#staying home and doing the same they did wouldn’t have been fair to them bc they didn’t work their asses off for nothing

[songtwo]

like leaving always made me so sad to just leave everyone and everything behind but also so much of what i do and one of the reasons i’ve always worked so hard for everything was to make my parents proud and to show them all their sacrifices and everything they did for me wasn’t for nothing so knowing they see that is everything to me

[reidsnose]

horror film

overview: reader and spencer watch a scary movie and spook themselves into cuddling

genre: fluff/angst?(yall are scared bc of the movie)/kind of humor

warnings: light swearing, mentions of idk like spooky ghost stuff

a/n: i definitely have been watching far too many horror movies for my own good but i dont have a spencer reid to cuddle up with lmao anyway i hope you guys enjoy it !!! please please let me know what you thing :)

masterlist

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Spencer didn't understand. after all you guys see throughout the day, you want to come home and watch a horror movie. your whole lives were like one big horror movie.

but, regardless, he would walk to the ends of the earth for you (though he did not plan on telling you that), so watching a scary movie with you wouldn't be so bad. in fact, anything would be good with you. he would happily get a root canal if it meant spending more time with you.

he tried to convince himself: a scary movie is like halloween! and he loves halloween. reading about it. learning about it. but getting his adrenaline pumping via jump scare? hmmm..maybe not.

he didn't watch many horror films when he was a kid. his mom didn't do very well with them. and he liked his foreign films better. but watching the light in your eyes twinkle when you asked him to come over to watch together because you were scared to watch alone? how could he say no?

and you were beyond excited to have him over. even though you guys had already hung out outside of work before, you almost never got to pick the movies. truth be told that was because you went along with almost anything he said so you could get closer. and you planned on watching the movie at a friendly distance.

keyword: planned.

but it was now halfway through the movie and you were both cuddled up together in the corner of the couch. and from the beginning of the movie, anytime something remotely creepy happened, Spencer would lean over and whisper what a reasonable explanation could be. or tell you how statistically improbable the events of a certain scene was. and so you two drew closer and closer. and he convinced himself he was telling you the statistics and facts to make sure you dont get too scared; but really it was himself he was trying to calm down.

the movie was what it said it was; scary. but you had watched your fair share of horror movies, and though a couple of the jump scares got you, you were getting a little disinterested and distracted.

every time he leaned over (rather, now he was leaning down) and whispered something to you, you had to fight the urge to kiss him. not to mention. you were snuggled up to you're best friend who you were secretly crushing on and he was pulling you impossibly closer with every creepy scene that flashed on screen. and you were more exhausted than you knew. and Spencer was just so damn comfortable its like the guys arms were made to dream in!

so you started dozing off.

not Spencer.

he couldn't tell if his heart was beating from using you as his own personal teddy bear, or from the horrifying, ghastly scenes unfolding on screen. he didnt even notice you had fallen asleep until he leaned down, eyes glue to the screen, to whisper how unlikely the existence of ghosts was, and you didn't answer. he looked down and let himself audibly sigh. a smile cracking on his lips at the irony of you falling asleep during a horror movie.

one last jump scare had woken you up at the very end of the movie. not so much the jump scare, but the jerk of Spencer's entire body and the slight yelp he let out. and you found yourself feeling sad that Spencer was going to go home.

you told him he could stay if he was scared, to which he replied he was completely not scared (though his lie was very obvious). and having not watched most of the movie, you were able to fall back asleep in no time.

that was not the case for Spencer.

he was incredibly paranoid as he walked up the stairs, afraid an evil spirit would be waiting to scare him in his apartment. and when he lied down to sleep, every shadow that appeared in his room seemed to resemble a ghost. he tossed and turned petrified for about an hour before deciding he couldn't stay alone in his apartment.

so he found himself driving back to your apartment at about midnight to ask if he could sleep in the guest bedroom.

when he arrived at your door you let out a chuckle at his request, giving him a sort of "told you so" talking to as you made arrangements in the guest room so he'd be comfortable. and boy did this make him feel better. he was still very scared, but it wasn't nearly as bad because he knew you were just a room away. he opted to get a glass of water to try and calm down.

you, however, had just now started to be scared as images replayed in your head of things that go bump in the night. you tossed and turned trying not to look at the shadowy corners of your room, but you just couldn't fall back asleep. so you decided to make your way to the kitchen for some water, keeping your head down to avoid spooking yourself via the various oddly shaped nicknacks in your home.

Spencer stiffened as he felt a presence in the room, and he turned to see the shadowy figure of a woman, hobbling towards him, head trained on the floor. he couldn't scream, he couldn't run, he couldn't do anything but stare terrified at the figure.

you looked up as you neared the kitchen, letting out a blood curdling scream when you saw a tall shadow man standing in your kitchen.

Spencer could scream now that the figure began screaming. he let out a high pitched yelp as he stumbled along the wall looking for the light switch. he felt the need to protect you from the ghost, so in a fit of deranged manliness he let out a string of words that in or out of context is completely laughable.

"fuck off you spooky bitch!" the shadow man yelled, finally finding the light switch.

when the light flicked on the confusion and horror stopped. and instead you and Spencer stood equally spooked, in your fight or flight response.

"Spencer?" you croaked, lowering a raised fist. you planned on fighting a ghost?

"y/n?" he asked back equally confused.

"i was getting water what are you doing?" you asked, laughing slightly as you realized what he had yelled out.

"i was too," he chuckled, remembering what he had called out, "sorry for telling you to fuck off and calling you a spooky bitch."

"its ok, sorry for being 100% ready to punch you in the neck."

you two stood in a silence that wasn't exactly comfortable but not awkward either as you got a glass and filled it with water.

"hey do-" he began.

"could i-" you started at the same time.

"you go first," he chuckled, taking a sip of his water.

"i wont be mad if you say no, but could i sleep in the guest bed with you? my room has way too many spooky corners." you asked shyly.

"i was just about to ask that," he smiled.

you let out a relieved sigh before gulping down your water and heading to sleep in the guest room.

you two lied weirdly far at first but after mentioning how the coat hanger looked like a man with horns you two both reached for each other. falling asleep wrapped tightly in each others arms. hearts beating together quickly; but not because of fear.

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utra mega super cool taglist:

@mac99martin @imhreid @spencersmagic @hollydaisy23 @raelady1184 @a-broken-pact @padfootswife @hey-there-angels @star-stuff-in-the-cosmos @sonnydoesrandomshit @coffeereid-deactivated20210303 @averyhotchner @laurakirsten0502 @reidyoulikeabook @remariiana @spencerreid9

[robbyswayzekeenes]

fuck up our friendship━ eli moskowitz imagine

eli moskowitz x fem!reader

set after the party in 2x09, pretty wholesome with admitting feelings but also angst bc the reader is tryna be friends with both eli and demetri and it is NOT going well

Once the police busted the party, Y/N knew she had to find Eli. The girl was a Miyagi-Do student, and she knew full well that Sam and Robby would not appreciate her going to find her oldest friend and Cobra Kai’s number one asshole, but the pair were having their own issues, so it was unlikely they would find out. Y/N and Eli had been friends since the girl moved to the Valley at the start of freshman year. She wasn’t exactly a loser as someone like Yasmine or Kyler would word it, and many people never understood why she signed away her high school popularity to be friends with the two biggest dorks in school-- Demetri and Eli-- but she wouldn’t have wanted anybody else. Demetri and Eli had been best friends since kindergarten, and the h/c slotted into the group perfectly. They may have had it pretty bad at school, but they had each other.

Then, two years later, at the start of their junior year, karate came back to the Valley. Whilst Y/N and Demetri had always been seemingly content with living their lives as losers, apparently Eli didn’t feel the same. It wasn’t the mohawk or the new name they particularly had a problem with, or his newfound popularity that bothered them. It was the way he went about getting it. Hawk was becoming the very person he had always hated. Both of his best friends knew this wasn’t the person he really was, but when Demetri had addressed this, Eli declared an all out war against him. So now Y/N was left as the middle-man, trying to care for both of her best friends and bring them back together without choosing a side. And neither of them made it easy.

Tonight, at Moon’s party, Y/N had been so hopeful. The two sat talking about Doctor Who whilst the girl stood beside Robby and Sam, sipping her drink and pretending she wasn’t listening in to what Demetri and Eli were talking about. She allowed herself to get distracted for one moment to talk with Robby about skateboarding and suddenly, Eli was pouring his drink all over Demetri’s head. With a shameful sigh, Y/N walked over to the two, handing paper towels to the dark haired boy and raising her eyebrows at Eli. The red haired boy gave her a sheepish, apologetic smile before wandering off to join the other Cobras.

In all fairness, Hawk had it coming when Demetri stood up on that stage with the mic in his hand, but the brown eyed boy didn’t need to take it that far. Watching from where she stood with the other Miyagi-Dos, her e/c eyes flitted between Eli and Demetri. It pained the girl to watch her two best friends fight, but it hurt more knowing she was watching her best friend and the boy she was in love with attempt to tear each other’s heads off. Y/N had developed the biggest crush on Eli in their sophomore year, and everybody knew it except the boy in question. Demetri knew it, too, which was why initially he was so hesitant to launch an attack against his best friend, no matter how much he deserved it. But that night, he hadn’t held back.

Once the cops pulled up outside, everything descended into chaos. Her eyes met with Demetri’s, which were filled with remorse, and he nodded at her. “Go find him. Make sure he’s okay.” Y/N offered the boy a small smile in return. She knew Demetri still cared for Eli, and Eli still cared for Demetri. It was just Hawk who appeared not to. Rushing out the house so as not to get caught by the police, the h/c found Eli walking out the back of the house alone. The rest of the Cobras weren’t around, which reassured Y/N, but only slightly. “Eli!” She called, causing his head to swing around, his blue eyes catching hers. “What do you want? Come to humiliate me even more?” “Eli,’ The girl breathed in response, sounding exasperated as she caught up to him. “You know I wouldn’t do that.” “I didn’t think Demetri would, either,” He responded, allowing Y/N to see how hurt he really was. “And I didn’t think you would attack him when we were at the mall the other day. Or pour beer on his head.” Eli let out a sigh-- he was Eli now he was around Y/N. She was the only person he trusted enough to let his newfound guard down around.

“I’ve told you this before, Y/N,” The red haired boy said with a sigh. “Demetri chose his side. He went against us. Against Cobra Kai.” “I don’t need to hear it again, Eli,” The h/c haired girl huffed. “I’m just here to make sure you’re okay. Cobra Kai or not, you’re my best friend. I care about you, and so does Demetri.” “Whatever,” The boy exhaled, but he still allowed Y/N to walk the rest of the way home with him, and even come in when he opened the door and headed inside. “Mom isn’t home,” Eli spoke, closing the door and flicking off his shoes, “She’s on night shift tonight.” “Good job I’m here then,” Y/N nodded, knowing how much the blue eyed boy hated being alone. Eli didn’t say anything in response, just smiled smally.

Any alcohol consumed at the party that evening had begun to wear off, as Eli and Y/N sat on the couch in the front room. The silence was awkward for the first few moments; it always was now that there was a clear divide pushing the two apart, but both of them more than anything wanted to stay close. As much as Y/N’s crush on Eli was clear as day (to everyone other than him), the boy’s reciprocated feelings were much better hidden, especially with his new Hawk facade. However, Cobra Kai had thrown in the spanner in the works, and any chance the boy may have had with his best friend was seemingly gone. Yet, every few nights the girl would still come over and spend time with Eli, alternating the time she used to spend with both her best friends.

Eventually, the awkwardness faded, and the two would begin to speak about anything and everything they hadn’t caught up on, considering they had spent most of the summer apart at their separate dojos. An hour or so past, taking the time up to midnight, before Eli invited Y/N to stay the night like she had many times before. The h/c hastily agreed, and followed Eli upstairs to his bedroom, yawning quietly due to exhaustion. Once they made it up, her e/c eyes widened. “What the fuck happened in here?” The once blue walls, littered with posters, were now red and bare. A punching bag stood where a fake TARDIS used to be, and there wasn’t a funko pop in sight, which was not at all like Eli Moskowitz. The bedsheets were just plain black, rather than Star Wars themed, but when the h/c craned her neck, there were still small, glow-in-the-dark stars littered across the ceiling. “I redecorated,” Was all Eli said, flopping down on his bed.

Y/N flopped down beside him. “I think I preferred the Doctor Who merch,” The girl admitted honestly, causing Eli to look at her with wide eyes. “Did you know the new Doctor was female?” “Of course,” The h/c smiled, “Me and Demetri still watch every Friday night.” At the mention of this, Eli’s face fell, causing Y/N to frown. “You know he didn’t really want to hurt you tonight,” The girl sighed, attempting to lock eyes with Eli who was staring down at his fidgeting fingers. “It was a shitty thing to do, but you’ve both done shitty things to each other.” She continued her speech, becoming more and more passionate as she spilled her frustration out to Eli: “Do you know how hard it is for me to watch my two best friends fight with each other? Over something as petty as a fucking karate dojo! I know that I can’t stop you two fighting and the best I can do is try and maintain the middle ground, because the last thing I want to do is choose between my best friend and the others at Miyagi-Do, and the boy I’ve had feelings for since forever.”

Y/N’s voice began to fade out as she calmed down, but Eli was still staring at her, seemingly in shock. Noticing how panicked the boy looked, the girl’s face softened. “I’m sorry for yelling, Eli, I-” “You said you had feelings for me.” His voice was deadpan, showing no emotions as his blue eyes bore into Y/N. The girl’s mouth opened and closed in shock. “I- Maybe I said that. Accidentally. Maybe-” “You have feelings for me?” Eli spoke again, and for a second, he sounded like Eli, like the person he was before all this karate shit took over. With a sigh, the girl nodded. “Congratulations. You’re officially the last person to know.” “Why didn’t you tell me?” The boy asked, his eyes wide. “I don’t know,” The girl shrugged. “Guess I didn’t wanna fuck up our friendship, but I guess karate’s doing that for us.” Y/N’s e/c eyes chose to rest on the bed sheets beneath her instead of on Eli as he responded. “Well, what if I want to fuck up our friendship?” At this comment, however, the girl’s eyes shot up, just in time for Eli to place his hand on her chin and placed his lips against hers.

She was shocked at first, but Y/N soon kissed back, placing her hands on the boy’s face to pull him closer. The girl felt him smile into the kiss as he rolled himself closer, wrapping a hand round her waist to draw her in. “I’ll fuck up our friendship a hundred times over if it means I can do that again,” Y/N smiled, resting her forehead against his. Eli kissed her once again, softly, before saying: “For the record, I like you, too. I’m surprised Demetri didn’t tell you.” “That rat!” Y/N exclaimed, though she wasn’t really annoyed. “I’m going to kill him!” “Right now?” Eli asked, quirking his eyebrow with a cocky smirk. “Hm, maybe not,” The girl grinned, biting her lip and pulling the boy closer. “I think I’ll just stay here and kiss you.”

[moonlight-escapade]

The King & I (Pt 12)

Y’all better like this one because I hyper focused on it for a two straight hours. 

HISTORICAL AU (but not necessarily historically accurate bc this is a fanfic not a research project lol): King Henry V & “Street Urchin” reader who takes in and cares for abandoned/orphaned children.

CW: Descriptions of physical intimacy (but nothing raunchy... just a lil spice)

CHAPTER 12: HONEY

They won. It had been declared by the town crier earlier in the day. King Henry V had regained his claim to the throne of France. There was to be a parade to welcome the soldiers home.

Little Lily skips around the room like a rabbit as the criers news echoes down the alleyway. “We’ll make a feast! For Carter and Joey and John and—“ 

“For all of them!” Evie yells happily. 

The younger boys and girls can hardly contain themselves with glee. I want to share in their unrivaled joy, but I had seen how battle changed men. The thought of Carter coming back with that grayness inside him pained me too much. But I wouldn’t stop them from welcoming their older brothers -which they were in some way- back home. “Alright, we’ll go out and find a feast!” I say, letting myself be rushed out the door by a wave of little hands and faces. I entrust a few shillings with each of the oldest boys, who would entrust the selection of goods to the girls. It was the only fair compromise we could come to since the first time I’d let them out for errands. I envied their worries amusingly. 

As for me, I would figure out more about the whereabouts of Hal’s army. I spot the crier walking towards the tavern and run to catch him before he breaks the news to the drunken crowd. 

“Sir!” I yell, running up to him. He turns back enough to catch my eye. “Where are the soldiers now?” I ask. He turns back, walking on without facing me. “They are to return today… those that are left.”

My heart stops at his words. Those left? I run up to him, grabbing his arm, “Those left?” 

He shrugs away from me, eyeing me the way everyone but Hal did.

“Many died, more than half of the men who were sent out,” he said. My mind spins, struggling to comprehend his words as I stay frozen in the middle of the road. Everything suddenly felt cold. People passed by, yelling and shoving their way through the street to get to the markets, splashing muddy water onto my skirts and hands, but they all seemed so far away from where my heart had taken me.

“(Y/N)?,” a familiar voice called me out of my daze. I looked up to see Mrs. Quickly walking towards me. Her hands came up to my face, wiping away at whatever droplets of muck had splashed me. 

“How long have you been standing here?” she asked me. I looked at her, blinking. “Not long… I think,” I tell her. She eyes me carefully then moves to hook her arm with mine. “Come with me now dear, we’ll clean up your skirts.” I let her bring me into the tavern, walking past the celebratory crowd, drunk on ignorance and mead.

“Now tell me, what’s the matter dear?” Mrs. Quickly asks as she unbuttons my skirt. I step out of the waist, watching her take a brush to the muddied hem before answering. 

“What if he doesn’t come back,” I say. She looks back at me with a brow raised, “Hal will be here.”

“Not Hal…” I say, not wanting to elaborate more. If I didn’t speak it it couldn’t be true. If only I could do the same with my thoughts. 

“Hal will have taken care of them, (Y/N),” she assures me. I can’t help the anger that bubbles inside me. How does she know? How could Hal have truly kept an eye on them and the throne?

I take a breath, walking to peer through the dirty window. 

“You mustn’t fear what you don’t yet know,” I hear Mrs. Quickly say behind me. I twist Hal’s ring around my finger, silently praying for a miracle. Not that God had shown me one before.

Rowdy voices began sounding from the tavern and Mrs. Quickly and I hurried to the doorway to hear the stories being shared.

“They battled the French with less than half the army to spare!” someone shouts atop a table. Mrs. Quickly would usually shoo them off, but today the news was too important for manners. “King Henry fought alongside them, leading the men towards the French army on his own!”

My eyes widened at the thought of Hal facing an army head on. I pictured him on Perseus’ back, charging forward, sword in hand. And then I pictured him on the ground, a deep red pooling inside his red coat… a shiver shot down my spine as I shook the thought away. 

“The French King had no choice but to submit to the sheer strength of our English army!” The same man yells, rousing cheers from the crowd around him. “England has prevailed! King Henry has ended the war!” 

Cheers and celebratory hugs fill the room, while pints of ale and mead thrash about, filling the tavern with a wet scent of barley and alcohol. I push through the crowd, too anxious to wait for my skirts to dry. I had to be out there, I had to see him the moment he arrived. 

I’m met with rushing crowds as soon as I step outside. Merchants quickly close up shops as others drag their goods on towards the town square. It was time. 

I rushed forward, knowing the children would be waiting to meet me where the fanfare would be. My heart pounded in my ears as I steadied myself above the cobble stoned streets. There was too much to anticipate and too much to fear and I felt my eyes sting with tears. I shook my head, refusing to break down now.

“There they are!,” someone in the crowd yells. Cheers erupt all around me as I try pushing through the dense wall of people. The King’s flag waves above and I can’t help myself. I shove through, elbowing my way to the front of the line, dodging disapproving spits and scornful glares. 

“All hail the King!” Someone in the crowd yells, followed by a roar of approval. And then, there he is.

His face is covered in dirt and grime, but I know those eyes. I could never mistake them. His armor shines underneath the gloomy sky… and it’s the first time I’ve seen a crown on Hal’s head. My stomach flutters as I watch him, hoping he’ll find my gaze and run to me. But the sudden reality of their hardship hits me. Behind him, a trail of wounded men… some on their horses, others dragged in carts behind them. And then the few unscathed, the lucky ones, that protect the wounded from us. The common people. 

My eyes dart frantically, searching for Carter, John and Joseph. But it’s nearly impossible to tell the boys apart, what with their hair colored by the same mud and… blood… as the next ones. “Carter?” I call, walking along the soldiers line. “Carter!?” I yell again.

None of the soldiers look at me. I make my way to walk through to the center, needing to see for myself if the boys were in the carts, but I’m quickly stopped by an older soldier. “Get back!” he yells at me, shoving me away. I trip and fall back onto the ground. Fury wells up inside me and I stand myself up, shoving past the standing men and into the center of the line. 

“Carter!” I yell. 

“You can’t be here, girl!” a soldier yells at me, grabbing my arm. I shove an elbow into his side and continue on. A cart with a few wounded men inside passes by me. I peer inside, too afraid to speak. “C-Carter?” I ask the men. None respond, but their frightened eyes latch onto me chillingly. I move away, stumbling back once again as the militia continues forward.

“Get out of the way!” A man yells as I’m pushed back out to the street. “I need to find someone!” I yell back, trying to shove through.

“My Lady,” A familiar voice calls down the line. I look over to see the familiar white steed staring down out of the line. My heart pounds as I look to see Hal’s blue eyes on me. Though his expression is almost too stoic to bear. I step away, staring up at him. Still, he only looks at me. A wave of fear floods over me and I can’t stand how alone I am in the middle of the road. I turn and push through the crowd again, running home.

———————————

HALS POV

All I wanted to do was taker her up in my arms and into my palace. Bring her into my chamber and sleep with her by my side forever. But the fury in her voice was all too familiar. I knew what she was afraid of, and I… was afraid too. 

I tried to keep myself straight, composed in the eyes of the people surrounding us. I’d seen battle yet somehow her sadness brought me more fear than our outnumbered army against the French. But before I could approach her, she was gone. 

“My Lord?” Connelly calls from behind me. I turn back to bring Perseus into line. I nod, allowing him to call the march forward. 

That night a celebration was to be held at the palace. For once, one where the entire town was invited into court. The finest wine and scotch would be served and we would celebrate what we had. Our country, our kingdom, and the men whose lives were given to attain it. 

“I’ll be taking my leave here,” I said to Connelly as we reach the palace gates. I pull Perseus to the side and wait for Connelly to follow. 

“Hal, know it’s not your fault what happened,” he says to me as I turn. I shake my head. “Isn’t it?” 

The expression on his face stern as my father’s remained in my memory. “This is what Kings do,” he says to me, “his life was not given in vain.”

The sun begins to break out from behind the clouds, and the warmth is so welcomed by my skin goosebumps rise at the touch. I turned my head toward the bright sunlight, letting Connelly’s words settle within me. He was right, I couldn’t go to her in shame. Carter had been a soldier to England, and in more ways than such, I would be indebted to him forever. 

I give Perseus the command to trot on to (Y/N) and make to face her.

————————————

The sun had come out against the clouds and a warmth wafted through the air into our home. I couldn’t pull myself away from the kitchen table, needing to know whether the sound of Carter or John or Joseph would approach the door. And finally, someone did.

I stood fast to open the door myself, and was relieved to find John at the step. I hurled into him, pressing him into a hug against me, feeling tears fall from my eyes as we both held each other tight. I smiled, huffing in joy at John’s presence here now. The feel of his wooden hand on my back brought a warmth to my heart. It was him.

“Oh, John,” I say through tears. He is quiet and still as I pull away to see him. Just like the other soldiers, his face is dirty with earth and sweat. I pull him inside, grabbing a cloth from our pile of rags to wipe his face. 

“Are you alright? Were you hurt?” I ask him. He shakes his head, letting me clean him. “We should find you water to bathe,” I say, ready to lead him out the door. But he stops me, squeezing my palm in his. 

“What is it?” I ask instantly. He stares at me, his eyes full of words, yet I can’t hear anything. “Tell me,” I say.

Footsteps sound behind me and I turn quickly, expecting to find one of the others coming up behind me. But I’m met with someone else. 

“(Y/N),” Hal says, spotting me. John kneels down, bowing respectfully. 

“Please John, there is no need for that here,” Hal says, gesturing for him to stand. John adjusts himself, standing up and straight in the presence of the man he now knew to be his King.

“Hal,” I say, feeling my heart flutter as I do. I run to him, wrapping my arms around his waist and pressing myself into his chest as far as I could. His arms wrap around me and I feel his lips press against my head. 

“(Y/N), my (Y/N),” he mumbles into my hair. I can’t stop the tears that escape me. I am utterly relieved to have him to hold onto now. 

“And the rest?” I ask him. He is quiet, and after a moment his hands pull mine away from him so to look me in the eye. I search his gaze, full of words, and this time it’s all too loud.

“No,” I breathe, feeling my world close in. Hal’s arm comes underneath me, catching me though I didn’t feel my fall. His hands wrap around my waist, holding me steady. I reach out to Joseph, needing his hand.

“They fought for their country. For their kingdom,” Hal says. I look up at him, my mind blank and raging at once. 

“Carter… was defending Joseph,” John says next to me. I look to him, pleading for him to continue. “We were totally outnumbered by the French… we had no choice but to keep going, and Joseph… first it was his arm,” I wince, closing my eyes and pressing myself into Hal’s chest. “Then Carter came forward to defend him… and then they were both on the ground,” John says. I reach over to him, holding him against me. Pressing him into a hug, trying to make him feel safe, at home. What could I do but offer these men I loved my comfort? I had nothing else but that, and I would give it ten fold.

I pull away then, composing myself. I look to John and place a hand on the side of his face, “All I want to do is protect you, yet it seems you’re all protecting me.” 

John smiles softly, placing his hand atop mine. “You gave us all a reason to fight, (Y/N).” I can’t hold back my tears.

————-

HALS POV

(Y/N) had allowed me to escort her to the palace with John where the maids and servants took care to welcome them as I prepared for the feast to be had in the soldiers honor.

As I remove my armor, the weight of the world slowly melts off with it. The sound of metal hitting the ground was all too fresh in my mind, and hardly phased me as the servants around me prepared my bath. 

“I shall take it from here,” I tell them, raising a hand in signal for them to leave. With quick bows they scurried out, leaving a steaming tub of water for me to sink into. Heaven.

As I remove my garments, a knock sounds at the door. “Is it urgent?” I call out, wincing as I stretch my shirt over my head. I look down at the bruise underneath my ribcage, and the small gash across my stomach. 

The door opens before any response is given, and I am met with the sight of (Y/N) tiptoeing into my chamber. My heart jumps at her small frame by the large wooden door. It was a sight akin to a fawn stumbling into ones home.

She closes the heavy lock on the door and cautiously walks toward me. I breathe, feeling my shoulders fall as I reach my arms out to her. Almost as suddenly, she runs into them, pressing herself against me. I wince slightly at the impact against my wounds and hear her gasp, pulling away. 

“Oh! I’m so sorry!” she says, moving back. I take her hands in mine, pulling her nearer. “Would you help me?”” 

Her face reddens as she takes in my torso, and I admit it makes my stomach flutter. Her hand reaches forward, feathering my wounds with her fingers. I pull her towards the tub, letting her decide her next move as I move to undress. She quickly turns, hiding her face in her hair. 

“It’s nothing you’ve not seen before, darling,” I tease her. She peeks back at me with wide eyes before turning again. I can’t help but chuckle. Slowly I ease myself into the warm bath, dunking myself under, letting the water soak my face and head. The feeling of water on skin and wounds is absolutely delicious. I lay back and feel myself rest for the first time in a week. I turn to watch (Y/N) take in my chamber. I wish I could paint, for I could spend hours analyzing every inch of her being.

“Wont you come closer?” I call to her. She looks over and smiles, walking over with a giddy gait. She sits beside me on the steps by the tub, and I reach a hand out to hold hers. She takes it, resting her arm along the basin.

“I’ve never been in a palace,” she says. I chuckle, smiling softly. “And what are your thoughts?” She looks around, choosing her words. “It’s not as overwhelming as I’d imagined.” 

I pull her towards me, pressing my lips onto hers. How I missed the taste of her lips, like the soft skin of berries against my own. “I missed you, (Y/N),” I say. Her gaze lowers as her face reddens yet again. I run a finger across her cheek softly. 

“I missed you, Hal,” she says softly. Her gaze finds mine and my heart is struck by her beauty. She stands, moving to grab a cloth that she dips into the water, then kneels beside me, taking my face in her left hand as her right cleans the dirt off of my skin. I melt into her caring touch, simply watching her, letting her tend to my wounds. She grabs a pot of honey left by the servants earlier and gently pours some onto the cuts on my ear and shoulder. And then, with a small finger, she dips into the bowl and smears some onto my lips. 

Her face closes up to mine and I can feel my heart go wild. She presses her lips onto mine and I’m completely hers. She licks the honey off with her tongue, then presses into my mouth, sharing the sweetness with me. I sit up, holding her back in my hands, pressing her close to me. She pulls away, breathless, her eyes surprised and curious and I can’t stand it a moment longer. I get out of the tub, letting the water drip around me as I begin removing her dress. She presses soft kisses on my chest as I do, driving me mad. I lead her to my bed, and just as I move to lay her down, she spins me around, pushing me gently onto the duvet as she runs to grab the honey pot. 

I laugh as she dramatically spoons the golden syrup up and down, and then pours it over the gash on my stomach, then up the crest of my chest. I lay down as she cradles me with her legs, and a sigh leaves my lips at the feel of her tongue on my skin. She licks the sweet honey up to my chest, then my neck, my jaw... and kisses my lips yet again.

“Goodness, (Y/N), and here I thought I was the bold one,” I tell her. She laughs secretly, pressing kisses onto my neck. My hands find her hips and I slowly lead her to the place that connects us both. I look at her, gauging her eyes for approval and she smiles, nodding softly before shifting her skirts about her. 

—————

When I wake up, the sky outside Hal’s window is dark, and all over me is the sticky residue of a honeyed affair. I look to Hal, who is in the bath once again. He smiles as he sees me peek over at him.

“Good evening my Lady,” he says. I hold the covers against myself as I stand to greet him. He gestures for me to join him in the bath and I can’t help but oblige. I dip into the warm water, leaning my back against his chest, letting his hands wrap around my waist and his lips press against my matted hair.

“What’s so funny?” I ask when I hear him chuckle. He moves to grab a bowl by the bath. “Lean your head back,” he says softly. My stomach flutters at his voice and I oblige him. He pours the water gently over my hair, running his fingers through it to remove the knots throughout. “Am I hurting you?” he asks. I shake my head, turning to look up at him. He smiles down at me, placing a kiss on my forehead. 

“We’ve got to get down to the feast soon,” he says. I nod, kneeling and turning to place one more kiss on his lips. 

“Yes, my Lord,” I say. At the words, his eyes pierce wildly through me and I feel my heart skip a beat. I stand, grabbing a towel cloth to dry myself as he does suit. Before any more words can be exchanged, his maids and servants run through the door and we are taken separate ways. 

“My Lady, we must prepare you now for Majesty’s feast,” one of the maids says to me. I look at her half in shock, but allow her to lead me. My mind is consumed by Hal’s scent, touch and taste… and I hardly notice the garments being dressed onto me. I remembered the way the ladies would dress each other at Madame B’s, and I was grateful my embarrassment at being seen in such a state with the King was graciously ignored by the women around me. It was odd to think of them as servants, when I was only me. I had no knowledge of who knew what about Hal and I, so I stayed as calm as I could, allowing their attentions to feel normal and not completely foreign as they were.

My hair was soon being combed back, and fashioned the way I’d seen women in carriages wear theirs. Suddenly I felt I’d drank bad ale or was still asleep in some dream… the dress… the dress they wanted to put me in. It was amber toned, with gold embroidery and a golden sash to be tied around the waist. My eyes nearly popped out of my skull just from looking at it. 

“Step into the skirt here, my Lady,” one of the women tell me. I dreamily step into the middle of the amber gown, feeling the silky fabric rest around one of the seemingly dozens of skirts they’d put on me. I could hardly compose my hands from rubbing the lush silk… I’d only ever felt something this lovely once before…

“Darling! Please be careful with that handkerchief, it was a very special gift.” Mama said. 

I remember wrapping the silky pink fabric around my neck… dragging it across my arms and along my face, feeling like it was the skin of an angel or a fairy that had been shed or fallen off as they’d flown by town. It was in my opinion the most beautiful of all of Mama’s things. And here I was, wearing a gown made entirely out of it. 

“My Lady, we shall now accompany you to the hall,” the lady servant said behind me. I turned and nodded, allowing her to lead me. 

“Please my Lady, your feet,” a young servant girl said. I looked over at the girl, her face striking me as familiar. She held a pair of shoes in her hands. A pair of amber slippers with golden embroidery… perfectly matching the dress. I lifted my skirts, allowing her to slip them onto my feet. 

“You look beautiful, my Lady,” the young servant girl said. I smiled down at her, thanking her. She was so young to be working in such a position… I swore I could place her face somewhere. 

“My Lady, we must go,” the older servant woman called me. I nodded, thanking the young girl once more before following her out the door. 

As I walked towards the hall, the sound of laughter and celebration grew louder. I suddenly felt myself nervous, walking towards the great hall of the castle of the King of England. Who was I to be here? Dressed in such finery? As we entered the hall, the feeling became overwhelming. There were people of all kinds here… soldiers, Lords, Ladies… and at the end of the hall, Hal. I latched my sights onto him, hoping he’d see me, but the celebrations had people dancing across the floor, making me feel small as a flea. I follow the lady servant through the crowd, noticing her leading us towards a table full of well dressed ladies. I take hold of her arm and lean in to her, “I’d like to see the King first if you wouldn’t mind?” I tell her. She shakes her head, “the King is about to give his speech, you may see him after,” she tells me. My heart sinks but I follow her lead. I’m sat at a table where a few women are gathered between men of high ranking, and their cordial greetings strike my nerves. Thankfully I’ve no time to answer.

“Subjects of England! Your King, Henry the Fifth!” 

The crowd erupts in cheers as Hal stands to receive his praise. I can’t help but smile. He delivers a speech about the bravery of his men, recounting the heroic efforts of his soldiers when faced in a seemingly impossible standoff with the French militia. “Were it not for the bravery of Sir Carter, as he would be dubbed had he survived, our army would have fallen… as would England.” I look at him, seeing his eyes search the room. He continues, “for it was his sacrifice between myself and a French spy that spared my life.” I gasp, feeling my heart hit the floor.

“We owe England to him,” Hal says, raising a glass. Silver chalices glimmer in the candlelight as the room raises their arms to Carter. “Amen,” Hal says before taking a sip of wine. The rest of the room follows suit. 

He sits down then, prompting the musicians to resume their playing. As the room rises in boisterous laughter and joy, I move towards Hal’s table. 

As I walk over to him, his eyes glance at me, then away. Then, at me again. I walk slowly, nervous what his impression of me now will be. He stares back at me with a stunned expression on his face, then stands, moving around the table towards me.

“(Y/N)?” he asks. I look up at him shyly, unsure how to act. He steps back, bowing before me, asking for my hand. “My Lady, will you honor me with a dance?”

I accept, taking his hand in mine, letting him bring me to the floor to dance by his side. “(Y/N)…”

“I know… I look ridiculous,” I say. He stops his movements, staring down at me with his impossibly blue eyes. “You are the most gorgeous creature I’ve ever seen.” My heart swells and I know my face must be red as a tomato. He places his hand on the small of my back and leads me around the room. Beside him, I am lost. Totally captivated by every sense of mine that can experience him. And the music becomes like a thread that sews us together with every step. 

“What will people say?” the part of me that can still care about appearances asks. His gaze on me is hypnotic and I can hardly break away to see for myself. 

His face comes nearer to me, and he leans to speak into my ear “That the King has found his Queen.”

[olivieblake]

Hey Olivie, I am 18 and I recently came out to my parents as queer. We are Muslim Indians, and they didn’t take it well because traditionally, Islam is not welcoming towards queer people. I’ve been struggling with religion a lot because I have a hard time believing in a god who sees sin in something that doesn’t actively hurt myself or others, and at the same time I feel guilt because I wonder if, in my resentment towards my parents, god will punish me for not treating them well. Or if I’m actually in the wrong and am sinning. They constantly say that I treat them badly, and they’ve done so much and left everything behind in India to raise me, and I worry I’m simply being ungrateful. My mom asked me to at least not poison my brother. Now, with college acceptances coming out, I applied to exclusive schools just to see if I could get in — my dad made me agree that if I did I wouldn’t go bc he wouldn’t pay for it, so I didn’t apply to many schools (this was before I came out and things got bad. I need to get out, and I wish I had given myself more options). I have only gotten into our state college, but it’s feels like I’m settling for scraps, rejected by the places I actually want to go to, the ones that will give me an escape from this environment. Because we live near it, my dad drafted up a contract saying that he will only pay for one year of me dorming , and while I understand it isn’t fair to ask him to pay and that I’m lucky he’s doing it at all, the whole contract was appalling. Looks like I’ll have to stay at home at least one year unless I get a scholarship or make a lot of money really fast (I don’t want to be tied to a loan, but I wonder if I have to seriously consider it now). Long story short, here’s my ask: how do you deal with toxic family environments? How do I know if I’m just being really selfish and misguided and ungrateful? I know I’m flawed and self centered and I’ve been mean to my parents, and they keep saying I’m going to crash soon, and I have no idea if they’re right.

hi honey. I'm so sorry. I hope you don't need to hear that what they're doing to you is cruel. I hope you know that already, or at least believe that you are worthy exactly as you are, because nothing about you has changed. you are still just as brilliant and kind and good as you always were. and I know I'm not your mother, but I am *a* mother, so I will tell you right now you came into this world beautiful and perfect and worthy of love. you are not selfish for wanting to love and be loved exactly as—if you still feel this applies—god made you. if you believe in a god who does not make mistakes, then trust me, you are not one. try to keep that in mind while your parents wrestle with their own beliefs, because I hope one day they will remember what I already know.

I'll talk about this more in a video, but I just want to say that as a practical matter, you're right that you need to get out of that environment. I actually think it's a matter of great urgency, because a year under those circumstances might cause irreparable harm to your mental health. I know it's not a very flashy suggestion, but in some states (like california) community college for full-time students is free. you could go to community college and work, save up some money, and then transfer to one of those more exclusive schools without having so much debt and still graduate with a flashy degree. it's not ideal, but it's another option. there are other options. ask a counselor at school, maybe, or if there's any kind of lgbt club, they might have resources to help.

I'm sorry you're having so much doubt and I wish I could ease that for you, but the best I can do is tell you that if they don't want to be kind to you right now, you do not have to accept their unkindness or believe that any of it is true. you are good. you want what every human wants, which is to be loved and accepted as you are. that is not selfish. it's not misguided. it's not ungrateful. I hope I can at least convince you of that

[spaceskam]

ok since you're asking for some prompt ideas, i would like to request for enchanté.

i wanna see theo being jealous over akk. i know that the entire enchanté show is basically them being jealous over each other, but i want someone to be crushing over akk and that person is quite bold in approaching akk. and akk being an oblivious guy doesn't even realized that person is hitting on him, so he's just being kind like how he is to everyone. but theo is blindly jealous, he thought that akk was being kind to that person bcs he likes them.

yess that kind of story, i wanna see theo being even bolder than he is in the series, bcs he can't stand seeing someone hitting on akk, he finally taking steps forward instead of waiting for akk to take the initiative.

okay this isn't the most perfect fit, but I hope you like it nonetheless! tags: post-canon, jealousy, implied sexual content

ao3

Theo wasn’t used to this.

Jealousy as a whole was something he’d been acquainted with, but that was much more abstract. He knew the longing for friendship and romance and love and kisses and attention, and he got annoyed when he saw other people had it because he just wanted it so much, but this was so much different. This was having someone and trusting that someone, but still feeling wronged when he was spending time with someone else.

It was for work, which Theo knew, and the people Akk was apprenticing under were a married couple. There was no reason for Theo to be jealous and if he thought about it logically for a few minutes, he would be fine. But then he’d see the way Akk would light up at the way Lucas praised him or the way he got excited when Manon tried out a Thai phrase, the smile he had when they kissed his cheek as a hello or a job well done. Maybe it wouldn’t be so annoying if they were old or ugly, but they were young and hot and Akk very clearly liked the attention they gave him.

But it wasn’t even just that either. It was the way that every time they went to a coffee shop or a bakery, the worker would fawn over how cute Akk was when he spoke or bowed his head. They weren’t wrong, he was adorable, but it was like no one ever considered that Theo was his boyfriend even when they were standing right next to each other, holding hands. That was a new problem. Even back home people assumed they were a couple before they even were.

France was just a multitude of people flirting with his boyfriend right in front of his face.

“Theo, your ears are bright red and I don’t have my camera, that’s not fair,” Akk said, letting himself be dragged out of the coffee shop after yet another barista slid him her number. Akk made a show of finding the straw with his mouth as Theo just pulled him down the block to the building they were staying in because of course he did. He was hot and charming and everyone in the entire country was aware of it.

Theo knew he should be glad. Akk was thriving here and that’s really all he wanted. He’d wanted Akk to be happy and successful, to have dreams and aspirations, to lay in bed with him and talk about all the places they’d go together once they made names for themselves. Akk was going to be a known photographer and Theo would be the next Nicholas Sparks‒just without the divorce.

But it was going to be so annoying if he had to go every day until then with people trying to date his boyfriend.

Theo unlocked the door to their apartment and grabbed Akk’s hips in the same movement. Akk’s eyes went wide, but he smiled as he let Theo back him into the counter.

“What’s happening right now?” he asked. Theo set his own coffee on the counter behind Akk and then took Akk’s coffee to do the same. “Oh, so you spent money on me and won’t even let me drink it? This is a cruel, cruel turn of ev‒”

Theo kissed him, leaning into him and over him as Akk willingly bent back. His arms wrapped around Theo’s neck to pull him in closer without question. Nothing but open mouthed kisses and shared breaths, pressing in so every single inch of their bodies were aligned.

"You still want your coffee?" Theo asked, one hand on his hip and the other tilting Akk's head up to leave a trail of kisses down his neck. He watched Akk feel around the cup and couldn't help the surge of adoration he felt for him in that moment. He let go of his jaw and slid the cup into Akk's palm.

"I like you when you're like this, keep going," Akk urged, taking a sip of his coffee. Theo rolled his eyes, but he licked a long stripe up the length of Akk's neck as a form of silent agreement as his hands went to the waistband of Akk's pants. Akk was relaxed and welcomed the escalation. "Hey, Theo."

"Yeah?" Theo said, nudging his nose against Akk's jaw as he undid the button of his jeans. He pressed more kisses across his neck, open-mouthed and with teeth. Claiming. Akk was his. Why didn't everyone know that he was his? 

Theo shoved his pants and his underwear down in one go, leaving a trail of kisses over his t-shirt as he got onto his knees.

"I love you," Akk said, petting his head. Theo glanced up at him, caught his eyes as he smiled around his straw. He was ridiculous, but handsome and charming and funny. No wonder everyone was interested in him.

But he was Theo's. And he has every intention to keep it that way.

"I love you too," Theo said, still looking up at him as he kissed his hip.

And then he got to work showing him just how much he meant it.

-

The best part about working from home was Theo got to have lunch with Akk and got to walk him to work whenever he wanted.

He liked holding hands with him and listening to him talk about clients he had. He always had interesting characters–elderly couples who wanted updated photos together, unruly children who didn't want their pictures taken, family portraits that turned into them revealing all of their family dirt to everyone, and the occasional single person of all ages who wanted to boost their confidence.

"I think something I never really understood was that my job as a photographer isn't just showing someone the beauty of themselves, but the whole process in itself is vulnerable to that person and it's my job to make them feel confident," Akk had told him one time over a meal, reciting it like he'd been taught it by the only teacher he'd listened to in his life, "Manon said I'm good at it."

And he was good at it.

Akk's skills had improved immensely and he seemed to actually have a vision now. He stayed up late every night editing, he rambled to Theo his ideas, he had a wish list of new cameras and equipment–he was even drawing again. Akk got more beautiful every day as he really allowed himself to enjoy life for once, letting go of things. And maybe that was why so many people noticed him here. He’d always been handsome and charming, but now he was at a completely different level. Which meant Theo couldn't really be upset or jealous because he understood and he preferred it.

But not being jealous was much easier said than done.

"Stop, Akk!" a girl shrieked, laughing as Theo walked into the studio. He tried not to stumble over his feet at the sound, holding onto their drinks and food to the best of his ability. There was only one Thai place worth eating at in an obtainable distance and Theo didn't want to waste it.

"Get back here!" Akk shouted, laughter in his voice as well.

Theo halted to a stop as a girl sprinted past him and Akk was shortly after. He blinked a few times and watched as Akk chased a girl around the studio, both of them jumping over props and furniture like they were used to it. He tried to ignore that painful feeling in his gut as Akk caught her, the momentum throwing them both the ground and Akk bracing her fall. They were both laughing and catching their breath, splaying out on the floor after Akk rolled off of her.

"And I'll take that," Akk said, reaching over and plucking something out of the pocket in her overalls. She pouted and whined, but it was all playful. 

"You're so mean."

"You would say that, thief."

Theo felt more than a bit nauseous.

People flirted with Akk all the time, but he was always dismissive or oblivious. But this was different. This was Akk teasing and playing–which wasn't inherently flirting, but Theo had been on the receiving end of him flirting before and it was familiar.

"Oh, Theo, darling!" Manon called. Theo got a full few of Akk's eyes widening and he sat up quickly, his eyes meeting Theo's. And he smiled, not an ounce of guilt in him. He didn't look like he'd been caught.

"Hi," Theo said, accepting cheek kisses from Manon. His eyes stayed on Akk as he grabbed the girl's hands and pulled her to her feet. She was gorgeous, there wasn't any doubt about that.

"How is everything coming along in your book? It feels like it's been forever since we've seen you," she gushed. It'd really only been a week, but Theo had been on a good writing streak and didn't want to mess it up. But he'd sort of hit an impasse and what better way to spend it than spending time with his boyfriend?

Or at least that's what he felt before he realized his boyfriend was clearly not as eager to see him.

"Theo, I didn't know you were coming," Akk said. Theo waited for a kiss he didn't get. "Theo, this is Chloe, Chloe, this is Theo."

"His boyfriend," Theo supplied. There was no venom in it, but his insecurity was probably obvious to people in space.

"Yeah, my boyfriend, isn't he cute?" Akk said, reaching forward to pinch his cheek. Theo leaned away, but let himself smile at the attention. "Chloe's a new intern, this is her first week."

"Hi! I've heard so much about you," she said, going in for a hug. Theo awkwardly accepted it around his full hands. She had an accent he couldn't quite place, but it was clearly French wasn't her first language. Which–maybe that was good because Akk deserved someone else to relate to. Second languages were hard.

"I would invite you to have lunch with us, but I only got enough for two," Theo said. He liked to think was polite enough to not let his annoyance cloud him. Akk talked about him, she knew he had a boyfriend, they were allowed to be friendly without it being flirty. And he would tell himself that until he was blue in the face.

"Oh, don't even worry about it, you guys have fun."

There was small talk around him, Theo feeling a little too spaced out to really mentally translate what they were saying as Akk took one of the drinks and the bag out of his hands. Akk led the way into the little makeshift break room, pulling out a chair for him.

"You okay?" Akk asked as he sat down. Theo nodded, deciding that 'maybe, do you reach into all of your coworkers pockets?' was a little much.

"No, I haven't been kissed since this morning," Theo said. Akk grinned and leaned down, pressing an annoyingly chaste kiss to his lips. "More?"

"When I'm not at work," Akk laughed, sitting right next to him and starting to pull out their lunch.

"Did you miss having lunch with me?" Theo asked. Akk looked at him, eyebrows pulled together.

"Of course. I like being around you all the time," Akk said. He took a bite of his food. "You're being weird. What's up?"

"Nothing."

"Liar," Akk said, leaning forward with that pretty smile, "I know you. Spill."

"Nothing, I promise," Theo insisted as he focused on that face, that smile, that mark on his neck Theo had left, "Feed me."

"Wow, my boyfriend is so needy," he said, but when Theo went to reach for his own set of chopsticks, his hand was swatted away, "I didn't say no."

It was easy to forget any kind of bad feeling as Akk fed him and teased him and pulled faces just to make him smile. Theo almost felt foolish for even being bothered. They were in love, a deep and serious love that only gained intensity with time. This was his best friend in the entire world and he trusted him. 

There was no reason to be jealous.

-

There was one reason to be jealous.

Theo hated working out. It was the actual bane of his existence and he tried to go out of his way to not have to work out, but Akk had found a love for it in France. A love that was apparently shared with some guy named Erik. Theo had really convinced himself that there was nothing concerning, it was good that Akk was making friends, but then Akk posted a picture on Instagram with this guy and while Akk was looking at his own muscles, Erik was looking at Akk. Eyes didn’t lie. This guy had a thing for his boyfriend.

Theo had only met him a couple times in passing, but he very clearly liked to pretend Theo wasn't there, always just talking to Akk. And each time it became more and more clearly he had gotten his mind set on Akk, no amount of hickeys deterred him. And Akk didn't even seem to notice.

Before he even knew better, Theo found himself half-dead on the floor of the gym, his limbs all feeling like they’d turned into noodles.

“Rock, paper, scissors, loser makes dinner,” Akk said, smirking as he hovered over Theo. He was sweaty and his body was radiating heat. It would’ve been a massive turn on if Theo didn’t feel like his soul had left his body.

Okay, maybe it was still a little bit of a turn on.

“I can’t even lift my hands enough to play rock, paper, scissors,” Theo said, still catching his breath. Akk was holding back laughter.

“Might not want him to make you food after that, he might poison it,” Erik laughed somewhere off to the side. Theo really had tried not to be annoyed by him. Yes it was clearly he was into Akk, but it was also clear that the feeling wasn’t mutual. Not that Theo thought it would be.

“Aw, poor Nong’Theo,” he said, pushing Theo’s hair back. Theo’s eyes closed at the sensation of his hand through his hair, the only good feeling he’d had in the last hour. When he reopened his eyes, Akk was still there, still smiling at him. “Do you need me to carry you?”

“Just give me a minute.”

“You sure?" Akk said, poking him in the side. Theo flinched instinctively, but his body was sore and he groaned which just caused Akk to laugh. It was such a nice sound. "Remind me to drag you here once a week, this is hilarious."

"You're such an asshole," Theo cursed. He regretted it when it caused Akk to move further away with his laughter.

"Come on, let's help the little guy up," Erik laughed. Theo glared.

"I'm taller than both of you," he said. Akk snorted, grabbing both of Theo's arms and pulling up to a sitting position. 

He felt like dead weight, barely even able to hold his own head up. Akk dropped one of his arms and moved his hand to his neck, supporting his head. Theo felt a surge of adoration at the sweet smile on his face; he really loved him. And he probably would've said that if Erik wasn't watching them.

"We can drop him off at home and you and I can go get something since he can't make it," Erik suggested. Akk raised his eyebrows and looked up at Erik like he'd lost it.

"Maybe another time, I'm taking him home," Akk said, tugging Theo in more. His head met Akk's shoulder and he relaxed there, looking up at Erik who clearly wasn't happy with the way his afternoon was going. Then again, he hadn't looked happy when Theo showed up in the first place.

"You need help?" Erik asked. Akk laughed, too kind, shaking his head.

"No, thanks though," he said simply, "I'll see you later."

"Right. Have a good night, Akk, see you later," Erik said. He didn't really waste anymore time before he left. Theo turned his head against Akk's shoulder and pressed a kiss there.

"You know he likes you, right?" Theo said, slipping back into Thai, "Like, he's not even subtle."

Akk was quiet for a few beats. "I didn't have this issue making friends back home."

Theo lifted his head with what strength he had left. Akk looked a little sad, like he hadn't really considered it, despite it being obvious. Theo pressed his nose against Akk's cheek.

"You're hot and charming, can you blame them?" Theo asked.

"Let's go home," Akk said, disregarding his question. Theo didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

Still, he let Akk help him up and they made their way to their apartment that wasn't very far away in reality, but it felt like it was on the other side of the world. Akk's momentary sadness subsided by the time they made it to their door, back to laughing and teasing and telling Theo he was going to leave him next time.

Akk immediately dragged him to the bathroom and turned on the shower, starting to strip Theo and himself. Theo was exhausted and didn't want to waste time on a shower, but he liked knowing Akk wanted him and he wasn't going to say no. Besides, it felt nice to feel the hot water on his skin.

"Hey," Theo said as Akk pressed a kiss to his shoulder and then to his neck. Akk wrapped his arms around him in a hug, holding tight. Theo did his best to hug him back just as tight. "You okay?"

"I want to make friends here, Theo," Akk said, "I think I do, but you always think they don't want to be just friends. I don’t want to upset you."

Theo froze before he pulled back a bit, looking at Akk’s face. It was that hard to read look that he thought they’d moved past.

"Not everyone," Theo whispered. The water rained over them, hot on his sore muscles, adding comfort to this not very fun conversation.

"I'm not stupid, Theo, I know when you're jealous. I've known you my whole life. I don’t want to do things that I know are making you sad or uncomfortable."

Theo swallowed and hugged him tighter. He slightly wondered how that was the case if Akk was so blind to his feelings for so long even when he couldn't have been more obvious, but now really wasn't the time.

"Just because I'm jealous doesn’t mean you can’t be friends with them,” Theo said, moving his hand up to rub his thumb against Akk’s cheek.

“I’m not going to deliberately upset you.”

“You aren’t, though. I want you to be happy. I’m sorry, I didn’t know I was that obvious.” That was just shy of a lie‒he’d never been good at concealing his feelings. His face betrayed them all and they both knew it.

“Theo,” Akk said, a small grin finding his face. He pinched Theo’s cheek and Theo let him, not even denying that he just liked when Akk was touching him. “You’re so obvious about everything, it’s a lot of responsibility on me to not make fun of you for it.”

“Hey!”

“And I’m trying to be better about giving you the same courtesy and being clear with you. I don’t care how many hot people try to hit on me or how much they pretend they don’t see that we’re in grossly romantic love, it doesn’t change the fact that I am stupidly in love with you. You’re my person, you’ve always been my person. You know that, right? I just want to be with you, not anyone else,” Akk said. Theo nodded his head.

“I never thought you didn’t. I trust you, I know you love me,” Theo promised. Akk smiled and gave him a short kiss, nudging his nose against Theo’s immediately after.

“Good.”

“But I hate that no one knows that you’re mine. I went through so much to get you and people won’t even go ‘oh, guy’s got a boyfriend, off limits’,” Theo said, pouting. Akk put the pad of his thumb on Theo’s bottom lip, tugging it down. Theo whined and pulled back as he glared. Still, the warmth he felt at Akk’s warm smile didn’t fade.

“That’s always going to happen, people suck. It happens with you all the time, I just don’t think you notice,” Akk said. Theo raised his eyebrows.

“No it does not.”

“Um, yes, it does, I see it all the time.”

“It doesn’t make you jealous? At all?”

“No, I’m an unfeeling rock of a boyfriend,” Akk said. Theo pinched his side, but he kept his hold on him as he squirmed so he wouldn’t fall. “Of course it makes me jealous, but I know you’re mine. It was way worse back in the day when I didn’t feel like I was worth your attention, I was definitely way more obvious.”

“What? No you weren’t,” Theo said. Akk scoffed.

“I don’t think I could’ve been more obvious.”

“You could’ve! Because I only caught a couple things!” Theo argued. 

Akk lightly bit his cheek, pulling him even closer. A zing of excitement shot up his spine at the feeling of Akk’s bare body flushed against his as he teased him‒he would never get over that feeling. He didn’t care how long they’d been together or how old they got or how many times he’d seen Akk walk around the apartment completely naked, the thrill he got when he knew exactly what Akk was doing would never fade.

“Am I being obvious now?” Akk asked, voice low as he kissed behind his ear. His hands slid down and Theo let out a shaky breath.

“Yeah.”

“Promise me you’ll talk to me if you’re seriously jealous to the point it’s bothering you. We get nowhere when we don’t talk, already learned that the hard way,” Akk said.

“Okay, I promise. And promise me that you’ll still make friends. I like seeing you happy and I know that means other people like it too.”

“You know I’ll keep making friends, how could anyone not want to befriend me?” Akk asked. Theo poked him in the side and Akk’s sole retaliation was to pull Theo’s hips against his even more. Theo was dizzy with it. “I promise. And I like when you’re happy too. Smile for me.”

“I’m already smiling.”

“I know.”

Theo liked this version of Akk. He liked the confidence he carried with him, he liked how sure of himself that he was. He knew this version of Akk caught people’s attention. It made sense. He got that.

But, still, nothing beat knowing Theo actually got to keep it.

[moonlit-imagines]

Headcanons for being an Avenger from outer space

Avengers x reader

warnings:

a/n: this isn’t great but like im down for some avengers hc requests

prompt:

you weren’t exactly accepted on earth the moment you got there

but it wasn’t long before the avengers spotted you

“state your name and your business here” -tony

“wait, stark, just a moment! are you a [alien species]?” -thor

“...my name is y/n, i had nowhere else to go. and yes, i am [alien species]”

i mean, this would be much cooler if the avengers hadn’t already had a bad run-in with the chitauri army

but at least you weren’t trying to destroy any part of earth

“why don’t you come with us for a while? you might be safer in our custody” -cap

you were very uncomfortable with that, but you believed that whatever you were running from couldn’t get you if you stayed with “earth’s mightiest heroes”

and that you were...sort of

the bounty hunters that were on your trail, they didn’t know much about the avengers

so they were dumb enough to strike first

luckily, the avengers took a liking to you

“this is for messing with our new friend!” -tony as he straight up fries one of these goons

you seemed to fight well with them

it made them want to keep you around more than they wanted clint

“having fun, y/n?” -nat

“honestly, yes! i’ve never kicked ass in a group before!”

“i felt the same way on my first mission with these guys” -nat

“wait...is this a mission?”

“well, yeah? what’d you think it was, chess?” -nat

“what? what’s chess?”

oh, my god, this was like thor all over again, it was gonna be great

once the battle was over, they had a question to ask you

but before that...

“did any of you kill the leader?” -you

“which one was the leader?” -sam

“the one with...with the face” *puts clawed hand in front of face for effect*

“thanks, that was really specific” -sam

“you know, he’s got...” *puts fingers near face* “tentacles?”

“you couldn’t say that first?” -tony

“i didn’t know if they were called tentacles here”

okay, that was fair

at that moment the mf hopped out and you pushed clint out of the way so that he didn’t get shot. he said “ow” :( but u were too busy tackling a fellow alien

“you let the rest of those hunters know that they shouldn’t even think about coming after me, are we clear?”

“you’re sparing me?”

“don’t be too flattered, you’re nothing but a messenger to me” *shoots him in the arm*

okay that was a power move

as you kicked this bounty hunter back into his ship, the avengers crew reapproached

“got any plans now that you’ve taken care of your little ‘issue?’” -cap

“you know, i haven’t really thought that far ahead”

“well, if you’re up for it, the avengers would love to have you” -nat

you couldn’t have agreed faster lmaoo

the government didnt like you much

the human population actually wasn’t too fond of you either

but the avengers wouldn’t let anyone touch you

thor made it his own mission to show you all the new stuff that he had discovered on earth

“and these are pop tarts!!” -thor

im talking animals, snacks, music, and more

and dont even get me started on parties

no actually i will

“so, youre from space? list 3 species i’ve never heard of before” -random partygoer

“well, how would you know im not making them up if you’ve never heard them before?”

not much of a comeback for that

you’d only answer questions that weren’t stupid

like “how far away is your home planet?” or “did you have any friends or family?” or “what other planets have you been on?”

and you had a lot of questions too

“what is pizza and where can i get it?”

“you’ve never had pizza? oh, we have to change that” -tony

“what is it though?”

as you went on more missions, you got a better feel for how to work with teammates

especially when they had such different skillsets

“wanda, would you give me a boost?”

“with pleasure!” -wanda

“why didn’t you ask me? i could have flewn you!” -rhodey

“it just feels cooler when wanda launches me, but i’ll let you have your turn later”

“y/n, we should have coffee after this!” -thor

“WHATS THAT?!?!”

you always got excited when offered new things

*muttering* “what the fuck” -you

“OKAY, WHO THE HELL TAUGHT Y/N CURSE WORDS???” -tony

“hm. i wonder” -nat

thor brought you to asgard once

it was pretty. (pretty wild, that is)

“maybe you can take me to your planet one day!”

“i’m pretty sure i’m wanted on my home planet, but i’d love a challenge!”

okay maybe he was ur new bff

“so, y/n, how long is your species’ life span?” -bruce

“im not sure that our measurements of time are exactly translated, but i believe in your time it would be....900 years?”

“oh...may i ask how old you are now?”

“wouldn’t you like to know...”

“...n-no, thats okay”

honestly? sometimes your days were nothing but lazy, so you’d learn about human pop culture

“‘tatooine?’ odd, that’s a planet in my solar system. do you think this ‘george lucas’ is an alien?” -you, lying

*cue the entire fucking team going nuts bc they’re about to believe this conspiracy*

okay but like. you KNEW about thanos. you just never thought he’d be a problem all the way out here

so when the whole thanos situation came to earth you were just kinda like 👉👈 sorry guys, shoulda said smth earlier

“you know who thanos is?” -dr. strange

“...yes. i do. he’s big. really big. and purple. kind of looks like a raisin. oh, yeah, he’s crazy. obsessed with balance.”

“balance? what do you mean by that?” -tony

“like, he likes to kill half of each population for ‘balance,’ you know?”

anyways you went back to space

“so, anything else about thanos we should know?” -tony

“he has 2 adoptive daughters, they’re both badass, i know then personally, he’s from the planet ‘titan,’ last of his kind, aaaand he has an army”

“we have a—wait, no we don’t” -tony

“are there aliens that lay eggs in people? or is that just a stereotype?” -peter

“peter, is it? i heard that you’re taught that there are no stupid questions, but that was a very stupid question”

“...i don’t know if that was a ‘yes’ or ‘no’” -peter

tony asked if you could fly the ship. no.

eventually making your way to titan

which was surreal since it had just been so long since you’d left earth

gotg in the house

“where’s gamora?”//“who’s gamora?” “why’s gamora?”//“you know gamora?” “you know gamora?”//“do you work for thanos?”//“no, i’m here to kill thanos”//“so you’re here to kill gamora?”//“what? no! gamora doesn’t work for thanos anymore, it’s been like 4 years”//“holy shit”

and then thanos popped in and nebula too and she recognized you and it was kinda awk but were just gonna pretend it didn’t happen bc it gets worse <3

u, tony, and nebula got trapped in a ship for like 3 weeks but it was good for catching up

and u met captain marvel and honestly youve just met too many people in the past few weeks u were not vibing

“so, y/n, miss space at all?” -tony

“up until we went back to space, yeah. i’m not leaving this planet ever again”

“we need to find thanos” -bruce

“fuck”

taglist: @alwaysananglophile // @rorybutnotgilmore // @locke-writes // @sweetheartliz07 // @queen-destenie // @natasha-danvers // @lokihiddles // @frostedficrecs // @lotsoffandomrecs // @johnmurphyisbisexual // @teenwaywardasgardian // @pappydaddy // @captainshazamerica // @freya-xo // @ravenmoore14 // @thisetaernallove // @ofthedewthesunlight // @canarypoint // @zoeyserpentluck // @randomawesomeperson102 // @spideyandtheboys // @ghost-bich //

[imagines-r-s]

sticking it

chapter 9 

a/n: idk why this chapter took so long, but here it is. for reference - in gymnastics, US Championships are the last meet before Olympic Trials, they’re a two day competition. any feedback is welcome. i’m kinda upset that this series (or at least this part) is almost done, but there is more to come with this series i promise. also had to repost bc it wasn’t showing up in the tags 

taglist: @butgilinsky @barbienoturbby @sunsetholland @lovenhlboys @sortagaysortahigh @hockey-racing-fubol @oopsiedoopsie23 @iwantahockeyhimbo @dreamsndior @itsurgirlgracie @heartshapedkissxs @lwstuff @handwrittenheroes

warnings: uh, i don’t think there’s anything, but if i miss something just let me know (the jamie mentioned is jamie oleksiak, not j b*nn)

sticking it masterlist

wc: 5.8

(not my gif)

“Are you sure that you have everything?” Joel asked for the twentieth time in the past hour, “we can run back to yours if you need anything else”

“I feel like you’re just trying to get me to stay with you longer,” you said, skeptically.

“Is it working?”

“No, Bee, I have to leave at some point,”  you said, putting another bag of yours in his car,”I won’t be gone long.”

“Yeah, but you’ll be closer to the Stars and that has me worried,” he said, causing you to chuckle. 

“You worried about Seggy? Or Roope? Or Big Rig? Or Mi-”

“Okay, I get it.”

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, I love you and only you, shawty. Besides, I can only tolerate Texas weather for so long,” you said, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek.

“I love you, too, shawty,” he paused,”Wait,- that was rude.”

After packing the last of your bags into the car, you made your way to the airport to meet Marcus and Michelle. Once you arrived at the airport, Joel parked the car before the two of you headed into the airport. The four of you caught up for a while before Marcus suggested giving you and Joel time to say goodbye. 

“Is this how it feels when me and the guys leave for the road?” Joel asked, softly. 

“Yeah,” you said, smiling sadly. 

“Well, good thing I’m the one on the road all the time, I mean, I don’t like leaving you, but when I’m leaving it’s a different feeling, you know.”

“Well glad it makes you happy, buddy.”

“Did you just buddy me?” Joel asked, incredulously. 

“Did I?” you asked, laughing as Joel gasped in shock.

“Wow, I see how it is. I’ll remember that.”

“Go ahead, babe. Remember it however you want,” you paused when you saw the sad look on his face, reaching to hold his face in your hands, “hey, I’m only a text away, I might not be right here, but I will answer as soon as I can and we’ll facetime as much as you want these next few days.”

Joel nodded before looking up and seeing Marcus and Michelle headed your way, “we hate to cut this short, but we have to get going pretty soon.”

“I know I asked, but do you really have to go?”

“Yeah, Bee, I really have to go.”

“You better kick ass out there or else you’re just leaving for nothing,” he said, jokingly, “but honestly, I wish you the best of luck - I know you don’t need it, but I’ll say it anyway. Make sure to tell Nicole I said good luck and please make sure to wipe that smug look off Kathryn's face. Okay?”

“Yeah, of course,” you said, wrapping your arms around him as he pressed kiss to the top of your head. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too, but if you don’t go, the only thing you’ll be missing is your flight.”

“Wow, Bee, you are so funny.” 

“Well, one of us has to be the funny one in the relationship. Your mom jokes only get you so far far in life, babe,” he said, causing you to elbow him in the stomach. 

“I’m leaving now. I love you and I will text you when I land,” you leaned up for a quick goodbye kiss before grabbing your carry-on bag and heading to your gate. You avoided looking back, knowing that if you did, both of you wouldn’t let the other leave. 

“I think you chose a good one,” Marcus said once the three of you had sat down. 

“What?” you asked, shocked. 

“Joel. He seems like a good guy. He clearly cares about you and I can see that you care a lot about him, too. He clearly makes you happy,” Marcus added. 

Heat rushed up your face, to which you simply looked out the window, “yeah, he’s a good guy.”

“A cute one, too,” Michelle interrupted. 

“Yes, that too. But Michelle, you better lay off,” the three of you laughed as the flight attendants started to announce the safety procedures for your flight. The three of you did your own thing the rest of the flight: Marcus planning out how podium training would go, Michelle analyzing your routines, and you sleeping.

“Alright, so as soon as we land, we get luggage and go to our hotel. There is a small media event tomorrow morning before podium training, then podium training, then probably some more media. You will have the rest of the night to do whatever, I know you’ll probably go see your Dallas friends and that’s fine, just make it back in time. Then, Friday is the first day of competition, Saturday is the second day, then we have some free time Sunday,” Marcus read off to you, even with you half asleep. 

“Sounds lovely,” you grumbled. 

…..

“So, y/n, with your injury being a top priority, how different have practices been since you are still somewhat in recovery?” one of the journalists asked. You had stayed prepared for a multitude of questions having to do with your injury, so this question had an easy response.

“I would say, it’s definitely a totally new experience. I’ve had to tailor my focus to other aspects of this sport since the start of my recovery, whether that be drills, more conditioning, or changing up my routines. My team and I definitely have figured out what things work and what doesn’t and we continue to learn as I continue training,” you answered, swiftly. 

“Now obviously, you were the highest scorer in most of your competitions, even before your injury, how has competition changed for you? And what has inspired you to train harder?” another journalist asked. 

“I have to say, competition is slightly more nerve-wracking than before. I mean getting injured at a major competition definitely changes perspective for all aspects of it. I feel that I have to be more cautious when performing, whereas before I would just go with the motions. Something that’s inspired me has been that my competitors have continued training, I have a fair amount of competition - all of which are excellent athletes - which has helped motivate me a lot, but I also have an amazing support system back home who have made sure to give me that extra motivation when I need it,” you smiled. 

“Now, having to deal with that support system at home, who and how have they influenced your decisions of your journey through recovery?” which was the first question that made you smile. 

“Well first, a huge shoutout to my family, especially my cousin, Kevin. Without his support, I wouldn’t have ever tried to get back in the gym, he’s been there this whole time and I couldn’t be more grateful. Um, my coaches were so supportive of my comeback; my physical trainor, Adrian, who told me all the doctors were wrong and gave me the reality checks I needed; the whole Philadelphia Flyers roster and their families cheered me on the whole time, especially my boyfriend, Joel Farabee. My friends, my teammates, all of them pushed me where I needed to be,” you said, gratefully. 

“Thank you for your time, y/n. We wish you the best of luck this weekend,” the main announcer said to you before you went off to podium training. 

Marcus and Michelle had both told you only to warm up simplified versions of your routine, so that you could bring shock factor when you were actually performing. You had upgraded almost all of your tumbling back to where it was before injury, but no one needed to know that besides you and those in your gym. Podium training had gone very well, better than you had anticipated, so you were looking forward to how championships would go. 

As you packed up your gym bag and grabbed your phone, you saw all the messages you had from the Flyers group chat you had somehow found your way to. 

Bee: did you guys see that too?

Tiki Bar: if we are talking about the same thing, i think we did.

Patti Lapone: did she actually say nice things about us?

Kev: i really think the texas heat is getting to her already

G: she’s probably just feeling under the weather about competition, otherwise we might want to check if she is okay

Scotty: i think i misheard or i got hit in the head and didn’t realize it

Frosty: hell has frozen over

Bee: haha. frost. frozen. get it

Tiki Bar: beezer. 

G: i’ll make you do laps if you make another frost joke

Laughing at the texts in the group chat in reaction to your interview, you simply typed up a simple response: this is what i get when i’m nice, now you know why i’m not like this all the time. 

Luckily for you, you didn’t have to do any media after podium training, so you were able to leave whenever you wanted to. After checking with Marcus and Michelle, you made sure it was alright that you went off to go see Tyler and the rest of the guys. Assuming that they would be at practice, after changing out of your leo, you took the drive to the Stars practice facility.

Having come to Fort Worth so much for gymnastics and Dallas for a few hockey games, you had run into some of the Stars roster on multiple occasions. By the third time you had ran into them, and this time ran into was a very literal statement, you had exchanged social medias and most of the roster kept an eye out for any updates in your gymnastics career. During your recovery, the whole team constantly asked for updates about how you were and how gymnastics was going. 

Once you parked, you quietly made your way inside - not wanting to interrupt the practice. There were a few officials walking around, but most either paid you no mind or recognized you from times before you had been here. Walking towards the rink, your eyes settled on the boys doing laps for the last part of practice. It wasn’t until most of the guys were only talking and about to get off the ice that they noticed you. 

Tyler was the first to notice you, smiling and waving towards you, which caused most of the team to follow where he was looking and notice you. As the team headed to the locker room to change, you simply waited on one of the benches for them.

“I feel like you only came all this way to see my dogs,” Tyler said, making his way towards you. 

“No, I would never do such a thing, I obviously came here to say hi to you,” you stood up to give him a hug. 

“Mhm, whatever you say. Didn’t you have podium training today? How’d it go?”

“Well, it went pretty well actually. I did a few of my dismounts, but kept most of my landings safe just to be careful. But other than that everything went well.”

“As long as you kick ass tomorrow, I’m fine,” he said, honestly, “do you have anything else to do for the rest of the day or did you just come to say hi?”

“Well, I have no plans for the rest of the day, but I don’t want to intrude on any team plans.”

“You know you would never be intruding on anything with us, even if you are dating a Flyer,” Jamie O said from behind you. 

“God, Jamie, what the fuck? Where’d you come from?”

“Your mom’s house,” he said, earning a fist bump from Tyler. 

“I can’t even be upset, that was a good one,” you smiled as Jamie hugged you,”and don’t bring Joel into this.”

“My condolences.”

“Condolences? No one died?” you questioned.

“You are dating someone that plays for the Flyers,” Tyler said. 

“Damn, that’s harsh,” you replied. 

“Anyways, moving on. Me and a few other guys were coming over to mine for lunch and to hangout, if you want to come you are welcome to,” Tyler said to which you simply nodded. 

“Is that who I think it is?” another familiar voice rang out, causing you to whip your head around to see Roope and Jake heading your way. 

“Well, if you thought it was me, then you would be correct, my friend,” you retaliated. 

“I’m surprised they let you in here, considering you are dating a Flyer,” Otter said, jokingly. 

“Quit bringing the fact that I’m dating Bee into the conversation.”

“At least Nicole is in the safe zone,” Roope said, causing your eyes to widen, “y/n. What was that?”

“What was what?” you questioned as Roope simply narrowed his eyes.

“You did the thing.”

“What are you talking about, bestie?” 

“Oh, you have a habit of your face changing when you know something that will ruin the whole perspective or something or if you know a secret that will change the entire story. Very entertaining and concerning that you didn’t know,” Tyler added. 

“Um, well, didn’t expect to be psychoanalyzed by a bunch of hockey players today, but here we are.”

“Ok, I think we should head to mine and then, we can continue psychoanalyzing you,” Tyler suggested to which you all agreed. Roope, who had gotten a ride from Tyler in the morning, immediately hopped into your car as soon as you unlocked it. 

“What’s up with Nicole?” he asked as soon as you started driving. 

“What happened to hello? How are you?” you joked. 

“Listen, I’m asking now because I don’t want to talk about this with the guys there. But what did you mean?” he said, causing you to take a deep breath. It wasn’t like Roope and Nicole were ever together, but it was always an unspoken fling of sorts, that they never made official. 

“Look,-”

“Please, just tell me what’s happening,” he pleaded.

“Nicole and Nolan are sort of together,” you rushed out, causing a moment of silence to break out. You didn’t know what to expect as a reaction, considering they weren’t official and hadn’t really talked since the last time you and her were in Texas.

“Is she happy?” 

“Yeah, she’s happy.”

“Okay, that’s all I care about,” he said simply, which made your heart almost break for one of your closest friends. 

…..

Being able to spend time with some of your close friends that you hadn’t seen in a while was just what you needed to destress about championships. Maybe an intense game of uno with five of the most competitive people was exactly what some might call a destressor, but here you were. 

Tyler threw down his cards as he stood up dramatically, “no, because there is no way that a.) she already has an uno and that b.) all of you used your draw two cards against me.”

“Don’t be upset, Ty, that’s just how the game of uno is sometimes,” you replied, hiding a laugh. 

“Oh, shut up. I think you guys cheated,” Tyler accused. 

“I think you just don’t know how to play uno,” Jamie mumbled.

“Oh, yeah, real funny. I think you all teamed up against me and Jake dealt that way on purpose.”

“And we all think, you just can’t accept a loss in uno,” Roope added. 

“Fine, let’s settle this like men,” Tyler grabbed all the cards, attempting to shuffle them before accepting he couldn’t shuffle and handing them over to you to shuffle, “I’m watching you.”

“Oh, wow, so scared,” quickly shuffling them, doing a little bit more than usual to get Tyler off your case, you handed them back to him, “there you go.”

Another final round of uno, which ended up with you and Roope head to head as far as who would win, while Tyler had ended up with at least 15 cards to which Jamie was the first to speak up, “I think we should end here before someone gets hurt.”

“No, no, we’re fine. It’s fine. y/n, take your turn,” he said, eyes narrowing as he watched from beside you. Even if it was your last card, you dropped the draw 4, which made Tyler draw more cards. 

“Damn, that sucks,” you said, hiding a laugh. 

“What was that, y/n?” Tyler said.

“I said, damn, that sucks,” you repeated, watching Tyler closely as he stood up quickly once again, before practically chasing you. “Tyler, it’s just uno. Stop chasing me.”

“Oh, wow, ‘damn, that sucks’” Tyler mocked. 

As the other three watched, Jamie just grabbed the bowl of popcorn as they watched their friends running around chasing each other. “I see why we don’t play uno much,” Jake said. 

“Yep. Exactly. But no one listened when I advised against it,” Jamie said, taking a drink of his beer. 

“Tyler, watch yourself,” you said, as he stood on the opposite side of the couch. He started running one way, as you ran the other to avoid him, but he quickly sidestepped and caught up to you. Practically throwing you over his shoulder, he made his way out to the pool, “Tyler, let’s not do anything crazy here.”

“Oh, you mean like hold a draw four card until the end of the game,” Tyler said, as he tossed you into the deep end of his pool. 

“Children. Literal children,” Roope said, shaking his head, going to grab you a towel. 

Rising up from the water and quickly moving the hair out of your face, you swam over to where Tyler was, “hey, can you help me out?”

“Nah, I’m not falling for that one,” he stated. 

“Seriously, I won’t do anything right now, I promise,” you said, as you saw him reach his arm out to which you quickly grabbed and stood out of the pool. Walking towards Roope, who had grabbed you a towel, you turned back around to see Tyler still walking near the pool. Using this to your advantage, you ran and pushed Tyler into the pool. “Sorry, bestie,” you said, running to get the towel from Roope and running back in the house. 

After getting changed into one of Tyler’s extra shirts he had lying around, you were just hanging out with the guys when a familiar contact flashed on the screen to FaceTime, Jake who was right next to you immediately noticed, “ooh, better go talk to your man, y/n.”

“Shut the literal fuck up,” you called back, standing up to go the kitchen for privacy. Answering, you noticed that Joel was at Nolan and Kevin’s apartment, “were you that lonely without me, babe?”

“No, well maybe, but I’m helping them set up for the watch party tomorrow,” Joel said, taking a seat at their kitchen island, “how’d podium training go?”

“It went really well actually, I didn’t work the 3.5 just so that way I have something over their heads, you know. But other than that, it was all good. How are things at home?”

“Well, I mean no one is dead, which is always good. Um, debated getting a dog, my mom called, I told her about you. Uh, already told you about the watch party. I don’t think anything else interesting happened,” he said, shrugging as if he hadn’t just mentioned bringing you up to his mom. 

“Wait, you told your mom about me?”

“Well, she does follow me on Instagram, so after seeing the post she texted me asking and then she asked while we were on the phone. She wished you good luck, by the way. She’s  also visiting here with my dad in a few weeks and I’d really love it if you would meet them,” he said, shyly.

“Uh, yeah, yeah, of course,” you rushed out, hoping you didn’t sound as nervous as you were. 

“That sounded very unsure.”

“No, it’s fine. I just have never been at the spot in a relationship where I meet the parents, I’m just nervous. I don’t want to mess it up.”

“Babe, my mom already loves you, she was getting on my case about not telling her, but she already thinks very highly of you and I definitely hyped you up a little bit. You have nothing to worry about,” he reassured you, which made you smile. 

“Hey, y/n/n,” Kevin yelled. 

“Hey, Kev.”

“You were very nice in your interview today, it had all of us worried,” Kevin said, which caused you to roll your eyes in response. 

“Hey, I can be nice sometimes.”

“On very rare occasions, yes,” Joel added. 

“Whatever.” As you talked a little while longer with the guys, eventually Roope and Tyler had come in to say hi to everyone as well, which had you dying laughing as both of them gave the ‘you hurt her, we fly to Philly and hurt you’ talk that almost everyone had given him. 

Telling Joel you would call him back whenever you made it back to your hotel, you stayed with the guys for another couple of hours before heading back to your hotel. Nicole had spent most of the day after podium training resting and had met you in the hotel lobby when you got back.  

“So,- “ she didn’t even have to finish her sentence before you knew what she was saying. 

“Roope is doing good, he said he hopes things are going well,” you said, watching as a small smile crept up her face. 

“Well, good to know. Did you know KD is also staying at this hotel?”

“Well, considering this is the host hotel and most competitors are here, I am not all that shocked.”

“Yeah, but you probably didn’t know she’s legit a few rooms away from us, did ya?”

“No, guess not,” you said, “how’d you find that one out?”

“Well, let me set the scene for you. I go to get ice and then I hear her talking with, uh, whatever her name is, Callie or Carly, it starts with a C. Anyways, they were talking about you and me and how our skills have been less than recently and all this stuff about you not catching up to where you were - which I found so fucking funny because who has won gold at the past few meets? Not her. Anyways, all is fair in the sport of gymnastics, but I’m just excited to see her reaction to you doing the 3.5.”

“Damn, no pressure there, Nic.”

“Okay, but the thing is, you have the skill,” Nicole said, as you got into the elevator. “You have it down. It’s all up here, in your cranium,” she said, pointing to your head. 

“Alright, let’s just go to bed now,” you said, slowly removing her hand and opening the door to your hotel room. 

��..

“Hello everyone and welcome to Day One of the 2021 US Gymnastics Championships. We are very excited to see how today’s competition goes as this competition will decide who makes it onto the National Team and who will qualify for Olympic Trials,” Joel heard the announcer say as he made his way to sit with everyone in the living room. 

“Did you talk to her this morning?” Claude asked from beside him. 

“Yeah, usual pre-comp anxieties. Nolan talked to her and Nicole to give the usual pep talk and then we talked for a while on their way to the arena,” Joel answered, looking back to the TV to see you prepping for bars, “she said podium training went well, but Kathryn was talking shit, so all I know is she better kick her ass.”

“You know she will, it happens everytime. She gets in her head and still does amazing, just a casual Tuesday,” Scott added. 

“It’s not Tuesday?” Travis questioned.

“Yes, I know,” Scott said, confusing everyone. 

“Alright, moving on,” Joel reiterated. 

“And starting on bars, we have y/n y/l/n. Now if you remember, less than a year ago, y/n was injured at another competition doing a beam dismount that she might be competing in today’s competition. She is definitely one to watch as she has a reputation of scoring high in these meets, before and after her return. Her teammate, Nicole Carter, will be following up.”

Joel watched as you stepped away from the chalk box to start your routine, he watched intently as you jumped from the springboard to reach the high bar. He watched intently as you went through your routine. Release skills. Giants. Pirouettes. More release skills. More giants. Dismount. Stuck landing. 

“A great start to Day 1 for y/n, who seems pretty proud of how that routine went,” the announcer said, “rotation two will be beam, where we might see that 3.5 twist, which is currently in the process of being named by Kathryn Davis, who was the first to compete it at a major competition. Now the question everyone is wondering is will we see this skill from y/n today?”

“She’s doing it. Fucking dumbass,” Joel grumbled at the announcer. 

“Damn, Beezer, tell them how you really feel,” Travis replied, as everyone else laughed at Joel’s behavior before watching Nicole compete. Nicole’s routine ended with a stuck landing, the camera following her as she made her way off the platform and hugged you before the two of you did your secret handshake.

Knowing the next event was beam, Joel waited as other competitors did their routines as you were warming up. He knew this moment would make or break how the rest of the meet went and with this only being your second event, it needed to go well. 

Everyone watched anxiously as you saluted the judges, shaking your hands out before you reached to mount the beam. You took a deep breath before actually starting your routine. Starting the beginning choreography, you kept your movements sharp and clean. All the skills in your routine were sharp - doing this so if the dismount didn’t go well, it hopefully wouldn’t affect your score too much. 

Joel had memorized your routines, knowing you were approaching your dismount, he saw your movements become slightly hesitant. Watching as you did a quick pivot on the beam to prep for the dismount, he watched you take a deep breath. 

“C’mon, babe. You got it,” he said, and by whatever power was listening he watched your lips twitch up to a smile as you started your dismount. Going for the round-off and starting the twists, you did the three and a half twists, opening up to find your landing, and stuck your dismount. Joel’s smile grew even more when he saw how happy you were with your routine.

The rest of Day 1 of Championships went well for both you and Nicole; the two of you ending in the first and place spot in all around, with Kathryn following close behind. After the competition, both of you had your media conferences before you made your way back to the hotel. As both of you checked your phone, you saw the multiple notifications from various social medias.

“Dude, did you see what Ryanne posted?” Nicole asked, a look on her face that you couldn’t easily recognize. 

“No, hold on,” you opened Instagram to see she had tagged you in multiple posts on her instagram story: starting off with a picture of all the guys wearing a jersey with your and Nicole’s name on it, a picture of all the guys watching warms ups intently, a video of Joel and Travis debating the name of a skill from Nicole’s routine (Travis was right), a video of Joel watching you do your beam routine and cheering you on right as you go for your dismount, and then a video of everyone cheering as you and Nicole as they announced the end of day 1.

…..

After falling asleep with Joel on FaceTime, you woke up to your 6am alarm to get ready for Day 2 of championship, Joel - who had told you he would wake up with you - was still sound asleep. Getting you and Nicole an apple from the lobby, you talked to a few of your competitors and a few fans before heading back to yours and Nicole’s room. 

“Wake up, bitch, it’s Day 2 of Championships,” you said, jumping to lay next to Nicole on her bed.

“Leave me to die here, I don’t want to go. USAG can suck a homeless man’s dick,” she mumbled into the pillow. 

“That’s truly something, wait til the media teams hear about that one,” you joked, only to get a glare sent your way. 

“You know what? You can suck on one, too,” she responded, pulling the blanket over her head. 

“Well at least, there's less competition,” to which she quickly peaked out of the blanket.

“Oh, you wish. We’re neck and neck this time, so we’ll see who gets bragging rights.”

“Well if you don’t get out of bed, then we’ll never know,” you said, to which she only sent a glare your way. 

“Do we really have to get up and compete today? Do you think we could petition to reschedule?”

“I mean, I’m sure if we talked to people, we’d get a lot of signatures, but I don’t think it would go over well,” you said, grabbing your garment bag that held your leo for today, “I’m going to go get ready because I know if we end up talking to Joel and Nolan first, we won’t be ready in time.”

After you got ready, both you and Nicole got your pep talk from Nolan and Bee. On the way to the arena, both of you got a bunch of good luck messages - not just from your friends and family, but also from teammates and even some from most of the Stars roster. You had a feeling in your gut that today would be a good day. 

….. 

“Alright folks, Day 2 of Championships have been off to a great start and are about to come to a close. With Nicole Carter in first with a 57.605 All-Around score and Kathryn Davis in second with a 57.1, Cassie Riley in third with a 56.2, it comes down to the final rotations. y/n y/l/n is one of the last to go on floor today, who will need a score of at least a 13.5 to get first,” the announcer said. 

“And compared to her average score, this will be easily attainable. If she scores at least a 14.5, she’ll be first overall for both days of competition. She already has a for sure spot at Trials, even when you don’t consider scores. As long as she is able to hit all elements of this routine, she’ll be fine,” another announcer said. 

“Ok, you’re good, you just have to hit this routine and there’s no doubt you’ll make it to where you want to be. Deep breaths, Twinkle Toes,” Marcus said. 

Walking up the platform to get up to the floor, you took your spot at the edge of the floor, ready to salute the judge, and get the last meet of championships out of the way. After anxiously waiting, the judge finally saluted. Entering the floor with a determined walk, you took your spot waiting for the familiar sound of your floor music to ring out.

That familiar feeling of doing the sport you loved, once again, rushed through your veins. Block everything out and complete the routine, that’s all you had to do. Going to your starting pose, the music started. Going through the familiar motions of your routine, you stuck your first tumbling pass. Then came the leaps and jump sequence and all that was in between, with the additional three tumbling passes. 

You didn’t give yourself a chance to overthink about your routine, you knew that it wouldn’t benefit you in any way, but as you stepped off the floor you knew that you did what you could. As soon as you made it back to where Marcus and Nicole were sitting, you waited to see what your score was. 

Joel and everyone watching at home watched as you sat down to see what your score was. He had this dopey grin gracing his features from the amount of pride he felt in that moment. He didn’t care what your score was, he knew you had put whatever you could out on the mat. He listened to Travis for a moment until the announcer started up again for scores and awards, “and y/n y/l/n pulled through with the score that she needed, a 14.9 on floor. She placed first in All-Around, Carter following right behind, and Davis in third. If all goes this well at trials, I’d say we have a lot of good representation for the Olympic Games.”

…..

After the meet and countless amount of interviews both you and Nicole were extremely worn out and had both passed out on the flight back. As you and Nicole stepped out of the terminal, you were met with the familiar faces of your friends and family. You smiled as you saw Bee for the first time in a few days and despite how tired you were, you couldn’t stop yourself from running to him. 

He immediately caught you and did the cliche spin (the one you swore you would never do) before pulling you into a regular hug, “I’m so proud of you, babe. You have no idea.”

“Thank you. I surprisingly missed you,” you joked, laughing harder when Joel pulled you away slightly to catch a glimpse of your face. 

“Wow, aren’t I glad I was blessed with such a nice girlfriend? It’s crazy.”

“Absolutely insane.”

“Preposterous.”

“Can the two of you shut the fuck up?” Kevin asked, coming over to give you a hug, “you did good out there, y/n/n. You also kept all your bones intact, I’m proud.”

“Shut the fuck up, Kev.”

“Okay, aside from you getting onto Kev and Bee, I missed you, too,” Karly said from beside Travis. 

“I kinda did, too. You did amazing though, y/n/n. I’m proud,” Travis said. 

“Thank you, thank you. All in a hard day's work,” you said, shrugging. 

“Dude, you might want to go back to Beezer, he looks like a lost puppy watching you talk to us,” Travis pointed out, nodding in Joel’s direction who smiled when you caught his eye. 

“Yeah, not a shocking development,” you said, before walking back in Joel’s direction, “hey, Bee.”

“Hey, honey,” he said, wrapping his arms around you again, “you ready to go home?”

“Yeah, of course,” you leaned up to kiss his cheek. 

“Ew, guys. Get a room,” Kevin called out, fake gagging. 

[heavenunderthemoon]

A fic request for Emily and daughter!! Where you are dating a guy and have not told her and she finds out when she comes to you and your boyfriend making out on the couch

“My mom would kill me if she found out I had a boy over. And then she’d resuscitate me, and then kill me again.” You said with a sigh, scrolling through the movie options on the flatscreen.

Harry gave a low chuckle, throwing another piece of popcorn in his mouth.

Harry. You thought dreamily.

You had known him since you were about twelve, a rather annoying boy in your physical education class. You recalled the various times in which the two of you were captains for your respective teams in that class, the rivalries and the fights that ensued. How long had it taken for the two of you to realize that the hatred stemmed from tiny little crushes on each other? Looking at him now, his curly hair overflowing into his eyes- something you adored because it meant you had an excuse to touch it, moving it out of his eyes- you couldn’t imagine hating him.

The two of you had only begun dating three months ago, your mother still didn’t know. You had planned on telling her the minute it became official, really, you had, but she had gone away on a case that night and you didn’t want to tell her over the phone. So then you postponed for when she would be back, staying up late until her flight landed, making her dinner, telling her that way. But, when she had come back you found the case had been a really difficult one and the wariness on your mother’s face, the pure exhaustion, had your lips sealed.

And it went on. Everytime you meant to tell her was just bad timing - and you needed good timing, because your mother really didn’t like Harry. Alright, that wasn’t fair. She didn’t even know Harry, she had never event met him, but you knew she wouldn’t like the idea of him. Your mother wanted you to like nice boys, prim and proper boys, smart boys who had crystal clean records and good intentions and Harry was a little far from the mark.

Harry wasn’t a horrible person, you knew that. He was misunderstood, incredibly so. His past wasn’t very kind to him, and he acted out frequently because of it. He likes to read and write and paint (he was rather good at it but he really only painted for you just to see the smile on your face when he did). He got detentions and was caught stealing (clothes for his little sister, and they let him off with a warning). He rode a motorcycle he found in the dump and fixed up himself, and he was a little rough around the edges appearance wise. But damn, was he good to you. He was caring, like the kind of caring where he always walked you home from school, no matter what. He offered you rides on his motorcycle (even bought a pretty helmet that had plastic bunny ears on the top bc you liked bunnies and he thought you would like it), but you refused. If your mother found out you rode a motorcycle you were sure she’d have a heart attack right then and there. And he was kind. Everytime Emily was away he called you to make sure everything was okay, talking as you walked through the house and double checked all the locks, and sometimes even read to you over the phone until you fell asleep. He wrote you poems and slipped them in your textbooks when he held them on the way to class, and he gave you flowers when you least expected them -no occasion, just because.

He was a boy, a boy you loved, and that was enough to make Emily go a little crazy and you knew that so you kept him away. You kept him a secret. Your little secret love, a piece of you, hidden away and locked up tight.

And that was why he was here, at your house on a Thursday evening. Your mother was off on a case, she had only been gone two days and when Harry had called you, asking how you were (he had been home for the past three days, his sister sick with the flu), you told him how much you missed him. Next thing you knew he was showing up on your doorstep with all your favorite snacks and the gesture had you flinging yourself into him, squeezing him tightly. It hadn’t mattered to you that Emily might get mad because how would she even know? She had been gone for two days, which meant she probably wouldn’t be back for at least another one. You and Harry could have this night.

So, despite the uneasiness in your stomach, you let him in.

“She wouldn’t kill me first? Or is she saving the best for last?” He asked thoughtfully, eyes turning to you. Oh you loved when he looked at you like that, a look thrown your way, a look filled with such...trust. Devotion. Love.

You sighed wistfully. “Me first. She’d be beside herself at the very thought that I hid something from her. She hates lying.”

He snorted. “A little rich coming from an FBI agent. Isn’t her job centered around lying?”

You rolled your eyes, throwing a popcorn at him. He was right. Your mother lied as a profession, bluffing that she had more information than she really did, or even lying that she was dead as the two of you foed to Paris. That hadn’t been very fun. She lied all the time. But that was to protect people. You were just protecting yourself.

“I just feel bad. I don’t want you to think I’m ashamed of you. I just don’t want you to feel her wrath. She’s a lot..you know? She means well she’s just protective.”

Harry didn’t know. He didn’t really get that parents should be protective because he didn’t really have any. Just a dead beat dad that drank himself into a stupor every night and was typically found passed out on the couch. He didn’t get that parents were supposed to love and nurture, and the fact that you had that seemed foreign, but he tried to understand, for you. And you knew that.

He nodded with a frown. “She doesn’t have to protect you from me, though. I would never hurt you. If you ever asked me to go, to leave, all you’d have to do is say the word and I’m gone. But I love you and you love me, our relationship doesn’t concern her.” He wasn’t snippy, just speaking softly, as if not to scare you away because he knew how much you loved Emily and he didn’t want to scare you away by speaking about her badly.

You smiled softly, taking his hand in his. The remote remained abandoned on the table that you had set it upon and he removed the popcorn bowl from his lap, setting it on the table as well, giving you his full attention. “It doesn’t but it also does. She’s my mom, she’s...I don’t know, it’s weird. I shouldn’t need her approval. I don’t. But I want it. I want her to know you, and not just surface level background checks, I want her to know the Harry that I know.”

He scoffed with a smirk. “Oh, you think you know me?” And a twinkle in his eyes showed you a twinge of fear, a fear that maybe you did. That you knew him better than anyone he had ever known. And it was the twinkle that made you nod.

“I do.” You responded confidently, and there was only silence in the room for a small moment. A moment where Harry’s heart was racing, and he was sure it was loud enough for you to hear it, and a moment where you were searching his eyes for an acceptance. Acceptance that he wouldn’t get scared away just because you knew him, knew every part of him, because you knew that it was something he tended to do. He tended to back away when he felt exposed and you were praying that he knew he didn’t have to do that with you.

Finally, he nodded, lips pursing. “Alright. Well then we’ll tell her when she gets back.”

“We?” You asked skeptically, because the thought of him and Emily in the same room had been something you had been trying to avoid for so long.

And he nodded once more. “We. Together. I’ll wear a suit and you can wear that pretty little black dress and I’ll come for dinner. I’ll knock on the door- not ring the bell because that’s a little prentious-“ you giggled and he smiled at the sound. “And I’ll bring her flowers, compliment her home,”

“Compliment her home?”

He gave you an incredulous look. “Well I can’t very well tell her that I’ve been here now can I? Besides, it’s what they do in books. I figure it’s how I’ll make a good impression. And I’ll tell her how very much I adore her daughter.” He set his chin, a blazing look in his eyes, the kind that made you think he might be invincible. One that made you think he could do anything and damn would you follow him to the depths of the earth as long as he had that look.

With newfound confidence, you grinned. “Oh? And just what, pray tell, do you adore about me?” And there was a certain impish tone in your voice that had him smirking mischievously.

He leaned closer, burning his hand up to caress your cheek. “Hmm, well, I love your eyes,” He wiped underneath them, his warm hands making delicious contact with your face. “The way I can literally see into your mind with them. You’re awful at hiding your emotions and just one look into those beautiful little orbs, I know everything I need to know.”

Your breath hitched as he leaned closer. “What else?”

“I love your lips.” And his finger was tracing the contours of your own, claiming his territory. “How you’re never afraid to speak your mind, those words of passion, or humor, or hatred tumbling from your plump lips, ones that I very much like to kiss.” And he bent down and pecked you, lingering just a moment longer to nibble on your bottom lip.

You let out a shaky breath, eyes fluttering shut as you forced them back open. “Is that all?”

He had that god awful smirk on his face and you forced yourself to look away. “Everything about you, baby. Your wit, your determination, your compassion,” and with each word he was peppering your jaw with a kiss and finally you gave out, grabbing his face in yours and crashing your lips onto his. He was grinning into the kiss, savoring his victory but not for long. You wouldn’t let him win.

You flipped positions, pushing him slightly and straddling the boy. Your lips were ferocious against his, a mess of passion and intensity and his hand was going to your sides, sliding under your shirt and running upward. Everywhere he touched was set instantly on fire and you moaned into his lips.

And just as you were about to take it a step further, the door opened. You flew off the boy, landing onto your ass with a groan. Harry was springing upward, readjusting his hoodie and hair, though it was no use. Your hands had gone rampant through his curls and it would take an actual brush to fix it. Both of your lips were swollen from your previous activities, clothes a bit ruffled, and the look on Emily’s face made your heart stop.

She was looking at Harry, and then you, and then back to Harry with an unreadable expression on her face.

She was home. Home incredibly early, and her bag was discarded at her feet, dropped when she saw you and Harry.

No one was speaking, Harry was looking at you as for what to do, Emily was just staring and you...you were standing from your post on the floor, going to Harry’s side as if you protect him. “Mom, this is Harry-you’re home-“ You swallowed when her lips pursed. “He, um-we were- He’s my boyfriend.” And then a look you did recognize appeared on her face.

Fury.

“Harry, you can go home.”

Your mouth went dry. This was not how this was supposed to happen. Harry turned to you, eyes questioning if that was what y oh wanted, if you wanted him to leave and with a mournful smile you nodded, walking him to the door. He mouthed an “I love you” which you returned before shutting it.

“You had a boy over.”

“Mom-“

“A boyfriend, come to find. How long have you been seeing this boy?”

You winced. “Three months. But we were going to tell you, he was going to knock on the door-“ And you were beginning to ramble with panic as she cut you off.

“Three months? Three months of you sneaking around behind my back? And when I’m gone you do...that.” She was shaking her head in disbelief, hand going over her face.

“We weren’t sneaking I just...He came over tonight and that was an anomaly, we don’t do that-“

She scoffed. “And I’m supposed to believe you? You want me to believe anything that comes out of your mouth when you’ve been lying to me for months?” You stayed silent, swallowing. “Go to your room. We’ll discuss this in the morning.”

“Mom-“

“Go.”

You sighed, turning on your heel and walking off.

[love-amihan]

| ʜᴏᴍᴇ | ᴊᴊᴋ | ᴀᴏᴛ | ʜǫ | ꜰɪʟᴏ | ᴛᴀɢʟɪsᴛs | ᴍɪᴍɪ |

PERSEVERANCE // OIKAWA TORU

word count: 2.0k+

warning: slight angst, reader is blaming themself due to failure of past relationship, might have spelling and grammar errors

song inspo: next to me by imagine dragons

amihan’s note: temporary banner bcs haven't got the chance to edit oikawa's. ahhh, i love this fic too, pardon my horrible transitions. here's your request bb @okakamaki happy reading!

!! small manga spoiler

best friend!toru x gn!reader (aoba johsai’s vbc manager)

“what comes to your mind when you hear ‘oikawa toru’?” the interviewer smiles brightly, holding the mic in front of you for your voice to be heard loud and clear.

the question makes you stop and think about it carefully. you look at the interviewer who’s standing out of frame, “oikawa toru?” you repeat after them, they nod at your words.

“ah him, oikawa toru... is a patient man,” you look at their eyes before looking around. “also a reliable person who puts everyone before himself,” the interviewer hums, letting you continue.

“most importantly, oikawa toru perfectly embodies egalitarian,” the interviewer retracts the mic to ask, “would you care to elaborate us on that, mx?”

you nod and lean down to say, “he believes in everyone,” your eyes staying in contact with the camera lens.

“thank you, mx,” the interviewer bows to you as you do the same, bidding goodbye with a smile before going back to your table.

────────────────────────────

oikawa toru is known by all, he has a lot of girls swooning over him, heck some male players have at least a small crush on him.

who wouldn’t? he’s perfect, positive energy is surrounding him everyday. he’s there to lift up everybody’s spirits, even yours.

“y/n-chan!” toru’s cheerful voice echoes in the gym. you turn and give toru a disappointed look. hajime, who was talking to you not long ago, follows suit, “the hell are you doing here, shittykawa?”

toru huffs, “to play volleyball of course,” approaching the two of you, he opens up his arms about to give you a hug.

you put a hand out, “no, it hasn’t been a day since you had your injury.” the captain, being the stubborn guy he is, “i’m all good to go.”

hajime grumbles, “i’ll kick him out,” you nod at his words, “please do.” toru looks at the two of you with his mouth hanging open, “don’t talk like i’m not he- hey iwa-chan! nooooo!” toru’s whines fade as he’s dragged outside by the wing spiker.

after taking care of toru, hajime looks at you with concern in his eyes, “are you sure you’re gonna be alright?” you snicker at him, “can’t believe i’m saying this but toru’s right, are you my mother?” you say in a teasing manner.

but instead of facing his wrath, the boy just sighs, “how many months has it been since you’ve last seen him?” you shrug, “don’t know and don’t care, haji” you say while avoiding eye-contact.

────────────────────────────

after the practice match ends, “y/n...san,” wakatoshi calls after you. you stop from speed-walking, back still facing him. shiratorizawa's ace stares at your back, mind running on what to say next.

he slowly approach you, hand reaching out. taking a hold of your wrist, he spins you around and engulfs you in a hug. tears start running down your face, your head pressed firmly against his chest.

meanwhile, toru, who did not listen and stayed even with your and hajime's protest, his smile falters watching the scene unfold.

issei blocks the view and turns him around, ushering him back inside the gym. “come on, i’m sure that’s nothing” the middle blocker tries to assure him.

“it’s not your fault,” wakatoshi mumbles, pulling away as he wipes your tears. you close your eyes, nodding along his words, “you’ll find someone better, i'm sure of it.” he's not one to cry but seeing him with red eyes and hear his sniffles makes your heart clench.

“but i want you,” you whisper, holding the hand on your face, looking up to him. wakatoshi shakes his head, “you know we can’t," his tone firm and stern.

he leans down, forehead touching with yours, both your eyes fluttering close, “it’s not your fault, okay?” wakatoshi reminds you once again, as if to engrave it in your mind.

“no, it is” you say while shaking your head, he holds your face still, with a stern voice he says, “none of this is your fault, y/n.”

slowly, he lets go of your face, whispering, “i’m letting you go. you’re free, y/n.”

your tears continue to stream down, taking some deep breaths trying your best to calm down. wakatoshi takes a few steps back, the two of you looking deeply into each other’s eyes.

────────────────────────────

your lips tremble at his words. he bows down to you, taking a moment before turning on his heel. your hand reaches out for him as his frame slowly disappears from your sight.

months had passed yet you can’t seem to forget wakatoshi, the closure is still fresh on your mind, replaying like it just happened yesterday.

you sit down on the floor, back leaning on the wall. good thing, there’s nothing much going on for today.

you hear some shuffling next to you, “toru, i said no. i’m not ready,” you say, not opening your eyes to check on the person, “ouch, you’re brutal. i’m surprised oikawa hasn’t given up yet,” takahiro states while wiping his sweat.

you sigh, looking at the boy beside you, repeating your words, “i’m not ready.” he hums, downing the rest of his water.

“you won’t get rid of him easily though,” he smiles, bringing a hand to ruffle your hair, “it’ll get better soon.”

────────────────────────────

toru’s smile gets wider seeing the gift you have for him, “i’m sorry, it’s not that much valuable,” you say as he takes out the hand-made bracelet, “what do you mean? i love it!” his hand fumbling, thrilled to wear the gift.

“you love anything that comes from y/n,” issei says, snickering at their captain. “but i do love it,” toru replies, “i’m glad,” you smile at him, his heart skipping a beat. “toru..?” you call out, the boy frozen in place, “this dork..” hajime mutters.

────────────────────────────

you hug your knees closer to your chest, sobs getting uncontrollable. destiny must have its ways with you two because like always, toru finds you in your vulnerable state. “y/n,” he mutters, approaching your fragile frame.

you look up to him, “i’m no good toru, it was all my fault,” you mumble against your knees, eyes red and puffy from crying. toru cradles you and pulls you close to him, his presence making you feel at home and secure.

“why would you even want me?” you sniff and wipe your tears harshly with the back of your hand, “you have everyone at your will yet…” you sob, “yet you’re here.” you can see the pain in his smile, “because the world seems to stop if i’m not with you.”

────────────────────────────

toru smiles at the camera, waving at it before looking back at the interviewer, “before leaving the country, as one of the well-known monster generation, do you have something to say?” the boy nods, looking at the camera.

“i’ll get everything i want and will be the one standing at the top with a big smile on my face,” confidence overflowing in his words.

hajime’s face scrunches up from their ex-captain’s words, they've graduated college and he’s still as ambitious as ever.

takahiro peeks from behind hajime and points at toru’s hand as he waves goodbye to the camera, “he still has that?” their eyes fleeting down on toru’s hand.

your eyes widen while watching toru’s last interview before going abroad, “toru…”

────────────────────────────

you groan, your phone’s been ringing for a while now, peeking at the clock, the red bold ‘2:00 am’ staring back at you.

not caring about the caller, you press the green button and mumble, “hello?” eyes fluttering close.

toru gasps and mutters apologies after apologies, “y/n-chan, i’m sorry i didn’t mean to call you,” he exclaims. you hum, “uh huh,” your mind on auto-pilot, his words not registering to you.

the boy on the other side of the phone smiles fondly, “do you find me attractive?” you nod, “yes,” you mutter.

he chuckles, “alright, i’m hanging u-” his farewell getting cut off by his own thought, ‘should i?’ he ponders, at least he can hear those sweet words even if you don’t mean it.

he gnaws on his bottom lip before uttering, “will you be my other half?” you mumble incoherent words while toru presses the phone against his ear more to hear you better, “i would love to,” his eyes widen, cheeks beginning to shade red.

“damn it, it's not fair how you still make me fluster even if you’re not aware,” he mutters behind his hand.

“have a nice sleep, love. sorry for the disturbing,” he ends the call with a sigh, his teammates looking at him weirdly, he sheepishly smiles and turns his back on them.

────────────────────────────

hajime groans, his expression screaming displeasure. “come on haji, he’s not that much late,” you say while poking his side, “ah, y’all missed me too much,” toru’s voice makes four heads snap in his direction.

it seems like nothing has changed, the group is still buzzing with never ending stories, it’s like no one aged at all. you smile to yourself looking around the table, “you okay?” you turn to toru and nod, especially him.

as toru strikes a conversation with you, takahiro opens up a topic that has not been brought up ever since high school, “you two are still not together?” toru shakes his head, holding his chest and fakes a hurt expression, “why must you break my heart like this, y/n.”

glancing at hajime, he nods to you while gesturing at toru, issei raises a brow to this, “wait… no way,” he mutters while takahiro looks at him, “what?” he whispers to him, you take toru’s hand where he wears the bracelet on.

his dramatic script coming to a stop, he looks at you, confused by the actions. “y/n-” you turn the bracelet around, a different color from how he usually wears it.

“you know i’ve always wondered why it’s a different color from each side,” he looks into your eyes, oblivious to what’s happening.

“that means yes, toru” you smile up to him, his eyes widening, “yes..?” he echoes you. “finally,” hajime mumbles with a big smile, you nod to his words, his eyes welling up in tears. “please tell me this isn’t a dream nor a prank,”

you shake your head and open your arms for him, he lets out a breath and tackles you in a hug. you chuckle at his actions while petting his hair, “thank you for taking a chance on me,” you mumble against the crook of his neck.

────────────────────────────

“congratulations on your win!” the same interviewer exclaims, a big smile on their face as toru clasps his hands together bowing in gratitude, sweat dripping down his pretty face.

“i have one question for you,” toru turns to the side leaning forward to hear the interviewer better, “ah yes, ask away” a charming smile plastered on his face, the same smile that made people all over the world swoon.

“what comes to your mind when you hear ‘oikawa y/n’?” the same question as yours, he continuously nods while taking a deep breath looking around as he thinks of the word.

he looks back at the interviewer, leaning closer to the mic. he stares at the lens, “oikawa y/n is my world.”

the interviewer smiles fondly, the action exactly like yours. “do you want to know what they thought of you?” toru looks back at the interviewer and wipes the sweat from his forehead. “but don’t tell them you told me,” he says while holding his index finger in front of his lips.

the interviewer chuckles and recites your exact words, “oikawa toru is a patient, reliable, and an egalitarian person,” the last word perking his interest, “egalitarian?” he repeats the word, looking at them.

they nod, “it means you believe in everyone.” toru’s eyes immediately softened, his fatigue fading away like magic, “did they really?” the interviewer eagerly nods, somehow feeling like a real-life cupid.

toru looks back at the camera smiling and shows the bracelet, kissing it together with the ring on his finger, “i’ll keep that in mind, mx oikawa,” he says while pointing at the lens.

copyright © 2021 by love-amihan all rights reserved. do not repost in other platforms. reblogs are welcome and highly appreciated! <33

taglist: @foxxtrot-116 @lumpiang-toge @chibishae34 @kirakirasaku @tohman @gay-bitch23 @crybabyjabby

[ruewrites]

Hii! so i really love Dialuci and i wanted to request a fic about them. I like the 5 things + 1 thing trope but i saw that u already have a fic like that, so if you dont wanna use i understand, i just want a cute Dialuci fic bc they are adorable 💖

5 Times Diavolo Felt a Little Less Alone

AO3

Ship: Diavolo/Lucifer

Word Count: 2005

Warnings: None

A/N: Hi Anon! I’m always down for 5+1 requests! I hope you like this! I’m still getting used to writing for this ship, but I had fun!

1

Diavolo’s fingers danced along the castle walls as he gazed at the fallen Morning Star. He was more than the prince could ever wish for, to ever hope for, and he was standing right there. Well, sitting. He’d met Lucifer before, but he’d never seen him this worn. It was understandable, but still.

Gripping his nerves, Diavolo decided to approach him once more. Lucifer’s eyes swept up towards the movement and the Prince suddenly was all too aware of his heart pounding away in his chest. 

“May I take this seat?” he asked.

Lucifer was silent for a moment, then he nodded, “I suppose you can.”

He was a bit more eager than he’d like to admit at the ‘okay’. He wanted to turn the Devildom into a home for Lucifer and his brothers, to make them all feel comfortable. He wanted them to want to stay. 

Lucifer regarded him oddly, almost as if he couldn’t make out Diavolo’s intentions. Which was fair by all means. Perhaps he wasn’t setting the most appropriate of moods, but he found himself giddy at the mere thought of sitting close to the Morning Star. Even if the circumstances that brought them together once more were grim, he was still happy that he got to see him again. 

“Can I get you some tea?”

He wasn’t sure if he wanted something to calm Lucifer or his own nerves. He’d have Barbatos bring every type out that he could find. He wanted to give Lucifer the widest variety of options that he could. He wanted to give Lucifer anything that he could.

“I suppose that would be nice,” Lucifer seemed hesitant. It was understandable of course, but Diavolo was already summoning Barbatos. He was going to make the Devildom home for Lucifer. 

***

2

Diavolo loved parties. They filled the castle up with people and laughter and music. Things Diavolo wished there had been more of as he was growing up. Even so, sometimes the parties still felt lonely. Others wouldn’t address him the same way they addressed each other. It made sense, he was the Devildom’s prince. They had to treat him with respect. 

He could act like one of them.

But he couldn’t be one of them.

His fingers tightened around his glass. 

“Lord Diavolo, are you quite alright?” Lucifer was staring at him. Lucifer’s attention was on him. 

He forced a laugh and put his hand on his shoulder, “Of course! Why would I be anything other than okay?

Lucifer’s brow furrowed and his lip twitched. He didn’t believe a word that had just come out of Diavolo’s mouth. Lucifer was the eldest of his brothers and the one that kept them in line, he knew when he was being lied to.

But before he could get a word out, Diavolo was already spewing more words at him. “I mean, just look at everyone out there having a grand time! There’s nothing to be disappointed about when there’s so many smiling faces,” he said, “In fact, shouldn’t you be out there enjoying yourself too?”

Getting Diavolo to try to go back to their previous discussion would be like taking Cerberus to the vet. So Lucifer played along, for now.

“I don’t believe I will, I have a perfect vantage point of my brothers from here.”

“Vantage-?”

Diavolo glanced out to where Lucifer was nodding. The rest of the six were all in perfect view with a slight turn of the head. He shouldn’t be surprised, Lucifer always had to make sure his brothers were on his best behavior. Well, Diavolo didn’t necessarily think that Lucifer had to per say, it was something he just did. 

“So if it’s quite alright with you, I think I’m content on staying right here.”

For the first time that night, Diavolo felt himself relax and offer a genuine smile, “Of course.”

***

3

He knew it was late, but come on. Diavolo tapped the back of his D.D.D. restlessly as he listened to the line ring. Sure he could send a text, but he just wanted to hear someone else’s voice for a moment. Just a moment. Then he would be content.

He was about to hang up and redial again when a tired voice came  up on the other end of the line. 

“Diavolo? Do you have any idea what time it is?” 

Part of him felt bad when he heard Lucifer yawn on the other end of the line, but his heart also leapt at the sound of his voice. Lucifer had a strange affect on him, and Diavolo was addicted to the sensation. It filled a void that rested deep within him, and he didn’t want that space to ever be vacant again. 

“Ah, I apologize Lucifer. I just had something I wanted to tell you,” he stopped. Well, that phrase wasn’t completely a lie. He was sorry, but he didn’t have anything to say. “But it all seems to be slipping my mind right now.”

Silence flooded the other end of the line. A sigh entered his ear. “Diavolo- Send me a text when you remember then. You can always tell me to-”

“Wait.”

He could feel Lucifer hesitate. He could practically see the way his eyebrow raised, how his arms would fold if he wasn’t holding his D.D.D.  He could feel the way he analyzed him, looking for the smallest bit of truth, the tiniest give away in his being. His words died at his lips, his normal forms of begging and pleading refused to come out. 

He didn’t want to be alone.

Not right now.

Not ever.

“Please don’t go.”

His voice came out so small. It didn’t fit him. Normally his presence was powerful and captivating, but not he felt like the smallest breeze could blow him away. The ticking of his clock started to flood his mind, drawing out any other possible thought he could have had. 

Time stretched out in odd ways Diavolo couldn’t comprehend, and there was only one thing that brought him back.

“Alright, alright. I’ll stay on the line, just don’t mind if you hear snoring. Now, what do you want to tell me?”

***

4

“Oh Lucifer! Look at this!”

Humans had such odd little things, but they were also incredibly dear. Who would have thought about making tiny clothes for animals? Adorable! 

Diavolo held up a small yellow raincoat and pushed it  into Lucifer’s face, “You should see if you can get a big one for Cerberus.

“Cerberus will be fine without,” yet his eyes lingered on the small outfit for a moment too long. A smile cracked at his lips, “I do believe I know a certain chihuahua it might fit though.”

Lucifer chuckled to himself as Diavolo continued to gaze at the little treasures that decorated the walls. “Oh they even have little rain boots! It’s a shame they don’t have anything bigger. Human dogs are just so tiny.  And they don’t have nearly enough heads. They’re still just as lovable though.”

His hands moved to the bones and a frown spread across his face, “These are hardly fit for a dog.”

“On that front I agree with you. Not bloody enough.”

“Not big enough.”

“And they hardly look study.”

“It would barely function as a toothpick!”

“And no meat either.”

“It’s sad really.”

“Trully.”

The human world was different from the Devildom, very different. Diavolo could honestly say he’d never experienced something quite like it before. Everytime he thought he had it figured out something new popped out from around the corner. What made the entire thing even more wonderful was having someone to share it with.

He peered at Lucifer from the corner of his eye. Before he knew what was happening, the warmth of Lucifer's lower back was pressed against his hand. Lucifer stiffened ever so slightly. Then his muscles relieved themselves of their tension.

The Demon Prince had someone to share his experiences with.

***

5

This was an ethereal experience. It wasn’t something he could take lightly. This was a sign of trust. This was so much bigger than him, and Diavolo wasn’t about to take it lightly. Lucifer’s naked back was to him, his blackened wings stretched out before him. Diavolo felt as if he could see every breath the Morning Star took, every heartbeat drowned out the ticking of the clock. 

“Are you sure?” Diavolo wanted to give him one last chance to back out. This was something sacred and intimate, something that he knew must have Lucifer on edge. 

Lucifer’s head nodded ever so slightly, “Just remember what I told you.”

Diavolo swore he could feel his hands shaking, anxiety curled around his stomach like a serpent the closer he came to the majestic sight before him. Then the soft silky texture brushed against his finger tips. He couldn’t help but admire them as he ran his fingers along their gradient. 

Lucifer trusted him with this.

Lucifer wanted him to do this.

He could have teared up in that moment, He promised himself that he would forever hold this specific moment close to his heart.

Of course Lucifer’s wings wouldn’t preen themselves. “Tell me if I do anything wrong.”

Perhaps he’d gotten too close to Lucifer’s ear, maybe his breath had been a little too hot, maybe he shouldn’t have gazed at Lucifer’s reddening cheeks as long as he did. But he wouldn’t change it for the world. His right hand man trusted him. A man as wonderful and beautiful and radiant and intelligent as Lucifer trusted him. Diavolo was allowed into his life.

The room was dark, quiet, and safe. 

Diavolo never wanted to share anything this intimate with anyone else.

***

+1

The first thing Diavolo registered was how warm everything around him was and the fire softly crackling against the wall. Slowly his eyes peeled open and he sat up. After taking in his surroundings, he came to realize that  he’d fallen asleep at his desk. Something quite unusual for him. He grabbed at the blanket around his shoulders as questions filled his brain.

“This is quite the role reversal isn’t it?”

Ah. Lucifer. 

Diavolo hadn’t even noticed him.

A kiss was pressed against his cheek and a cup was set down onto the table. Spices immediately filled all of Diavolo’s senses flooding every corner of his head. 

“Usually you’re the one doing things for me when I’ve been at my desk for too long, and now here we are.”

Diavolo brought the cup to his lips, enjoying the warmth against his skin, “It took so much for you to allow me to spoil you.”

“Not everyone in the world is as genuine as you Diavolo, and affection isn’t something I’ve been particularly used to.” 

Lucifer’s hands soared over the desk as he started to organize various papers and documents. Honestly, at this point Lucifer was probably almost as skilled as Barbatos when it came to organizing Diavolo’s desk. Diavolo liked watching him work, it almost reminded him of a dance. Watching Lucifer was always a wonderful time, it was a treat. Perhaps domestic was the correct word.

“I believe you’ve told  me before that there’s more comfortable places to relax than a desk.”

“Like plush chairs by the fireplace?”

“I do believe you mentioned those, yes,” Lucifer took his hand and helped him up, “Join me?”

Diavolo had gotten a taste of company all those years ago, and now he constantly lived in company. His old self would be envious of what he had now. As long as he had Lucifer he wouldn’t be lonely, he’d have warm nights and bright days. There would always be a reason to make a second cup of tea or to bring two plates to the study. His things would sit next to Lucifer’s, they could have long conversations or comforting silence, and the chair next to him would never be empty. 

Finally Diavolo had someone to share his life with.

Finally life wouldn’t be lonely anymore.

[marinetteplztakeabreak]

ML Lies Episode Predictions:

There’s Two?? (don’t trust my math) more days before lies completely destroys me, so I’m going to make some predictions, and by predictions I mean wishlist. My walls are already up, so if none of these happen I won’t be disappointed, but also a girl can dream: (this is somehow 1700 entire words long because I have a lot of feelings, so it’s under a cut, you’re welcome)

—Adrien and Kagami’s are secretly dating: please I want it so bad, I’ve talked about this so much and emotionally I need it!! At the very least I want them to sneak out together so so bad I’d cry. But also, if they’re hiding it from their other friends for whatever reason, thats SUCH good angst potential.

—If we get to see some kinda montage of them sneaking out??? Id ride that high for months. Even just one actual example of them working together to sneak out would obliterate me. Like, how it shows Kagami sneaking out to go to the game in Ikari Gozen?? I’d cry

—The breakup happens as a direct result of it being a secret relationship: this would be SUCH a good parallel to lukanette. Lukanette broke up because Luka wanted Marinette to be more open with him and he hated being in the dark, so just, the parallels if Adrien wants to be more open about adrimi and Kagami is like “you dont understand, if your dad finds out about us he will end this immediately” but Adrien wants to believe that its going to be okay and no one will react badly? I’m probably explaining this badly and I’ll try to explain it better later I just,,, want parallels and opposites and truth v lies and hhhhh

—Fencing??? Friendly/ affectionate competition??? Them being idiot jocks in love??? Please??? I want to see them compete!!

—I’d love to see Kagami character growth + Adrimi relationship development!!! I want her to love herself more and be more comfortable around him!!!

—Specifically, if there was a parallel to Riposte,, and Adrien beat Kagami in a fencing match and Kagami was like “Oh nice!! :D good game!” I’d be so happy I’d cry!! And it’s kinda implied by Chat Blanc that they’re already there in there relationship?? But not confirmed?? So if I saw it or saw confirmation of it I’d cry!!

—in one of the released photos it looked like they were holding hands??? And at this point my expectations are so low I don’t even trust it yet but blease,,, let them hold hands,, i’d cry of joy

—If Adrien is also constantly leaving and disappearing due to akuma responsibilities, I want it to read SUPER differently from the Lukanette because I love parallels/foils!! Marinette disappears on her dates with Luka and its just “oh marinette is really distracted and busy and frazzled” but I dont think Adrimi but be loke that at all!!! Because as far as Kagami knows, she has the same backstory/current story as Adrien. She’s risking a lot by sneaking out to go on dates with him?? So Adrien seeing an akuma and being like “oh sorry father is calling” isnt even suspicious or anything??? Its 100% believable!!! If her mother called she’d immediately be like “oh fricking heck i Need To Leave this instant immediately.” So its less “Adrien doesnt care about her” and more of just twisting the knife and reminding her that life doesnt want them to be together and Adrien is never going to be free!!! Big ouch to her heart!!!

—also I want!!!! Them!!! To talk about their feelings!!! Because parallels to truth!!! Adrien is like “sorry I have to go” and Kagami is like “oh I hate that so much” and Adrien is like “big same.” (Also idk how realistic this is but I’d love it if ‘Kagami talking about her feelings’ wasn’t the cause of strife in their relationship!! Like, she talks about how she feels and when she’s upset and Adrien is like “yeah me too” and they’re just,, good bros)

—I need them to stay friends after the breakup, i need it i need it i need it!!! And the whole issue is!! I feel like the main reason they’d date is to try and hang out more?!?? So if the breakup was actually them talking to each other and being like “hey so this isnt working with sneaking out, we’re going to need to go back to the way it was before,” rather than them saying they were bad for each other???? Hoo boy i’d lose my mind

—Also!!! My favorite prediction, I’d die of joy if this happened (and also of angst). I want there to be so much drama with “secret relatinship” stuff that they try to fix it by going public with their relationship!! Very low chance of this actually happening but its okay if it doesnt, thats what the fanfiction I’m inevitably going to write immediately after watching the episode is for!!! But anyway,, multiple ways this could happen.

Maybe they’ve been secretly dating since Miracle Queen and they decide to go public at the beginning of this episode and that’s the primary source of plot/conflcit!!! I’d be thrilled!!!

BUT!!! if the episode ends with then Not Breaking Up, but instead deciding to go from dating secretly to dating publicly???? Holy Freaking Heck,,, I’d go feral with emotion!!!! I also need to expand on this so much more but basic rundown of how I imagine it could happen (again: Is it likely?? Probably not! but this is my last chance to dream):

Kagami is like “listen we have the same backstory and I KNOW in my soul that this relationship wouldn’t work if it was public”

Adrien is like “okay yeah I feel you, thats fair”

Kagami goes on dates with Adrien and its fun and nice and lovely and the honeymoon phase is so good and exciting

Adrien starts disappearing a lot, partly because of akuma attacks, but partly because of nathalie and gabe calling him constantly

Adrien starts to be like “well actually i think that my dad does care about me probably? And if he knew why I wanted to go he’d let me! Or at least Nathalie would because clearly she cares about me!”

Kagami is like “hhhnngg have you met them?? You think they’d want you to be happy and free??” Except she can’t just SAY that because if she did then she’d be crushing Adrien’s entire heart and possibly also making him get really defensive and he has to come to the conclusion that his parents are good on his own

Kagami also starts to get frustrated with how much more often Adrien has to leave than she does?? And its because of akuma attacks but she doesnt know that and he cant tell her

Adrien starts to get frustrated because he can take the “having to leave for akuma attacks” part but when he finally finishes an akuma battle and Natalie immediately calls him it is just aaaaaAAAAAAAA and he just wants to believe so badly that he could at least take control of that part??? He could at least get Nathalie to help him out??? Probably maybe right???

Because we all know he HATES having to keep secrets from Ladybug, but he’ll do it for her, and he’ll keep his life as Chat a secret, but Kagami??? He should at least be able to talk about that, right?? He’s not doing anything bad/dangerous/etc

Also there could very well be some angst with Adrien being so so worried about Nathalie because she’s bedridden and his dad is being sketchy and he’s SEEN this before and he doesn’t want to be avoiding Natalie or lying to her because what if he loses her too??? He’d feel so guilty! And he needs the support of a parent figure so much,,, so he HAS to tell her the truth

But he respects Kagami’s wishes and he’s not going to betray her trust

But unlike Lukanette, they DO talk about their feelings and they disagree and stuff, and even if he’s trying not to be confrontational, Kagami is like “i can tell youre uncomfortable about something, please just tell me what it is” so he tells her that he disagrees

Kagami gets akumatized?? idk if it’s even been confirmed that she’s the akuma “Lies” but I’d assume she is because parallels to Lukanette

Maybe it happens as a direct result of some moment where Kagami and Adrien are arguing and in the heat of the moment he says something hurtful??

Maybe they’re arguing and then Adrien has to leave before it can resolve and Kagami is mad about it even though shes trying not to be and she gets akumatized???

Maybe she does say something like “bc your dad sucks and nathalie sucks!” and he yells or something (i want to see Adrien yell and be flawed let me live, and this is one of the most likely scenerios for it to happen bc it would HURT for him)

Maybe Kagami shoots back with anger, maybe Adrien’s been calm but Kagami gets mean for a moment, but regardless, Kagami says something about her true feelings of anger at nathalie/gabe/ etc and before Adrien can respond he’s like “oh shoot sorry I need to get home NOW”

Then for one brief second Kagami’s TERRIFIED that he’s going to tell nathalie about this in his anger and then nathalie’s going to be like “oh kagami is clearly bad for you because she made u this upset” and Adrien will LISTEN because hes stupid and he still listens to his horrible adult figures and Kagami is so mad about the entire situation so then in her moment of weakness she gets akumatized

Look at that its a direct opposite of Lukanette because Luka was afraid of Marinette keeping secrets about why she’s always vanishing because he doesnt know and Kagami is afraid of Adrien telling secrets about why HEs always vanishing bc she thinks she does know,,

But anyway, after she gets de-akumatized, she’s so ashamed of it and she can see how far she took it and how many people it hurt,, and Adrien is really sad and apologetic and trying to support her,, and she’s like “no clearly I was actually wrong, keeping this a secret is hurting you and its hurting me and now its hurting random civilians”

So she tells Adrien that they should tell people about it and stop dating in secret

And then multiple possible ending:

Does he say “actually no, youre right, they wouldnt let this happen, so if we cant date in public and dating in secret is hurting us then we shouldnt date at all” and thats how the breakup goes??? That would literally obliterate me

Does the episode end on a false positive where Adrien hasnt told them yet and he is like “yeah this is gonna be great” and there isnt an actual breakup yet?? Because that would also kill me (even though i doubt theyre going to let adrimi take up that much time in the show but, let me dream)

Also if Adrien is like “we shouldnt tell my parents but we should tell someone” and then they tell Marinette and now shes got ANOTHER secret to keep and aaaaaaaAAAAA?? Id die on the spot

I’m still holding out hope that the episode will give me enough crumbs to at least be able to write this better, but regardless of what happens in the episode,,, the chances of me eventually writing fanfiction exploring this are SO HIGH, I’ve been thinking about this for ages

In conclusion:

—no matter what happens in lies, its going to destroy me

—please let them be in a secret relationship it makes so much sense for their characters and for the drama and aaaaAAAAA

—also please give me the parallels to lukanette where their issues are exactly the opposite and it still falls apart

Thank you for your time, I’ll be excitedly vibrating at the speed of sound for the next two days until we get answers!! Depending on how the episode goes, I’ll either be writing so much adrimi fluff to recover,, so much adrimi angst to vent,, or I’ll be staring at the ceiling screaming for a few days as I post nothing but keysmashes and try to sort through my emotions :)

[abyssmaju]

𝓡omeo

❥ Tartaglia x gn reader

❥ Warnings: childe story and voiceline spoilers, slight possessiveness (it's like one line), a tiny bit of angst, tortimini typical aggression but not towards reader bc he is Feral

❥ summary: a knight and their fool have a bit of a serious discussion

❥ word count: 1,394

I haven't written something like this in sooo long, but for some reason this prompt just really snatched me and said "is for you". Inspired by a post by @outlet-0 but I think I deviated a tiny bit! Also I know canon states that none of the knights saw Signora Do Her Thing, but I needed angst fuel and it just Felt Correct ✨

The sound of young children making mischief and merry in equal parts filled your ears as you roamed the streets of Monstadt on your patrol. Times like this left you wondering just why your job even existed. With the threat of Stormterror no longer looming over the great walls of your nation, you felt as if you would be contributing just as much by lying at home or miles away in his arms. Your heart and mind are clouded with a dizzying feeling that can be defined as bittersweet. When you look to the skies, you only see the lifeless ocean blue of his eyes that tempt you like a siren’s song. You never fail to throw yourself overboard into his tempest.

It almost makes you ill—the way you can see in your head the distress of your archon as the beautiful Snezhnayan woman ripped his gnosis from his body. She would have done the same thing to your beating heart had you the courage to try to stop her. It makes you close to bedridden when your thoughts are followed by just how willingly you would let her comrade in arms Tartaglia do just that. Metaphorically speaking, he had already done it over a thousand times, and yet each time you had savored the pain. Nearly every day you hone your skills as you swear yourself against the Fatui, if not for the innocents they’ve killed, then for your beloved archon whose eyes sparkle with mirth and childlike joviality that you desire so desperately to protect.

As you let yourself spiral down into your thoughts, the scent of foreign waters and something expensive stops your mind completely. Before you can even begin to think about him, you hear his voice, “Pssst, hey! Cute little knight over there! Pay me some attention, it’s your knightly duty!” You can’t even roll your eyes, you know as well as he does that you were awaiting his next visit on the edge of your seat. You make your way to the shady corner that he claimed for his own, thinking that it seems like your longing summoned him from thin air. Unfortunately, you know that you could think of him every hour of the day—as you do—, but no amount of begging the stars in the sky will bring him to your side.

“Ah, there’s my cutie. You looked so serious just now, I almost didn’t recognize you! Before I go on, while I’d love to sit here in this shady alley—there are probably better places for us to spend our time. Allow me to steal you away?” You always give in to him and that smile he wears that doesn’t quite meet his eyes. It goads you and provokes you, perpetually beckoning you to an unknown challenge that somehow makes it even more endearing.

“Ajax...”, you whisper his name as if the world would shatter if anyone else in Monstadt had the pleasure of letting it fall off their tongue, “I’m on duty—“.

“Oh, what a shame! My wonderful love doesn’t want to see me while they’re being knightly and chivalrous! Yet how chivalrous of a knight could you be to break this fair maiden’s heart?” His theatrics never fail to amuse you. Your jester, yet you can’t quite decipher whether his act is wholly to amuse you or if it’s practice for one of the many different titles he had assumed.

You sigh deeply and let out a laugh at his childish antics. “Of course I was about to accept your request just a moment before you opened your large mouth my fair maiden. Lead the way and I shall follow as always.”

His grin grew ever so slightly and one of his eyebrows quirked, a tell that he had already generated another one of his grating responses. “What a pity that you feel my mouth is large, I suppose it’s all the same when you tell me how much you love it nearly every time we meet! I’ll catch you near the statue of the seven at Windrise. There’s a cliff nearby and that’s where I was hoping to take you.” Before you can even begin to counter his taunting remark, he practically vanishes with the only proof you have of his visit to Mondstadt being the scent on the wind and the slight irritation that the lilt of his voice when teasing you always leaves.

Sooner rather than later, you arrive at Windrise, having told your fellow knights that you’d like to do some patrolling outside of the walls to reduce the number of threats to merchants and otherwise unassuming travelers. It was only a half-lie as you know that between the hilichurls that your bloodthirsty lover struck down as simple “target practice” and the slimes you aggressively persuaded to allow you passage to the rendezvous point, the roads will be just a little quieter tonight. You can’t help but close your eyes and smile at the thought of the quiet that will allow you to focus solely on his voice, ignoring the saint on your shoulder reprimanding you for being so selfish as to think not for the people of Mondstadt but their incubus of an enemy.

“Wow, what a smile you have on your face. You must be thinking of me again. Then again, you’re always thinking of me. If there was a contest for thinking of Tartaglia, you’d win hands down!” To your displeasure, your smile grows at the sound of his voice.

“Had I the strength to throw you off this cliff, this smile would be even wider. Unfortunately, my code of honor proves to be a hindrance at this moment.” He can’t hide the smile on his own face as he takes your hand in his.

“That code of honor of yours...it stops you from a lot of things, huh?”

You look into his eyes that the stars refuse to illuminate as if they’re filled with the most toxic of ichor. The longing and subtle pain you feel in your chest as you register the meaning behind his words has you wanting only to jump into that ichor, drink deep of it, and suffer the consequences if only to be spared of a minute more away from him.

“Yes. Yes, it does. Things like changing my name and running to Snezhnaya to become a puppet of the Tsaritsa rather than of Monstadt. Things like singing your name to the birds in the morning who know what you’ve done. Things like looking my archon in the eye after I’ve fallen so deeply in love with you...” sometime during your romantic spiel, he had started to twirl you around in a jagged rhythm to a song of silence. Maybe Barbatos had started to play a song that only you weren’t allowed to hear for your sins. You started to feel that overwhelming sensation that you get sometimes when he leaves, but you refuse to let the tears spill over.

He lets out a gentle hum and smiles once more, only this one never had a chance of dreaming to reach his eyes. “Maybe one day...the day I conquer this world and destroy everything in my path. The knights, the other harbingers, the archons themselves...then you won’t have to be anybody’s pawn—no, I won’t let you. You’ll be mine and nobody else’s and my only order is for you to stay by my side.”

The demented twist on his romantic words made them organic as he put a halt to your moonlit waltz to look deep into your eyes. You looked back and your heart nearly burst with adoration. It wasn’t often that he asked you to stay with him, he knew that your relationship wasn’t ideal. He voiced multiple times that he wouldn’t blame you if you decided this secretive love wasn’t enough and you decided you wanted out, not once did he insist that you stay. Until tonight.

Swept away by his riptide, you couldn’t help but embrace your conquerer with all your might in the hopes that the action would meld you together as an odd blade pointed at the obstacles between the two of you. As you looked back up at him, you could swear that this one smile did meet his eyes.

If you were just a little better at reading him, you’d know he’d been looking at you like that this entire time.

[touchmycoat]

qijiu bingqiu (bingliushen??) fix-it fic planning blabber

so i think i gotta keep it tight on SJ’s POV. Right before his death, he makes a deal with Xin Mo (who’s kind of a lone operator bc LBH too has to fight its power) to create this alternate timeline in exchange for his cultivation. Xin Mo can open up new dimensions no problem, and with SJ’s cultivation, it even manages to rewind the timeline. That’s not enough though—Xin Mo’s goal is only consumption, so it takes the deal but reveals there’s nothing that will actually change. The price SJ paid only opened the door.

But that’s fine, ‘cause SJ saw it coming. He also strikes another deal, this time with Death itself? Some sort of large cosmic force. The only thing he wants changed is Qi-ge’s death, and in exchange...the universe takes him. SJ will not get to exist in that second universe. SJ takes the deal.

And that’s the start of canon. SJ-as-SQQ can no longer exist. Instead, SY-as-SQQ is brought in. In order to stay cohered though, YQY’s memories and personality get a little glitched—he is physically incapable of recognizing all the ways SQQ is now not SJ. That’s why, despite SY-as-SQQ clearly being OOC, YQY never seems to see it.

Canon happens, now we’re in the post-canon world where bingqiu are married and settling down, but SQQ still kicks it with his buddies LQG and YQY every now and then. YQY still firmly believes SQQ is SJ, to SY’s increasing consternation. Is it just delusions and wishful thinking? The more YQY treats him as SJ though, the worse SY feels—he shouldn’t be stealing all this affection that doesn’t belong to him.

It all comes to head when SQQ overhears public opinion on YQY, how he’s perfect in everything but his crazy devotion to SQQ. SY thinks enough is enough. He can’t bring SJ back but he sure can tell YQY that his Xiao Jiu is dead, right? The System warns him he’ll be punished but that’s fine, it’s just not fair, SQQ can take another little mental horror trip down to BinggeLand if it means YQY can have some closure.

Except that’s not what happens. He gets YQY in private and says, “no, you don’t understand, Shen Jiu is dead.” He sees the recognition in YQY’s eyes, but he also sees the moment that recognition gets wiped. The sad smile that had fallen off of YQY’s face returns, eerily happy, as YQY says, “my apologies, Qingqiu-shidi, I must have spaced out just now, what did you say?”

Right before the System kicks him into another punishment phase, SY tries again: “Shen Jiu is dead!” He sees the recognition disappear once again from YQY’s eyes.

Inside the punishment world, Bingge has him again. “I’ve been searching for an answer to why the sniveling pathetic version of me gets you as his Shizun, and I think I figured it out.” For a moment, SY’s horrified by the possibility that Bingge has figured out his transmigrator status—if his punishment figures it out, would he be trapped inside the punishment forever? But instead, Bingge says, “Liu Qingge is still alive, meaning Shizun didn’t kill him in the spirit caves. Did his survival render such a dramatic change?” SQQ”s like “yup, yup that’s definitely it. We’re such good friends, he really changed my outlook on life, so I treated you better, mhm.”

“Shizun’s very clever then to save his own life this way. Xin Mo’s already told me about your little bargain.”

That’s how SY learns that SJ had made a deal. Holy shit, he’d thought it was just random phenomenon this whole time, but the original goods had made it all possible? He didn’t know whether to thank SJ or curse him.

But that can’t be the whole story—Xin Mo opened up a timeline, that doesn’t explain why SY is here. Bingge doesn’t know this part, but it sure feels like SJ made a second deal, paying with his life.

What would motivate the original goods to do all this? Sacrifice his hard-won cultivation and his entire existence in this last-ditch effort?

The memory of YQY’s glitching came to mind.

Holy shit. SY owns the two of them more than he’d ever thought.

After the punishment, SY goes back home. He’s with Binghe, and LBH can tell there’s something troubling him.

“Binghe, there’s something this husband wants to do, and I need your help to do it.”

“Shizun, anything.”

“...But there’s a risk it might hurt you. There’s a risk it might ruin everything. It might be straight-forward, but it also might not be. It’s safer for all of us—but especially you, Binghe—if I just let things be.”

“But it’s not something that Shizun can just let be, is it? Otherwise Shizun wouldn’t have said anything. Binghe is honored to help. Anything to ease Shizun’s mind.”

“...I promised I wouldn’t let you come to harm again, and I meant that. Whatever happens, remember that I am your husband, this is my call, and you must do whatever you need to do to protect yourself, okay? Swear to me, Binghe.”

SQQ begins figuring out how to use Xin Mo to go fetch SJ from the other timeline. He figures that if Bingge could exist in this dimension without destroying the space-time continuum, the same ought to be true for SJ. Only trouble is, he can only go get SJ after SJ’s made the deals, because otherwise it’s a paradox, and he wouldn’t exist.

So SQQ brings home limbless, post-torture!SJ. That’s where the fic starts.

By all accounts, the deals are squared: SJ no longer has cultivation and SJ died in SY’s dimension, so SY successfully exists. SJ and SY can exist in the same space totally fine, and SJ begins healing.

(Currently, the fic is completely from SJ’s POV, and very much about coming to terms with being saved and what the hell is going on in this better world.)

The trouble is, SY doesn’t know what’s going to happen when SJ meets YQY again. SJ very thoroughly declines the offer to go see YQY because part of SJ still believes this whole thing is a trick, and if he goes to see YQY he’ll ruin his end of the bargain and YQY will die again. For SY’s part, he’s afraid of SJ going to see YQY too for similar but opposite reasons—if SJ going to see YQY ruins SJ’s end of the bargain, then wouldn’t that mean SY can no longer exist? Would SY just disappear from this universe?

So we get ragtag group therapy fun times. SJ thinks this is probably all an illusion Xin Mo is tricking him with, so treats everything with scorn but also existential apathy. This actually works to his benefit because he’s not clinging to things as hard, and it’s easier for him to admit, for example, that he was definitely in the wrong for abusing LBH, and yeah he was being a spiteful bitch when he did not need to be.

SY tries to keep LBH away from SJ mostly, because c’mon, he’s not about to make his darling husband face his childhood abuser. He does explain the situation to LBH though, in the same terms that Bingge had (mis)understood it lmfao—that the act of saving LQG’s life had prompted an entire 180 on his personality so he came out of the spirit caves a better man. LBH’s jealous as fuck of course, but damn if that doesn’t explain some things. Given the opportunity to see his old and new Shizun side-by-side, LBH takes it, and really gets a moment to see how horribly he’s been treated by SQQ.

So it actually prompts some therapy between SY and LBH too. LBH used to figure that getting pushed into the Abyss was squared by SQQ sacrificing himself to save him. But ofc it turned out SQQ came back and kept on, in his perspective, trying to get away from him. Trying to leave him behind. SQQ’s tried to treat his abandonment issues by going “okay sorry about that I’ll never leave you behind again” but he’s never really explained it.

SJ’s presence gives Binghe the ability to ask the question again and gives SY an answer: shame and cowardice. They’re able to put SJ’s mistreatment of Binghe right in front of them and SY-as-SQQ gets to explain how much it hurt to look back on that bit of their past, but also how much he feared LBH's retaliation. LBH is a little hurt, but also he remembers how he’d raped SQQ under Xin Mo’s control and, looking at what’s left of SJ now, he sees his own darkest possibilities. He really did destroy the man he loves now in another timeline. That helps him contextualize SY’s fears and why SY chose to push him off the cliff.

LQG crashlands into the middle of this whole party as is his wont. He gets a little fix-it too maybe. SY very staunchly repeats the reason for his personality swap—saving LQG in that cave made him a Better Person™. Meeting the original goods again, LQG is forced to believe it. Or like, it doesn’t really matter to him either way, but now he really does see pre-cave SQQ and post-cave SQQ as two completely different people.

SJ though, has to swallow this really weird pill. He remembers trying to save LQG inside the cave but failing, and then getting blamed for LQG’s death. If he’d succeeded, he and LQG would’ve become...this close?? A life debt between them would’ve changed his outlook on life so much???

Well whatever. Now that he’s put down all his old posturing, he more readily gives his reasons for why LQG gets on his nerves so much: the insufferable confidence (arrogant prick), the skills to back it up (privileged bastard), and a flawless cultivator family with all the money and the training and the pedigree. (Meanwhile SY’s like “oh shit that’s me too hahahahah awkward, good thing he still thinks i’m him so he doesn’t just murder me immediately.)

LQG’s a little weirded out too. SY-as-SQQ is his favorite person in the world, so it’s hard to get angry at SJ-as-SQQ since they’re “the same person.” He’s more willing to talk all this out with SJ and brings up all their old beef on his side too: high-handed snootiness coupled with underhanded dick moves, also the whole sleeping-with-prostitutes thing hurting Cang Qiong’s reputation. Ofc they’re snapping at each other this whole time. “There’s no reason for you to do all that!”

SY intervenes if needed. “Actually there is.” Considering the fact that SJ gets indicted for so many things that actually turn out to be not his fault, SY figures he’ll just get it out there. “Remember Qiu Haitang’s accusations against me? I grew up a slave in that household. I grew up believing it was kill or be killed—it doesn’t make sabotaging others right, but...that’s why the Spirit Caves made such an impression on me. I learned it wasn’t just kill or be killed, I can also save people. It opened my eyes to everything I already had, and everything I should be grateful for.”

This is for both LQG and SJ. And it works, to some degree. SJ knows he managed to claw to the top of privilege, but he still felt horribly insecure there. That’s because, he realizes, he never got the thing that would actually grant him security. It's not power or money or reputation—it’s Qi-ge. Holy hell he misses Qi-ge. In anger and betrayal, he’d pushed YQY continuously out of his life, but when faced with certain death the only regret he actually had was bringing Qi-ge down with him. YQY was meant to have survived, and in this world, he did.

So now, after all that, SJ really, really wants to go see his Qi-ge. It’s nice to have survived (and gotten part of his power back—at the very beginning, SY gives one of SQQ’s eyes to SJ as a bit of his golden core in order to save SJ’s life), but it’s so damn hard to live on in this world knowing YQY is only so far away, still very deeply attached to Xiao Jiu.

They try to Cyrano it at first. SY-as-SQQ goes to YQY with SJ’s voice in his ear, telling SY how to treat YQY as him. YQY is so fucking touched and hopeful, and SY is damn uncomfortable. He goes running back to SJ and says it’s not going to work—it’s not going to work because he’s no longer Qi-ge’s Xiao Jiu. He’s Luo Binghe’s husband, okay? He can’t go back to YQY as SJ.

SJ’s fucking furious at first (what kind of shitty variation of himself saves LQG’s life and then falls out of love with Qi-ge???? bitch?????) but what can he do? LQG tells them YQY’s on his way here and SJ hides for now. They still don’t know what will happen if SJ meets YQY, so SY continues to front as SJ for now.

But during this conversation, something changes. Maybe YQY says something, but SJ realizes he’s actually a little willing to take this chance. If Qi-ge does disappear—easy, he’d just kill himself right after. He’d already experienced Qi-ge’s death twice before, and at least this time, he can follow, knowing he’s at least reconciled with Qi-ge through SY.

And if he disappears on his own, then at least he knows there’s a world in which Qi-ge does not die horribly. That’s enough for him.

That, however, leaves the very last possibility—that SY will disappear. At this point both LQG and LBH have figured this out, and are very, very reluctant to let this be the scenario. They don’t see it as two people, they see it as their version of SQQ vs. YQY’s version of SQQ.

So there’s a little tension, but in the end, SY gets the final choice. As soon as he learns SJ is willing to go see YQY, he chooses that path. He simply owes qijiu too much to deny them the possibility of reconciliation. So despite knowing he might disappear from Binghe and LQG’s life, he makes it happen.

(They should get a very painful goodbye scene.)

SY goes out to explain things. “Zhangmen-shixiong may have noticed my change since my qi deviation and the spirit caves.” “I’m happy Xiao Jiu has a brighter outlook on life.” “Yes, but I think Qi-ge, of all people, might actually prefer how I was before, right?” “If Xiao Jiu’s happy, I’m happy.” “Yes, but Shen Jiu wants you. Is that alright?” “—of course. I want Xiao Jiu too—”

SJ comes out. Everyone holds their breath.

Scene cut.

It’s said that Cang Qiong’s Sect Leader Yue Qingyuan disappeared suddenly one afternoon...

But jk, YQY just ran away with SJ, they’re recuperating in the mountains and everybody’s fine and it’s a happy ending.

[julia-drusilla-xii]

- What if Caligula defeated Apollo and became the new sun god?

- What if Nero managed to convince Meg in betraying Apollo once again?

- What if Commodus managed to destroy the Waystation?

- What if the Triumvirate won the battle against Apollo?

I got extremely carried away since I've thought about this for a long time. Everythings under the cut not only because it turned out to be long, but also so I can warn you that it gets pretty dark.

Caligula defeating Apollo

Medea successfully took Apollo's immortal essence.

With her fancy spellwork, Caligula now has the combined powers of Apollo and Helios.

Ave, Neos Helios!

And history repeats itself- the Triumvirate goes to civil war.

Commodus allies with Caligula

Python switches sides from Nero to Caligula

There was a scene in the book where Python was all "if there's a new sun in the west-" to Nero and that basically implied Python would no longer support Nero if Caligula succeeded.

New Rome would've fallen, either the same way as it did in Tyrant's Tomb or by the sheer power of Caligula and Commodus' army, money, weaponry, you name it (bc tbf they could've won if Rick didn't hold back). And possibly sooner than in the books unless Caligula still wants to slow his arrival and drink his Shirley Temple.

Any survivors are now on Caligula's side.

Meanwhile, Nero's desperate although he's hiding that desperation as much as he can.

Meg's no longer in control of Apollo and MIA over in California.

But, she has the Meliai.

Nero knows the reason Meg and her father ended up in New York. Because Caligula burned their home down. Because of how her father was working on something important and powerful, Caligula viewed that as a threat. He probably knew about the seeds and what they were, same as Caligula.

And Caligula knows that Nero knows.

Meg McCaffrey is the one who can change the odds, even slightly.

Realistically, she'd never want to go back to Nero or help Caligula. But Nero might be able to talk her into his side. She could equally decide to help Camp Half-Blood.

Caligula, Medea, Commodus, Python vs Nero vs CHB

Assuming Caligula is in control of Herophile, Harpocrates, and the Oracle of Cumae, then not only does he still have the power of prophecy but also the communications are still down for the demigods.

No matter how you want to dice it, Caligula wins overall by the sheer amount of power and resources on his side.

What would stop him from ordering to kill Meg on sight, simply firing an onager at camp (and it working bc Octavian isn't there to catapult himself to the sky), and winning against a full-fledged fight against Nero?

Maybe the gods but that's on if they decide to work with Camp Half-Blood to begin with. Rick's characterization via reactions on Apollo's return makes them iffy, but I'd really like to believe they at have a heart for their children, Jason, and Apollo. They stand a good chance if they side together in the end and it shows they actually learned the message of not letting the kids do all the work and appreciating them.

Maybe even the Waystation could help, provided that Commodus doesn't destroy them first.

If Caligula won, then it's just taking out Commodus and Python if he wants sole power.

If he lost, then there's a lot of mourning, the numbers of survivors are small, but there's a new appreciation and a better environment for the demigods.

Meg betraying Apollo

At any point in the series, Nero could have convinced her to betray Apollo but the two more likely times are in the Dark Prophecy- before she escaped to find Apollo and at the end of the book when after everything they've been through together all it took was being back in Nero's environment to get her back into being his pawn.

And as Apollo mentions multiple times in the series, Meg has the power to command him to kill himself. So, it wouldn't end well for Apollo.

If it were the first one, then it would be less emotional and painful on both parties, but it would still hurt.

The only person on Apollo's side from the beginning turned out to be a traitor. He'd have support from his children, but that doesn't change how she helped him.

The only escape from Nero that Meg had was no longer beside her and there was enough convincing to happen to convince Meg it was for the better.

Apollo still has a chance of restoring his immortality, especially if Lityerses became his companion in replacement so Apollo's not alone.

Meg would just be out to get him throughout his trials.

If it were towards the end, it would be more emotional.

Both lose their friend, ally, and their greatest supporter.

Domino effect to Nero's favor. Camp Half-Blood falls first. The rest of New Rome and the Waystation is next. Possibly Olympus if he wanted to go that far but if he doesn't want to push his luck then he still is powerful and the Olympians might be content that at least they are still standing.

Nero gets a swifter rise to power because Caligula and Commodus are already eliminated and Nero has their combined powers.

And Python rules from a backseat.

Ave imperator! Ave Caesar!

Commodus destroys the Waystation

Unlike before, Commodus has proven he could be a threat.

Especially if Apollo never got the chance to blind him.

There isn't much seen with him being someone who plans ahead and willing to just fight without the flashiness so I'm not entirely sure if being the sole ruler is in his favor.

He does, however, turn the tides in either Caligula or Nero's favor depending on who he decided to support. He still is part of the Triumvirate with wealth and resources, regardless of his want to provide a show and have fun.

If he sided with Caligula, then after the demigods and Nero are taken care of, Commodus would be next on Caligula's list.

Same if he sided with Nero.

The only real chance Commodus has of winning big is if he destroyed the Waystation before Apollo destroyed the oracle and if Commodus manages to capture Apollo first.

Apollo and Commodus seem to both at least remember how they were before Apollo drowned him.

Maybe manipulation via that way?

Either way, I can't say much for Commodus so this one's shorter than the rest. I can see anything happening, from him achieving co-emperor at best to still losing everything at worst.

Triumvirate vs Apollo

This one entirely depends on which battle.

Assuming that all the three emperors are alive, then the story changes at the latest in the Tyrant's Tomb. Specifically, Caligula and Commodus are actually still alive despite Frank's sacrifice.

And they show up at the end, weak, but alive.

Because unless you count that picture Rachel got of them in a penthouse that was blurry, there was never a scene where all of them were together which isn't fair. Then again, Rick was the one who invented overpowered emperors in the series so that was probably a conscious decision to make it easier for Apollo.

The soonest would be immediately after The Hidden Oracle, where Nero could supply help to Commodus since he would know that would be Apollo and Meg's destination.

This one would be short because this is an equally open-ended question.

But if they actually helped each other first, things don't look good for Apollo or the demigods.

They might spare the demigods for the specific purpose of ruling over them.

If they continued to share their victory, then their empire is still split three ways.

If they decided to go all civil war, then as the first two triumvirates of Roman history went, the weakest go down first and the main two hash it over a lot of battles.

Caligula would still have Medea, so he has the means of magic.

And Nero would still have Python. Tbh, not sure if that snake even has powers of prophecy. But either way, Python was Nero's ally from the beginning.

I'd say the only thing stopping the triumvirate from complete control is once again, Olympus itself.

Especially if Meg's alive and inspires everyone to avenge Jason and Apollo.

Bonus~

Caligula as the sole emperor includes paranoia that someone betrays him since he was originally killed by his own guards. He might be able to rule the people as well as he did when he first became emperor (back in ancient Rome, the first few months of his rule he was well-loved until he became ill). If anything else, you can count on the yachts being his palace. Incitatus might be by his side because they might part ways since Incitatus wants horses to rule the world in the books. Caligula might renovate New Rome to his liking and upgrade it with his personal wealth.

Commodus as sole emperor involves Commodianapolis and a football stadium where he can host games. A lot of wealth being poured into grandeur, parties, and Commodus' name and likeness everywhere.

Nero as sole emperor means the Imperial Household is there to stay. From what I gather, there are twelve children to replace the twelve Olympians. I don't they're exactly all are children/legacies, but I could be wrong. Either way, Nero has them to help him enforce the rules. He has his tower and he's conveniently near Olympus and Camp Half-blood. He could decide to expand in Manhattan and Long Island.

[petersasteria]

It's meeeeeeeeeeeee ! Yeah, last one but i think it's great, any boy you want, (i saw Harry but i let you choose) 40 - 42 - 52 and maybe 46 yeahhh i see angst in that request, angst and fluff at the end...

I'll do peter hehe bc why not

40. “When my date takes me home and kisses me good night, if I don’t hear the Philharmonic in my head, I dump him.” 42. "To tell you the truth, I think your theories about relationships are total bullshit.” 46. "How could you do this to me?” “Because I’m in love with you!” “Ha! What kind of an excuse is that?” 52. "You’re so afraid of being hurt, you’re gonna end up all alone.”

Parker || Main || Taglist

Peter Parker was afraid of commitment.

He was scared that his heart would be so broken it couldn't be fixed anymore. Using his brains, he came up with theories about relationships and it all came down to sex. He figured the reason why things don't work out is because after people have sex, they leave and won't be bothered to call. Then he swore to himself that he'll only have one girlfriend and make sure she'll be on board with his theory.

Then he found you. You were perfect for him and he looked at you as if you put the stars in the sky. He was so in love and truly, you were in love with him too. He could remember your first date like it was yesterday.

It was 6PM and Peter was already at the restaurant. He was fifteen minutes early and he knew it was ridiculous, but he just wanted to make sure that you were telling the truth about being an early bird to things because you hated being tardy.

Lo and behold, you were right. Five minutes after he arrived, you came in and saw him. You went over and sat down, "You're early. What time did you get here?"

"You're early too and don't worry, I got here five minutes ago. Shall we order?"

The night was filled with joy and laughter and wholesome things. He offered to walk you home and you agreed. You really felt like Peter was the one for you. It was too early to tell and you were probably being silly, but you just knew.

Stopping in front of your door, you turned to him and said, "I had such a fun night, Peter. Thank you for this."

He smiled, "No problem. I had a fun night too."

"You're different from all the other guys who took me out because they were so boring. All of them were my first and last dates. You see, when my date takes me home and kisses me good night, if I don't hear the Philharmonic in my head, I dump him."

"Oh, I see." Peter said nervously. "D-Do you hear the Philharmonic in your head now?"

You smiled sweetly at him as you stepped closer, "Not only do I hear the Philharmonic, but I also hear Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's orchestra going off in my head and they're all telling me that I should totally kiss you."

Peter smirked slightly before leaning in to kiss you. Needless to say, you shared a passionate kiss that night and Peter was practically skipping on the way home.

He would never forget that day. It was the most magical experience he ever had and now he fucked it all up. To be fair, you knew what you were getting into because he told you about his theory about relationships, but you thought you could do it. Then it all came crashing down on you.

Hot and heavy kisses were shared between you and Peter. It was all so heated and passionate and just thinking about him on top of you made you excited. Then Peter stopped.

"Why did you stop?" You asked, your mind still hazy from all the kissing. You never knew you could be drunk all because of someone's kisses, but there you were.

Peter sat up and said, "I stopped because we were about to have sex and remember what I said? I don't do that because it quickly ends a relationship and I don't want that to happen to us."

"But just consider this as a next step in our relationship. It'll be fine because I'll still be here!" You exclaimed.

"How am I so sure that you'll stay, hm? Every girl I've been with left me after sleeping with me. How am I so sure that you won't do the same?"

"Because I'm different!"

"That's what they all said!" Peter shouted in frustration. He ran a hand through his hair and stood up to pace back and forth. "I thought you understood the theory I told you about? I thought you agreed?!"

"I did, okay?! I agreed with you at the time because I thought I could do it, but it turns out I can't! I'm human, Peter! I have needs! This is normal!" You raised your voice, not wanting to yell at him just yet.

"Y/N, this is the reason why we work so well together! We don't need to be sexually intimate with each other! We're better off this way." Peter reasoned, but you shook your head.

"You see, all I can see are things that benefit YOU. YOU think we're better off this way! YOU think we don't need to be sexually intimate. YOU think this is why we work so well together, but what about me?"

"What about you?!" Peter was confused at this point. He didn't understand your side.

"I just wanted to enter the next step of the relationship with you!" You exasperatedly said.

"And that's sex? C'mon, Y/N!" Peter groaned.

"Yes, it is! Because that means we're comfortable with each other! It means that we're doing it not because we want to get laid, but because we love each other. We can be open to what we like and don't like and it doesn't even have to be fast and- and rough! It could be slow and steady because it'll be your first time with me and my first time with you. It's special, Peter, and you don't even want that!" You frowned as tears welled up your eyes.

Peter went over and sat in front of you, cupping your face with his hands, "We could do something else, babe. I'm sorry, okay? I just-"

"I trust you enough to take care of me when we finally have sex. Don't you trust me?"

"Of course, I trust you."

"Then, how could you do this to me? How could you deny something so natural like that?"

"Because I'm in love with you!"

"Ha! What kind of an excuse is that? That's horse shit, Pete!" You cried and pushed him away. Peter frowned, "So where does this leave us? I don't want to fight."

"I don't want to fight either, so I guess we're done." You told him. His heart dropped and shattered into a million pieces.

"Um, why?!" Peter asked. You looked at him and said, "I got all dressed up for you and I did my makeup just for you and I prepared everything just for you! I even cleaned my room extra clean just to please you and-"

"I am pleased! This is the cleanest your room has ever been!"

"-And all I wanted was to take the next step with you! That's it! Since you won't give me that, just go. I'll find someone who will." You said sadly.

"You do understand why I came up with that theory right?" Peter asked.

"Yeah, I do. You were hurt and I respect that, but hurt is always present in a relationship. You can't stop that. You're so afraid of being hurt, you're gonna end up all alone." You told him.

Peter never forgot about that night and his heart broke. After a few weeks of pitying himself, he finally got his shit together and thought of ways to get you back. He now realized where you were coming from and he couldn't blame you. You were right. You were human and you had needs.

Now, here he was in front of your door with a big bouquet of your favorite flowers and a box of your favorite donuts. He rang the doorbell and waited for you to open the door.

You opened the door and to his surprise, you were all dolled up. Seeing you like that made him panic, thinking you'd be on a date with someone else.

"Oh, hi." You said, leaning on the doorframe.

"Um... are you going somewhere? Because if you are, I'll come back tomorrow." Peter said.

You shook your head, "I just got home, actually. I went on a date."

Peter stared at you and asked, "Did you hear the Philharmonic? Or Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber?"

You could only shake your head.

"The last time I heard them is when I went out with you. You're the one for me and I know it."

This made Peter smile. Perhaps he had a shot again. "You're the one for me too!" He grinned, making you stare at him.

"What're you doing here?"

"I came to apologize." He sighed, handing you his gifts.

"Oh?" You said, taking the gifts from him, muttering a small 'thank you'.

"Yeah, I want to say sorry for being blind about your feelings. A relationship is between two people and it was unfair of me to assume you wanted the same; it was unfair of me to think that you wouldn't have urges or anything like that. I'm sorry." Peter said sincerely.

"I hope you forgive me and I hope we can start again because I can't lose you. I love you too much to lose you. You mean so much to me and I'm not letting you go without a fight." Peter said and you stared at him for a while.

"To tell you the truth, I think your theories about relationships are total bullshit." You confessed and he nodded.

"I know and that's why I'm getting rid of them. Fuck those theories! They can rot in hell for all I care. They're even scientifically accurate or something. It's based on my experience and I don't understand why I call it-"

"Peter, let me finish." You chuckled and he quickly shuts up. "I just want to be with you. That's all. And when I say that I want to be with you, I mean that I want to have ALL of you. Except for that theory thing and I'm glad you're getting rid of that."

"Can we start again?" Peter asked nervously and you nodded with a smile.

"Of course, we can. Come in and we can finish all the donuts you bought!" You laughed before walking in with Peter trailing behind you and closing the front door.

i got carried away but i had so much fun writing this!

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