#thou the story is not exactly that deep i just like to leave it open it give me more freedom to draw silly slice of life stuff

[galacticghoste]

WAIT

I just realized if you ship shadamy who do you ship Sonic with and what about blaze I have too many questions and not enough answers

(And I mean this with utmost respect and no hate like genuinely curious)

Your good! i'm glad u asked hehe

For Sonic I like him with Sally mainly bc of my friend who introduced me to a bit to Archie and told me about them being a thing for a while in it and I like the idea too much so it stuck with me

(I have yet to actually read it, its just such a long read)

(plus i think they would have some cool kids) Thus why I made Alec and Sienna

I Do find him cute with Jet or Knuckles too (probably in another universe idk)

or his one true love Chili dogs XDDDD

(I can see him with shadow too but idk why the other 3 just seem more appealing to me personally as love interest for some reason)

AS FOR MY SECOND FAV BLAZE

(fun fact was my childhood fav as a kid till i learned about shadows backstory)

I OBVIOUSLY WENT FOR SILVER WITH HER THEY ARE TO FREAKING CUTE TOGETHER TO NOT BE A THING I LOVE THEM SOOOO MUCH I FEEL BAD FOR NOT DRAWING THEM ENOUGH

Thats why i gave them 3 kids >:)

BUT SHADAMY HAS A CHOKE HOLD ON ME I MUST DRAWWWW

Anyways hopefully that answers ur questions feel free to ask anything else if u want i'm happy to try and answer it as best i can

u can also checkout the my intro page i have links to stuff like aus like youth legacy which is where shadamy ship and a few others like Silvaze , knuxouge ,whispangle, sonally or tailsmo/tailream etc. all exist.

(But its mainly filled with Shadamy so be warned of all the pink and black hehehe very spooky ship >:))

[janeyseymour]

La Cosa Nostra- pt 15

Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4. Part 5. Part 6. Part 7. Part 8. Part 9. Part 10. Part 11. Part 12. Part 13. Part 14.

cowritten with @schemmentis - we're gonna try to revive this story, and y'all better buckle up because it's gonna get so good

WC: 3.1k

You manage to get the girls up and fed before Melissa stirs on the couch. It must be a groggy Schemmenti morning considering the girls haven’t swarmed her and woken her up themselves nor asked you why Mommy was sleeping on the couch all weekend. You gently shake at your wife’s shoulder once the girls have their shoes on, remembering how upset she’d been when you’d taken them to school without waking her. Plus, you don’t exactly feel generous and worried about making sure she gets enough rest after your fight. 

You roll your eyes at her groggy ‘what’ when she cracks her eyes open. “Your daughters want to say good morning and goodbye, is what.” You mutter, stepping aside and wave the twins the okay to hurry to Melissa.

You step back towards the front door as Melissa kisses them each multiple times. Tuning out the goodbyes and I love yous. You’d thought after not speaking aside from the essentials over the weeknd you might feel less upset; you don’t. It’s the same as before you went to sleep the night you fought. Mel’s decision over you, her standing by it, and worst of all her hitting you in all the worst places. You can’t let any of it go, not first, anyway.

You force a deep breath when you feel your little girls running back to your side, opening the front door. “Let’s go, littles, before you’re late.” You mutter as you usher them out.

“You didn’t kiss Mommy again,” Rosie states once you get into the car.

“We were running late,” is all your response is. 

Once you’ve seen them off to their class safely, you leave the girls’ school. Your eyes roll when you hear your cell phone ring for the third time in the short trip to drop them off. You know without looking it’s Tony just like it was the last two times, no doubt to ask again for the ledger which you still have no intention of giving him directly. You don’t trust Tony as far as you could throw him. Still, you know you’d better have it in hand soon for when he produces whoever he answers to. It wouldn’t be good for that to happen and you to not have it.

You sigh as you slip back into the car. Which means you probably have to break your silent streak with your wife and ask her to talk to Barbara to get it back. You really don’t want to do that though. Your pride and your stubbornness wants you to hold out for Melissa to at least admit she was being an asshole the other night. Even if she won’t admit she was wrong about the rest of it. 

You don’t have Barbara’s number but you do know where she’ll eventually turn up. You pull the car from the school lot, driving to the church. If Mel intends to be in early at the restaurant today; you don’t feel that bad about making her walk this time.

You slip in just after the morning service. Thankfully, you still spy Barbara’s head in the usual back pew. You genuflect at the side, crossing your chest before slipping into the seat next to the older woman- the one your wife would usually claim.

“Good morning, Y/N.” Barbara greets you quietly once her head raises from her prayer. “Another bit of prayer needed, hm?”

“A little bit.” You hedge. You’re not fully lying; you do think it might bring some relief after your fight with Melissa. Which, now that you’re sat next to her, you realize you may have overlooked your wife telling Barb all about. “I was also hoping to see you.” You add.

“Oh? Well, that’s sweet of you. You know I’m always glad to see you or Melissa and your girls in the Lord’s house.”

You flash a smile, one you’ve flashed the Feds and other Family members alike to be as charming as you can. “You know our whole family is always happy to see you. Especially the girls.”

“Oh, I can’t wait for next weekend. They were positively a joy at Sunday breakfast, yesterday. Though you and Melissa were rather quiet.”

“It was…a long week, last week.” You admit. “Mel and I haven’t exactly been seeing eye to eye lately.” You hadn’t meant to share that last part but you lean into letting it off your chest in some way, at least.

“I’m sure you two will sort it out. You always do.”

“I hope so.” You answer truthfully. You might still be angry, and definitely hurt, but you still love Melissa with all of you. You hope the fact she’s been dealing with being relegated to the couch for a few days is a sign she still feels the same, too. Since she hasn’t disappeared to her Ma’s or even Kristen Marie’s.

“Are things okay between the two of you? Would you like to chat about it, perhaps over brunch?” Barbara offers.

You take her up on that offer, and you find yourself bringing her back to your house- just in case the Feds are still watching you. You mill about the kitchen as you prepare a few things before settling at the table with her.

“So,” Barbara hums. “What’s got you turning up at church more often than usual lately- both you and your wife?”

“Could use a bit more prayer these days,” you sigh softly as you take a bite full of your breakfast.

“You didn’t pray today though,” the woman points out. You just shrug at that. “So what made you really come to the church?”

You throw around the options in your head. You could break your silent streak and speak with Melissa, or you could ask the woman herself for the ledger.

Deciding to bite the bullet, you say softly, “I was hoping I would run into you. I need the book that I know Melissa gave you.”

Barbara blinks once, twice. “What book, dear?”

“Barb, I know Mel gave you the book for my salon.”

The woman’s face flickers through quite a few emotions before settling on a neutral face once again. “Oh. I still don’t know what you’re speaking of? What your wife gave me was not a book.”

“Babs, I need the goddamn book,” you sigh.

“Do not take the lord’s name in vein,” Barbara tells you sternly.

“Barbara, I need the damned book. My life is on the line here,” you plead. You don’t mean for that last sentence to slip out, and you have to do everything you can to hide it on your face; the severity of the situation. For all she knows, you’re exaggerating and just using it as a hyperbole.

“And why would that be?” Barbara raises a brow. “It’s just the simple finances for the salon.”

“It is,” You hastily agree with her comment. “But I…” You take a breath, forcing out the familiar lie you gave Valentina when she first noticed Melissa’s extra stress, just modified a bit. “I’m trying to work out selling the salon so I need the book with all the finances in it to go through with a potential buyer.”

“Selling it?” Barbara repeats, a hand pressing to her chest. “Why on earth would you sell? You’ve worked hard for that place, Y/N!”

“I know but it hasn’t been profitable since…well, since I don’t even know when, Barb. I thought I could juggle it and put it back in proper working condition but the clients just aren’t coming in like they used to.”

Barbara suddenly drops the hand at her chest held in shock. “Y/N, surely you know I’m no fool.”

You blink. “Of course you’re not, Barbara. Why would I think you were—”

“The book I have is not for your salon.”

“Yes, it is.” You say, brow furrowing in confusion. Because it is for the salon, both books, and you don’t know what else Barb could think it belongs to.

The older woman sends you a long suffering look, the silence between you drawing out for a moment. “Not for the legal business of your salon though, is it?”

Your face drops. Like, actually drops- jaw open and everything. “What?”

“I’m well aware of what I possess,” the woman tells you in a monotone.

“Shit.”

“What on Earth are the two of you thinking; getting mixed up in all of this- and with your two girls!” Barbara admonishes you sharply, and you feel like you’re being reprimanded by a principal.

You search for words, but none come.

“You two are so lucky I haven’t turned it in, and I nearly did!”

“Y-you didn’t?” you whisper out. 

“Of course I didn’t, and the only reason I didn’t is because of Cat and Rosie!” Barb states. “Otherwise, I would have!”

“I- thank you,” you say softly.

“The two of you better get yourselves out of this mess, before it destroys your lives,” the woman tells you lowly.

“The only way out of this mess is prison… or death,” you inform her. “And at this point, if either of us goes to prison, or something happens to Mel, I genuinely fear I won’t survive. When it comes down to everything, Melissa is the matriarchal figure in the family.”

“Neither of those things can happen,” Barbara tells you. “And that is not true- the both of you have the most equal partnership I think I’ve ever seen.”

“Listen, I really do need the ledger back,” you try again.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

“Barbara.”

“Your wife entrusted me with it, and while I do not agree with what I hold onto in the slightest, I am not breaking my promise to Melissa.”

“I’m sure she told you not to open the book though, right?” you press. At her nod, you continue. “You broke that promise. So, give. me. the. book.”

“I have to go,” Barbara states. “Thank you for a lovely breakfast.” She makes to head out, and you follow her.

“Barbara!”

She climbs into her car, and speeds off. 

You’re left standing on the porch of your townhouse, staring after Barbara’s car even after it’s definitely peeled its way out of your neighborhood. You honestly didn’t know she could drive that fast. Melissa loves to call her a grandma whenever she drives the lot of you anywhere. Barbara would throw back that it was only being safe and God forbid she get into a wreck because your wife wouldn’t stop back-seat driving. 

“Fuck.” You curse, briefly covering your face. “Fuck!” You repeat as you pull your hands away. You lean back into the doorway just enough to grab your keys from the hook by the door. You slam your front door shut, not even bothering to take the time to lock it. You won’t catch Barb at this rate, but you’re fairly certain you can catch your wife. 

You’re certain, at least relatively so, Barb won’t turn you both in. Not if she hasn’t already. But it sure sounded like she was just waiting for Melissa to ask for the book to confront her herself first. You just happened to ask before your wife. You know though Barb isn’t likely to be going to Twelve Tables to have that confrontation with Melissa. So, instead, you are.

You speed your way there, not really worried about the reds or stop lights or any possibility of getting pulled over. A ticket was nothing compared to what all hung in the balance now. You make your way into the restaurant as fast as your feet will carry you.

“Hey, Y/N, how’s—”

“Not now Val,” You interrupt your wife’s right hand. “Where’s Mel?”

“She’s in the back, but—”

You wave a hand at her, muttering a half hearted ‘thank you’ as you hurry through the kitchen toward the back office. You don’t even stop to worry about knocking at the closed office door. You’re throwing it open with practically all your weight behind it in your haste that has you stumbling into the room.

“Mel, we need to—”

“What the fuck?” Melissa grouses at the slamming open of the office door. Her mood doesn’t exactly improve when she looks up to see you, a glare from green eyes sent your way. “I’m in the middle of a meeting.” She says, the end of it coming through her clenched teeth with a nod to the man standing at the desk in the office with her.

“I really need to talk to you. Right now.” You rush out.

“Ya don’t talk to me all weekend, and now ya want to? Now? I told ya, I’m in a meeting. Get out.”

“Melissa Ann Caterina Schemmenti!” You nearly yell, stepping into the office and gripping her wrist and fighting to physically pull your wife from the office.

“God…damn it. Fine!” Melissa huffs, agreeing to go once she realizes you aren’t going to let her actually work until she does. “‘Scuse me a minute.” She says to the man before following you out of the office and shutting the door after her. “What the fuck is so damn important you have to try and literally pull me from work? One of the girls’ better be hurt or the world better be endin’, so help me God, or it’s gonna be you on the couch now, Y/N!”

“Our world might be ending,” you sigh quietly, eyes down. Then your eyes meet her own. “Barbara knows.”

The redhead has the same face that you wore when Barbara revealed that she knows what she possesses. “What?”

“Do you see why it’s so important now?” you ask her.

“Fuck. Fucking shit.” She runs a hand through her hair. “We’re fucked. We’re going down, and we’re taking all of-“

“She said she hasn’t turned us in because of the girls,” you whisper. “But we have to figure out what to do before something terrible happens to either us, or Barb and Gerald. They cannot get involved.”

“Fuck!” Melissa shouts.

“I know,” you sigh. “I know. I- I don’t know what to do.”

“How do you know she knows?” your wife implores.

“I was at the church earlier,” you tell her. And you recount the earlier events before, “and then she told me that the binder wasn’t for the legal side of the salon. She knows.”

“God dammit,” Melissa whispers. She runs a hand over her face. “Fuck. Okay, uhm… let me handle this meeting, and then I’ll meet you at home so we can figure out what to do.”

“I’ll be sitting in the back waiting for you,” you tell her. “And don’t forget that we do have to pick up the girls today.”

“I know,” she says. “I know. Okay. We’re gonna- we’re gonna be fine, and I- fuck.” You watch as red curls whip around and head back into the office.

With a sigh, you head for the back exit again. Valentina looks at you curiously, but you don’t acknowledge it. You just continue on your way. You pull your car closer to the back door, idling as you wait for your wife. She’s quickly slipping into the passenger seat in less than five minutes.

As you pull out of the lot of Twelve Tables and head towards your home once more, Melissa runs her hand through her hair as she glances at the clock. “Okay, we still have a few hours before we have to get the girls, so we can figure this out.”

“Figure this out?” You echo, glancing at Melissa. “Babe, we have what, four hours? We’re gonna figure this all out and fix everything in four hours?

“It’s just Babs.” She says, trying to convince the both of you. It’s clear she knows how much power her church friend holds at this moment, and it terrifies her. She takes a deep breath, rolling the passenger window down enough for wind from the drive to whip her red locks out of her face. “She didn’t turn us in because of the girls…we can, we can buy time.”

“How? How are we gonna buy any time?” you implore. “We got the Feds still digging into shit; who knows what part of the Family they’re eyeing right now? But it doesn’t matter. Any part of it goes, you know the rest is screwed.”

“That’s only if somebody flips. Nobody would flip.”

You take the risk of holding your eyes off the road a little longer than you should to give your wife a look. You both could likely think of ten people each from your respective sides that could, under the right circumstances, absolutely flip.”

“Fuck, I know!” She says, waving your glare away from her as she looks out the passenger side window. “Look, they ain’t got anywhere yet, huh? That means we still got time. We just need to make sure Barb really ain’t gonna do nothin’.”

“She wouldn’t talk to me past tellin’ me she promised you to only give it back to you and then that she knew.”

“Oh, sure, she can stick to that part of the damn promise.” Melissa grumbles as she gets out nearly before you can put the car in park in the driveway. She turns back just as you catch up to her on the front porch. “Ya didn’t even lock the door! Aduzipach!”

“We do not have time for another argument!” You toss back as you reach the top step, gently ushering her inside with you as you pull the door shut again. This time you do lock it behind you. “We have to be on the same page, okay? We really have to be or we’re definitely screwed. I’m still pissed, and hurt but whatever. It doesn’t matter right now. Right now what matters is you, and me, and the girls. That’s all that matters, which means we have to figure a way out of this bullshit.”

“Amore, you know there’s only two ways out of the life. Neither one lets us be there for the girls- at all.”

“And both I’d preferably like to avoid entirely.” You add, sighing as you slump into your couch. “So..w we have to literally do the impossible.”

“I don’t know how we’re going to do that,” Melissa groans as she leans into your figure.

Barbara Howard speeds off, and she doesn’t necessarily know where she’s going. But after a bit, she figures that you aren’t following her, and she stops at a local diner to pick up takeout for a lunch date with her husband, the senator.

TAGS: @thesapphictimelady @marvel210 @itisdoctortoyousir @morgana-larkin @thesamesweetie @doesthatsuggestanythingtoyou @marvels--slut @gwennybriggs @megamultifandomtrashposts @lemz378 @http-sam @melissaschemmentisbranzino @imaginesmultifandoms @sexysapphicshopowner @lilfartbox1 @maybe-a-humanbean @imlike-so-gaydude @sapphicxrat @a-queen-and-her-throne @sunsol-22 @notinmyvocab @melanielaufeyson @dvrkhcld

[retiredteabag]

Valentines Day Special

Just Like The Books 

Pairing: Shoto Todoroki X Reader

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: ...

Synopsis: Valentines day was only a few days away and Shoto had not yet asked you to be his valentine!! Were you too romantically inclined from all those books you read or was Shoto just trying to make things extra special?

SPECIAL NOTE: This story is being read aloud by Mad July on youtube!!! The link will be posed here very soon, please give the channel all your love!

Link To Video- Here!!!

Link To Channel- Mad July

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It was less than four days until Valentine’s day and Shoto, Y/n’s boyfriend of a year and a half, had yet to request the spot as their valentine. Pure radio silence on his part. They weren’t worried though. Seriously! Y/n knew Shoto wasn’t the best with romancy stuff- it just didn’t come naturally to him which was fine! Still… everyone in 1A had a valentine. Heck even Mineta had received a love letter! Of course, everyone was painfully aware he had sent it to himself but either way- it was a bit embarrassing- what to have a significant other and them not even ask… whatever- Valentine’s day wasn’t even a big deal anyway!

Despite that- when the little envelope- wax sealed with a fingerprint- showed up in their school bag- they couldn’t help but feel the tiniest bit relieved. The paper was light brown and smelled of burned wax, after struggling for a second to open it without ripping the letter- they read to themselves:

“For every day that passes- I realize how many more I want to spend with you. Is this how Mr. Darcy felt when he was with Elizabeth?”

A smile grew on their face- Having introduced Sho to Pride and Prejudice last summer, it made their heart flutter to hear him bring it up.

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.’ It must have been…will you accept my confession?”

-          Your Secret Admirer

Not only did he remember their infatuation with the book, but he quoted the line too… he was just too cute! They folded the letter and gently put it in the box in which they kept all his letters. Only to promptly pull it out and read it a few more times.

The next day- it seemed Shoto was ignoring them. In class they would turn- only for him to look away. This wasn’t like him, usually he had no trouble staring- in fact, in the past Shoto would stare until Y/n was embarrassed, not realizing how hard it was to have him look so intently.

That night- after a whole day of hiding- it appeared that Shoto had been on their balcony. Strange as it is, there was a very obvious glow of a flashlight outside Y/n’s dorm room. Sat in the middle of the balcony’s ledge was another letter, held down by a small box. Y/n took at least a minute to look at the whole set up. It wasn’t crazy or anything- just a bit cute. The flashlight shown right through their curtain so they could see the display. Eventually they reached for the envelope. Wax sealed with a fingerprint just like it had been before.

“’Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.’ I remember when you read Hamlet to me- I remember knowing I loved you when I heard the smile in your voice when you read those words. Do you remember? When you quoted them to me while you braided my hair? Do you remember when you leaned over and said them that last day of summer? I hope you do… Because I can’t stop thinking about them.”

-          Your Secret Admirer

 “Yes” they thought, “Yes, yes of course I do.”

It was a little funny, Sho referring to himself as their “Secret Admirer” when everyone knew they were dating, still- they couldn’t help but find it charming.

By the time they had read the letter for the fourth time- the icy air had chilled their skin considerably. The wind whooshed past their face, but it was hard to leave their spot on the balcony knowing he had been right there. They had already stood before they remembered the box that had been used as a paperweight.

Leaning over to pick it up they ran their hand over the silk exterior. Inside, delicately placed on a velvet stand was a silver ring- a tiny sun on one side and on the other? A tiny moon. It was exactly their ring size and was so beautiful they had half the mind to keep it hidden in a box and not wear it at all. It took a particularly cold gust of wind to bring them back to reality and go inside.

 At lunch the next day Y/n sat with Jirou and Kaminari. Food was the last thing on their mind. All their thoughts were occupied with was the fact that Shoto Todoroki had been wearing a ring in class today. A ring that had tiny, engraved stars all over. They couldn’t even thank him because he was gone when class ended. Y/n had even stood quickly and ran after him to try to go looking but he was nowhere to be found.  

“Hey- what’s wrong?” Mina stared worriedly. Y/n was sure everyone could tell something was up. It wasn’t the fact that they hadn’t been asked anymore-but that Sho seemed to be avoiding them. They couldn’t answer their friend because suddenly Kaminari jumped upright- startling the whole table. Jirou and the man in question were sharing a look. Jirou looking exasperated and shifted her eyes from the bag hung across his chair- then at Y/n and then back at Kaminari.

“Oh! Oh!!” Kaminari clapped his hands as if remembering something. He bent down and pulled out an enveloped from his bag- it had the tiniest of stems attached- little clusters of baby’s breath had been sealed to the letter. They looked up from their table with Jirou, Kaminari and Mina and watched Deku from across the lunchroom nudge Sho with a worried look. He just took a breath in and stared at his lap- a content smile on his lips.

“Just ask me Sho…” They thought. Maybe this was his way of asking. Previously- whenever Shoto wanted attention- he never asked- he would pull on their sleeve or tug on their belt loop… maybe he didn’t know how to ask. Either way- Y/n wanted to thank him for his gestures- to give him a gift too- even if it wasn’t as nice as what he gave to them.

“If you asked anything of me- I believe my heart always replies- ‘As you wish.’ You read to me all about Buttercup’s requests of Westly- I myself have a request of you if it is not too much. Would you be willing to meet with me at my dorm this evening?”

-          Your secret admirer

And when they looked up- Sho was gone from his seat with Deku and Iida.

 Tomorrow was Valentines- and y/n had spent so much time worrying whether Todoroki would ask them that they didn’t even have a gift for him. Needless to say- they skipped final period to go out and get something.

That night Y/n was nervous- “Pull yourself together” they told themselves- they’d dated over a year and yet it was still a bit nerve wracking to see him. They didn’t really get all that dressed up- just changed out of their uniform into something comfortable and made their way to Shotos dorm room. They had his gift in a small bag and while they knew he would love anything they gave him- it didn’t feel like enough. Simply him reflecting on the moments they had shared had warmed Y/n’s heart to no end.

Romance novels were sort of a part of their relationship- a little thing Shoto had never experienced before they had the chance to become close. And when y/n heard such a horrible truth? They made it a mission to read to him all their favorite stories.

They twisted their ring and took a deep breath- “It’s just Sho…” they told themselves before they knocked.

Instantly the door swung open- as if Shoto had waited for them to knock- “You’re here” he said softly- his hair was fluffier than normal, spread across his eyes- he had also changed out of his school uniform.

“Yeah” is all they could muster- eyes falling on his expression. He looked so good even when he didn’t mean to.

He slowly took a step forward and tugged on their waistband. Pulling them into his room. It smelled like wood and varnish inside- within the brief second in the room they spotted the books laying on his desk. Pride and Prejudice- Hamlet- and The Princess Bride were all neatly set in a pile next to his laptop- behind those were some other stories y/n had shown him- The Notebook, Anne of Green Gables and The Phantom of The Opera were set on his wall.

 He grabbed their face- “Y/n” he cleared his throat-

“I’ve been meaning to ask you- and seeing as- “He pulls his finger from their pants elastic- his hand messily grasped at their sleeve before tightly grasping it and then letting it go. He looked at the clock on the wall and faltered- “seeing as- I have three and a half hours before well- you know- I think its best to ask- the thing? You know- Tomorrow is Valentines day and I was wondering if you wanted to stay- with- stay here… with me- until then. So, we could spend the day together?” Somehow his hand had gone back to their sleeve and was shyly tugging on it.

“Oh right!!” he let go. “What I meant was, would you be my Valentine?”

And the hand holding Shotos gift let go somehow and had pulled him in by his neck.

And you know, it really was just like the books. Time slowed down and it was so warm, and they didn’t want to move- so they didn’t.

They pulled away “Yes, yes that would be just perfect.” And then Shoto pulled them back in again by the shoulders and quietly murmured, “oh thank goodness.”

[sunlight-moonrise]

The Five Dates (Reid Request)

Summary: Reader decides that she wants to help Spencer experience the things he missed out on when he was a teenager. 

A/N: I had a couple of people ask for a part 2 to The Five Times so here it is. Originally was gonna leave that fic as a standalone but writer’s block on my other WIPs led to this sequel. I strongly recommend reading the first part before reading this one so that the story-line makes more sense. As always, thank you to the lovely @spencer-reid-in-a-pool and​ @wishingwellwriting​ for being fantastic betas. They have amazing fics, so if you need another Spencer Reid fix, they can most definitely deliver. Enjoy!

Category: Fluff

Content Warnings: None

Word Count: 6.0K

Masterlist

The first date I had with my neighbor, I don’t think it really counted as a date.

Spencer and I were eating dinner at my apartment after he told me the man who tried to attack me was in custody. We were sitting on the couch with the TV on but I didn’t know what was playing since we were talking the whole time.

He told me that he does magic tricks, enjoys ghost stories, and loves to learn. In return, I told him my favorite hobbies, some habits that I can’t get out of, and food that I enjoy cooking. He listened with rapt attention, hanging on to every word I said. It was amazing being able to spend time with someone like this. It felt like I’ve known him for years rather than a few months.

“…and that’s probably my worst experience from school,” I finished, recounting the tales of my teenage years. “What about you? Anything you wish you can take back from the early days?”

Spencer suddenly turned away from me and became silent. I looked at him in confusion. Was it something I said? Did I offend him?

“Oh, I—I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?” I asked, my voice coming out as a whisper because of how low I spoke.

He quickly shook his head, as if driving away some bad thoughts that plagued his mind. “It’s not you. It’s just that I was a 12-year-old prodigy at a public high school in Vegas. I didn’t have a lot of fun experiences.”

I could hear the sorrow in his words when he told me this. I know how cruel kids could be, especially to someone they considered an outcast. My heart ached for the little boy who went through so much misery at such an early age.

There were a few more seconds of silence before I had a lightbulb moment. “Well, maybe we can change that,” I suggested. “We can do some things that typical teenagers do.” A million ideas immediately came to mind. We can go bowling or ice skating or bike riding.

“I don’t know. I kind of got over that point of my life.”

“Oh.” There was no hiding the sadness in my voice, which made me feel worse. There’s no reason for me to feel dejected over his statement. I shouldn’t be so selfish.

Spencer must have sensed that something was off with me because he quickly tried to correct himself. “It’s not that I don’t want to have these experiences. I just find it embarrassing that I haven’t had them yet, even now.”

“I’m not going to judge you, Spencer. I don’t want you to feel embarrassed with me,” I assured him. I moved my hand towards his as an offer to hold, which he surprisingly took. His hand completely enveloped mine. “Tell me some things that you’ve always wanted to do when you were younger but never got the chance.”

He took a moment to think while I anxiously waited for his response. “I never had the chance to have a sleepover. I had too many responsibilities at the time. I always wanted to go to a festival or a carnival. I also—” he suddenly stopped talking. I noticed his face turning slightly red as he bit his lower lip, his other hand patting against his leg.

“What is it, Spencer?”

“I-uh always wanted to wine and dine a girl, maybe take her to see a play or movie. I wanted to take an evening stroll and just stargaze for a while.” His voice became smaller the more he talked. I hated that he started to feel self-conscious around me but knew that it couldn’t be helped. I was going to change that. I was going to make sure that Spencer Reid experienced teenage fun.

“Anyway, it’s getting late,” he said, removing his hand from mine. “I have to go in tomorrow and I am sure you have an early day as well.”

“Let me put these dishes away and I’ll walk you to the door.” I grabbed our plates and walked to the kitchen, placing them in the sink. My mind was racing with thoughts on what to do for Spencer. When I returned to the living room, he was already by the hallway, grabbing his belongings.

I slowly opened the door for him, watching as he stepped out of the apartment. Before he made it too far, I grabbed the sleeve of his arm, prompting him to turn around. Here goes nothing.

“Spencer Reid, would you like to go on a date with me?” I asked, the pitch of my voice a lot higher than normal. Despite feeling nervous, I made sure to look him in the eye and maintain contact. He stared back at me, mouth agape while his face was turning pink.

“Are you sure?” he questioned, looking down at his feet. Mental note: build up Dr. Reid’s confidence, at least around me.

“I have never been more certain of anything in my life,” I answered honestly. I smiled at him when I noticed his lips tugging upwards.

“Yes. I would like to go on a date with you, (Y/N).” The smile on his face was adorable and I was happy to be the cause of it. “Uh m-maybe I could get your number, so that we can talk,” he added.

“Sure.” I took my phone from my pocket before giving it to him. He put in his number, a bit slowly but I wasn’t complaining. I saw it as more time I got to spend with him. Once he handed my phone back, we just stood in front of each other for a while.

Before I lost my resolve, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed my lips against his cheek. Before either of us could do anything, I muttered a quick “Goodnight Dr. Reid,” and closed the door. My heart thumped erratically as I slid down the door.

“Goodnight (Y/N)” I heard through the block keeping us apart. His footsteps got quieter and quieter until he eventually opened and closed his own door.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely infatuated with Spencer Reid.

●●●

The second date I had with Dr. Reid, I was a nervous wreck.

Spencer and I have been texting back and forth these last few days. Luckily, we were both free this weekend, so we planned on going out. I haven’t told him yet where we’re going, much to his dismay. The only hint I gave him was to dress casually.

I’ve done some research and found that there was a food festival happening Saturday afternoon. A lot of local restaurants will have stands and distant establishments will be sending food trucks. Their theme is “Around the World” so we’ll get to explore various cultures. I’m hoping we can learn some new things from the different cuisines that would be showcased.

Saturday came around and I made sure I had everything ready. I wanted our date to go off without a hitch. I wanted this to be one of Spencer’s best experiences.

I heard a knock on my door, causing my heart to pick up a bit. I don’t know why I started to sweat. Sure, I’m going on a date with a good looking and successful man but there’s nothing to be nervous about, right? Right.

I heard another knock, more hesitant this time. I quickly made my way towards my door, taking a deep breath before opening it. Thank the angels I took in that breath because I immediately lost it again at the sight of him. 

Spencer was holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Lavender roses and red carnations were a few that I could identify. I think the purple flower might be an orchid. 

He lifted them towards me, a slight tremor in his hands. “These are for you.” 

“They’re lovely Spencer, thank you.” I grabbed the flowers from him, taking in the smell of the blossoms. “I’m going to put these in a vase. I’ll be right back.”

I made my way to the living room to do just that. I grabbed my bag and a jacket before checking myself in the mirror one last time. Happy with my appearance, I returned back to Spencer. I shut the door behind us as we walked towards the elevator.

“You look beautiful, by the way,” Spencer said as we entered the elevator. I can tell he was still nervous, the thrumming of his fingers against one another and the bouncing on his feet a few signs hinting towards his anxious state.

“You look dashing as well. Although I do remember telling you to dress casually, mister,” I said, a small smile appearing on my face at the sight of his own.

Spencer was wearing a dark pair of slacks with a light purple button-down shirt. His hair was slicked and combed back. He was rocking back and forth on his beat-upped chucks and I can see the mismatched socks peeking through. He looked a bit silly, especially considering where we are going, but handsome nonetheless.

“I don’t have casual clothing. Plus I wanted to look good for you.” I could feel my face getting warm because of his words. “By the way, it’s doctor.”

I giggled at his comment, which caused him to laugh as well. We exited the elevator and out of the lobby.

“We’re going to take the subway to our destination,” I informed him. “It should take less than half an hour to get there.”

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going now?”

“It’s still a surprise, doctor,” I beamed at him.

Fortunately, we did not experience any delays on the train. We spent the duration of the commute getting to know one another even more. He told me some stories involving outings with his co-workers and I could tell that he really loved each and every one of them. I shared some work stories and funny memories with my colleagues as well.

Once we got to our stop, I grabbed his hand and led us to the festival. It was a 10-minute walk from the exit. I turned to him as soon as I saw our destination within our sights.

“A food and wine festival?” he questioned.

“Yeah, I know this isn’t exactly what you had in mind when we were talking the other day but I thou—“

“I like it, especially since I’m  spending the day with you.” There goes my heart again, picking up pace as if I ran a marathon. I’m sure he says these things on purpose just to see me flustered.  

Spencer squeezed my hand in his and we explored the grounds. We decided to share a plate from each stall so that we can experience as much as possible. Spencer walked us to the first stall he saw, which showcased food from the Philippines.

“Did you know that Filipino food draws roots from their neighboring Asian nations as well as some Spanish countries?” he stated as we looked at the menu, “It is considered to be a perfect blend of Western and Eastern food. Actually—” he suddenly stopped himself. I looked at him curiously, wondering what caused his interruption.

“Sorry, I have a tendency to ramble.”

“There’s no need to apologize. I want to hear what you have to say. Let’s order something and you can finish telling me.”

He smiled brightly at me and squeezed my hand. After ordering a siopao to share, we sat at a table while he finished telling me facts about Filipino cuisine. As a matter of fact, he told me a lot of information about various cultures and countries as we walked from vendor to vendor.

We tried risotto from an Italian booth, which Spencer said was not as good as his friend’s cooking. We also got carne asada tacos from a Mexican food truck, where I discovered that tomatoes, dragon fruit, and vanilla originated from Mexico. We ate some sake nigiri sushi from a Japanese stand. I found out that Spencer cannot use chopsticks to save his life. I decided to feed him so that he doesn’t accidentally drop our food. We ventured to numerous vendors and had our fill in almost everything that was offered. We even had desserts and some drinks.

By the time Spencer and I made it back to our apartments, we were both stuffed. I was close to going into a food coma and I knew Spencer wasn’t far behind either.

“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten that much food in my life,” he commented as we stood in front of my door.

“You and me both. I’m sure I gained 10 pounds,” I joked, enjoying the way he laughed at my attempt at being humorous. I still held his hand in mine, not wanting the evening to end, but I knew it had to. We had spent the whole day together and we were tired.

Spencer made the decision for us. He lifted my hand, placed a chaste kiss on my knuckles and wished me sweet dreams before he retreated to his own home.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely charmed by Spencer Reid.

●●●

The third date I had with Spencer was ruined, but then fixed.

I was organizing a picnic basket when I received a call from him. I was puzzled as to why he was calling, especially when we’re supposed to meet up in a couple of hours.

“Hey (Y/N)” His voice came out gruff as if he just woke up.

“Hi Spencer, are you okay?” I heard some coughs coming from his end and I immediately became concerned over his well-being

“I don’t think I can go out this afternoon. I’ve been sick these past few days. I was really hoping to get back on my feet by now. I am so sorry.”

Before he could say anything else, because I knew he would in his remorseful state, I interrupted him. “Spencer, it's fine. We’ll raincheck,” I assured him. He tried to thank me, but another set of coughs came over. These sounded worse than the first ones.

Spencer managed to get out a goodbye before hanging up the phone. I contemplated what to do. He sounded so sick and miserable on the phone. He likely has a sore throat, maybe even muscle aches. The idea of him alone and shivering caused a dull pain in me.

I decided that I was going to see this man. I could make him something warm to eat and lend him my thickest blanket. We could even watch a movie together too.

With that in mind, I made some chicken soup and herbal tea. I put the items in containers before placing them in my picnic basket. I grabbed my largest and heaviest blanket, placing it over my shoulder. It wouldn’t fit in the basket, no matter how many times I folded it. Lastly, I grabbed my laptop, so that we can stream movies. Spencer once told me he wasn’t big on technology so I had no idea whether he owned a TV or not.

Once I had all the essential items, I made my way across the hall, knocking on his door. Unsurprisingly, it took a while for him to open the door. I waited a minute or two before he answered and was disheartened by what I saw.

Spencer was pale, well paler than usual, with a light sheen of sweat on his forehead.  His under eyes were dark and his nose was so red. He wore a robe over his pajamas. He looked as if he was about to fall over any second now.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, eyeing the blanket wrapped around me. His voice was slightly slurred and he was leaning on the doorframe to keep himself up.

“Well I figured since I couldn’t take you out on a picnic, I’ll take the picnic to you.”

He looked down at my hands, noticing the basket I was holding.

“You shouldn’t be around me, you’ll get sick.”

“Spencer Reid, you’re worth the cooties. May I please come in?”

He relented, leaving the door open for me to follow. I took in his apartment, appreciating his more vintage style. He had a massive collection of books, some of them in languages I couldn’t even identify.

“You have a miniature bookstore in here,” I commented. I turned towards him, seeing his figure laying down on the couch. 

“I like to read,” he simply said, the words muffled by the couch cushion he was lying on. I went towards him, shrugging off the blanket from me and placing it on top of his lap.

“If you get cold, use this to keep you warm. I’m going to heat up the soup and tea. Try to stay awake for me.”

Spencer nodded his head, bunching up the soft material in his hands. I quickly grabbed the content from the basket and dashed to the kitchen. It took me a few minutes to find where he puts his utensils, but I had everything taken care of in no time. I even found a tray to help me carry the food.

I brought the dishes to him, warning him of the heat. “I hope you like chicken soup and ginger tea. I added some honey to satisfy your sweet tooth.” He thanked me, holding the bowl close to him to keep him warm. I settled myself on the couch next to him, happy that he wasn’t complaining about our proximity.

“I have my laptop with me. We can watch some movies if you want.”

“I’d like that a lot.” We ended up watching The Matrix and Minority Report. Spencer tried his best to stay quiet during the films, but couldn’t help but to comment about certain technicalities and improbabilities. I found his rambling endearing, adding in my own opinions after he finished sharing his thoughts. I had to remind him to not strain his voice when he got on a tangent on how the idea of living in a simulation is not possible. He lost me once he started talking about quantum physics.

Spencer looked at the clock, noticing the late hour. “Are you going to leave?” His voice was low, and I am positive it was not because of his ill state. He was talking with passion and intensity a few moments ago.

“Do you want me to?”

“No. Is that selfish of me?” My heart skipped a beat. Knowing that he wanted me to stay with him gave me feelings I couldn’t quite describe.

“Of course not, Spence. We could have that sleepover you missed out on,” I stated enthusiastically. He stared at me for a moment, and I wondered if I misunderstood the situation. Before I could apologize for my assumption, he started talking.

“That’s the first time you called me Spence.” He’s right. All this time I’ve been addressing him as Spencer or Dr. Reid. “I like it,” he finished.         

“Let me grab my pajamas and some toiletries. I’ll be back before you know it.”

I sprinted to my apartment, changing into my sleepwear and grabbing my necessities before returning to Spencer’s. I am sure I was there and back under five minutes.

Spencer and I continued our evening playing board games. We played some chess (which I lost at) as well as poker (which I also lost at). He showed some card tricks and tried to teach me a basic one. I couldn’t do it as smoothly, but he said that with practice I could become a magician.

I knew the night was coming to an end when he began to yawn every few minutes. Despite saying that he could stay up longer, his body needed to recover.

“You should take my bedroom,” he offered after coming back from the restroom, “You’ll be comfortable there.”

“Absolutely not. Slumber Party rules dictate that we sleep in the same room.” He laughed at my proclamation.

“That’s not true.”

“Yes, it is. Now I’m going to use your bathroom. Do you keep your spare sheets in the closet?”

He nodded drowsily as I made my way to his bathroom. I did my nightly routine and grabbed a blanket from the closet. When I returned to Spencer, he was already dozing off.   

He looked so peaceful at this moment, I’ve never seen such a look on him. I kissed the bridge of his nose and made my way to the armchair.

 I settled myself as comfortably as I can.. Before I fell asleep, I could have sworn I heard a “Goodnight” coming from his direction. When I peeked to see if he was awake, his eyes were still closed but he had a wide smile on his face.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely captivated by Spencer Reid.

●●●

The fourth date I had with Spence, he was in charge.

Spencer told me that he wanted to take me out as a way to show his gratitude. I wanted to tell him that it was unnecessary, but he looked so eager and I didn’t want to take that away. Plus, I was looking forward to whatever he came up with. I know that with Spencer, I am bound to have a good time.

He kept everything a secret for me, which was no surprise considering how our first official date went down. The only thing he told me was to dress nicely, yet comfortably.

My body was pulsating with excitement. I made sure to spend extra time with my makeup. I didn’t want to go overboard, but I definitely wanted to accentuate my features. I chose to wear a maxi skirt with my favorite blouse. I added a few accessories and paired everything with some heels.

I didn’t have to wait long before hearing a knock on the door. He always seems to have impeccable timing. I practically floated towards my door with how happy I was.

Spencer was dressed in black dress pants and a deep blue button-down. The outfit was accompanied with a dark tie and blazer combo. He even had dress shoes on, which came as a surprise since this man loves his chucks.

“You look as handsome as always, Doc.” He smiled at my words. I love that he was more comfortable with my compliments. It seems like we came a long way from him stammering over his words and fidgeting with his hands. Although I must admit that I am going to miss his bashful behavior.

“I got this for you.” He revealed what appeared to be a corsage in his hands, the flowers of the accessory matching the one pinned to his blazer. “Uh- I-I know it is probably a bit um juvenile. You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to.”

“Spence, I love it. And I’ll love it more if you put it on me.”

He beamed at me, taking the corsage out of the casing and carefully securing it on my wrist. He was so gentle and patient while doing the task. Once he was done, we headed down to the lobby.

“I hope you don’t mind that I am driving,” he said as we made our way to what I assumed to be his car, a two-door pale blue Volvo. I was not surprised, this is his exact style.

“As long as you get us to our location in one piece, I don’t mind at all.” He opened my door for me before settling in on the driver’s side.

As Spencer drove, we talked about the antique style of his possessions. He shared that his Mom had a similar taste and he was very close to her when he was younger. I wanted to ask more, elated that he was telling me about his family, but decided to hold back. The way his voice wavered as he was talking showed me that this was a major effort for him. I decided to share some stories about my family and their influence over my own lifestyle.

Time always seems to fly with Spencer because before I knew it we were already parked. Being the chivalrous man that he is, Spencer made sure to open my door for me. He held my hand as we walked to the restaurant. I admired the ambiance of the venue. There was a band playing soft jazz music and lights scattered upon the ceiling. The décor was beautiful and the overall atmosphere was very cozy.

The hostess led us to our seats after Spencer informed her of our reservation. We sat at a corner table, providing us the perfect amount of privacy.

“Have you been here before?” I asked.

“No, I haven’t. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine recommended this place. He said that it was the perfect place to...uh, woo a girl.”

“Well, I am entirely wooed. But that is mostly due to the present company.” He smiled at me, before looking at the menu. I decided to do the same after noticing the pink tint at the tip of his ears. I still got it.

The rest of our dinner went smoothly. We ordered our meals as well as a glass of wine, in which I was informed of the many health benefits that come with drinking a glass of red. I was able to convince Spencer to show me a magic trick using a coin and napkin. He did it multiple times, yet I couldn’t find out how it worked. We talked about music, literature, art and so much more. We were so deep into our conversation that we didn’t notice our food had arrived.

My food smelled amazing and tasted even better. I couldn’t help but ask Spencer for a bite of his. He was willing to share as long as he got a piece of my food as well. We ended up splitting our meals with each other.

After paying for the entire bill, much to my protest, Spencer took my hand and led me out of the restaurant. I thought it would be the end of our night together but was wrong. Spencer said that there was one more surprise for me.

The car ride this time was a bit on the longer side and I wondered where on earth he could be taking us. It wasn’t until I saw a sign that a large smile appeared on my face.

“A drive-in theater?” I excitedly asked.

“Yes,” he confirmed, “I hope you don’t mind watching a scary movie.”

“As long as you don’t mind me holding you when I get scared.”

“Deal.” 

It was not difficult to find a good spot to enjoy the film. I screamed and jumped multiple times for two hours straight, much to Spencer’s amusement. He attempted to distract me by telling me facts about certain aspects of the movie which marginally helped. By the end of the film, I had started to get drowsy due to all the mini shots of adrenaline.

“Did you have fun?” he asked as he drove us home. I could hear the uneasiness in his question. I’m not sure why he was nervous, this was hands down the most fun I ever had on a date.

“Of course, Spence. This had to be the best date I ever went on. Thank you.”

He smiled widely at the road and I made sure to cherish the moment. It was not often that I got to see such a large grin on Spencer’s face. Happiness was such a good look on him. It makes him appear much more lively and handsome.

I closed my eyes, allowing them to rest momentarily. I didn’t expect to be so tired from an outing. The motion of the car driving on smooth pavement was almost like a lullaby that lured me into a light slumber.

I’m not sure how much time has passed before I was lifted into someone’s arms. If it wasn’t for the scent of coffee and cinnamon, I surely would have panicked. I felt the press of warm lips on my forehead and couldn’t stop the sigh that left my mouth. I buried my head deeper into the arms that cradled me.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I definitely adored Spencer Reid.

●●●

The fifth date I had with Spencer was unplanned.

Spencer has been going on cases more often recently, so we didn’t have a chance to meet. We’ve been texting one another, even calling if time allows it, but I wanted to see him.

When he told me that he was finally flying back home, I decided to meet him at his job. I considered whether or not this would be crossing boundaries, but chose to accept the consequences of my actions later.

The drive to the building where Spencer works was not as long as I imagined. After receiving a visitor’s pass from the front desk and a vague direction of where to go, I found myself lost on the sixth floor.

“Can I help you sweetheart?” a feminine voice asked me. I turned to see a brightly colored fashionista in front of me. I was in awe of her vibrant attire. “Hun?”

“Oh uh, I’m sorry. I’m—I’m waiting for Spencer Reid to return. Umm, is there a place where I can wait for him?”

She beamed at me, her comforting smile providing me some relief. “The team isn’t coming for another half hour. You can wait in my office if you’d like.”

I nodded my head and followed her, taking in my surroundings. I have never been in such an official building before.

“Here we are,” said the kind stranger, leading me to a room filled with a bunch of monitors and computers. “I’m Penelope by the way. I work with Spencer and friends.”

“I’m (Y/N), Spencer’s neighbor.” I practically saw a lightbulb go over her head as she let out a squeal. Penelope started talking a mile a minute, I couldn’t understand what she was saying. It wasn’t until she saw the bewildered expression on my face that she paused and took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that Spencer has spoken about you a few times. I didn’t want to assume initially but I figured who you were earlier. Our resident genius doesn’t get many visitors here.”

My face heated up. I was stuck on the fact that Spencer spoke about me to his colleagues, the people he considers his second family. I wondered what he said. Hopefully nothing too embarrassing, he always seems to catch me at some mortifying moments.

“Anyway,” Penelope continued, “you have to tell me about yourself. Spencer doesn’t share enough details and I promised not to search you up.”

For the next half hour, Penelope and I traded information about ourselves. She told me how she got the job as a technical analyst and some other activities she does outside of work while I told her about my typical routine and favorite pastimes.

Penelope’s phone vibrated and she immediately looked at her screen. “They’re here. Let’s go meet them upfront.”

We walked back to where I came from, standing in front of the elevators. We didn’t have to wait long for the doors to open before I saw a pack of people exiting. My eyes instantly landed on Spencer, he was the tallest in the group.

Spencer was currently looking at his phone, typing something on the screen. He finally brought his head up once he put his cell away and I felt mine vibrate with a notification. Once his eyes landed on me, he pushed past the people he was with and darted towards me.

I opened my arms as he drew me into a tight hug. It is a shame that I have not embraced Spencer more because he gives the best hugs. Everything about him automatically puts me in a tranquil state of mind.

“What are you doing here?” he asked once he put some space between us.

“I wanted to see you. Is that okay?”

“It’s more than okay. I missed you.” That beautiful smile graced his face one more. How is it possible that this man is in my life?

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled Spencer and I away from our bubble. My face heated up as I saw his friends surrounding us.

“Who’s this pretty lady Reid?” asked the muscular man. I looked at all his colleagues, recognizing the blonde as the woman who was at his apartment a couple of months ago. That was when I mistakenly thought she was his girlfriend. She smiled at me, no doubt knowing who I was.

“This is (Y/N), she’s my gi—uh she’s my ummm …” he trailed off, glancing at me. I didn’t notice that we have yet to establish our relationship with one another.

“I’m his neighbor,” I finished. Spencer introduced me to his team before telling me to wait while he gathered his belongings. During his absence, Penelope convinced me to join her for a girl’s night out in the future with the other ladies. I couldn’t say no to the offer, her enthusiasm was seeping through her pores.

When Spencer returned, he grabbed my hand and said his goodbyes while leading us to the elevator. I saw Penelope whisper excitedly to the muscular man that I learned was named Derek, before the doors even got a chance to close.

“My car is here. I can drive us back home,” I informed Spencer.

He nodded his head as we exited the building and made our way to the car. I know that Spencer does not particularly like to discuss his cases, so instead I asked him questions of the places he has been at recently and whether he had the chance to explore. He animatedly told me of a book he purchased that was in a foreign language as well as a vinyl record he got at a music store.

“Can we go to the park?” he suddenly asked. I was a bit confused but decided not to question him.

“Yea, sure.”

The park was not far from where we currently were. After finding a spot and getting out, he took my hand in his once again, leading us down a serene trail. The sound of crickets chirping while the soft wind breezed through us was very relaxing. I looked up at the sky, taking in the tiny visible stars and full moon.

Spencer stopped walking in the middle of the trail, tugging my hand so that I was closer to him. He stared at me as his tongue brushed across his lips.   

“(Y/N)?” His voice had that shy tone once again.

“Yes, Spencer?” He brought his hand up to tuck some loose strands of hair behind my ear.

“May I kiss you?”

My heart started racing at his question. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. My voice was stuck in my throat so I nodded my head instead.

Spencer’s hand gently held my cheek as he leaned down towards me. I closed my eyes once his soft lips landed on mine, wrapping my free hand around his neck. He tasted sweet, as I knew he would. I pressed more firmly against him, enjoying the sound of his moan when I swept my tongue across his lower lip. He allowed me to explore his mouth as he did the same to me.

I pulled away after a while to catch my breath. Spencer placed his forehead against mine, breathing heavier than I have ever seen.

“(Y/N)?” he panted out, his voice a lot more confident than it was beforehand.

“Yes, Spencer?”

“Would you like to be my girlfriend?”

I looked into his gentle hazel eyes, embracing all the emotions he was showing me through them. That gorgeous smile adorned his face once more. He looked so beautiful right here.

“I would love to be your girlfriend, Spence.”

I captured his lips this time around, relishing the warmth of his mouth on mine.

At that moment I couldn’t help but think that I was definitely in love with Spencer Reid.

[dreamofmysoul-tsc]

I'll Stay Here With You Until This Dream Is Gone

A story about Matthew Fairchild and James Herondale

Title from “Burning House” by Cam

I’ve never written fanfiction before, nor am I really a writer, but this idea has been poking at my mind for awhile now so I figured I’d write it down. I probably won't write more fanfic btw, my brain just wouldn't let me rest until I wrote this 😅

Little nods to The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor if you squint

This story follows the theory that Matthew becomes a Downworlder; in this story he is a vampire, although it isn't that important. Also, lots of angst. Suffer with me y'all. Enjoy!

CW for talks of death and the afterlife

January, 1963

Watery, gray light filters through the thick, velvet curtains despite their best efforts to keep the sun at bay. The house sits quiet, empty save for its owner and a single butler. A man sits at an antique writing desk, blonde head bent over thick sheets of paper, each embossed with a golden MF. He writes slowly, thoughtful of each word he inks onto the pages. A glass of water sits precariously on the edge of the writing desk, half empty.

A series of swift knocks resounds throughout the home. The man doesn't raise his head, expecting his butler, Mr. Wingrave, to answer it. As expected, he hears the door creak open, followed by a quick, muffled exchange. Whoever decided to darken his doorstep leaves as fast as they came, the door closing shut with a resounding thunk. His butler begins to ascend the stairs, but the man continues to write his letter, a half smile beginning to turn up the corner of his mouth.

His bedroom door swings open. "Mr. Fairchild?" Wingrave stands on the threshold, a folded note held in his hand. It is without an envelope, as though whoever wrote it sent it off in a hurry.

"Yes?" Fairchild says distractedly, mind still occupied by his letter.

"A note for you, sent by a Mr. Owen Herondale, sir."

This causes Fairchild to pause. Why did his godson, whom he had visited just last week, send him a letter so early in the morning? Despite his best efforts, he feels a mix of curiosity and mild concern begin to build.

"From Owen? Whatever for?" Not expecting a response, he accepts the note from Wingrave. He unfolds the thin paper and feels his stomach drop.

Father is dying. Please get to the townhouse as soon as you can. He needs you.

-OH

James. His Jamie. He reads the succinct words over and over, unable to fully understand, or perhaps fully accept, their meaning. Of course he knew James was getting on in years, he isn't that in denial, but he had never fully sat back to think about how he would go on or what he would even do when James was gone. Now reality is crashing down on him, harsh and cold, as he lurches out of his seat and grabs for his coat. He barely gives himself time to put his shoes on before he's running out the door, only to be reminded harshly of his vampirism when the winter sun scalds his face. He can't find it in himself to care, ducking his head and sticking to the shaded walls of buildings as he sprints flat out toward Curzon Street.

Thanks to his vampire speed, he manages to limit his sun exposure and make it to Curzon Street in record time. He bangs on the townhouse door, red tears already welling up in his eyes, unnoticed until they begin to fall, cold, down his cheeks.

Owen opens the door immediately, black eyes wretched and lips pressed into a thin line, clearly trying to prevent himself from falling apart. He looks so like James, who always hated to cry too, that Matthew almost lets out the sob building up in his chest, yet he holds it in for Owen's sake. Matthew wraps him in a fierce hug, tucking his godson's face against his neck like Owen used to do when he was a boy. Owen holds onto his godfather's coat, trembling but still trying his best to keep it together.

Owen pulls back, sniffling and red eyed, voice hoarse as he says "Dad is upstairs in the bedroom. He's been asking for you all morning. I'm sorry I summoned you so early, but I just don't know how much time he has left." His voice cracks as he says it, tears finally falling. Matthew holds his face in his hands and wipes them away, pushing his hair from his forehead. Despite being in his 40s, Matthew will always see him as the chubby faced little boy Owen was so many years ago.

Taking a deep breath, Matthew ascends the stairs up to Jamie's bedroom. Cordelia, having passed a year prior, would've reprimanded him for getting dirt and slush on her lovely rugs. He almost chuckles at the memory.

James' door is already ajar as Matthew gently pushes it open. It takes Matthew yet another valiant effort to hold in a sob. James lays back on the bed, hands folded over each other, white hair fanned out behind his head like a halo. He holds a gold necklace in one hand, a miniature globe attached to the end of it, and a photograph in the other.

Matthew takes a seat in the cushioned chair by the bed and rests his hands on the duvet in an attempt to stop their shaking. "Jamie," he whispers, voice hoarse.

James' eyes crack open, still the same champagne gold as when he was a young man, and miraculously, he smiles. Matthew finally lets out the cries he's been holding in upon seeing that smile, warm and earnest, a smile that can only be described as so perfectly James.

James sets the objects in his hands aside and reaches out a surprisingly steady hand as Matthew meets him in the middle. He holds onto James' hand like it's a life raft, pressing his knuckles to his forehead and doing nothing to quiet his crying.

"If I had known it'd be this soon-" he chokes out, red tears staining James' calloused hands.

James cuts him off gently. "None of that, Matthew. What was I supposed to do, wait around until death came for me? My body is giving up on me, Math. I knew that my time was coming and that's exactly why I need you here. Because despite everything, I'm afraid. And although you no longer have the rune, we are still parabatai. I'm afraid of what comes after, Math, and I...please, just sit with me."

Matthew looks up, bloody tears dripping steadily onto James' poor bedsheets. He squeezes his parabatai's hand and he nods. "Of course I'll stay with you, Jamie bach. Whither thou goest, I shall go, remember? Even if I can't feel you, I won't let you go into the dark alone."

James lets out a soft chuckle as tears form in his eyes and squeezes Matthew's hand in return. "Thank you, Math."

As the day progresses into night, Matthew finds himself laying next to his parabatai, pushing his white hair back from his forehead and listening to his slow, wheezing breath. James sleeps and Matthew watches, afraid that if he so much as looks away from him, his friend won't have a hand to guide him into his afterlife.

Owen visits periodically to check on his father, occasionally clutching onto his hand and looking on with heartbroken eyes. He's even so kind as to offer his godfather blood, blood that they kept refrigerated for his visits, but the thought of stomaching anything causes bile to rise in the back of Matthew's throat.

Earlier, while arranging himself on James's bed, he finally caught a glimpse of the photograph James had held in his hand. It was a photo of them in their teenage years, Matthew's arm draped over James' shoulders, dressed in fashions well out of style, bright smiles on their faces. Matthew remembered that day well. It was a hot day in June and they'd gone to Regent's Park to enjoy the summer weather and catch up on reading. What had started as a peaceful summer day had ended with Matthew dramatically-and loudly- reciting passages from Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest while passersby looked on in faint amusement or unmasked annoyance. James had been mortified, repeatedly begging Matthew to stop through fits of laughter, ending with the boys play wrestling in the grass as James attempted to grab the play's script from Matthew's hands. They had ended up with grass stains all over their shirts, leaves sticking up in their hair, and Matthew was fairly certain he'd almost upended their picnic basket into the pond. It had been one of the best days of Matthew's life.

Matthew laughed through his tears as he gazed down at the photo, holding onto James' hand even tighter and continuing to watch him. He had once called James his heart and now he realizes how true he had been. James was always steady and strong, a presence he could rely on when he oftentimes couldn't even rely on himself. He kept Matthew tethered to the earth while Matthew in turn kept James from getting lost in his head. Matthew the kite, James the line. And without the line, Matthew wasn't sure what he was going to do.

Logically, he knew this would happen. James would die and Matthew would live on, unchanging. And one day he would realize he had lived more days without James than with him. The sense of panic he felt at the thought of forgetting his laugh, his dry wit, the specific way he annotated his books, even the way he made his tea, was so strong it almost knocked the breath out of him.

But as he takes in the face of his parabatai, his best friend, that panic winks out as quick as it came. Matthew's death was uncertain, but it wouldn't evade him forever. And although Matthew never considered himself a spiritual man, he believed that he would see James again. He had to believe that, otherwise he knew that his grief would threaten to eat him alive. Matthew knew that James' grief had threatened to eat him alive, too, after Cordelia's passing. If Matthew can gift his friend a peaceful end, he hopes with everything he has that Cordelia will be there to guide James home.

James dies not in the thick of battle or at the vicious claws of a demon, but in his bed, left hand held in the iron grip of his parabatai. He dies gently, quietly, breath suddenly stopping, hands going limp at his sides. Matthew hears his heart stop beating before James even exhales for that final time, pressing his forehead to his friend's and letting himself cry, guttural and grief stricken, unashamedly weeping into his parabatai's neck. Distantly, he hears his godson enter the room despite the late hour. Distantly, he sees Owen fall to his knees next to his father's bedside and clutch at his arm, joining Matthew in his lamentation.

And so, he holds onto James' hand and he cries. And he hopes with everything he has that he will see him again. He keeps that hope in his chest, a lighthouse on a distant, stormy shore, as he closes his parabatai's eyes and whispers, "Ave atque vale, Jamie bach. Hail and farewell."

[sassyduckqueen]

Miraclous: Rise of Anatis 42

Yay! New Chapter and we got a new character. Felix is officially here and there's a little Easter egg at the end. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter :D Also Puppeteer 2 will be the next chapter. I want to get that one out of the way since I'm not a big fan of it but hey, let's see if I can do a better version :D Oh, There is a reason why I switched Juleka out for Nino. Juleka will be akumatized twice in this part of the story. Once as Reflekta and the other is a surprise but I thought she could do with a break before that all happens... Also I know it’s a bit late but happy new year! Hopefully 2021 will be better!

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Chapter Forty-Two: Felix

"Today is one year since Adrien's mother disappeared," Nino stated as everyone was sat around the stage on the Liberty. He was pacing along with Marinette while everyone was watching them. Alya was sat next to Rose and Luka while Juleka was stood behind them next to Max while Kim was sat in front of them. Alya held a tablet which had the rest of the gang plus Lila on call. Alix was with Nathaniel and Marc at the park while Mylene and Ivan were checking in from a protest while Chloe and Lila were checking in from their rooms and Kagami was on call while she was in the car.

 "Right! And we can't leave Adrien all alone on a day like this!" Marinette piped in, making everyone nod in agreement.

 "True that," Alix agreed, causing Nino and her to stop. "But there's no way his old man is gonna let us see him,"

 "Alix is right," Alya stated, making both of them frown before Marinette made a thinking face.

 "Aha!" She stated, pointing at them. "Why don't we make him a video and tell him how much we all care about him?"

 "Great idea, Marinette," Alya grinned, holding up her tablet. "We can take turn in making messages,"

 "Then send it to him," Nino grinned, holding up his hand for a high five. Marinette slapped it as she grinned. "So who wants to go first?"

 "Marinette! You should go first," Alya grinned, pointing her camera at her and making the girl squeal in surprise. "Ok! Go!"

 "Uh! No, no! Someone else should go first!" She gasped, pressing her fingers together. "I still need to figure out what I'm gonna say!"

 "Ok, girl," She said, shaking her head before moving it to Nino, who fixed his cap. "So, Nino, ready?"

 "Yup," He grinned, nodding.

 "Action!" Alya declared, pushing the record button. 

"Hey, my dude!" He stated as she filmed. Once his message was done, she filmed Rose's then Max. Juleka and Luka did a message together and Kim declared that he would be there for his friend. Alya paused it before handing it to Nino so he could film hers. He grinned at her and pressed record as Marinette paced in the background. She had no idea what to say. After all, much couldn't be said on a day like this. Kwami knows how she would feel if her mama disappeared and her father acted cold and unfeeling. She bit her lip as Luka moved over to her, causing her to jump a little at his presence.

 "Penny for your thought, Melody?" He asked, making her look at him and smile a little. She sat next to him and let out a little sigh as he strummed on his guitar. Instantly, she recognized the tune as her melody and just like her, it sounds conflicted and unsure. "Trying to decide what to say on the video?"

 "That obvious eh?" She asked, smiling a little as Luka changed the melody a little so it was more calmer. She felt her inner song match it's tempo. "I just don't know what to say to him, you know? I can't imagine what it must be like for him..."

 "Speak from the heart," He stated, making her look at him. He said it like it was so simple and maybe it was. Maybe... as usual... she was overthinking things. "As long as it's full of love and support, you can't go wrong,"

 "That's... actually really good advice," Marinette smiled, gently leaning over and kissing him on the cheek. He smiled shyly as Alya wrapped her video. "Thank you, Luka,"

 "Your turn, girl," Alya grinned as Nino held it up to her. Marinette took a deep breathe and faced the camera before feeling freaked out. She could not talk from the heart in front of everyone.

 "Uh... would you mind if I recorded it... on my own?" She asked, causing a number of her friends to look at her. However, Luka didn't seem surprise as she looked around. He continued to play the melody and gave her a supportive smile. Nino nodded and handed her the tablet, allowing her to rush off into the bridge area of the boat. She sank down and took a deep breathe as Plagg flew out. 

 "Ooh, we making a video for Blondie?" He asked, making her look up at him.

 "It's the anniversary of his mother's disappearance," She sighed, making the little cat god frown. "And I have no idea what to say to him,"

 "Why don't you follow the blueberry's advice?" He stated, making her look up at him as he threw up a chuck of cheese and swallowed it whole. "What was it he said?"

 He flew in front of her and placed his paw on his heart before holding the other out with his eyes closed.

 "Speak from thou heart, sweetest maiden!" He mocked, making her giggle a little bit.

 "Luka did not say it like that, you little monster," She grinned, making him grin back as she reached out and stroked his ears. "But he is right... I should speak from the heart,"

 She held up the camera and took a deep breathe before pressing record. She looked into the camera with a soft look.

 "Adrien," She stated calmly as she listened to her heart. "I love you. I'll always be there if you need me,"

 She managed to press the record button, finishing her recording before she realized what she said. Her mind began to race, thinking off all the worst case scenarios. What if he hated her after this? What if Kagami decided to cut her into tiny pieces and turn her into Marinette skewers? What if Luka somehow found out and gave up her, thinking she was in love with Adrien? She was slightly alarmed at that last thought as it had seemingly came out of no one where and she was in love with Adrien... right? She just said it after all. Her wording was 'Adrien, I love you' but did she really mean it? Her eyes widen as realization hit her like a tidal wave. Sure, she liked Adrien but did she love him? She did but not in the way she thought she had. When she thought over their interactions and their relationship, it began very clear to her exactly what her feelings for Adrien were and they weren't what she thought they were. Sure, she loved the sunshine child but not in a romantic way. When she thought about it, she only 'fell' for him because he showed her kindness. Something she wasn't use to at the time but as she thought about her friendship with him, she realized she hadn't really loved him. Not really. She loved her idea of him but it wasn't really him or real in general. She had put him on a pedestal. She had been obsessive and competitive. She thought she had to like him but she was starting to realize that while she clearly cared for him, it wasn't in a romantic way. Not like how she thought about Luka. She never felt the need to act weird around Luka or to follow some crazy plan. It was just calm and natural with him. She didn't need to impress him or be jealous of girls in his life. Hell, she wasn't even jealous of Rossi when she tried to hit him. Sure, she had shouted at her but that was because of the way he was reacting to her. Luka had been uncomfortable and she would not stand for that... but she had been board-line stalkerish with Adrien, even when Luka came into her life. She had only recently started to back off, after the whole Desperada thing but certainly didn't justify her actions. She covered her mouth as she realized her own actions and where her heart truly lied, causing Plagg to look at her with concern. 

 "Dollface, are you ok?" He asked, forcing her out of her thoughts as she nodded. She wanted to tell him but she heard Alya yelling for her before she could. She got up and opened her purse for Plagg, who flew in and walked back onto the deck, a little wobbly and pale from her revelation. Alya walked over to her with concern on her face.

 "What's going on, girl?" She asked, frowning. "Are you feeling sick or something?"

 "I came to a realization..." She muttered before holding out the table. "Anyway, I've done my video so you can send it,"

 "Awesome, girl," Alya grinned, taking the tablet. "I hope it was a good realization,"

 She winked before walking back to the others, declaring that they had all of the video. Marinette let a little sigh, shaking her head. It wasn't a good realization but she was grateful she had came to it. She needed to be a better friend to Adrien, because she now knew that's all they were. It was time to move on. She took a deep breathe and when to join the others, who were happily chatting but she noticed Luka had disappeared. She frowned a little and moved over to Juleka, who was hugging Rose.

 "Where did Luka go?" She asked, making the two girls look at her.

 "Oh, he went to his room to play guitar," Juleka mumbled, making Marinette nod. "Social gatherings like this aren't really his thing. We're lucky to have gotten half an hour out of him,"

 "Oooh but I'm sure he would like some company!!" Rose gushed, making Juleka smile a little. "You should go and see him,"

 "You think?" She asked, causing the two to nod. She bit her lip but nodded and headed into the liberty. Hearing the sounds of a guitar, she followed it towards Luka's bedroom. The door was ajar a little so she carefully knocked. "Luka, it's me. Am I ok to come in?"

 The music stopped, causing her to frown.

 "Sure," He replied, causing her to push the door open as he began to play again before he stopped again. "Huh... your heart... it's changed..."

 "It has?" She asked, sitting down on the bed as he began to play again. It was her normal tune but it seemed crisper and clear. The chords seemed to line up in almost perfect sync and it rang with realization and clarity. She closed her eyes and placed her hand on her heart as she listened. The music sang softly of love and understanding as well as hope and a small longing. It only strengthened her resolve. Gradually, the melody came to a stop and she opened her eyes. "Wow... you're amazing..."

 "I only play what I hear," He muttered with a shy, modest look on his face before he glanced at her. "But this is the clearest I've heard it. It's almost like you've come to understand something that was confusing you..."

 "I have," She admitted, looking at her hands. "The video I made for Adrien... I took your advice and spoke from the heart... I told him that I love him... and I thought what if he returns my feelings? Or what if he hates me? Or just likes me but not in that way?"

 "Well, I'll be happy for you and Adrien if it works out," He smiled, moving so he was sat next to her as he played. "And if it doesn't, I'll be here for you,"

 "Thank you, Luka," She smiled as he played his guitar. "But that's kind of the thing. You know what my mind is like. It races and it kept racing. I'm mean he might be dating someone else and we don't know and I thought what if they discover I said I love him?.... but then I started to think if I really meant it and that's when I had a revelation... "

 She jumped up and looked at him.

 "Luka... I don't think I'm not in love with Adrien..." He looked at her with surprise because that was the last thing he expected to hear but she wasn't done yet. "I mean... I like him... I definitely like him but can it really be considered love?"

 She began to pace as she spoke. 

 "And do I really like him in a romantic way? I'm not so sure anymore... my behavior regarding him hasn't exactly been good, you know... and when I think about it, I don't even really know him... like I can't talk to him like I can talk to you... I get my words confused and can't think properly around him. I have his schedule and stole his phone for crying out loud!"

 "Hey... it's ok..." Luka gently placed his hands on her shoulders as her melody changed into the hectic mess he was familiar with. She looked on the verge of a melt down. "Take deep breathes,"

 She nodded and did as told before slowly calming down. Luka gently made her sit down as he knelt down in front of her.

 "Marinette, I'm gonna be very honest with you ok?" He stated, getting a nod of her. "Stealing his phone and having his schedule is extremely and stalkerish-"

 "I know..."

 "But the fact that you are able to realize where you've gone wrong is good," He smiled, making her look at him. "It means you can fix your mistakes and that is a good thing and love is a complicated thing but it's not just for couples, you know. Love is something anyone can feel. You can love your family and your friends, love a hobby or a place and love a pet or a person but we sometimes mix the different types of love for something else,"

 "What do you mean?"

 "Well, platonic love can be mistaken for romantic love and vice versa," He explained, getting a confused look of her. "Well...like you and Alya for example... do you love her?"

 "Well, yes but she's my friend..."

 "Exactly. That is platonic love," He explained before he moved and sat on the bed. "There are so many different types of love, Marinette. It's not just exclusive to romantic feelings,"

 "So I could love Adrien but as a friend?" She asked, feeling like that made sense but Luka shrugged. "Hey, come on! You know feelings better then anyone I've ever met,"

 "True but maybe this is something for you to learn for yourself," He stated, making her pout. "Hey, now don't give me that look. I only read and feel emotions... unfortunately, I don't have all of the answers... if I did, I'd give them to you..."

 "Well, you have helped," She grinned, making him smile. "So I suppose I can forgive you for not having all the answers... seriously though... thank you,"

 "No worries, Marinette," He smiled, making her smile back before frowning.

 "You don't think I'm creepy do you?"

 "Nope," He replied, strumming the guitar. "Rossi is creepy, not you,"

 "I'm glad," She smiled as their phones pinged. Luka opened his and showed her. Adrien had sent a video reply to the group chat. Marinette moved a little closer to Luka as he pressed play before they watched Adrien's reply. At first, it seemed normal but then he began to act cold and mean. Marinette frowned deeply as they watched, matching Luka's frown. This didn't make sense to either of them. For one, Adrien came across as a gentle kind soul and two, he didn't know the full extend of Luka's empathy so he couldn't block it out plus he wasn't that much of a good actor. Even as Apsik, he was still a sunshine child. Just a little bit more wild but still kind and gentle. Marinette looked at Luka and met his puzzled expression. "That's not Adrien..."

 "I agree," He replied, frowning. "But this is on the group chat-"

 "Oh no! The others!" She gasped, jumping up and rushing out. Tikki flew over to him as he jumped up and followed. Marinette ran up the stairs and onto the deck to the others, just as Kim pointed out that they didn't really know him. Alya frowned and added that he was friends with Chloe before they knew him and while she had changed, it was only after the heroes had appeared, not before, meaning that when Adrien had become friends with her, she was mean. "Don't believe this video! There's no way that's Adrien!"

 However, Marinette was too late. An akuma entered Alya's tablet, causing purple masks to appear on Rose, Nino and Alya who were all holding the tablet. Marinette gasped as Luka caught up with her.

 "Oh no..." He gasped as they listened to Hawkmoth before transforming into Bubbler, Lady Wifi and Princess Fragrance. Luka grabbed Marinette and pulled her inside the Liberty before running to the back of the boat. He pushed her into his room as she took a breathe. "Hide in here,"

 "But... they're gonna take it out on Adrien!" She gasped, worried as Luka frowned.

 "I'll contact Anatis but stay here," He ordered before closing the door as Marinette tried to argue but she didn't put much of an argument as she could use this as a chance to transform and that's exactly what she did. With her transformation complete, she climbed out of the window and onto the roof of the Liberty as Lady Wifi paused Juleka, who was trying to defend Adrien.

 "You're not punishing anyone, Wifi!" She declared, taking her fighting stance as the trio looked at her. "Time to log you out!"

 "Not now that I've got satellite connection," Lady Wifi grinned, throwing a pause at her. Lady Noir jumped off the roof as she dodged before Princess Fragrance fired at her, causing a pink smoke cloud to surround everyone. However, she covered her mouth and nose before she could breathe it in. The same could not be said for Kim and Max, who fell under Fragrance's spell. She ordered them to attack her, causing Max to charge at her. She tripped him up but Kim grabbed her, causing her to struggle with him. However, a yoyo hit him between the eyes, causing him to let her go. She kicked him and restrained him as Anatis jumped down and grabbed Max who was about to charge at her. However, the trio used the chance to escape, causing Lady Noir to let out a sigh as Anatis tied up Max and Kim.

 "Nice timing, bugboy but our trio of punishers are after-"

 "Adrien Agreste I know," He nodded, making her nod. "I say we should get there first,"

 "Good plan, bug-a-boo," She grinned before the two of them took to the rooftops and made their way to Agreste Manor. The two of them ran as fast as they could, jumping across different roofs as citizens cheered at them. Anatis swung forward and landed on a roof, opposite the manor but held up his hand as Lady Noir landed next to him. He took out his yoyo and zoomed into Adrien's open window to get an idea of what was going on. However, the scene that greeted them was a confusing one to say the least. Bubbler, Lady Wifi and Princess Fragrance were fighting Natalie while two Adriens sat by and watched with confusion and fear. "Uh... am I seeing double?"

 "No... two Adriens...." He muttered, clicking his fingers. "One of them must be an impostor,"

 "Of course... that means the impostor made that video," She gasped, letting a sigh of relief. "It wasn't the real Adrien,"

 "The trio must have realized that right now but they don't know which one is the real Adrien..." He muttered, making her frown.

 "Neither do we," She muttered as he nodded. "Plan?"

 "Grab an Adrien each and get them out of there," He replied, getting a nod of her. The two of them dived into the open window, getting the villains attention. Almost instantly, they attacked Anatis, causing him to fight them as Lady Noir jumped over to the boys. She blinked as Anatis threw Lady Wifi into a wall and blocked Princess Fragrance and Bubbler's attacks.

 "Rose-" He stated, trying to get through to her but she kicked him sending him flying into the wall. Lady Noir gasped as he got back up and fought them with Nathalie's help. "Lady Noir! Get them out of here!"

 "Yes, boss!" She grinned, grabbing both of the boys and jumping to the window. However, Bubbler managed to grab the ankle of one of them and pull him back in as she jumped. She landed on the roof and looked back as Anatis grabbed and threw him into the wall. Lady Wifi dived at him but he tripped her up and threw her off him. Lady Noir bit her lip and jumped away, planning to return for the other one once she got this one to safety. She carried him to the Grand Paris hotel and landed onto the roof, placing him down. "You'll be safe here but I have to get the other one,"

 "Lady Noir! Wait!" He gasped, grabbing her hand as she went to jump away. She looked at him in surprise as he looked at her like she was the love of his life. "I've... I've always been in love with you, you know"

 "Uh... that's nice..." She mumbled, pulling her hand away. "But I can't return your feelings, Adrien... I'm guessing you're Adrien..."

 "Ah... if only you'd let me..." He replied, walking towards her. However, she felt extremely uncomfortable and backed away as he moved forward, trapping her between him and the wall. He placed his hand on the wall as he smirked at her in a dark manner. "How about I give you some courage before you go,"

 "Uh... wait... what? No!" She gasped as his eyes moved to her lips. He leaned in to kiss her but she ducked under his arm and moved away from him, hissing at him angrily as she held up her fists. "Ok! Which part about the word No did you not understand?!"

 She punched him, sending him fall onto the ground as he gripped his mouth. She glared down at him as he moved his hand, showing his lip had been busted. He looked up at her with a bit of fear, which made her feel a little better.

 "Gross! You're not Adrien!" She declared, glaring at him still. "He would never be so pushy,"

 The sound of a yoyo caught her attention before Anatis jumped up and landed on the roof, next to her. He glanced over at the boy on the floor before turning to Lady Noir, who was still fuming.

 "Are you ok?" He asked, concerned.

 "That creep decided to try and kiss me, despite me saying no!" She growled, making Anatis click his fists but she placed her hand on his. "Don't worry, Annie. I already punched him..."

 "S-She started-" He didn't get to finish that sentence as Anatis slugged him as well before grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him up to his feet.

 "I hope you've learnt the importance of consent, Felix," He spoke in a calm voice but it held the feeling of the calm before a storm. Both Lady Noir and Felix could felt his rage, despite the fact that he was really holding back. He smiled at Felix as he set him down and smoothed out his shirt. "Because if you haven't, I will have to teach you it and well... my methods aren't exactly soft. Understood?"

 "Y-Yes..." Felix replied, shaking as Lady Noir walked over. 

 "Felix huh?" She asked, glaring at him. "Why do he look exactly like Adrien?"

 "They're related," Anatis replied. "Cousins... Adrien told me everything... seems like you've made a lot of enemies in one day, Felix,"

 "Hmph! Probably doesn't have a lot of friends with the way he acts," Lady Noir declared, crossing her arms and holding her head to the side. Felix looked down and sad as she clocked the trio, frowning. "They're coming, Annie,"

 "Better prepare then," He declared, throwing up his yoyo. "Lucky charm!"

 He caught the can of whipped cream as Bubbler landed on the swimming pool cover.

 "You really think covering us with whipped cream will save you from been punished, Anatis?" He asked, pointing his wand at him as Princess Fragrance landed next to him and pointed her gun at Lady Noir.

 "Want to smell like fish for the rest of your life, kitty?" She asked as Anatis attempted to look around but his vision wasn't lighting up anything. He had no solution.

 "Do anything and I'll pause you for good," Lady Wifi declared as she landed behind them. Lady Noir looked ready to fight as she glared at them.

 "You spend way too much time on your phone!" She declared as Anatis tried to look around again. "Annie... got a plan?"

 "Uh... no..." He replied, making her frown. "Nothing's lighting up..."

 "What do you mean nothing is lighting up?!" Lady Noir gasped, as Anatis held up the can to Reflekta. "Is your power not working?!"

 "I don't think so..." He replied, making her frown. "I think something is missing..."

 "Like what?!" She gasped, getting a shrug of him. However, Felix suddenly jumped up and kicked Lady Wifi's tablet out of her hand and jumped away with it. Lady Noir turned to him as he held it. "Felix, break it and this nightmare will be over!"

 "What makes you think I want it to be over?" He asked, smirking darkly at him. Anatis held back a growl as he started to shout. "Hawkmoth! Can you hear me, Hawkmoth? You want Anatis' and Lady Noir's miraculous, don't you?"

 "It's official," Lady Noir snarled. "I am going to kill him,"

 "Murder is illegal, Kitten," Anatis stated, making her frown. "However, if he gets caught in the crossfire... that's not our fault,"

 "And what do you want?" Lady Wifi suddenly stated, making everyone look at her. She had the purple mask over her face.

 "I'm after a piece of jewelry too," Felix declared, smirking. Normally, he wouldn't deal with such a man but he would do anything to get his mother's rings back. Anything. "How about we make a little exchange?"

 "Get hold of the miraculous first," Bubbler declared.

 "We'll discuss the rest later," Princess Fragrance continued, making Felix smile.

 "You've got yourself a deal," He stated, glaring at the two heroes. "Now I think it's high time that Anatis and Lady Noir were punished,"

 He turned to hand the tablet back to Lady Wifi, causing Anatis's luck vision to kick in. Princess Fragrance and Bubbler lit up, followed by Lady Wifi and Felix then the can of cream. Smirking to himself as Lady Wifi jumped towards them, he threw the can of cream under her feet, causing her to trip. He stepped out of her way, causing her to knock into Bubbler, who accidentally trapped Princess Fragrance in one of his bubbles. Felix looked shocked as he saw the whole thing come apart and when to run but Lady Noir threw her baton into him, causing him to trip back and fall over the edge of the hotel. He screamed as he fell to the ground but before he could hit it, Anatis threw his yoyo and wrapped it around him, allowing the tablet to fall and break in half, freeing the akuma. The trio turned back into their normal selves and looked around, confused as Lady Noir moved over to the edge and picked her up her baton. She leaned over and smirked at him.

 "How's it hanging, Felix?" She teased as he swung. Anatis began to pull him up but decided to mess with him a little by pretending to drop the yoyo, causing Felix to scream. However, he pulled up over the edge and captured the akuma before releasing it. Lady Noir pressed her baton next to Felix as it looked like he was about to escape and the heroes weren't done with him yet. She knew Anatis would want words with him. Anatis grabbed the can of cream and threw it into the air, releasing the cure before turning to the three victims.

 "We'll bring you back to your friends' boat but first..." He turned to Felix and clicked his fingers. "I need to have a chat with Felix here,"

 "Felix?" Alya asked as Rose and Juleka frowned. "So it wasn't Adrien?"

 "No, it wasn't," Anatis replied before walking over and crossing his arms as he glared down at Felix. "Where do I even begin?"

 "I wan-"

 "Shut up," Anatis snarled, making Felix go quiet. "I have met so real messed up people since I began came a superhero but you... oh, you are a whole different level of crazy! I mean first, you impersonate your own cousin to make him look back in a city known for a terrorist who preys on bad emotions, which resulted in getting his friends akumatized and putting your cousin in danger then you try to force a kiss on my partner, despite the fact that she said no. News flash, Felix! That is sexual harassment! And as if that wasn't bad enough, you then try to work with Hawkmoth and attempted to capture me and Lady Noir! And what for?! A piece of fucking jewelry! I mean that must be some damn special jewelry, Felix! Like a miraculous or something! Is that what is?!"

 ".... No...." He mumbled, looking to the side. He did not expect the superhero to call him out of his actions. "It's a family heirloom..."

 "A family heirloom?!" Anatis practically shouted before pinching his nose. He glared at Felix, who felt small in the hero's gaze. "Let me tell you something! No piece of jewelry is important enough to try and work with a fucking terrorist, Felix!"

 "I-"

 "No, I am not done!" Anatis growled, making the boy shut up. "Do you understand what could have happened today? If you had succeed and taken away our miraculous! Hawkmoth would have won and Paris would have burnt, your family with it! And there would be only one person to blame other then Hawkmoth! And that person would be you, Felix!"

 "I wasn't really going to give him your miraculous!" Felix gasped, looking at the hero. "Look, I'm sorry but-"

 "Are you?" Anatis questioned as the girls watched him. Felix frowned and blinked before looking down. "Felix, I get that those are important items but that does not mean you can mess with other people's feelings. You made your cousin look like a horrible person on the anniversary of his mother's disappearance and you made his friends hate and target him. Your actions caught their akumatization. They could have really hurt Adrien or you... is that what you wanted?"

 "What?! No!" Felix gasped, offended as he looked up at the hero. "Look, I really am sorry,"

 "It's not me you should be apologizing to, Felix," Anatis stated, still glaring down at him before he pointed to Nino, Alya and Rose. "It's them and your family. Your behavior is selfish and horrible,"

 "I... I lost my father-"

 "That's no excuse, Felix," Anatis growled, making him look at him. "Adrien lost his mother and he doesn't behave like you,"

 Finally, Felix had nothing to say. He looked down as he felt the hero's glare before Anatis sighed.

 "I should hand you over to the police for aiding a terrorist..." He stated, making the boy look up at him with fear.

 "No, please don't!!" He gasped, getting to his knees. "I'll do anything but please don't give me to the police! I'm sorry!! I didn't plan to work with Hawkmoth!! I just saw a chance and took it!! Please, forgive me!!"

 "Anatis, are you really gonna give over to the police?" Alya asked, making the hero frown. "I mean no one is hurt..."

 "Lady Noir, would you mind bringing them home?" He asked, holding back a comment to Alya. It took all his will power to not roll his eyes at Alya. He really would have to have a talk with her at some point. Lady Noir nodded and led the three of them away. With the four girls gone, Anatis turned back to Felix, who was still on his knees. "Felix?"

 He looked up at him with regretful eyes.

 "I will give you one chance and I expect you to use it to change for the good," He stated, glaring down at the young man. "I will be keeping tabs on you and if you decide to throw away this chance, I will punish you and hand you to the police, is that understood?"

 "Y-Yes, I won't let you down!" Felix gasped, wiping the tears away from his face before standing up and held out his hand. Anatis looked at it with distrust before carefully shaking it. To his relief, Felix didn't try anything. He just shook it as Anatis' earrings beeped. "I'll try my best,"

 "Good," Anatis nodded before sighing. "I have to go. Will you get home ok?"

 "Oh, I'll be fine," Felix smiled. "I'll get The Gorilla to pick me up,"

 "Alright but I mean what I said, Felix," He stated before throwing his yoyo and disappearing into the city. Felix nodded and took out his phone, dialing The Gorilla's number.

 ~A Few Days Later~

 Felix sighed and stretched as he woke up to his alarm. He got up and headed into the bathroom, splashing his face with water before drying it. He headed back into his room and began to getting ready for the day, thinking as he did. He had honestly expected Anatis to go back on his word but the hero proved to be telling the truth. No police came for Felix and after apologizing to Adrien, he forgave him. Uncle Gabriel, on the hand, was as distance as ever, even after Felix decided to stay in Paris. He had seen how lonely Adrien was and decided to stay to keep him company. It was a small step towards been a better person but it was a start. However, there was no way he was going to stay with Uncle Gabriel. He knew that man hated him and the feeling was mutual. Luckily, there were other people he could stay with. He checked himself in the mirror, nodding before walking down into the kitchen where his aunt and uncle from his father's side were. His father's brother looked up from his news paper with cold eyes and a black coffee in his hand. The resemblance between the two was almost unreal. Felix may look exactly like his cousin but he also looked like his uncle. The only real difference been their age and their eye color. Felix inherited the Graham de Vanily green eyes where his uncle had cold blue eyes. Both, however, favored smart clothes and black coffee. They even shared the same first name. Felix. However, the younger Felix had his mother's surname where as the Older Felix had his father's surname. Culpa. 

 "Good morning, Uncle Felix," He smiled as he sat down as a woman came in. She was dressed in a white shirt and blue shorts. Her long hair was tied back into pigtails and she had sparkling blue eyes. She was Felix's wife... though he wondered how Felix managed to get a woman like her. She was too kind for his moody uncle. "Good Morning, Aunt Bridgette,"

 "Hey, Felix!" She grinned, making a coffee. "Are you ready for your first day at school?"

 "Yes," He smiled, nodding. "I'm looking forward to joining Dupont High,"

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

Next Chapter: https://ultra-sassyduck.tumblr.com/post/639716531389054976/miraculous-rise-of-anatis-43

[hiddeninflame]

A little writing exercise I’m doing is writing drabbles and posting them up here. 

‘McGraw. That’s very Scottish.’ Silver leaned back in the chair, fingers skimming the pages of a book. 

Closing the cabin door behind him, Flint raised his brows and tried to hide his amusement at seeing Silver pretend that he wasn’t just a little bit afraid of him, still. ‘What are you talking about?’ 

Silver raised the book to show him. ‘Property of one James McGraw. Found it on your shelf over there.’ He waved at the small collection of books Flint could no longer leave at Miranda’s empty house.

All amusement fell from Flint’s features, the hard line of his jaw tensing as he watched Silver manhandle that book. It was no Marcus Aurelius but it was still something. And Flint had a choice to make: play along or react. One would tell Silver all he needed, baring James to him in a way he was wholly uncomfortable with. He didn’t know what the other would do and that was more terrifying than being seen. 

Jamming his thumbs in his belt, Flint stared at Silver, unimpressed. ‘I didn’t invite you to look at my things.’ 

‘You always tell me to read a book. Now you’re upset that I’m actually taking your advice?’ Silver looked up at him with mock disbelief. But that expression changed as he stared at Flint, awareness dawning on him. ‘You never told me how you became a pirate.’ 

‘I can say the same for you.’ Flint pulled the book from Silver’s hands and returned it to its home on the bookshelf. 

‘Who was James McGraw to you?’ 

Flint scowled at him as he motioned for Silver to get out of his chair. ‘That’s none of your concern.’ 

‘Isn’t it?’ Silver grunted as he forced himself onto his one good leg and used the desk to support his journey to the window seat. ‘As your Quartermaster, I’m supposed to protect you from them.’ He gestured to the door, indicating that he was referring to the crew. ‘How exactly am I supposed to do that without knowing the full story?’ 

Flint took up his place in his chair and leaned back, shedding the weight of two days without real rest. ‘Because that’s not your job.’ He closed his eyes and pinched his brows. ‘Your responsibility is to ensure the crew are content. I can protect myself.’

‘Ignoring all evidence to the contrary,’ Silver said leaning forwards. ‘But this is The Walrus. And what we’re planning to do is more than mere piracy.’ He stared at Flint for another long moment before he said, ‘I’m certain Gates and Mrs Barlow knew who James McGraw is.’ 

Releasing a heavy sigh, Flint opened his eyes and tilted his head to look at Silver. ‘It’s just a name. It bears no meaning.’ It was the biggest lie he had told, yet. And the only one that Silver dismissed out of hand. The way Flint had reacted to that book told him that the little boy who’d doodled in those pages meant something. 

‘Childhood friend?’ Silver said, watching for any flicker of recognition on Flint’s face. ‘Godson?’ He received nothing but a glare of disbelief and agitation. ‘Brother?’ 

‘Stop.’

‘What’s so bad about me knowing?’ Silver laughed in disbelief, sitting back. ‘If you’re right and James McGraw is no threat, then there’ll be no harm in knowing. And if he is, I’d rather I did.’ 

Flint rubbed his beard, half considering throttling Silver and being done with it. But reason won out and he decided to let his Quartermaster live. ‘Get out,’ he said, his tone dark. 

‘But-’ 

‘Get out.’ 

‘I can’t help you if you keep things from me,’ Silver said as he forced himself back onto his foot. The grim mood between them hung thick in the air as he limped out, unsupported by anything but furniture. Flint knew he wouldn’t drop the issue, now. But at least this would give him time to prepare for it. 

Standing, Flint returned to the bookshelf and withdrew Le Morte d’Arthur, again. Turning the book over in his hands, he opened it and unpicked pages that he’d sealed a long time ago. At least Silver had not pried that deep. 

The concealed page held more neat handwriting that didn’t belong to James McGraw. 

◦ Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches and thou shalt observe all its directions. ◦ Thou shalt defend the Church. ◦ Thou shalt respect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them. ◦ Thou shalt love the country in which thou wast born. ◦ Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy. ◦ Thou shalt make war against the infidel without cessation and without mercy. ◦ Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God. ◦ Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word. ◦ Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone. ◦ Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.

Face indecency with propriety. Unholiness with righteousness. Hate with love. Follow this, and when we next meet, I will take you with me. 

James ran his fingers over the old ink. Deny all you are, it told him. And play the role of valorous knight. Only then will you be worthy of love. Only then will you be accepted. 

Even all this time, James’ father’s words sat like lead in his belly.

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

Ma'am- how dares thou leave us off on a cliffhanger for both Empires on the Horizon and Kingdom Collisions V >:L I demand to know whats going to happen next!! (also take your time to write them lol )

Ah my friend you are right I am sorry for being so rude😭👀here's a Kingdom Collisions update. Please forgive me?🥺

Y’all know the drill by now. This is a fic i’m writing to try incorporate more descriptions into my writing. I do not have pre-written chapters so we’re both lost on what comes next or when the next update will be?! Please enjoy!

masterlist

TW: Suicide mention

Kingdom Collisions VI

Once upon a time in a land known for water and jewels there lived a young boy. He had skin the colour of soil and eyes the colour of oceans and were your gaze to ever fall upon this little figure you knew the earth was created just for him. The boy lived in a white-stone castle, surrounded by guards in clanking silver armour and blue-feathered helmets. Swords gleamed with their newness. They are decoration, a rite of passage. They only reflect the water. Children darted between their legs as they swoppeed shifts and if you looked closely the boy was often one of them. The castle stood proud and tranquil in the kingdom and gave the people hope.

If the white walls stand tall the queen will rise above all. 

A piece of poetry long since washed away.That single line ran through the city streets like rain water. Ran into people's homes, and under the wheels of rumbling cars. Generations had forgotten the poem to time but that line for it's power and rhyme had weathered the changing tides. If you listened closely the trees still knew the words. But nobody ever heard. The world was too busy and the day too new to remember what it was like to become one with evergreens.

Percy Jackson wakes up with a gasp, heart beating like conga drums. His fingers curl into his chest, leaving red marks as he winces sleep away. The world is still pitch black; stars hidden behind a blanket of storms. He wonders if they find comfort wrapped in the clouds. If those white puffs feel as soft as they look. Sleep is faraway, a distant friend stuck at a cold airport terminal. So he drifts to the window, ignoring the wind prickling his skin and sits down at the bench. The chiffon curtains rustle softly, talking to him in a language he hasn't quite yet learned. He knows they're saying something important. They must be if they brush against his legs every few minutes. Everyone is always trying to tell him something important. Something life changing and groundbreaking. He wishes he could pause time for a little while. Stroll through the gardens and into the ocean without anybody running after him.

The curtain drifts towards him again and he sighs as if the universe has made him designated driver. An unwanted, unwilling task.

Somewhere a bird caws and he snorts softly, "Okay, okay. I'm handling it."

He let's the sounds of the wind take him through the endless corridors, let's it carry him like a dying flower, like autumn leaves, like bonfire embers. The stone floor is cold under his bare feet and his body is littered with bumps. He misses the warmth of his castle. Misses the warmth of the hearth in every room and the smell of the sea that drifts in through open windows. Mostly, especially, he misses his mom. There is something distinctly missing from the Castle of Caelum. He hasn't quite put his finger on it but it doesn't feel right.

He doesn't have time to delve into that thought because all at once everything goes quiet. A large door looms before him.

"So this is it huh?" His voice is soft, afraid to disrupt the silence.

Taking a deep breath, filling up his lungs with the air of the Kingdom of Wind, he knocks on the wood. It is gentle and solitary and he's almost certain no-one heard it but his ears perk up anyway. He knows you can't pick up footfalls on stone but it doesn't stop his heart from racing in anticipation. The door opens with a soft click and tired eyes look at him.

"Percy," Jason's voice is raspy with crying and his heart shatters.

"Hey, can I come in?"

The blonde looks at him, brows furrowed and tear stains carved into his cheeks. Percy can see the tiredness in the prince's bones, like x-rays of exhaustion. He's about to say nevermind, about to walk away, walk past his own chambers and into the lifeless night. But the Prince nods once and moves aside.

He feels almost disappointed that he couldn't escape. Disappointed he couldn't just go back and never return. His mother's voice flitters into his head.

When your people are suffering you must lie down with them and ask them to tell you their story.

Why mom?

Because little one when the time comes you will know what to do.

How momma?

We are made of stories little one. We are made of all the things people tell us. Our dreams and hopes and memories are just threads in a tapestry and every person is connected to it.

I don't understand momma?

She smiled at him, perfect white teeth and dark blue eyes: When you think of me little one, what comes to mind?

Ten year old Percy frowned, Chocolate chip cookies, and your bedtime tales, and the beach, and hugs.

And what do you think about Grover?

Percy's green eyes had lit up like the sun: Play time and movies and ice-cream!

She laughed: And what about Dad?

His little brows furrowed: Fancy clothes and swords and paper and cuddles.

And Princess Piper?

His nose scrunched up: Cooties! He squealed and then he was running around the room; the world a flowing river, him a little fish learning its current.

You see little one, you didn't think about bones or skin or blood. You thought of memories and stories. Do you understand now?

He nodded as he scrambled into her lap: I think so momma. So if my people tell me who they are I can use their stories to help them when they're sore?

Almost little one. Half of hurt is because nobody listens. If you just listen to what your people are saying they will not hurt so much.

Is that because we have to tell our stories momma?

"Exactly. That is how we live. And live on."

Prince Perseus Jackson takes a deep breath and steps into the room. Immediately he can feel the icy wind, so much colder up here, stinging his bare arms, chest, legs. Save for the small silk boxers covering his most sensitive parts his body is exposed to the brutal temperatures and he cannot hide a shiver as he settles on the couch. The fire has died long ago, maybe not even put on for the night, if the grey ashes and lack of heat are indication enough.

"What are you doing here?" The blonde prince looks at him.

"The curtains told me to come."

"What?" He can hear the confusion, but more than that the weight of a thousand heartaches.

He wonders if every person who has their heartbroken feels like they're the first to ever go through it. If that feeling is so perfectly human it feels unique and special to each one.

"Sometimes the world talks to me and sometimes I listen."

"I don't really know what game you're playing but I'm not in the mood so if it isn't an emergency," Those eyes are ice blue, "And I honestly wouldn't care even if it was, please get out."

"I cannot." He shrugs and pulls a velvet blanket over him.

"I'd appreciate," Jason's teeth grit, "If you respected my boundaries enough to leave. I am not in the mood."

"The window is open, there is paper sitting on the desk and many crumpled pieces on the floor, and I can see you haven't even sat on your bed, never-mind slept in it. What do you plan to do Grace?"

"You know what." That voice is hard, malicious with fear, pain.

"I will not leave. And you will not either. You can sit there on your bed hating me till the sun graces us once more. You can punch me until I am the same colour as the dusk but I am not leaving."

"I hate you. Leave me alone." He can hear the tears hit the cold stone. He doesn't react. A shadow blocks the moonlight finally peaking through the clouds.

"I said leave me the fuck alone!"

"I cannot do that Prince."

"Don’t call me that." He snaps, pushing his face into Percy's, "Go away! I want to be alone."

"I can't Jason,"

"JUST LEAVE!" Golden fists pound at his chest, droplets of salt soaking into his skin, as if trying to wash away the bruising.

He grabs his husband's hands gently and pulls him to the couch.

"I'm not going to leave you."

"They all left." Jason gasps, "They left. HE LEFT!"

The scream draws blood from his ears, pulls oxygen from his veins.

"I'm here. I'm not leaving. I am here."

"Please," Sobs wrack that broken body, and Percy can feel the first cracks in a kingdom. "Please don't leave me. Please, please please."

He rubs his hand over a shaking back and mutters over and over again, "I will not leave you."

Prince Jason Grace cries a new ocean and he names it after the fire that caused it. When the sun peaks over the horizon, fracturing a wall of crystal, and attempting to warm those cold grey stones, Percy Jackson takes his husband to bed and ignores the fissures running under his feet.

Once upon a time in a kingdom known for storms and gold there lived a little boy. He had eyes of lightning and skin the colour of sunlight and if you ever caught a glimpse of him you knew only the darkest nights could ever produce something so beautiful. The guards are bathed in riches, weighed down by diamonds cut from dreams and earrings weighted with the pureness of gold. Swords are varied and prized. Bred for fodder. Used at will. He lived in a castle made of grey stone and it loomed over the kingdom like a black cloud. The people looked at it and shied away. For they too had a poem about their crown but they remembered every line. 

Those who fell under the shadow of stone were sure to be left to ruin by their king and cursed forever alone. A young boy with hair spun from starlight is trapped inside. Who will save him if he cannot hide?

Forgetting was a death warrant.

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

Tags (if you want to be added to/ taken off the tag list just let me know, all my channels of communication are open):

@nishlicious-01

@queen-of-demons-and-hell

@leydiangelo

@sparkythunderstorm

@asami-sato-has-never-sinned

[paradoxcase]

After Gandalf heals Theoden (in the book it is described as healing, there is no scene where Saruman is actually in possession of Theoden or where he personally battles Gandalf), he suggests that Theoden should send Eomer out to defeat Saruman (in the book Eomer was a prisoner at Edoras at this point, freed when Theoden was healed) and lead the rest of his people to a safe place.  Theoden says,

‘Nay, Gandalf!’ said the king.  ‘You do not know your own skill in healing.  It shall not be so.  I myself will go to war, to fall in the front of the battle, if it must be.  Thus shall I sleep better.’

There’s note on this piece of dialog in the companion, where basically, where someone wrote to Tolkien to complain about all the archaic dialog in the Two Towers, to which Tolkien responded, a) it’s appropriate to complain about people who use affected archaism without actually knowing how archaic English worked, but Tolkien is a linguist who studied the Anglo-Saxons and most certainly does know how archaic English worked and always uses it correctly, b) Tolkien has actually spent so much time studying Anglo-Saxons that he’s actually more comfortable with archaic English than with modern English anyway, and c) really, it could be much worse, Tolkien could have made the dialog even more archaic.

Then he provides some translations of this piece of dialog, first into “even more archaic”:

‘Nay, thou (n’)wost not thine own skill in healing.  It shall not be so.  I myself will go to war, to fall...’ etc.

And then into modern English:

‘Not at all my dear G.  You don’t know your own skill as a doctor.  Things aren’t going to be like that.  I shall go to war in person, even if I have to be one of the first casualties.’

He then wonders, what would come next?  He suggests “I shall lie easier in my grave”, but claims that no one who speaks modern English would say such a thing and thus it would sound out of place.  (It was only at this point that I realized that when Theoden said “thus I shall sleep better” he doesn’t mean literally that he will sleep better at night, but that his soul will rest easier after he dies.)

Anyway, I’m not entirely sure what Tolkien means here.  It’s not true that we don’t talk about resting or sleeping in death or the idea of being at peace versus not at peace after death, because we say “rest in peace”.  It is true that we don’t generally consider fighting in battle to have an effect on our souls after death, like I think the full weirdness of how medieval people regarded war is not fully apparent to us because all that stuff is dressed up in this medieval aesthetic which we’ve learned to regard as romantic and valorous.  Like, if a modern-day seventy-year-old army general unretired and decided to go fight on the front line of a war with the other soldiers because it was brave and valorous, in spite of this not being tactically beneficial and maybe it even being tactically a bad idea, we would think he was nuts.  But this is exactly what is happening in this scene with Theoden.  And yes, if you strip it of the aesthetic, it seems weird.  But this is fantasy, characters talk about things which seem new and strange to us as a matter of course.  Like, what type of dialog or aesthetic would you suggest for Mr. Weasley talking about how amazing and neat everyday modern technology is, or for the descriptions of Diagon Alley or other fantastic elements of Harry Potter?  Tolkien is obviously going for a particular time period here, as the companion frequently reminds me by continually explaining how everything about Rohan is really just Beowulf in Middle Earth, but I think there’s no reason you couldn’t express medieval ideas in modern English.  It’d sound odd, but isn’t that the point of fantasy?

Also:  In the scene where Theoden casts Wormtongue out, they do use some of the book dialog, but the movie is much more direct about it.  This is how it goes down in the book (if I may be pardoned by our lord and savior Tolkien for paraphrasing the dialog in modern English):

Hama: I found your sword, my lord, Wormtongue was keeping it in a locked chest, we also found a bunch of other stuff he’d stolen from other people in there, too.

Wormtongue: That’s not true!  Anyway, Theoden gave me this.

Theoden: And now I’m asking for it back.  Anyway!  Guess what?  We’re going to war.  And so are you.  Hurry up, you just have time to clean the rust off your sword.

Wormtongue: Oh please, my lord, please don’t send your loyal servant from your side!

Theoden:  I’m not.  I’m going to ride into battle too!  And you’ll come with me by my side.

Wormtongue: ...don’t you need a trustworthy steward to stay behind and keep the castle up?

Eomer: If this pathetic request doesn’t excuse you from war, what more degrading position will you accept instead?  Maybe you will offer to schlep grain to Helm’s Deep, if anyone would trust you with it?

Gandalf: No, no, you don’t understand what he wants.  He’s trying to find a way to continue working for Saruman.

Wormtongue:  That’s not true!

Gandalf:  You say that a lot.  Anyway, you’ve been a very good stooge so far, and Saruman tends to forget about nice things people have done for him.  Maybe you should go back and remind him what a good boy you’ve been so you can get your reward?  You see, Theoden, there’s a problem: we’ve found a snake.  It’s dangerous to take it with you, it’s dangerous to leave it here, it’s sensible to kill it but we probably shouldn’t.  So, give him a horse and let him go wherever he likes, and make your opinion of him based on what he chooses.

Theoden:  Ok, Grima.  Here’s your choice: you can come with me and ride to battle, or you can go off somewhere else.  Think carefully.  If you make the wrong choice, we probably shouldn’t meet again.

Wormtongue:

Slowly Wormtongue rose.  He looked at them with half-closed eyes.  Last of all he scanned Théoden’s face and opened his mouth as if to speak.  Then suddenly he drew himself up.  His hands worked.  His eyes glittered.  Such malice was in them that men stepped back from him.  He bared his teeth; and then with a hissing breath he spat before the king’s feet, and darting to one side, he fled down the stair.

Indicidentally, when most people hear Wormtongue’s name they probably think of worms.  But actually, it’s from wyrm, which is Old English for serpent (Rohirric is, basically, Old English).  He’s named that because he’s deceitful, not because he’s icky.

Minor shipping note: Apparently Tolkien originally intended for Aragorn to get together with Eowyn, and only added Arwen to the story later.  So, he didn’t actually plan for there to be a love triangle, he just changed his mind while writing the story and I guess didn’t want to get rid of the Aragorn/Eowyn UST in the new version.  Arwen does definitely seem like a character who was added at the last minute - in the movie she has actual scenes and dialog, and is an actual character with a personality, but in the book if you blink you miss her existence entirely.  Aragorn occasionally says things that have subtext related to Arwen, but if you’re reading for the first time you’ll completely miss this unless either a) you’re the kind of shipper who shipped Blaise Zabini before even knowing what gender he was, or b) you already read the appendix that’s about Aragorn and Arwen. 

Another note is that Wormtongue’s obsession with Eowyn is only mentioned in the above paraphrased scene as yet another thing that makes him awful, he doesn’t actually have any interactions with Eowyn at all, and presumably it is never important again because I don’t think Wormtongue is ever within arm’s reach of Eowyn ever again.

[cacti-are-like-flamingos]

The Golden Hand

° Assassin's Creed Odyssey Imagine °

Chapter 2

Fem! Reader

Central Masterlist | The Golden Hand

“Let me see if I understand this...You are not from my time?” Alexios asked, his words slow as he tried to wrap his mind around your whole situation. His brown eyes gazing up at you, trying to see if you were, in any way, trying to make a fool out of him. Yet, you gave nothing of those sorts. Instead, he found that your desperateness was, in fact, sincere. Genuine. You nodded quickly, hoping with every inch of your being that he would believe you. Because if he didn’t---you knew for a fact surviving in this new world would be near impossible. Alexios continued, “You- What time are you from again?” 

“I'm from the 21st century. A thousand years into...um...your future?” The man stared at you.

“A thousand years into my future...what did you do to end up here? Did you anger a god?” You looked at him, eyes looking more dead than ever.

“Fuckin’ must-have.” The Spartan had to hold back an amused snort.

You neglected to inform him about how in your world he was a mere videogame character, thinking that if you told him the truth his reaction wouldn’t have been at all accepting. It was like the equivalence of telling someone their lives and everything they’ve ever accomplished, never mattered, to begin with, because they just weren’t...real. Shit’s complicated.

“And you want me to take you back home as a way to pay my debt?“ “As a way to pay your debt, yes.” You anticipated his next wors. Did he believe you or would he just sign you off as some lunatic? Seconds turned into minutes, and before you knew it, 5 minutes had passed by. Those very 5 minutes felt like hours, the drumming of your heart becoming too much to bear within them.

The sudden sound of him humming lowly broke you out of your anxiety, your heart stilling upon seeing him lean back into the wall of the room, his eyes never leaving your figure. Opening his mouth, you stopped breathing, “ I believe you.”

It was as if someone had lifted off the world from the Atlas’s shoulder, the weight of your fears, doubts, and anxieties evaporating into seemingly nothing. You let out a heavy sigh, hands trembling slightly. You regained your composure a minute later, having developed enough confidence to look back up to him, your eyes locking with one another. 

“Thank you. Thank you so much.” He arched a brow, “Why do you thank me?” Licking your lips you replied, “I feared that you’d like write me off as some crazy person. Come on, would you really believe if someone told you a crazy ass story of how they’re from thousands of years into the future and somehow ended up here?” He gave you a look.

“I just did.” You paused.

“Touché.” Alexios furrowed his brows, unfamiliar with the word you had just uttered. 

“Tou-what?” Your confusion equaled his.

“Touché. You know, when ---oh. Oh.” You realized your mistake. “Its, uh, when like you make a clever point type of thing. Uhh, I don’t know how to explain it. I've never had to explain it before, everyone just knew what it meant.” You muttered the last sentence quietly under your breath. This was going to be a struggle, that was for sure.

 Simply nodding, Alexios figured there would be some extreme cultural differences between the two fo you. After all, you are from the far future, your people are bound to be different than his. Ignoring the look of struggle on your face, he let his eyes trail down your body, acknowledging your clothing--- the lack of it more so. He couldn’t help but grimaced at the sight of your pants, reminding him of the Persians. (Okay, when I was doing my research I came across an article that spoke about how Ancient Greeks associated pants with savagery and Spartans associated it with the Persians, their enemy. So like idk. Correct me if I’m wrong or something.)

“If I am to aid you in your journey home, we must do something about that.” He gestures over to your garments. You understood his point, nodding in agreement.

“Yeah, I know.” 

“But for now, let’s rest. The sun has fallen, traveling at night is not safe. Follow me." He said as he stood up from the wooden stool, gesturing for you to follow him to the room next door. Doing so, hurried over to him, following him all the way down the hall. There were no actual doors, just log pieces of fabrics acting as one; two rooms stared across from each other. Alexios turned to you, "This is my room. " He pointed to the right," And that's your room." He lifted the delicate fabric with his index finger, revealing a simple room from what you could see; not much of furniture aside from a chest, a bed, and a nightstand beside it. A candle on a candle holder already lit.

Nodding, you thanked him, earning a small smile from him.

"Tomorrow we- I. I shall go to the agora and buy you some clothes to wear. You stay inside, don't answer to anyone but me, understood?" His expression was serious, it was new. Nodding once more in understanding, he held the fabric up as you slipped into the room, his eyes eyeing your back.

Shaking his head, the misthios muttered 'goodnight', heading off into his room with a flurry of creaking steps. Repeating his farewell, you paused to look around your new surroundings, scrutinizing every detail of the room. The walls were bare, not a single ounce of color beside the greyness of the stone material they were built from.

A single window adorned the room, providing a view to all of outside. There was no metal screen attached to it, meaning mosquito and whatever other critters could enter freely, especially hostile individuals. The thought of an intruder wight next to you, scared you out of your wits, however, knowing that a trained assassin was your host helped quell that fear.

Stepping over to the bed, you sat on it, its plushness dipping at the sudden appearance of your weight. A pair of fuzzy blankets folded on top of each other laid on the end of it; grabbing one, you examined its material. It was rough to the touch, hued into a deep burgundy with little designs on it. 

Kicking off your shoes, you slipped into the bed, pulling the scratchy blanket over you. Exhaustion overcoming you in an instant as your world slipped into darkness.

...

In your darkness came a light, piercing through your eyelids. Groaning in annoyance, you turned around in the bed, another groan escaping at the sudden feeling of a cold breeze against the skin of your feet.

"Oh for fuck's sake..." You muttered, shifting so that the blanket folded over them, blocking the wind.

"You've got quite the foul mouth, my friend." Snapping your eyes open, you yelped at the brightness of your surroundings. Struggling to regain your vision, you squinted your eyes to the entrance of the room, a familiar figure leaning on the stone frame. You made a face.

"And you've got a foul scent, my friend." Alexios's eyes widened in pure amusement at your witty insult, a smirk playing on his scarred lips.

It was then that you realized what you had just said, mouth already forming words of apologies.

"Sorry, sorry. Force of habit..." The man couldn't help but laugh at the pathetic sight of you trying to fake being sorry for your little statement.

“You really are one to talk back.” He stated as he laughed, the corners of his eyes wrinkling faintly. An embarrassed heat spreading to the apples of your cheeks, nodding your head slightly.

“Yeah, well,  this silver tongue of mine has gotten me into plenty of trouble.” There was a glint in his eyes.

“Wonder what else it does.” 

BIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHH!

A smirk came to paint your lips, your canines just barely poking out. “I mean I could show you but then again, I barely know you.” Not a single quiver in your voice. You spoke with confidence, mischief in your stare. You knew what you were doing without realizing it. 

He was almost taken aback by your words, however, he found them rather endearing in away. Pushing himself off the doorway, the tall male approached your figure still seated on the bed. Having sat up in the bed, you had had your legs danging off to the side, arms holding your body from falling back and hitting the stone wall behind you. The scratchy blankets covering your bare skin. The look in his brown eyes excited you, not in a sexual way, no. But more in a game of....well, you still couldn’t figure out which game, you just knew it was some game.

“So if we got to know one another...?” He trailed off, a playful smile on his scarred lips. His figure coming to stand right in front of you, his torso bent down so that he could meet your height. Grinning, you leaned in close to his face, your breath dusting the skin of his lips.

“Hmmm... in your dreams.” You patted his right cheek before quickly getting out of the bed, stretching your body after doing so. Not noticing the shocked expression that the Spartan held only for it to shift into a look of intrigue.

Hard to get, huh.

Chuckling under his breath, he shook his head. Straightening back up, Alexios spoke, “ I brought you something from the agora.” Glancing over your shoulder, you watched as he took out a small woven bag from his back. Reaching his hand inside, he pulled out multitudes of pearly white wool fabric followed by a sky blue one and a golden sash. 

“What’s that?” You asked, coming over to stand in front of him, your hands already feeling the fabric with wonder. He smiled softly.

“Clothing. You can’t exactly wear that to go out.” he gestured to your modern outfit, a disgruntled look on his face. You hummed.

“No, I cannot. Thanks.” Nodding, he placed the bag on the bed; there seemed to be more things in it.

Heading out the door he spoke, “I’ll let you get dressed now.” You nodded despite the fact that he wasn’t facing you. Hearing the soft whoosh of the fabric hanging by the doorframe, signaling that Alexios had left you alone.

Laying the fabric on the bed, you stared in disbelief at what it revealed.

...

Alexios couldn’t quite figure out just how exactly he was supposed to take you back home. At first, he had thought of the Gods, perhaps a prayer could help, however, the only god he knew of capable of moving back and forth in time was Kronos and that was a big no-no. 

That was one issue. The other was the war.

Just how was he going to help you while a war brews not far from Kephallonia. He was just recently hired to kill the Wolf of Sparta, meaning that if he wanted to get paid he would have to take her with and in all honesty, that was not a good idea. The chances of you getting harmed were ever-increasing. And just the thought of innocent blood getting spilled angered him greatly. But still.

He owed you.

And he always paid back his debts.

“umm...” Alexios snapped his attention to the entrance of your room, your head shyly popping out from it. The sight of your bashful expression almost causing him to laugh out loud. 

“What is the matter (Y/N)?” You smiled shyly, taking brief glances to the inside of the room.

“I’ve just never worn something like---well actually maybe for Halloween...?” He gave you a weird look.

“Hallo....win?” “Ween.” “Ween. Halloween...What is that?” “A holiday where people dress up and go around the community getting pieces of candies.” “Candies?” “Sweets.” You deadpanned. “Ah...Well...uh..let me see you.”

He watched as you disappeared back into your room before you gathered enough courage to come out. But when you did, his breath was taken away. Your looks rivaled even those of the Goddess of Beauty herself. Two golden pins held the fabric together, right on your shoulders, leaving your arms free of any obstacle. A golden sash wrapped tightly around your waist, emphasizing the width of your hips. The baby blue fabric that he had bought was fashioned around your figure, looping from the left shoulder to the right of your hip and back to its place of origin. Gold armbands adorned your left arms with two large golden bracelets adorning either forearm.  He had bought the accessories after seeing them being sold much cheaper than the usual, he figured it wouldn’t hurt to purchase so he did. 

“So?” You peered up at him, eyes glimmering with embarrassment. He hadn’t realized he was staring.

“Panemorfi.” 

“What?”

“You look beautiful. Your beauty rivals that of Aphrodite herself.” You narrowed your eyes at him.

“If I’m beautiful, you drop-dead gorgeous.” He blinked in surprise, not fully sure he heard right.

“What did you just say?” A ‘are-you-serious- look adorned yoru features, lips pursed together.

“Babyboy, you gotta get your ears checked.” You said as you walked towards the main room behind him.  The ends of your chiton dragging behind your soft steps. “Ooo, food!”. He had still to recover from your little statement, ever confused and everso offended by your word choice.

With squinted eyes, he loudly yelled,” Babyboy? I am no boy nor babe! And what does go-tta even mean!”

...

(A/N): Sorry for the long wait, the shortness of the chpater, and also if i got some facts wrong. My research isn’t yet complete.

Hope you enjoyed!

[return-of-a-space-cowboy]

A request brought to you by a seagull. #7 or #9 with Bruno. But he gotta unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Unzip the legs. Thank you meal provider

I regret telling you my requests were open lol

Gold digging

(Yandere Bruno Bucciallati X female reader)

You sighed as you came down from your pleasure high.

"(Y/n)... Do you really love me?" Maurice, your boyfriend asked in his usual Irish accent as he layed next to you.

"Yes of course I do, why would you think otherwise?" You said.

"It's just you've been spending a lot of time with Bucciallati lately" he replied as he turned to the side to look at you. God you loved every part of him... From his curly ginger hair to the cute little freckles and God don't even get started on his voice, it saw like Bailey's with whipped cream.

"You know what my intentions are with him" you cackled.

"I'm wringing that man for every  penny he's got... And once I have I'll run away with you back to Ireland and we can live the dream life we always wanted dear" you continued as you caressed his cheek.

"But (Y/n)... This is a member of the Italian mafia that you're messing with... You know how brutal they can be" he said with concern laced in his voice.

"I know... I know but Bruno isn't like the others, I know him enough to know that he's too soft to do anything like that" you said.

💰💰💰

The next morning Maurice left and you quickly cleaned up the house to erase any evidence of anyone else before the afternoon.

"Bella I'm home" you heard Bruno call out as he entered the house.

"Bruno how was work" you asked him as you hugged him.

"It was alright, but I'm just happy to be back here with you" he said as he kissed your forehead.

You felt butterflies in your stomach, you tried you danm hardest not to fall in love with him but you just couldn't help it.

You were in such a internal conflict. You had know Maurice for years and had so many plans with him but over the months you had started developing feelings for the man in which you originally intended to leach money from. You felt conflicted with who you truely loved. You didn't know wether you wanted to run away to Ireland with Maurice or stay in Italy with Bruno.

"(Y/n), what's the matter?" He asked as he saw your blank expression.

"I'm just tired that's all" you replied as you rubbed an eye.

"Then let me help you out with dinner" he said as he noticed that you had put out several ingredients on the kitchen bench.

Out of the blue Bruno spoke.

"One of the Capos got arrested yesterday, he murdered his wife in cold blood"

"That's horrible" you replied as you felt a chill go down your spine as you continued to chop up an onion.

"Apparently he found out she'd been cheating on him, he shot her multiple times before dumping her body in a canal in Venice" he continued as he chopped a potato.

"I don't really blame him thou, if I found out you were cheating on me, I'd be tempted to act in a similar fashion but I know you'd never do that..." He said in a monotone voice.

"Of course not" you replied, you were lucky he wasn't looking at you because you were sweating profusely.

"(Y/n) you cut yourself!" He nearly screamed. You looked down at your finger to see that you had cut through most of the top section of your middle finger without noticing, blood pouring out onto the board.

Bruno quickly moved you into the dinning room and sat you down before running into the ensuite and grabbing the first aid kit. On his way back to you he stopped as he saw a unfamiliar tie in the laundry basket. Bruno owned a few ties but not one like this, a black one with a blue and white pleat pattern.

He wanted to speak up about it but now wasn't the time so he made his way back to you before opening up the kit and grabbing some alcohol rub and dabbing it on a cloth.

"You really need to be more careful (Y/n)" he lightly scolded as he began to wipe off the blood on your hand.

"Yes Bruno. I... I think I should get to a hospital, I've definitely cut a few nerves and a blood vessel" you muttered.

"No you don't, I have this all under control" he said as he put on some more alcohol rub onto the cloth.

"Trust me, I'm all you'll ever need" he said before muttering the second half as he dabbed you cut lightly causing you to flinch.

"Amore settle down" he muttered as he continued to dab the rub on before putting it down an grabbing a small bandage to wrap around your finger.

"Isn't the sunset beautiful?" He asked as he looked out the window. You followed his eyes and looked out the window, while you were distracted he used Sticky fingers to seal up your wound before wrapping it up.

"I'm done, just don't take it off til tomorrow morning" he said before undoing you shirt which was now covered in blood.

"Just sit down for the rest of the afternoon, I'll clean up the blood and order something for dinner" he said as he took your shirt off, his gentle gaze turned into a cold one as he saw a unfamiliar marks on your torso that looked like hickeys. It all started to come together.

"(Y/n), what are those?" He asked trying to hide his anger as best as he could.

"They're bruises, I accidentally feel down some stairs" you lied, he watch your eyes dart around and the sweat forming on your skin. He leaned forward, his face only an inch from yours before he licked your temple.

"I know a liar when I taste one and you taste exactly like one" he hissed.

"Are you cheating on me?" He asked with malice in his voice.

"Bruno it's a long story-"

"No it isn't! Your either cheating on me or not, which one is it?!" He yelled.

You felt so intimidated by him... This is a side to him you had never seen before.

"Answer me!" He yelled again.

"Yes... I have..." You muttered and you saw him snap, he slammed his fist on the dinning table as tears began to stream down his face.

"How could you do this to me?! After everything I've done for you!" He cried out.

"Who is this person your cheating on me with?! I want to know!" He continued.

"Bruno please let me explain-"

"No! You answer me!" He yelled as he firmly pushed his index finger on your chest.

"He's someone I knew before I met you... I originally intended to take you for your money... But over the months I truely began to fall for you... I was even considering-"

"That's enough" he said in a raspy voice, trying his hardest to stop his tears.

His deep blue eyes were filled with sorrow and heartbreak but also malice and anger.

A sudden thud caused your eyes to divert to the ground.

Your legs, they had just fallen off. Not even I a gory fashion, it was like they were just detached from your body. You began to scream and flail around in panic. Causing your to fall off.

You watched as he picked them up and showed you.

"What are you doing? What kind sick punishment is this?!" You screamed.

"This isn't a punishment, it's a lesson" he said.

"If your just going to spread you legs for other men... Then you don't deserve them, seems fair to me" he hummed.

"Bruno... This is wrong, you can't just take my legs away... I need them" you cried as you grabbed his leg.

"Just give it a little time! You'll get used to this, I know you will!" he said as he gave you a sweet smile as he grabbed your phone.

Had he gone absolutely batshit crazy?

"Maurice..." He hissed while still having that unnatural on smile on his face as he saw the text messages.

"Don't hurt him, please!" You cried.

"(Y/n) don't interfere, this no longer concerns you" he said as he shook you off his leg while typing something on your phone.

After he was done he picked you up and put you in the bedroom.

"Now just be a good girl and stay here" he said ask he kissed your forehead before leaving.

💰💰💰

He didn't return for hours but when he did your blood went cold, he wasn't in his usual suit but just a plain black one and the ends of his hair were clumped together. He reached out to caresse your face that had a few flakes of dried blood.

"Y...you..." You breathed out in absolute horror.

"You don't have to worry about anything (y/n), I'll take care of you" he said. You wanted to kick and scream but you couldn't, you just started crying.

"Remember that this is your mess. It's only right that you thank me for cleaning it up" he said as he wipe away your tears.

[vgckwb]

P5R: Rebel Girl (A FeMC Story/P5R Rework) Chapter 31: Some Assistance Required

Thursday after school, Ren was on an important mission. She headed down to Dr. Maruki’s office. She stood in front of the door. Morgana popped up. “Are you going in?” he asked.

“I was planning on it,” Ren answered. “But…”

“You’re still worried about what happened with Sumire, huh” Mrgana finished. Ren nodded. “Well, she said herself that Dr. Maruki was fine.”

“I know,” Ren said. She took a deep breath. She knocked.

Dr. Maruki answered. “Oh, are you here from yourself or for business?”

“The latter,” Ren answered.

“Well, either way, I appreciate it,” Maruki responded. “Come on in.” Maruki invited her in. They both took a seat.

“Do I need to be here?” Morgana asked.

“Where would you go?” Ren asked. “Besides I’m only here for metaverse stuff.”

“Hm. I was hoping you’d be ready to open up a little more” Maruki said. “But I suppose I should take what I can get. So, what is your question about the metaverse?”

Ren glanced at him. “I don’t know how deep your research went, so you might not even have the answer, but it’s better than nothing.” She got serious. “We found a new big target. However, their would be assassin has a peculiar trick up their sleeve.”

“Go on,” Maruki instructed.

“They’re in possession of this sort of ink where if it is slathered on the shadows, it takes one hit to destroy them” Ren continued. “I don’t want to bring my team into a fight like that. Venturing in and out of the metaverse is exhausting as is; to bring them into a one-sided fight like that... I couldn’t bear the thought.”

“I see,” Maruki said. He went into a deep thought. “Well you’re right in that I might not have as much in the way of specifics, but I still think I can help you.” Ren looked pleased. “First, I’m going to need to know more about the target, and why the other person targeting them might think it’s effective.”

“Well, I don’t want to give away too much,” Ren said. “But I will say our target is a very prominent figure, whom a lot of people adore. The person wishing to kill them wants to make it known that this person is rotten to the core.”

“I see,” Maruki replied. He thought some more. “You say it makes the shadows so weak that they cannot take even one hit?” Ren nodded. “In our research, we had brief interactions with these creatures. We didn’t learn much, however, in our limited interactions, we discovered that these shadows are disjointed.”

“Meaning?” Ren asked.

“I think he’s referring to how they gather around powerful pressences, like those with palaces” Morgana clarified.

“Precisely” Maruki pointed out. “They aren’t whole, if that makes sense. As powerful as they are, I think they’re at a disadvantage with that ink. From what you’ve described, I think this ink makes weaknesses more pronounced. A shadow doesn’t have any real strength, aside from its raw power. But you have the power of your Personas, which are an extension of yourselves. You are whole. So I don’t think that ink would do the same thing to you as it does those shadows.”

“Well that’s a relief” Morgana said.

“However, if at all possible, you should probably not get hit with it anyways” Maruki added. “I mean, it won’t kill you outright, but it will make you weaker.”

“I see,” Ren replied. She smiled. “Thanks doc.”

Before she could leave, Maruki shouted “Wait!” Ren sat back down. “Um, this might seem a bit sudden, but would it be possible to use our interactions for a paper I’m writing?”

Ren was curious. “Are you publishing something about the metaverse?”

“Well, no,” Maruki said. “But I am doing a study related to the strength of one’s heart, and I feel like the information I gather from you, as well as other students or faculty, would be great for that. Which reminds me, I’ve gotta talk to someone else about this.”

“But we’ve only talked about metaverse stuff today” Ren said, getting slightly more passive aggressive.

“Well, that might be true, I can’t help but get a little analytical, especially when I’m on the job,” Maruki explained. “So, I may have gathered some insight into you. Of course, I won’t write about you if you do not wish.”

Ren smirked. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

“Of course” Maruki answered. “I’m always serious about respecting my patients.”

“And yet you didn’t want to respect Sumire for who she really is?” Ren asked.

“Oh my” Maruki responded. “I figured you would still be upset about that.”

This didn’t help. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Ren snapped.

“Woah” Morgana exclaimed.

“Heh heh. Sorry” Maruki apologized. “I figured provoking you in that moment would get me the best response.” Ren was not amused. “If I’m honest with you, it might make what I say next more believable for you. I really, truly, only wanted to help Sumire out the day she came to my office. She told you herself that she was hardly able to function, and who could blame her? Anyone in her shoes would not take what happened easily. I wanted to help her function again.”

“So why make her think she’s her sister?” Ren asked.

“Well, that’s confidential,” Maruki answered. “I can’t tell you anything about a meeting without consent.”

“Hey” Morgana said, getting Ren’s attention. “Do you think maybe it has something to do with what we saw before her awakening?”

Ren thought about it. They witnessed what Sumire had witnessed the day Kasumi died. They also heard Sumire’s thought. Her self-doubt and her jealousy of her sister. Ren also thought about her previous interactions with Sumire. I guess I can see her wanting to act more like her sister.

“Based on the information given, I suggested she start thinking like her sister,” Maruki explained further. “Of course, you broke her out of that, which also makes me curious about you. What is it about you that shook her out of it?”

Ren was confused. “What makes you think I would know the answer to that?”

“I guess that’s true,” Maruki said. He laughed.

Ren looked at him. “You are very peculiar, you know that?”

“I do,” Maruki said. “You’re not the first, and you probably won’t even be the last to say that.” He cleaned his glasses. “Now, do you want to know what I know about you?”

Ren was a bit hesitant, but she did want to know. “Very well.”

“Hm” Maruki cocked a grin. “Well, before getting to know you formally, I was made aware of your arrest record. People told me to be cautious around you.” Ren got a little frustrated. “But after meeting you, I feel like you’re kind, understanding, and selfless. You’re fairly smart, and aren’t afraid to be yourself. Which does call into question your arrest. I don’t think someone like you gets arrested without a good reason. So, would you mind telling me about how you got arrested?” Ren hesitated. “If you don’t want to, that’s fine.”

Ren looked at Maruki. Well, he’s independent from the school, so he might actually believe me as well. Plus he already knows about me being a Phantom Thief. I doubt this would actually do much. She sighed. “Very well. One night, I was on my way home when I overheard some commotion. A man was trying to force a woman into his car. I stepped between them and he fell over. He blamed me and said I hit him. When the police came, they believed him and he had me arrested.”

Maruki was stunned. “My. The audacity of some people, huh.” Ren was a bit surprised by this. “I’m sorry, but I’m human too. And as good as I am at identifying what makes people tick, it does not make me immune from getting ticked as well.”

Ren reflected on what he just said. “And I guess that means you’re also human enough to make some rash decisions.”

“Exactly” Maruki said. “I knew you were smart. Ah. Sorry. I did it again.”

“It’s… alright…” Ren said. “You know, you’re actually really good.”

“Well, I try” Maruki said.

Ren sighed. “Here I am, trying to deal with many complicated things, while still being unable to really figure myself out. And yet you seem to have me down pat, despite only conversing with me twice.”

“Hm” Mruki said. “Well, I’m sure you know more about yourself than you might think. I doubt you’d have a Persona otherwise. And I think your other friends might know you well too. But I will always be here to help if you want it.”

Ren smiled. “I like the sound of that. And I guess you can use whatever you can glean from our conversations for research. Just don't give me away if you go and publish anything.”

“Duly noted,” Maruki said. “I can also teach you how to fortify yourselves better in the metaverse as well. Ah, in fact, I have something that will help right now.” He fished around through his papers. “Here” he said, handing it to Ren.

She looked it over. “Really?”

Maruki nodded. “Think of it as a thank you for helping me out. As well as a thank you for understanding that I mean no real harm.”

Ren put it in her bag. She sighed. “To be honest, I’ve been wanting something like this, but I feel like we got off on the wrong foot. So, would you mind if we met again?”

“It’s my job, isn’t it?” Maruki said with a smile.

Ren giggled. “Thanks.”

I am thou... Thou art I… Thou hast acquired a new vow...

It shall become the wings of rebellion that breaketh thy chains of captivity.

With the birth of the Councilor Persona I have obtained the winds of blessing that shall lead to freedom and new power.

Councilor-Takato Maruki-Rank 1

“Oh, um, if I need to contact you about metaverse stuff in the future, it might be easier to do it via phone” Ren said. “You can give me a heads up on availability and stuff.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Maruki said. He and Ren exchanged contact info. After that, Ren left the room.

While she was on her way to the subway, Morgana popped up. “So, I’m a little confused about what just happened there,” he said.

“What do you mean?” Ren asked.

“Well, it’s not often that I see you go through so many emotions and yet still come out of it feeling fine” Morgana explained. “You were so distrustful of Maruki when you entered, but you trusted him by the end of it. Why is that?”

Ren stopped. “Partially because I probably need something like that.”

“But you have us,” Morgana said. “He even said we might know you better.”

“Which is another reason I kind of turned around on him,” Ren explained. Morgana was perplexed. “He was incredibly open and honest. He easily admitted his faults and made his intentions known throughout the process. The people I tend to keep at arm’s length are dishonest, or at least won’t tell me things.”

“Huh” Morgana thought. “I guess that makes sense. Everyone I know who you’re close with seems like they’re willing to be themselves with you.”

“Yeah,” Ren said. “I guess they are.”

Ren got a message on her phone.

Dr. Maruki: Oh, by the way.

Dr. Maruki: I know you say you have a big target lined up already.

Dr. Maruki: But if you’re looking for a smaller target as well, I have information.

Dr. Maruki: Recently, an old man has been causing all sorts of mischief in Kichijoji.

Dr. Maruki: Whenever he gets caught, he says he’s either lost or confused, and people let him off with a warning.

Dr. Maruki: But people in the area say he’s doing it on purpose.

Dr. Maruki: I don’t know if you go after that kind of thing, but I figured I’d share it with you.

Ren messaged back.

Ren: What’s his name?

Dr. Maruki: I guess you would need to know that.

Dr. Maruki: The person I heard this from says his name is Heiji Ono.

Dr. Maruki: Be careful. I feel like there may be more to this than he’s letting on.

Ren: Thank you. I will take this up with my team.

“Huh” Morgana said. “That was unusual.”

“But it’s the kind of thing we need, don’t you agree?” Ren asked.

“Yeah,” Morgana said.

Ren got another message on her phone.

Mishima: Hey, can we meet tonight?

Mishima: I have a surprise.

Mishima: Also, I want to talk about the Phansite a bit.

Ren: Sounds like a plan.

Mishima: Great! See you on Central Street!

Later that night, Ren caught up with Mishima. “Hey Mishima,” Ren said.

“Oh hi,” Mishima said.

Ren finished walking up to him. “So, what’s this surprise?”

“Get this” Mishima said, excitedly “I got us each a DATE!”

“What?” said Ren, panicking.

“Yeah” Mishima continued. “I found them on the Phansite. This one girl said she was lonely, and this guy said he recently got dumped. So I decided to help them out and offered a double date to the two of them. Oh, but they just think we’re ordinary people. They don’t know I run the site, let alone that you’re a Phantom Thief.”

“Well, that’s good at least…” Ren said. “But what made you decide to do this?”

“Well, they needed help,” Mishima said. “But I don’t think changing hearts to make them happier is exactly ethical. So I offered this up.”

“Well… you know that at least…” Ren said.

“Don’t worry,” Mishima said. “I did some check on them. They’re both fine people. And I will also admit, the guy is incredibly handsome.”

“...Thanks?” Ren said, sweating bullets.

“Don’t worry, we have an ice breaker,” Mishima said. “We came into contact on the Phansite. We can talk about our adoration for the Phantom Thieves.”

“Yay” Ren said. She was dying inside.

Suddenly, Mishima got a call. “Huh? … Oh hey!” He put his hand over the speaker. “It’s the girl.” He went back to the phone. “How’s it going? Are you almost there yet? … Huh? ...Oh! Well that’s neat. … I see … Huh. No no, that’s great. … Right, well see you on the forums then.” He hung up and sighed.

“What was that about?” Ren asked.

Mishima smiled. “It turns out that on their way to meet us, our two dates met up with each other. They clicked right away, and are now going on a date with each other. Crazy how that worked out, right?” Ren sighed. “Wait, what was that for? Do you not trust me on this?”

“Well, in all honesty, no,” Ren said. “Although, I don’t really trust too many people to set me up with someone. I’ve gotten severely burned before.”

Mishima was concerned. “What happened?”

“Well, someone said they would get me a date…” Ren said. She remembered an incident at her old school where someone said that this one girl also liked girls, and would date her, but what ended up happening was a mean trick where she was actually outed, some dudes tried “turning” her, and in the end, she lost some of her friends. “But it turned into a huge public shaming where they embarrassed me. So yeah, I don’t really like getting set up with anyone.”

Mishima got made. “Man, fuck whoever did that to you! You’re a good person! You didn’t deserve that!”

Ren smiled. “Thanks,” she said. “Besides, I’m kind of interested in someone currently.” Even if she isn’t interested in me.

“I getcha, I getcha,” Mishima said. “So that’s a no on any further dates, huh.” Mishima seemed sad. “And she was so cute too…”

Ren looked at him, “Well, you could still try.”

“On my own?!” Mishima said. “I couldn’t. I’d get too nervous.”

“Mishima, look at me” Ren said. “You can do this.”

Mishima looked at Ren and got pumped. “Heh. You’re right! I CAN do this!” He pointed to Ren. “And you can get the guy you’re interested in! I know it for sure!”

Well, he doesn’t know. “Yeah…” Ren said.

“So, that’s a ‘no’ on getting dates for you,” Mishima said. “But what about anything else the Phansite can provide?”

“Hmmm” Ren thought. “Well, to be honest, I’m not sure. Maybe just start running things by me before you jump head first into whatever you’re thinking.”

“Ohhhhh” Mishima said. “That’s an excellent idea. Heh heh. I will.” His stomach growled. “Oh, um, would you like to grab something to eat anyways?”

“I’d like that,” Ren said. The two of them ate at the diner.

“Ah, that was great,” Mishima said.

“I’ll say,” Ren said.

“Hey,” Mishima said. “Thanks for hanging out with me tonight. It didn’t go like how I imagined it would, but I think it worked out for the best.” He sighed a happy sigh. “Before all this happened, I had no one.” He turned to Ren. “But now I have you. And even though you said you wouldn’t date me, I still like hanging out with you. You’re like my best friend.”

Ren smiled. He doesn’t quite seem to get it, but he has the spirit. “You might want to work on your delivery a little if you want to get a date from the Phansite” Ren pointed out.

“Oh” Mishima said.

“But your heart is in the right place,” Ren continued. “You wanted to help someone in need, and you took action to do so. Just maybe think things over a bit before you do anything.”

“Done and done,” Mishima said. “And sorry about setting up a date for you. I didn’t know you had that experience.”

Or a few other things. “It’s OK. Just don’t do it again.”

“Aye aye!” Mishima said.

Ren smiled. “I like hanging out with you too.”

“Oh, uh, thanks,” Mishima said, flustered.

Moon-Yuuki Mishima: Rank 2

Ren and Mishima went home for the evening.

[dalamjisung]

lost in translation ❁ lee minho

word count: 3318

genre: fluff, angst

pairing: reader x lee minho

description: speaking another language has its perks. But what happens when the one you’re talking about can understand almost everything you’re saying?

“Did you hear about the new international student?” 

“There’s a new one? Where from?”

“I don’t know, man, but I heard she’s hot.”

“Really? I think she looks weird…”

“You’re just jealous.”

“Shut up, you!”

“It’s true thou-“

Smack.

You sighed as you listened to the discussion behind you. Foolish of you to think that this wouldn’t happen in college. High school had been hard enough, but now you had to put up with this all over again. 

Look at her hair, is so… different. 

What is that accent I hear?

I’m sorry, can you repeat that? I couldn’t understand you…

Your name is so weird.

You shake your head and take a deep breath. You chose to be here. You chose Seoul National University. You chose to move to this new country. Now you handle it. You got this, Y/N, you think to yourself and straighten your back. Students were overflowing the lecture hall as you waited for you professor. He was well known around the department and you were lucky to have gotten a seat in his class.

You pull your worn out notebook from your backpack and opened it on a blank page. I need to buy a new one, you thought, going through your old notes from other classes. This one is almost done. 

“Wah,” Someone gasps near you. “Your notebook is so full!”

“Uh…” You didn’t really know how to answer that. 

“I never take notes,” The boy smiles and shrugs. “So I’m impressed. Really.”

“Oh, okay.” 

You smile politely and go back to looking through your notes. They remind you of the places you’ve been before; the countries you moved to, and the languages you heard. The cultures you’ve adapted to were the most impressive thing you’ve seen in your life, and that was partially why you ended up in Seoul– not only was this university one of the best in the world, but also the culture shock you were about to have would give you so much to study and learn. It would be great… as soon as you managed to mute those people around you. 

“Oh,” A hand– the boy’s– snatches your notebook away from you. “You’ve had this class before?”

“No,” You blush, turning to look at him. “I’ve had classes that add to this one, but not this one exactly…”

“Ah, so this must be your major!” 

This boy is so enthusiastic about everything that you can’t help but stop sulking. You nod and ask his. Dance. You’ve never met someone who was majoring in Dance, and you start asking questions. What are the classes like? Do you have a specific style of dance? Or is a genre? Do you showcase? He laughs and answers them patiently, smiling with fond memories and puffing his chest out when you compliment him on the video he showed you. 

“I’m Minho, by the way,” He says, quieting down when the professor walks in. 

“Y/N,” You whisper. “Nice to meet you, Minho.”

The class goes by smoothly and you take notes, fervently writing as if your life depended on it, while Minho only nodded and hummed as the professor explained theories and gave practical examples. His arms were crossed over his chest, and you couldn’t help but chastise yourself for focusing on that instead of listening to the professor, but you couldn’t help yourself when he just looked that good– you were young and single, after all. His hair fell a little over his eyes and his small smile was just… inviting. You felt invited, as if he had opened his arms and asked you the story of your life. Stop it, Y/N, you scold yourself yet again. You just met him, for christ’s sake! It wasn’t your fault, really. Anyone that met Lee Minho had the same reaction; there was just something about that boy that seemed warm, and cozy, and weirdly familiar. And it was just that, the sense of familiarity, that got you. You hadn’t felt like that in years, and to finally have it again– sitting right next to you, on top of that– was inexplicable. 

Once the professor leaves, you start to gather your stuff. By then, you couldn’t help but want to spend more time with this strange boy you met. He looks at you and nods with his head to the door, signaling you to follow him outside. Once you two step outside, he starts giggling. 

“Saw something you liked?” He asks, with a teasing smirk and a soft elbow to your ribs. 

“W-what?!” You gasp in surprise, not really expecting that. To be fair, you were pretty sure no one expects that. Ever. 

“I saw you looking at me during the lecture,” He giggles again and you can’t help but smile. “But don’t worry. I saw something I like, too.” 

You blush. And laugh. And find yourself in a mixture of feelings that leave you overwhelmed. How on Earth could this boy make you feel so comfortable even when hitting on you? You two keep walking until you reach the cafeteria, where you decide to grab a bite before your next class. Minho had dance practice in two hours, so you two had some time to kill. 

“Where are you from?” He asks once you start talking about your friends back home. 

“I’m fro-“

“Hey, is that the nee international student?”

You freeze. Swallowing dry, you take a deep breath. 

“Yeah, dude,” Another voice comments. “She doesn’t look like-“

You mute them there and then. You’ve heard those words before. 

She doesn’t look likes she’s from there, though. 

You smile politely at Minho, who was still talking about his new choreography. He smiles back and enthusiastically motions as he goes, voice getting louder and firmer. At that point, you had no other choice other than listening to Minho. Focusing on Minho. Smiling at Minho. 

“Do we have more classes together?” He asks once you leave the cafeteria, walking to your seminar class. 

“I don’t think so,” You shrug. “But we have that lecture twice a week, so you won’t miss me too much.”

It’s a joke and he knows, but Minho can’t help but scoff and grab your phone from you hand. He types in what you assume is his number and texts himself. 

“Now I won’t miss you at all,” With a wink, he leaves. 

Rolling your eyes, you go back to your routine. However, you couldn’t help but notice that when you were with Minho, no one bothered you. 

The next day was hard. Five people approached you spitting out stereotypical nonsense. Other two students judged you because of your hair, and one even stopped you mid argument to say that they couldn’t understand you because of your accent. That shut you up for the rest of the class. For the entirety of the day, the floor was the only thing you looked at. And it wasn’t even a pretty floor, at that. 

As you walked back to your dorm, you talked to your mom on the phone. Because you knew no one would understand you, you spoke freely about people and your feelings. 

“I don’t know if I can do this, mom,” You said, ignoring the curious glances people sent you as they heard a strange language. “They are such assholes! Every time, I swear I feel like an animal in a zoo! They touch me as if I have a strange virus or somet-“

“Honey, calm down,” You mother chuckles. “You always say that. Every time. You know you can do this. You are stronger than them, sweetie.”

“I know,” You sigh and pouted. “I still miss home, though.”

“I know you do, Y/N,” Your mom coos. “And we miss you too, endlessly. But this is for your future, baby. Keep that in mind.”

“Yeah…” Your eyes wonder as you pondered on what she said, and you see Minho. He’s talking with someone and you hear his laugh. “Not everyone is bad, right?”

“Right,” Your mom repeats. “Did you meet anyone nice yet?”

“Yeah,” You smile. They are not that far away from you, but you know he can’t understand you, so you are not really worried about it. “He’s really nice. There’s something about him that I just… adore. I met him yesterday, and it feels as if we’ve been friends for years, mom. It’s so weird.”

“It’s a he?!” She shouts, laughing loudly. “Love at first sight? Really?”

“No,” You whine and stomp your feet a little. “Not love at first sight, mother. He’s just… familiar.”

“You can’t fool me,” Your mom says. “But I’ll let it slide. I have to go, now, sweetie, but we’ll talk tomorrow. I love you.”

“Okay,” You smile. “Love you too, mom.”

And with that she was gone. You always had a nostalgic feeling when talking to your family on the phone, and it took a while to fade away. 

“Why so sad?” 

You turn around to see Minho walking towards you. 

“Ah,” You blush a little. “I was just talking to my mom. I miss her.”

“That much I understood,” He chuckles. “And some other things too…”

Your head snapped to look at him. He had this mischievous look in his eyes, as if he had caught you in the act… which, if he wasn’t lying, he did. 

“What?!” You shriek. “You understood me?”

“Just a little,” He shrugs, looking too smug for your taste. “I took classes in high school, and I’m glad that they finally served for something.”

“Oh my god,” You whisper, hiding your face in your hands. “You have got to be kidding me…”

“Hey, relax, I didn’t get everything,” He laughs. “You spoke too fast, and I was never that good as a student.”

“Still! This is so embarrassing, Minho!”

“Why would it be embarrassing?” He asks. “Unless… you were talking about me?”

“What? No!” You lie, shaking your head desperately.

“I figured,” He said with a small smile. “But I want to know who’s the asshole, then.”

It was then that it clicked. He wasn’t talking about the last part of the conversation, but the first. You thanked everything that was sacred in the world and looked at him. His brows were down in a frown, and his mouth, for once, was in a straight line. 

“I didn’t understand much, but I got that, at least,” He mumbles. “And I want to know who’s been bothering you.”

“Ah, that,” You laugh humorlessly, looking at the floor once again. “It doesn’t matter. It’s normal; I get it. I’m new, fresh meat or whatever. It’ll die down soon, so don’t worry.”

“I’m already worried,” He sighs and looks around. His friend is on his phone, waiting for Minho. “My friend and I are going to the diner nearby, wanna come with? Food always helps me when I’m down…”

“Sure,” You say after a pause. “Why not?”

He was right. The food in that diner was divine, and you were also really happy about meeting his friend, Chan. He was born in Australia, although he moved to Korea when he was younger. It felt good knowing that someone could relate to your problems– or a few of them. After Chan shared his story, you couldn’t help but share yours. To say Minho was angry was a lie; he was livid. He wanted names and faces, he wanted to talk to those people himself. He hated how people were such idiots towards the different. 

“Different is not wrong,” He spit out, anger seeping through his voice. “It’s just new. People are stupid Y/N, don’t hang out with them. Just hang with us, instead.”

“Okay, Minho,” You say sarcastically. “I’ll be by your side 24/7.”

“Good,” He said seriously and you look at Chan, who only shrugs in response. 

After that day, you and Minho got incredibly closer, incredibly fast. It had only been a couple of months since you two met and you’d be together almost every day. Girls didn’t even hit on him anymore, sure that you two were dating. A few guys still made comments about you, but Minho was quick to shut them down. Now, you were way more careful when talking about him on the phone with your mom or your friends back home, using slangs and nicknames so that he wouldn’t understand a single thing. You could see him trying to translate what you were saying, but being unable to do so– his forehead would crease and he would close his eyes, focusing on your voice. Lately, you noticed that his knowledge of your language had improved a lot, and at the same time that you adored the fact that he seemed to be actually trying to learn, you were a little scared that one of these days he’d fully understand you. 

“Yah,” He shouted as you walked out of your class, jogging to you while evading the other students. “Lunch?”

“You read my mind,” You groaned, throwing your head back and closing your eyes. “I’m exhausted.”

“Don’t do that,” He mumbled with a frown and grabbed your hand, pulling you out of the busy hallway. “It’s… suggestive.”

You don’t respond, squinting your eyes at him. His face and ears were red, and you smile. Did you, by any chance, make him blush? Could it be that… he liked you? You smile, just thinking about it, and that’s when Chan approaches. 

“Thinking about Minho?” He whispers in your ear when Minho isn’t looking, and now it was your turn to blush. Chan was the only one that had you figured out, and you made him promise that he wouldn’t dare tell his friend. 

“Stop that,” Minho whined, pushing Chan away from you. “She’s uncomfortable.”

Chan only winked at you, getting punch in the shoulder from Minho. This had been going on for about a month and you didn’t know what to do. As soon as you realized you had feelings for Minho, so did Chan, and now he teased you every time he saw you two hanging out.

Apart from Chan making his usual comments, the day went by smoothly, and now you were back in Minho’s dorm, trying to ignore Seungmin’s loud TV show, and Hyunjin’s laughter from probably another stupid YouTube video. Chan was still in class and would be home soon to tease you two a little more. You were reading a book while Minho worked a problem set for one of his mandatory classes, when your best friend from home called. She’s been keeping tabs on you and demanding a daily update of your relationship with Minho. You pick up, automatically letting her know that you were in his room with him.

“Are you guys-“

“No!” You interrupt her, apologizing to Minho after realizing you were a bit loud. “No, we’re just doing homework.”

“Are you sure?” She teases and giggles. “I can’t wait for the day that you’ll call me saying you two are dating…”

“I don’t think he likes me like that,” You sigh, looking at the back of his head. “We spend a lot of time together, but he never hinted at anything, he only teases me sometimes.” “Well, that must mean something, right?” She tries to cheer you up, but there’s no use. 

“He’s pretty popular with the girls,” You grumble, frowning at the thought of him with someone else. “And I hate it.”

“That means he’s handsome,” Your friend says. “So don’t give up yet.”

“Sure,” You laugh and change the subject. You two talk for a while more and then you hung up, afraid you won’t be able to finish the book in time if you keep talking. 

The silence, for some reason, is now uncomfortable. You look at your friend, and you notice he’s not doing his homework anymore.

“Hey, are you do-“

“You are great, you know that?” He says, loudly enough to startle you. He turns on his chair to look at you and he looks angry. “You are so fucking great, and I don’t think you know. Because he doesn’t know.”

“What are you talking about?” You frown in confusion.

“Don’t play dumb, Y/N,” Minho sighs in exasperation. “You’ve been talking about him with your friend for a month now, and every time is the same. “He doesn’t like me,” or “I don’t think he sees me like that,” and I’m so done with this! Maybe he does! Maybe he will! But don’t put yourself down like that, because you are so fucking amazing and I hate it when you do that.”

You stay quiet, and all you can hear is Minho’s harsh breathing and then, the door slamming. Something happens, when that door slams, and you see a weird glint in your friend’s eyes;.

“Actually,” He takes a deep breath. “We’ll find out now.”

“Wha-“

And he was already out the door, only to come back seconds later with Chan in tow. 

“Minho, what the-“

“She is incredible, alright?” Minho shouts, frowning at his friend. Chan looks at you in confusion and sits next to you in the bed. “Honestly, she’s a little too incredible, and maybe even too good for anyone, but what you’re doing is ridiculous, Bang Chan!”

You two just stared at him.

“And what exactly am I doing?” Chan mumbles, scared of his friend’s reaction. 

“Don’t play dumb!” Minho laughs and points at you. “Y/N, I honestly believe you’re too good for him, but if you like him, that he has to know. He has to cherish you!”

“What?” You and Chan scream in unison. You two look at each other and then are quick to get up from the bed, putting some distance in between you. 

“I don’t like him!” You exclaim. 

“You don’t have to lie anymore,” Minho spits. “I understand you on the phone, okay? I know you’re always talking about him. It’s okay-“

“You are so, so, so stupid.” Chan mumbles to Minho and leaves the room with a pat on your back. It was time to confess and you knew it. When the door shuts behind you, you look to the floor, take a deep breath, and walk closer to Minho.

“I don’t like him, Minho,” You say again, as forceful as possible. “And even if I did, after what you just did I don’t think I’d be able to look him in the face…”

“Then who?” Minho rolls his eyes. “You’ve been avoiding every time I ask you, and you keep talking about a guy that teases you, is always with you, who else other than Chan? He’s always with us!”

“You’re right,” You smile. “He’s always with us…”

It takes him a minute, but he seems to grasp it.

“Wait,” He mumbles, looking at you with doe eyes. “What?”

“You tease me all the time,” You shrug. “And I might be always with Chan, but that’s only because I’m always with you. It’s you, really… It’s always been you, Minho.”

“Me?”

“You,” You chuckle. “Sorry if this makes things awkward, but I didn’t tell you sooner because I didn’t want to ruin our friendship and all of that. I hope we’re still okay now tha-“

“How can we still be friends after this?” He says, looking at the floor.

You stand there for a minute before sighing. “You’re right… I’m so-“

“We’re obviously dating now.” 

“-ry?” You are extremely confused.

“I’ve been crushing on you since I met you,” He giggles walking to you, pulling you into his embrace. “And from what I could translate, you were always talking about this guy, so I never asked you out. Sorry.”

“Forgiven.” You mumble, smiling against his shirt.

“Wow, that easy?” He jokes, looking at you. And he kisses you, as if you two did it before time and time again. And it felt like it always does with Minho. 

Familiar.

-------

i am back! hi! hello! how’ve you been?? I hope you enjoy this! I didn’t think it was one of my best works, but I like it nonetheless... let me know what you think <3

[mirroralchemist]

*obligatory FFXIV Nameday fic*

Word Count: 6619 (again a long fic, I’m sorry) Notes: Okay look, it’s October. My birthday was in August. I was supposed to finish this by August. LEAVE ME ALONE ABOUT THAT. But for reals this fic ran away from me a long while. I tried to make it a feel good fic from beginning to end but some angst had to get in there a little bit. I chalk it up to Ami being old af and she’s just in a mood(tm), mind you she’s only a year or two younger than Urianger. Also after 5.0 setting so SPOILERS.

Again thanks to @but-two-days-old for being my Urianger interpreter because THIS FEATURES A BIT OF HIM AND TRYING TO WRITE IT MYSELF MAKES ME EFFIN CRINGE MAN AND WAS LIKE 10% OF THE REASON I GOT STUCK ON WRITING. I love his way of talking but trying to write it, whew childe. 

A knock on my door brings me out of my morning activities. I particularly had nothing to do, but to maybe catch up on business I haven’t attended to in The Source. The knocking became more insistent as gathered myself together.

“Just a moment.” I called.

I eventually made the trip to said door, ready to give a bit of a remark about it being so godsdamned early. The words died on my lips as I saw who it was, a slight blush forming on my cheeks.

“Mornin’ Ami. I hope you weren’t sleeping.”

My eyes wandered over to Thancred. He seemed unusually chipper for the time of day it was. I winced at his mood.

“I wasn’t. In fact I was just getting ready to start on my morning training.”

“Perfect!” he spoke, “Mind a partner?”

I blinked for a moment. The request taking a moment to process in my mind. I scanned him up and down, noticing that he was appropriately dressed for such an endeavor. It strike me as odd, seeing as I never really told anyone my schedule during my down times. It could be that he just wanted to spend more time with me.

If I were to be honest, it was still hard to believe that we are in a relationship.

In the end I relented. Mayhap having a partner could prove beneficial, especially someone as well trained as Thancred. More than someone I love, I looked up to him as a mentor and valuable friend. I nodded as I stepped out of my room.

“Okay then, you might find a Monk’s training a bit different than what you’re accustomed to.”

*   *   *

The sun was set high in the sky by the time we walked into the threshold of the Crystarium.

The session had turned out to be quite fulfilling. There was a quite different experience of having an actual being to train with, rather than the usual striking dummies or imaginary opponents in my head. I glanced over to Thancred to see how he fared. Per usual, he seemed not as bothered.

Quite the opposite in fact, if that slight smile on his face was any indication.

It would only make my cheeks color faster. Remembering more so the downtime between each training session. The swollen lips and splotches of red hidden by my hair. He caught me staring. That only seemed to make his smile wider.

“That is becoming quite the color on you my dear.”

He only laughed as my blush became deeper.

I soon felt his arm around my shoulders, casually stroking the bare skin. Soon a pair of hurried steps made our way. We had almost separated, if it wasn’t for the fact that the steps belonged to Ryne. I smiled at the girl, though her expression seemed slight panicked.

“There you two are. I have been looking all around for you.”

“Sorry Ryne, training took more than expected.” I said.

She shook her head, “No, that’s quite alright. The Exarch had wanted to meet with us as soon as possible.”

I separated from Thancred as I crossed my arms, a thoughtful look crossed my face.

“Have he finally made progress in getting the others home?”

Ryne only shook her head.

“I don’t know. He just informed me it was important to get everyone together. The others are already in the Ocular waiting.”

I looked at Thancred, who only looked at me with a sudden seriousness. A brief nod was all it took before I followed after Ryne. It was automatic, going through the Aetheryte plaza to the Dossal gate. Up those familiar grand set of stairs to head inside the Crystal Tower, as I had always done since coming to The First. The guard there and Ryne shared the briefest of nods before opening the door to let us in. I calmed at the quietness as we entered. I always have a sense of nostalgia going here, even though it was not quite the same Crystal Tower I explored in Mor Dhona.

I was once told trying to make sense of time is quite an undertaking.

We reached the set of doors that would take us into the Ocular and stopped. I cocked my head to the side. Normally we would just walk in since the Exarch was expecting us. Instead, Ryne gave a few quick rasps on the double doors.

“They are here as you asked.”

“Thank you, send them in.” came the muffled reply.

Ryne moved out of the way and a slight push from Thancred put me at the front of the doors. They wanted me to open it, it seems. It didn’t quite match up in my mind what was going on. But it would not have been the first time I was suddenly thrust into odd circumstance. I put my hands on the door handles and pulled.

Only to be met with a flood of confetti.

I paused for the longest moment. My mind catching up to the suddenness of the past moments. I looked around the room. Celebratory decorations all around the perimeter of the crystalline blue walls with the floor sprinkled with the selfsame confetti (which hadn’t made a pile where I stood). In the middle stood a table, somewhat small but not too grand.

Placed right in the middle was a cake.

“Oh dear, I think we broke her.” came Thancred’s reply.

I shook my head out of the thoughts. I looked around some more. There I saw each of my companions, my family gathered in the room. Each one of them having the warm smile on their faces as they looked at me. In the center was G’raha probably smiling the warmest of them all. A larger hand soon fell upon my head, delicately removing the shredded paper that stuck to my blue locks.

“Dost knowest thine significance of this day, no?”

“Time is always a fickle subject to accurately discern.” G’raha began to explain, “So the dates may not exactly line up here in The First. But, if we were go to by the date of the Source, then today would be-”

“The Third Sun of the Fourth Umbral Moon.” I finished, “My nameday.”

A few nods confirmed it.

For a moment, I didn’t react. Other than the surprise of the gathering, I was curious about how they knew of my nameday. I turned to look at Thancred, who looked quite pleased with himself.

“You were the distraction.” I surmised.

“Well, not entirely.”

I let a small sigh come out. The hand was was previously in my hair found its way intertwined with my own. The size easily dwarfing my own. I instinctively leaned into Urianger, feeling comforted by his being.

“Thank you all, really. But I never mentioned my nameday.”

“Tis true, thou didst not breathe a word of it to anyone; pray allow me to explain.” Urianger explained, “I recently chanced to hear from Mistress Tataru that thine nameday had not long ago passed-such 'twas a reminder that despite mine intent to do so, I most regretfully failed to impart unto our dear friends the importance of that approaching day, as we all are gathered so rarely and oft have far more pressing matters to discuss at those times. Yet this could not be let to stand, and at once did I hurry to make right mine unfortunate mistake.”

I looked towards him, seeing the twinge of regret in his eyes. I almost wanted to tell him that it was fine, after all I never bought it up. But seeing the how earnest he wanted to rectify (what he thought) a mistake I couldn’t tell him so. I suppose that was one of the reasons why I had grown to be enamored with him. I patted his back in a comforting fashion.

“My story of finding out...” G’raha added, “Isn’t as glamorous and not meant to be explained, given the intended mood of today. It seemed Urianger and I are like-minded when it was soon realized the day was fast approaching. We told the others and they agreed. Everyone here you helped in some fashion or another; without asking for a thing in return. Let us thank you by celebrating the day you came into this life, dear friend.”

“Raha…” I began to say.

I was speechless at his words. Speechless and a little homesick. Of course, I could come and go to Eorzea as I pleased. But becoming as close as I was to the Scions over our journey here it wouldn’t have felt the same. I rubbed at my eyes to stop the tears threatening to fall.

“If Thancred wasn’t so eager to provide the distraction, we would have put the Exarch to the task.” Alisaie quipped, “If we had agreed to his every whim, you would have had a nameday festival a week long. Understandably, he wouldn’t have realized that you would not want such publicity so in the end we decided to ban his involvement beyond making your cake.”

“Wha-hey!”

Despite my best efforts, a rather undignified laugh came out. I could honestly see it playing out exactly how Alisaie described. She looked quite pleased that her observations got a reaction out of me while G’raha gave a weary but appreciated smile.

“If we are done with explanations,” Y’shtola mentioned, “may I suggest we have our friend blow out the candles? I do not think scraping melted wax off the cake was a part of our plan today.”

I smiled at her before separating myself from Urianger. I took my time to examine the cake and its design. It was a simple, two layered cake with white whipped icing and berries placed on it. Two candles adorned each side of the top of the cake, the flames flickering ever so. Now, I had only dabbled in the Culinarian guild when I had first started but I can tell that considerable care went into its creation. The surge of happiness welled stronger in this realization. I took a deep breath. Giving a silent thanks to the gods for allowing me to have such a personal moment with my friends, I blew out the candles.

A chorus of applause and more confetti rained down on my head. This time, I didn’t stop the tears from flowing for they were of happiness. My heart wanting to burst with the tangible love I saw from each person in this room. I vaguely felt Urianger’s hands rubbing my shoulders in small circles to ease my tears.

It was a far cry from a short while ago; in which I was complacent in not welcoming this day.

“Come now Ami this is a joyous occasion, no tears here.” Alphinaud spoke.

I gave a nod.

The tears eventually stopped and the celebration got underway. It was a quiet affair, all things considered. I didn’t mind it overmuch. It reminded me of the namedays I had back home. There was only the three of us back then. Before I became an adventurer and subsequently a Warrior of Light. I could still remember how my guardians, as busy as they were, would always took a moment out to celebrate my nameday. Being raised in two different cultures it was never a dull moment.

I truly had missed them.

Once this is all over, I’ll go see them again.

Alisaie soon stood in front of me, her hands behind her back. She looked a bit embarrassed; although I would never point that out to her. Soon she thrust her hands forward to put an item in my hands.

“There!”

I blinked before looking down at what was exactly in my hands. It was a rapier. The blue crystal blade sparkled against the lights of the room. It was fairly light and I could feel the magicks imbued in such a weapon. I looked up at her, clearly confused.

While I had been working on my arcane skills to put to rest the other cardinal virtues, I never once mentioned it to the others.

Much less the methods to combat them.

“I had heard from the townsfolk in Mord Sorq that there are a couple of hunters trying to get rid of a particular sin eater there. I had to have figured it was your doing, as is your wont to help everyone you come across. They only came to me in realization that you were fighting in a similar style. Although I am quite cross you didn’t come and tell me you were going to fight in this way.”

“Sorry?” I meekly said.

“’Tis fine, ‘tis fine.” she waved off, “I fully expect to see you in battle with it sooner or later yes?”

“Of course,” I answered with a smile.

“Since my sister so subtly announced, I suppose it is time to give our gifts.” Alphinaud mentioned.

He stepped up to me as I put the rapier in my pack. I looked at him, still catching myself in awe that the young man before me was the haughty boy I had met when I had just joined with the Scions. Bearing witness to his growth during our travels in Ishgard and even now, I was proud of him. He placed a tin into my free hands. Simplistic in design and only wrapped with a singular ribbon. But even at this range I could pick up the fragrant scent of dried tea leaves emanating from within.

“I confess, it was quite difficult to decide on a gift for you. I even asked the Chais for their suggestions on the matter. They send their regards and insist you visit when you next happen upon Eulmore. Despite my many explanations they were rather insistent to personally hand their nameday gift to the, in their own words, ‘maiden I am enamored with’.”

I could see the light dusting of blush on his pale skin. I chuckled softly as I pulled him into a hug. I felt him stiffen for the slightest moment before relaxing into it. I was not one who usually show such affections for him, we usually had a silent understanding of our familial relationship.

“Thank you Alphinaud.” I spoke in earnest, “I shall go see the Chais at my earliest convenience.”

As we parted, another stepped up; Y’shtola in fact. The Miqo’te woman stood before me. Despite my greater height, I still at times felt smaller towards her. Someone who was assured of herself and her path, qualities I hoped that in my time here in the First I had somewhat began to grasp for myself. In her gloved hands was a hairpin. My crafting more so favored alchemic creations, but I could see the quality behind the simplistic design.

“You really shouldn’t hav-”

“Don’t be so modest now,” she interjected, “It is your nameday and it is completely allowed for you to be spoiled. For future reference, you ought to be more forthcoming with your hobbies. It was quite the task to discern a gift for someone who is quite secretive about what makes her happy.”

Her bluntness always took me by surprise regardless of hearing it so many times. I had appreciated that about her. It was why I could come to her for advice. I nodded at her words. Then she gave me a subtle wink as she went to affix the pin to the side of my hair.

“Much better. Your bangs were becoming a mess.”

I had fiddled with the looser part of my bang, suddenly self conscious. Y’shtola only chuckled at my reaction. I was not weary of the chuckle, but she always seemed to know more than what she lets on at times. I could never forget how she figured so soon about my more personal activities. The unmistakable clinks of jewelry intermingling with shifting robes could only tell me of one person who was approaching next. I crane my head to meet the gaze of Urianger. A subtle silence fell upon us.

A slight flourish of a bow before placing in my hands a tome. No, not a tome exactly but a journal. It was the same size of the one I normally carried during my more creative excursions. My hands ghosted over the dark blue, nearly black, leather bound cover. A quick thumb through saw the completely blank pages, with a thin ribbon used as a marker. I looked up at him once more noticing how his golden eyes sparkled in satisfaction. It made me feel a touch guilty, it certainly couldn’t have been an affordable item.

“Thank you, but I cannot accept this,” I said, extending the journal back into his space, “You especially did not need to give me anything. We wouldn’t even be celebrating my nameday if it wasn’t partially for you.”

He placed his hands on top of mines. I had hoped he would accept my decision. But in a rare bout of stubbornness, he pressed the journal towards my chest our hands never breaking contact.

“’Tis a small price to pay for the continued pleasure of your existence.”

“But-”

Before I could complete my protest, I was softly kissed. I blinked for a moment, noticing how Urianger’s tanned skin took on a slightly dusty shade as blush. He was not one for displays of affection such as this. It was still new to me as well. His thumb easily stroking the distance of my own hands. His gaze softened into a fond affection; one I could never tell if the nature was in friendship or love.

“Prithee accept this,” he spoke in a calming gentle tone, “'Tis but a small token of mine appreciation, for the compassion thou hast shown me when mine actions hath left me most undeserving of it...and a token I most deeply hope to bequeath unto thee not only this day, but for as many more of thy namedays as I may be privileged to be some small part of."

He had spoken it softly, but with such conviction. I looked away, his words having an effect on me. I nodded minutely, having no reason to refuse the gift now. His hands and left mines, one going to rest on the small of my back. It lingered there for quite some time before the affectionate gaze morphed into one of satisfaction and lips curled into a wry smile.

Oh, it seems that he did pick up a few habits from the pixies; the devious man.

“Um…”

I soon turned my attention to the small voice. I was soon met with Ryne’s shy posture. Her hands were behind her back as she looked at me with a quiet stare. It was honestly looking at myself at her age. Perhaps it was why I took an immediate liking to her. I waited patiently, not pushing her to speak her mind until she was ready.

“I wasn’t exactly sure what to get in these kinds of gatherings. But Captain Lyna said that these were good. So I figured you might like them too.”

She revealed soon after in her hands was a satchel. I took the item from her and unwrapped it, realizing it was foodstuff inside. Biscuits if my eyes were correct.

“They’re coffee biscuits.” she added, “It isn’t much but I hope you enjoy them. You’ve done a lot for me. I appreciate your strength and kindness, especially when I needed it most.”

I managed to free a hand to pat her gently on her head. I smiled softly at her honesty. My heart warming at seeing her slowly become more relaxed at the acceptance of my gift.

“Thank you Ryne, truly. I believe with Alphy’s tea I’ll enjoy these all the more.”

I heard a snort behind me, most likely Alisaie. Along with the hushed murmurs of Alphinaud. Ryne stepped back from me, making her way back to the side of her (basically) guardian. My eyes found itself locking into Thancred’s. He seemed somewhat guarded, something I wasn’t wholly unused to. No, ever since we met again in this land he had always taken up that sort of reaction. Taking his task as a Gunbreaker to heart, I’d speculate.

“Go on.” Ryne spoke to him with a nudge.

He stumbled a little, surprised at the surprising boldness coming from her. He gave the most bewildered look, causing me to chuckle. He seemed to have noticed it too, looking at me with a tired expression. But it was in good spirits. He slowly made his way towards me, stopping just in front. Even now, after everything, being this close still caused me a bit of rush to my chest. He placed a gloved hand on my shoulder, smiling at me.

“Well, I had an entire speech prepared to shower you in unending praise and affection. But Urianger beat me to it. So I suppose something a bit shorter is in order.”

He finished the statement by giving a pointed look at Urianger. He only responded with a knowing smile, the same he gave me.

“At any rate, we would be here for a long time if we were to speak every whisper from our hearts. So I won’t. You already know what is in mines; I’ve spoken them to you so many times in private, I need not repeat them. You have done much, my dear. Most especially for a fool like myself and appreciate every act, now and evermore.”

He placed in my hands a gunblade. I stared at it in confusion. It was my gunblade, in its more compact state. I glanced back at him, ready to question it.

When did he get my gunblade?

“It seems,” he began, seemingly knowing the question, “while you had your talk with Urianger some time ago, you left it behind. I had always intended to give it to you, but seeing as your nameday was approaching, might as well hold off until then no?”

I could only nod numbly to his explanation as I stared right back down at the blade. It looked unassuming and a poor choice of gift. But I could tell, having used it for so long, that it was different. The condition of it was vastly improved, its hairline scratches completely cleared. I stepped back to give it a quick swing, noticing how much faster it shifted from compact to battle states. Smoother as well. I couldn’t test it here but I had an inkling that it would perform better against enemies too.

“You had it augmented?”

The smile on his face only confirmed my inquiry. I let it go back into its compact state before putting it away. I looked around, seeing everyone had their eyes on me. It was as though they wanted me to say a few words. I let my head fall in nerves of what to say. I was never one for public speaking. I took a deep breath before meeting everyone’s gazes once more.

“I honestly don’t know what to say.” I began, “I’m grateful for everything. I may not say it a lot, but thank you for everything. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t know of your friendships and love.”

Each of them nodded, agreeing with the sentiment.

Eventually we all had settled into a comfortable atmosphere around the Ocular. I assume we all needed a small respite from our separate endeavors. Even if it meant I would be a bit embarrassed about having attention focused on me. I could bear it for the day.

Though, I couldn’t help the feeling I was being watched.

Granted that it was my nameday; it should have been normal to being watched. This felt different. I looked around eventually finding that the source of the stare was Alisaie. She just stared at me. It wasn’t an exactly uncomfortable stare but it was scrutinizing. Once more she made her way to me, as the small pout formed on her face.

She was more temperamental than Alphinaud, so I could never quite prepare for her.

“Ami,” she began carefully, as if she was considering her words, “It’s none of my business who you spend your personal time with and I know you won’t do it on purpose. But don’t you hurt Urianger. He’s family and I’ll see to it if you do.”

I blinked slowly, letting her words sink in.

A full blush settled on my face. She was quite serious in her warning. The way she put her hands to her hips and settled into a warning glare. There was a vague thought of her bluntness rivaling Y’shtola’s.

“Are you sure about that claim Sister?”

Alisaie and I turned our focus towards the source of the question. Alphinaud had heard us and was soon standing beside us. He seemed to be in thought.

“It was not that long ago I had seen her and Thancred around the Crystarium and they seemed particularly close.” he noted.

If I could I would have blushed even deeper. I knew exactly the moment Alphinaud had witnessed. It had began as just a simple walk around the city but it soon escalated into something much more intimate.

...nevermind the fact that we were meeting with Urianger that day.

“I am not particularly knowledgeable on the subject but I am sure friends do not kiss in the way those two do.”

“Surely you can see that Ami’s heart has always been for Thancred?” Alphinaud countered.

“And I am not denying that, dear brother,” Alisaie said, “but I am telling you that there is more than mere friendship...unless…”

“Unless?”

I could see Alisaie in deep thought over her words. I remained silent on the matter, embarrassed about what was transpiring. It seemed painful long minutes before she finally looked up at me. I could see the faint color on her cheeks while her eyes widen in surprise towards me.

“She’s seeing them both at the same time.” she suddenly said.

Now, a lot happened in that moment.

I was not sure if she knew, but she had reached that conclusion rather loudly. An immediate silence fell over the room. Suddenly all eyes were on me. A rather undignified gasp left me like I had been gut punched.

Although, it wouldn’t be too far from the truth.

“Finally!” came Y’shtola’s voice, “We can stop pretending we did not know.”

My head turned so fast to the Miqo’te who only responded in kind with a sly wink. A part of me should have known it wouldn’t have escaped her notice. Oh gods, I wanted to go back to my quarters at that moment.

“Come now,” she continued, “you honestly did not think it would escape our notice your particular affinities in recent times? You can do a lot, Ami, but when it comes to your feelings it is very clear.”

I opened my mouth to attempt to speak, but promptly close it. There was no point to refute it. Especially since it was never my intent to hide my relationships. I just hung my head low and let out a hard sigh. I soon felt both my hands being grabbed, seeing that Urianger and Thancred had each taken a hand. They seemed to share a look before leading me right out of the Ocular.

“Now then,” Thancred said, “since everything is out in the open. Fine time to whisk our damsel away for a more private nameday celebration, no?”

The way he emphasized private left no doubt what he had implied. I heard a chorus of groans from the others as I threw an apologetic glance at them.

"Thancred, mayhap 'twould be best for thou to keep some secrets...?” I heard Urianger remark.

His eyes were suddenly staring at the back of my neck.

…where the hickeys from Thancred’s “distraction” still laid.

*   *   *

It was late at night, I realized. I stared up at the ceiling of my room within the Pendants. My body feeling a pleasant high while my brain tried to focus from the haze of sleep and blissful release from the last few hours. Celebrations that continued quite long into the night, showing a much more physical appreciation of my nameday. Thinking of it now brought a tingle though my body. As content I was at the present moment, the need to move was greater. Carefully I left my bed.

As careful as I could considering I was sandwiched between an Elezen and a Hyur quite adamant on lavishing me on physical affection.

Once I was up and dressed in more modest sleepwear, I stared at their sleeping forms. It was odd to think that in such a short time I would find myself in this setting. The me back then would have never scarcely believe myself being the focus of affection for two men. I shook my head from the thoughts and walked towards the dining table. My eyes scanned over each of the gifts given to me for my nameday as it reminded me how much I was cared for.

It was these reminders that help me see that I am more than my duty.

I poured myself a mug of water and began to drink from it. It wasn’t long before I heard the soft knocking. Who could have been out here so late, I wondered. The knocking grew a bit insistent, but never rising.

Most likely knowing the occupants in my quarters.

I opened the door, surprised it was G’raha on the other side. Still in his Exarch attire I see. His crimson eyes not quite looking at my blues while his hands wrung nervously. It reminded me of him approaching my room before we were to meet to discuss the last Lightwarden.

Had G’raha always been this shy?

“Forgive me for the late visit.” he spoke, “I did not want to...interrupt your prior engagements if I had came earlier.”

I shook my head at him, blushing that he indeed knew exactly what was going on.

“It’s fine. What can I do for you?”

“Walk with me?” he asked.

I stood at the threshold of my door for a moment, thinking of his request. It did not escape my notice that he was awfully quiet during the get-together. I had wanted to thank him as well since he was the other half of the celebration even happening. But then I was whisked away before I could get a word in.

“If you’re gonna go,” came Thancred’s sleepy murmur, “go.”

My head instantly turned to my bed. Only to meet gazes with Urianger. The sheet had pooled around his waist, giving me quite an eyeful of his bare chest. Even after all this time, it still takes me by surprise how fit he actually is under the robes.

“If there is aught thou yet wouldst say to another, prithee go and do so” he spoke, absently stroking Thancred’s hair.

I don’t think he knew he was doing that consciously; or maybe he did with how his gaze softened so at the touches.

“- that any further distractions may be far from thy mind tonight.”

I nodded. Not that I needed their permission, but I felt comforted all the same of their acceptance of the late night excursion. I slipped on a pair of shoes before closing the door behind me. G’raha seemed surprised at my choice of attire, refraining from any comments on it. The walk was quiet, save for the workings of those who were on the nightly shift of the city. A sense of peace washed over me every time I walked through the Crystarium, it felt like home for me. Many minutes passed in this mutual silence until we walked up the stairs of one of the watchtowers looking over the city.

The very same I was told was G’raha’s favorite spot which transformed into mines as well.

From there we stared at the Crystal Tower. A wave of nostalgia filled me, yes it was reminiscent of the night before we ventured into the void. It seemed he too reached the same thought, if the wistful gaze towards the tower was any indication.

“Thank you for seeing me so late, my friend.”

“No trouble.” I waved off, “It’s the least I can do. You’re the other half why we celebrated my nameday.”

He settled into a smile then. He took some breaths, setting his eyes towards me once more. There was a different air around us. Something set by the wealth of changes both of us had gone through from that night on the Eight Sentinels.

“I cannot help to feel like the young man from then being like this.” he admitted.

He grabbed something from his robes before pressing it into my hands. It was a small box, I realized. I blinked at the container before looking up at him once more. A smattering of a blush across his face as he absently scratched at his crystallized cheek.

“Before you can protest, I wanted to at least give you a gift. The others may have prohibited my involvement with planning but they said nothing of gifts.”

I frowned at him slightly before setting out another sigh. I reluctantly accepted the box and opened it. For a solid moment I was stilled from shock. My eyes settled on the item quickly glancing at him before looking back down at the item once more.

“If I could, I would give all of myself for you. But I hope this is enough.”

I couldn’t help the full on blush creeping onto my skin. Very few moments in life now catch me genuinely off guard, this was one of them. Was he-? I shook my head. He couldn’t have. He knew now of my situation.

“Raha,” I began to say in a firm tone, “It’s a ring.”

“Yes, it is.”

“But it’s a ring.” I say again.

His brows knitted close, thinking of my statement. It must have been a full minute before they rose, his ears rising too. That blush bloomed as he came close to being just as red as part of his hair.

“Oh...no.” he finally said, “Oh! I-I had only meant that I wished to fight by your side more. To help more than I had prior. I did not mean-that isn’t to say that what I feel for you isn’t similar but...Ah! Forget I said that!”

I watched as he fretted about his words. He seemingly confessed more than he intended. Seeing him so brought a chuckle out of me, rising until it was a full laugh. Tears started rolling down my face at him. He noticed my state, frowning a little but eventually joining in the laughs too.

“I’m sorry,” I said between fits of laughter, “I am not laughing at you. Just, I missed this.”

The sounds of our joined laughs kept on for quite a while. When it settled enough we both were sitting on the ground. As I regained my composure, I put the ring on my index finger. It was a perfect fit. I was a bit suspect how exactly my ring size was known so readily. But that would be a question for another time. It was slight, but I felt the hidden power behind the jewelry. It was simple; something that actually fit with what I preferred in my gear. I slung an arm around his shoulders and brought him close to my side. I felt him stiffen at the touch, eventually relaxing into it.

“Thank you Raha. For everything.”

I touched at my heart with my free hand.

I released my arm from his shoulder and hugged my knees to my chest. I let out a small breath as I looked towards the Crystal Tower once more.

“You called me your inspiration. But I feel the opposite is true as well.” I confessed.

He turned to look at me, eyes widening in shock.

“I had decided I was going to work harder so that when you awoke, the realm would be far better than the state it was when you slept. Even as the weight of the path became heavy to bear at times. You had inspired me to keep going even if I felt less than adequate for the task. I have Her Blessing, but when you strip that away what else is the-ah. Forgive me, you called me out here and here I am unloading my burdens.”

“No! No, please. Continue, I want to hear it all. I feel honored that you trust me with your burdens my friend.”

It took a moment but I nodded. Hearing him call me his friend made it easier. Whether it was the atmosphere around us or the realization I was older now made it easier to give words to these thoughts.

“Some times I think if I did not have Hydaelyn’s blessing, what else is there to me? I see the people I fight with and wonder how I found myself into their fold. I’m not as smart as Urianger and Y’shtola. I cannot gather information like Thancred can. I barely know how to broker diplomatic relationships like Alphinaud. And Alisaie, she goes to her convictions with such zeal that I can’t even began to imitate. Even Ryne, as new as she was, has taken to the legacy she inherited and molded it into her own self. I look at all of them and then look at myself.”

G’raha did not say anything for a long time. I feared that I had said too much for him. I did not want anyone else to feel guilt over these words. I heard the shuffle of him standing up and moving. It wasn’t for long before he stood over me, looking intently into my eyes. He seemed to glow with the back light of the night sky and the Crystal Tower’s illumination.

“That might quite possibly be true.” he conceded, “You do not have quite the same extensive qualities the other Scions do. But are you aware of what you do have? Kindness, a readiness to help others on your own accord. Oh how I hear about your praises all around the city. Your knowledge of topics may not be as vast, but you acknowledge it and try to make an effort to expand it. Whenever the others report while you are resting, nary any report goes by without some mention of the gratitude of what your presence brings to the table. You have an inner strength Ami. An inner strength so beautiful and shining that it draws others towards you. It drew me towards you, it was how I knew you would be remembered by all walks of life my dearest friend. That is something that was never blessed upon you, it’s always there and can never be stripped away. Remember that when the weight of your burdens become too much.”

I fell silent at his words as it pulled at my chest. I was almost ready to cry. To hear those words so fervently. Somewhere within I should have known this. But I hadn’t and it took this to realize it. His hands reached out and touched at my cheeks, wiping the stray tears away. His expression softened.

“No tears. Your partners would be quite displeased if I returned you in such a state.”

I laughed lightly as I rose from my seat. I nodded to myself before gathering G’raha into an embrace. The little mewl of surprise did not escape my ears and only spurned me to use my physical strength to lift him up a touch off the ground.

“Thanks Raha.” I said again, “My dearest friend. Thank you.”

[4res]

i just need to get this into words

to take the Gods at face value is to take all humans at their ego and face value!

i woke up this morning thinking heavily about Apollo, , then realizing i had a lot on my mind about the old Gods. i want to share here in case anyone finds this post somewhere deep in the digital archives at any time in the future..

i have dove deeply into hellenistic polytheism, as i have dove into so many other paths of faith and spiritual truth on my journey into the heart. i came across a couple strings of posts that were discussing why traditional greek religion may have disappeared.. and a thread poster said this: 

“ Noone really believes that the 12 Gods live on top of Mt Olympus or that Poseidon lives underwater but they try to keep the tradition going. It's like saying "no god really exists, why should I follow the Orthodox tradition (weddings, baptisms and all that)?I always wondered why the ancient Greeks who believed it more seriously didn't just visit the top of Mount Olympus? “

ever since i read this paragraph it has sat with me in profound ways. mostly because there seems to be a multi-level misunderstanding of God energy and Intellect.. . ...

this might be a long read but if youd like to join me.. 

i both am HERMES when i am lost and i am also calling on him!

i both am ARES when i am angry and i am also calling on him!

.........

when Christians say the word “God” to you, do you picture an old white-skinned man sailing around the clouds, casting down judgement like a distant parental figure? 

when i say the word “Apollo” to you, do you picture a handsome olive-skinned man riding around the heavens in his fire chariot to raise and lower the sun? 

what do you picture if i breathed the word “Ares” into the air in front of me, or what about “Goddess Durga”? 

imagine if you were approached on the street by someone who told you “buddhists say that the buddha is everywhere. go lift that boulder and surely hell be under it like he said!” it is the exact same thing as implying the 12 sit on the mount literally, or that christ can be found in israel..

 in fact, one of the temptations of Christ by the Devil was appealing to an easy but dangerous intellectual weakness/understanding of God, and he said this to Christ: “

 “If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

(if you dont follow christianity allow me to briefly explain: the Devil was telling Christ that if he was truly the son of God, that when God said to Jesus that hed never cast his foot against stone and be harmed, that surely that meant that if Christ flung himself off the hillside that angels would charge in to not let him hit the ground)

this same nightmare of an intellectual take on spiritual BLESSINGS and WORKS sets MASSIVE traps for the young explorers or depressed believers looking for proof - the mind would have you look LITERALLY at faiths where there exists almost nothing but METAPHYSICALLY

i am really deeply confused when people look on at God though an intellectual understanding of “God” so much so that it confines the expansiveness and endless awareness into a mortal form with a name that they believe the Gods would have had to use in order to meddle with our affairs 

to the point to where their visual dynamics, name, and sexy gritty stories become like golden calves that stand between us and a Truthful understanding of their Blessed Essence - that whether or not they once had skin like me doesnt even matter - what matters is the same thing that matters in humans - the SOUL and God Essence within all of us . to take the Gods in an EGOIC/face value is to take your fellow friend and human at an egoic and face value... .. 

any fucking way im so worked up! but please let me keep going!

if you read the odyssey closely, you can see that the ancient greek people were very faithful and looked to God to be the cause of everything!! when odysseus is stuck on his island, everyone around him is referencing “Posideons wrath” for the stormy seas and how Zeus must have been upset with Posideon, otherwise he would have already freed odysseus.. 

you can almost directly see this does not literally mean “morpheus is fighting neo” and that zeus and posideon are about to get into it..!!

this means that when the ancient faithful believers looked at the storming sea and thought: gods.. what an angry spirit in those waves. the oceans storming seas and spirit have cost us so many lives. if god were listening to us then surely he would have saved our missing and fallen brothers by now!” which is ironically almost exactly what the conversation between the gods is like in the opening of the odyssey...

posideon IS the storming SEA! hermes IS the lost traveler and the faithfully guided! ares IS the WAR and PROTECTION! the gods do not grow EGO and become characters that perform acts. they ARE the acts being performed. 

i both am hermes when i am lost and i am also calling on him!

i both am ARES when i am angry and i am also calling on him!

i both am HESTIA when i am protecting my home and i am also calling on her!

because God is NOT literal! God is within me and you and every single thing mundane or not.. there is nothing that hermes isnt, or that Goddess Durga isnt!

i do not EGOICALLY think “look at me im hermes!” i think “i am hermes.. and so is that wind, and so is that turtle, and so is that bird, and so is that letter i need to send to my family..”

----

SEEING signs of God like Hawks, Storming Seas, a warm oven, Seeing the MAGIC of basic and beautiful life and understanding the God flow behind it ---> deciding to depict them visually 

modernly, its nearly backwards.. we look on like this:

visual depiction --> trying to open ourselves into seeing the magic of the every day.. which leaves us feeling so CLOSED and like we are trying to call OUT to someone when all we need to do is call IN!! 

Truth waits for eyes unclouded by longing my friend.. the gods did not leave. they did not “GO” anywhere - where are they going to go? where does someone who exists in EVERYTHING... GO? 

if you think the gods can leave, or die, or just vanish then you think of the gods egoically. they are always there.. waiting.. for the day the curtain is peeled back for us.. ... for the day we meet them in our hearsts

Bruh . .. lol ......... im losing it. if youre reading this.. thank you. from the bottom of my hermes, christ, buddha, great virgin mary heart.. 

i kiss u! 

my cheeks are red apollo is here im fucking lit lets go !?? 

if you made it here please tell me. youre the new greek champion ! 

[rachetmath]

RWBY: Life Part 9

The new day came to dawn as Jaune made the last two hours home, however he wasn’t as excited to come back considering his friendly little warning of what will happen when got there. But nevertheless, Jaune was willing face the consequences, however they may be. As he sees the house just right in front him, he notices someone was waiting for him. He was middle-aged man, with a red cape, black pants and dress shoes, and white coral shirt, that man was Qrow Branwen, Ruby and Yang’s uncle, who was sitting on the third and final step of the front door. Jaune took a deep breath before walking all the way towards him and stopping first step.

Qrow: Hey, kid.

Jaune: Hello Qrow.

Qrow: Sit.

Jaune did exactly as Qrow asked of him, mainly because the sound of Qrow’s voice didn’t imply the conversation was going to be bad, but Jaune was being very cautious to not make him mad. Jaune was about to sit on the first step but Qrow point out he wanted him to sit beside him.

Qrow: So how was your trip with Mercury?

Jaune: Um…

Qrow: Did you finish it?

Jaune: Well-

Qrow: Alright let me be clear. Did you kill him?

Jaune: Um…

Jaune stares into Qrow’s red eyes, fully aware that if he tries lie then he’s dead.

Jaune: *sigh* No, I didn’t.

Qrow: Now tell me why should I believe you?

Jaune: I don’t expect you to believe me. I know what I did.

Qrow went silent a bit while Jaune just continues to stare for the long run.

Qrow: Okay, now let’s say I believe you, why?

Jaune: Well simply I *voice softens up* pity them.

Qrow: What?

Jaune: I *voice softens up again* pity them.

Qrow: Speak louder.

Jaune: I PITY THEM OKAY!

Qrow: *confused and a little shocked*

Jaune: Sorry… it’s still frustrating as all.

Qrow: So, you showed mercy. How come?

Jaune: They were like me, people who no one cared for, and like Ren and Nora, they had to survive on their own. Personally, at first, I didn’t give a damn about them. But after seeing Mercury and how he far he was willing to go to save Emerald, it reminded me of myself. I was desperate to have Pyrrha safe, so I called Ruby and Weiss, telling them where Pyrrha was, and when I heard of her passing… I was sad, furious, and wanted justice on Cinder and the rest of her crew. That’s how my journey began. But as I progressed, I realized I only made wrong choices, choices that almost got one us killed, to go missing even causing us to go to prison or be wanted criminals. Back to subject at hand thou, the moment I saw Emerald and how bad of a condition Cinder left her in-

Qrow: Wait Cinder injured one of her own?

Jaune: Yes, but I didn’t bother asking for the details. Anyways, I knew those two may have to be the most innocent out all the people we fought so far. Afterwards, I became hesitant, wondering if what I was willing to do was truly right. Until an old man gave me his wisdom and I made the choice. I let them go.

Qrow after hearing Jaune’s story, reading his lips, his behavior pattern, and the fact, Jaune look at him in the eye the whole time while explaining, he felt he was telling the truth but he needed to ask Jaune one more question before he drops it.

Qrow: Do you regret your choice?

Jaune: Maybe, a little, but…

Qrow: But?

Jaune: I think I can live with it. As long as I get to stay as I am then I’m fine with it.

Qrow: Good. *turns to the door* You guys got that!?

Jaune confused, turn to the door behind, only to see it open with everyone staring at him. Jaune nervously stood up and walk towards all of them, ready to face punishment.

Jaune: Hey everyone.

Everyone silent.

Jaune: Look, I-I know, I did wrong… and I know you guys might not want me around, so if that’s the case then-

Ruby: Jaune.

Jaune responds to Ruby voice.

Ruby *hugging him with a smile *: I’m so happy you’re back.

Weiss *followed Ruby’s lead along with Blake and Yang*: You had us worried, you moron.

Blake: Don’t go running off like that again.

Jaune: You’re one to talk.

Yang: *sigh* Welcome home.

Jaune: Thanks.

Jaune see Ren standing beside Maria, nervous to see him, Jaune walks inside the house and approaches.

Jaune: Hey.

Ren: Hello.

Jaune and Ren went silent.

Jaune: Look Ren-

Ren cuts Jaune off, getting in to a hug.

Ren: I’m so glad you’re back, and… you’re still you.

Jaune returns his hug.

Jaune: Yeah, it’s good to be back.

Ren looks at Maria, who was smiling at them, and was also happy to see Jaune okay.

Maria: Guess he proved himself worthy of your loyalty. Right?

Ren: Thank you.

Jaune was happy to be back and to still have everyone’s friendship, but that smile soon turned into a frown when notices one person wasn’t amongst them.

Jaune: Ren? How’s Nora?

Everyone including Ren were frighten to hear her name and tried not talk about it. However, Oscar did not want it to be secretive.

Oscar: Nora has been in our room laying on your bed. She was heart broken that you left, she didn’t even want to move away from it, and through your absents, all she did was cry even while sleeping. Thus far nothings able to get her up.

Jaune: Except me. Right Ren?

Ren: Well tactically yes but-

Jaune: Relax, I was ready for whatever punishment the moment I came back.

Ren: But Jau-

Jaune: Ren. Oscar. I need to tell you something, but I also want to talk to Nora, however I need to know more to this issue. What’s been going on with Nora?

Ren was silent, he didn’t want Jaune to feel bad than he already was, but he wants Nora to feel better. Decisions. Decisions.

Maria: *cough*

Ren notices Maria.

Maria: Remember, have faith.

Ren stares back at Jaune, and caves in. He ask Jaune to sit down, and told everyone except Oscar to leave. When they were alone Ren took a deep breath and said-

Ren: Well, it’s not that long of a story.