, it was just waiting for the rest of me to catch up.

           “I do.” I responded, my voice barely above a whisper. “He’s the best person I know. And honestly, he’s the only person I’d consider going on a second date with.”

           “Did you go on a date I didn’t know of?” He asked, looking through all of his notes, trying to see if maybe he had missed something. Maybe he had set you up with 8 people but forgot. But there was only one name in his notes that could be a possible 8th date. A name he wrote down in case one of the others turned down this experiment. A name surrounded by question marks; his own.

           “Why is your name written down?” I asked, pointing at the notes he was looking through. “I think I’d remember going on a date with you.” I giggled, looking up at him.

           “Oh, I was just a back up. In case one of the others fell through.” I nodded, coming to that conclusion myself. But the thought of going on a date with him gave me butterflies.

           “I think for the sake of the experiment, you should see if you could be the one to prove me wrong.” He stared at me with wide eyes, obviously wondering what was going through my head. “I mean, you do know me the best. I think if you tried you could win me over.”

           “The project specifically said 7, Y/N.” I slumped back in my seat.

           “Unfortunate. Well I guess we could go on a date just because.”

           “What?” I let out a small laugh at his bewildered expression before sitting up in my seat, leaning closer to him.

           “I’m asking you out.” The words didn’t seem to register in his brain, so I continued. “I talked to your professor, and she opened my eyes. She told me that for me, love always equaled loss, so I never let myself fall in love, especially with you. Because, you’re the one person I can’t lose.” I watched as his expression changed as the words registered.

           “Are you confessing to me right now?” I chuckled as I nodded.

           “Yeah I am. I’m confessing to you right now, Felix.”

           “Holy shit.” I couldn’t help but let out another laugh. “So you’re telling me that you went on seven different dates with the seven biggest heartthrobs of our school, but you’re in love with me?” I nodded, my confidence slowly fading the longer this conversation continues. Honestly, I’m not sure why I confessed. There’s never been a moment in our years of friendship where I thought Felix could have feelings for me. There was just a part of me screaming to let him know, to confess. “Forget the project, I’m taking you out right now.” He said while throwing his papers over his shoulder.

           “Felix!” I exclaimed while laughing, looking at him now standing.

           “What? I’ve been waiting years for this! The project can wait. Right now, I’m taking the love of my life out on our first date.” I couldn’t help the smile that formed as I took his hand. His project was long forgotten as the two of us went out and did all the things we did as friends, but now there was more hand holding and a lot more kisses.

           Love isn’t as scary as it seems. With the right person, love is beautiful. And though Y/N didn’t find love with the 7 boys I set her up with, she found love. A love that at first terrified her but made her happy at the same time. Falling in love is a risk, but it’s a risk she’s finally willing to take. And as the person she fell in love with, I hereby promise to never make her regret taking that risk.

[sing-me-under]

Every so often, I think about love and my love life.

There’s something compelling about love. I love the idea of love.

Of shared spaces and shared memories, of wanting to be together and wanting to be, of outings and anniversaries and just living life

Of hardships and fights, of the pain and grief that follows heartbreak, of knowing you’re alive and that it was real

And I think about how I idealize this idea of love despite knowing that the reality is far more difficult.

I have been attracted and I’ve had crushes. I’ve fallen in like so many times only to brush it aside when I realize it’ll come to nothing. There’s no point in falling in love with a bad idea.

And I wonder if the problem lies with me. What I tried harder to reach out? What if I tried harder to be approachable? I am confined to the radius I cannot leave. I am confined to time I don’t have. I am trapped in a web of my own making.

I cannot reach out, so I show myself off in hopes that someone else reaches out to me.

And it’s not like it doesn’t work. I’ve made good friends (just three really), and if I lost touch with any of them, I’d always regret it.

But there’s no love there. Not just in the romantic sense, but in the platonic sense too. I adore the place these two people have in my life, but I am ashamed to admit that I’m always distant, too afraid to properly reach out. I try to keep them close, but I know that one day I will lose hold and it’ll drift away once more.

There’s always this little bit of fear at the back of my heart. There’s this like voice that says “They only pretend to like you” and that ever-present fear permeates through my entire being.

I look upon my teenage years fondly. I think of that time with rosier lanes than most. But this time of common outings and sleepovers and group gatherings at the mall and whispered hopes and shouted dreams is tainted by one memory that will haunt me forever.

I look upon my time fondly until I think of this one Memory.

Newly 16, only one person in our friends group could drive. She agreed to pick us all up from our houses at 4, so we could all hang out.

Excited to hang out and all dressed up, I sat in my bedroom with my bag and my shoes and waited. Then 4 hit and a couple minutes passed. I texted my friends with no response.

Then 5 hit and I was worried. Had something happened? Was someone hurt?

Then 6 came and I was scared. Still sitting in my bedroom. Curled up in my bed, shoes long taken off.

And I finally received a reply.

They had forgotten about me.

And all I felt was anger and tears.

And I cried a lot.

I don’t remember what happened next. I can’t remember if I told them to forget about me or if I vengefully guilted them into letting me join. I can’t remember.

I just remember that strong feeling of betrayal.

And I remember thinking “oh, so I was never wanted to begin with”

And the fear kept creeping in.

And I wondered if these people I loved so dearly ever actually wanted me in their life.

And when high school ended, I left. Just close enough to be reachable (not like they ever did). Just far enough to move on.

Not like that worked out well. I could never quit click with anyone the way those people who made up my entire teenage world did.

Now, closer to the age of 22 than 21, there’s only two people I can truly call a friend.

Yet there’s a whole host of people I’ve come to develop attachments to that probably never thought of me again.

Did I make an impact on their lives as much as they made on mine? Did they know that I feel so deeply and appreciate them all to the point where apathetic dissociation is all I have to prevent myself from falling apart?

I used to be a very touchy person. My love language is very much touch and always has been. When was the last time I hugged someone truly and without restraint?

I want to love and be loved. I want to be loved by someone I can love back, and I want to love someone who will love me.

I should try harder to meet people. I should try harder to get a chance. I should try harder to keep them close.

Do they know I’m alone?

March 16, 2022. 1:15AM EST.

[cutegirlmayra]

I know you did a prompt a while ago about Amy having a fan and Sonic told him to basically get lost. So could you do something like that but make the guy feel more entitled to Amy and she owes him her love. And when she rejects him he gets really aggressive so it justifies Sonic being more aggressive in turn? I love how your depict protective Sonic soooo cute!

So, I have MANY jealous and protective Sonamy stories XD Shifting through them, I think you meant this one? (x) For future reference, if any of you lovely Anons want to maybe just... link?... the actual prompt I would be very much appreciative since I have over 900+ lol

(Preview prompt image provided by ArtsyAnnieRose (x) Please support the artist :)b)

As I mentioned when reviewing this Prompt on my youtube --> Pajama Blogs Ep. 1 Prompt Requests (x) Timecode: - 54:21 - I try and not do the same prompt twice, which means I like to rewrite things so that I don’t just keep making the same stories for different requests. So with this one, I’ve thought a lot about how to present it, and I think this will be fun! (Also, side note: I’m not making this cute and parody-like, I’ve changed my mind XD I have the right to do that! lol)

***TRIGGER WARNING***: (now you know it’s gonna get good.) I have subtly littered red flags throughout this story, if you have experienced stalking or manipulation strategies in your life please be aware they will be showing up in this fic. Due to the subtle nature of these traits, please be informed that I am in no way trying to downplay the danger of these situations, but showing that to the main character currently in these situations, her view of them is naïve and she sees no danger. Therefore, the gravity of the situation seems friendly and kind, but in no form am I saying these techniques are alright or acceptable. The ‘stranger’ character in this story is a creep, no matter how ‘charming’ or ‘sweet’ he may be portrayed in the innocent main character’s view. (If I write this correctly, hopefully, that message will be more clearer towards the end of the story.) I encourage any who recognize these toxic behaviors to please question your relationship with that individual and find safe, healthy relationships to pursue/keep instead. Whether your relationship with these kinds of people are platonic, friendship, or romantic in nature--please keep yourselves, families, friends, and other such loved ones safe. I will not be listing or detailing all occurrences of these moments within the story; however, with some psychology basics or google searching, you can find these common red flags or complexed manipulation strategies and how to better identify them.

Prompts are on shutdown! Do not send in any prompt requests at this time. Thank you!

Okay... let’s dive right in.

                                                 DIVE, DIVE, DIVE.

Note: This is another unconventional, more mature-themed story that I- well...

But my hope is that it’s still a story worth telling, so if you choose to, please enjoy.

Prompt:

Upon a rather dark and greying sky, as though the mentions of brief rainfall and storm weren’t apparent, many citizens in this bustling city were making their usual rounds around the mall. Carrying a thin jacket with an umbrella’s strap swinging at her side, Amy light-heartedly mused over a recent magazine’s article on the most eligible men, and read the chatty writer’s remarks on how Sonic The Hedgehog seemed to be away when the interviews for them were called.

She thought that so like Sonic, always away, but secretly just close enough to still keep tabs on what’s going on with the many locations in the world.

Eggman seemed to have a base everywhere, and while things had been pretty quiet as of late, she looked up from her magazine and once again wondered where in the wide, blue world he could be.

Was he bored? Off on another adventure? ... Napping? Eating? Was he eating enough?

She sighed with a dreamy look on her face, lost in her thoughts before a stranger flicked his wrist as he approached her, and a charging wind blasted in her direction. Blowing her back, it swiftly hit against her loosely closed umbrella, since Amy wanted to be prepared for any sudden downpour, and triggered it’s spring to further yank her back.

“Ah!” Amy tried to turn around to catch herself, the strap around her wrist forcing the sudden about-face as she grabbed her umbrella’s long steel pole to try and counter the pull.

“Woah!” the stranger that was passing her from the front suddenly stumbled at the sight and quickly rushed behind her, leaning over and grabbing where her hand was on the open umbrella as the wind suddenly stopped. His hand lingered by her side as though to brace with her and help, before noticing the wind stop and looking dumbfounded at the umbrella.

There was a silence as Amy felt the stranger was almost holding her, and turned to him with blinks, “Heh-heh... umm... Thank you.” her body was bent as she tried to use her heels against the pavement to counter-force the sudden rush of heavy wind, but with it’s immediate halt, she stepped forward and away from the strange, intimate moment to close her umbrella.

He stood more straighter, fixing himself up too before smiling kindly to her, “Does this happen to you often? Sudden, emmmm...” He swirled his palm-facing upwards hands around as he held the long, hummed note. “Bursts of photo-aesthetic air through your hair?”

Amy chuckled lightly, briefly looking back at him before continuing to fix her umbrella, worried it may be broken as the spring wasn’t going down well enough. Realizing it was probably jammed, she blew up some air to her bangs, figuring the worst, “Yeah, real convenient for a photoshoot. Maybe the photographer will settle for a water effect?” she gestured humorously up to the clouds, “All I need is a chair,” she teased, “Thanks again for the help. Really! You came out of nowhere!”

“Much like wind.” He joked back, putting his hands in his pockets, tilting his head to her. “You... wouldn’t mind if I take in the view of that shot, would you?”

“Huh?” she didn’t quite understand what he was making reference to.

He smiled as if realizing she didn’t get it and shook his head, “Nothing, nevermind. I’m clearly wasting your time,” he took out his own umbrella, looked at her a moment, then back to it. His long, brown and heavy jacket then flopped back to his side as he offered her it, “No offense, but I did just meet you. I would offer you my umbrella, but I’m worried I may never see it again. However, I have a solution,” He opened the umbrella and then gestured his hand to a restaurant near him. “So that we’re not strangers anymore, and I can trust you with something so dearly precious to me as an old, fifty cent umbrella I literally picked up from a second-hand store... might I entreat you to a meal?”

Amy smiled, relieved he was being so gentlemanly. “I wouldn’t mind at all!” she cheerily perked up, looking at her umbrella and tossing it in a garbage can. “I’m Amy,” She took his hand, curtseying. “Amy Rose.”

She did notice he was probably older than her, but he did a little bow and she realized she hadn’t notice his real height until his eyes matched her level. He held his eyes with her sights... and she wondered why he was pausing so long, “I know...” He finally whispered out, tilting his umbrella over her head, “You’re pretty famous, you know. Anyone would be lucky to help you out in a pinch. I’m Oscar, I work around here.”

Guiding her into the outdoor restaurant, he sat her at one of the white tables with it’s own umbrella on it and closed his, settling down on the opposite side of her. “Well, then! Do you mind this spot?”

“Oh, it’s my favorite, actually!” Amy chimed, knowing the location very well.

“Really?” He seemed a little less intrigued at that than Amy would have normally supposed someone would, but then after putting his umbrella away, leaned forward as though very attentive and putting his fingers together, his elbows on the wooden round table of white and letting his nose press down against his hands. He had gotten comfortable, and Amy, thinking this was his way of showing interest in what she meant, continued to sweetly respond.

“This is so funny, but I come here almost every Thursday and Friday for the new deals at my favorite store! I usually order the same thing too,... I really love ice cream.” Amy felt a strange new energy at meeting someone for the first time, and continued to feel refresh at this new-found friendship.

“Ice cream? No way! That’s my favorite too!” Oscar parted his fingers as though excited to hear this. “I have a sweet tooth. I know, I know, so silly of a man like me.”

“Oh, no! Not at all!” Amy waved her hands out, “What’s your favorite kind?”

“Well,...” He thought a moment, before smiling back to her and holding a wink, “I have an idea, you tell me yours first. I bet it’s probably very different.”

“I’m a simple girl, Vanilla is mostly my cup of tea. But... whenever I’m feeling adventurous, I go for it! Scoops of Vanilla and Chocolate with some random new flavor of mint or cookie flavored and then I top it with all sorts of stuff!”

He coughed as though shocked, “...That’s literally my favorite too!”

“What!?” Amy was excited to hear this, “I thought I was the only one that eccentric!”

“I know! That’s why I thought your answer would be completely different!” As Oscar continued to review Amy’s interests, he kept nodding along and reaffirming that they shared many similar interest and hobbies before the waiter appeared. “I love to chase certain thrills and excitements. I’m sure, being an adventurer, I figured that may be the reason why you place yourself in such perilous circumstances as well.”

“Your orders, lady? Sir?” The waiter asked, trying to kindly cut in as Oscar pulled out his wallet.

“Strawberry sunday with a hint of vanilla, you?” he looked back to her.

“Ha! That’s my Thursday order!” she giggled into her hand, “Same here, please!”

He shook his head, a little theatrically, “It’s almost like... where have you been all my life?”

“I mean, I know, right!? And you work around here! That’s so weird that I’ve never seen you before... where-”

“Ah, there’s really nothing interesting about me. I’m much more fascinated in the adventures you take. What with your friends always weighing you down and everything.” He basically ignored the waiter as he tried to ask any follow-up questions, and Amy just looked between the two and then smiled politely to the waiter, showing that that was all they were going to have.

“Weighing me down..? Oh no, without Sonic and the others, I couldn’t do anything as big as saving the world! We all need each other, you know?” She happily confirmed before he spoke again, sighing.

“I guess they would have you think that way, huh?” a offhanded comment that made Amy’s eyebrows furrow, but she just continued to speak about the wonderful traits and abilities of her friends, in which case, he kept shaking his head as though she was wrong.

“What?” She finally asked, “You don’t seem to like Sonic, Tails, or Knuckles...”

“I just think you could do with some different friends.” He shrugged, “Some that wouldn’t constantly leave you behind or undergrade your merit.” In that moment, the waiter came back to place down their orders.

“U-undergrade..?” She looked down a moment, “N-no, no one’s holding me back or anything. I choose how I help out, I can’t always keep up with Sonic and the others so-” she stopped a second and shook her head, getting frustrated, “I-I mean, I can go with them whenever I want!” she retorted, and noticing her shift in demeanor, he took some ice cream and then held out his hand.

“Oh no, no, no. I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to imply you couldn’t keep up. I meant that you’re invaluable and they don’t treat you as such. But don’t worry, I’m here now, and I’ll show you how a true heroine should be treated. This meal is on me.” he gestured to her ice cream, “After this, I’ll show you some places that you probably haven’t been to before.”

“O-oh... T-That does sounds exciting!”

For a few weeks after that, Amy began to hang out with Oscar frequently. They would text back and forth, and she couldn’t help but smile when he always called her beautiful and made her feel so special. However, although the places they first went to weren’t so bad... he started showing her back alleyways with clubs and other ‘themed’ places that made her slightly uneasy.

She knew he was older than her, but would decline any invitation if he stated, “But I know a guy, he’ll let you in.” and continued to protest and remind him of her age.

That being said, the parks were lovely though!

He would often bring her little gifts and flowers too, stating that the next time she came with him, he’d bring some home-made food and had a habit of patting her head or brushing something off her hair if it landed on her. Though, Amy never noticed the ‘leaf’ that had fallen on her shoulder, or the ‘bug’ that was buzzing around her headband.

He also would usually lead her when they walked and talked, if they came to a corner, he would lightly put his hand to her back, until one time she mentioned his hand went just slightly lower than normal and he apologized profusely.

All was going very well, he even carried her bags and offered to take them home with her, but she insisted she would take the train and that he needn’t worry.

Finally, on a Friday when she was heading down for her sale, texting Oscar, a familiar wind picked up and almost brought up her dress.

“Oh, look out!” Oscar appeared and grabbed her dress, pushing it down. “Phew! Close one, aye?”

“W-where did you come from?” Amy adjusted her dress as he held his hands to the rim of her dress still, but when she looked up at him, he immediately released them.

“I suppose I just naturally come when you need me.” he scratched the back of his head, looking away as though shy. “I don’t know... sometimes, I can’t sit still, I get this feeling like you need me, and lo and behold!” He gestured to her, “You really do need someone looking after you twenty-four seven, huh?” he squatted down to look up at her, then his face turned to concern. “It’s a shame you don’t have anyone to look after you... especially in moments like this.”

“W-what are you talking about? I have Sonic!” Amy placed her Miles-Electric away and gestured for him to stand upright, but instead, he took her hands and placed them on his cheeks, acting cute but a lot younger than he actually was.

“But he didn’t save you, I did~” he whined, squishing her hands to his cheeks and rotating them around as she thought him slightly weird and took them away, pushing him back as he stumbled. “H-hey!”

“Oh, you! Sonic is just the same way! He can’t sit still when he senses someone needs him... hey, that reminds me of my article...” Amy remembered the magazine she was subscribed too, and looked over to see that within his usual trench coat, was a page of that article sticking out. “Ah!” She pointed to it, amazed, “You read ‘Famous Quips’ too!?!”

“Doesn’t everyone?” he seemed to speak quickly, before shoving the magazine back in deeper. “Ehem, kinda a girlie magazine... promise not to tell anyone? I don’t wanna lose my street-cred!”

She laughed, “You are like Sonic! Always acting so cool...” she shook her head and took his arm, what she had started doing since he offered it so many times, and they walked down the street.

He bought anything her eye rested on, which made her beg him to at least let her pay for food, as he mentioned a concert happening at the club he kept trying to get her to go to.

“Come on, you’ll love this band! We adore the same music too! I know a perfect spot in the back where no one will see us and the bouncer is my friend!” his voice was enthusiastic, nudging her every now and then with his elbow as she looked away and rolled her eyes. “You’re not a babe anymore, Amy! You’re gonna end up going to clubs eventually, might as well be with someone you know, right?”

“I don’t know...” Amy looked down,... and he gently stopped walking to look away from her.

“...Do you not trust me?”

“W-what?” Amy let go of his arm, “What do you mean? Of course I do!” she was very hurt by his accusation, “I mean, we’ve hung out so much, I just don’t really think clubbing is my thing...”

“You never want to do what I suggest.” He looked down, “I go to your favorite store with you and help you bargain hunt, I take you around the park... I’m just saying, the one time I want to go and do something, you keep saying no.” he folded his arms, and Amy began to panic that he was really offended by her.

“T-that’s not true, Oscar! I...” she looked away a moment, and he looked back at her.

“...Ah, I can’t stay mad at you.” He pulled her into a hug, holding her there. He took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, hey, let’s go get ice cream and talk about it later, okay? I’ll pay again.”

Her eyes shifted about, not sure what that was all about. “N-no, I’ll pay.” she tried to move away but kept an arm around her and led her on.

“I wouldn’t be considered a man if I let the woman pay!” he insisted, and ended up paying for the meal.

As it got late, he offered to carry her bags home again, and whined in a goofy way when she kept saying it was too late to have guests over, but maybe sometime.

“If you won’t see the concert with me, at least take me to your place sometime. It’s the least you could do for me.” He gave her the bags, then stroked her hair again, “You really shouldn’t be taking the train at night, you never know what sicko might be on it. You’re tough, Amy dear, but you’re still a girl and you know how you’re prone to cause problems.” he laughed, but that stung Amy’s pride a bit.

She held her bags and looked away a moment, “...Is that... how I come off to people?”

“Oh sure!” he then continued to stroke her head, “...You ... didn’t notice?”

“...That I look weak?” Amy shook her head and he instinctively removed his hand.

He held it in the air a moment, before letting it rest on Amy’s head again, as though realizing she wasn’t doing that to make him stop.

“No... the part where I... gave you a new nickname.” He smiled, tenderly and squatted down to her level again, keeping his hand on her head. “Amy dear. I think it’s cute!”

“...O-oh, I mean, I don’t really like how it could appear though.” Amy had a bead of sweat form and he abruptly got up, looking upset.

“Don’t like how it could appear!? What does that mean!?” He snapped.

She flinched at his sudden uproar, as he grabbed a bag from her, “I’ve been wanting to introduce the nickname to you all day! And that’s how you think about it!?” he looked as though he was going to either smash or rip the bag, but just looked furiously away from her, “I thought about it a lot, you know! It was suppose to mean something!”

Amy grew slightly afraid, but not taking this sudden mood-swing again, she opened her mouth to say something.

He interjected and looked dead in her face, “You really don’t trust me, do you, Amy?”

Thinking she didn’t want to hurt him, she shook her head, “I-I never said that!”

“Don’t yell at me,” he looked downhearted suddenly, even though she wasn’t raising her voice that much, not like he was.

“I’m not-”

“You are, and it’s really making me feel like you’re just... you don’t consider me a friend. I told you people usually reject me,... I was vulnerable to you!”

“Oscar, calm down a moment and-”

“You’re the one who’s not ‘calming down’ you can’t do a single thing I want to do! You’re being... selfish!” he flopped the bag down in front of her, startling her as he took off stomps and a hissy-fit.

Not able to process that sudden shift in behavior, Amy was lost to her thoughts and... slowly... proceeded to get the bag and head to the train station.

Numerous texts came flooding in that week as she hadn’t gone back to the plaza and mall, and she kept wondering how he knew she wasn’t there. They had hung out multiple times, maybe he was just expecting another hang out without actually asking this time...

Still, she felt somewhat obliged to text back: Sorry, I’ll see you Friday. This Thursday, I just felt sick.

Oscar: Do you need anything? Send me your address, I’ll bring you medicine and make you some food! I really am sorry if I scared you, I shouldn’t have done that. You’re beautiful and I’m just insecure. You know how I can be, just like you, I get really attached to people and just want to be accepted. I’m really sorry, please don’t not see me again! I promise I’ll get myself under control, we’ll do whatever you want to do this time! Honest!

Amy didn’t text back...

Oscar: The concert is next Friday, I won’t mention it again but... it would be really awesome if we could see Pop Pinkies together... I know it’s my favorite band and our favorite music is what they play so... just think about it at least, alright?

That Friday, Amy was wearing something that made her almost blend in with the crowd. Unlike her usual bubbly skip in the streets, she was hiding beneath her umbrella and coat, as though not wanting to be spotted.

A sudden burst of wind and she panicked, darting behind a corner and putting her umbrella away. “Dumb wind.” she mumbled, looking around to make sure Oscar wasn’t there...

The wind suddenly shifted as she poked her head out, “That’s odd, wind doesn’t usually change direction unless...” she turned and gasped as she saw Sonic, leaning his head towards her and looking confused.

“...Since when did you start taking the back-alley ways? Don’t you know that’s dangerous, Amy?” He blinked, furrowing his brow as he straightened up and folded his arms, “Heh, long time no-”

Amy’s mind was suddenly triggered by something Oscar had said, and she tuned out Sonic completely, her world going dark...

“I just think you could do with some different friends. Some that wouldn’t constantly leave you behind or undergrade your merit.”

“You’re tough, Amy dear, but you’re still a girl and you know how you’re prone to cause problems.“

“Is that... really how I appear to you?” Amy’s voice quaked as she spoke it, “Do I really look weak... even to you?”

Sonic was taken aback by the tears forming in her eyes, and immediately dropped the friendly banter, “Amy? What’s wrong? Weak?” he didn’t know where she got that notion from. “N-no, I-... Amy, is something wrong?” he moved forward to reach for her but pulled away, something Amy wasn’t used to as she really did--for a brief moment--think he was going to place his hand on her head.

Almost as if expecting that, she leaned her head in a strange way and then back, not sure why she did that.

He didn’t notice the action though, but she hugged herself, also remembering that after the light head pats was usually a strong and forceful embrace...

“...Amy?” she hadn’t responded to him, and now, Sonic was noticing a very clear change in Amy.

“N-no, of course you wouldn’t think that... I’m sorry, I really don’t... I don’t want to be around people right now.” she looked away, “I... I made someone feel really bad and I don’t know what to do.”

“Really? What did you do?” Sonic lifted his hand and she immediately looked at it, which made him pause. “...Umm... I was just gesturing... Amy...” His ears bent back, not sure why she looked so squarely at his hand. “Is everything okay?”

She really thought he was offering her hand, but she didn’t want to take it... not this time.

“I made a new friend, and he’s mad at me. I’m worried... if I hurt him again, he’ll really be in a bad emotional state, and it’ll be all my fault.” Amy put her umbrella up and started to walk away from Sonic, “I want to take a new route, I didn’t even want to come out today...”

“...Amy, you don’t control this new friend’s behavior, they do.” Sonic corrected her and walked beside her, focusing heavily on the signs of uncomfortability Amy was showing. “...What happened with this ‘new friend’ of yours?” He directly asked, and Amy relayed to him how she met him, then how he liked all the things she liked and agreed with everything in the beginning, how charming he was before the more time she spent with him, he seemed to change and start acting funny... but not in the good way.

“...He likes everything you like?” Sonic lowered his head a little, honing in on some things Amy briefly mentioned.

“Yeah, isn’t that crazy? He’s a guy but he totally loves sweet things and a popular girl’s magazine I enjoy.” Amy smiled, closing her eyes as though cheering up when thinking about it.

“...And he knew your order before you even made it?” Sonic folded his arms, putting two and two together.

“Yeah...” Amy suddenly slowed down in her steps, her eyes widening.

Sonic closed his eyes, matching her speed as he began to help her focus on the more important parts of her story, “And this... strange wind that passes by here... only comes at you and blows your dress up or opens your umbrella?”

She stopped.

He continued to walk, “And you say he works around here... which means he may have seen you come and go multiple times... and probably watched you ordered and heard what you liked, and saw what you read, and knew about you from the news and press... he disliked your friends and took you places and then entitled himself to being in charge over your Thursday and Friday venues... then, to really top it all off with the icing on the cake and all that jazz... he’s been insisting you go to a adult-themed club with him and throws a tissy-fit when you say no?”

Sonic stopped, his fists had already tightened into such hard balls of fury that he had to take silent deep breaths just to contain himself.

“And worst of all... he’s tried to copy me and put it in your mind that your friends don’t respect you the way we should... isolating you,” He put out a finger, “Grooming and manipulating you... Amy, you should have written this guy the moment he snapped at you... and probably sooner, but I’ll take that as you were just seeing the best sides of him... and not the dirty kind.” he didn’t turn around, but he felt Amy lingering behind him and knew if he said anymore, she may just start crying. “...Where do you think this creep is now?”

“He... He’s not a creep.” Amy lied, feeling in her heart that she just did lie, for Oscar’s sake...

Sonic tsk’ed and turned around, “How can you stand there and defend him!? Do you even know what Grooming is!?”

“...I... I don’t.” she wiped her eyes, “I don’t think I know anything...”

The manipulation had really set in on Amy, she was denying something she knew was true and didn’t know why. She was defending a man who clearly was up to no good, and yet... she cared about him still.

“Sonic... I think... I think I’m sick.” she held her stomach, the realization setting in. “You don’t think... he wanted me to take him to my house to..?”

“He wanted to what!?” Sonic lunged forward, holding his fists back and to his sides as he tried to remain level-headed, pulling away from her. “Amy, you know the truth now, it’s time to end this... ‘friendship’ you two have.”

Amy fell to her knees, “That’ll kill him!”

Sonic immediately looked behind him, Amy almost begging him not to make her do it as Sonic couldn’t stand to see her this broken and twisted up from Oscar’s scheming.

“Amy...” he wanted to say so many things..! But instead, just turned around and held a strong look, “You have to face this... but you won’t be alone.” He offered her his hand, “I won’t leave your side, and I’ll be there the whole way through. You deserve to go out and have fun without someone telling you that it can only be ‘their’ way of fun.” He looked so serious... but she felt a peace wash over her at how she knew his words were never lies or deceits for something devious. His words were for her and her well-being... not once did Sonic ever yell or enforce his way about things at all. He listened to her, even though she knew he must be raging inside at his friend’s predicament... it’s not like she purposefully got herself into this mess.

“You know how you’re prone to cause problems.“

She placed her hands up against her eyes, crying. “Am I... being a burden to my friends, Sonic?”

He immediately scooped her up into a bridal-style hold, “Which store did you want to visit today, Amy? Or do you want to just go home?”

“Please, I want to go home.” Amy held onto him as without a second word, he zoomed off.

The next few days, Sonic instructed that Amy block the number, but text messages seemed to not be the only thing Oscar knew... He called her home number, which surprised both of them, and the phone never stopped ringing.

That next Thursday, Sonic accompanied Amy everywhere she went, and they didn’t spot Oscar anywhere. But come that Friday...

Sonic was carrying some of Amy’s bags, she didn’t look fully recovered from anything, but at least she was wearing brighter colors in her coat she wore that day, and a nice sun hat as Sonic held the umbrella up for her.

He looked a little bored, but kept his eyes peeled when a sudden wind shoved him to the pavement.

“Ah! Sonic!” Amy turned around but was immediately grabbed around the waist, pulled back. “Gah!”

“I can’t believe you let him back into your life!!!”

Amy’s ears rang with Oscar’s voice, before shoving him back and falling down beside Sonic, who quickly shook off the wind blast and spun around to pick up Amy’s things, placing the bags by the store’s window.

“So, this is the wind-manipulator, eh?” Sonic rotated his shoulder out, having landed on it pretty roughly, “Look, I don’t know anything about you, and neither does Amy, really! So either get the hint and quit bothering Amy, or I’ll have to take matters into my own hands!” he hunkered down, getting ready for a fight, but... he also seemed not to be putting on airs or a show.

Sonic... although smiling a bit as he spoke to him, suddenly took a darker and more focused attention on how Oscar was holding himself.

Oscar looked to Amy, not even talking to Sonic, “I told you everything about me... What does that lying Sonic know about you!? I’m the one that’s been with you this whole time while he’s been off, probably with some other girl!”

Amy thought that ridiculous, and seeing him in a new light, she was able to at last come to fact with this pervert in front of her. “You... you were never my friend... were you, Oscar?”

He bit his teeth down, “Is that what he made you think?!”

“No, that’s what he made he realize!” She threw up her hammer and blasted wind at her.

She was forced to slide against the concrete, “I don’t mean to hurt you, Amy dear!” he cried out, “We’ll settle this when he isn’t around!”

“I think you’ve got it backwards, Oz!” Sonic, seeing that his hands controlled the wind, kicked it away from Amy’s direction and then spun in a rotation within the air to punch him down.

He stumbled, as though not used to physical fighting and tumbled all the way over into the street.

“I’ve known Amy much longer and deeper than you have! You’re just some creep who takes advantage of little girls!” Sonic’s fists was shaking, clearly, he didn’t want to just leave it at one blow. “Amy, get behind me!” He gestured out his hand and Amy immediately got up and moved behind him.

“I can... I think I can fight him!” She tried to state, but Sonic looked behind his shoulder and she put her head down. “I... I want to but...”

“...You still care about me, don’t you, Amy dear?”

“Quit calling me that!” Amy threw her arms down, “You used me! You weren’t my friend! I can’t believe I trusted you!”

Sonic turned to the man, “Why are you even answering him, Amy? He’s not talking to you, he’s talking to some Amy Dear girl he’s been building in his mind. You were never anything to him... it was the girl he was crafting that he was interested in.” Sonic slowly walked towards him as the man started to scoot back, clearly not able to fight Sonic The Hedgehog.

“Let’s play a new game...” Sonic suddenly lifted up a device, “Is your real name Warner Windstrom? You’ve got a bounty on your head that the cops are just dying to claim...” he pressed the button as suddenly an alarm went out, and from around the corners, police vehicles blocked his way of escape. “Oh, and that club? A typical place where your old ‘hostages’ claimed they were drugged. Trust me, pal, I’ll personally make sure you don’t get out of jail again.” Sonic let the police start moving in but Warner immediately shoved air beneath him and flew into the sky, shocking everyone as Sonic held up a arm over his eyes and moved back to Amy, shielding her as well.

She was in shock, that kind man she knew was suddenly a criminal and had previously hurt and abused other women... She didn’t know Sonic set this all up, but she probably wouldn’t have let him if she had known.

“I thought we were just gonna talk to him!” she cried out, putting her hand on his shoulder before shaking her head, “I’m defending him again... aren’t I?”

“Amy shouldn’t be with a loser like you, Sonic!” Warner cried out, “You can’t always save her! You can’t always be around to-!”

Before he could finish, a hammer slammed into his gut.

“Nice one, Amy.” Sonic complimented, as Amy stood up beside him.

She didn’t say anything, but judging from the neutral expression... and tears streaming down her eyes...

He just looked back at Warner, “I know this is a lot to take in... but trust me on this one... You’ll be alright.”

Amy summoned another hammer, “Want to give me a lift?”

“Certainly.” Sonic spun into a ball that lifted him up into the wind, then uncurled to reach out for Amy as she jumped, “Hit him hard!” he encouraged as he threw her up the rest of the length.

She pushed her dress down as he extended his arms to her, “Amy, please! You know me! I love-!”

She just growled and let out a piercing war-cry, slamming her hammer down on his face, “I’m not your friend, I’m not your anything, buzz off!!!!”

He slammed to the ground, and as the wind ceased, Sonic landed and caught her immediately, and the two watched as the police immediately took him.

He kept trying to call out to Amy but she didn’t say anything back, just ducking her head into Sonic’s shoulder.

Sonic’s eyes never left Warner’s face... but leaving the scattered bags around, he took her to the park near by and sat her down.

He waited there... as Amy was just frozen in her thoughts... unable to speak.

After some time, she got up and walked to stand beside him, “What about the bags?”

“Not concerned.” Sonic stated, then looked back to her, “You okay?”

“No,” Amy admitted, “You were right. It’s gonna take time... but I wish it would all just go away now.” she placed her hands on the side of her arms, “How... how did you know? When I was telling you about him... how did you know he was no good?”

Sonic tilted his head back and forth, then tapped his head. “When you’ve been around the block a few times... helping justice here and there... you learn a thing or two about red flags, Amy... you don’t have a lot of dating experience--or just knowing bad dudes are like that--in general! I don’t blame you... but I do think that you should be careful who your friends are.”

She scooted closer to him... then tilted her head to his shoulder.

“..Can you help me get better?”

“No,” he lightly tilted his head to hers, “But I can be with you while you figure it out.”

There was a long moment of silence as they held that comforting moment...

“Will I ever be me again?” she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

“...No,” He responded, tenderly, as though a whisper as he looked up at the rain being to slowly drop all around them. “But I can be with you as you learn to accept her.”

Amy closed her eyes, feeling the small drops of rain before it all at once, speedily came down on them.

“...Will you still love me? At the end of it all?”

Silence...

“I already do.”

Rain scattered as Sonic held his eyes straight up into the clouds... the storm in his heart subsiding as Amy cried and her shoulder’s bounced beside him.

[barry-j-blupjeans]

31 from the touch list? Please?

31 (touches). doing a pinky swear

((prompt list here - still accepting!!))

u didn't request any ships/characters specifically so here's Magnus n Lucretia (platonic)

--

It was five days back into a new cycle and Lucretia still wasn't talking to him, which Magnus was trying to accept. Last year hadn't been great for any of them, he was sure, but it was specifically terrible for Magnus, Barry, and Lucretia. There hadn't been any humans on that plane but there had been a council. The world was full of strange and mysterious oddities that the council set out to study. Being freshly new and odd, the council had taken it upon themselves to-

Study was putting it lightly.

Barry had been taken first, under the prose that the council just wanted to speak to him, privately. The "private meeting" went on for much longer than they had agreed upon and when they had gone to look for Barry, he hadn't been there.

Davenport had made Lucretia and Magnus promise not to leave the ship. They did so, Magnus less willing than Lucretia, and well-

Magnus was usually good at following orders. But there were lives at stake. Humans weren't the only ones being hurt by the council and the breaking point for him had been seeing a dog-like creature dragged into the research center, as Davenport made him stand back and out of the way.

He tried sneaking out in the middle of the night, but Lucretia had caught up with him. They argued for a bit about Davenport's rule and then set out together, to go find Barry. Lucretia had made Magnus promise- promise, wholeheartedly- that he wouldn't do anything rash. Magnus agreed, knowing how he was, and without the intent to actually follow through.

He had sort of... broken that promise upon seeing what was going on inside the research center. Even now, thinking about it made him sick. He felt guilty, after re-gen, for breaking his word, but even more guilty upon the realization that his actions had lead Lucretia to death for the first time ever.

That's probably why she wasn't talking, thinking logically about it. Taako and Lup had told him the story of what happened after (once they were done mobbing Barry, that is). It had been a grizzly sight and they had even convinced Davenport to let them burn down the facility once they rescued everyone inside. The sadness of missing a revolution was outmatched by the stinging regret he felt every time he saw Lucretia.

"Just- talk to her," Lup groaned, head in her hands, after Magnus had come to her for the fifth time to talk about it. She swept the papers she had been working on aside and turned to face him.

"Look, Mags, both of you are, putting it nicely, stubborn little shits- don't give me that look, you know you are. The rest of us are, too, that's why we're not perma-dead yet. But babe, you can't just let it lie. It's just gonna end with you two crying at each other and then getting over it. C'mon dude."

"But," Magnus started. Lup rolled her eyes.

"Lucy's like a sister to you, yeah?" Lup asked and Magnus nodded, frowning. "Okay, then take it from me, someone who has a terrible, horrible brother, whom I love very dearly. This fight, or whatever, isn't helping anyone. Communication is key when it comes to any relationship, even platonic ones. Stop being so scared that she's mad at you and start being scared that you might lose your friendship if you don't do anything."

"Right," Magnus said, a little more determined. "Okay, yeah. Thank you."

"Uh-huh," Lup said, turning back to his papers. "If you see Barry on your way tell him that, uh- the experiment we started earlier is going well."

"Is that code for something?" Magnus asked, watching the way Lup's face split into a sly grin.

"Not that I'll tell," she said, winking.

--

It took until that night for Magnus to properly work up the courage to talk to Lucretia, which made him feel stupid. He could run into a swarm of the Hunger feeling nothing but excitement, but the idea of talking with Lucretia about what had happened last cycle made him feel almost sick to his stomach.

In the end, he knocked on Lucretia's door half an hour before dinner. There was a shuffle from inside and then the door opened a bit and Lucretia peaked out. She didn't look surprised to see him there. If anything, she looked just about as nervous as Magnus felt.

"Alright," Lucretia said. "Come in."

She opened the door wider and beckoned Magnus inside. He had been in here before, of course. There was a slowly filling bookshelf of her journals, and journals she had yet to use. Her sheets were a dark, royal blue, from a fabric shop from a few cycles back. There was an easel in the corner and a bucket full of different types of paints and art... things... Magnus wasn't very well versed in any of it.

She pulled the chair out from her desk and let him sit, sitting on top of the desk herself. They stared.

"Taako said-" she started, at the same time he said,

"Lup-"

She grinned at him sheepishly. It made Magnus feel a lot better to know she had gotten advice, too. She gestured at him, letting him go first.

"I went to Lup," he began, "because I didn't know exactly how to- to fix this, but she just said to talk to you, and let it come out, so, uh. I'm sorry, I guess. No, I mean- I am sorry, I just- I'm not good at thinking through things and you got hurt because of it. You died because I rushed into something and I should have thought about that. I should have kept you in mind, but when I saw all those creatures getting hurt, and thought about what must have happened to Barry, I- couldn't help myself. I'm sorry you died because of it. Because- of because of me."

Lucretia was silent for a few moments, hands resting in her lap. He had been avoiding her eye during his speech, but when he was done, he looked up at her.

"I'm not angry because I died," she said. "I'm angry because you broke your promise."

"I- what?"

"I don't care that I died!" Lucretia said loudly, slamming her hand on the desk. "It fucking- yes, yeah, it hurt, but it hurt that you promised me you wouldn't rush in, and then you did! If you're going to be rash, you need to tell me outright- that's what got us killed, Magnus! That you didn't trust me enough to tell me what you were thinking!"

"I trust you!" Magnus said, but Lucretia shook her head. She was looking a little teary.

"Did you promise with the intention of actually keeping your word?" she asked, and when Magnus couldn't respond (because, no, he hadn't been planning to be "rash" about it), she turned away from him and said, "that's what I thought."

"They were hurting the animals and people they had there," Magnus said, finally, voice wet and hurt. "I couldn't just... let them do that. I couldn't, Lucretia."

"I know," she said, taking a deep breath. "I know. I just- just as appalled you was, trust me. We could have gotten out alive, though, I think. If you had taken the time to think about what to do with me. Like Lup and Taako did, when they broke everyone out after we died."

Something uncomfortable was rooted in Magnus's chest and it was that she was right- she was a hundred percent right. He had the tendency to act instead of think and had been like that before the Starblaster mission. It was fitting for a twenty-two-year-old, fresh into the real world, but- fuck. He wasn't twenty-two, anymore, not really.

He saw the pain in Lucretia's eyes and realized she wasn't twenty anymore, either. Not like they were when they started.

"You're right," Magnus said, nodding. "I broke my promise, willingly, and it was stupid of me. I can't promise things like that right off the back because I'm realizing I still have a lot of growing left to do. It's- weird, I think. Being so young with so much knowledge. I don't feel like I'm living up to the age I actually am."

Lucretia nodded, slowly, and looked into his eyes. He could see the tears in them.

"I shouldn't have made you promise something so drastic for you," Lucretia said.

"Maybe not," Magnus shrugged. "But there is something I can say- I can promise, I mean. Look, pinky swear, so you know I'm not lying."

He held out his pinky. Lucretia took it apprehensively in her own, a small smile sneaking back onto her face.

"I promise I'm gonna try to grow up," he swore and Lucretia snorted. "Seriously- maybe not like, uh, like I'm still gonna be childish as fuck, don't doubt that, but- I'm gonna try to think things through more. Think of the consequences to my actions."

He shook their pinky's, a bit violently. Lucretia took her hand back, looking at him appraisingly.

"I'll hold you to that," she said.

"Please do," Magnus said.

[boop-le-snoot]

masterpost • main masterlist • taglist & faq

previously on...

Chapter 3 is finally here. Sorcerers need their shopping done, too. Beyonce/Wong platonic ship (joking)! And finally some action, more witchy stuff. Bucky whump because I have a saviour complex. Stucky cuteness moment. Some blood/gore in this chapter.

My insides clenched, seeing the yellow and blue notice taped to my door - the building manager rarely left notes, so whatever it was, it wasn't going to be good. I had managed to wind myself up into an anxious frenzy by the time I had gone inside and locked my door behind me, immediately thinking I would have to exhaust myself by turning to magic to keep a roof over my head.

For once, the news turned out to be positive: a neighbor was being evicted and turned in to the police for stealing packages. The building manager urged the tenants to report any missing items and apply for a refund when possible, apologizing for the inconvenience. I wondered what prompted this, basically unheard of in NYC, act of kindness as my altar stared at me with mocking amusement, pointing out the obvious by its mere presence.

Grinning to myself, I texted Odette - predictably, she was happy for me, happy that my protection spell had turned out strong and steady, and added a few tips of her own for my spell to stay that way. It felt like I'd grown invisible wings, those days, with all the possibilities open - and never once did I let myself entertain a thought of getting back at an enemy of the past for longer than five seconds.

Sure, it was perfectly human to consider making the cheating ex go bankrupt or make sure the college professor, that failed a couple of students each semester as a 'reality check', trips and face-plants at least once a day... I mean, who wouldn't experience a malicious sort of joy from petty revenge?

But I found my powers were best applied with a positive result in mind. My friend's cat was the first test rat- I mean, living creature I had practiced my healing spells on. The eleven year old kitty was struggling and both me and my friend loved the critter dearly - so the short, but tiring spell I performed yielded exactly the results I was expecting. Odette said something about genuine love backing up the magic, and- well, Dumbledore much?

On humans, it turned out, it wasn't nearly as simple. I didn't know what I had expected would happen after performing nothing short of a whole improv-performace type of ritual right in front of my very puzzled but hopeful friend with chronic asthma, but it wasn't the sheer exhaustion that ran bone-deep and left me bedridden for a whole day.

Odette visited my dingy apartment with her signature enormous purse full of vials she spoon-fed me and trinkets she strategically placed in and around my immediate sleeping area. "There, there," the woman patted my head as I pitifully moaned at the ear-splitting headache. "The first one is always the most challenging. After all, if it would be easy, everyone would do it."

I understood that. But at the same time, it felt unfair that no good deed went unpunished. I told Odette so, raising my voice to the best of my ability as she rummaged around my kitchen.

"Nothing in this world comes out of thin air, whatever you decide to give has to be taken from somewhere," she explained patiently. "People like us are considered hedge witches. We do solitary work and draw most of our energy from the Earth, from mother Nature. We cannot perform miracles, however, the cost of our spells are very low," I felt an immediate peak of interest at the simple yet effective explaination she gave me. "We remain mostly human. Gaia* is kind and generous to the ones who pay respect," Odette continued over the clatter of pans and pots. "There are other kinds of witches - who take from other people, who take from the dead. But taking something by force always leaves scars and taking something from the dead means bringing a piece of them back to places it should not be."

I pondered the words as Odette brought the kettle to a boil, the whistling shriek piercing through my skull like a sharp projectile. "What about Voodoo practitioners?" I couldn't hold back my curiosity.

Odette cleared her throat. "What is left of them is mostly not human. Their gifts are great but the costs are greater. They can live far, far longer than the average witch but their souls will know no peace, just like the souls of the dead they anchor to themselves over time," Odette entered the room with a bowl of tangy, creamy liquid that smelled like pumpkin soup. "We do not bestow any judgement upon our brothers and sisters but it is our duty to inform the young." She cast a pointed glance towards me, passing me the soup and a wooden spoon I didn't know I had. "This should help you recover. Take tomorrow off if needs be."

She left shortly afterwards and I hadn't much strength than to use the bathroom, wash the rune-engraved spoon and curl up in my bed, only waking up when the meager light shone over my face from the window. Sleepy and fog-tinted, the early morning NYC was damp and windy as I stuck my head out of the window to soak my sleep-heated head in the cool air.

As uneventful as the day at the café was, I still wasn't up to 100% energy-wise, but the long walk from Jeremy's to Odette's was pleasantly invigorating. I didn't find the cold autumn moisture displeasing; the small raindrops kept me awake and alert. Odette nodded in muted pleasure as I clocked in and returned the special spoon back to her. The runes on it were interesting; I had taken a picture of them for research purposes, fully intending to craft myself something similar.

"Odette has taken on an apprentice," Wong's voice had me take in several deep breaths in preparation for the inevitable fuck-fest on my patience. "She has been avoiding me. And the girl is painfully slow."

I didn't hear the answer of Wong's companion over the rustling of the boxes I was hastily shoving in their places before the Asian man's temper grew foul. More foul. Ugh. The sharp ding of the bell had me yelling a, "Just a second please, I'll be right with you," while trying to keep my tone polite.

Wong's sour face and a list of items required greeted me as I flew out of the backrooms, noticing the locked doors of Odette's office on my way out. Wong's companion stood at the far end of the store - his robes quite different from the ones I'd seen people of their kind wear, his lithe, tall figure seeming strangely familiar. I squinted my eyes at his back. "Is this all you need?" I waved the list around, increasing the volume of my voice.

The tall man turned around and I could only gape. He, in turn, also froze, the stern, unfriendly expression losing heat and giving way to perplexed wonder. "I had placed an order, for sorcerer Strange," Tony's boyfriend eyed me somewhat sheepishly under Wong's concerned gaze.

I nodded, eyeing Wong in turn, letting satisfaction nestle a warm ball in my chest. Stephen's look of displeasure had turned onto his... Colleague. By the time I finished retrieving Strange's order and packing up the items on Wong's list, the Asian man had left, leaving Stephen to sheepishly pretend to examine the books on the furthest shelf. I waved the paper bags as he took long strides towards me, his fancy, large necklace glimmering under the lights.

"So, how long have you been working here?" Sorcerer Strange asked after I told him the total.

The cash register beeped loudly, coins clattering on the desk as I counted out his change. "Some time now," I shrugged noncommittally. I felt his magnetic eyes gloss over my adornments, the star necklace, the various rings; I could practically feel him coming to his own conclusions. "Long enough for your colleague to get an attitude with me," I had to make sure he knew I would be taking no bullshit from him - or anyone else, for that matter. Odette's opinion on his kind was firm and I was heavily inclined to agree.

"Hmm, I see," Strange was equally as keen on hiding his curiosity. It was a funny thing, really, that we, being adults that we were, treated this encounter like some sort of a dirty secret. "Don't take it personally. Wong is like that with everyone," The man briefly scratched his beard with a gloved hand before pocketing his change and picking up the bags. "Except Beyoncè, maybe," the wink he threw me was positively mischievous as it caught me off-guard, giving him a fox-like appearance.

I sighed as the door shut behind him. Pretty white boys - the ultimate human disasters.

I had no time to dwell on them, however, as something - or someone, hit downtown with all the malicious intentions to wreak havoc on the innocent civilians calmly going about their day. Mutants and people who knew Odette came in hordes, scrapes and bruises and strange wounds that required imminent healing.

My boss was no rookie, she dutifully accepted each and every single soul, looking worse for wear with each minute. Not being able to withstand seeing her drain herself, I simply took over the simplest tasks - and she said nothing, just gave me a nod, instructed to use whatever I needed and write it down somewhere along with the name of the person who required the healing.

As the battle raged, the crowds thinned but the ones who managed to come to Odette's spouted more serious wounds, obviously a result of them fighting back. Mutants covered head to toe with coats and hats and robes, for me to swallow my shock when they undressed - horns, tails and weird skin textures were on the far end of the normal. I dutifully extracted small pieces of information from each and every person I treated.

Yes, the Avengers were winning. No, there aren't many people hurt, most of the damage is cosmetic. Yes, the villain of the week is as stupid as usual. It was like a mantra. Odette poked her head into the spare room every now and then, her eagle eyes briefly scanning over me to make sure I wasn't exterting myself.

As I applied the healing salve to a tiny, pink-skinned woman, bandaging up her hands, my boss entered and closed the door behind her, setting down on the creaky chair with a loud thud. "Just got the news, the Avengers apprehended the terrorist," she sighed long and slow. "We've done all we could, the next few days I'll be handling house calls so you'll be here on your own. I'll probably see you in a few days, don't hesitate to give me a call if something comes up," Odette seemed to be barely standing up, yet when she tore off a few pieces of her jewelry and chucked them into a big tin can under the sink, the glossy sheen in her eyes melted away.

"Okay," I mumbled under the watchful eyes of the mutant woman. "Will there be more people coming in today?"

"No," the woman in front of me snorted. "SHIELD is prowling the streets. They are not fond of us, they always say we intervene unnecessarily even though we willingly do their dirty work so our children could be safe," the bitter, harsh tone took me off-guard.

I had to admit, there was reason behind her words. "Will you be able to get home safely? I have a puffy coat and a hat you can borrow." Figuring an expensive taxi ride would be a better alternative to something terrible happening to the woman, I offered her my winter clothes.

She smiled at me, razor blade teeth and large, red eyes the kindest I'd ever seen on a person. In the end, she took the clothes, promising to bring them back in a few days and Odette gave me a parka that was too small for her frame - despite it smelling like someone's grandma's attic, I found it to be quite lovely vintage. The puffy knitted scarf she added felt like warmth and safety - she had to have knitted it herself, for I knew, handmade items carried a significant amount of energy in them.

The shop was eerily quiet as I cleaned and scrubbed the stained, dirty floors and disposed of the bloody clothes and bandages in the tiny, odd fireplace in Odette's office - that was a thing most peculiar, it burned everything I put in it, but had no chimney, no place for the smoke to exit. Magic.

Something banged loudly against the entrance door. I let out a startled shriek, broomstick falling out of my hand and adding to the sudden cacophony of noise as the figure behind the stained glass slowly slid down the door, a deep, male voice groaning something incomprehensible loud enough for me to hear.

Grabbing a large serrated knife we used for mincing the bones of small animals, I made quiet steps towards the door, seeing a large, obviously humanoid figure helplessly lean on the door. The man's arm glinted chrome black and gunmetal grey in the low light. "Sargent Barnes? Bucky?" I whisper-shouted, carefully plying open the door.

He lifted his head, blood dripping down from it, his face looked like someone went to town on it with a meat mullet, his eyes were unfocused and couldn't keep a straight line. His flesh arm leaned heavily on the door frame, the prosthetic hanging limply, dragging his whole body to its side. It must've weigh a ton.

"Я должен найти капитана Роджерса," he whispered.

I didn't understand Russian at all but I could make out the name of his boyfriend. Which made sense. Bucky looked severely concussed - I idly wondered what exactly they had been fighting, what could have given a freaking super-soldier such a brain-leaking injury. "Sargent Barnes, follow me," I put on my big girl shoes and used my momma bear voice, towing the man behind me.

He, too, weighed a ton, as I stumbled, helping him into the chair in the spare room that became my healing station for today. The longer I looked at Bucky, the less lucid he grew, eyes falling shut as he murmured something in jagged Russian, slurring his words.

There was no time to think about the consequences of exposure of my witchcraft; mortar and pestle, herbs and salves flying everywhere, I assembled a healing spell and memorized the according ritual in what felt like record time. He was bleeding all over the chair, fresh crimson blood pouring out of his nose and mouth and it was all I could see.

I hadn't known true terror until the blood that poured out turned black. Whatever it was in him, it was poisonous - my protection charms grew hot, scalding as they left marks on my skin; powering through the pain and unable to turn my eyes off the convulsing Barnes, I finished the chant just as the flow of vile, tar-like liquid suddenly ceased. It pooled around his feet, dripped down the armrests and matted his long hair. It reeked, too, of copper and putrid meat.

Bucky had passed out somewhere mid-spell, the slow, steady breathing bringing me my own sense of calm. To say that I was drained would be an understatement - my vision swam and my world spun on it's axis as I unlocked Odette's office to messily rummage through a cabinet for the emergency tonic I knew she kept there. I chugged the vial, an avalanche of almost anxious, jittery energy hit me like a freight train - exactly what I needed.

I bought myself a couple hours of time. Cleaning up the sludge around Bucky's feet and removing the outer parts of his gear was easy as he remained as relaxed as a cooked spaghetti noodle. The amount of weapons he had on him was impressive, but those weren't what I was looking for - his phone. It was dead, so I plugged it in, waiting for the 5% to show and bringing it to his fingertips, hoping he used the print recognition instead of the password option... And I lucked out.

"Hello, this is Star, I found a Bucky. Tell Dr. Strange to come get him, he knows where I am." I texted the "Stevie ❤️" contact, my inner fangirl self squealing at the dorky name of his boyfriend's contact in Bucky's phone. Shortly afterwards, I went ahead and snapped a picture of myself next to sleeping Bucky, figuring out some actual proof wouldn't do any harm in this bizarre situation.

The answer didn't let me wait long. "10 minutes" came the first text, and shortly afterwards - "Is Bucky okay??????". I had to snort at the amount of question marks before honestly replying "He will be ☺️" and putting the phone back in Bucky's pocket. I cleaned up and attempted to lift Bucky up, succeeding in waking him up into a half-lucid state, probably courtesy of decades of training and whatnot, to at least drag him to the front of the store. I wasn't particularly comfortable with strangers seeing the backrooms.

Bucky leaned with his back against the counter, ass flat on the floor and a towel with a cold compress pressed to his head when the doors all but flew open, revealing Captain Rogers, still in uniform and Stephen Strange, arguing with his boyfriend, both still suited up and bloody and grimy.

"Uhh," I blinked owlishly, causing the men to stop bickering and stare first at me, then at Bucky. "I think he hit his head," I offered weakly, backing up slightly at the amount of burning eyes staring at me.

"Shortcake, that you?" Tony's eyebrows rose as he surveyed the bodega, the items on the shelves, the black and red blood stains on my previously pristine, yellow shirt.

"Now is not the time, Tony. Go with Rogers, make sure the medical is prepared for Barnes and disable his arm," Strange barked out authoritatively, shooting me a puzzled but compassionate look. "The portal is open. I'll talk to Star, find out what happened." He advanced towards me as Captain picked up Bucky bridal-style as tenderly as he could while making sure the compress stayed on.

"Keep that tone fo the bedroom," Tony's voice was more than displeased as he shot me and Strange a hurt look, but followed Steve into the golden circle right outside the door before it sparked shut.

"Now, now, what happened here?" The sorcerer's voice lowered into a soothing drawl as I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding. My shoulders sagged, fingers twitching with anxious energy. The man extended a gloved hand, briefly squeezing my shoulder. "It's alright, take your time."

Damn, did I look that bad?

Taglist: @couldntbedamned @mikariell95 @letsby @sleep-i-ness @toomanyrobins @mostly-marvel-musings @persephonehemingway @schemefrenzy @lillsxd @bluecrazedandbeautiful @slothspaghettiwrites

[ijustwant2write]

Rest Beside Me-Hvitserk Ragnarsson x Reader

(GIF credit @whenimaunicorn)

Requested by @theprincessandtheprince: 'Can you do one where a sick Hvitserk is nursed back to health by Y/N who falls in love with him?

Characters: Hvitserk Ragnarsson x Reader, Aslaug x Reader (platonic)

Meanings: (Y/N)=Your name

(Y/L/N)=Your last name

Warnings: Mention of illness, mention of death, sexual tension and lots of fluff

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"Guess who was able to get the supplies for a lower price, again this week, may I add." I smirked as I approached my father.

We were still stood in the middle of the market, unphased by the usual crowds. He rolled his eyes with a smile, sighing before he spoke.

"I lose the bet again then I see."

"Yes you do. That means I get to choose a piece of jewellery today."

"A piece of jewellery? That's what you want?"

Father and I always made this a game. It made gathering supplies more interesting. He was the towns leading healer, he had studied illnesses for a majority of his life, and had discovered new cures. Father had met the love of his life (my mother) when he cured her back to health, and of course, I came along a year later. But there was nothing that could have been done to save her during childbirth, something he never forgave himself for; that was what he was looking into now, something to ease the pain of birth and to save the mother's. Though it was harder than anything else he ever faced.

Most of our bets never had a prize at the end. Sometimes it had been some sort of treat for each other, our favourite food, but I had my eye on a necklace, and I had never wanted anything else in my life. I would never ask my father if I doubted he could afford it.

"It's just so beautiful father, a simple necklace. If we don't have the money, then I understand." I sadly smiled.

He held out his arm, grinning as I looped mine through."Come on, show me this dazzling necklace."

Once father had bought it, we returned home. I couldn't stop touching it, or gazing at it in the mirror. It was strange how a piece of metal could make me feel so happy. I helped him put away the supplies we bought, making a list of what we had so we wouldn't forget what we had.

"Have you delivered the vials of medicine to the patients I listed?" father asked.

"Yes, they all seem to be recovering well. They said their thanks and mentioned that they were mentioning us in their prayers to the God's." I replied, sitting down in a chair beside the fire.

He sat opposite me, clasping his hands together and resting then on top of his stomach. It was times like these that made him look older, and I couldn't help but think about when I would have to start looking after him.

"(Y/N), I have something to tell you."

"What is it?"

He chuckled."There is no need to worry. It's just that I need to go away for a while."

"Go away? Where? Why?"

"An old friend of mine is also a healer. They have a difficult case on their hands and need my expertise. It isn't far away, but I shall have to stay there for a few days."

"But, what about the people here?"

"I have spoken to Queen Aslaug, she has given me permission as we are allies with the people I am helping. And I said that you would take over my duties."

My eyes almost popped out of my head, and I leaned forward in my chair."What?! I've never done this by myself!"

"You are more than capable. You make your own antidotes, you know what herbs you need to use for certain illnesses, and you have a mind heart. Everyone says so."

"What if I do something wrong?"

"You'll have all of your books I made you write, they're exact copies of mine. You can always use them as a referral."

"I don't know father, it's a lot to process. When are you leaving?"

He hesitated, casting his eyes down."Tomorrow morning."

"You leave in the morning?! Why didn't you tell me sooner?!" I raised my voice, becoming more worried.

"Calm down (Y/N), please." he also leaned forward, reaching for my hand, and I gripped onto it."You know I would never put you in a position where you were uncomfortable, scared, or humiliated. I've chosen to put you in charge because you can do this!"

I said nothing.

"Believe me when I say that everyone will be in capable hands with you around. Even Queen Aslaug was confident about you."

"She was?"

"Yes! There are the other local healers to assist you, should you need it. But I am sure that you will do great just by yourself."

"Why couldn't you tell me a week ago at least? I could have got my head together, I could have reviewed everything I learnt."

"Because if I told you then, all you would do is worry and keep yourself up late at night thinking about everything that could go wrong. Telling you the night before I leave means you just have to get on with it. Believe me, you're going to surprise yourself with just how amazing you are."

Father was right. I couldn't sleep much that night. I thought about how much I would miss him as well as the heavy duty he had practically dropped on me. Although I knew he did it on purpose (and for that I aas slightly angry with him), I realised that it was also a test. He wouldn't be the healer forever, the role had to be passed down to someone.

In the morning, I tried to seem happy as he left. Father sadly smiled, knowing how upset I was. We embraced for a long time, and he chuckled when he tried to pull away. When I finally let him go, I watched him mount his horse, waving one last time before he rode away. I didn't move until he was out of my sight completely. Sighing as I turned around to head inside, two shield maidens suddenly showed up.

"(Y/N) (Y/L/N), Queen Aslaug has requested your help." one of them announced.

"Why? What's wrong?" I asked.

"She believes that Prince Hvitserk has fallen ill."

"Let me gather my things."

As they guided me to Hvitserk's home, I thought about how quickly my first appointment happened. Father had literally just left, and someone was already in need of my help. However, this was the Prince that was ill. What if I was unable to heal him? What if I gave him the wrong treatment and made him worse? I almost wanted to slap myself for thinking such stupid things. This was what father had told me not to do, I was worthy of this role, and I was going to look after the people!

"Queen Aslaug, we have brought her." the shield maiden said, and they parted, revealing me.

I bowed my head as I curtsied."Queen Aslaug. What can I do to help?"

"Thank you for coming. I know this is a lot to ask of you as this is the first time you have worked without your father. But my son is stubborn, he will not let anyone see him."

"What are his symptoms?"

"He is extremely pale, he feels like he is on fire, constantly sweating, and he has no strength in him. What's wrong with him?"

"From what you said, it could just an extreme case of a cold. The winter has been harsh on us, so it wouldn't surprise me. But I shall go inside and confirm that."

"I warn you, he will not be easy to speak to. He does not like to be seen as weak."

"Don't worry, I will get through to him. I've dealt with men like him before."

I walked inside, already hearing his heavy breathing. As I walked through the home, I couldn't help but be in awe of how big it was. I had always lived in a small home, I still loved it dearly, but all of this space for one person? It didn't seem fair. Continuing to his room, I knocked on the wall beside the curtain that separated it from the rest of the house. There was a grumble from inside, but I walked through anyway.

"Prince Hvitserk," I bowed just as I had to his mother,"my name is (Y/N), I'm here to check on you. Your mother says you are not well."

He was bundled up in multiple furs, hunched up into a ball. His glare was harsh as he looked me up and down.

"I don't need a healer. I am fine." he moaned.

I took a few steps forward, seeing how shiny his forehead was with sweat."I shall be the judge of that. You do not look like your usual self."

A smug grin formed on his face."So, you watch me then?"

He was cocky, and at any other time, I would be disgusted, but this showed that there was still some spark left in him.

"If I say yes, will you let me help you?"

He nodded."You know, I have seen you around too."

"You have?" I wasn't really interested in the conversation, but it made him distracted from what I was doing.

I grabbed my water skin, pouring it onto a rag. There was a smile on his face as I placed a cold rag on his forehead.

"Yes, I have. It doesn't surprise me that someone as beautiful as the goddess Freya is also as nurturing."

I scoffed at him, though there was humour behind it."You really must be unwell if you're having thoughts such as that."

I looked through my bag, picking out certain herbs to mix together. It was simple to say that he had a cold, it was a bad one, but easy to cure.

"Where is your father? You're normally trailing behind him."

"I'm sorry, would you have preferred to gaze upon his beauty?"

He laughed but it caused him to start coughing. I quickly poured water into a nearby cup, gently grabbing the back of his head and tilting it upwards. His lips met the cup, and I slowly tipped it, letting him drink.

"He has gone away for a few days, and I'm in charge now." I explained as I laid him down again.

"Well, aren't I lucky?"

I rolled my eyes with a smile, crushing up the herbs whilst still perched on the edge of his bed. Mixing it in his drink, I turned around to face him.

"You are not seriously ill, it's a common cold, the weather has made it slightly worse. But you are in need of medicine. This is going to taste disgusting, but trust me, it's going to help you get better sooner."

He sat up in bed, grimacing as he looked into the cup, but drank it anyway. I refrained from laughing when his face scrunched up, spluttering as he tried to get rid of the taste.

"I'll make some more medicine, and I'll deliver them to you, they should last you three more days, and if you need more, I'll return." I explained, standing up and packing up my belongings.

"No."

"No?"

"You'll deliver them everyday and tend to me."

"And why would I do that? I have other people to see."

"Then see me last."

"Hvitserk, you don't need me here-"

"I command it."

"What if I refuse?"

"Then you are going against your prince's desires."

"I shall speak with your mother about this. My Prince."

I hastily left, surprised to see Aslaug still outside. She instantly looked at me, almost charging towards me.

"So? How is he?"

"He will be fine my Queen. I have provided him with medicine for now, but I shall need to return tomorrow with more."

She squinted her eyes at me."Why do you seem unsure about something?"

"The Prince, he...he requested that I come here frequently and...tend to him."

"Then you shall do as he asks."

I kept my mouth shut. I did want to stay alive.

"If he feels that he needs help to get better, you will visit him every day."

"He said I could come after I made my rounds with other patients."

"That seems smart. See to it that he gets back to his usual self quickly."

I don't think that will be a problem.

"Thank you (Y/N), you will be rewarded greatly. And your father will hear of this, he will be very proud."

The next day, I made my way to all the patients, having to explain every time where my father was. No one complained, and this boosted my confidence. I held onto that new feeling as I arrived at Hvitserk's house, knocking before entering, calling out as to not startle him. He was sat up in bed this time, already looking better, he wasn't as pale.

"Prince Hvitserk, how are you feeling?" I asked as I walked towards him.

"A little better. But I am tired of being stuck in bed." he huffed.

"I hope you have not left that bed since yesterday?"

"If you have told me to remain in bed, then I shall do so." he smirked again."It's a shame there is no one here to share it."

"Well no one should be sharing a bed with you if you're ill." I retorted.

He chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Did you take anymore medicine?"

"Yes."

"Was it still horrible?"

"It is the foulest thing I have ever tasted."

It was my turn to laugh."That means it's good medicine."

"I would rather be drinking ale."

I pulled up a chair, sitting down as I made his medicine again."I'm sure you would. Just do as I say and you'll be back at with your friends, drinking the night away."

"Do you drink?"

"Yes. Sometimes too much as my father says."

"How come I have never come across you at feasts or celebrations?"

"I am there. I just never seem to pass you."

"How could I miss such a pretty face?"

"You do like to compliment, don't you?"

"Only when I mean it."

I glanced up at him, but quickly cast my eyes back down to the ingredients when he looked at me.

"I miss training too. I haven't held a sword in days." he mumbled.

"Are there any upcoming raids?"

"Not so far. But I can't wait for the next one."

"Why do you like it so much?"

I held out the cup of medicine to him, and for a moment his face dropped. He kept looking into it, swirling around the liquid as he spoke.

"The thrill of it all. We are viking, it's our purpose in life. I get to earn my way into Valhalla whilst exploring new places that no one else may have seen yet. I can face a thousand men in battle, but I can't defeat a stupid cold."

"If you take your medicine, you will." I urged.

He closed his eyes as he downed it all, still hating the taste. I took the cup from him, gently placing the back of my hand on his forehead. I could feel his blue eyes staring at me, even if I wasn't looking at him. Hvitserk was a charmer, he knew his way around women. And he was a Prince, it was much easier for him to get them to fall at his feet.

"Well, you're not as hot anymore." I commented as I pulled away.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Such a humble man." I muttered, but his laugh told me that he heard it.

As instructed, I had to visit everyday, and despite Hvitserk still being under the weather, his confidence hadn't faltered. However, the cockiness had worn off, his comments were much sweeter now. Perhaps I was giving him too much medicine, maybe it was making him slightly delusional. I used to dread going to see him, wishing that it was any other patient that had requested such a thing. However, as soon as he showed me his true self, I was beginning to like him, and it didn’t feel like such a chore; I even found myself refraining from making his medicine until I arrived, meaning I would have to stay for longer. As I had also been there longer into the night, he had hired a guard to wait outside and walk me home safely.

“You seem sad today. Tell me what is wrong?” Hvitserk asked. 

He was fully sat up with his legs crossed and only needed one fur to keep him warm now. It felt horrible to say, but it was almost sad that he was getting better, I wouldn’t have an excuse to seem him.

“Don’t worry. It’s none of your concern.” I gently said, sitting beside him on the edge of the bed. He leaned closer to me.

“You hardly have any time to socialise anymore, you said so yourself. I bet you haven’t been able to get anything off your mind recently.” 

We held eye contact for a few more seconds than I would have liked, and I didn’t even break it as I spoke.“I’ve heard gossip amongst the people. About us.”

“And what do they say?”

“I don’t think they believe that I’m caring for you. They think I’m looking after you in a different way.”

He didn’t seem offended by it.“And why should you care?”

“Hvitserk, I’m well known throughout the town, I’m the healer’s daughter! If they think I’m sleeping around whilst my father is away-”

“You don’t need to panic.” he laid his hand on top of mine.

“I’m a woman, of course I need to worry about something like this.”

“No, you don’t.”

I furrowed my eyebrows at him, my tone much more snappy.“What do you mean?”

“You’re so interesting (Y/N). You have all of this knowledge inside that pretty, little head, and somehow you still have room for kindness and patience. It baffled me how you brushed me off that first time we met, because I thought you would feel sorry for me. You’ve not just cured me from an illness, you’ve shown me what a bastard I’ve been. And for some reason, you made me want to be caring, yet there is only one person I want to protect.”

Unknowingly, our faces had inched closer and closer. Our eyes were still connected, except for the flickering looks to each others lips. It was all too tempting and teasing.

“And...who might that be?”

“I think you know who.” 

His free hand wrapped around the back of my neck, finally pushing our lips together. I instantly leaned into it, not even thinking as we kissed. It was hungry, both of us wanted control over the other, but no one was winning. I was the one to break it, suddenly feeling shy under his stare.

“We shouldn’t have done that.” I breathed out.

His smile dropped.“Why?”

“Because you’re still sick, so now I am going to become ill.”

He let out a relieved sigh.“Well, perhaps it is time I return the favour.”

“I did think you would be saying that under different circumstances.”

“We may not be doing what you expected, but you can still lay in my bed with me.”

I kicked off my shoes, jumping on top of him.“Are you feeling better?”

His hands grabbed onto my thighs that were straddling his waist.“I feel like a brand new man.”

“Good, cause I don’t give this treatment to my other patients.”

[vore-scientist]

The Panicking Prince

(A humorous little adventure containing Lots of GT interaction and some safe, soft, M/f GT vore, platonic and willing)

A Tale of the Mystic Woods

Full title: In Which Prince Yonatan Does The Books

Summary: Prince Yonatan discovers some information that about the fate of the kingdom. This causes him to panic so he runs off to find his sister the Princess Sophia and the Giant Wizard, Yonah. 

Warnings: No real warnings. I will mention that Yonatan is 16 years old but he’s NOT the one eaten (It’s Sophia as usual). There’s an almost minor vorish moment involving him, but it’s silly. It’s all silly actually.  

---

In a well lit room in a high tower of the Castle in the City of Luster in the Kingdom of Orr sat a prince. A prince surrounded by scrolls, notebooks, files, boxes, and cabinets. This prince was almost 17 years old, which was unusually young to be handling the paperwork of an entire kingdom. Especially since the Kingdom Of Orr was not one kingdom, it was two, as many centuries ago the King of Orr was picked to be the King of the Mystic Woods. And ever since then the new Mystic King maintained the claim on Orr. 

But Prince Yonatan was not a usual prince. He had been cursed at 8 days old, at his naming day, by the Ivory and Bronze Fairy Courts. They imbued him with intelligence and wisdom beyond his years. On the Prince’s 9th day of life he spoke in full sentences, the first of which he used to critique his feeding/sleeping schedule. And on the 10th day had set up a system that had him feeding, sleeping, and relieving himself on an extremely exact timetable. And it only got worse from there. 

With a mind hungry for knowledge but so full of new thoughts, the poor prince was constantly in need of diversions. Play with his siblings could occupy his body well enough; wrestling, tag, hide and seek, sword fighting, and climbing through areas of the castle they had no business being in. But as conversationalists went, they weren’t engaging. He chatted with Royal Philosophers until he ran circles around their theories, and his father’s political advisors until he could contribute to their machinations, which he often put a stop to before some sort of scandal got out. 

No advisor had successfully lead a power grab let alone a coup. but every time one got close it was a whole do-to. Now such things only happened Once in a while, when Yonatanlet one slip his notice, just to keep things lively.  

A few years ago he’d taken up a new hobby. 

The bookkeeping of Two Kingdoms was a daily task, one that Yonatan found extremely relaxing. With constant fresh information, it never got boring, and he could concentrate entirely on it. No more of his mind wandering and making him worry. 

See. Yonatan has anxiety. Bad anxiety. For all his wisdom, his brain was constantly racing and all those thoughts were so overwhelming, especially ones about the probabilities of disasters, or outcomes of potential wars, or that he was a terrible brother because of his curse, or that the royal advisors secretly resented him and were planning his assassination, or maybe or that his brain might one day just pop, or perhaps... 

You get the point. 

When he did the kingdom’s books, he had no such thoughts. At least, not as many. 

You might think such work is boring, and yes, stuff like guild dues and which portions could be taxed, or reviewing the fluctuations in prices of basic goods and preparing to subsidize things for winter are certainly borning. But tracking the latest dragon sightings and the current standings of registered and known unregistered heroes and villains was exciting. 

Managing the FairyTales was an important job that Yonatan took great pleasure in. Reviewing and updating the current status of prophecies and their subjects, with calendars of known and calculated trigger dates and references of contingency plans for both disasters and celebrations.  Following Long Lost (or recently lost) Heirs and their last known locations, with information on anyone noteworthy or particularly unnoteworthy having passed through them. Keeping logs of treasure hauls taken in and given out by heroes and villains, making note of any (interesting) magic items. The latest word on magic items of secret but great renown, and any rumors involving their being lost, stolen, or found. 

And all of this and more! Organized so that the right information was disseminated to the right people. Information becoming instruction, and instruction becoming action. Many actions taken simply to influence others, in large and small ways. For example: Pushing people to influence some tale. Such people might never know they were part of a tale. They might have just been spurred on to tell a potential hero a small piece of information, or offer them a meal or place to stay for a night. 

All this made sure that FairyTales continued to be Told. 

You get the idea. 

But the prince was also trusted with monitoring some of the more sensitive information. Of note in this instance: Anomalous magical spikes in the Mystic Woods. 

The Mystic Woods was always shifting, but it was crucial to note where things were when interesting events occurred. Even if the event was merely a surge of forest magic, detected by a ranger or King Ben himself. Most of the time it was just a flare up as the mysterious currents of magic swirled around and collected. Or King Ben bit his tongue and for some reason the Mystic Woods reacted. 

Lately, a lot of the flares had been accompanied by little bits of good fortune! A tree being cured by disease, a swarm of insects cleared away, a rare magical berry bush bearing fruit for the first time in decades. Or were in locations inhabited by many of the mystic woods communities. Villages of Elves or colonies of gnomes, all who benefited in small ways from the flares. What nice things! Knowing good things were happening made Yonatan feel very good! 

Unfortunately, that mood was soon to be soured. As he reviewed the flares his super-fairy-magic-enhanced brain made some connections. 

What had he been reading yesterday? 

Though he wasn’t technically permitted to read the reports between King Ben and the Royal Wizard, and Evil Giant, known as Yonah HaEsh. Yonatan liked to know how his favorite sister was doing.

Even if Yonatan had trouble connecting to his siblings, he still loved them, and they loved him. But Sophia… She was special to him. Her carefree attitude taught him to act without thinking; With his brains and her wildness, they had been quite the pair of troublemakers. There was rarely a dull moment with her. And unlike his other siblings, who brushed off his anxiety attacks as just Yonatan’s Magic Brain Weirdness, she would help him. It was incredible how someone so unfettered could also be so steady.

Many a night he had run to her in tears over some fear, like how according to some calculations, the moon would crash down in a few hundred years, wiping out all life. She never got mad at him for waking her up, and she’d hold him as he cried himself to sleep. 

Adjusting to her being officially “kidnapped” by an evil wizard had been difficult to say the least. That was almost 2 years ago. It made him feel better to know she was thriving under the care of her captor. Even if he missed her dearly. 

Back to the reports. 

There had been several odd happenstances while she was on patrols with Yonah. Patrols were something Yonah had been doing long before Sophia had been assigned to him, and it was mainly the half-giant’s way of not going stir crazy. Explorations out in the forest; limited by the 5km range that Yonah could go from his tower, usually just to see what was around, but also to hunt and collect spell components. Yonah had at some point noted that when he went out with Sophia, they would encounter more interesting places and situations. 

A few of those places had surges of magic, mostly after, but sometimes before, Sophia encountered them. Many of these places had been having some sort of trouble, and it was clear from the ShiftLogs, that they shifted within a few hours of Sophia and Yonah’s patrol. 

Yonah even noted, almost a year and a half ago, that the forest was easier to navigate when he took Sophia with him. 

Almost as if… 

Yonatan’s genius brain had made a connection but it was not letting him actually think it. But he knew what it was. And his heart started to pound loudly and painfully against his ribs. Sweat beaded on his brow and his hands felt clammy. 

Oh no. 

No no no no no. 

Now he was panicking. Panic was bad! It hurt! No! He hated this! 

He could be wrong. Easily! This kind of thing never happened. It was probably just coincidence. But no such thing existed in their world That had been proven long ago by some amazing sages. There was nothing he could do about it if he was right. He had to calm down. Once he was calm he could… right. 

Nothing doing. 

Just panic. 

---

It had been a long while since he’d had an anxiety attack like this one. He couldn’t do any more work, instead he ran manic around the hallways until dinner time, where he ate barely anything and what he did he threw up shortly after. And sleep? Out of the question.

Unless. 

What time even was it? About an hour till midnight? Didn’t really matter. Still in his pajamas Prince Yonatan used one of the secret passages to get out of the castle. One that led to the stables so he could take his horse. Otherwise the trip would take a day. 

Still, he only rode Soos up to the Mystic Woods. Soos’ full name was Stubborn Old Ornery Stallion. Even though Soos wasn’t more than a few years old. Yonatan liked his horse and hoped he would live long enough to live up to name. 

It was a smooth 3 hour ride out of the city and past the farms and rolling hills. There wasn’t a defined border but once the trees got decently thick yet still lacked magic, he had Soos stop. Soos whinnied and stomped his hooves a bit annoyed. 

“Just checking,” Yonatan said, “You don’t have to come with me.” Even for a son of the Mystic King, the Woods was incredibly foreboding, especially at night. 

Soos’ ears flicked as if to say ‘Excuse me? I was bred for use in this forest.’

“Alrighty then!”

Without another thought (which was a considerable feat), Yonatan spurred Soos back into a trot, and into the woods. There was no point in picking a direction, he had to trust the forest. 

-

Back in the City of Luster there was panic. No one knew where Prince Yonatan was. Ben extended his awareness but sensed nothing. He wasn’t unduly worried since Yonatan was too clever for his own good, but that didn’t mean there was no reason for concern. And so he woke up the entire city, having his guards spread out to ask anyone if they’d seen or spoken to the prince. 

-

That will have to be dealt with later, as by now Yonatan had made it to his destination. 

No surprises here: it’s the Terrible Tower which conditionally belongs to the Great (and also) Terrible Yonah HaEsh. The current prison of Yonatan’s sister, the Princess Sophia. The tower sat to one side of a clearing which now held a mage’s garden. No matter how the forest shifted, Yonatan had never come into the clearing behind the tower, it was always on the side with the garden. 

He had also never been here at night. There was very little moon, but there were a few plants that luminesced. Not very brightly; when he emerged into the clearing with his lantern the lights diminished. But he needed to see the path to the tower.

There was no way to get Soos up it, but Soos didn’t want to go inside, he’d much rather stay in the garden. He knew which plants were safe to eat, and was confident no monsters would come here, not ones looking to eat horses anyways. No, if a monster were to come they would be here for the wizard, probably after some potion or spell. Monsters, like humans, needed the services of mages, but were more comfortable dealing with other monsters. 

Yonatan removed Soos’ saddle, leaning it up against the tower, and started climbing. 

Not so easy in slippers… Thankfully the large thorns were just illusions. He made it up no problem, and keeping in mind the spacial dilation he hopped to the floor. 

The workshop, which looked normal from where he’d sat on the windowsill, suddenly became nearly 4 times larger. Having expected this he rolled out of his fall. His slippers made soft pat pat pat noises as he walked briskly to the trap door which was unfortunately closed but for those in the know, and Yonatan was, there was a secret human sized door. That led to the conveniently human sized stairs that ran alongside the large ones. In fact, the only way to access those stairs was through that entrance. 

From the workshop course. Once you were in the tower proper, as long as you knew the stairs existed, they would graciously appear for you. This was a feature that Yonah had added since Sophia’s arrival, as well as a few well placed and magically hidden ladders and ropes. 

The desired room clear in Yonatan’s mind, it was only one flight down to the hallway that led to the bedroom. The massive door had a very much not hidden crack in the lower right corner, perfectly irresistible to any sneaking thief. Though these days it got more use by Princess Sophia when she needed the bathroom at night. 

Ignoring the half-giant asleep in his bed, Yonatan made a beeline for the massive golden birdcage that rested next to the nightstand. Though he wasn’t checking on Sophia. To get up to the bed he had to climb on the outside of the cage up to the nightstand and jump the very safe distance from the nightstand to the bed. He still looked down and climbed carefully just in case. 

The Princess Sophia was not in the bed which hung suspended off center in the cage. He continued to climb up as quietly as possible. Best not to make noises that would wake up the giant in an irritable manner. 

Which is why he took a running leap off nightstand, landing with a soft PUFF on the pillow. Right next to the giant’s head. But Yonah did not stir. 

The half-giant slept with his back to the wall, on his left side, angled downward. Left arm tucked under two pillows, right arm lazily hung around the pillow. If Sophia had been sleeping on Yonah’s person she would have been curled up in that right arm, against the giant’s face. She was not. 

Well. Fine. That was her prerogative. Yonatan wasn’t here for her anyways. Well he was but not just yet. First he needed the half-giant. He knelt down Yonah’s face. Trickles of dim orange light escaped through the eyelids. The prince was a bit nervous about waking the wizard, but it had to be done. He experimented first by tapping the giant’s nose. 

The deep breaths turned into stilted gasps and snuffles, the giant starting to become aware of a human guest. 

“Uh, Mr Giant?” 

One dimly glowing eye cracked open to look at him in confusion. 

“Eh?” The giant grunted. Then the right arm lifted and before Yonatan could react he was slapped down under a massive palm. It had been a lazy move, so he wasn’t injured, rather he was gently pressed into the pillow. Yonatan didn’t resist. 

After running all the way here Yonatan had escaped the majority of his anxiety, and the weight of the hand was pushing the rest away, and the warmth was extremely relaxing. Which, while part of his plan, this not exactly how he pictured spending the night. It was not comfortable. 

After another minute he pushed the hand off and he sat in front of the Giant’s face. Yonah had started to fall asleep again. 

“Where’s my sister?” Yonatan hissed. 

It took a few seconds before the giant grunted out “Iher?” 

“My sister. Sophia” Yonatan helped. 

Yonah took a breath and with some effort said something in Implausible Giant and even though Yonatan was fluent it was garbled. But the giant had said it with a slight smile. The prince didn’t need to be a genius to know Yonah had eaten Sophia. As long as he didn't think about it too hard it shouldn’t be a problem. Of course Yonatan thought very hard about most things. 

And if you’re wondering why Yonatan wasn’t concerned that his sister was eaten by a half giant, maybe you’re thinking Yonatan thought of her as being in his way? And having his sister eaten was one less person ahead of him in the line of succession. No. He knew his sister was safe and snug in her giant’s stomach. The half-giant had half-cursed her so that she couldn’t be digested and didn’t need to breathe. 

But he could and he did!!! And the very sleepy giant’s hand got hold of him once more and shoved him towards the face. Without much trouble one of his legs was forced between the jaws! It was painful too, not because Yonah was biting him, just the contortion of his hips. His other leg was bent and his knee was against Yonah’s fangs. Yonatan yelled, quietly, and punched Yonah in the nose. 

“No you stupid giant I’m not Sophia! You already ate her!” 

That got Yonah’s attention. He released the human’s leg and smacked his lips as he blinked into almost full consciousness. 

“That’s better!” Yonatan stroked Yonah’s nose, he knew the giant liked that a lot. “I Hope you enjoyed that little treat, but I’m not on the menu.” 

The giant’s eyes flitted open, the soft orange light focusing on the prince. “You taste,” the giant breathed in and out, “like you sister.” He smiled a bit mischievously. 

“I know I do, that’s why I’m not angry,” said Yonatan. “But don’t do that again unless I give you permission.” 

“Hmf,” Yonah breathed sharply, “You never do.”

“That’s your problem, not mine.”

“And what?” he sighed, “Is yours?” Yonah genuinely wanted to know. He liked the prince. Yonatan might be pompous but he had a good heart.

Yonatan pouted and looked away, “I’m. Anxious.”

Yonah took the prince in his hand again, his palm against Yonatan’s back. Once Yonatan leaned into his hand he stroked and massaged the human. Using his knuckles against the prince’s back, taking his arms between fingers, squeezing and rubbing gently but firmly.

“You always are, I want to know why, Little Prince,” said Yonah with a little more sternness. 

Yonatan linked an arm around Yonah’s fingers, squeezing them to get Yonah’s full attention. He looked right into the giant’s eyes, and even with the glow he could see his reflection. 

“Can. I sleep first?” Yonatan yawned, “Here? With you?”

Yonah sighed, and gave the prince a squeeze back. 

Back in school, his friends that knew he was half-giant were insistent that they sleep cuddled up to him before exams. All of them piled on top of him, in his arms, They would sleep so soundly even if they were terrified. It was a power he did not understand, but folks tended to sleep more soundly if he was holding them, or they were laying on him. Not that he minded, he absolutely loved being adorned in friends. 

“Of course.” 

He also knew Yonatan wasn’t above ordering him around, even if the prince didn’t technically have that authority. The kid, who was almost a young adult, was very commanding. Yonah angled himself a bit more towards the prince, hooking his arm around his face so the prince could crawl into his embrace, which Yonatan did without being prompted. Curling up with his back to the giant. 

“You’re sure you’re alright?” Yonah asked one more time. 

“No.’

He wasn’t expecting that answer and expressed his surprise with a small snort of air at the prince’s back. The prince did not look at him. 

“I’m too tired to deal with it, and can’t sleep because of it,” he said very quietly. 

Yonah made a grunt of understanding. Whatever ‘it’ was, the prince would handle it better after a proper night’s sleep. Or at least some sleep. The prince had amazing timing, it was barely ten minutes since he and Sophia had woken up to the HourGlass’s alarm, and reset her curse. So the prince had at least 3 and half solid hours of sleep to look forward to. 

Yonatan buried his face in the giant’s arm. It was so soft and warm, and friendly. That was what he needed after all, a friendly presence. Before that had always been Sophia, holding him tightly as he cried and shivered. But this was leagues beyond that;He could feel his mind and body calming down so rapidly it was almost alarming. And then he was asleep. 

---

Yonah was thankful that Sophia woke up first, waking him so he could stop the HourGlass before it gave them all a painful headache. 

He was a bit miffed when Sophia re-activated her curse, mumbling something about still needing sleep and ‘you can wait a few more hours for breakfast right?’ but not waiting for an answer before falling back asleep. He could of course wake her back up, but if Sophia didn’t want to be spat out there wasn’t much he could do without invasive magics.

“Morning already?” 

Even trying hard not to disturb the prince, Yonah had to lean over to reach the HourGlass. Yonatan had still woken. 

“Yes. you can sleep longer if you like,” Yonah said, “but I’m getting up.”

“No. no. I’m good,” Yonatan freed himself from Yonah’s arms, stumbling off the pillow and onto the nightstand. The prince didn’t look very rested, but Yonah didn't argue with him. 

Yonatan’s head throbbed a bit, mostly from lack of sleep but also from his wild ride of mania last night. He made himself focus on the waking wizard. It did not escape his Attention that yonah was not spitting up his sister. The half-giant sat up and the bed sheet fell off of him, Yonatan could see the wizard’s slightly full midsection. No movement either, but it was hard to tell as Yonah yawned and stretched. To take his mind off that he looked at Yonah’s face. 

His normally trim goatee was lost a bit in the surrounding beard, and Yonah’s wild hair had come out of it’s golden bands so it hung over his shoulders like a lion’s mane. He yawned again and Yonatan got a good view of the large fangs. 

Yonatan wanted to say something now, but decided to wait until the wizard changed out of his pajamas. He used magic do it and Yonatan loved watching people use magic. And once Yonah was properly dressed Yonatan realized he was in PJs too. Ok, get dressed first, then talk. 

“Is there a chance you have clothes that fit me?” Yonatan asked. 

“Actually, yes,” Yonah said, in a soft voice, picking up the prince and placing him on top of the chest of drawers where he kept his clothes. There was a human sized wardrobe on top. 

“It’s magic,” Yonah prompted. 

Yonatan opened it and found a few simple clothes that were indeed his size, though it was mostly outfits that were clearly meant for Sophia. A green one stood out to him, green usually did. Must be something about being a royal of the Mystic Woods. You always looked your best in green. 

“If you want privacy, step inside,” Yonah indicated the wardrobe. 

Oh! Fascinating. Yonatan stepped through and found a small open circular dressing room, with a carpeted floor, racks of clothing all around, and a mirror. Brightly lit though no obvious light source; Yonatan decided that mystery could be dealt with later. 

He walked out with purpose and Yonah put a hand on the dresser so Yonatan could walk across to his shoulder. 

“Would you like breakfast, Your Highness?” Yonah said, still keeping his voice soft but managing to be snarky.  

Yonatan elbowed the giant in and for his cheek. 

“Yes,” he said. 

Breakfast made him remember...

“So. Uh…. Sophia-“ Yonatan started to ask as Yonah headed towards the kitchen. From his bedroom to a short hallway to the stairs and up the stairs. 

“She wanted to sleep more,” he said with a kind of wistful sigh. 

The giant was walking with an incredibly smooth gate; gliding.  He put a hand to his middle as he spoke, smiling. “We had a pretty intense evening on patrol.”

Yonatan nodded. 

Accepting that Sophia’s captor/mentor/best friend regularly ate her was pretty easy. Once the curse was explained. Stupid, extremely unnerving, but not hard to understand. Giants ate people after all, at least evil ones did, and Yonah was an evil giant. What was difficult to wrap his mind around was that Sophia liked it. No. Loved it. She’d been in there for over 8 hours now. And what was he, her brother doing about it? 

Sitting casually on Yonah’s shoulder like she was just asleep in her bed! But she was in Yonah’s stomach! That was so WEIRD! The more he thought about it the weirder it got! So he had to stop thinking about it. Not easy when he instinctively looked down from his perch and had a perfect view of the giant's gut. Pleasantly stuffed is how Yonatan might describe it, though it was even more disconcerting that his mind considered it at all pleasant. 

He looked forward; They entered the kitchen. But he didn’t really want to think about food now. Of course he didn’t say so, because he knew Yonah would wonder if he was sick. Explaining was out of the question. That meant he would have to force himself to eat whatever the giant served him and hope he could hold it down.

Yonah put him down on the dining table, which had a smaller, human sized table placed on it, and began gathering his supplies.  

“HEY! I WANT TO WATCH!” Yonatan shouted. He did not want to be left alone to his thoughts even for a moment. 

Shhhh!

Yonah glared at him, pointing to his stomach then his ears “Please, you can be quiet, I can hear you just fine.” He put the prince back on his shoulder. 

As soon as Yonah started cooking, all of Yonatan's previous queasiness went away. Sophia had expounded upon the giant’s prowess as a chef but hearing about it and smelling it were two different things. 

And eating it was something else entirely. 

As soon as everything was on the table Yonatan practically inhaled the food. It was really just scrambled eggs and some sautéed vegetables but the best he’d ever had in his life. Yonah really knew his spices and had precision timing to make the softest eggs. Also… he technically hadn’t eaten since lunch the previous day. Having an anxiety attack takes a lot of energy, so the prince was ravenous. 

Though Yonah had made more than enough for himself, he hadn’t gotten himself a plate. He’d turned the stove off and covered the pan with the eggs to keep them warm. What he did get was a cup of morning tea, and one for Yonatan as well, which he poured and cooled off with magic. 

“I take it you wont eat-”

“Until your sister wakes? No. -” he chuckled and yet sounded a bit angry about that. He must be hungry too, and having an indigestible weight in his stomach didn’t change that. 

“But- the tea?” He took a sip and was unsurprised to find it was unbelievably good. Probably made with magic leaves from the garden. 

“She’s not awake to complain about it,” he grinned, taking another sip, as if he would still drink it even if she were. 

It did not escape Yonatan’s notice that Yonah was watching him eat with hunger in his eyes. Thankfully his extreme wisdom let him know it was more jealousy, as he continued to shovel eggs into his princely mouth, than a desire to eat him. Though that was there. Maybe someday, but Yonatan was determined to deny the giant for as long as possible. 

“So, little prince, what exactly prompted you to come running into my clutches last night?” 

The prince swallowed his mouthful of food and took a long drink of chilled apple and blueberry juice which Yonah had gotten from his cold cellar. 

“I- Kinda wanted Sophia to be around-” Yonatan looked away, and took another bite of food to stall for another half a minute. “Well- I- I was going through father’s notes and I found something. Something important, about the fate of the kingdom.”

“Now I’m worried I shouldn’t be hearing this,” Yonah said, “You were going through Ben’s notes?”

The prince’s eyes widened, and then he laughed,  “HA!” quickly he quieted down remembering his sister- “I do father’s books all the time. He’s taken full advantage of my accursed brain.” 

Was that pity in the giant’s face? “Yonah, I’m grateful for the work. It keeps my mind occupied, or I’d be having breakdowns every other day!” 

After a moment's consideration Yonah nodded. 

“I’m surprised Ben’s brain can’t hold it all, considering it’s got all the power of the Mystic Woods,” Yonah mused. 

“The Mystic Woods, for all it is a large entity, doesn’t understand economics or politics, or even the intricacies of the FairyTales it hosts” Yonatan pointed out, again Yonah nodded. 

“Anyways,” Yonatan pulled the conversation back on track, “I saw in his notes, some observations. Ones that correlated with Sophia’s escapades in the Woods.”

“And?” Yonah asked, but he had a feeling he knew what Yonatan was about to say. 

“And- I could be wrong. But. The forest. It seems to like her, favor her.” He gulped, his voice getting higher and shaky, “Sophia- She. I think she’s already been chosen. As the next Mystic King.” 

The wizard’s face darkened and he put a hand over his stomach again, while the other tightened around tea cup. Yonatan was sitting up straight, worried he’d made a terrible mistake. How would you react if you were told your best friend in the whole wide world was going to be someday joined in a magical hivemind, the other member of which was a mysterious and powerful gestalt entity. What if you were suddenly made aware that the next magical King of the kingdom you lived in, was sleeping in your stomach? 

“Yonatan,” He growled, but it was breathy. “I am so very glad you did not wait.”

Yonatan refocused, “Wait for what?

“You are lucky Sophia is still asleep in my stomach.”

It was REALLY weird to hear him say it so casually, even if the moment wasn't so casual. Cold sweat beaded on Yonatan’s brow. 

“We- Your father and I, we aren’t going to tell her,” he continued. 

A million thoughts flooded Yonatan’s brain but one screamed to the surface. 

“YOU KNOW?”

Yonah’s eyes shimmered behind his thick spectacles. “Yes. We suspected it almost half a year ago, but confirmed it a few months ago.” 

A FEW MONTHS. Now Yonatan couldn’t believe he’d only found out last night. This had been deviously kept out of the reports. No. Wait. There had been changes, exactly 6 months ago, towards more patrols, more missions involving the forest and gauging the response. And more recently, a lot more lessons on the history of the woods and its communities, and how she applied them in her outings. Recently, she’d been learning spells and potions that relied on drawing magic from around her, seeing if the forest would allow its use. And she had no idea she was even doing it. Using magic like the King, but on a much smaller level. 

“You’re…” Yonatan looked into Yonah’s eyes to see a few tears had escaped down his cheeks, “You’re training her. Without her knowledge.”

“You’re worried, too” he continued, “That she’s doing to end up like dad, that you’re going to lose her. And!” his mind hit one new thought, great thoughts. “You’re worried that all this work is going to make it worse. Like if only you sabotaged it, she’ll be rejected, or it won’t take as much of her. ”

Yonah stiffened. Right. Wisdom. 

The prince stood up and walked over to the giant, and sat on his wrist, patting his arm. Now Yonah was the one shaking. His glasses fogged up, and he tightened his grip on his middle. Yonatan was processing this new information, gathering handfuls of the wizard’s arm hair. 

“Yonah,” Yonatan breathed, his heart slowing but lifting considerably “I had no idea you were training her. I freaked out because I too saw Sophia being… taken by The Woods. But Father is... the way he is, well, because to become one with the forest, he had to sacrifice some of his personhood.”

Removing his hand from his stomach before he woke Sophia, he placed it over Yonatan’s knees, and the prince rested a hand over the fingers. A few drops of liquid hit the large knuckles. He must be crying too, but he was smiling so big it hurt. 

“Damn my father.” Yonatan chuckled, “You’re training her so she can avoid that fate. She’s becoming part of the forest in advance to joining with its essence.” 

He wiped his tears, “Yonah,” he said, and made sure the giant was looking at him through clear lenses, “If you do your job properly, Sophia will be the most powerful King in the history of the Woods. But we won't lose her.” 

The giant was smiling too, “I was worried” he sniffed “you stupid perceptive smartass.”

“It’s a blessing. Sometimes,” Yonatan giggled and let the giant scoop him up into a hug. 

The hug was a bit tighter than felt safe, but Yonatan didn’t protest. He was grateful the giant held him above his stomach. Beneath him he felt the beating of the giant’s heart. Noticeably quick but along with the prince’s was slowing down. 

It had been the right decision to come here after all. Maybe the Woods had called to him somehow, when he figured it out, dragging him out here because he was needed. And he needed this too. If he hadn’t told Yonah, he wouldn’t have known Sophia was being trained, and wouldn’t have figured out what that meant. Yonah would have been left to believe he was training his best friend to become an emotionless vessel.

Then Yonah started and breathed in sharply. He dropped Yonatan onto the table. 

“She’s awake. Excuse me,” he said and into the stairwell. 

Yonatan couldnt imagine what floor Yonah had gone to but it was clearly nearby as he heard the muffled retching. 

Ten minutes later Yonah returned with a smiling Sophia sitting on his shoulder. From Yonah’s now clean shaven goatee he deduced that Yonah had spit her up in the bathroom. Sophia was wearing her day clothes, which she must have slept in, but she was completely immaculate. Not even a hair out of place in her massive braid. She even had on her golden tiara. 

“Yonatan!” she hopped off Yonah’s shoulder the moment he was near enough to the table. 

She ran up to her brother and embraced him, “When did you get here?”

Yonatan tried very hard not to cry as he held his sister. Her energy was so infectious, her personality so forceful, there was no way she could end up like their dad even if the traininging did nothing. No way. He would not allow it. 

“Last night- uh” he said, and opening his eyes he saw Yonah, standing behind Sophia, give him a warning hand motion. 

Sophia pulled herself away from her brother but kept her hands on his shoulder, “last NIGHT? Hold on- Why-”

“I got, a bit anxious, you know how it is… And since you well, um- eaten... Yonah helped calm me down.”

Sophia scowled for a moment, not because Yonatan had cuddled up with her giant while she was in said giant's gut, but because Yonah had not woken her! He’d let her sleep without telling her that her brother had ran away from home in panic. Sure he’d been more than capable of handling it, but this was her brother! 

“Yes, he is good for that,” she affirmed. Then got distracted as Yonah got out a second set of human sized eating utensils and a set for himself, loading his with the eggs and vegetables. 

She let go of Yonatan to snatch her plate and fork from Yonah, and before he’d set his plate down started scooping off a massive but relatively negligible onto hers. He retaliated by eating before she had finished taking her portion. In particular he would scoop away the pieces of vegetables she was carving chunks out of, eating them all. Eventually she managed to get a decent helping of eggs and veggies. 

“I'm starving and this smells amazing!” she said, also eating before she’d sat down at the smaller table. Yonatan was a bit impressed she could eat so soon and so easily after being eaten herself.  “Ohhh did you roast these with scallops!?” 

Mhm, Yonah said though his mouthful of food. “And I used goat’s milk for the eggs.”

“Oh! Why such a treat today?” she asked, taking another bite and savoring it but also eating it quickly because there was plenty more on her plate. 

“Well, we have a prince in dining with us!” he said. 

Still a little hungry, Yonatan, without asking, but with a bit of a side glance from Yonah, took a second serving of eggs off the giant’s plate. He sat down next to Sophia and poured her some of the apple blueberry juice. And another cup for himself, it was so delicious. Plus it had stayed chilled in the magic pitcher. 

Princess Sophia snorted, “Well I'm not complaining!” 

The rest of breakfast was pleasant. Yonatan updated Sophia on the goings on back in Orr, and Sophia told him all about her adventures and magic lessons. Sophia was excited to hear all the stupid gossip about the lower nobility. Yonatan had a million questions about each spell and potion she mentioned, which Yonah answered as best he could, going into enough detail for the prince but keeping it brief to not bore Sophia. 

“I think I should probably check in with the castle…” Yonatan said a bit sheepishly. 

Sophia’s eyes got wide, “Does anyone know where you are?”

Yonatan’s face grew hot, “N-no. I snuck out.” 

“You’re going to be in so much trouble!” There was no pity in her voice. 

“We can use my mirror,” Yonah said, clearing the table and taking the humans up to the workshop. 

There was no need for any rhyme, as Yonatan touched the gold filigree and asked it plainly to connect to His Majesty King Ben. The mirror made a bit of a surprised noise but then turned foggy. It still took a few minutes to connect. Ben’s personal mirror would not show anything until he answered the call, to avoid anyone snooping. 

While they were waiting Yonatan decided he didn’t want to face his father and had slowly been inching away. So that when Ben’s torso appeared in the mirror he only saw Sophia and Yonah behind her. Ben looked a little ragged and twitchy, his eyes brighter than normal, beard unshaven, his complexion a bit green, making him look like a tree with a bit of moss starting to grow on it.   

“Sophia, darling, is this urgent? We have an emergency, your brother-” Then he stopped, narrowing his eyes. 

“Uhuh” Sophia noticed her brother was out of view and motioned to Yonah, who pushed Yonatan to Sophia’s side, she took his shoulders and grinned at her father. “Guess who showed up last night?”

The King’s face was one of instant relief, smiling like he was about to cry. “Yonatan!” 

Then his face hardened, his eyes pulsed with power. And Yonatan tensed in anticipation; Sophia squoze his shoulders, and Yonah backed up. They could hear the trees rustling outside. His Mystic Majesty was about to explode. 

“YOUNG MAN DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED WE’VE BEEN! I WOKE THE WHOLE CITY! YOU ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE!” 

~At least it was through a mirror and not in person ~

[FIN] if you liked PLEASE REBLOG!

REBLOGS HELP SPREAD MY WORK! I also love knowing that people read my stories! My askbox and DMs are OPEN!!! let me know!!!

[Thanks for reading! please reblog! Or message me telling me what you think! I crave feedback! For more mystic woods go to vore-scientist.tumblr.com/tagged/mystic+woods+story or search ‘mystic woods story’]

[soundofseventeen]

Bee’s (soundofseventeen) Recs

Hi, here are my recs! They’re mostly Erin’s but I do have a few that I’m kinda proud of.

Tell Me (Seungcheol): I love anything that involves a character not telling their friends, family, s/o or really anyone about the struggles they go through and Erin really hits the nail on the head here.

Take This to Heart (Seungcheol): This song is really special to me and Cheol is  really special to me. What better way to combine the two than this?

Call Call Call (Jeonghan): I don’t know why I love this one, but it’s really sweet and dorky and telemarketer part just gets me every time.

Everything You Are (Jeonghan): Originally I hated this one when I wrote it just bc I was angry and I didn’t wanna post it just bc it’s not a happy one. It’s on my list now bc you can grow from something that feels like the end of the world and you can come out on top, and sometimes we have to remember that our idols are human.

Three’s a Crowd (Jeonghan): I love how Erin managed to keep the core friendship platonic while adding the third person...who also happens to be the other best friend. 

Kiss Me Slowly: (Jeonghan): At the end of the day, I love the thin line of friends to more and when to cross it.

I can’t believe Erin’s really gonna make me say this and I can’t believe I am too. The deception. All the Joshua fics have been my favorite bc they’re either so sweet and fluffy and domestic and leave you happy for the rest of the day or they just kinda shatter your heart. It’s fine though.

Hold This (Junhui): It’s super lame and it’s so dorky and it’s the sweetest thing ever. I can never stop smiling like an idiot whenever I reread it.

Kissing in Cars (Junhui): I can’t really explain this one, but I hold it dearly in my heart. This song from Pierce the Veil just makes me feel everything and this boy makes me feel everything. If there’s any fic I’d want y’all to read, it’s this one.

My Fairy Tale (Junhui): The friends to lovers; the bittersweet feelings; the last sentence that ties it together; I just love everything.

Carnival (Junhui): The secretly dating thing gets me every time, especially when they get caught and it’s just very fall-y.

Midnight (Junhui): The whole pining thing in a fic is very underrated, especially when everyone knows someone has to confess but they don’y. I love the realism and how you just wanna yell at the screen and writer to make them come together. 

Come Back (Junhui): ANGST my dudes!!!! I live for things like this!!!! I love that sometimes not everything we write has to be sickly sweet and happy. I WANT TO FEEL THINGS. I WANNA CRY UGLY TEARS and then cheer at the happy ending. 

7 Things (Soonyoung): I think that as a writer, one of my favorite things that I’ve done was give readers hope, only to just take it away it and this one did it justice. Erin and Haley haven’t forgiven me for this one but I did warn everyone. 

Make You Smile (Soonyoung): I’m a nerd at heart and if anything has pens, paper, a notebook, books as the key thing in a fic (along with coffee shops), I’m a goner. And it’s so sappy!!!! You can hear my heart crying!!!!

Firsts (Soonyoung): I’m very bad with feelings and this just made me happy for some reason.

Can I have This Dance? (Soonyoung): I loved this a lot more than I thought I would to be honest. Erin just has a simplistic happy way of writing and I know that everything will be alright.  

Movies (Wonwoo): A Halloween-ish type special from Erin that is hysterical to me for some reason. (Bonus points for the gif she uses!)

Favorite (Wonwoo): Small moments leading up to the big finale? My heart does a thing still!

Terrible Things (Wonwoo): This one I was really wanted to do bc it was a story begging to be told and Erin liked this too???

Speak Now (Wonwoo): You know when you read a book that completely shatters your heart but you go back and reread in hopes it ends differently? This is it. I will never forgive Erin for this one bc she came out with this one around the time I dropped the fact that Wonwoo wasn’t my main bias anymore and -ouch. This is probably my favorite one she’s done.

Someday (Wonwoo): Let me just say...friends to lovers...my absolute poison.

My Life Would Suck Without You (Jihoon): I always pictured Jihoon falling in love with someone he’s known for years and the outcome for this made me happy?

Home (Jihoon): This one I wrote in a couple of days after hearing Home and it wasn’t too shabby, I guess.

First Night (Jihoon): The ending made my heart go whoosh honestly.

Cafe Crush (Seokmin): The way to my heart is giving me a coffee shop setting and this just made me uwu

Fake Date (Seokmin): I don’t know why I adore this one, but I do! It’s so cute and funny and I meant this to happen irl

First Sight (Seokmin): The angst! The hope! The little thing you’re relying on to make it end on good terms only to just...fall apart at the seams.

When I Grow Up/ 1.5 (Seokmin): Truthfully, I don’t know why I wrote this one, but it made me really happy and I’m just a hopeless romantic at the end of the day and apparently everyone loved it so everybody wins. Plus I know it made Erin really happy and that made me even happier. (And it’s one of my favorite seventeen songs which shocks people for some reason?)

All the Mingyu ones, lmao. Everything that’s been written about Mingyu, I’ve loved.

Night and Rain (Minghao): I was inspired to start writing for these boys when I heard this song and this was the outcome. This is my firstborn, and I still listen to this song a lot.

Muffins (Mingaho): Another dorky one that just has me :D

Cheated (Minghao): Again, I won’t always write happy stuff and this was another one that just made me happy to write.

Tattoo (Minghao): I’m really sentimental about this one. Like I love it a whole lot?

Photo Credit (Seungkwan): This is probably the most original piece I’ve ever read and I still laugh about this!!!!! 

Temporary Goodbye (Seungkwan:) The bittersweet moment of last days is just something that hurts. You want more time but there’s always hope for next time and that’s what gets you through the times.

You Had Me at Hello (Seungkwan): I just started writing this one, but pen pals y’all. :( Letters, and rambling and talking to each other is just beautiful. Trust me, it’s a special kind of friendship. 

8:43 (Hansol): I don’t know why but I love reading about the flashbacks and present times. Erin’s a genius y’all.

Just the Way You Are (Hansol): Literally the time I was fighting Haley to admit her love for Vernon, I was listening to Pierce the Veil’s cover of this song (and I was going through it bc I adore this band and their music!) and I realized that this would make a good fic...although she does hate me for this one!

Lost Woods (Hansol): Mutual feelings? Sign me up. And honestly, the “No one called him Hansol anymore (or something along those lines is the sole reason it’s up there lmao)

How Would You Feel? (Hansol): Yeah, yeah...I’m just a big softie and apparently I can do cute shit like this (I’m really happy with how it came out though and I didn’t expect everyone to like it?)

Birthday Treats (Chan): I hate my birthday too, but I suppose I’d make an exception for him :(

Ice Cream (Chan): Erin and I unintentionally collaborated on this bc she said it was too short and she let me add on to it so it’s special bc we haven’t done anything since the Princess series.

Locked In (Chan): the thought of being locked in the same room with the person im crushing on is equal parts scary and exhilarating...aka my guilty pleasures!!!!

You First (Chan): I just...love break ups and make ups and the whole “let’s try it again” thing

Thirteen Ways I Said I Love You (OT13): They’re short and sweet and it’s postcards

Friends to More (OT13): FRIENDS. TO. LOVERS. NEED. I. SAY. MORE.

Hogwarts Seventeen: Erin and I talk a lot about AUs and Harry Potter so this made me GEEK

Once Upon a Time (OT13): I wouldn’t stop bugging Erin about my theories and I just...she doesn’t disappoint!

Serial Killers (OT13): Y’all I love shit like this; the creepy and scary and just wow 

Funhouse/ Thriller/  La Llorona (OT13): Funhouse was my first attempt at haunted houses; Thriller for scariness and La Llorona for the urban legend and dia de muertos!!!

[dragonheartetk]

Being aromantic has always been a mixed experience. On my own, centered in myself, I am proud and happy about it. Watching romantic media, seeing couples, I am grateful for it, and genuinely confused by how anyone can be anything else. But then, among my friends, who I love so very much, every once in a while, I start to feel isolated, lonely, expendable.

For much of my life, it didn’t bother me at all. But when my two best friends, one of them my brother, fell in love and no longer had time or interest left for me, it broke something in me. Insecurity seeped into my bones.

I knew that they were the ones in the wrong. There was no need for romance to destroy friendship. Platonic relationships were just as valuable. I was right, they were wrong. But, if everyone in the world was wrong, then there was no one for me to build a relationship with.

I started to get used to the fact that I would always come second. It stopped bothering me. After all, love isn’t a competition. If I know how much my friends love me, why should I care how much they love other people? Jealousy and envy have always been distasteful to me.

But then he came along. Oh, how funny that it would be a cis, straight, allo man, just like everyone in my life had expected. One who had a crush on me, no less. But they had no idea. So close, and yet so far.

I turned him down, of course. That was three years ago. A lot has changed since then. I feel in love, for one. With him, of course. But not romantically. It took me a while to figure that out. I’d be okay with getting romantically involved with him now, but he isn’t interested. Oh, but we are so much closer than before. We’ve been best friends for so long, and it gets deeper every day.

He had a girlfriend. I thought she was awesome. He adored her. But that’s over now. I was with him from the beginning and through the end. Though it isn’t why they broke up, she always had a bit of an issue with how close we were, especially since I’m assigned female. I hated seeing her unhappy, but I also wasn’t willing to give up an inch of what he offered me. I had finally found my person, someone who was willing to love me dearly while he had his romantic partner. Why should I have to give that up?

That’s irrelevant now, only it’s more relevant than ever. We’ve grown closer after the breakup, especially physically. And we both know that will make it harder for him to find someone. He really wants a romantic partner. So I told him that I would be fine with us being less physically intimate once he gets a partner. I’ll miss it, sure, but I’d rather see him happy. My favorite part of him has always been his heart and mind, anyway.

But last night. Last night, my darling friends. He told me that when he finds a girl he’s interested in, he’ll explain how things are between him and I. And if she isn’t okay with that... he’ll find someone else.

Our relationship, and every aspect of it, comes first. I don’t have to fit around his relationship with his romantic partner. She will have to fit around us.

I nearly started crying when he told me this. I never thought I’d have something like this. I no longer needed it; I am enough for myself. But I can’t explain how much this is worth to me.

I have found my person. He is more than I ever dreamed. And I pray to God that I never lose him.

[chantelle-x0x]

Cabin Kisses - Steve Rogers x Reader

Masterlist

A/N: I honestly don’t know how good this is. I tried really hard to make this as fluffy as possible but I also thought I’d add some fluffy-angst at the start just to get it going, but I really hope you enjoy this fic and it wasn’t a complete waste of reading time. But I don’t really know how good this one is given I am really busy with real life and I’m trying so hard to get my writing out still so, enjoy! If you can. Most importantly though, this is my entry for @barnesrogersvstheworld who held a kiss challenge and let me have the prompt ‘At a cabin in the mountains’. Thank you so much for letting me be part of this!

Permanent tag list: @glorious-fandoms, @rousetta, @fuckyourgondola

Steve Rogers tag list: @alepowell @kaitlynw011 @get-loki @i-just-wanna-live-gc Disclaimer: **All characters besides Reader, belongs to Marvel (MCU)**

Word count: 1,543

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Peter Parker x Reader

MCU Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Peter Parker,  Natasha Romanoff (mentioned), Bucky Barnes (mentioned), Clint Barton (mentioned), Sam Wilson (mentioned

Rating: General (15+ maybe?)

Warnings: A fluffy panic attack (if that’s a thing if not then), Stevie being a giant teddy bear and helping you through a panic attack at 2AM. Also, is HYDRA a warning? Because it’s mentioned. And lastly, implied stuff but nothing happens at all! Clean content xx 

Summery: You have a really bad nightmare and it effects you worse than normal, so Steve has new plans for you instead of going on a mission.

After a mission failed, you went back to the compound with your teammates. Tony and Steve were already talking about going back with more than four people and training even more so you’re all prepared for the worst. You had a gash in your arm but you tied it up with some cloth to prevent bleeding too much. Steve kept checking on you but you promised you were feeling okay and that you’d be alright. As you got to the compound, you went to the med-bay and got stitched up before thanking the nurse and exiting, heading to your room. After changing into your pyjamas, you take your laptop and sit on your bed putting on ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’. You’re about 20 minutes into the movie when there’s a knock on your door.

‘C’mon in.’ You say warmly, sitting up properly. Steve entered your room, closing the door gently behind him. He moved over on your bed smiling at him as he takes place next to you.

‘How are you feeling?’ He asks as you close up your laptop. You shrug in response and sigh.

‘The pain meds are wearing off now so I’m starting to feel the pain, but other than that, I’m doing just fine.’ Your voice was quiet and you looked really tired. Steve cuddled up closer to you and wrapped an arm around your shoulders. Before long, you slumped against him and fell asleep. He places a kiss to your forehead then picks you up bridal style and places you into your bed and covers you up. You sigh but open your eyes a little and pull on his arm gently, whispering, ‘Stay?’ He nods and goes to the other side of the bed pulling the covers over himself.

You and Steve had been dating for a couple of years, you just hadn’t gotten a room together. Sometimes you needed your own space for a little while and Steve understood that, so you both agreed you wouldn’t move in together; anywhere. Not for now anyway. More than space though, you had major trust issues from past relationships, Steve would never hurt you and you knew that, but it wasn’t easy to just pick up and leave with someone especially when you have an ongoing doubt that you might do or say something that’ll cause a problem.

At about 2 AM, Steve wakes up. He feels your non-stop movements, like your feet kicking air and your hands gripping and letting go of the sheets. Your sleeping grunts, as well as your sweating and light shaking. He whispers your name, gently shaking you awake. You wake up and it takes you a moment to realise where you are.

Every time you, Steve or someone else you cared about dearly got hurt during a mission, you'd have either a nightmare where they’d get really injured and end up dying, tearing your heart apart or, you’d die and you’d have to watch the people around you slowly start to forget you and it would get to a point where they didn’t care about or remember you. When you wake up, you cry and basically have a panic attack. And that’s exactly what happened.

Once you adjust to where you are, your eyes well up in tears and you start to cry really hard. Your breath comes short but not for a second were you alone. Steve’s warm arms wrapped around you and he whispered sweet things to help calm you down. He continuously kissed your forehead and rocked you back and forth in his arms. After calming down you realised how bad everything really was today.

‘Everything is okay doll.’ Steve whispered as he wiped your tears away. You sniffled before holding on tightly to your boyfriend. When morning came you found that you were alone in your bed. You knew Steve had probably gone for his morning run so you went down to get some food. Tony called you into a meeting and you found everyone there.

‘The mission from yesterday failed as we all know, thankfully most of us didn’t have anything terrible happen. We need to go in again tonight. Cap, you’ll be paired with Y/N. Help her train and then when we get there, go undercover as HYDRA interns. Barton and Romanoff you guys are together, Barnes and Wilson, you guys pair together and don’t mess this up.’ Tony kept giving out what everyone needed to do, but your head was elsewhere. The meeting ended and you chose to quickly slip into your room, leaving Steve with Tony.

Steve met you near the Quinjet but before you got on, he guided you wordlessly to a small plane. ‘What are we doing Steve? I thought we had to go with them, then we’d split up.’ Steve opened the door letting you in first.

‘That was the plan, but now we have to leave separately.’ He said and you nodded. You two fell into a comfortable silence, but after a while, you started heading towards a runway in a mountain.

‘Steve, where are you going?’ You ask.

‘We’re not doing the mission.’ He informed.

‘Why not!? I’m completely fine!’ You were frustrated. It’s happened before, sure not this badly, but it’s happened.

‘You’re not. It hasn’t happened like it did last night and I don’t want you to get hurt.’ You decided you’d give him the silent treatment for a while. He waited to tell you and you were actually looking forward to being a HYDRA intern for a couple of days. You entered the cabin without a word which made Steve chuckle.

About an hour passed when Steve gave you a cup hot chocolate and wrapped a warm blanket around you. You smiled at him and thanked him. ‘She speaks!’ He said euphorically. You laughed and rested your head on his chest since he took place next to you.

‘I love you Steve. Thank you for taking me away. I guess I never knew how stressed I could actually be.’ Steve smiled and placed two fingers under your chin before pressing his lips to yours. You melted into him almost automatically. You placed your cup down on the floor before wrapping your arms around Steve’s neck. His tongue slid along your bottom lip asking for entrance which you happily gave him. He laid you on the couch. You smiled into the kiss and before pulling away, you pulled on Steve’s bottom lip. You both took a moment to breathe, his eyes no longer bright blue like before. You went to kiss him again when you heard a knock on the door. You both eyed each other, but there was another knock.

‘Stay here.’ Steve said sternly, picking up his shield and heading to the door. You didn’t follow his instructions and quietly followed him taking the gun from the table near the couch. Another knock echoed through the room. Steve opened the door ready to attack when a young Peter Parker was standing outside.

‘Woah. Sorry Captain. I-I uh, I went to help Mr Stark but he sent me here because he said it’s too dangerous. Hi Y/N!’ He said waving to you. You smiled and went to the door and hugged your young friend. Steve shut the door after Peter and you got him a cup of hot chocolate.

‘You scared me Peter!’ You exclaimed. He rubbed the back of his neck and apologised.

‘You’re here now kid so you should be safe. We’ll head back in a few days. You can find your room right? With your spidey-sense.’ Steve tried to get the kid out off the room.

‘That’s not how it works but yeah. Thanks for letting me stay here Captain.’ Peter said smiling.

‘I’ve told you before Peter, call me Steve.’ Steve said with a smile, while trying to usher Peter away.

‘Right. Well thanks guys!’ Peter said before leaving to find an empty room.

‘You don’t like to listen to orders when you’re off duty, do you?’ Steve asked, taking you by surprise. You then realised what he meant.

‘Long answer, if something happened to you, I wouldn’t have been safe and if you needed backup, I’d be there to help.’ Steve cocked an eyebrow and had an amused look.

‘And short answer?’ He asked.

You step closer to him, wrapping your arms around his neck, smiling up at him whispering, ’No.’ A slight shake to your head. ‘No, I don’t like orders when I’m off duty, but you should already know that, captain.’ Steve smirked at your words and a slight blush dusted his cheeks. Before anything could progress however, Peter came back into the room with a smile on his face.

‘What’re we watching?’ He asked, you laughed and pulled away from Steve’s embrace.

‘Soon.’ You whispered to Steve, he instantly understood what you meant and smiled. ‘Your choice Peter.’ You smiled at the teenager before sitting next to him on the couch.

You had to admit, although you didn’t want to be away from the “fun” mission, you were quite enjoying the time with Steve and Peter. You were all safe and away from danger. That’s what you always wanted for Steve.

If you’d like to be part of my permanent Marvel tag list or an individual character tag list, let me know!

Constructive criticism and general feedback would be awesome as well! Thanks for reading x

Masterlist

[the-gay-in-the-way]

Anime but with Thomas and the Sides.

What it says on the tin.

It’s late, I’m tired, I’m not in my house, it’s dark, and I just finished rewatching Pretear with my siblings for the fiftieth time in my life after going to a GAAM anime event.

So I’m thinking about anime and I’m(always)thinking about the sides and Thomas.

So now I’m gonna talk about all of my crap ideas cus my sister doesn’t use her AC, we live in Florida, and I can’t sleep when I’m sweating buckets.

I wasn’t gonna make a post about this originally because I figured no one would care but someone recently mentioned it and I gave Andy some shoujo recs recently and Thomas has made videos about anime so I realized that I was being dumb and could literally just talk about this without worrying too much.

I also figured I wouldn’t make a post about it cus my ideas are crap.

But now it’s late and I don’t really care and I really wanna talk about this, even if it’s just to myself via text format, so I’m making this post while trying to ignore the sounds of my drunk sister doing terrible things in the room next to mine.

So, starting from what I literally just thought of because of what I literally just watched.

Pretear

It’s a terrible but great old anime about a girl who has to save the world by “fusing” with these handsome guys who are sworn to save the world from, basically, an evil witch.

I would recommend it if you like classic anime and/or magical girl stuff and/or reverse harems.

I watched it as a kid with my sisters so many times that I have the entire opening and ending sequences memorized and can give you an exact play by play of what happens in the entire series.

And, honestly, I find a lot of the premises within it pretty interesting.

The fusing thing is pretty neat.

Although it doesn’t change the appearance of the girl who “Pretes” with the guy, it conjures up a pretty cool, in my opinion, outfit and, sometimes, a weapon for her to use.

Also, the way that the “Knights”(that’s what the guys are called) work is actually quite fascinating and makes me wish there was more stuff written and animated for them.

For one, there is a sort of system of recreating the Knights when one of them dies.

For another, their abilities are quite cool, when you get past some of the weaker parts.

And there are just so many cool things you can do with them as a storyteller.

So here’s what I was thinking.

All of the sides are knights while Thomas is the Pretear.

One thing about Pretear is that it says the Pretear must be female.

But, as is the case with most rules in anime, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.

What if a Pretear turned out to be male.

Specifically, what if the Pretear was Thomas, who’s just trying to live his best life as a youtuber/ex-viner.

And what if the handsome guys who showed up to turn him into the Pretear where the sides we all know and love but Thomas had never met before.

And there are seven of them guys!

Seven Knights and, eventually, seven sides!

That’s an awesome coincidence.

But, without worrying about that, I’m mostly just thinking of what it would be like for Thomas to be the Pretear with all of the current sides as the Knights.

We could keep it with something more along the lines of the main elements, taking away the original extras of light and ice.

So each of the sides would be either fire, wind, earth, water, or sound.(because sound is an awesome element and you probably already know who I want to give it to.(especially because Sasame’s voice from the anime dub was hecking gorgeous and I absolutely love Virgil’s voice and want him to have this.))

Roman would be fire, of course.

Patton would be earth, because there are some abilities that Shin has as the Knight of Earth that make me think of Patton’s usual role as the sort of father and caregiver and stuff.

And the earth element is portrayed as something very soft and gentle in the series and it really feels appropriate for Patton.

Logan would be water, because I feel like it suits him in a way and I imagine that he would have something like a combination of water and ice since they’re so close and I took out the element.

Deceit would be wind, because he suits the sharpness of the element as it’s portrayed in the anime and he also suits Hayate because Hayate is a lying tsundere who lies so yeah.

And Virgil would, of course, be sound, because there are so many parallels between him and Sasame that it’s kind of ridiculous.

And I am going to list them now so, spoiler alert, I guess.

Their voices can make people faint from their beauty, I’m not kidding.

Sasame acts all cool and calm and okay with things but is internally filled with turmoil.

He has a tendency to be the voice of reason within the Knights, and I think Virgil has a tendency to be the same with Thomas and the sides.

Sasame is riddled with guilt from his past mistakes and is determined to make up for them.

But he makes up for them by doing the absolute worst thing possible and ends up breaking everyone’s hearts by trying to leave them. I’m not kidding about this either. This is a thing both of them did.

But then he gets his redemption at the end and everyone accepts him for who he really is.

Seriously, they are uncannily similar.

It’s kind of hilarious.

So, yeah.

Those are my basic thoughts on this.

Go watch Pretear.

It’s terrible and great and kind of dumb.

But I love it anyways.

Even tho, of course, it would be better if it where gayer.

Moving on!

Natsume's Book of Friends/Natsume Yuujinchou

This is my all time favorite anime.

I have watched the entire first four seasons over ten times now and all six seasons together three times since the new seasons came out.

I love this series more than anything in the world and would absolutely die for Natsume Takashi.(Just like Tanuma.(And literally everyone else.))

In it, a high school boy moves into the home of his new foster parents who happen to live in the town his grandmother used to live in.

He can see yokai while most people cannot and that leads to him being attacked by a bunch of them who think he’s actually his grandmother, who could also see yokai.

He finds out from them that his grandmother used to take the names of yokai she defeated in battle, which would turn them into her servants, and put them in a book she called “The Book of Friends”.

Natsume realizes that he has the book and decides to try and return all of the names in it to all of the yokai they belong to.

The yokai who told him about the book, and whom attacked him in order to get it from him before Natsume punched him and made him stop, decides to help him with this task by becoming his bodyguard and teaching him about yokai and the book in exchange for Natsume giving him the book should he die before emptying it.

Basically, a troubled boy tries to make up for the mistakes of his long dead grandmother, with the help of a very strong yokai disguised as a Maneki Neko/Lucky Cat, and ends up developing as a person over time as he makes friends with both humans and yokai alike and learns what it feels like to actually be a part of a family.

I will recommend it to anyone who likes supernatural slice of life’s and/or really good character development being the focus and/or lots of platonic love and/or just anyone who’s willing to listen to me because it’s hecking beautiful and I want everyone to know about it because it deserves the acknowledgement.

So, I was thinking about this recently while rewatching it once again.

What if Thomas was in Natsume’s place.

What if Thomas could see yokai but couldn’t tell anyone about it.

What if Thomas had a grandmother(His aunt Patty or something just cus that’s hilarious.)who could also see them.

What if Natsume inherited the book she filled with the names of yokai.

And what if he ended up deciding to return them with the help of a yokai bodyguard.

I’m very happy to have this thought.

The two are both the sweetest of beans and I love them dearly.

So I think it’s pretty appropriate.

Also, because I’m a sucker for it, a protective Virgil as a giant yokai dog disguised as a cat figurine is something that I would hecking live for.

Protective Virgil is basically my aesthetic at this point so this idea is perfect for me.

But then, also consider this.

Talyn and Joan as Kitamoto and Nishimura, respectively.(The best friends that don’t know about Natsume’s ability to see yokai but love him and all of his weird quirks anyways.)

Logan as Tanuma.(The friend who can’t see yokai but can still sense them and is, as such, allowed to know about Natsume’s secrets involving them and even help out when Natsume needs it.)

Patton as Taki.(The friend who can’t see or sense yokai but knows a lot about them and can basically use spells and equipment to deal with them and help out Natsume as well.)

Deceit as Natori.(The exorcist who can also see yokai but hates them and befriends Natsume while also trying to trick him into becoming an exorcist as well.)

Roman as one of the Dog’s Circle,(A group of yokai who befriended Natsume and are determined to help him whenever he needs them to.(He’d probably be someone like Hinoe, but with different abilities and things. I’d rather not be as specific with his role because I think he’d be better as his own sort of mythical being who befriends Thomas.))

And, because this needs repeating, Virgil as hecking Nyanko-Sensei.(The strong wolf/dog yokai sealed within the body of a cat figurine who becomes Natsume’s bodyguard because he wants the Book of Friends but eventually just protects him to the point of FACING LITERAL GODS because he cares about him.(Even tho he refuses to acknowledge it.))

Oh my god!

You guys have no idea how much I personally love this!

This entire thought process gives me life!

Especially when I think about all the fun stuff you can do with different mythologies and stuff!

As a fanfic or something this doesn’t have to take place in Japan.

This could just be in a nondescript universe where all the world, and it’s mythologies, are mixed.

So Thomas could meet greek and roman gods or old legends, like the headless horseman, and new legends, like slender man.

There could be crossovers from completely different fandoms that involve mythology.

It could be amazing!

I love this idea, so hecking much!

You guys seriously have no idea.

So, yeah, those are a couple of my anime rambles involving Thomas and the Sides.

I have more.

I have many many many more.

But I’m gonna stop here cus I’m quickly losing the fight to stay awake, which is a good thing cus I’m tired and should sleep so that I can stay awake for all of the stuff happening tomorrow, so I’m gonna go ahead and let myself rest.

Goodnight, hope you don’t mind my rambles, and you should seriously check out these anime.

Natsume Yuujinchou, especially.

It’s amazing.

I’m not kidding.

It’s the best thing.

I cry from it’s beauty every episode.

I’m not even kidding.

So, yeah.

Check it out and be blessed.

[demonhussy]

Nah but I am genuinely sick and tired of the constant conflation of ‘love’ with ‘sex’.

And I can admit objectively that maybe I only feel the way I do about it because I’m demisexual.

But I can wholeheartedly love someone so very dearly in a non-platonic way and still not feel like I must have or am in any way entitled to having a sexual relationship with them. 

I can be attracted to someone and not feel like I have to forcibly restrain myself from wanting to have sex with them. 

And there’s a vast difference between physical intimacy and sexual intimacy. 

Not everything physical is inherently sexual.

I don’t like sharing. I don’t.

So yes, I’m a selfish lover. I’m greedy. I want it all.

I’m possessive.

But do I think my partner shouldn’t even hug another person? Am I going to throw a fit if my partner sleeps in the same bed as a friend?

No!

I wasn’t fucking naive to have trusted my first ex to not break his promise and cheat on me, not once but twice. It wasn’t naive of me to have trusted him that I didn’t think twice or worry about him going to see a movie with a female friend he’d met at college.

I trusted because that’s what you should be able to do with your partner. He chose to betray that trust. He could’ve told me that monogamy wasn’t for him even though he tried. Instead, he chose to cheat, and lie, and then make me feel like the villain for leaving.

I went into a relationship with someone else then knowing he was polyamorous. I never asked him to leave his other partners nor could I have ever brought myself to do so. But I hated sharing, and no matter how many times he or the previous ex tried to convince me I’m not having to “share”, that was what it was. I was in a relationship with him, but I had no relationship with the others. I tried to at least be friends with them, but we were too different.

In a relationship, any decision I make will ultimately affect my partner. And that would then affect his partners. It just wasn’t working. I felt stuck.

It’s not the same, being okay with a partner having a social life and healthy relationships, friends, family, outside of their relationship with me - as knowing they’re fucking someone else whenever they’re not with me. It’s just. Not.

And yet no matter how many times I tried to leave that relationship, when I was so clearly unhappy, he kept manipulating me to stay, convincing me I was in the wrong to feel the way I felt, that I should learn to be happy with the way things were.

I’ve been stuck feeling like I’m wrong and a worse person for choosing monogamy. 

I grew up in a big family. With a father who had two wives, and children with both. And yet I ended up neglected, and still suffer the process of healing from it today. 

You don’t know loneliness until you feel alone in a crowded room, even with someone you know standing next to you. When you grow up feeling like you didn’t matter, to the people you’re biologically programmed to believe you should matter to.

Funny thing is. I know I could be happy in a polyamorous relationship, just not the way I’ve had forced on me so far. The thing is, when I think of a good poly relationship, it’s like...me and two people, at most. And all three of us are together, a unit. That’s a relationship that makes sense to me. Not a relationship where it’s me and one person and them with another, or me with one person and also someone else separately. 

But I’d rather just say I’m monogamous. Because opening myself up to others’ perception of a potential partner within their uneven polyamory has only done me harm.