#tomorrow is too booked up for chores--I told my friend I wanted to hang out with them this weekend

[random2908]

I started by telling myself I shouldn't feel bad that I didn't get all my planned chores done: Saturday is a rest day, and we've just finished three weeks of crunch at work. (Next week might also be crunch but probably not; the product ships at the end of the week but we should be in good enough shape already.)

But then I realized: I ran three errands in the morning, and did three chores in the evening--even if one of the chores was just "cook a healthy dinner" and two of the chores were banking-related on a website. (But one involved sending text messages, and one involved an actual phone call to customer service, so I can't even really say they were just on a website.) That's six things I got done on a rest day. I may have overscheduled by saying I'd do at least eight things, but still, six things is very good.

[0rea10]

Good Times

In this blog, I share about my experiences during our semester break. I really enjoyed it and I hope you will enjoy reading it too!

I woke up late today, as usual After I got up, I went ahead and eat my breakfast. like my usual routine I fixed my bed and since I felt a bit sticky and weird, I immediately showered I felt so refreshed after that! I had nothing else to do afterwards so I just watched on our TV. Of course, I had lunch, and it was okay. I did some chores afterwards and like I said earlier, I had nothing to do so after doing my chores, I watched some Korean TV shows. And after that, I had dinner and slept.

Of course, I woke up late, again. This only happens when its weekends or know I have no class, I don't know why. And just now my goes, I eat breakfast, which is usually cereal. sometimes it's bacon and other limes its egg. Anyway, after that, I fix my bed and shower. I had come chores to do so I did it after I showered, and my mom told me “Good job!"' like always. I was a bit hungry after I finished and thankfully our lunch was ready. I don" know if I was just hungry or not but the food was delicious.

As usual, I woke up late had breakfast, and fired the bed. I was just about to do my chores out my friends suddenly came to our house and said we were gonna go to Claire’s house, who is another one of my friends, so I asked my mom for permission, and she said okay so we commuted our way to her house. In we bought some r ice cream on the way as a snack. We basically just do random stuff like playing, watching, and cooking. We watched some cringey musical stuff and sang. we didn't have lunch, so we just cooked some spam and ate it with rice. And alas, we had to say our goodbyes, but we still have a hangout planned tomorrow to too so what I said earlier was a bit like the usual routine I eat breakfast, fix the bed, and shower. Remember the hangout I mentioned? I just checked my messenger and apparently Claire is going to the Bambanti Festival today, so her dad said that we should go with them so we still can hang out with each other. And her dad suggested it so who am I to refuse? So, I immediately asked my mom for permission, showered and changed my clothes. I waited for them to come pick me up and after a while they came, and I got in their car. Throughout the trip we just talked about random stuff until we were at the Sky Park in Ilagan, where the festival is usually held. After we got out of the car, the first thing we did was take a picture. We then went to the booths and checked them out, and my favorite was Cordon’s booth! I really liked the vibe and concept of their booth; it was unique! Me and my friends just walked around the place since the only thing you can do there is sightseeing, eating, and watch a concert at night.

We got hungry after a while, so we bought some snacks and walked around again. Soon after that, they got bored and started playing on my iPad. Claire’s dad was calling us to eat pancit Cabagan, so we tried to find it and we did but my other friend, Grace got lost for a while but fortunately, she found us. While we were eating at Claire’s dad got us a book about Isabela, containing some stuff about animals, places, and such. But Claire’s dad only asked us about the animals there like, their scientific names. Me and Nicole, who is also my friend, decided to share the same plate since we knew we couldn’t finish it on our own. We bought some stuff on the way to Claire’s house, we decided to stop by for dinner at her house. We also had to ask our parents to let us have dinner at Claire’s place, which wasn’t really that hard. While we were eating at Claire’s dad asked us if we wanted to have a sleepover here or were gonna go home after eating because, if so, then he’ll prepare in advance. So, we asked our parents for permission. Well for me, it was slightly hard to but through it all, I ended up having my first ever sleepover! After dinner we decided to go to their backyard and decided to play Marco and Polo. We had lots of fun and after that, we also played the game Mafia in Claire’s room. While we were playing, Claire’s dad knocked on the door and Claire asked who it was to which he replied to as “your snack giver” it was a pretty funny response, but we were mostly overjoyed because we had midnights snacks. We continued playing but we also watched “Our mighty yaya” before sleeping. We slept at around 3 AM and surprisingly woke up at around 7 AM. Our breakfast was delicious! it was shabu-shabu made by an attorney himself! He’s Claire’s dad. Convince my dad but since I am 13 now, he gave it a thought and asked some weird questions.

I told my mom that I was gonna go home after breakfast, but they extended it until lunch because my friends wanted to spend more time. We also played again after breakfast and finally had lunch. We went home together and when I got home, I immediately showered because I didn’t bring any extra clothes there. But after that, I did my chores, and my family was gonna go there but I was too tired to go so I stayed home with my cousin-in-law who is probably around her 20’s. She had three kids, two of them being boys, while the youngest one is a girl, who is currently 2 years old. The youngest one, Ryah, is very chaotic and she likes cats, like really like cats. She would scream and laugh when she saw a cat. I was also on a video call with my dad, and she kept messing with my iPad for some reason. Anyway, my family finally got home after a few hours, and I drank some hot chocolate before sleeping.

I woke up early today, like around quarter to 6 AM which is surprising considering I’m not in the dorms right now. But I slept again and woke up then ate breakfast and of course, fixed my bed. I don’t have any chores to do today so I just lazed around watching and playing badminton with my little sister. Since I had nothing else to do, I showered my dog, who is blind. His breed is Shih Tzu, and they have large eyes, so it was bulging out one day and we had to take him to the vet and after he got treated, he was blind. And this super common when it comes to Shih Tzu’s so, now you know.

Today is the second to last day of our semester break, so I helped my sister do the laundry, mostly just hanging the clothes but at least I helped. So anyway, as usual my breakfast was cereal, no surprise. Lunch was pretty okay but I always liked our dinner more. Since I wanted to spend more time with family, I did some activities that included us bonding with each other. I also hung out with my friends and bought some afternoon snack at a café which what we used to do after school during our elementary days. And finally, dinner, my favorite time of the day. They usually asked what we want for dinner which for me, I can’t decide on what I want to eat unless someone gives me options, but I can say for sure tuna is my favorite food, specifically Century Tuna.

[halaboyz]

–– BOOK // SAN.

pairing: non-idol! san x gn! reader genre: fluff word count: 2.7k warnings: profanities, poorly written, no more that i know of

“hongjoong, is the book back?” you hesitantly ask, giving your friend, the librarian- hongjoong, an apologetic smile. 

“hey y/n..” he reflected your smile, “sorry. it still isn’t,” he pouts at you, scanning the borrowed books log sheet. 

you sigh and throw your head back, growing frustrated.

you see, there’s one book series you’ve been reading and it’s been exactly one month since you’ve last read the second book of the series. the next book, harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban, is still yet to be returned.

“come on,” you groan, throwing a fit in front of hongjoong. “don’t you have another copy for that? the other library is miles away and i really, really want to finish the series soon,” 

“okay, first of all,” hongjoong chuckled. “the harry potter series is hella expensive, y/n. second, just wait for it then, i know who borrowed it, i’ll just tell them off for you,” he winks, patting your forehead lightly with a book.

“who is it anyway? i’d love to tell them off myself,” you huffed, raising your eyebrow.

“it’s choi san,” hongjoong laughs when your face scrunched, “you don’t know him, do you?” you shake your head, “he’s a friend of mine. i’ll make sure to make him give it back to you the moment i tell him, okay? now go back home, it’s getting kind of late and i have a date,” he winks, leaving you all pouty on the reception table.

after throwing a few glances at the books in front of you, you decided to go home after giving hongjoong a small wave. 

reminiscing the small bits of the second book of harry potter to stop yourself from forgetting it, you have already arrived in your apartment to see tons of boxes beside yours. 

“oh,” the landlady opens her door to take out some trash just in time, smiling at you. “yeah, you’ll have a new neighbor! he was in a rush and instantly got that room a while ago so i didn’t have time to tell you.”

“it’s okay, i’m not much of a socializer myself,” you share a chuckle, and after a small talk, you finally let her do her chores and you finally enter your house, after taking another glance at all of the boxes in front of your neighbor’s door.

wouldn’t hurt to say your greetings tomorrow.

“fuck, fuck, fuck,” you continued to mumble under your breath, grabbing everything insight that you could think you needed.

you started scrambling around your flat when you woke up late, caused by your alarm not going off. 

“holy mother of god!” you exclaim the moment you step out of the doors, broad shoulders and wide chest greeting you. you gasp exaggeratedly, looking up to meet the man’s eyes.

you gasp for the second time, swallowing the lump on your throat that stops you from forming words. the man in front of you anxiously smiles, his dimples showing making your knees weak. 

“uh, hi,” he mumbles, tiptoeing and pressing his lips to a thin line. 

“hi!” you unintentionally squeal, widening your eyes. “mmh, hello.” you regain your composure, smiling at him, “you’re my new.. neighbor!” 

“yeah!” he gave off the same amount of excitement, grinning at you and it may be early, too early to gawk at him and say you’d grown a little crush on your new, cute but at the same time, very very hot neighbor.

“holy fucking shit,” you mumble as you felt your phone vibrating, a call incoming from probably one of your friends to remind you that you.. “i have a class in five fucking minutes,” you gear yourself to run, patting him in the arm, “i’ll see you again! bye!” you wave your hands as you look back at him, already forming an apology to the professor for being late.

“what the fuck did you do that you’re late for almost half an hour?” yunho drags you to your seat, your readied apology faded away as you managed to sneak into an available seat yunho saved beside him.

“my alarm didn’t go off,” you quickly mumble, taking your book and notes out of your bag,

“sucks to be you,” yunho sighs, watching you with squinted eyes.

“oh hell no, i love today, even.” you smirk at him, leaning closer to whisper. “my new neighbor.. is hot. one hundred percent hot, another hundred percent cute,” you quietly squeal, hitting your friend’s arm.

“stop, it hurts,” yunho grasps your arm, making you attend to the class going on. “fangirl later, listen first,” yunho winks, and you smile at him in excitement, feeling good even though your day started shitty.

“so.. how’s he again?” yunho sits in front of you with his food tray, giddily waiting for you. “are you finally getting a partner? oh my god,” 

“okay well, first, like i said- how can someone be so hot and cute at the same fucking time?” you rhetorically ask, taking a bite of your own food. “his shoulders- woah,” you gasp, “it’s,” you try to imitate the measurement of the man’s shoulders with your hands, “...so wide,” you almost growled, and yunho almost choked laughing at you.

“what’s his name?” yunho asks the million-dollar question, making you gasp for the nth time today.

“i didn’t get it,” you shrink on your seat, pouting. “i’d see him again anyway, there’s no rush.”

“yeah, you can get it later,” yunho assures, rubbing your hand. “by the way, have you gotten the book?” 

just when you thought you had your day going well, you frowned at the sound of book again. 

“i still haven’t,” you scrunched your nose, “fucking choi san and his slow reading,”

“oh, choi san?” yunho perks from his seat, interested. “he’s a friend,”

“of course he is, hongjoong and you are friends, of course, the social butterfly is friends even with hongjoong’s friends,” you snicker playfully, finishing your food to head out to the library once again.

“oh, y/n!” hongjoong excitedly greets you with a light hug, and seeing him all jumpy with you made you excited too.

“is it back? is it back?” you poke his side, jumping.

“no! but the one who borrowed it is here! right timing,” he leads you to a shelf of books and seeing the familiar back and broad shoulders, you gasp, and you could only imagine the amount of oxygen you have inhaled today.

“you?!” you immediately frowned, unintentionally shouting which made hongjoong cover your mouth. 

the man in question turns his tense body to you, sees your familiar face, and instantly smiles. 

“oh hey! i just realized i didn’t get your na-,”

“choi san.” you said through gritted teeth, “where the hell is the book?!” you questioned right away, pushing his shoulder.

san shifts his eyes to you and hongjoong, begging for help.

“w-what book..” he slouches, as if it made him smaller beside you.

“hongjoong!” you whined, turning back to hongjoong. “you still haven’t told him?” huffing, you get the box of the harry potter series and showed him the missing part, pushing the book on his chest.

“oh! the prisoner of azkaban book!” he enlivens for a second before he faces you, the smile instantly drops. you get a glance at his dimple and you just need to.. raise your finger and.. poke.

san stops on what he’s doing, frozen. same as hongjoong, frozen but concealing his laugh as he stared at the both of you.

just a minute later have you realized that you indeed, poked his.. dimple.  

fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck..

your nose twitches, tightening your jaw, and presses on his cheek further.

“you! where the hell is the prisoner of azkaban?!” you say through gritted teeth, only craning your neck after a few seconds of processing your words.

“probably in jail?” san mutters, trying to lighten the atmosphere with his smile again and you thank the gods you haven’t taken your finger off his cheek as you felt his dimple slowly showing.

you clicked your tongue, and you could finally hear hongjoong laughing to his heart’s content. seeing your jaw dropped, hongjoong finally makes his way to detach you from the tense man.

“cut the man some slack, y/n,” he chuckles, “he’s packed,”

packed.. like? packed body?

“time, y/n, time.” hongjoong, as if reading your mind, smirked at you. “he borrowed it last time he visited, now that he moved here after a heartbreak, you’ll be able to get it soon,” he pats your arm, nodding at san. “right, san?” 

san nods delightedly, shifting his eyes to you and hongjoong.

“yeah, and apparently he moved beside mine too,” you mumbled, rolling your eyes but can’t help feeling happy at the fact that you’ll be seeing san around more.

“that’s nice then! you’re friends with my friends here,” hongjoong pointed at you, “we should hang out sometime! all together!” hongjoong clapped, thrilled at the plans he had made himself.

“only if he gives me back the book,”

“i can give it to you later!” san beams, jumping on his place with a big, big smile. 

“now, why don’t you guys head home for today?” hongjoong bites his lip to suppress his smile, pushing the both of you out of the library.

you glared at san and he instantly flinches, you had started to walk home.

“hey, uh,” san catches up with you, fiddling with his hands. “sorry about the book,”

you stopped on your tracks, squinting your eyes at him.

“you’re lucky you’re cute.” you hiss, craning your neck at him.

san immediately freezes and feels his cheeks warm, a small smile crawling up his lips.

at least i didn’t say you’re hot.

you thought, beating yourself inside.

“thanks.. i guess..” san muttered, looking down to hide his smile.

you chuckle, reaching your hand out.

“we haven’t properly introduced yet,” you smile, “i’m y/n.” san shakes your hand introducing himself back. “so.. a heartbreak?” you started walking again, san beside you.

“hongjoong’s such a chatterbox,” he sighs, then he glances at you, giving a small smile. “mutual breakup, that is,” he slowly nods, heaving a deep breath.

“ah.. sorry,” you quickly muttered, pressing your lips to a thin line.

“no need to, it’s just..” he tries to find words, “really nothing. we both felt like drifting apart and i think that’s completely normal!” he defended a pitch higher, making you jump.

“okay then, normal!” you assured, leaning back unconsciously.

“sorry..” he mumbles and you hum in response, a small laugh escaping your lips. “it’s been almost a year and i just found the company of my friends really enticing so when they asked me to move here, i didn’t hesitate,” he explains further, and you nod at him, pursing your lips.

silence engulfed the both of you again until you’ve arrived in your flats, stopping you. “do you want to go inside and have a drink? i’ll bring you the book,” he smiles, offering. “i mean, if you’re still uncomfortable i can just give you the book right now, right now!” his high voice made you burst into a fit of chuckles, and you could only smile at him.

“i would love a drink, san,” you nod.

he welcomes you with the biggest smile and a dimple, offering you to sit on the couch while you wait for him. you look around his flat, loving the warmth it emitted even if there are still unpacked boxes in the corner and the fact that he just moved in.

“i love it here,” before you could stop your running mouth, san had already stopped in front of you with your drinks.

“please, you’re welcome anytime.” san feels butterflies in his stomach, but he isn’t going to tell you that. at least, not yet. 

it’s too early.

you didn’t know if he meant it platonically, but you could almost feel your heart beating out of your ribcage. you simply smiled, taking his offered drink. 

“let me just get the book.. out,” he sighs, taking a box out of the corner and rummaging through others. 

you peeked curiously, gasping yet once more, to see at least five boxes full of books.

“what.. the hell,” you mumble, letting your fingers trail over the piles and piles of books. “are these all yours?”

“yeah, though i haven’t read all of it,” he chuckles, “i just have a terrible hold of myself when buying books that get my interest so.. here we are,” he waves his hands in front of the boxes. “ah, let me show you something,” he drags you to a room, and if you think you’ve gasped enough for today, this was something more to gasp on.

“you.. have a whole ass library.. on your apartment..” you mumbled, letting your feet wander around as san watched you admirably, leaning on the doorsill with his arms crossed over his chest. there are already books on the shelf, the boxes in the living room with unpacked books long forgotten as if a spell was onto you the moment you have entered this room.

the instant san realized he’s been staring at you too much, he perked on his position and walked back to the living room, finding the prisoner of azkaban.

“here!” san holds the book and pushes himself up, only to stumble back after meeting your frail body being so close to him. after san left you in the room, you had caught a glimpse of him leaving so you followed him, not wanting to overuse his welcoming presence of letting you wander in his own house.

peeking over his shoulder, you watched him rummage through the boxes until he found it, not expecting him to jump hastily and bump in your body, making you tumble. san’s hands were faster and immediately took ahold of your waist, balancing you.

“i’m sorry!” he quickly removes his hands after you stand up, handing you the book.

“it’s okay, you practically saved me from banging on a sharp corner,” you giggled, pouting to point at the sharp edge of his coffee table. you flip to the pages of the book, getting your things. “since i already got what i want,” you faced him, “i should get going. i don’t want to disturb you too much,” 

san was too preoccupied busy calming his heart with what just happened.

“sure,” he mumbles, walking you to your door with his hands tucked in his pockets. because if not, he’ll probably be fidgeting with it. 

“thank you again, i’ll see you around san,” you smiled at him, and san almost swooned at the way his name flowed out of your lips.

“uh, y/n,” he calls out before you close your door, 

“yeah?” you bite the insides of your cheek to stop your growing smile, looking at him expectantly.

“y’know..” san anxiously bites on his lower lip, “as you may have seen, i have tons and tons and tons,” he drags the last word, explaining it with his hands making you chuckle, “..of books and.. it was really nice meeting you.. and uh,”

is this your way of telling me hey, y/n, you can come whenever you want, san?” you smirked slyly, waiting for him to respond. 

well, the only response you got is his wide eyes and red ears- and that was enough.

 “yeah.. i mean.. yeah.. that.. yeah,” he stutters, looking back at you with puppy eyes.

“i’d love to be your company, san. that would be very nice,” anyone could sense you liked each other, the small smiles and the anxious fidgeting of fingers giving it away. 

“even if it takes me forever to finish those books?” he raises his eyebrows, a smile finally settled in his face as his dimples showed again.

“even if it takes forever,” you much him, winking. 

maybe it was early, too early.. but the both of you can’t help liking each other. is it what they call love at first sight?

you don’t know, but you were certain you did like the man the moment you closed your door, staring at the harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban on your hands, continuous chuckles coming out of your lips.

and san was certain he liked you too when he washed his face and looked at the mirror, his dimple faintly showing and reminiscing the incident awhile ago, in the library- making his dimple fully show, a light laugh bursting from within.

[avidreider]

okay, i’ll admit it. (Spencer Reid x Reader)

Summary: Reader confronts her boyfriend Spencer about her insecurities and his answer wasn’t what she was expecting.

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader 

This is my first go at fanfic, so let me know what you think if you choose to read!

CW: Just relationship insecurities, mild angst (with a happy ending), mentions of the deceased Maeve.

***not my gif***

You were ecstatic that you reached this milestone with your boyfriend, Spencer. Together for two whole years, that is something that no one was expecting from the genius who was usually unlucky when it came to romance. You were hopelessly in love with Spencer. I mean, why wouldn’t you be? He was everything that you ever dreamed of. Not that you guys didn’t argue; you were human, of course you did. It was usually about something minor and silly; you using up all of the hot water so that he had to take a cold shower, or him not doing the dishes or helping you clean your shared apartment until you nagged him into it, normal things that long-term couples argue about. Those arguments were ones that were resolved quickly. But for the past week (the week after your anniversary), you had been having deeper arguments that seriously needed resolved. It started Saturday night when he got home from a tough case. A man lost his girlfriend to a female suicidal unsub, which brought back all of his buried feelings about Maeve. You knew what happened with Maeve since Spencer was one of your closest friends before you began dating, but you never understood the severity of how it affected him. You personally didn’t see why it would affect him the way it did. He saw awful things everyday and even though he established a relationship with her, he had only met her once, and all they did was talk on the phone, write letters, and share information on their lives. He thought that he had lost Emily, who he cared for deeply and worked with every day, so it didn’t make much sense that Maeve’s death affected him more than Emily’s ‘death’ did. However, his team had notified you how badly he was hurt, so you made a conscious effort to never talk about Maeve with Spencer. Well, until Saturday.

“I don’t know why you nag me so much when I get home from a tough case, Y/N! I am only human, even though people joke that I must be a robot! I have feelings, and you would think that you of all people would try to tend to them!” Spencer had shouted at you after all you did was approach him several times to ask him to stop reading his book so that you two could cuddle on the couch.

“Spencer, you see terrible things all the time, and I try not to nag you when you get home, ever! I didn’t realize that seeking your attention and affection was such a bother to you!” you retorted.

“I don’t see how you can want my affection when I am so obviously thinking about a woman that I’ve loved and lost before our relationship began.” Spencer said, while not being able to look you in your eyes.

“Well apparently it isn’t that obvious, because I hadn’t known that you were thinking of her.” you said.

“Y/N...,” he began, “I’m reading the book that I told you she gifted to me. I told you about the case when I called you last night, which almost directly mirrors the events that led me to lose Maeve. How could it not be obvious that I’m thinking of her?” he asked.

“I am sorry that you are hurting right now. But the fact of the matter is, I am your girlfriend. Me. And I’m right here, and I’m alive.” you said weakly.

“That was incredibly insensitive, Y/N.”

“HOW?! How was that insensitive, Spencer?! It’s the truth! You met Maeve once! You only talked on the phone or in letters! You didn’t even know her. You knew whatever she told you, but that’s the extent of it. You don’t know what type of person she was. Her ex ‘stalked her,’ so she claimed, but you don’t know if that is entirely true. She may have been crazy or a bad person just manipulating you! You didn’t live with her! You just don’t know! But I am right here, and you know me better than I know myself, or so I thought, and I love you! I’ve bought you books before, too, but you don’t obsess over them the way you obsess over that one! It doesn’t make sense to me, Spencer, am I not good enough for you?” you said as tears fell from your eyes.

“I can’t believe you,” Spencer muttered, totally unmoved by your tears. “I love Maeve more than anything in the world, Y/N. And you weren’t there, you aren’t in my head and you don’t know how I feel. You don’t have the right to question the depth of those feelings. And if you’re done belittling my dead girlfriend, I’m going to bed,” and with that, he went to the bedroom.

You couldn’t help but notice he didn’t assure you that you were good enough. You also noticed that he called Maeve his ‘girlfriend’ rather than his ‘ex.’ You chose to sleep on the couch that night.

The next morning, Spencer refused to be the one to break the silence. He truly thought that you were in the wrong for being so harsh when discussing Maeve, but he didn’t recognize the insecurity and pain that was reflected in your statement. So you spent the remainder of the weekend avoiding each other, and when he left for work on Monday, you decided to give him the cold shoulder just as he was doing to you. You didn’t answer his calls or texts, even though they were few and far between compared to how he normally does. 

They didn’t have a case all week, so they used the opportunity to catch up on the mountain of paperwork that had accumulated at the BAU, but Spencer was home well before dinner each night. On Wednesday night, he looked up from his book to you doing the dishes after a silent dinner, and asked “Are you just never going to talk to me again?” 

Your temper flared and you spit back, “Why would I? You told me that you love Maeve, but yet you haven’t told me that you love me since before you left for the last case. You act like I’m not good enough for you anymore. You said she was your ‘girlfriend,’ when I thought that I had that title. You’re over there reading that stupid book while I’m doing all the damn chores. So what exactly do you want me to say to you?” 

“I meant to say that I loved Maeve, Y/N. And she wasn’t even my girlfriend. That was just the best word I could think of to describe our relationship. And the book is not stupid.” 

“No, Spencer, the best way to describe your relationship would have been EX-girlfriend.” 

“The book isn’t stupid. Maybe you just don’t understand it.” 

“You’re right Spencer. I’m just too stupid to understand it, right?” 

“Y/N I didn’t mean---” 

“Oh don’t try to back track now, Spencer. You said what you felt, right? I’m just your stupid replacement apparently. I’m sorry that I can’t be more like Maeve for you,” and with that, you stormed out of the apartment. You weren’t sure where to go, so you wandered aimlessly, expecting Spencer to follow you. He didn’t. You ended up walking to Emily’s, and told her all about your fight with Spencer. 

“Y/N,” Emily said, “I think that you need to tell him how much it upsets you that he’s still hung up over Maeve. I know you are hurting, but he can’t read your mind.” You thought about her words as she drove you home. When you arrived, Spencer was already in bed. You slept on the couch yet again. 

On Thursday evening, you cooked dinner as usual, and did the dishes, as usual. You were feeling exhausted, so you got comfortable on the couch after the nightly chores were done. Spencer looked up from his desk and said, “Why don’t you sleep in the bedroom?” 

“Are you planning on sleeping out here, then?” you asked. 

“Y/N, we can still sleep in the same bed.” 

“Not if the whole time you’re wishing it was Maeve lying next to you rather than me.” 

Spencer actually closed the book as he looked up to you and spoke, “I have never wished it weren’t you. I just wish you weren’t so dramatic. The world doesn’t revolve around you, Y/N. I’m allowed to have thoughts about others.” 

“Okay, Spencer. You’re right. My feelings don’t matter,” you say through tears as you head toward the bedroom. “Oh, and by the way, Spence, my world DOES revolve around you. And I would never want you to feel this way.”

Spencer joins you in the bedroom after he thinks you’re asleep but he’s on the phone with someone. You try not to be obvious as you listen to the conversation. 

“I know, I know, I just wish she were a little more understanding. I do love her very much, and want a future with her, but it just seems like she’s angry that I had feelings for another woman before her... I hate not talking to her though. She’s my favorite part of the day... I hope she stops being mad at me soon... Okay, see you tomorrow, bye,” he hangs up as he crawls into bed. You feel somewhat guilty because you aren’t necessarily mad at him... You’re just upset. 

On Friday morning, you feel Spencer kiss you goodbye even though it’s obvious he still thinks you’re asleep. That melts your heart, so you decided that you needed to try to resolve things. You had the day off from the hospital, so you headed into the bullpen of the BAU, but as you do, you notice something that throws you off. Spencer was laughing and playfully ‘fighting’ with JJ. You knew that he had had a crush on her, but you thought it was in the past tense. But after what was before your eyes and the events that unfolded over the weekend, you weren’t so sure. He caught your eye and stopped his actions immediately. That only increased your suspicions. You approached him with the lunch you had brought for him and set it on his desk in front of him.

“Hi,” you said shyly.

“Hi. What’s this?” he questioned.

“I thought that I would bring you some lunch today. It’s from that new Thai restaurant. I hope you like it,” and with that, you decided it was best to just head back home.

He opened the bag and discovered that you had written him a letter.

Dear Spencer,

I am sorry about what I said over the past few days. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings or disrespect Maeve in any way. It’s just that I have been feeling really insecure lately, and I feel like you don’t love me the way that I love you. I know that your job is emotionally and physically exhausting, and I want to support you in any way that I can. But I have emotional needs too. You have barely wanted to even touch me this week, or even talk to me. And I’ve noticed that any time you read the book she gave to you, you seem to resent me or forget that I even exist. I understand that I am not as smart as you or that I’m not as pretty as what you deserve, but I do love you and would do anything to make you happy. I hope that you feel the same.

Guilt washed through Spencer as your words and actions began to make a lot of sense. He pulled out his phone to call you, but you didn’t answer. So he sent a text that read, “Hey sweetheart. I just read your letter. I am so sorry that you are feeling that way. Please come back so that we can have lunch together.”

Your response was simply, “I already ate,” even though that was a lie.

Spencer texted back, “Okay, well let’s go grab coffee or ice cream, or both if you want. :)”

“That’s okay Spencer, take JJ instead.”

He called again, and you quickly pushed decline. A frustrated sigh left his lips, and he pushed ‘call’ one more time.

This time, you answered, “What, Spencer?”

“Are you seriously upset that I was talking to JJ?”

“Not talking Spencer, flirting. You were flirting with JJ, and you know it. You think that I forgot that you were in love with her too? I am sorry that I am not enough for you, but maybe you should just dump me instead, okay?” and with that, you hung up.

He was angry with himself for not realizing why that felt that way. The way you had been acting all week was obviously because you felt insecure. You weren’t trying to hurt him, he realized, you were just hurt yourself. When Spencer came home, he saw you running around the house cleaning and putting away laundry. “Baby, can we talk?”

“Sure,” you replied while you were hanging up his work clothes.

“Do you want me to help with that?” he asked, as he pointed at the laundry basket. 

“I mean, they are YOUR clothes. You never seem to help me around the house though until I ‘nag’ you first, so you don’t have to help if it will be that big of an inconvenience for you.”

“Y/N, I am so sorry that I am hurting you. I guess I didn’t even realize that I was. I am so incredibly sorry.”

“Do you love me? Or do you love Maeve? Or JJ? I honestly can’t handle being a second, or I guess, third, option anymore.”

“There are different levels of love, baby. I used to have feelings for JJ, but I love her as if she were my sister. I did have a crush on her, but I also had a crush on you before I had you. And that’s a crush that never faded like the one with JJ did. And okay, I’ll admit it. I did love Maeve. I saw a future with her that I didn’t dream of before her. I felt like there were so many opportunities that were lost once she was gone. But you are my future now. Sometimes I do wish I could’ve saved her, not because I don’t love you, but because I failed to protect her. It was hard to adjust to life without her, but I did. But on the way home I was thinking about you. If I had lost you the way I lost her, there’s no way I could ever recover. If you had even left me because I’ve been neglecting your needs, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I also love my mom, of course, and I love my team. But, Y/N, I am so unconditionally and irreversibly in love with you. I am so sorry that you’ve been feeling insecure. But honey, you are so much more than enough for me; No woman in this world can hold a candle to you. You are brilliant, beautiful, funny, and so, so, sexy,” he adds as he plants kisses on your neck.

“I love you, Spence,” you say in between panting breaths.

“I love you more than anything, Y/N. And please, tell me what you want me to do and I’ll do it. I don’t want you to feel like this anymore. You want more help around the house? I’ll fold the laundry, I’ll do the dishes, I’ll vacuum. I will never again say no to cuddling after a case. I wanna give you the world, baby.”

“You’ll do ANYTHING?” you ask. Spencer nodded.

“Can we go get that ice cream now?” you asked with a smile.

Spencer gave you a chaste kiss and replied, “I’ll get the keys.”

This was my first time writing fanfic so I’m sorry if it was bad but I got the idea and had to write it down. If you read it let me know what you think!

[strawberry-jammers]

choir and kisses

a niki x reader school au, where there in choir together and have a project to work on. maybe they kiss? maybe

this baisically inspired my school au tbh

masterlist

Niki sat in her choir class, exhausted from her previous class. The kids were just too much to be around and didn't have the mental strength to deal with them sometimes. She opened her choir folder, putting it on her stand.

“Yo niki, you good?'' Wilbur says, sitting down next to her. “I'm fine, but Wilbur, you're not in this class. I thought you were in orchestra.” she answers, looking at the tall man. “I am, I just don't have a class right now so I decided to visit you.” niki nodded. “Oh right, seniors have free hours sometimes.” he nodded at niki’s statement, opening his phone. “Texting sally?” niki asks, making Wilbur blush. “No no I'm not.” niki laughs, turning to the front of the room when the bell rings.

“Alright everyone, we will be doing a group project today! Your gonna do a presentation of a musical and then sing a duet together! Your partners are posted on google classroom.” niki opened her phone, seeing who she was partnered with. Wilbur just sighed, staring at niki. “Mind if i hang with you and your partner?” wilbur asks. Niki nodded. “Yeah its fine. Seems like I'm partnered with your sibling!” wilbur just started laughing. “What are you laughing at?” he calmed down slightly. “It's just that you have the biggest crush on them, it's gonna be so funny.” niki blushed. “I don't have a crush on them! We’re friends, I don't like them like that wilbur.” he just laughed at this. “Niki, your blushing!” niki huffed. 

“Wilbur leave Nikki alone, besides we need to do work!” niki turned to see (y/n) yelling at their brother. “I'm still pissed at you for leaving me to deal with techno and tommy.” Wilbur laughs nervously. “I'll do your chores if you don't tell dad.” “deal!” (y/n) sits in the empty seat next to nikki.

“So, what musical do you want to do for the project? Note that we do have to do a duet.” (y/n) says, setting their folder down. “Maybe we could maybe do into the woods? It takes two isn't that hard of a song to do.” niki suggests. “Yeah, we can do that!” niki and (y/n) started to work on their presentation, getting what they needed before they had to leave for class. Wilbur occasionally budded in, bored out of his mind. 

“Maybe you should have chosen a different class wilbs. Maybe bother tommy.” (y/n) says, listening to the song they were gonna do. “I dont wanna hang out with Tommy, he's always bothering me about my music.” he crosses his arms and sinks into his chair. “Oh calm down, he's just excited.” niki says, gathering information on her phone. “Niki, you don't have any siblings, shoosh.” niki just laughs. 

Things went on like this, right until the class was nearly over. “Oh, niki, you should come over tonight to finish the project. We could practice the song as well!” (y/n) says, moving their chair for the orchestra class that was next. “Yeah, that would be great! I could come over after school?” niki asks. “Yeah, we can walk home together! Gotta make sure to leave Wilbur behind though, he would constantly complain if he were to come along.`` We laugh together. The bell soon rings. “Alright, see you after class ends!” (y/n) says, picking up their stuff. “See you then!” niki puts away her stuff and leaves soon after.

Class went on, (y/n) very excited that niki would be coming over, yet also very nervous. They knew Wilbur would just say something. (y/n) turned to techno, who was in their english class. “Techno, did you read the book we were supposed to read?” technoblade turned to them. “(y/n), this is the second time you're taking this class and you didn't read the book? Again?” (y/n) just glares at him. “I don't like the book, okay! Anyway, did you read it?” techno just sighs, nodding. (y/n) smiled. “Oh thank god! Okay, help me with the essay then.” techno agrees, knowing if they didn't pass, he would get in trouble for not helping.

After a half hour, the bell rings, signalling that school has ended. (y/n) picks up their things, heading to their locker. They see niki waiting for them there. “Did you get out of class early?” (y/n) asked, unlocking the locker. “Yeah, I asked the teacher and she said it was fine!” (y/n) shoves their things into their bag. “Well that's nice of her! Anyways, we better get moving or one of my brothers would force us to ride home with them.” niki nodded, closing (y/n)’s locker for them. They walked down the stairs, heading out of one of the school's many doors.

They walked home, talking about random things as they went along. “You ever think about getting run over when your crossing the road?” niki stared at (y/n), concerned at their comment. “No? Are you okay?” (y/n) nodded. “Yeah im fine.”

After ten minutes, they reach the minecrafts home, noticing that they weren't home yet. “Oh thank god, i forgot they had to pick up tubbo as well.” (y/n) says, opening the door. They both walked inside the dark home. “Im gonna get us some food, just head up to my room!” (y/n) says, taking off their shows and heading to the kitchen. “Alright!” niki says, taking of her own shoes and heading upstairs. Niki spotted a door that had the progressive flag on it. “Oh thats new!” niki says, entering (y/n)’s room. “Wow, their rooms changed since I was last here.

(y/n)’s room was painted (f/c), and had drawings and posters all over the room. They had a desk, with their pc and art stuff atop it. Their bed was unmade, having stuffed animals all over the place. Niki spotted a whale plushie seated on their pillow. “Aww they kept it!” niki had given it to them years ago, so she found it sweet that it was still there.

(y/n) soon came up, holding a bunch of snakes and some cokes. “Sorry this is all we had, tommy wont let us buy anything else.” (y/n) says, handing niki the coke. “Oh, that's alright!��� they sit down on (y/n)’s bed. (y/n) sat their snakes on their desk, so as not to spill them all over. 

“Okay, we need to actually put the presentation together. You have the notes right?” niki nodded, grabbing her phone while (y/n) sat at their pc, not too far from the pink haired girl. “Okay, so we have-” they did this for a while, niki reading the notes while (y/n) wrote them into the google slide. It soon got to the part where they had to sing their song. 

“Okay, so I'll be the baker, and you can be the other one.” (y/n) says, opening the song for them to sing. “Okay, i can do that!'' They started the song, getting ready to sing.

“(Y/N) ARE YOU WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND???” (y/n) stops the song. “I swear to god I will kill tommy. NO JACKASS, WE’RE NOT DATING!!” niki tries to stifle a laugh. “ARE YOU SURE????'' Tommy responds, still downstairs. (y/n) glares at the laughing niki. “Sorry sorry.” niki says, still laughing. “IM POSITIVE, NOW SHUT UP WE’RE TRYING TO DO SOMETHING!!'' Tommy responds immediately. “ARE YOU TWO HAVING SEX??” niki chokes on her own spit, while (y/n) blushes profusely. “OH THAT'S IT, COME HERE YOU LITTLE BITCH!!” (y/n) says, jumping out of their chair, running downstairs to attack the child. Niki leaves as well, wanting to see (y/n) beat up a child.

She comes down the stairs to see (y/n) putting Tommy in a choke hold while techno cheered them on. Niki stands next to techno.

"Apologize! I'll take your Cds if you don't!!!" "No no not my disks!!"

Niki turns towards techno. "Does this regularly happen?" Techno nodded as a response. Niki turned back, seeing Tommy try to bite (y/n). "OH STOP IT RACOON CHILD!!" philza soon comes In and breaks them apart. "Awwe my free entertainment.'' Techno says. "Oh calm down. Tommy, please stop annoying your sibling. This is why you get choked.” Tommy pouts. “Okay phil.” philza glares at the young child. “Also, (y/n), next time, just punch him in the throat. You've learned from techno.” “HEY!'' Tommy says, offended. (y/n) laughs, “okay, will do dadza. Oh, what time is it?” techno looked at his phone. “Its close to 9 pm.” (y/n) pouts, going over to niki and clinging onto her. “Noooo, it can't be her time to leave.” niki giggles, patting (y/n)’s head. “I have to leave. I'll come over soon, okay?” (y/n) nodds, letting go. 

They go upstairs together, grabbing nikkis stuff. They go back downstairs to the front door. (y/n) and niki hug each other. “Are you coming back tomorrow?” (y/n) asked, letting go. “Yeah, we did never got to actually practice the song! I'll be over at 4 pm, like always.” (y/n) nodds. “Okay, well, see you tomorrow?” niki nodded, leaning over and kissing (y/n) on the cheek, making them blush. “Yep! See ya, bye!” she says, opening the door and closing it, leaving (y/n) a mess.

“Yep…” they say to themself, smiling happily. “YES!!!! I TOLD YOU THEIR GIRLFRIENDS!! PUSSY DIDN'T EVEN KISS HER THEMSELF HAHA!!” (y/n) turned around, running towards tommy. “COME BACK HERE AND SAY IT TO MY FACE YOU LITTLE BITCH!”

[vennilavee]

blood, bone, heart

Pairing: levi x reader (attack on titan)

Summary: you’re a former squad leader, now on levi’s special operations squad. this is the aftermath of your fallen teammates after encountering the Female Titan. 

Warnings: death, cursing

Word Count: 3182

A/N: listen i cant get levi out of my head ever since watching AoT. big shout out to @phen0l for inspiring this- honestly the line “If you want me to stop, I’ll stop. But if you ever need to be weak, you can be weak in front of me.” inspired this entire story lmao

***

If you had been faster, maybe you could have saved them. Maybe you could have saved someone. If you had been able to rise above your own weak heart, maybe you could have saved them. Maybe their still fresh blood wouldn’t be carelessly splattered across the trees within Titan Forest. 

Your own blood begins to drip into your eyes from an open gash on your head. All of your movements feel incredibly slow in the air, the mocking hiss of the gas from your gear whistling into silence.

It’s just you, your dead teammates and the Female Titan in the middle of the forest. You can vaguely hear Eren screaming for you. Screaming for your dead teammates. Screaming for Levi. You hear yourself shouting at Eren to get out of here as you unsheath your blades with a sharp click. 

Her eyes are narrowed at you, as if daring you to come forward. You lunge forward, ignoring the black spots in your vision and wondering how this was the moment. How this was the moment that you were surely going to die.

What a way to die, though. Alongside your friends. Your team. Your family.

But Levi. Your Captain. Your Captain who has lost so much. Your Captain who just lost his team, his team that you could do nothing to save.

Rage washes over you, and you hear Eren screaming again. Except it feels much closer this time, the pain reverberating in your ears. Your ODM cables latch on to the shoulders of the Female Titan, your blades are swift, and you’re so close, you can nearly taste the shredding of her muscles-

And then you’re in the air again, an arm around your waist. You’re hurtling through the air, away from the Female Titan. Eren is still screaming- god, won’t that kid just shut up? 

Your arms are still outstretched towards the Female Titan and you look up, only to be met with Levi’s unreadable but piercing gaze. Something flickers across his face but it’s gone as soon as it comes.

You realize that it’s not Eren who’s been screaming this whole time. It’s you. Your throat is certainly bleeding by now, at the very least, it feels sore but it means nothing as you glance over Levi’s shoulder and see Petra’s body slumped against the tree. She’s facing the sky with empty eyes and it makes your blood go cold. Petra had always loved being outdoors- every time the two of you were outside, whether it was for training or finding wood, she told you to quit complaining about whatever chore it was, because at least you were able to be outside.

Her eyes had always been full of wonder and been brighter than the sky itself whenever she was in the presence of a bright, blue sky. You think she’s brighter than the sun itself.

And now her body is going cold, rotting at the floor of this forest of Hell.

You can’t see Oluo or Eld’s mangled bodies in the trees. You can’t see Gunther hanging from his broken cables. You only see the Female Titan, and you only see a distant, cold rage that buries itself deep in your throat. It rips through you with the force of a thousand blades and Levi tightens his hold when you start fighting against his grip with murder in your eyes.

Their bodies are fading away from your sight, meshing with the trees and shadows but you need to go back.

“I need to kill her,” You say hoarsely, the first sentence you’ve said since Levi found you.

“No,” Levi says easily, and you push against him again.

“I can do it. I need to do it!” You exclaim and wince when your side rubs against Levi’s cape.

“No. You’re out of gas, you’re bleeding from your head and you have a concussion. Our team is dead and I won’t-” Levi cuts himself off with a soft ‘tch’, “No. Be quiet. Listen.”

He says it so easily, as if his team being dead doesn’t shatter him. No matter how used to it he is, it always hurts like the first time. He doesn’t allow his mind to wander, ignoring past faces to focus on yours.

A bright flash of electricity, of green and yellow, and then a roar of pain that could only belong to a Titan. 

“Eren,” You whisper. Levi says nothing, only looking ahead through the trees. His slate grey eyes are as distant as ever and you take a page out of your Captain’s book and swallow the immense loss. You store the memories of Petra’s hauntingly empty eyes, of Oluo’s half broken face, of Eld’s mangled legs, of Gunther with a hole in his chest. You store them in a place that you’ll open later, when you have no other choice to.

For now, you hold onto Levi as he whisks you away to safety.

***

You’ve seen death. You’ve seen the death of comrades, of enemies, of teammates, of acquaintances over the years. Every time you think you can stomach it for the next time, it feels like the first time. This feels different, though. Maybe it’s because Levi squad has been one of the longest standing teams in the Survey Corps thus far. Maybe you had gotten comfortable, maybe cocky, maybe invincible with the Wings of Freedom on your back. 

You had been in the Survey Corps longer than any of them- you and Erwin had been in the same training group. You’re a veteran of the Corps by all means and had been a Squad Leader under Commander Shadis. But when Erwin had become Commander, he asked you to join the Special Operations Team, to be headed by Levi.

It made sense. Despite the years you’d put into the Survey Corps, you know Levi was meant to be Captain. Mike and Hange had teased you, telling you that it must have stung to know that a newcomer in comparison to you was promoted before you. And now you’d be his subordinate.

You had taken it in stride, telling them that Levi would have to earn your respect before you’d ever call him Captain. But in reality, he had your respect. All of it. You’ve seen him in action, you’ve seen him make difficult calls. You’ve seen him from the beginning, from when Erwin had brought him up from the Underground District. He’s always had your respect.

As a veteran, you should know better than to fight Levi on trying to go back for your team. You should know better than to recklessly face off with the Female Titan when you had no gas and were clearly injured.

But this time. This time, it was different. You’ve known helplessness, but this pales in comparison. 

Your breaths are steady against Levi’s neck, eyes focused behind him and around the periphery. The sun is heavy against your back as she breathes down your neck. You look up, eyes tearing from the intensity of it. The adrenaline begins to wear off, black dots coating your vision and Levi feels you slumping against him. He looks down at you, seeing your eyes starting to close.

He calls your name, shaking you awake, “Stay awake. That’s an order.”

You groan and rub the side of your face, “Yes, Captain.”

“We’re close,” Levi says, looking ahead and you nod as you try to fight off the urge to close your eyes.

***

Levi has never known you to be reckless. You’re many things- quick on your feet, intuitive and seasoned, but not reckless. So he doesn’t know what to think when he finds you flying towards the Female Titan with your blades in front of you. With blood dripping down your face and pain being ripped from your throat.

If he was listening from far away, he would almost think that your screams are the screams of a Titan.

He doesn’t know what to think of the bloodlust in your eyes and the already settling grief underneath. You’ve been around long enough to know how to grieve.

He supposes he doesn’t know what to think of you right now because he feels it, too. Tendrils of a familiar pain and anguish squeeze around his heart, curling into him in a way that shouldn’t feel as much like home as it does.

But Levi hates seeing it painted in the lines of your face. He has to get you out of there before you get yourself killed.

He could handle it if you did get yourself killed, he thinks grimly, but he doesn’t want to. He doesn’t want to carry your broken body back to the base. He doesn’t want to put you on the pyre, with your other fallen teammates. Levi has to see you blink at him in annoyance at least once more. Levi has to feel you playfully shove him during training at least once more. Levi has to see you rag on the younger recruits at least once more. Levi has to have another cup of tea with you once more.

Today is not the day that he’ll lose you. Maybe tomorrow, but not today.

Just as the Female Titan is about to squash you with her hand, you lower your blades and a flash of acceptance settles on your face. Just as you begin to accept that you’re not making it out of this alive, Levi swoops in and it takes a minute for it to register in your mind.

If this was any other time, you would make a joke. Maybe call him your mysterious hero and make eyes at him. Or you’d chew him out for thinking he had to save you so dramatically- this isn’t a fairy tale, Levi, you don’t need to be my prince.

But this isn’t any other time, is it? Levi catches a glimpse of Petra. Oruo. Gunther. Eld.

Levi has never known you to be reckless, but he mostly understands. This is your family. This is his family. 

But still, even as he holds you close to him, he can’t help but think. You should know better.

***

You can’t seem to face Levi in the coming days. What were you thinking that day? Did you have a death wish?

You can hear your Captain’s words ringing in your ears. The day the Survey Corps had returned to base, he had scolded you. You think it’s the most he’s ever said at one time-

“Do you have a death wish?” He asks you calmly, eyes striking and icy. You remember the first time these eyes had seen you. You felt exposed and vulnerable. It feels that way once more.

“Levi-” You protest but he cuts you off.

“Do you have a death wish?” Levi repeats, “You think I want to find my second in command with her blades down like that? What were you thinking?”

A pause. Levi thinks you might walk away from him but your eyes turn to steel.

“You should have left me there. I should have died with them,” You say evenly, eyes never leaving his, “I couldn’t save them. It’s only fair.”

“Fair?” Levi scoffs, “Don’t be so… naive. Nothing is fair about any of this, and you know it. You’re lucky I was there-”

“Lucky? You didn’t see them die, Levi. You didn’t hear Eren. You didn’t see Gunther strangled with his own cables. Eld and Uruo get their faces ripped off. Petra’s neck breaking.”

You swear his eyes soften for a moment.

“All I could do was watch,” You whisper, voice cracking, “All I did was watch. I don’t have a death wish, but fuck Levi. Being alive is hard right now. I can’t find a…”

I can’t find a reason. He can hear it in your voice.

“Get some sleep,” Levi says, not unkindly. You nod and salute your Captain, heading back to your room. 

You lay awake all night, Petra’s lifeless eyes haunting you.

You’re eating alone in the mess hall, acutely aware that the new recruits are whispering and looking in your direction. You don’t have the energy to tell them to fuck off, or bark at them and ask why they’re wasting time. You hear Eren telling them to shut up and you manage to look up and offer him a smile.

You push your food around on the plate disinterestedly. Why is that day haunting you like this? You’ve lost close teammates before. You’re grieved and moved on relatively quickly each time. Because that was what you were taught in the Survey Corps. To keep moving on. To not regret, because regret makes you question your decisions. It makes you weak.

But how can you not regret? How can you not regret when every time you blink, you see dead faces behind your eyelids?

Maybe it’s a lifetime of suppressing the death of everyone around you. Maybe it’s survivor’s guilt. Either way, you feel like you’re drowning and you can’t seem to find your way to the surface the way you’ve managed to before.

You were out of line with Levi. Telling him he wasn’t there to see his team die. That was a low blow, considering what he’s shared with you about his own past. You need to apologize to him. If anyone would understand, it’s Levi.

Your cold, harsh, unwelcoming Captain. Your Captain that you would die for, though you’re not sure what that means anymore.

***

Hange has already told Levi twice that you’re a shell of yourself. That over the days, you’ve become withdrawn in a way she’s never seen before. Dark circles under your dark eyes are pronounced, your eyes are red with fatigue, and you look like you’re about to fall over.

Despite the brown of your skin, you look ashen and frail. It’s a look Levi hasn’t seen on you and a look that he doesn’t want to get used to.

Levi tells her to go away and to stop worrying about his team. Hange rolls her eyes but lets him be. She focuses her efforts on finding you and keeping you company, rather than scolding Levi.

Levi thinks you’ll snap out of it soon enough. But he is acutely aware when you don’t snap out of it. You and Levi were somewhat close, he would like to think. On days when you knew he was going through a tough time reconciling the present with the past, you always picked up on it and were there with tea or something stronger. Depending on the day. You weren’t afraid to approach him and while being considered Humanity’s Greatest had intimidated you for a while, it didn’t stop you from poking fun at him or from being a friend.

You annoyed him at first, when he was forced to fight with you by Erwin. You were fast, smart in the air, and were good at reading situations on the fly. But you also smiled a lot, you fed into Hange’s insanity. You had that quiet type of caring, the type where you gave everyone’s plates an extra glance to make sure they were well fed.

It was annoying. Did everyone here need to be babied?

But then he came to realize- the small things were all there was left to cherish. The small things- like the laughter of the mess hall during dinner, the cleanliness of his office, the health of his fellow soldiers, and the fact that you make tea just how he likes it.

He wondered for a while how you knew what he liked. Then he realized that you’re more observant than he gave you credit for.

***

Rather than lay in bed and stare at the ceiling with only dead faces to keep you company, you decide to brew some tea. Two cups worth of tea to be exact.

You owe Levi an apology. Now, when you think of that day, you think of Levi’s timeliness. You think of his arms around you, holding you close. You think of him telling you to stay awake. You think of the sound of his cables piercing through the air, with the Titans as background noise. You think of how you were focused on him, and him only.

You think of how despite the layers of dirt, grime, and blood on him, he still somehow smelled so clean. And so him. You think Petra might laugh at you for your thoughts, and that makes you smile.

It’s the middle of the night, the moon hidden by the clouds but the stars illuminating the sky. Moonlight filters in through the window, leaving a silvery hue on your skin.

Two soft knocks at his bedroom door. You wonder if he knows it’s you. You can’t tell if he does when he opens the door, his face as impassive as ever. Levi is only in his white shirt and black pants, but you focus on him.

“What’s this?” He asks, lips pulled back into something resembling a smirk.

“An apology in the form of tea,” You murmur. He pulls the door open further, indicating that you can come in.

“Can’t sleep?” Levi prompts. 

You sit on his bed as if you’ve been there a hundred times before. 

“Know the feeling?” You snort, offering him his cup of tea. Levi sits next to you, and you ignore his leg brushing with yours. He waits for you to say something, but your eyes are cast into your cup of tea.

“I’m sorry,” You begin, “For saying what I said that day. It’s not fair to throw their deaths in your face like that.”

“You were angry. It has to go somewhere. I can take it, I’m your Captain. That’s my job.”

“Yes, but…” You pause, unsure of your words, “Who takes it for you?”

The question makes Levi pause and you wonder if you’ve crossed a line. He says nothing, but he doesn’t tell you to get out. So that’s a good sign. He just drinks his tea.

“You call me your second in command,” You whisper, reaching for him, “I can take it, too.”

Levi turns his head to face you, slate grey eyes seemingly blue in the moonlight. You’re stricken with the urge to push his hair back and you do. Or at least, you attempt to. He catches your wrist just as you’re about to touch him. He’s only a few breaths away- you can see the sharpness of his cheekbones and the reflection of the moonlight in his eyes. His grip is gentle, reminding you a little bit of that day when he had saved you from sure death.

“Don’t do that again,” Levi whispers, something soft cracking and swirling in his eyes, “I can’t find you like that again. I can’t-”

“I know,” You reply with a small smile, “I know. I’m sorry. If it makes you feel any better. I’m glad you found me.”

“Look forward with me,” Levi murmurs, thumb rubbing your hand, “Look forward with me.”

His touch sends an unfamiliar electric calmness through you and you nod. Levi takes another sip of his tea, hand warm over yours as you both sit in silence. He won’t lose you today. Maybe tomorrow, but not today.

[horrorisunknowntoyou]

I know you pretty much just posted ‘The blade Lives On’ But whenever you have the time could you do a pt. 2 with y/n and dreams son just breaking into prison to see dream or whatever chaotic shenanigans those two might end up doing, possibly technos reaction to y/n hanging out with dreams son or just general HC’s. All platonic of course. Feel free to ignore this request or take as much time as you need on it, no rush. I just found your fics recently and I love them so keep up the great work!!

Omg thank you so much 🙏 it means so much to know that , that’s the nicest thing someone has said to me. It’ll my pleasure to write this for you. ] 

The Blade and Trickster 

 Breaking into the prison wasn’t as bad but it was very timing consuming as they studied the blue prints and find a entrance through there. Spirit ( his nickname) had to squeeze though and basically climbed through the vents and kicked the vent opening. To the surprised of dream who jumped up , spirit perked out “ hey dad, I’m here to break you out cause mom told me to and he’s very angry at you cause you got imprison on date night. “ Y/n was in the background laughing at the explanation but the funny thing is it’s true. 

Dream just stood there and snicker “ that sounds like your mother , well break me out then. “ Spirit lends a hand out and help him up as they climb out the vents and enter pearl the rest out. Y/n took out her sword and broke the hand cups off dream . “ we better hurry before anyone noticed you gone mostly Sam, and the new “world leaders” in the smp.” 

Dream looked at y/n and perked up “ Now , now what’s your reason for helping me for? Did your brother sent you? “ Y/n glance up and then looked forward “ No, I did it under my occurred and second you owe me a favor. Also spirit is my friend so there’s that too. “ Dream hummed in response as he followed behind walking to his secret house/hideout which took forever but he memorized the path like the back of his hand. There stood George fidgeting to see if there coming back yet and sees them dock up in the boats , he smiles and runs over to dream tackling into a tight hug almost knocking him over. “ Woah , Woah George! It’s okay , I’m okay “ he hugs him back and smiles walking back inside the obsidian fortress. 

Both spirit and y/n got very nicely rewarded for there part mostly spirit as he has no chores for 3 months , and such. 

Head-cannons

1. You and spirit are pranksters and play pranks on the others mostly the world leaders. There people who take control certain lands like there eret , bad , ranboo , Tommy , tubbo , dream? , Wilbur when he got revived. And such and they hate it especially Tommy. 

2. Dream is weirdly genuinely nice to you and spirit like no manipulation or anything , I mean you make his son happy and such and protect George when he ask so your okay in his book. 

3. You and Tommy and tubbo don’t have a good relationship with each other and there obvious tension as you grew up under different life styles. So you would always butt heads with each other along side spirit. 

4. Spirit was your partner in crime and you both made an agreement and such on what to and not do. For no betrayals and such , because each other’s know there caregiver ( techno , dream ) will bring hell against each other if they found out. 

5. You two would buy out Nikkis bake good and go to the top of a hill and eat them like there no tomorrow and have stomachs aches. 

6. Dadza and techno eventually met spirit but it was awkward and both of you wanted to leave but eventually it was pretty chill and mutual with each other. 

7. You actually sleep over George’s house with spirit and such , George is pretty sweet with you and would show you to sapnap and such. You’ll Get to train and up you skills and just hangout. 

8. You both like going on adventures , you once spent a whole day Looking for a woodland mansion to steal stuff etc. 

Techno’s reaction 

Techno wasn’t too suprised and was pretty okay with it, at most he was hesitant over it and wants you to be okay as your his little sister after all. But once you explained it all he was perfect fine. 

“y/n if dream ever makes you uncomfortable or tries anything , I will personally get out of retirement and beat him myself for you. I’m serious , I don’t want him to do anything to you. Alright?” You know , meanwhile dadza look like he almost had a heart  attack hearing that, probably cause old man is tired of him but you reassured you okay and gave him lots of hugs. 

[raiiningforever2ice]

Victor Nikiforov x Reader [Cinderella AU]

Requested on Quotev https://www.quotev.com/story/12466031/Oneshot-book

Gender Neutral, can be easily read by anyone!

(Y/N)= Your Name

(Y/L/N)= Your Last Name 

Everything in bold is your thoughts!

Disclaimer: In this, the reader is a young adult in their 20s. They never left their stepmother's house since she did everything to make sure to never let them study or find a job that would let the reader stand on their own.

Scrubbing the floor with a wet rug sure was taking its toll on your knees. It didn't matter that you did this every day, your body won't get used to it. Why couldn't you just use a mop? Poor-poor Y/N scrubbing your life away at your stepmother's house to get it squeaky clean! So squeaky it would over-squeak her spawns' voices. Oh, and here they come, pointy noses making their appearances before they did.

"(Y/N)! Is my breakfast not ready yet? Hurry it up!"

"Yes, Anya."

"(Y/N)! Wash my dress! Be careful with it, it's for an upcoming contest!"

"Yes, Isabella." A sigh fell from your lips as you barely caught the dress your stepsister threw at you. 

That would be very bad if it fell inside the bucket with the dirty water!

"Come on I'm starving here!"

"Right away-"

"(Y/N)?"

"Yes stepmother?" You turned around, dress hanging from your shoulder and two eggs on your hands, ready to be cracked.

Your stepmother, Lilia, stood there with a condescending frown on her face, arms crossed in front of her chest as she picked at her red, freshly painted nails.

"You have to do all the housework, prepare lunch, do the washing up... and give a bath to the cat! Oh, you also have to clean the carpet by hand! The girls and I are going shopping!"

Another sigh left you, and you placed the eggs back inside the fridge. 

"Yes, stepmother."

Poor-poor (Y/N), never able to take some rest.

The two girls you were so sure came from the depths of hell, laughed their evil laughs as they followed their mother outside.

...

Dusting the living room had become so boring. You would just sweep and sweep and sweep and then someone would knock on the door-

Somebody's knocking on the door!

Placing the duster on the little table next to the couch, you rushed over, patting down your clothes, before opening the door. A short, chubby mailman, stood there with one arm resting on his bag, the other up to his chest and an envelope clutched in it.

"Good morning (Y/N)! This is all you have today." The man said and handed you the letter. 

"Thank you sir." You took the envelope in your hands and waved him goodbye as he took off. 

Closing the door, you carefully open up the letter, curious of its contents. After all, it was addressed to the Baranovskaya household, you could read it too.

Congratulations!

You have been invited to the greatest ice-skating contest of the century!

Yakov Feltsman and Victor Nikiforov ask YOU to show off your skills!

Put on your blades and come compete for the amazing prize of Victor Nikiforov himself, coaching you to your dazzling future of skating on ice!

We will be waiting for you!

"Give me that!" The letter was ripped off of your hands and your stepmother started reading it, her creations peering over her shoulders.

"Victor Nikiforov?" Anya gasped.

"The Russian hottie?" Isabella cupped her red cheeks in her hands.

"The legend of ice-skating himself!" Your stepmother adds with wide eyes. 

"When is it-WHEN?" The two sisters screeched in sync and your ears almost started bleeding from their shrill voices.

Lilia's eyes searched the paper in frantic, quick moves. So frantic in fact, you still wonder how they didn't end up falling out.

"Five days... we have five days to make you the best ice-skaters you can be! You, (Y/N)! Better star preparing their outfits and make sure you take their ice skates to be checked! They need to be perfect!"

You looked down to the ground and nodded. 

If I start now I'll be able to finish all three outfits in time! What color should I go fo-

"Are you listening to me (Y/N)?! Where's your mind travelling to?"

"Oh! I was just trying to think of what I should do for my outfit for the contest!" 

All three of them busted out laughing, pushing each other over and slapping their knees. You looked at them, jaw slacked open. Lilia noticed you and quickly collected herself, urging the others to do the same. They all stood up straight, arms crossed in front of their chests, eyebrows raised up to the gods.

"Ahem, you really think you will be attending too? Just because you have basic knowledge of ice-skating passed down to you by your late parents, doesn't mean I will allow you to come."

"But, why not? I will have everything ready! The house will be perfectly cleaned and the outfits will be ready in time and amazing!"

"We can't bring a mere housemaid to such a huge event. Besides, you have no chance at winning!" Isabella cackled.

"Exactly! And can you imagine Victor's face when he sees you? He will be absolutely disgusted!" They started laughing again as you fought the tears threatening to flow down your cheeks.

The trio left you alone, standing in front of the door with your fists tight at your sides. 

I will go! They won't stop me!

...

It has been three days since the news about the contest, and you were almost done will all three -yes, three- outfits! Tomorrow morning you were to go get the skates checked to make sure your stepsisters don't fall on their faces. 

"For now, let's just add a little bit of sparkle here." you murmured to yourself as you placed a few details on your sister's clothes. 

Both outfits turned out amazing! Both girls would look truly beautiful in them. Anya and Isabella are actually both very pretty, too bad their personalities had to be so ugly. 

Anya's dress was a sugar-white base color with deep red details sewed on by you, wrapping around the whole length of the cloth diagonally in tiny spirals and branch like shapes. 

Isabella's dress was exactly the same, a request by the two sisters, but hers was a midnight blue with black details.  

Your own outfit was already done. You just needed to make sure there were no tears anywhere. You didn't need to do much you never had a chance to wear it after your kind parents gifted it to you in hopes that they would see you in it.

Letting out a little sigh at the memory of your parent's smiling faces, you took the pink and white cloth and checked it all over. 

Perfect condition!

You hid it back at the darkest part of the closet and took out the shoebox sitting on the bottom. Glancing at the clock, you stuffed the ice skates and all other essential items in your backpack and went off to 'The library'. They would never check there anyways. 

Opening the large glass doors, you walked inside and greeted the young woman stand in behind the desk. 

"Hello Yuko!" You gave her a tiny wave as she smiled wide at you. 

"Oh hi (Y/N)! I was worried you wouldn't come today! You are just in time, the rink is all yours!" She went over to the door turning the hanging sign 'open' to 'close'.

Yuko, looked at you again and threw the keys in your direction. With a grateful grin, you took off and unlocked the door leading to the ice rink. 

"Have you told Lilia you'll join the contest yet?" Your friend asked you and sat next to you while you were getting ready. 

"No, not yet. I will tell them last second. What will they do then?" You scoffed and tightened the laces. 

"Yeah, seems like a good strategy." She sighed "You know, I don't understand why they don't want you there! Your parents were both champions, and they passed all their knowledge and skill to you! Hell, you were probably already a great skater when you were still in your mom's belly!" 

"They don't want to be embarrassed by their housemaid." 

"They still call you that? Tch! Embarrassed how?! You will make jaws drop with your ice skating! Trust me, I know!" Yuko was now standing, flailing her arms around in frustration. 

You chuckled at her antics and pushed her back down on her seat. 

"If I am as great as you say, they probably don't want to lose by me then!" You both laughed and you stepped inside the rink. 

"No music today?" 

"No, I prefer chatting, you know that!" With that, you started gliding across the ice giggling at the stories Yuko told you, about her three daughters. 

...

Today is the day. You look at your outfit one last time and place it gently in your bag. You hear your stepmother yelling at Anya and Isabella to hurry up. Taking a deep breath, you go outside and meet up with Lilia. 

"Where do you think you're going?" 

"I'm coming with you. I finished all of my chores as you said. Look, we can pretend we don't know each other. I won't embarrass you this way!" 

Lilia with a scowl on her face, looked at you from top to bottom. After what felt like a year, she let out an exasperated sigh. 

"Fine. But you're not allowed to talk to us at all. We don't know you, you don't know us."

The sisters came down the stairs, hair and makeup already done -just like you- and they both rose a questioning brow. 

"(Y/N) will come too. We will pretend we don't know each other. Now (Y/N), you go first, we will leave separately." 

With a nod you left the house, a bounce on your step. 

"Girls, make sure to destroy (Y/N)'s night... We're leaving in five minutes." Lilia went to find her purse as Anya and Isabella shared an evil smirk. 

"Yes mother dear!"

...

The place was huge. People were roaming around, some warming up, some already dressed. Looking around and seeing so many beautiful costumes brought a warmth to your chest and a little bit of nostalgia.

The last time you saw something like that was when your mother won her last contest and she came running to you, held in your father's arms for a group hug full of happy tears. 

"(Y/N)? (Y/N) (Y/L/N)?" A voice piped up behind you, snapping you out of your little daydream.

You turn around and your knees almost gave out at the presence standing there. the Victor Nikiforov towered above you with a huge, somehow heart shaped grin on his face. And, he knew your name?

"Um... Yes that's me m-mister Nikiforov!" You said and bowed at the waist. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir!" 

He let out a beautiful laugh and waved his arms, motioning you to stand up. 

"Don't tell me you forgot about me! We used to skate together all the time when you came to Russia with your parents for their performances! Oh, I heard about the accident, I'm so sorry for your loss!" His mouth now formed a pout as tears hanged at the corner of his eyes. 

You kept looking at him dumbfounded. The little boy, your childhood crush was him? The boy who's name you never asked- 

"Surprised right?! I am too! After all that happened and your name stopped popping up, I though I would never see you again! I didn't know if you had anyone to take you in and I was worried about you! You didn't end up alone, right?" He grabbed your hands in his and looked at you in worry. 

You looked around you and notice everyone had their eyes on you, due to the little scene the gray haired man caused. At the entrance stood your 'family' and they were glaring at you. Flustered, you pulled away from him, ignoring the hurt puppy dog eyes he gave you and bowed once again. 

"I'm really happy to see you are well and thank you for everything! But I have to go change now!" 

"I can't wait to see you competing then!" His tone was now softer as he looked at you running off.

You finally reached the changing rooms. Your knees bent as you panted. Your heart was racing and you didn't know if it was because of running, the embarrassment or his pretty blue eyes staring into your very soul. 

"Snap out of it!" You scolded yourself and went in to get into your outfit. 

Checking it out on the mirror, you felt a rush of excitement bubble up and conjured your parent's happy smiles into your mind. 

I will make you guys proud!

You walked out, skates in hand only to crush onto someone and nearly fall to the ground. There stood your two stepsisters, wicked grins plastered on their faces. You gulped down the nervousness and give them a tiny smile, turning around to leave. 

"No, no little (Y/N). You're not leaving us now!" Anya said

"We agreed that we do not know each other while we're in here." You whispered to them and took a step back. 

"Change of plans!" Isabella exclaimed. 

Then, they both grabbed each of your arms and dragged you back inside the changing rooms which were completely empty. 

"You see our little (Y/N), we would never let you get any chance at winning this competition!" 

"Much less, participate in it." 

Everything went in slow motion as one grabbed your arms and held them behind your back, as the other produce a pair of scissors from her bag and started snipping away at your outfit, pink and white peaces falling helplessly to the floor. 

You kicked and whined and cried at them to stop from cutting away the gift, your mother and father gave you the same day they passed.

With one last push, you broke away from them as they his the scissors again and left you alone, surrounded by the scraps of hopes and dreams. You collected the pieces scattered on the floor and tugged them close to you, asking for a miracle to happen and for the outfit to sew itself back together. You cried and sobbed and cried some more. Who knows how much time had passed?

Trying to collect yourself, you changed back into your clothes and left the place quietly. You glanced back and saw that the competition had just started, Anya and Isabella were to compete soon. You glanced at Lilia and saw the grin she was giving them. You rushed out. You wanted to go home.

"(Y/N)? Where are you going?" There in front of you, stood Yuko with a large backpack hanging from her shoulder.

You clutched onto her, sobbing in her arms as she tried to comfort you. 

"What happend? Was it the sisters?" She asked in a hushed tone and closed her eyes in annoyance once you nodded in confirmation. 

"They destroyed my outfit! They destroyed the last piece of my parents I had!" 

"Hey, no don't say that. Alright okay, here. Let's go back in." She started pushing you back inside, checking around. 

After she saw the evil trio, she hurried you both to the changing room. She took the bag off her and pushed it to your hands.

"Do you still have your skates? Did they get them too?" She asked and you shook your head 'no'.

"Good... Take this and go change. I wanted to give to you as a gift after you won. Go wear it and I'll come get you, okay? You haven't registered yet, have you? Of course not. Now shoo, go! Don't take too long! I have makeup wipes too in there so clean your face a bit!" She rushed off and was out of sight in the blink of an eye. 

...

Looking yourself in the mirror once again you admired the new outfit. It was a baby blue color with silver little diamonds here and there making it simple and eye catching at the same time. You threw in the trash bin the last makeup wipe you used and took a deep breath. A knock on the door caught your attention. It was time. 

You opened the door and there stood Yuko with flushed cheeks, panting like a dog. 

"You didn't tell me Victor Nikiforov is your friend!"

"Oh, that's... A long story." You rubbed at the back of your neck awkwardly as she stared at you. 

"Well, thank that long story cause he pulled some strings for you! Wear this mask, that way the 'high nosed trio' won't recognize you." She handed you a nice, black laced mask.

You placed it on your face and she helped tie it securely at the back. You both made your way closer to the rink. You found a place to sit and put on your skates, Yuko making sure they were tied correctly. 

"He was there and when he heard me say your name while arguing that they should let you participate even if you were late, he jumped in and convinced the guy to let you in. He pulled me aside to ask if you were okay and I told him you had a bit of an accident. I explained that there was someone here you didn't want to recognize you and he asked if he should change the name registered." Yuko informed you and loud cheers erupted as the current participant landed a very difficult jump.

You clapped along with the others, as his performance came to an end. Next up was Anya. She strutted in with confidence and posed in the center of the rink, waiting for the music to start. You watched carefully while she danced on the ice, landing a few jumps and misstepping on a few others. As talented as she was, here performance had no emotions whatsoever and was overfilled with jumps. The same goes for Isabella's routine, who went right after her sister. 

After she was done, they both went up to their mother who looked at them disappointed but still gave them a smirk. The next participant went in. He was pretty good and made you nervous. As his routine came to a close, you leaned towards Yuko.

"So, how was I registered as?" 

"Next up we have Cinderella!"

"That's you, go! I'm cheering for you!" She gave you a hug and pushed you towards the rink. 

You gulped the lump in your throat and went to the center, posing the way you had so many times during practice, and closed your eyes as you waited for the music to start playing. 

The first notes sounded and you started your routine, gracefully sliding around. You started thinking of the first time your parents took to the ice rink. The first time you skated without falling. The first jump. The first competition. Your parents proud smiles as your mother held up a camera to capture it all. The times spent with Victor• two children sharing their love of ice skating without understanding each other's language. 

You were flying to the rhythm of the music and slowly came to a stop as the song did too. The crowd went crazy and you lowered your arms to bow. You stood back straight and made direct eye contact with the silver haired man, who had tears running down his face. 

You hurried off and went next to Yuko, who hanged onto you, sobbing about how beautiful your performance was. You hugged her tight, and watched on the rest of the competition. 

...

"And the winner of the 1st place is... Cinderella!" 

The crowd once again cheered loudly as a medal was placed around your neck. Victor came up to you and shook your hand, a soft smile on his face. 

"I knew you would win. Congratulations, Cinderella!" 

"Thank you, Victor." You said and grinned at him.

All excitement left your body as you saw Lilia and the sisters glaring in your direction, as the mother ushered them to go change. Looking around and seeing that the attention was now off you, you went to change too, silently thanking Yuko and Victor for their help. 

Now back into your normal clothes, makeup and hair un-done, you shot Yuko a quick message explaining your situation. You quickly found the back exit, choosing to go this way and avoid bumping into Lilia and the others. 

"(Y/N) wait! Wait please!" 

You skid to a stop and turn around to see Victor running towards you, his hair bouncing making him look all princey.

His hair is definitely a paid actor. 

You stare at him as he stops in front of you. You tug your bag closer as you glance at the huge clock in the distance. 

"I wanted to congratulate you. For real this time, (Y/N). Your routine was amazing. Whatever you were thinking of, made your performance all the more beautiful. I felt the passion you were feeling at the time!" He took your hands in his gently as he did before and brought you closer to him, his bright eyes hypnotizing you. 

"I'm really proud I get to be your coach (Y/N)."

The big clock started chiming signaling the midnight hour. The others would be home soon. 

"Victor." You grabbed his wrists "Thank you for everything. Really! But I have to go now. I don't have much time. Goodnight." You gave him a quick hug and ran off, hopping to reach the house before they did. 

"Wait no! You didn't leave any contact information!" 

But you had already left.

Glancing down in exasperation, he saw one of your skates laying on the ground. He took it and went back inside, thinking of a way to find you again.

...

It has already been two days since then and you mostly hid away in your room, only coming out to do the house chores and eat. 

You stared up at the ceiling thinking back to that night. The glimmer in Victor's eyes as he talked about your routine. Your heart started racing as the childish crush you had on him, came back hitting you like a truck.

A notification on your phone caught your attention. It was Yuko, asking you to go over to her, asap.

I should go and thank her again for her help. 

​​You got dressed and left quickly. You opened the glass doors and went up to the desk. Yuko jumped up and hugged you. 

"Yuko thank-"

"Yeah yeah, later! Now, go in, there's someone there for you!" 

"What? Okay okay I'm going!" You laughed at her as she kept pushing you. 

You slowly walked to the doors you were so used to unlocking and going to the ice world by yourself. This time, the silver haired prince stood there, beaming at you and holding out the shoe you had lost in your rush that night. You grab it and sit down after you see he has his skates on. 

"I remember that woman that registered you for the competition. She seemed like someone you trust a lot. So I searched around for her hopping she would give me your contact information. It was her idea to call you over." He offered you his hand and you made your way to the rink. 

You dance together in circles, his arm firm on your waist as he dipped you down. Placing your arm around his neck, you brought yourself back up and he placed his forehead against yours, looking lovingly into your eyes. 

Neither of you noticed Yuko, hiding away in a corner, clapping silently to herself, and trying to keep her happy tears contained.

[lizzielikeborden]

(ɔ◔‿◔)ɔ ♥ prompts for requests (>‿◠)✌

These are some prompts to use for requests. They have labels, so when you request be sure to use the label and the number so I know which section you got it from. Happy requesting!

Fluff

1. “Is that my shirt?” “You mean our shirt?”

2. “It’s you, it always has been.”

3. “You’re everything I could’ve wanted and more.”

4. “Kiss me.”

5. “Home stopped being a place when you entered my life.” 

6. “You should probably go home.” “But I’m already home.”

7. “You’re an idiot.” “But you love me.”

8. “I’d do anything for you.” 

9. “You took all the pillows so I’m using you as one.”

10. “Stop moving and let me braid your hair.”

11. “I’m so proud of you.” 

12. “Could you say that again?” “Were you not listening?” “No I was, I just like hearing your voice.”

13. “I didn’t think it was possible to love someone this much.”

14. “You are my family.”

15. “I’m right here.”

16. “Can you just please hold me?” 

17. “I’m pretty sure (you’re/she’s/he’s/they’re) my soulmate”

18. “You come here often?” “Well considering I work here, yes.”

19. “You know, I think my (mother/father/parents) would be proud if I brought (you/her/him/them) home.” 

20. “I just want to see you happy.”

21. “I haven’t seen (her/him/them) smile like that in ages.” 

22. “You made me a better person. Thank you.” 

23. “I’d rather live in the woods with you than in a mansion with some (girl/boy/person) I barely know.”

24. “This reminded me of you.” 

25. “Your hair is really soft.”

26. “You’re really warm.”

27. “Are you blushing?”

28. “Can I stay here tonight?”

29. “Because I love you.”

30. “I’ve been in-love with you since we were kids.”

31. “I’m never going to leave you. I promise.”

32. “Make a wish!”

33. “I love seeing you smile.”

34. “Why are you wearing my sweater?” “Because it smells like you.”

35. “I just want to be there for you.”

36. “I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”

37. “You’re just a softie.”

38. “You owe me.” “Fine, whatever you like.”

39. “You’re safe now, I’m here.”

40. “Why are you scared of loving?”

41. “You are crushing me right now.”

42. “Darling I love you and all, but please step out fo the kitchen.”

43. “I love you.”

44.“You’re an idiot.” “But I am your idiot.”

45. “Take my hand. Just trust me.”

46. “You’re hurt. Please just let heal it.”

47. “At least let me clean it.”

48. “I told you to take care of yourself.”

49. “You’re the only thing that matters.”

50. “Stay.”

Angst

1. “I’m leaving.” “Of course you are, that’s all you know how to do.”

2. “You started drinking again, didn’t you?” 

3. “You promised you’d stop drinking.” “And you promised you wouldn’t hurt me!″

4.“But it’s my fault right?”

5.“I don’t want to feel this. I want to be numb again.”

6.“You’re lying to me again. Why can’t you just tell me the truth for once?”

7.“I love you.” “No you don’t”

8.“I can’t lose you.” “You already did.”

9.“Did it mean anything to you? Did I mean anything to you?”

10.“How was I such an idiot, to believe that you, out of all people, could ever love me?”  

11.“I loved you.” “Then why did you let (her/him/them) get in between us?”

12.“Maybe they were right, you never did change.”

13.“This is all in my head. It’s all happening in my head.”

14.“Don’t you dare walk away from this!”

15.“What gives you the right to just waltz back into my life after all the pain you’ve caused.”

16.“You’ve changed.”

17.“You win, happy?”

18.“Any other lies left to tell me?”

19.“Why did you wait until I moved on?”

20.“Don’t look at me like that.” “Like what?” “Like you still love me.”

21.“Its (her/him/them), isn’t it?”

22.“It’s always been (her/him/them).”

23.“When did you stop loving me?”

24.“Let me go.”

25.“You’re not you.”

26.“I miss the old you.”

27.“What happened to their happily ever after?” “Not all love stories get a happily ever after, sometimes it’s just once upon a time.”

29.“Move out of my way before I make you.”

30.“I risked my life for you.”

31.“I never would’ve thought (she/he/they)’d end up with someone else.”

32.“They were perfect for each other.”

33.“I was happier with you.”

34.“I would’ve done anything for you.”

35. “I loved you. I loved you so so much but you hurt me.”

36.“They warned me about this.” “About what?” “You.” 

37.“Lie to me. I don’t care what you say, just lie to me. Make me feel okay again.”

38.“You broke me.”

39.“You just threw four years of friendship out the window.”

40.“Hasn’t this addiction done enough damage already?”

41.“Sorry doesn’t fix everything.”

42.“You promised.”

43.“I don’t need help! I need an end to this pain.”

44.“What am I in your life? Because as of lately I feel as though I’ve been nothing to you.”

45. “Leave”

46.“I can’t keep playing pretend.”

47.“Give me one reason why I shouldn’t leave.”

48.“I wish we never met.”

49.“I’m sorry I’m not enough for you.”

50. “You scare me now.”

General

1.“I love you.” “Tell me that when you’re sober.” 

2.“It’s pouring rain why are you here?”

3.“I love you.” “You shouldn’t.”

4.“Where are you?”

5.“What happened?”

6.“Have you been taking care of yourself?”

7.“Is that blood?” “Yes but that doesn’t matter right now, what does matter is-” “You are literally bleeding.”

8. “Is that my book?”

9. “Are they dead?”

10. “You want to play pretend? Well two can play at that game.”

11.“Did you know that you talk in your sleep?”

12.“Come back to bed. Please.” 

13.“You’re who they warned me about.” 

14.“Come back.”

15.“You should’ve listened to me.”

16.“I haven’t seen you in days.” 

17.“Are you jealous?”

18.“Cheers, I’ll drink to that.” “You drink everything.” “Cheers!”

19.“Why is there a lion in the room?” 

20.“Is that vodka? At 7 in the morning?”

21. “Can we take this home?”

22. “Hey, look at me. Focus on me alright?”

23. “I haven’t seen (her/him/them) smile in months.”

24. “(She/he/they) don’t belong with (her/him/them)!” “Than who do(es) (she/he/they) belong with?” “…..with me.”

25. Come home.”

26. “I hope you’re happy.”

27. “They don’t need to know.”

28. “I made this for you.”

29. “Why is arson always your first answer?”

30. “Is this really the time for jokes?”

31.“Wake me up when it’s over.” 

32.“You look happy.” 

33.“I’m sorry, do I know you?” 

34.“Why can’t I get you out of my head?”

35.“Do you want that?”

36.“Don’t let go.” 

37.“Just let me stay.”

38.“Can I at least tell my side of the story?” 

39.“Do you trust me?” 

40.“Are you flirting with me?”

41.“Is the weight of your sins too heavy?”

42.“Just let me see (her/him/them) one last time. Please.”

43.“Are you afraid to die?”

44.“Are they really ‘just a friend’?”

45.“I wasn’t lying when I told you that I loved you.”

46.“I won’t hurt you.”

47.“Have you been sleeping?”

48.“I didn’t know where else to go.”

49. “It’s not 8:00 AM, it’s 8:00 AM”

50. “We should just play our music louder, then we won’t hear theirs.”- “That’s so much noise.”

Mental Health

1.“I didn’t know where else to go.”

2."you can talk to me about anything"

3."I don't understand but I believe you"

4."I'll stay with you as long as you need me to"

5."take a deep breath"

6."do you want me to give you advice or do you just want me to listen?"

7."you don't have to go through this alone"

8."I'll check on you again tomorrow"

9."you're not broken"

10."let's take a five minute break

11."I love you no matter what your brain tells you"

12."I'm always here if you need anything"

13."please don't talk that way about yourself"

14."let me know if you ever need a ride to therapy"

15."don't forget to take your medication"

16."it's okay to ask for help"

17."I'll go with you for moral support"

18."I don't know how to help you but I can help you find someone who does"

19."do you want to talk about it or would you like a distraction?"

20."you're safe"

21."there is always hope"

22.“I will do this with you, you’re never alone”

23.“No one is perfect.”

24.“I will sit outside this door for hours if that helps.”

25.“This is not your fault.”

26.“You do not owe anyone an apology.”

Wordless Ways to Say “I Love You”

1.Holding their hands when they are shaking.

2.Tucking the sheets around them when they stir during the night.

3.Traveling long distances just to see them.

4.Making their favorite meal when they are having a hard day.

5.Giving them a kiss before going to work and they are still in bed.

6.Tucking your head into their neck during a hug.

7.Lightly kissing on top of a freshly formed bruise.

8.Buying them something unrequested because it made you think of them.

9.Participating in their hobby even if it doesn’t personally interest you.

10.Sitting in comfortable silence while eating a meal.

11.Telling them a dumb joke just to see their smile.

12.Following their family traditions that they enjoy.

13.Singing and dancing to their favorite song.

14.Calming them down when they have a bad dream.

15..Having a tickle fight until you’re breathless.

16.Folding their clean laundry and putting it away.

17.Sharing a soft smile across a crowded room.

18.Bringing them a plate of their favorite sliced fruit.

19.Washing their back/hair in the shower.

20.Sharing your umbrella with them in the rain.

21.Listening to them while they vent.

22.Taking a picture together to print and hang later.

23.Tracing your names together in the sand.

24.Wearing clothes in their favorite color.

25.Doing a chore for them that you know they aren’t fond of.

26.Leaving a plate of food in the microwave for when they have a late shift.

27.Sharing a drink with them from the same straw.

28.Tucking their hair behind their ear to help them get it out of their face.

29.Helping scratch that itch on their back they can’t reach.

30.Pulling a chair out for them to sit down at the table.

31.Wrapping a blanket around them when they are sitting on the couch and watching a show.

32.Throwing away their piles of tissues when they have a cold.

33.Mending an item of their clothing that was ripped.

34.Running out in the middle of the night to get a food item they’re craving.

35.Helping brush their hair after a shower.

36.Making sure to be quiet while they’re taking a nap.

37.Letting them warm their cold hands under your shirt.

38.Giving them your dessert when you eat out because it’s their favorite.

39.Making a goofy face until they notice and laugh.

40.Giving them space when they express wanting to have some time alone.

41.Holding their hand while walking, even if there isn’t a crowd.

42.Holding shopping bags that are too heavy for them.

43.Standing between them and a busy road.

44.Rubbing the back of their hand with a thumb.

45.Giving them a back massage when they flop on the couch or bed.

46.Staying up half the night to finish a game with them.

47.Getting them a coffee just the way they like it.

48.Giving them a tight hug that makes them lose their breath.

49. Buying them a special treat when you go out shopping.

50. Watching shitty horror movies 

[rocksandrobots]

Of Rocks and Robots Ch. 39 - Finale (Part 1)

(note: This is only the season one finale, not the end of the series)

A fast yellow blur sped along its way; knocking out cars, smashing through brick walls, and plowing down trees as the mysterious speeding streak caused destruction in its wake. Though it was not out of any intentional malice that the human wrecking ball caused such vast property damage, it's just that the superhuman speedster didn't know how to control his powers fully.

The muscle bound hulk finally came to a screeching stop right outside of the maximum security facility, causing a trench to form as he slammed on the breaks of his high powered roller skates.

"Ok Stu, you got this! You're dressed to impress! You smell great! And everyone says you're as smart as a bag of hammers! So what could possibly go wrong?"

The villain finished hyping himself up as he looked towards the jail. He then punched his fists together and took off like a flash, barreling towards the concrete walls at breakneck speeds. He crashed through the barricade and kept on going; smashing through walls as if they were cardboard. He didn't stop until he reached the cell he was looking for.

"Hi Nana!" He loudly proclaimed in a childlike manner as he busted down the wall and saw the elderly lady dressed in an orange jumpsuit laying on the cell bunk.

"Stu!" The woman gave a large smile and came over to give the overgrown galoot a hug. "My what a good grandson you are, bustin' your poor old granny out of jail."

"Awe, I try." Stu said as he blushed and sheepishly grinned. "Anything for you Nana."

He handed his grandmother the knapsack on his back. She eagerly opened it and pulled out a pair of rocket skates same as the ones he was wearing.

"Oh yeah! Supersonic Sue is back in business, baby!" The woman laughed and then sweetly asked of her grandchild as she put on the stakes, "Oh, however did you come up with such a clever escape plan, sugar plum?"

"Well, I wish I could claim all the credit, but I kinda got help from one of your old supervillain buddies. They gave me the new gear." He handed her a note and then quickly added, "But I'm the one who thought to smash the walls with my noggin!" He knocked on the top of his helmet with his knuckles.

Sue gave him an encouraging smile and a pat on the cheek before reading the note. "Dear Sue, hope you're doing well. Do you mind picking up for me a certain prisoner on your way out? He's being kept in the solitary detention block…."

"Welp, looks like we need to make a little detour before finishing our escape, Pookie." She chirped as she finished strapping on her own helmet. "After all, I'd hate to disappoint an old friend."

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

"Ok, bathing suit, sandals, change of clothes, uh… Am I forgetting anything?" Aunt Cass asked as she gathered up her suitcases.

"Don't forget your sunblock." Varian helpfully said handing her the bottle of coconut smelling cream.

"Oh thank you. Yes."

"Hey, Tracy just pulled up." Hiro shouted from the other room, and as if to confirm this a car horn sounded from below, blaring out La Cucaracha.

Aunt Cass half heartedly rolled her eyes at her friend's over eagerness and tried to carry everything out of the room and down the stairs in one go. Varian followed behind her picking up whatever she dropped and stuffing it back into pockets of her purse.

"Now you both know what to do while I'm gone." She instructed the boys as she scurried out into the currently empty cafe. "No wild parties, no sneaking out past midnight, no tinkering with the appliances...The café is only open for breakfast tomorrow and Wasabi will be over to help with that, oh and there's dinners already made up in the fridge if you don't want to cook later. And if anything goes wrong…"

"Call Officer Cruz or Professor Granville," Hiro finished for her. "We know Aunt Cass."

"Right, and Krei's promised to bring over pizza later tonight and check up on you two, so no giving him a hard time. He's been very gracious in giving me this trip and for helping out wherever he can. Okay?"

"Don't worry about a thing, Aunt Cass." Varian assured her. "We got everything under control."

Just then the car horn sounded out again reminding Cass to hurry up. She ran to the coat rack where the keys hung up and took one pair for herself and handed another to Varian.

"You're in charge of opening up at six," she told him, "and making sure the doors are all locked before going to bed. Have the café closed by noon. Also don't forget the upstairs dishes, make sure to feed Mochi and Ruddiger, and if you can get around to vacuuming that'll be great."

"Got it." He nodded and then Aunt Cass turned her attention to her other child.

"Hiro, I know you're already helping Varian and Wasabi tomorrow, but I also need you to take out the trash, clean your room, and do the laundry before I get back."

Hiro protested this. "The laundry?" He whined. "Oh please Aunt Cass I'll do anything else. Let me clean out the rain gutters instead."

"Okay, you can clean the gutters, and do the laundry." Aunt Cass said with a tone to her voice that told him this wasn't a matter up for discussion. She slipped on her jacket and put the keys in her pocket before stopping and staring out at the middle distance as she tried to remember what it was she was forgetting.

"You left your phone on the charger upstairs." Hiro answered for her.

"Oh, right." She exclaimed as she ran up to get it.

"I don't get you man," Varian said as she ran off. "You have a machine that literally washes clothes for you. What's so bad about doing laundry?"

"Have you smelled your socks?! A person needs a gas mask just to get near them."

Varian screwed up his face, fully offended. "Please, you're just looking for any excuse to get out of doing house work. You got it easy here, and you don't even know it. Try milking a goat every morning for ten years and then come complaining to me about washing socks."

"Boys, boys," Aunt Cass soothed as she reentered the room and placed an arm around each of her kids' shoulders. "Can you please, more than anything, just get along? For my sake hun? I'll only be gone for three days and I would very much prefer it if I didn't have to come home early because you two decided to start world war three in my house."

Both teens looked away sheepishly at that request, before mumbling their agreement apologetically.

"Thank you." She said before getting misty eyed and wrapping them into a group hug. "Oooh I'm going to miss you both so much."

The car horn sounded a third time interrupting the family moment.

"You better get going before Trace leaves without you." Hiro joked.

"Okay, Okay." She gave them each a kiss on the cheek before grabbing her things and heading out the door.

"I love you! I'll bring you both back souvenirs." She called after them as she loaded up the car.

"We love you too Aunt Cass." Hiro said as he and Varian stood at the door and waved goodbye to her.

She stuck her head out the car window and shouted, "I'll call you when I get there!" As the vehicle sped away.

"Bye, have a safe trip!" Varian shouted back and continued to wave until she and the car were out of sight.

Once their aunt was gone Hiro gave Varian a confused look and asked, "Did you really have to milk a goat?"

Varian rolled his eyes and walked back inside instead of dignifying the question with an answer.

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

The rest of the day went by uneventfully. Hiro went ahead and finished up his list of chores with Baymax's help, while Varian made sure everything in the cafe was stocked and ready to open for tomorrow. He baked a coffee cake, some blueberry muffins, and a batch of biscotti for the breakfast rush.

"That way I don't have to wake up before sunrise to make donuts." He explained to Hiro as he fixed them a couple of tuna fish sandwiches for lunch.

Aunt Cass called soon after to let them know she had made it safe to the spa. She was full of nervous questions about what they were up to and how things were going at the Luck Cat without her. The boys reassured her everything was fine for what felt like the bajillionth time that day. However she was still reluctant to let them go and it took Tracy threatening her with a dunk in the pool to get her to hang up.

"I swear Cass you're going to lighten up and have fun on this trip even if I have to force you!" The boys heard the nasally woman yell over the phone.

Finally free to their own devices they spent the rest of the day lazing about. With the finals done both teens had to find new things to take up their free time. Hiro tried to reach the leaderboards on his video game, Mind Smith Turbo 3, while Varian read a new book that Karmi had given him; A Crease in Time.

Krei did show up at around nine as promised, pizza boxes in tow.

"Sorry I'm late, the pizzas might be cold, but I just couldn't get the Maharaja off the phone. I'm trying to get new investors and trade deals don't make themselves, am I right?" He chuckled at his own joke even though both boys knew nothing about stocks and trade.

Hiro grabbed the pizza boxes from the tycoon only to turn his nose up at the pineapple and anchovy pizza within. Fortunately for him there was also plain cheese in the second box.

Keri stuck around for dinner and they watched a movie together. As they finished watching an old western that Keri had picked out, one that admittedly turned out to be more engaging than Hiro thought it would be, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Hiro said as he walked backwards from the room, his eyes never leaving the tv. It was at the climax and the hero was about to face down his sworn enemy in a shootout. Hiro's steps instinctively timed to the actors own as the sidekick counted down the paces, "10, 9, 8,... "

Hiro tilted his head around the corner of the banister as he made his way down stairs, then he heard the bang of the gun shots. Only no one fell down. The villain hugged his wounded hand as the hero stood there, gun still raised.

"Well what are you waiting for?!" The scoundrel bitterly yelled back, "End it!"

The camera hovered over the stone faced marshal and his still raised gun, only Hiro never got to see the protagonist's final decision as the person at the door took to banging on it instead  finally gaining his attention.

It was Chief Cruz at the door.

"Hi Hiro, is your aunt here?" He asked. He tried to sound nonchalant but Hiro could tell that the man was on edge.

"Sorry no, she's on vacation to that spa remember?"

"Oh right… then who is here watching you two?"

Hiro tried to suppress an eye roll. Officer Cruz was just as bad as Aunt Cass was sometimes with being over protective, arguably even more so. "Krei is "babysitting" tonight."

Cruz raised a skeptic eyebrow but declined to comment on his rival being in his crush's home. "Then can I speak with him then?"

"Sure." Hiro hesitantly said and ran back upstairs to get the businessman, wondering all the while what was going on.

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

Both Hiro and Varian huddled in the kitchen by the swinging door of the café as they listened in on Cruz and Krei's conversation.

"You wanted to see me?" Krei asked.

"Yes, I came by to inform Cass of the news but this probably concerns you as well." Chief sighed before cutting to the case. "Callaghan escaped prison today."

There was an awkward silence as the news sunk in. Hiro felt his own heart race as his grip on the door tightened.

"How?" Was all Keri asked.

"He had help. Two other villains, a grandmother and kid team up, also busted out at the same time. They're called the Supersonic Skaters; thieving speedsters, the pair of them."

"That doesn't sound like Callaghan." Krei said matter-of-factly. "I've known the man for years. When would he have ever befriended common thieves?"

"Yet you didn't know about his half a decade long revenge plot to murder you." Cruz pointed out.

Krei huffed and Hiro could see the billionaire fold his arms across his chest.

"I have lots of former employees who want to kill me. It's not like most of them actually follow through with." Krei mumbled.

"Speaking of which, do you have any bodyguards you can call?" Cruz asked.

"You know, I've gotten in the habit of tasking Big Hero Six as my usual bodyguards."

"You've been employing vigilantes as your personal security?" The frown was evident in Cruz's voice.

Krei snorted. "That would imply that I pay them. No, they volunteer their services. I told them they could make a killing as a private security taskforce but they wouldn't hear of it."

"Well maybe you ought to call them cause my men will be too busy tracking Callaghan and his accomplices down to provide you with any personal escort." Cruz spat, though Krei seemed unfazed by the police officer's irritation.

"So why did you come here first instead of calling my office?" Krei asked in an unusual display of seriousness.

"Gerson already called your secretary. I guess she just hadn't given you the message yet."

"You know she might have," Krei interrupted off handedly, "I need to get more into the habit of reading Judy's memos."

"Uh-hun, well anyways I thought Cass should know too. Seeing as how Callaghan is.. well is responsible for what happened to her nephew." Hiro heard the police chief heavy a weary sigh before changing the subject. "You know, Cass told me she was going on a trip, I just didn't know she asked you to babysit?"

"Well I volunteered. I just figured I do something nice for a change, as unbelievable that may sound to you."

You could have cut a knife through the unspoken tension in the air as each man eyed the other.

"So, you, what, put everything on hold to play the responsible parent for a day?"

"Well, seeing as how Hiro and Varian are teenagers, Cass and I figured they were old enough to handle themselves for a day while I worked, and then I came over after I was done at the office to check up on them. Why, do you have a problem with that Chief Cruz?"

Peering through the small crack in the door, Hiro watched Cruz close the distance between himself and Krei. He stopped just inches from the other man's face.

"I don't know what she sees in you, or why on earth anyone would entrust you with children, but mark my words if anything happens to those two boys…"

"Nothing is going to happen." Krei said eveningly. "And you may not trust me, but you could try trusting Cass and the boys just a little bit more."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Did you have any plans of telling Hiro what was going on?"

Cruz seemed taken aback by that question.

"No." He admitted reluctantly. "He's just a school boy. He shouldn't have to worry about things like, escape convicts and murderers.."

"And yet he does." Krei interrupted. "This concerns him just as much as it does myself. You can't just hide things from him just because he's young."

Cruz casted Krei a searing glare. "Last time I checked you weren't the boys' father."

"And neither are you." Krei shot back. There was another awkward pause as both men sized each other up, until Krei added, "Ten to one both teens are eavesdropping behind that door."

Keri shrugged and nodded his head towards the kitchen. Cruz casted a bewildered look at Krei before walking towards the swinging doors. Both teens scattered and ran out the back door in a rush.

Chief Cruz walked into the empty kitchen and looked around for the two boys. He then noticed the back door was opened just a crack and went out into the alley to check. He found nothing but a blonde raccoon running out from behind a trash can, followed by Varian's own pet racoon scurrying out and climbing up the fire escape into his owner's bedroom.

"Gee, I could have sworn they'd be out here." Krei cheekily commented as he pulled out a ten dollar bill and vaguely waved it towards Cruz.

Cruz snatched it out of his hand in annoyance. "Just because you're an overgrown kid yourself doesn't mean you know anything about them."

"Ouch." Krei said.

Cruz rolled his eyes. "Look can I just trust you keep an eye on the boys for tonight and then I'll watch them tomorrow. Call Big Hero Six to keep lookout if you have too, but don't let Hiro know about Callaghan."

"Yeeeah, those two things might not be possible toge-"

"I mean it. He's been through enough. Him and Varian both. They don't need this."

Krei sighed. "Alright. You're the boss here. You'll let me know as soon as you found out anything about Callaghan's whereabouts."

"Of course." And with that Cruz left.

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

Hiro and Varian sat under Varian's bedroom window. They were breathing heavily from their hasty retreat up the fire escape and from the rush of just barely avoiding being discovered by the adults. As they heard the chief of police's car drive away, Varian let out a sigh of relief and then nuzzled the pet raccoon in his arms.

"That was close." He breathed only to stop when Krei opened the door, flooding light into the little bedroom and casting a spotlight on the two teens.

"I knew you two were snooping." Krei said.

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

There was a big debate over what to do next. Hiro wanted to suit up and go investigate the breakout himself.

Krei wouldn't have it though. "Look I promised both Chief Cruz and your Aunt Cass. I'm trying to be the responsible one here."

"Cruz also told you to call Big Hero Six and that's us."

"Yeah, you seem to be missing five other members there Hiro." Krei pointed out.

"I've already texted Wasabi." Varian interrupted the argument. "He said Fred and Gogo were already on patrol tonight and that they would swing by the jail to investigate."

"There, ya see?" Krei said. "You already got two members out there on the case, and Baymax is here to keep watch for the night. Besides didn't you and Varian promise your aunt to mind the café in the morning?"

Hiro let out a defeated sigh as he slouched back down into the kitchen chair, but he gave no further protest.

Krei rubbed his eyes and gave a yawn. "I'll take the couch tonight. I got to be up by five and at the office by six. Please don't do anything dangerous until after leave. I would prefer it if I didn't have to listen to Cruz lecturing me on proper parenting, thanks."

"Oh don't worry," Varian said, "he'll just find something else to lecture you on."

"Prefect." Krei said as he got up from the table, walked into the living room, and flopped onto the couch for the night.

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

Hiro thought noon would never come. He had barely slept through the night and working the café this morning had been torture. It hadn't been especially busy today, but time seemed to crawl along at a snail's pace as he waited till time to close up shop. The whole while keeping his eyes glued to the tv that was in the café, just in case the news announcer brought up Callaghan.

He didn't. Though he did mention Supersonic Sue breaking out. The long time super villain was apparently more noteworthy to the masses than his brother's murder going free.

"Aaaand done." Wasabi said as he topped the last cappuccino of the day with whip cream. "There you go sir."

The customer took the coffee and Hiro rushed him to the door with a plastered smile on his face. He waved goodbye to the man before slamming the door close and locking it with a sigh of relief.

"Hey, thanks for helping out today." Varian told Wasabi, as he finished sweeping up.

"No, problem. I like working here now and then. It's peaceful." As if to counteract this statement, Ruddiger snuck up onto the counter beside Wasabi and tried to grab the can of cool whip out of his hand.

"Hey! Oh no you don't!"

Hiro ignored his friends' tug-a-war with the pesky raccoon as he ran upstairs to get Baymax and his armor. Only for Aunt Cass to call while he tried to snap on the chest plate. He fiddled with the phone through his gloves and juggle it while suiting up.

"Hey, how's things going?" He heard his aunt say over the phone.

"Fine." He grunted as he buckled his utility belt. "We just closed up shop for the day."

"So, no problems then?"

"No." Hiro said distractedly as he looked for shurikens he hid under the bed.

Aunt Cass heaved a sigh. "I talked to Chief Cruz this morning, he told me some news that was a little upsetting…. Did he or Krei tell you?"

Hiro paused, he didn't know what answer to give that would be the least disastrous. Aunt Cass plowed on thorough though.

"He said that, Professor Callaghan broke out of jail yesterday."

There was a long and awkward silence between the two.

"Hiro? Are you still there?"

"Yeah.."

"Do you want to… to talk about it?"

Another uncomfortable pause.

Aunt Cass sighed again, "Look, I can come home early. It's not a problem-"

"No! I, mean, no. You shouldn't let some bad news ruin your vacation. It's not like Callaghan is going to come over here or anything, and whether or not the police find him has nothing to do with you being here at the Lucky Cat or not."

"I know, I just, I'm worried about you. You and Varian. If you need me, then I'll hop in the car right now and I'll be there, lickity split."

"We're fine Aunt Cass. I'm fine." Hiro lied. "You don't need to drop everything and rush over. Everything is under control and Varian and I are just going to hang out with Wasabi for the rest of the day."

"Ooh, fun. Whatcha got planned?"

"Uhhh, the park?"

"Okay, well, text me if you need anything. I'll call later to make sure you're still alright, oh and before I forget, Cruz and Megan are coming over tonight for dinner. Just put the frozen casserole in the oven at say, eight?"

"Alright. Bye Aunt Cass."

"Bye, I love you."

"I love you too." Hiro ended the call as he leaned against his desk in silence. He glanced over at Tadashi's side of the room. It was relatively neat compared to his own side which was already a mess of dirty clothes and papers despite having cleaned it just yesterday. All that is, save for the visible dust that was beginning to collect on Tadashi's things; a disturbing reminder of how much time had passed since the other teen had slept there.

Hiro blinked back tears as he pulled himself out of reprieve, put on his helmet, and pressed the on switch on top of Baymax's charging case.

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

Big Hero Six, plus Varian, sat around the desk at their headquarters as they watched the security footage of the prison-break up on their viewing screen.

Roddy had done a great job on the briefing room and it's connected laboratory, and was finishing up the training room next door. After that, all that would be left would be to add the bedrooms so that the team could crash there of need be.

"Yeah that's Sue alright." Rodney said as he walked in on them carrying his tool box.

"Yeah we kind of figured that." Gogo said deadpan. "Who's the new guy though?" Roddy peered at the screen, "Oh hey, it's that dimwit of a grandson of hers. Boy he sure grew up. I remember when he was yay high."

"I wish there was sound on this." Fred said. "That note she's reading is probably a clue."

Then the scene on screen changed. Callaghan was shown reading in his cell, then the two speedsters burst in, grabbed him, and then skated away before the screen went to black.

"He doesn't look like he was expecting that." Honey Lemon hesitantly said.

"Almost, like he wasn't in on the plan" Wasabi confirmed her suspicions.

"Roddy, you know Supersonic Sue, do you know of any connection she might have to Callaghan?" Hiro asked.

The red-bearded construction worker just shook his head. "I mean, he's not one of the old villains that Boss Awesome used to face. I'll tell ya that much. Buuut I don't make it a habit to know all of my customers' personal lives. I'm just here to build lairs; not gossip."

"Says the one other guy who knew that mom was a former supervillain," Fred said as he eyed Roddy suspiciously. "You know, besides my dad, and Heathcliff apparently..."

"Dude, someday you're going to, like, have to have a big family therapy session or something." Wasabi butted in.

Fred ignored him and marched over to Roddy. "Spill it." He ordered as he poked the larger man in the chest.

"What's to tell? So maybe the word on the super lair forums is that Sue got busted out by an old buddy of hers. One of the old gang, you know. I've know idea how Challagan figures into that though."

"Old buddy?" Hiro asked.

"They go by Kensei. They're a master thief and assassin. Never been caught. Used to be real active back in the old days for a few years but then went quiet for decades. Most thought they was dead or retired until just a few months ago."

"Why? What happened a few months ago?" Gogo asked.

"Back in April, was it, this new crime lord started filling in the power vacuum in the city. I got approached by Yama to build a lair for the new big boss, but I turned it down to do yous guys headquarters. Anyways the business card he gave had Kensei's old logo on it, the samurai's sword."

Hiro's eyes went wide. "We need to know everything about this Kensei guy."

Roddy rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "I don't know much. In fact no one knows much. Like I said the guy never got caught. No one knows who they really are or what they even look like. Unless you were one of the very few supervillains working the circuit back then and happened to team up with them."

"Wait, if this Kensei guy and the new Bosu are one the same person then..." Honey Lemon mused.

"Portals." Varian said, startling everyone. They had forgotten he was even there. "They'd paid off Supersonic Sue to kidnap Callaghan, same as Yama kidnapped me."

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

"Well ain't this nice and cozy?" Sue said with a smug smile as she sat on top of the desk and peered down at tied up Callaghan. "Lot better than that nasty old jail cell wouldn't you say?"

Callaghan just glared daggers at her. The three convicts were inside a dimly lit, dingy office, in some old abandoned warehouse. As the elderly lady tried to persuade the former school teacher to join them, her beefy grandson kept watch by the door.

"Lets just cut to the chase shall we? You're the top in your field when it comes to portals and a friend of mine is willing to pay you handsomely to build one, on top of helping to smuggle you out of the country. Think of it, a fresh start! Whatta say?"  She slapped a wad of cash onto the table along with a fake passport.

Callaghan starred at the tempting offer on display before shutting eyes tightly and kicking over the desk with a snarl.

Sue jumped back in surprise and Stu covered his mouth with a gasp.

"Hey that's not very nice. No one treats my nana that way."

He stalked towards the other man but Sue stopped him with a hand. "Now, now, snookum, let's give Callaghan a chance to explain himself."  

"If you think I'm going to help the likes of you, then you're crazy." Callaghan spat.

Sue only turned up her nose at the rebuff. "My, my, aren't we all high and mighty all of a sudden, mister "I was in solitary confinement". You think the police are going to care that you suddenly grew a conscience? It ain't even like we're asking you to hurt anybody."

"Those portals are dangerous." Callaghan said through gritted teeth.

"So," Sue shrugged, "that's your benefactor's problem not ours."

"It's a problem for everyone, and I wouldn't debase myself to working for a has-been hack and her dunce of a kid no matter how much you paid me."

"I'm not a dunce." Stu said. "I got in A in penmanship. Tell him nana."

"Of course you're not sweetums." Sue patted her grandson on the head before turning to Callaghan with a scowl on her face. "You know, you gotta pretty smart mouth to go with that big brain of yours. But of the two of us, I'm not the one wanted for manslaughter and attempted murder, so I'd be awfully careful about who I'd go insulting here if n' I was you. I'm liable to turn you back into the police myself.``

Callaghan didn't rise to the bait but met her gaze steadily. After this staring contest Supersonic Sue sighed and turned to walk away.

"Come on Stu, let's let the man wallow in his self pity for a while. We can come back and try this again later. But mark my words Callaghan, we got other ways of making you cooperate. Ways that aren't so nice." And with that the two speedsters left the room leaving Professor Callaghan alone with his guilt and misery.

[endlessly-searching-for-you]

Happier Times

During my Christmas break, I binge read Endless Summer. Just as I expected, I fell in love with my two favorite characters all over again. And since I probably had too many marshmallows last night (hey, it’s been 2020, we all deserve a treat, right?), I came up with this fic idea. It’s sickly sweet and fluffy and cheesy and everything in between. Also, probability? Never heard of her.

Be warned and enjoy :-)

Here’s to happier times: stay healthy and safe! May 2021 be everything 2020 wasn’t.

Book: Endless Summer

Pairing: Jake x MC

Warnings: none, just sweetness and fluff (get some toothpaste ready)

Word count: ~2600 (10 minutes reading time)

The house was haunted.

Well, it was either that, or Taylor was losing her mind.

Between the two, she would rather have a ghost.

It all started innocently, with a missing laundry basket. At first, Taylor thought she left it in the garden, but it wasn’t there. She searched the house from top to bottom, but it wasn’t there either. “It couldn’t just get up and walk away! Have you taken it?” She asked her husband, but Jake shrugged and turned away, murmuring something she’d rather not hear.

It was a long shot, anyway. Jake never did laundry, not unless he really had to. He’d rather scrub the floors or wash windows. If she had to guess, it was because you didn’t have to do it as often, but she chose not to complain. She wasn’t a big fan of the household chores, either.

Next was her favorite coffee cup.

Taylor bought a set of six identical cups when they moved in, but this one was special. A little chipped and faded from years of washing, and still her favorite. Every afternoon, she would sit in her spot by the window and have a coffee in it. It was her “me time,” as sacred as it was short.

Gritting her teeth, she opened the fridge to grab a snack, but to her surprise, the food was also gone. Well, most of it. It was easier to explain——she didn’t know what it was with men and food, but she already got used to the sight of empty shelves. She only hoped he had the decency to restock it.

“Do you need anything? I’m going to the store.” Jake peeked through the door as if reading her mind, and she gestured hopelessly at the fridge. “Yeah, sorry about that.” He shot her a dazzling smile and left before she had a chance to say anything.

“Wait! Have you seen...” She uttered finally, but the loud click of the front door told her it was too late. With a sigh, she plopped in her chair. Coffeeless. It certainly didn’t help brighten her mood.

“At least the weather is great,” she whispered to herself. That much was true. The rains finally stopped, leaving fresh, crisp air behind. The sun was already hanging low, but she could still see stray rays fighting their way through lush greenery, and the blue sky matched the color of her husband’s eyes.

She smiled at her thoughts. So many things have changed throughout the years, but the way Jake looked at her didn’t. The warmth she felt inside when she thought of him didn’t, either.

And if she had a say in the matter, it wasn’t going anywhere. Ever.

Speaking of going anywhere, though—they could take a break and go to the beach. Sand would probably be still damp, and ocean waters cold, but it wouldn’t matter. They had a soft spot for the beaches from the very beginning. It was time to add another happy memory to their collection. Tomorrow, she decided, checking the weather forecast.

When she climbed to the top shelf, she wasn’t even surprised her bag and blanket were no longer among the other beach items. It was just her luck today. Cursing under her breath, she slammed the door a little too hard, summoning a cloud of ancient dust sleeping on the wardrobe.

This day just kept getting better and better.

Huffing and sneezing, Taylor reached the bathroom and stared in disbelief. The laundry basket she looked for the entire morning was back where it’s always been. Adding insult to injury, it looked like it was laughing at her anguish, mocking her with hundreds of its tiny eye-shaped holes. She ignored the insolent box and turned on her heel, trying to ignore the trembling hands.

“It’s fine,” she whispered. “Nothing’s happening. I’m just tired. I need to go to bed earlier. Or maybe have a drink. Yes, that’s a good start.” Mumbling under her breath, she went back to the kitchen and opened the cabinet. Then closed it and opened it again. And again. And again.

The more she looked inside, the more the wine bottle wasn’t there.

It was the last straw.

A sudden cry startled Jake. What on Earth happened? It didn’t sound entirely human. Without hesitation, he ran to the kitchen only to see his wife, as human as she ever was, waving an angry (and a little... dusty?) fist at the furniture. He tried to retreat silently, but she turned and pointed an accusing finger at him.

“You! Do you think I’m crazy?”

“Huh?” He looked her up and down. “You mean, more than usual?” He tried to joke, but under her death glare, the words got stuck in his throat.

“I keep losing things,” Taylor sniffled. “First the laundry basket, then my favorite cup—”

He wrapped his hands around her and whispered so low she couldn’t hear him, “Good riddance.”

“—and now even the wine is gone!”

“I’m sure we’ll find it,” he tried to cheer her up. “Just maybe not right now?”

“Why not?”

“You deserve a break.” He stroked her back. “And, uh, a shower. What were you doing, anyway?”

“Don’t ask. I think the universe hates me. At least today.” 

“Well, I know exactly how to cheer you up.” Jake beamed. “I’m taking you on a date. I already asked our neighbors, they don’t mind having more kids tonight, so we’re free. You know, just you and me, like in ancient times?”

“Come on, we’re definitely not ancient!” She laughed in protest. “But you’re right, it’s been a while. Give me five minutes. Where are we going?”

“A gentleman never tells.”

***

Thirty minutes later, Taylor felt the car coming to a stop. She still had no idea where they were going—just before they left, Jake asked her to close her eyes and stop peeking, and to her own surprise, she obliged. Now that he held her hand and helped her out, she didn’t even need to open them to know. There was only one place with that smell and salty breeze.

“Just in time to watch the sunset, eh?” She turned to Jake with a smile that quickly turned into a scowl when she noticed the bag he was holding. And all the missing items sticking out of it, her favorite mug and wine bottle included. “Don’t tell me it was you.”

“I’m sorry. Please, don’t be mad.”

She shook her head. “You could have told me.”

“That would spoil the surprise,” he murmured apologetically.

“But why my mug?”

“It was on the front. My bad.”

“And the laundry basket?”

“I forgot where you put this thing,” he swung the bag.

Taylor looked at her husband, trying to keep her dignity, but the laugh she kept inside finally broke free. It started small, with shaking shoulders, but before she knew it, she lost control entirely and doubled over, grabbing on to Jake for support.

“That was... something else,” she wheezed, wiping the tears from his eyes. “Sorry. Thank you. It definitely was a surprise.”

“Mm-hmm.” He grinned and nodded at the blazing sky. “What do you think?”

“Ten out of ten. Just look at the colors,” Taylor sighed in admiration, draping the blanket over their shoulders and snuggling to his side. “Also, great company. And food” —she curiously eyed a flattened sandwich before taking a small bite— “probably not poisonous. Overall, would recommend.”

Jake looked at her with his signature half-smile, and she felt the familiar warmth spreading throughout her body. She raised her hand to tuck a loose strand of hair behind his ear, then pulled him in for a kiss and nestled her head on his shoulder with a happy little sigh.

Just as she was drifting off into sleep, she heard his low voice.

“I got a letter today.”

“Oh?”

“From the court.”

“Oh.” She gasped, any remnants of drowsiness gone in an instant. A while ago—a really, really, really long while ago—they decided to try and free Jake from his charges. Their friends helped—actually, they did most of the work, from Aleister hiring lawyers to Zahra unearthing real evidence—but they never got any response. 

Not until now.

“What does it say?”

“I don’t know. I couldn’t bring myself to read it.” Jake admitted, smiling bleakly at the thick letter he fished out of his pocket. “I’m feeling like the Schrödinger’s cat right now. Both guilty and innocent until we open it. It’s funny how I couldn’t wait for it, and now I’m not even sure if I want to know.”

“Are-are you—” She stuttered, trailing a finger over the envelope. “Are you afraid you won’t be able to come home?”

“No,” he sighed. “It’s not that. The truth is, it’s not my home. Not anymore. My home is here. With you. No matter what they say, I am home.”

“Oh, Jake,” She wrapped her hands around his waist. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Princess.” He ran his fingers along her cheek and tipped her chin up for a kiss.

Taylor hesitantly pulled out of the embrace. “Well then, if you don’t read it, I will. Worst case scenario, everything stays as it is, right?”

She tore the envelope and unfolded the letter. Despite her apparent bravado, Jake could see her hands were trembling. She turned page after page, and when she finally raised her head, he couldn’t read her face. It was completely blank. Nothing, nil, nada.

“Well?” He blurted out. Deep inside, he felt his heart drop. It wasn’t right. His wife wasn’t good at hiding her emotions. She would smile, her starry eyes would twinkle with joy, she would never stare at him like that if the letter brought good news. His shoulders slumped, and he stared into the distance, blinking away tears. He could feel Taylor’s arms wrapped around him, her shaking shoulders and hot tears soaking through his shirt, but he dared not look.

It wasn’t that he didn’t know it was a possibility. Only now, when his luck took a turn for the better, he wasn’t seriously considering it.

He would get over it. He had mastered “getting over it.”

Just not now.

“Jake? Do you hear me?”

He looked at his wife, dumbfounded. Her whole face lit up. It didn’t make any sense, but she was beaming.

“You’re free,” she whispered. “You’re free.”

“What?!” He grabbed the papers from her hand and scanned line after line, not understanding half of the jargon. Still, the crucial sentence, written in bold, was not open to interpretations. All charges were dropped.

He was no longer a wanted man.

He wanted to shout, sing, dance, everything at once—but all he could do was stare at the letter.

“I can’t believe it,” he whispered. “I thought—You looked so—”

“I was shocked,” Taylor smiled apologetically. “I couldn’t believe it either. I shouldn’t be surprised, I knew you didn’t do anything, but—oh, you have no idea how happy for you I am right now!”

She jumped into Jake’s arms, throwing him off balance, and they both tumbled into the sand, giggling like a pair of teenagers.

“I just... can’t... believe... it,” he muttered, stopping to place a kiss on her lips after each word. “I was sure we lost.”

“But we won.”

“Yeah.” He helper her rise to her feet. “We should head back home, then. Pack our bags. I’ll get the plane ready, so we can start tomorrow morning.”

“So much for ‘my home is wherever you are,’” she let out an exaggerated sigh followed by a giggle.

“I mean, I don’t want to go back there forever. For a few days, a week.”

“For as long as you need.”

They stared into each others’ eyes for what felt like an eternity, even if only a few seconds passed.

“Can you pack my suit?” Jake finally broke the silence. “And a nice dress, and... you know, fancy things?” He waved his hand hopelessly, and Taylor only raised her brows in response. He whispered something into her ear, and her eyes grew wide.

“Of course! I wouldn’t miss it for the world. But I swear, Jacob Lucas McKenzie, if you keep anything, and I mean literally anything, from me ever again...!”

***

Jake fixed his tie for the millionth time. There was no point in denying it—he was nervous. And it wasn’t even his wedding.

It’s just been too long, and—

“Ah, to hell with it,” he muttered and raised his hand to knock, only the door swung open before he had a chance to do it.

“There you are!” A tall brunette in a frilly bridesmaid gown pulled him inside, clearly relieved. “You’re late.”

“Sorry,” he muttered under his breath, stealing a look at the bride, who unsuccessfully tried to tame a stray lock.

She’s all grown up now, he realized with surprise. He half-expected to see a scrawny redheaded teenager, always at odds with the world. That’s how he still remembered and imagined her—except it was well over a decade ago. The young woman he saw right now looked happy and self-assured, and, well, beautiful. He couldn’t not admit otherwise without taking a dig at his own looks, and he was rather proud of it.

“What took you so long?” The bride finally gave up on her hair and extended her arm without as much as looking at him.

“Er, it’s a long story. I don’t think we have time for that.”

Rebecca turned with a gasp of surprise. She expected her cousin, and not her prodigal older brother. Nobody expected him to show up at her wedding, not after he disappeared without a word all those years ago. To be honest, most people probably even forgot she had a brother, the black sheep of the family.

She didn't.

Jake could see all the conflicting emotions on her face. He was glad when she finally settled on a smile and flung her hands around his neck, hugging him really tight like she tried to make up for the lost years.

“This was for everything,” she said with a smile, pulling back. “And this” —Jake staggered back when she slapped him across the face—“is for everything else.”

“I guess I deserved it,” he agreed, massaging his jaw. “Don’t worry, that’s how we show love in our family. You may go!” He shooed away the flock of bridesmaids.

“It’s been a while, Becks.” He smiled softly at his sister, and she snorted in return.

“You tell me!”

“I’m sorry. Really sorry.” He squeezed her hand and stared into her face, not unlike his own. “I never meant for any of this to happen. But it did, and I’m sorry. Will you ever forgive me?”

“I already did. But tell me one thing. Is it safe for you to come here?” Rebecca beamed at his nod and looped her arm through his. “We have to talk. But please, not now. I don’t want them to think I changed my mind.”

“If you want to run, just give me a word. I have some experience, you know.”

“God, no.” She laughed. “No running today, I promise.”

As they walked down the aisle, he kept glancing at his sister and ignoring the guests’ gasps and murmurs. Her gaze was fixed on her fiancee, who in turn was grinning sheepishly at the altar. Funny, how he never took her for the marrying kind. But then nobody took him, either, and there he was.

Maybe you just needed the right person. At the right time.

Because he was sure you didn’t need the gossiping aunts, no matter what customs said.

“Thank you,” she said when they stopped. “I’m happy you’re back.”

Jake smiled at his sister and her fiancee.

“So am I. Good luck, you two.”

He resisted the urge to wave to the crowd and instead darted to where he noticed his own right person. And as he held her warm hand, for the first time ever, he finally felt all the puzzle pieces were in place.

He was, after all, a lucky man.

***

@choicesficwriterscreations :)

[be11atrixthestrange]

Step 1: Getting To Know Her

From 12 Fail-Safe Ways To Charm Hermione Granger

Step 1: Getting To Know Her

All witches are unique. Before pouring effort into charming a witch, it’s important to get to know her well, Aim to understand why you like her, and stay observant, because there will always be more to learn.

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

Ron was lying awake in bed, flipping through the old and tattered book, and he couldn’t help but chuckle when he read part one, ‘Getting To Know Her’. Like that’s remotely possible.

He smiled softly at her sleeping form beside him. Her dark and bushy hair splayed wildy across both pillows, and the stress lines that appeared on her face throughout the day seemed to vanish in the night. She looked peaceful and calm, and it was contagious. Funny how the same girl that could rile him up and ignite his passion could also ease his anxiety. Her effect on him was undeniable, even this far along in their relationship.

Ron had a date planned for tomorrow, and he was pretty damn excited about it— so much that he couldn’t sleep, which is why he had picked up the old book again. His anticipation for tomorrow resembled a kid’s on Christmas Eve. He’d taken Hermione on plenty of dates before, but this one was going to be a surprise for her, and it had to go well. Maybe it was time to refresh his memory in the art of charming witches.

He nearly skipped this chapter the first time he read the book. It was in his sixth year, back at Hogwarts, and he scoffed at the book’s assumption that he would be interested in trying to charm a witch he didn’t know. He figured he could skip it because, well, he knew Hermione. They had already been through so much together, and he knew her like the back of his hand, or so he thought. But it turned out that Hermione was a complex witch, and even after years of friendship, she still managed to surprise Ron. Even now— they lived together, spent the majority of their time together, and could finish each other's sentences, but sometimes she still left him scratching his head, working new details into his understanding of her.

He recently learned that the scar on her knee was from a biking accident when she was younger. It needed stitches to heal. Muggle doctors actually sewed her skin back together. He was horrified when she told him— His parents had always been able to cast a cushioning charm around the Burrow’s grounds in case someone fell from their broomstick, and any cuts and scratches could be easily repaired with a dab of dittany— no needles required. Although it was a minor detail of her life, it further differentiated his childhood experience from hers, and unveiled that a lot of his knowledge of her upbringing was based on assumptions, not facts.

She surprised him again the first time he threw her a birthday party at their new flat. They had recently moved in together, and Hermione had insisted on living in Muggle London so her parents could have easier access to their new place. To go with the theme of their home, he decided to throw her an entirely muggle party, complete with muggle decorations and games and a cake baked the hard way— magic-free. He was quite proud of the result, and definitely didn’t expect her panicked reaction when she came home to find their apartment bursting with balloons. Hermione— who fought dark wizards as early as age sixteen, was afraid of balloons simply because they could pop anytime. Mental.

Ron’s perception of Hermione was constantly expanding with more information— Hermione had grown into a new person over the past decade and a half. The witch he met on the Hogwarts Express was completely different from the one sleeping next to him, and he had no idea what to expect in another fifteen years. This thought used to terrify him. He remembered discussing this with his brother Bill the summer before his wedding, after learning he was going to marry Fleur.

“What if you fall in love with someone, and then they change?”

Bill’s answer left Ron quite confused at first. “That’s the most exciting part,” he had said.

Of course, now Ron understood exactly what Bill had meant and agreed whole-heartedly. There was something exciting yet reassuring about how truly unknowable people were. Hermione was like an ocean— well studied and explored, yet ever-changing and mysterious.

At this point he had known her for fifteen years, and the words “Get To Know Her” made him laugh for completely different reasons that they did at age seventeen. This time, he laughed because he knew he never would.

******

There were many moments that stood out as turning points for Ron— moments when his knowledge of Hermione expanded, and his feelings for her strengthened.

There was a clear shift when he discovered her crying in the bathroom on that first Halloween, Hermione was no longer a “nightmare”, but a vulnerable, insecure kid who simply wanted to fit in— just like him. He saw her in a new light, and realized her commitment to studying so much, and showing off her knowledge wasn’t intended to be condescending, it was her attempt to make sense of a world of which she knew nothing. Knowing nothing meant knowing no one and the hurtfulness of his words took on an entirely new dimension. He had teased her for having no friends, but he also had the power to change that. On October 30th, she had been an annoying know-it-all, and by November 1st, she was his best friend, and he thanked Merlin every day that his eleven year old self had changed his opinion.

Things changed again in his fourth year. By the Yule Ball, Hermione had outgrown the young, precocious, socially awkward first year that pointed out dirt on his nose, and corrected his pronunciation of wingardium leviosa. She was a brilliant, confident, and strikingly pretty young woman, but his 14 year-old self was stuck to his original perception. He was forced to reassess when he saw her dancing with Victor Krum at the ball, looking magnificent in her periwinkle dress. He watched her laughing, dancing, and carrying herself with poise and confidence, while other girls lurked nearby, their faces contorted with envy. Victor Krum effortlessly ignored them because he was so drawn to Hermione, and he wasn’t the only one— Ron couldn’t take his eyes off of her either. Her words swam back his mind, suddenly changing everything.

“Just because it’s taken you three years to notice, doesn’t mean no one else has spotted I’m a girl.”

Why hadn’t he noticed before? And now that he had, what the bloody hell was he supposed to do about it? Hermione had evolved from a friend to a girl to a girl he fancied and Ron was left with the daunting task of moving forward with that revelation, somehow.

Although unsure how to proceed, he grew accustomed to his new feelings about Hermione. He edited her character profile in his mind to reflect this new person, someone who was infuriatingly clever, beautiful, and confident. This was Hermione, not that.

He kept learning, and her definitions expanded over time. He added both fearless and terrifying in their fifth year, when she risked her prefect badge to help form Dumbledore’s Army, jinxed Marrietta Edgecombe, and fought valiantly at the Ministry of Magic. He added flirtatious during their sixth year, when he could have sworn he saw her eyes that lingering on his taller, scruffier, more athletic-looking body, thanks to a combination of puberty and Quidditch. That same year, he briefly added not interested when her signals became too vague for him to trust, and completely fucking mental when she set a flock of canaries on him. Those descriptions changed again when they reconciled, and he fell right back into his old pattern of wanting her, this time slightly more confident that she felt the same way.

At that point he was convinced that knew her. He had adjusted his definitions so many times and finally felt that he had landed on something all-encompassing. But of course, he was wrong.

It was at the Burrow before Bill and Fleur’s wedding when she alerted him to another unexplored cavern of her personality. It had been a few months since the Lavender incident and they’d been dancing around their feelings for one another since then. Ron wasn’t sure how he was supposed to make the first move, or if it had been an appropriate amount of time to date someone new after breaking up with Lavender, so he just continued to hang around her, lamely hoping something would just happen between them.

His mother made an effort to keep them apart that summer, as she was— rightfully— scared they were planning something dangerous, so in order to spend any time together, they had to be sneaky about it. One day, his mother sent Hermione and Ginny to change all the sheets without realizing she had already asked them to, and instead of asking for a new chore, Hermione wandered up to Ron’s attic bedroom where he was busy tidying up.

“Hi,” she said before jumping and landing prone on his bed. “What are you doing?”

“Cleaning up my room,” he replied. “Not sure why I have to do it, it’s not like any of the guests will come in here.”

“You know why,” said Hermione. “To keep us busy.”

“Oh I know,” replied Ron, laughing at his mother’s antics. “Care to help me?”

“No, I think I’ll just sit here and watch,” she said with a coy smile.

Ron looked over and grinned at her. She was so cute lying on his bed like that. He couldn’t help but think she looked quite sexy too, with her skirt riding up, revealing more parts of her leg that kept him up at night. Sexy was another word Ron had added to her profile, one he found himself noticing much more frequently as of late.

He shook his head as if to jumble the randy expression that had undoubtedly formed his face, giving away thoughts that were best kept to himself— at least for now. At this point, they had not discussed where they stood relationship-wise, and gawking at her exposed thigh could easily ruin anything that remained unsaid.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked. He winced as he said it, hearing the unintended flirtatiousness of the words only after they left his mouth.

Fortunately his comment was well received. “Well, maybe take me to dinner first..,” she said playfully before shifting toward the edge of his bed, making room for him to sit down.

He felt his face warming as he lowered himself to the bed beside her and realized he had nothing to say. Dreading an awkward silence, he spluttered the first question that came to mind. “So uh, have you ever been to a wedding before?”

She turned onto her side to face him before nodding. “A few, but only muggle weddings. I was actually a bridesmaid in my cousin’s wedding last summer.”

Ron had expected that she’d attended a wedding before, as most people had. He was surprised by the other part of her answer. “You… have a cousin?”

“Yeah,” said Hermione. “This was Ellie’s wedding. She’s about five years older than me. Have I not told you about her?”

“No, I thought it was just you.”

“Hmm,” she said contemplatively. “I don’t have any siblings, but I have a lot of cousins. My extended family’s actually quite big.”

It wasn’t a personality-altering detail, but it revealed a sudden gap in his data. Ron wracked his mind for any missed conversations where he could have learned more about her family. “I never knew that. Are you close to your cousins?”

She shrugged. “Well I guess I just don’t talk about them that much. But growing up they felt like my siblings.”

“Do you visit them a lot?”

She hesitated before answering. “I used to,” she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. Ron suddenly regretted asking about her family, remembering what she had just done to keep them safe. “I probably won’t see them much anymore. At least not for a while.”

In a moment of courage, he reached for her hand, which was lying on his bed between them. He squeezed it gently and smiled. She returned the gesture, caressing the back of his hand in a way that sent shivers down his spine, but Ron was distracted by the glisten in her eyes as she reflected back on her family.

Also, his head was spinning. Hermione knew his family so well after their years of friendship, it almost felt like she was part of it. How had she never mentioned this detail about hers? Had he never even asked?

He had only met her parents once or twice, and he didn’t really converse with them when he did. Hermione had spent holidays with his family. His mum would send birthday and Christmas presents. Fred and George would take the mickey out of her like she was their own sister. She felt comfortable waltzing into his bedroom and sitting on his bed, and he had never even been to her house. He didn’t even know what it looked like.

“Can I meet them someday?” he asked boldly. “Your cousins, I mean.”

She paused in thought before answering cautiously. “Well, they don’t know I’m a witch. They think I attend a muggle boarding school. Whenever I visit them, I have to lie about everything. It’s a lot of work. A lot of stress.”

Ron hadn’t thought of that— she lived in a world that her family knew nothing about. Even if they got through this war, and she reunited with them, he would have to learn a whole lot more about muggles in order to keep up the lies she must have developed over the years. “I’m a good liar,” he said. “And a quick learner.”

“I’m happy to hear it,” she laughed.

Ron chuckled too, glad he could cheer her up, even if temporarily. But he was overwhelmed by this new information. There was a lot he didn’t know. He wondered what she told her cousins she studied at school, and what they thought she was planning to do after graduating. He didn’t even know how many cousins she had, how old they all were, or their names.

Now that he thought about it, he didn't even know her parents’ names.

“What are your parents’ names?” he asked.

“Jean and Hugo,” she answered. “Why?”

“I’m just curious.” He looked down at her hand, which he was still casually holding. He gave it another squeeze and saw her smile brightly at him when he did it, and he grinned softly back at her. It was the same Hermione, yet there was still even more about her to discover— things about her that he had never even thought about.

He felt a bit guilty learning exactly how many questions he’d never bothered to ask. But his guilt was overshadowed by his excitement to learn more. He really was a quick learner when the topic held his interest, and nothing held his interest quite like Hermione Granger.

[simons-calling-the-127-squad]

Light of my Life - Kun

GN High schooler Reader X High schooler/brother's friend Kun

Soulmate Au: glowing hearts

A/N: Hey guys. Writer 😝 here this is the second story of our series. Don't forget to let us know how you like it. Credit goes to the original owners of the images used in the collage. Also since the other writer and I are two different people there will be some different writing styles. By the way in this story, you will be in high school at the age of sixteen.

"Is your room cleaned and do I know this friend?" Your mother replied with her typical questions.

"Ugh, why do you always ask that when you know the answer?! I never get to have friends over because of it!" Your brother yelled.

"Maybe it's because you need to do what you're told to in the first place," Your sister, Bluebell, speaks up from where she's sitting.

"Maybe you should be quiet!" Adler snapped at her.

"I'm not going to listen to this. Mom, can I go to the movies with Y/B/F, please? Yes, my room is clean" you asked answering her question before she could ask it.

"Homework-" She started to ask.

"Done same with my chores" you cut her off.

"Then yes you can" she answered.

As you start walking out the door you hear your brother yell, "That's not fair!"

You rolled your eyes as you continue to walk. He's been like that since he found out why we didn't have a father and why he had your mother's last name. Instead of yours and Bluebell's last name. He had always been starting some type of argument with someone mainly your sister. Everyone was starting to get tired of it. Your sister was more focused on finishing high school and getting into college instead of the petty arguments though. You on the other hand just wished you could meet your soulmate. Yeah, your mom and dad weren't together anymore but maybe he wasn't her soulmate. Or maybe it was a big misunderstanding. It's not like it mattered to you though. You never knew your dad. Maybe someday, you always thought but for now, you were content without him.

You were so lost in thought you didn't even realize that you were at the movie theater already, "Y/N there you are!" Y/B/F exclaimed.

You jumped at the sudden intrusion of your thoughts, "Huh? Oh, hey!"

"You were lost in your thoughts again weren't you?"

"Yeah" You replied sheepishly. You had been doing that a lot lately and didn't know why.

"Come on I got the tickets," She said tugging on your arm.

You watched the movie peacefully. Everything you were thinking about was pushed to the back of your mind. Except for one thing, your soulmate, you wanted to know who he was already but at the same time, you didn't. You were content not knowing. All your friends, except for Y/B/F, knew theirs. You were happy that you weren't the only one being single in your friend group. It wouldn't matter though because when you do eventually find your soulmate, he'll have to put up with both Y/B/F and you. Which could be a dangerous combination itself. 

The movie got over and you checked your phone to see that you had a text from Amanda. 'Why would she be texting me' you thought. It turned out all she wanted to know was if you could do her homework. You rolled your eyes and said no. 

"You wanna go to lunch? We can get Subway if you want." Y/B/F asked, once again pulling you out of your thoughts.

"Yeah, that'd be great," you replied thankful that this was your best friend. She always could tell when attitudes were getting to you and when you needed just a few hours out of the house, even if you didn't want to go.

You both talked and ate your lunch having a great time. You talked about anything and everything. She said one thing that caught you off guard though, "I found my soulmate!" she blurted out.

"What?" you asked confused and not sure that you heard it right.

"I found my soulmate." She repeated looking guilty.

You felt your heart shatter. You were the only one now and you didn't even realize it, "Who?"

Y/B/F took a deep breath, "It's" she paused not sure if she should tell you, "Your brother" she finally said.

You couldn't believe it you knew they hadn't met before but now they had. Your best friend and your brother?! You were excited but at the same time mad that he hadn't told you before. "When did you meet," you asked her.

"A few days ago we ran into each other at school. It happened so fast."

"This is great!" You exclaimed. "You're gonna be my sister in law!" excitement and happiness filled your body.

After lunch, you both decided it was time to go home. She insisted that she walk home with you. You reluctantly agreed. You walked and talked the whole way there. When you both walked through the door you were surprised to not hear arguing. Your mother was in the kitchen cleaning. You checked your sister's room not surprised to see her studying. Finally, you checked your brother's room surprised to see his room clean and doing homework. 

"Yes?" he asked calmly not bothering to look up.

"I thought you might want to see Y/B/F" you replied.

"You finally told her?" he asked nonchalantly.

"Yeah at lunch" She replied calmly.

You rolled your eyes. "I'm going to my room" you informed them.

You went to your room thinking about everything that had just happened. You couldn't believe it, your best friend found her soulmate who just so happened to be your brother. It was weird knowing that you were now the only one in your friend group who didn't have a soulmate yet. 'What if I don't have one' you started thinking. 

"Mom, can the new kid come over?" You heard your brother ask.

"If everything is done then yes" you heard her reply. 

About thirty minutes later you heard a knock on the door. "I got it!" Your brother yelled. 

"Mom this is Kun," You heard your brother say. You heard her reply with something that sounded nice. Adler took Kun to meet your sister then Y/B/F next. You heard a knock on your bedroom door.

"Come in!'

Adler and the other kid which must have been Kun walked in, you couldn't help to stare at the boy, he had dark blue hair, which matched his skin tone, he had a white t-shirt on along with black jeans. "Hey, I'm Kun," he said timidly.

"I-I'm Y/N" you stuttered. Then it happened both of your chests glowed. Not your whole chest but the part where your heart is. You finally found your soulmate.

"No way" all three of you said at the same time. 

"Mom!" Adler yelled.

Your mother came into your room to see what the problem was, "Yes?"

"Y/N and Kun are soulmates!" he practically shouted, at that, your sister and Y/B/F came rushing into your room. 

You couldn't help but be excited. After your brother blurted that out both, Kun and you, blushed. Bluebell had a shocked look on her face, while both your mother and Y/B/F were smiling very brightly. Everyone was speechless, Kun settled on looking at his shoes. He was new to the town after all. After everyone ate supper Kun and Y/B/F had to go home. You walked Y/B/F out of the door and hugged her saying that you'll see her tomorrow at school. Then you decided to walk Kun to his car. 

"It was nice meeting you and hanging out with you and your family," Kun said with a small blush on his cheeks.

"It was nice meeting and hanging out with you too" you couldn't help but smile.

"Can I put my number in your phone?" 

"I don't see why not. As long as I get to put mine in yours" he chuckled at what you said and agreed. You handed each other your phones. You both put your numbers in each other's phone in no time and set the contact names for each other. 

"Don't look at the contact name just yet" he said smiling. 

"Okay" you laughed, "Can I have a hug before you leave?" you asked a bit shyly. 

"I don't see the problem in that," he said already taking you into his embrace.

You stayed like that for a few minutes. Soaking in everything. That day had been perfect besides the attitudes that morning. You both finally let go of each other. You told him that he better text you when he got home and saying that you'd see him at school the next day. 

You went back in and went to your room thinking about everything that had happened that day. You ended up reading a book and lost track of time. You heard your phone notification go off and checked your messages. You smiled and laughed at what Kun put as his contact name. He had put 'Light of my Life'. He told you that he made it home and couldn't wait to see you again. You texted him back saying the same thing and said that you loved the name he put for himself. You both said goodnight to each other shortly after.

The next day at school you found out you had a lot of classes with Kun. Which you didn't complain about. You both talked in all your classes that day and you caught him up on what he didn't understand. Y/B/F kept giving you both knowing looks and would talk but for the most part, left both of you alone. There were some girls though that kept talking about Kun and kept trying to see if he found his soulmate or not. He just ignored them though which was good because each time you were getting more and more jealous. At the end of the day, Kun took you home.

It went the same way for a few more years. Kun, Y/B/F, and you would always hangout. After you turned nineteen Adler proposed to Y/B/F and Bluebell found her soulmate in college. You started college and so did Kun. You ended up sharing the same dorm room together. One night he took you on the perfect date and he got down on one knee and pulled out a box with a ring. "Y/N, meeting you was my favorite accident I would never change anything about how we met. I love you and I want you to be my forever. So Y/N will you do me the honor of being my forever, more importantly, my wife?"

"I-I. YES," you finally answered very excitedly. You were completely shocked.

You both hugged and kissed each other. This was the best night ever for both of you. You were both finally with the one that will never getaway.

[woods2006gal]

Zoey York Series Chapter 01 - Overprotected

Zoey Stella York glances up at the top of the school bus when a thud echoes throughout. She brushes a strand of bright blonde hair behind her ear and turns her emerald green eyes, hidden behind a pair of thick black rimmed glasses, back to the book in her lap. The chatter of the students around her doesn’t stop. Sitting in front of her were Pete Ross and Chloe Sullivan.  Pete was an African-American boy with a bright smile and Chloe was a blonde haired reporter in charge of the school newspaper. While they were friends, Zoey didn’t consider them close friends. They were friends more with the son of her godparents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. As the bus nears Smallville High School, Zoey shoves the book she had been reading into her backpack. The bus comes to a stop and the students start to climb off of it. “So, anyone ask either of you to the dance,” Pete asks, walking down the bus stairs.

“Not yet,” Chloe replies. They glance at Zoey.

“No,” Zoey tells them. “And if they did, I would say no because I’m not interested in going. I’ll see you guys later.” She walks over to where her best friend, Mike Andrews, was sitting. He had jet black hair and olive skin with hazel eyes. “So, what are we doing instead of engaging of the tedious ritual of the homecoming dance?”

Mike winces. “The homecoming dance.” Zoey shoots him a disbelieving look. “My mom brought me a tux. She thinks we’re dating.” He grabs her hands and dramatically kneels on the ground. “Zoey, will you do me the honor of attending the homecoming dance with me?”

Zoey laughs. “Sure.”

Mike jumps up and tightly hugs her. “I so owe you for being my beard,” he quietly says.

Zoey shoots her best friend a soft smile. “One day, you’ll find a Prince Charming.” Mike glances over to where Clark was picking up his books. Lana Lang was helping him. Zoey rolls her eyes. “Dude, you can do so much better.”

Mike smirks. “What can I say? Tall, goofy, and plaid gets me all hard.” They laugh as they make their way into the school. He motions to where some of the football players were hanging out with their girlfriends. One of the football players, Shane Burke, eyes Zoey as they walk past. “I heard that Shane broke up with Barbie number three.”

“Let me guess: Barbie number three finally put out and then she got dumped.”

“You know it.”

Zoey loops her arm through Mike’s. “Maybe this will be the week when Shane finally leaves me alone,” she whispers.

“York!”

Mike winces. “Spoke too soon, Zoey.”

They turn to see Shane running towards them. “York,” Shane greets. He eyes Mike. “Get out of here.”

Mike rolls his eyes. “I’ll see you in class.”

Zoey shoots Mike a smile before turning to Shane. “What did you want?”

“You got my chem homework done,” Shane asks, pushing her against a locker. Zoey pulls out a chemistry textbook from her backpack. He grabs it from her grip. “Thanks. I’ll see you around, York.”

~*~

Zoey raises an eyebrow when the familiar red pick up truck pulls to a stop in front of the Smallville High that afternoon. She waves to Mike as he gets on his bus before heading over to the truck. “Is everything okay,” she asks.

Jonathan Kent motions for her to get in. “Clark was involved in an accident at Loeb Bridge,” he explains as she climbs in. Jonathan was a man in his mid forties with sandy blonde hair and tanned skin. Zoey remains quiet as he speeds over to where Loeb Bridge is. Police cars and ambulances surrounded the area. He jumps out of the truck and runs down to where Clark was sitting with a red blanket wrapped around his shoulders. Zoey stands next to the truck. “Clark! Son, you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Clark replies. 

“Who’s the manic who was driving that car,” Jonathan demands, looking at the sheriff.

“That would be me.” They turn to see a young bald headed man. He too had a red blanket wrapped around his shoulders with a cut on his face. He holds out a hand. “Lex Luthor.”

Jonathan stares at him for a moment, then yanks off his jacket and drapes it around Clark’s shoulders. “I’m Jonathan Kent. This is my son.”

“Thanks for saving my life,” Lex tells Clark. 

“I’m sure you would have done the same thing,” Clark replies.

“You have quite an extraordinary boy there, Mr. Kent. If there is any way I can repay you?”

“Drive slower,” Jonathan retorts, then walks off with Clark.

“Are you okay,” Zoey asks, once they make it up to the truck.

“I’m fine,” Clark answers, opening the passenger door. Zoey looks between the two Kent men and silently climbs into the truck.

~*~

Zoey walks up to the barn’s loft. Jonathan had turned the area into a hangout space for Clark and Zoey, that way they could have friends over without parents hovering over them. Except Zoey never really hung out in the loft. She would mostly hang out with Mike at his house as his mom was never home. She rolls her eyes, finding that Clark was watching Lana through his telescope. Lana lived across the road from the Kent farm with her Aunt Nell. Her parents had passed away in the meteor shower. 

At first, the Kents had tried to keep Clark’s secret from Zoey. But that only lasted a couple months. Clark and Zoey had been playing in a field when she had been stung by a bee. Normally, it wouldn’t have matter. Except Zoey was allergic to bees. Seeing that her face had started to turn blue and she started to have trouble breathing, Clark had grabbed Zoey and raced her back to the house for help. Even when she had been focusing on trying to breathe, a seven year old Zoey had noticed what had happened and once she was better, she had told the Kents what Clark had done. 

“You know that’s really creepy, right,” Zoey says, sitting down on the old couch. A desk was in the corner with an old trunk as a coffee table. Clark scowls, but doesn’t respond. She constantly teased him about his massive crush on Lana. “You should just ask her out.”

“She has a boyfriend,” Clark argues.

“Then when they eventually break up, you should ask her out.”

“What makes you think that they’ll break up?”

“Because Whitney is a senior and Lana is freshman. He’ll go off to college and she’ll be here. They’ll end up breaking up.” Zoey stands up. “Anyway, Uncle Jonathan wanted me to ask you if you had gotten all your chores done?”

“Seeing as I’m not you, yes.”

 “Whatever,” Zoey replies, then walks out of the loft. Ever since the two teenagers had hit puberty, they had become more agonistic towards each other. And nothing that the Kents did, was making the two teens as close as they had been as children.

~*~

Zoey silently follows Clark down the dirt driveway that led to the Kent farm. As they reach the house, they notice a shiny new red pickup truck with a giant blue bow parked in front of the barn. “Hey, Mom,” Clark shouts, running over to the truck. “Whose truck?”

“Yours,” Martha answers, climbing down from the tractor. “Its a gift from Lex Luthor.” She pulls out a card from within her jacket and hands it to Clark.

“‘Dear Clark. Drive safely. Always in your debt. A maniac in a Porsche,’” Clark reads. “I don’t believe it. Where are the keys?”

“Your father has them.” A worried look appears on Clark’s face as he goes in search of Jonathan. Martha turns to Zoey. “I ran into Mike’s mother at the store. She told me that you guys were going to the homecoming dance together.”

Zoey shrugs. “We’re just going as friends. His mom thinks that we’re dating.” She sees the questioning look on Martha’s face. “We’re not. We’re just friends.”

Martha rubs Zoey’s arm. “Mike is lucky to have a friend like you, Zoey. I was thinking, we could go dress shopping tomorrow after school. For the homecoming dance. We’ll have a girls’ day.”

Zoey smiles. “I’d like that.”

Martha smiles back at her goddaughter. “I’ll pick you up from school tomorrow.”

A strange crunching noise comes from within the barn and the two women make their way inside. “I didn’t dive in after Lex’s car,” Clark shouts, pulling his arm out the wood chipper. “It hit me at sixty miles an hour! Does that sound normal to you? I’d give anything to be normal!” Clark walks past them, up into the loft. Martha shoots her husband a look and Zoey shakes her head, heading in the direction of the house.

~*~

“Did you know that I’m an alien,” Clark asks as he and Zoey head towards the Luthor Manor to return the truck that Lex had given Clark. Zoey shoots him a confused look. “My space ship is in the storm cellar. Dad says I came down during the meteor shower. He and Mom found my crashed ship on the side of the road.”

“So, you’re an alien,” Zoey replies, nodding. She smirks. “Have you phoned home yet?”

Clark shoots her an annoyed look as they up to the gate outside of the Luthor Manor. After getting no reply from the intercom, Clark parks the truck and they climb out. Clark pulls open the gate wide enough for them slip through. He quickly closes the gate back and they make their way inside. It was made out of stone and had many details that reminded Zoey of the old European castles she had seen in pictures. They walk around the mansion, searching for the new owner. They finally come across a couple of people in a large room with a fireplace, fencing. A fencing sword is thrown into the wall, inches away from Clark’s head.

One of the fencers pulls off their mask. “Clark,” Lex asks. “I didn’t see you.”

“Uh, we buzzed but no one answered,” Clark replies.

Lex grabs the sword out of the wall. “How’d you get through the gate?”

“We squeezed through the bars,” Zoey quickly says. She eyes the other fencer, a blonde woman. “We can come back if this is a bad time.”

“Oh, no, no. I think Hykia has sufficiently kicked my ass for the day,” Lex replies, tossing his mask on the couch. The woman nods and walks out of the room. He shoots Zoey a questioning look.

“This is Zoey,” Clark says. “She’s...my sister.” He looks around the room. “This is a great place.”

“Yeah? If you’re dead and in the market for something to haunt.”

“I mean, it’s roomy.”

Lex walks out of the room. Clark and Zoey exchange a look, then follow him down the hallway. “It’s the Luthor ancestral home or so my father claims. He had it shipped over from Scotland stone by stone.”

“Yeah, we remember trucks rolled through town for weeks but no one ever moved in.”

“My father had no intention of living here. He’s never even stepped through the front door.”

“They why’d he ship it over?”

“Because he could.”

They enter another room. This was one filled with various types of workout equipment. Lex pulls off his fencing jacket. “How’s the new ride?”

Clark exchanges a look with Zoey. He sighs. “That’s why I’m here.”

“What’s the matter,” Lex asks. He hands Clark and Zoey each a bottle of water before opening up one for himself. “You don’t like it?”

“No, it’s not that. I can’t keep it.”

Lex sets his water down and turns to them. “Clark, you saved my life. I think it’s the least I can do.” Clark awkwardly looks away. “Your father doesn’t like me, does he? It’s okay.” Lex rubs his bald head. “I’ve been bald since I was nine. I’m used to people judging me before they get to know me.”

“It’s nothing personal,” Clark weakly defends. “He’s just not crazy about your dad.”

“Figures the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Understandable. What about you, Clark? Did you guys fall far from the tree?”

Clark remains silent. “We better go,” he says, breaking the silence. “Thanks for the truck.”

Clark and Zoey start to walk out of the library. “Clark,” Lex calls out. They turn to the young billionaire. “Do you believe a man can fly?”

Clark chuckles. “Sure. In a plane.”

“No, I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about soaring through the clouds with nothing but air beneath you.”

Zoey stares at him. “Lex, people can’t fly.”

“I did,” Lex tells them. “After the accident, when my heart stopped. It was the most exhilarating two minutes of my life. I flew over Smallville, and for the first time, I didn’t see a dead end. I saw a new beginning. Thanks to you, Clark, I have a second chance. We have a future, Clark. And I don’t want anything to stand in the way of our friendship.”

Zoey and Clark make their way out of the mansion. “He’s a very intense guy.”

~*~

Zoey smooths down her pale blue dress. She hadn’t see Clark since earlier that morning when they had arrived at school. She looks around the gym. It had been no surprised that Lana and her boyfriend, Whitney Foreman, had been crowned homecoming queen and king. Chloe was dancing with Pete. Mike was no where in sight. They had agreed to meet at the school. “York?” Zoey lets out a groan and turns around to find Shane. He was wearing a suit with a lavender tie. He looks her up and down. “You clean up nicely.”

“Can I help you,” Zoey asks, forcing a smile. 

Zoey sits down on the couch next to her uncle. Max Carmichael’s house was the opposite of the Kents. Yet at the same time it was very similar to her godparents’ house. The living room was filled with items from his travels around the world. Family photos were hung around the room. The walls were white, along with the furniture. “Can I ask you something,” she softly says.

Max sets the file down on the couch next to him. “You can ask me anything, Zoey.”

“I...I have a bully. And I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you talked to Martha and Jonathan?” Zoey shakes her head. “You don’t want them to know.”

“I don’t want to add to their plate. They have enough to worry about.”

Max nods. “Well, you can either fight back. Which is what I did. My bullies would call me names and I called them names back.”

“Mine doesn’t do that. He...forces me to do his homework. And when I don’t, he calls me names.”

“What kind of names?”

“Poor.”

Max snorts. “You’re bully isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.”

Zoey smiles. “No. He’s not. One too many concussions on the football field.” She shifts. “He...he also calls me orphan. And he says that no one wants me.”

“So, you do what your bully says to avoid being called names?” She nods. “What do you think the Kents would say?”

“To just ignore him. Kill ‘em with kindness.”

Max nods. “Well, the Carmichael way is to fight back. But you have to do it in a more subtle way, Zoey. Gather intel on him. Then use it against him. In fact, if he’s having you do his homework, then make it to where he has all F’s.”

“Where’s Andrews,” Shane asks, looking around the gym.

“Bathroom,” Zoey replies.

Shane nods, looking around the gym. Britney Spears was playing from the speakers that had been set up around the gym. “Do you want to dance?”

Zoey stares at him disbelief. “No. You’re an asshole. And you know what, I’m not doing your homework anymore.” She spots Mike across the gym and walks over to him. “I just told Shane he was an asshole.”

Mike tightly embraces her. “And you did it while the perfect song was playing!” She shoots him a quizzical look. “Stronger by Britney!” Zoey laughs and shakes her head at her friend’s antics.

Life for Zoey York is relatively normal. Well, as much as one can have living in Smallville. She keeps to herself while Clark has adventures. It's how she liked her life. She liked being in the background, being invisible. Shane even forgot about her, which she was grateful for. 

But that all changed one late winter evening. Zoey was in her bedroom, working on the financial books for the school. She was class treasurer. School politics was the only area that she stood out in. It was also something that her Uncle Max actively encouraged her to pursue. Zoey was active in Smallville High’s future business leaders club. She knew exactly where her future lead. And as much as she might have wanted to pursue other options, she knew it wasn’t in the cards.

A knock on the doorframe of her bedroom causes Zoey to look up. She stares at Lana Lang, wondering why she was there. Lana had olive colored skin and jet black straight hair. She was also one of the most popular girls in their grade, a former cheerleader, and dating Whitney Forman, who was the star quarterback of the football team. “Hi,” Zoey awkwardly greets.

Lana smiles. “Hi, Zoey. I was wondering if you could help me.”

Zoey raises an eyebrow. Lana and her barely spoke to each other. And when they did it was mostly a polite greeting. “Uh, sure.”

“Great,” Lana says, sitting on Zoey’s bed. “Lex is buying the Talon."

“The old theatre downtown?”

“Yeah. He wants to tear it down and make it a parking garage.”

“That makes sense. There’s a lot of business downtown and no where near enough parking. If he makes it paid parking, then he’ll make a killing.”

“I want to convince Lex to renovate the Talon. It’s a special place to me. My parents met there.”

Zoey nods. “Lex wasn’t convinced, was he?”

“No.”

“And you want me to help you come up with a proposal that will convince Lex to renovate the Talon.”

“Yes.”

“Why? You don’t actually need my help. You're smart enough to do this on your own, Lana."

Lana sighs. “Zoey, you’re the smartest person I know. And you’re the reason why the business club has the most successful fundraisers in school. If there’s anyone I trust to help me with a business proposal, it’s you.”

Zoey examines the former cheerleader. She knew that Lana was being honest. “I’ll help, but I want to be a partner.”

Lana frowns. It was clear she wasn’t expecting Zoey to want something. “You want to be a partner.”

“First rule in business, never do anything for free.”

Lana softly laughs. She holds out a hand. “Deal."

Zoey turns to a blank page in her notebook. “Let's get to work.”

~*~

Zoey walks down Main Street. She was meeting Lana and Lex at the Talon. She was confident that their proposal would be successful. She spots Lana outside the Talon with Clark and Chloe. “Hey,” she greets, walking up to the group. “How are you, Chloe?”

“Enjoying the sweet smell of freedom,” Chloe replies.

Clark rolls his eyes. “Chloe, you were in the hospital, not Alcatraz.”

“You spend a week in there and you’d feel like a prisoner too. I mean, come on. Eating bad food, lights out by nine and no cable? I’m think about doing an expose,” Chloe argues. She turns to Lana. “How’s Whitney, by the way?”

“He’s taking it one day at a time.”

“Good. All right, well, bye.” Chloe turns to leave, but bumps into a stranger. “Oh, sorry.”

“Chloe, where are you going,” Clark asks.

“I’m just gonna go do a little checking with the police. Apparently none of the tattoo ink was found at the loft and Scott and Derek aren’t saying anything to anyone, so I smell a cover up."

Clark smiles. “Chloe, it’s good to have you back.”

Chloe smiles. “Thanks.”

Chloe runs across the sheet. Lana motions to the Porsche parked outside the Talon. “He’s early,” she says. She turns to Zoey. “Okay, here goes nothing.”

Zoey smiles. “We have a good plan. Lex’d be stupid to turn us down.”

Clark smiles as Lana and Zoey walk into the Talon. “Thanks for coming,” Lana tells Lex.

“I was surprised by your call,” Lex confesses. “After our last meeting, I didn’t think I’d hear from you again.”

“This time, I came prepared.”

Zoey digs into her messenger bag and pulls out a folder. “This is our business proposal,” she says, handing the folder to Lex. “All across the country, small towns are revitalizing their downtowns and returning them to social centers.”

“They did it by restoring the great old buildings that were already there, turning them into cafes, bookstores, restaurants,” Lana continues.

Lex raises an eyebrow. “You want to turn the Talon into a cafe bookstore?”

“It could also be a venue for local bands and art house movies.”

“On page twelve, it describes the tax benefits that comes with registering the building as a historic landmark,” Zoey explains.

“Who’s gonna mange it,” Lex asks, looking between the two young women.

“Nell said she’d be interested. Zoey and I can train with her after school. I’ll try running it myself in the summers,” Lana answers.

Lex glances at Zoey. “I spend summers with my uncle in Star City,” Zoey explains. “Lana and Nell will be the primary managers. I’ll mostly be a waitress and possibly assistant manager during the school year.”

Lex nods, flipping through the proposal. “How’d you come up with this,” he asks, looking at Lana.

“It was something Clark said,” Lana confesses. “He told me you like to challenge people.”

“Well, you’ve definitely risen to the challenge.”

“So, it’s a deal,” Lana asks, exchanging a hopeful look with Zoey.

“I need to look over everything, but yeah. It’s a deal,” Lex replies.

“Really?”

“Really.” Lex closes the folder. “I think this could be the start of a very interesting partnership.”

~*~

“How did yours and Lana’s meeting go,” Martha asks, setting a bowl of mashed potatoes in the center of the dining room table. The family dinners were something that Zoey enjoyed about living with the Kents. When she visited Max in Star City, they would have homemade family dinners once a week. The rest of the time it was whatever Max had delivered or where they went out for dinner. 

“It went great,” Zoey replies, smiling. “Lex is going to renovate the Talon. It's going to be turned into a coffee shop."

Jonathan shakes his head. “I hope Lana knows what she’s getting into by getting into business with Lex. You can’t trust the Luthors.”

Clark sighs. He was used to his father being against Lex. Zoey bites her lip. “I’m going to be a partner,” she softly says.

Jonathan and Martha exchange a look. This was news to them. Jonathan sets his fork down. “Zoey, we can’t afford for you to be a partner,” he tells her. “Besides, it’s not your place.”

“Lana came to me for help,” Zoey argues. “Uncle Max always says that the first rule in business is to never do anything for free. I told her I’d help if I was made a partner.”

“We didn’t raise you to be like that, Zoey. You help your friends—”

“Lana’s not my friend,” Zoey interrupts. “The only friend I have in this town is Mike.” She shakes her head and stands up. “For the record, Austin is taking care of the paperwork. I’m not stupid.” She head upstairs to her bedroom. While there were many things, Zoey enjoyed about living in Smallville and with the Kents, there were many things she hated about living in Smallville and with the Kents.

What am I to do with my life (You will find it out don’t worry) How am I supposed to know what’s right? (You just got to do it your way) I can’t help the way I feel But my life has been so overprotected

[silke-doomflare]

Meet the character: Silke

BASICS

► Name ➔  “Silke Doomflare. And yes, it’s got something to do with my profession!”

► Are you single ➔ Silke’s eyes suddenly get a bit wider. She blinks, and then purses her lips, becoming oddly interested in the nearby wall. “It’s complicated.”

► Are you happy ➔  “Mm, yeah, I guess I could say so”, she states after thinking for a moment. “I’m studying things I love, my family is safe and alive, I have a handful of people I could consider my friends.. Can’t really complain, although a little bit more gil wouldn’t hurt...”

► Are you angry? ➔  “Well, usually not. Though, at the moment I’m a bit pissed off at a certain colleague of mine who loudly and unnecessarily harshly judged my thesis of pyromancy in front of our professor and classmates. Like, hellooo? You can give critique and still be polite about it, geez…”

► Are your parents still married ➔  “They are”, Silke nods proudly. "I’ve seen so many broken families lately. I feel very privileged… and lucky.”

EIGHT FACTS

► Birth Place ➔ “I’ve heard it was the place named Skatay Range. But I can’t remember a thing from it. I was so young when I was taken by slavers. So I like to think Kugane as my real birth place, since I grew up there.“

► Hair Color ➔ “Black I guess? At least it was the last time I checked! In bright light it looks like dark grey, though.”

► Eye Color ➔ Silke leans closer, so that the deep turquoise can hardly be missed. "You have troubles with your eyes or what? I happen to partly know a shady medic from a certain dark alley nearby. Want to know the address?”

► Birthday ➔ “Ninth sun of the first astral moon, I’ve heard.”

► Mood ➔ “Right now? I guess I’m feeling somewhat eager. There’s this new portal we’re going to test out tomorrow, and I was permitted to take part in it. Can you believe that? Usually they’re just like ‘no, Silke, don’t touch it, don’t touch anything’, but this time I’m allowed in. They must’ve finally noticed the genius I am.“

► Gender ➔ “God!” Silke yells and gets on her feet, pointing towards the roof. A long silence follows. “Seriously! Have you ever seen me on a battlefield? Have you seen the havoc I’ve --- no? Oh...”

► Summer or winter ➔ “Agh, such a difficult question. I like both. I like to swim and lay on a soft grass under a tree. But then again I also like to drink hot cocoa when it’s cold, wrap myself up into a blanket and watch the flames of our fireplace or snow falling outside.“

► Morning or afternoon ➔ “Afternoon of course? I’m not even awake before noon… no, wait. I like sleeping as well. Both?”

EIGHT THINGS ABOUT YOUR LOVE LIFE

► Are you in love ➔ “Of course I am. If we don’t count the feeling of aether flowing through me while I cast spells and blow things to smithereens, I love most the smell of old tomes, parchment, ink and all sorts of sweets, especially ice-cream. I also love chocobos. If it wasn’t possible to be a mage I’d definitely become a chocobo breeder. Perhaps I’ll become one when my career is over and spells no longer stay in my head. I’ll retire and start breeding chocobos. Yes, a perfect plan!“

► Do you believe in love at first sight ➔ “I definitely do! I fell in love with my dog the moment I saw him. Have you ever visited Kugane? Well anyway, they have these small, orange, pointy eared and curly tailed dogs there in almost every house. It’s like their national dog or something, they’re so popular.”

► Who ended your last relationship ➔ “I hate to admit this, but it was him… I thought we were doing fine, but one day he started to complain I didn’t give him enough attention, and that I was studying too much. I mean… how can one even study too much? I don’t get it.“

► Have you ever broken someone’s heart ➔  “I guess I have. Not on purpose, though! Honestly, some people are so sensitive it’s harder not to break their hearts, geez… What an annoying subject to talk about, anyway.” Silke ruffles her head uneasily.

► Are you afraid of commitments ➔ “Of course not. I wouldn’t be able to ever become an archmage if I wasn’t dedicated to my studies.“

► Have you hugged someone within the last week? ➔ Silke’s usually cheerful expression grows darker suddenly. "My sister. We don’t see very often, but when we do, I try to show my care as much as I can. She’s hanging out with shady folk sometimes, and I can’t help but worry at times will she come home or not.”

► Have you ever had a secret admirer ➔ “I surely hope not! Would be creepy to have someone admiring you from afar, without letting you know. Isn’t that like stalking? It’s only good manners to make yourself known so we can find out do we get along or not.“

► Have you ever broken your own heart? ➔ “No, I don’t think so. Or perhaps I once almost did… there was this huge tome - as big as those holy scriptures they have in the cathedral - in a certain old bookstore. The merchant was old as sky and I was afraid they’d close the place soon. And the tome was expensive. I was a lot younger back then and didn’t have much money, and my sister was like ‘no Silke, you totally won’t buy a book written in some dead language no one can read to take more room in your previously cramped room and collect dust.’ At first I was about to leave it at that, but I ended up snitching money from her cache.” Silke grins impishly. “No regrets!”

SIX CHOICES

► Love or lust ➔ “I have to choose again? You’re, like, asking me do I like to enjoy nice things existing or actually take them to be mine.”

► Lemonade or iced tea ➔ “What if I started to ask you annoying questions like strawberries or chocolate? Can’t choose, huh? Huh?”

► Cats or Dogs ➔ Silke falls silent for a moment. “…just when I was yapping at you for silly questions. Dogs all the way! I like cats too, and maybe I would be more of a cat person if my first pet had been a cat. But it was a dog, and there’s no going back!“

► A few best friends or many regular friends ➔ “A few best friends, absolutely. I have both, but I’ve noticed I enjoy the company of my closest friends a lot more. You can do all sorts of crazy stuff with them you can’t with anyone else.”

► Wild night out or romantic night in ➔ “Definitely a wild night out! I have romantic nights by myself all the time with wine and chocolate and our fireplace, and I rarely get to go out.“

► Day or night ➔ “I like both, actually. At days I’m studying, and at nights I’m doing my homework.” Silke shrugs and grins.

FOUR HAVE YOU EVERS

► Been caught sneaking out ➔ Silke becomes more serious once more. “Like I told you, I was taken from my original home by slavers. Life wasn’t very nice back then. I tried to run, many times. But I was very small and weak, and they were big, strong and fast.”

► Fallen down/up the stairs ➔ “This actually happened during one of my escape attempts. I was lucky I didn’t die. I still have a scar left.“ Silke lifts her bangs and shows a scar near her temple.

► Wanted something/someone so badly it hurt? ➔ “Freedom. Yes… I think losing our loved ones is the first thing we usually think of when someone asks for the thing we fear the most. But I think losing your freedom would be even worse. If you’re free, you can always start anew, but if you’re being held captive, you can’t do anything. Nothing at all.”

► Wanted to disappear ➔ Silke gives a long look at you and raises an eyebrow again. “Considering the things I just told you, there just may have been such situations...”

FOUR PREFERENCES

► Smile or eyes ➔ “Mmh, both are important, but I think I like eyes more. I’m not a spiritual person, but I still think you can kind of see their soul there. Their essence. If they’re good or evil. The creepiest thing I’ve seen is probably living people with empty eyes, especially those without any kindness in them…”

► Shorter or Taller ➔ “Shorter, definitely. I’m quite short myself despite my heels and I don’t like it when someone looks down on me. Well, most of people  kind of have to, they can’t help it, but you know?“

► Intelligence or Attraction ➔  “Pff, do you even need to ask? Intelligence, of course. There are very few things that… truly infuriate me… But the one thing I absolutely can’t stand in others is chosen stupidity. Yes, chosen! Can you believe, that there truly exists people who don’t want to learn new things, be it about themselves or other people or the world that surrounds them?” Silke starts to imitate an elderly person, talking in a low, hoarse tone: “Silly girl. If we would discover new things or try them out, we would be in a situation we’ve never been in before.” She bursts into a mocking laughter. “Yes, someone really said that to me…”

► Hook-up or Relationship ➔ “Relationship, hands down. I’ve had my share of hook-ups.” Silke apparently can’t stop her eyes rolling towards the roof as a protest.

FAMILY

► Do you and your family get along ➔ “Yeah, we get along very well. I have some arguments every now and then with my two siblings, but nothing too serious.”

► Would you say you have a “messed up life” ➔ “Not anymore. It used to be such a mess, though.” Silke lets out an uneasy laugh. “After me and Asagi were adopted, we got our life eventually back together. Despite a few ups and downs it’s been quite stable after that. A place to belong to and meaningful chores do wonders.”

► Have you ever ran away from home ➔ “No, definitely not. My parents have always been reasonable. Even during our wildest teenage years I can’t remember there would’ve been anything too major…“

► Have you ever gotten kicked out ➔ Silke has some difficulties holding back a sudden laughter. "I got kicked out of class, yeah! Though I still think it was unfair towards me. It wasn’t my fault. It was an alchemy class and I guess I had made some miscalculation with my mixture… I tried to tell my professor I’m not quite sure about it, but he just had to go and push his big head too close to the cauldron.”

FRIENDS

► Do you secretly hate one of your friends ➔ “No, I don’t hate my friends. If I did, I wouldn’t be friends with them, would I? Some of them have some annoying traits, but... hate? Nah.“

► Do you consider all of your friends good friends ➔ "Sadly no… I’ve had some… disappointments. You know, there’s quite a lot of people who seem like they’re good friends, but once you have a bad day, or few bad days, they suddenly disappear and want to hear nothing about it. So weird. I certainly wouldn’t abandon my friends like that.”

► Who is your best friend ➔ “Absolutely Iris. She’s a bit odd sometimes, in a good way though, and her vocabulary is quite vulgar and it upsets some people, but I think it’s hilarious. I’ve never met anyone so quick-witted before. There’s not a single boring moment while she’s around. Oh, and nowadays there’s also this certain miqo’te called Shaura. We haven’t known each other for very long, but just like with Iris, we just clicked right away.“

► Who knows everything about you ➔ “I think my sister might… I’ve tried to keep some secrets from her, like me loaning her gil without asking sometimes, but I think she knows. I have no idea how the heck! I mean, I’m smart, but she’s even smarter… If it was possible, I would like to change brains with her for a day or two. I want to know how she does it.”

[girlwithshipsshitshow]

Part 16

(Misaki sat against the gate with his final exam in his hands, not only did he pass, but he got extra credit questions right as well. He smiled, he was so excited he was finally graduating, going on a trip with Usagi, building a home with him, and marrying him, his life finally beginning, he was insanely happy, the sound of a horn honking snapped him out of his thoughts he jumped a little and looked up, Usagi rolled down his window and looked at Usagi over the rim over his glasses).

Usagi: Hey hot stuff, need a ride?

Misaki: (laughs and stands up), shut up, (walks to Usagi's car and quickly kisses him on lips before getting in).

Usagi: So how'd the test go?

Misaki: (hands Usagi his test), see for yourself.

Usagi: (looks over paper then grins), Misaki! this is awesome! i'm so proud of you. (leans over, kisses Misaki on his cheek).

Misaki: I know, told you I was great at psychology.

Usagi: I know, I never doubted you. So what's next?

Misaki: Now I graduate. Oh and Monday I have to pick up my graduation packet. I really just need my robe and cap.

Usagi: Why didn't you get it today? Did they not have it in extra extra small.

Misaki: SHUT UP!! they aren't coming in until monday, so no one has them smartass.

Usagi: (Rolls eyes), whatever helps you sleep at night.

Misaki: (turns in seat to face Usagi), The only thing that helps me sleep at night is being wrapped in your arms.

Usagi: (Grins, places his hand on Misaki's warm face, rubs his thumb against his cheek). That's sweet, (whispers), you have no idea how much I want touch you right now.

Misaki: (softly), I think I do.

Usagi: (leans in for a kiss).

Misaki: (pulls away), Usagi, that'll lead to something more and, we can't.

Usagi: (Leans back in seat closes eyes sighing), I know.

Misaki: Let's just go get lunch.

Usagi: Okay,where do you want to go?

Misaki: Pizzakaya.

Usagi: Alright, (pulls car out of lot, heads down the street).

(Rose sat in the hospital cafeteria in her scrubs, she was biting on a fry wating for Eri, they decided to meet at the hospital for lunch because it would be easier for Rose, she also got called in early so she didn't have long, Eri rushed to Rose's table sliding into a chair almost knocking it over).

Eri: Sorry i'm late, and I know we don't have much time. (leans over and kisses Roses), I lost track of time.

Rose: That's okay, want some fries? we don't have much time for anything else.

Eri: Sure. (grabs a handful of fries)

Rose: How was your morning?

Eri: Good, busy. I'm almost done editing one of four books that Akihiko wrote.

Rose: That's good.

Eri: Yeah, how was your morning?

Rose: Pretty good, I did a lot of chores around the house, since I work a double and won't be home until tomorrow night.

Eri: Okay, good.

Rose: (grabs a handful of fries), Yeah. (pager beeps, she glances at it), Oh hey i gotta go, shift is starting. (stands up, kisses Eri on the lips softly), i'll call you later.

Eri: Okay, I better go too, Akihiko is working his ass off, if he keeps this up, i'll never get a break.

Rose: (laugs), Why is he working so hard anyway?

Eri: (stands up, grabs Rose's hand, they walk towards the elevators), It's for Misaki.

Rose: He really loves that little dude doesn't he? (presses the call button).

Eri: (Smiles), more than anything.

Rose: (they step onto the elevator, she presses the button for the fifth floor). That's really sweet.

Eri: Yeah, i've known him for a long time, he's never felt this way about anyone.

Rose: what do you think makes Misaki different?

Eri: Well he's never been in a relationship, ever. But I don't know there's something about Misaki, Akihiko's never let anyone in or close before, everyone was surprised when we found out he had a roommate or a boyfriend.

Rose: When he was in the hospital, did you mean it?

Eri: (confused look), what are you talking about?

Rose: When you offered to be their surrogate, did you mean it?

Eri: Of course, I mean if they want kids, I would be happy to do that for them.

Rose: (nods), well if they do Ren, his doctor can help with that, he has a ton of specialty's.

Eri: good to know.

(Rose steps off the elevator heading towards the nurses station while Eri heads to the first floor, she exits the building heading back to work).

(Usagi and Misaki sat down at a table at Pizzakaya, Usagi cleared his throat as he opened a menu, shut it, placed it on the table and grinned at Misaki).

Misaki: (Tilts head and smirks), Can I help you.

Usagi: You're so cute did you know that?

Misaki: I do, you tell me at least fifty times a day.

Usagi: I love this place, especially the garlic fry pizza.

Misaki: I know, you love that pizza, it's so gross.

Usagi: Yeah, but I get to pick this time because you picked last time.

Misaki: I remember. But I want garlic balls. And we have to get beer.

Usagi: I wish they had wine here.

Misaki: yeah, well they have beer, we have wine at the house.

Usagi: I know, but I still want wine.

Misaki: Okay.

Usagi: Fine, i'm going to the counter to order, what beer do you want?

Misaki: (Shakes his head to get hair out of his eyes before looking up at Usagi), whatever you get is fine.

Usagi: (clicks tongue, giving Misaki a thumbs up, heads to the the counter).

Misaki: That was weird. (His phone rings, it's Eri) Hey Eri.

Eri: Misaki? I didn't tell you could call me Eri.

Misaki: Hey, you're like one of my closest friends, i'm going to start calling you Eri now.

Eri: Okay, so I called because you did take the roll of being Usagi's assistant right?

Misaki: (Glances at counter were Usagi is wating for beers to be poured), yeah I did.

Eri: Okay, well I need to you to help him write the speech for your graduation, I know they typically want it long but you know Usagi.

Misaki: People also don't want to sit through long speeches, i'll make sure it's at least two minutes.

Eri: Give me a sec, let me check the email... Yeah that should be fine

Misaki: Okay, I'll have him write it by Wednesday.

Eri: That should work. Has he said anything about-

Misaki: I gotta go. (hangs up,places phone on the table as Usagi hands him his beer). Thanks baby.

Usagi: (sits down in front of Misaki), yeah of course. (sips his beer), so who was on the phone?

Misaki: Oh, Eri you have to write your speech for my graduation ceremony, you should have it done by Wednesday.

Usagi: Okay.

Misaki: It doesn't have to be long, I know you hate public appearances, just like two minutes.

Usagi: Okay. I don't know what to talk about.

Misaki: weren't you at the top of your class, didn't you have to make a speech for that? (Sips his beer, gently sets it down, takes Usagi's hand).

Usagi: I choose not to make the speech.

Misaki: Well talk about that, talk about being at the top of your class, and discovering your passion at a young age, talk about stuff like that, it's a two many speech, you're a local famous young author, they want you there, all the girls are really excited, and the guys are upset that their girlfriends are blushing over you.

Usagi: How do you feel?

Misaki: I just want to graduate.

Usagi: I mean about my giving a speech.

Misaki: (Reaches over to touch Usagi's face), I already told you, I want you speak, if I didn't want you there you would know, (pulls hand back), I want to get a new suit, I know I have a lot but this is a big deal.

Usagi: Okay.

(A bell dings in the restaurant and their pizza comes out to them, Usagi grins grabbing three slices of pizza and plopping it on his plate, Misaki rolls his eyes and picks at the garlic rolls).

Usagi: How do you feel about people fanning over me?

Misaki: Please, i'm used to it. Usagi I realize how you look, i mean you're hot, you're sexy. I am aware of your looks I get it, and i'm-

Usagi: (grabs Misaki's hands), You are so fucking cute, and sexy in your own way.

Misaki: Not like you.

Usagi: (snorts), i'm not with you because of your looks, you know I love you and I love your personality. But you are so cute Misaki, and you really are sexy. I mean your not with me because of my looks right?

Misaki: Nah, i'm in it for the money.

Usagi: Funny.

Misaki: (Smirks), I'm with you because as annoying as it is I am really happy that you're always here for me, and you make me feel brave, and I love you, and yeah maybe we aren't the best idea, and people might look at us weird because of the age difference, but I think even without my brother, no matter how we met, you and I would be sitting right here today engaged enjoying a pizza.

Usagi: Wait, say all that again, i'm going to use it for my vows.

Misaki: Shut up, that was supposed to be a meaningful moment.

Usagi: I know, it was really sweet, but I had to say something funny because I didn't want to cry.

Misaki: I love you so fucking much.

Usagi: I love you too. (sniffs) Let's finish up and go find a suit.

Misaki: (smiles) Okay.

Usagi: What about this one?

(Misaki turned to face Usagi, he was holding a red suit, Misaki laughed and shook his head, they were at the store that Usagi loved getting all his Suits from, and all the ones he special ordered suits from, they had good quality suits and did good business).

Usagi: Why? (he held it up), what's wrong with it?

Misaki: (scuffs), It's red Usagi, and it's not even a good red, it's a bright red, I am so not wearing that. I need like a light blue, or a dark blue, but not navy blue a little lighter than that. (Misaki turned around looking through the racks of blue suits, he found a suit the color of the ocean.) Like this, but it's not in my size.

Usagi: (walks over to Misaki, takes the suit from his hand) We can get it sized for you.

Misaki: yeah, by the twenty-second?

Usagi: That's next sunday sweetheart, I think we can do it by then.

Misaki: Okay, because I think it's perfect.

Usagi: Speaking of perfect, should we start planning our wedding?

Misaki: Uh, no.

Usagi: Why?

Misaki: (Twists engagement ring) well we just got engaged and what's the rush?

Usagi: (takes his hand as they walk to the front of the store). Well I mean, I healed, almost and your graduating soon, and we are going to look at the place where we will be building our dream house. (they stop at the front and Usagi places the suit on the counter, Usagi leans against it as they wait for someone to come up to take the suit).

Misaki: Right, I know but I want to wait.

Usagi: Until we tell the public?

Misaki: (laughs nervously), Exactly.

Usagi: okay well, I think we can just leave this here with your size, i've done it before. (He writes down Misaki's sizes and his number on a piece of paper, then takes Misaki's hand and they walk out of the store).

Misaki: Thank's Usagi.

Usagi: Anytime.

Misaki: (Smiles at Usagi, looks at his car then pulls him into the ally beside the store).

Usagi: What are you doing?

Misaki: (pushes Usagi against the wall, stands on his toes, wraps his arms around his neck passionately kisses Usagi, he runs his fingers through his hair, he can feel himself blushing and getting hard, and pulls away, places his hand on Usagi's face softly caresses his cheek).

Usagi: M-Misaki, what was that for?

Misaki: Because I love you, and I really wanted to kiss you.

Usagi: (short laugh) In an ally?

Misaki: Yeah.

Usagi: Do you want to go home?

Misaki: Yeah, can we cuddle on the couch? Maybe take a nap? Watch Grey's Anatomy?

Usagi: (Smiles) That sounds like a perfect afternoon.