#tone indicator just to be sure cause i know i used a lot of italics: this is all non-agressive/not mad i prommy

[aroaceleovaldez]

i hope this doesn't sound like a silly or weird thing to send you, but i'm autistic and have long thought of nico and a handful of other riordanverse characters as autistic and i love your posts about why nico in particular seems intentionally autistic-coded. but i've been thinking, if rick did intend for any of his characters to be autistic, why wouldn't he say so outside of the text at least? i can't think of a good reason why not, when he goes out of his way to be explicit about so many other characters' various marginalized identities and has confirmed things like reyna being asexual outside of the original text. so it gives me this nagging sort of doubt that maybe rick just made nico come off as so extremely autistic coded by accident, somehow. if it wasn't an accident i do kind of wish he'd say so because there's next to zero explicitly stated autistic representation in, like, any media so it'd be nice to have here even if not strictly necessary. either way though, like i said, i love your posts and i agree with you 100% about autistic nico! some others i like to think are autistic are annabeth and leo.

(Most of this is gonna be kind of a tangential ramble to your point and i apologize in advance just bear with me)

This actually touches upon something I've been meaning to do a write-up on recently, which is: depending on the coding, that is our explicit statement. In most coding, actually, that's kind of the point. (Also something something Death of the Author.)

You may have noticed a recent trend across media of characters saying things directly rather than expressing them in a natural way, and often this includes incredibly stilted dialogue of characters explaining things in very politically correct, wikipedia-esque descriptions and terminology that make absolutely no sense for the characters' personalities or mannerisms. This is born out of the idea that if something is not stated in explicit terms, no amount of evidence below an outright direct exact statement will ever count - if two characters of the same gender have an explicit kiss and wedding on-screen, it doesn't matter because they never said the word "gay," etc etc.

In PJO, prior to more recent books, we get plenty of examples of characters explaining parts of their identities without direct statements. Percy never needs to say in outright terms that he has PTSD from Gabe - and it doesn't make sense that he would! He's 12! He's never been diagnosed for that. He probably doesn't even know what PTSD is really. But we, the audience, know without a doubt he has PTSD, because it is clearly expressed to us. That is coding. Tyson is coded as having down syndrome. Nico is coded as being autistic. It doesn't make sense for Nico to turn to the camera and explain that he's autistic and what that means, because he definitely never got diagnosed for it and probably doesn't know what that means cause the diagnosis literally did not exist when he was growing up - and heck, autism terminology was still kind of getting sorted out back in 2007 when TTC was published, so it's unlikely we could have feasibly gotten any exact terminology wink-wink-nudge-nudges short of something like how Percy outright mentions other students called Tyson the r-slur in Sea of Monsters. And in fact we see that same exact style of coding with Nico later on in the series. Nico never turns to the camera and says word-for-word "I am gay, I am mlm, here's me wearing my exact pride flags" (until TOA/TSATS, which... did the exact thing i mentioned about characters speaking like theyre trying to get a good grade in therapy, or giving a powerpoint presentation). But it is never unclear that HoO is telling us outright that Nico is gay. It's not just hinted at. It's there, in your face. But entirely because no one ever outright says "gay" specifically it's technically still only coding. We know he's gay, we know the characters have trauma/ptsd, etc etc. We don't need it spelled out - that's just kind of condescending. It's like if you said describing a character with "eyes like moss" means they were "green-eye coded."

Nico being autistic-coded isn't hidden. It's not a secret. It's very overt. If you know what autism looks like, well, yeah, there he is. Even if you only know very vague 2007 media presentation of autism, Nico in TTC is easily recognizable enough as autistic because that's the point. Tyson is easily recognizable as being coded as having down syndrome and it's very clearly very intentional! It's just never spoon-fed in exact terms to the reader because it's not necessary! You've already been told the information necessary to tell you what is up with this character, so just plainly going "oh they're [x] in exact terms" is very much telling-not-showing and feels redundant. And while there are places for that kind of thing, most of the time it's very unnecessary. Sometimes coding is subtle, sometimes it's obvious, and yeah there are times where writers code characters unintentionally, but the textual evidence is there, and that's the whole point.

And that's what Death of the Author is about - it doesn't matter what the author intended at the end of the day, because if it's in the text it's in the text. You can look at author intent to try and figure out what that text means, but the text is the text. A Separate Peace is a very classic example - author John Knowles denies there being homosexual subtext, and meanwhile one of the protagonists living in 1942 puts on a pink shirt while saying he doesn't mind of people think of him as gay. What the author says after the fact doesn't matter - if it's there, it's there. So Rick saying anything outside of the books is completely irrelevant. And Rick talks about this a lot - he actively tells people that his statements outside of the books are just his own thoughts, but what's in the books is what's in the books, and if the text supports it then that's all the evidence you need.

Nico specifically is a case where yeah, he's clearly autistic-coded. It's very obvious and very obviously intentional when he's younger, and as the books progress it remains a background trait of his but is still notable (except for when it gets forgotten in TOA/TSATS like everything else, including the adhd/dyslexia, but i digress). It's a clear pattern within the first few books that Rick is intentionally including. It doesn't make sense, especially for the year the book was published, for the reader to be directly told in explicit terminology that Nico is autistic, because the reader is already being told that Nico is autistic.

And yeah, Rick doesn't mention Nico being autistic-coded outside of the text, but he also doesn't mention Tyson being coded as having down syndrome. He also said one time that Percy doesn't have PTSD at all, which is very incorrect starting from book 1. Again, Death of the Author. Whatever Rick says outside of the books does not matter, because he already said it in the books. And there's plenty of other stuff in the books that Rick doesn't touch upon, particularly relating to character identity - did you know Leo is Native? Sammy mentions that the Valdez family is Native in Son of Neptune but we don't get any specifics and then it's like never brought up again anywhere. That happens all the time in the series - and outside of the series - Rick can't possibly address every single point to confirm/deny everything from the books. That's what analysis is for! And that's why my blog exists 👍

[kahin]

Accessibility masterpost

Lately, it's been nice to see a bunch of people starting to transcribe their works so I've decided to compile a bunch of things that I know about accessibility!

Image, Video, and Gif Descriptions:

A form of accessibility that transcribes all forms of images, gifs, and videos for people on the vision-blindness spectrum!

If you can't transcribe images yet or haven't quite learned how then try looking for one in the notes of the post or check the post for alt text.

The main starter for image descriptions is "[Gif/Video/Image Description:" and then describing the main details in the image.

Some examples:

[Image Description: a screenshot from The Great Ace Attorney, showing Ryuunosuke hunched over and sweating worriedly behind the defence desk. He thinks to himself, "(I can't understand a word that old man is saying...)." End Image Description.]

[ID: a post by maamlet that reads, "not trying to be rude but i love posts on here where i learn a completely new thing that immediately gets refuted in the same post. net zero information." End ID.]

Do not write your IDs in italics, coloured font, or small print as not everyone uses screen readers, and it may make it difficult for them to read; Don't put them under a cut, and don't use subjective language whilst writing them too! Doing so only makes disabled people go through hoops once again just so they can get accessibility.

Another note is that, yes, even things you don't like or agree with should still be transcribed. Some links!!:

Why you shouldn't put IDs under a cut, or use subjective language, and some more accessibility links! And here is another one detailing more on image descriptions.

Alt-Text:

Another kind of image/video/gif description, however, is only visible to screen readers! When writing alt text, make sure it's concise and short, and don't put in "ID: an image of x. End ID." since it's going to be read out as, "Image: ID: an image of x. End ID." An example:

How the alt text should read: [Image: a solid light pink banner.]

Plain text:

For posts written in italics, in small print, in leetspeak, or in a certain colour! They can be extremely difficult and straining to read. Writing them is extremely simple. For example:

I could listen to this song for hours

[Plain text: "I could listen to this song for hours."]

Another example!:

This is my favourite character!

[Plain text: "This is my favourite character!"]

Trigger Tags:

Mainly self-explanatory. Tag basic and more common triggers (like blood, violence, war, unreality, etc), and also less common triggers as well (if asked I think!). Some other things I can think of is tagging videos with no sound as "soundless," as some videos with no sounds may be paranoia-inducing (particularly to HOH/deaf people from what I've heard).

TLDRs:

People learning English or ADHD havers (etc etc) may struggle to read long paragraphs worth of text. Adding a TL;DR can be a bit difficult, but you only need to grab the main focus of the long post, and maybe along with some additional details.

Eyestrain/Flashing tags:

Self-explanatory. Tag flashing gifs or videos with "tw eyestrain" or "tw flashing." Aside from that, having blog themes that don't cause eyestrain (such as having a bright red theme with white text, or having very bright themes in general!).

Tone Indicators:

Most of us know that they are, but for those who don't: they're meant to convey tone for neurodivergent people mainly or people who may have trouble picking up on tone through text! Here's a carrd that has a lot more information, and can probably explain a lot more.

[mads-weasley]

Legacy Pt. 6: Unexpected

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Series Masterlist

A/N: Hey y'all, I hope you've had a great week! I am SO SORRY for the super long wait for this chapter, guys. I've had a really busy and chaotic summer, which is why I haven't been updating all my series'. This is a shorter filler chapter before we get into some of the more action packed ones! Anyways, I hope you like it! I do not own any of these wonderful characters except for (y/n)!

Summary: Things take an unexpected turn when meeting Selby, which causes an even more unexpected ally to emerge from the shadows.

Warnings: mentions of blood & death, injures, gunshots, angst

(y/n) - your name

(y/n/n) - your nickname

(y/l/n) - your last name

(y/h/c) - your hair color

Italics - flashbacks

(Y/n)’s POV:

As we walk through hallways in the bar on the way to see Selby, I can’t help but continuously glance over to Bucky, silently making sure he was alright. He may not be okay, and to be honest, I don’t think any of us are. Bucky is having to relive the worst moments in his life, and I am in excruciating pain from my injuries as the pain medication is wearing off. My headache is back and my bicep is throbbing, but it is all worth it to know that Bucky isn’t alone through all of this.

I shut my eyes and try my hardest to prevent a grimace from appearing on my face. Opening them, I see Bucky already looking at me with concerned eyes and furrowed brows, silently asking if I was okay. Regardless of if we're arguing or not, the gesture warms my heart and I feel my eyes soften. As I silently nod, a woman’s voice shakes me from my thoughts.

“You should know, Baron. People don't just come into my bar and make demands.” Selby has a British accent and is dressed in some kind of silk robe that looked very similar to pajamas, if I might add.

Zemo’s facade doesn’t falter, “Not a demand. An offer.”

The sentence makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up with worry as I glance over to Bucky. To my disgust, Selby is looking him up and down. Sensing my rising anger, Sam quickly loops his hand around my waist once again, trying to get me to calm down.

“A lot has changed since you were here last. By the way, I thought you were rotting away in a German prison. How did you escape?”

“People like us always find a way, don't we? I'm sure you've already figured out what I'm here for.”

The older woman looks over to Sam and I, not answering Zemo. “You’re taller than I’d heard, Smiling Tiger.”

Sam nods, followed by a weird purr that comes from Selby. I have to watch my facial expressions as I try not to laugh out loud at the strange sound and gesture.

She looks back at the Baron, “What’s the offer?”

“Tell us what you know about the super-soldier serum...and I give you him, along with the code words to control him, of course. He will do anything you want.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, I immediately saw red. How dare he say that! Although Bucky was no longer controlled by the words, the indication that he was just an object to be traded absolutely infuriated me. I could feel my face heating up with rage as I started to step forward, but Sam pulled me tighter to him.

“Now that's the Zemo I remember. I'm glad I decided not to kill you immediately...yeah, you're right to come to me. Arrogant, but right.”

As Selby went on to explain how Karli got the serum, I toned her out, focusing on Bucky. His eyes were serious, but I could see the slight fear behind them. I couldn’t tell if it was the plan that frightened him, or himself. The look of silent desperation on his face caused my heart to crack slightly.

I was snapped out of my concerned and angry stupor when I heard vibrating sound emitting from Sam’s pocket. Although I want to smack him at his carelessness, I have to keep a straight face, playing my part. Zemo doesn’t hide his frustrated look very well. Looking to Bucky, I see his jaw clench as panic flashes in his eyes, only for it to disappear just as fast as it arrived. His eyes are trained on Selby, and I can tell a million scenarios are running through his head about the situation; none of them turn out well.

With each vibration, the air continued to be sucked out of the room. Selby and her goons tensed, turning to a nervous looking Sam.

“Answer it.” She insists, pointing her finger at Sam, “On speaker.”

Hesitating, he answers it on speaker. “Hello?”

Sarah’s voice adds to the tension in the room, “Hey, um, we need to talk about this situation. It's been drivin' me nuts.”

“What situation exactly are you talkin' about?”

“Are you high?” She questions with a twinge of annoyance in her voice.“ You know what situation, it's the only situation me and you have.”

“What situation, Sarah? Say it.”

“The damn boat. And watch your tone. Okay? I let you slide at the bank.”

Trying to play it off, he scoffs, “The bank. Yeah. Laundered so much...” He lets out a forced chuckle, continuing, “Yeah, they'll come around.”

Clearly, Sam could never be an actor because his performance at the moment is absolutely terrible. Bucky could probably do a better job of acting than this! Maybe even me! I can feel my heartbeat pulsing through my headache that has reared it’s ugly head once again.

Squeezing my eyes shut, I regret not taking more pain meds. When I open them again, I see Bucky staring at me with more concern than before etched on his face once again. Nodding my head ever so slightly, I again convey the message that I’m okay. Turning to look at Sam, I realize how increasingly uncomfortable he looks at Sarah’s next words.

“If that was the case, then why'd they dog you out, Big Time?”

“Yeah, you damn right I'm Big Time. You'll see when I have that banker killed.”

There’s a commotion through the phone, followed by Sarah’s yelling. “Cass! What'd I tell you about the Cheerios? I don't have time for this!”

With the last sentence, the little air that remained in the room was completely sucked out. Selby looks at Sam with an almost amused look that soon turns to anger.

“Sam, I'm sorry. I'll call you back.” His face falls and I let out a shaky breath.

A shrill British cry breaks the tense silence. "Sam"? Who's Sam?” With one wave of her hand while walking away, she demands, “Kill them!”

Before any of us can make a move, a gunshot echoes through the room and goes through Selby’s chest. Then, everything goes crazy. Immediately, Selby's guards launch to fight us. Pushing me out of the way of an incoming punch, Sam elbows our attacker and knocks him to the floor. Looking up at Bucky, I see him grab the end of a goon's gun, blocking the bullet coming out of the chamber with his vibranium hand. He then pulls the gun up, knocking the butt of it into the man's face, rendering him unconscious.

Luckily for me, the boys took out all of the guards, so I didn't have to move unnecessarily. Walking towards the door with Sam, my head pulses with the beat of my heart. Bucky takes a position with the gun he took from his adversary around a corner, facing where we just were.

He looks over his shoulder concerned, "(Y/n), are you alright? I saw yo-"

Not wanting him to worry, I cut him off, "I'm fine."

Just based on the look on his face, I know he didn't believe me, but he didn't want to start an argument here. His eyes pleaded for honesty, and it was so hard for me to resist them, but I had to. I nod slightly, "Really, Buck. I'm okay."

He opens his mouth to respond, but Sam beats him to it, "They're gonna pin this on us."

Zemo sighs, shaking his head, "We have a real problem now, so leave your weapons and follow my lead."

We follow what he says and drop our weapons before exiting the club. Once on the street, the loud noises and bright neon signs begin to drill into my skull. I squeeze my eyes shut again as we quickly walk down the street behind Zemo, trying to get some relief from my headache. My eyes snap open when I hear every phone in the vicinity chime and ding with a notification. Looking to my left, I see a girl at a vendor pretending to shoot us with finger guns.

Zemo sees her as well. "This is not good."

Within seconds, gunshots ring out and I'm pulled forward by Bucky, who is taking off with Sam. We start to sprint down the street as the bullets narrowly miss our trio. I throw my hands up to protect my head as we run.

"I can't run on these heels!" Sam exclaims.

Turning to look at him while running, I yell, "Seriously? Mine are bigger than yours!

As we continue to run, I start to fall behind and Bucky grabs my hand, pulling me with him. Sam curses when he hears motorcycles rev up behind us and I'm pulled even harder. Reaching a dead end, and a few goons with guns, Bucky pulls me between him and Sam, ready for a fight. Luckily for us, more gunshots ring out and all the men are dead before they even got a chance to approach us.

Zemo walks out from an alleyway, "You seem to have a guardian angel."

An unknown voice cuts through the silence. "Well, this is too perfect." Emerging from the darkness with a pistol, they pull off their hood, revealing their identity. "Drop it, Zemo."

As recognition flashes through my already pounding mind, I step forward, "Sharon?"

She points her gun directly at Zemo. "You cost me everything."

"Sharon, wait. Someone recreated the super-soldier serum and Zemo had a lead." Sam interjects, stepping in front of the Baron.

"That explains why you guys are here. And Selby's dead."

Bucky breaks his silence from beside me, "So what are you doing here?"

"I stole Steve's shield, remember? I also took the wings for your ass, so that you could save his ass from his ass, so her ass wouldn't be heartbroken." I feel my face heat up and I cross my arms in front of me as she continues. "Unlike you three, I didn't have the Avengers to back me up. So I'm off the grid in Madripoor."

Sam steps forward again, "Hey, don't blow that smoke at us. (Y/n) and I were on the run, too."

"Was. Is. Big difference. I don't speak to my family anymore. I can't. My own father doesn't know where I am."

"Listen... Sharon, we need your help." Bucky pleads, only getting a chuckle from the blonde. He glances at me, wanting me to try and convince her. As I move closer to the woman, my features are illuminated by a nearby streetlight, giving her a full view of my injuries.

"Please, Sharon. Please." I beg.

She rakes her eyes across my broken and bruised frame before sighing. "Alright. I'm doing this for you, (y/n). You look terrible, if you haven't noticed."

I let out a shaky breath of relief and I move to grab onto Bucky and take some of the weight from my exhausted body. He quickly realizes this, wrapping his arm around my waist to support me.

"Doll?"

"I need to lay down.....ASAP. I think my head's gonna explode."

He looks quickly at Sharon and then back to me. "Are you gonna help us or not?"

"This isn't over." She adamantly states, staring at Zemo. "I have a place in High Town. You'll be safe there for a while."

With that, we swiftly make our way through Madripoor towards High Town, not knowing chaos once again waits for us around the corner.

Tag List:

@insane-perfectionist02 @ahahafudge @bluemoon-icecream @lunamadhatter99 @thatfangirl42 @fionanovasleftnut @friendly-letters @youcanstandundermyamberella @caritobbg @tylard-blog1

[just2bubbly]

Imagine Angsty Kaider about breakup their relationship bc E.C not accept Cinder as empress, i need that.,,,

Masterlist

Well anon firstly 'Thank You!' for sending the ask, I definitely enjoyed writing it- I might have also grown attached to seeing it in my ask box but it's about time I replied to this, I know I took forever but you had popped up the request when I had already written 'Sometimes Love Stays' and I wanted to write in a new light so I too a long time, but here it is without further ado!

Love Hurts, Love Heals!

Ship: Kaider

Words: 3k

Genre: Angst

A/N: Italics present in the further part of story is a flashback.

Cinder's Perspective:

"Kai! What were you thinking?" she barked.

"Your Majesty, are you hurt?" Torin enquired.

"How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Your- "

"Gosh, Kai stop making shitty excuses!"

"It's nothing really, you both don't have to fuss over me."

"You don't get to tell us that after pulling that stunt!" she exclaimed.

"I did not know those people would backlash like that. Besides, I can't stay hidden in the palace forever!" he reasoned to his furious fiancee.

"Don't you go logistics on me right now. Get cleaned up I will bring the first aid box- Torin keep an eye on him for me!" she ordered.

"Sure You- Cinder." He replied breaking out of his habit to call her 'Your Majesty'.

As she left the room, they both exhaled, Kai, laid on the sofa and seemed to flinch as his arm hit the soft cotton inside.

"Kaito, you really should not have done it," he said preparing himself to give the young reckless and selfless Emperor quite an earful.

"Not you too, Torin!" he groaned.

"Why would you go out knowing that there is a public backlash over the prospect of you marrying Cinder- any person in their right mind would avoid a public event like the one you held- that too without prior notice to your own advisor! Why would you put yourself in a position of danger like that??"

"I can't hide forever just because I'm marrying Cinder, can I now Torin?"

"You can't- but you can choose to wait for things to calm down first. Honestly, I wasn't expecting such an extent of backlash over the prospect of your marriage."

"Same, I thought it would die down in a week or two, it's been going for months now with no signs of peace out and now I'm really doubting of what will really happen at the wedding. I'm afraid things are not going to turn out as I wanted them," he said, rubbing his forehead that was injured and looked red with the young man's dried blood.

"You should wash up Kai- at least before Cinder comes back, she is really worried."

He nodded grimly and asked, "Do- do you think- er, wonder if-"

"If the wedding would have to be called off?" Torin provided.

"Yes... I'm doubtful of what the future holds for us."

"Kai, whatever happens, happens for good and only good will happen with you both. Don't stress yourself over that," he urged.

Kai smiled bitterly and said, "The past doesn't seem to agree with that. "

They both shared a choking silence- one which reflected upon the uncertain and bleak future of the Emperor and his fiancee.

"She is going to be a handful today."

"I know."

"She was scared for you Kai, from what I know of her she will shut herself out rather than hurt you. I'm afraid she might be walking on eggshells right now."

"She is not sleeping well- we both are on the edge for a while now. The worst of her expectations are coming true," he confessed.

The shut of the door was enough indication of Cinder's arrival.

"Why haven't you cleaned yourself yet, Kai? Shoo, now- Torin thank you for looking after him. I hope you have yelled at him for his mistakes."

Torin grinned at her and said, "I will leave you to that, I just merely helped it start."

Looking at the sofa where Kai had been recently sitting she said, "We have avoided it too much- I'm just going to get over it for once and all."

"Don't give him a hard tonight," he requested.

"What are you two conjuring up behind my back?"

"How to kill you before you do it yourself," she criticised, saying that she was cross with him would be an understated lie.

"I will take your leave - don't want to be stuck in between the crossfire. Take care, Kai and Cinder, take it slow!"

"Good night Torin- thank you for today."

"Night Torin and sorry about it."

And as Torin left the room only for the remaining two to confront their problems- that they had been avoiding to talk about as long as possible.

"I'm sorry, Cinder."

"I don't care," she said and walked towards the plush green sofa.

"Come here," she required and Kai followed in her footsteps.

As she drew his hair back with her metal hand to analyse the damage, the cool metal helped ease the dreaded feeling he felt about the issue at hand.

"Where all are you hurt?"

"Besides the injury on the head, I have a small scratch on the elbow and I might have also sprained my leg in the hurry," he told.

She exhaled sharply and asked, "Why did you go?"

"Uh- I had postponed my meet with factory owners for a long time now and well, the common people learned about my arrivals and a mob was present when I reached- I could not control the situation so-"

"Stop underselling yourself- you could not have done anything before an angry crowd. Nothing! However, you should have at least told me or Torin about it. Torin- he has to know- he is your advisor!" she yelled, calmly if that was possible, her voice quiet and slow but a note higher than usual. It was a tone that would scare the listener and make him feel guilty.

"You would have denied me from going- it was necessary! After the announcement of the engagement, things are stagnant among the aristocrats- quite tense for a while."

"Are you blaming it on us now?"

"I never said that!" he retorted.

"You implied it."

"Can we not have this conversation tonight?"

"How long before you agree that we have to talk about the problems our engagement has caused?"

"It has not caused any problems, Cinder-"

"Keep telling yourself that."

"I have reached a point where I neglect my problems until it loses the essence."

"It's not going to work this time- not with us in question."

"Not today, Cinder," he requested.

"C'mon Kai- we need to-"

"Please," he said pleading with his eyes for her to let go of this topic.

"Fine but we are not talking about it first thing tomorrow," she declared.

"Okay."

They turned silent as Cinder looked at his wounds- applying antiseptic that stung slightly but he didn't complain.

"Remove your coat so I can check your arm."

"Uh- Cinder you might have to help me out-I'm unable to fold my elbow due to the stinging sensation."

She helped him out the coat and rolled up the sleeves of his dress to get a clear view of the cut. He hissed when her hand met near his elbow.

"Sorry."

And as she discarded his suit, dropping it on the floor and looked at her fiancee's arm, she gasped, "Kai."

"Ahh..," he cried through gritted teeth. It was a patch of a red and blue bruise along with a pinkish tissue scar and blood dried around it. The injury was by no way minimal.

"We are going to the medical wing now!" she exclaimed and tugged at his non-injured hand.

"Cinder it is 2 in the morning- I don't want to bother anyone."

"There is always someone in the medical wing who is awake to look after the Emperor if the need comes so ever!" He was truly testing her patience- was he always like this?

"I'm not going."

"Why can't you and I agree on something for once?"

"You are being adamant."

"I am but aren't you being reckless?"

"I have to run a nation."

"Exactly what I'm talking about. Running a country requires sacrifices, Kai- I know it."

"I'm not doing it."

"Why can't you just discuss the problem?"

"You promised we would not talk about it today."

"Let's not destroy our future over something as frivolous as love, Kai!"

"Fuck, Cinder but we are not 18 anymore to call it trivial- we are engaged."

"People call off their wedding all the time, Kai. Why make it a big deal?!"

"It's because I want to marry you. I'm the Emperor, I make the laws here and I want to marry the person I love. Ain't that acceptable terms to you or the citizens?" he yelled, loudly in her face.

"Kai aren't you understanding?! Y-you almost fainted because you are marrying me!!"

"It was a stone Cinder, NOT a bullet-"

"Are you waiting for a bullet to call off your wedding then?!"

"Are you so desperate to not marry me?"

"Yes," she said not thinking her words through and soon realizing the mistake she had committed. Hurriedly, she responded, "Kai I didn't mean it I'm-"

"Why say yes if you were so against the notion of marrying me then!" "I- it came out wrong. I just don't know what to do. My heart wants to marry you- my conscience tells me to disappear for the remaining of my life so I won't hurt you anymore."

"You are hurting me anyways, Cinder."

"I'm sorry, Kai," she murmured and sat in silence, her head hung low from embarrassment. The sudden silence followed by a lot of loud pitched yelling felt too harsh.

"I'm so sorry, Kai but-"

"Don't apologize and leave like you don't love me- just wait, hold on for me, for us. Stay with me. Don't leave me, please!" he said his voice wavering in the end. He was trying not to cry- he looked so vulnerable at that moment. Halting her inner turmoil and internal debate of convincing Kai to let her go, she enveloped him in a hug- a tight embrace to comfort him before a final blow. She drew circles on his back, it helped to calm him down while she prepared an argument.

"You have to understand, Kai," she said at last when he had calmed down. He sniffed for a minute before looking straight into her eyes- his chocolate brown eyes daring her to defy him.

"Promise me."

"I won't."

"Marry me."

"Kai, why don't you understand- what's the point of love that hurts more than it heals?"

"Our love is not hurting me."

"Then I am," she said sighing and looking away to the electronic portrait kept of them. Unlike their present, they looked so happy.

"I think we should let go."

"I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that."

"Kai," she breathed with a heavy heart and a painful head. At least one of them could cry their heart out. This was being more difficult than she had expected. She held his hand and calmly looked at their intertwined fingers, she looked at the matching bands they were wearing- a gold ring with two diamonds and their respective birthstones in the centre. A carving of wire cutters on the underside. She was going to miss wearing the ring, she was going to miss him.

"Sometimes love doesn't mean two people living under the same roof, it doesn't mean them getting married- I think we are that kind of people. We don't need a ring to prove our love. So let's not bind ourselves to the norms of society. We almost had it, Kai, that's what matters. We have come so far. Thank you for loving me, Kai!"

"I'm not calling off the wedding. No matter what you say, what I have to go through - I'm not going to do it. I know what I signed up for when I asked you to marry me. You know what you agreed to when you said 'yes, we expected this all along- I don't want to run from the first sign of danger."

There was no use convincing him so she left- she might as well catch up sleep before her meeting at 7 in the morning.

The silence stretched between them- there was no distance between but the gap that their love was feeling right now was immense- it divided them like the river divided two adjoining lands, a full stop dividing a sentence, like an axe chopping off the branches of the same trees. They were Kai and Cinder. They were two intertwined lives, separated by the same fate, separated by the same prejudice, the same stigma.

Lunars, Cyborgs and Earthens, just the boundaries created by the human mind. Weren't they all humans, living because of the same oxygen, dying because their hearts stopped, surviving as a society, hating each other as a society. That's what humans are best at- hating each other, never trying to stand united but pretending as they do. Cinder was angry- a burning passion of fury in her heart to the wretched people who had hurt Kai, who were protesting against their marriage, who had been the cause of all her problems for a while.

"Send the witch back-"

"Lunars don't deserve to-"

"She is controlling the Emperor-".

Those were the very words that had been spoken by the crowd of people while Kai was away- that was the tiny part she had heard before Torin had closed his device.

"I'm really sorry Cinder for what you are suffering. I can't believe they are protesting against you after all that you have done-"

"It's okay Torin, it's not like I can wipe out prejudices overnight. Is Kai okay?"

"The guards say that he is slightly injured but other than that he is safe."

"You sure he did not tell you before going?"

"He did not. I'm sure he had a reason but I have no idea for why he left before informing."

Kai did not join her for a long time. There were sounds- tearing the bandages, hissing at various times, clearing the mess left behind, dropping stuff, the noise of flowing water. She felt sorry to give him a hard time while he was suffering but he wasn't understanding the prejudice people had in their minds and hearts for cyborgs, irrespective of if they were marrying the Emperor or not. They did not care whether the Emperor loved them or not. He was destroying his future, his public image for her.

Swiftly she felt the mattress dip when Kai sat on the very corner, hunched on the foot of the bed trying to get a hold of his emotions. No one said anything.

"Cinder," he called.

"Hmm.." she replied.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm tired, Kai."

"Please Cinder- don't go."

"What's the use in waiting Kai?"

"We deserve happiness Cinder, believe me- please!"

"I want it too but-"

"No buts Cinder."

"I don't know, I'm so tired of all the shit we are going through. I want a break, just a minute to breathe."

"You don't have to leave for that."

"I can't do it by staying here as well."

She looked at him, his hair was dishevelled and wet from the recent shower. He had changed into his pyjamas. His body looked fresh but his face showed concern. She cast a glance at his elbow- the bandages were sloppy but they would hold for a night - at least until she took him to see Dr Chang herself.

"I'm afraid Kai- I just don't want to become an example of right people wrong time. We are both being two ahead of our times is what I'm feeling. I'm not sure I can handle this for the rest of my life," she confessed what had been eating her mind for a whole lot of days.

"You love me?"

"Obviously, I do."

"I love you."

"I know."

"That's the only thing that matters."

"It's not Kai- you don't want protests because of our wedding. I don't want headaches because of it. I don't even know what I want right now- a good night sleep, some calm, being a human, you- the list is so long and I have not achieved any of it," she rambled.

"Look at me, Cinder," he said, lifting her chin up to look into her eyes, "- we are going to make it. Even with all the troubles, we are going to be together."

"You don't say things that are not in your hands, Kai."

"I know- but I know you will be my wife, the love of life and my partner for the remaining of my days and no one's going to change it. Trust me on this one."

"I want to."

"Then do it- no one's stopping you, just hold my hand and I will be there for you through thick and thin, through pain and misery and joy and love- I will be there to rub your shoulders after a busy day, I will stay beside you when the world leaders keep complaining on a boring day, I will be there to make you breakfast on Sundays and to bring you to bed when you stay out late in the palace garage. I want to just be there for you. Allow me to do that."

She breathed his smell- fresh sheets, cedar and sharp mint, she remembered how she joked he smelled like 'freshness in a person'.

It would be easier to leave him than to be with him- the hardships, the guilt and the regret that would come with leaving him alone would be impossible to deal with. Even if she goes through all the trouble to keep it away from him, to keep herself away from him, she might wake up one day thinking that if she had only been a little more strong enough to hold on for them- she would have been married to him, she would be the one who knew the cause behind all his laugh lines and she would be the one to make him laugh on a bad day. She could be the one- that she could have been that person if she had just tried instead of letting go, and that thought was what made a difference. However, there would be no point fantasizing 10 years from now when the time to do the right thing had already slipped from her hands.

"I won't leave, Kai. I promise."

A sigh of relief, followed by a bone-breaking hug and some sniffling and weeping along the way and murmured 'thank yous' and 'I love yous' was all that they required.

Love hurts, love heals but the most important thing is staying in love. Forever and Always, that's what it needs. In the end, some people are worth the pain, they are worth the fighting you have to do for them.

__

A/N: We are done! I couldn't help myself- I just love to bring Torin in each and every fic I write, tbh he deserves more representation so sorry not sorry! ;)

It was angst with an happy ending so I guess I fulfill @cinderswrench latest wish as well!

I think it would be good to say that I don't have any angst lined up for a while unless you all are kind enough to make some angsty requests!!

Thanks for reading! and for the readers who read on WP I have not published there yet!

Tagging: @cinderswrench @gingerale2017 @shellyseashell @shelbylmkaider @kaider-is-my-otp @linhcinder686 @kaiderforever (Tell me if you wanted to be added/ removed!)

[leafs-lover]

Because Two People Got Drunk: 8

Series Masterlist

A/N: Italics indicate flashback. I honestly think there is a better chance of Seattle drafting him, then him signing in Pittsburgh (or any team really). I haven’t followed much of the Kraken and potential draft picks from each team so I went with the option of him going to Pittsburgh so I could add in some of the wags and players from that team.

Summary: When Freddie returns back a few days after he begins training for the next season he seems slightly on edge, but you associate that to him not having a contract. You haven’t had any major conversations about your trip to Denmark and some of the events that transpired. You are nearing the 30 week mark of your pregnancy, beginning to get slightly more uncomfortable and begin to feel really unprepared. You gave your landlord notice thinking that a 1 bedroom wouldn’t work with a baby. Now you have less than 90 days to find somewhere and you are stressed. 

 Warnings: Smut, swearing

Word Count: 2605

August 28, 2021

 Fred shows up with very little notice, alerting you to something. He pulls you in for a brief hug before leading you to the couch.  

“So I’m not re-signing” he starts. “Toronto has traded for a new goalie the news will break soon. I’ve been contacted by some teams since free agency started, but I didn’t give an answer because I was hopeful of staying. Even with a short term deal for now.” 

You sit there processing everything in silence. “Pittsburgh let Murray go; I think I’m signing there.” 

At least it’s an eastern team you think to yourself. Slightly shorter flight, more games against to see him during the season.  

But still your son won’t have much of a relationship with his dad, only seeing him for what 20 days maybe 30 days throughout the entire season. Then you split the off season time? Not ideal, far from it. 

Fred waits for you to respond and begins looking around the apartment noticing the boxes “you moving?” he asks touching your wrist. 

The contact brings you back around. “Uh yeah I thought with a baby I’d need more space so I gave up my lease with thoughts of getting a 2 bedroom. But I didn’t consider I’m pregnant and uncomfortable and only going to get worse so packing will suck. And that I might not find a decent 2 bedroom around this neighborhood. I should have waited until after he was born. Added unnecessary stress to myself.” 

“Why don’t you take my condo? Its 2 bedrooms and I won’t need it since I don’t live here anymore” he offers.

“I can’t afford that.” 

“I would pay for it, I mean it’s not that much an-" 

“Fred, no you can’t. I won’t. I can’t be that girl?” 

“What girl?” he asks confused. 

“The girl that gets pregnant by someone with money and uses him for his money. Like everybody already thinks I’m using you for your money, to get a payday or something.”

“Nobody thinks that.” 

“Your dad does!” you exclaim. 

“My dad does? What do you mean?” 

“Shit I didn’t want to say anything. Just nothing” you try to get up as he grabs your wrist.

“Tell me (y/n). Now”

 After eating dinner the first night, Charlotte is cleaning dishes. Fred and his siblings have wondered off. You sit at the couch as you hear someone sit beside you. It’s Ernst, Frederik’s dad. He is slightly drunk from wine with dinner. He hasn’t really spoken much since you arrived.

“How have you been handling everything? Have there been any media stories or anything?” 

“Uh no, not that I know of. But Fred and I don’t hang out and go to restaurants or anything. The only time we go out together is to doctor’s appointment and they are discreet. I don’t think there are any rumblings of this" you say rubbing your stomach. 

“I see” He takes a sip. “How do you feel about the attention the baby might have once born?” 

“I mean Fred is pretty private to begin with and doesn’t draw much attention which is shocking in Toronto. But even if the media does learn of this I can’t see it becoming a big thing since Fred keeps his life pretty private. But obviously Fred can handle this however he feels is best in the media.” 

Ernst nods “still all this must be nice." 

“All of what?” you question tensing slightly.  

“This, the money the lifestyle. Even if you don’t have the fame and people don’t know or care about you, it must be nice knowing you are set for life." 

“Excuse me" you exclaim. 

“I’m sure your parents would have been happy about this situation” he scoffs.

“First of all I do not care about the money. I told Fred at the beginning I don’t need his money or his help.  I just wanted him to know so he could be involved in this child’s life if he wanted.” 

Ernst begins to talk as you hold a finger up “I’m not done. Second of all if my parents were alive they would have been disappointed at first with me not being in a relationship with the father. But they would have gotten over it, and became supportive, and would help me in any way possible instead of attacking the father of my child.” With that you get up and leave. 

Fred stares at you before saying “just because my dad thinks that doesn’t mean me or anyone else does. He’s an idiot.” 

“But you did think this! You accused me of this exact thing!” you shout. You stand up to leave when Fred gently reaches for you wrist “(Y/N)” he says softly. “You have to know I don’t think that, and I was idiot for ever saying that before. I didn’t handle this best at first. I honestly hope you know I don’t think that, I never did.”

“When we first met up I said I can do this on my own and I meant it. I don’t need you paying for me” you huff. 

“I know you don’t, and you haven’t asked me for anything.” Fred pulls you onto his lap “besides you aren’t asking me to do this, I want to do this. I’m going to ensure this child is taken care of while I’m away. If I wasn’t a professional athlete I would still pay child support because it’s the right thing and I’m not a jackass. For now instead of support let me do this. I will feel better knowing where you guys are living, knowing it’s comfortable, safe and sufficient. Let me do this in lieu of child support, for now at least. Let me do this because it is right and don’t worry about what my dad or anyone else thinks.” 

“Okay fine” you reluctantly agree. 

“And we aren’t done with the child support discussion; I will be paying on top of the apartment.”  

You groan “you are ridiculous.”

“Me, I could say the same about you” he laughs as you smack his arm jokingly.

“So Pittsburgh?” you finally ask.

“Yeah, it’s not too far. Only an hour flight" 

“Yeah but an hour with a baby, and the time to pack get to the airport; get to your place from the airport. Customs, baggage claim. One hour can easily be 3 for one flight. And you’ll be busy for most of the time we’re there, and then a few days later I turn around and do it all again coming back” you say, his expression shifts. “And it’s not like you can come here, you only get a few days off during the season, by the time you fly in and have to leave it could be like 8 hours. It’s a lot of travel time.” 

“You saying it’s not worth it? To make these sacrifices and maybe only having 8 hours isn’t worth it for me to see my son, for my son to know me?” His tone shifts as he speaks louder “to me the length of time isn’t important as long as I get to see him and watch him grow up”

“No Fred. I’m not saying that at all. Any time with you would be amazing, I would kill for 8 hours with my dad. Any time with you will be good for both of you. Just that this would be easier if we were in the same city, you in Toronto or…” you immediately trail off. 

“Or what?” he asks. “If you were in Pittsburgh?” 

“I mean yeah that would be easier obviously but I live here, I work here.” 

“Except you’ll be on maternity leave.” You fall silent. “I’m not saying you stay for the entire thing but you could come for some of it and instead of making weekend trips to Pittsburgh you make weekend trips to Toronto.” 

“Fred mat leave in Canada last between 12-18 months, that’s a long time for me to crash your life” 

“Think of it, I can get a 3 or 4 bedroom in Pittsburgh. I can be there for milestones and not have a virtual relationship with my son until the summer comes around. You can even just come for times I’m at home and I can fly you both back when I have road trips. We can do this together, figure out how to be parents, learn from each other’s mistakes. You don’t need to answer now but promise you’ll think about it please" 

You smile and kiss him on the cheek “promise I’ll think about it. So when do you leave?” 

“Tomorrow" he whispers putting his arm around your waist. 

You shift so your mouth is breathing on his neck as you turn to straddle; he groans “that’s so soon” you whisper leaving light kisses on his neck. 

You lift his shirt off, moving your hand down his chest. He lifts his hips causing you to moan as you feel his hard member brush against you. You slide off him and onto your knees as you pull his shorts and boxers down. His hard cock springs up slapping his stomach.  

You wrap your hands around it and begin to stroke it as his head falls back, precum dripping down him. You moan as you lick his tip tasting him. You lick your lips looking up at him and quickly replace your hand with your mouth.

“Oh fuck babe” you hear him mumble as you begin to bob up and down. You use your hand to cup his balls as you slide all of him in your mouth hitting the back of your throat. Tears begin to pool as you hear “Babe. Fuck you can’t keep doing that" 

You should let up but that only encourages you. You pick up your pace, deep throating him as you continue. He begins to lift his hips pushing further into your throat. You moan around him encouraging him to continue. He keeps lifting his hips as you swirl your tongue and hollow your cheek for him. His hangs grip your hair and pull tight; soon you feel warm spurts spill down your throat.

“You didn’t have to do that” he says pulling you up to your feet.

“I know, I wanted to. Not going to see you for a bit.” You say moving to straddle him. He tangles his fingers in your hair bringing his face to yours. Your tongue slips into his mouth as you fight for dominance. He pulls back sucking on your bottom lip.

“You’re right it could be a bit. Guess I better treat you right tonight so I know you are gonna make it these next 9 or so weeks without me.” He lifts your dress up and slides your underwear to the side, slipping two fingers in. He uses his left hand to brace your hips as you put your hands on his shoulders. He uses his hand to start rocking you on his hand, and you feel him grow hard under you. You pick up the pace, your hands tightening on his shoulders. You continue rocking, as he pushes his fingers in and out, using his thumb to rub circles on your clit.

“Mmmmm.”

“Kom nu skat” he whispers. “Kom nu”

You keep riding his hands as your orgasm rips through you; you fall forward leaning your head on his shoulder as his pace slows. He brings his lips into your hair placing light kisses. As you finally come down you tilt your head to look at him as he brings his fingers to his mouth sucking on his fingers.

“You good babe?” he questions “it’s not too much?”

“No, not enough” you say as a smile comes across your face.

He grabs you flipping you over so your hands and knees are on the couch. You feel the couch shift behind you as his hard cock brushes your folds. He pushes in causing you to scream out.

He pulls back and thrusts back in, you feel his balls push against you. He keeps up the pace as you scream under him “Freddd, fuck Fred!”

“Yeah baby, you like that?” he pushes in deep, gripping your hips forcefully. You’re definitely going to have marks and a noise complaint tomorrow. His one hand slips around to your clit as he keeps pounding into you. He rubs your sensitive bud. “Cum for me skat, cum for me.”

He keeps up the pace and you fall apart, he moves his hand from your clit to wrap around you holding you up as you come undone. You come back around as he is still pounding into you, both his hand gripping your hips tightly. One hand leaves to smack your ass causing you to yelp.

His pace continues, his hand stroking your ass. He pulls his hand away to his lips and sucks on it, quickly bringing it down to your ass to put his index finger in. You keep up the pace groaning loudly. “Shitttt.” He briefly stops and flips so he is on his back with you straddling him. He returns his hands to your hips as you place a hand on his chest starting a quick pace.

“You look so good on me,” a hand coming up to rub your nipple. You rock your hips against his as he slaps your ass. You bring your other hand down to your clit as he fucks up into you. You can feel him becoming sloppy “you gonna cum again babe?” he questions.

You nod, unable to speak. He pulls out and thrusts fully into you. He sits up to change the angle, causing you to instantly come undone. You clench around him “fuck” he says as his warmth begins to fill you as you pace slows, “you feel so good.”

“So do you. You have no idea how good. I wouldn’t have survived this pregnancy without you.”

“Yeah you have really needed me, three orgasms eh?”

You look towards him and chuckle “the pregnancy has had me pretty sensitive, they come easily” you start saying.

“Well I remember the night I made this” he says rubbing your stomach “there was 4 then, no hormones then.”

“I mean yeah I wouldn’t have survived my hormones” you laugh “but having you be around has helped to keep me sane. Not being alone.”

He pulls you into his chest as he lies back wrapping an arm around you. “You’ll never be alone, you need to know that. I’m always with you in this.”

“What am I going to do for these next 10 weeks without you?” you whisper. He kisses your hair as you doze off for a nap.

You wake up a few hours later in bed, but you feel Fred’s tongue gently licking your folds. “Mmmm Fred” you moan. “Smuk” he mumbles gently nibbling the inside of your thigh “du er smuk” as he dives back in. The rest of the night was spent with the two of you trading orgasms and cuddles.

You wake in the morning reaching over to feel it’s empty and cold. You get up and find Fred shirtless, his track pants hung very low in your kitchen making you breakfast. His back is to you as he stands at the stove, unaware that you have woken up. You walk up behind him wrapping your arms around him “thought I would have more time to get this done.” You walk over to the island sitting down, “no worries I don’t mind the view.” He laughs turning back to the stove finishing breakfast for you both.

Next Chapter

[yootaesowlwrites]

Serendipity - [10]

Serendipity Mainpost.

Chapter 10: Day 11.

Word Count: 5 010

Italics indicate they’re speaking in another language, it also indicates that I don’t trust a translator enough to translate these things for me anymore.

TAGLIST”

@taeandpuppies​ // @taichoushadow​ // @jakiki94​

Even though Bianca had managed to finish her plate of dessert the night before, she had decided to get out of bed early to go watch the sunrise, the night before when Seokjin walked her to the door she had invited him along, saying he can join her if he would like to, wanting to spend some time with him, she quietly walks down the hallway, hoping not to disturb anyone, even if they or one of them were awake, she quietly exits the cabin and spots Seokjin walking towards the cabin, he stops in his tracks and his eyes fall down to the penguin slippers she wore.

“At least I’ll never lose you anywhere,” Seokjin mutters to himself, she smiles as she approaches him. “Good morning, did you sleep well?” She stops in front of him, pushing her hands into the pockets of her jacket.

“Then I should look for a penguin jacket and make sure everyone will always find me if I ever do get lost,” Bianca says causing him to smile. “Good morning.” He takes one hand out of his pocket and reaches to brush some of her hair behind her ear. “I slept good, I’m a little unsure if it’s getting colder or warmer.” Her eyes follow his hand as he moves her hair behind her ear, his eyes fall onto hers before pulling his hand away. “If you’re planning to play with my hair then we should be on a couch or a bed because the chances of me falling asleep are 100.” His eyes light up and his smile seems to widen.

“Oh?” He breathes out. “I’ll make sure to remember that.”

“I hope you do if we ever reach that point,” Bianca says. “How did you sleep?” She turns towards the road and Seokjin follows her, they begin making their way to the lake to watch the sunrise.

“I slept well.” He says. “But I don’t think the weather changed much, it’s still cold, and it doesn’t feel like it became warmer.” She turns her head to look at him.

“Oh, are you sure?” She asks.

“Are you saying I’m lying to you?” He asks, staring at her.

“No, no, of course not.” She says. “It just felt warmer.” She pulls her hand from her jacket's pocket, bringing it up to her collarbone where she felt an itch. “Maybe I just imagined it.”

“Maybe I should come stay in your room, feel if it’s warmer there,” Seokjin says, Bianca’s lips part as she drops her hand to her side.

“Oh, is that your way of asking me if you could stay over or something?” She asks in a teasing tone, his nose crinkles as he smiles.

“No, no, but you will have to invite me over, and then I can feel for myself if your room is warmer or not.” He says, their hands brush against each other before unconsciously locking hands with each other.

“Hm, at some point I’ll consider it.” She says.

“You’ll consider it?” He asks as he comes to a halt, causing her to stop also.

“Yeah, the nights are cold, my feet are cold… I could use somebody to warm them up for me.” She says with a teasing smile on her lips, they slowly begin walking again. “Cold nights aren’t nice, even if it feels warmer in the middle of the night.”

“If you ever feel too cold, just shout out your window, and I’ll come over.” He says causing her to giggle as she imagined the scenario.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She giggles. “No one’s going to like me very much.”

“Then use a snowball.” He suggests. “The snow is always nearby, it’s even near the windows.”

“I don’t even know what room you’re staying in.” She says, they arrive at the lake and begin making their way towards a bench.

“Then it’s time I invite you over,” Seokjin says.

“Hm… what are you offering to get me there?” She asks.

“Offer?” He asks. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well, if you’re going to invite me over, as your guest, you need to make sure you have something to offer to me.” She says.

“Oh, is that a tradition in your country?” He asks as he slightly turns his head.

“No, I just want some food.” She says with a smile on her lips. “Offer me some food, and I’ll be there in seconds.” He chuckles as he realises what she meant, he was quickly learning that she liked food, a lot.

“How about we make a dish together?” He asks. “Not a foreign recipe again, we both know that one didn’t turn out very good.” The recipe they had made two days ago was a complete disaster, they didn’t know if they had messed up somewhere or if that was how it was supposed to taste, but they never finished it and tossed it in the trash almost straight away.

“If it’s one you know, then that’s fine, I’m here to help.” She says. “But I’m not there for another try at a foreign recipe.” He chuckles before bursting out in full laughter, he dusts the bench off, still laughing, but slowly calming down, she couldn’t help but listen to his laughter, a smile slowly forming on her lips.

“It wasn’t that bad, I’m sure we can work together well.” He says, they sit down on the bench, still not realising that they were holding hands. “I blame the dish, it just wasn’t our taste.” They look towards the sun peeking out from behind the treetops, his laughter had stopped, and it almost sounded too quiet without it. “One day we can try another one.”

“One day yes, not in the near future.” She says. “Give me time to recover from that disaster.” He chuckles and nods his head.

“Take all the time you need to recover.” He says, the light orange glow from the sun slowly lights the day, shining onto them.

“So, uh, I don’t want you to take this the wrong way, but I’m just curious.” She says as she turns her gaze to him, he looks at her, his lips slightly parting. “But… do you still get nervous when making a call? Do you rehearse what you’re going to say before calling?” Her question caused him to start laughing again, he brought his free hand to his face to cove this mouth. “Why are you leaguing?” She couldn’t help but giggle, his laughter was too contagious this time.

“Why would you— haha— you think that w— haha— would offend me?” He manages to get out between his laughter.

“Because you come off as confident, I release I could be wrong, and you could secretly be a shy person, and I didn’t want my question to offend you.” She explains, he nods his head as his laughter dies down, tears had run down his cheeks from his laughter, he uses the back of his hand to wipe it off.

“Do you?” He asks, a slight giggle still in his tone, she nods her head.

“I do, I rehearse it about five times before making the call.” She says. “Only to forget everything I’ve rehearsed when whoever I called answer the phone.”

“Haha.” He begins laughing. “I’m sorry— haha— I shouldn’t.” She sweetly smiles at him, wanting to laugh with him, but instead she admired the sound along with the facial expressions he did. “I don’t, but it’s cute that you do.”

“It’s not.” She says, still neither of them noticing that they were holding hands.

“What are you talking about, of course, it’s adorable.” He says, she could feel her cheeks heating up and turns her gaze away, the sun slowly moves past the trees. “Oh, don’t tell me that you don’t believe me?”

“You’re not the only one I don’t agree with when it comes to that ‘cute’ comment,” Bianca says. “My friends like to say it as well, but you know.” She lifts her free hand and forms a fist with it. “I am fierce!” Her words caused Seokjin to chuckle as he watched her.

“I can see why they call you cute.” He says, she lowers her hand and placed it on her lap.

“I just can’t win, can I?” She asks while looking at him, noticing how the sun lit up his skin making it seem like he was glowing, her lips slightly part in awe.

“No, not really, there’s no point in denying it, not with me or your friends.” He says before noticing her eyes looking at him with her lips slightly parted, he reaches for his face, thinking there was something on it. “Is there something on my face?” She blinks a few times, coming out of her daze.

“What? No, no.” She quickly says. “There’s nothing on your face.”

“Oh.” He breathes out as he lowers his hand down to his lap. “Then what is it?” She takes in a deep breath, a soft smile settling on her lips.

“Well, if you have to know.” She says. “I was just so distracted by your amazingly good looks when the sun shines against your skin.” Her eyes glanced at his ears as they begin turning red. “Aw, now that’s cute.” His smile widens and his ears became redder.

“Are we here to watch the sunrise or call each other cute?” He quickly asks, causing her to softly giggle.

“Why not both?” She asks, his gaze moves to the sunrise, the smile still on his lips. “I’m okay with both, are you?”

“Then you have to accept it when I call you cute.” He says. “Otherwise you’re not okay with it.”

The hours seemed to tick by quickly as if time was passing by quicker than usual, Sofia had slipped out momentarily to go explore the play park in the resort and see what the small shop on the resort had to offer.

Laura held a book in her hands while sitting on the couch closest to the fireplace, the warm cozy feeling surrounding her as she reads her book, entering her own little world with it, if it weren’t for the knock on the door, she would have stayed in the position with a blanket draped over her legs and would have only got up for snacks, drinks or a bathroom break.

She closes the book after putting a placeholder in it and placed it on the table in front of her, she pulls the blanket off her legs and placed it on the spot next to her on the couch before standing from the couch and makes her way to the door, she opens it and was greeted by Hoseok brightly smiling at her, she softly smiles at him.

“Hi.” He happily greets her.

“Hi.” She says. “What are you doing here? Not that I don’t… I’m just curious.” Hoseok nods his head, understanding what she meant, she was expecting him to stop but, and truth is, he wasn’t planning on it either until he bought some food on his way back to the resort.

“Oh, I hope you won’t mind, but I was hoping you could join me for lunch?” Hoseok asks, her eyes move to the paper bag in his hand, only noticing it when he slightly lifted it. “I just came back from town and bought some food.”

“Oh, what did you get?” She asks, curious about what kind of food he had bought for them.

“I found a restaurant as I was leaving and decided to get something to eat.” He says. “I should have probably asked what type of food you liked.”

“Come on in, and I’ll see what you have in the bag.” She says while stepping aside, allowing him into the cabin, she closes the door and leads him to the kitchen where he placed the bag on the counter, she pulls it closer to her and opens it before removing the contents inside it, looking at all the options. “Oh, you bought a lot, didn’t you?” His smile widens, he could feel his cheek slightly heating up.

“I wasn’t sure what to get or what you would like.” He says, she nods her head. “So I kind of got half the menu.” She smiles, a soft giggle escaping from her lips.

“This is half the menu?” She asks as she looks at one of the containers.

“Well, almost.” He says, she pulls one container to the side.

“Oh, this one, it looks nice.” She says and moves towards the drawer containing the utensils. “Do you want anything to drink?” She opens the fridge after retrieving the utensil she would be using, she takes out the large bottle of apple juice.

“Is that apple juice?” He asks, she nods her head while taking out a clean glass from the cabinet.

“It is, would you like some?” She asks, he nods his head.

“Yes, I wouldn’t mind some.” He says, she takes out another clean glass and placed it on the counter. “Should I take these to the table?”

“Yes, please.” She says, he picks up the food containers and makes his way to the table, placing the containers on the surface, making sure it was across from each other, so he would be able to look at her when he talked to her, he makes his way back to her as she finishes filling the glasses. “Here you go.” She points to one of the glasses while putting the juice back into the fridge, he picks up the glass and makes his way back to the table, she picks up her utensils along with her glass. “Oh, would you like a spoon or a fork?”

“Oh, no, that’s okay,” Hoseok says, she spots the plastic fork in his hand and frowns before turning to the drawer, she takes out a fork and closes the drawer and walks to the table, she placed the fork down in front of his food.

“Here you go, I’m not going to let you eat with a plastic fork when we have proper ones here.” She says.

“I don’t mind.” He says while pulling her seat out for her. “But thank you, I appreciate it.” He walks around the table to the spot where he would be sitting, she placed the glass down on the table before sitting down, he sits down across from her and opens the container, mixing everything, she opens her container, the steam coming from the food showed her just how warm it was. “Would you mind if I asked you some questions while we eat?” She looks up from the food.

“You don’t have to ask me if you want to ask something.” She says and gently smiles at him. “You can just ask.” He nods his head.

“Okay, I’ll remember that for next time.” He says, she pushes her fork into the food, moving it around to let some of the heat escape. “What’s the luckiest thing that’s ever happened to you?” She thinks for a moment, her eyes looking up for a second before looking back at him.

“Hm, well, second chances.” Laura answers. “Not everyone is willing to give second chances.” Hoseok nods his head.

“Not everyone is willing to give them, but not because they don’t want to.” He says. “Most of the time we can’t blame them, maybe they’ve given other people a second chance, and those people messed it up.” She nods her head.

“Exactly.” She says. “So just being able to get a second chance, from anyone, is lucky.” She lifts her fork from the container. “Even in a life and death situation, a second chance at life is also valuable.” She pushes the fork into her mouth, he nods his head as he watches her remove the fork and chew on her food.

“I think everyone deserves at least a second chance, to make up for the first time.” He says. “To prove that they’re sorry for what they might have done, and try harder.” He picks some food up with his fork and pushes it into his mouth, she looks at him and smiles before focusing on her own food, they finish the food and clean the table before moving to the couch. “So I’m a little curious, but what animal are you most afraid of?” Laura shivers as she thought of the worst thing.

“Spiders.” She says, her answer caused him to shiver also.

“Definitely, I agree with you on that,” Hoseok says. “They’re the worst.” Unconsciously his hand moves closer to hers, feeling the warmth from her.

“The other bugs scare me also, but spiders… ugh” She shivers just thinking about a spider possible being somewhere insight, which caused her to look around the room.

“I get it, I understand completely.” He says. “All bugs are scary, but spiders just look like they’re out to get you.” He gently takes hold of her hand, the movement going unnoticed by her, even when her hand started feeling slightly warmer than before.

“A special kind of scary, it always looks like they’re plotting something.” She says, he nods his head. “And it almost always involved them climb one on you or falling on you.” He shudders at the thought.

“Something better not falls down on us right now.” He says before looking up at the ceiling, making sure nothing was there, making sure nothing was there to fall down on them. “Oh, luckily there doesn’t seem to be anything that I can see right now.” That caused Laura to giggle, he lowers his gaze to look at her, watching as her face lit up with her smile, she looked absolutely beautiful.

“We haven’t found anything yet, I’m hoping it stays like that.” She says. “But you would know if we do find something because we would be screaming so loud.” Hoseok couldn’t help but chuckle, bringing his free hand to his mouth.

“Are all of you afraid of spiders?” He asks.

“Yes.” She says, he lowers his hand down and placed it on his lap. “So I have no idea what we’re going to do when we find one.”

“We will send our bravest brother to come and help you.” He says. “But my advice is to run, just come to our cabin, the door will be open.” Laura begins to giggle as she imagines the scene in her mind.

“Yes, that’s always a good way to make a good impression on anyone.” She says. “Just run from your own cabin because of a spider and then going to the one next door, screaming hysterically, full-on panic mode, slamming our hands against your door, screaming for help.” By now she had started giggling more while trying to explain the scene to him, he bursts out laughing, suddenly seeing the scene play out in his mind.

“I see wh— haha— what you mean.” He laughs out, his laugh sounding so nice, so contagious, who wouldn’t begin laughing along with him? “I thi— haha— I think we would lau— haha— laugh about it later, but not when— haha— not at that moment, haha.” She nods her head, laughing with him.

Sofia and Bianca approach the cabin at almost the same time, and it wasn’t long after Hoseok had left the cabin when they did, after watching the sunrise and departing ways with Seokjin, Bianca had gone to look at the heated pools the resort had and saw Sofia as they returned to the cabin, as they remove the coats they noticed that Laura was smiling wide while sitting on the couch, their eyes move to the bag of food on in the kitchen, Bianca slips off her penguin slippers and places them near the heater to allow them to dry.

“Did you have a visitor?” Sofia asks causing Laura to look towards them and then at the bag still on the counter.

“Yeah, uhm, yes,” Laura says. “Hoseok had stopped by with some lunch.” Bianca walks towards the kitchen and inspects the bag.

“Was it delicious?” Bianca asks, the question caused both Sofia and Laura to chuckle.

“It was,” Laura says. “I was about to say that it was.”

“Let her ask, the day she doesn’t ask is the day we know that she’s sick,” Sofia says while approaching the couch, she sits down on it next to Laura, they both giggle as they look towards Bianca.

“That’s also true,” Laura says, Bianca looks at them, a smile on her lips before walking away from the kitchen area.

“I take it you’re not hungry then?” Bianca states more than asks.

“No, no, I’m full,” Laura says, Bianca nods her head and turns her gaze to Sofia.

“Are you hungry, Sofia?” Bianca asks.

“No, not right now, but I’ll have some leftovers later when I am,” Sofia says, Bianca nods her head before making her way up the stairs and to her room.

The day seemed to pass quicker than usual and nightfall quickly settled, Sofia, Laura, and Bianca had settled down on the couches and had switched Netflix on to watch, they were about to pick a movie when a knock on the door interrupted them, Laura stood from the couch, moving the blankets that were covering her, to the side.

“I’ll go see who it is, but don’t you two dare pick a horror movie.” Laura says as she moves away from the couch while using the ‘I’m watching you’ hand motion, she turns away from them and approaches the door, she unlocks it and opens it only to find Taehyung on the other side of it. “Ah, I should have sent you, Sofia.” She says while moving away from the door to reveal Taehyung to Sofia and Bianca. “Because I’m more than sure that it’s for you.” Laura walks away from the door as Sofia quickly stood from the couch, pushing the blanket aside, Taehyung steps into the can and stares at her, becoming mesmerised by her.

“Tae.” Sofia breathes out. “Hi.” A smile forms on her lips as she greets him.

“Hi.” He says, a smile pulling at the corner of his lips, his tone soft as he spoke, Laura sits down on the couch, pulling the blanket over her and close against her. “I was planning on taking a walk to look at the stars, and I was wondering if you would mind coming along to watch them with me?” He asks while gesturing outside, the earth was dark, the only thing lighting the outside was the lamps near the road and the stars and the almost new moon in the sky.

“No, wait, I mean yes, I don’t mind going with you,” Sofia says, she turns around to face her friends as they were sitting on the couch. “I uh, I’ll be—“

“It sounds nice, you should go ahead, we’ll probably still be up when you get back,” Laura says, Bianca nods her head, silently agreeing with Laura, they would wait for her to return to watch another movie with her, but until then, they just wanted to see their friend happy and return with a smile after spending time with Taehyung.

“I’ll be back soon, then we can watch a movie together,” Sofia says before turning towards her jacket, she picks it up and slips it on, clasping it closed before pulling on her pair of shoes, she turns towards Taehyung, and he takes a step away from the door, stepping out into the snow-covered ground, she steps out the cabin and pulls the door closed behind her, they walk away from the cabin and along the road, the snow being crushed underneath their shoes as they walked.

“How was your day?” He asks, their hands were inches away from touching, and he couldn’t help but wonder how her hand would feel in his, the warmth and softness from it.

“It was good, relaxing also.” She says. “I went on an adventure to explore the play park here.” The sky was decorated with a few small clouds floating along with the stars and the almost new moon lighting it. “How about your day, was it good?”

“Yes, it was good.” He says, he had managed to write down a couple of lyrics after feeling inspired. “Nice actually.” Sofia nods her head as their hand inch closer and closer.

“That’s good to hear.” She says before lifting her gaze towards the sky, looking at the twinkling pearl stars above, Taehyung looks at her, admiring how beautiful she looked in the soft night light.

“Whoa…” Tae breathes out, his hand moves closer to hers before gently taking hold of it, interlacing their fingers, she looks away from the sly and at him.

“Did you say something?” She asks.

“No, no,” Tae says. “I was just admiring the beautiful view.”

“Oh.” She breathes out before looking back up to the sky. “It is beautiful.”

“I wasn’t talking about the sky.” He states, her gaze moves away from the sky to look at him.

“I uh, th… then what were you referring to…?” She asks.

“You.” He says, she comes to a sudden stop at his words causing him to stop also. “You look breathtakingly beautiful.” She could hear her heart pounding in her ears at his words. “With the soft light surrounding you.” She could feel her cheeks heating up. “I just can’t help it, if I was too forward, please tell me.” She hadn’t said a word, she was in shock at his words, she quickly recovers from them, slightly shaking her head.

“No, no, it’s just… I uh, um, wasn’t… expecting that.” She says. “I uh, um, I thought you were talking about the, um, sky.” Her tone was soft as she spoke.

“The sky looks beautiful also, but you look better.” He says as they slowly being again, slowly they moved underneath the starry night sky, it almost became silent between them, a sweet soft smile on her lips as she thought about his comment. “If there was a door that went to a city or a place that you think is a good representation of you, what city or place would it be and would you go through the door?” He asks, breaking the silence between them, he was curious about her answer when the question popped into his mind, she thinks for a moment.

“I can’t say for certain, but maybe Rio or Rome…” She answers, he nods his head.

“You know, you remind me of Rio during the night.” He says. “Beautiful, so I can see why you’d say Rio, not that Rome isn’t beautiful either, because it is.”

“You’re full of compliments tonight, aren’t you?” She asks. “Because that’s the second one for the night.” A cheeky smile tugs at her lips.

“If what I’m saying is true, I shouldn’t keep it to myself, should I?” He asks, she thinks for a moment before shaking her head ‘no’.

“No, no, probably not.” She says, they come to a stop and turn to look at each other, their hands still interlaced and neither of them realising it. “I don’t mind if you do though.” A soft smile now tugged at her lips. “I’m just not going to be expecting it when it happens.” He smiles at her, the famous box smile of his.

“I’ll make sure you get used to my compliments then.” He says, she softly chuckles.

“I’m not sure if that will ever happen, but you can try.” She says. “But!” She quickly adds on, he slightly tilts his head and waited for her to continue. “If you say I remind you of Rio during the night, then you remind me of Athens.”

“Athens?” He asks, lifting his head. “Why Athens?”

“Well, the name almost reminds me of Athena, the goddess, and a lot of people have been debating whether the gods and goddesses created you, and the city itself is so beautiful, mixed with the modern era and mixed with a bit of the older era’s, it’s still full of wonders and mysteries.” She explains. “Which you are also, there’s probably so much mystery to you and so much wonder, a lot to still discover, am I wrong?” He licks his lips and nods his head.

“No, I don’t believe that you’re wrong.” He says. “You have it correct, I just… never thought to compare myself or thought of myself as Athens before.” They stare into each other’s eyes, letting the world around them slightly fade out. “Seeing as I’m full of mystery and wonder.” He pauses for a moment. “Are you willing to be patient as you discover more?” She nods her head.

“Yes.” She softly answers, he gently smiles at her before looking up at the sky, he takes in a deep breath before lowering his gaze back onto her.

“Let’s go find a place to sit and look at the stars properly.” He says, she nods her head. “And talk some more also.” A gentle smile tugs at both their lips before they turned to approach the nearest bench, they sit down on it and lean back against it before looking up at the sky, just catching the shooting star as it falls across the sky before disappearing.

“Oh, make a wish!” Sofia says and closes her eyes, Taehyung looks at her, admiring her soft features, admiring how angelic she looked, he closes his eyes and thinks for a second before making his wish.

“Remember, don’t tell me, don’t tell anyone, or it won’t come true.” He says, Sofia smiles at him and nods her head.

“I remember that rule.” She says. “As much as I want to share my wish, it’s better not to do it otherwise it won’t come true.”

“Do you believe they get granted?” He asks. “The wished?” She nods her head.

“It takes time, but they do come true.” She says. “You just have to believe they will and eventually, with time and patients, they will.”

[theshatteredrose]

Relic Keepers: Awakening of the Red Lily (Chapter 24) - Original Fiction

AN: Another somewhat long chapter, but I hope its intriguing nevertheless. So, enjoy~

Also minor warning; I use italics a lot in this chapter to signify a guided meditation.

Ao3 | Wattpad | Inkitt | FictionPress

~*~*~*~*~

Chapter 24:

Eishirou sat next to Zayne and across from Misaki at the cafeteria table. With them sat Lyvia and Rinka. Surprisingly, Leon and Ernesta had chosen to join them for lunch. Tatsu, however, declined. He didn’t say as much, he just shook his head and walked off in the opposite direction.

Leon took a seat next to Zayne while Ernesta chose to sit with the two girls on the opposite side of the table. She seemed honestly amused by Lyvia’s attempt to pull Rinka into a conversation. She, however, spoke so much that she didn’t really give Rinka a chance to speak. Though, it seemed to have been done on purpose as Rinka was content to listen rather than speak.

Ernesta had to leave shortly after in order to speak with Sigmund about something. Likely what occurred during that battle match earlier.

Eishirou had noticed a few puzzled looks from the other occupants of the catering hall. But he was beginning to learn to ignore the stares. They weren’t doing any harm. They were just sitting and eating together. That shouldn’t be a cause of concern or confusion.

“Eishirou, do you have your tablet?” Lyvia suddenly asked.

“Yeah?”

“Can you check to see if Little Kitten Café is open yet?” she requested.

Eishirou pulled out his tablet from his bag and tapped at the screen to pull up the local news, promptly finding the subject requested. “Ah, there’s going to be a Grand Opening tomorrow.”

“Yes!” Lyvia cheered. “Can’t wait. It’s going to have kittens available to pet. I love kittens so much. Do you like kittens?” she directed that last question toward the Elite next to her.

Rinka nodded her head. “I like rabbits more, though,” she shyly revealed.

“Oh, wouldn’t a bunny café be adorable?” Lyvia began to prattle.

As Eishirou set his tablet down onto the table, Leon unexpectedly motioned a hand toward it. “What kind of information can you reach through that?”

The question was unexpected. “Pretty much everything, though it depends on connection. Here in the academy, however, I have access to whatever information I require; I just need to know what it is that I want to know about,” Eishirou answered.

“Huh,” Leon appeared mildly impressed. “So, you can find out how Mikiel is doing?”

“Let’s see.” Eishirou returned his attention to his tablet, quickly tapping at the screen. “I can’t fully access his medical records. It’s kinda unethical, anyway. But I can get information on his status.”

As a medic he had authority to enter the medical archives, though he couldn’t pull up an entire medical record. That could only be reached through the security of Communications. He found Mikiel through his patient number and looked up the latest medical notes. They alone should be able to tell him the status that Mikiel was currently in.

“Hmm. He’s still unconscious, unfortunately,” Eishirou answered as he scanned through the notes. “But he’s stable. His brain activity has been steady increasing. Though minor, it’s still an improvement.”

A subtle frown tugged at Leon’s lips. “I see.”

Eishirou cleared his tablet and switched it off. “I’ll be sure to let you know if anything else happens.”

“Yeah, ok,” Leon said simply in response.

“I don’t suppose you guys know anything about those missing Elites?” Eishirou asked as he folded his arms atop of the table and leaned forward.

“Nah, not a thing,” Leon replied, sounding subtly frustrated. “They don’t tell us anything.”

“Veteran Elites are involved, so that might be a reason,” Misaki added.

Leon perked up, confusion on his face. “Veterans? How long have they been involved?”

“Three days now.”

“Huh.” Leon appeared genuinely surprised as he turned toward Zayne. “That’s probably the reason why Sigmund has been pushing us so hard.”

Zayne nodded his head, a light frown on his lips, also. “Yeah, probably. Losing two teams is bit of a big deal.”

It was highly likely that the veterans, and perhaps the administrators of the academy, were keeping quiet about the whole situation. While Eishirou and his fellow Chroniclers were able to access a lot of recorded information, there was still a small section that was off-limits to students like him.

A buzzing of his communicator pulled Eishirou from his thoughts. He reached into his bag and it out. He flicked it on and noted the name on the screen. A pout soon made its way to his lips.

“I’m not talking to you,” he said as he answered the call.

Jacob laughed at the response. “Oh, come now, I was just teasing. Besides, I have good news; Professor Jairus wishes to see you this afternoon.”

Eishirou sat up straight. “What, really?”

“Yes, really,” Jacob returned. “He wants to see you in his office after lunch. Block M, room 105. I’ll meet you there, so be sure to get there on time.”

“Right, I’ll see you soon,” Eishirou replied before he bid goodbye and ended the call.

He wasn’t expecting to visit Professor Jairus so soon. He was a mixture of nervousness and excitement. He hoped that he would be able to help him to pull a recording or two from the Red Lily.

“Professor Jairus?” Zayne asked him.

Eishirou set his communicator atop of his tablet. “He’s specialises in meditation and mana manifestation. Jacob seems to think it’ll be useful in the study of the relic.”

“How is that going?”

“Slow,” Eishirou sighed and reached down to pick up his bag to place it on his lap. “I can’t get a recording from the relic. That’s why Jacob recommended I speak with Professor Jairus.”

Especially since he wouldn’t be heading back to Flutterlight Forest for a while.

“How long will it be?”

“Dunno.”

Zayne lifted his arms over his head and stretched. “Ah, that means I’ll need to figure out what I’m going to do for the rest of the day.”

As Eishirou slipped his tablet and communicator into his back he remembered a previous conversation he had with Zayne. Elites didn’t have hobbies or interests outside of fighting and battling. What did Elites do in their free time if they didn’t have to fight?

“You can come with me, if you want?” he suggested.

“Sure,” Zayne replied immediately, indicating that he was thankful for the suggestion. He placed his hands on the table and pushed himself to his feet. Him doing so prompted the others at their table to take the incentive to move along, too.

“Hey, Rinka, want to go shopping with me?” Lyvia suddenly requested as she sent the other young woman a smile.

Rinka turned to look at him in open surprise. “H-huh? Really?”

“Sure, it should be fun!”

Rinka was unsure on how to respond at first. She meekly turned to Zayne to seek guidance from him.

Zayne nodded. “Go ahead.”

A light flush made its way to Rinka’s cheeks as she turned back to Lyvia. “Kay,” she replied simply.

“Great!” Lyvia cheerfully took Rinka’s by the wrist and began to pull her along with her, prattling mindlessly as they moved out of sight and hearing.

Seeing the two leave prompted Eishirou to glance over at Misaki and then Leon, noting the two looked as though they were feeling left out. They were essentially pairing off, after all.

“Hey, Leon; why not visit Mikiel at the infirmary?” Eishirou suggested as he draped the strap of his bag over his shoulder. “Maybe someone familiar will offer him some comfort?”

Leon awkwardly scratched the back of his head. “Ah, I don’t know.”

“I can show you the way,” Misaki offered.

“No, I meant-” Leon started but paused when Zayne kicked the back of his leg lightly. He glanced over at his teammate, his brow furrowed. Zayne, however, simply shrugged. “Ah, all right,” he finally relented.

“Catch you guys later,” Zayne said simply as he moved to leave, prompting Eishirou to walk with him.

Witnessing the short and silent exchange between Zayne and Leon prompted Eishirou to wonder whether Zayne had suggested to his teammates to give mixing with Passives a try.

“Nice to see others mingling,” Zayne commented idly as they stepped out of the catering hall and into the gardens outside.

“It is.” Eishirou smiled and folded his arms behind his back as he regarded Zayne. “I know you forgot your mana cartage on purpose.”

Zayne didn’t reply nor look at him. He did smile, however.

“I don’t mind,” Eishirou continued. “It was nice, seeing the other side of the academy. There’s always been a huge divide between Passives and Elites. Been like that for as long as I can remember. Chroniclers are weak paper-pushers, and the bottom of the Academy Hierarchy. But Medics are off-limits. So, what happens when you’re both?”

Zayne snorted. “The Academy Hierarchy is stupid.”

Eishirou uttered a short laugh. “Right?”

“Anyway, have you worked with this professor before?” Zayne asked as they headed down the path that would take them to Block M.

Eishirou shook his head. “No, first time. I have no idea what to expect, to be honest.”

They both fell silent as they entered the inner halls of the study block. Eishirou himself hadn’t frequented this part of the academy often, so he wasn’t entirely confident in where they were to head to, first.

Thankfully, Jacob was already there waiting for them. He unexpectedly had a briefcase with him, though Eishirou didn’t think too much about it as he and Zayne approached.

“Ah, there you are,” Jacob said as a form of greeting. However, a telling smile soon made its way onto his lips. “With Zayne, nonetheless.”

Eishirou felt his features heat up and he tried to scowl. “Don’t say anything.”

Jacob uttered a short laugh before he held his hands up in front of him. “I’ll be good,” he promised in a teasing tone. “Nevertheless, you’ve arrived just in time. Let’s get going.”

He bent down to pick up the briefcase by his feet and turned to lead the way. They moved through a steady throng of students as they turned down a couple of hallways. Finally, they reached a room that had the name of Professor Jairus on a plaque upon the wall next to the ajar door.

Jacob raised a hand and knocked once upon the door before he pushed open the door. Essentially letting himself in. “Jairus, hope you don’t mind us turning up a bit early.”

Eishirou stepped into the room at Jacob’s heels. He paused just inside the room, however, and waited by with Zayne.

“Not at all, Jacob.”

A man who appeared to be in his late thirties with short, professionally kept black hair and bright sky-blue eyes behind a set of silver glasses greeted Jacob warmly. He leaned back from his desk and seemed to press a button on the arm of his chair. He then rolled out from behind his desk, revealing that he was indeed in an electronic wheelchair.

“Ah, you must be Eishirou,” the professor stated as he turned his gaze in his direction. “I’ve heard much about you.”

Nothing embarrassing, he hoped.

“Nice to meet you,” Eishirou returned politely.

“I see you’ve brought support with you.”

“This is Zayne,” Eishirou introduced, Zayne nodding his head simply in greeting. “He’s a friend.”

Jairus simply smiled. “I see. Well, welcome to you. Shall we get straight down to business? Today, I would like to walk you through a controlled meditation. Professor Chryses?”

Jacob lifted the briefcase and patted it with his hand. “Here.” He placed it upon Jairus’s desk and snapped it open. Nestled securely in conforming form sat a very familiar relic.

“The Red Lily?” Eishirou questioned, confusion evident.

“By my request,” Jairus explained. “In order to strengthen your recovery abilities, we need to work with the relic itself. Now, before that, I need you to elect an anchor.”

Eishirou blinked. “Anchor?”

“Someone who will be able to quickly awaken you from your meditation.”

“Ah, well-”

“Zayne should,” Jacob interrupted. “I’ll be happy with observing for now.”

“Sure,” Zayne answered before Eishirou had the chance to respond.

Jairus nodded his head, satisfied and wishing to move on. “Very well. Now, Eishirou; take the Red Lily in your hands and move toward the couch.”

Eishirou handed his shoulder bag to Jacob and moved toward the briefcase. He carefully lifted the Red Lily and cupped it with his hands. It felt slightly warm, though that was likely due to it being kept secure in the brief case. With the relic in his hands, he turned to move toward the couch that was located in a corner of the room. It appeared to be made of leather with pillows stacked at one end.

“Now, lie down and keep the relic close to your chest.”

Eishirou sat down on the edge before he scooted back and turned to lie down. He clutched the Red Lily in one hand as he used his other as leverage to get himself comfortable against the pillows.

“Close your eyes. Zayne, stay close. But do not touch Eishirou until I tell you.”

“Ok.”

Eishirou did as he was told. He heard footsteps and felt Zayne’s presence paused next to the couch, which was actually quite comforting.

“Now, focus in on my voice.”

Eishirou settled himself against the pillows and stared at the blackness behind his closed eyes.

“I want you to envision yourself in a white room with your third eye. There is nothing in this room. Just white walls.”

Within his mind’s eye, Eishirou opened his spiritual eyes. He found himself in the middle of a simple room. Four walls. No source of light. Just white.

“Now, look to your left. What do you see?”

He turned his head to the side. All that he could see was a single door.

“Good. Move toward the door. Open it.”

Eishirou crossed the room in three strides and stood before the door. He rested his hand on the golden door handle and hesitated for a moment. He wasn’t sure why, to be honest. He just felt as though it wasn’t, well, time for him to open this door yet.

He pushed that hesitancy aside, however, and slowly turned the handle. The door popped open and he slowly pulled the door before him as he peeked through to the other side.

“What do you see?”

Green. The vibrant, lush greenery of the Flutterlight Forest.

“Step through the door and into nature. Do you see anything else?”

Eishirou looked around him quickly. Did a three-sixty. The door to the room he stepped out of had disappeared. In its place was a tall white building.

Oh, it was the tower!

But…it looked different.

“How does it look different?”

It didn’t look as old. The white facade of the stone was vibrant and flawless. There was no moss, nor were there any vines coiling along the outside. Even the foliage around the structure looked different. It wasn’t as dense or wild as he had previous seen of the lighthouse.

“Does it have a door?”

Eishirou looked. Yeah, it did. It was wide open. No puzzle to be seen.

“Walk through the door.”

Eishirou crossed over the stone path that led to the tower. He hesitated as he approached the archway, once again feeling that sense that he wasn’t supposed to be there. Not yet. It was too early.

Once again, he pushed that aside and stepped through the archway.

“What do you see?”

The interior of the tower. Simple, pristine. Barely any furniture. Only the staircase was seen. And it, too, didn’t appear old. But new. A year or two old at the least.

“Walk up the stairs.”

Eishirou raised his eyes to the ceiling, noting that there was a circular opening at the very top. The same as he had witnessed with the tower not too long ago. He ascended the stairs, noting that he could hear a sound of some kind.

“What kind of noise?”

…Humming? No, someone lightly singing. It was almost familiar. It grew louder as he reached the top step.

“What do you see?”

There was…already someone else there. Before a window. An opening where the stained glass was.

Long white hair, a gentle face, and gentle brown eyes. That man...he looked similar to the underground mosaic and the one found within the tower. Though, his skin was a deep brown. He held a regal air to him. His posture, his presence; he was someone of great importance.

And resting upon his brow, nestled within a golden crown, sat the Red Lily. Bright and vivid against the long, flowing white hair.

Eishirou was unable to prevent a small gasp from passing his lips when the regal, almost ethereal man turned his head. And looked directly at him.

"Radiant Soul."

That voice! That was the voice he heard from the Red Lily. It was exactly the same.

"The time is not favourable," he said as he raised a hand toward him and brushed his fingertips against his brow. "This tower, once of protection, is now out of alignment. For now, leave this place be. You are too vulnerable. Strengthen your connection and learn the role of a Keeper."

Eishirou suddenly felt as though he was falling backwards only for something to suddenly grasp his shoulder. He snapped his eyes open with a start. Instead of the lush greenery of the Flutterlight Forest, he stared up at a plain beige ceiling.

"Easy now," a vaguely familiar voice stated. "Take slow breaths."

With the lingering feeling of warmth against his forehead, Eishirou began to remember what he had been doing. In his hand sat the Red Lily, the red crystals as vivid as ever.

That voice...who was that man? He looked similar to the underground mosaic and the stained-glass of the tower. Was he the residual energy stored within the relic or was he some form of entity that lived inside the red lily?

"Eishirou."

Promptly realizing that he wasn't alone in the room, Eishirou finally raised his gaze. He quickly glanced to his left where Zayne was crouched next to him. His hand rested on his shoulder. The very shoulder he felt something grasp to stop him from falling just moments ago.

"I'm fine," he instinctively stated. "I was just startled."

"What did you see?" Jairus asked him. "I lost communication with you for a moment."

Eishirou closed his eyes for a moment to gather himself. "I saw a man who looked like the one in the mosaics. And his voice was the same I heard from the Red Lily."

"What did he say?"

"He said something about me being too vulnerable and to learn the role of a Keeper," Eishirou explained as he opened his eyes.

Jairus tilted his head questioningly to the side. "Keeper?"

Eishirou shook his head. "I don't know what that means."

"I might," Jacob unexpectedly revealed.

Eishirou immediately looked over at him in surprise. "What? Where?"

Jacob folded an arm across his chest as he stroked his chin thoughtfully with his other hand. "Within Irwin's own research he had encountered the word "Keeper" several times. It appears to indicate a social role of importance. Like that of a priest or holy man. Something similar."

Well, the man he encountered definitely held a role of importance.

"I'll speak with Irwin about it further," Jacob confirmed, though also promptly ending that line of conversation. “Moving on, it seems that this session was a success. We have other avenues to explore.”

“Indeed,” Jairus nodded his head and leaned back in his wheelchair. “Truth be told, I was not expecting to progress this quickly. It appears that you have the significant mana to connect with this Red Lily. However, it appears to have a sentient being present. And it is that which is preventing you from reaching recordings.”

“Sentient being?” Eishirou repeated before realisation struck him. “You mean it has a consciousness?”

Jairus nodded his head as he rested his elbows on the arms of his wheelchair. “It may be residual, but yes, that is correct. I would like to work with you further on this project. But not today. It seems that this relic has conditions to be met before it will become active.”

“Let’s return it to the museum for now,” Jacob stated as he crossed the room to retrieve the Red Lily from Eishirou’s grasp. He then gave him a purely patently scowl. “And you, I think you should have the rest of the afternoon off.”

Eishirou wanted to argue that he was fine, but in all honesty, he did feel a little bit dizzy. Likely overwhelmed from the experienced he just had. “Ah, alright.”

Jacob nodded his head, satisfied with that response before he turned to look toward Zayne. A half-smile suddenly appeared on his lips. “And I trust Zayne to escort you back to your room, hm?”

[fangirllifu]

Sweet Like Pudding Ch. 22

Italics - thoughts

It's been roughly two months since the end of the training camp. Kanna and Kenma had kept in touch. They chatted and even video called at times, as she does her homework and Kenma plays his games. They'd talk about the troublesome people surrounding them, Kuroo and Koutarou, Kenma's teammates annoying him, and just whatever topic Kanna has on her mind on that specific day.

Much to the delight of Akaashi, who found out they kept contact, despite Kanna trying her best to hide it (she still doesn't know that he knows). It wasn't really that hard for him to figure it out though, what with how much she's recently been glued to her phone and all the smiles she tries oh so terribly to not make them notice. Koutarou maybe, but not him. But in the meantime, he'll keep this all to himself and he'll let the others find out on their own. It's more fun this way anyway. Plus, he gets more pictures for the scrapbook and to possibly bribe Kenma with in the future.

Currently Kanna and Akaashi were at Kanna's home/apartment doing their respective assignments. After a straight hour of continuous studying, they decided to take a break, which reminded Kanna of an upcoming special occasion.

"Hey Keiji, you know how its Kou's birthday next week right?" Kanna brought up the topic, earning a nod from the male.

"We should really do something, even if it's small. Or else he'll whine about it." She grimaces, to which Akaashi shows a sympathetic expression of agreement.

"Small party after school at the house?" Akaashi suggests.

"I'll talk to Aunty then. We should invite Kuroo right?" She nods and adds in question, sure that her cousin would be delighted to have his best friend there.

Akaashi nods. "You can ask Kenma if the both of them are free."

"Hm. I'll ask then." Kanna then got her phone out and proceeded to type a message to Kenma.

—Hey, Kenma

—Are you free to talk? Keiji and I were wondering about something

She had just pressed send, when she suddenly realized something. "Wait, how did you—"

Only to be cut off by the sound of her phone ringing, indicating an incoming call. She pressed accept, and put it on speaker phone so Akaashi could be included in the conversation as well.

—Call—

"Hello, Kenma?"

"Yes?"

"Ah! Keiji's here with me and we were just wondering if you and Kuroo would be free next week for Kou's birthday?"

"Hmm... That's on Thursday, right?"

"Yes"

"I'd have to ask Kuroo if we have practice on that day. Though I'm sure he'd want to attend, since it is Bokuto's birthday. But we might be late in case we do have practice."

"That's alright Kozume. I'm sure Bokuto-san would be glad with just the mere fact that the two of you are coming to attend." Akaashi interjects.

"I see. Is that all?"

"Yes, thank you so much. I'm sorry if we interrupted anything." Kanna replies in a grateful but apologetic tone.

"Its fine, you didn't. I'll just message you when I have Kuroo's answer."

"Okay! Thank you again! Bye~"

"Hn"

—Call End—

"That went well." Kanna smiles looking towards Akaashi, only to see him staring down at her phone with a contemplative expression.

"Ken-kun?" Akaashi asks, lifting his head up and looking at her highly amused with the unexpected discovery.

"W-h-a-t~" Kanna drawled, looking away from Akaashi in embarrassment.

"Dang it! I was hoping he wouldn't notice it. But of course, he did!" She thought, slightly troubled.

Akaashi merely shook his head in mirth at her denial. "So, plans?"

"Right! Hm~ It's his last birthday before he graduates, so we need to do something a little special. It doesn't have to be big, just, I don't know… memorable?" Kanna vaguely reasons.

"We could have the usual team celebration moved to the morning instead of morning practice. We would have to get the coach's permission, but I'm sure he could make an exception." Akaashi offers.

"That works. You'll inform the rest?" Kanna asks and Akaashi merely takes out his phone to inform the rest of the team the change of plans for the set date.

"Then we'll have a second party in the afternoon, but this time along with Kuroo and Kenma." Kanna confirms, earning a nod from Akaashi.

"…..What else can we add?" She says as she closes her eyes, deep in thought.

"There's that cake shop downtown that does crazy cakes on request, we could ask them to make one." Akaashi proposes, remembering the shop he walks by every day.

"That's… a wonderful idea Keiji! I'm sure he'd be over the moon! We could split the cost once we get all the details down." Kanna sits up and clasps her hands in delight at the proposition.

"We could go there tomorrow after classes, since we don't have practice." Akaashi suggests, to which Kanna nods in approval.

"Hmm…. Presents?" Kanna asks, wondering if she'll even be able to.

"I don't think we'd have enough money to buy him a separate present. I'm sure the cake would cost a lot, it would be customized after all." Akaashi reasons

Kanna shrugs in response. "Knowing him, he'll be happy with just the cake, so we probably don't even need to get him anything more."

Seeming to come to an agreement, they end the planning there. With that they returned to finishing their works in silence.

—~~~— —~~~— —~~~— —~~~— —~~~— —~~~— 

The day is finally here. Kanna, along with the Fukurodani Team (minus Koutarou), woke up extra early to get the gym ready for the celebration. Kanna arrived on school grounds at about the same time as the rest of the guys, who were carrying a couple decorations, as well as a medium sized box of cake. They hurriedly shuffled towards the gym and quickly got started on things, as it was only a matter of time before the guest of honor arrived.

Meanwhile, Koutarou was having a very good morning. Why, you ask. That's because it's his special day.

"Happy~ Birthday~ to~ me~" He sings in his head. If you squint, you'll see the glowing flowery background surrounding him, as he skips down the street with the biggest and dorkiest smile on his face.

As he reached the school grounds, he began to wonder if his team had remembered the special occasion.

"It's my last year… wonder what I should do with the team?" Koutarou thought as he opened the doors of the gym, only to be greeted with a loud.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAPTAIN!"

There the team, plus his cousin, were gathered as a group in the middle of the gym, wide smiles on their faces. A whiteboard covered in decorations was behind them with the words 'Happy Birthday to the Bestest Captain', in front of them was a table with a medium sized chocolate cake with a single lit candle on top, waiting to be blown.

"YOU GUYS~~!" Koutarou exclaimed as he ran up to join the group.

"Oy Oy! Don't get mushy now!" Konoha yelled alarmed at Koutarou as he got close enough to see the glazed eyes of his Captain.

"Come, blow the candle before it melts on the cake." Shirofuku herds, effectively gathering all of their attention.

They sang him a 'Happy Birthday' with Koutarou enthusiastically joining in. He childishly closed his eyes as he made a wish, smiling brightly as he blew the candle. After a round of clapping and another 'happy birthdays', the group happily cut the cake, excited to dig in on the sweet treat.

Koutarou looked on fondly at every single one of them, saving to memory every single smiling face. He really was glad to have been a part of this team. And he wouldn't trade them for the world. With a big bright smile on his face, he joins in on indulging himself with the chocolate cake in his hand.

—~~~— —~~~— —~~~— —~~~— —~~~— —~~~— 

That afternoon, Akaashi walked with Koutarou back to his house, making sure to keep the older male distracted to not question anything. Though it was proving to be an even easier task than he had anticipated, as Koutarou was much too engrossed in his good mood and was continuously blabbering about to notice anything amiss. Like his currently absent cousin.

Kanna had left early to pick up the cake and prepare for the second part of their surprise, Akaashi only hoped that he was able to stall enough time for her to finish. Nonetheless, Akaashi was thankful as they arrived at the Older Bokuto's household without a hitch.

They walked up to the house, with Koutarou opening the door and greeting in his usual highly enthusiastic way.

"We're home!"

With Akaashi quietly voicing an almost nonexistent, "Excuse me for the intrusion."

"Welcome Home! We're in the kitchen dear!" His mom answers back in the same volume.

They took their shoes off and made their way to the kitchen to be greeted by the two women of the family busy cooking, Koutarou and Kanna's moms.

"Kou-kun! There's the birthday boy! Or should I call you birthday Man~" Kanna's mom exclaims teasingly, causing a loud and jolly laugh to burst from the aforementioned male.

"Hello Keiji-kun, so nice of you to join us again." Koutarou's mom greets with a smile, earning her a respectful nod from the raven-head.

"Kanna-chan's not here?" Koutarou asked as he looked around not noticing any sign of his cousin.

"Oh, she went out to buy matches, saying we ran out. She should be back any minute now." Kanna's mom answers as she goes back to preparing and plating the food.

"Oh—" Koutarou began only to be cut off by the doorbell ringing.

*Ding Dong~*

Koutarou looked questioningly at his mom and aunt, and lastly Akaashi. He knew it wasn't Kanna as she wouldn't have any need to ring the bell, so he wondered if they were expecting anyone. The three only gestured for him to go on ahead and open the door. Shrugging as he complied, Koutarou made his way towards the door. He opened it to see Kuroo and Kenma in front of him, causing him to exclaim.

"Bro!"

And Kuroo answered in equal enthusiasm. "Bro!"

"Bro!"

"Bro!"

This went on for a minute or two, before Kuroo decided to break it.

"Happy Birthday!" Kuroo says.

"Hahahaha! Thanks!" Koutarou chuckles in response, as he ushers Kuroo in so he can close the door behind him. "Come in! Come in!"

Only to freeze along with Kuroo once they turned around. There was Kenma, out of his shoes, looking at them, waiting.

Kuroo recovered first and broke the silence. "Kenma? When did you get there?"

"When you were having your idiotic moment." Kenma deadpanned. He'd sidestepped and chose to ignore the duo sharing a single brain cell, in favor of stepping inside and out of the cold night air.

Koutarou merely shrugged and ushered the two along. "Come, they're in the kitchen."

"Mom! Kuroo and Kenma are here!" He yelled as he skipped in front of the two.

"Hello! Excuse us for the intrusion." Kuroo greets as they came into view, Kenma bows in greeting to the group.

Kenma scans the room and notices Akaashi along with two older women, one who he knows to be the older Bokuto's mom. He glances to the other and thinks. "….she must be Kanna's mom."

"Hello boys! Thank you for coming." Koutarou's mom greets back to the two with a smile.

"Oh! Hello there, I don't believe we've met before?" Kanna's mom looks curiously between the two, making Kenma twitch.

"Aunty, this is my bestest bro Kuroo and this is his childhood friend Kenma. Guys this is my Aunt Kumiko, Kanna-chan's mom." Koutarou introduces, gesturing to each person as he named them.

"Kuroo Tetsurou, Nice to meet you Kumiko-san!" Kuroo respectfully bows.

"Kozume Kenma." Kenma softly says, bowing along with Kuroo.

"So this is him…" Kumiko thought with a warm smile.

"Not much of a talker, are you. Well that's alright, my dear Kanna's the same with people she just met. Nice to meet the both of you too! Thank you for looking out for my baby at the training camp." She nonchalantly waves her hand and fixes the two with a grateful smile.

"It was nothing, Kumiko-san! If anything we should be the ones who are thankful, as she helped us. Speaking of which, where is the little owl?" Kuroo respectfully answers, and wonders as he hasn't seen the younger Bokuto anywhere.

"She stepped out for a bit, she should be back—" Kumiko explains only to be cut off by a loud yell.

"I'm back!" Kanna exclaims, the door closing shut behind her.

"I got the—" She started, but cut herself as she came into view and saw the new additional people.

"Kenma!" She says with a wide smile.

As their eyes locked, the visible change in the male didn't escape those watching the two. He might've been facing away from the group, but they could clearly see how he was much more relaxed than when he first arrived.

"Kuroo-san! You guys made it!" She continues as she turns to the taller male.

"Of course, wouldn't miss it for the world." Kuroo replies with a chuckle at the enthusiasm, and secretly at how Kenma reacted to Kanna's arrival.

"She still calls me with a '-san' though..." He inwardly sighs. "Guess she's not that comfortable with me yet."

"Did you find some, dear?" Her mom interrupts.

"I did!" She answers, brandishing the box of matches in her hand "Let's start?"

"Alright then, Kou-kun close your eyes." Koutarou's mom orders with a clap of her hands.

Koutarou follows, eagerly waiting. Kanna nudges Akaashi and gestures towards the other room for help with the cake. He walks over with her and lifts the cake, with Kanna's guidance, he carefully places it on the table along with the others. Kanna lifts off the covering, causing Kuroo to whistle and Kenma to widen his eyes.

Kuroo's whistle, of course, caused Koutarou to fuss. "What?! What?! I wanna see~!"

"Shh! We're almost done." Kanna remarks as she carefully places the candle on top and lights it. "Okay, done!"

Koutarou opens his eyes and glows—literally glows—in utter delight as he joyfully cheers in happiness. There, in front of him, was the coolest cake he has ever seen. It was an owl cake, but most of all, A Horned Owl cake in his likeness.

"THIS—IT'S— IT'S—WAAAA~!" Koutarou sobbed as he fussed over the cake. Everybody laughed at the birthday boy's antics.

"Alright enough of that, dry your tears Kou-kun and blow the candle or else the it'll melt on the cake." His mom playfully chides.

Koutarou reigns in his composure and closes his eyes to make a wish, before he opens them and blows on the candle. Afterwards, the two ladies ushers the group of teenagers for a picture, laughing at Koutarou's snot and tear stained face.

They all sat down to eat, saying thank you to the two lovely women who prepared everything. A little while after, they were joined by Koutarou's Father who had just gotten off of work. They laughed as Kumiko-san scolded her brother for being late to his own son's birthday party, but it was all in good fun. After the meal, the adults ushered the group into the living room as they cleaned up, refusing help along the way. The five of them sat around the living room as Kuroo presented him his gift.

"My Dude, My Man, My Bro…" Kuroo started, earning groans from three individuals at the side, which he pointedly ignored.

"Kenma and I pitched in to get you this extra special birthday present. And I know you'll love it, so here you go!" He finishes as he hands Koutarou the wrapped present.

Koutarou eagerly rips it open and he beams. Kuroo and Kenma had gifted him a pair of Kneepads. But not just any old pair of kneepads. It was a pair of Owl Kneepads. He laughed and glomped Kuroo, spluttering his many thanks with a big smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Akaashi's eyes twitched in slight irritation, already picturing the impending chaos he'll have to deal with at practice with the addition that's bound to double—if not triple—his Captain's already boundless enthusiasm. Kanna sweat dropped at Akaashi's expression, while Kenma merely looked on unbothered.

"Why, did you agree to that?" Akaashi sighed exasperated, looking at Kenma with a betrayed expression.

"It's what he wanted to get. Kuroo said he found it a while back but didn't have enough money to buy it. So when I proposed on pitching in for a birthday present for Bokuto, he jumped on the opportunity." Kenma shrugged, pointedly ignoring the light glare he was receiving from the taller male.

Kuroo, Kenma and Akaashi didn't stay for long as it was getting late and they all had to take a couple of train rides back, not to mention they still had school early the next day. They all said their thanks to the Bokuto family, and excused themselves. Kumiko-san offered to drive them to the station on their way home, they wanted to refuse, but ultimately they couldn't decline Kanna's mom. So they all piled into Kumiko's car with Kanna on the passenger seat, and the trio at the back.

As Koutarou, his mom and dad, waved watching the car pull out of the drive way. Koutarou began to ponder, he really was blessed. The three years in Fukuroudani had been nothing but wonderful, but this had been the best year out of all for him. And that was because finally. Finally. He'd get to see Kanna, his precious baby cousin, genuinely smile and be happy again.

"Thank you all so much!"

Notes:

Happy Holidays Everyone! Also Happy Birthday Month for our very own Bokuto-Handler who-needs-more-appreciation-and-recognition-for-his-efforts, President Akaashi Keiji!

Here is the b-day special for Bokuto I have promised. I hope you all liked it! The next one (On New Year's) would be Kenma's, please do look forward to that as well.

Please Meet Kanna's mom, Bokuto Kumiko (OC). She's got the signature energetic personality of a Bokuto, and the brains Kanna inherited. She's has no partner and happily enjoying life (not a lot of people are capable of handling a Bokuto, especially a smart one). She's best friends with Akaashi, and regularly gets updates on her baby's recent development (who is clueless).

Once again, I got carried away while writing this chapter. This is by far the longest chapter I have done (so far). But I sure did enjoy myself while writing it, so...

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Chapter List

[sebthesnipe]

The Dreamer by Whatwashernameagin an Analysis? Part 2

All portions:

Chapter 1: Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4

Chapter 2: Part 1 // Part 2 // Part 3 // Part 4

The Dreamer

by @whatwashernameagain

Reminder: Spoilers under cut!

So… Where were we? Aw yes… The desperation for acceptance of a POV which is both unique and far out of the reach of the human populous as a whole. In other in other words, Logan being very lonely and wanting to share his ideas with the world and hoping against hope he will not always be alone in them… heartbreaking…

The next portion of Whatwashernameagain’s work introduces The Dreamer. Going into the work with foreknowledge of the ship and the characters within, we as the readers (or I, rather) know that Roman is The Dreamer and thus know that Logan is referring to him. So, to be completely honest I am not sure if I am imagining this next bit or if it is truly the case (hence why I have chosen to focus more on Reader-Response theory rather than some of the more closed reading disciplines). However, in Logan’s first description of The Dreamer there are a few …. Odd choices in wordings. Eva writes:

“The one thing consistently standing between him and the fulfillment of his plans had turned out to be an outrageously insignificant detail…. This thorn in his shoe showed up at the most inopportune moments, predictably puffing up his chest in his ridiculous, unpractical costume, ready to boldly reassure the public before thoughtlessly storming in to hinder his plans with his irritating presence” (Whatwashernameagain).

There are a number of things in this small paragraph that gives way to yet even more of Logan’s personality, still molding the mental image that the author is painting while still leaving the blanks to be filled in our heads. ‘Consistently’ being italicized, for example, provides me with the mental image of a small tick of annoyance like Logan is mentally hissing the word while his index finger and thumb are pressed together drawing it out with annoyance (kinda like Moriarty during the pool scene in BBC’s Sherlock). Anyways, it immediately pulls the reader back into his frustration but this time… something is different.

Lets recap a moment, So far we know that Logan is a cold calculating man with only his work to keep him company; we know that he wishes for someone to share his view points but otherwise hasn’t really shown any emotional fluctuations (he obviously has emotions, there just seem muted almost) and yet his train of thought here, indicated by the italics is fairly harsh. His choice of words far less calculated than we’ve seen thus far. Here we see him use something akin to an oxymoron calling The Dream ‘an outrageously insignificant detail’. Why would he use so many words when a simple ‘insignificant’ would work? Unless… He is compensating. Many authors will push a thought or description to further lengths than necessary to give the owner of said thoughts a unique perspective. One of the best I’ve ever seen/read would be Robert Jordan in his The Wheel of Time series. Jordan switches from POV to POV flawlessly without pausing to explain it to the reader but as talented as he is at making each so unique the reader never needs the explanation, following along without a hiccup. As much as I would love to say that Eva is there, she isnt... at least not yet… but then again, I haven’t found anyone on par with Robert Jordan’s use of POV and character development as of yet. My point is that she uses the type of flow shifting POV very fluidly without having to spell it out for the reader; and the use of the additional descriptors are a testament to that. (I hope I am making sense I am so very tired #dead).

Logan goes on to talk about the ‘puffing up’ and how ‘unpractical’ The Dreamer’s costume is and his ‘irritating presence’, he talks about grand speeches and attempting to appeal to Logan’s ‘humanity’. The tone of the paragraphs is that of annoyed humor as if it were amusing to think Logan had any humanity at all. That being said… another literary study comes to mind when reading this portion of the work. I will do my best to keep from going too much in depth but basically back in the early EARLY 1900s Sigmund Freud invented psychoanalysis with his publication of The interpretation of Dreams (Rivkin, Julie). Why was it such a big deal? Well, before the publication psychology assumed that what goes on in the mind was limited to the conscious (Rivkin, Julie). What does that have to do with Logan? Well, the revolution was a huge part of history and the strides that were made in psychology didn’t only affect the medical world but the literary one as well. Psychoanalysis wasn’t only limited to a person but the work they created as well; it began to be used as a way of studying literature, analyzing the author through their work. But… I’m veering a bit too far to the left. The reason this is important is because some of Frued’s research was based on the ‘defenses’ that the ego mobilizes against unacceptable libidianal or unconscious material (Rivkin, Julie). I.e. The mind can invert a feeling into its opposite, so that a yearning for contact can become a desire to do violence (Rivkin, Julie). That, of course, is an extreme but we see the same psychological mechanism here for Logan. The Dreamer is a man who represents the very thing Logan is determined to pull down; it would be extremely illogical to have any sort of attraction to the man. There for, to put it simply, he’s in denial. (Yes… I am aware I went into a bunch of Fruedian jargon just to say Logan is in denial and everyone already knew that… He would have approved though so I’m not editing it out. You will just have to deal with it.)

This says a lot about Roman’s character as well. Those who are familiar with the character knows how outrageous the creative man can be, but Eva writes (from Logan’s POV) ‘the idiot was actually attempting to change his mind’ (Whatwashernameagain). This give another shift in the emotional tone of the work, feeding off Logan’s annoyance and dark undertones and changing it into something more hopeful; giving us our first glimpse at the painting of The Dreamer; so far nothing but a symbol of hope (and a ‘thorn in Logan’s shoe’).

Going to reverse for a moment as well. Bringing up the metaphor of ‘a thorn in his shoe’; there is a lot to be said about this line as well. It really puts The Dreamer in perspective from The Utilitarian’s point of view…. At least his conscious one. It shows that Logan wants the hero to be beneath him, that he consciously tries to convince himself that he is. That The Dream is at his feet causing more annoyance than actually damage. I’m a sucker for a good metaphor and this one certainly isn’t a bad one.

Within the next paragraph Logan goes on ranting about The Dreamer being a nuisance, continuing on his rant that really only cements his attraction to the hero. But, once again, the image of The Dreamer is becoming more detailed. Logan describes him as ‘clinging desperately to his ancient, deontological ethics with its rules that mustn’t be broken at any cost’ (Whatwashernameagain). It sounds as if despite the way Logan whines about The Dreamer he sees him as misguided. If he truly believed that the ethics The Dreamer represents were the man’s own then we would no doubt see the frustration we did when Logan spoke about the state of the world. Instead, we see the deflection of the blame from The Dreamer to ‘ancient, deontological ethics. It is obvious that Logan doesn’t blame him but rather sees that he is attempting to simply ‘do his duty’. This provides a sense of honor for The Dreamer which is quite fitting for Roman really.

Logan only cements his denial and affection for the hero but commenting on his concern for the man’s well-being despite his inconvenient presence: “Many a times he’d foiled his operation with simple stupidity, like running into an already unsafe sweat-shop he was about to blow up in order to rescue the industrialist he’d tied up in the vicinity” (Whatwashernameagain). It is possible that he has this concern for everyone that is not directly involved in the crimes he is attempting to shine some light on but it is doubt full.

To add to the growing case against Logan’s inaffection for the man, he actually tries to defend himself! He claims that he hadn’t planned on killing the industrialist, just make a statement and ‘singe his eyebrows’ (Whatwashernameagain). I love this line; it does a lot for the story is so few words. So, first it paints Logan, the cold calculating villain, as a sulking teenager who has been scolded. I love the imagery. It also brings a bit more humor into the work than the subtle outlines of Logan’s denial had been providing. It is makes it even more clear that Logan does not dislike Roman enough to actually want to hurt him; in fact, quite the opposite. It paints Roman as someone he would like to protect, emphasizing the ‘misguided hero’ view of The Dreamer once more.

Now to the good bits: “He knew very well how much the media loved [The Dreamer] with his uniform accentuating his broad shoulders and his lush, caramel hair, his blinding smile and perfect, tan skin” (Whatwashernameagain); Really Logan? Lush, caramel hair? Who talks like that? Only someone with a crush…. And boy do you have it bad! You think he’s smexy with a capital ‘M’! I don’t even have to explain this one… we all know… We all understand.

After that oh so very subtle remark, Eva follows up with a ‘He was a nuisance, is what [Logan] was trying to say’ (Whatwashernameagain)…. Mhmmm suuurrrrree D-E-N-I-A-L. Freud would love you! Just saying!

I think from now on I’m just going to break it down paragraph by paragraph. This is getting quite long and I don’t want anyone having to jump back and forth. So:

“The Utilitarianist prided himself in his polite, calm manners, yet this – man – brought out a temper he was not fond of. How dare this simpleton speak to him about right and wrong? Despite knowing the math advised against it, he found himself drawn into moral arguments repeatedly … and had almost gotten caught by those strong hands several times due to his frustration. He found himself simply unable to refrain from correcting the man when his claims were just so utterly stupid.” (Whatwashernameagain)

We’re going to jump back into Freud’s work now… be prepared. So, obviously Logan blames Roman for Logan’s reactions, his loss of self-control. This is known as projection. In projection, we assign to others feelings or thoughts in ourselves that are unacceptable (Rivkin, Julie). What possible feelings could Logan be having that are unacceptable? Maybe it has something to do with being caught by those ‘strong hands’. -eyebrow wiggle- This is also a good example of intellectualization. In intellectualization, we avoid potentially overwhelming feelings by focusing out attention on things that allow us to exercise that part of our mind devoted to reasoning rather than emotion (Rivkin, Julie): Hence, the arguments.

Before I move on, I want to point out the author’s talent here. Writing characters with a lot of depth can be difficult especially with characters that weren’t originally yours. I say that because I do these analysis’ constantly; I do them for work, I do them for school… I obviously do them for fun on occasion… but, while talking psychoanalysis can be daunting and perhaps a bit boring; the fact that I can apply these theories to a CHARACTER not the author is astounding. That is when you know someone has a great talent for their character formations. Sure, I can slap a few fancy words to describe a character but to actually be able to analyze a fictional character’s psyche… that is when you know that they are fully formed.  

I’m afraid I will need to end Part 2 here. Once again work is approaching. I will be back with a Part 3 When I get the chance, however. Hopefully, I can get through more than 5-6 paragraphs of the work then… Some dialog is coming up so it should be a bit quicker. I am quite enjoying this analysis and I wanted to thank everyone who had read/commented/liked/reblogged Part 1; and for all of the asks I have received. I quite enjoy hearing from you and love answering questions so feel free to drop a line! Special thanks to Whatwashernameagain, as always, for writing so brilliantly and just being a genuinely wonderful human being. Until next time…

 (Please forgive any poor grammar or misspelling. I tend to run short on time so I don’t really proofread)

Rivkin, Julie. Literary Theory: a Practical Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2017.

Whatwashernameagain. “The Dreamer - Chapter 1.” Hello Guys Gals And Non Binary Friends, 8 Sept. 2019, https://whatwashernameagain.tumblr.com/post/187581477262/the-dreamer-chapter-1.

[mercurysnitch]

Though You’re Many Years Away Part 6 (End): The Boy From New York City

Summary: Introducing Tallulah to Roger’s family has a major impact on Reader’s life

Author’s note: It’s here! I can’t believe this story is finally done. (For now, anyway...) I have enjoyed this journey so much, so thank you to all you lovely readers. As someone who has always wanted to be a writer, seeing that people have read my work, and enjoyed it, is just the best feeling ever, so thanks for that 😘😊

This section is a bit different to the previous ones, so sorry if it almost feels like a different fic. My initial plans for this part were a bit more dramatic, but I realised while I was writing that what I had planned would just overcomplicate the plot and drag things out, so I went for fluff instead. Please tell me if you like it!    

As always italics indicate reader’s thoughts, stars indicate a time skip.

The title of this part is not a Queen song, though it is a song. Originally by the Ad Libs but I know it (and love it) from the Manhattan Transfer version, which my dad used to play a lot. I never mention it but I’m pretty sure it’s Reader’s ring tone for Joe, at least while they’re long distance dating.

Warnings: Some swearing, description of children, writing about real people,  moderate angst, plenty of fluff

That day at Roger’s house marked a major turning point in your life. Having everything out in the open meant you and Roger could finally discuss a proper arrangement for looking after Tallulah. The immediate effect of this was Roger providing a solution to your summer holidays childcare dilemma. “She can spend the day at my place when I’m around” he suggested, when you mentioned your concerns to him a few days after the lunch. “And when you’re away?” you asked, rather imperiously. “Get a nanny” Roger replied. “I’ll pay them” he added hastily, noticing your exasperated expression. It suddenly dawned on you that a nanny would be very helpful during term time as well, so you quickly agreed to start looking for one as soon as possible. There were still things to be worked out, but it was a solid start, you thought.

The lunch at Roger’s caused a shift in your personal life too. Joe called you the very next day, and that Friday night he took you out to dinner. Sure it was very traditional, but it went so well you thought it might have been the best first date you’d ever been on. To be fair, it was the only date you’d been on in quite a while. Turns out single parenthood was not conducive to an active social life. In any case, you and Joe hit it off, and after only six weeks you agreed to “go steady” as Joe called it. You wondered whether that was too quick, but you knew it felt right, to both of you, so you weren’t worried.

***

By some strange quirk of fate you wound up revealing your new relationship to both Roger and the rest of the Bo Rhap cast in the same weekend. On the Friday night you dropped Tallulah off to stay the night at Roger’s on your way to get Joe for a night in at your house. It was actually the first time she’d spent the night with her dad, but you were trying not to make a big deal of it. “Thanks for letting her stay over” you said to Roger, as you prepared to leave for the night. “No problem” he replied warmly. “So, you’ve got plans tonight?” He asked casually. “Yep,” you replied cheerily, “my boyfriend’s coming over for a movie night.” Roger raised his eyebrows. “Boyfriend? That’s new” “Yeah, it is” you replied softly. “So what’s he like?” Roger asked. Might as well tell him now, I guess. “Roger, it’s Joe” you said. “Joe?” Roger was surprised. “I thought Ben would be more your type.” “What, just cause I went for you you thought I’d always go for the blond?” You joked. “Nah, Ben’s lovely, but… he actually reminds too much of you, when you were young” you explained. “It’s too weird, I just can’t look at him like that.” Roger grinned. “And people wondered why I picked him to play me in the movie” he commented. “I’m happy for you, truly” he added suddenly, his voice softer than before. “Both of you. I’m so glad Joe’s found someone.” A sudden bout of uncertainty about leaving Tallulah for the night hit you as you farewelled Roger, causing you to spout a long list of verbal instructions. “Love, I’ve already raised five kids to adulthood, I think I can manage one night with a five-year-old” he reassured you. You still felt a little strange leaving Tallulah behind for the night, but Joe had lifted your mood enormously by the time you got him back to your place. You spent an enjoyable night together, and the rare pleasure of waking up in his arms was a sensation you thought could definitely get used to.

The next day you and Joe were both invited to Saturday brunch with the Bo Rhap guys, and Lucy, at Ben’s place. They’d sort of adopted you after that first meeting at Roger’s house, and you enjoyed spending time with all of them, even if you did feel like the odd man out sometimes. Joe grinned mischievously at you as you approached Ben’s front door. “What?” You asked suspiciously. “I’ve had an idea” he said mysteriously. “Just go with it, ok?” He added, reaching up to ring the doorbell. “Go with wh-” You were cut off by Joe snogging you passionately, just as the door opened. Someone, you couldn’t see who, cleared their throat from behind Joe. He broke apart from you and turned around, cool as a cucumber. “Oh hey Ben!” He said brightly. Ben just rolled his eyes. “Hi mate” he groaned, clearly accustomed to Joe’s flair for the dramatic. “Well come in, food’s almost ready” he added, standing aside to let you both in. “So you and Y/N are a thing now?” He asked casually, as he led you through to the kitchen. “Yep!” Joe grinned. “I still love you too though” he added jokingly. “Good” Ben smiled. Joe wordlessly took your hand as the three of you entered Ben’s kitchen. Three heads turned to stare at you as you walked to the table. There was a moment of quiet, before Rami broke into a broad grin. “Called it” he said mischievously. Lucy squealed in delight, and the air was suddenly filled with cries of “Finally!”. When the commotion finally settled, you found yourself sat at the table next to Gwilym. “I’m glad everyone’s happy for us”, you commented thoughtfully, “but no-one seems that surprised about it.” Gwilym smiled at you fondly. “Y/N, Joe has not shut up about the awesome woman he’s been seeing since that day at Roger’s” he explained, with just a hint of exasperation in his voice. What? That’s actually adorable. “And we’ve had to endure the pair of you making eyes at each other every time you’ve hung out with us, you’re not as subtle as you think you are” Gwilym added, grinning cheekily. “Let’s just say it wasn’t hard to guess what was going on.” You looked sheepish, but you knew Gwilym was just teasing. By the time you left you felt like the others had decided you were officially one of them now, and that thought made you very happy.  

***

All too soon, the blissful summer was over. Autumn brought with it various upheavals in your life. Tallulah started school in September, and Joe’s scheduled return to America loomed close behind. You’d agreed to switch to a long distance relationship for the time being, but that didn’t make the prospect of his departure any more appealing. Roger came with you to wave Tallulah off on her first day of school. He was about to head off on tour, and you weren’t entirely sure how your daughter would cope with so many changes at once. You were also concerned Roger would get recognised by the other parents, but he was certain it would be fine. “It’s the first day of school, they’ll all be focused on their kids” he assured you. In any event Tallulah was very pleased to have both of her parents with her, and no-one noticed her dad, much to your relief. Maybe he wasn’t as famous as you thought nowadays.

Tallulah’s first week of school went very well, all things considered. On top of adjusting to school she was still getting used to spending the afternoons with her new nanny, a cheerful young woman called Carla. Roger had originally suggested you get an au pair, but you didn’t like the idea of lobbing some poor backpacker into the middle of your rather complicated family situation. Carla, though, came with experience and a glowing recommendation from her previous job. You were a little worried that she might find your unconventional family a bit much, but she was utterly unfazed by the unusual circumstances. “I’ve worked with separated parents before, they’re pretty common these days. And your situation’s not really that different to a typical blended family” she assured you, after you’d explained everything to her. In fact, Carla exuded a sort of general calmness that gave you the oddest feeling this small brunette might be about to become the still centre that the rest of your slightly crazy life revolved around.

Roger left for three months of touring the following week. Tallulah was quite upset at having to farewell him over the weekend, but school was preoccupying her so much that she was back to normal within days. In the midst of all this, Joe had decided to stay in your house for the last week of his London sojourn. When he came over that Friday night, you took the opportunity to introduce him to Tallulah. He was uncharacteristically nervous beforehand. “What if she doesn’t like me?” He questioned. “Babe, you’re a big kid yourself, she’ll love you” you reassured him. You led him into the loungeroom, where Tallulah was sitting on the couch in her pyjamas, watching the telly before bed. “Loolah, darling,” you began calmly, standing in front of her, “this is Joe. He’s going to be staying with us for a few days.” “Hi Tallulah” he greeted her. He hesitated before sitting down next to her. “I like your pyjamas” he told her. “Who’s that on the front?” he asked, pointing to the picture on Tallulah’s shirt. “Queen Elsa!” she cried happily. “Is she your favourite?” Joe questioned, breaking into a goofy grin. “Yes!” Tallulah responded, enthusiastically. “Mummy can we watch Elsa?” she asked suddenly. “Yeah, can we?” Joe echoed. You’ve seen it a hundred times and you want to watch it again? Thanks a lot Joe. You smiled at them, suppressing an exasperated groan. “Ok. But then straight to bed afterwards” you insisted. “Yay!” Tallulah beamed, and Joe looked nearly as happy. They had a lot of fun watching together. You’d been forced to watch Frozen so many times you were nearly sick of it, but Joe enthusiastically sang every song with Tallulah. Of course he likes Disney movies. She fell asleep halfway through, nestled between you and Joe. You smiled down at her sleeping form. “See, I knew you’d be a hit” you murmured, leaning over to kiss your boyfriend gently. “She’s so cute” he murmured back, not really listening. Tallulah utterly adored Joe after that night, and he quickly grew to love her more than either of you thought possible.    

*** 

By the end of his trip Joe found he was actually a bit sad to be going home, for once. “I just don’t wanna leave you behind, babe” he said sadly, the night before his flight. You were curled up in bed together, almost ready for sleep. “I don’t want you to go, either” you told him, equally mournful. “But it’s not like it’s the end for us, you know” He was quiet for a moment. “Do you really think we’ll survive long distance?” He asked eventually, his voice riddled with uncertainty. “Of course, Joe” you reassured him. “We just have to trust each other. And I trust you, so...” Joe smiled, relieved. “I trust you too, babe” he replied. “Actually, um, this is probably not the best time to say this, but,” he paused momentarily, steadying himself. “I love you, Y/N” he said shakily, clearly nervous. “I love you too, Joe” you replied, without hesitation. You could almost feel the relief flowing through your boyfriend’s body as he rolled over to kiss you. When you broke apart, though, he looked concerned. “What’s up, babe?” You asked. “I just realised, I told you I love you but I don’t even know when I’m going to see you again” Joe explained sadly. “Well, actually, I’ve been thinking, I could come and see you in New York in the Christmas holidays?” you suggested. “Would you bring Tallulah?” He asked hopefully. “If you want me to” you said, smiling. You kissed Joe again, gently, and snuggled into his chest, where you slowly drifted off together. There were many tears at the airport the next morning, and later that night, even from Tallulah, who was going to miss Joe almost as much as you. But you knew you’d all survive, somehow. And you did, bridging the distance between you and Joe with daily phone chats and frequent video calls so he could talk to Tallulah.

***

Christmas rolled around altogether more quickly than you were expecting that year. You’d never known the Christmas period to be a particularly relaxed time of year, but that year you felt even busier than usual. You and Tallulah had the traditional Christmas lunch with your parents on Christmas Eve, so she could spend Christmas Day with Roger and his family. He wanted her to wake up at his house on Christmas morning, so he had very graciously invited both of you to sleep over on Christmas Eve. Your parents were a bit miffed at this arrangement until you pointed out Tallulah had never spent Christmas with her dad before. To be fair, they still weren’t exactly thrilled that said dad was a 70-year-old rockstar, but they did their best to be understanding. In the end it all went smoothly, and Tallulah enjoyed her busy Christmas immensely, which was the main thing, in your opinion. On Boxing Day you both flew to New York to see Joe, which at least meant you got to sit down and relax for a bit on the plane. He was waiting at the gate when you arrived, and you practically threw yourself into his arms when you reached him, kissing him passionately. The joy you felt at the renewed physical contact was almost more than you could bear.

You spent just a week in New York, but it was utter bliss to be in the same place as Joe again. He bounced around like an excited puppy, having fun showing you and Tallulah all of his favourite spots and just generally enjoying your company. He even introduced you to his family. You were extremely nervous that day. “What if they don’t like me Joe?” “They’ll be fine babe, don’t worry” he reassured you. “Even though I have a kid?” you asked suspiciously. “Even then” Joe said sweetly. “Oh, um, just, like, heads up, I kinda haven’t told them about Tallulah’s dad” he added hurriedly, looking at you uncertainly. You smiled, and Joe immediately relaxed. “That’s ok, I think I’d rather they didn’t know yet anyway.” I’d really rather they didn’t know ever, but I guess I’ll have to explain eventually. Better remind Loolah not to tell today. In the end Joe’s family welcomed you with open arms, and they loved Tallulah almost as much as he did. She even made instant friends with his nephews, which he found adorable.

Before you knew it, New Year’s Eve had arrived, and your week in New York was drawing to an end. Halfway through breakfast your heart dropped when you realised you were flying home tomorrow. Without Joe. Where do we go from here? Joe glanced up from his cereal and couldn’t help noticing your alarmed expression. “What’s wrong babe?” he asked, voice laced with concern. “It just hit me that we’re going home tomorrow” you explained. “And part of me wants to stay here with you” you added quietly. Joe sighed, reaching over the table to take your hand. “I wish you could stay too” he said sadly. “Actually,” he went on, voice suddenly becoming serious, “I wanted to ask you, um…” He took a steadying breath. “I know we haven’t been together all that long, but would you move in with me?” You smiled rather sadly. “I’d love to Joe, but you know it’s not that simple for me.” He nodded. “Because of Tallulah” he commented. “Pretty much” you agreed. “If it was just me, I’d move here tomorrow” you hurriedly clarified. “But Tallulah’s just started school last term, I don’t want to pull her out when she’s just settled in. And I’m still working out this whole co-parenting thing with Roger, it’s really not a good time for a big change right now.” Joe was a little crestfallen. “Will it ever be a good time?” he asked worriedly. “Yes” you reassured him. “Soon. I just don’t want to rush into something like that, you know?” Joe nodded, relieved. “Okay. Well, it’s not quite moving in together, but maybe I could, like, come and stay at yours next time I’m between projects? Try and split my time between here and London for now?” he suggested. “I’d like that a lot” you replied, beaming.

Your trip to New York ended with Joe’s New Year’s Eve party, at which Tallulah tried and failed to stay up much past 10, and Joe gave you possibly the most dramatic midnight kiss ever. You flew home the next day already looking forward to Joe’s next trip to London.

*** 

You ended up waiting over a month for Joe to finish filming before being reunited in February, two days before Tallulah’s birthday. Being together again, in your house, was heavenly. Even Tallulah was pleased to have Joe back. The brief time she spent with Joe in New York had only caused her to adore him even more than she already did. They hadn’t spent all that much time together yet, but you were forming a plan for them to spend some one-on-one bonding time together while Joe was living with you. Maybe he could take her to see the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum? As always though, it soon turned out that life had other plans.

In the end Joe spent time alone with Tallulah for the first time not long after her sixth birthday. It was Friday, and Carla called you that morning to tell you she was too sick to come to work that day. “I’ll be fine by Monday,” she told you, “I’d just hate to give something to Tallulah, or any of you.” She sounded quite miserable. “That’s ok,” you assured her, “I completely understand. Thanks for letting me know.” You were mildly annoyed when you hung up, but it wasn’t the end of the world. Normally it wouldn’t be an issue because Tallulah would be at Roger’s on Fridays, but he was on tour again. Still, you should be able to leave early today, it wasn’t a busy time right now. But of course, you hadn’t even had a chance to tell anyone about your change of plans when a small crisis erupted. Before you knew it it was half past two and you were beginning to think you were unlikely to be able to leave much before six. Shit. What am I gonna do? Leave them in the lurch? I suppose I could… Joe. Of course. He’s not busy today is he? As it turned out he wasn’t, and he was more than happy to help you out. “Of course I’ll pick her up, babe. I’m your boyfriend, I’m here to help.” You breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks babe. I’ll be late tonight, you’ll have to do her dinner and stuff.” You paused, suddenly worried about leaving your manchild boyfriend looking after your actual child. “Don’t forget Joe”, you added, your voice abruptly turning serious, “until I get home you’re the responsible adult in charge of a six-year-old. Responsible. Adult. Ok?” He just laughed. “Relax babe, I’ve babysat a million times, I’ve got this” You were somewhat reassured. “Ok, well, dinner’s your choice I guess, just make sure she eats a few veggies with it” you told him. “Veggies. Got it.” Joe shot back. You rattled off a few more instructions, all of which Joe responded to with a joking “Yes, dear,” before he persuaded you to stop worrying and get back to work so you could get home as early as possible. When you finally did arrive home that night you found Tallulah asleep on the couch, snuggled into Joe, with The Little Mermaid playing on the telly. You felt your heart lift at the adorable sight. “She didn’t want to go to bed before you got home” Joe explained softly, looking down fondly at her sleeping face. “So I suggested a movie, but, well…” You smiled gently at him. “It’s ok. It’s Friday, we’re all tired” you said. He went to pick Tallulah up, but you stopped him. “I’ll put her to bed, you’ve done everything else today.” You scooped her up off the couch, giving Joe a quick, chaste kiss on the way past. “Thanks babe. Love you.” “Love you” he echoed. Tallulah stirred as you tucked her into her bed. “Mummy?” She murmured sleepily. “Yes darling, it’s me. Did you have fun with Joe today?” You asked gently. “Yes Mummy. I like Joe. Can he stay with us always?” She asked innocently. “I don’t know darling” you replied. “But I hope so.”

*** 

Of course, Joe couldn’t actually stay with you always. He couldn’t even stay with you most of the time at the moment. He was in London for barely a month before he had to go to work again, across the Atlantic. It was mid-March, not even Easter yet, but he wouldn’t be back until early May. Easter proved to be a nice distraction, but once it had been and gone you were still faced with over a month of separation before Joe would be home. Roger was on tour again as well, which meant Tallulah was no longer spending every second weekend at his house. You generally used those weekends to catch up with friends for brunch, or even the odd night out, but now you didn’t even have that free time for adult outings. You were getting so bored, and so lonely, that when Destiny called to see if you were free any time soon you practically begged her to come over for a Friday night takeaway dinner. “Well if you’re that desperate of course I’ll come” she laughed down the phone.

Destiny arrived not long after you got home from work. In fact, she arrived so early Carla was still packing up for the day. You welcomed her in anyway. She greeted you cheerfully, and then asked, jokingly, “Where’s Loolah? She’s usually so happy to see me.” You grinned. “Oh she will be, she’s just saying goodbye to her nanny. I think Carla’s her favourite person now. Except maybe Joe” “And me?” Destiny teased. “And you” you agreed. You arrived in the kitchen to a cry of “Dessy!” Tallulah rushed over to embrace your friend, who hugged her warmly. “Hello Loolah darling! You’re getting so big, I haven’t seen you in so long!” Carla turned to look at you, bemused. “Carla, this is my dear friend Destiny. She’s known Tallulah all her life, they’re very close. I suppose she’s something like a godmother to her,” you explained. Carla smiled warmly. “That’s very sweet” she commented kindly. Destiny let go of Tallulah and stood up to talk to your nanny properly. “Hi Carla, it’s so nice to meet you” she said, reaching out to shake hands. She almost looked nervous, but Destiny was never nervous about meeting people, at least not since you’d known her. “Lovely to meet you” Carla responded, sounding oddly giggly. Wait, giggly? Are they both blushing? Oh my god. Carla stayed to chat for a few minutes before taking her leave, still blushing. Destiny volunteered to show her out. Your suspicions as to her motivations were confirmed when your friend returned ten minutes later. “Oh my god, you did not tell me your nanny was bloody gorgeous” she exclaimed, flopping down opposite you at the kitchen table. “Language, Dess, there’s a child present!” You chided. “Sorry,” she replied, “but she is.” “I hadn’t noticed,” you deadpanned, “she’s not my type.” Destiny just grinned. “And a good thing too, I don’t want competition” she replied. “She was happy to give me her number though, I think she must like me” she added quickly. “I think so,” you replied, “I’ve never seen her act like she did when she saw you.” Destiny suddenly looked very uncertain. “You don’t mind, do you?” She asked, worried. “I mean, it could get awkward for you…” You were unconcerned. “Dess, we’re all adults, I’m sure it’ll be fine, whatever happens. And anyway, you’ve done so much for me over the years, I do want you to be happy too” You smiled at your friend, who flushed with relief. “Thanks” she said sheepishly.

You spent half the night attempting to answer Destiny’s questions about Carla, and the rest updating her on your life with Joe. Apart from the hour you spent wondering where Tallulah had gone this time. You knew she was travelling because she called out to you as she left. It didn’t really surprise you now, it seemed to happen a lot more when Roger was away. In the end Tallulah didn’t really know when she’d gone to, but it still sounded like the early 80s. Ah well, I’ll check Roger’s diary later. All in all, it was an exciting evening. It got a very nice postscript too, when Carla informed you a few weeks later that she and Destiny were now officially girlfriends. Funny how life works out sometimes.

*** 

April ground on into May, and finally, finally, Joe returned to London. You had hoped he might be able to stay for the summer, but it seemed it was not to be. “I have to tell you something babe. My schedule’s been changed again” he said, after dinner on his first night back. “And?” you asked. “I have to go back to LA in June” he replied. Your heart sank. “That soon?” you said sadly. “I know” Joe responded. “But I’m staying here for six weeks first, so lets, like, just enjoy it while it lasts, yeah?” “Might as well” you agreed, smiling wryly. “I’m so pleased you’re back here, Joe” you said earnestly, leaning in to kiss him. “I’m so glad to be back with you guys” he replied contentedly, before he kissed you deeply.

Having Joe living with you in London was as joyful as ever, but the knowledge that he would have to leave, again, in only six weeks, hung over you both like an unpleasant shadow. Neither of you really said anything, but you knew the lengthy separations had worn on Joe just as much as you. For the time being, you got on with life. Joe spent a week being a stay-at-home stepdad while Carla took a much-needed break before the summer holidays. You stayed in your usual routine, with the welcome addition of getting to come home to Joe every night. When Carla came back from her holiday he took the opportunity to spend time with Gwilym and Ben, who became frequent visitors to your house. Even Rami and Lucy dropped in a few times, while he was visiting her in London. They all doted on Tallulah in their own ways, and she loved them all back. For some reason Ben seemed to be her favourite, though Lucy was a very close second. You wondered whether he reminded her of Roger in the same way he reminded you sometimes. It was all a very warm and fuzzy picture, but you couldn’t quite forget it was really only temporary. You couldn’t shake the questions nagging at your mind either. Surely living like you had been, apart for months at a time with only brief interludes of cohabitation, wasn’t sustainable long term, but would living with Joe in New York really be the solution? It was a conversation you were desperate to avoid, but you knew you couldn’t put it off forever. In fact, it was a conversation you would be having very soon.

Roger came back from tour in the first week of June. He picked up Tallulah that Friday to spend that weekend with him, so Joe decided to make the most of it and take you out for dinner to celebrate the anniversary of your first date. There was just one week left before he had to go back to America again, and you knew the conversation you’d been putting off couldn’t be avoided for much longer. You could feel it hanging over you during dinner, but you tried to ignore it. You got some wine with your main course, so Joe proposed a small toast. “To us, babe” he said happily. “To us” you agreed, clinking glasses. “I can’t believe it’s been a year already” you commented. “It’s been a good one, hasn’t it?” Joe asked teasingly. “It has” you replied. “So, you’ve enjoyed living in London, then?” “I’ve enjoyed living with you” Joe corrected. “I just wish I could do it more” he added wistfully. “What do you mean?” you asked casually. I think I might know what he’s getting at, but I want to hear him say it. “Well, I was wondering,” he began slowly, “about what you said last time I asked you to move in with me.” “And?” you asked. “Is now a better time for you to move?” Joe asked in response. “It… might be” was your reply. “Might be?” He was confused. “It’s a better time than it was” you explained. “I mean, I can’t do it straight away, there’s things that need to be organised first.” Joe nodded understandingly. “Of course.” “But…” you went on. “But?” he echoed. “Would I actually get to see you any more than I do now if I lived in New York? Wouldn’t you still be away working half the time?” you questioned. Joe sighed rather sadly. “Look, there’s always going to be times when I’m away for ages, I can’t help that” he admitted. “But there’d also be times when I’d be working in New York, so I’d be coming home to you every night.” “That sounds nice” you murmured. Joe smiled in agreement. “And even if I was working in LA or somewhere, sometimes I’d be able to come home for a few days when I’m like, not needed on set or whatever” he added. You mulled this over for a moment. “Well, that does seem more like living together than… whatever it is we’re doing now” you mused. “And I want to live together Joe” you told him. “So you’ll move in with me?” he asked cautiously. You nodded. “Yes. I’m moving to New York with you” you replied happily. Joe’s face lit up at your words. He was so pleased he had to move around the table to embrace you in celebration. “I love you, babe” he murmured, leaning in to kiss you. “Love you too” you replied quietly. You spent the rest of the dinner happily discussing all the things you’d be able to do once you were living together in New York. Joe even started planning your first family excursion to a Yankees game. You couldn’t help smiling at his enthusiasm. You returned from dinner feeling incredibly happy, and you were rather pleased Tallulah wasn’t around that night. It ended up being a very late night for you and Joe.

 By the time Joe departed the following week you’d quit your job, or at least given them your notice, and told Tallulah about your plans. She’d taken the news very well, you thought. She’d liked New York, and she loved Joe, so for her moving to New York to be with Joe all the time was definitely a good thing. There was just one small blot on your contentment. How would Tallulah maintain a relationship with her father when they lived on opposite sides of the Atlantic? Well… she has a relationship with young Roger even though he lives decades in the past. Yeah, but that’s not the issue here. Still, at least she’ll always have some sort of relationship with her father. 

You were unusually nervous about dropping Tallulah at Roger’s that Friday. You knew you’d have to tell him then, and you weren’t entirely sure how he’d react. You took your opportunity when you managed to get him alone in his kitchen, Sarina having taken Tallulah up to her room to unpack. You and Roger were standing at his kitchen bench, enjoying a glass of wine. It had become something of a ritual for you to stay for a drink whenever you didn’t have Friday night plans. You’d actually found it a bit strange at first; it brought up a lot of memories of the wine-fuelled nights young Roger had spent at your flat, back when Tallulah was a baby. But over time any lingering tension between you had dissipated, and now you’d developed an easy, playful friendship. You were starting to think of the Roger who used to visit you , and the one you knew now, as separate people. It seemed to be easier that way.

In any case, the Roger currently before you was in a relaxed mood, so you thought you might as well come out with it. “Roger, I have some news” you began neutrally. “Good news, I hope?” he responded. Well… You took a steadying breath. “I’m moving to New York to live with Joe” you told him. “And I’m taking Loolah with me.” Roger put his glass down and pulled you in for a friendly hug. “Y/N, that’s great! That’s really exciting.” When he let you go you looked over at him, taken aback. “You don’t mind me taking Loolah?” you asked. He sighed. “Look, I’d obviously rather she stayed somewhere close to me, but I’m not going to try and stop you taking her, if that’s what you’re worried about” he explained. You felt relief wash over you. “Good. I don’t want to stop you seeing her either, but I’m not sure how that would work…” you responded. Roger just smiled reassuringly at you. “We’ll work something out. I’ve still got a place in LA, she could visit me there during her holidays maybe?” he suggested. “Or she could come on tour with me” he added mischievously. “Absolutely not” you snorted. “You are not taking her anywhere near a Queen tour until she’s at least a teenager.” Roger raised his hands in mock surrender. “It was just an idea!” You laughed, finally relaxing. You chatted for a little while longer before heading home, now starting to feel properly excited about your impending move to New York.      

 ***

The next few weeks passed in a blur of announcements, farewells and frantic organisation. Tallulah finished her first year of school, but you could barely find time to celebrate because there were still so many things to sort out before you left. She spent the first part of her summer holidays with Roger as a sort of farewell visit. It also gave you time to work through your near-endless to-do list, and start packing up your things. July seemed to fly past at breakneck speed, and before you knew it your last day in London had arrived. You spent it dealing with last-minute details in between making a final round of farewells. It was a long and tiring day, but you had one last thing to do before you finally went to bed. Joe picked up almost immediately; clearly he’d been waiting for your call. “Hi babe” he said warmly. “Hi Joe” “So, you ready to move?” he asked casually. “I… think so?” you answered uncertainly. “I’m sure I’ve forgotten something important, but I think I’m as ready as I’m gonna get” you explained. “Well good, cos my apartment is so ready for my new roommates” Joe said confidently. You couldn’t help giggling at his comment, but the moment quickly passed. “I miss you” you told him softly. “Me too” he agreed. “But you’ll be here tomorrow.” “Tomorrow” you echoed wonderingly. “God that’s gone q1uickly.” Joe murmured in agreement. “All set for the flight?” he asked brightly. “I think so” you replied. You were sidetracked for a few minutes discussing your flight details, before realising how late it was getting. “Babe, I should go, I need to get to bed” you told him. “But I’ll see you tomorrow.” “See you tomorrow” Joe echoed. “Love you.” “Love you too” you chirped. As you hung up the phone you could clearly imagine the smile on Joe’s face.

You didn’t have to imagine it at the airport the next day. You could see Joe grinning in anticipation a mile away. When you finally reached him, he pulled you in for an enthusiastic hug and a quick kiss. “Missed you” he murmured into your hair. Once he let you go he knelt down and hugged Tallulah, who was practically bouncing with pleasure at seeing him again. “Hmm, excited kiddo” Joe commented. He smiled softly at you as he stood up. “Alright gang,” he said happily, “let’s go home.”

You weren’t entirely prepared for the strangeness of walking into Joe’s apartment and seeing some of your own possessions in it. It wasn’t much, just a few bits and pieces you’d sent over ahead of you, but it was still noticeable. You were pretty sure you liked it though. Tallulah rushed around pointing out everything she recognised and generally babbling excitedly. She even squealed when she found some of her own toys in her new bedroom. You whiled away the afternoon unpacking and working out how to fit all your things into Joe’s apartment. By dinnertime everyone was tired, so Joe very sensibly ordered pizza for your first dinner as New Yorkers. Dinner ended with Tallulah falling asleep at the table, and Joe carrying her to bed while you finished eating. He kissed you tenderly when he came back to sit next to you. “I’m so glad you’re here, babe” he murmured. You smiled. “Me too, dear.” You and Joe spent the evening snuggled together on the couch watching trashy TV. Is this what domestic bliss feels like? I like it. Thanks New York.

The next morning you awoke contentedly next to Joe. You smiled when you remembered where you were. We’re in New York. Together. Permanently. Me and Joe and… Tallulah. He still doesn’t know about Tallulah… A dark cloud abruptly descended on your happiness. Shit. I have to tell him now, she lives in his house. You got out of bed, moving gently so as not to wake Joe, and padded downstairs to put the kettle on. Joe appeared, bleary-eyed, just as you were setting a pair of steaming mugs down onto his dining table. He smiled at you. “Good morning, roommate” he trilled. “Morning, babe” you smiled back. He squinted at you, obviously confused about something. “What’s up, babe? You seem a little down, are you regretting moving in already?” He asked, half-jokingly. “No, no, I’m so happy to be living with you” you replied quickly. “It’s just… there’s something I think you should know. Now that we’re all living together properly…” Joe grinned. “What, there’s some deep dark secret you managed to keep hidden the whole time I was staying in your house in London?” Well… “I won’t care,” he went on, “I can’t think of anything that would make me not want to be with you” You say that now… You smiled. “Thanks. But… come and sit, drink your tea while I tell you.” You patted the empty chair in front of you, which you placed Joe’s mug next to. He quickly moved to fill it, gently kissing your forehead on his way past. He took a sip of his tea, then looked up at you. “Ok, spill.” You paused to collect your thoughts for a moment. “Ok. I’m going to tell you something, and it’s going to sound like some sci-fi campfire story, but I promise it’s all absolutely true. So I need you to just sit there and listen.” Joe nodded. “Yes dear” he replied, smiling. You took a breath. “Alright. So you know the story about how Tallulah happened, the ‘me and Roger got drunk and did something we shouldn’t have and it made me pregnant’ story?” “Yeah?” “Well it’s not actually true. What really happened was, well, it all started when I woke up on a park bench in 1974…”

You told the story as briefly as you could without leaving out anything important. Joe listened quietly all the while, his eyes growing progressively wider as the tale went on. When you finally finished it, he was flabbergasted. “So you went to… and Roger… and now she can… what?” You patted him gently on the arm. “I know honey, it’s a lot to take in, take your time” you reassured him. After a small bout of shell shocked muttering, Joe turned to look you straight in the eyes. You were suddenly worried. “Do you believe me Joe?” Please say you do. Please. “I… think so? I mean, I don’t think you’re lying or anything, but, just… how?” He looked at you, eyes filled with bewilderment. “We don’t know how” you replied simply. “Well, maybe Brian could explain it scientifically, but- actually, it doesn’t matter. Hang on, I’ve got something that might help.” You leapt up and trotted off to Joe’s bedroom, where you extracted Roger’s old diary from its’ hiding place in your suitcase. You quickly returned to the table, browsing through the pages for a minute before you extracted a photo and passed it to Joe with a soft “Look at this”. He peered at the Polaroid. “It’s Roger, 80s Roger, and- wait a second, is that… Tallulah?” Joe turned to stare at you in wonder. “Yep.” He was amazed. “Wow. Just, okay. This is… weird” You grinned. “You’ll get used to it. But while we’re here…” You passed him another photo as you spoke. It was clearly old, black and white and not very big. But Joe could tell immediately who was in it. “That’s Queen! When’s this from?” You smiled at his enthusiasm. “1974. But look at Roger.” Joe peered at the photo. Suddenly his head snapped back up to you alarmingly quickly. “No way!” He exclaimed. “That’s you with Roger?” “Yep. Me in 1974. That was a party Freddie threw. Pretty sure I’m the only one who actually remembers that party…” Joe gaped at you. “You partied with Freddie? Freddie Mercury?!” You nodded. “Yep. Well sort of, I couldn’t drink then…” Joe looked confused. “I was, what, five months pregnant?” you added. Comprehension dawned on his face. He was quiet for a moment, still processing all the revelations he’d just been hit with. “And here I thought my life was crazy” he finally joked. “Babe,” you laughed, “you’re the most normal one in this whole situation.” At that, you both cracked up.

Life in New York soon settled into a familiar rhythm. Two weeks after your arrival Joe had to go to LA again, but you found the separation easier with the much smaller time difference. Tallulah started at her new American school in September. It was definitely different to what she’d been used to, but she got used to it very quickly. And you found a new job a month later. Joe was back home by then, and he wasn’t leaving again until after Christmas. One night you found yourself snuggled together on the couch, blissfully content. “Y’know,” you said thoughtfully, “I was a bit worried about this whole New York thing at first.” “Worried?” Joe echoed. “Why?” “Well, because so much could go wrong” you explained. “I guess” he murmured. “But this,” you went on, “this just feels right, you know?” Joe smiled gently. “So right” he agreed, pulling you closer to him. “I could stay like this forever.” “What, on the couch?” you joked. “With you” he clarified. You couldn’t help agreeing with him.

The weeks rolled on, and you soon found yourself staring down the barrel of what Joe called ‘the holidays.’ Tallulah  very much enjoyed her first Thanksgiving, which you spent with Joe’s lovely family. You enjoyed it too, though by the time you went home you’d answered the same few questions so often you were a bit sick of them. “Look, I get all the ‘when are you guys getting married?’, I do. It’s still bloody annoying, but I get it” you griped to Joe during the drive home. Presumably his family were vaguely aware he wanted marriage and babies, and were wondering when it was going to happen. “But why do they all care so much what we do for Christmas?” you whined. He sighed. “It’s the other big family event of the year, they wanna know if they’re going to see you there” he explained. “Actually, I’ve been meaning to ask about that, what are we doing for Christmas?” he added, jokingly flinching as he spoke. You groaned. “I don’t know,” you told him, “I can’t decide.” In truth, you just wanted to stay in New York, but you worried it would be unfair for Tallulah not to go and see Roger during the school holidays. She hadn’t seen him since the move, after all. Well, apart from the four times she’d travelled to the past, that is. In the end, you found a compromise: you would stay for Christmas, and Roger would come and see Tallulah for a few days in January.

Two weeks into December, snow fell on New York. Joe insisted on taking you to Central Park to admire it. You were not the biggest fan of snow, to be honest, but Tallulah shrieked with glee when she saw the snow covering the lawns. “Do you want to build a snowman?” Joe asked her, with a cheeky grin. Oh God, don’t get her started. Please. “Yes!” she squealed happily. “Why don’t you start making some little snowballs then, and I’ll come help you in a bit?” he suggested. “Ok” she trilled, bustling off into the park. “This is actually lovely, Joe” you murmured, admiring the scene in front of you. “I didn’t realise it’d be so pretty.” “I know” he agreed. “That’s why I thought it’d be a good time to do this.” You suddenly realised your boyfriend was no longer standing next to you. “Do what, Joe?” you asked, turning to face him. You gasped when you saw him kneeling down on one knee, holding a little velvet box. “Y/N, I love you more than I can say” he said carefully, voice trembling with emotion. “I know it hasn’t been very long, but these last few months living together here has made me realise, I want to be with you every day of my life. So, Y/N, will you marry me?" He opened the box to reveal a gorgeous square ruby, set between two smaller diamonds. You felt yourself tearing up. “Yes, Joe, a thousand times yes!” you cried happily. He leapt up and embraced you, kissing you passionately. When you broke apart he very delicately removed your glove and slipped the ring onto your finger. You held it up to the light to admire it. “It’s beautiful, darling” you gushed. Joe smiled contentedly. “I thought you’d like it.” You looked at each other with doe eyes. “I love you, Joe” you told him, kissing him sweetly. “I love you too, future wifey” he replied happily. You stood leaning against each other as Tallulah rushed up to you. “Joe are you coming to help me soon?” she asked eagerly. He smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yes, Loolah” he replied. “I just had to ask your mom something first.” “Did she say yes?” she asked. Something about her expression told you she knew exactly what Joe had just asked you. “Yes, darling. I said yes” you told her, smiling all the while. Tallulah beamed. She ran in to hug you with a happy yell, and you and Joe both knelt down to hug her. As you did so you whispered to him, “She knew?” “Well, I had to check how she felt about it, didn’t I?” he whispered back. “You’re so sweet” you muttered. Joe just broke into a slightly smug grin. While you sat hugging in the snow, Tallulah looked at you curiously. “Mummy?” she said quietly. “Yes sweetheart?” “Are we a family now?” she asked hopefully. “Yes Loolie,” you told her, smiling joyfully, “Yes, we are.”

Six Years Later

The weeks leading up to Christmas had become one of your favourite times of year. You’d had some excellent Decembers since moving to New York. This year was no different than any other, except that Joe would be home a full two weeks before Christmas for a change. Usually you were lucky to get him back two days ahead of the holiday. You were very much looking forward to having Joe around to actually help  for once with the very busy fortnight between now and Christmas.

Your reverie was interrupted by the sound of the front door unlocking, followed almost instantly by two pairs of little feet sprinting to the door. You followed in their wake, slowed by the baby napping against you in his sling, as happy cries of “Daddy!” floated down the hallway. “Munchkins!” Joe beamed in response, dropping his bags as soon as he crossed the threshold. He knelt down and pulled both his dark-haired almost-five-year-olds into his chest, hugging them tightly. “Amber” – he kissed her forehead – “Joey” – he did the same to her twin brother – “I’ve missed you so much.” After a moment he let them go, locking eyes with you as he stood up. You stepped between the twins to greet your husband. “Hey babe” he said softly, kissing you tenderly. “I missed you” you murmured in reply. “Hi Theo” Joe murmured to his six-month-old, now stirring against your chest. “I missed you too, buddy” he told his son, kissing him very gently on the head. Your sweet reunion was quickly interrupted by the excited babble of your twins. Suppressing a groan, you sent them off to wash their hands for dinner, while you followed Joe up the stairs with his bags.

“Did the mini-Mazzellos behave today?” Joe asked, grinning, as you climbed the staircase together. “They did not” you replied in mock irritation. “But I think they’re just excited about their birthday tomorrow. And that you were coming today” “So was I” he murmured, smiling softly to himself. “And how’s the baby?” he asked. “Tired, I think. He’s hardly slept all day, I’ll have to put him to bed soon” you replied. Joe put his bags quietly onto the floor as he entered your bedroom, then turned to you. “Give him to me, I’ll put him down. You just rest for a minute, you’ve done a lot today” he instructed. You loosened the sling a little, and Joe reached in and pulled out the baby. “Hey buddy” he said softly, looking into his son’s face. Theo started to fuss, so Joe cuddled him into his chest. “Ssh, sweetie, it’s ok, Daddy’s here” he soothed, kissing the top of his baby’s head. “I’ll be back in a minute” he told you, shuffling out of the room. You sank gratefully onto your bed, basking in the utter bliss of a few minutes of solitude.

When Joe returned he sat down in front of you, pulling you in close. He leaned down for a very passionate kiss as he wrapped his arms around your waist. After you broke apart he glanced at the bed behind him, then looked at you questioningly. “Not now, dear,” you said casually, “it’s nearly dinnertime.” Joe pouted at you. “But baabe!” he whined jokingly. “Later,” you replied, pecking him quickly on the lips, “I promise. Now come on, we need to get back down before the birthday kids wreak havoc.” Joe sighed but didn’t argue as you hustled him out onto the landing.

“Is Loolah around?” he asked, as you both wandered back down the stairs to the kitchen. “Haven’t seen her since she stomped off to her room an hour ago” you responded. “You think she’s travelling then?” Joe commented. “Well, I haven’t heard a peep from her room for the last hour, so probably” you said casually. You were almost at the bottom of the stairs when you heard the characteristic whine, followed by a loud huff emanating from your twelve-year-old daughter’s bedroom. You continued into the kitchen to start making dinner, while Joe went to round up the twins and put the telly on to keep them occupied until the meal was ready. Two minutes later, Tallulah clumped in.  “Where’d you go?” you asked casually, not looking up from your task. “1978,” she replied, “backstage on tour, I don’t know where though.” You were shocked. She went to the 70s? That’s new. “Was Dad ok?” you enquired. “Yeah,” Tallulah responded. “Freaked a bit at first, but he got over it. He was weirded out cause the last time he’d seen me I was, like, three or something.” That’d be about right, he was still travelling then. He never mentioned seeing a grown-up Loolah though. Maybe he forgot by the time he saw us again. She paused uncomfortably. “Mum, Freddie saw me with Dad” she said, concerned. “What?!” Joe exclaimed, wandering into the kitchen behind her. “Papa!” Tallulah cried happily, turning around to hug him. “You’re back!” “Hi Loolie,” he murmured into her hair, “I missed you, sweetie.” You couldn’t help smiling at the pair of them when you turned away from the stove. When Tallulah let go Joe grasped her shoulders. “You saw Freddie Mercury?” he asked seriously. “When?” “1978” she replied.  “It was kinda weird,” she added, “he had quite short hair but not the moustache, it was like he was missing something”. You and Joe both laughed, and Tallulah relaxed. “You’re not mad?” she asked you. “No,” you reassured her, “it was bound to happen eventually. But we’ll need to talk about it more later.” Tallulah rolled her eyes. “Now could you go and set the table please? Dinner’s nearly ready. And try to keep the little ones quiet, we’ve finally got Theo to sleep” you added. “Yes mom” Tallulah called out, somewhat sarcastically, as she headed into the next room.

Joe stood behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. “Our kid saw Freddie Mercury today” he said wonderingly. “She went to the 70s today” you responded. “She’s never done that before.” Your husband peered around at you curiously. “Is that a bad thing?” “No, it’s fine,” you responded, “unless it keeps happening. 1978 is all well and good, but what if she ends up in 1974?” Joe smiled in understanding. “Danger zone, right?” You nodded. “Yeah. I really need to have a serious talk with her about time travel safety.” He grinned. “Not a sentence I ever thought I’d hear spoken” he quipped. “You and me both” you joked back. “She is amazing though” Joe mused, leaning over your shoulder again. “They all are” you replied. “Even Theo?” he asked jokingly. “You know he will be” you told him, turning around to kiss his cheek. You cooked in silence for a while, enjoying the relative peace. “I’m so glad to be home” Joe stated suddenly. “I’m glad to have you home” you replied. “Especially for tomorrow, I would not want to deal with that alone.” He was confused, until he remembered. “Oh yeah, the twins’ party.” “Yeah, I think we’re all set now. You have to pick up the cake first thing tomorrow, by the way” you told him. Joe nodded. “On it.” He paused. “Can you believe they’re turning five?” he marvelled. “We’re going to have two five-year-olds, a teenager and a baby in the house soon. A teenager and a baby at the same time. What were we thinking?” Joe mused. You weren’t sure, but you understood the sentiment. It was going to be organised chaos, really. But happy chaos.

You suddenly realised the absurdity of your pre-dinner conversation ranging from time travel complications to domestic organisation. But after seven and a half years with Joe, and now nearly six years married, you were both used to it. In any case, you loved the quiet domestic moments you spent together, rare though they were these days. Those were the moments that reminded you why you’d never been so happy to be living only in the here and now.

A/N: So, that’s all folks. It took me a long time to work out how to end this story, but I think this works. I agonised over the last paragraph, but I think the last line is a fitting end.

Actually, as I’ve mentioned before, this is not quite the end for these characters. I was originally going to include Reader and Joe’s wedding in this part, but in the end I decided that would drag it out too much. I am definitely going to write a fluffy one-shot about it though (I have so many plans for it already). I’ve written a couple of little snippets of a oneshot about Reader having the twins as well, but I might rework that one to include Theo, so it’ll probably take me a while to finish it. And I have many ideas about Tallulah’s adventures in the past with Roger/Queen. Right now I’m going to take a break from writing for a little while, but I’ll still be posting other things on here.

As always, please comment or reblog and tell me what you think! My asks are open too if you’d rather go there.

Taglist: @wandering-at-midnight @fruityfreddie @trumanjo @ohmygoditsanthonyedwardstark @itsametaphorbriansblog @theedwardscollection @bookish-oreo @simplyvictoria-93 @kotoamor @j1224 @closertothesunwhenimwithyou @florenceivy @jennyggggrrr 

[missmarquin]

Magnetic, Ch. 2

In the future, romantic attraction is literal: each person is fitted with an electromagnetic bracelet which will pull you to your soulmate. It’s hard, wondering who’s out there for you. It’s harder yet, when you have to come to understand yourself first.

For the best Quality, read on AO3 (Including proper Italics and such)

Flux

‘The magnetic flux of a magnet through a surface, is the surface integral of the magnetic field passing through said surface.’

It had been a week, and Otabek was still freaking out.

He was too aware of the bracelet on his wrist, too focused on the little green light that blinked. And there was the thing, you know, the tug. It was like a little tick that pulled at him, nudging him gently towards the northwest.

He didn’t need to pull out a map to know where it led.

Really, that was what fucked him up the most. He had finally come to terms with being single, that it would be okay. He was happy with himself, proud of himself. He didn’t need Amita, or anyone to complete him.

He had finally found that peace, and then Yuri had gone and fucked it up.

Well, it wasn’t really Yuri’s fault, he figured. He’d always had a soft spot for him, he’d always loved him--

And that’s what fucking complicated things, because he wasn’t sure what to tell Yuri. He wasn’t sure how to explain to his best friend that he had like liked him for as long as he could remember. And he used the term like, because it was easier than the word love, and--

“Beka?” Yuri asked, his tone probing.

Right, the video call. “Mhm?” He shoved his hand into his lap, hoping Yuri hadn’t noticed him playing with it.

Yuri frowned slightly, narrowing his gaze, and Otabek hated it. He hated that Yuri could read him like a damn open book. But he didn’t comment on his odd behavior. “Would it be weird, if I were too lazy to find my soulmate?”

Otabek started at that. “Well no, but uh--”

“I can feel it,” Yuri continued, “But it seems like an unwanted weight, you know? I wasn’t expecting someone like me to actually have a match, you know?”

“Yuri, don’t be stupid,” he said immediately. “Of course there’s someone for you.” What a ridiculous thing to say. Of course he would have had a match. Otabek had no doubt that Yuri would have eventually found a guy that wasn’t gross. He tried to ignore that little prickle that told him he was that guy.

Yuri seemed to consider his words. “Well, whoever it is, isn’t close. That’s a bit of a relief.”

Oh, the dramatic irony of it all wasn’t lost on Otabek, and he nearly burst out laughing. Really, he was about to lose it.

Yuri shifted slightly, stretching his long legs out along his bed, as he leaned back slightly. Otabek looked away from the sliver of skin exposed by his shirt, busying himself by rubbing the skin of his wrist. “I have that solo debut I need to prepare for anyway. I have no need for unnecessary distractions.”

“Right, distractions,” Otabek said. That was something that he understood, that he’d struggled with for literally years, when he really thought about it. He was an expert of distracting himself from--

Yuri offered him a small smile, and Otabek’s heart skipped a beat. Yuri’s smiles were few and far between, so he always treasured them when treated to one. “This is boring talk anyhow,” he said. “It must annoy you, since… well, you know.” He pointed at Otabek, indicating his bracelet.

Otabek kept his hand in his lap, but turned the bracelet around his skin roughly. “Nothing about you annoys me, Yura,” he said. “Of course, you could always annoy Amita instead.”

Yuri groaned at the thought of her. “I miss her stupid face, you know. She should come back from America.”

“She’s married,” Otabek reminded him. “Unless Jacob wanted to--”

“Screw Jacob,” Yuri sighed. “Or not, I know she’s happy and all that. But you know, I’m still pissed that you got to go to the wedding.”

“Don’t be such a talented ballerino and maybe you can get time off.” Besides, it wasn’t like he had wanted to be the her man-of honor. It was more like she had demanded it.

Yuri groaned, as he fell back against the mattress. “Beka, stop teasing,” he grumbled, but Otabek chuckled.

“Speaking of dancing, you really should get to bed you know.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Yuri sighed. “You know, I’m glad that you don’t mind listening to my complaining, Beka. It sounds stupid, but it means a lot to me.”

“Of course, Yura,” Otabek replied easily. As if he wouldn’t.  

And that was that.

The tug at his wrist had started gentle, but two weeks later it practically roared in his veins.

Otabek wasn’t sure that was normal, but didn’t think much of it past that. All it did was make things harder, and it was a constant battle of trying to figure out what the fuck to do. Thank God Yuri was busy with his ballet, because he knew that the more he saw him, the weirder it would be, and Otabek didn’t like that, this weirdness that had settled over them--

Well, over him, at least. And if that wasn’t a testament to how he actually felt, then he didn’t know what was.

Which is how he ended up in his current predicament, hearing the phone dial in his ear. It was a nice afternoon and Otabek was holed up in his garage, working on a project. He moved to set the the phone to speaker mode before grabbing hold of his toolbox.

“Beks?”

“Amita,” he breathed with a sigh of relief.

“You never call me. Is everything okay?”

“Yes,” he answered immediately, but then he thought about it. “No,” he sighed. Then he amended with, “I don’t know.”

“Otabek Altin, a man who doesn’t know? Now that doesn’t sound like you,” she said with humor, and Otabek couldn’t help but crack a smile. “Really though, it’s great to hear from you.”

“How’re the States?” he asked, settling into a spot on the floor next to the bike.

“The States,” she replied dryly. “Hot, shitty and barely worth it. I swear to you, if it weren’t for Jacob, I would have hopped a plane back the moment that I got here.”

“You complain about the heat, but you chose Arizona.”

“You know that I didn’t choose this,” she replied coolly, “I just followed a little tug.” She wasn’t angry though, causing Otabek to chuckle lightly. “Beks? Really, what is it?” she asked after the long moment that stretched between them.

“Yuri got his bracelet,” he finally said.

“Of course he did,” she mused. “I forgot that his birthday was a few months ago. I never called. Damn, he’s prolly angry that I--” Then she fell silent, considering something. “His bracelet activated, didn’t it?” she finally asked with a gentle tone, like a mother trying to calm a child. “Oh Beks--”

He wasn’t surprised that she had caught on, really. If anyone knew him as well as Yuri did, it was Amita, and he felt like if he owed anyone an explanation, it’d be her. “Mine did too,” he finally said. “The moment that his--”

Amita burst out laughing over the line, surprising Otabek. He blinked, looking to the phone in confusion. “Amita,” he hissed. “It’s not funny.”

“Beks, what’s funny is that you sound surprised.”

“Of course I’m fucking surprised,” he groaned.

There was a pause on her end, and then, “Wait, are you serious?”

“When am I never not serious?”

Otabek was considerably annoyed when Amita burst out laughing again. “I’m sorry Beks,” she finally said, once she had recovered. “I just-- it’s just--” She paused to take a deep breath. “So Yuri’s bracelet activated.”

“Obviously.”

“And then yours turned on at that moment?”

“Hence my mental meltdown.”

“You know, I’m going to tell you something and I want you to sit and listen--”

“Amita--”

“No interrupting!” Otabek sighed, but said nothing more. “Maybe this is an early mid-life crisis or something--”

“I’m twenty-three!”

“Beks.”

Otabek sighed. “Continue,” he grumbled.

“It’s not a bad thing,” she finally said. “Nor am I surprised.”

“Why are you so fucking calm about this?” Otabek finally asked. “You’re too calm about this. And what do you mean not surprised? Amita, you and I were going to get married.”

“And I broke it off for a reason, Beks.”

He rubbed a hand down his face, already tired of this conversation. He’d called Amita for advice, not for her to rub it in his face and tell him that his crisis wasn’t a fucking crisis.

Even if it really wasn’t.

“Your bracelet wasn’t tuned to me,” he finally said, “That’s why you broke it off.”

He heard Amita take a deep breath. “Beks,” she finally sighed, “That’s not why. I told you that it wasn’t fair to you--”

“Right, because I wasn’t the one--”

“No, because you love Yuri,” she snapped. Not in anger, though he could tell that she was annoyed that he kept trying to speak over her. She was trying to get him to listen to her. “Beks, you always have. I’ve always known.”

Otabek swallowed thickly. The conversation had taken a strange turn and suddenly his mouth was very dry. “Amita,” he started, “I…”

“I’m not angry, and I never was,” she said quietly, trying to soothe him.  "I know the pressure of trying to please your traditional family, trust me." She chuckled lightly. “And I mean, the irony isn’t lost on me. It’s hilarious to see you so flustered.”

“How did you know?” he asked her.

“It’s the little things you used to do them for him, but not for me. And really I mean it when I say it’s okay.”

Otabek grabbed at the bracelet again, twisting it nervously. “It’s not just some tiny little pull, Amita,” he confessed. “It’s like my veins are on fire.”

Amita hummed lightly. “Isn’t that a good thing?”

Otabek hated when Amita made sense.

“It won’t go away,” Yuri said to him one night.

Otabek hadn’t really been listening, a book resting against his knee and glasses perched on his nose. That was how their calls usually went. Often they swapped stories and shared their life, but most of the time it was them just hanging out on camera, going about their mindless activities.

That night wasn’t any different. Otabek had read Dune more times than he could count, so it made the perfect companion on their nightly calls, because he could get by only half-reading it. Combined with the ache in his eyes from his contacts and how tired he was in general, Yuri’s question had caught him off guard.

“Hmm?”

Yuri looked tired, dark circles heavy under her eyes. He was sprawled across his bed, his long legs unfolded as his hands carefully massaged his feet. "It's just--" He paused, sighing in frustration.

 His tone made Otabek dog-ear his page, setting the book down on his knee. "Yuri, what's wrong?" He watched the other man work the soles of his feet, long fingers wrapping around the fine bones, squeezing. The feet of a ballet dancer were ugly things, but Otabek saw beauty in Yuri's crooked and abused toes. All the hard work and dedication wasn’t lost on him.

 "It's such a distraction," he finally said. "I literally can't think of anything else. As soon as I get it out of mind, as soon as focus on something else, it just comes right--" Otabek could see the flaring of his nostrils, as Yuri tried to get a grip on himself. "So fucking stupid. I have fucking priorities."

 Right, priorities. Like being the best fucking male dancer in the entirety of the Bolshoi Ballet. This was why Otabek didn't want to say anything, this was why he'd kept fucking quiet. The moment that Yuri focuses on him, is the moment that he loses everything he's ever worked for.

"I wish..." Otabek started, his finger nervously worrying the edge of his book. It was an ancient copy, practically falling apart at the binding. But Yuri had given it to him years ago, and he just refused to let go of it. "I mean, I can't give you much advice," he finished with, hoping that his words didn't sound as stupid as they felt.

 Because he was a fucking hypocrite, coming closer and closer to fucking ruining their friendship.

 Yuri sighed at that. "Yeah, I know. I kind of envy that, you know. Not having to deal with it."

 Otabek swallowed at that. "Still, bounce your complaints off of me. I'm always good for that."

 "Don't I fucking know it," Yuri said, the barest of smiles crossing over his features. "Of course, you're good for other shit too."

 Otabek barely managed a smile back, his heart was beating so wildly.

 Not for the first time, he wondered if he was making a mistake.

 "Well I gotta say, this is a surprise."

 He winced at Maya's dry tone. Otabek had just barely started talking to his sister, and he was already regretting it. "Can you just-- can you just let me in?"

 "And what-- ignore the fact that you've come for my help? You never ask me for anything, I want to relish this moment for as long as I can."

 "Then can you do it inside? It's fucking freezing out here." He could see his breathe puffing up between them in the cold winter air, as he shuffled around slightly on her porch step. She gave him one last appraising look, before stepping sideways and motioning inwards.

 "Okay, okay," she said, teasing lilt still evident in her voice.

 Otabek loved his sister, really he did. Most people had siblings, but he had a twin and that was a bond quite unlike any other. Which was why if he was going to bemoan his entire life at the moment, she'd be the one that he'd complain to. Because, clearly Amita hadn't helped and Yuri was abso-fucking-lutely out of the question.

It was November now, and he'd felt helpless for nearly three-quarters of a year, and there was only so much that he could handle before he fucking lost it.

He threw himself into a chair at the kitchen table, Maya opposite him. "So baby brother, what's on your mind?" He resisted the urge to tell her that being born only three minutes earlier, didn't make him a baby. Instead, Otabek sucked him a deep breath, trying to center himself.

What was it that their mother had told them as children? It was easier to rip off a bandage off quickly. And so, the words just tumbled out of his mouth, everything-- about how he's loved Yuri for years, Amita and their relationship and then of course the bracelet, the fucking bracelet.

And Maya listened, without interrupting, just tapping her fingers lightly on the table as he literally vomited up all of his feelings in one go. When he was done, he was breathing heavily, cheeks red and ruddy, eyes shining.

"Feel better?" she asked. And he did, he really did. It was nice to get it out, to just let go. He nodded. "Good, because now I'm going to talk, and you are going to sit there and listen, got it?"

Maya wasn't like Amita. Amita teased wholeheartedly, but tended to hold punches when it came to advice. She'd give you quiet guidance, with the kind of patience usually seen in a mother. With Maya though, you had to brace yourself. She was brutally honest and could smack your ego around pretty hard. So, Otabek did as she said-- he sat there and just waited.

"You're a fucking idiot," she began with. "And I fucking wish Seung-Gil was here too--"

"I swear to god, if you utter a word to your husband, I will--"

"If only," she talked right over him, glaring, "to agree with me-- You didn't fool a fucking person. Everyone knows that you love Yuri, you knuckle head. It's not like you ever hid it well." And then she had the gall to roll her eyes. "I mean, come on."

Otabek moved to retort, but she held up a finger and continued. "But I get it. Traditional Muslim family, traditional Muslim values-- Amita made sense."

 Otabek wasn't devout by any standard, but their parents were. Years ago, all he'd wanted to do was make them happy. Proud. Something. "Amita made things easy," Otabek said quietly.

 "I know that you loved her," Maya said with the same tone.

 “Yeah, I did. I still do, I always will."

 "But it wasn't the same," she concluded. "It isn't."

 "No." Otabek paused to sigh. "Which is why I was relieved when Amita's bracelet wasn't tuned to me." He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to the cool surface of the kitchen table. It was old and smooth, and offered comfort in its familiarity. "What the fuck do I do, Maya?"

 It was a rhetorical question, but of course she answered. "What do you mean, 'What do I do?' Obviously, you go to him. You fly your ass to Moscow and you show him that you're fucking meant for each other. Why is that even a question?"

 Well, when she put it like that, it seemed pretty fucking clever.

 But it was easy to think that things would just fall into place. With Yuri, there was one blaring problem-- and it was one that he had conveniently left out of his lengthy monologue earlier.

 "He doesn't want there to be anyone," he said quietly. A strange look crossed Maya's face, and he wasn't sure exactly what it meant.

 "What the fuck does that mean--"

 "It means that he wants to be alone. He doesn't want any distractions. He wants to focus on his life, and his career and--" He stopped when he saw the frown that crossed her face. "He isn't wrong, you know. He should focus on his career."

 "You know Beks, for once I wish you would be selfish," Maya finally said. "That you would just... do whatever you want, take what you need. Forget about other people-- fuck other people."

 "Maya--"

 "Instead you just coast on the easy side of things. You try and please everyone around you, because you have a problem doing things for yourself. Do you know why?"

 Otabek didn't have an answer for her, but he could tell that Maya wasn't surprised. She sighed lightly, pressing her fingers across her brows. "Because you're afraid," she concluded with. "You're afraid of being happy, because if your happy, what else do you have to live for?"

 "Maya--" he tried again, but she stopped by reaching out and grabbing his hand gently. Her fingers were soft, and she slipped them between his. Like they used to do when they were kids. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

 "Go to Moscow," she said. "Go to Moscow, and tell him that you love him."

 "It's not that easy," he said. "It's not that simple."

 "It's the easiest fucking thing in the world, when the other person loves you back."

 Otabek blinked at her words, slowly taking them in. He'd never considered that, he'd never considered that--

 Well. Their friendship was a little unconventional, when things were examined closely. What kind of close friends spent hours on skype calls with each other, doing nothing really. Or sleep in the same bed when they visited each other without a thought. They were particularly handsy and--

 He swallowed and Maya smirked, letting go of his hand to flick his forehead. "Yeah, never thought of that, did you?"

 No. No he hadn't.

 Maya stood from her seat, going to her kitchen cabinet. He watched as she pulled out a bottle of whiskey and a small glass-- perks of being married to someone non-Muslim. He said nothing as she poured him a glass, setting it down in front of him.

 "So, what are you gonna do?"

 He had no fucking clue, so he just tipped the glass down his throat. The alcohol burned the entire way down.

[glitterisdiet]

I discovered too late that I DO have an italics option on my phone :,,,D I’m so sorry. I’ve been using *s. Brain power at work here, folks.

Tiny fluff fic, basically all fluff is at the end. I made up a bunch of stuff in this (obviously), but I swear it was for a purpose. This for you, @cherrybombz01 had to make a different account because my main one is TRASH >8,D

PART 1

—————

Hank and Connor had a good thing going. They shared a house, they shared a kitchen, a dog, a commute, their work. They did everything together, more or less, because Hank was an ill-motivated house hermit who hadn’t had anyone to invest himself in in years, and Connor was subsequently, the fresh, new thing who got his fill of ‘experiencing life’ through everything Hank did. So hey, no effort on Hank’s part, and he was somehow keeping his new housemate entertained.

If you asked Connor, this idea that he needed to be constantly stimulated was not what kept him interested in their relationship. It was one sided on Hank’s part because of some weird insecurity he had that Connor really couldn’t identify. If one day he suddenly decided to learn everything from tv, he wouldn’t suddenly lose his interest in his human. He’d like to remind Hank he had a near infinite amount of information at his access at all times, but the knowledge Hank meant was very different from all the ‘technical stuff’. It was about being human- finding yourself. Knowing yourself in the metaphysical way Connor’s organic partner did.

He’d still be entirely fulfilled without Hank’s striving to enliven him. For some reason, though, he just didn't buy it that this robot with an 80 Gajillion, infini-byte brain was happy if Hank was not providing the mental stimuli.

Really confusing, but, Connor digressed.

He was happy, bordering euphoric. He didn’t know at first if that was the right term until he’d gotten a better grasp of what being happy was. Now that he had, Connor knew without a doubt he was experiencing bliss. ‘Domestic bliss’.

He wasn’t made for that, of course, so it took some getting used to. He wondered for a while if he was wasting all his energy towards something that likely had little productive value to someone of his character. He wondered if someone like him should be more concerned about career fulfillment or reputation.

Not once did he ever wonder whether he and Hank should be together, though. He *knew* they should, and that was what sealed it for him. He didn’t think about it again, and the term ‘euphoric’ suddenly slipped into place. He was enrapt, satisfied, accomplished.

Deviancy became very simple then. It was so basic and human and menial in the grand scheme of things- to simply want to be happy. But, it was shockingly all that seemed to matter. All anyone did for any reason was to find happiness- or attempt to. That was just life. Everything done ultimately for self-fulfillment.

For Connor, being wealthy or recognized wouldn’t provide that for him.

Receiving Sumo kisses while he and Hank watched tv was his happiness. Being able to go to work together and share cases was his fulfillment. Being able to wake up in a house all to their own and make breakfast was euphoria, and waking up to the tussled, grumpy man who slept in the next bedroom was something else entirely. He wasn’t alone. Hank was his friend.

However...

Being chastised constantly to take some alone time was....quite frustrating. Hank’s ever present concern that Connor would grow bored with him and become bitter was....disappointing.

And confusing.

Connor regularly insisted that he did *not* need Hank to entertain him, to keep him sated. He didn’t need to go off and find something ‘better’ than his already perfect life.

And this was messing up their rhythm.

Connor was sampling the blood at a homicide when Hank walked over and brought the whole thing up, like they were just having dinner.

Connor was surprised it had become that much of his priority.

It was exhausting, which was pretty impressive. If Hank was really trying to stimulate him, running an android designed to have an endless reserve mentally ragged should have satisfied him. Connor had to literally scrounge for the right words in his electronic library on hands and knees to shut Hank up.

Yet, the proper response alluded him. Every sensible answer he’d given Hank failed to ever resolve the problem. He was so set on this idea that Connor was ‘unhappy’ somehow.

That’s when Connor finally came to a very unsettling realization, and voiced it during their tv routine.

“Hank...”

“Yeah?”

“...Are you unhappy?”

“What?” He heard him perfectly, but Hank was still blind sided.

“No. I’m the best I’ve ever been in years.”

“But are you *happy*?”

“*YES*, Connor. Why would you even ask that?”

Connor turned back to the tv. He didn’t want to press the matter until he could determine whether Hank was lying to himself or to Connor.

He could read his vitals...he knew he wasn’t being honest.

“Con.” Hank nudged him with his knee.

“Hey, Connor, c’mon. Tell me what’s going on.”

“‘S nothing, Lieutenant.”

“Sure doesn’t look that way. Are you frowning? Alright, you’re definitely upset.” Hank clicked the tv off and shifted to face him.

“Out with it.” Hank sounded tired, as if he wasn’t the broken wagon wheel that was putting out the bumps.

The android thought it was better to throw out a perfectly believable lie and destroy any further suspicion than rile him up.

“I was just thinking about your response to my cooking.”

Hank looked like he wanted to say something as he sat there squinting at him, but he just stared instead.

“I don’t think you’re fond of it.” That wasn’t a total lie, actually. Hank did gag over his pasta that one time.

“No you weren’t.”

Connor twitched.

“You weren’t Connor.” Hank repeated when they locked eyes.

“Tell me what you’re really thinkin’....I’m listening.” He tacked on the last part to try and sound convincing. He knew he was terrible at expressing himself, and Connor had an advantage there by often saying whatever thing popped into his head at the time- due to the practicality in his programming.

“I don’t understand why you let things get between us.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Some of these ideas of yours.”

“Ideas?” Hank felt a little chill in his gut at the mention of anything ‘getting between them’. He didn’t know anything had been.

“You....you keep insisting I can’t be happy.”

Hank groaned, knowing immediately where this was going. Last night was a particularly bad fight on the matter. Connor had ended up yelling at him, really yelling, for the first time in their partnership. Hank ended it when he got the feeling one of them was getting awfully close to punching a wall. He said he didn’t want to talk about it again until Connor was ready to consider him seriously.

“You mention it almost every other day, but I’m not allowed to say it once?” Connor deadpanned.

“Connor, it’s different when I do it, because I do it out of concern. You do it to tell me I’m crazy.”

“Again, this is the first time I’ve ever mentioned it.” It was like pouting had been specifically designed for his model type.

“But you’ve had the same stance for every fight, so I’d be right to assume.” Hank said it more robotically than was probably politically correct now.

Connor didn’t look offended by that *tone*, but he was offended by that face.

“You’re missing the point, Lieutenant. I think you’re unhappy, and that’s why you’ve been forcing this issue. I’ve never given you a reason to think I am, so-.”

“That’s because you wouldn’t know any better...” Hank mumbled, pulling his arm off the couch and scratching the back of his neck.

Connor heard him and understood the implications perfectly.

“I know who I am, Hank.”

“Do you?” Hank reared back at the way he’d said his name. This was obviously leading them into another fight.

“‘Cause just last week you said you wanted to be a lawyer. Then you decided all at once that was a bad idea.”

“Lots of people change their thoughts about a profession, Hank. I was just entertaining the idea. That’s normal.”

“But why did you change your mind, huh?”

“I don’t think I can agree with becoming a public defender.”

“You sure it wasn’t because you don’t know enough about it? I think it was more likely you thought ‘oh, wow! All the years of schooling! And what an asshole I’d turn into.’”

Connor shut his mouth as he was about to argue that all lawyers weren’t terrible. That would be a distraction, and he was set on making the only point that mattered here.

“You don’t think I’m getting all the facts... because I’m not doing my research... because of *YOU*.”

Finally, the truth was out. The point of what he’d been wanting to say for weeks now, yet neither of them would.

Hank stared at him, not confirming or denying it. Which meant he was confirming.

“Hank...” Connor started, having been down this road with the same opening line for the 43rd time, now. Yes, he was keeping track.

“I’m not confined here. You’ve made it painfully clear that I have free will and can do as I please, so- LET me do as I please.”

“I think you’d do as I’ve been saying and get out there, Con, if you had more sense to know to. I’ve brianwaished you somehow into thinking sitting around watching tv and sleeping all day is normal. Yeah, lots of people do it, but it’s not healthy.”

“I am aware that low activity results in depression. But, I wouldn’t be anymore inclined to agree with you over my value of stimulation whether or not I was.”

“Is that the lesson I’m supposed to let you live with? That it’s ok to be unproductive?”

“I don’t think I’m being unproductive.”

“You do everything I do, practically. I mean you do keep the house clean, but where’s the fun in that?”

Connor sighed through his nose. His indication for being ‘super done with this’.

“Completing small tasks like cleaning are actually very self satisfying.” He mumbled. He didn’t expect for Hank to learn from it, though.

Hank did know what he meant.

He felt like a jerk for pressing so hard when Connor’s reactions were clearly genuine. The problem was, he could no more let Connor with all his wide-eyed wonder whittle away his life monitoring Hank’s drinking habits and sitting about than he could have allowed Cole. He’d be just as upset if Cole had grown into the man Hank was. Fresh, clean slate needed to live first before settling down to die.

Was Hank being dramatic? Connor thought so.

“I’m a grown man Hank. You can trust me to make my own decisions.”

“I don’t think you fully know how to when this is all you’ve known.” Hank made a vague gesture at himself and Sumo. Connor didn’t know what his precious fur baby had to do with any of this.

He wanted to say how ‘incapable’ that made him sound for being an Android and uncannily not quite ‘human enough’. But he wasn’t petty like that, and he knew Hank was only worried for him. Connor was the only person he had anymore, after all, and Hank was trying to be selfless enough to let all that go just for him to ‘live’.

The only thing about that was Connor was perfectly capable of ‘living’ while Hank was there. He’d been doing so for his entire deviant life.

Connor wouldn’t be half as good a man if Hank hadn’t been. He was the first one to show him such empathy and humanity, despite the 568 humans inhabiting his time at the Cyberlife Tower. No one could compare, and if you asked Connor, no one ever would.

Still, it was clear he wasn’t going to change his mind about it, despite Hank being the more flexible of the two. Feeling like he’d lost somewhere, Connor decided to give in and find an end to the matter.

“What do you want from me?”

Hank suddenly felt like an even bigger jerk now. The words were entirely without heart as Connor’s eyes had grown very tired. He was just saying whatever to please him now, which Hank knew.

On the other hand, this was his chance to make an impression. Even if it was a bit harsh to keep pushing, there was still hope if Connor would listen.

That’s what Hank believed.

He wet his lips. He wanted this to sound as diplomatic as possible, considering that was Connor’s favorite approach.

“I want you to start reaching out. I want you to start...figuring things out on your own.” It was harder to explain than that, and Hank struggled to find the words.

“Things like, what you want. What kind of people you want to keep in your life, besides an old man and his dog. Try to find your *own* interests, Connor- make up your own mind.” Not that he didn’t already, but Hank knew that the time they spent around one another was the greatest influencer over what the other did. He’d learned everything from the grisseled old cop, for better or worse.

“If you can just try to be your own man without using me like reference, or something....Ah, that’s weird to say, but I just feel that...”

Connor tensed his jaw. He felt a little uncomfortable now. He’d worried about this somewhere in the darkest corner of his mind, and now he was forced to wonder if maybe he‘d been clingy.

“Just....just figure yourself out for when I’m....uh..”

Hank didn’t finish that thought.

Connor was glad he didn’t as the mere implications were enough to make this that much bitter.

This self finding could end up being a slew of negative connotations, and trying to avoid life’s harder questions.

“Alright, Hank.” He murmured to the older man’s surprise.

He was agreeing?

It’d only taken 2 damn months...

“I’ll start trying to ‘figure things out for myself’.” Connor muttered, and Hank was angry he’d taught him how to sarcastically use air quotes.

“Are you happy now?”

“Con...” Hank rubbed his temples. This whole thing didn’t settle right.

“I was never unhappy. Alright?”

Connor didn’t say anything, clearly disagreeing. Hank didn’t want to push anymore, though.

He’d promised Hank he’d try to ‘find himself’, and the older man was not going to press his luck when things had been going so well for them.

It was hard to define the connection there, but he knew somewhere deep down Connor was anything but another friendly face. After nearly half a year, they were long past ‘pals’.

If this ended up changing things between them, then Hank could at least be happy knowing Connor was finally living the way he deserved to.

Evidently, it *did* change things, and Hank was so incredibly unprepared the moment it did.

Connor spent a lot of time outside the house. Hank didn’t ask him too often where he went, determined to encourage his independence. He made it sound as if Connor had absolutely none of it, but it’d become this unfounded struggle he couldn’t seem to let go of.

He knew that was ridiculous. That didn’t help him turn the dial down on his concern.

When Connor did share, it was usually about time he spent at Jericho and volunteering. There were a *lot* of androids who still didn’t have the resources they needed. Under Markus’ lead, and people helping like Connor, they’d get there.

This was more than good news to Hank.

He knew Connor had a hard time... connecting, so to speak, but had little evidence until recently that he’d at least been trying to.

Some androids weren’t so subtle with their unrest around Connor, being a force against their kind at one point, and for that, Hank had stopped trying to make him reach out. That wasn’t an ideal solution, but he came to find that Connor’s happiness was more important than the idea he should be ‘socializing’. He hit it off with enough people at the precinct to quell most of Hank’s concern, anyway.

When Connor came home one evening with news he’d found a college, Hank’s jaw nearly hit the floor.

He’d been pretty quiet for a few days, likely trying to find the best time to bring it up. Connor was unusually timid when he finally did.

Hank wasn’t sure if he was just nervous about taking the next step towards something new, or if he’d gotten it in his head somehow Hank wouldn’t be interested.

That second one made no sense considering Hank had been the one to tell (make) him go exploring. He was pretty sure he’d even mentioned education and a new job at some point of their arguments.

The reality was that Connor wasn’t afraid of either. He was afraid of something so much more unexpected than those.

He hadn’t assumed it would be a problem in retrospect. He knew it was necessary for androids to take courses or undergo a manual uploading of information to preform jobs they had no experience in. Depending on their original encryption, it made sense. A nanny unit would have a hell of an easier time learning the culinary field than Connor, a detective unit.

It wasn’t half the struggle and sacrifice a human student underwent, as androids learned at an astronomically faster rate than humans did. He’d be out in less than a third of the time they would.

No, all of that was great, and good, and perfectly not the point. Connor had bigger problems than what to study or student debts, and when it came time to address the matter with Hank, he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t have to leave state and go into hiding when all was said and done.

This wouldn’t go well no matter how he constructed it.

[asktheghosthost]

Have you seen the books that they have for the Haunted Mansion? It’s called, “Tales From the Haunted Mansion” and it has two books that I know of so far. :)

I'll answer this out of character, since I've been meaning to talk about these for a while anyway.

I enjoy this series, and wish more people would give it a chance. The first one, admittedly, is a bit rough. The author works on an R. L. Stine TV series, and it shows. It feels like a Goosebumps book, down to the archetypes of the kids and the ending. No spoilers, but there is a sort of double twist, which makes me roll my eyes in a "Oh, you scamp!" way.

There is a lot to talk about when it comes to the first book, because I feel like a bunch of things changed in the editing process. At least, that's how it reads to me. The reason I even want to bring that up is because many fans gave up after the first book, and I'd like to explain why I kept with it in hopes that people will give the other two a chance.

When Disney first advertised the series, it was said that the Ghost Host would narrate the stories, and the hitchhiking ghosts would be interrupting along the way. The stories would be about the various spirits in the mansion. (Not too far off from the SLG Haunted Mansion comics of the early 2000s.)

But what happened is we got a plot revolving around this group of generic kids, with the librarian/ Ghost Host telling them stories starring them. There were no hitchhikers causing mischief, and no other characters, (aside from GH), we're already familiar with, aside from some name drops or brief visual cameos. This caused a lot of annoyance with fans.

But the interruption gag is still there. Why do I bring this up? Okay, while Amicus is telling the story, occasionally italic font shows a remark, which is supposed to indicate he's interrupting the normal flow to make a joke. In the first book, this is really awkward, more so than in the latter two. I think the problem is that the narration in the first is far more casual, so that when the interruptions happen, they're in the same tone. It's pointless. Why would Amicus interrupt himself? It doesn't read like omniscient third person; it reads like he's talking. I have a theory that it was originally the HHGs interrupting him, but this idea got nixed, and a lot had to be scrapped and edited, maybe shortly before publication. I also wonder if the kids didn't originally play as big of a role, but the publishers wanted something more general than fan- focused to bring in casual readers. The next two books are chock full of references, not only to the ride, but to Imagineers and other Disney properties. It's written by a fan, aimed at fans. The first collection of stories feels far more like a typical horror anthology. This is all just my speculation, but the vibe of the first book is so different that I can't help but ponder all this.

My "this wasn't how it was originally planned" theory is what made me stick with the series. I figured they changed things to better appeal to kids who aren't familiar with the ride, (stars kids, less Mansion-specific stuff), and would dive into the original concept with subsequent books.

Book two does exactly that. We still have a new character that helps drive the introduction of each haunt's story, but he's far more interesting than the kids. This poor guy is a skeptic seeking a genuine psychic so he can contact his dead sister. So he hears about Madame Leota, and that's what brings him to the Mansion. Not only is this my favorite of the "wrap around" stories, it also has my favorites in the whole collection thus far. Even the snarky interruptions flow better. There is one story in this book though that feels tacked on at the end. Again, no spoilers, but it's incredibly bleak, and involves an abused girl who's room is overrun with roaches. It's so different in tone and has no connection to anything in the Mansion, which makes me wonder if it's something the author had sitting around, so he tossed it in. That one story is my only quibble about the second volume. It stuck out as bizarre.

Anyway, book three. Book three tops the first one for me. Again, some great short stories here. My favorite is the origin of the breathing, bulging door. The author gave this one creepy sight gag a full backstory, and it's awesome. The wrap around, a tale of an untrustworthy delivery crew, isn't bad, but the repeated use of threes and a visual cameo of the hitchhikers made me think they were finally going to have a role. In fact, the advertisement for the book says it's going to be about them. Maybe if I hadn't read that advertisement, I wouldn't have been let down by only getting a brief cameo. I feel it's unfair to blame the author for that, so I tried not to be disappointed in the book itself. If anything, read it for the door story and the one about the mummy. There's a great joke in the mummy's story where it's clearly setting up for a cliche plot point, and then totally switches course in one of the biggest "screw you, reader!" moments I've ever seen in a YA book. I thought it was hilarious.

Some pros:

Amicus Arcane. He's a fantastic representation of the Ghost Host. I hope we eventually get his backstory. He's delightfully snarky, but is serious about his duties and protective of his home.

Really dig the illustrations. I like the crosshatch style.

Most of the stories are good. And even the ones I didn't love, I didn't hate them. A few simply didn't appeal as much to me. Mainly this was in the first collection, because I wasn't invested in the kid characters.

There's this idea that the mansion changes how it appears, depending on the viewer. That's a cool concept. It allows both WDW and DL's to get some love, while emphasizing the supernatural aspect of it.

Con/Pro: The horror moments. I'm adding this more as a warning. Sometimes these books are totally fine for 9-10 year olds... and then a kid gets torn apart by zombies. Or a head is completely spun around on a corpse. The scares are surprisingly graphic for a series published by Disney. For me, this isn't a complaint. It makes me cackle. *But* I'm an adult with a sick sense of humor. I'm not in the group this is aimed at. I also read the Scary Stories and Animorphs series as a kid, so I have a high tolerance for this sort of thing to begin with. If you're not sure if your child/ sibling/ niece, nephew, etc, can handle it, skim it for yourself first. This isn't Saw levels, but they can be disturbing moments for younger readers. Use your discretion.

I know I was vague at times, but I don't want to give away a lot. These books have been such a pleasant surprise for me. I've also forgotten parts, and I didn't want to be inaccurate. Any other questions, let me know. I can pull the books off my shelf.

[davidcarner]

Walker, PI Ch 10, The End

A/N: Here we are...the end...Chuck is broken, Sarah isn't sure what to do...well...that's what she keeps telling herself...remember, Noir is filled with broken people...and if these two aren't broken, then they're both a little bent...Walker, PI, Ch 10, The End

Disclaimer: I don't own Chuck.

(Italics indicate a voiceover)

The next day, I found myself in front of his door. There I stood, trying to figure out exactly what I was doing. Nearly every part of me said to turn around, leave, walk away and never see him again…but I couldn't. He had gotten into me, into my soul, into my skin, into my heart, and those were the parts I was listening to. He had done something terrible, but I had to ask myself, if it had happened to me, what I would have done? I knew the answer. I put my hand on the knob and turned it. I heard a gun being cocked, but I ignored him. His hand was shaking, and when he saw it was me, he lowered it. For a second I wondered if he was considering eating a bullet. He sat at a table. On it was a glass and cheap whiskey, probably Rotgut. It was unopened. I picked it up, walked over to the sink, opened it, turned to watch him, and poured it down the drain. He never moved, except to put his gun back on the table. I put the empty bottle on the counter by the sink, walked over to him, pulled an envelope, and an USB drive out of my bag and placed it in front of him. I picked the gun up, took out the clip, the bullet out of the chamber, and put it in my purse as he watched me, never flinching. He didn't even have the decency to look ashamed. His eyes went to the USB drive and he looked back up at me, and that when I finally saw what I was looking for, shame.

"I brought you your share of the reward," I said. He closed his eyes in disgust with himself. "Funny thing is, my phone is ringing off the hook now because of you." I looked around his apartment, still as bare as the last time I was here. "Maybe you should use the money to do something with this place."

"I've got all of the money from my company," he said, looking sick. I wasn't sure what to say. He pushed the envelope toward me. "You keep it."

"Buy yourself something nice," I said, about at wits end, and turned to go.

"What if I wanted to buy part of your agency?" he asked. I turned around, one eyebrow raised.

"I don't work with drunks, thieves, or murders," I replied. He nodded, knowing he was all three. "I mean one can redeem themselves from being a drunk…" I trailed off, not really knowing how to end the sentence. "Funny thing is, there was a time during this case I thought you could be the partner I need, the one to keep me in check from doing something stupid. The partner I needed with the skills I didn't have. Appears I was wrong." Again he nodded, with nothing really to say. I should of left. I should have walked away, but what would I have done if I had been him? I know what I would have done. "I had a whole lot of ideas of ways I could repay you for everything you've done for me," I said, looking right at him, leaving no doubt as to what I meant. He swallowed, loudly. I couldn't help but grin as I slowly walked toward him. "Now, I have a few problems because of you," I said, tracing my finger up the buttons on his shirt. He was trembling, but there was no smell of alcohol on him. Was the trembling from me, or the withdrawals, I couldn't say.

"Since I caused the problems, it seems only right I find a way to make them go away," he said, his voice catching. I looked right into his eyes. He started to lean toward me, and I put my hand on his chest stopping him, his lips an inch from mine. He could have leaned in, but he was too broken, too beaten, to think of it.

"If I turn in the real thief, I become a laughing stock." He nodded, again, just inches from my lips, I couldn't help myself, reached up, grabbed his head, and pulled him in. There was no alcohol on his lips. There was a desperation in him, a hunger, that couldn't be disguised. I wanted to give in, but no, he didn't deserve anything more. I pushed him away, but I wanted to pull him in. "It's a pity, there's so much more we could have done." With that, I turned to walk out of his life forever. Part of me prayed he'd say something, anything.

"Wait," he shouted. Everything in me jumped. I composed myself. I'd been played and he had to make things right. I turned back around to face him. His eyes had a desperation in them that made me want run to him, but I stood my ground. If I had any sense, I'd have walked out that door, but I didn't. Love makes you do funny things, and I had fallen, hard. "I lost my moral compass. They killed Jill and my mom. Jill didn't do anything, except see something she shouldn't have, and they killed her and got away with it." I stared at him, the same thoughts having run through my mind for the last several days.

"So you killed a man, stole a priceless artifact to frame them for something they didn't do, so they would go to jail for something they did do." He nodded his head. I was quiet for a moment, and when I spoke again, it was very softly. "Is there anyone else you would do that for?" I asked. I hated myself right then. I sounded so needy, so desperate. Who was he? This guy who would risk everything, all the money he had, his freedom, just to get revenge…no justice, on those who had his girlfriend killed. He was silent for a minute as he looked at me. He looked at the ground, his shoulders slumped. I nodded. I found my answer…and then….then he surprised me.

"I don't know," he said softly. Then he shook his head and chuckled to himself. He looked at me, and I began to melt inside. He was so lying. "We both know I'm lying. I sound like a fool. I loved her. I would move mountains for her, but she's out of my life. Forever.” He paused and looked me straight in the eye, his voice barely above a whisper. “There's probably someone else I would do this for. The look on his face made my knees buckle. There was no doubt who that someone was, and right now it was I could do not to find out what all he would do for her. What I do know is I would do anything to make this right." I looked at him for a minute.

"Anything?" I asked. He nodded. "You'd go confess to crimes that no one knows you committed to make this right?" He nodded. "Would you live with what you've done, and keep quiet?" He nodded. "Would you quit drinking? Would you quit drinking even when those around you every day still did? Would you?"

"I already did." I looked at him suspiciously. He raised his hands in defense. "I quit after you kicked me out of your office. I did it to give me the courage to do what I had to do."

"We keep everything we talk about between you and me?"

"Absolutely." I raised an eyebrow. "It was a victimless crime, and the statue is back." I walked toward him, slowly. I felt a tiger stalking my prey, and have no doubt, he was dinner.

"Daniel Shaw?

"He was a murderer that deserved to die for what he did," he answered. I couldn't disagree with him.

"So we're clear, you killed him?"

"Yes." I studied him. Everything in me wanted him.

"I'm the victim. I could lose everything if it was ever found out." He surprised me by walking to the kitchen quickly. He came back with a hammer, worrying me for a second, before he brought it down on the USB drive destroying all the evidence. "Just like that?" He smiled and walked toward me, hammer on the table. He stopped inches from me. "You work for me now." He smiled.

"Yes ma'am."

"You don't drink anymore."

"Yes ma'am."

"And if you don't, then maybe, just maybe, I could think about those repayment ideas I had earlier." He smiled at me, and my heart skipped a beat. I needed some distance before I showed that fool how much power he had over me. I turned, walked toward the door, and opened it.

"You're just gonna leave?" I stopped at his words, go my head screamed.

"I don't get involved with drunks I told you." I had barely turned my head.

"What about murders?" His tone was lighter, playful. Stay, my heart said.

"He deserved it, they all did." I played his game, I shouldn't have.

"What about thieves?" His voice sounded like he was moving closer, I hoped it was.

"It was a victimless crime." I may have bounced a shoulder.

"I'm a recovering alcoholic." He said it so cheekily, I knew his game, he wasn't really an alcoholic.

"You haven't recovered enough yet." I needed to stop this, now because if I didn't…

"I was right about you, you know. They said you would do anything to solve a case, and I knew you wouldn't. I knew you'd do the right thing. Maybe we can help each other be each other's moral compasses." Something in me melted with those words, all my resolve, all my anger, and only one thing was left. Love.

"And what if both our compasses are broken now? What if we're both willing to do anything for each other?" I had just asked the most dangerous questions ever, and he knew it.

"That…well…that could be interesting." With that I shut the door, and locked it. I turned around and stared at him. I should have walked out that door, but I'm glad I didn't.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed it...It was different, fun, and just a moment to step back from the normal Chuck fanfic. Special thanks to Steampunk . Chuckster, Zettel, and AngelGurl0 for all their assistance on this one. Reviews and PMs are always welcomed!

DC

[mindflayedr-blog]

5th Year // Hogwarts! Wyatt Oleff x Reader SERIES

Happy 800+ followers to me!! Thank you guys so much and I love you as always! I had a lot of fun writing this imagine 💓 I hope you guys enjoy is as much as I did writing it xx 

This is kinda long whoops, sorry you guys. I might make a part two for this because I have so many ideas for this imagine that it won’t fit in one post! \

***I MIGHT MAKE THIS INTO A SERIES!!! SEND ME AN ASK IF YOU WOULD WANT THIS TO BE A SERIES!!!!***

Summary:

Warnings: Cursing as usual

Characters: It kids & female!reader

Pairing: Maybe romantic ;) Wyatt Oleff x reader, slight Scorpius Malfoy x reader (bc I love him), and platonic IT cast x reader

Some key: Sentence in italics means that the perspective changed.

Also I set this in the Curse Child era because it’s more realistic :~)

It was the most exciting time of the year for Y/N. It was time to go back to Hogwarts, her beloved school. Y/N couldn’t wait to leave your boring home and be back in the wizarding world. She also couldn’t wait to see what 5th Year has in store.

As soon as Y/N’s luggage were taken care of, Y/N quickly boarded the Hogwarts Express. Students were also trying to get in the train, so it was pretty hectic, but thankfully to Y/N, she managed to get in. The next challenge for her was to find a seat, each compartment seemed to be occupied. Hogwarts students seemed to have doubled this year. Last year there were a couple of empty compartments, but this year every single compartment seemed full.

Y/N ventured around the train’s hall trying to find a compartment, when suddenly compartment 3B slammed open.

“Where the fuck’s my chocolate frog, Jack? Did you eat it? I swear if you did you, owe me one.”

“Not if I run away!” A boy with dark brown hair zooms out of compartment 3B followed by a boy with curly hair. Y/N giggled at them and proceeded to check out the compartment.

Y/N looked in and saw a boy with light brown locks reading. Y/N knocked on the compartment door to get his attention.

“Hey um… Is this compartment full?” Y/N said as she stood by the door nervously. She didn’t really like talking to new people, it made her nervous.

“It kinda is, but we can squeeze one more person in.” The boy replied as he placed a bookmark on his book and closed it.

“Oh thanks I thought I was going to have to move to another coach.”

“No, no need. You can stay here.” The boy said as he scoot over closer to the window so she had room to sit.

“Thanks again.” Y/N smiled as she took a seat next to him.

The train’s whistle sounded loudly, indicating that the train would be moving soon.

“Where are those two idiots? The train’s about to move.” The boy commented following an eyeroll. Y/N laughed a little remembering the two boys who ran out the compartment minutes ago.

“They should be back soon, they’re probably going to be yelled at by Prefects.” Y/N said and gave the boy a reassuring smile.

“That’ll be funny, them getting in trouble and all.” The boy laughed a little making Y/N laugh slightly too, “Anyway, my name’s Wyatt. Nice to meet you…?”

“Y/N, my name’s Y/N.” Y/N replied in a friendly tone.

“Y/N… Nice to meet you, Y/N.” Wyatt said while giving you a rather cute half smile.

“Nice to meet you too, Wyatt.” Y/N said as she gave him a smile in return. 

As soon as the train started moving, two boys entered the compartment. 

“God damn Prefects, thinking they’re all great and shit. They’re such assholes.” Said a boy with dark brown hair as he entered the compartment. He then sat down on the empty seat in front of you and Wyatt.

“Well it was your fault for running around the train. What do you expect? We’re you like expecting for them to give you praise for running around? Like ‘Oh wow, Jack! Good job for running around the train even though you’re not supposed to! Here! Have a Fizzing Whizzbee!’” The other curly haired boy replied sarcastically which made the dark brown haired boy push him slightly.

“Fuck you, Finn.”

“Just laying the truth down.” The boy beside Jack said as he took a seat next to Jack.

“Woah who’s that?” The boy with dark brown hair said as he turned to face Y/N which caused the boy beside him to turn too.

“This is Y/N, I met her a couple of minutes ago.” Wyatt replied while giving Y/N a smile. Y/N then gave the two boys a small, shy wave.

“Hi Y/N!! I’m Jack and this is my idiot friend, Finn.” Jack said as he reached for Y/N’s hand to shake. Y/N took his hand and gave it a little shake, she also went to go shake Finn’s hand.

“I think it’s the other way around, Jack.” Finn said while shaking his head disapprovingly. “But anyway, I’m Finn and Jack’s the idiot one.”

“Honestly, fuck off.”

Y/N and Wyatt laughed at their banter, Y/N knew that she was going to get a long well with these boys.

“Well, nice to meet you guys.” Y/N said with a small smile. She were glad she finally made friends after four years of failed attempts. Y/N wasn’t really the social type. She preferred to be by herself, but this year was different. This year, she managed to make friends with three boys much to her surprise. 

“So Y/N, you’re a fifth year too?” Finn asked Y/N as he looked at her attentively, he seemed really interested in getting to know Y/N. Jack seemed to be interested too, for he was also looking at her attentively.

“Uhm, yea I am. You guys too right?” Y/N replied trying to get the conversation going though she didn’t have to try that hard, the boys were extremely easy to talk to.

“Yea we are.” Jack replied, Finn and Wyatt nodded in agreement, “What house are you in? I’m in Gryffindor.” 

“I’m in Gryffindor also.” Finn said with a smile.

“I’m in Ravenclaw.” Wyatt added while showing you his Ravenclaw pin that was pinned on his sweater. 

“I…I’m in Slytherin.” Y/N said shyly, whenever she told people her house people would almost always suddenly look at her differently, like she some sort of monster. Like she was the most intimidating person in the planet.

Wyatt, Jack, and Finn were different though. The three boys were in complete awe. Jack’s mouth was wide open and Finn had to close it for him.

“That’s fucking awesome, we’ve never met a Slytherin before.” Finn said in complete admiration.

“Right? We’ve never been friends with one, you’re our first Slytherin friend!” Jack stared at Y/N like she was some sort of goddess, Wyatt didn’t even say a word for was speechless. 

“It’s really a big deal, I’m just a regular student like you guys.” Y/N said with a shy smile, she didn’t really understand why they were making such a big deal about her house. 

“It is a big deal! At least for us.” Finn let out a small laugh before he continued, “I bet you’re a fucking badass, dude.” 

“Not really to be honest with you.” 

“Bullshit! Of course you are.” Jack exclaimed as he slammed his hands on his thighs for emphasis. Wyatt nodded in agreement which caused you to smile. 

“I’m reall-”

A prefect knocked on the compartment door, cutting Y/N off. Finn, who was closest to the door, opened it for the prefect. 

“Put your robes on, we’re arriving in twenty minutes!” The prefect said in her thick Irish accent. Finn scratched the back of his head in confusion, he wasn’t sure what the prefect had just said, all four of them did not know what the prefect had just said . “Sorry, I… we completely missed that, what did you say again?” Finn timidly asked while looking down in embarrassment. 

“I said, could you please put your robes on, we’re arriving in twenty minutes.” The girl said slowly, the four understood what she said this time. 

“Alright, thank you so much!” Y/N replied to the prefect with a shy smile, she gave Y/N a smile in return before closing the compartment door.

“That was the same prefect that yelled at me when I was running around the train.” Jack said with a bit of bitterness in his voice which made the three of them laugh. 

“Dude, it was your fault for running in the first place.” 

“Fuck off, Finn I do what I want.” Jack’s remark made Y/N and Wyatt burst out laughing, Finn fell to the floor also laughing and pretty soon Jack joined the laughter.

It was crazy how fast the train ride was with Wyatt, Finn, and Jack. It was nothing compared to Y/N’s last four years before. In the past, train rides to Hogwarts felt like years, but with the boys it went by quick. Time does go by fast when having fun with friends. 

The Welcoming Feast

Y/N sat in the Slytherin table with all the other Slytherins. She felt lonely without Wyatt, Finn, and Jack. She didn’t have anyone to talk to, she were alone in a table full of kids of her own house. She didn’t feel like talking to someone new either, Y/N didn’t have the courage that she had when she talked to Wyatt on the train. 

As Y/N ate her meal, she scanned the Ravenclaw table for Wyatt. She found him in no time for his curly hair was hard to miss. Y/N saw him talking to a girl, though he looked like he wasn’t really interested in the conversation they were having, in fact, he looked bored. She stared at him some more, secretly hoping that he would catch her eye, but when he didn’t Y/N turned away, secretly disappointed. 

Wyatt secretly hoped for the girl beside him to stop talking. She went on and on about this film that she watched over the summer and he sat there trying his best to act as if he was interested. He didn’t even know why this girl was talking to him the first place. He wondered if she was talking to the right person because she was talking as if he should know what she was talking about. Eventually, the girl stopped talking to him and Wyatt never felt so free. 

Wyatt couldn’t get Y/N out of his head, something about her stuck with him and he didn’t know what it was. He began to scan the Slytherin table for Y/N and it didn’t take long for him to find her, for her (hair color) hair and her bright (eye color) stood out amongst the Slytherin crowd. As he ate his meal he found himself staring at her, he watch her toy with her food, looking bored. She didn’t have anyone to talk to, Wyatt secretly wanted to come over to her and speak to her so that she didn’t feel lonely. Sadly he couldn’t, so instead he stared at her hoping to her her attention, hoping that she somehow look at him and wave at him maybe. ‘This is creepy, I feel creepy. I should stop.’ Wyatt thought to himself after staring at Y/N for more than a minute. Deep down, Wyatt was disappointed that Y/N didn’t catch him staring at her. 

After what seemed like forever, Headmistress McGonagall finally dismissed all the Hogwarts students to their common rooms to relax, for tomorrow morning classes would start. 

Y/N followed her Slytherin peers to the Slytherin common room. Along the way, Y/N’s group bumped into a group of Ravenclaws. As soon as she noticed the Ravenclaw robe on one of the kids, Y/N immediately looked around for Wyatt and it didn’t take long for her to find him once again. Instead of just staring at him like in the Great Hall, she mustered up all her courage to yell out his name.

“Wyatt!” Y/N called out making Wyatt turn towards her rapidly. As soon as Wyatt saw Y/N, he couldn’t help but let out the biggest smile. Y/N, without thinking began to walk towards him. Wyatt also, without thinking began to walk towards Y/N. The two didn’t even notice their groups slowly leaving them. 

“How was dinner?” Wyatt asked Y/N with the biggest smile.

“It was boring, I didn’t have anyone to talk to.” She said, giving Wyatt a half smile. “How was yours?”

“I was annoyed and kind of lonely. It was bad. My friend, Jeremy, sat far away from me and this random girl kept talking about this muggle movie that she watched over the summer. Gosh, I wanted to leave.” Wyatt said with an eyeroll which caused Y/N to laugh a little. 

Y/N looked at her surroundings and saw that her group has left her, Wyatt also seemed to notice that his group has left him.

“Holy shit… my group! Fuck they left!” Wyatt exclaimed, panicking slightly. “Fuck, I have to solve that riddle all by myself now.” Wyatt ran his hand through his hair in frustration. 

“Hey look at me, you can do it. Don’t panic. At least you only have to solve a riddle. I have to know which wall to whisper the password to. Shit, I don’t even know the password.” Y/N said trying to make Wyatt feel better. She managed to let out a laugh even though she was in deep shit. “You’ll be fine, Wyatt. Trust me. Now go okay? Goodnight, I’ll see you tomorrow.” 

“Bye, Y/N. Thanks for making me feel slightly better.” Wyatt reached out to Y/N and hugged her without thinking which caught Y/N off guard. It didn’t take long for Y/N to return the hug however. 

“Bye, Wyatt.” Y/N said as she pulled away from Wyatt. The two then hurriedly ran to their dormitories, Wyatt ended up solving the riddle and Y/N was lucky enough to have someone from the inside to let her in.  

To be continued. 

I AM SORRY THAT THIS REQUEST TOOK 24354657 YEARS TO BE POSTED OMF, I WAS BRAINSTORMING A LOT OF IDEAS FOR THIS AND I CAME UP WITH SO MUCH THAT I COULDNT FIT IT IN ONE POST!! 

I MIGHT JUST TURN THIS INTO A SERIES MAN IDK, IT’S UP TO YOU GUYS 

But anyway, this was requested by @dauntless-initiate-hola ! I hope you enjoy this!! 

Also, I’m sorry that I havent been posting a lot of imagines/headcanons lately. School is beating my ass whOOp. 

[theofficialcunt]

Simplicité - Chapter 8