#this is their personal OC so behave yourselves

[monstrous-woof]

I can post these now that Martin has opened them! Have tiniest Martin the first doll ive ever customized!

I made this for Martin of their character Martin Freepaw! It was originally Anna from Frozen. The tail is made of acrylic and cottob yarn blended together. The clothes are all cotton fabric. The yellow bee fabric was my favorite to find 'cause i know they love bees!

[dindjarindiaries]

DIN DJARIN ONE-SHOTS

Each story below focuses on Din Djarin, with pairings for each story indicated along with summaries.

Stories marked with an asterisk (*) contain sexual, though not explicit/graphic, content.

My ratings are as follows: G (all ages), T (13+), M (18+)

Last updated: July 27, 2024

main masterlist • series • drabbles • prompts

the “heat” of the moment • reader The heat goes out on the Razor Crest and you’re the only one with an electric blanket to keep yourself warm.

my cyar’ika • fem!reader You and Din find yourselves in a marketplace lush with life, and you lose yourself in the fun while Din tries to keep you safe throughout it.

just fine • reader Din comforts you after you suffer through a tumultuous nightmare.

dead to me • fem!oc On the verge of death, Twila takes off Din’s helmet, later having to face his wrath and leave his ship—even though she’s pregnant with their unborn child.

everything i wanted • reader You’re trapped inside a Din x Omera love triangle, struggling to get to your lover who’s entranced with your new host.

riduurok • reader This is the story of how you fall in love with the Mandalorian bounty hunter, Din Djarin.

home • reader After the child is reunited with his people, Din takes you to a place that’s unfamiliar to you but all too familiar to him: his home.

when stars align• reader You spend an affectionate morning awakening beside your Mandalorian, who you have just recently married.

more than words* • reader On the evening of your marriage, you and Din show your deep love for each other in a manner that goes beyond words.

the challenge • reader After winning a drinking challenge, Din returns to the Crest much later than expected in a state of mind much different than usual, leaving you to deal with him and whatever words spill from his mouth.

don’t blame me• reader In the weeks following your marriage, you and Din are desperate to make up for all the physical affection you’ve missed out on—leading you to do whatever you can wherever you can.

said and done • reader With Din being injured from a past fight, you’re the one in charge of the hunts for now—and Din realizes he likes having you in control.

behave* • reader After a grueling hunt, you and Din celebrate your success at a local cantina, both ending up with a little too much that leads you to do things that are a little too risky.

a warrior’s purpose • daughter oc Din returns to the planet where he’d left his riduur many years ago to find her again—but instead, he finds someone else.

nothing so perfect • fem!reader You and Din think that you’re adding on to your family, only to learn there’s been a mistake—and now you’re both left to cope with the loss you never expected.

next to you • reader It’s been long enough since Din’s promised return for you to assume that he didn’t make it, and now you yearn for the life that could’ve been.

forever and always • reader When you and Din finally find the child’s home, it’s time to say goodbye—but then Din realizes he can’t.

reverence • fem!reader Following the birth of your daughter, Din spends a night marveling at the little life and the way you provide for her.

transmissions • reader When Din’s away on a long job, he gives you a holotransceiver and sends you transmissions to keep you both at ease.

purpose • fem!reader As the daughter of an Imperial senator, the Mandalorian’s hired as your bodyguard—but with the twisted ideals of your father putting you at risk, he becomes so much more than that.

irrevocable • reader After a hunt goes wrong and Din gets captured, you go after him and save him, but you find that they’ve removed his helmet and have done him personal damage that will last for much longer.

mine* • fem!reader With tensions rising not only in the galaxy but also in your relationship, Din proves to you in a new way that he’ll take care of you.

never alone • fem!reader In the aftermath of a bad nightmare, Din receives comfort from an unexpected source: his daughter.

tresses • reader When Din’s hair becomes the object of your and the baby’s affections, he decides it’s time for a trim—although he’s hesitant for a reason you must discover.

enervation • reader Din returns home from his new job as exhausted as ever, begging you to join him in sleep—and trying to make it happen at all costs.

take care • reader After Din sustains an injury on a job, you have to help him take care of himself—something he grows more and more fond of.

affliction • fem!reader When you and Din get recognized at an Imperial gala, you’re both taken into custody, where they begin to use Din to get you to talk—and lead you to do something completely unexpected.

take it off* • reader Your new ally extends his hospitality a little too far—and now Din’s determined to remind you of what he alone can provide you with.

cozy in the cockpit • reader After the Crest suffers through an intense chase and crash, you and Din must figure out how to survive on a freezing planet—your low odds causing your mutual feelings to come to the surface.

beneath the surface • reader You and Din get double-crossed when trying to find other Mandalorians, putting all three of you in deep waters.

touch it softly • reader When you invite Din to play with your hair, you both get a little more than lost in the moment.

alleviation • reader You continue helping Din recover from the traumatizing removal of his helmet, trying to make him understand that it’s okay to not be okay. (part two of Irrevocable)

the right thing • reader Din returns to you on Nevarro after the mission on Moff Gideon’s cruiser—without the child.

ni ceta par gar (i kneel for you)* • reader When Mando needs emotional release, you seek to fulfill your pining by offering something neither one of you can resist—something that could change everything.

in my head • reader The thought of Din plagues your mind—and it won’t be long until it’s forced onto your lips.

the marshal • fem!oc Din covers his face. So does she. Shrouded in mystery and unable to admit their shared intimidation, the two must work together to save Mos Pelgo—for both their sakes.

hold me in hyperspace • reader After a long hunt, you think Mando just wants some rest—but really, he just wants you.

ner yaim (my home) • reader After a day of work, you get to come home to Din, who’s fitting into his new role well.

mureyca (kiss) • reader The story of the different ways in which you share a kiss with the Mandalorian.

aftermath • omera After his quest has been fulfilled, Din returns to Sorgan, needing the comfort and support of someone he could never forget.

stay • omera Din wrestles with his feelings for Omera and tries to tell her how she feels—but has to let her in first.

torrent • reader When one of Din’s worst fears is revealed, you’re left to do whatever you can to put him at ease.

enterprise • cassian andor, k2so When Mando’s quarry offers him a better deal, he finds himself getting involved in more than he originally bargained for.

bloom • reader With your relationship now in full blossom, a flustered Din takes you on your first date, where he does everything he can to tell you how you make him feel.

malevolence • grogu Din experiences the ghastly side effects of wielding the famed Darksaber.

before i go • reader Imperial occupation of your covert as well as your mind lead to a devastating confrontation between you and your past Mandalorian lover.

favorite crime • reader When your ex-partner-in-crime and past lover enters your life again, you find yourself looking back on fond memories with a tremendous desire to chase them again.

solace • reader Din reassures you when your perfectionist tendencies catch up to you.

foster • obi-wan kenobi Obi-Wan comes across an orphan named Din that he can’t help taking under his wing.

intemperate • reader Mando’s indulgence in liquid courage leads him to say things you never thought you’d hear—and will never forget.

scars • reader When Din shows unprecedented hatred for his battle-worn body, it’s up to you to reassure him of everything you love about it.

seeking serenity • reader Mando, overcome with anxiety in the aftermath of a risky event, needs you to bring him back to reality—and asks for much more along the way.

liberation • reader You lead a mission to free Din from an Imperial hideout, only to discover that he’s in need of you much more than you originally thought.

contrition • reader Din comforts you after you do something drastic to save his life.

bring me home • reader You reunite with your Mandalorian lover after a long separation and realize much has changed since you last him.

safety net • deaf!reader When you and Din are reunited after a hunt that goes longer than expected, your mutual feelings for each other finally bubble to the surface—regardless of the fears you’ve both buried deep within.

selfish • reader Din, who’s helplessly in love with you, is forced to watch you and your partner until he’s forced to come to terms with his feelings.

united we fall • reader Din’s unable to control the Darksaber and accidentally hurts you with it, leaving behind a deep scar on your body and his mind.

of bounties and bartenders • fem!reader The mysterious Din “Brown Eyes” Djarin returns to visit you after a job, but trouble is the last thing he’s left behind.

as it was • din djarin’s parents The living waters beneath Mandalore bring Din back to a place—and a people—he never thought he’d see again.

people watching • grogu Observation was a skill Din Djarin had mastered for his own safety, but now it sets the scene for his very own destruction.

astronomy • reader Crossing paths with a seriously injured Din forces the two of you to come to terms with your relationship.

stardust • reader You finally reunite with your Mandalorian lover, just to learn a devastating truth.

fine line • reader Din tries his best to comfort you in the aftermath of your torturous capture.

scarlet promise • reader Vengeance consumes you when Din’s put at risk, causing him to have to pull you back to reality.

what sits in the silence • reader Your bounty-hunting rival turns to you in his time of need and brings along more baggage than you planned on handling.

when a house becomes a home • reader A new home brings new responsibilities, and there’s only one person who can teach Din how to cook a proper meal: you.

takes one to know one • reader Bounty hunters aren’t supposed to fall in love and you were okay with that. So was the Mandalorian.

love me louder • reader Your secret romance with the Mandalorian is put at risk when you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

shattered • reader When an anxious day gets the best of you, Din seeks to comfort you.

the broken who blossom • reader At long last, Din’s returned home to the covert, but he’s brought a lot more home with him than anticipated.

in sickness & in health • reader Din does his best to comfort you when you become anxious about your health.

doomsday • reader You and Din are interrogated by Moff Gideon, who has quickly realized you’re the best weapon he has to use against the Mandalorian.

i still see you • reader In the aftermath of the Morak mission, Din’s faced with a crisis you only hope you can help to resolve somehow.

fight for me • reader When Din starts to get harassed at a cantina, you can’t help jumping in to defend him at all costs.

right where you left me • reader Din reunites with you many years after your whirlwind romance for a mission you begrudgingly accept to help him with.

main masterlist • series • drabbles • prompts

[rebecca-pines]

"Um, hi! My name's Rebecca! A lot of people call me Becca so you can do that, I guess. Whatever you want to call me is fine."

(This is a rp ask blog for my oc Becca! She's Mabel's granddaughter so it goes out a fair bit)

Other facts on Becca:

She has OCD (I'm doing my best with research, if I mess up and say something stupid/offensive on accident please feel free to yell at me)

She's 12 years old

She has polydactylism

She has a rocky relationship with her parents

Her symbol is a butterfly! 🦋

At this point, Mabel and Dipper have passed and Rebecca is exploring their childhood summerhome/town as designated in their wills

Rules:

This is a child y'all, no weird or nasty asks

As said before, feel free to yell at me/let me know if I've portrayed something incorrectly

I'm still figuring out timeline and lore stuff so I'm sorry if things don't make sense - don't be mad at me for that or if I get something wrong with the general lore of Gravity Falls

I'm just a person! If it takes me a bit to get to your ask, chill tf out ‐ I know how some ask blogs get treated around here. Behave yourselves.

My main is @phoenixablaze666

Drawing in pfp is credited to @kelpio (I just put a background and a multiply layer)

(A pfp drawn by me as well as a full body reference are currently WIPs)

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter Six: Mitsunari POV (gacha) - The Closed Door Conumdrum - We peek inside Mitsunari's brain and discover he's not nearly as absentminded as he seems. Ok. Not as absentminded.

Mitsunari x OC; Nobunaga x Mai

Previous Chapter

Logline - In order to protect a political alliance, Katusko and Mitsunari must pretend an engagement. But this “all business” arrangement is threatened by a coup against Nobunaga… and by feelings.

From the Military Notes of Ishida Mitsunari…

Accurate communication is essential on the battlefield. The ‘fog of war’ can create confusion, cause errors, and even be the cause of self-inflicted casualties. It is essential that prior to a battle beginning, clear lines and methods of communication are established.

Personal comments: Lady Okatsu is willing to eat my carrots, which is a promising development for our alliance.

Additional Note One: Lord Hideyoshi saw the above note and reminded me that carrots are good for me and that I should eat them.

Additional Note Two: Lord Masamune also saw the above and asked me if “willing to eat my carrots” was a euphemism. Am unsure what he meant.

The words of the book he was reading wavered before his eyes, then disappeared. No. It was dark. Everything had gone dark again. Dark and …

Mitsunari reached up and removed the scarf that had been tossed over his head. Mitsuhide stood in front of him, holding a tray that contained several dishes of food (including a main dish that held far too many carrots) and jar of something that looked sticky. Was that a new dessert? And why had Mitsuhide delivered his meal? He dipped a finger in the sticky substance and brought it to his mouth.

“I wouldn’t if I were you. It’s unlikely to kill you, but I doubt the effects would be at all pleasant.” Mitsuhide put the entire tray into his hands. “It’s salve, for Okatsu’s eye.”

“Is she in here?” Mitsunari glanced around the archive room, but the only other occupant was Mitsuhide.

“No. You are to deliver this to Okatsu – I’m certain, that she at least, must be hungry by now.” Mitsuhide paused for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision. “I told the maid not to bring her evening meal.”

Why had he done that? Mitsunari was aware that Hideyoshi was upset with all of them, but it was unfair of Mitsuhide to only punish Lady Okatsu. He was also certain that Hideyoshi was unaware that Okatsu wasn’t being fed.

After another long moment, Mitsuhide eventually answered his unasked question. “In order for the charade of an engagement to succeed, you and Okatsu need to figure out how to act like a couple in love.”

Love? Mitsunari liked Lady Okatsu, but he didn’t have the slightest idea how to behave as if he loved her. “What is the best tactic for love? Where would I begin?”

“You need to spend more time with her. Starting tonight. Lovers enjoy sharing a meal together.” He tapped at one of the dishes on the tray. “Lovers converse. Often, they casually touch each other – as Nobunaga and Mai do.”

I wouldn’t be so impolite as to touch her!

Mitsunari’s panic at that instruction must have shown on his face, for Mitsuhide softened his tone. “It is for you and Okatsu to decide for yourselves what feels the most natural.” Mitsuhide gave Mitsunari a light push toward the door. “Having a frank conversation would be the best place to start.”

Lady Okatsu’s door was shut. Mitsunari looked at the tray in his hands and wondered how to slide it open without dropping anything. If he were being honest with himself, he was surprised he’d managed to carry the tray from the archive room without incident.

Well. There must be a trick to it. Maids did this every day and he’d not heard any of them drop trays. But maybe they did? Maybe dropped trays was an ongoing issue that needed solved. What if they were to build small tables outside of each room? That way one could put the tray down, open the door, then pick the tray up again.

Although such a solution might take a while.

Perhaps he should talk to Lady Mai and discuss having the maids deliver meals in teams of two, so that there would always be someone to open the door. Though that would be a waste of manpower, would it not? What if each dinner tray came equipped with an attached stick that could be used as a lever to pull the door open? He was halfway through the schematics of such an invention before he realized that Lady Okatsu’s food was getting cold. Maybe she would open the door for him. “Lady Okatsu?”

He heard her rustling around. “Come on in.”

That… solved nothing.

He started to shift the tray to one hand. It tipped precariously.

Thankfully, before disaster struck, Lady Okatsu slid open the door, let him inside and immediately cleared a space for him to set down the tray. He appreciated her ability to understand what was needed without verbal instructions. It was a good quality to have in a warrior.

Not that she was a warrior. Tonight, she was a civilian, and a wounded one at that. As it had been his slow reaction time that had allowed her to get injured, he owed her an apology. “I’m sorry for-”

“I need to apologize for-” she said at the same time.

“I’m sorry-” Wait… Should he also apologize for interrupting? “I’m sorry you were hurt.” Her eye had turned purple and looked swollen and painful. At the last moment, he realized he’d been about to touch it, and quickly pulled his hand back. “I should have protected you.”

“Oh, no. It wasn’t your fault. I shouldn’t have gone over there in the first place… and once the fighting started, I should have stayed out of your way. It’s my fault. I didn’t think.” She looked away from him, and Mitsunari realized that Mitsuhide had been correct – the two of them did need to learn how to communicate. Not simply to portray love, but at more importantly to be able to cooperate during this mission.

However, medical aid was the first order of business. He handed her the salve and the cloth. “For your injury. Ieyasu makes it.” Second order of business? Determine what had happened at the restaurant. Lady Okatsu didn’t come across as particularly flighty.  “Why did you go to talk to the sailors? You must have had a good reason.”

There was a battered, and unfortunately food splattered drawing on the desk. It was a sketch of a young man, who, from the shape of his face, could be related to Lady Okatsu. “My brother is missing, and the last information I had about him was that he had been imprisoned on a ship of some kind. So, whenever I see sailors – I ask. But normall… Normally they answer my questions.”

She moved the portrait aside and picked up the ointment. After taking a cautious sniff, she dipped her finger in and swiped it across her cheek… missing most of the injury entirely.

He ought to assist her. Perhaps this was what Mitsuhide meant by ‘casual touch.’ “You missed a spot – let me help.”

Lady Okatsu hesitated a moment before sitting down on the futon. She turned her face to him and shut her eyes.

It wasn’t as if he’d never treated battlefield wounds before – but the hurried ‘patch them up and move on’ atmosphere of a medical tent was different from this peaceful summer evening. It was so quiet he could hear the buzzing of the cicadas and the setting sun shone through the window at just the right angle to highlight a hint of red in Lady Okatsu’s hair. Though he knew nothing about women’s hairstyles, he suspected it wasn’t supposed to look like that, with pieces of it falling out of the complicated knot. He liked it though - it made her look a bit more approachable.

Right. The salve. He knelt next to her, dunked his fingers in the jar, and… was that too much? Better too much than too little. He transferred the ointment to her face, doing his best to spread it all over her wound before that extra glob slid-

Oops.

Lady Okatsu shivered.

“Did I hurt you?” Maybe he was putting it on wrong. He reminded himself again that Lady Okatsu wasn’t truly a warrior, for all that she was fierce and efficient.

“No.” She lightly touched the now-oily wound. “It tickled, actually.”

Hm. He had indeed put too much on. He didn’t think it was supposed to look shiny, it ought to sink in. Better try to rub it in a little more. But… now his fingers were all oily too. He tried to get the last of it with his palm, and -

Interesting.

The curve of her face fit exactly into his hand, as if her cheek and his palm were pieces of a puzzle. “There. Done.”

She opened her eyes and Mitsunari realized their faces were too close. And he was still touching her. Mitsuhide’s instructions or not, this did not feel like the prescribed ‘casual touch.’ He jerked his hand away and jumped to his feet.

Lady Okatsu reached up and brushed her fingers across her face in the spot where his palm had been a moment earlier, and he had the strangest urge to put his hand back again. She cleared her throat. “Thank you.”

You’re welcome. But the words stuck in his throat, so he smiled and bowed. He should leave. Yes. It was time for him to leave. This was enough getting-comfortable for him.

Her words stopped him at the door. “Wait. Have you eaten?”

Hm. He had not. Right. Eating together was what Mitsuhide had intended.

She beckoned him back inside. “There’s more than enough for two people.”

Yes, this was obviously true, although… “Yes. If you promise to eat all the carrots. I do not like them.”

She laughed. “Sure – if you do the same with the mushrooms.”

Perhaps that was part of what ‘love’ was. Finding someone who would eat the food you did not like. He settled down at the writing desk and watched as she divided up the dishes, keeping the carrots for herself, and transferring the mushrooms into his bowl. It might be a good idea to keep a list of things he liked about Lady Okatsu, so that if he were questioned about the truth of their relationship, he would be able to respond without hesitation.

She eats my carrots.

She is interested in military strategy.

She made sure that books didn’t fall on my—

In that instant, the memory of Lady Okatsu moving the pile of books this morning was replaced with the memory of the elderly bookseller moving a similar stack earlier this summer. He might not be good with names, but he was good with faces and… yes. He was certain that several weeks ago Lady Okatsu had been in Azuchi. And she had been disguised as an old man. Which potentially meant that… “Are you a spy?”

She paused, her food halfway between her bowl and her mouth, and looked warily at him. “No. Why are you asking?”

Best to simply get it all out in the open. “Because you were in Azuchi a few months ago dressed as an old man.”

“How did you know?” She must have determined that she was ok with him knowing because she returned to eating.

“When we met, you were familiar, but I couldn’t remember where I had seen you. Then, today in the bookstore, when you moved those books before they fell, I realized you had done that before.” And… having put together Lady Okatsu and the old man, he suddenly realized she had also been the young man he met outside the castle yesterday morning. Interesting.

She seemed nonchalant about the whole thing. “Yes, that was me. But I wasn’t spying. I mean, to me, spying is sneaking into some place and stealing information that they don’t want anyone to know about, right? I was observing things that anyone could have seen if they were paying attention.”

“Hrm.” He didn’t quite agree with her definition of spying, but he supposed part of that would depend on who she passed on her observations to. “What were you doing with the information?”

“Generally, it’s for those people who don’t want to be caught in the path of warring clans.” Either she was pretending she wasn’t worried, or she truly was not worried. Or… Mitsunari simply wasn’t interpreting her emotions well at all? It could be that. Reading people’s emotions wasn’t his strength. Maybe he ought to tell Mitsuhide and have him question her?

That idea made him pause – Mitsuhide had a reputation, a well-earned one, for his harsh interrogations. The thought of Lady Okatsu (or, whoever she was) at Mitsuhide’s mercy made his chest tighten.

But she anticipated that thought too. “In any case, Mitsuhide knows about the booksellers – my employer runs it – and if he had a problem with it, he would have put a stop to it. He uses it himself as a message drop.”

Ah. That was ok then. It seemed that Mitsuhide had taken the time to find the most qualified person to portray his fiancée. Okatsu was a professional observer (to use her word) and Mitsunari could count on her as a colleague, rather than worry she was a spy. “I ought to have realized Mitsuhide had taken this into consideration already.” He relaxed… then noticed there was another dreaded carrot in his bowl. He tossed it at Okatsu’s dish.

Even better, she could be counted on to simply play her role, and act as a rather specialized warrior. She could pretend to be in love without truly being in love. “If you are a professional observer, Okatsu, then you aren’t someone Mitsuhide forced into this charade. Nor are you someone whose feelings could be hurt.”

“Why would my feelings be hurt?” There was a hit of something less-than-professional in her voice. He’d apparently said something wrong. But he couldn’t think what that might be.

Not daring to look at her, he tried to explain without making it worse. “I don’t want to be in love with anyone. I don’t have time for it, and I don’t want you to think-”

“No worries. Once our fake engagement is called off, I’ll go back to being a messenger and a scout, and I really like that job.” A wayward mushroom found its way into his dish. “Anyway, I imagine being a wife would severely limit my ability to search for my brother.”

Good. They seemed to have sorted out… er… whatever it was that he had said. “We are in agreement then?”

“We are.” She smiled at him, and he couldn’t help but smile back, feeling relieved that they could now be friends and fellow soldiers without the danger of feelings getting in the way of things. This was good.

This was exactly what he wanted.

That taken care of, he thought back to Mitsuhide’s suggestion and asked Okatsu (or should she still be Lady Okatsu? Maybe he needed to continue to use the formal, otherwise he might get it wrong when they were public? Although maybe an engaged couple were allowed to be less formal?) about her life as a courier and was rewarded with an interesting story about a time she had had to help a ninja out of a tree.

He sat back and listened to her chatter away knowledgably about politics and military strategy. On one level, he had a feeling that she had chosen her topics because she knew that these were things that interested him, but she had to have some interest herself to be able to speak so confidently about such things. “I witnessed a couple of the battles of the Siege of Itami last year. Was that triple column your formation?”    

He nodded. The formation hadn’t been what had proved the deciding point in the campaign, though. They’d won when they filled in the castle’s moat… which had been Mitsuhide’s idea.

Before he could point that out, Lady Okatsu moved on to a different topic. “I bet you’re really good at shogi.”

“I don’t know how to play.” He’d wanted to learn but hadn’t made it a priority. Lord Hideyoshi relied on his battle plans too much for him to take the time to learn a new game on his own and he’d not found anyone willing to teach him.

“I know Mitsuhide plays – half the messages I’ve delivered over the past four years have been a part of a long drawn-out game he’s been playing with Aki.” She picked up a cloth bundle, then unwrapped it to reveal a shogi set. “I could teach you.”

That was an enticing idea. As much as he enjoyed listening to Okatsu’s stories, learning to play shogi sounded even better. If he were playing a game, he would be less stressed to think of things to talk about. “I would enjoy that very much. Mitsuhide has refused to teach me.”

Over the past week, Mitsunari had learned two things. One: he very much liked shogi. Two: Okatsu took defeat remarkably well. Rather than be upset that he’d surpassed her abilities, she instead took it as a challenge to improve her own game. Or games, since they’d branched out to Go and ban-sugoroku.

“You two are playing the less exciting version of Go.” Mitsunari looked up to see that at some point, Lady Mai had come into the room with a bundle of clothing. He’d been so intent on the game he hadn’t heard her enter.

There was a more exciting version? He took a quick peek at Okatsu’s face, but she didn’t appear to be familiar with that either, because she said to Lady Mai, “Alright, since you’re clearly waiting for me to ask – what is the more exciting version?”

“Nobunaga and I play with penalties … and favors.” Lady Mai winked.

“Oh! So, if I were to lose, Okatsu could tell me to eat my carrots?” In the years before he’d been sent to temple to be a page, he had played “Go” with his older brother. The penalties for losing hadn’t been much fun. Luckily, he’d quickly learned how to win, although that hadn’t always stopped the penalties. “That might add an element of daring to the game.”

“Uh, yeah. That.” Lady Mai laughed to herself. “Eep.”

“Serves you right.” Lady Mai and Okatsu seemed to be having a conversation that was flying past him. He wasn’t sure if it was the sort of conversation that Masamune and Mitsuhide took part in, or if this was something that would go into the mysterious vault of “women.” He figured if it was important, Okatsu would tell him later.

Meanwhile, Mai interrupted their game in process by requiring that Okatsu try on her new clothing. While his ‘fiancee’ hurried behind a screen to change, he killed time by setting up a shogi game to play against himself. Then Mai handed him a bundle of fabric as well. “I made a couple new kimonos for you too.”

He hadn’t realized that he’d be receiving a new wardrobe for this journey, but he supposed there might be formal occasions where Lord Hideyoshi would want them all to dress up. Rich clothing was a form of armor, he knew, a way to alert others that your clan had money and enough resources to spend it on luxury.

He peeked inside the bundle and saw the not only the purple hues that he normally picked out on his own (it was simpler for him to acquire clothing that looked similar – less chance of mismatching something), but also something in a dark blue-green shade. He sent an enquiring look at Lady Mai.

“I believe that’s Lady Okatsu’s favorite color,” she said to him softly, and indeed a moment later, Okatsu emerged from behind the screen wearing a complimentary lighter blue-green kimono.

“This is easier to move around in.” She turned from side to side, and the material made a soft swishing sound against her body.

That sound of fabric rustling across her body… it created an echoing vibration in his head, that for a moment blocked out all sound. He shook his head to clear it.

He hoped he wasn’t coming down with something.

When he was able to refocus his attention on the present, it was to see Okatsu swirl around and kick her leg up and out to the side. “This is amazing. Thank you!”

Mai smiled just as the door slid open behind her. “This is what I do. But… don’t tell Hideyoshi.”

Lord Hideyoshi and Lord Mitsuhide came into the room. “Don’t tell Hideyoshi what?”

“How much she spent on the fabric.” Okatsu lied to Hideyoshi so smoothly that if Mitsunari hadn’t known she was lying, he would have believed her. In fact, she possibly was telling a truth, but not the one in question.

And Lord Hideyoshi seemed to accept it without a second thought. “Oh, don’t worry about that. It’s your due as an Oda Princess.”

Mitsunari couldn’t decide how he felt about the lying. As a tactician, he thought her ability could be useful. But personally, he hoped that she never lied to him.

If she did, though, would he even be able to tell?

@bestbryn @katriniac @lyds323 @briars7 @lorei-writes

[practicingbushiho]

Welcome, Friends!!

Hello my friends! Prince charming here (haha can you imagine). Welcome to the blog~ This is a general personal blog with Roleplay and Collaboration elements that revolve around the Award Winning MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV-- the mun's muse is the illustrious, pragmatic and magnanimous inexperienced ruler of Doma, Hien Rijin. The blog will contain a LOT of OC x Canon, Canon x Canon, and OC x OC content; some AUs inbound as well.

But let's get that stuffy introduction out of the way, shall we? We are here to reveal to you a few links and pieces of information you may fancy!!

Firstly-- There is an Ask Box, and it is open! Use it to send prompts for prose, questions about mun or his work, or just to say hello! I don't bite, I promise. :) -- Anonymous asking is presently on; but if you don't behave yourselves it will be closed! So...mind your manners~

Second-- There is a submission box open for art requests! Though, there is a catch; you'll have to kiss about it~ Please be sure to read the rules before submitting, and I am sure we will have a wonderful time!!

Finally-- We are in the process of creating various pages that we will be linking here so that you may browse some of the mun's past artwork and current projects! List below!

Kissing Booth Hall of Fame (Past Submission Box Requests)

Hien Rijin RP Profile (with relationship statuses!)

More will be added as time goes, such as comic masterposts, galleries, and information on how to purchase or support merchandise and future artistic endeavors.

Peace, Friends~! Always love with honor-- and perhaps a little mischief. >:)

[the-insomniac-emporium]

Slumbering Hearts (Alcina Dimitrescu/Reader, Soulmate AU) Pt. 3

Fandom: Resident Evil: Village

Rating: T for language, implied cannibalism (because Vampires)

Warnings: Aforementioned implied cannibalism

Summary: In a wicked twist of fate, you find out your soulmate is none other than your employer, Lady Dimitrescu. To your misery, she (at first) seems equally displeased, her heart already belonging to another. But in time, the two of you find yourselves wondering… could the universe be right, after all? Soulmate AU in which every person has a unique “soul mark”, which they share with their soulmate.

Notes: Features a cameo of sorts for my OC, Avaskian Caldwell. Not beta read.

Previous Chapters: 1: In The Shadow Of Giants, 2: Uncertain Destinations

3: Eat Your Heart

“Well,” Bela says, only moderately sounding hostile, “I do believe that marks the end of our tour. Unless you would like to see the dungeons? Perhaps get a proper look at where you might end up, hmm?” Resisting the urge to roll your eyes is more difficult than you would have preferred. Somehow you manage, though, and reply in a relatively relaxed tone.

“I think I’ll have to pass. After all, I wouldn’t want to be late for dinner, now would I?” You incline your head towards a nearby clock to emphasize your point. For a split second Bela seems surprised, as if she hadn’t been keeping track of time at all. But the look vanishes as quickly as it came about, soon replaced with a calculating gaze, and she gives a short nod. “Is it safe to assume that you eat together, as a family?” Another nod, this time accompanied by a small look of confusion. “Mmm, sounds wonderful. It’s been far too long since I’ve shared a nice family meal.”

That certainly wasn’t what Bela had expected you to say.

“Oh? I do hope that you can stomach the sight of blood, then. Otherwise it might not feel so nice,” she replies, after a slight pause. Her earlier confidence had returned, further bolstered by the resulting giggles from her sisters. They were a chaotic bunch. Regardless, Bela soon takes your wrist in her hand, pulling you towards the dining room, grip only tight enough to be slightly uncomfortable. Both of her siblings followed closely behind, occasionally whispering unintelligible jokes to one another. One in particular leaves Daniela pausing in the hallway, hunched over laughing, with an unnerving edge of something else you couldn’t quite place. A backwards glance in her direction leads you to make eye contact with Cassandra, who gives you a knowing smirk. Deciding that you didn’t want to know what she had said, you turned back towards Bela, and stayed facing that way until you reached the dining hall.

Inside, Alcina was already sitting at the head of the table, in a chair that would have seemed a throne to anyone else. On either side of her are two more seats, far less ornate than her own. For a moment the sisters and you hesitate in the entranceway. Evidently they weren’t accustomed to this particular arrangement, unsure where to sit. It’s not until Bela clears her throat that Alcina speaks up.

“On my left, dear,” she says, eying her eldest daughter, before turning to you. “You may sit to my right. I trust that you’ll find this agreeable?” Well, you weren’t exactly about to argue with her, so yes, you found it agreeable. Even if it meant sitting across from the more ‘direct’ member of your opposition. Though perhaps ‘judge’ and/or ‘jury’ was a better word for the Dimitrescu daughters. Regardless, you were going to have to sit with them, and in the end it hardly mattered who was where. As such, you semi-awkwardly made your way to your seat, hoping that you’d eventually feel less out of place. Soon enough Cassandra takes the spot next to you, giving you a concerning smirk as she does. What did she have planned? Before you can even contemplate her intentions, her mother is talking again, drawing both of your attention towards herself. “Splendid. I’m glad to see that you’re already finding your place here.”

It’s not hard, you think, when you’re directing my every step. Despite your biting internal commentary, you do not speak out loud, merely giving a polite smile and nod. Across from you, Bela gives her mother an affectionate expression before fixing you with a subtle disapproving look. Taking some small comfort in the fact that she wasn’t being openly hostile, you forced yourself to keep smiling, meeting her gaze with as much confidence as you can muster. Within moments both of you have your attention drawn elsewhere, thankfully, as servants begin carrying in various food platters. Most of the dishes appeared to be perfectly normal. But looks could be deceiving, and you knew that at least a handful had to contain less “traditional” ingredients. They remembered to cook something normal for me, right?

Soon enough your fears are somewhat alleviated, as one of the servants places an already filled plate in front of you. Admittedly you don’t recognize xer, despite xer oddly silver hair, or the red bandana xe wore. Something told you that xe wasn’t just another maiden, however, especially with the way xe brazenly made eye contact with each of the Dimitrescus. Before you could inquire about xer, you’re distracted by the arrival of Juniper, who instantly smiles when she sees you. In her arms she carries the last two side dishes and several empty plates, which the unknown servant gently takes from her. Together the two of them set the final items into place. Wordlessly, the grey-haired person removes a notebook from xer back pocket, handing it to Juniper with the barest sliver of a smile. Clearly having done this more than once, she accepts it readily, opening it to a bookmarked page.

“My Ladies, and our dearest, most esteemed guest, I present to you another fine selection of traditional Romanian dishes, for your sincere enjoyment. Today we will be drinking one of our more popular styles of wine, known as Febris Amatoria, meaning ‘fever of love’ in Latin,” she reads, only somewhat shakily. Next to her, the stranger inclines xer head to your employers, then does the same to you. At this point you have to assume that xe doesn’t speak, and that Juniper was serving as a translator of sorts. “Due to the unexpected nature of our guest, the dishes are not clearly marked in regards to their ingredients. You have my- as in Mx Caldwell- assurance that this will be handled by the next standard mealtime, where the shared dishes will be color coded. In the meantime, I- again, Mx Caldwell- will remain here, in order to prevent any… unintentional ingestion of human remains.” Gulping, Juniper returns the notebook to the stranger (Caldwell, apparently), then exits the room alongside the other servants.

“Isn’t Febris Amatoria also another name for a type of anemia?” Bela asks, slowly swirling the contents of her glass as she does. Caldwell, who had moved to stand several feet behind Alcina, gives a nod in response, and appears mildly amused.

“A clever allusion to our family’s nature, isn’t it? I know Daniela has certainly drained a number of ‘lovers’ over the years, perhaps causing a case or two,” Cassandra teases, much to her younger sister’s irritation. Personally you were surprised that she was willing to admit such a thing in front of her mother. Unless you were reading too much into the word ‘lovers’, due to the rumors you had heard regarding Lady Daniela. Nonetheless, the Lady in question is aggravated enough to sit up, looking ready to lunge across the table at Cassandra. As soon as Daniela moves (with frightening speed), her sister easily catches her wrist, using her other hand to wave a finger back and forth. “Ah, ah, ah, Dani, we have a guest. Do try to behave yourself.”

“Oh, because you’re the epitome of table manners? I’m amazed you haven’t already managed to spill wine all over your dress,” Daniela counters, before ripping her arm away from Cassandra. They both huff, but are quick to quiet down when their mother sends them a look. “Dinner looks delectable, as usual, Ava,” Daniela continues, after clearing her throat, accentuating the end of her sentence with a gesture of her wine glass. Then she takes a long drink from it, perhaps thinking that a little intoxication might make the evening easier to get through. Deciding that maybe she had the right idea, you take a sip from your own glass, relishing the subtle hint of lavender.

In the minutes that follow, things slide into easy comfort. Caldwell once more moves closer to the table, helping pass along side-dishes from person to person, quietly pointing out which ones you could safely consume, occasionally chuckling in response to the jokes that the daughters shared. A strange warmth built itself up within the center of your chest, heart yearning for age-old memories of your own family. Three months had passed since the last time you felt this way. Really, it felt so much like family that you didn’t catch the way Cassandra’s lips twitched into a smirk, or the way she met Bela’s gaze, or the way she pushed a dish just a tad further towards you than necessary. All it had taken was a single second of your gaze turned elsewhere… then you were reaching for the castle’s special variety of forbidden fruit.

“Ayye, nyet, nyet!” Caldwell snaps, voice oddly strained, hand wrapping around your wrist in an instant. All eyes are on you now, though Alcina’s soon flicker over to the servant. “Cass. Bad girl,” xe continues, going so far as to shake xer finger disapprovingly. Understandably, you’re rather shocked to see a butler be so bold with someone so dangerous. Even more shocking is the way that Cassandra backs down without a hint of a fight, refusing to meet her mother’s steely gaze, not even pretending that she hadn’t attempted to trick you. Satisfied with this outcome, Caldwell wordlessly fades back into the background.

Although you had almost committed an unwilling act of cannibalism, you managed to slowly relax again, content to listen in on (but not participate in) the conversations around you. ‘Twas somewhat awkward, admittedly, to be the odd one out in a family so close. Yet a part of you had gained a new sense of hope by meeting Caldwell. After all, if a human such as xerself could become so close as to chastise Cassandra of all people, why couldn’t you?

---------------------------

“Once again, I would like to… apologize, on behalf of my daughters,” Alcina says, rather softly, still keeping a gentle hand on your back to guide you along. “I must admit, I do not wish to dwell on what might have happened if not for Avaskian.”

“Believe it or not, I think I actually understand where they’re coming from. Though, of course, I am also grateful for Caldwell’s intervention. But really… your family has been together for several decades now, right? Any addition is guaranteed to stir things up,” you respond with a shrug. “Besides, I’m more than aware that I don’t exactly stand at the same level as your other romantic interest.” Suddenly both of you are halting in the middle of the hallway, unable to meet each other’s gaze, regret rumbling like butterflies in your stomach. You hadn’t intended to bring up your soulmate’s somewhat obvious affections for Mother Miranda.

“Hmm. So you are… aware of that,” Alcina murmurs, finally turning her head to look down at you. There’s no small amount of pain in her eyes, though you can tell she’s holding as much of it in as possible. “I would prefer it if we did not speak of this. I do hope you have no qualms with that.” For once, there is no hint of force or commanding edge to her tone. For once, she is letting you act as an equal, the first step towards actually accepting your role as her soulmate. It’s enough to make the corners of your lips turn up, if only for a moment.

“Alcina… I understand. I merely want to say that it won’t affect how I feel, or how I act. Love is a blessing, even when it ends in pain. I… have loved before. People whom I will never see again, people who never felt the same way, and maybe people who I really only thought that I loved. I’m trying to think of those experiences as lessons. Situations that taught me something about myself, or about what love is, that I can keep in mind and use going forward. Just as I promised to your daughters, I will try to love you. I will give you an honest chance, regardless of our past circumstances. Because we’re soulmates. Because this is the world offering us a shot at something amazing, and I’m not about to give that up,” you explain, placing one of your hands in Alcina’s. For a moment there’s silence, but you see both surprise and happiness in her expression. Still, there’s a hint of tension remaining in the air, so you do your best to dispel it. “Also your daughters threatened to kill me if I didn’t, and I’d hate to perish before lasting a full year here. I heard a rumor that one of the senior staff members makes cards to celebrate.”

Next thing you know, you’re hearing a beautiful sound, a light, genuine laugh from Alcina, who all at once releases the tension in her shoulders.

“Yes, I do believe Ava, or Caldwell as you said, still makes those. Always with strange little drawings of felines…” She trails off, voice fading into another chuckle, before at last resuming her walk, never letting go of your hand. “As much as I have enjoyed our chat, I do believe it is about time that I retire for the night. We will see each other once more in the morning. For now, I bid you goodnight. Sleep well, my dear.” With that, the two of you arrive at the entrance to the servants’ quarters, and you find just enough courage to bring her hand to your lips, for a brief kiss.

“Goodnight, Lady Alcina. May your dreams be as sweet as your company.”

[canofpurpleflowers]

Flowers in ashes

Part one

80s!au, aged up!boys, Rindou x F!artist!reader(kind of Oc??), ft. All the other bonten men.

Warnings: Language, blood, slight gore, alcohol, smoking, Eventual filth in later chapters. Either way let’s keep it 18+ MDNI

Summary: reader is an artist that goes by the “stage” name Ash (but real name is Charlie so it’s easier for me to write lol), Rindou runs into her and all the sappy jazz happens after he realizes she’s completely her own breed. What he doesn’t realize is she’s hiding something huge

✨Also this is in the mens point of view first because I feel like it’ll make more sense for this part✨

AN: ok I haven’t written anything in ages but I’ve had this idea running through my mind a lot so might as well right?! and I’m winging it.

———————————————————————-

“Ok so tell me why exactly we have to go to this art show deal?” Rindou grumbled, pulling the cigarette from his mouth and exhaling a cloud of smoke to add to the haze in the fancy hotel room, “because Mikey said so” Ran replied, putting out his own cigarette in the ashtray on the glass coffee table, “that still doesn’t clarify anything for me” Rindou takes another puff of his, “ok look, ..Mikey said something about making a deal with some old ass” Ran replies, leaning back on the red velvet couch, “plus some work from Keith Haring and Andy Warhol will be there and that might be kind of interesting” he shrugs, “yeah well I don’t really give much of a shit about all that you know”

“Plus that new artist, Ash, will be making an appearance I hear” Ran adds, “am I supposed to know who that is?” Rindou puts out the cigarette in the pile of ashes in the green bowl as well, “how could you not know about ash you dumbass?!” Sanzu walks in from the balcony, “damn ok, didn’t know it was that big of a deal, what’s so great about them?”

“Well first off no one’s really seen them in person before and they’re making their first appearance tonight” Ran explains, “I’m not one to be super into this shit but they paint some pretty wild shit I can definitely get into” Sanzu adds, “they’ve really started to blow up here in New York” Ran stands up stretching his arms, “but Mikey’s gonna be here any second so we should get going” “right, ok, I hope there’s someone I can beat the shit out of at least”

—

“Behave yourselves until I get back” Mikey smiles, but the underlying threat leaves a chill in everyone’s bones even if it wasn’t intentional, as they walk into the pure white marble venue.

The entry way leads into a huge room filled with paintings and people dressed in the most expensive clothes you could find in New York. The sound of people quietly gossiping and the music played by a piano is all that can be heard in the room. Red curtains covering the windows and two levels looking down on the huge room making for a very extravagant evening.

Everyone starting to stare at the intimidating men with the brightly dyed hair walk in the room.

“I feel like we’re standing out like a sore thumb” Rindou mumbles to Ran standing next to him, “screw em, -dammit where did Sanzu go?! I’ll be back” “wait-…shit” Rindou says under his breath, as Ran already disappeared into the crowd, “ok guess I’ll go get a drink then. There should be some expensive champagne or something right?“ Rindou says to himself, walking up to a man in a tuxedo holding a platter with glasses of liquid gold making his round, “I’ll take one of these” Rindou says as he grabs a glass, and the man nods back and continues on his track.

Rindou walks up to a painting of an abstract naked woman covered in blood, starting to get sucked into it. Hm, this is actually pretty good, he thinks to himself taking a sip of the drink. “Kinda odd isn’t it?” Turning to his left there’s a shorter woman dressed in a white tee shirt with a tye dye vest and baggy jeans, covered in tattoos and lavender curly hair that reached just past her shoulders, “that’s an odd look for a fancy evening like this” he mumbles, “says the one who looks completely clueless and wearing a purple suit like that I might add” she mumbles as she sips her champagne, he chuckles at that when she asks “what do you think of the painting?” “I can get into it but something feels off” he replies, “like the artist is leaving something out” she points out, “I don’t know much about art so I can’t say much about it” “that’s alright, the whole art thing isn’t for everyone in my opinion. I feel like she’s trying to portray the feeling of pain can be an act of art in a way”

He looks at her then back to the painting, thinking about it, “oh yeah I can see that” he leans in closer to see the card next to the painting, reading ‘beauty in pain by Ash’ “oh this is that Ash person” “yeah, I don’t really get her art that much or why it’s that popular honestly” she replies pulling out a cigarette and getting a few stares from some older men on the other side of her, “need a light?” He pulls out his lighter, “yeah, that’d be great, thanks” she grabs the lighter from his hand as he notices her fingers decorated in rings. “Damn you even got a few rings” he says and he grabs the lighter back from her after she lights her cigarette and takes a puff, “of course, gotta be a little flashy right?”

They stood in silence for awhile, people walking by whispering incoherent gossip.

Rindou and the woman move onto the next painting by Andy Warhol, “oh I love Warhol” she comments, “eh” he pauses, “I really don’t get this shit honestly” “he’s definitely better than that Ash though“ she chuckles, “actually I think I like that Ash one more. I feel like there’s more feeling poured into it” he replies, “nah she’s got some weird shit goin on in that head of hers” she says in a quiet voice, “why do you call them a she? Do you know them?“ he questions her, she doesn’t answer for a moment then replies “I might”

Right before he was going to say something an older woman in a blue dress grabs the odd woman’s arm and off they went into the crowd, he gives them a weird look and goes back to finishing the glass of champagne in his hand when Ran and Sanzu show up.

“Mikey needs us upstairs” right as rindou was going to reply to Sanzu when a man on the stage announced something about Ash being here, so Rindou squeezed through a few groups of people quickly, forgetting that his friends are trying to get his attention. “hey hold on!” Shouts Ran, trying to catch up to his brother. He found a spot where he could get a glimpse of the stage and he froze in his tracks. It’s her, it’s that girl with the lavender hair he was just talking to. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the realization, he was talking to Ash. Of course… he thought to himself, right as she was about to speak Ran catches up to him. “Oh hey that’s Ash isn’t it? Looks like you’re pretty into this” He laughs, Sanzu following close behind, adding a ‘no way!’ But Randou was too distracted to pay attention to his friends. He doesn’t know what it is but all of a sudden this girl has his curiosity peaked, he has to talk to her again.

“Seriously though Rin we gotta go meet with Mikey” Ran pulls on his arm and off to god knows where in this huge building.

They finally reach a deep red door and walk in to find Mikey with an older man who looks like he owns the place, literally. “There you guys are!” Mikey smiles, as the other three men stand by the door, curious as to why Mikey needs them here. “Our friend here has been the one orchestrating all those attacks on bonten” he calmly looks back to the man and back to them, the look in his eyes saying something completely different. “Mr. Kingston, meet my men” he raises his arm to the haitani brothers and Haruchiyo, each growing a wicked smile.

—

“We should get going now before the cops get involved” Mikey says, wiping the blood from his hands, “god I love this job!” sanzu almost squeals, Ran sitting on a chair in the corner with a cigarette hanging from his lips. As for Rindou he was still going at it, finally breaking the mans neck and standing up straight. Blood covering all the men in the room and expensive furniture ruined, they walk out of the room with little to no clean up of their soiled clothes and skin.

A woman walking by the room screams as the four men walk out leaving a trail of panicked and horrified faces behind them. Rindou was the last to rush out the building when he caught a glimpse of her, she was staring right back at him and he expected her to be just as panicked as everyone else but no, it was like she was more so…curious. He smiles to himself as they drive off passing cars with sirens and flashing lights heading to where they were just at.

God I have to find her

———————————————————————

AN: I promise this’ll pick up and be more exciting as we go on and I get back into my writing groove:) I literally have written anything like this in at least 4 or 5 years so cut me some slack😩

[capricornwriter5]

You are the one - Chapter 21

Pairing: Bang Chan x female OC; Lee Know x female OC

Genre: au (high shool, college), love triangle, fluff, angst, smut, from friends to lovers. ⚠️Warning: soft drugs

Words: 6k

Summary: Bang Chan and Jasmine have been best friends for as long as they can remember. With little time to finish high school, they both begin to develop romantic feelings. However, family situations and communication issues force them to move away. Once in college, they decide to try to regain the friendship they had. As Bang Chan sees the opportunity to finally be with the girl he has always loved, his friend Lee Know, who had been studying in England, returns home and the connection he develops with Jasmine is undeniable. Can the chemistry and attraction with Lee Know outweigh a tender first love and memories of years of friendship between Bang Chan and Jasmine?

Disclaimer: I named the character Jasmine (Minnie for Chan 🥰) because I love that name. Besides, it’s easier if we want to see Chan saying cute names (it’s better than just Y/N, I think) but you can totally picture yourselves in the story, that’s the idea. <3

Chapter 21 - The Three Sighs

Lee Know's apology came the next day as he was walking with Jaz after they had bought a hot chocolate so they could enjoy them while walking. 

The girl warmed her hands with her drink until Lee Know took her hand and holding it, he slipped it inside his coat. It was a typical gesture of him, although Lee Know was not characterized by being very expressive or affectionate, Jaz knew that as soon as they left the house, the photographer took her hand and made sure to have her close at all times. Maybe it was his jealous nature and even a little possessive, or maybe it was because when he wanted to he could be very sweet, but whatever the reason, that day Lee Know couldn't get his girl to smile at him, it was OBVIOUS that Jaz was still upset with him.

"Listen, kitten, I think I screwed things up yesterday." Lee Know stopped walking and the girl did the same when she heard that, to tell the truth, she didn't expect him to realize his mistake, and that wouldn't have happened if it hadn't been for Chan practically slapping him last night with his comment. "I'm sorry."

Jaz nodded and waited for him to continue talking, at least a question related to how she felt; however, Minho was not that type of person, he though that an apology was enough to forget an error. Therefore, it was nothing weird for him just to take out Jaz's hand and kissed it.

"Then... we're fine, right?"

"Sure, just don't make me decorate again, please."

"I promise."

Jaz tried to convince herself that she was exaggerating and that she didn't have to expect Lee Know to behave like Chan, they were totally different people, and logically their relationship would also be different. So, the girl smiled at the photographer and kept walking with him while listening to him talk about how the gallery was going and other things. Also, Minho told her that for Christmas and New Year he would travel to England with his grandparents, something that excited him a lot because they had not gone for years. 

**********

Not only was Lee Know excited about the date, but Romy was also, so much so that for the first time in a long time she asked Minho's grandparents for the afternoon off to go with Jaz to buy some things she needed.

That day, Romy literally pulled her best friend out of the library to come with her, she didn't even tell Jaz where they were going. "That's enough, there's NO ONE in the library studying these days, only you. You're going to get out of there, you're going to love where we're going." Said the girl pushing Jaz.

"Why are you so hyped? Shouldn't you be working?"

"I asked for the day, I won't be able to go to Felix's dinner and I feel really bad, so I thought I could send something, a few desserts sound good."

"Right, Felix's dinner is this week."

"Don't tell me you won't go. Jaz, it's FELIX! Are you hard-hearted enough to say no to him?"

"You won't go either"

"Because I can't, I have a family activity that day, and it's not that I'm dying to see my stupid brothers, but I have no choice, I don't want to listen to my parents talking about the same thing for a whole year. But you could go and have a good time. Or do you want Felix to attack you with videos where he comes out crying because you told him no?"

"He already started," Jaz showed her the conversation with Felix, which was full of short videos of the boy complaining and making himself cry. "Even so, I think I'll stay home. But don't make that face at me! I can go with you to buy what you need." Jaz covered herself with her arms before getting a punch from Romy.

After walking several streets, they arrived at a shop, there was so much to choose from that Jaz laughed at the sight of her friend going crazy and taking a little bit of everything.

"What are you supposed to cook?"

"A few desserts, but the best will be the cookies, no one else knows the recipe," Romy assured winking at her.

"Cookies? Changbin loves them, he'll be the first to eat them, especially when he knows that you made them." Jaz joked raising her eyebrows.

Romy's reaction was so radically different than she would have had at any other time, that Jaz misplaced a fruit and almost caused a mess. Her friend was LAUGHING at a comment involving Changbin, that was definitely something new.

"Just another random comment... Changbin loves nuts." Jaz whispered into her friend's ear. "Something you could consider now that you're choosing ingredients." Before Romy could tell her to stop, Jaz was already on her way to the exit door. "While you're still shopping, I'll go check out the bookstore next door."

**********

Meanwhile, Jasmine was looking through the art books they had in the bookstore, but being such a small place, it didn't surprise her that it was just one shelf dedicated to art. In the next one, she saw books on biology, mathematics, languages, ​​and finally, a very small section on astronomy. It was not a subject that interested her much, although she had read more books on the topic than she could number. At school, she had bought several to understand a little better what Chan talked about during those nights they passed hours looking at the sky.

There were others books she had already read in the school library with Chan. It was inevitable that Jaz smiled slightly as she remembered herself trying to find the shape of the constellations and asking Chan every two minutes what certain words that appeared in the books meant. The girl even laughed remembering when they were in the third year and the librarian scolded them a lot when he saw that they had scratched a book. Jaz had been reading a book in which the images were of poor quality and she did not understand a thing. In the end, Chan had decided to give her a hand and drew on top of the photographs so that his best friend could identify the stars.

Jasmine knew every book on that shelf except one with a white cover decorated with scarlet letters. Just opening it, a sigh escaped her lips, they were photos of buildings whose ceilings were decorated with paintings related to astronomy. From very old buildings to much more modern ones, pages and pages of amazing pictures.

"Chris would go crazy over this." Jaz thought smiling, it would be the PERFECT gift.

Finally, after two years, Jasmine was genuinely excited to buy a gift, but when she was in front of the cashier, reality kicked her. Why would she buy it if she didn't even talk to Bang Chan?

**********

The girls visited three other locations on streets Jaz didn't know they exist. However, Romy's tour was getting difficult to handle for the numerous bags both girls needed to carry. 

"For fuck's sake, Romy! Are going to open a bakery? I can't stand my arms, please tell me that you already got everything." They had stopped to eat something, but they had so many bags that the girls had needed two more chairs for Romy to put everything. 

Just when Romy was giving the bad news that she still needed to go to two other places, some of her bags fell down. Jaz tried to help her, but she stopped when she discovered something that made her smirk.

"Just look who bought two extra bags of nuts! Wait! Where are you going? Romy, don't go! Why do you always do that?"

"I have to go get food." She answered getting up quickly and even hitting her knee on the table by trying to escape.

**********

Christmas dinner at Felix's house could not be cozier, the boy literally received all his friends with scarves, sweaters, hot chocolate, and even Christmas hats. Felix's charm had a special effect on all his friends, he even managed to get Hyunjin to change his designer coat for the Christmas sweater that Felix had given him. No one imagined seeing Hyunjin in a sweater knitted with Christmas llamas.

Felix had put so much effort in that night that he had innumerable snacks, board games, and movies. He even played Christmas music in order to make that night unforgettable for his friends. The only thing Felix had not done was the main dish, as Lee Know made him promise to let him help him with that.

"Felix is ​​going to die when he finds out you came." Lee Know said smiling at Jaz as they waited for the boy to open the door for them.

After much thought, Jaz concluded that maybe Minho was right and it was time to make new memories at Christmas time, plus she didn't want to disappoint Felix, so she ended up accepting.

"Min, before we go in, I have something to ask you."

"Sure, kitten, whatever you want."

"I'm making an effort to be here and celebrate these dates with all of you, but don't leave me alone. It's not easy for me" 

For a moment Jaz convinced herself that Minho just decided to ignore her for he did not articulate a sound; however, there was no need for saying anything, since the way the photographer kissed her, seizing the time they had before someone opened the door, left Jazz speechless. 

"I promise you I'll be by your side; if you want, we can leave a little earlier." Jaz nodded with a smile that grew even bigger when hearing Hyunjin's scream at seeing her there. The boy opened the door waiting to see Lee Know, but definitely not Jaz. 

"FELIX, LOOK WHO CAME!" The voice volume in that shout was loud enough to make Han throw a control into the air and almost hit Changbin.

Jaz couldn't take a single step inside the house because of Felix's hug. And it is that not only he, but the others also did the same. After two long years, their friend had finally decided to celebrate Christmas with them.

Chan stood the last watching as everyone greeted her. The boy smiled even more than the rest to see her there, laughing with her friends and wearing the headband with reindeer antlers that Felix had put on her. He was happy for Jaz, of course, he was even going to walk over to greet her, but he saw how Lee Know pushed Han to let Jazmine breathe. Chan also saw how the photographer brought her closer to him, and as much as he didn't want to, that bothered him. Chan also couldn't help but think that the one who had convinced her to go was Lee Know. How did Lee Know had achieved such a thing? It was at that moment that Chan stopped his thoughts and reproached himself for how jealous and immature he was being. 

After a while, Jaz had handed Felix what Romy had sent and sat down with the rest of the boys to watch Han and Hyunjin play a videogame; or rather, to see how Han beat up Hyunjin in the game.

"Felix, do you need help with anything?" The girl asked when the blond sat down next to her.

"Don't worry, stay here watching Hyunjin's humiliation while I take care of the food with Lee Know."

"Forget it, you must be the one who sits, you've done too much already, I'll cook with Lee Know, it can't be that bad, I'm used to it, one more day won't hurt me," Seungmin said dodging a pillow that was going straight for his face, clearly, Lee Know had thrown it at him.

While Felix's house wasn't as huge as Changbin's or Chan's, it was spacious enough so the group could be doing multiple activities at the same time. That was how Changbin and Jaz ended up having a little smoke next to a window while Han, Chan, Hyunjin, and Felix organized a wildly complicated board game. To tell the truth, it wouldn't have been so complicated if they hadn't listened to Hyunjin, who swore he knew the rules, but the truth was that he had never played it.

"Hurry up, we're going to get Felix in trouble," Jaz said as his friend tried to smoke a little but the wind kept blowing out what he had in his hand. "Muscles, hurry up!"

"Shut up! You're making me nervous so I can't light anything! Also, there's too much wind, cover it up."

"Sure, Changbin, just let me take out the curtain that I have hidden under my dress." She said taking him by the shoulders and turning him around so the wind wouldn't hit him in the face. "Are you sure you haven't lost too many brain cells by smoking?"

"No, I'm perfect." He responded by releasing a lot of smoke, but inadvertently released it in the girl's face, who didn't know whether to kill him right there or simply ignore what had happened.

"At moments like this, I wish Han would spit on you again." 

While they continued smoking and joking around, Chan looked at them out of the corner of his eye and wondered if he should get closer, but seeing Jaz smile like that at such a time, he decided that it was best to stay where he was, he didn't want to awaken painful memories.

"Hey, by the way, did I tell you I brought cookies from Romy?"

"Cookies?" He asked with a rather sharp tone of voice, he didn't know if it was because of the emotion from the drug.

"And you want me to tell you a secret? But you have to promise me you won't tell anyone."

"I swear on my dignity."

"You don't have it, swear by something with value."

"Okay, I swear on my new weights."

Thanks to Changbin's stupid answer, they had to wait for a few minutes for both of them to stop laughing and recover their breath, but when they did, the girl came over with a mischievous smile and said something to him that made Changbin's ears get red.

"Romy added extra nuts...and I don't think it was a fluke." Within seconds, Changbin had already disappeared into the kitchen looking for the cookies.

Jaz looked at him with a smile, she was sure that Changbin liked her friend, something told her that. Certain lovely behaviors of Changbin made Jaz smile wistfully, as it reminded herself before starting dating Chan. Almost immediately her gaze fixed on his friend's back since Chan was sitting in such a way that he couldn't see her, but Jaz could hear his laughter perfectly, and when he turned around a little, she could see his face. He looked well, remarkably well, in fact. Jaz could not recognize a single trace of sadness in him like before. On the one hand, she was happy, but on the other, she felt glum to confirm that she had been the one who for so long stole the smiles of her best friend.

Not for nothing had they been best friends since they were children. Chan and Jaz not only knew the slightest detail from each other, but they also think the same, for Chan assumed exactly the same thing. Seeing her there on that date had made him convince himself of how good it had been for Jaz that the two of them distanced themselves.

However, there were three body expressions almost imperceptible to anyone that made Jaz doubt the authenticity of Chan's joy. Three sighs, to be more exact. The first occurred while Felix, Han, and Hyunjin were reading the instructions of the game for the last time. Chan leaned back on the couch to take a sip of his drink, and as he did so, just when he thought no one was looking, his mask cracked just a little and Jaz watched as he sighed at the drink in his hand. But almost immediately the boys called him and he regained the sparkle in his eyes.

The second sigh came when Lee Know and Seungmin returned to the room. They had left the food in the oven and while it finished cooking they would open presents. Naturally, Jaz would not participate in the distribution, since they would do it through a game and the girl refused to participate weeks ago. However, that didn't stop Jasmine from enjoying seeing her friends discovering who was their secret Santa. She especially laughed when everyone found out Hyunjin was the person who gave the present to Chan. 

Hyunjin had bought Chan a fancy hoodie, which, although it had no decorations and was completely black, was from an Italian designer.

"This is my way to ask you not to lose it! The last time I was at your house, you only had one and it was dirty. Where the hell did you put the others?" Hyunjin said making Chan laugh, it was true, he had lost a lot. But a large number of them were not lost, they were at Jaz's house. 

There was a microsecond, just the tiniest speck of time when Jaz noticed Chan's somber gaze, but then he was back to his old self when he handed the gift to Felix.

The third sigh came later.

The distribution of gifts coincided when Felix's parents arrived home. The couple had been doing some shopping and had planned to leave them there before going out again, as they would attend a dinner. However, they took the opportunity to greet their son's friends. Before leaving, the boy's mother made sure everyone had their sweaters on, that they were warm, and that they had something to eat. The woman was adorable, and Jaz thought of her mother, how alone she must be at that moment and how much she had changed in those two years. Yes, it had been difficult for Jaz, the whole divorce situation, but it had been difficult for her mother as well.

The memory of her mother caused Jaz to feel a lump in her throat as she watched Felix's mother leaving the house. A few years ago that woman was her mother at one of her many Christmas dinners.

Fortunately, Han asked her to go with him to get more punch and Jaz followed him to the kitchen, where she knew she'd find Lee Know. The girl had been surprisingly strong all night, but now she needed the photographer.

"Hi, handsome. Do you need help with that?" She asked approaching him but he was so focused on looking through the glass of the oven that he shook his head negatively. "Do you want me to help you with something?"

"It's okay, I'll take care of it. Go with the others."

"But I want to be with you, you've been here all night." Jasmine approached to hug him from behind but in doing so, Lee Know moved abruptly, it was not because he wanted to get away from her, but because he had opened the oven and so much smoke came out that he moved Jaz so that the steam would not hit her in the face.

"Shit, shit, shit! The food got burned!" He said as Seungmin practically ran in, the boy had been bringing some knives that he had left on the table when he smelled the smoke.

"Don't worry, it's not that much, I think it's less than half." Assured Seungmin trying to help Lee Know.

"Yes, Min, we can cut the burned part."

"No, we can't, the food won't be enough.  Fuck!"

"I can buy something else." Jaz tried to offer but Lee Know kept saying no and insisted on checking the meat to see how much was edible. "Min, while you do that with Seungmin, I'll go buy more food."

"No no, Jazmine, that doesn't make any sense, I don't have time to prepare more food."

"Well, I can eat something else."

"Me too," Seungmin said. "That way the burned part can be mine and Jaz's and there won't be anything to worry about."

"I'll go get my bag." 

Once Jasmine went out of the kitchen, Seungin grabbed Lee Know's shoulder. "Hey, this was just an accident, don't stress too much" However, Lee Know looked at him in a threatening way because he had just realized that they had not used an ingredient in the sauce and the recipe had possibly been spoiled.

For her part, Jaz was about to take her wallet out of her bag when she noticed something, her wrist, there was something strange with her wrist. She was used to the gleam her watch produced with something else, something that wasn't there.

"NO!" She said when she noticed that the bracelet that her father had given her was missing.

Chan was talking to Han in the living room when he saw how the girl took everything out of her bag and was desperately looking for something. Almost immediately Chan saw her enter the kitchen and waited for her to come out since it was obvious that something was wrong with her.

"Min, have you seen my bracelet?" Jaz asked touching the arm of the photographer, who was doing his best to fix the sauce.

"What? Jaz, which bracelet are you talking about?"

"My flowers bracelet, I can't find it. Tell me you have it, please!" 

Minho looked at her strangely, he didn't understand why she cared so much about a simple accessory. "Precious, I don't even know what you're talking about."

"The bracelet that dad gave me, Lee Know, I can't find it!" The anxiety and terror she felt at having lost the bracelet caused Jaz to lose control and speak louder than normal.

"Jazmine, relax, it's a bracelet! Can't you see I'm trying to rescue everyone's dinner? That's more important than an accessory!"

"Minho, this it's important to me! I don't want to lose it, please help me" She asked with a slightly broken voice.

"Go help her, I'll take care of the food." Seungmin offered, anyone could see how desperate she was feeling. 

Seungmin only needed to see the anguish with which the girl asked her boyfriend for help to get how important that bracelet was for her; unfortunately, the same did not happen with Lee Know.

"I'm finishing this and then, I'll help her," Minho answered the boy. "Jaz, tell one of the others to help you. And if you can't find it, don't worry, precious, I'll buy you one, okay?"Jaz didn't want to stay there for a second longer and before Seungmin or Lee Know could notice, she had already opened the door that connected to the garden. 

The girl would walk the garden and the entrance of the house if necessary, but she would find that bracelet. She had been taking care of it for YEARS, it couldn't be that she lost it like that. The desperation to find it made Jaz go out in the snow, without gloves, without a scarf, without her coat, and practically crawled looking for the bracelet. However, the more she looked for it, the more snow fell and the more she was convinced that she would not find it. She could have lost it before getting to Felix's house.

If Jaz had really misplaced it, she would never forgive her, it was the only thing she had left from her father, literally the only gift she hadn't thrown away. Everything else that had come from her father, she had thrown it away some time ago, photos, drawings, clothes, EVERYTHING except for that bracelet. Jaz took the decision of tossing everything after the prom. The girl had turned her room upside down taking out everything her father had given her. His mother and Chan did everything to change her mind, so much so that Chan had even tried to take the boxes out of the trash, but Jaz had been too stubborn and ended up throwing everything away.

Now, exactly what her mother and Chan had warned her about was happening: she regretted it. Now, under the snow, she felt her tears fall uncontrollably at the thought that she had lost the last thing she had left of her relationship with her father.

Jaz's mind was so focused on torturing her for her decisions that she didn't hear the footsteps of someone approaching. It wasn't until she heard her name that she didn't realize there was a person under the snow accompanying her.

"Minnie? What are you doing out here? It's too cold, what are you doing on the floor?" Chan hadn't heard her cry, but when he got in front of her and saw her face, his instinct to protect her came out automatically. He already suspected that something was wrong when he saw her emptying her bag, but he never expected to find her crying like that. "What happened?! Minnie, you're frozen!" He took off his coat and placed it on her shoulders.

"My bracelet, I lost it." 

"The bracelet your father gave you?" Chan asked taking her wrist and noticing that she wasn't wearing it.

Seeing Chan there was enough for Jasmine to stop crying and think things clearly. Feeling him touch her again brought the girl back to earth. 

She wiped her face as she nodded. "It doesn't matter anymore, Chris, I'm not going to find it."

"Of course it matters! You love that bracelet, it can't be lost just like that."

"Chris..."

"I'll find it." He said with total certainty, Chan was serious and Jazmine knew him well enough to know that when he spoke with that decision, he fulfilled anything.

What Chan couldn't do was get Jaz back inside, and the two of them searched for the accessory together. The girl had no hope of finding it, and even though Chan lent her his coat, the snow was making her hands hurt a lot.

"Chris, let's get inside. Chris?" She asked turning around and looking for him. "Chris?"Jaz called again a little louder.

Chan came out of some bushes quite disheveled and with a dirty shirt. He was adjusting his clothes, so Jaz didn't see his face until he was close. 

"Let's..." Jaz didn't finish speaking, for Chan had taken her hand and with a smile that she could never forget, he placed the bracelet back on her.

Words failed Jaz to thank Chan for what he had done, there was absolutely nothing she could say to show how grateful she was and Chan knew it, so he smiled at her in that way that got to caress Jaz's heart.

"The clasp is loose, be careful." He said trying not to look her in the eyes, he felt too many things in his chest when he did so.

Chan knew that at another time he would have the girl hugging him, possibly covering his face with kisses and thanking him over and over again for helping her, but not tonight, not anymore. However, just as Chan longed to feel that hug, Jaz also felt such a need to put her arms around him, but she had to control herself.

That's when Jaz heard Chan's third sigh that was practically yelling at her that her ex-boyfriend wasn't as good as he wanted to appear.

"Chris, I don't know how to thank you, I thought I'd never see it again."

"You don't have to thank me for anything, I know what it means to you."

"Your hair is soaked, your back too." She said trying to take off her coat but Chan didn't let her.

"I'm fine, keep it." He said with a slight smile. "In fact, we'd better go inside or the others will worry."

Jaz nodded, but she didn't want to miss this opportunity to talk to him, at least check on him, and before Chan opened the door, she placed her hand on the knob, causing him to look at her as if to ask what was going on.

"Wait... I haven't heard from you in a long time. How are you?"

Chan took a few seconds to answer, he thought carefully about what he would say. He had a lot to tell, from work to family, but he also wanted to know about her and time was running out for them before someone came looking for them.

"I'm so silly, I'm sorry I shouldn't ask you that when you're freezing here. I think this isn't a good time to talk." She said very embarrassed and trying to open the door herself, but this time it was Chan who avoided it.

"I'm fine, Minnie, even things with my parents are going well. Last week I had lunch with dad, I think we're finally finding a way to talk like civilized people."

"Chris, that's wonderful! I'm so glad... you look... you look good."

"How are you?" He asked before giving her time to discover the truth of how he truly felt. "I was shocked to see you here today, but I was also happy. I mean... these times can be a little difficult, but you decided to leave home, that's awesome."

"Yes, I think it was about time; besides, Lix wouldn't have forgiven me if I didn't come." She said laughing next to him. "With the classes, well... it's been complicated, I have a lot of work with, and keeping the scholarship isn't that easy."

"You're an excellent student, I have no doubt that you'll get it. You even got me into college when I was practically expelled." He said trying to make her smile.

"And about the rest... it seems that our parents finally understood what we needed. Your father got closer to you and mine never wrote to me again."

"Minnie..." He instantly noticed that something was wrong with her.

"Chan, Jaz! What the hell happened to you two?" Felix asked opening the door and meeting them. "My God, Chan, you're soaking wet! Jaz, your lips are practically purple! Didn't you realize how cold it is, are you dead or just super high?" He asked taking them by the shoulders and pushing them inside.

While Felix gave Jazmine his room to dry her hair, the boy took Chan into the guest room and brought him another sweater so he could change it.

"Does it fit you?"

"I already told you not to worry, and yes, it fits me. Better go to Minnie, she'll need something to wear."

"I came from there but she sent me here with you." He said very frustrated. "It's fucking difficult to take care of you two. To be the parents of the group you are too stubborn."

**********

"Well, the sauce tastes good, we managed to rescue the meat, I think everything is under control... That was difficult." Lee Know commented pouring himself some water.

"Hey, I really don't want to butt in, and I don't want you to get upset about this but..."

"Now what are you going to tell me? I know I had to come to check the food earlier."

"It's not from the food, it's from Jaz. I think she was asking you for something really important to her, she looked worried."

"Shit... you're right, I forgot."

Minho left the kitchen and was going so fast that he hit Felix, who was just walking with Chan to the living room.

"Hey! If you had come with a knife, you'd have killed me. Is everything alright?" Felix asked.

"Sorry, it was crazy in there, I screwed up and lost a part of dinner, but Seungmin already helped me. Have you seen Jaz? I haven't seen her in a while and I need to talk to her."

Chan looked at him seriously and as if Felix knew what was going through his mind, he surreptitiously placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. Chan obviously had no idea what had happened between Lee Know and Jaz but his overprotective instinct made him assume there was something else going on.

"She's in my room," Felix said giving him space and asking Chan just with a look, to calm down.

**********

By opening the door of the room, Lee Know found his girlfriend lost on the cell phone, he did not know what he was doing, and he could not see either because when he sat next to her, she blocked it.

"Hi..." Minho said adjusting her hair and noticing that it was damp. "What happened?"

"That my boyfriend's an asshole and I went out to look for my bracelet alone." 

"You're right, your boyfriend's a jerk, but he's sorry." He said taking her hand again since Jaz had moved it from her. "I'm really sorry. I was so stressed about dinner that I didn't think about anything else."

"This is not the first time this has happened, Lee Know, you're not alone, you don't live alone in the world, you have people around you who also have problems and who need you. I understand if because of what happened in your home and because of your way of being you learned to be independent, but that's not how things work in the real world, much less in a relationship."

Although Jaz's words may have seemed a bit rude, the truth was that they were precisely what Minho needed to hear. Of course, it was not that easy for him, it was his first relationship, and it was the first time a person dared to tell him something like that. 

"Anyway, let's go downstairs, it's time for dinner."

"What were you doing a moment ago with your cell phone?"

"I doubt you care," Jaz said getting up from the bed.

"Come on, Kitten, I'm trying. I made a mistake, but I'm learning."

Jaz sighed and almost immediately the photographer hugged her, laying his head on her chest. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I made you decorate last time, I'm sorry your bracelet was lost, and I'm even more sorry I didn't help you find it." He whispered before kissing the top of her head. "I'm serious, Jay. Let's go find it."

"I already found it, or rather, Chris found it."

"Chan helped you?"

"He saw me looking for it and helped me." 

The boy's first reaction was to get defensive, and Jasmine felt it from the way he straightened his shoulders; however, he was smart enough to control himself. If he complained about anything from Jaz, it would start another argument between them and it was the last thing he wanted right now. He had already screwed things up twice enough to do it a third time; besides, he knew that the bracelet was important to the girl, so he just closed his eyes and calmed down. After all, he had to trust her and his friend.

"I'm glad you found it, next time I'll help you, I promise."Jaz looked up and saw that he was serious. Not wanting to start another argument, the girl believed him and nodded her head. "Well... will you tell me what you were doing with the cell phone, what had you so focused on?" It was not easy for Jasmine to open up to Lee Know that night because she still doubted that he could understand her and that he would end up minimizing, once again, what she felt, but in the end, she unlocked the cell phone and showed him what she had been seeing, it was the conversation with his father.

8:15 p.m. Jaz. "Hello. Can we talk?"

The message wasn't sent yet, she had just written it but Lee Know interrupted her before sending it. 

"It's not like I want to talk to him, but I want to ask him to talk to mom. Even though they're not together, mom still listens to him, and maybe if he tells her, she'll go back to her therapy, or she'll accept to live with my aunt, I don't know..."

"I didn't know something was happening with your mom."

"I tried to tell you the day we decorated."

"Shit..."

At that moment Lee Know understood everything much better and even got to blame himself for how stupid and selfish he had been that day, but since he couldn't change what had happened, he focused on what was currently happening.

"There's nothing wrong if you want to talk to him, kitten. It's normal that you miss him, more on these dates."

"I don't miss him."

"You're using the topic of your mother as an excuse. Don't get me wrong, I know you genuinely care about her and want your dad to help her, but deep down, you want to talk to him."

"Let's talk about this another day. I'm hungry, and the rest must be waiting for us to eat." The best decision in these situations was not to force anyone and give the person time to act until they felt comfortable and ready, so Lee Know nodded and went down with her.

**********

Later, when everyone had returned home, Hyunjin noticed that it wasn't late and decided to work on a design that he had left incomplete to go help Felix. The blond, for his part, picked up everything his friends had left behind after dinner; even though everyone had helped him, there were still several things left. However, it did not bother him, he had had all his friends gathered in his home as he had wanted. Meanwhile, Seungmin had never had a Christmas dinner with friends, he would definitely treasure it that night. Han and Changbin had returned home with Chan and the first two were chatting about how delicious the food had been and, as expected, Changbin commented a lot on Romy's cookies, causing Han to bully him. Lee Know had come straight to see his cats and finish packing, he had nothing ready and was leaving in two days.

While the whole group of friends rested comfortably, Chan didn't even try to sleep, he knew he wouldn't make it, it would be another sleepless night, but this time his inability to sleep wouldn't be because of the numerous things he had to do, but because he didn't stop looking at the shelf next to his bed where he had kept something for several days. Bang Chan knew that if he opened the first drawer, the first thing he would see would be the set of brushes he had had made for Jaz.

Among all the artists he had met, there was a woman who carved wood, her botanical-themed decorations had impressed him. That was how he asked her to carve the handles of the brushes for Jaz.

***********

A few days ago, Han and Changbin were at home finishing some homework when Chan walked in. They hadn't seen him since the day before, but they weren't surprised, his friend worked like crazy, studied until his headache forced him to stop, and drank and partied like there was no tomorrow. They never really knew if the tiredness they saw on his face was because he had stayed up late at a party, or because he had been working. But what they could tell was that they would never forget how his eyes grew emptier that afternoon when Han told him there was a package for him.

"I don't remember ordering anything." He commented approaching the table.

"It looked expensive, open it carefully," Han said turning to Changbin to try to see what it was, lately his friend had become very sensitive about his privacy and they knew that if they got up to snoop around, he would send them back to the couch with a look.

The box was quite heavy and very well protected, anyone couldn't even suspect its contents until the papers and plastic around it were removed. But when Chan did it, when he saw the artist's logo and opened the lid just a little, he closed it immediately.

"What is it, can we see it?" Changbin asked, who didn't get an answer, he could only see his friend's face before he took the box and locked himself in his room.

Han and Changbin looked at each other, they had been worried about their friend for some time, but neither dared to say anything out loud, it was as if they were afraid to accept that something was wrong. In addition, Chan was not easy to read because when one of them dared to try to comment on something, Chan looked as smiling and animated as ever.

***********

At the same time that Chan took the gift out of the drawer and saw how beautiful those brushes were, Jaz had in her hands that book on astronomy and buildings, she had bought it, of course she had. However, she hadn't been able to give it to Chan, just as she couldn't return all the hoodies she still had from Bang Chan.

To be continued... 🐺

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[shadow-operetta]

Interaction Event: Merry Christmas from Rei Sakuma!

"Kukuku... Hello there my little bats~ It's nice to finally meet you all. Let's enjoy the holidays together, shall we?"

Merry Christmas! It's the holiday season and you've been invited to a party hosted by Rei! What do you think? Do you want to meet the Demon King and spend Christmas with him?

Yes ❅ No

Welcome to this blog's first event! From December 15th to December 31st, you will be able to interact with Rei in this blog. Think of this event as something similar to a fan meeting. If you have something to say or a present to give to our lovable vampire, then now's your chance!

Rules:

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❅ Lovemailing is totally fine though. Knowing that he's loved and appreciated brings a smile to his face. (And he'll repay you with fanservice. He loves seeing flustered expressions.) 

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❅Give everyone a chance to interact. Obviously, if you're on anon, I won't be able to tell if you're the same person or not. I'm trusting you guys to be fair and not spam my askbox. 

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Failure to comply with these rules will get you kicked out of the party. Rei expects his fans to be decent and respectful people, so behave yourselves!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

[multifandomwhore-003]

Too Busy

Pairings: JJ Maybank x female! OC, fake dating Rafe Cameron x female! OC

Summary: JJ Maybank's ex is a kook, not any kook tho, she's the daughter of the mayor who's recently been involved with the kook prince himself Rafe Cameron.

Genre: Angst.

Warning: None!

Gif credits to whom it belongs

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"We'll be here in less than a week, okay?" Your dad handed you over the keys, "Rember, be good and call him, I need those boxes empty by tomorrow okay?"

You nodded, "Tell mom I miss her,"

"I will," he hugged you before exiting the house.

Now you were alone, again. As much as you wanted to catch your dad before he got to the helicopter and companion him to Hawaii, you couldn't. Now, there were three things you could do in this situation:

a) You stayed home and watch Netflix

b) You go to the Camerons', which included getting ready, getting photographed by the paparazzi, answer random interviews, and always having to make good publicity for your dad and Ward. You rolled your eyes hating to be the Mayor's daughter.

c) Call... you know who.

Or secret option d) Do the job of you know who so you don't have to call him.

The first option was too boring, the second one seemed like a lot of effort, and the third one well... to be honest, it was the most appealing and you knew the last one wasn't even an option.

You scrolled through your contacts and finally found it, you stared at it while analyzing if it was a good idea or not. You sighed blocking the phone. Why? Why did you have to be perfect? Having to smile, wave, and talk as little as possible; always have good grades, get an MIT; do charity work, attend events, give speeches; be kind, generous, humble, smart, funny, classy. You didn't hate it, you just never thought it would be this hard, your job was just to make it seem effortless, it didn't matter how many times your Dad scolded you and made you consider other people who are going through worse, you still wanted to escape it.

"Fuck" you muttered under your breath, you knew exactly what you were gonna do, "Fuck, fuck, fuck," you hated yourself, "Fuck you Maybank," you clicked his name and the phone began to call.

You guys were more chill now that your father forced you to behave yourselves, but you still needed to clear somethings up.

"Well, well, well," you didn't need to see him to know he had an obnoxiously cocky smile across his face, "If it isn't Victoria Lewis," he couldn't let you hear his surprise and hurt.

"Hi JJ,"

"Let me guess, your parents are trying to save their marriage again by going to Hawaii?"

"Fuck you,"

He chuckled over the line, "I'm just messin' with you, I'll be there in 10,"

You hung up.

˙˚˙༓࿇༓˙˚˙

"Yeah, he can come in," you clarified to security and hung up.

After a few seconds, the blonde boy crossed the front gate.

He was already familiar with the drill; having the guards call your house, get across the garden, and into the parking lot, you waiting for him on the spot he already knew was his.

"I'll never get bored of this," he took his helmet off.

"I thought you'd be over it by this point," you leaned against the vehicle.

"Nah, I mean, I feel pretty special. I'm pretty sure I'm the only Pogue that gets to be here," he got close to you while crossing his arms, "So, are you gonna tell me why you call me, or should I just assume it?"

"You know exactly why you're here,"

For a second he was confused, then his face flushed, "You're kidding, right?"

"I wished I was,"

He took a deep breath frustrated.

"Don't get mad, you're the one who took the job, besides, he personally asked for you since Sally is out of town," you explained.

"Of course she is," he agreed with irony.

"You just have to do a couple of boxes, and I uh- I'll help you out,"

He bit the inside of his cheek, hesitating, "Fine," he rolled his eyes.

"Don't be dramatic, it's not that bad,"

"Just because you'll be there,"

And now, you were still sliding book by book, binder by binder into the shelves.

"I hate this job," JJ folded another empty box.

"At least you're not alone doing it,"

"Yeah," he cut the tape of the biggest box and walked to your side.

"Oh no, no, no, no, those go on the bottom row,"

He sighed, kneeled, and started over.

As you finished your box, you realized you were tired. JJ was right, his fucking job sucks and it wasn't a very difficult one, but being one of Outer Bank's mayor's assistants wasn't great either.

"Finish that row and I'll tell him your dad called you and you had to leave,"

"No, I uh- I need the complete money,"

"He left me the complete money, I'll just deal with him later, okay?"

"Thanks," he snickered as he finally got up.

"Want a beer?" you opened the minifridge.

"Hell yeah,"

"Lucky for you, he just bought those British ones you like so much,"

He admired the Golden glory label before tasting it, it lived up to its name, "Well, I guess the only thing good about this job is that I get to get a beer after," he sat on your dad's chair.

You sat on the desk taking a sip of your soda, you're not much of a drinker. Now you were in complete silence, it's not that easy to try and have a normal conversation with an ex you ended in not so good terms.

Flashback

"Oh, sorry I'm late baby, I was just-"

"Busy, I know, you always are," he was annoyed, "You could've just called, you know? Not be late for almost three hours,"

"Baby, I couldn't even grab my phone I'm so sorry,"

"We should just call it a night, okay? Kie already canceled our reservations anyways,"

"We don't need a restaurant to have a nice date,"

"It's our anniversary Victoria, it was supposed to be special,"

"Well, I'm-"

"Can you stop apologizing? For once, I already know you're sorry, all the time,"

You were speechless.

He scoffed, "Wow, alright I'm gonna leave,"

"JJ," you tried to grab his arm.

"I can't keep doing this Victoria, I can't, you're always busy with some charity event or an interview or school,"

"What- what are you saying?" You gulped.

He sighed, "I'm breaking up with you,"

"What? No, JJ I really am sorry for not being here today,"

"But it's not just today! It's every single day! You always have something more important than us, always! And it's fucking exhausting! I'm exhausted!"

"Of course I have important things to do! That's what being the daughter of the mayor means!"

"Well I didn't sign up to date the daughter of the mayor, I want to date you!"

"Of course you did! You did the minute you decided to talk to me while volunteering to help my dad's campaign! The minute you started to work for him! The minute you took me on a date and kissed me! The minute you asked me to be your girlfriend!"

"Well, I didn't think he was actually gonna win!"

"That's the most stupid thing I've ever heard you say," You spat, "And you don't get to quit on us especially when I haven't! I told you I loved you and you didn't say it back! Did I give you crap about it? No, I didn't, instead, I decided to not pressure you to say it!"

"Well, if you're waiting for me to say it now I'm the one who's sorry because I don't love you Victoria!" He did, he really did, "And I don't know if I ever will!"

"Good! Thanks for telling me so I don't keep wasting my time on someone who's not worthy of it!" You turned to leave, but then remembered and returned in front of him, "And for the record, I'm leaving you because you're an asshole! You're a quitter! God, my father was right about you!" You hit his shoulder a few times, "I hate you Maybank! I hate you!"

"No, you hate yourself because I'm not your charity case anymore, you couldn't fix me and you can't live with the idea of failing, can you?"

You slapped him, hard, "It's not my job to fix you, but good luck getting over your daddy issues all by yourself, " You hissed before walking away.

End of flashback

"How are the Pogues?" you asked before feeling more uncomfortable.

"Missing you,"

"Really?"

"Yeah, John B refuses to play Monopoly with anyone but you, Pope's always strugglin' with school now more than ever since you're not there to teach him social sciences, Kiara's all alone again at school since you started homeschool; so yeah, they are basically falling apart without you,"

You bit your tongue before asking, you wanted to know but it just wasn't right to say it. Since there was no response from you, you stayed in complete silence again, itching silence, so irritant you both wanted to cut it but weren't sure what to say, so JJ changed the subject.

"So, you and Rafe Cameron seem to catch people's attention," he broke the ice.

"It's just publicity,"

"Really? I mean, that date on the beach seemed pretty real," he was getting a bit defensive.

"It was all fake, Ward planned it, who do you think called the paparazzi?"

"So there's nothing between you and Rafe?"

"Ew, no," you grimaced.

"Did Ward plan the rest of the dates or just that one?"

"No, I had to plan them because I needed to bring attention to my event, besides I could never date Rafe Cameron,"

"And why is that? I mean he's perfect for you, he's handsome, he's funny, great around crowds, your parents love him; I mean, why not?"

"Because Rafe Cameron is an asshole,"

"True," you both chuckled, "For how long are you planning to fake date?"

"I dunno, for as long as necessary I guess, people seem to love us together and some hate us but like my dad says, any publicity is good publicity,"

"So you're gonna play the long game, huh?"

"Yeah, mostly because my mom wants me to marry the guy and my dad just adores him,"

The phone rang and you had to pick it up.

"Hi, yeah he can come in," as you finished the call you looked at JJ, "Speak of the devil,"

"He's here?"

"Yeah, he uh- sometimes comes just to be followed by the paparazzi and tell them he's coming here,"

"Oh," he nodded, "Do you want me to go or-"

"No, it's fine we don't even talk to each other so," you raised your shoulders.

"Maybe you should, I mean if you're gonna keep fake dating I think you should at least get to know him," he suggested.

"I guess you're right,"

"So I uh- I've been thinking a lot about us lately like what went wrong," he abruptly confessed, "And I owe you an apology,"

"Why? I mean our relationship went downhill the minute my dad became mayor and decided to make me his best publicity element,"

"Yeah, but I also gave up too quickly, I should've been more tolerant and all I did was fuck it up even more with my selfishness," he finished his beer.

"Well now that we're saying things like that, I could've made more time for us but I just thought that my dad was more important and all of my life was just falling apart,"

"You deserve someone who's schedule is more flexible,"

"And you deserve someone with more time,"

It was nice to have an actual conversation with no yelling and a cold mind, it somehow felt mature; you both loved each other but now it was a different type of love, it was more of an "I wish you the best and if anything goes wrong I'll always be here" type of love, you could wonder of what it would be like if you ever went back together, but you didn't want to, you both know the best thing was to stay apart.

"You should go with Rafe," he smirked.

"I-"

"Have you ever actually talked to him? Like a deep type of conversation?"

"No," you muttered.

"Then go with him, if you're still planning of becoming president he'll make the perfect guy to marry, we both know this won't end anytime soon,"

"God, I hate when you're right," you rolled your eyes.

"Go," he insisted.

As you left the room he knew at that moment, that he had officially lost you, he let you go for a greater good. He was now whisked in emotions, nostalgia, happiness, sadness, and a touch of anger.

He smiled, because for the first time in his life he finally did something purely good.

[kemvee]

Dear Messy Crew

And in particular the person and or persons responsible for this latest mess. No names needed, you know who you are.

We get it.

You like our content. In fact you love it so much you want to see more but are scared to tell us via the usual methods. 

I understand! Tumblr can be daunting. It can be hard to approach your favourite content creators directly. So I guess you’ve decided to go down the reverse psychology approach?

I mean it’s working. Every time you attack a content creator for making smut the fandom responds by making more smut right? Way to go!

That’s cool, you do you I guess. I’m sorry you are surrounded by friends and or parents who forbid you from expressing your sexuality freely. I hope that with time and maturity you see why this method, although is having the desired impact, is having knock on effects that you might not be fully aware of...Is impacting those that you may call friends.

Let me explain. To you and those supporting this/these individual(s).

You complain about your OCs not getting enough attention, or your notes going down and don’t stop to think why.

I can tell you with 100% certainty why and skin tone has nothing to do with it. Nor is it because our art or writing is in anyway better than yours. I can say with confidence I’m not half the artist some of you are.

So why then? 

It’s because you have in the past and continue to (see today's nonsense) behave like absolute cunts.

You boast about sending anon hate ( @themessaccural​ has the actual screenshots of this) but instead of rightfully correcting the individual you double down. Conceal, lie to cover your tracks and praise yourselves and brilliant intelligence for it. 10/10 top clownery.

You defend disgusting misogynistic, ageist and abelist ‘jokes’ as being “ahh it’s just a child.” But cry murder the moment the fandom has a laugh about your fave fucking on a desk.

If someone plays with said ‘fave’ the wrong way you lie, complain in call-outs, vague post, make insidious insinuations about race and are generally up in arms about a FICTIONAL CIS-HET WHITE MAN.

But the moment there are documented rape threats within the fandom... not a peep. Where was your outrage then.

Your silence is deafening.

And that lovely friends is why your notes are going down. Why every time you call someone out they gain hundreds of new followers and why you continue to circle jerk away in your ever shrinking bubble of toxicity.

And as for the smut coven. Look i’m sorry you can’t join our little club. You don’t need to be jealous it isn’t open to anyone (even the wonderful writers who you admire so much.)

But if you want you can read our story here and in case there is any doubt i have updated my banner accordingly.

Love to you all xxx

[simpforsnape]

Sincerely Yours.

Severus Snape x OC/Reader

wordcount: 2349

Warnings: none, minor errors.

Pervious - Next

Chapter 6

Many days passed after the encounter between Severus and Anahstacia. The conversations between the two were always short. Since the duel, Anah kept her promise to him. She bothered the hell out of him, but only to an extent.

Severus on the other hand loathed her since then. Every time he'd turn the corner there she was. At first, it was irking, until he realized how much he'd enjoyed it.

Anah stood in front of her magical mirror as she finished dressing for the day. It was the weekend, and classes weren't in session. So that meant a free day for the students, but for Anah, she had a lot of work to do. When she glanced at the mirror once again her appearance remained the same. She let out a loud sigh leaving her chambers to head to her classroom.

On the walk to the Transfiguration classroom, She encountered a few students. Of course, being the liked teacher she is, she greeted them all. Before reaching the room she noticed Harry standing at her door. He looked lost.

She approached him with her eyebrow shrugging in the process.

“Harry?” Anah questioned as the teenage boy quickly turned to greet her.

”Professor V..” he replied calmly.

“What can I do for you darling?” She asked while entering the classroom ushering him to come inside. He followed after her while the door remained open. She helped herself to her desk now eyeing the young boy who only stood there in front of her. From the looks of it, he seemed uneasy. Like he'd seen a ghost or something. Anah motioned him to sit. Her hands were rested on her lap, now waiting for him to speak.

"I've come to check on you.." He confessed with a serious face. Anah only smirked. "Check on me? Why is that love?"

Harry turned his head before rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, there's a rumor about you and Professor Snape.. and since you're my favorite teacher... I just cannot understand why you would take a liking to that man.."

His words were clear to Anah. She merely shrugged her shoulders. She grabbed the large stack of papers that were on the desk putting them in the center. "I've told you before Harry, Severus and I go back. Back before you were born.." She made her remark not bothering to look up at him. He got the feeling that the subject needed to be changed.

Instead, he talked about the upcoming Quidditch game between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. She was glad to interject. The conversation lasted for nearly an hour and the bond between the two only strengthened.

"You know, I haven't seen you with your friends. Hermione and Ron? Where are they?" She asked taking a moment to give her hand a rest from her grading. While Harry was there why not give him something to do by helping her? He only sighed while quill in his hand continued to move.

"They're on the field trip to Hogsmeade..." Anah looked up, resting back in the large chair. "You didn't have a signed formed?"

He shook his head giving her the now graded forms.

"I wouldn't stress it darling, think of it as a break from everyone else, You know?" She smiled trying to ease the tension.

"Professor V!" called a random student as they rushed into the classroom.

Anah's head shot up as she saw them.

"Yes? What is it?"

"There's a fight happening in the Clocktower courtyard!" The student endorsed, fleeing in a flash.

Not a second wasted, Anah along with Harry rushed to the courtyard.

She sped down the halls of Hogwarts arriving soon after. There was a small crowd that was formed. The students were surrounding two girls who had seemed to be Slytherins. “Break it up, ladies!” Anah announced quickly moving in between the two.

”You filthy bitch! You stay away from my Gabriel!-“

”Enough!” Anah’s voice overpowered the two students. She made the two back away from each other trying to cease the tension. Turns out the fight was over a boy, typical.

“For the lack of respect and clear violence.. 20 points will be taken from Slytherin. Now both of you go.” One of the girls still had the ambition to fight. With the girls back turned along with Anah’s, the student pulled out her wand ready to cast a spell.

”Everte Statum!”

Sadly the wand was pointed at the wrong person. The next thing the small crowd saw was Professors V’s body being flipped in the air. She fell back down hitting her head in the process. Gasps echoed throughout the yard after witnessing what transpired.

”What did you just do!?” Harry yelled rushing over to the Professor to awake her. There was no response. She was knocked out cold.

“What’s going on here?” All attention went to the Headmaster, Dumbledore who was accompanied by Professor McGonagall and of course Professor Snape. There was a silence that filled amongst the teachers as their eyes soon fell upon Anah.

“My Goodness!” McGonagall expressed while she rushed over to the young witch.

Severus didn’t let his emotions show on his face, but he was bothered by Anah’s well being. But why? He walked over to his unconscious associate before reaching down to check her pulse.

”She has a pulse.” He reported to the Headmaster.

”Well, What happened?! Explain yourselves!” uttered the Headmaster as he eyed the two young Slytherin girls, Jenna and Rachel.

”It was an accident! She was in the way!” Jenna shouted out of pure anger still on about the whole incident.

”She may have been in the way, Though it is clearly stated in the rules about using spells on teachers..” Dumbledore spoke hastily towards the young students. He then turned to Severus who was still looking down at Anah.

“Severus, since the two are under your house. They are your responsibility. As for the rest of you, off you go.” All students except for the two that caused the whole occurrence left. Harry took notice of Snapes actions towards Anah. The rumors had to have been true now.

And like that the students were gone.

”We must take her to Madame Pomfrey this instant!” McGonagall expressed as Severus turned to look at the two students who still stood there. His expression was darker than usual. The young Slytherins were fully aware of this.

”I will deal with both of you later.” His tone was cold and harsh. It was hard to read his face at times, but from the looks of it, he was angry and... worried? They were sent on their way only in horror to await their punishment.

The old Wizard turned his head. He saw Severus hovering over the professor's body.

”Severus-” The Headmaster uttered.

”I will take her to Madame Pomfrey.” He interrupted Dumbledore. His gestures were slow. He reached to grab Anah picking her up slowly as he held her in his arms. Her neck was supported by his hand as he did his best not to let it dangle. Her body was close to him as he peered down at the woman whom he thought he used to love. She wasn't light like a feather, but she was still easy to carry.

The teachers then headed off to the hospital wing.

The walk to the wing was relatively quick.

Once they arrived, she was placed on the nearest bed and was quickly attended to.

”We shall leave you to it Madame Pomfrey.” Dumbledore announced as he turned to look at the other two professors. The students would be arriving from Hogsmeade by now. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall were about to leave until they noticed Severus still standing by the bed Anahtacia was placed on.

”Coming Severus?” Asked the obsolete wizard. Severus didn't turn to look at him. His eyes were still on her.

”I will stay here. Until she awakes..” His answer was thorough. A smiled peered on the Elder Wizard as he left along with McGonagall.

Madame Pomfrey adjusted Anah’s head, glancing over at the Professor in all black.

”Is she.. alright?..”

”She will be fine, She’s just merely asleep. I say give her a few hours and she will wake.” The nurse addressed the comment to the man as she then dismissed herself from him, going about her business to tending to the others.

Severus couldn't find the words he needed to express how he felt. Why was he behaving like this? Especially towards her? Did he still... Love her? No, who would love a man like him? She would and did. His eyes wandered down at the woman until they were locked on her face. Severus was never the man to show is Emotions but around her.. He was able to put his guard down, be himself. Every time he'd laid eyes on the woman, his heart would plunge. Maybe he still yearned for her.

Perhaps so.

His thoughts carried on as he went off to find a potion that would wake her up faster. Boy did he already miss her pestering voice..

Not too many hours passed, Anah was awake and fine. Madame Pomfrey told her about the whole Severus situation. It surprised her, out of all people it would be him. She also mentioned the potion he made for her, allowing her to wake up faster. Again, she was stunned by his kind gestures. It was always rare for him to just whip up a potion for anyone.

When Anah saw the time, it was supper and everyone must have been at the Great Hall. She collected herself before wandering back to her chambers. There was a headache that ached in the back of her head. It was quite bothersome. When she arrived at the room she noticed a small bottle that was set against the door.

Another potion.

There was a small note that was attached to it.

”Drink this before bed. It will help.”

A smiled peered on her face as she noticed the neat but yet sluggish handwriting. Him again.

”Maybe I should keep this up?” She mumbled to herself. She did enjoy his attention after all.

The liquid was quickly consumed. It had a horrid after taste. She merely gaged. But she knew she could trust Severus when it came to potions.

Once she was finally inside Anah changed into a fresh pair of clothes. After all, she did have a long day... Sleeping at least. While dressing, her eyes focused on a picture that was settled on her nightstand. It was of a little girl, she looked about nineish ten. She had curly long black hair, that was propped up into two pigtails. She had beautiful brown eyes. In the picture, she was smiling, and about two of the child's teeth was missing. Yet her smile, just looking at it made Anah’s day.

Her smile faded as a sigh escaped from her lips. If only she was given a chance to finally meet her.

Anah left her chambers and headed straight to the Grand Hall. Surly she was missed.

When she arrived she came from the back that led straight to the high table. She made her way to her seat swiftly playing everything off. She was greeted by a few teachers who've noticed her absence. When she glanced down the table, she realized that Remus was nowhere to be found. Was it a full moon?

She sat back into her chair giving off a gentle sigh.

”Is something.. Bothering you?..” voiced Severus who was sitting next to her. He was eating at a slow pace.

”Oh no, It was just a long day. That's all..” She replied taking a sip of her freshly poured drink.

”You've slept the majority of it.” He shot back causing her to smirk.

”That wasn't my fault you see... Two girls from your house caused this..”

”You know never to jump in the middle of a fight Anah.” His tone was the same. She shrugged her shoulders taking yet another sip of the drink.

”Anyways, I wanted to say.. Thank you. For the potions you've made for me.”

He didn't look at her.

”Don’t mention it..”

She smiled while setting the drink down.

"Did you miss me at least?"

He shuddered at the comment before turning to give her a look.

That should have answered her question. He did.

The evening carried on as usual. The students were all dismissed to their dormitories afterwards. All teachers were patrolling until everyone was in their respected places.

Anah stood near the end of the Ravenclaws steps, watching as her house marched up the million staircases.

Before the last student was able to disappear an intercom came on. Dumbledores voice then filled the halls of Hogwarts.

”All student and staff are required to rejoin Great Hall Immediately.” His tone was the same but from the sounds of it. This must have been urgent.

Anah looks up to see the changed students now rushing down the enteral stairs in pure panic.

”Professor V!? What’s going on?!” A random student shouted out having her full attention.

”I have the slightest idea, now please hurry children. Something must have happened”

Once every Ravenclaw student was front and center in front of Anah, she led them all to the Great Hall.

On the walk there The Professor noticed everything that was happening. Hogwarts was going on lockdown.

All students arrived shortly after. Dumbledore explained that Sirius Black was in Hogwarts. No one is sure how he was able to get in.

”All students will stay in the Great Hall until the Castle is fully searched. Severus, Flich, Minerva and Anahstacia. I want the grounds of Hogwarts searched thoroughly. I will stay here and watch over the children until then.”

That was only the first wave of staff.

Anah agreed on searching the west wing since the Ravenclaws house was there.

She left the Great Hall withdrawing her wand along the way.

Tonight was going to be a long night after all.

[ohpedromypedro]

Ice Cream To Celebrate

A/N: This request was sent in by @catwinchesterkaz2y5 and let me tell you, I am SOFT. 🥺👉🏼👈🏼 Usually I’m not good writing fluff, but when it comes to Papa!Pedro, I can conjure up some cute ass fluff. Thank you for this request! I can’t wait to work on the next one you sent in. 😩💕

word count: 2.3k+ (was not expecting it to be this long 👀)

characters: Pedro x f!Reader x daughter oc

warnings: PURE FLUFF, THAT’S IT

The pitter patter of your almost four year old daughter Verónica’s feet is heard on the hallway floor just outside your bedroom by yourself and Pedro, who are still currently curled up in each other’s hold with your legs intertwined like tangled rope, just laying there trying to get the courage to finally climb your asses out of your comfortable bed; and you both can’t help but smile at each other when the door opens and in comes your daughter with her favorite teddy in hand. It’s actually a Build-A-Bear Baby Yoda, but still, like a teddy. 

“Mamá? Papá?” She inquires, grabbing hold of your comforter and hoisting herself and her teddy up by the wooden bedframe with her foot as her boost, grinning when she sees the two of you looking toward her. “Mamá, Papá! You’s awake!”

“Yes, princesa, we’ve been awake,” Pedro chuckles, holding his arm open so Verónica can come join you for cuddles. Once she’s curled up against his chest, he closes his arm around her and holds her warmly against him. “My favorite part of the morning. Cuddles with my two favorite girls.”

“I love you,” you murmur, looking up at your husband from where you lay your head on his chest and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips.

“I love you,” he sighs in content, kissing you in return.

“I love you Mamá and Papá.”

“We love you too.” You say it at the same time Pedro does, which you two smile at and share another kiss over.

“I want pancakes,” Verónica sighs and you and Pedro just laugh softly.

“That so? Well why didn’t you say so, hermosa chica? Papá will whip you and Mamá up a couple of delicious blueberry pancakes, how does that sound?”

“Yeah yeah yeah! That soun’ yummy, Papá!” Verónica giggles, pressing a bunch of kisses all over Pedro’s face. Pedro just laughs and easily lifts Verónica up in the air, playfully flying her around above him before bringing her back down to attack her with kisses. “Noooo not kissy monster!” She squeals.

“Yes the kissy monster! You’ve awoken him now! Mwahaha!” He lets out a playful, evil laugh, continuing to kiss her face and arms and tummy while she giggles loud and wiggles in his arms.

“Papá please! That tickles!” She squeals, trying to escape his arms and crawl toward you. “Mamá save me! Please!”

You can’t help but to giggle at the two of them, dropping your hands so you can start tickling Pedro’s sides which he yelps at and releases Verónica so she can escape toward the foot of the bed. Pedro looks at you with playful betrayal, his hand going up to rest over his heart.

“Betrayed by my own wife.”

“Girls gotta stick together, baby, you know that,” you tease, leaning over to gently kiss his lips before moving to press yours to his ear, speaking low enough so only he can hear. “but when she’s down for her nap later, I’ll make it up to you.” You pull back with a small smirk before getting up from the bed and lifting Verónica into your arms. “Come on, babygirl. Let’s go race Papá to the kitchen.”

“Yeah, yeah!” She giggles, blowing raspberries at Pedro as you run with her out of the room which he just chuckles at and soon jumps off the bed to chase you. She screams when she sees him catching up to you both. “Faster Mamá, he coming!”

“I’m gonna beat you there!” He cackles, using one of the railings on the staircase to quickly slide down and pass you and Verónica, racing right for the kitchen.

“Papá cheating!” She whines, jumping down from your arms when you finally reach the bottom of the stairs and running over to Pedro to lightly hit his leg. “No fair!”

“I didn’t hear any rules, so I played plenty fair,” he teases, leaning down to scoop Verónica into his arms and rest her on his hip. “Now, you wanna help Papá make some pancakes?”

“Yeah, yeah!” She giggles excitedly, clapping her hands as Pedro sits her on the countertop so he can start grabbing everything to make the pancakes.

You watch the two of them from afar, leaning against the frame of the kitchen doorway so you can admire how adorable they are as they start making the pancakes. Pedro has always been adorable to you, but he’s a completely different type of adorable when it comes to your daughter. There’s just something about being a father, you guess.

Pedro notices that you’re just standing there watching and looks over at you to give you a warm smile.

“Gonna join us or what, Mamá?”

“Yeah, Mamá! Why you stare like that?” Verónica asks you, watching as Pedro pours some pancake batter into a frying pan.

“Just admiring my two favorite people in the whole entire world being adorable and making pancakes together.” You smile, walking over so you can give Verónica a kiss on the head.

“You’s adorable,” she says back to you, looking up at you and pressing a little kiss to your lips.

“Thank you, babygirl.” You smile at her, brushing your fingers through her hair. “How about after breakfast, we take a bath and then maybe we can all go for a nice walk at the park?”

“Yeah, yeah! Ice cream! Ice cream!”

“Yes, ice cream too if you’re a good girl and behave during your bath, okay?”

“Okay Mamá,” she giggles, kissing your cheek before shuffling closer to Pedro and nuzzling his shoulder while the pancakes cook. “I want Papá give me bath.”

“If Papá is okay with that, he can give you a bath if you want.”

“Papá is very okay with that, princesa.” He smiles down at Verónica and gives her forehead a soft kiss. “Once we finish eating breakfast, Papá will give you a bath. You want a bubble bath?”

“Bubbles!” She squeals, kicking her feet excitedly.

“I take that as a yes,” he chuckles, kissing her hair before flipping the pancakes, placing the well cooked ones on a plate set to the side. “Would Mamá like to grab some butter for the delicious pancakes?”

“Of course,” you smile, going to grab the butter dish and bringing it over to the dining table where you start setting plates and silverware out as well so you can eat. “Orange juice?”

“Yes please!”

“Anything for you, my sweet girl.” You smile over at Verónica before grabbing the orange juice from the fridge and one of her sippy cups from the cabinet, grabbing yourself and Pedro a glass of your own.

Once you get everything situated at the dining table, you head back to where Pedro is just finishing piling the pancakes onto a plate. He quickly turns the stove off and turns to smile at you, lifting his hand up to gently brush his thumb against your cheekbone. You lean into his touch and hum, turning your face so you can kiss the palm of his hand.

“I love you.”

“I love you too, mi bella esposa. Now let’s eat, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you smile, quickly kissing his lips before grabbing the plate of pancakes and carrying them over to the table. “Oh! Honey, can you grab the maple syrup too?”

“Good thinking. I almost forgot,” he chuckles, grabbing the homemade maple syrup a family friend of yours gifted you and bringing that over to the table as well.

“Can’t have pancakes without syrup, can you?” You chuckle, sitting Verónica in her chair before cutting her up a pancake and putting it on her personally made Mandalorian plate, courtesy of her Papá.

Pedro pours a small amount of syrup on her pancakes and gives you a smile and a peck on the lips. “No you cannot.”

The two of you sit down in your own seats and help yourselves to some pancakes, adding some butter and syrup as preferred before starting to eat. You pour yourself, Pedro, and Verónica some orange juice, giving Verónica her sippy cup and watching with a smile as she takes a long sip of her juice.

“Are you enjoying your breakfast, pretty girl?” You chuckle and Verónica nods.

“Uh huh. Can’t wait for ice cream.”

“Of course you can’t,” Pedro chuckles, giving his head an amused shake. “Like mother, like daughter.”

“Ice cream is life,” you state, giving your eyelids a squint in his direction. Pedro just laughs and playfully throws a piece of pancake at your face. “Hey!” You pout, grabbing the pancake and throwing it back at him. “Meanie.”

“Awww, you know I’m just teasing, baby.” He smirks, leaning across the table to kiss the tip of your nose. “I know how important your love for ice cream is,” he chuckles.

“Yeah,” you smile at his kiss to your nose, looking up at him with admiration. “I don’t know what I’d do without you, José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal. You are the absolute best husband and father that could ever exist.”

“You two are my world and you deserve nothing less,” he murmurs, kissing you gently.

“I love you so much,” you whisper into the kiss, your hand gently touching his face.

~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂  ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~⁂ ~

The three of you finish eating pretty quickly and soon Pedro has Verónica upstairs taking her bath. While he bathes Verónica, you focus on the after breakfast clean up, figuring that you get it out of the way while your clingy daughter is preoccupied with her bubble bath. Cleaning with a toddler around is not an easy task, so it’s always best to do it while she’s bathing or playing in her room.

You smile as you listen closely to your husband and daughter just up the stairs in the bathroom, listening to their cute little exchanges while playing with her toys, your heart unable to handle all the cuteness. You can’t help but think about how lucky you truly are to have a man as incredible as Pedro in your life and you’re especially lucky to have such a beautiful child with him.

Wait.

You suddenly frown, your hand slapping to your mouth as you quickly run to the downstairs bathroom just a few rooms down from the kitchen, making it to the toilet just in time to throw up your breakfast. You groan as all your stomach’s contents come up and out of you, your hand weakly holding your hair back.

“Ugh gross,” you sigh, slowly standing up and flushing the toilet, rinsing your mouth out with some mouthwash right after. “What the hell was that about?” You ask yourself, rubbing your stomach with furrowed brows. You never get sick like that, not unless you’re… Oh. Your eyes widen and immediately you check your period track app on your phone. “Three weeks late?!” 

You gasp, moving to dig through the cabinet below the bathroom sink for a pregnancy test, sighing in relief when you find one that you had purchased not too long ago, as a just in case. Once you get the test out of its wrapping, you quickly do your duty and wait for the results. You’re a tad bit worried now. What if Pedro isn’t ready for another child? What if he only wants just one? What will happen then?

You nervously chew your lip while you wait for the result, practically staring at the test until you see the positive symbol pop up. Your eyes widen, a shocked expression taking over your features as you get lost in the positive result.

“Y/N?” Pedro’s voice snaps you back to reality and immediately you’re gasping again, grabbing the pregnancy test and rushing out to where he’s coming down the stairs with Verónica in his arms.

“Pedro,” you can’t help but to grin wide, your nervousness now becoming excitement as you face your husband to tell him the news. He sets Verónica down with a quirked brow, sensing your silent excitement.

“Honey?”

You hold out the pregnancy test for him to take and his eyes go wide the second he sees the result, his lips tugged into the widest of grins.

“You’re pregnant?”

“Three weeks late for my period.”

“I’m gonna be a Papá again?” He inquires, his eyes lit up with excitement. His excitement makes your heart flutter and you can only give your head a small nod, biting your lip with a smile.

“Yes, baby.”

“Oh I love you so much, Y/N Y/M/N Pascal. You make the happiest man to walk this Earth.”

“I love you too,” you whisper, quickly wrapping your arms around his neck and kissing him deeply.

“Mamá havin’ baby?” Verónica looks up at the two of you, moving to settle between yours and Pedro’s legs. You both look down at her and smile.

“Yes, sweetie. Mamá’s gonna make you a big sister.”

“Yay! Best day ever!” She squeals, jumping up and down and clapping. “I hope is a boy!”

“Yeah? Me too,” Pedro grins, kneeling down and giving his daughter a warm hug. “If it’s a boy, what should we name him?”

“After tío!”

“I think Oscar would quite love the idea of that,” you chuckle, resting your hand over your stomach. Pedro looks up at you and smiles, gently resting his hand over yours before moving them away and pressing a kiss to your tummy.

“I can’t wait to spoil you while you carry our second child.” He murmurs, moving to stand up once again and press his lips to your own, his hand now rubbing over your stomach. “I can’t wait to share the good news.”

“Me too,” you smile. “But for now, let’s enjoy our nice walk in the park today with our perfect little girl. Everyone can wait til tonight for the news, don’t you agree?”

“I do,” Pedro smiles, resting his forehead against your own. “Ice cream to celebrate?”

“Ice cream to celebrate.”

Pedro tag list: @manuphantom​ @unadulteratedneckherolover @luna-longbott0m​ @hanelijoy​ @nisanekim​ @lyreandcampfire​

Everything tag list: @halefirewarrior​ @takemepedropascal​ @whiskeyxinxaxteacup​ @pedrosdoll​ @wildcard566​ @talesfromtheguild​ @readsalot73​ @snazzyjazzy6​ @thottytron5000​ @oberynispunk​ @phoenixhalliwell​

[creepingsharia]

Georgia: U.S. Army Soldier Arrested for Attempting to Assist ISIS Conduct Deadly Ambush on U.S. Troops, Attack 9/11 Memorial Site

US soldier hoped to team up with ISIS to attack 9/11 Memorial: feds

A US soldier hoped to team up with ISIS to launch a terror attack on the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, calling the sacred site “a key target,’’ according to explosive court papers Tuesday.

Army Pfc. Cole James Bridges — a 20-year-old cavalry scout from Ohio — allegedly thought he was plotting with a member of the terrorist group while discussing attacking the Sept. 11 memorial.

His supposed ISIS cohorts were actually an undercover FBI worker and confidential informant, the feds said.

Bridges described how an assault on the memorial at Ground Zero “could honestly be a sniper kill and then getting out quietly for a second attack,’’ according to Manhattan federal-court papers.

The documents included a profile photo of the Stow, Ohio, suspect on one of his social-media accounts in August wearing traditional Muslim head garb.

The filing also contained a posting on the same account that month featuring a quote by a jihadist leader whose followers included one of the hijackers of the plane that crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

“Everyone has to see which side he is on,” the quote reads in part.

While becoming radicalized online, Bridges researched such terms as “badass jihadi,’’ “green beret ambush’’ and “us soldier shooting’’ in late 2019 and through 2020, the papers said.

At one point, he allegedly admitted to the undercover, “I hate displaying the US flag on my shoulder,’’ apparently referring to his military uniform.

Bridges, who was with the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart in Georgia, sought to even help ISIS attack his US comrades in the Mideast, authorities said.

His sick efforts included providing part of an Army training manual and combat-instruction video in a bid to help the terror group kill as many US soldiers as possible, officials said.

“Fortunately, the person with whom he communicated was an FBI employee, and we were able to prevent his evil desires from coming to fruition,’’ FBI Assistant Director William Sweeney Jr. said in a statement.

There were “diagrams that Bridges created demonstrating specific tactical maneuvers and strategy that ISIS should employ against U.S. forces, including rigging a compound with explosives for detonating when U.S. soldiers entered,” court papers alleged.

The documents included drawings that Bridges allegedly sent to the undercover agent showing a “ ‘bottleneck’ tactic” his unit would use “to create a ‘kill zone.’ “

The homegrown terror suspect even starred in a video he made for ISIS, authorities said.

Bridges “created a video for use by ISIS as propaganda, in which [he]  appears in front of a jihadist flag, wearing body armor and speaking through a voice changer, and makes statements celebrating the anticipated ISIS attack on U.S. soldiers that [he] attempted to facilitate,” the feds said.

The turncoat private, who joined the Army in September 2019, “expressed his allegiance to ISIS and its radical jihadist ideology’’ including while he was with his unit at a US base in Germany in the fall, officials said.

The clueless Bridges boasted in the fall how his terrorist leanings were escaping detection by US authorities  — despite the fact that he “used to have connections with people in Hamas and Isis,’’ the documents said.

“The government could have arrested me,’’ Bridges allegedly wrote. “So I needed to prove to them I wasn’t what they thought I was, and I needed the government to get off my back.

“It was never confirmed. They were suspicious,” he said of his allegiance to ISIS and US officials. “Even still because I had homeland security show up to my work before the army.”

Bridges, aka Cole Conzales,  was arrested Tuesday and set to be hauled into federal court Thursday in that state, the feds said.

The suspect faces charges including providing material support to a foreign terror organization and the attempted murder of US servicemen.

---------------------------------------

More via the DOJ press release

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/us-army-soldier-arrested-attempting-assist-isis-conduct-deadly-ambush-us-troops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       

Tuesday, January 19, 2021           

U.S. Army Soldier Arrested for Attempting to Assist ISIS to Conduct Deadly Ambush on U.S. Troops              

Provided Tactical Guidance in Attempt to Help ISIS to Attack U.S. Forces in the Middle East

Cole James Bridges, aka Cole Gonzales, 20, of Stowe, Ohio, was charged by complaint with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to murder U.S. military service members.  The FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence arrested Bridges today, and he will be presented later today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia.

Bridges joined the U.S. Army in approximately September 2019 and was assigned as a cavalry scout in the 3rd Infantry Division based in Fort Stewart, Georgia.  Beginning in at least 2019, Bridges began researching and consuming online propaganda promoting jihadists and their violent ideology.  Bridges also expressed his support for the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and jihad on social media.  In or about October 2020, Bridges began communicating with an FBI online covert employee (the “OCE”), who was posing as an ISIS supporter in contact with ISIS fighters in the Middle East.  During these communications, Bridges expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to aid ISIS.  Bridges then provided training and guidance to purported ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice about potential targets in New York City, such as the 9/11 Memorial.  Bridges also provided the OCE with portions of a U.S. Army training manual and guidance about military combat tactics, for use by ISIS.

In or about December 2020, Bridges began to supply the OCE with instructions for the purported ISIS fighters on how to attack U.S. forces in the Middle East.  Among other things, Bridges diagrammed specific military maneuvers intended to help ISIS fighters maximize the lethality of attacks on U.S. troops.  Bridges further provided advice about the best way to fortify an ISIS encampment to repel an attack by U.S. Special Forces, including by wiring certain buildings with explosives to kill the U.S. troops.  Then, in January 2021, Bridges provided the OCE with a video of himself in body armor standing before a flag often used by ISIS fighters and making a gesture symbolic of support for ISIS.  Approximately a week later, Bridges sent a second video in which Bridges, using a voice manipulator, narrated a propaganda speech in support of the anticipated ambush by ISIS on U.S. troops.

Bridges is charged in the complaint with (1) attempting to provide material support to ISIS, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (2) attempting to murder U.S. military service members, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1114, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The statutory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Attachment(s):  Download Bridges Complaint.pdf

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More on the Islamic doctrine that guides people like Bridges/Gonzales via: Another Muslim-American Soldier Turns Terrorist Traitor

All of this goes back to one pivotal Islamic doctrine, known in Arabic as al-wala’ w’al bar’a.  Perhaps best translated as “loyalty and enmity,” this inherently tribalistic doctrine calls on Muslims to maintain absolute loyalty to one another, while hating and seeking to undermine all non-Muslims—“even if they be their fathers, sons, brothers, or kin” (Koran 60:4; 58:22).

In the words of Koran 3:28, “Let believers not take for friends and allies infidels rather than believers: and whoever does this shall have no relationship left with Allah—unless you but guard yourselves against them, taking precautions.”

The words translated here as “guard” and “precaution” are derived from the Arabic word taqu, from the trilateral root w-q-y—the same root that gives us the word taqiyya, the Islamic doctrine that permits Muslims to deceive non-Muslims whenever under their authority.

Ibn Kathir (d. 1373), author of one of the most authoritative commentaries on the Koran, explains taqiyya in the context of verse 3:28 as follows: “Whoever at any time or place fears … evil [from non-Muslims] may protect himself through outward show.”  As proof of this, he quotes Muhammad’s close companion Abu Darda, who once said, “Let us grin in the face of some people while our hearts curse them.”

Muhammad ibn Jarir at-Tabari (d. 923), author of another standard commentary on the Koran, interprets verse 3:28 as follows:

If you [Muslims] are under their [non-Muslims’] authority, fearing for yourselves, behave loyally to them with your tongue while harboring inner animosity for them … [know that] Allah has forbidden believers from being friendly or on intimate terms with the infidels rather than other believers—except when infidels are above them [in authority]. Should that be the case, let them act friendly towards them while preserving their religion.

The significance of Islam’s doctrine of Loyalty and Enmity—which is as ironclad in Islam as the so-called Five Pillars—concerning questions of national allegiance and security can hardly be clearer.

---------------------------------------------------------------

American patriots - the MAGA / America First types - should be well aware after 15+ years of FBI stings that this is coming to the MAGA movement.

The entire War on Terror playbook has now been flipped to target red-blooded patriotic Americans.

As terror-linked and sharia-supremacist Muslims are prominently placed throughout the Biden administration, the MAGAphobia will reach levels well beyond 9/11 and many citizens will be jailed.

[xrikix]

» Hiraeth Chapter 3 || Haikyuu AU

❝They will learn how to fly.❞ – an AU where the kids of Haikyuu characters grow their passion for volleyball and face their problems.

Starring our OC’s Hoshi, Minami, and Leo! (don’t worry they’re as fluffy as our babies from Haikyuu but sprinkle in more angst)

Read Chapter 2 Here!

Fly High! (Leo’s POV)

He could barely contain his excitement as he ran towards the gym, his legs stomping on the ground in a whirl of excitement. He stopped as he saw the front doors shining in all its glory, the metal glistened underneath the sunlight with sparks of hope. His hands excitedly reached out, to grab the handle, when suddenly,  "Hey!" Leo's eyes turned towards the voice as he saw someone approach the gym, their hands waving in the air. “I saw you somewhere before!” 

Noticing the blonde haired, freckled face, with a smile that resonated the sun, Leo quickly realized who he was, "Dino Tsukishima, was it?" 

Dino walked up, nodding his head as a grin stretched across his face, "That's me!" Pointing to himself. Dino stared at Leo and then towards the door, "Trying out for the volleyball team too?" Leo nodded, his hands already grasping the door. "Then open the door already!" Leo laughed as he slid it open, the sounds of metal screeching ringing through the air. They both entered the gym as Leo looked in awe at how the sun shined on the metal poles holding the net, and the numerous volleyballs on the ground. The hardwood floors glistened and the tall ceilings towered above their heads. He immediately noticed the team of upperclassmen and hastily bowed his head as a greeting. "Hello!" The team approached them, scattering volleyballs behind them as they surrounded Leo and Dino.

"Hey! You must be first years! Trying out for the team?" A boy with brown hair and blonde highlights smiled back at them. He eyed the first years one by one, and whistled in surprise, "Damn you're tall." Dino smirked and crossed his arms as the guy began to laugh. 

Dino and Leo looked around towards the team, prompting them to introduce themselves, "Guess I'll begin!” The boy who greeted them spoke first. “My name is Hikaru, your second year and middle blocker!" 

Tilting his head Leo spoke, "You're not the captain?" 

Hikaru laughed, "Me? The captain? Nah," and he pointed toward a guy standing with his arms crossed, a silent expression across his face, "He's the captain." 

The captain gave a blank stare before responding, “Ayama, third year." 

"Ooh! My turn!" Spoke the person standing next to Hikaru. Jumping up and down in the air he began, "My name is Kise, fellow second year, and I'm-" He dramatically pointed to himself, "Your libero!" Hikaru threw hands around the air, helping Kise flaunt himself as if he was in the spotlight. 

A boy who seemed to tower over Kise walked over to smack him in the head, "Behave yourselves," before turning to face Leo and Dino. "My name is Kousei and I'm the second year in charge of these two idiots." Giving them a warning look with his eyes. Hikaru stuck his tongue out in response and the next person began. 

He bowed, his hands flourishing around him, "Hisaki, third year, setter." 

Leo stared into Hisaki’s eyes, "You're the setter?" 

Hisaki's head tilted, "Yes?" 

Leo smiled, "I'm a setter too!" 

Hisaki eyed him and grinned, "I can't wait to see you play then...that is if you make it-" 

"Okay Hisaki you don't need to scare them like that" as a boy with an angelic smile pushed Hisaki away. "Don't mind him, he's a little… what's the word, smug. Before I forget, I'm Ryu, the ace and the last third year. I can't wait to work with you guys!" Before continuing to scold Hisaki for his behavior.

The last upperclassmen game in front of the two, "Last but not least, my name is Rin and I'm a second year," who gave them a reassuring smile. "You guys should introduce-" 

The gym doors shot open as another guy walked in, his eyes landing on the team before brightening when they saw Dino. "You're already here!" 

Dino rolled his eyes, "Duh." The mystery person smacked Dino on the back and laughed as Dino recoiled from the impact. 

He turned to face the team and loudly spoke, "Hello! My name is Katsuki Tsukishima and I'm a first year student!" 

Hikaru shrugged, "I was gonna say to introduce yourselves, but I guess someone already beat me to it." 

Hisaki sighed, "Do we have to reintroduce ourselves again?" He noticed Ryu glaring at him again, making him look back down. 

Dino turned to face the team, his hands in his pockets, "I'm Katuski's cousin, Dino Tsukishima and I'm a first year too!" 

Leo took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. His body pulsated with a newfound strength as he ushered himself to speak, "My name is Leo Shoyo and I'm a first year. Like I said before, I'm a setter." He returned a smile on his face, as his heart was beating frantically. Whether from fear or excitement he didn’t know. All he knew was that, he was finally here. 

The doors slid open as a guy in a black tracksuit with his blonde hair up in a bun, entered the gym. His eyes traveled over to the team as he gasped, hurrying towards the first years. 

"Is the coach okay?" Kise whisphered. 

Hikaru shrugged,"Beats me." 

Leo was trying to register what was going on before realizing, "Coach!" 

The team turned towards Leo in surprise, "You already know the Coach?" Ryu asked, his eyes wide with confusion. 

Coach Ukai put his hands on Leo's shoulders, "Leo, how’ve you been?" Before turning to the rest of the first year boys, "Well, if it isn't the Tsukishima cousins." 

Hikaru rubbed his eyes, "What is going on?" 

Everyone was in a state of shock. Coach Ukai turned towards Leo, "Your parents called me earlier to tell me that you were coming!" 

Leo laughed, "Of course I was!" 

Coach Ukai chuckled, “How’s your sister?”

“At the female volleyball team right now,” Leo responded, pointing in the direction of the other gym. 

Kise’s eyes lit up upon hearing Leo’s response, “You have a sister?!” he smiled excitedly.  

Kousei spoke up to Kise, "Shut up," 

"But Kousei…" 

"No." Kousei responded abruptly. 

"Coach," Ayama, Leo remembered as the captain of the team, hasilty spoke. 

"Ah," Coach Ukai responded when he came back to his senses, "I better explain." His arms gathered around the first years, dragging them closer, "These kiddos are the kids of the first team I've ever coached in Karasuno. You know… the ones who are professional volleyball players now. Well…except for you Katsuki." 

"Hey!" He yelled out, "Have you met Mom? She’s just as tough as anyone! And Dad is not bad at volleyball either-" 

Dino grabbed his cousin by the shoulders, “Shush Katsuki.”  Katsuki began to pout as he crossed his arms. 

"This is so cool!" Hikaru’s eyes glistened. 

"Now I remember!" Rin spoke out  as all eyes turned to him, "Leo is the son of Kageyama and Hinata and Dino is the son of Kei Tsukishima." 

Hisaki sighed, "Great we got a bunch of famous kids with us…" 

"Which means that they're good!" Hikaru said, ending Hisaki's sentence with a smile.

Hisaki rolled his eyes, “They might be all talk and no action.”

Ryu ignored Hisaki’s comment as he excitedly turned towards Ayama like a dog that was about to get a treat, "Can they join?" 

Ayama continued to stare at the first years, and Leo couldn't help but clench his hands in his shirt, his nerves starting to get the better of him. 

"Bring your club papers tomorrow," Ayama spoke before turning towards the back of the gym. 

"Eh?!" The team turned towards Ayama in shock and Leo couldn't help but smile. His hands started shaking, but not from fear this time. He smiled, knowing that he would continue to play volleyball. I'll see you on the court Hoshi. 

Katsuki shouted in joy as he wrapped Dino in a hug, who awkwardly patted his back. Ukai ruffled Leo's hair as he looked up towards his new Coach. "If the captain says you all can join then I'm not opposing him." 

Kise and Hikaru ran towards them, pumped up, "Aye! Aye! We're gonna kick some butt this year!" 

Kousei sighed, putting his head into his hands, "Those idiots," before facing the first years with a grin, "Congrats!" 

Hisaki frowned at Leo, with an uncertain look on his face. Leo turned to meet his eyes, refusing to back off. Hisaki raised an eyebrow, "You don't look too bad kid," before turning back to pick up a volleyball.

He promptly threw the ball at Leo with no warning. Confused, Leo stared at the ball which seemingly moved as the world slowed down before him. 

The ball in all its glory, holding the blood, sweat, and tears of all players before and now. The hopes and dreams danced in a pile of unachieved wishes resonated from the ball as it soared in the air. However, Leo did not focus on that. He could only see how the ball flew as swift as a crow. His knees bent, prepping him to jump. His arms outstretched as if he was preparing to take flight, and as he shot up, he made contact with the ball. His arms guided the ball straight back to Hisaki, as if he had helped it grow wings.

Hisaki stared back as he caught the ball. A new gleam in his eyes.

Leo, confused but not wanting to dwell on it, looked away towards the outside of the gym through the windows. The sky outside was dark, no trace of the sun left as he realized that he needed to meet Minami. Coach Ukai clapped his hands, making the entire team face him, "Congratulations to our new members! Training begins tomorrow." The team hollered as they began to clean up the volleyballs scattered around the gym floor. Leo slowly picked up some balls, holding them tightly to his chest. Resolve on his face as he realized this was his life now and that he could not be happier. 

After the gym was thoroughly cleaned, the first years left together and Leo breathed in the crisp cool air, as the moonlight shone upon them. 

"So Leo," Katsuki asked, "Where do you live?" He tilted his face up towards the mountain, seeing Dino listen in on their conversation from the corner of his eye. 

"I live on the other side of the mountains." 

"Wow," replied Katsuki, "must be tough." 

Leo laughed, his hands gripping his bag tightly, "It's good exercise, like Dad says." His eyes wandered towards Dino and Katsuki, "So you guys are cousins?" 

Dino nodded, staring straight ahead. "Yeah, Dino's dad is my uncle," 

Katsuki replied, "Uncle Tsukishima! And my mom is the older sister of someone else who attended Karasuno." 

Leo whipped his head towards Katsuki, "Really who?" 

"It's uncle Tanaka and," Katsuki pondered, "Now that I think about it my entire family basically attended Karasuno, weird." 

"Gives you even more reason to attend doesn't it?" Dino replied as Leo chuckled in agreement. 

"You're right but-" Katsuki ran ahead and then suddenly turned around, his silhouette framed by the moon, as his smile shined, "Wouldn't it be weird if I went to Shiratorizawa?" 

Dino chuckled, "Dad thinks that the people that attend that school are annoying," Leo and Katsuki laughed along. As they got to know each other, their conversation never stopped, filling the silence of the school’s campus. 

"Oh! I gotta go get my bike!" Leo said as he hurriedly ran off. As he approached the rack, he noticed Minami's bike was missing and knew that she was waiting for him at the entrance. He quickly brought his bike back to Dino and Katsuki who patiently waited for him. 

"Thanks for waiting for me," Leo said as he panted for air. 

Katsuki wrapped an arm around him, "No problem! Now…" as he pointed ahead, "Let's go home!" When they approached the gate, Leo noticed a lone figure near a bike, tapping away on their phone. Leo brightened up as he ran as fast as he could with his bike towards his twin. Minami looked up and shrieked, noticing the rate that Leo was coming towards her and quickly jumped back. 

Leo stopped when he appeared right in front of Minami and sheepishly smiled, "Hey sis!" Before flinching at the punch Minami gave him. "Ow…" 

"Stupid, are you trying to run me over with your bike?" 

Leo muttered his sorrys as they turned their heads upon hearing the chuckles from Dino and Katsuki. "Oh! I should introduce you to our classmates." 

Pointing towards Dino, "This is Dino Tsukishima," who nodded at Minami, "And this is Katsuki Tsukishima," who waved, "They tried out for the team with me." 

Minami opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by Leo, "And they're cousins." Minami rolled her eyes at Leo, as she stared at the Tsukishima cousins, "It's nice to meet you." 

Katsuki smiled, "Likewise." Minami checked her phone, suddenly realizing the time, "Oh! We gotta get home!" She swung her legs over her bike and adjusted her bag, "C'mon Leo!" She waved towards the cousins, "Have a safe trip home!" As she began to pedal back home. Leo quickly followed suit and waved goodbye towards the others, "I'll see you guys tomorrow!" And followed after his twin. 

They were pedaling side by side through the peaceful mountainside. The moon and the stars were shining in the night sky as the cool breeze swept through. Occasionally moving towards the side because of a car, the twins kept eachother company, as always. "It's such a small world," said Leo. 

"Why?" Minami asked as she continued to stare ahead. 

"Dino and Katsuki's parents also attended Karasuno and Dino is the son of a famous volleyball player!" 

Minami turned her head towards Leo, her hands grasping the handles of the bike, "Really? Our dads must know them then." 

Leo nodded, "They do. He played volleyball with them when they were in high school." 

Minami chuckled, "It really is a small world" as she stared up at the sky. The stars twinkled above the twins as they quickly pedaled back home. Their adrenaline from the day was beginning to wear off and a sigh of relief escaped the twins when they saw their house in the distance. 

Getting off their bikes, they slowly walked towards the garage, making sure their bikes were securely locked. The front door opened and the faces of Kageyama and Hinata smiled at them from the doorway. Leo ran through, hugging both of them while Minami followed behind letting them to hug her too. 

"Dinner is ready!” Hinata said as the twins began to go upstairs. 

"Come back down when you're ready," Kageyama added. 

Leo looked down, his hands on the railing, stopping to look at his parents in the middle of the stairway. "I have so much to tell you guys!" 

Minami, annoyed, pushed Leo out of the way, "Can you please move?" 

Kageyama and Hinata laughed as they replied, "Tell us at dinner."

[redvoid-40]

Some of you may have noticed I’ve been posting little fanfic snippets here. Lately I’ve been re-watching Naruto because nostalgia. And despite having to finish my HxH fic or my novel I couldn’t help but start a new work. I dunno, it was just super nostalgic to see all the characters that I used to love (not you Sasuke) and I was left with a desire to write I hadn’t felt in a long time now.

I’ll be honest, I’m not quite sure where I’m going with this, but I do know it’ll be friendship and adventure-focused, with a side of GaaraxOC in later chapters (please bear in mind that by later chapters I mean LATER chapters; I won’t really touch the stuff while the character are kids). Also, I’m all for healthy friendships so there’ll be a lot of that too, specially with the girls in the show (I really feel Kishimoto could have invested more on his female characters).

Still, I think maybe someone out there might get some enjoyment out of this, so I’ll start posting my fic here in an ordered fashion. Hope you guys enjoy it! :D

Fandom: Naruto

Fanfic title: ???

Chapter 1: The New Girl

Genre: Friendship, Adventure, Hurt/Comfort

Word count: 2205

Warnings: OC is a crybaby none 

---

“Class, from today onward we’ll welcome a new student at the Academy.”

There was a wave of whispers among the children as they wondered about the new kid. Excited, confused and just a little bit anxious, the young Genin-to-be asked one another if anyone knew anything about it, heard any rumours before this sudden announcement. 

Iruka gave his students a few moments to collect themselves before clearing his throat to get their attention. It took a few moments but at last, silence came over the class.

“Please come in and introduce yourself.” Iruka called out, reaching out his hand to the side, towards the open classroom door.

The sound of soft steps came first, breaching the door’s threshold languidly. Then came the image of a little girl with light brown, wavy short hair, that framed her face with messy curls. She wore a black long-sleeved shirt and pants.

At last came the sound of her voice, and just like her eyes, it felt dead.

“My name is Osasu Shin.” The little girl said, bowing at the waist. “Please take care of me.”

The murmurs came again, this time less excited and more anxious. Iruka noticed the tension and smiled brightly at his students as he laid a comforting hand on the girl’s head.

“Why don’t you guys introduce yourselves? I’m sure Shin-kun is just as curious about you as you are about her."

The whispers died at once as the children stared at each other, wondering who'd go first - hoping someone would.

And so someone did. 

A blonde boy stood up and slammed an open palm over his desk, as a huge grin stretched on his whiskered face. The new girl flinched at the sudden noise, but Iruka and the rest of the class just sighed, seemingly used to it. 

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto! And I'm going to become Hokage, believe it!"

There was an uncomfortable silence afterwards as Shin stared at the loud boy. She didn't know what to say.

"Thanks Naruto. Next time try not to shout it though. Also don't just hit your desk like that!" Iruka said, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Anyone else would like to introduce themselves?"

Again silence. 

And then-

"I'm Akimichi Chouji! Welcome! Shikamaru, say hi as well."

"This is such a bother… Hey, I'm Nara Shikamaru."

"Nice to meet you! I'm Yamanaka Ino!"

"And I'm Haruno Sakura!"

One by one, the children spoke their names and at every excited syllable that reached her ears, Shin's eyes became a bit less dull.

Iruka smiled.

---

When lunchtime came the children split in smaller groups and ran out of the classroom in a matter of seconds, all eager to wolf down their food and use the rest of their free time to play.

Shin remained in her place, staring unseeingly at her desk. As soon as the door closed behind the last of her classmates, she felt the all-too-familiar sting in her eyes that announced the coming of another bout of crying.

It had been easier to hold back with everyone around her but now that she had been left alone the task was proving to be much harder.

The little girl swallowed as her vision blurred. She rubbed at her eyes insistently, but once the tears came there was no stopping them. They streaked down the back of her hands and down her forearms. Some escaped and fell directly on her desk, leaving little dark spots all over the wood.

"Why are you crying?"

The voice startled her, as did the pair of bright blue eyes that suddenly appeared so close to her face.

Vision still blurred, Shin could only gap at the boy "I-I…"

"I know what will cheer you up!" The boy, Naruto, announced with a bright smile. "Let's go!"

Not waiting for a response, he grabbed her hand and dragged her away from her own misery.

---

"Oji-san! Two Ichiraku specials!"

"Right away!"

Shin was no longer crying, but her eyes were still a bit red and puffed. However, the owner of this little restaurant and his daughter were kind enough not to mention it as they moved around behind the bar, preparing Naruto’s order.

“This place has the best lamen in the world, believe it!” Naruto exclaimed excitedly, pulling her to sit with him at the bar. Much quieter he added: “Iruka-sensei always brings me here when I’m feeling sad.”

Shin raised her eyes to the blonde by her side and felt a lump form in the back of her throat; those baby blue eyes weren’t the bright shade she saw during the class. They had a shadow over them that spoke of a special sort of sadness that was not unlike her own - the kind which was so personal and so heartfelt it almost became part of one’s self. 

The burn in her eyes was threatening to come back.

“H-Hey! Don’t cry! I brought you here to make you feel better!"

Shin swallowed her lump and nodded her head, pressing the heels of her hands firmly against her eyes.

I can stop crying. I will stop crying.

A few moments later - once Shin had taken a hold of herself - the owner came back with two large bowls of steaming, delicious-smelling lamen.

He smiled at the children as he put the bowls in front of them and Naruto didn't waste a second before digging in with a loud 'Itadakimasu'.

Shin felt her mouth water at the smell and looked up at the man standing across the bar.

He said his name was Teuchi-san. He has such kind eyes;

"Go on." He urged with a warm smile.

Shin nodded again and reached for a pair of chopsticks.

"Itadakimasu."

---

Time, Shin found, didn't pass nearly as slowly as she thought it would today. Between Naruto's excited ramblings and Teuchi's fatherly inputs, late afternoon creeped upon her with ease, involving the streets with warm shades of orange and red.

And with it came a very angry-looking Iruka.

"Naruto! I can't believe you! Not only it's the third time you skip class this month but you also dragged Shin-kun along! On her very first day!"

Shin had the decency to blush and look down in shame. Meanwhile Naruto grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head.

"Hehe… you found us, Iruka-sensei."

There was a huge vein pulsing on the teacher's forehead. Shin feared it might actually burst.

"I'm sorry, Iruka-sensei. It's my fault really. I was-" the words caught in her throat. She didn't want anyone else to know she had been crying. "- I was down. Naruto was just cheering me up."

Iruka's eyes softened as he took in both children, as if seeing them for the first time today.

Naruto was sitting on the stool closest to him, grinning that foolish and innocent grin of his. Shin was sitting on the next stool, staring up at him with brown eyes that were nothing like the haunted gaze he had witnessed early that morning, when the Hokage had brought her to him.

These kids… They are stronger than most Shinobi could ever hope to be.

"Hmph! I'll let this one slide, but don't you try to pull this stunt again, you hear me Naruto? And don't you let this little brat get in the way of your studies, Shin-kun."

Shin nodded, but it was hard to take Iruka’s scolding to heart when he was ruffling Naruto's hair so affectionately.

"Anyway, it's going to get dark soon. Let me walk you two home." Iruka spoke before turning to the owner. "Teuchi-san how much do I owe you for these two?"

"You know that new customers get to eat on the house, Iruka." Teuchi said with a smile. "And since Naruto here is helping me expand my business, I'll treat him this time as well." 

“Ah! Thank you Oji-san!” Naruto said, jumping from his bench. “I’ll be back soon! Believe it!”

Shin bowed her head. “Thank you, Teuchi-san.”

“I hope to see you again soon, Shin-chan! Meanwhile, you be good, okay?”

The little girl was about to jump down from her bench as well, but froze at those words. With wide eyes she looked up at Teuchi, smiling down at her so kindly, so warmly, so like…

“Papa and Mama are leaving now. You be good while we’re out, okay?”

Shin’s eyes burned again, but this time the back of her hands were enough to keep the tears from streaking down her face. She sniffed and, for the first time in weeks, allowed her lips to curl up in the resemblance of a smile.

“I will!”

---

“You should smile more, Shin-chan!” Naruto spoke suddenly as they walked through the streets of Konoha.

“Hm?”

“You have a really cute smile, believe it.” The blonde explained, grinning. 

Iruka sputtered and Shin blinked at the boy, as if his words didn’t make any sense.  

“Naruto! You shouldn’t behave so familiar with a girl you just met!”

The boy’s eyes widened, as a blush crept up his neck. “I-I didn’t mean it like that! Not that you’re not cute, Shin-chan! Honestly you’re almost as cute as Sakura-chan! Ah! I’m not trying to say anything by it though! I think you’re real nice, but I- what I’m trying to say is… Ahhh! You’re my friend! And I like you better when you’re smiling. Believe it!”

An awkward silence befell the trio as the last of daylight disappeared and the street lamps lit up around them. Iruka sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hoped Shin wouldn’t take it to heart Naruto’s blabbermouth.

Shin lowered her face and turned slightly away from Naruto and Iruka as her shoulders slowly started to shake softly.

“S-Shin-chan! Are you crying? I’m sorry, I didn-”

Shin cut Naruto off, shaking one of her hands in front of herself in a dismissive gesture. It was then that Naruto and Iruka realized she wasn’t crying. 

She was laughing.

When Shin faced both again, she was smiling. But it wasn’t the little thing she had showed them back at Ichiraku; it was a full-blown grin.

“I like you too, Naruto-chan.”

And just like that, Naruto steamed into a glitch.

“Ah! I-I’m sorry!” Shin said, reaching out to support the boy’s shoulders to keep him from falling face-first to the ground. “Naruto-chan? Naruto-chan! Iruka-sensei, what did I do? Naruto-chan!”

Iruka didn’t quite believe in what he was seeing.

They are both completely clueless.

---

“So here we are!” Iruka announced with a grand gesture when they arrived at their destination.

Naruto stared at the door to his apartment, confusion clear on his face. “Ehhh? Iruka-sensei, this is my home! I thought we were going to take Shin-chan to her place first.”

Iruka smiled and pointed to the door just a few meters to the right.

Naruto didn’t quite understand the meaning.

“So, are we going to her place or not? I’m starting to get hungry again, believe it.”

Iruka sighed and shook his head.

“Naruto... Shin-kun will live next door to you as of today. Make sure to help her out whenever she needs, alright?”

“Eh?! Is that true, Shin-chan?”

Shin nodded. “Although I’m new here, if there’s anything I can help you with please let me know.”

“But isn’t this apartment a bit too small? What about your parents?”

“...”

Naruto realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth. The warm atmosphere from before was quickly smothered by a silence so sad it made Naruto’s ears ring with it. Shin was too kind to say anything, but the shadows that fell over her eyes and the way her lower lip trembled with the strain of holding back tears was enough condemnation to him.

Of course… A new girl who just moved in to Konoha and transferred to the Academy with no warning or explanation. Those sad eyes… She’s like me. She doesn’t have any family.

“Ah, Shin-chan....” Naruto began, staring down at his feet in shame. “I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot, believe it.”

“Shin-kun-” Iruka tried, laying a gentle hand on her shoulder. “-I’m sorry. I’m sure Naruto didn’t mean it.”

Shin shook her head as she pressed the heels of her palms against her eyes, trying so hard to barricade her tears.

“I’m sorry, Naruto-chan, Iruka-sensei. I know a Shinobi shouldn’t cry. I’m so pathetic…”

Despite her words, there was no hiding the sobs that caught in Shin’s throat or the shaking of her shoulders as sadness suddenly overtook her. She had been so good during the day - even felt something so close to happiness bumbling inside her again - she had almost believed she was getting better. But a few words that reminded her of her parents were enough to reduce her to a sobbing mess again. She was truly path-

“!”

Shin startled at the sudden feeling of warmth around her and raised her face from its hiding place behind her hands. She felt Naruto’s hair tickle her cheek as his hands pressed around her shoulders.

“I know it hurts. Being alone is really painful, isn’t it?” The boy whispered in her ear with a sad voice that Shin felt didn’t belong to him. “It’s okay to cry, but we’re here for you now. Believe it.”

“My poor baby. That thunderstorm was really scary wasn’t it? It’s okay now. Mama is here.”

“Hey, don’t forget about Papa! I’m here too!”

Shin swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded as her hands grabbed on the back of Naruto’s shirt. 

“Thank you, Naruto-chan.”

Iruka watched the scene with a heavy heart. Slowly, almost hesitantly, he walked to them and laid a comforting hand over each of their heads.

It was a cruel world indeed, this one that allowed children to fend for themselves.