#they really are just one big found family

[catgirlthecrazy]

What if the two characters realizing it's ok to not want kids is the twist.

For example: at the start of the road trip, the couple are ostensibly only getting the abortion for practical financial reasons. Obviously they would love to keep this baby, but right now they can barely support themselves, nevermind a whole ass infant. They're just being realistic! That's what they keep telling themselves/their family & friends back home, anyways.

Their first big emotional bonding scene involves a late night "what would you do if you won the lottery" discussion, where they discover that they both have very similar dreams. Going backpacking across every continent, founding and running a sanctuary for large and dangerous animals, working as doctors for refugees in active warzones, whatever. The important thing is that none of those dreams are really compatible with raising kids.

The day before the couple arrives at the abortion clinic, they get an unexpected financial windfall (possibly the lottery discussion led to them impulse buying scratch off tickets at a gas station or something). It's big enough to solve their money problems completely, so all of their "we just can't afford to have a baby right now" reasoning becomes moot. They're flooded with messages from well meaning family & friends congratulating them and saying how wonderful it is that they'll be able to keep the baby after all! Meanwhile, the couple are exchanging mute looks of dread.

The emotional climax of the movie involves the couple coming to terms with the fact that, no, they aren't selfish or bad for still not wanting kids, despite a lifetime of social messaging that has conditioned them to believe otherwise. With an optional side of "oh god, what if s/he wants to keep the baby now, will I have to choose between pursuing my dreams and staying together" angst. The last scene of the movie has them walking out of the clinic hand-in-hand, having just gotten a two-for-one abortion+tubal ligation, plus a vasectomy for the dude.

And then they go get chili dogs.

there's an extremely niche plot in romance fiction wherein our invariably heterosexual leads fall in love after a night of passion leads to an unplanned pregnancy and they're now bound together by an impending child. I cast no judgment on anyone who enjoys this, but since I'm an evil gay and this is my personal nightmare scenario I want to see a zany romance novel premised on the opposite resolution: a couple falls in love while on a whirlwind roadtrip to obtain a legal abortion

[kaisaerinlover]

kaiser x very tragic and isolated reader. and innocent. and idk how else to describe this but yeah just read ok

he’s a bit ooc here especially for my writing cause he’s being nice

you don’t feel like you have any purpose, you’re a girl in a world full of people with so many talents. so much beauty and so much of, well, everything. but you’ve never fit into that. never had anything of your own. you are you, isolated little you. every day you’ve lived has been to please others, you don’t ever recall actually living a life of your own volition at all. everything is for everyone else, or was, it’s for kaiser now.

he’s glad he found you, because he likes you a lot. you’re similar to him, after all. maybe not in the way you’d imagine. you’re isolated, because you have no one. you were used by everyone around you for whatever personal gain they had and discarded again after as if you were some sort of tool and not more than that. he’s isolated because he thrives in restriction, thrives in loneliness, thrives from the idea that nobody likes him and he’s a piece of shit; because that’s all he grew up knowing anyway.

he likes that you have no friends, likes that you’re the same as him. likes that he can have you to himself, in his own sick way. he knows it’s wrong but he can’t help it. he remembers when he first met you and you were nothing more than an empty shell counting down the days until you finally disappear. any outsider would consider it a curse that someone like kaiser entered your life at such a fragile and tender time; a time when you’re so clearly depressed and suffering, but you deem it a blessing. he remembers the dates you would go on, the love bombing and manipulating he did, that never seemed to work as intended on you. you were just so grateful for everything he did in general, so happy, so eager to please. it was endearing. you’re really his first love, he can promise you that. you’re the first person who really ever opened his heart up. and, he hates admitting it but, the first person he’s ever truly pitied.

he’s sorry for you, real sorry in fact. sorry that you feel the way you do, that you are the way you are. you don’t even allow him to give you as much affection as he’d sometimes like to. and it angers him a bit. he’s not one for these things, so the fact you deny him of them sometimes when it’s exceedingly rare of him to be so kind pisses him off. but it also makes him like you more. and pity you more. and loathe himself more. he likes taking you out for a stroll in the quaint little countryside town he moved you both to (he prefers the isolation he has with his huge mansion a bit further off the road from the village), he likes it. and you’re so in awe every time, without a doubt. big eyes looking around at everything curiously. he feels sorry for you, really really fucking sorry. so new to the world and everything to do with it. he has one memory in particular he’s fond of.

when he brought you out into the village for the first time and you excitedly ran and started picking flowers from someone’s garden. “you can’t pick those, those aren’t public property” he chastised you. and you didn’t listen, you just handed him the handful of tulips you just plucked from the ground of some poor old couple’s front garden and hopped over to the next one to pick some more. he mentally sighed but god your naïveté was so endearing, it still is. he’s always reminded that you’re living for the first time too, but maybe not just in terms of just existence. you’re experiencing life for the first time, he can tell you’ve never lived for yourself before. simply kept inside and made to abide by whatever it was everyone had you doing before. he hasn’t much context on your family, or whatever bunch of people it was that you lived with before him. but he knows they aren’t nice since the first time he met you you were preoccupied with obeying whatever orders they barked at you. you looked so empty, you were at a shopping centre carrying everything. he remembers seeing you so often around town with these people, looking so empty and doing their bidding, he just had to have you for himself. he likes pathetic things, but now he realises maybe he’s the pathetic one for you. he’s entranced by your innocence. he likes crushing beautiful things beneath his thumb; would gladly spit on a flower and stamp on it, so he’s not sure why his psyche is constantly making him be oh so fucking kind to you.

he remembers that same day you vandalised the poor village folks gardens, you sat on top of the roof of the church clocktower, in front of the huge ticking hands of time, doing nothing but eating rusk and ice creams. his hand over yours and your hair blowing in the wind. you were so fascinated by the sunset, how the sky changed colour into something so impossibly beautiful. you were just so enamoured by everything; such innocence is refreshing. his heart actually skipped a few beats. you stared at the sunset which was so astonishing and new to you after so many years of whatever the fuck it was you were doing (he doesn’t want to know, he can’t let himself feel even more pity for you, too many human emotions felt by him and he’s sure he’d explode) but all he could look at was the tragically beautiful girl next to him.

he tried to invite you out more after that, and he can’t forget what you told him. you looked up at him and smiled, a sad smile if he’s being honest, and all you said was “don’t worry, this was more than enough for someone like me”. someone like you, he hates the way it rolled off of your tongue so naturally. it sounds like a curse. someone like you. everyone deserves a break, you don’t even think you deserve it. god. he hates the fact it actually twists his insides and makes them churn so disgustingly. he remembers when he finally helped you escape whatever life it was you were living before too, how you insisted he didn’t have to, how the memories of your very very few escapades out were enough to tide you over for the rest of your life, hell, even all of eternity if you were to live that long. he wasn’t having it. maybe he saw himself in you, someone who needed help and just never received it. when he was living with his piece of shit dad still, he knows he would have loved some help. he remembers when he stopped merely existing and started living for himself. the feeling is liberating; maybe he wants to give you that liberation too. but you’ll never do that, it’s fine though, you live for him and it’s more than enough.

you’re really tragic. even kaiser admits that. you’re still as kind and sweet as the day he met you years ago. and it’s just sad, because sometimes he’s so mean with you. but he really cares about you, he does. that’s why he’s scratching your head now as you’re laid on him drawing something random on a notebook he bought for you. he bought you some colours from the village and a book and told you to go wild, and you did. he doesn’t even know why he did that, he likes hiding behind a facade of luxury. spoiling his girls rotten, giving them whatever expensive brand he saw first and showering them in gifts worth more than their entire family combined. but he doesn’t want to with you. it’s not that he doesn’t want to spoil you; the opposite actually. those gifts are just… not you. don’t get him wrong, you have a wardrobe of clothes that costed more than a pretty penny. but he’d rather get you items of sentiment. money also seems dirty to him, he’s not sure why that’s the association he holds with it. you’re pure; he doesn’t want to just turn you into some whore who’s obsessed with cash. a dirty slut. you’re too good for that. he thinks your childlike wonder of the world doesn’t suit this. and besides, your drawings are pretty cute. he likes watching you like this, watching you get so lost in something. seeing you have a bit of passion/a hobby. at first, he couldn’t quite get you to indulge yourself in anything at all, not even something as simple as doodling on paper. you always just gave him that mellow look and shook your head. he remembers when he first handed you the colours and book: “micha i don’t need it, don’t worry, i just wanna be useful to you” he hated that answer. he’s not even sure why.

he doesn’t know why he cares so much. he’s staring at your head so hard whilst in thought he’s surprised you haven’t noticed it yet. well, you have, you’re just pretending you don’t know. you don’t want to bother him.

he’s never cared so deeply about anything before other than football. he’s heartless. he’s not human so he shouldn’t have any feelings remotely similar to human emotions. this doesn’t align with the warmness in his heart he feels when he looks down at you drawing away to that sweet heart of yours’ content. and he just audibly growls in frustration. man, every fibre of his being is telling him he needs to take care of you and treat you right, and he agrees with it, that’s the worst part. you perk up at his growl and look up at him. and he just takes your notebook off of you along with the pens, puts them down on the table and grabs your hand. you know where you’re going, so you walk with him to the door to slip your shoes on too.

it’s evening now, and you’re sitting in front of the clock again. ticking away. watching the perfectly orange sky as the sun slowly descends ready to be replaced by the moon. licking away at a popsicle. both of you wrapped in one of kaiser’s coats. doing the same stupid routine as always. you looking in awe at the beauty of the world, the universe in general. and him looking in awe over the beauty of you. it’s like the sun only rises and falls to kiss your face with all of its light. you’re so pretty like this, hair falling down your face slightly and your face glowing in the radiant light. he likes the routine (though he hates admitting it). it’s comfy for him. the public thinks he’s some put together luxurious princeling, which is true he supposes. but with you he doesn’t have to. he feels… poor again. in a weirdly comforting way. sitting in front of the huge church’s clock, where you both definitely aren’t allowed to be sitting. licking at some cheap popsicle he bought from the small supermarket. holding your hand and admiring you. this feels like the most real version of him, and he’s glad he can show it around you.

as he snaps out of his thoughts, he notices you looking at him. big eyed with popsicle dripping a little down your mouth, so he reaches out with his thumb to wipe it away. god, he’s almost melting in his spot. he tries to conceal it, but he can’t be sure if he’s doing a good job or not. he hates how you’re the first person to make him feel like he’s in his puppy love phase all over again; he’s fucked countless women, had so many escapades you wouldn’t believe it, so much psychology books read and embedded into his brain, so much control over his stimuli, so good at pretending he doesn’t care. but with you he simply can’t. “thanks for this” you say. your voice is smooth as honey in his ears “for doing this for someone like me.” he hates when you say that. he just sighs and moves a little of your pretty hair behind your ear. “anything for you” it’s true. he would do anything for you. anything for someone like you, he knows it even more as you giggle at his simple action.

he’s more similar to you than either of you think, never quite believing you’re human and worth much. kaiser referring to himself as a subhuman, and you always dancing around the subject. “someone like me”. bullshit, kaiser thinks.

you shuffle a bit towards him and cup his cheek to kiss him, blushing the whole time as you do it. and he’s taken aback too, still kissing you back though. you’ve done this countless times but there isn’t a single kiss that doesn’t make him feel butterflies inside. not a single kiss for you either that doesn’t make your stomach fold in on itself. as he kisses your sweet lips he can’t help but to think about how he wants to take you out more. to see more places, more dates, more of the world. he wants to spoil you with life. he wants you to live, he wants you to feel as liberated as he felt the first time he discovered soccer. he wants to fix you.

and you are slowly fixing him too. it’s funny, you’re both so human and you both have trouble accepting that. both so human and both so deserving of love. both need to live for themselves, but there’s always going to be room for the other in this dynamic.

that’s something you can both agree on. both of you thinking of the other as your head rests on top of his that’s laid on your shoulder looking at the sky ahead. it’s comforting, two humans, breathing in sync, thoughts in sync, seeing the same thing, holding hands. a love so pure, purity michael kaiser didn’t even know he could welcome into his life. but he doesn’t mind, he likes it. you like it too, love you didn’t think you’d ever be able to accept before, here in your hands.

as mean as he tries to act, as evil as he might be, unfortunately he just can’t quite bring himself to fully commit to it when it comes to you. when he’s around you.

and you, albeit a little stupid at times, recognise this. and maybe, just maybe, it makes you feel happy inside. selfishly happy. maybe living for kaiser is like living for yourself, you’re like one soul divided into two bodies. he agrees.

[amxrany]

!! CHAPTER 7 / DIASOMNIA ARC SPOILERS !!

Ok I didn't expect Ace's Dream to end up this way, so now I have to tell you guys about it too:

The gang lands in a beach and Cater's having fun with Silver's UM, even taking a video but needing music as an overlay because of Grim's screams 😭. It's quite hot and Sebek asks if we're in Ace's hometown, that's when Deuce replies that Ace lives near the capital of Queendom of Roses while he lives in the southern area.

We also learn more about Cater and Idia as we're exploring the area. Other than skateboarding, Cater also likes to surf and snowboard. Idia tries to talk smack but Ortho butts in by telling the group that he's just like Cater as he rode a vehicle called a "Barca" to race around Island of Woe (and apparently you need a broomstick license and a special vehicle license to handle one).

We reach a vacation house where we find Ace, who's happy to see Deuce, Cater, Yuu and Grim, but is surprised to see the others (Leona, Idia, Silver and Sebek)

We also see Riddle in this dream, who's all decked out in vacation wear (from the Stitch event) that even Cater's surprised. But Dream! Riddle simply wanted to dress the part and even pulled Cater aside for a bit to asked if he looked weird. Sebek thinks that there's no way Riddle would wear something like that irl and that's just Ace's personlaity showing while Silver doesn't see anything wrong as Riddle said this is what people on the beach.

Trey also shows up wearing the Silk City outfit. It turns out that Trey's clothes, the house, and island they're all currently in were lended to them by Kalim's family. Dream! Trey asks Cater why he's in his dorm uniform when he was wearing something different earlier while taking pictures. Cater plays along by saying that he didn't want to get them dirty while cooking, which Dream! Trey believed.

Ace asks us if we want to change our clothes because our dorm uniform looks really stuffy with the weather right now. Leona warns Yuu to not get carried away. We find out that Ace's dream is a celebration for Yuu...because they found a way back to their world. Riddle explains further that not only has Crowley found a way to return Yuu to their world, but he also found a way for Yuu to visit Twisted Wonderland anytime they want to. Stop I'm not okay it's the way that Ace's dream is just wanting people to continue on with their studies safely and Yuu gets to go back home and visit them anytime is just 😭💔

Dream! Riddle suggests that Deuce and the others should go change to more fitting clothes for this occasion. While Cater volunteers with Idia, Leona and Silver to help Trey with the cooking, but really he just uses it as an excuse to discuss what he has observed. He tells Leona about the plan to look out for Ace as Dream! Riddle and Dream! Trey are most likely darkness, and Leona's impressed with how fast he's catching up with the dream mechanics. Even Idia finds it a bit creepy.

But Cater's already used to making the first move to avoid conflict. His plan was to use the first years as they're the only ones who are closer to Ace, meaning that they have a better chance of cracking him while the others keep the NPCs distracted. While the seniors are helping the NPCs, the freshmen are trying to brew up a plan. Ortho brings up the clue having needing a big "shock" from reality, but Sebek said he's useless here since he only meets Ace in electives and let's the main gang handle it.

Deuce goes first, telling Ace that this is all just a dream created by Malleus and that they still haven't found a way for Yuu to go home. He also brings up that we still haven't contacted Mickey yet, Ace doesn't believe them but Deuce (with Grim this time) continue to push him further; this causes him (Ace) to start to disorient. Deuce tells Ace to calm down but he thinks they're just lying but Ortho vouches for them and tells him that they're not. It even goes to the point of Ace asking Yuu if what they're saying is true.

Grim latches himself onto Ace, repeatedly screaming that they're not lying; triggering another flashback. But Ace just chews us out for taking the joke too far, and that we shouldn't ruin the vibes of the vacation. That's when Sebek butts in, calling Ace shallow for ignoring the pleas of his friends. But Ace counters that Sebek couldn't read the room for randomly joining a vacation he has no involvement in.

Sebek replies that he didn't even want to go with the others, but here's just here because he needs to wake Ace up. But Ace's response to the whole dream thing is just him being apathetic, not caring if it's reality or not. Because he thinks if you've lived in a dream long enough, it's not longer a dream isn't it? But a new reality, and not a lot of people can say they're living life without hardship. It's like he already weighed all the outcomes and possibilities of the situation he's in.

Sebek argues back that he cares about Malleus, which is why he and Silver are trying to wake everyone to save him. Because to him, he doesn't want to continue if it means leaving Malleus alone. But Ace doesn't sympathize, he actually blames Malleus for their current predicament and if he gets lonely; he brought it upon himself. To Ace, Sebek's being selfish for ruining his dream just to go and save the one who caused the problem to happen; and to ask Ace's help to defeat Malleus? That's pretty much a death sentence (now Ace isn't exactly a saint either, both are selfish as to how much are they willing to sacrifice for the people they care about). Ace runs away, and that's when Ortho asks the question: if it were someone else, would Sebek hold the same dedication to wake everyone up? Deuce blames Sebek for this, whihc he goes "HUH? WHY ME?!"

Ortho agress with Deuce, Sebek got too emotional and Ace had a point with what he was saying. Sebek tries to defend himself by saying that it's for Malleus and Lilia but what he did is still considered selfish by anyone's standards. Even Ortho admits that's he's selfish too, and also helped because Idia was in trouble; not everyone is forced to do this.

The seniors are back and they all agree with Ace that he isn't exactly necessary to the plan. We actually get to see Silver get mad at Sebek for causing this whole mess, not realizing that his behavior does have consequences. Once again, Sebek tries defending himself but Silver wasn't having it; leaving him no choice but to submit.

Idia says that even if everyone teams up, it's not guaranteed that they can defeat Malleus and Silver prefers not to force people to fight. Even Leona acknowledges that Ace's current magical prowess is just that of an ordinary mage, and that they can simply move on without him (Deuce, Yuu and Grim are saddened by this).

Cater says that Ace is probably frustrated and alone right now, so he chooses to look for him to help him "sleep" without the interference of Leona or Idia. Cater leaves with Yuu, Grim, and Deuce going after him (the others follow suit too just to make sure nothing bad happens). Yuu catches up with him and tries to convince to let them talk to Ace one more time. But Cater affirms that he doesn't intend to leave Ace here and has a plan (awww)

So Cater was right, he finsd Ace alone thinking about the things the others have told him. He lends an ear as he listens to Ace rant about the whole thing, and he agrees that his reaction to everything was normal; but then he suddenly goes "what they're saying is actually true tho" then HE SUMMONS HIS CLONES TO BEAT ACE'S ASS NAURRR 😭😭😭

This causes Dream! Riddle and Dream! Trey to appear and they're mad at Cater for attacking Ace. EVEN DREAM! DEUCE AND DREAM! CATER APPEAR but they just take Ace away. Ortho tries to intervene but the others stop him. With Leona telling the others that Cater asked to not be interfered and Deuce adding that it was also his plan to find a way to trigger the darkness.

Cater's plan is working, as Ace starts to become aware of his surroundings; that the things his dorm mates are saying are stuff they wouldn't say in real life. He also points out that how can someone like him help defeat Malleus, and that he's scared. The darkness actually reveals Ace's vulnerable side and we're just watching it from afar. Silver notices that Ace is being persuaded by the darkness but Idia knows that Ace is clever, that's when Leona chimes in that Ace realizes that there's always going to be someone stronger than him, thus knowing his limits. That's when Idia's like "brotha aren't you just talking about yourself?", cue Leona trying to break his tablet.

We also learn more about how the Dark Mirror chooses its students, while the qualities in which one gets sorted into a dorm remains vague it usually chooses people who leave a mark on history in the future.

Okay going back to Ace, Cater brings up that time during Riddle's overblot and about how quick they were to jump into action. He thanks him for inspiring to fight against their Housewarden that day, also adding that going into fights that are "winnable" seem lame and that he's scared too, but they have to fight. Ace actually starts crying, because he doesn't want to look like a coward and that's what wakes him up.

Cater helps Ace out of the darkness and calls for the others for backup. After that, Grim and Deuce are mad at Ace for trying to stay in the dream. He also nags to Cater about him using his UM on him, but it was the only way to get him to wake up. They show Ace the video and now his pissed at Malleus, but Grim's like "weren't you scared of him earlier???".

Silver thanks Ace for his help and also apologizes for Sebek's behavior, in which Ace blames Lilia and Silver for spoiling him and Sebek's like "I'M NOT SPOILED BY SILVER 😡". Ortho did mention that Sebek looked awkward after their argument and suggests that he should apologize but Idia replies that he has too much of a pride to do so. Ace just bullies Sebek lmao, forgiving him with his "whole heart".

Cater steps in before it gets any worse, and we get ADeuce saying "Dream Form Change" now. Ace still doesn't want to fight Malleus, but given the circumstance he doesn't really have a choice. Once shown his dummy version, Grim just laughs at his outfit and Cater comments on the fruits

The dream ends with the first years complaining about how cramped it is and Leona just tells Silver to get on with it.

And that ends Ace's Dream, took me awhile to get this out because we actually learn a lot about him in this one and I really tried my best to give him justice yknow?

We're off to Trey's Dream next, see you then!

Previous: Cater's Dream Next: Trey's Dream

(Note: This post is a summarized version of the update, info and pics comes from @/LBucchie, @/WitchDrug, and @/acesuuu on x/twt, give them some support if you can)

[beloveds-embrace]

This was a concept I thought of for the angsty Dukedom 141, no König, when the maid was rude and went too far. This time instead of the duchess reader getting upset, crying and leaving, she looks at the rude maid thoughtfully and laughs slightly, shaking her head then just leaves the room, completely unbothered.

This leaves 141 team SHAKEN UP because they know the maid went too far and they feel so guilty, but the duchess had such a strange reaction and that scares the 141. They decipline the maid possibly still fire her and then after a while John maybe guilty approaches the duchess's room door but he receives no answer so he leaves, planning to try to talk to her the following morning only to find her room empty with no sign of the duchess.

Panic being the most imidiate reaction, John gets everyone to search the estate for her but she's gone. Upon further inspection Johnny and Kyle find some clothes and some food missing.

Meanwhile, duchess has already made plans to leave the estate, turns out she kept in touch with an old friend and a new business venture opened up and the duchess was very business savy (she hid this from John and her parents because her parents especially would not have approved). This new business was something she had set up with a handful of trustworthy friends who were her found family and accepted and loved her for who she is. They were keeping in touch with her via letters - they were sneaky about it making sure the letters had a recognised hallmark of the duchess's family emblem on it - John did not know or pay attention to the fact that the duchess dislikes her parents.

Due to this the close friends of the duchess knew about her feeling neglected and unhappy in her marriage so they made plans to collect her and it just so happened to work out that it was the afternoon of the new maid crossing the line with her. Their plan was to bring the duchess back to their shared place of business because they were all very successful.

The duchess was forced to marry John by her parents but she always planned to help her friends with this business. If her husband was kind and supportive she would be happy to open up about her business savy side and would stay married but if she ended up in an unhappy marriage (as she was in currently), she always planned to move into the accommodation near their business once they started earning good money on what they were selling. When she made enough money to ensure her survival as an independent business woman she would file for a divorce.

Background to the business itself is that her male friends are the face of the business but the duchess and a few others are the brains behind it. She knows what sells and because of her good business and marketing instincts it takes only a few months after her unfortunate marriage to John for her to get enough earnings to be able to leave.

Following the duchess leaving the guys all search for her but find nothing because the duchess burnt all of the letters sent by her friends as soon as she read them and no one paid any real attention to her when she was around they just assumed her family would know where she was and when even her family didn't know the men all REALLY panic.

A few months down the line divorce papers are mailed to John, the duchess has signed her part, he just needs to sign his and post it to the address specified.

John and Simon both investigate the address specified and they meet one of the duchess's friends who is not so impressed with them desperately trying to meet with the duchess after making her miserable. He says he will only get in touch with the duchess and ask her to contact them if John meets her halfway and signs and hands over the divorce papers.

John is red with anger and anguish and Simon is tense, with fury in his eyes, but the male friend of the duchess is very big, strong and equally angry and overprotective of the Duchess. He is not letting these pathetic men get near her unless they do something that will put her happiness before their need to manipulate her into speaking with them out of some misguided sense of guilt.

John says he will think about it and will come back once he has made a decision. With all of 141 seeing that they are limited in what they can do unless they meet her halfway John returns with Kyle this time with the papers signed. Johnny and Simon are investigating readers friend trying to find dirt on him but he is too clean and they are frustrated because they can not risk stirring up trouble with him without severe backlash because the items being sold by this man are resources used by John and Simon and they would be at a severe disadvantage if they were not able to buy things off him anymore.

Reader is just living her best life and focusing on herself and doing what she loves. She is a girl boss who is too independent, intelligent and resourceful to be held down by the people in her life who were trying to hold her back (her parents and the 141). She receives the divorce papers and thinks it's probably the best thing John could have done for her and files them intending to fully move on with her life until her friend explains that John signed the papers because he wanted to meet her halfway but he really wanted to talk to her in person about how they treated her in order to apologise. All of the 141 do as well as the servants at that estate that neglected her too. Her friend acknowledges that it's up to her on what she wanted to do and that he will always support her either way.

I've kind of left it on a cliffhanger but I thought it would be best to leave it open ended and sorry about the long ask I just love the angsty Dukedom so much but I also love it when the neglected main character is so incredible and resourceful in spite of her challenges that she is able to leave behind the people who have neglected her for healthier relationships where she can grow as a person and it is only as she leaves that those who neglected her realised that they messed up so bad.

Love your writing so much and thank you for your creative brain the stuff you write is incredible.

[bisexualbrainrots]

Return the Favor

did it just write angst in fluffebuary? yes yes I did, but it's all because of this gifset that compelled me to.

cw: major character injury, vomit, blood.

“Guess I finally got to return the favor, huh?”

Howie smiled at him, one of those smiles that turned him into the brightest light in the room, and grabbed harder at his shoulder as they managed to walk towards an exit point of the building. Howie laughed softly, a healing sound that would normally make him smile too.

But right now all Tommy could focus on was the amount of blood that adorned his friend’s (Could he still call him friend?) face. 

Lines that had rolled down the left side of his face, mixing with the dirt and grime. Thankfully, they had discarded anything more serious than a scalp laceration, but it was still worrying.

Tommy will always worry about Howie, no matter what.

“Took you long enough, I was beginning to think we’d always be in debt,” a small cough left his throat after he chuckled, which made Tommy stop dead in his tracks “I’m okay, we probably inhaled a ton of dust in there.”

Everything started at a factory. A fire that quickly turned into a second alarm that called for multiple stations, the 118 and 217 included. Tommy guessed it was luck that picked him for ground work that shift, but Howie would probably say it was fate.

He hopes it wasn’t, because otherwise Tommy couldn’t understand why fate would collapse a story that was clear and bring both of them down, making them fight for their lives.

Fate was confusing.

Tommy sighed and they continued their walk towards safety, the roaring sounds of firefighters signaling where to find them.

“Hey, Tommy… thank you.”

Howie looked at him with a fondness he thought would never reappear, which made Tommy get a funny feeling in his chest. He really didn’t want to start crying in front of Howie.

“I know it was… wrong of me to drop you after Buck—”

“You didn’t drop me Howie, you… you did what any friend would do.”

Howie shook his head, leaning in to get a closer look at Tommy’s face “You were my friend too, Tommy. Still are,” he held the hand that was resting on his waist, giving it a squeeze “I just hope you can forgive me for that.”

He took a deep breath, or as deep as he could when he was holding Howie “You don’t have to apologize for anything, after all—” Tommy’s smile widened as he took in the view of familiar faces, minus one he found out wasn’t in the state anymore, and bumped his hip with Howie to get his attention, pointing with his head “Would you look at that, seems like someone was looking for you.”

He should’ve guessed they’d be in the front lines. Tommy wonders how many protocols and orders the 118 disobeyed to get to them. It must’ve been a ton, but he guessed they didn’t give a damn.

“We’ll always look for each other.”

Tommy loved that about them.

He let go of Howie the closer they got to the rest, and patted him on the shoulder before giving him a gentle push towards the awaited reunion. Tommy stood as his friend was being pulled into a warm embrace by Bobby, Hen and… Evan. They were all so happy, he could even spot tears in Bobby’s eyes that threatened to come out.

They were all reunited again, as they were meant to be. Tommy watched from a distance, a tired but big smile on his face that rejoiced on the family he once had, the family he could've had.

He supposed it was good he was out of the picture, after all, he never truly felt like he belonged anywhere.

Okay, that was a lie, he did belong to a place and to a person, he was just too scared to let Evan belong to him.

He held his hands on his knees, chest heaving, feeling more tired thanks to the adrenaline finally running its course. His chest expanded as much as he could, lungs begging for air he tried to get in as best as they let him.

He could hear his heart in his ears, though he supposed it had to do with the fact that Evan was looking at him, a faint smile on his lips.

A smile that faded as soon as Tommy threw up and fell on his knees.

“T-tommy!”

This is normal, it's just the adrenaline fading, you're okay. You're okay.

He was in fact, not okay. 

Tommy wanted to rest so bad, to lay on the ground and take a nap, but his former family around him made it harder for him to let go. 

“Tommy, Tommy c'mon look at me, What hurts?”

He didn't even notice the grunts, his ears feeling like he had cotton stuffed in them, unable to listen to anything other than his rapid heartbeat and labored breathing. 

He tried, though, the best he could despite the fact that even speaking had become a hardship, “My stomach…” he didn't mention the fact that it had been hurting since he woke up after the collapse, he didn't even mention to Howie that rubble had fallen on him when they fell.

They laid him on the ground, Hen hurried to open his turnouts and Howie did a quick assessment of his injuries. He wanted to get them off him, tell them there was no reason to panic yet, that they had to focus on Howie. But if breathing was already complicated, talking wasn't much better. 

A warm pair of hands held one of his and he turned his head, finding Evan and his even warmer smile that any other day would've made him melt. But the fear in his eyes was making it harder.

He wanted to lean closer, to caress his cheek and tell him everything was going to be okay.

That was the idea, until Hen pulled his shirt upwards and everyone seemed to stop breathing at once, Evan's hold tightening.

Bobby barked instructions at someone, saying something about immediate assistance and getting them an ambulance ASAP.

“W-what…” he tried to look and exhaled when he saw his belly. From what he could see, a purple and red puddle had formed on his abdomen, which made sense why it hurt so much “Oh… right, the rubble.”

Howie turned his face to him, the same panic Evan had in his eyes “You had… Tommy, why didn't you tell me?”

He smiled faintly, tired, way too tired “You have… people, Howie… I, I couldn't let you die.”

Howie's eyes glistened, his brows pulled together as he blinked rapidly and got to work, putting on a pair of gloves (When did he get the gloves?) and palpated the area, getting an immediate wince and hiss in response.

“You have people too,” he heard Evan mutter, his head ducked.

Tommy gave him a weak smile. Evan was so sweet, even when he didn’t deserve that from him anymore.

He stroked his hand with his thumb, pretending for one second that Evan’s words were true. Their eyes met, and Tommy gulped when he noticed his ex had begun to tear up. He hated to be the reason behind his tears, regardless of the situation he had found himself in.

“I’ve got a collar,” he heard Hen shout (When had she left?) and in less than 5 seconds the thing was wrapped around his neck, and he huffed in frustration to the restraint he felt because of it.

“This is… stupid… I don’t need—”

“Will you just let us help? Tommy rubble fell on you, you are not okay,” Evan’s exasperated tone made him shrink. An overwhelming wave of emotions rushed through him, which probably showed on his face given the quick way in which Evan’s expression softened “Sorry, sorry it’s just… let us help, please.”

Despite priding himself on the way he would help others without giving it a second thought, he had never been good at accepting help. Even with something so obvious as getting a cold, where help has to practically be forced onto him. With Evan though, he could never say no, his stubborn ass never giving up a fight to help him.

He took a breath and supposed there was nothing he could do, not when Evan was involved “... Okay.” He nodded slowly, his eyes fluttering shut as he felt his body being transported into something, probably a gurney.

He was way too tired to care.

“... hey, hey, open your eyes Tommy,” Howie’s voice brought him back long enough to get a feel of the gurney he was resting in. It was softer than he thought, or maybe the sleepiness was making him sink into it better. Whatever was the case, he was comfortable.

“Bu’ ‘m sleepy” he frowned. God he felt like a child again, being woken up by his mother on a school day.

He just wanted 5 more minutes.

“You’ll get to sleep once the doctors have checked you out, baby.”

Tommy perked up at the pet name. He looked for him and found those perfect blue eyes staring at him, his lips turned upwards in an attempt of a smile to give to Evan.

He was enchanted by those eyes. The way all of his attention was on them the first time they got to have a minute to talk alone. He wanted to swim in them, swim in that ocean of sweetness and craziness that called him in. He forgot he didn’t know how to swim though, not until he was sinking down and fearing that he had fallen without a lifesaver.

He supposed that was it, fear. Fear that constantly pulled him into a self-preservation mode, fear that made him sabotage every good thing he ever had, fear that made him unable to tell Evan that he loves him.

Shit, he loves him.

“Baby…” he called out, looking for his hand as they pulled him into the ambulance.

“I’m still here Tommy, I’m always here,” the strong grip of Evan’s hand on his was comforting, just like the movement of the ambulance that rocked him like a baby.

He was feeling cold though.

Tommy took a deep breath and looked at Evan, “I need… to tell you… that I—” whatever words he was meant to say were not there anymore, a sudden stop in his consciousness that had him closing his eyes and closing himself to the world.

The last thing he heard was Howie saying something about their debt. 

Maybe fate wanted this, as payback for the strip mall. Maybe this is how it was meant to be. Maybe he was always supposed to die with Howie by his side.

Fate didn’t count on the fact that Evan Buckley, his Evan, would be put by his side too. Didn't count on the fact that he would never bend to its will. It didn’t count on the fact that he was probably on top of him performing CPR by now, not that Tommy was aware of it anymore.

Damn it, he cursed out at fate, Why didn’t you let me say it?

Though he supposed it was fine, at least he wasn’t going through this alone.

He did hope they’d manage to save him on time.

Evan still owed him that beer.

[laurents-laces]

Only 20 days left until TGR! Here's all my rambling that I couldn't fit on a bingo:

Jean just found out about Elodie's death, Jeremy lost his relationship with his sister, and Lucas is about to lose his brother. I think sibling relationships are gonna be really important in this book. I also hope we get to meet Cat's sister Vivi when she drops off the motorcycle for Jean

So excited for exy with the Trojans! I hope they actually take some of Jean's advice because he's really good at seeing people's strengths and weaknesses. And I hope they interact with other teams more than the Foxes do. It would help Jean see that the Trojans are actually pretty normal and the Ravens are the weird ones. He still thinks it's the other way around

Jean thinks of Kevin as Riko's Queen or the Court's Queen a few times in TSC. Does he see that title as a symbol of independence like Kevin does, or does he see it as Kevin still having a place in Riko's perfect court?

I'm obsessed with the way Jeremy narrates events without telling us a single one of his emotions. Does he miss having his little sister in the audience when he plays a big game? Did he have feelings for any of those boys who were "exactly the kind of guy [he] was prone to trip himself up over"? Why hasn't he dated anyone before? He loves USC because it feels private and safe, so does he not feel that way at home?

I need to know what Jeremy's family did to him. He calls his mother the devil and dislikes his last name and gets angry just at the mention of his step grandfather. It's such an extreme reaction from a guy who barely says anything negative about anyone

I feel like Jeremy's family issues are gonna be too weird for anyone to predict. But I think his part of the story is going to be less about redeeming himself from past mistakes and more about letting his friends support him instead of acting like he's fine all the time

I think Jean might really struggle with holding back when they play against more violent teams. Would suck if it costs him a spot on the starting lineup, but maybe it would be good for him to see that there aren't any consequences for failing to be the best

I think Neil and Andrew might be too busy with Aaron's trial to go with Kevin to California but Jean thinks of them too often for them to not be relevant at some point, whether now or in book 3

I think Jean saying he learned the hard way not to look at another man too long has something to do with Kevin and the incident his freshman year. It's really weird that Riko only told Kevin half of the truth of what happened

"You cannot save me from what came before, and you help neither of us by trying to dig up those graves. Leave Evermore to me and Dobson... Help me survive what comes next.” I hope his friends listen to him about this. And I hope he starts actually talking to Betsy. He seems like he wants to, he's just worried it won't actually help

The way Jean describes the people he loves is so intense. We got some really lovely thoughts about Kevin and Renee from him in TSC, and I can't wait to see how he'll be when he gets to know Jeremy better. I don't think they'll be able to beat "you are a pipe dream" but I'd be thrilled to be proven wrong

[shuggymaniac]

Shuggy Modern AU ((Featuring Shamrock but not in romantic way))

Based on @hayhenna fanart

Garling Figarland had always favored his son Shamrock over Shanks, not only because he was the elder twin but also because he was the only one of the two who would take things seriously.

During their early years, Shamrock would take interest in early learning while Shanks favored his toys and make belief games (Aka: Playing pirates)

When they got older Shamrock took his studies seriously as he did his best to surpass his classmates, Shanks however, would always get in trouble for skipping classes or get into fight. The embarrassment and dread he felt every time he saw their school’s phone number show on his phone screen.

As they became teenagers he forced them to learn swordsmanship as it is part of their family heritage. Shamrock dealt with his sword with elegance and ease while as Shanks swung it around as it is were a stick he found on the ground.

But it wasn’t only Shanks’s carefree and reckless nature that infuriated him but the fact that despite his actions Shanks still managed to be at the same level as his brother!!!

His grades always seem to be perfect!

When he dealt with a sword it came to him naturally as if he was meant to hold it!

And when facing the public he somehow manages to catch their interests!!

And despite that he still favors his lowlife people he calls “Friends” when he should be rubbing elbows with future heirs and nobles!!

That’s why he always makes sure to belittle him at any given moment, punishing him by forcing to stay home or take his electric devices, force him to go to social gatherings and make him take private lessons in etiquette.

Now when a father shows such favoritism and action towards his children, the children in question should naturally hate each. Right?

Not exactly….

Now Shamrock and Shanks do have a rocky relationship because of their father but that doesn’t mean they necessarily hate one another just find each other insufferable at times. But they still have each other’s back.

When someone pisses off Shamrock Shanks it there to insult the other person, who are mostly children of other nobles. Because everyone knows Shanks’s nature not a lot is done to him. But if Shamrock tried to do the same he will be severely punished, that’s why Shanks is there to take the fall.

When Shanks wants to sneak off at night to meet his friends Shamrock would be looking the other way or make excuse when their father asks, saying he was still sleeping or “Finally showering”.

Now as young adults a lot is expected of them especially when it comes to future spouses. Although Shamrock was searching for someone he can marry and have a somewhat business like relationship. Shanks had other desires.

Shanks: “Hey Sham look!!”

Shamrock: I told you a million times not to call me that! *looks at his phone* what you went to a circus and met a clown?

Shanks: *Le Gasp* he is not a clown! That’s my boyfriend!

Shamrock: ……. What?

Shanks, with a big grin: I got myself a boyfriend.

Shamrock: Father is going to kick you out of the house and disown you when he finds out.

Shanks: Promise?

Shamrock: *Rolls his eyes* anyway, this person looks….Strange, where did you find him?

Shanks: Buggy is not strange! He is beautiful!

Shamrock: Buggy?… so you’re in a relationship with a person who paints his face with clown makeup up and calls himself Buggy?

Shanks: he doesn’t “call himself “ that’s his name.

Shamrock: of course it is, what did I even expect of you. Just make sure you don’t risk bringing him home.

One of the things Shamrock learned when dealing with his twin brother is Never EVER tell Shanks not to do something…. Because he will do it just to spite him.

Shamrock: really?

Shanks: *His face and neck have smudge lipstick kiss marks all over*…..What?

Shamrock:…. Just make sure you wash your stupid face and get the clown of out your closet before leaving the room because Father is calling for you.

[Shamrock leaves the room and Buggy peaks out of the closet]

Buggy: how did he know I was here?

Shanks: Twin telepathy, who cares just let go back to what we’re doing. *sly grin*

Buggy:But you dad is calling you what if he came here and saw us.

Shanks: then we hope he does, might give him a heart attack that will be fun to watch.

Buggy: Shanks!!!

Shanks: Fine fine, I’m going.

[amnmesias]

𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

word count: 12.4k

summary: After the war is successfully won, Remus is left with one last battle to face: The Ministry’s order to all werewolves and survivors to attend a support group in order to effectively be accepted into regular workplaces. You face a similar dilemma, being forced to attend the group in order to not lose your precious spot in the Quidditch league. You find each other somewhere in between. 

tags: scars mention but with no detailed description. some violence. hurt/comfort themes all around, along with some fluff. fem!reader, reader has hair long enough to be played with. smoking and cigarettes are big plot points. found family. background jilypad, harry is a menace. minimal y/n use. nobody dies, post-war fic. 

a/n: hi helloo!! well, here is my next work… i’m really excited about this one. terribly sorry for the 11k words, i got a bit carried away the more i proofread. again, likes and reblogs are greatly appreciated. enjoy! xx

...

“Fuck.” 

Remus stepped out to face the humid day, the consequence of his harsh movements immediately made itself known in the pain of his joints. His hand trembled as he placed the cigarette between his lips, somewhere behind him steps interrupted his silence.

“You alright, Moons?” Asked James, taking a tentative step towards his friend. Remus nodded, taking his time to savour the smoke in his lungs. “‘M sorry about what happened—”

“It’s hardly your fault.” He shook his head, and James sighed. “I just… I just don’t think it’s very fair.”

“I know,” He passed the cigarette to James, who accepted it readily, his own anxiety barely contained. “Don’t know what Dumbledore was thinking.”

“I don’t think this is directly his doing, either.” Said Remus, eyes lingering a beat too long on the scars peeking through the sleeve of his jacket. James passed him the cigarette. “If anything, the support group is probably the best solution he could come up with.” 

“Surely you’re not thinking of attending, Remus?”

“And what am I supposed to do, James? Be a stay at home nobody taking care of your son while you go on about your day? ‘Cause no one will give me a job because of this–” He closed his eyes, horrified at the edge of his own voice and mortified at the tears threatening to leave his eyes. He threw the cigarette to the ground and stepped on it, eyes now lost in nothing. “‘Sides… You heard the man, it’s non-negotiable.”

“Well, I could pull in a few–”

“It’s fine, Prongs.” James frowned, but let it go. Remus sighed and pushed his hands inside his pockets, fingers itching to pull another cigarette out of the box. “I’m not too miffed about it, really. It’s just… The idea of airing my… my lycanthropy to people I don’t know has me feeling a little uncomfortable. But I’ll survive. What’s the worst that could happen?”

What he almost did not survive, however, was the electric shock he felt coursing through his veins when he spotted you outside Janus Thickey Ward, fingers anxiously picking at the skin of your lips and pacing around the corridor. 

Now it’s important to point out that Remus, in all his half-blood upbringing, never once he considered himself religious, but in that moment he prayed to every saint he could remember that it was all a coincidence, or at least a misunderstanding. How could you, a well-known and incredible witch, stand before him– a nervous wreck, minutes before the so-called Werewolves and Survivors Support Group meeting he had been dreading all week, when not so long ago you were on the cover of Witch Weekly?

“Ah, Mr. Lupin,” Said the healer as she stepped out the door, you looked up, fear deeply rooted in the frown of your eyebrows. “How kind of you to join us, come, come! We’re about to begin our session.” She ushered him in, and Remus found himself unable to tear his gaze away from you as he stepped into the room. 

Remus immediately moved to take the closest seat to the door, but he was horrified to find all the chairs neatly arranged with signs with different names. He sighed, reached inside his jacket’s inner pocket for a cigarette and sat on the tiny chair labeled as Remus J. Lupin. His amber eyes scanned the room and the people quietly chatting around, each of them with visible scars to match his very own, people he recognized from packs he visited during his own missions. But you remained a mystery to him as you walked to your chair, next to his, and plucked the cigarette out of his lips.

“We’re in a hospital,” You said, your tone bored and a complete opposite to the state he found you in minutes before. “Have some respect.”

“Yeah, well,” He shrugged but pocketed the cigarette for later. “None of these people mind, I assure you, they already go through hell and back, every month, mind you.” 

You eyed him curiously and opened your mouth, but whatever words you were about to speak were interrupted as the healer walked towards the center of the room. He inhaled deeply and laid back in his chair, ready to get through the session with the most patience he could muster. 

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Healer Figg and I will be in charge of moderating this support group, therefore you must report to me upon arrival in order to keep track of the attendees. The names provided will not be published nor shared without your permission unless you are in a position where you could endanger yourself or your fellow companions.” She said, making a point of looking at everyone in the room. Remus swallowed hard. “Now, who wants to begin?” 

And well, Remus desperately wanted to say he genuinely enjoyed the session, but that would’ve been a complete lie, especially when he spent most of it wishing it was over. Every now and then, he dared to look over at you, your expression blank but your fingers a clear sign of your anxiety as you toyed with your hair. Sometimes you would feel his lingering eyes on you and meet his gaze, your own eyes desperately trying to hide the mixture of emotions inside your chest.

“And what about you? What’s your name, love?” Asked the healer, and you looked up to find her addressing the question to you. You mumbled your name, a slight edge to your voice as murmurs echoed around the room. “What brings you here, y/n?”

“Do I have to?” You asked, trying to get impossibly smaller in your chair. The healer smiled, as if she was accustomed to those responses. 

“If you want to be signed off, yes, you have to.” 

You closed your eyes, as if her answer physically pained you. Remus supposed it did, him being familiar with the after moon aches that came with his own condition, you probably weren’t so far off. 

“Um, well, I was uh… my family was attacked by a,” You paused, scanning the room. “By a werewolf.” The room remained silent as you tried to gather your thoughts. “I’m the only survivor.” 

“Oh, sorry to hear that, love.” Healer Figg said, and scribbled something in her pad before looking back up at you. You, for your part, seemed grateful for the pause to collect yourself. “Is this why you’re here? To find some sense of community?” 

You frowned, “Um, no…? Not, really. I, uh, I play for the Holyhead Harpies, the league said I must attend these meetings or they’ll remove me from the primary team.” A shaky breath left your lips, but you recovered quickly, visibly more relaxed as you added, “See, otherwise Partridge would fill my spot and that wouldn’t do anyone any good, crazy woman, that one.” At that, Remus couldn’t help himself from snorting at your statement. 

Healer Figg turned to him, eyes curious. “Is something the matter, Mr. Lupin?”

“What? No, no.” He shook his head immediately, hoping his disruption wouldn’t encourage the healer to ask him any questions. “Terribly sorry.” He mumbled, properly chastised.

You smirked, and turned to the healer, who looked down at her pocket watch and clapped loudly. “Oh, it seems we overstayed our welcome here, a retired globins meeting will take place shortly in this room, so we must wrap this up. Thank you for coming.” Remus blinked, suddenly aware of everyone around him standing up, you included. “Refreshments are free for everyone to take. I’ll see you next week.” 

He made to turn to you, an apology frizzling in his tongue but he frowned as he watched you walk out the room without looking back. Remus frowned and tried to follow you, however, his fellow werewolves circled him with numerous questions about his work on the Order of the Phoenix, all grateful for his help towards the werewolves rights movement. His eyes lingered a beat longer on the door and surprised himself when he realized he looked forward to the next meeting.

—

You stared hard at the flame at the end of your cigarette, your fingers shaking slightly a result of the cold weather and your tiresome tendency of forgetting your gloves. A habit you unconsciously picked up since the attack, still used to how your own mother would meet you at the door to properly help you bundle up for the low temperatures, walking away with a faint kiss mark on your cheek, before you lost her to– You shook your head, willing your head to think about something else, something less disturbing. 

Few members you recognized from the previous session walked past you, waving and giving you courteous nods as they themselves mentally prepared for the meeting. You gave yourself a couple of more minutes before entering. 

When the captain of your team walked to you with the news, sadness in her own eyes barely contained, you had half the mind to quit the team for good. The trauma of the attack still lingering in your body as she explained the reasons behind the league’s decision, and she begged you to consider it. You weren’t stupid, you knew the possibility of losing you was as much of a tragedy to the team than it was to you, but the idea of speaking out about what happened in front of unknown people who had managed to survive their very own attacks with much worse consequences, made you queasy in your stomach. You supposed you had it better than them, therefore you had less reasons to make a fuss about the whole ordeal, when they had full moons to dread and transformations to suffer; suddenly your new acquired taste for medium rare, almost raw meat being the only consequence of your own attack seemed a pointless thing to cry about. 

“Hey,” You turned, only to find Remus Lupin’s tall figure walking to you. He seemed far more relaxed than last week, very much like you. Both filled with acceptance towards the situation. “Can I have one?”

You wordlessly passed him your carton, he nodded as he opened it and grabbed your lighter from inside as well. A bemused smile tugged at the corners of his lips at the green and gold embellishments in the lighter, the Holyhead Harpies logo front and center, you bit your lip and looked away trying to hide your smile. 

“Sorry about the other day,” He said between an exhale of smoke. You turned to him again. “Didn’t mean to laugh at your… your situation.”

“It’s quite alright, I knew you weren’t.” You smiled. Remus nodded and opened his mouth to speak, but you beat him to it. “You play Quidditch, Mr. Lupin?”

Remus supposed he had that one coming. “Call me Remus, please.” He stretched his free hand out and you shook it, your soft palm against his own scarred skin. You said your name quietly and he had no qualms in hiding his own smile. “Oh, I know. But not because I’m a Quidditch fan myself.”

“Well, isn’t that a shame.” You stepped on your cigarette, your boot making a faint sound against the concrete. “Thought Potter had brain washed you by now.” 

“Ah, yes. Well, he thinks I’m a lost case when it comes to Quidditch so,” You chuckled quietly, remembering James Potter and his intensity whenever you encountered him at the pitch. “Lily won’t believe me I’m talking to you, though. She’s a big fan.” 

He enjoyed the way you blushed at his compliment, “Oh, that’s nice. Tell her I said hi?” You said as you walked to the entrance, he stared at your back as you disappeared into the building. 

Remus smiled to himself, blowing the smoke out one last time before putting out his own cigarette. An optimistic feeling lingering inside his chest as he walked inside, maybe this support group idea wasn’t so bad, the more he thought about your tiny smile and faint blush, the more he was looking forward to the next session.

—

“Harry, please,” Remus begged, the tiny wooden  spoon in his hand mid air as the baby shook his head mutely. “You had this just the other day, and you loved it!”

“No.” He said, apparently loving that word when it wasn’t used against him. “Bad Moony!”

“Bad Moony?!” He asked, aghast. James laughed from his spot on the couch. “James, what have you done to your child? Just yesterday he couldn’t leave me alone!” 

“James.” Chided Lily as she walked into the kitchen, assessing her own son and the tall man miserably trying to feed him. She placed her hands on her hips, “Could you stop terrorizing Remus, for once in your life? Here, love,” She made to them and Remus stood up readily, passing her the spoon.

“Terrorizing?!” James echoed, entering the kitchen with faux offense. “It’s hardly my fault Harry decided to antagonize everyone today. If anything it’s Remus' fault for not learning to pick his battles.”

“Prongs, be nice, I met your hero last night.” 

“Oh?” Lily turned, her attention divided between the conversation and feeding her son, who, for his part, knew better than to disobey his mother and happily ate her offerings. “Who might this hero be?” 

Remus frowned at Harry before turning to his friends. “Remember y/n, from school?” 

“What?” James exclaimed, suddenly in front of Remus. The bespectacled boy grabbed him by the shoulders, hazel eyes big with surprise. “From the Holyhead Harpies? Where? Why have you held this information from me? Moony, what the f–”

“James.” Lily chided again, now busying herself cleaning baby Harry’s face. Remus sent her a pleading look. “Besides, if Remus wants to keep his late night rendezvous with this pretty girl to himself, it’s his own decision.”

“Thank you.” Remus nodded, meeting James’ eyes with a satisfactory smirk. Then turned back to the redhead. “Hold on, rendezvous is not the word I’d use. It was just a coincidence.”

“Was it?” Lily asked, irking an eyebrow. “My mistake, then. Your face is saying a completely different thing, though.” 

James seemed to catch his wife’s meaning immediately and smirked salaciously at his friend. Remus groaned and dropped his head to his hands. There was shuffling around and little Harry’s babbling making background noise as Lily walked to change his now food-stained clothes. 

“Wait, where did you meet her last night?” James asked after a long silence. “I thought you had– Oh.”

Remus suddenly felt like this was a conversation none of them had any right in participating. He looked away, eyes lost in the way Lily cooed quietly at Harry as she changed his clothes. A heavy feeling in his chest he suspected was merely guilt, surely he wouldn’t want anyone to go on about his business with other people. Especially when the topic was still raw from the war that had just ended. 

James reached over and patted his shoulder consolingly. “Don’t worry, I won’t say anything.” 

“Say anything about what?” Asked Sirius, having just walked in time to listen to their hushed conversation. “What are you two babbling about? Remus, what happened to best friends?” 

“Your own fault for going only God knows where.” Remus retorted with a shake of his head, grateful for the change of topic. 

“I’ll have you know I was away buying healing potions for you, dearest Moons.” He said, presenting him with a heavy, brown bag. Remus sighed. “And before you say anything, I absolutely do guarantee you that I don’t mind buying these at all. You’re not the only one with battle scars, alright?”

“Hardly.” James snorted, “Love, getting into a row with a random dog does not count as battle. That’s you being a complete plonker.” 

Sirius gasped, “We’ll see if this plonker is free tomorrow morning to watch over Harry when you and my gorgeous Lilyflower leave for work.”

“Watch over your own son, you mean?” Remus asked, but James beat him to it. 

“Remus can watch Harry, don’t ya, Moons?” 

He laughed loudly and stood up, “No can do, Jamie. I have important matters to attend to.”

“Are said matters a new code for a certain lovely Quidditch player, perhaps?” Asked Lily as she walked in with Harry on her hip, who stretched his arms out as soon as he spotted his father. 

“Scandalous!” Gasped Sirius as he held Harry to his side. Remus groaned, not at all planning to participate again in the same conversation. “And who this lovely Quidditch player might be?”

“Alright, I’m leaving.” He nodded shortly, and turned around. Harry shrieked happily as the man kissed his head lovingly. “Bye, Harry.” 

“No kiss for us, Moony?” Lily asked jokingly, wiggling her eyebrows at him. Remus groaned, betrayed that his own best friend would join in on the banter against him. “Or are you reserving those for—”

“A menace. The three of you.” He said, and walked to the door. “Keep this up and I’ll take Harry from you, this is your first warning!”

—

“What else was I supposed to do?!” Remus asked, his own smile barely contained as he heard you laughing next to him. “I was going crazy, it seemed appropriate at the time!”

“Alright, I’ll give you that,” You allowed, straightening your posture where you laid next to him against a wall. Remus blushed faintly when your arms brushed his when you brought the cigarette to your lips. “But surely you could’ve picked a better song… Changes? Really?”

“Oh, I’ll have you know it would be the best song to die to. Anything from Bowie really,” He considered it, then added, “Or Pink Floyd.” 

“Okay, Pink Floyd I can accept.” You nodded, meeting his gaze with a soft smile. Remus suddenly thought that you looked very lovely under the low street lights. “Didn’t realize you were such a music snob... Well, I suppose it makes sense, keeping to yourself all the time at school.”

And well, Remus couldn’t really blame himself for the way his heart almost leaped out of his chest at your comment, the insinuation that you had noticed him back then. He hoped you wouldn’t notice his blush, or the loud way his heart was beating against his ribcage. You blew out the smoke from the corner of your lips, you had painted them a pretty shade of red he admitted to love, but there was something about your eyes, lost in nothing during the session and now next to him, you seemed… sad. 

“And that’s enough about me.” He cleared his throat, moving to lay over his shoulder against the wall so he could fully face you. You looked over at him with surprise. “Tell me about you.”

“About me?” You asked incredulously, as if Remus wanting to know about you never crossed your mind. He nodded, eyes soft as he studied you. “Um, well… I don’t know, what do you want to know?” 

“Anything.” He shrugged, smiling at you as you frowned, your eyebrows scrunching adorably. “Or at least tell me something I wouldn’t find in that bloody magazine.” 

You smiled, visibly relaxed at the olive branch he offered you. “Read much about me?” Now it was Remus’ turn to smile sheepishly at you. 

“You know what I mean.” 

“Okay…” You looked up and brought your free hand to pick at the skin of your lips, a deep rooted habit of yours, he noticed. “Oh, I know. When I was little, the first time I showed signs of magic,” You began, meeting his gaze with a tentative look, something in his eyes motivated you to grow momentum as you continued, “I was outside playing with Sylvie, our family cat, and I don’t remember correctly but my mam said something about her not listening to me that made me so angry that I sent her flying… quite literally.” You laughed, a melancholic glint in your eyes as you placed the cigarette in your lips. 

Remus watched in awe at the red lipstick stains on the filter, but he recovered quickly when you looked at him, “Hold on… You sent your cat…? Flying?” He barked a laugh, surprising both of you. 

You laughed, nodding. “Pretty much, yes. She was alright, in case you’re worried. We found her a couple of hours later, she was stuck on a tree.”

Remus smiled, “And did Sylvie ever forgive you for that? I’m sure you scared the wits out of her.” 

“Nah, that bloody thing wasn’t scared of anything.” You shook your head, your chuckles taking a sad note. Remus frowned. “She quite literally threw herself at Greyback and his pack when he came pounding at our door, fearless creature, that one.” 

Remus felt the air getting sucked out of his lungs at your words. You exhaled deeply and chanced a glance at him, your eyes wide and fearful. 

“I… I’m sorry.” You whispered, harshly throwing your cigarette down to put it out. Remus followed your movements in silence. “Don’t know why I–”

“It’s okay. No need to be sorry, certainly not on behalf of that… that,” He sighed deeply, not courageous enough to finish his sentence, instead, he cleared his throat. “Back there, when you said you said you reckoned Voldemort targeted you…”

You studied him quickly, a slight purse to your lips as you considered your words. “I’m muggleborn, so...” You shrugged, as if that simple fact would make the tragedy obvious, or remotely acceptable.

“Oh.” You sent him a sideways smile, a small trembling thing. Remus wanted to reach out and… What? Do what? He wasn’t sure, but you seemed desperate to change the topic, or leave. “I’m sorry.” 

“It’s alright, hardly your fault.” You straightened your posture, fingers anxiously fixating on a patch of skin in your lips. Remus bit his own lips as he considered you, and desperately thought on another topic, anything to stop you from leaving. “See you soon, then?” You offered. 

“Yeah,” He breathed out, nodding quickly. A candle of hope lighting up inside his chest. You smiled at him, a similar hopeful look in your eyes. “Yes, of course.”

“Bye, Remus.” 

Remus watched you go, a frown in his face. He sighed and laid back on the wall, feeling rather good about the exchange despite the sour turn of events. He had hoped to ask for your number at some point after the session, heart aching to get to know you better, but he supposed it could’ve ended much worse. Eventually you both had to address the elephant in the room, but he could wait, he was willing to wait an eternity if it meant to keep you a bit longer in his life. 

He sighed deeply, reaching out for another cigarette before parting to his own flat. The lighter you brought him heavy on his pocket. You had handed it to him with a mischievous smile, so you stop taking mine, you said while handing it to him when you both noticed yours had ran out of fluid. Remus smiled around the cigarette and brought the lighter to his lips, but his eyes stopped on the messily handwriting on it. Your number. 

—

As the days passed, you weren’t ashamed to admit the giddiness that possessed you when you returned to your flat from practice, fingers itching for the telephone to talk to Remus. Both of you made a routine to end your days with long conversations that easily lasted all night, asking questions that you both usually would hold back from but were feeling confident enough with the help of the distance and the telephone.  

“Harry, stop,” Hissed Remus through the other line, you smiled. Muffled sounds came from his side, no doubt wrestling with his godson for the telephone. “Sorry. He’s in a mood.” 

“It’s okay. He seems like a firecracker, that one.” You pointed, fingers toying with the telephone cord. “Again, can’t really blame him when he has James Potter and Sirius Black genes. Next time you see Lily please offer her my most sincere condolences.” Remus laughed, cradling the phone between his ear and shoulder. 

“I will do that, definitely. Add mine as well, while I’m at it.” He mumbled, and laid back and away from Harry’s hand trying to grab the phone from him, he balanced the baby on his lap and used a hand to raise it away from him. “Harry, no. Moony is on a call with a very pretty girl, do you want to play with your toys? A nap maybe?” He whispered, and you smiled against your own phone. Surely not meant to hear the last bit. 

You turned to the clock in your kitchen, reading the time and inhaled deeply, mustering all the courage you could manage. 

“Need help with him?” You offered quietly, hoping to not be heard over Harry’s shrieking. 

There was no response from the other side and you felt both relieved and disappointed, you scolded yourself for thinking that way. 

Then, “You don’t mind?” 

“Not at all, I’m not very well versed in babysitting but I’m sure two is better than one.” You said, your grip on the phone tightened as you stared at your socked feet. “I don’t mean to impose, I just…”

“It’s alright.” Remus breathed out, sounding equally nervous to how you felt. You let your hopefulness linger a bit longer. “Ever been to Godric’s Hollow?” 

You smiled, and just like that, as soon as he provided you instructions for apparition and gave you a very heartfelt goodbye, you rushed to your room and changed your clothes. Fingers tingling with excitement as you locked your own apartment and made to apparate right to Godric’s Hollow. The Potter cottage sat at the very heart of the village, a pretty looking house decorated with well-tended flowers and warmth radiating from every angle you looked at it. A home that drowned in love despite it almost being a cause of tragedy in the wizarding community. 

Remus smiled at you as he opened the door, tiny Harry clinging to his side as both studied you. His light brown hair was tousled, standing on all sides in a clear show of his distress, but his amber eyes looked at you so, so softly you almost melted right there despite the snow surrounding you. You waved shyly, and he seemed to snap out of his trance.

“Hi,” He breathed out. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“Hi,” You echoed with a chuckle. Harry blinked at you, his green eyes, a carbon copy of Lily’s, scanning you curiously. “I brought biscuits.” And just like that, you proved yourself worthy to Harry. “Can I come in?” 

“Yes, of course.” He nodded, stepping aside to let you in. You were immediately welcomed by the faint smell of hazelwood and baby powder. “Here, let me take that.” He tried to help you, but his arms were full. 

“It’s okay,” You laughed, feeling rather comforted that Remus himself didn’t know what to do. 

You took out your coat, arms raising to untangle the scarf from your neck. Remus’ eyes involuntarily roved over your form, stopping on the scars peeking through your abdomen, he immediately scolded himself when you looked up to meet his gaze, blind to his reaction. Harry took your lack of layers as an opportunity to reach his arms out, his eyes now fixated on the biscuits you held in your hand. 

“Oh,” You said as the baby basically launched himself into your arms. Remus chuckled and took the bag from your hand and you properly fixed your hold around Harry. “Hello, little one. I’m y/n.” His response came in a happy shriek followed by incoherent babbling, you smiled. “Well, it’s very much my pleasure to help you take care of Moony. Is he giving you a hard time?” You said and Remus let out a startled chuckle. 

His heart did a funny little dance when his family nickname came out of your lips. “Oi, stop talking about me like I’m not here.” He said, words taking a sweet quality. 

“Sorry, sorry,” You smiled up at him and he guided you towards the sitting room. “Well, isn’t this a cozy home?” Harry babbled excitedly, fisting your jumper. “Oh, you did this? You got good taste, Harry.”

Remus felt his heart bursting inside his chest, so he walked to the kitchen to put the kettle on, desperately trying to distract himself before he could lose all his strength to not walk up to you and kiss you silly. He smiled to himself as he listened to you whispering here and there to Harry. 

“Tea, dove?” He called out.

“Oh, sure.” You said, voice muffled as the toddler placed his hands on your cheeks. Remus felt like he was very much on the same wavelength. You laughed. “Is he always this touchy, or just his mood like you said?”

Remus walked in with two cups in his hands, “It’s usually the pretty girls that have him acting like this.” He laughed at you wrestling with baby Harry, who tried to bring your hair to his mouth. “I can hardly blame him–Harry, stop that.” He chided, placing them on the coffee table to reach over and take the baby from your lap. 

“It’s really okay, Remus.” You said, smiling up at him as you studied him with the baby in his arms. You very much wanted to kiss him, your heart still reeling from being called pretty. Twice. “He’s probably going to tire himself off soon, didn’t you say it’s past his bedtime?” You reached over for your cup, trying very hard to hide your blush.

“Yes, indeed it is.” Remus leveled Harry in front of him, the baby simply giggled and grabbed his face, very much like he did to you before. You laughed over the rim of your cup. “He just enjoys antagonizing me, don’t you, Harry? He’s very much like Sirius on that front.” 

“I’m sure he’ll crash out soon,” And as the words slipped past your lips, Harry paused his ministrations to Remus’ face to let out a big yawn. Both you and Remus smiled triumphantly. “See?” You whispered.  

“I’ll go put him down quickly.” Said Remus very quietly, lowering Harry to his chest, you nodded mutely, eyes in a daze as you admired them both. The domesticity of it all. “Make yourself comfortable, I’ll be back in a second,” He looked down at Harry, then added, “Hopefully.”

You watched him climb up the stairs no doubt to Harry’s nursery and sighed deeply, eyes scanning the room with something akin to longing. The walls were filled with photographs in every space, all the way to the ceiling; most of them were solo shots of Harry, him laughing, crawling and one even bawling his eyes out, the image shaky as if the person taking it was debating between consoling the baby or capturing the moment. The rest you recognized from school, Lily and James and their first kiss after a match, you remembered that moment, then James and Sirius kissing mid-air, each on their broom, a scarlet crowd behind them, or them celebrating graduation day. The biggest one, though, was the one from their wedding, the one you vaguely remembered seeing one morning on the Daily Prophet. Lily looked beyond beautiful, her crimson, long hair in contrast with the white dress. James and Sirius both sported almost matching tuxedos, a lily of the valley arrangement for their boutonnières. The three with wide smiles that could be seen from earth, you were sure.

The photograph that caught your eye, though, was the one of Remus and Lily on the dance floor from her wedding day, a candid shot of them lost in the moment, laughing away despite the growing tensions. He looked very handsome as he twirled Lily around, you immediately noticed, your heart skipping a beat as your eyes rovered over the photo. You moved your head to look over to the next one, but a large hand covered it from you.

Remus laughed at your startled face. “Oh, don’t,” You blinked again, but recovered quickly and frowned at him. “What?”

“You think I was admiring you?” You asked, a surprised chuckle left his lips and you stopped fighting against your own smile. “I’ll have you know Lily immediately caught my eye, I see where ickle Harry got his looks from.” 

He walked over to stand next to you, both of you admiring the photographs in silence. “I’ll tell Sirius you said that, enjoy your time here cause I just know he won’t let you come in the future.” A giggle escaped you, startling him as he turned to you. He desperately wished to drown in the sound of your quiet, girly giggling. “Thank you for coming.” 

“No problem,” You smiled up at him, his eyes unconsciously fixating on a spot on the corner of your lips. “You’re so good with him, really patient, too.”

“Yeah, well,” He brought a hand to his nape, shy in his movements. “I had plenty of practice with James and Sirius.” His eyes softened as he looked back at you, the corner of his lips tugging slightly. “But again, all I needed to calm those down was to threaten them to burn their shared T. Rex autographed record, so…”

“I assume Harry doesn’t own a T. Rex autographed record for you to threaten, then?” 

“Well, no,” He conceded, following you back to sit on the couch. Really close, you noticed immediately with a smile on your face. “But he does have a Quidditch star as a babysitter so he might have some advantage there.”

You snorted. “Please tell me you did not just compare me to Marc Bolan.” 

Remus found himself scooting a bit closer to you under the pretense of grabbing his own cup, if you noticed, you didn’t show, but your smile was blinding. Your sudden closeness brought out a nervous, happy giggle out of you. You slid your finger around the rim of your cup, Remus’ eyes followed your movements in a daze. 

He cleared his throat, suddenly aware of the silence between you, “If James is to be believed, you might as well be the league’s very own Bolan,” You blinked, clearly not expecting that response from him. “And uh, well, I remember some matches from school too, you’re really good, dove.” 

“Remus…”

“What? It’s not like I’m lying, I’ve got people to back me up.” You shook your head, very much like you didn’t believe him. Remus suddenly had the desperate urge to knock some sense into you. “Oi, I’m serious.”

“I know you are,” You smiled at him, a tiny forced thing, like you were trying to convince yourself as well. “It’s just… Sometimes I feel like everyone makes me sound like this incredible player, when in reality I’m just…” You sighed, like finishing the sentence physically hurt you, you raised your hand to your lips. 

Remus decided to take a risk, and he reached over to take your hand from your lips before you could pick at your skin. Then, “Is it because of… of you being…”

“I’m not a werewolf, Remus.” You frowned, but you didn’t move your hand from his hold. However, Remus did flinch like your touch suddenly burnt him. “I’m sorry.” 

“You’re… not? Then why…?”

You sighed, like this was a conversation you had been dreading. Remus supposed you did, he did too. Then, “The league, they… they said I had to attend the meetings or they would be forced to release a statement. And I don’t–”

“You don’t want people to assume you’re a werewolf?” Asked Remus, a slight edge to his voice that made you frown. “Are you ashamed?”

“What? No, I– Remus. I just don’t want people to know, okay? It’s not because I’m ashamed, or have some negative feelings towards werewolves or… or– Why do I have to explain myself to you, anyway?” You exhaled abruptly, then met his gaze. “Would you want people to know about your lycanthropy, Remus?”

“Absolutely not.” He said quickly, without thinking, too. 

People being aware of his condition had always been one of his deepest fears, one he carried throughout his school years and even after graduating Hogwarts; when tensions and rumors of a war started to surface, many people turning their backs on each other and ‘lesser’ creatures that didn’t fit the pureblood ideologies. He supposed it was a very valid fear, but having you asking him that question felt like a slap across his face. A wake up call of what he had been dreading since that meeting with the Order and Dumbledore laid down the conditions for him. 

“Then why would I want people to know about what happened with my family? So everyone in the Ministry can have their own ‘I knew it’ moment? I think werewolves already have enough on their plate for me to add more fuel to the fire.” You said between nervous sips of your tea, Remus’ own tea already being a sad, cold thing. “Especially when it’s not that big of a deal.”

“Not a big– You almost died, y/n.” He said, desperate to make you see his point, a point Remus himself wasn’t sure what was. “How could you say it’s not a big deal?”

“Well, I’m here, aren’t I? And I’m not about to turn my family into a sob story for the Daily Prophet just because I didn’t attend the bloody support group.” You sighed, and this time you reached over to take his hand. “Remus, I like you, okay? I truly do, but you need to stop seeing yourself like this lesser, undeserving person–”

“How could I not?” He snapped, making you frown deeper at his tone. He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… I just— How can you think that way about werewolves, so.. so benevolent, when we killed your family? Attacked you without reason?”

“Us? Without reason? They were sent to do it, none of the werewolves in Voldemort’s barracks had a say on anything. Yes, they might have had some reason or they probably were conditioned to think like the rest of them… But I don’t go around using my… my case to tell people all werewolves are the cruel monsters they’re painted to be. Not all of them anyway.” You searched for his eyes, hoping he would understand your point. When it was clear he wouldn’t meet your gaze, you dropped his hand in favor of holding his face. Remus’ lips parted in surprise. “You need to stop putting yourself under the same category as them. You’re not them, Remus. Neither are the people in our group. Greyback and their people… They’re the ones in the wrong, the ones that want to harm their fellows by feeding into the harmful stereotypes.”

Remus let out a breath, like he had been holding it for a long time, his eyes never once leaving yours as you both stared at each other, a promise in your gazes. Your eyebrows pinched slightly, and he had the sudden thought that maybe you weren’t done, or worse, had changed your mind mid rant. He shyly reached over to place his hand on the side of your head, long finger gently combing the baby hairs of your temple behind your ear. 

“I’m sorry…” He whispered, afraid that speaking up would scare you away from cradling his face in your hands. Remus thought he could get lost in your touch. “I didn’t mean to jump to conclusions, or get so… defensive.”

“I think… I think some defensiveness is alright.” You allowed, your features relaxing as you whispered back. “But it’s really alright, Remus. We must’ve had to have this conversation at some point, though now and with a baby quite literally sleeping above us wasn’t the scenario I had in mind.”

Remus took your attempt at a lighthearted joke as a sign to change the topic, “Have many scenarios with me, then, dove?” He asked with a tiny smirk, you dropped your hands from his face.

“You’re truly insufferable, Moon— Wait, is that why your friends call you Moony?”

His hand moved from your cheek to the nape of your neck, his thumb sweeping your baby hairs up and down in a way that brought goosebumps to your skin. Remus smiled like that had been his plan all along.

“Don’t call me Moony,” He said suddenly, and you blinked in surprise. He was quick to fix your train of thought, “Every time you call me Moony I really, really want to kiss you. If you do it again, I fear I won’t be able to hold back.”

This brought a shy smile to your face, but as quickly as it came, it turned into a smirk. “Terribly sorry, then, Moony.” 

He let out a startled laugh, and brought his other hand to your cheek, a silent permission to proceed with his intention. You, for your part, seemed in a daze as you breathlessly roved your eyes over his face, hands around the crook of his elbows as you scooted closer. Remus watched in awe as your eyes fixated on his lips with something akin to yearning, and self-restraint be damned, he gently pulled you towards him and pressed his lips over yours. 

Now it’s important to say he desperately made a plan of kissing you silly all night as soon as he tasted your lips and the faint notes of bergamot from your tea, he decided to never let go of you, to kiss you until the skin of your lips were the least of your concerns, had it not been by the door being opened wide open in a swift, loud motion. Sirius gasped dramatically at the sight before him, James and Lily in toe with similar reactions, you and Remus sprung away almost immediately at the commotion. 

“Oh– Moony!” He said, a hand to his chest as if he had been the one caught. “In my own home? In my own couch that I bought? How fucking dare you! I’m kicking you out, you ingrate.” 

“Hi.” You said shyly.

“I don’t even live here.” Remus said simultaneously. 

“Well, aren’t you the loveliest sight?” Said Lily as she walked to you, ignoring her husband’s antics. You stood up almost on reflex to accept her hug, your movements awkward. “How are you, honey?”

“I’m doing alright.” You said, your hand instantly finding a patch of skin to pick in your lips. Remus’ eyes followed the movement. 

“She ought to be alright, based on what we just walked into.” James pointed, walking to you both, Remus nudged him rather loudly. “Hi, James Potter, big fan.”

You smiled bemusedly and searched for Remus’ eyes. “I thought that was Lily?”

“Yeah, right, as if Lils could even differentiate a quaffle from a bludger.” Sirius joked, then stretched his hand out to you, as if you both hadn’t shared the majority of your classes at school. “Sirius.” 

You chuckled, grateful for the distraction to compose yourself. “I know.” You said, but shook his hand nonetheless. “But it’s nice seeing you lot again.” 

“And what brings you here this beautiful evening, y/n?” Lily asked, making herself comfortable on a wingback chair next to the couch. The blue color of the chair a high contrast to her green dress. 

Both James and Sirius seemed in a daze as they ogled Lily, you cleared your throat awkwardly, “Well, I…” You turned to Remus with wide eyes.

“She came here to help me with the menace that is your son.” Completed Remus, “Not that you wouldn’t know, seeing you made him that way.”

“Well, good for Harry,” Said Sirius as he draped himself over Lily, she accommodated herself to hug his middle. “Someone has to keep you on your toes.” 

“It really was no problem,” You interrupted, knowing well they could banter the entire night had none of you butted in. “He basically fell asleep after I got here.” 

“Oh?” James said, turning to Remus, who groaned and threw his head back. The bespectacled boy reached over Remus to address you, “You mean Remus or Harry?”

“So this git has been kissing you all night? Using my son as bait?” Sirius asked in faux indignation, though his fingers calmly toyed with Lily’s hair. “Remus you cheeky bastard.”

“Can everyone please stop attacking me?” 

“No can do, Moony. It’s hardly an attack when we’re telling the truth, you’re a real git and a pretty cheeky one too sometimes.” 

Remus looked at you imploringly, “Dove, need me to walk you home?”

“Add educated to the list, too.” Said Lily in between giggles. You smiled. “Maybe you’re not so bad, Remus, isn’t he, y/n?”

“He’s quite alright.” You said breezily, desperately trying to hide away the blush in your cheeks. You turned to Remus, “You don’t mind?” 

“Not at all.” He shook his head and walked to the door. Pointedly flipping his friends off. “Here,” 

You grabbed your coat from his hand. “Oh, thank you.”

“‘Not at all’ he says! When just the other day he properly groaned at me for asking if he could peel me an apple!” James said with a smile as he watched Remus help you bundle up for the cold. “You know, Pads, maybe he is an ingrate.” 

“I told you, but you never listen.” Supplied Sirius, both men offering you and Remus an out. 

Lily loosened her hold around Sirius to send you a tiny wave which you returned enthusiastically before stepping out the door. Had it not been that it was still reeling from your kiss, Remus’ heart would’ve probably combursted right then and there at your silly interactions with his own friends. He felt a really warm, sweet feeling settling in his chest when he realized you fit perfectly in their little family, eagerly following along in their banter against him. Remus hoped the sight would be something to last him for the rest of his life. 

—

The stress and uncertainty from the other night, a full moon, where you waited for Remus to let you know it had been alright and managed to return home without problem seemed difficult to wear off, the lingering anxiety settling in your body like it planned to stay there for a while. You tried to ignore the heavy feeling in the middle of your chest as you walked towards the pitch, hands distractedly fixing your gloves and gear as the coach threw pointers no doubt to the players already in the field. Calista, the team captain, immediately flew down to meet you on the floor as soon as she spotted you, her face pale and an alarmed look on her eyes. 

“Morning,” You said, watching her walk towards you with tentative steps, she seemed in a state of restlessness as her gaze traveled over your surroundings. “What’s gotten into you?” 

“I don’t know who talked to them,” She replied instead, and you frowned. When she realized you genuinely had no idea, she presented you with a rumpled page from the Daily Prophet. “I’m so sorry, I know you didn’t want people to know.” 

Your eyes skimmed hurriedly over the page, the knot in your stomach you had previously deemed a stomach ache turned into a full blown hollow feeling that consumed you whole. Calista reached to pat your shoulder consolingly, and it seemed that’s all you needed to shake you off your shock. 

“How could they—” 

“Well, isn’t this our lovely star,” Came a voice you recognized well, you turned to find Partridge herself walking over to you with a smirk on her face. “Is your furry little fella alright? Heard last night was quite the moon.”

“He’s not– What the fuck, Partridge?” You managed to say, your blood slowly boiled to the point of seeing red. It seemed that was the reaction your problematic teammate had been aiming for. “You did this?” You lifted the page to her eyes, by the look of her eyes you immediately knew she recognized it before you could present it to her. 

“I owed Skeeter a favor,” She shrugged, taking her gloves off nonchalantly. You did the same, but with completely different intentions. “What? Was it supposed to be a secret?”

“You knew damn well,” You spat, angrily throwing your gloves and the page away. Partridge’s facade changed as she studied your stance, but she recovered quickly. 

“Well, I thought you had stopped worrying about it, seeing that you so thoroughly enjoy associating yourself with the likes of your people and half-breed monsters in broad daylight.” 

You reeled back, as if she had actually punched you in the face but you schooled your face almost immediately. “Well, of course, I see you nearly everyday, don’t I?”

She marched to you in anger, but you stayed still in your place. “You little bitch, don’t think for a second you will keep your spot in the league after this. Why, you stupid mudblood.”

You laughed bitterly, “You think I’m scared of you, Partridge? Or losing my spot? Unlike you, I’m a bloody good player, any team will scout me as soon as I drop the Harpies.” With a sudden feeling of satisfaction, you noticed her clenching her fists. You added, “Also… Mudblood? Really? Wait– Is this why you’re so miffed with me? Because a muggleborn is a better Quidditch player than you? Well, you got another thing coming–”

You felt the sting before your eyes could even follow the movement of her hand, slapping you across the face with a strong hand. Calista gasped loud enough to catch the coach’s attention, she stepped forward to push Partridge away from you but you raised a hand. 

“You show me every day how pathetic you truly are. That’s all you got? Cause I’d really like to give you a real demonstration.” You smiled, a wicked thing that had your teammate leaning back with surprise and Calista swallowing anxiously. 

“Now let’s not–”

Well, you truly would’ve loved to say that had been the end of it, that the coach had reached you both in time to end the upcoming brawl. But none of that had happened, all thanks to your quick seeker reflexes and pent-up anger, you had Partridge on the floor in a quick second. She screamed but managed to throw punches as you, despite your ire-charged reaction, decided to only give her a scare. You had to give it to her, she had a rather appropriate right hook that you had the misfortune of intercepting while you were pulled away. Calista and the rest of the team paused as they studied you, you brought your hand to your left eye, feeling suddenly rather dizzy and a little nauseous. 

“What the devil is happening here?!” Yelled the coach as he inspected the outcome, grateful that you weren’t visibly injured, or well– “Partridge, did you just hit your teammate square in the bloody eye?! What’s the matter with you?” 

“She–She jumped at me! She’s mad!” Partridge pointed at you, you looked up to find her properly rumpled but not hurt at all. “She said she would give me a demonstration, then– then attacked me!” 

“Attacked you?! You hit me first!”

“That’s enough out of you,” The coach spat, turning to you to inspect your eye, he clicked his tongue pensively. “Need you to go to the healer to get this checked.”

“But–” 

“I’ll handle your teammate. Surely there’s an explanation to this circus.” He turned to Calista, who straightened her posture in very captain fashion. She nodded at you, a silent promise that she would make sure Partridge wouldn’t get out of it unscathed. “Go.”

You exhaled abruptly and grabbed your gloves from the floor, making way to the healer’s tiny cubicle to get your eye checked. As you walked out the pitch, you caught a glimpse of the page you sent flying mid brawl, a candid photo of you and Remus kissing one late night after the meeting, a few days ago. An uneasy feeling settled in your stomach but now for completely different reasons. 

—

“And I still hear it, minutes before the transformation, sometimes I can feel him lingering close, even though he’s locked away!” Exclaimed McDougall, a thin man that had been a victim of the Imperius curse by Riddle himself. You frowned as you listened to his heart-felt rant, your eyes very pointedly trying to look everywhere but at Remus. “It’s driving me mad!” 

You watched in curiosity as Remus raised his hand. 

“Is there something you’d like to say, Mr. Lupin?” Asked the healer kindly, Remus nodded, then cleared his throat. “Go on, then.”

“Uh, this happens to me too.” He spoke out, voice scratchy like it hurt him to speak. You bit your lip anxiously. “What I do, uh, I like to play music, I’ve found that the wolf likes it during the transformation. It helps, sometimes, with the voices.” 

You studied him meticulously, taking inventory of his scars and the new ones he acquired the night before. His hand shook slightly where he rested it over his knee, the previous scars in his hands a faint red as if they had been reopened again, a bandage peeked out from his sleeve. His hair disheveled a little like he tried to comb it but gave up mid action, but other than that, he looked like the same Remus you had grown to adore. His amber eyes met yours as Healer Figg continued talking to the rest of the group, and he sent you a soft, tentative smile. You felt a tug at your heartstrings as you waved shyly at him, a tentative tiny thing. 

As soon as you left the healer’s office at the pitch and after you met with the coach, you made your way to your flat to assess the damage before it was time for the meeting. You had desperately tried multiple beautying spells and make up products to make the black bruise taking up most of your eye and temple so faint that it would pass right through Remus. Your efforts were to no avail, so you decided to get there a bit later than usual in order to avoid him questioning you about what had happened, or worse, you telling him about the article on the Daily Prophet. You weren’t sure which one you dreaded the most. 

“Thank you everyone for coming, again, it has been delightful to see the outcomes of the group, you all have progressed very much.” Healer Figgs said, pulling you out of your own head as she turned to you. “Let’s all extend our applause and say goodbye to our companion, y/n, who has successfully finished her time with us.” You looked away from Remus, who you felt staring right through your soul as you shyly smiled at the rest of the group. 

“Thank you.” You mumbled, laying back on your chair as if you wished to disappear against the wall. Everyone stood up, and you took that as your queue to finally leave. 

Your hand shook slightly as you opened the door of St. Mungo’s and caught a breath of fresh air. You dug inside your purse and brought a cigarette to your lips, somewhere behind you the door opened again and quick steps followed you. 

“What was that? Back there?” Remus breathed out, catching up to you. You looked down in order to hide your face from him with your hair, he frowned. “You’re done?” 

“Yeah, um, I was told today I filled my quota for the league.” You said quietly, Remus had to lean closer to hear you. “I was going to tell you–”

“When? Today? When you barely said hi to me the moment you got here?” 

You sighed dejectedly and brought the lighter to your lips. To your rotten luck, the flame lightened your face and gave Remus a very clear glimpse of your pathetic attempt at covering your marred skin. 

He inhaled sharply and gently grabbed your face in his hands, “What happened to you?” Your lips parted in surprise around the cigarette and met his worried gaze. His thumb swept over the skin and you hissed. “Sorry, sorry… Dove, who did this to you?”

“It’s nothing.” You said under your breath, shaky fingers plucking the cig out of your lips. “Really, Remus, it was just an accident.” 

“It certainly doesn’t look like nothing.” His eyes studied you, and you suddenly felt very insecure about your face. Stupid Partridge, you thought. “Are we keeping secrets now?”

“What? Remus, no.” You reached to grab his wrist with your free hand, your hold earnest and desperate as you looked into his eyes. “I just… I just didn’t want you to worry. That’s all.”

“Well, I ought to be worried,” He frowned, bringing your temple to his lips, where they lingered a beat too long as you both savored your hold on each other. 

You closed your eyes and inhaled deeply, “It was one of my teammates.” You finally said after a moment, Remus pulled back with a frown. “Did you read the Daily Prophet today?” 

“Ah,” He nodded, and grabbed the cigarette from your hand. You watched in awe as he pensively studied you, then, “I had an inkling it was about that.”

“You saw it?” 

“Of course I did, James dumped about 7 copies on me this morning, full moon be damned.” He said, you smiled despite your anxiety. Remus mirrored your tiny smile, happy that his efforts worked. “It doesn’t bother me, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“But, she… she aired your condition to everyone.” You supplied quietly, a slight frown in your eyebrows that Remus wished to kiss away. “She called you a–” You seemed to work yourself up again, and he wondered what exactly went down to bring this kind of reaction out of you. 

“I don’t care, she doesn’t know a damn thing about me.” He said, and put out the cigarette in favor of holding your face again. “There was a time I would’ve cared, and would’ve tortured myself about that, but now it all slides right off. Dove, please don’t go around picking fights for me. Especially with people like her.”

You looked down, eyes fixated on a spot in his chest. Remus suddenly thought you looked very beautiful, a slight vulnerability to your demeanor that made you look angelic. He kissed your temple again, very softly to not hurt you, then searched for your gaze. 

“But that’s not everything, isn’t it?”

You met his gaze, and his heart ached at the glossiness in your eyes. His eyebrows pinched slightly, and watched as you curled your arms around his middle, your hold desperate for comfort. Remus sighed as you hid your face in the safety of the crock of his neck. 

“I tried really hard to protect them from… from people commenting on their story, how they died. I didn’t want them to become another fatality of the war, and–” To your horror, a tiny sob left your lips and you closed your eyes. Remus thumbed the tears in your cheeks away with very gentle movements, careful of your tender skin. “I couldn’t even do that. I keep just failing them day after day, the league pulling me back, getting into fights and proving everyone right all along. I… I don’t know what to do, the least I could do is be someone worthy for them and to honor them after they died because of me and–”

“Wait, no. They didn’t die because of you.” He frowned, and you seemed to have a hard time meeting his gaze, he curled a hand under your chin to look into your sad, teary eyes. “How could it be your fault? Dove, that man is at fault, he’s the one that killed them, he sent the order. There’s no way you would’ve known.”

“But… but I could’ve tried harder at protecting them. I should’ve done something.” You finally let out the thought that had been consuming you for months and kept you up at night. “How can people call me bright and promising in that stupid magazine… If they only knew how useless I was during the war.” You chuckled humorlessly. Remus decided he had enough of it.

“Listen to me, y/n. You being this incredible, promising witch and your parents’ deaths aren’t mutually exclusive. Voldemort targeted all the muggles and wizards that didn’t follow along his insane ideology, there was nothing you could do to stop that from happening, I know you don’t want to call it that but it truly was a tragedy… because no matter what you had tried to do, he sent his best men to kill you and your family knowing it would be one against four. It was meant to be a tragedy whatever the outcome. And your parents? They would've been so bloody proud of you for fighting the death eaters off, for surviving and fighting tooth and nail for your future that was almost ripped away from you. Don’t… don’t count yourself out just because of this, it might feel like it sometimes… but you’re not alone.”

You bit your lip, finally meeting his gaze. Remus exhaled deeply as he finished off his desperate rant, some fight still lingering inside of him to make you see his perspective. 

“I’m sorry.” You finally said, your finger sweeping back and forth where your hand held his wrist. Remus watched as you inhaled, channeling all your strength to compose yourself. “I… Thank you, Remus.” 

He smiled softly, “No need to be sorry, or to thank me. I would do this every day, pretty much like you would, too.” You blushed, and he found himself ignoring his self-control and leaned forward to kiss your lips. They tasted a tad salty, but not any less sweet. 

“They would’ve really liked you,” You said as you broke away, Remus’ smile got impossibly wider and grabbed the sides of your face to kiss you again. “Ouch.”

He gasped, “Oh, I’m so sorry.” He leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss just shy of your bruise. “Let’s go get you fixed up, hm?” He placed his arm around your shoulders, and you trailed next to him in a daze. Still slightly shaken up, Remus noticed; he tried another angle. “So, proved myself worthy to the in-laws already?”

You smiled sheepishly, “Don’t let it get to your head, though.” He pressed a kiss to the crown of your head as you rounded the corner, his flat building in view. 

Remus sighed happily as he dug inside the pocket of his jacket for his keys, his other arm head-set in holding you close to his side. You, for your part, seemed to enjoy his hold around you and walked next to him with a tiny, shy smile, your hand picking at the skin of your lips distractedly. 

“Here,” He helped you out your coat as you both walked in. You immediately took notice of the homely ambience to it, Remus’ taste all over the flat as your eyes rovered the room with curiosity. Remus’ heart did a little flip as he studied you, “Wait here, I’ll go check what potions I have for your eye.” 

You nodded then made a beeline to his couch, a worn out, lived in thing that matched with the decor in the walls. Just like the Potters’, he had countless photographs hung up on all the walls, evidence of his happiness despite the numerous trials he had suffered in the past. The biggest one, you noticed, was one of him holding Harry as a newborn, his amber eyes red and with some tears welling up, you felt a tug in your heart as you scanned it. 

“Why am I not surprised?” Said Remus with a breathy chuckle as he walked to you, a container and wet cloth in his hands. You laughed as you walked to him, “What is it with you and photographs?” 

You shrugged as you sat in front of him on the couch, Remus placed the container on his knee before gently pressing the warm cloth to your face, to remove your flakey concealer no doubt.

“I’m used to still images back home, seeing them move is something I don’t think I can get used to–Ow!”

“Sorry, sorry,” Remus placated, a slight frown to his eyebrows, he made his movements extra gentle to not hurt you again. “A very valid point.” He added, then placed the cloth down. “Ow, dovey, that was a hard punch, it seems.”

“You should’ve seen Partridge.” 

“You hit her?”

“Nah, just gave her a scare. Also gave her a proper demonstration on how it’s done, real muggle style.” He barked a laugh, and opened the container next. You scrunched up your nose at the smell. “That’s foul. Is the smell alone a punishment for getting into a fight?”

“Probably,” He hummed, eyes fixated on your bruise as he gently patted the cream potion on your skin. You felt your insides mushy and soft with gratefulness and something akin to love for him. “I stole this from Madam Pomfrey so I wouldn’t put it past her.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Using your Pomfrey privileges to steal supplies? Oh, Moony, you’re incorrigible.” Remus paused his ministrations to meet your eyes, you smirked playfully at him.

“You will have your kiss after I finish this, dove, do not fret.” He commented breezily, thoroughly enjoying the way you flushed. Remus chuckled as he finished putting the rest of the potion on your eye and kissed it softly, he grimaced, “Shit, that really is foul. Terribly sorry, dovey.”

You laughed. “It’s okay.” Remus placed the container and cloth away to fully face you, you smiled up at him with something giddy and excited in your chest. “So, where’s my–”

Remus smiled, a wide, bright smile that almost blinded you as he grabbed the nape of your neck and pressed his lips against yours. You laughed against his lips, your mood suddenly lifted now that you had what you wanted, Remus kissing you silly and holding onto you like you were about to fly away, and by the happy sigh that left your lips when you momentarily broke away, he wasn’t so far off. You shyly reached over and placed your hands tentatively around his middle, Remus, without breaking away, grabbed your arms and circled them around him, a permission to hold onto him as much as you wanted. You readily accepted the invitation, fisting his jumper with longing and deepened the kiss. 

“Not here,” Mumbled Remus between kisses, he helped you up and immediately pressed his lips against yours again, as if stopping kissing you could physically harm him. “Dove,” He said breathlessly as he pulled you to your feet, you let him manhandle you, a wicked smile on your lips as you pulled him back down to you. “Come on,” He held your hand and guided you down the hall, no doubt to his room, your insides suddenly recoiled with anxiety. 

You sighed as he kissed you again, his fingers toying with the hem of your jumper, you sucked in a breath and deepened the kiss again, hoping it would distract him from his intentioned hands in your middle, but to no avail, he unconsciously lifted the hem and placed his hands over the scarred skin around your waist, if what he found troubled him, he didn’t show, but you stilled and Remus pulled away slowly at your reaction.

“Dove?” He frowned slightly, and you willed your lungs to accept air as you breathed quietly, “Was I too harsh with you? I’m sorry,” His hands found your face again, and you met his gaze, his lips parted in surprise as he noticed the troubled look in your eyes. “What is it?”

“I just..” You sighed, biting your lip nervously. Your fingers grabbed the hem of your jumper, Remus’ eyes flashed with realization. “I haven’t been with anyone… after… you know.” 

“Oh,” He breathed out, scanning your face for regret, but you seemed mortified enough to even meet his eyes. “They don’t bother me, but if they do to you, I won’t touch them. I’m sorry.” 

“I’m sorry,” You said under your breath, suddenly feeling like you wanted to cry. Why was your past so adamant to ruin your present? You thought bitterly. “I don’t know why I… I’m sorry,”

“Hey, it’s quite alright.” Remus leaned down to search for your eyes, he cupped your cheek. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for, dove. It truly doesn’t bother me, as long as you’re comfortable.”

“I didn’t mean to lead you on,” You said, holding onto him in the desperate selfish way he was starting to adore. “I just, I keep forgetting they’re… there and it always feels like a rude wake up call when I notice them.”

“I get it,” He nodded, and kissed your eyebrow. “Believe me, I do. Mine used to bother me too, not so long ago, but they’re part of me, of my story. Though they hurt like hell, I’ve eventually learned to accept them. It’s okay if you’re not ready to accept yours, lovely girl.”

You looked up at him, very overwhelmed with gratitude and love for him, you were sure your heart could explode soon. Remus seemed to notice it as he lifted an eyebrow in question, and kissed the corner of your lips after you gave him a short nod. When he pulled away and walked a few steps back from his bed to give you space, you were only mildly disappointed at the distance. 

“We don’t have to do anything, but you can stay over if you want. Have a cwtch, maybe?” He asked, offering a tiny olive branch that felt gigantic to you. You smiled and nodded eagerly, he mirrored your giddy reaction and brought your hand to his lips. 

Remus nodded and laughed when none of you made to move, “I don’t have…” You trailed off, and his face brightened. 

“Oh, no need to worry about that,” He smiled and walked to his drawers, excitedly shuffling some things inside, then lifted a black shirt out. “You like Bowie, don’t you?” 

You laughed and accepted the clothes he presented you, he placed a kiss to the crown of your head as you followed him to his bathroom. Your limbs suddenly felt rather heavy and exhausted as you changed your clothes into his, a ratty Bowie shirt and some boxers that looked awfully big on you. You tried to not stare at your reflection in the mirror as you changed, but had enough courage to inspect his healing work on your bruise. Small steps, you supposed. 

Remus felt his own heart falling out of his arse when he stepped out of his own bathroom, to find you sitting prettily on the edge of his bed, looking around his room and fighting against a yawn that tried to escape your lips. He was overwhelmed with tons of feelings as he walked to the bed and threw himself over it, pulling you down with him. The sound of your surprised giggles echoed around the room as he propped himself over his elbow, eyes full of love as he looked at you. 

“What are you thinking about?” You asked quietly then, your finger tracing the letters of his own shirt. Remus held your hand captive and kissed your palm, then reached over and kissed you. “Remus,” You giggled as he placed sloppy kisses on your face, cautious of your eye. 

“Just happy, ‘s all.” He mumbled as he pulled you close to him, you happily accepted his hug. “I still can’t believe I went to that support group just to get signed off for a job, and not only left with a job but with the prettiest, smartest witch as my girlfriend.” Your chuckle came in a sleepy breath, eyes closed as you drowned in the sound of his voice. Remus didn’t mind, telling you all that was his own private indulgence. He placed a kiss on your forehead, “And she fights for my honor unprovoked, too.” He added. 

“Of course that’s the part you fixate on,” You mumbled, words quiet and slurred like you fought against sleep to speak out. 

Remus fought against his own drowsiness, “Oi, you think someone there caught a photo of that?” 

“I don’t know.” 

“It would be a very lovely addition to the wall.”

“Remus,”

“Well, I was just thinking, since you love photographs.”

“Goodnight, Remus.” 

—

Champagne flutes sat empty over the tables as the record on the turntable echoed faintly around the room, one of the records Lily picked halfway over. James and Sirius busied themselves picking up the trash and cleaning the remaining dishes respectively as Lily climbed down the stairs after putting Harry down to sleep in his nursery. She stopped dead in her tracks at the sight before her, Remus and you passed out on her couch, clinging to each other. You still wore your Quidditch gear from the match earlier and Remus didn’t deign to change his Holyhead Harpies neither, even after the match had been won and long over. 

“They’re asleep?“ Asked Sirius, and both his spouses shushed him immediately. 

“Yeah,” Lily nodded, then walked back to the kitchen to continue helping with the tidying. Her green eyes fell on the polaroids she left out to develop. “Oh, isn’t this adorable.” She gasped with a smile as she picked them up.

She walked back to the sitting room and stood in front of the wall, eyes searching for an empty spot for the new additions. James stood behind her, a frown to his eyebrows as he helped her out. 

“What about moving these, lovie? So they can fit here.” He pointed, Lily followed his eyes and nodded excitedly. “I hardly think ickle Harry would mind.” 

Lily lifted her wand and whispered a sticking charm to the new additions, a warm, happy feeling in her chest as she admired the final product. 

There stood two new photographs to the family wall, one of you winning the Major League match, your big smile as you lifted the Golden Snitch in the air and the crowd roared behind you; the other a candid photo of you Lily took that very same night, of you and Remus dancing and laughing, both of you sporting matching bright smiles as you celebrated the big win of the night. His arm placed firmly around your waist as he playfully dipped you low, and baby Harry clapping happily somewhere in the back of the shot, but the real star of the photograph was the glistening ring in your finger as you cupped Remus’ face, Hope Lupin’s very own engagement ring that was passed down as an heirloom to you.

[donuttrymedebil]

My two theories on Shamrock and Shanks:

I highly doubt it was a coincidence Loki mentioned the way people may be "curious" why a pirate and World Noble would have the same face.

So my first theory is that, because Shanks is one of the most infamous pirates in the world, not to mention one of the Four Emperors, Shamrock was most likely ordered to keep his own face and identity hidden so as to not bring shame to the Figarland family name. Probably ordered by Garling himself.

I'm willing to bet that gives Shamrock a very serious grudge towards his brother that goes beyond their different life choices, since he, as a World Noble, is forced to keep his face shrouded and his head down unless necessary (as seems the case with Elbaph) while Shanks, the pirate who chose the "surface world", gets to show his face anywhere and everywhere. If Shamrock is anything like the other World Nobles (which for the most part he definitely is), that's an insult to his pride he doesn't take lightly.

My second theory is that, despite the confirmation of Shanks having a twin, it really WAS Shanks himself that met with the Elders at the Levely. Shamrock mentioned Shanks had gone back to the Holy Land once before returning to the surface, so like Doflamingo he probably still has certain privileges despite abandoning Mary Geoise. It almost sounded like it was a very long time ago, but could easily have been as recently as the Levely.

The two reasons I think this is that for one, with Shamrock's existence revealed, we could have also been shown his full face during "his" appearance in the Levely, yet it's still a big question mark. The second is that immediately after Shanks/Shamrock met with the Elders, the former had rededicated himself to finding the One Piece, whereas before he could care less about it. He likely already knew what it was just by traveling with the Rogers pirates, but he could have also discussed it with the Elders and a "certain pirate" also chasing it, and what that would mean for the world at large if that "certain pirate" found it first...especially since it most likely ties to the Ancient Weapons and how they function. Whatever happened there between pre-Levely and when we see him again in Wano, it changed Shanks' mission, so I think he did meet with the Elders to discuss possible scenarios if the pirate in question obtained the One Piece first.

[mediocre-shark-tales]

End of the First Season

Masterlist

Trigger Warning- slow burn of increasing themes including sexism, SA, depression, and implied grooming

After the season wrapped up, I finally found a moment of calm. The chaos of F1 had slowed, and I was allowed a little breathing room. But even with the peace, I couldn't shake the constant ache in my body. I thought the bruising I had gotten from the Abu Dhabi crash would eventually subside, but it never did. Every day, it seemed to hurt a little more, so I finally caved and went to the doctor to get checked out.

I wasn’t prepared for the news. It wasn’t just bruising. My ribs had cracked, and so had a bone in my right forearm. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks—no wonder I’d been hurting so much. But, being me, I just shrugged it off. If there was one thing I’d learned over this crazy season, it was how to power through. And if I could make it through that wreck, I could handle a couple cracked bones, right?

I needed to break the news, of course, but I had a little fun with it. I posted on Instagram, sharing all the high points of my 2024 season—my wins, my podiums, the laughs, the frustrations. But as the last picture in the post, I slid in a photo collage of my X-rays. Just for the shock value, of course. 

The response was exactly what I expected. I saw the comments flood in—fans, media, and especially the drivers. They were all so concerned, immediately freaking out about me being in pain, even though I was smiling through it all. Some of the messages I got were hilarious, like Lando calling me crazy for not telling him sooner. “You’re seriously not a robot, right?” he texted me, complete with a couple of eye-roll emojis.

And then there was Max. Max Verstappen. He was texting me every five minutes, demanding I go see another doctor. "You should’ve told me. I would've taken care of it for you." Like he was going to fly out to Monaco just to be my personal healthcare assistant. I almost laughed at how protective he was being, but honestly, it was sweet.

Liam, of course, had the most dramatic reaction. "y/n, what the hell?! Why didn’t you tell me about this?" he practically screamed down the phone. "This could’ve been a big deal! You could’ve been seriously hurt!"

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Liam, calm down. I’m fine. I’ve been dealing with it. It’s just some cracked bones.”

But he wasn’t having it. "That’s not something you ‘just deal with.’ You need to get checked out, properly. I’m seriously getting worried now."

At that point, I had to assure him—no more freaking out. Everyone was so sweet, though. Even Carlos sent a message telling me to take it easy and that he was looking forward to seeing me next season. “Just don’t go crashing again, okay?”

I even caught a text from Fernando, who simply said: “You’re strong, but next time… maybe take it easy?”

The support from all the drivers was overwhelming, but honestly, it was what I needed. The kind words, the check-ins, it made me feel like I had a big family backing me up.

I had also made the decision recently to buy an apartment in Monaco. It wasn’t something I’d planned at first, but Lando convinced me it was the perfect move. He was all about the idea of having me live close by so we could hang out in the off-season when I wasn’t visiting family back in the U.S. Plus, Monaco seemed like the kind of place where I could really start fresh, living on my own but still be surrounded by people who understood the craziness of F1 life. Lando lives just above me, and we joke that I’m now not on "Lando’s level".

It’s been nice, honestly. I can walk around without the chaos of a race weekend looming over me, and sometimes, it feels like a different world entirely. Having drivers around gives me a sense of comfort, knowing I’m never too far from a friend, and I love that Lando is nearby for spontaneous hangouts. He’s been a solid support system, and having him in Monaco means I never really feel alone. It’s just nice, knowing that someone’s always nearby, especially after everything I’ve been through.

Franco and I were sitting in the lounge of my new Monaco apartment, just a couple of glasses of wine between us as we talked about the future. There was this quiet tension in the air—nothing too obvious, but we both knew what it felt like. He was leaning back on the couch, legs stretched out in front of him, eyes focused on the half-empty glass in his hand, but I could tell he wasn’t really looking at it.

He sighed, finally breaking the silence. “I don’t know what’s next for me, to be honest. Alpine offered me a reserve driver contract with them, but it's basically the same thing I have at Williams. The only real difference is that they are telling me they will take Jack out of his seat if he doesn’t do well. So I get paid more and have a more likely chance at racing again with them or I get loyalty points and probably never seat the steering wheel for another season with Williams.” His voice carried this layer of frustration I hadn’t heard from him before. He ran a hand through his hair, and I could see the weight of it all on him. He wasn’t the kind to complain, but I knew how badly he wanted that full-time seat. I could tell by how hard he fought to stay on the grid this season.

“Don’t let them make you feel like you have to settle,” I said softly, my words maybe a little more sincere than I meant them to be. He was one of the most talented drivers I knew, and he deserved to have a seat that would recognize that.

He let out a bitter laugh. “It’s not like I have much of a choice, is it? The grid’s stacked, and Alpine knows I’ll have to take what I can get. But I don’t know… maybe it’s not where I want to be.”

There was a pause between us, and I watched him carefully, sensing that this was more than just a conversation about racing for him. It felt like the moment he was letting himself be real, vulnerable in a way he rarely showed.

“Franco,” I started, but the words faltered in my mouth. I didn’t know how to make him feel better, not when I knew what was next for me. He had been my rock in so many ways this season, and now it was my turn to be there for him. But it felt like something more was hanging in the air, something unsaid.

He met my eyes, and for a moment, there was this quiet, unspoken connection. “I don’t want to leave, you know?” he whispered, almost as if he were saying it to himself more than to me. “But I don’t know if I have another option.”

I didn’t know what to say, so instead, I just leaned over and put a hand on his arm, my fingers gently brushing his sleeve. It wasn’t anything dramatic, just a small gesture, but it felt like the right thing to do. We stayed like that for a while, just sitting in silence, letting the quiet of the room fill in the gaps of our thoughts. When finally a thought came to me, “You know, I was in the same predicament before becoming Aston Martin’s Reserve driver?” 

He shook his head, not making eye contact yet. “Before Aston Martin I was driving only as a test driver for Redbull, no chance at racing only at being available when their own drivers reserve or not couldn’t be there. Then Aston Martin came to me with a contract, be their reserve driver. A team with a literal multi world champion driver and a driver who was the owner of the team’s son. So basically, my only chance at driving was someone getting sick or hurt. Or I could stay with my red bull contract and earn loyalty points but probably still never see the steering wheel during a real race.” I looked at him, seeing his expression change. “It was a tough decision but I listed out the pros and cons of each. In the end, Aston Martin gave me the most potential to grow into the F1 world.”

Then, he looked at me, and there was this flicker in his eyes, something I hadn’t seen before. Something that felt real, honest. And I knew in that moment that we were both feeling it—that subtle pull between us. But neither of us said anything about it. Instead, we just let it linger, both of us too scared to do anything about it. “So what I think you need to do is think about what would help you grow or just what you want to do for your future? Is your future still F1 with Williams? Or do you want to explore other options to see what happens?”

His expression changed to one almost deep in thought. I pulled my hand back, giving him a small smile. “You’ll figure it out. You always do,” I said, trying to lighten the mood, even though my heart was beating a little faster than usual.

He smiled back, a little half-hearted, but genuine. “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Y/N.”

“Same here,” I replied, my voice softer than I meant it to be. And for a moment, it felt like we were more than just teammates, more than just friends. But neither of us made a move. We just stayed there, pretending it was enough to be in each other’s company, not acknowledging the unspoken feelings simmering beneath the surface.

The moment passed, and we both knew it. But neither of us could shake the feeling that things had changed, even if just a little.

Post-season testing was in full swing, and I found myself behind the wheel of a Red Bull. Well, technically, it was a VCARB test, but they had thrown me and Yuki into the main team’s car—basically the 2024 title-winning machine before it would be slightly modified for our ‘junior’ team.

The car felt incredible. The downforce, the grip, the way it responded to even the slightest inputs—I had driven a strong car before, but this? This was on another level. It was a taste of what could be possible with the right setup, and I couldn’t help but grin every time I pushed it through a turn.

“Oi, don’t get too comfortable in that seat,” Yuki’s voice came through the radio as we wrapped up a practice run. “You still have to share it next year.”

I laughed, pulling into the pits and hopping out, only to be immediately greeted by VCARB’s social media team. I had already been warned that their content crew was… a little too good at capturing moments. The internet had already fallen in love with the way Yuki and I had been interacting over the past few weeks, posting clips of our playful bickering, him teaching me random Japanese phrases, or me teasing him about his food choices.

Case in point—before I even had my helmet off, Yuki was standing beside me, pointing at my water bottle with an accusing glare. “You forgot to drink again, we never saw the water button activate”

I groaned. “I was driving.”

He snatched the bottle out of the table and unscrewed the lid. “Drink. Now.”

“Bossy,” I muttered, taking a sip just to get him off my back.

Of course, VCARB’s media team caught the whole thing, and I had no doubt it would be on their Instagram story in minutes.

Later that evening, while cooling down after the day’s sessions, I found myself sketching out ideas for my new helmet. My current design had meant so much to me, but with a new chapter starting, I felt like I needed something fresh. Something that still honored my journey but signified a step forward.

I sat in the VCARB lounge, my sketchbook open in front of me, absentmindedly doodling designs. Maybe something sleeker, sharper—still keeping the essence of my previous helmets, but with a modern touch. I knew I wanted to incorporate the sea turtle shadow again, but this time, maybe in a way that intertwined with something symbolic for myself.

Yuki plopped down beside me, peering over my shoulder. “You’re making it blue, right?”

I rolled my eyes. “Just because I drive for VCARB now doesn’t mean my entire identity is changing.”

He grinned. “Fine, fine. But if you don’t put at least a little VCARB energy into it, I’ll be offended.”

I smirked. “I’ll think about it.”

Truthfully, this whole transition was already feeling better than I had expected. The team was welcoming, the car felt strong, and Yuki had quickly become an easy person to be around. For the first time in a while, I felt like I had something solid to look forward to with my future in this sport.

Now, I just had to survive another season of teasing from Yuki and VCARB’s relentless social media team.

Netflix: Drive to Survive – Post-Season Interview

The cameras were rolling, the dim lighting of the Drive to Survive interview room setting the scene. I sat in the chair, legs crossed, hands fidgeting slightly in my lap as the producers got everything settled. It felt weird, really. Looking back on the season as if it was just a chapter in a book rather than something I had physically, emotionally, and mentally endured.

The interviewer gave me a reassuring smile before jumping straight into it.

“This was your rookie season—or, well, partial rookie season. And it wasn’t exactly an easy one. How do you even begin to reflect on everything that happened?”

I let out a breathy laugh, shaking my head. “Honestly? I don’t even know where to start. It was the highest of highs, the lowest of lows. I don’t think I ever imagined just how much this season would take out of me—physically, mentally. I came into it with so much to prove, knowing that I wasn’t even guaranteed a seat for next year. Then the Vegas crash happened, and suddenly everything shifted. I had to rebuild myself from the ground up—again.”

“You mentioned the Vegas crash—arguably one of the scariest moments of the season. How much did that affect you going forward?”

I swallowed, running my tongue along the inside of my cheek. “It’s weird because at the time, I was just focused on getting back in the car. I didn’t want to sit out, I didn’t want to give people a reason to doubt me. But looking back? I should’ve given myself more time. I was hiding injuries, pushing through pain I didn’t even fully understand. It wasn’t until after Abu Dhabi, when I finally went to a doctor, that I realized I had been racing with cracked ribs and a fractured forearm. That… that hit me hard. Not just because I knew I had been reckless with my own health, but because it made me realize just how much I feared losing my place here.”

“And now, even after proving yourself with a few Grand Prix wins, multiple podiums, and signing with Cadillac, you’re still facing uncertainty. How does that feel?”

I sighed, leaning back in my chair. “Yeah… it’s tough. I signed with Cadillac for 2026, which is exciting, but next year? I’m on loan with VCARB. It’s a temporary situation. There’s no telling how things will go, how I’ll fit into the team, how the car will perform. And then after that, I’m moving to a completely new team, a completely new project, which—don’t get me wrong—is an incredible opportunity, but also terrifying. I won’t have the stability that some of these other drivers have. I don’t get to settle in and build a team around me. I have to constantly prove myself, adapt, and just hope that everything works out.”

“Do you think about that often? The uncertainty of it all?”

I huffed out a laugh. “Every damn day. But that’s the sport, isn’t it? You never really know where you stand until half through the season. I just have to trust that I’m here for a reason.”

“You had a lot of support from fellow drivers this season, some of them clearly becoming very close to you. How much did that mean, especially in a year as chaotic as this one?”

I smiled at that, shaking my head slightly. “I don’t think I would’ve survived this season without them. Lando, Max, Lewis, Carlos, Franco—they all helped me in different ways. Max was like this overprotective older brother, always making sure I wasn’t pushing myself too hard, which—ironic, considering it’s Max Verstappen we’re talking about.” I laughed. “Lewis was there in a more subtle way, just letting me talk through things when I needed to. Carlos and Lando, well… they made sure I never took myself too seriously. And Franco… Franco understood in a way no one else could.”

“Speaking of Franco, He’s not on the grid next year, but you are. What is that like?”

I exhaled softly. “It is hard. Franco deserved a seat just as much as anyone else. He knows that. We have had a moment together where we both acknowledged that, no matter what happens, we’ll always support each other. But it’s bittersweet. I’m moving forward, but I don’t get to have him there with me next season. It’s just another reminder of how brutal this sport is.”

“Despite all of that, you still seem… excited.”

I let a small smirk tug at my lips. “I mean, yeah. It’s terrifying, but it’s also incredible. I get to drive a Formula 1 car for another season. I get to be part of the chaos. And, hey, if nothing else—at least Yuki and I are going to make VCARB’s social media team’s lives very entertaining next year.”

The interviewer chuckled. “That’s for sure. Final question—if you could say one thing to the version of yourself that started this season, what would it be?”

I sat with that for a moment, thinking. Then, with a slow, deep breath, I met the interviewer’s gaze.

“I’d tell her she should allow herself to lean on her friends more, to allow her grid family to help her when situations go downhill. But even when they get terrifyingly bad, she’s gonna get through it, after all, mama didn’t raise no bitch” I smiled mischeviously knowing that was the last question and while I had done well the entire time not swearing, the last word would have to be beeped for tv.

Pre-Season testing

My first partial season had long ended. The whirlwind of emotions, the battles on and off track, the celebrations, the heartbreaks—it had all been wrapped up into one chaotic, unforgettable year. And yet, as I stood there now, staring at the package in front of me, I realized it was only the beginning.

The VCARB garage was quieter than I had ever heard it. No roaring engines, no frantic radio chatter, just the distant hum of mechanics working in the background as the pre-season test wound down. Yuki had already disappeared somewhere—probably off to grab snacks or cause some minor chaos—and the crew had mostly filtered out, leaving just a handful of us behind.

I ran my fingers along the edge of the box, my name printed in bold letters on the lid. This was it. A new chapter. A new beginning. A new identity.

I glanced up at the lead designer, who gave me a small nod, encouraging me to lift the lid.

My heart pounded as I peeled back the protective wrap, the first glimpse of my brand-new helmet catching the dim garage light. I inhaled sharply, my fingers brushing over the surface, tracing the details I had agonized over for weeks. This wasn’t just a helmet. It was a statement. A promise.

A warning.

Something is coming.

I smiled to myself, feeling that familiar rush of adrenaline, that unwavering hunger for what came next.

The season was over.

But the story was far from finished.

[holocene-sims]

next // previous

october 3, 2021 2:00 p.m. morensong coffee house

[grant] thank you for meeting me so last minute.

[cerise] yeah, it’s no problem! actually, i'm glad we could do this sooner rather than later. this has been at the back of my mind for a while–the curiosity has–so when you texted me yesterday, i was, like, i need to know. i may be going out of town for a week, but i'll try to make room in the schedule for this before i leave.

[grant] are you traveling anywhere exciting?

[cerise] iceland. it’s a big family trip to celebrate my parents’ 20th anniversary. as in, my mom and my stepdad’s anniversary. i mean, he’s my real dad as far as i'm concerned, but technically my stepdad. i think you get what i mean, i don’t know why i'm over-explaining.

[grant] wow, that is exciting. well, i hope you guys have fun. i hear it’s just as gorgeous there as you think it is.

[cerise] anyway, thank you again for asking your–our, i guess; that’s still weird to say–dad some questions on my behalf. i'm sure that wasn’t easy.

[grant] i should warn you that it’s not necessarily a wealth of information.

[cerise] that’s okay.

[grant] there was a lot going on when i talked to him, and if there were other questions i could have asked…

[cerise] it’s okay.

[grant] i wouldn’t have been able to think of them, and now, uh, the line of communication is closed, so i can’t really go back and...

[cerise] i said it was okay, didn’t i?

[cerise] the basics are enough, and you already put yourself out for a stranger. if i want to know anything else, i'll find the right moment to get my my mom talk about what happened.

[grant] do you want me to just get right into it?

[cerise] whatever you prefer.

[grant] so, uh, essentially, my parents were attending a medical conference of some kind in detroit. they were still married then, but my dad was unhappy with the relationship. he met your mom at the conference, and then he had–as far as i'm aware–a one-night stand with her. she found out my dad already had a family, they agreed to not be in each other’s lives, and he paid her child support.

[grant] that’s what i know. i'm sure there’s more to it, but...

[grant] oh! right, “the more” is that there is a nonzero chance we have more siblings out there.

[cerise] huh.

[cerise] i'm almost surprised there isn’t more drama. that’s a pretty mundane story. a one-night stand with someone you know nothing about is the oldest story in the book.

[cerise] weird, i feel better now. my curiosity is sated. well, i am wondering how the affair even happened if your mom was right there and about the potential other children, but that’s a whole can of worms.

[grant] well, i'm glad you feel better.

[cerise] and the story does make sense. i always wondered if there was some big thing with the secrecy, but if it’s because your–our?–dad was a married man, i get it. my mom is a very good person with strong morals. i know her, and she would not want anything to do with someone if she were aware they were cheating and had a family, and she wouldn’t want me to have any business with them either.

[grant] she made the right decision to stay away. he’s unnecessary. your lives are a billion times better off without him. if you’re thinking, “how can he say that?” just trust me.

[cerise] i mean, i can’t be upset about it. i'm not sure what i potentially lost out on, but what i've had in life with my parents has been perfect or just about perfect, so i'm not going to question her choice.

[grant] you didn’t lose anything. not to say trust me again, but trust me.

[cerise] i'm sorry. this probably is far less of a flippant thing for you.

[grant] don’t worry about me. it’s all good.

[grant] i am just really glad you feel better, and i'm glad i could be of some use to you as well. it’s a lot easier to use me than your mom. i have never met her, but i'm guessing she’d prefer to just forget about all this stuff, and i hope she has.

[cerise] i was frustrated she wouldn’t tell me the truth, but i get it now. this may be a classic story, but it’s still, you know, an embarrassing one. if i found out my boyfriend were a married man tomorrow, i would melt into the floor and stay there.

[grant] anyway, i know we’ve been sitting here all of ten minutes, but i should let you go. once i finish drinking this coffee, i will get out of your hair. you have things to do–exciting things. go pack and travel and have fun and all that.

[cerise] hey, you don’t have to leave already!

[grant] no, i don’t want to take up your afternoon. at least no more than enough to tell you what you were waiting a few weeks to hear.

[cerise] i mean, i blocked out time to do that and talk to you generally for a bit.

[cerise] i don’t know how to go about all this, but i wasn’t planning on benefiting off your connection to your–our?–dad and then peacing out. i figured we could be acquainted, if nothing else.

[cerise] unless that’s too much for you, in which case, totally get it. no pressure. my existence must be weird for your mom and siblings. i'm assuming you have siblings.

[cerise] or maybe they don’t know. i also get it if you’re keeping this situation on the down-low. i can assure you that you’d not be alone in that. i'm not sure i could tell my parents right now that i know about my origins or that i've met my bio dad’s son. not yet.

[grant] definitely don’t do that before the big anniversary trip. but no, don’t worry about that either. i don’t have siblings. not anymore. and my mom...let’s not even go there. there’s nothing to worry about on those fronts.

[grant] it’s not that it’s too much, basically. i have zero problems with you, and i have no family left who would have a problem with you either, so.

[grant] i just don’t want to be in your way, not today or at any point in the future, and i will be. you don’t need my dad around; you don’t really need me either.

[cerise] i don’t care if you are, honestly. you are my brother. that feels weird to say, but you are, and you haven’t done anything wrong. i'd like to know my brother.

[cerise] this is maybe the only regretful, i don’t know if that’s the right word, part of all the secrecy and the way i came to be. i get along with my step-siblings. what’s wrong with getting along with the half-siblings? or half-sibling?

[grant] i should have also warned you i'm kind of in a dour mood entirely because of my dad. sorry. not because of you or this whole thing, though, to be clear.

[grant] i wanted to meet to get all this off my mind so i have no other reason to think about him, hopefully, for the rest of my life. i'll be in a more conversational mood soon-ish, once i'm done thinking about him.

[grant] this is going to make me wishy-washy. i don’t want to be in your way; i don’t want to be a source of awkwardness in your family if they ever know you know me, but…

[grant] okay. i wouldn’t mind getting along with my half-sibling. maybe we could meet up when you have time again.

[cerise] yeah, i'll text you. i might be busy for a while with work when i'm back from my trip, but…

[grant] text me anytime. we’ll figure it out.

[vestaclinicpod]

Audio Drama Sunday - 2nd February ✨

I feel like I’ve had such an audio drama-filled week, it’s been so nice 🥺

🦋 @remnantspod (26) Hoooo boy. Listening to this one before work was certainly a Choice!! I found the exploration of how disability affects people around you in ways you can’t control and may feel guilt about something really valuable to explore. My wife had a big operation and needed a wheelchair for a while last year and it was something that came up for us, but I’ve never seen it explored in audio drama! 

And, of course, we hit again this idea of unfulfilled potential - the typewriter  that was never used. The scenes with Sir and the Apprentice were very interesting…The idea of it being safe to give the apprentice information because he ‘won’t last’ made me wince. Also I’m back on my angel Peter BS, I think Sir is actually meant to be judging ‘the apprentice’. The Apprentice seemed not to fear the ‘dust’ when he’s seen it. But I don’t know how to feel about something that can make Sir beg… 

🎃 Waiting For October by @monkeymanproductions (4) hello, I am here to give my life for Frederick! 😻 I really loved the train gremlins, for some reason they really reminded me of the film Labyrinth but I don’t know why! Poor Karo, every part of this trip is bringing up so much for her. 

🧋 @hinaypod (33-34) I’ve listened to so much Hi Nay this week as the episodes were split into parts. I finally hit the bit where Murphy has to make an awful decision, but I’m yet to see the consequences! The fear death books make for some incredibly spooky tales! Hearing the house-sitter story from both perspectives was particularly chilling! I think these episodes have highlighted how much they need Mari around!! Also, I definitely missed the part where Laura and CJ got together officially! Good for u, girls!! ALSO, the idea that The Benefactor actually tried to split the power equally and is/was only going after people who tried to hoard power is verrrry interesting. In my head, he’s been set up as the Big Bad but it seems like there’s more to it than that! 

🍾 @ameliapodcast (43-46) what a great start to the season! I’m a little bit terrified by Kozlowski, and a little bit in love with him. I don’t know what is happening to my dear Interviewer, but I need a solution fast!! 

🌨️ @thewhitevault (17) Ohhh Dragana!!! She has been affected!! I had no doubt that she would be able to get them out of Goshawk safely. . . but now I do! And ugh, the scene where you hear the woman’s voice go repeat the cry for help at a different door is just awful! I love seeing the grípralviðr in action! It’s been so interesting to get a proper look behind the curtain at how the families operate through the eyes of someone who it’s all kind-of new to as well! 

🌵 @desertskiespodcast (12) Songs? Sung ✅ Astral Plane? Saved ✅ Tears? SHED!!! I was having a lovely old time listening to this episode until the new little passenger turned on the old lacrimal hosepipe. I’ve absolutely loved this season and I’ve only heard good things about what’s to come! 

I can’t tell you how excited I am for the return of @hellofromthehallowoods this week. Get me back to those black pines, please! I have missed you so much 🖤

[melodymunson]

stranger things to do list chapters 7 & 8

6.7K words

chapter 7 Billy Hargrove x fem reader

chapter 8 Eddie Munson x fem reader

masterlist

ao3 link

wattpad link

Chapter 7

Loss of virginity, vaginal sex, sex with a condom, aftercare

Thrill me, chill me, fulfill me.

Reader goes on a date with Billy and loses her virginity.

Another week went by with you working as a lifeguard and some shifts with Steve and Billy. Even though Heather was there, she mainly kept to herself instead of embarrassing you. Barb and Nancy visited you at the pool one day during your shift. When you were on your lifeguard tower one day looking through magazines with Nancy and Barb, you noticed Steve and Billy staring while you sucked on a red, white, and blue popsicle.

It must be the sexy Polaroid pictures you left in their lockers. Steve had been taking you on dates a bit nothing special, but he paid. Billy and Steve were both charming, but you had your eyes set on Billy. Steve and you had been hooking up. The occasional oral, more hand jobs for him, and even 69’ing. You weren’t a couple though, and didn’t label the relationship.

Billy being the cocky guy he was, walked over to you during your break and put his hand on your shoulder.

“I was thinking we should go on a date. Just you and me, doll. A night out doing whatever you want.”

“How about the drive-in movies? I would love to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen.”

“Hmm, so this Saturday maybe I can pick you up? I know girls can’t resist my Camaro.”

He was right. His car was a Chevy and sleek. You would be the luckiest girl at that drive-in.

“Well, how about after? Maybe see where the night takes us or we could do something. If there’s drinking, it might not be a good idea for us to drive.”

“I like how you think. Sneak in booze and drink a bit. Let's play it by ear though.”

You reached out touching his biceps and squeezing it admiring the skull tattoo on his shoulder.

“Pick me up at 8 then, Billy.”

The rest of the week, you pick the best outfit and decide on your makeup. There was no way you could go to your place after the date. Heather would be around. The week after, you would have the place to yourself while your family was camping with the neighbors.

If Billy asked you to have sex with him, you would be sure to be safe and ready. Condoms and of course, clean STI/STD tests. Going out one day you bought protection, being sure to have lube and condoms, not wanting to be without. Just in case Billy didn’t bring any along. But what if he didn’t like virgins…

Steve soon found out you were going out with Billy and you just hoped he wasn’t too jealous. Throughout the summer, you have spent some of your best days with your friends and at the pool. It was finally happening though, and you could be with Billy. As far as a relationship was concerned, you would just take your time with that.

The day of the date Heather was lurking in the hallway as you were getting ready and doing your makeup. You dressed up for the occasion and go as Magenta for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Complete with the dress, apron, tights, and red wig, you did your makeup just like Magenta. Heather came into your room just as you were spraying some perfume and putting on lotion.

“What do you want Heather?”

“I don't like that tone you are taking with me. I just wanted to say you’ve come a long way. Even if we aren't biological sisters, I still care about you, alright? Just be careful.”

She had a point. Heather had her moments of being an overprotective sister, after all. She meant well though, and you couldn't possibly be upset with her. Even though she got on your nerves and even though you fought, sometimes she was still your sister for better or for worse.

“Thanks, Heather. I mean sis.”

“By the way, for what it's worth, you look great and Billy is a really lucky guy.”

Billy showed up about a half hour later in his Camaro and you were getting even more excited. Hopefully, he would like your outfit and makeup. He rang the bell and you answered. Billy was wearing ripped jeans, black boots, and a button-up black long-sleeved shirt. He also smelled of a nice cologne that was most likely sandalwood.

“Missed you, Billy. I can't wait for our date.”

“Well, you won't have to miss me any longer.”

Now in his car, he turned on the radio, and the familiar sound of Judas Priest's painkiller blasted through the speakers. You were handed flowers from him beautiful dozen red roses. Billy eyed you as he drove and he was just glad to be there, putting his hand on your thigh and squeezing it. The car ride there was nice, and you loved his taste in music.

“I forgot to mention just how beautiful you are tonight in that outfit. It's so amazing you did your best to be Magenta.”

“Ready to do the time warp with your Magenta then tonight, Billy?” You asked with a chuckle.

“Damn right, I am, doll.”

Soon you were at the drive-in paying your entry fees and then picked a space in the middle of the drive-in parking lot. Lots of people were there, and it was dark now. The movie's opening trailers were starting. Billy rolled down the windows slightly to bring in some fresh air.

“So you wanna get some snacks, maybe? My treat. Whatever you want.”

He took out his wallet and gave you a twenty.

“Thanks, Billy. I’ll get popcorn, sodas, candy. Anything else?”

“Sounds good doll. Whatever you want, like I said, I’m good for it.”

When you stood in line to get your snacks, you noticed there was Karen there with Ted. You wanted to tell her off. All these years of knowing she wanted to put the moves on Billy. All that was stopping her was probably her husband. With him around, though, it was pointless to make a scene. Once you got your Sour Patch Kids, red vines, and popcorn with extra butter and a little salt, you filled up your sodas at the self-serve station with a Dr. Pepper and a cherry Coke.

“Billy, I’m back,” you told him joyously as you got to his car.

Billy opened your door for you and you got in with the tray. Deciding not to tell him about the encounter with Karen you would just enjoy the night instead. She was not worth the energy.

“Well, doll, this looks great. Movies starting.”

Billy leaned over and kissed you. When the opening song sequence started, you sang along and ate some popcorn drinking your Dr Pepper as Billy drank some cherry coke. He added a bit of vodka to each of your sodas and put a finger to his lips as he laughed softly.

By the time they had made it to the sequence of Meatloaf's last scene, you and Billy had finished devouring the popcorn and were working on the candy as he sang along to Meatloaf's part. Being close to him like this and having a date night was something you imagined happening, even in your wildest dreams. He knew every word of every song, and it was like he was your perfect match.

“Billy, I think tonight has been wonderful,” you told him excitedly as you leaned on close leaning your head against his shoulder, lacing your fingers with his, and holding hands.

“Me too, sweetheart. It's been great. The movie, the snacks, but you the most.”

Both of you were done with your liquor sodas now and feeling the buzz. It was great to be drinking and spending time with Billy enjoying the movie. Of all the guys in town, Billy had his certain charm and charisma. Sure, Eddie and Steve were great, but Billy was, too. As Frank N Furter was singing about returning to his home planet again, you and Billy were moving to the beat and singing a bit wasted but feeling good.

The movie got better with every watch but seeing it at the cinemas instead of on VHS was just a different feeling. Nothing could compare to watching a movie on a big screen. Billy was the life of the party usually, and tonight was no different for him. In a way, he had stolen your heart. Of anyone you could be with tonight, you were so glad it was with Billy.

“Princess, you wanna go somewhere after this?”

“I don't think you should drive Billy. How about a nearby hotel?” You suggested trying to sound alluring as you put your hand on his thigh squeezing it.

Billy's lips crashed against yours and pulled you onto his lap, pinning you down and growling.

“Fuck. Sounds like the best idea ever.”

You took some condoms out of your pocket showing him you had protection.

“I have some too in my wallet, but not here.”

“Billy, I'm a virgin,” you admitted.

“I figured as much. I haven't been with anyone in about a month. I’ll show you clean tests.”

Reaching into his glove compartment he pulled the papers out letting you look at them as he lit up a cigarette and inhaled slowly blowing the smoke outside the window. As you looked through the papers, you nodded. He was honest, which was a good thing, and he was clean.

“I’ve done stuff though, and I got tested recently.”

You took out the papers from your purse showing him. Billy glanced at them and nodded, smiling. The movie would soon be over and no doubt as the credits rolled, a big crowd would be trying to leave the outdoor theater grounds. As the last song started, you made a suggestion.

“Now we should go to that hotel.”

Billy nodded, planning to pick a nice hotel. Somewhere upscale for his date and girl, not some dinky motel room. Typically, Billy wouldn’t be with virgins, but he had strong feelings toward you. As Billy drove, you sang along to the song Painkiller by Judas Priest called Touch of Evil. There wasn't much talking as Billy drove, but the feeling of excitement was palpable in the air.

When he parked he opened your door, going with you to get a room paying for the night, and getting the keys. Soon you were in the hotel room with Billy. Deciding to bring inside the red roses he had gotten for you earlier, you took them to the bed putting some rose petals on it, and then taking some to the bathroom.

“Billy, can we take a bath first?”

“Of course, beautiful.”

As you filled the tub you put some rose petals into the water and some bubble bath before removing your wig. You felt grateful to be there with him and you had even brought some sexy lingerie with you, wanting to wear it for him tonight. The hotel room was nice and even better than you expected it to be. When the tub was full you sunk into the water with Billy getting into the water soon after.

“This feels nice, Billy so warm and relaxing and I’m so glad to be here with you.”

“Me too. I like your company and we are good together, I think. The movie was fun.”

As Billy washed you up you sighed happily, closing your eyes. The soap smelled like French vanilla. He was tender with you and washed you up nicely. He was the best and just a true romantic at heart. Most people in Hawkins had the wrong idea about Billy. Even if you didn’t see him again after tonight, you wouldn’t regret this or anything with him.

“I think everything with you is fun, Billy. Now I want to wash you.”

“That's a great idea, doll.”

Billy had such a beautiful body and physique. His cock was so big, veiny, and girthy. You washed his upper body first taking your time with the wash cloth and making sure he enjoyed every moment of this bath.

“Your hands are so nice. I’m glad you came here with me. It was a pleasant surprise and you wanted to come here. No complaints, though.”

“Thank you, Billy. I just wanted to spend some quality time alone, and at least we can be alone here.”

Billy nodded and gasped as you reached his legs your hand brushing over his cock before you washed it too making him buck his hips and groan softly. After you finished washing him, you leaned against his chest relaxing in the water. When the water was lukewarm, you got out to dry off and give him a good view of your ass.

“Let's just relax and watch a little TV maybe,” Billy suggested as you were all dried off now and brushing your teeth.

“Maybe we could find a movie on TV.”

As you went to the bed, you bounced on it, feeling happy as he turned on the TV. You went to your purse getting out the pink and purple trim lingerie with material made of silk and lace. Billy eyed you as you put it on and he settled on the movie Caligula. There was an orgy unfolding on screen, and to say you were intrigued was an understatement. The movie starred Malcolm Mcdowell and Helen Mirren but some parts were downright pornographic.

“You look so sexy wearing that, gorgeous,” Billy boasted as he removed his towel and got into bed.

The sheets were soft and you were glad everything looked clean. Turning on the bedside lamp to a low setting, you cuddled in next to Billy trying to enjoy the movie. Billy leaned in kissing you as another sex scene unfolded on screen.

"Billy, I want you to fuck me. Get the condoms," you requested, sounding desperate.

"My needy little thing. You want me to fuck you, huh? I love the sound of that."

He took out a condom and unwrapped it with his teeth before tossing the wrapper aside. He stroked himself trying to get hard.

"I'll help with that."

You straddled his leg and sucked the tip of his cock and then kissed along his shaft. He hissed as your mouth was on his cock.

"Sit on my face, doll," he commanded as he grabbed your ass, squeezing it.

You positioned yourself so you were straddling his face. He moved the lingerie slip up your body so he could get good access to your pussy. Wasting no time he went to work fingering and sucking your clit as you bobbed your head on his cock making him gasp and work in sync to get each other off.

"Mm, fuck doll your mouth is perfect. Such a good girl for me," Billy praised you in between licks and thrusts with his fingers inside.

As your warm mouth pleased him, Billy felt like he was in pure heaven and he knew if he kept going like this much longer with you then he wouldn't last as long. He slapped your ass as you took him as deep as you could, mouth-watering. Your pussy clenched his fingers and tongue as he ate you out, causing you to make lewd noises around his cock.

"I want you to fuck me now, doll."

You popped off his cock and maneuvered so you were hovering above his cock, condom in hand now, wrapping it around his thick shaft. Once it was on, you sank onto his cock slowly, inch by agonizing inch until he was filling you up to the hilt.

"Oh fuck, Billy, you are so big."

Your first time fucking a man and you were on top. No less with Billy Hargrove. It was all you wanted and pure bliss.

"Mm baby, you feel so tight. Fuck, I love this pussy already."

Billy's lips clashed against yours as he let you adjust to him fully. Giving him no warning you thrust yourself on his cock and bit his lips as he ferally grunted and you moaned against his lips- tongues tangling and you tugged on his wavy locks of hair as you looked deeply into his gorgeous blue eyes.

“I love your big cock. Billy fuck me harder please!” You pleaded to want him to fuck you as he pleased.

“Anything for you, babe.”

Billy was thrusting his hips establishing a steady pace as he filled you to the brim with his cock his balls slapping erratically as he grabbed your hips tightly. You pleased yourself by using your fingers and rubbing harsh circles on your clit. Fucking him felt sensual and as your tongue wrapped around his cock, gasps escaped his mouth and your lips elicited airy groans of pure bliss causing Billy to bounce you faster on his cock.

“Oh fuck yes, Billy, give me that big cock!” You seductively moaned as he gave into your desires and request picking the pace up his hands now on your ass kneading it as you sucked on his neck causing him to growl in animalistic fury.

Now that your wish to fuck Billy and lose your virginity to him was coming true, you were intending on making this one of the best sexual awakenings. The TV was still on but neither of you was paying any attention as you fucked each other senseless. Embracing passionately and being skin-on-skin. Even with the condom as a barrier, his cock felt incredible inside and you could feel it in your belly.

You had never moaned this loudly before or cried out like Billy was making you and you were feeling like you were on top of the world. The pain had lessened from him being inside and like the perfect gentleman, Billy got you wet with foreplay before fucking you. Telling people in the future you had lost your virginity to Billy and fucked him hard was going to be a story you would tell for a long time.

“Yeah, that's right. Gonna fuck this pussy until you cum. Baby, I’m getting close. Fuck! Please tell me you are too.” He grunted as he slowed his thrusts, trying to draw out his impending orgasm wanting to prolong it until you came first.

Closing your eyes you basked in the sensations of his cock and your fingers as you kept up a steady rubbing on your‌ sensitive clit. Panting and holding onto the bed rail, you made the bed shake with your movements on top pinning him to the bed. He pistoned his hips and gyrated running his fingers over your erect nipples, pinching them and earning pretty cries from your lips.

“Yes, Billy I’m gonna cum!” You keened as you tilted your head back and scratched his chest leaving imprints with your nails.

Billy’s kisses stifled your cries as he spanked your clit and fucked into you harder, causing waves of orgasm to wash over you. He maneuvered so you were underneath him, wrapping your legs around him as his balls became full of cum and his cock leaked pre-cum inside the condom. Any moment now he would cum and you couldn’t wait to have all his cum.

“Where should I cum?”

“Over my chest. Please!” You whined.

Billy thrust three more times before pulling out and removing the condom stroking his cock as he painted your chest, tits, and nipples with his seed. Reaching for Kleenex, he cleaned you up and lay down next to you for cuddles.

“Thank you Billy for my first time.”

“You got it doll.”

You fell asleep enraptured in his arms soon after.

You wanted to go over to Nancy’s and tell her the good news. She would be so happy for you to lose your virginity. When she lost hers, she was over the moon about it. Barb was surely at Nancy’s already since you had a movie night to see the newest John Hughes movie, Pretty In Pink. Arriving at Nancy’s you were greeted by Karen.

“Hi, Karen.”

“Excuse me what did you call me?”

“Karen. That's your name, isn't it? Look, I know you have had a thing for Billy for a while now. I know your game and what you are up to. Stay away from him and stay away from the Hawkins pool. He's mine.”

“I don't know what you are talking about.”

“I’m trying to play nice but you have a family and kids. If you don't want them to know about how you feel about Billy, then back off.”

With a startled look on her face, she stood there baffled before you marched off into Nancy’s room. She could think what she wanted. Let her think you had sex with Billy. Maybe she didn't know and thought you hadn't fucked him. Either way, you were so beyond done with her.

Now in Nancy’s room, you saw Barb and Nance spread out on the bed with snacks, watching previews for the movie. Sitting down in between them you grabbed some popcorn and a Dr. Pepper.

“So how was your time with Chrissy and Robin last weekend?” Barb asked curiously.

“It was nice, but I finally slept with Billy. He asked me out to the movies, then we did it at a hotel.”

“That's a big deal. You feel any different now?” Barb asked curiously as Nancy looked at you with wide eyes.

“It was good. It hurt at first, but I liked it.”

“Okay but what about with Robin and Chrissy did anything happen?” Nancy demanded.

You crossed your arms getting defensive with her now.

“I hooked up with them. We had a threesome.”

Barb looked a bit shocked as Nancy’s expression turned glum.

“Are you kidding me? I thought I told you I had feelings for Robin,” Nancy spat out bitterly.

“That was over a year ago. You are with Jonathan,” you shot back.

Nancy rolled her eyes and glared at you.

“Don't take that tone with me. You know what you should leave. You broke the girl code.”

Getting up you looked to Barb who looked down on the floor after she mouthed ‘sorry.’

“Fine, I’ll leave.”

“I just don't want to see you right now,” Nancy told you with a huff.

You got up to leave, with Barb following behind you. Out of earshot now, you looked at her with anger in your eyes.

“Just give Nance some time to calm down. She’ll get over it.”

“I hope.”

You hugged each other before you left making sure to flip Karen off on your way out.

Chapter 8 Eddie Munson x fem reader Let's put the x in sex.

Nsfw warnings: anal play, rimming, usage of toys, strap-on, pegging, anal sex.

After you go out with Eddie to a barbeque, you end the night with some fun at your place. Eddie suggests you try something new and have a night filled with passion and new firsts.

The next week, you spent home relaxing, working, and staying away from Nancy. You didn’t want to pursue Robin, but Nancy didn’t care. Barb had called to tell you that Nancy and Jonathan had broken up. If she wouldn't apologize, then you wouldn’t either.

Karen had stopped showing up at the local pool, which was fine with you. You would talk to Billy and Steve at the pool sometimes, but you didn’t go on any more dates with them. Eddie was your next pursuit, and you couldn’t wait to be with him on a date soon. He promised to play a new song for you– acoustic– at an upcoming town barbeque.

The day of the bbq, you got ready and hoped there wouldn’t be any weird tension if Barb and Nancy were there. It would be nice to see Eddie, though. Eddie was meeting you there, and you dressed nice but comfortable. You chose a black leather skirt, a Corroded Coffin tank top, and platform boots with a black denim battle jacket.

Once you complete your look with platform red heels and fishnets, you put on makeup: smokey eyeshadow and eyeliner, black lipstick. Eddie wouldn’t know what hit him. Earlier that week, you had bought more toys at the sex store, including a strap-on, since you had so much fun using it with Robin and Chrissy.

What Eddie didn’t know yet was that you were anal training and had already gone up another size with your butt plugs. Not only that, but you had bought glass and rubber dildos of bigger sizes and you used them on your ass. You could even get yourself off and cum just by anal penetration.

When you arrived at the barbeque, you got cold water and met up with Eddie. When you found him by his van, he was smoking a cigarette. Embracing you in a hug you breathed in his scent. Soon you had plates of food, including ribs, steak, potato salad, and pasta salad. For dessert, there would be s’mores.

He looked so sexy wearing his cutoff ripped black jeans, a Metallica tank top, and combat boots. Eddie always knew how to look heavy metal. And his Dio vest was present like usual, one of his favorite battle jackets.

“I’m glad you came, sweetheart. I’m just glad I can see a familiar face. My friends bailed on me.”

“Me too Eddie. I’m not friends with Nancy at the moment. Don’t ask though. It's a long story and she and Jonathan broke up recently.”

“That sucks. Well, I’m sorry to hear that.”

He ate some pasta salad and wiped his mouth with a napkin as you opted to eat some potato salad. The food was good, and the town barbeque was off to a good start and would be a big hit with the townsfolk. There were burning questions on your mind but you would ask Eddie them when the time was right.

“I’m okay, Eddie. I wish I had my best friend again. Barb’s been great though.”

“I understand. Look, you are amazing and Nancy will come to her senses.”

He reached out taking your hand in his and kissing your knuckles. The way he touched you and looked at you with his doe-brown eyes practically made you melt on the spot. Weeks ago you had his dick in your mouth and now you were enjoying a bbq together.

You finished your food with small talk and then got the supplies for making s’mores just as it got dark. The night would hopefully only get better, and Eddie was being so nice. You couldn't help but look at his ringed fingers as he twirled the marshmallow over the open campfire.

“You roast marshmallows pretty well princess.”

“Thanks, Eddie. I try.”

He put his arm around your shoulder as you roasted your marshmallows to golden brown and blew out the flame. You arranged the graham crackers and the chocolate on your plate and made your s’more. Trying it you chewed thoughtfully. Eddie tried it and was licking his lips after a big bite.

“You have some on your face, Eddie!” You playfully joked before licking it off.

Eddie smiled pulling you in for a gooey and chocolate s’more filled kiss. Your tongues tangled and when you broke free of the kiss, breathless. You continued to eat your s’mores hand-feeding each other. The joy didn’t last any longer because you saw Nancy there with Robin flirting shamelessly as they drank from their blue solo cups.

“Nancy’s here. Great.”

Eddie looked up and frowned.

“What do you say we get out of here?”

“I won't possibly object to that, Eddie.”

He took your hand leading you to his van. Once you were inside, he started his engine and the familiar sound of Corroded Coffin's new song Apocalyptic came on.

“Where to, sweetheart?”

“My house. I have the place all to myself tonight.”

Eddie leaned over kissing you again and squeezed your thigh.

“Sounds perfect.”

He began the drive to your place as the moon and stars came out in full view in the near distance. Hopefully, he'd play his acoustic guitar for you tonight. You wanted nothing more than that.

“You gonna play your guitar for me, metalhead?”

“Of course, sweetheart. I can't wait to.”

He put the pedal to the metal to arrive at your place sooner, making you giggle. Soon he arrived parking in your driveway and turning off the engine. Once you got inside, he brought his guitar to your couch as you turned on a lamp and sat next to him.

As Eddie strummed his guitar tuning it up, you leaned in close and kissed him. He soon started playing Apocalyptic, and you were all smiles as he put all his passion and everything he had into one of his favorite Corroded Coffin songs. His voice was incredible, and the instrumental parts were just as good. His fingers and rings as he played the notes looked so strong and you admired his movements on the fretboard.

“Eddie, you are amazing!”

“Thanks, sweetheart.”

He kissed you pulling gently on the guitar pick necklace he had gifted you. His fingers twined with yours, his finger brushing lightly over the mood ring he had given you that you were wearing on your middle finger. You hadn't taken it off since he put it on you that night at Hawkins Pool after the concert.

“Wanna take a shower?” You suggested.

“Hell yeah.”

Getting up you made your way to the shower with Eddie turning on the warm water and undressing before getting in slowly. The water felt amazing, and you were all over Eddie kissing and touching him, grabbing your chest and you grabbed his cock as you teasingly jerked him off with the washcloth. Getting on your knees you finished washing him before he washed you.

“Mm, that feels so good, Eddie. I want to do something different tonight.”

“Different how? I’m up for almost anything.”

“Anal. I want you to be my first for that, if you are clean, I mean.”

He was on his knees cleaning your pussy and ass as he looked up at you with wide doe eyes.

“I am. I would like to be your first for that.”

Standing up, he kissed you and grabbed your ass, kneading your cheeks.

“Yeah? Great. I also wanted to know if you would be interested in pegging.”

“I could try. Believe it or not, I haven’t tried that yet.”

Eddie shrugs nonchalantly as you smile, a wicked grin on your face. He was so sexy. Eddie didn’t even have to try, he just was. Turning off the water you grabbed a towel and dried off, wiggling your ass and bent over for him.

“Shit sweetheart, stop teasing me. Do you mean you have a strap-on?”

“I bought one recently, and it's rubber, also purple.”

“Let's try it. Guess it's only fair if I fuck your ass, then you fuck mine.”

He chuckled softly as he dried off and shook his head like a wet dog as he dried his wavy locks with a small towel. You brushed your hair and batted your lashes at him as you looked into the mirror. Eddie came up from behind you wrapping his arms around you and squeezing you tightly to him with his towel still wrapped around his waist.

“I’ll show you my toys. Come on.”

Taking his hand you led him to your room, lit some vanilla candles, and turned on the lamp close to your bed. You opened your top drawer revealing condoms, lube, and your collection of toys including your anal training kit of butt plugs.

“I’m up to the largest butt plug size now.”

“I’m impressed, princess. The strap-on looks great. I’d say 8 inches.”

“It is. I want to fuck you first if that's okay.”

Eddie looked happily surprised as his cheeks turned red. Removing the towel he wrapped it over your door and walked back over to you.

“Should I get down on all fours?”

“Yes. And I want you to get all lubed up for me.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He teased as he gave you a salute.

With Eddie's face down and ass up, you got out the lube and rubbed it over the strap-on cock, getting it ready for him. Putting on gloves you put lube on the fingers and entered his ass. Eddie shivered in anticipation as you filled him up with three fingers and moved them inside.

“Oh, fuck yes, that feels magnificent.”

“Your ass is so tight.”

Noticing his cock hardening you smiled with delight. Soon satisfied, you threw the gloves away into your trash can and lined the fake cock up at his entrance.

“You ready Eddie?”

“Yes. Fuck me, please.”

You wanted nothing more than to fuck his ass and enter him. Eddie wanted it badly, and his ass was gorgeous. Even though you weren’t together, you were having fun with whatever it was you were to each other. Not having a label on it was fine too, as long as you were enjoying yourself and Eddie, for that matter, nothing else was important.

Tapping the fake cock as his ass’s entrance you teased his puckered hole with it. His entrance was slick from the lube you used with your gloved fingers, and his ass was yours for the taking.

“Stop teasing me, sweetheart. Please stop.”

“I’ll give it to you good, Eddie.” You promised him as you slide into him.

“Fuck yes, keep going!”

Bottoming out inside of Eddie you fucked him slowly going at a nice steady pace. Eddie groaned at you and gripped the bed sheets below him tightly. Putting your foot on the bed to get a better angle you pounded into his ass as he stroked his cock.

“Oh shit magnificent!” Eddie boasted, crying out and looking back at you.

“Tell me how sexy I look pounding your ass, Eddie.” You ordered him as he looked into the big vanity mirror you had watching you fuck him and watching you thrust away, your breasts swinging and bouncing as you claimed his ass as yours.

“You look sexy, princess. So hot.”

He stroked his cock to full hardness, and his cock was a work of art. Already you were looking forward to your turn and having Eddie fuck your ass for the first time. It would be sexy as hell and erotic. Everything you wanted and imagined, but even more.

“Oh, fuck Eddie, your ass is so tight!” You praised him loving what a good boy he was for you as you listened to his pretty gasps as he stroked his cock.

“Yes, I love you riding my ass and mounting me!”

You rubbed his prostate massaging it as you thrust harder into him. Eddie’s cock looked so beautiful and you were having the time of your life fucking him. If he asked you to do this again in the future, you wouldn’t object.

“Yes, so good for me. I bet you want to fuck me too though, huh, get inside my ass with your hard cock as your balls get heavy with cum and your cock leaks pre-cum.” You teased him and slapped his nice peach ass and fucking him harder before stopping abruptly inside him.

“Yes, please, I need it. My cock is aching to fuck you. Please!” He begged as you massaged his balls and continued your ministrations on his prostate, giving him pleasure there.

After more lingering moments of fucking his ass, you stopped again and pulled out. Changing positions with Eddie on the bed you reached for your favorite glass dildo with a pink heart on the end of it handing it to him.

“Mm, I can’t wait to use that on you. Can I eat your ass out too, sweetheart?”

“Sur,e Eddie. I’d love to have you do that to me.”

He spread your legs wide, mouth watering as he spread your puckered hole and inserted his tongue. Kneeling on the floor he licked your hole soon going deep and good inside your puckered entrance. It felt incredible and the sensations were some of the best you had ever felt. Tugging his air as he feasted upon your ass you let out the prettiest sounds of pleasure.

“Oh yes, Eddie fuck! Use my toy please!”

Eddie licked your hole for a few long lingering moments, then wiped his mouth and replaced his tongue with the glass dildo.

“You taste amazing. This ass is incredible, princess.”

He gave your ass a good smack as he moved the toy in and out of your tight hole, your ass clenching it like your life depended on it as Eddie watched with rapt fascination. Knowing he was making you feel good brought him so much joy.

“Oh fuck yea! Fuck that ass with the toy! Do it just like that!” You squealed as his rapid thrusts with the toy became faster.

Reaching for some unscented lube, you handed it to Eddie and a bottle of oil.

“This tight hole is so amazing, baby girl. I want to fuck it so bad.”

Stroking himself as he pushed the toy a few more times into your asshole, he took it out and soon oiled up your ass and added some lube to his fingers, inserting them and moved them inside you at a rapid pace.

“Oh, fuck!”

“Yeah, you like that, you dirty girl?!” He chided you before spanking your ass hard.

His cock was rock hard and he was desperate to fuck your tight entrance, not being able to contain himself much longer.

“Yes, I want your cock though. Fuck my little ass!”

“Fuck yes!”

Eddie unwrapped a nearby ribbed for her pleasure condom wrapper taking it out and putting it onto his cock. He teased your entrance tapping his cock against it. Positioning yourself so that you were on all fours now and face down, ass up, Eddie grabbed your hips and positioned himself at your entrance.

“Ready for me, sweetheart?”

“Yes, Eddie. Fuck me!”

“With pleasure.”

Eddie filled you up slowly inch by agonizing inch. He let you get adjusted to his cock and your tight hole clamped down hard around it wanting to take every inch of his beautiful, big cock.

“Oh fuck! Such a dirty girl for me.”

“Fuck me already!”

He smacked your ass and fucked into you slowly, making sure you could get adjusted to it and wanted you to enjoy this experience. Making it memorable and giving you pleasure was his main goal. As he rammed into your ass you fingered your clit, moaning and riding him hard as he picked up his pace a little.

“Oh shit, this ass is too fucking good!” He boasted, slapping your ass and fucking you even harder.

“Yes, fuck me! Fuck me!”

Your sounds of pleasure grew louder as he pounded your ass, his balls slapping against it. His smacks on your ass stung a little and the feeling of his cock inside your ass took some adjusting to, but even with this intense pressure, it was enjoyable still. Fingering your clit felt even better heightening the sensations combined with the feeling of your ass being full.

“So fucking tight, love your ass, my dirty slut. Fuck yes! Clenches around my cock perfectly. It's the best!” He boasted groaning as he pistoned his hips, fucking you hard.

As his balls slapped against your ass and he pounded away, he left marks on your hips as he held tightly onto them almost hard enough to leave a mark. His cock was addicting and you could barely contain yourself as you moaned louder than you ever have in your life from the intense thrusts and the way he fucked your ass senseless.

“Yeah, I’m your little fucking slut! Fuck yes!” You cried out beautifully for him as you brought yourself to the edge with your fingers.

“Oh fuck, I’m gonna cum my slutty princess. Where do you want it?” Eddie moaned rutting into you with reckless abandon his balls heavy with cum.

“On my ass.”

Eddie’s thrusts slowed as his cock twitched and he pulled out of your puckered hole, admiring how pink and pretty your ass truly was. Removing the condom he threw it into the trash and edged himself, stroking his cock and cumming all over your ass, painting it white with his cum. Eddie collapsed next to you holding you close.

“You feel alright, sweetheart?”

“I’m fine Eddie. I loved that. Let's get cleaned up soon. Do you want to stay the night?”

“Of course, beautiful.”

And stay the night he did. It was a nice bath together and you had the best time with him. He cuddled you to sleep being the big spoon. You hoped you could do it again soon.

@eddiemunson-reader-shame @ali-r3n @seatnights @mediocredreams @quinnyficsy

@stranger-things-mania @mrprettywhenhecries @langdonss @kelseyaparker19 @skatazz

@trashmouth-richie @micheledawn1975 @leelei1980 @scarlet-bitch @thepurplelovewitch

@keikoraven @stolen-in-moonlight @lovelythoughtfulcupcake

[riddle-me-fear]

Hey! Question for you both; how's it goin' being "just roommates?"

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Correction: housemates. Sometimes flatmates, depends on where we are. Actually, for simplicity's sake, we could call ourselves just "mates".

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Reminds me of a lil somethin' along the lines of "I have ya in check and soon I'll be mating ya".

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

You will never let that one go, will you?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Naht unless ya wipe it from ma memory.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Oh, don't give me ideas. Anyway, I'm not quite sure how to answer that question. We're quite open about our relationship, so we're clearly not "just roommates". Unless that is your way of asking how our relationship is going. In which case, it's going well!

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Goin' well, all thin's considered.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Hey, we did talk about marriage just yesterday.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Which is neva goin' ta happen. Naht with yer big idea of a weddin' anyway, compulsively needin' it to be a gigantic spectacle goin' down in da history o' Gotham. Naht ta mention, ya wanna invite Bruce Wayne fo' cryin' out loud!

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Obviously! He's practically part of the family at this point, a distant uncle, or cousin, if you will. Imagine how furious he'd be if he found out we were getting married and he wasn't invited to the wedding. If I were him, I'd surely be absolutely fuming.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Oh I'm sure. Betcha wanna invite da entire bat family ova too.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Well, Babs and I are basically besties at this point, I would never hear the end of it if I didn't invite her. Dick and Tim, sure. Iiiii don't think it's a good idea to send Jason an invitation; he's even more into revenge, oh, excuse me, "justice" than bats was.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Who'd ya even want from da Rogues ta come?

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Oooh, good question. Well, Harley, obviously, then Ivy, because she comes with the package. Ugh, then I'll have to worry about not having any cut flowers around. Potted plants it is, I suppose. Waylon, of course, oh I so look forward to see the look on his face, he'd cry rivers of joy the entire evening ahaha!

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Hn-hnn he sure would. What about Os?

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Oh yes, definitely Oswald, I want to rub it all over his stupid bird face mm-hahahaha! Oh, I do think we should invite Selina, she'd forever be a pain in my ass if she wasn't there, and not in the good way. Oh! How could I forget, of course we'll have to invite Julian, William and Victor.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Who'r they again? Ya know I'm bad with names.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Right, sorry, that would be Calendar Man, Clock King and King Tut.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Aah. Yer chess club.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

We did actually play chess on multiple occasions. I always won, of course.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

We both know that's a lie, but I'mana ignore that an' just believe ya because I really don't have da energy ta argue with you today.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Ahahaha! Oh you are too adorable. Actually, who would you invite? Do you even have anyone else than me in your life?

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Ya mean anyone that's still alive, that ya didn't kill outta jealousy? Ya know, I'm havin' a hard time believin' Os wus mo' jealous than you. I'm actually surprised he hasn't murdered me yet.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Ahaha! But he sure does try. And fail. Miserably.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Ffhhh well, Harley's one o' ma frien's, first of all. Then I'll invite Ikky, Nightmare, Terror, Horror--

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Those are all birds, Jon, I know you'd want your animal friends to be there. But I meant people. Humanoid or similar.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Then ya shoulda been mo' specific! Human... uuuh... Jervis, I s'ppose.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Oh dear lord...

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

... No, yeah, that's about it. But that's all purely hypothetical, tha GCPD would be on our asses befo' we even get started.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Haaaah, right you are. Shame that the one cop I'd invite is exactly the one that's absolutely unbribable. Haaaah, and just like that, my dreams are crushed into a million pieces.

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Don't mean we can't pretend. Ya'd look fuckin' amazin' in a weddin' dress.

Edward Nygma | The Riddler

Ahaha, why thank you! I'd imagine you'd look quite stunning as well. Alright, that's it, it's decided, you and I are going on a wedding dress shopping spree this weekend. Oh, I can already see the news headlines - "THE RIDDLER AND THE SCARECROW - PLANNING FOR WEDDING?!"

Jonathan Crane | The Scarecrow

Jesus fuckin' Christ, Eddie.

[tellsfromninjago]

Growing family

It's adult Kareena enjoying time with her husband the first spinjitzu master and their toddler Garmadon. Man just look how I did the eyes. They're so big.🥺Like on the baby it looks great but it's really bugging me on Kareena. Her whole face here actually. 🪲 🐛 🪲 Also she got a slightly different outfit every single time I draw her.

I've been trying to free up some space on my tablet and that's when I found this. It should look familiar to some of you. It was my intention to have her cropped out in the main peace from the beginning but I still rendered her fully. I could have probably just drawn part of her since I was just going to cut her out mostly. Well now you all can see her in full. Was probably one of my first drawings of Kareena in her current design more or less.

Or maybe I did draw only part of her and later went back and finished her. IDK I can't remember.

[ikalyyy]

♡︎ㅤ! 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָstray bunny pt. 03 ⋆⭒˚.⋆

Where Kang Saebyeok is chased by another girl after they were fired from the games.

part three

���.ᐟ Warnings: little angst ; fluff ; no callback to the games ; fem! reader

Waking up the next day was quite an odyssey for Saebyeok, starting with the fact that you felt so warm next to him, that she was afraid to admit how good it felt to have your body close on a cold night. The next problem was that Saebyeok couldn't get out of your arms, you literally clung to him like a koala, tangling your legs with his. Your hands surrounded his waist so tightly that she felt breathless.

"Girl, wake up" she spoke, his voice slightly hoarse, you only let out a moan before moving your face away a little, it was then that Saebyeok noticed a large stain on his shirt... "God, no..." she looked, you had drooled on his shirt while you slept.

"Byeokkie, just a few more minutes" you asked, it was the first time in a long time that you managed to fall asleep without nightmares in between.

"No, and if you don't get away I'm going to kick you" she said, now his voice sounded somewhat annoyed.

You stood up, still rubbing your eyes, you let out a yawn and stretched like a cat, making her let out a laugh, which quickly ended with her covering her mouth. She looked down and found your body, without pants.

"Byeokkie-" you were going to speak when Saebyeok looked at you.

"Where the fuck did you leave my pants?" she said, lifting the covers, but found them a few inches from the mattress.

"I promise I didn't take them off, but they were really big, they probably slipped off" you mumbled still sleepily and without giving it any importance, Saebyeok had his gaze fixed on your legs, they looked so soft and warm, his first thought was to want to touch them, but she quickly looked away.

"Put your clothes on, you can take a shower in the bathroom" she said before walking over and putting on her jacket "I'll go get some food" before you could say anything else, she left, slamming the door.

"Ugh, so weird" you sigh before grabbing your clothes from the day before and entering the small bathroom.

You come out a few minutes later, wearing only your underwear and the small skirt, you're not wearing any shirt. Saebyeok looks up and raises an eyebrow.

"Why are you coming out naked?" She says, looking back to take out the two milk cartons and the small buns.

"I'm not naked, Byeokkie" you say as you happily walk over to her.

"Get dressed" she orders and you quickly run over to her small dresser, taking out a random t-shirt and putting it on "It's rude to wear things that aren't yours" she says, her tone slightly annoyed.

"My t-shirt was already dirty, really dirty, I didn't want to smell bad" you say as you walk over again, leaning on Saebyeok's arm, your breasts pressing against his arm.

"I'll go take a shower, if you want, have breakfast" she mumbles, moving away from you.

After a few minutes after Saebyeok started taking a shower you sat there, waiting for her to have breakfast. The door rang, you winced and before you could open it, two cards slid in, they were exactly the same ones you were given the first time, when you first entered those games. You stared at the card for minutes that seemed like forever; you didn't want to go back, that's for sure, but you knew Saebyeok was going to come back, you hid the cards in your sweater and left it on the floor again.

"Who was it?" She asked coming out of the shower, her hair was wet and looked... "I asked you a question, answer"

"Ah, no one really, when I opened it there was no one there" you murmured, maybe it wasn't entirely a lie.

"Fine" she murmured before you sat on the floor to have breakfast, you constantly looked at her "Is something wrong?" she asked, taking you out of your thoughts.

"Would you go back to the games?" You asked, going straight to what you wanted to know.

"Yes" his answer was simple and concrete.

"But... what about your family? You said you had a brother and a mother captured"

"Precisely because of them I would come back, they need me and we need the money" she explained without going into too much detail "would you come back?"

"I... I don't think so, I have anything here but it doesn't mean I want to die like this, I really enjoy life" you felt his eyes, making you blush "I like to see the colors of the sunset, or listen to birds sing, if I die I would like to die in peace, not with a bullet in my head" as you spoke, Saebyeok looked at you dreamily, she didn't want to die either, but she didn't want to continue with that life either.

"When will they summon us again? I thought it wouldn't take long" she said with some irritation.

"Maybe they'll let some time pass before doing so, so that no one will call the police or something like that" you murmured, knowing it was a lie.

"Hopefully it'll be soon" she said before finishing his breakfast.

"Where are you going?" you asked, standing up.

"I need to go some places" she replied as he put on his jacket "When are you leaving?" although you remembered that Saebyeok had only let you stay for one night, you couldn't help but feel unbalanced with his question.

"I don't know..."

"You should look for a place, I can barely support myself" she said and finally left the place.

You stayed silent for a few minutes, after throwing away the breakfast trash you grabbed your sweater and pulled out the two cards, seriously thinking if your decision was being selfish, but another part of you thought you were just being a good Samaritan, saving Saebyeok's life. You took the two cards and put them in your sweater before leaving.

The world outside didn't change, you walked through the streets, taking some wallets out of people's pockets, you walked around with a cute smile, so people would never think you stole.

As you walked you came across a hostel, Saebyeok was leaving there, you assumed he had gone to visit his younger brother.

"Are you following me?" She muttered raising an eyebrow, his sudden voice startled you.

"N-no! I was just passing by" you justified yourself.

"Good, because I hate people butting into my business" she started walking, without thinking much you followed her, when they approached an alley, she pulled you, putting you against the wall, she took out her knife and put it near your face.

"Byeokkie..." you gulped, you thought that you were already friends, why was she threatening again?

"Just because I gave you a home for one night, doesn't mean I want to have you around" her hands squeezed your sweater "Get away from me"

It was stupid, you knew, but having her so close and with a knee between your legs, wasn't the most threatening position, and you found yourself lowering your hips a little, to feel her contact against your intimate part.

"What the fuck are you doing brat?" she squeezed you tighter, angry at your actions, but slightly blushing.

A voice echoed behind you."Wow, look what I found..." was the voice of the same man Saebyeok had fought at the beginning of the games.

"Mind your own business, moron." Seeing how curious you were standing next to him, Saebyeok pulled you in behind her.

"Communist bitch..." the man approached Saebyeok, trying to punch her in the face, but she quickly dodged him.

"Go home," you heard him say, but you really didn't want to leave her alone.

"Go away, moron!" you yelled at the big man, standing in front of him.

"So Kang already has a girlfriend..." his voice was mocking, he squeezed your chin "Such a little thing-"

"Don't bring her into this, she has nothing to do with it" Saebyeok approached, pushing the man "Go away, Deok-su" she asked, as he took out his knife and passed it over his cheek.

"If you go back to the games, I'll take care of squashing you like a mosquitoes" said Deok-su showing his card and left. Saebyeok looked at him for a few seconds before turning to you.

For a moment you thought he would ask you about the card, but all he did was take your chin, looking at the slight marks on your skin.

"Next time you leave when I ask you to" she growled angrily as they left the alley.

"I didn't want to leave you alone, Byeokkie!" you jumped beside him, hugging his arm.

"It's unsafe for you to stay here, even more so because Deok-su already met you" irritated She caressed her temple.

"Sad~" you pouted, pretending to be sad about having to go back to her.

"You'll be staying at my house until I go back to the games" she said, she didn't push you away from her arm, she just kept walking.

"Do you want some ice cream?" You pointed at a small store "I just stole some, we have enough and-"

"Don't waste your money on stupid things" she said looking at you, you looked up, making eyes at her, batting your thick eyelashes "Idiot girl" without being able to argue, they walked to the store, well, she walked, you were jumping excitedly.

They sat on a park bench, both eating their ice cream, you smiled excitedly while Saebyeok just looked around.

"It's weird that we haven't received the cards yet" she said, breaking the silence, you stayed quiet before answering.

"Or maybe they made a selection of who was more suitable or something like that" you tried to explain.

"That's useless, why would they do that?" she huffed angrily, for a moment you thought about it and put your hand in to take out the cards, but Saebyeok spoke again "I promised my brother that I would bring our mother, now that promise is useless, I don't even have the money, the stupid broker I found robbed me" she threw his head back, you looked at his Adam's apple, it was slightly marked, but it looked very good.

"There are always more options" you said, getting a little closer, you put your legs on the bench, sitting on them "Can you imagine if you died in there? Your mother would think that you stopped looking for her, your brother would think that you abandoned him" you put your chin on his shoulder.

"y/n..." she murmured your name for the first time, without looking at you "If I return to the games... could you promise that you would take care of my brother? Only if you don't return to the games" you stayed silent for a few seconds.

“I would definitely do it for you, Byeokkie” you smiled happily.

“Thanks, silly girl” she tapped your forehead, making you pull away.

“Thanks for not leaving me on the street” you put your head back on his shoulder, sucking on some more of your vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Saebyeok dropped his head onto yours, making your heart feel happy and your tummy feel warm.

I apologize for any errors that may exist

Thank you very much for reading, I promise to do my best for this story, hehehe

Btw, how do you think Saebyeok will react when he finds out that Y/N hid the game cards from him?

Another thing, I will avoid using "y/n" when writing, I don't like to use it much.

with lots of love and sugar, ika (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

ᥫ᭡ tags:

@monroesturnns

@magnificentreviewglitter