#until our singing teacher told us yesterday that if you want to sing better and not having a sore throat all the time

[hikaruchen]

LIFE WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER IF I COULD JUST STOP FEELING GUITLY ABOUT SLEEPING FOR EIGHT HOURS

[slusheeduck]

For Want Of A Wish

[I] [II]

III. Crossroad

“Falerin, darling, let me see your gloves.”

“Is this the time?”

“After seeing the way you got caught in those brambles just now? Obviously.” As Falerin handed them over, Astarion tutted. “I knew I should have reinforced the stitching yesterday. All that custom work, unraveled by some piddling little thorns.” He took a needle, already threaded, from his bag, and quickly stitched up a hole right at the fingertip. A few moments later, he shook his head as he handed them back. “There’s no fixing the embroidery, but your hands will be safe. At any rate, are you sure we’re going the right way?”

The sun had just dipped beneath the horizon when Falerin and Astarion left their home, Gale in tow, but the Neverwinter woods were already dark—hence the bramble situation just a moment before—with a chill in the air as they made their way through the trees. They made for a quiet party, and Falerin had fallen back into leading the group as they picked their way through. This time, at least, he actually knew what he was looking for.

“This is the way I went last time, so yes,” he said. “My mentor–a dwarven wizard, wonderful fellow–told me to take care out here in the woods because of the fey that like to flit between worlds here. So, naturally, I decided to not take care.”

“If he was a wizard of merit, he should have known better than to say that,” Gale said. “Not to disparage your mentor, of course, but saying ‘don’t do this’ to an acolyte practically guarantees it’s going to be done. I can’t tell you how many singed robes and late-night healings came from well-meaning teachers warning against trying spells outside of my skill level.”

Fal smiled over his shoulder. “Fineas was a great teacher, really, but he underestimated how desperate I was. He told me how to use Faerie Fire to see where fey had been–handy for finding crossroads, which I should definitely never ever approach.”

“So why did you go the fey route?” Astarion asked, eyes flicking around them. “I don’t think you’ve ever mentioned it. But there must have been plenty of devils willing to give you some more time.”

“I liked my chances better,” Falerin said, giving a little shrug. “With devils–as we all know with Raphael and Mizora–you’re always going to lose. With fey, you have the slimmest chance of catching them on a good day and gaining their favor.”

“Which is what you did?”

“Mm. I was very lucky.” Falerin stopped suddenly, listening. After a moment, he continued walking. “I think my patron thought I was very funny when I first came in, demanding a place in her court.”

“Demanding?” Gale and Astarion echoed incredulously. Falerin glanced back at them.

“Y…es? Is that a surprise?”

Astarion crossed his arms. “I’ve lived with you for three years now. In all that time, and in all the Absolute bullshit we dealt with, you’ve been painfully easy-going. I don’t think I’ve heard you demand a single thing, outside of when absolutely necessary.”

“It made you a very good mediator,” Gale added. “If…muddling your morals here and there. But you’re very lucky indeed if she didn’t opt for, I don’t know, turning you into a chair to be used for her courtiers.”

Falerin’s mouth turned up. “It tempered me, living there,” he said. “When I went in, I was so angry. And very rude, since I thought I didn’t have enough time to make manners worthwhile. They broke me of that very fast.” He looked back at them. “It kind of dulled over time–I was kept very well, and there was less to be angry about. I don’t think it really came back until…well, when your siblings came to our room, Astarion.”

“You did knock out a man via headbutt,” Gale mused. 

“You what? You failed to mention that after my rescue.” Astarion made a show of fanning himself. “Just when I thought I couldn’t be more attracted to you.”

Fal chuckled, and he just started to turn to comment before he suddenly stopped. His face went blank, eyes staring straight ahead but mind clearly a million realms away. “Do you hear that?” he asked, voice airy and vague.

Gale tilted his head, listening curiously, as Astarion frowned. “Hear what?” the vampire asked.

Falerin gave a funny little smile. “Laughter.” He stifled down a giggle of his own, as if it were infectious. “Nearly there.”

Astarion sent a glance over at Gale, who returned it just as dubiously. The wizard shook his head—clearly he didn’t hear anything, either. Astarion sighed, but continued after Falerin. Suddenly, though, he stopped, head cocked.

“Not just laughter,” he said, reaching forward to grab Falerin’s collar. “Someone’s there.”

Falerin’s smile faded, and as they stood still, another set of footsteps continued on. Astarion looked between the two of them, then drew his blade and pointed to himself. “I’ll take care of it,” he mouthed to them, then crept toward the steps, his own feet silent on the forest floor.

He went still for a moment, simply listening. Then, quick as anything, he darted forward, rapier going right toward their unwitting companion’s throat. He was met with a bronze-scaled dragonborn, outfitted in what was clearly bardswear, staring up at him with pupils that had nearly consumed his entire eye. His hands went up; in one, he carried a lyre.

“Oh, I’m not…I’m not any trouble!” he assured quickly. “I’m just on a quest. Little personal quest, nothing dangerous!” His eyes flicked about, then suddenly the pupil got even wider. “I-I don’t have any money! The most valuable thing I have are my clothes!”

Astarion rolled his eyes as he stepped back, sheathing his rapier. “We’re fine,” he drawled back to Gale and Falerin. “It’s just an idiot adventurer.”

“Well, I…I’m a bard, actually,” the dragonborn said. “Barger the bard! Isn’t that catchy?”

“It’s certainly…alliterative,” Gale said, ducking under a tree branch as he and Falerin caught up. Fal walked up to Astarion, giving his side a light little whack.

“You’re scaring him, Astarion,” he whispered.

“I’m not doing anything. His face is just like that,” Astarion shot back, gesturing to Barger. The dragonborn’s eyes were flicking between all three of them, and he suddenly sucked in a loud breath, startling all of them.

“Oh my GODS,” he exclaimed. “You’re the heroes of Baldur’s Gate!”

“Oh, how lovely. We have a fan,” Astarion said flatly, looking none-too-thrilled.

Falerin gave an awkward smile. “We’re…look, we’re just trying to…”

“Hahaaa, you can’t fool me,” Barger said, tapping his snout knowingly. “We have the Wizard of Waterdeep…”

Gale tried not to preen, failing spectacularly. “Well, guilty as charged, I suppose.”

“Contempt of the court,” Astarion muttered, swiftly taking the wind out of Gale’s sails. The wizard sent him a flat look.

“Really, Astarion?”

“Don’t use phrases like that in front of a magistrate, darling. You can’t expect me to help myself.”

“And you’re the Pale Elf!” Barger interrupted, pointing to Astarion. His finger then turned to Falerin. “And the Gallant of the Underdark!”

Falerin blinked. “Is…that what they’re calling me?”

“Well…yeah. You’re a drow.”

“I’m a half-drow, and I’m from Neverwinter!” Falerin rubbed his forehead. “Gods, this is why we moved. Did Volo come up with this?”

“Mm-hm. I’ve just come from Baldur’s Gate, I was able to actually meet him,” Barger said with a dreamy sigh. “He mentioned you the most—said you were like an up-and-coming Drizzt Do’Urden!”

Falerin wasn’t looking at Astarion, but he heard the excited inhale from just behind him. He held up a hand before the vampire could speak. “If you make the Drizzt Don’t’Urden joke, I’m going to fucking divorce you.”

“You’d have to marry me first,” Astarion said, then startled as Barger let out a loud laugh.

“Oh, you’re funny! I didn’t expect that,” he said. “I thought…well, I mean, I thought you’d be a lot more tortured. You know? With the spawn thing and the Cazador stuff?”

“I certainly feel tortured right now,” Astarion muttered, then took Falerin’s arm. “At any rate, our days of adopting whatever strays we’ve found are behind us. Shoo.”

“Oh, but I won’t be a bother!” Barger said as the three resumed their trek into the forest. “Really! And every party needs a bard.”

“We…didn’t have a bard, did we?” Gale asked, looking to the other two.

“Not unless you counted Karlach’s caterwauling after a few too many pints,” Astarion said. He grimaced as Barger gasped—he was following after them.

“Karlach? The Fury of Avernus? Is she here with you? She’s my favorite.”

“She should be,” Falerin said, shooting Barger a little smile. “She’s the best. But no, she’s not with us this time.”

“I personally would love to see her in the Fey court,” Gale said. “I think her brand of…forthrightness would be a breath of fresh air.”

Falerin snorted. “I’d pay to see it,” he said, scanning around. “Fey as a whole are…well, they thrive on chaos, but they don’t really know what to do when chaos finds them.” He jolted as Barger’s snout popped over his shoulder.

“Are you…going to the fey court?” he asked, voice hushed. Falerin blinked.

“Er, yes.”

“Why are you telling him—” Astarion started to complain, only to be cut off by yet another gasp.

“I’m going to the fey court!” Barger said, then gave a few strums on his lyre for emphasis. “I heard there was a fey crossroad here, and I’m setting off on my own adventure.”

“Are you now?” Falerin glanced back at him. “Well, it’s, uh, it’s probably not what you’re expecting.”

“Oh, I know it’s not all pixies and unicorns,” Barger said with a little huff. “I’m fully ready to take on the dangers of the fey. But if I can charm them with my music, I’ll be golden.” He paused. “Well…I’m already kind of golden, but you know what I mean.” He gave a dreamy sigh. “And if I can find the favor of one…”

“You want to be a warlock, then?” Gale asked, with no small amount of distrust. “There are better ways to be able to wield magical power, you know—no offense, Fal.”

“None taken.”

“But dedicating yourself to magic as a craft, truly understanding the Weave and all it entails, being able to use your own abilities to shape it as you will can…”

“Oh! Oh, no. No, I don’t want to wield magic. I want to be famous,” Barger said. “I, uh, I’ve never been good with magic. Or weapons, really. But I figured learning the lyre was easy enough, and so I decided that I’d be a bard. And if I can get that fey favor—you know, there are kinds of fey that can give you inspiration with just a kiss! So if I can do that, and get their favor, I can have unimaginable talent and join the likes of Volo.”

Falerin grimaced. “I…don’t know if that’s the right way to go about it,” he said. “Working with the fey isn’t…it’s not something where you put tokens in and get favor out. They’re temperamental.”

“Yeah, well, so is my mother!” Barger said with a laugh.

“Mm.” Falerin’s expression didn’t lighten, but his faraway look returned. “She’s laughing.”

Barger looked around. “Um…who?”

“My patron. She’s laughing. That’s…rarely good.” Falerin’s gaze fixed on Barger, purple eye unnaturally bright. “I’d turn back.”

“And miss the chance for a Feywild adventure with Baldur’s Gate’s greatest heroes? No way!” Barger gave his lyre another strum. “I can even give us some traveling music.”

“Strum that again and your hand is as good as mine,” Astarion said flatly. Barger started to laugh, but the look he got—and the threatening fiddling of Astarion’s blade—cut him off.

“Ignore him,” Falerin said. His mouth turned up a bit. “He’s just feeling a little peckish, and dragonborns are his favorite.”

“What?” Barger’s scales paled, and he cowed a bit as Astarion sent him a thoroughly menacing, very pointy grin.

“You know, now that I think about it, we did have a bard, didn’t we?” he said.

“We did! Pennyrose—lovely dragonborn with rose-gold scales, bard just like you. Shame about her. You really ought to feel terrible about that, Astarion.” Fal tutted.

“Oh, darling, I just couldn’t help myself. And she hardly suffered—I’m very neat with my meals.”

“Meals?” Barger echoed weakly.

“Defeating the Absolute’s hard work,” Falerin said with a shrug. “We had to make sacrifices.”

“And even a vampire spawn’s quite the contender if they’re well-fed.” Astarion stepped just a little too close to Barger, making the bard swallow nervously. “And dragonborn blood has just the zest needed to really get me at my best when fighting. In fact, we don’t know what dangers are ahead of us. I could just…”

He leaned in closer, and Barger showed where he’d gotten his name—he barreled forward, nearly taking Falerin down as he sprinted away. Both the half-drow and the vampire burst into laughter as he bolted off into the forest. Gale, meanwhile, gave a long sigh.

“Just a little uncalled for, I think,” he said. “Now all of Baldur’s Gate’s going to be buzzing about how we were cannibals.”

“Oh, please. You know how bards are; he’ll tell everyone we were the best of friends,” Astarion said, waving his hand.

Falerin grinned at Gale. “It’s the kinder thing, anyway. Now, he’ll probably steer clear of the fey.” He paused again, head tilting. “The laughter’s louder now. This way.”

~

The moon was well and truly high by the time Falerin finally held up his hand, stopping the other two. They had reached a clearing within a copse of trees, with a few stones scattered about. They looked around, and Astarion glanced at Fal. The half-drow’s eyes were wide and far away; he’d be no help, then. He looked to Gale.

“Are you seeing something?” he asked the wizard, voice soft. Gale squinted.

“Not seeing, but…definitely feeling. It’s a strange and wild sort of magic in the air. Makes the hair stand on end,” he whispered back. “Surely you must feel something here as well.”

Astarion pressed his lips together. The air did feel…staticky. “A bit of something…odd. So I think we’re here.”

“We are.” A funny sort of smile crossed Falerin’s face as he looked back at the two of them, purple eye glinting. “Astarion, get your flute out

Astarion nodded, reaching into his little bag. As he pulled out the thin flute, Gale suddenly frowned.

“Wait a moment. Is that from my contingency plan?” he whispered. Astarion looked up.

“Waste not, want not,” he said. “It was Fal’s idea.”

“I wanted a reminder of the experience,” Falerin whispered.

“Of my death?”

“Of how godsdamn overcomplicated you make things. But we’ll discuss this later…well, probably.” He shook his head, then gave Gale a wide smile. “Anyway, I think you’ll like this. Watch.”

With a quick murmur and a wave of his hand, a scattering of bright purple sparks flew up into the sky. The Faerie Fire slowly rained down over the clearing; most of the lights disappeared like sparks after a firework, but a good number settled over…something. It was large, though, and as more sparks illuminated the outline of it, it appeared to be a large archway, asymmetrical and made with some type of stone.

“Oh. Oh, this is…” Gale gave a breathless little laugh as he looked at the archway, eyes very bright. “Just think of what’s through there.” He started to take a step forward, almost hypnotized, but abruptly stumbled back as the ground trembled.

The trees surrounding them twisted and writhed, and with a burst of light, the archway in front of them suddenly came into full view—it was made of jagged gray rock, but while the world around them was dark, and the woods empty, what could be seen through a shimmery, curtain-like mist was a bright summer day, with flowers of all colors beneath a canopy of green and showered with golden light. It was welcoming—more than that, it was beckoning them forward. Come in, it said. Your happiness lies within. Come to a place where summer days never end and you’ll never die.

Abruptly, Falerin gripped both Gale and Astarion’s arms before they could so much as move, breaking the spell. Astarion shook his head while Gale gasped in a breath, and they both looked to him.

“That’s the first test,” he said under his breath, looking at them both very seriously. “If you have the wherewithal to resist going in, you meet the guardian. When it appears, you must have nothing but the best intentions. Speak clearly and honestly when it addresses you.” His odd eyes flicked to Astarion. “Especially you. But the guardian should…”

Falerin was cut off by another great shake through the earth, nearly throwing them all to the ground. From beside the archway, one of the trees seemed to be growing, gnarled roots pushing their way up like arms. The branches and trunk twisted, leaves rustling and falling as the top of the tree shot down to the ground. Finally, when it stilled, what stood before them was…well, not quite a tree and not quite a creature.

The leaves that had stretched overhead now looked more akin to a coat of fur, still rustling as the guardian shifted. Gnarled branches rested on the floor, with too-long fingers stretching toward them. From beneath a wave of leaves, there seemed to be a face made from the knots and swirls of bark. It sat very still for a moment, then suddenly, two eyes opened, large and glowing with unnatural green light. It shifted forward, looking over the three of them. Astarion’s hand started to go toward his rapier, but Falerin caught it.

“Don’t,” he breathed out.

The face tilted, still regarding them. It shifted down owlishly, pausing as got closer to Falerin.

“You wish to cross into the Feywild.” The guardian had no mouth, but its voice was clear as anything—whispery yet filling the entirety of the copse. “What do you seek within?”

“We seek a Wish,” Falerin said, back straight and voice clear. “We ask to pass.”

The guardian stared at him silently for a moment. “Fey-favored,” it finally said. “You may pass at your leisure.” It turned to Gale. “Mage. Do you wish to pass?”

The struggle was clear on Gale’s face. Knowledge, new magic, unspeakable opportunity…all of that was in the sun-soaked land beyond the gate. But, finally, he shook his head.

“I cannot,” he said. “I…wish to see my friends off, and leave without disturbance.”

The guardian tilted its head curiously. “Very well. You may remain, but not pass.” It turned its gaze to Astarion. “You bring death with you to a deathless land, vampire. What do you seek in a place that does not welcome what you are?”

Astarion swallowed. Good intentions, honest words—tall order for him. His eyes flicked to Falerin, then back to the guardian.

“I come seeking a Wish,” he said, voice even. His brain raced, trying to word what he wanted without giving away his plan. “To…to restore a full life.”

The guardian was unreadable, wooden face offering nothing for him to gauge whether it accepted his answer or not. Astarion gripped the flute in his hands tightly, not daring to breathe.

Before it could say anything, though, there was a sudden rush of footsteps from outside the copse. Falerin, Gale, and Astarion all immediately whirled around, tensed and ready for a fight.

“I…I wish to cross!” called an unfortunately familiar voice.

“Oh, fucks sake,” Falerin muttered.

Barger stood at the edge of the clearing, breathing hard and holding up his lyre. Somewhere in his mad dash, he’d lost his hat. The guardian watched him; its face was still unreadable, but there was an undeniable air of curiosity coming from it.

“Very well,” it said. “What do you wish to gain, bard?”

“I…I wish for fame and fortune,” Barger said, eyes bright. “I wish to become favored by the fey.”

The guardian stared at him. “Then show me your heart.”

Barger hesitated. “My…my heart?” he asked.

“Do not waste my time.”

“I-I won’t! I won’t! I just…” The dragonborn’s eyes flitted over to Falerin. The half-drow rolled his eyes, then mimed playing. “Oh! Yes, of course!” He gave a strum of his lyre, then grinned up at the guardian. “Get ready. This is an original from Barger the Bard.”

Barger began to strum at his lyre, plucking out a tune. Technically speaking, it wasn’t bad. Easy enough on the ears. But it had a strange…emptiness to it. No real enthusiasm in the music.

Gale caught sight of what was happening first. He sucked in a breath, pointing at Barger’s feet, but Falerin quickly grabbed his hand and shook his head. “No interference,” is all he said. His voice was oddly hollow, and there was an odd glint in his purple eye as he watched it unfold.

As Barger played, roots crept up from the ground, wrapping around his ankles. As they climbed up his legs, bark spread over his limbs. He was so focused on his playing that, at first, he didn’t notice. But as he tried to shift his footing, he looked down as he stayed in place. His eyes bulged in panic, and he looked up at the guardian.

“I…I…what’s happening?” he asked, fingers faltering on the strings. The guardian watched him, impassive.

“You have not shown me your heart,” it said. “You have merely shown me your ambition. There is nothing for you within.”

Barger dropped his lyre, trying to claw at the roots as they continued to climb up his body. “Help!” he cried out, fighting against a root that wrapped around his neck. He whirled around best he could to look to the three beside him. “Help, please! You’re heroes, you can…”

“There’s nothing we can do,” Falerin said grimly, giving a shrug.

“No, no! I don’t want this! I can’t…!” His cries became muffled as the bark spread over his face. Where the dragonborn had been just a moment before, a tree now stood in his place—still and silent, lyre sitting at its roots. For a moment, the clearing was quiet; Astarion and Gale stared in horror, while Falerin shook his head, face hard.

“I warned him,” he said, voice soft.

Before they could shake off what had just happened, however, the guardian returned its gaze to Astarion. It leaned down to look at him.

“Will you suffer the same fate?” it asked, so close the green light of its eyes reflected off his pale skin. “Show me your heart, dead one.”

Astarion stared up at it, then took a long, shaky breath. He lifted the flute to his lips, then started to play.

His own playing wasn’t quite as good—a bit warbly (breath control was hard when you had the shit scared out of you) and uncertain—and he simply played a tavern song he remembered from…gods, probably a century ago. But Falerin had said if he remembered why he’d wanted to be a bard, he’d be safe.

But that was the thing. He couldn’t remember. That had been lifetimes ago. He’d been a child. It hadn’t been for love of music, he knew, and he’d never been the type to swayed by the joy of art or anything so maudlin. So…

His tune faltered as he glanced down, catching roots climbing up his ankles. Oh gods. He did remember why he wanted to be a bard. It was for the exact same reason as Barger—fame and fortune. Recognition. That visceral desire to not be seen as someone forgettable, going about it in the most selfish way.

He wasn’t showing his heart. He was showing his pride.

“Astarion!” Gale shouted, causing him to drop his playing altogether. He stared at him and Falerin, eyes wide as the roots continued to climb up his legs, and he frantically dropped his flute to pull at the roots.

“Help me,” he shouted back to them, voice cracking. “I…I fucked up, I fucked it up. Help, damn you!”

Gale looked to Falerin. The half-drow’s face was grim, gaze oddly impassive. “Falerin,” he hissed.

“No interference,” he repeated.

“The hells with no interference! We are not letting our friend—your partner—die,” Gale snapped. He gripped Falerin’s arm, giving the warlock a shake.

He looked over at Gale finally. His gaze was faraway and vacant, purple eye practically blazing. Oh. It wasn’t him watching the scene.

Gale took a quick breath, then set his jaw as he grabbed Falerin’s face, forcing him to meet his eyes. “Falerin, there’s not much time. So you need to come back, right now, or I will be forced to take drastic measures.” He turned Falerin’s head to look at the scene before him: Astarion had given up calling for help, instead pulling frantically at the roots that had begun to climb his chest. He looked up at them desperately, meeting Fal’s gaze.

“Please, love,” he said, voice weak as the roots wrapped around his throat.

Falerin blinked, face suddenly softening. He looked as though he’d been roused from a dream for a moment, then his eyes widened in horror.

“Astarion!” He yanked his head out of Gale’s grasp, and his eyes looked wildly around the clearing. He looked up at the guardian, then frantically pulled off his gloves. He threw them down in front of the guardian, slightly unraveled embroidery and stitched up fingertips glinting in the pale light from the moon.

“There!” he called up to it. “There’s his heart!”

The roots, curled around Astarion’s jaw, suddenly stilled, and the guardian leaned down to look over the gloves. It regarded it silently as all three party members held their breath. Suddenly, the roots and bark surrounding Astarion seemed to wither, turning brittle enough that one quick jerk freed him in a shower of wood chips. He stumbled forward, coughing, as the guardian sat up straight.

“So it is,” the guardian said. “Your motives are pure, dead one. Proceed at your leisure.”

The guardian shifted back to where it was before, the green light of its eyes dimming, and it seemed to unwind itself. Roots buried themselves back into the earth, and branches turned back to stretch into the sky. Soon enough, it was nothing but a tree again.

They took a moment to take a collective breath, then Falerin all but launched himself at Astarion, hugging him tightly.

“I-I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m sorry. You almost…sorry.”

Astarion pulled back from the hug, sending Falerin a frown. “What was that? You looked at me like…well, like you hardly knew me.”

Falerin swallowed. “I-I don’t know,” he admitted quietly. “I just…it was like I spaced out for a moment and suddenly you were…well.” He furrowed his brow.

“It seemed like a more…severe version of when your, ah, fey-touched nature gets the better of you,” Gale said. He looked between the two of them. “Will that…be a problem, do you think?”

Falerin shook his head. “No, no. Not in the Feywild.” He gave a hesitant smile. “It was…probably just a fluke, being so close to the crossroad.”

Astarion watched him for a moment. “Must have been,” he agreed after a moment, voice light. “At any rate, nothing worse than a few splinters for me.” He consciously didn’t look at the tree with a lyre at the foot of it, instead turning to regard the crossroad. “So…we just step through?”

Falerin nodded. “Just a few steps and we’ll be in, yes.”

A heavy silence fell over the group, their goodbye hanging heavy over it. Gale suddenly cleared his throat.

“Before I forget!” He dug around in his pockets for a moment, then pulled out a little amulet bearing his sigil on it—same as the one on Tara’s collar. He held it out to Falerin. “It’s admittedly not much, but it’s…it should help, if the need arise.”

Astarion peeked at it over Falerin’s shoulder. “What is it?”

“I’m glad you asked! Think of it as a more versatile version of a spell scroll. One of my colleagues at Blackstaff came up with it; it has a certain amount of my magic charged on it, so to speak. So, while you may not personally be able to pull off a very high level spell, simply give this a tap, and it’ll be like I’m right there with you to cast it.” Gale gave them both a smile. “And, if nothing else, it’s a…a nice token, I think, to remember me by. Just in case…well.” We never see each other again hung between them, unspoken but still very clearly there.

Falerin gave a little smile as he looked over the sigil. “Thanks, Gale,” he said, voice soft. He looked up at the wizard, then pulled him into a tight hug. Gale returned it, equally tight, and he let out a sharp little huff. After Falerin pulled away, Gale looked to Astarion, arms slightly splayed as his eyebrows rose.

“Well?” he asked. Astarion deliberated, then rolled his eyes before letting out a terse little noise between his teeth.

“Fine. Though I’m hardly in my right mind after that near death experience,” he said. He stepped forward, somewhat awkwardly, only to be pulled into a tight hug. He tensed immediately, but ultimately softened and returned it—perhaps not as tight, but still earnest.

“Best of luck,” Gale murmured, low enough for only him to hear. “If anyone could pull this off, it’d be you.”

Astarion swallowed at that, then gave a quick, almost imperceptible nod against Gale’s shoulder. He drew back, and Gale cleared his throat, looking a touch misty-eyed even as he put on a smile.

“Well, Zel will be duly spoiled, as I said,” he said, clasping his hands behind his back. “And I fully expect to see you both at my tower to celebrate a job well done within the next five years.”

Falerin gave him a smile. “We’ll send a little notice, just in case we’re early,” he said, then looked to Astarion. “Well?”

“No use dallying, I suppose,” Astarion said, brushing off a bit of bark from his shoulder before bending down to pick up Fal’s gloves. Falerin smiled as the vampire handed them back, then gave a Gale a wave before taking a breath and linking his arm with Astarion’s.

They walked forward, in-step with the other, and crossed the boundary into the Feywild.

[Next Chapter]

[inkofamethyst]

February 17, 2023

I think... I think when you’re not used to being pursued, it can feel a little scary.  And I personally have recognized a pattern in myself where I freak out a little in cases like that and I think it probably traces back somehow to my self-esteem issues (just like everything else).  When biochem guy told me he liked me and I had a mild anxiety attack, the whole time I was dating saxophone guy, and now that I’m being pursued by quite a few schools (and because grad admissions has a smaller pool than undergrad you can really get to know the people behind the curtain making the decisions, almost every email I get is targeted, not some marketing email with a “dear applicant” opener, and it feels very much like a pursuit), it makes me feel boxed in for some reason, and I can’t figure out why.  I should be happy, so why do I feel like I’m seconds away from tears all the time.

Yeah, I should probably start up therapy again.  Because this ain’t it.

Yesterday I cried twice because I felt so overwhelmed.  My Choice E potential advisor sent me an email saying how excited he was after our conversation, and he sent me a little (a lot) reading for when I had the time (at this point, I may never get to my Star Trek novel :/).  I got an email from my museum-mentor-dude and a text from my museum-mentor-lady (they wrote my recs and are involved in admissions decisions for my Choices B and C), both of whom congratulated me on the Choice E acceptance.  Now, I hadn’t told them because I’d been told to keep it on the down low until I got the official offer, but apparently my Choice E potential advisor (who knows those two people well) was so excited after our meeting that he shared the news with them (totally stealing my thunder (I’m not actually upset because !!!!! but I kinda wish I had been the one to tell them, you know?)).  So they offered their congrats and one asked if I wanted to chat about it (I didn’t because a) I didn’t have an official offer in hand, so I wasn’t really thinking about it and b) that was obviously a lie and I had actually been thinking about it a lot for a day straight and I still wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to do and c) one of them was still involved in the decision-making process for my last school and I’m too close to seven-for-seven to mess that up).  At the same time, I got an email from my Choice F potential advisor asking me if I was comfortable sharing what other schools I’d applied to to help them develop better recruitment packages, and that just felt eerily too coincidental of an email.  Then I got an email from my Choice A potential advisor asking if I wanted to talk to him or other grad students about his school, and I knew I had been planning to reject their offer this week, but that email made it a little too real and was also eerily coincidental.  Then I got an email from my Choice B asking for me to schedule a congratulatory/Q+A call, again, the timing was sus.

And I felt like the walls were closing in.

I responded to the text briefly but I couldn’t bear to answer even one of those emails.  I just felt so overwhelmed with people wanting things from me.  Me, in particular.  It’s not the same as having five assignments due in a night because I in those cases I don’t have every teacher individually looking me in the eye and expecting something from me.  It was different still from singing a solo on stage with a few hundred eyes in the audience because then I can put on a character and it feels like the focus isn’t on me but on a character.  But in this process there is no stage, no character, just me.  I felt overexposed.  I felt like a deer caught in front of five pairs of headlights.  I hadn’t had much for breakfast that morning, but all feeling in my stomach had abandoned me.  I procrastinated by doing some unpacking for my TA gig, and some of the other TAs were having a meeting with the prof in the room.  They asked me about my admissions season, and that was the first time in a long time that I’d had trouble fully explaining why I felt so anxious.  “Oh, woe is me, I have too many options, boo hoo.”  I get it, I hear it too.  I’m not ungrateful by any means.  I just feel.. paralyzed.  That good old paralysis, back at it again.

I called my dad and talked through (quite expressively) why I felt so awful and we came up with a game plan for who I would respond to and what I would say to them.  And that helped.  Didn’t bring back my appetite though.  Took the bus home, played with the puppy, ate, calmed down a little, got lectured at by my parents (it was a good lecture, I guess, them expressing how proud they were of how hard I’d worked, but it was still a lecture nonetheless), went to bed.

Woke up this morning feeling loads better.  Except my calves which were aching from all the releves during ballet the previous day.  But a good ache.  Took a nap today which was nice.

I’m so excited about my Choice E it almost hurts.  It’s almost too perfect.  But I will not make a final decision until after I visit, even if I’m leaning so hard toward them I’m practically falling.  One thing I can’t get over is how I am the culmination of everything my ancestors have worked toward.

Today I’m thankful that my inbox stayed relatively empty today.  And I’m thankful for options.  Even if I hadn’t prepared for so many.

[ilovebeingcalledawhore]

Content: fluff

Summary: When two teenagers meet at their highschool’s pool, they form a connection with the same love and longing for the sea and at some point they just find themselves falling in love, quite literally.

Pools, indoor swimming pools.

The moment I found out my highschool had indoor swimming pools at the back part of the gym, I was immediately won over. Swimmers trained early in the morning but the pools were left open but no student ever bothered to actually hang in there except for me.

After school, I get tutoring from teachers ‘till seven pm. Right before I go home I walk to the pools and just sit there. I watch the moonlight hitting the water.

Most of the time I stare at myself, maybe dip my fingers into the water.

It was the perfect place to rest. In there, I felt like nothing else mattered. I’d even call it a sanctuary. It was a safe place to run when all else breaks down.

-

Pausing the music playing through my earphones. I shove my phone into my bag and push the big grey gym door open.

Empty, as usual.

I walk through the dark and quiet basketball court - my eyes lighting up at the sight of the pool shown through its clear glass entrance door. Pushing it open, I sigh in satisfaction as the smell entered my nose.

I loved this place.

I was quietly walking when all of a sudden, “who are you?”

“Ahhh!” I scream, completely startled by the voice of whoever was in there. I start looking around and see a boy sitting by the pools edge. He had dark messy hair and the school uniform on. His pants were rolled up ending just above his knees so it wouldn’t get wet meanwhile his feet up to his shin were underwater.

“I’m gonna leave,” I mutter and I hear him chuckle as a response. “You’re already here, might as well stay.” He speaks softly and something about his voice attracted me. Though it took me a few seconds to finally agree, I sat at the other side of the pool. My legs crossed but my fingers dipped in the water

It was quiet but something about the silence was comforting, it didn’t feel awkward, it felt like being around an old friend. Clearing my throat to cut the silence, I start the converstaion with words that were on the tip of my tongue. “I’ve never seen you here before,” I speak, looking up to observe the way he replies. A half-hearted grin appears on his lips and he says, “I just found out about this yesterday and I needed it.”

My eyebrows furrow, how do you need a pool? I thought to myself - ‘till I remembered why I was here all along. “You needed it?” I asked and he nodded, finally looking up making your eyes meet. I felt my heart gradually start racing but I try to ignore it. “Yes, the beaches have been locked away and I needed water.” His reply made my heart swell because I felt the exact same way.

Beaches have been locked out ‘cause there was too much trash in them. The government finally took action and started a cleaning movement but volunteers weren’t allowed. They wanted the world to ignore it while they hid away the problems. I sighed in empathy, “I’m Y/n,” I say - our eyes connecting once more. “I’m Mark, Mark Lee.”

-

The very next day, I found myself walking back to the pools but this time with the slight hope of the mysterious boy to be there. Pushing the glass door open, I immediately look around but see no one. My heart drops in disappointment but I push the feeling away. I walked back to my spot, this time dipping my feet in. I didn’t have any problems ‘cause I was wearing the school’s skirt.

Taking out the small black speaker from my bag, I connect it to my phone and start playing my favourite song. I sigh in satisfaction, I felt good. Today wasn’t a stressful day, it was calm and went by smoothly - I was definitely in a great mood.

As I start to hum with the music mindlessly, I kept staring at the moonlight hitting the edges of the pool and little sparkle it made with the water, it was pretty. Everything was quiet and calm when all of a sudden I hear the same familiar voice from yesterday but this time, he was singing along to the song.

I yelped, completely startled by his sudden presence.

I turned around and saw him rolling the hem of his pants so he can dip his feet into the water. “You scared me!” I whisper and he smiled as a response. That was the first time I saw him give a genuine smile - and I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel some type of way.

He finally dips his feet into the water and starts singing along to the music once more. I just sat there and admired him and his voice. He looked good under that moonlight but I was too shy to say it out loud, even admit to it. So I look away distracting myself, waiting for the song to end.

Then it did.

“You sing good,” I compliment him and he scratches the nape of his neck shyly.

-

A month has passed and the safe haven was now a habit. Even on nights when I’m told to come home early, I always find a way to come to the pools. Even for a minute, even for a few seconds, most of the time not for the water but for him.

In all honesty if I had to label him as anything, it’d be a human diary. He knows much more than my friends who I’ve been with for a year. I don’t know what it is about it but, telling your secrets to a stranger feels much more comforting.

At this point we know each others favourite colour, movie, song, artist. What we want to be when we grow up - what we don’t want to be when we grow up. What type of person we want to fall in love with - if were even in love with ourselves. Does he think aliens are real? How ‘bout mermaids? I know his dreams, goals, secrets, trauma, his biggest fear and his greatest regret and in equality, he knows mine.

Though I hate to admit to it, he makes my days. His presence, his voice, his thoughts - it came to the point where I don’t want to sleep anymore ‘cause for the first time reality was better.

Smiling to myself as I quietly walked through the gym to get to the pools. I push the door open but freeze, my hands still on the metal handle of the door. I heard sniffling and sobbing. At that very moment my heart dropped. If I were to expect anything it wasn’t this.

“Mark...” I whisper, but the whisper was enough to echo through the room in it’s silence. Finally walking in, I shut the door and quickly walking towards the pool. The image broke my heart. He sat there, his legs crossed together - not dipped in the water like I’m used to. “What’s wrong?” My brows furrow as I walked towards him.

He continued to sob into his hands, biting his lip to silence himself. But when he finally put his hands down, the tears running down his face made me sit next to him and hug him without hesitation. We’ve never been this close, only ever sitting across each other on different sides of the pool. He melts into me, his head going into the crook of my neck but this time, he started crying some more; not loudly but silently.

The tears just continued to roll down onto my shirt making me sigh in empathy.

Like I always do when my friends cry, I rub their heads in comfort. “It’ll get better,” I whisper and he nods into me. I look down to see if he’s calmed down but right when I do, our eyes meet. I give him a little smile, wiping the last tear that ran down his cheek.

We just sat there, our eyes connected somehow healing each other quietly. Taking in deep breaths, I continue to caress his face. When I cried, it was something my mom did to comfort me. “You feel better?” I ask and he looks away. “Yeah,” he whispers as he looks down and observes our other hand interlocked with each others. Something even I didn’t notice.

-

Mindlessly looking around, him still in your arms, you notice a small black bug atleast three meters away from you. “Oh my god,” you mutter, eyes getting wide and heartbeat racing as it crawled fast and closer towards you. “Ah!” You scream, frantically moving around but not making much progress ‘cause of the boy laying on you. “Mark there’s a bug!” You scream.

He turns around and sees the bug almost a meter away and he panics too. In all that movement you found yourselves with no other option but the pool. Panickly falling in you, you drag the boy with you.

“Ahhh!”

It was a split second underwater until you rose up again to take in air. As you did, you didn’t realise that the boy was so close to you, it was only until you calmed down that you felt his breath hit your lips. Smiling in amusement as you looked at each others state, you laugh in disbelief, observing your now extremely wet uniform.

“Mom’s gonna kill me,” you mutter to yourself but he chuckles to it. Slowly, you feel one of his arms wrapping around your waist and pulling you closer leaving no space in between your bodies. His other hands crawls up your arm, to your neck, to your chin making you face him.

Silence.

Hearts racing.

Hearts synching.

Seconds later his lips were on yours. His teeth bites into your lower lip drawing you closer. Your eyes widen in realisation, making you pull away gently. “What?” You ask, bewildered but not complaining. “No questions, just kiss me.” He replies and your breath hitches as he makes your legs wrap around his waist. “Kiss me,” he says again and without anymore hesitation, you do.

Bodies tangled.

Wet and messy hair.

Eyes shut.

Lips locked.

You fell in love, quite literally.

[mmvalentine]

The Pianist pt 3 | Jurdan

Modern AU. Part 1 part 2 part 4

Jude scooped her hat off the ground and bolted.

She knew full well that she wasn't as good as the Juilliard students, but it was something else entirely to hear Nicasia laugh her head off as she strode off. To hear Valerian mimicking her as his voice replaced hers to echo around the subway station.

To see Cardan turn away from her and walk away like he couldn't even stand to look at her.

It wasn’t that she thought she thought she was something special. Not like the Juilliard students, with their showcases and enormous posters. It was just that Jude's voice was the only thing she had left of her mother. She didn't fancy herself any kind of super talent, but she had been told that she sounded just like her mom. And that was enough for Jude to love to sing.

The anger pooled in her gut, and soothed the heated shame from her cheeks. Fuck those guys. She hadn't marched onto the stage at their beloved school. She hadn't asked them to come see her. Up the road there was some guy playing the spoons; you could busk anything in New York and she didn't need their permission.

Still. The fifty dollar tip from yesterday didn't seem to mean as much now. A small voice that Jude despised whole heartedly wondered if it had been pity money.

She slowed down, sighed, and rounded the corner. May as well turn back home.

It was then she heard the pounding footsteps behind her.

"Jude!"

She turned, and was surprised to see Locke standing there, panting. Jude narrowed her eyes.

"What," she spat, "did you follow me down the block to keep taunting me?"

"No!" Locke said quickly. He shook his fox coloured head. "No, not at all. Hey, sorry about my friends. They're assholes and they can't sing anyway."

Jude didn't bite. He hadn't stopped them at the time.

"Really," Locke pressed. "They just think they can get a rise out of you. They don't actually think you're bad, or anything."

Jude rolled her eyes, and kept walking. "Sure, whatever," she said.

"No wait!" Locke ran out in front of her. "I'm Locke," he told her.

"So?" Jude shot out.

"So, I'm producing this musical at one of my father's playhouses next month, and I think you have just the perfect voice for my lead role. You should come be part of it."

"No," Jude said, and tried to walk on. Locke stopped her again.

"I'm serious!" Locke said. "You have a gorgeous voice, and you could get a lot of attention for performing with us. My dad's a Broadway producer, you know."

"I couldn't give two shits who your dad is," Jude hissed, and Locke sighed.

"Okay look," he said. "I get it, you've been waiting our table for four years and you have no reason to trust me as far as you can throw me. I know, alright? But... give me a chance."

Jude stared at him skeptically, but didn't walk away. Locke pulled a business card out of his pocket.

"I'm having a party this weekend. Come meet the crew. If you like us, come sing with us. If not, I won't bother you again. Okay?"

"Don't you have to be like thirty and in a suit to carry business cards?" Jude asked. But took it anyway. Locke laughed.

"You're funny Jude," he said as he turned away. "I like you."

"Yeah well the jury's still out for you," Jude grumbled, but Locke was already disappearing through the crowd.

/////

Nicasia sat down in Cardan's lap, and he almost spilled his drink.

"What do you want, Nicasia?" he asked, irritated.

"What do you mean, darling?" Nicasia purred, twining her arms around his neck. She wore a shiny green dress that rode up high on her thighs, and seemed to shove her cleavage under his chin. Subtle as a frying pan to the head, was Nicasia.

"You know what I mean."

Nicasia wriggled in his lap. "I want you, silly." She tugged his earlobe between her teeth.

"Since when?" Cardan asked, pulling away. Nicasia stared at him, wide-eyed.

"Since always, babe."

"Oh yeah? And where were you when I called you and told you I was stressed about my parents coming through?"

Nicasia rolled her eyes. "You're always stressed."

"What about how you've been hooking up with Locke for the past three months?"

"Babe you know we're not exclusive."

"Well then don't call me babe."

Nicasia frowned. "What's gotten into you?" she asked. "You’re always so fucking cranky these days.”

"Nothing," Cardan said, and pushed her out of his lap. "I'm just sick of this. Don't come round to my place anymore."

"Cardan!"

But Cardan didn't come back.

To be fair to Nicasia, she was right. They had dated in high school but since they got into Juilliard, they had agreed to see other people. And then they sort of drifted apart, and now it seemed that Nicasia only came round when she needed sex and there was nothing better on offer. They hadn't slept together now in months, and honestly, Cardan had no desire to anymore. He couldn't have said when exactly it had started, but lately when he was around Nicasia, he just felt... bored. And sometimes, when he looked too hard at her face, he could swear that she was bored, too.

At any rate, Cardan was fairly sure him calling it off would actually make very little difference to their relationship.

He wandered through the party, walking up the stairs and nodding at people who clapped him on the shoulder or called out his name. He recognised barely any of them.

And then he heard it.

Heard Jude's voice, he was sure of it. But how could that be? Why would she be at one of Locke's parties?

Cardan followed the sound until there she was, standing on a table, her mahogany hair piled on top of her head in a messy bun, and wearing a tight black dress with long sleeves and a high neckline. She was curved like a cello, and she laughed as she sang and she looked magnificent.

"Jude?"

Around her, a small crowd of people sang along. Her voice carried above the others, and she looked so natural in the centre there that for a second, it didn't seem strange that she was here at a Juilliard party at all.

Jude looked up when he called her name, and to his surprise, she smiled wider.

"Cardan!" she cried. "The cruel prince of Juilliard himself!" She gave a mock bow. "I should have known I'd run into you here."

"That's Cardan," someone whispered, loud and drunk. "Do you think he's really as good as they say, or is it all just hype?"

Jude heard it too, and her eyes sparkled. Cardan hated them all. He rolled his eyes, and left the room.

"Wait up!" Jude slid down from the table, and followed him. He stopped at a landing that looked over the living room.

"What are you doing here?" Cardan asked her.

"Your friend Locke invited me," she said. He smelled whiskey on her breath. "Something about wanting me to sing in his musical."

"Oh." Cardan blinked. "Well. You should."

Jude leaned on the railing. "I don't know," she said. "Locke seems like kind of a dick."

"He is," Cardan agreed. Suddenly he felt way too sober. "But he's connected, and you may as well use him if he's offering."

Jude gave an exaggerated groan. "Ugh I just don't want to have to kiss Locke's ass in order to get ahead," she said.

"So don't," Cardan said. "Just go and be amazing, and let your voice do the talking. Er, figuratively."

Jude appeared to consider it. Cardan put his forearms on the railing next to her. "Or what? You're gonna sing in subway tunnels the rest of your life? You're too good for that Jude," he said.

Honestly, the words were coming out of their own accord. He definitely needed another drink. Or eight. Cardan was just considering leaving Jude and finding a bottle when she leaned forward suddenly, and kissed him on the mouth.

For a moment, Cardan just froze.

Then his eyes slid closed and he cradled her jaw gently in his hand, and kissed her back softly. She tasted like scotch and caramel, and something very hot was just waking in his stomach when she pulled away as abruptly as she had come in.

Jude shook her head as if dazed. "I'm sorry," she mumbled. "I shouldn't..."

She didn't finish the sentence, just slipped through the crowd and left him cold by the railing.

****

Oh noooo my babies 🥺🥺🥺

JURDAN MASTERLIST

TAGLIST: @asteria-of-mars @swankii-art-teacher @loosingdreams @feysand-loml @cityofbookish @story-scribbler

[fallingfor-fics]

Teachers Pet- chapter 10: around the corner

All chapters

chapter 9

It was the next day and I was heading to Snape’s for my private lessons during lunch. And I had so much on my mind. I still haven't given Dumbledore an answer about the Yule ball, I had private lessons with Snape, and I had another detention. Crap. I have to tell Snape I can't go to his lessons after dinner because I had to go to Lockhart’s for detention at the same time. How was I gonna tell him that he would probably be so angry and think I'm wasting his time. I stopped by the Great Hall and snagged an apple to tie me over til dinner, taking my time to think of how I was gonna tell Snape.

 I don't know why I cared so much, I'm sure he's not really gonna care that much. I stopped outside Snape's room and knocked on the door and waited for a response. Instead it just opened and I saw him working at his desk. I walked in and sat at my seat. "Good afternoon Sir, how's your day been?" I asked, smiling at him and taking a bite of my apple.. He ignored me and continued what he was working on. We sat in silence for about five minutes till I spoke up again. "Professor?" I said looking at him. "L/n will you give me one moment?" he said annoyed and more of a fact then a question. "Yeah of course sorry." I said looking down and taking another bite. "And must you crunch so obnoxiously?" he added. "Wow someones in a mood" I muttered to which he glared in response. "Some annoying first years I presume? They really are awfully annoying" I said as I played with the fabric of my robes. "Yes, very much so, much like a sixth year I know." He retorted looking back up at me. I just smiled in response.

He spent the time going over the half written essay I turned in and helping me understand the material better until I could successfully finish writing it. He was still knocking off 10 points for it being late now but I'd take what I can get. Before I knew it the bell rang startling me a bit. I gathered my things and prepared to head to DADA. "Oh Professor I wanted to tell you something" I said walking back up to his desk holding my books across my chest. "Well spit it out" he said, not looking up. "I can't make the lessons after dinner" this caused him to look up and I could tell he was not happy. "You mean to tell me I take time from my day just for y-" "Wait wait let me explain first please!" he gave me a look for interrupting him but waited for me to continue. "So you know Professor Lockhart?" I asked looking into his eyes, I could see the shift in them when I mentioned that awful man's name. "I'm afraid I do, I also know he's a fool, but what about him?" "Well in class yesterday he made me be partners with him and be an example for the class for the spell Petrificus Totalus and he just left me on the floor for almost the whole class," I could see Snape's eyes turn from annoyance to some other emotion I hadn't figured out just yet, and his face dropped a little, almost as if he was concerned? He was probably just tired though, I told myself. "And when he finally stepped away from me, Harry was able to undo it, and so towards the end of class..." I paused for a moment scared he might agree with Lockharts punishment. "Yes?" he drawed out looking at me with a look that was definitely concern this time. "I cast the same spell on him and then eventually once everyone left I undid it and then he gave me detention and so that's why I can't make it to our lessons!" I spat out in one breath. His expression seemed to lighten a bit, relief washing over him and call me crazy, but it looked as if the corners of his mouth raised a little. Was he..about to smile? Just then he slowly pinched the bridge of his nose. "Merlin Y/n" he said and it almost sounded like he wanted to laugh. Wait did he just call me Y/n. I think that's the first time he's done that. "Anyways I wanted to say sorry." I said trying to hide my own smile after reliving the events from yesterday. "Dont worry about it, and inform Lockhart that you will not be serving your detention with him, instead you will serve detention with me. And we will use the time to work" he said getting up and preparing his class for the students that would soon flood in. "You're not angry with me?" I asked turning to look at him writing stuff on the board. "No Ms. L/n I am not, I actually completely understand, that idiot did that to himself, you just needed the practice, that's all, now get out and go to class." he said back in his normal stern voice. I nodded "Thank you Sir." and left his room.

I exited his room and a small smile appeared on my face, he was so..nice for doing this for me, he didn't have to, but he did. Maybe Dumbledore was right after all, he can be reasonable, and sweet almost. He saved me from an awful afternoon with Lockhart and this kind gesture would not go unrewarded. I felt heat rise to my cheeks and I just shook it off as I entered the DADA classroom. I walked up to Lockharts desk and he looked up at me smiling as if yesterday never happened. "Ah Y/n i'm excited to see you in detention later, I hope you have not forgotten" he let out with a smug look on his face. "Actually, Professor Snape ordered me to serve detention with him instead." I said smiling. His smile dropped quickly, "What?! No You are to serve it with me!" he said, raising his voice a bit causing a few students to look his way. "Sorry, you'll have to take it up with Professor Snape" I said, now I had the smug look as I shrugged my shoulders and walked to my seat. The rest of class Lockhart gave me disappointed looks any chance he could get.

Potions had ended and I was in the library studying with Draco during our free period for a test Snape had assigned for tomorrow, and I was determined to pass this one. Well I was studying. He was just being distracting, but we agreed to do this everyday and then just walk to Dinner together after. "Y/n I wanted to ask you a question" he said looking at me. "Shoot" I said as I continued studying. "Well I was wonderi-" he was cut off by Hermione coming up and tapping me on the shoulder "Y/n can you come with me?" she said. "Beat it Granger y/n and I were talking!" Draco spat at her. "Dont worry Draco you can ask whatever it was at dinner ok? I'll see you later." I said excusing myself and following Hermione out of the library. "Whats up?" I asked as we walked to the great hall since dinner was gonna start soon anyway. "Well two things actually, one is it true that you cast a spell on Lockhart and then got detention?" she asked shocked. "Wow news travels fast, um yeah its true, and then snape took over the detention so I actually have to go to his room, which worked out cause of our lessons" "You are crazy its like youre trying to be thrown out of Hogwarts!" she said, shoving my arm gently. "Well i'm not and he deserved it! He did it to me first and wouldn't undo it so I didnt back, for practice" I said smiling "anyways what's the second thing?" she grew quiet and began blushing a bit. "Hermioneeee tell me!" I said poking her. "Ok well, um, Ron asked me to the dance!" she said with a grin. "OH MY GOSH that's so EXCITING!" I practically yelled "I know and I said yes!" "Well I would hope so!" I said, hugging her. "Wait isn't the dance not for like another two months." I asked. "Um y/n where's your head gone! It's already November 30th! The dance is in 25 days" she exclaimed. "Oh crap. I still haven't given Dumbledore an answer. I don't know where the time went!" I said stressing out a bit. "Wait, give him an answer about what?" she asked, confused. "Oh yeah there's something you should know, I never mention it because it's not really relevant, but he asked me to sing at the yule ball..." I said almost in a whisper. "You can sing?" "Yeah I used to take lessons and everything, but I haven't done it in front of people in 2 years, but I know he'll be upset if I decline.." "Well you don't want to disappoint the Headmaster not to mention your godfather." she responded. "Yeah I guess you're right, I guess I'm gonna be singing at the yule ball.

[leerongrong]

College Student!Haechan

part of the NCT DREAM living the Y/N life collection.

lemme introduce you to some new things donghyuck

full name: lee donghyuck

age: 19 [international]

height: 174cm

donghyuck is an adorable prankster who’s known far-and-wide throughout his life

the boy started out as a class clown, making jokes at teachers and other students in kindergarten

it got him into loads of trouble, and he didn’t really have friends because the other kids called him mean and scary when he tries to joke around with them

hyuck didn’t care tho

he loves the attention from both his peers and parents even if it meant getting scolded every night

he didn’t change when he went to elementary school, still going around pulling pranks on other people, so far as to pulling at a girl’s pigtails and being sent into detention

although his persona did change when high school rolled around

he’s no longer donghyuck, the adorkable class clown he’s now donghyuck, a rebel that hates schoolwork, teachers, and gets thrown into detention more often than he should

never does his homework, smack talks at teachers and destroys school property

people started to wonder why he hasn’t been thrown out of school yet

the only reason he’s still passing his grades is because of mark, a senior who talks and acts friendly around hyuck as if he’s just any normal student

at first hyuck thought the guy befriended him because he wanted something from him

maybe his lunch or his money

but hyuck’s blown away when mark tells him that he just wanted them to be friends

mark tells him about seeing him roam around the halls with no one to talk to,, his hands in his pockets and staying out on the outskirts and how he feels a pang in his heart

he knows the feeling of being alone with no one to talk to just because people won’t spend time trying to get to know the person underneath

he felt it himself after he moved to seoul, all the kids rejecting him from their friend circles because he looked and talked differently

and mark felt the need to befriend him

the two start hanging out alot after that

playing online games together, hanging out in arcades together, walking around school together

sometimes hyuck gives mark headaches because the boy doesn’t want to do any of his workload,, even once trying to pay mark to do his homework

and mark’s pleasantly surprised when he finds out that hyuck is nowhere near stupid

the boy could rank number one in his year if he actually put some work in

hyuck tells him it’s because school just isn’t his passion

“i want to be a singer someday. i won’t be stuck doing algebra and i’ll be going on tours and performing instead.”

hyuck’s 20 now and a changed man

he’s gotten himself into a prestigious college for the performing arts, one step closer to making his dream come true

and while he would never admit it, he’s grateful for mark. if it weren’t for him, he’s end up as a dead beat high school dropout

speaking of mark

mark went to a different college for arts, almost a town away from his

and today he’s going to come by from all the nagging hyucks’s been giving him about not meeting each other often

they’re going to meet at a cafe

and hyuck’s waiting for mark who’s 20 minutes late because of traffic

“hyung! if you didn’t want to see me you could have said so.”

“traffic’s a bitch.”

he’s starting to get bored sitting at the corner alone with nothing but his phone to keep him company, mark not even replying to his messages

until something gets his attention

its you

you’re a solo singer that started out as an actress

relatively young and have debuted for a few years now, known for your amazing vocals and catchy songs

and there you are

on the screen of a flat screen tv hanging just above him, singing and dancing in your newly released mv

hyuck’s staring at the screen and he’s listening very carefully to your song

even going onto his phone and searching for your music after the mv finishes and another show starts playing on the tv

he doesn’t even realize mark running in looking like a train wreck

out of breath and very disheveled with a very clear coffee stain on his shirt

and when he does, haechan shoves his phone into mark’s face, the latter squinting at the bright screen

“who’s this?”

“that’s y/n? she’s a solo singer, i told you about her remember?”

“nope.”

hyuck’s a little confused because?? if mark had told him about you there’s no way he would’ve forgotten

boy goes on a streaming spree right after coming home

can’t be reached by anyone for a whole 24/7, burrowing in his room with the air con on full and his phone blasting your mv one after the other

he’s hooked

goes on an impulsive buying spree for your light stick and multiple albums

pretty much spending his life’s money

droning on and on again and again to mark about you

he goes on non stop about how mark should’ve told him about you sooner, said boy rolling his eyes because, “you’re the one who forgot.”

he burst into tears when mark gave him a fan sign ticket as a reward for acing all his classes mark is THAT friend yall

hugging the life out of the older one and covering mark’s face with spit when he kisses him all over we all need a mark in our lives tbh

he still can not believe he’s going to meet you

d-day arrives

hyuck set up 5 alarms last night so he wouldn’t accidentally over sleep and miss meeting you

all his life, he’s never been a fan of working out but here he is, 8 hours before a fan sign doing pull ups and push ups because he wants to look good

he isn’t ashamed to admit that he shaved twice

nor is he ashamed that he’s using a face mask he literally just bought yesterday because they’re supposed to make him look shining, shimmering and splendid

he’s rushing out of his dorm to where the fan sign is held and he literally stops breathing when he sees you in person surrounded by security and scary looking managers

he’s reminding himself to breath because he doesn’t want to pass out in front of you while all his brain is thinking is, ‘how does she even look better in person?’

‘she looks like an angel.’

‘she’s breathtaking.’

hyuck’s convinced he’s in love

and he only watches you and stares at everything you do

he turns red when you turn to him and wave from afar

‘did that just really happen?’

‘did i just get noticed?’

‘am i in heaven?’

when its finally his turn, he turns into stone all of his planned speeches disappearing into thin air

donghyuck.exe.has stopped functioning

he gives you his gift and he knows you see him trembling and you laugh, holding his hand to stop his shaking

‘did i just hear wedding bells ringing?’

‘i’m never going to wash my hands’

he’s having his own internal crisis

you’re there staring at him for a bit, making sure you smile at him and engage in eye contact

while inside you’re a little blown away because you’ve seen your fair shares of handsome men, your own fans being the most handsome in your eyes but you’ve never seen anyone as handsome as donghyuck is and you’re wondering why he hasn’t been snatched by idol companies

both of you smile and talk to each other

and hyuck’s freaking out a little because this is his time is running out and this is the only chance to tell you the words he thought about for 3 days he even forced mark into his mini lyric writing session

“i wanted to thank you for always making me smile.”

and you’re smiling so much wider by now, the sweet words from your fans never failing to take your breath away

“are you kidding me? donghyuck you’re like the sun, so warm and you bright up my day. you’re my full sun.”

the boy practically melted then and there and had to be escorted out by your security team

the next time he meets mark all he can ramble on and on about is your fansign

“mark, she called me her sun..”

“mARK DON’T TOUCH ME I’M THE FREAKING SUN.”

“I’M CHANGING MY NAME TO LEE HAECHAN.”

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #463

“the siren sings a lonely song of all the wants & hungers  /  the lust of love, a brute desire”

Describe the person that you would like to be in three years. I want my mental health to be in great condition, I really want to be in much better physical shape, ideally be living with somebody in our own place, have a job I'm happy with, have an improved social life, my own license and car... Think back to when you first met your significant other (or ex). Was your first impression of them accurate? It's funny, I honestly don't remember what my first impression of Girt was. I don't even recall our first interaction. I'm sure it was most likely that he was friendly, because he is and always has been. What is your most noticeable personality trait? Probably that I'm really, really shy. What kind of natural disaster is most common where you live? Hurricanes. Which of your family members do you resemble the most? I guess one of my immediate sisters? People tend to say stuff like they can definitely tell we're related. Have you ever had an animal get into your attic? No. Who knows you better than anyone else? Hell, probably whoever reads these. When was the last time you started a “new chapter” of your life? I guess you could call dating Girt a "new chapter." I have a much, much stronger feeling of this attempt being more successful than the last now that I've been able to change my angle on how I see him. What’s the most expensive thing your car needed to get done? I don't have my own vehicle and never have. If you had a thousand dollars to spend on a pricey brand you like but can’t really afford (until now of course), which ONE brand would you choose? *shrug* Most products of highly expensive brands I find hideous anyway. Do you still talk to any of your old teachers? Yeah. One is a close family friend and actually our landlord. Does your family still use the home phone or are you all on cell phones now? We haven't had a landline is yeeeeaaarrrrsssss. Ever go to another school’s prom? No; my boyfriend went to the same school as me. Do you ever venture into the woods? What do you normally do there? No; we live in the city now. :/ When I DID live in the woods, I absolutely loved wandering around with my camera for stuff to take pics of. Does your significant other ever make you mix CDs? None ever have but omg I wish that would be adorable. How did you dress your freshman year of high school? I was one of them emo kids. Would you ever date your best friend of the opposite sex? WELP that's what I'm doing lol. Would you say you have a high sex drive or not so much? I'd call it normal? Higher sometimes, lower other times, but not to either extreme. Come with an unpopular opinion. Silent Hill: Homecoming is a great game and while there's a lot of fan service from the movie, it belongs in the series. It's actually my second (or third)-favorite installment. Most of the SH community absolutely hate that game. What’s the worst thing a friend has either done or said to you? A lot of shit Colleen would say if we got into arguments. She'd ridicule effects of my depression, said I'd never know what it's like to pay my own bills, stuff like that. She's hateful as fuck and everything cut deep. What’s fake about you? Like extensions, fake nails, botox etc. Nothing physical. If you got the chance, would you audition for a reality show? No. Have you ever gotten into a Facebook fight? More than once. What’s the cheesiest thing you’ve ever experienced irl? Hm, I'm unsure. Favorite flavor of jelly bean? Probably watermelon. Do you use Tinder? If yes, have you ever met up with someone you matched? No. You do you, but if I understand Tinder correctly, it just seems... really shallow to me. Like don't you JUST see their picture to decide if you're interested or not? It just enforces the false belief that appearance really matters in love. You just poured your heart out to your crush and all he/she does is respond “k”. What do you respond/do? Well, I don't have a crush anymore; my boyfriend and I literally exchanged "I love you"s last night. That's not a crush. But for the sake of the question, I'll imagine I was single and this happened, in which case I would be both hurt and annoyed. Like, either tell me you return the feelings or not. It's not hard. What's your favorite thing to order from McDonald’s? I usually get a quarter pounder w/ cheese or a McDouble, occasionally with a small or medium fry, depending on how hungry I am. When do you feel your sexiest? Never, hunny. What's your favorite emoji? I don't really have one? It just depends on what the situation calls for. What’s your skincare routine? I don't really have one... I just use a washcloth to clean my face. Who all out of your immediate family smokes? My dad and stepmom. Do you like incense or candles better? Incense, totally. Do you respect your parents? Yeah. What’s your bf/gf’s name? It's technically Donald Jr., but since high school, I've known him as Girt, a nickname I won't explain for his privacy. Do you wear glasses? Yeah. Do you like The Beatles? I honestly don't. Except "Hey, Jude." What was the last reason you got excited? Last night. When we were saying goodbye, I was scared to, but I told Girt I loved him, and he immediately said it back confidently. My heart did like five flips. I'm still over the moon about it. Yes, we just got back together, but we've been in each other's lives as a constant since HS, and after changing my angle of how I looked at him, it's not at all platonic anymore. Do you know anyone who drinks the pickle juice from the jar? Sara does alskdjfklwejrl;er Name something crazy that’s happened recently? Uhhhh... I dunno. My life is very uneventful to have something really "crazy" happen. Can you say for a fact that you’re happy right now? I'm happy about some things, but also nervous and self-doubtful. Have you ever zip lined? No, but they look fun. I'd just be really scared of losing my grip. If you broke your computer, would you be able to fix it on your own? Ha, no. Have you ever been on a boat and got sick? No, but the one time I was at the beach and on a boat riding to an island, I was TERRIFIED I was going to get sick because of the waves. I didn't, thankfully. Did you sleep well last night? For the most part. My new mask might just be working. Do your parents try and plan your life for you? Not at all. Do you have any pictures of you kissing someone? Yes. List two things about yourself that you find embarrassing. My weight and how dark my leg hair is. Do you like to cuddle with your pet when you are sad? Yes. Do you find piercing attractive or unattractive? h o t Do you have any secret hiding spots in your room? To put money, yes. Do you like parmesan cheese on your spaghetti? Ew, no. I don't like parmesan. Does your best girl friend have any talents that you don’t? Yeah. She can animate well, for one. And sing like a fucking champ. Do you have any video game systems in your room? Which one(s)? My Nintendo DS Lite is in here. Well, and my laptop is a gaming one. What color eyes does the last person you kissed have? ... Oh WOW I've known this man for a fuckin decade and somehow I'm not sure??? But I want to say light blue? Have you ever taken a ride in a helicopter? No. Have you ever visited hot springs? No. How slowly or quickly would you say you eat? I'm aware I eat too fast, because my mom will point it out almost without fail if we eat in sight of each other. I'm not a messy eater at all, just... fast. Chewing your food and swallowing isn't a complex task. I've made active efforts to slow down, I just haven't been able to succeed. It doesn't feel normal. That and I've come to discover that when I chew food TOO much, I don't like the mushy texture of it in my mouth. What did you do the last time you were with friends? Yesterday Girt and I planned to watch shitty Netflix anime for some laughs, but we wound up starting Attack on Titan, which I am officially pretty into. What kind of cologne/perfume do you like the opposite sex to wear? I don't care if they wear any or not, so long as they know how to clean themselves and therefore not actually smell bad. If you celebrate Christmas, do you get a real tree or an artificial tree? We always use a fake one. Is there someone who means a lot to you but they don’t know that? My sisters probably don't, really... Is money important to you? Live your whole life poor and I want to see you answer "no" to this. Have you ever watched a meteor shower? No. Do you like Slim Jims? LOOOOOOOVE them. Would you rather write a mystery or love story? Love story. Are you muscular? No. Working for it. Do you have one of those removable hand-held shower heads? Yes. Originally, this house didn't, but I hated it so much that Mom bought one. How many burners does your stove have? Four. Has your car ever been broken into? Mom's hasn't.

[fullyellowsun]

Park Village | 8

Sleepover:

I do not own the gif, credit to the owner.

Constructive criticisms are welcome! This is in Korean so for those of you who can read Korean and English, go ahead! I will post a full English version link to the Wattpad story in the masterlist! (Juyeon/주연 could be you.)

I miss EXO so much…

Pairing: ok, ok, i'll tell you, it's baekhyun x juyeon/you

Genre: kpop idol’s relative!AU

Word Count: 1830 words

Description: Juyeon is invited to a sleepover with EXO and it gets a little heated.

Masterlist

I go to the store to pick up a sleeping bag and a few other things and I buy snacks because I don't want to come empty-handed. I pack a backpack with clothes and my toiletries. I just continue to watch videos while waiting for Chanyeol.

"Juyeon, you ready?"

"Oh, 오빠, you're here? Let's go!" I grab my stuff and run to the car. He just follows. "You don't need to pack?"

"No, I live there, remember." He laughs. We get there and enter in the dorm because Chanyeol had the key. We head upstairs where the boys were just talking and playing video games.

"Hi Juyeon! I heard yesterday was quite a party." Sehun says knowingly. I glare at Baekhyun and he just shrugs. Chanyeol just gives me a "I-told-you-so" look.

"Yes... it was." I say in a sassy tone. Sleeping bags were already laid out on the floor and snacks were everywhere. I throw over my bag of snacks to the people sitting on the couch.

"고마워!" They say as they open up the bag. I lay out my sleeping bag and just watch them play games.

"Awww... can we do something else other than watch you guys play games?" Kai whines.

"What should we do then?" Chanyeol asks.

"I don't know, you find a game."

"How about we play a game where we each write a punishment, we put it in a bowl and we each have to choose one and do it. Oh, and we'll include king and servant." He says. The boys playing games turn off the TV and bring out a paper, pencils, and a bowl.

"What''s king and servant?" I ask.

"The king gets to tell the servant what to do." I nod and start writing a punishment. I think. Hmm... it would be fun to see someone do a girl group. I write that down and put it in the bowl. The others do too. "주연아, you choose first." Chanyeol said. I take a paper and pass the bowl around. We were sitting in a circle. After everyone chose their papers, I open mine and laugh.

"Who wrote this?" The others looked at me confused.

"What is it?" I show the paper to everyone. 'Do a sexy dance on Juyeon' is what it said.

"Aww... I was hoping I would get that one." Kai said. I give him a weird look.

"You wrote it?" He nods. "Sooo... what am I supposed to do?" I laugh. "I can't really dance on myself."

"Then dance on one of us." Kai says obviously wanting me to dance on him.

"Uh, yeah, no thanks."

"Awww... you're no fun." Baekhyun says.

"You too?" He nods.

"Just like, dance on the chair or table or something." Chanyeol says. I get up to get on the table and Chanyeol just averts his eyes. "I can't watch..." I shrug and begin. There was no music so it was kind of awkward but I just did my best to make it as 'sexy' as possible. I do what most people would consider sexy. I flipped my hair and moved my butt. Chanyeol closed his eyes the whole time but  the others were in awe. After I finished, they clapped.

"Thanks but I don't think I'm that good." They give a thumbs up.

"You were the best. You should definitely do more dancing." Sehun says.

"Okay, let's move on." I laugh at Chanyeol who couldn't look at me. "Oh, it's me." He looks at his paper and looks around. "Who wrote this?! I am NOT doing this."

"But you made the game!"

"What is it?" I ask. I peak over to see what it says. I laugh again. "Hah! Yes, you totally have to do it. Come at me."

"What is it?" Suho asks.

"I know what it is... how come Chanyeol gets it?" Baekhyun says giggling.

"You wrote it? Wh- I- Ho- I'm speechless." Chanyeol says.

"I wanted it... 깹송(kkaepsong)." Baekhyun says sadly.

"Ahhhh... what is it!" Kai whines.

"주연에게 콜하게 고백하세요." I read off. The others look at Chanyeol jealously.

"Do I have to do this?!"

"Yasss... you have to do this! I want to see it!" I say. Chanyeol glares at me. He gets up and grabs me to get up. He grabs his guitar and starts singing.

"I think you're cute, you may think I'm not, my feelings for you couldn't stay mute, I like you. I wanna ask you out on a date, but will you say okay? Meet me at Starbucks next Thursday, I'll wait." He sings trying not to cringe. I clap.

"와... I would totally go out with you if you weren't my cousin." I say.

"I totally could've done better." Baekhyun rolls his eyes and mumbles. He opens his paper and immediately smiles and giggles like his usual self.

"What does it say?" I ask. Chanyeol looks over and rolls his eyes.

"Who keeps on writing these? This is my cousin!"

"What does it say?" I ask again.

"주연에게 섹시하게 고백하세요." Baekhyun reads out excitedly.

"Again? Who keeps on writing these?" I say. Baekhyun gets up and pulls me up with him. He pins me to the wall.

"Hi Juyeon, remember me? Baekhyun?" He says in a raspy voice.

"Uh... yes?" I say feeling helpless.

"Oh, you do? That's good. I hope you remember this too." He gets close to my ear and I could feel his breath. "Beach. You. Me. Next Thursday. 3PM. Got it?" I just nod. "Good." He moves his face from my ear to face me again. He then leans in about to kiss me.

"Cut!" Chanyeol says before he gets too close. I turn away blushing and the others look at Baekhyun jealously.

"So, how'd I do?" Baekhyun asks me.

"Uhh... I think you accomplished the dare but if that's how you ask out a girl... I don't think you'll the most positive responses from me specifically." The others laugh at him.

"Why?"

"Do you remember me?" I mock him. He looks down embarrassed. "I'm definitely going to remember that. Suho 오빠, just open your paper." He opens it and shows it to everyone.

"King? Oooo, you're lucky, you don't have to do a dare." I say jealously. "종인오빠, open yours!"

"Girl group dance... which one? Who wrote this?" I raise my hand.

"역시 the main dancer of the group gets the girl group dance dare." I clap. "Do 살짝 설렜어." I laugh. He gets up sighing and I turn on the music. I probably should've let him learn it first because he danced the feel of the dance but not the actual dance. I sigh getting up and start dancing. He watches me and dances more confidently, copying my moves. I continue to dance and didn't notice Kai stop and watch me. When I finished, I noticed everyone staring at me. "Uhh... how come I'm the one doing your dare?" I look at Kai staring at me. I wave my hand in front of his face. "Hello? You there? 종대 오빠... just open yours." He nods. He whines.

"Servant." He says sadly. 준면오빠 cheers. 경수 opens his paper and laughs.

"A pickup line contest for Juyeon."

"I'll give you a chance to think." I say without giving them a chance to protest.

"Do I have to!" Chanyeol asks.

"Yes! I need to see this!"

"Okay, I'm going first."

"좋아!" I say excitedly.

"I'm no mathematician but I've been told I'm good with numbers. Wanna give me yours to prove it?" He says embarrassed. I clap.

"Totally would NOT give you my number but nice try."

"It's fine... I don't care, I don't want to win this competition...  this is the only competition I don't want to win. It's disgusting."

"I wanna go next!" Sehun raises his hand and puts it down embarrassed after everyone stares at them.

"Sure." I say. "I can't wait to see what our maknae has to say."

"Okay... I'll go." He starts to walk towards me slowly and I move back until I hit the table. He puts his hand next to my body so I couldn't move. "Baby, I'll treat you like my homework. I'll slam you on the table and do you all night." He says staring at me intensely. I try not to laugh and look at hike seriously in the eye. He gets up embarrassed and gives me space. "Did it not work?" I laugh.

"Our maknae has grown up!" I say laughing. "Also, if that's the only thing you can say in confidence, might as well just do your real homework. You gotta be confident!" I grab his wrist and get in the same position as we were when he said the pickup line. "Okay, now what's your next move?" He stays there frozen, blushing.

"주연아, don't make me do this!"

"Come on! Just follow your instructions. Slam me down..." I maneuver myself to be flat on the table and I move him on top of me so he's pinning me to the table. "And do me all night. But not me... someone else." He blushes. I stay there waiting for him to get off but he stays there. "Are you not tired? Why don't you like get off so other people have a chance and I don't end up sleeping on the table."

"Oh, sorry." He gets up. I point at him and look at him with stern eyes.

"Confidence. Who's next?" Chen, D.O., Xiumin, Kai, and Suho all try to win me with common and simple pickup lines. Baekhyun walks up to me after they finished.

"My biology teacher told me that the lips are the most sensitive part of the. Wanna try it out?" He gets close again like the last time and I assumed he would stop him but he just kept getting closer until his lips touched mine. I stand there frozen, unsure of what to do. I push him away.

"What are you doing?! (뭐하는거야!)" I say. I look over. No one say it. Chanyeol 오빠 was in rhe bathroom and the others were talking and not paying attention. Arghh...

"I asked if you wanted to try it out!" He said still pinning me to the wall.

"I didn't respond! That was my first kiss! I'd rather have it with someone I actually like. "

"You don't like me?"

"Well yeah but not like that!" He steps back a little but hurt.

"Ouch... but that's okay... it's not like I like you like that either. It was for the dare. I'm trying to win here."

"Oh..." The rest of the boys do their dares but the only thing I could think about was his 'pickup line'. I couldn't go to sleep because of it. I also avoided him for the next few weeks too. Why am I doing this? It was just for the game... nothing else, right?

Masterlist

[sparklingchan]

Perfect ||Yang Hongseok (Pentagon)

Pairing : Reader(fem.) X Hongseok

Genre : Angst,fluff.

Warnings: Mentions of insecurities and self doubt.

Word count : 1.8k+

Enjoy!

They say that actions speak louder than words but I know from experience that sometimes words cause so much damage that even actions aren't able to repair those damages.

Hongseok says I am the love of his life and that he wouldn't trade me for the world, and I believe him because if I were to list all of his good qualities, being honest would top it. Besides being honest , he was practically good at everything. Singing, dancing, sports, studies, you name it. He is perfect , and even perfect is an understatement sometimes.

"(Y/n), Did you forget to buy milk yesterday too?" my dad asks me as I am eating breakfast, phone in my hand and earphones plugged in.

I sigh , pressing my hand to my face out of guilt. Why am I so forgetful?

"No, I'm sorry, pa. I'll go and buy it right now." I say and stand, leaving my half eaten breakfast behind.

He shakes his head in disappointment.

"Leave it, I'll ask Hongseok to buy it. He's coming to meet you today right?" He asks .

I don't know why but I was disappointed to hear him say that. I should be happy that my father got along so well with my boyfriend and adored him so much but I wasn't. Not even close. I felt like a horrible person at that moment for feeling that pang of jealousy.

"It's okay, pa. Hongseok probably has other things to do too. I'll buy right now. He will be coming in the evening anyway." I say, insistent.

"We can wait until the evening. The last time I sent you to get milk ,you bought everything but milk and this time you didn't even go to buy it. It's alright honey, Hongseok is more responsible. He'll buy it. "

That's when the realisation came of not being good enough. It was a small incident , some light words my father had said in the spur of the moment that I could have easily forgotten about it, just how I forgot everything else, but I didn't. I kept replaying the words in my head 'he's more responsible'. It drilled a small crack in my ego but with time the crack became a gaping hole, waiting to swallow me.

Hongseok invited me to his parents' anniversary party that they were hosting at their residence. I was unwilling to go honestly , not because I didn't want to go but because I was afraid of embarrassing Hongseok in front of his friends and relatives.

You see, I didn't fall into the category of pretty girls. I was just average. In a room full of pretty girls, you would never expect someone to have their eyes stuck on me. I am also too hyper , too talkative, too loud. And there is a whole list of other such things that would take me forever to jot down.

Hongseok didn't say it out loud but I just know that I embarrassed him in public, a lot.

"What are you going to wear?" he asks me over call the night before the party. I stare at the three dresses on my bed(the only dresses I own) and sigh, still stressed about limited choices of dresses for a fancy evening party. I hate wearing dresses but I know I cannot show up at the party wearing a pair of jeans and my black hoodie.

"I don't know, Hong. I'm confused." I say as I flop on the bed, nuzzling my face into the pillow.

"Oh god,(y/n). You should have told me earlier. I would have taken you shopping." He says with a hint of excitement in his voice.

But I fail to reciprocate it.

My ears turn red, embarrassed at his comment. I've been very sensitive to everything he says from the past few days and many times, I even tried to ignore his texts or calls . I know he didn't mean to make me feel this way but I couldn't help it. With each passing day, I feel myself becoming more of burden to him than a girlfriend. Truth to be told, I really wanted him to find his happiness in someone who was better than me.

Not to mention that it would break me to see him with someone else , but I am ready to bear that if it means seeing him truly happy.

" It's alright. I'll wear something nice so don't worry about being embarassed because of me." I reply, the words sounding harsher than I intended.

He keeps quiet for a few seconds before talking again.

"(Y/n), is everything alright? I've been observing you since the past few days and you're acting weird. And now you snap at me like that. You wanna talk about it, huh, baby?" he says in the sweetest voice ever. He always knows what to say, doesn't he? It makes me even more angry.

"He does not deserve you. He deserves someone as perfect as him." a voice inside my head says.

"I'm sorry but I've always been weird. Sorry for the goddamned inconvenience." I yell, sarcasm dripping in my voice. But before he can reply I hang up the call.

That night I turn and toss in my bed ,debating in my head whether or not to go to the party. A part of me wants to go because it feels bad for yelling at Hongseok and genuinely loves him and another part of me hates the idea of the party and just wants to stay in the house, not be an embarrassment to anyone. Ultimately, by the time the sun starts rising and my alarm goes off, I decide to go to the party.

********

I wear a red dress that reaches a little above my knees, pencil heels and some accessories. I put on some light make up and head out for the party. I've been ignoring Hongseok's texts and calls yet again and even though I am really tempted to talk to him, I just patiently wait till I reach his house.

And When I finally reach , I find him standing at the gate, busy on his phone and looking around as if searching for something. And that something is me.

"Hongseok." I whisper loud enough for him to hear me, as I slowly walk towards him, his eyes already on me. His face breaks into a smile on seeing me and naturally,mine does too. I haven't met him in person for a long time and right now, looking at him in a tux and perfect hair and with his beautiful smile, I realise how much I missed him.

He wraps his arms around me and it makes me forget about everything else , though just for a moment.

"I missed you." he says to me , nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck.

"I missed you too. " I say, placing my arms around his slim waist, " About yesterday-" I am about to complete my sentence when someone , his cousin if I recall properly , interrupts us.

"Hongseok, they're calling you inside, come on"

The party goes on smoothly . Hongseok and I are together almost throughout the whole time and for once, I didn't feel like I was embarrassing, maybe those feelings would come back but right now I am enjoying his company way too much to let negative thoughts ruin.

He would steal kisses from when I am blabbering about something or he would caresses my cheeks or hold my waist. He is all about PDA and I love it. Neither of us talked about yesterday and I know that the issue is resolved without me even having to say anything.

"I'm going to get dessert. Do you want anything?" he says, getting up from the table a little while later.

"I'll come with you." I say as I stand up too even though my feet hurt from wearing heels for too long .

We walk along the outdoor swimming pool, kids playing around and everyone else busy in their own little conversations and for once, I didn't feel out of place. Sadly ,all of that was short lived. Everything that happened next feels like a blur to me, like a video that is fast forwarded a little too much for my liking. I only vaguely remember a kid running right into me with full force, me tripping over and falling right into the swimming pool with a huge splash.

At that moment, I really wish I had stayed home.

*********

My ears are still ringing from to the splash and I feel horrible, embarrassed, sad and anxious all together. I've been holding in my tears all along and I know it isn't long before I snap, horribly. I have never felt so humiliated in my entire life and moreover, I wonder how much embarrassment Hongseok will have to go through because of me. I imagine a better scenario in my head where he is dating someone better than me, someone who'd have never caused so much humiliation. Someone who was more well behaved than me ,someone who wasn't me.

"Wear my t-shirt and pants till your clothes dry out. It shouldn't take long to dry them though." Hongseok says, handing some of his clothes to me.

I don't say anything, afraid of bursting into tears anytime.

I quickly wear his clothes .

"Are you in a mood to go downstairs for lunch or do you want me to bring our plates here? I'm fine with whatever you want, just name it" he says. He removes strands of hair from my face and tucks them behind my ears. His touch is like magic, giving me goosebumps but I force myself to swat his hand away,not being able to look him in the eye.

"I just want to go home. I can't embarrass you or your family anymore. " I say in a choked voice. I didn't want to cry right now but even before I could do anything, my eyes fill with tears.

"(Y/n)! You didn't do anything, sweetheart. Please, don't say that . You could never do that." he says, sitting beside me. He puts his hand comfortingly on my thigh but I move away .

"Why, Hongseok? Why are you lying? I know I have caused you nothing but humiliation and trouble . Stop denying it . I disappoint everyone, you, dad, my teachers, friends. You deserve better than this. Than me, " My voice breaks. "Let me go"

I say the last part in a small voice, unsure of how he'd react but he hears me, loud and clear.

"Okay, stop it now." he says in a tough tone, clearly angry. " I don't know what delusion you're under but let me make one thing clear ,you are more than what I deserve. You are smart, funny, bright, supportive, friendly, romantic, you're perfect. Other girls wish they're you. But they aren't because there can only be one (y/n). And I love her. With all her flaws and perfections. I'm not perfect either. I make mistakes and that's why we're more compatible than anyone else. Do you understand? "

Hearing these words as if breaks a wall that I'd been building from the past few days, and I feel relief wash over me. I start crying.

"You really mean it?" I ask in a small voice as his arms wrap around me. He places a kiss on my head.

"I mean it with all my heart. " He says. "Don't ever say that you're not good enough for me or that I deserve better, because I don't care. You're the one I want and I know you're more than enough for me."

And I believe him, like I always do.

[shiniestcrow]

Actually, you know what? I’ll post it here, that way at least it’s somewhere

The prompt was

You're a novice demon who managed to convice a mother to give up her first born in exchange for eternal youth. You did so, because it seems like the kind of thing all the other demons are doing, but now you are not sure what you are supposed to do with an infant and it's way too late to ask. 

Warning for vague description of torture

I made a mistake, that much is clear by now. The human keeps staring at me, reaching with its pudgy little fingers for my claws. I gave up pulling away after the what, twentieth time? Anyway. Human infants are disgusting with their weirdly big heads, their too-short limbs and useless claws. This one can't even lift its own head! Or maybe that's normal for them? I don't really care. At least it has stopped screaming for now. After it had rejected all the meat I offered, I finally got it to drink some milk.

The child makes a face I can't understand. As I lean closer, it suddenly makes a grab for one of my horns. I pull back just in time, but this seems to distress it. With a sigh, I lean forward and let it put its disgusting hand on me. It giggles. Which is one of the more pleasant sounds it can apparently make. Hell, what do I do now?

Surprisingly, I manage to keep the child alive for more than a few hours. I did consider just leaving it to die from time to time, but that would feel like a waste of my payment. It grows painfully slowly. But I have time. I take on a few more contracts. I grant an untalented young wizard more power than he could have ever dreamed of. I save a young woman's children from a deadly illness. Though I have changed my payment to favours instead of firstborns. No more children for me.

I study humans to learn how to take care of mine. I soon learn that they have names for each and every one of them. Demons don't have names. There is no need, after all, we rarely interact with each other. I decide to use the first name I hear: Alex. It can decide on another one itself when it's older. I don't really care. I also learn that human children should interact with other humans. That one is even more complicated. I finally manage to change my appearance to something resembling a human. They seem to think me disfigured when I show myself. It suits me quite well since they don't ask where I come from or where I acquired the child. The only one that knows who I truly am is the young woman who's children I saved. I call in my favour, so she lets my human play with her children.

The child, Alex, seems to develop quite well. The other children it plays with have grown attached, and the young woman talks with pride about all of them. She has told me her name is Miriam. I don't know why she felt the need to do so. She has also taken to invite me into her home when I come to retrieve my child. I have told her that I would not be indebted to her for this, but she seems not to care. I eventually accept.

Alex grows taller over time. It learns to walk and talk and eat on its own. It starts to call me Maman on the suggestion of the other children. I tell it that I have no need for a name, but it insists. I accept my fate once again.

Alex starts asking questions. I answer what I know. Surprisingly, there is very little that upsets it.

"Maman, why do you look and sound different when we are alone?" "This is my true form, child. Humans are scared of me like this." "Why? You're not scary." "I do not know their reasons."

"Maman, am I a boy or a girl?" "I don't know, decide on your own." "What are you?" "A demon. We have no such thing as boys or girls." "Then I'm a demon as well." "Alright."

"Maman, will I look like you once I grow up?" "I doubt it." "Why?" "We are not related by blood. You will look more like Miriam than you'd ever look like me." "Oh..." "Are you upset by this, child?" "No, but I would have liked to look like you."

"Maman, if we are not related, where do I come from?" "You're mother asked for eternal youth and I got you in exchange." "Oh. Then I'm glad to be with you." "Why? Would you not rather live with the one that gave birth to you?" "No, I don't even know her. And she thought looking young was more important than me. You're much better." "How so?" "You never gave me away."

When Alex reaches their twelfth summer, Miriam asks to speak to me alone. Unwillingly, I grow concerned. "Is something wrong?" She shrugs. "I wouldn't say it's wrong, but I think Alex should probably get some magical training." "What makes you think they have any magical talent?" She looks at me like she can't believe I missed it. "Alex has a different hair colour every day. Yesterday all of my kids where suddenly blonde." "Is this not normal for humans?" She sighs, but there is a smile on her face. "It's not. Have you ever seen me with a different hair colour?" I look at her head. I never really paid attention to her hair. Or her appearance in general. Humans aren't particularly interesting to look at. (Alex is the exception, though not because of their appearance.)

"I will see what I can do." Miriam nods with a smile. "That's all I ask."

I talk to Alex that same day. "Miriam thinks you should receive training for your magical talent." Their eyes practically light up at this. "Really? Will you teach me?" "You can not learn what I can do. Humans possess a different kind of magic from my own. But I can find you a teacher." Alex frowns, thinking. "Will I have to leave?" "You will likely live with your teacher while you learn." There is a long pause. "Can I come back once I finished?" "Of course. I do not wish to get rid of you permanently." "Okay. Then I want to go."

I contact the wizard I helped to power so many years ago. He works for a king nowadays and agrees to take on Alex as his apprentice as my favour. He even seems relieved that I do not ask for more. I do make it clear that Alex is to be treated well, however.

Alex says farewell to Miriam and her children. It's a tearful goodbye on all fronts, but soon we are on our way. I would bring Alex to the wizard Tibalt and then return to my own home. Perhaps go back to work. I have been slacking somewhat since Alex got handed to me.

The travel is uneventful, but Alex looks at everything and everyone we encounter with big, fascinated eyes. It is nice to see them excited.

When we finally reach the castle where they'll spend the next few years, Alex suddenly stops. "Is something wrong?" I ask. Concern does not come naturally to a demon, but somehow Alex has changed me in more ways than one. "No, I just," they bite their lower lip, a clear sign of distress. Suddenly, thin human arms sling around my neck. "I'll miss you," Alex says, not letting go of me. After a moment, I lift my own arms, returning the hug. "I will miss you as well. But we will see each other again." We stand like that, holding on to each other for a long while. Finally, Alex let's go of me, wiping their face with a sleeve. When they have regained their composure, they smile and nod at me. We go the rest of the way and, after one final hug, we part ways at the castle doors.

The following years are lonely. I had never expected to feel this way; Demons are naturally solitary beings. Alex writes me letters and I answer (with Miriam's help). It helps to stay in contact this way. They talk about the people in the castle, what spells and potions they are learning. I tell them news about Miriam and her children.

Once a year, Alex comes by to visit. The first three times I go to the castle myself, afterwards, they make their way alone. It is almost the end of Alex's sixth and final year of their apprenticeship when someone shows up at my home that I had never expected to see again.

The woman is wrapped in dark, expensive clothes, only showing her young face, which is enhanced by skillfully applied makeup. I'm sure she is quite beautiful by human standards. She smiles when I open my door. "I'm here to reclaim what is mine," she says, her voice melodious like a singing bird.

I tower over her and yet she seems not intimated in the slightest. "There is nothing here that could belong to you," I answer, my voice like rocks grinding against one another. Her smile falters. "Foul creature, do you think you can trick me? I asked for eternal youth to preserve my beauty, and yet I scar like any other." I stare at her. "You never asked to be invincible. Eternal youth is what you wanted, and it is what you got. You have not aged a day since I last saw you." She spits, rage twisting her face into something ugly. "You will return my child to me, or you will regret it." "There is no child of yours here. And even if it was, I would not give it away to you. I have kept my word, and you will keep yours."

She yells, and suddenly I am hit by magic of a strength I have never encountered. I am knocked off my feet and slammed into a wall within the blink of an eye. The woman now stands over me, a sickening grin on her lips. "Did you think I would come unprepared?" I don't hear what else she says as my mind slips into darkness.

When I wake, I am bound to a wall with thick chains, my arms above my head. I try to move, but a burning pain shoots through me. I hear cackling laughter and look up. The woman stands before me, arms crossed and clearly amused by my predicament. I try to speak but find that I can not.

"I will find my child," the woman says, "and until I do, you will keep me company." I struggle against my bonds, but I can only ignore the pain for so long. I slump against the wall, exhausted. "Do be a good pet and don't cause such a ruckus." Her voice is as sweet as her words are cruel, "You won't be getting away any time soon."

She is right. Days pass, and I grow weaker. The woman, whose name I still do not know, only feeds me enough to keep me from falling into permanent unconsciousness. She knows I won't die from starvation, but this only seems to make her crueller. She tries painful spells on me, makes me drink potions that cause convulsions. The chains cause blinding pain every time I struggle against them. I soon give up trying to escape her games. There is no use.

My mind keeps wandering to Alex, and even to Miriam and her children. I wonder if Alex has finished their apprenticeship by now. If they have returned to an empty home. If they think I have abandoned them. I was supposed to meet Miriam the day the woman appeared. Perhaps she too thinks I have finally returned to my demonic ways, fleeing without a word. I would not blame any of them.

The day I feared arrives. The woman stands before me once more, a triumphant smile on her face. "I have found my child. We will reunite, and you will rot here for all eternity. I'd say goodbye, but I don't think it will be particularly good for you." I barely lift my head to look at her. My horns have grown brittle over time, one of them even broke off a while ago. They still feel too heavy for me.

"Nothing to say?" She kicks my side, but the pain barely registers. My only thought is the hope that she won't hurt Alex. After all, why would she hurt her own child, if even a demon didn't? She clicks her tongue and turns to leave. "No one will find you. I placed wards around this place that even the strongest wizards would have problems with." She leaves. I stay shackled to the wall, too weak to give even a token of protest.

Days pass, maybe weeks. I can't keep count. I grow impossibly weaker. My second horn breaks off. It falls into my lap, laying there as if to taunt me. Perhaps I deserve it.

I welcome it when I finally fall unconscious. It is a relief.

To my surprise, I wake again. There is warmth on my face. Hands. Warm hands, stroking softly over my cheek. "Maman," a voice says, so far away. "Maman, I'm here." I can't answer, can't even open my eyes. Consciousness escapes me.

I wake once more. This time the chains are gone. I am lying down instead of sitting against the cold stone wall. Someone is holding onto my arm. My body feels heavy. I groan.

"Maman?" I open my eyes. Alex is leaning over me, tears streaking down their face. I try to lift my hand. They shouldn't be upset.

Alex suddenly throws themself on top of me, arms slinging around my neck. "I was so worried," their voice is muffled against my chest. I manage to put my own arms around their back, holding them close. "How?" I croak. Alex sniffs and pulls back. "I'll tell you once you have recovered a bit more. Miriam will want to know that you're awake as well."

True to their words, Alex helps me regain at least parts of my strength. And once I'm able to sit and eat on my own, they tell me what happened.

"When I finished my apprenticeship, I honestly was a bit confused that you didn't come to pick me up. But then I thought 'well, the last years I also went home on my own' so I said goodbye to everyone and went alone. But when I arrived, you weren't there. I went to Miriam, thinking that maybe you were with her. She told me that you had disappeared weeks ago and that no one had seen you since. She was really worried and so was I afterwards.

When I went back home to search for clues, this woman showed up. She said she's my mother and that I could come back to her now." Alex's eyes flare with a rage I haven't seen before. "She said that she had taken care of you and that I would never have to see you again."

Alex stays quiet for a moment, breathing in deeply through their nose. I carefully take their hand in mine. They smile a little.

"I asked her what she meant and when she said that she had locked you up I... I was so angry. I started yelling at her to tell me where you were, but she refused. She still tried to convince me to live with her of all people. She only got angry when I told her that she had given me up already and that I would never go with her now.

She attacked me with her magic, but I was stronger than her. I was so angry. I didn't think about what I was doing. She had hurt you, and so I wanted to hurt her." Alex grows quieter. "I did."

"I sent one of her spells back at her, and it hit her right in the chest. Miriam helped me bury her." I gently squeeze their hand. "You defended yourself." Alex nods with a sniff.

"Afterwards we still had to find you. We eventually did, but then I found the wards. I had to ask Tibalt for help. We finally broke through, and you were inside. I don't think I'll ever forget how you looked." A shiver runs through their body. "I am sorry," I say, but they shake their head.

"This wasn't your fault. I'm just glad I got you back. And you'll be okay, right?" "Yes, it is difficult to kill a demon."

Alex nods and pulls back their shoulders. Their eyes are filled with almost demonic determination. "I don't regret that that woman is dead. And I'll make sure nothing like this happens ever again.

No one hurts my Maman."

[kokobop-fire]

Cravings {Im Jaebum}

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the gifts that I use, also English is not my first language so sorry for any grammar mistakes.

Baby Shower 

You smile when Jessica put the chocolate ice cream in front of you; the two of you were eating everything you wanted it's your birthday, and you were going to enjoy it thoroughly; you put the words of your gynecologist in the back of your mind, you had ignored all your cravings, and today you were going to listen to them.

"That's your last ice cream until the party; you already finished a pot of ice cream alone" you shrugged; Jessica finished decorating the room "Do you think the place is safe enough for Youngjae's daughter?"

"I guess, what worries me the mos tit's that got7 is coming, why does he have to bring them?" It wasn't that you didn't like them; you've never interacted with them, you were afraid that they would hate you, you had enough on your mind with Jaebum's parents. "Besides, who told Jaebum that it's my birthday?"

Jessica went silent as she pretended to arrange the tablecloth "Jessica, Why?"

"He asked me."

"When?"

"One day," you looked at her with a raised eyebrow; you could see her ears turn red; she was lying. "Fine, he wrote to me. Lately, we have been talking a lot via text".

That surprised you, well not so much, you had noticed that Jaebum was talking to Jessica a lot, even flirting while she was on duty at the cafe, one day you could swear that Jaebum was going to kiss her if you had not entered the restaurant with your grandmother.

"Honey, can you help me finish making the kimchi?" your grandmother's voice interrupted the awkward silence that had formed in the room.

It wasn't that it bothered you that you and Jaebum weren't together r, but that didn't stop you from feeling a bit jealous.

"I don't think all this food is necessary, grandma, they are idols, most likely they are all on some strict diet, apart from that, I want pizza."

"Not in my watch you have to eat healthily; the baby needs her mother to be completely healthy to take care of her" You could feel how the baby moved 

"Look, she likes her grandmother's voice."

You tried to smile, but your mind did not leave the image of Jaebum and Jessica. Would they be a good couple? You and jaebum never got that chance. You closed your eyes, trying to control yourself; today was your day.

You smiled at Youngjae's girlfriend, she was a sweet girl, and she's the only one who hasn't looked at you weirdly since they arrived "I know what cravings feel like; I torture Youngjae with mine."

In the distance, you could see Jessica talking to Jaebum; you closed your eyes again, trying to control yourself "Can you give me a moment?"

You locked yourself in the bathroom to control yourself, you were in a bad mood, your feet hurt, you were hungry, you are dying to eat a giant hamburger, but you did not have the heart to tell your grandmother that the Miyukguk made you nauseous. And above all, you had received Jaebum's friends at your house, and all they have done is look at you badly or leave the conversations when Jaebum introduced you.

You came out of the bathroom, a little calmer.

"Honey, we're going to sing the birthday, the boys told me that they have to go for a dance practice," your grandmother told you taking your arm, you frowned at her words, Jaebum told you they had the next two days off "They are so kind, and the baby has the most beautiful cheeks in the world, they look like mochis."

Sure, Grandma, they are nice to you, but not to me; they hate you so much that they already got the perfect excuse to leave your party. You went to Jaebum to ask if it was true,

"What are we laughing at?" You snap; Jessica looked at you a little worried.

"Jessica was telling me how yesterday you were eating mayonnaise and ketchup in the dark of the kitchen." Jaebum kept laughing; that wasn't true. "I had heard that cravings were crazy, but eating mayonnaise and ketchup right out of the pot is gross ..."

"It was not mayonnaise and ketchup; it was marshmallow cream and homemade jam that my grandmother had prepared," You interrupted Jaebum, a little angry "It's normal; it's something I ate way before pregnancy."

Jaebum was going to say something, but your grandmother came out of the kitchen with giant chocolate fudge; Jessica, Youngjae's girlfriend, and your grandmother were the only ones singing happy birthday.

"You know what? Stop, go if you don't want to be here, my birthday is not a day for me to have a bad time and less to be surrounded by hypocritical people "you yelled, you had already reached your top, you could see how Jackson whispered something to Jinyoung "I opened the doors of my house for all of you, and all you guys have done is ignore me."

They were silent, looking at you with pity "I'm trying to control myself, not being a hothead, but none of you do your part; I know our situation is not the best, but at least I'm trying to control myself, and what I get from your part of his hatred, the only one who has been good enough to me has been Youngjae's girlfriend ..."

"My name is…."

"Not now," You screamed again, scaring the baby she was holding "You know what? I'm the one who's going to go; you guys stay and enjoy the rest of the party."

You went to the door, while you grabbed your bag "(Y / N), wait" you heard Jaebum's voice when you were about to leave the cafe, you turned around to meet Jessica and Jaebum "Please stay the boys are sorry."

"Besides, is your favorite cake" I try to smile, Jessica.

"Keep it, as well as you want to stay with Jaebum," you shouted again. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It's 16,285.95", the cashier told you; you took a taxi to Itaewon; it was the first place that occurred to you, apart from the farthest from your house. "Keep the change."

You had started to walk around the place, you felt like a stranger, a pregnant woman on a Saturday night in the area with the most open clubs and bars, the street was full of people, when you found the store, you went in to relax until the cravings came in. You bought all the chocolates that you could carry in your arms.

"(Y / N?)" You heard someone call, and you found the face of an old classmate. "Long time no see."

Jisoo was a fellow who sat next to you in economics. "Hi Jisoo," you smiled at him as you sat on the chair outside the store.

"How are you?" Jisoo was one of the most handsome men that had been in your class, and you and Jessica had had a little crush in the "Apart from Pregnant."

you feel your face turn red "Well, I'm alone on my birthday, and I just bought 16,000 won worth of candy bars; what did you think?"

"Huh... what happened?"

"Well, I made the mistake of yelling at my grandmother and scaring a baby, just because the hormones have me neurotic enough to think that Jessica and Jaebum have something behind my back."

Jisoo was silent for a moment. "Got7's Jaebum?" I nodded slightly. "Most likely, yes."

I looked at him, surprised, "Why?"

"Jessica always talked about how beautiful he is and how beautiful his voice is; after a while, it becomes annoying when you try to pay attention to what the teacher is explaining."

"Really?" he nodded with a big smile.

"Maybe Jessica is the victim here; you took her favorite idol and got pregnant with him, maybe she flirts with him from time to time and He too because Jessica is pretty. "He paused and looked me straight in the eye." Answer quickly, do you love Jaebum? "

"No," you gasp.

"There is your answer, you don't want it and look at it this way, what better person than Jessica to be the stepmother of your baby? Someone you already know and trust blindly."

You stay silent thinking about his words; he was right; Jessica was your best friend since you could remember, always protecting you, and now you get jealous just because a man was paying attention to her. "I think maybe I'm jealous because Jaebum is taking away my best friend."

"You're weird" you playfully hit him on the shoulder.

"I guess I'm done with the whole dating thing too," you sighed, taking the bag with your candy bars "there's one more thing in my life that's suddenly completely different; this is hard."

"Yeah, on the other hand, in a couple of months, you're gonna have something you're going to love more than any guy, just wait until you see your baby face."

"Thanks, Jisoo," you gave him a side hug.

"You want to grab something to eat?" 

"I think I'm going home; I owe some apologies to a couple of people and aside i’m going to eat  these ten candy bars."

"Hey, I think I cheer you up."

"Oh, you did. There are 20 in here," You laugh when you saw his surprised face.

"Goodnight, Jisoo"

"Goodnight (Y / N)"

Maybe Jessica dating Jaebum is a bad thing.

[kachulein]

The day Tumblr decides to fix its bugs and shit I swear I'll hold a party for all my followers 😭😭 and it's okay!! You don't have to be sorry, I was just worried because I thought something happened to you but knowing that you're doing fine makes me happy ❤️❤️ And talking about my exams... Well, I did my best LMAO I'm still waiting for my scores to be posted because yes my teachers are lazy af and need a whole and entire month to write the scores on the app🙂

Ooohh I've heard so many good things about acupuncture treatment!! My dad took one session to control his anxiety and he liked it quite a lot. What a pity that I'm a coward and am afraid of needles🤡 I'm shaking for when I have to get the vaccine LMAO Everyone be out there being scared because of the vaccine and here I am being scared because of a fucking needle 🤡🤡 And I'm so sorry to hear that you got all the side effects of the vaccine 😣😣 I really hope you're feeling better now❤️❤️ I still have to wait until the end of July/beginning of August to get mine😔 How did your exams go?? I remember you told me the other day you did well on one of them!! 👏🏻👏🏻 I'm sure you nailed them❤️❤️

It's been already 1 year and a half since the last time I could see them😭 Fortunately before covid arrived I could meet them all in Thailand (my uncle lives there) during Christmas because if not it would have been 2 years 😭 And about the ideas of writing... Well... I think I should get banned from watching videos about idols LMAO every time I watch a comeback or something an idea for a fic pops up in my mind and I end up with 382773 ideas on my notebook LMAO

IKR😭 The feelings both of them hold in the song UGH😭😭 It makes me sob🤧

About those two new groups... I just saw the MVs... O H M Y F U C K I N G G O D 🙂 BOWKHLUDQHFIYDQ THEY'RE AMAZING🤩🤩 What's happening with nowadays rookies😭

I've been really into sf9 lately, like REALLY INTO🤧 And actually really into their company groups aka Nflying and P1Harmony 🤧 like have you watched the it's live for Moonshot of Nflying?? HOW ARE THEY SO GOOD😭 And then there's P1Harmony with two amazing albums I can't stop singing and dancing to🙂 what do they eat to be all swaggy and perfect being literally babies? I want to know because I'm older than all of them and all I have done in my life is manage to not burn the kitchen while heating my glass of milk before going to bed🤡🤡

Omg yes right, pls fix the bugs tumblr😭😭😭 and thank you so much for understanding!!😭💖 I didn't mean to worry you :( I wrote a long ass answer and rambled on like always and tumblr just decided to eat the ask, I'm really sorry :(

I hope you're doing good yourself and have you gotten your exam grades already? I'm sure you did amazing!!🥺💖💖 I can honestly feel you so much because it's the same for us as well. It usually takes 3 weeks for us to get our exam results, so I'll probably have to wait another two weeks to see how I've done... I really hope it was good alkfleldksld (and I meant to tell you that I think it went well but I don't have the result yet so I'm not sure yet,,, but thank you so much!!😭💖)

I'm so glad the acupuncture helped your dad managing his anxiety! Anxiety is one of the main reasons I get acupuncture treatments and I slowly start to see an improvement with less panic attacks and being able to handle the anxiety better.🥺 I'm sorry to hear you're scared of needles :( I know it's not really helping but the acupuncture needles are so thin you pretty much don't feel anything.🥺👉🏻👈🏻 And lemme tell you something funny, I had an another session yesterday and got some needles in my butt-😂 I really hope getting the vaccine won't be too bad for you😭💖 I've recovered from the sife effects again and I'm feeling a lot better now and knowing that I'm already protected for around 88% makes me feel a lot more safe, so I hope it will be good for you in the end, too!!🥺 After getting the vaccine at the end of July/beginning of August will you be able to go back home to see your family in August already?🥺💞 And omg, that's been such a long time :( I'm sorry you haven't been able to see them for so long :( You must be so happy to finally be able to reunite with them again. I hope you'll have an amazing time!!🥺💖

Omg akxksso I can see how that's a struggle but I also think it's admirable how creative you are and how you find writing inspiration in everything! That's so cool and something you can be proud of!!🥺 I used to always dream up scenarios in my head when falling asleep and ended up making them into fics😂👉🏻👈🏻

And yes, right!! I agree. I love their voices so much!!😭🥺 And omg yes, these rookies nowadays are so powerful😭😍 I'm really looking forward to their future comebacks.💞 And omgggg although, I don't stan these groups I know them and listen to their songs and I can only agree!🥺 I've just watched the it's Live version for N.Flying's Moonshot and god, it's so good and their voices are *chef's kiss*👌🏻 I also gotta say, N.Flying has absolutely amazing songs anyway! They're often those songs I listen to on repeat.😭😭😭 Rooftop is my absolute fave!!💖 Also fun fact, while answering this ask, I was listening to P1Harmony (Scared - such an amazing song), so I can totally feel you!! And on the age thing🤡 I feel you, again🤡 For me, it's the same with Enhypen. They're all younger than me and I feel like a good for nothing grandma👵 looking at them-😂😂😂

[sunflower-swan]

Not fandom related. TW for Covid content. I just need to put this out there.

...

...

...

One year ago this week...

Wednesday, March 11, 2020: My HS Choir sang the national anthem at the opening game of the state basketball tournament. We had lunch on Mass Street. My Mom came to see me and have lunch together. Dad was busy with farm stuff. My kids were excited to meet my Mom. On our way home we visited the capital building because they had never seen it before.

Thursday, March 12, 2020: HS Music trip to St. Louis cancelled. We were supposed to leave in a week. The kids had been fundraising for a year. We still haven't taken this trip. I'm hopeful for next year.

Friday, March 13, 2020: All of my groups had fantastic rehearsals. We were on the right path to having another great contest season. I told my kids I would see them Monday. We had four more days until Spring Break.

Sunday, March 15, 2020, around 5pm: Schools in my state shutdown until further notice.

Sunday, March 15, 2020, around 5:15pm: Calls and texts from crying and hysterical seniors who just lost all of their lasts. Who had been practicing their solos for months because this was going to be the year they received top marks at state music. Who had their final day with their band and/or choir family and they didn't know it at the time.

And then...

November 2020: A staff member tests positive. I was sitting next to them in a meeting the day before. We were both wearing masks and socially distanced. I was not quarantined.

Also November 2020: Three of my students test positive. I sit next to one of them during band rehearsal the day before. We were socially distanced and I'm not quarantined.

Still November 2020: My BIL tests positive. Sister and kids are quarantined. Family Thanksgiving is cancelled. We'll get together for Christmas.

Day after Thanksgiving 2020: My Uncle calls me to say he was in the hospital a few weeks ago for Covid. My Uncle never calls me. I probably hadn't talked to him in... A year? It was nice to talk to him but apparently thinking you're going to die changes a person.

A week before Christmas 2020: My Dad and his parents admitted to the hospital for Covid. My Dad and Grandma come home. My Grandpa does not... He passes away on New Years Eve. We did not have family Christmas.

Two weeks ago: We made an impromptu visit to see my family. It did not suck as much as I expected it to, to be at my grandparents house. It was the first time had seen them in person in four months. My Grandma is having surgery to remove her thyroid soon. When she was in the hospital for Covid the doctors found early stage cancer.

It has been a real turd of a year for everyone. For educators I feel like it has had an extra special suck. In my classroom (band & choir), kids are literally projecting their breath forcefully into the air. Kinda scary in an environment where kids are often unknown carriers of a dangerous virus that is transmitted through droplets expelled from one's mouth.

In August, when I found out my school was going completely in person with no mask requirement, I did some serious soul searching for a couple of days. In the end, I took the gamble that if I got sick, odds where good that I would feel lousy for a week or two but ultimately be ok. If I wasn't at school, then my kids would not be able to play their instruments or sing, and what's the point in being in music if you can't do those things?

I still feel like that was an unfair choice I was forced to make. The choice between my future health and my students education. For many kids, their elective classes get them out of bed and at school every day. A couple of teachers chose to teach remotely. I'm glad they had that option. The way I looked at it, if I wanted my program to survive beyond this year, and I did, then I had to be at school.

Not gonna lie, that first month of school was rough on me. I hadn't been around anyone other than close family in about six months. I went to the store a couple times with my husband early in the spring. Apparently I don't hide my fear as well as I think I do because we got home and he said that he wouldn't make me do that again. And he hasn't, bless him.

Except... Our weekly trips to the store were fun. We don't really go out so that was our time together outside of home. And we lost that. He still does the shopping on his own. It's the only time he leaves the house other than when we walk the dogs in the evening. (His job allows him to work from home.)

Which brings us to today. I got my second Covid shot on Friday. Saturday I spent the day in bed. I didn't feel "bad" I was just too exhausted to do anything. Yesterday I felt better but still kinda tired. I don't like needles or shots, and the thought of receiving an emergency vaccine really scared the hell out of me.

Teachers in my state were part of group two, right after senior citizens and health care workers, to have the chance at the vaccine. Some of my colleagues chose to opt out. In the end I decided to get it because my Grandpa couldn't. He was gone before it was an option.

And then my Dad sends me this picture this morning:

I was probably about six years old here. And that's my Grandpa helping me ride a bike.

Tell your loved ones you love them every chance you get. Don't take a single second for granted.

...

This ended up way longer than I expected it to be. When I started it was just going to be what happened a year ago. And then it sorta snowballed into everything from the past year. If you've made it this far, well, congratulations I guess. Thanks for coming to my TedTalk.

[queen-of-my-goofball-army]

O Tannenbaum

Hi everyone!!! I have a Christmas DuckTales fic for everybody. My OC Sabrina Duck has been one of my favorite original characters that I have come up with. I have been a fan of Ludwig Von Drake since I was really little. He’s always been my favorite member of the Duck family other than Donald. I love kooky Ludwig Von Drake and this has been one of my favorite fluff fics. I wish all of you a happy, healthy and safe Christmas!! 

I put the last bow on the present that I had gotten for Louie yesterday with Mrs. Beckley, the new gaming system that he had wanted. I had spent months working hard in order to be able to afford it and I knew that my brother was just going to love it. Christmastime was a rare occasion for my family. It was the one time that we ever got spoiled. Uncle Donald spent most of the year other than our birthdays saving up for it. As I tied the green ribbon around the green paper I wrote Louie’s name across it.

“Lass? What are you still doing up?” I heard my uncle’s voice coming from the front of the room and he sat down on the couch.

“I’m wrapping Louie’s present. You might have noticed that he’s a bit of a present hound. If I get anything for him every year he finds it.” I joked and my uncle just chuckled at me as I pushed the present underneath the tree.

“Figured that you’d be fast asleep by now. You have to make another trip tomorrow don’t you?” I nodded my head watching the snow outside with a small smile. Another great thing about the holidays was spending them with uncle Ludwig. I had been doing it since I was really little. I would open presents on the boat and then go off to his mansion.

“It’s one of my favorite parts of the holidays. I always spend New Years Eve with him as well but that was before…” I felt the carpet beneath my fingers smiling softly looking outside. I still had two more of Louie’s presents that I wanted to wrap before I eventually went to bed and now I had company.

“Before what lass?” I laughed at him grabbing the green wrapping paper. We always had color coordinated our wrapping paper so that we would know who had what.

“Well before we moved here with you Uncle Scrooge. I might not do it this year.” I carefully measured out the wrapping paper so that I could make it perfect. Uncle Ludwig had helped teach me how to do it to look more professional last year.

“I don’t want you to go changing your schedule around for me Brina. That’s not what the holidays are for. I know that you’ve been spending less time with Ludwig since you moved in here with me. You really only see him for school now and that isn’t how it used to be right?” I nodded my head faintly, my headband slipping a little bit. 

“I would spend every other weekend with him just for fun. That was when he taught me how to play violin and piano. Back when we lived on the boat things were really cramped and that was my time to get away. Now that I live here it’s a lot less crowded so I’m able to be alone a lot more.” I mentioned to my uncle and he just smiled softly at me as I put a little ribbon across one of Louie’s games.

“He can take this counsel on adventures with us; it's one of the reasons why he wanted it so badly.” Uncle Scrooge just smiled softly at me and patted the seat next to him on the couch where he was sitting.

“I know that this year has been… challenging for you. You got your mom back and I know how happy that made you but at the same time you haven’t seen one of your favorite people as much as you used to. It’s been an adjustment having people living in my mansion that weren’t me. I never thought that Donald would actually come back, nor that he would bring you four rascals with him.” I smiled softly at my uncle taking the wrapping paper and carefully wrapping the last of my brother’s presents.

“At first it was… really hard for me. I spent most of my life not having a mom and uncle Donald never talked about her. I figured that it would be too difficult for him to. I’m the only one of the four of us that was the general translator. Louie joked for years that I should write them a dictionary so that they would understand him too. Having a mom now it’s great. It took me probably the longest to get used to it. But then again I’m me and a bit of an oddball.” My uncle chuckled at me adjusting my headband.

“That’s Dewey talking not you lass, I thought that you two were getting along better?” I sighed running a hand through my fur with a small smile.

“We are, thanks to you mostly. To him I’ll probably always be the kooky sister he just doesn’t call me that much around other people. I don’t really mind that nickname so much because it reminds me of uncle Ludwig.” Uncle Scrooge just sighed a little bit and I could tell that what I was saying did hurt him in some way.

“Sometimes the kookiest people are the best people like you and your uncle. There’s a difference between that and being actually crazy. I mean remember your cousin's Fethery?” I shuddered at the memory violently. That had not been a fun adventure; it had been a lot of me and Dewey bickering.

“Don’t remind me of that please, that was not a fun time for me. I missed out a school session that day because of that wild goose chase. Uncle Donald was right, he's kind of coo coo bananas.” I joked and we shared a good laugh about the antics of our wacky family. It didn’t mean that I loved them any less.

“I’m still sorry that you missed your schooling for that day. Not like you need it though you are a little genius.” I rolled my eyes with a small smile tucking my webbed feet into my body with a small smile.

“I am not a genius, just somebody that was taught really well. I didn’t do well in regular school. It was too crowded and I couldn’t think straight during classes. It wasn’t until I was sat down and taught by uncle Ludwig that I became actually intelligent. I think I just needed to be taught in a different way from most people.” Uncle Scrooge smiled softly at me putting his arm around my shoulders.

“I’ve got something for you lass…” He handed me a wrapped package and I was about to protest.

“But uncle Scrooge-” He shook his head at me with a mischievous smile on his face before he handed me the package.

“I think you’re really going to like it. I wanted to get you something special that I knew you would enjoy. I also wanted to give you it before your pesky brother’s got up.” I unwrapped it carefully and saw that he had gotten me a new violin. My old one was on the boat and that had wound up being very bad for me. When the boat blew up due to Magica De Spell uncle Ludwig had promised that he would buy me another one but I kept it at his house.

“You didn’t need to get me a new violin…” I protested and my uncle just laughed at me heartily shaking his head.

“Yes I did. I know that your other uncle already got you one but you don’t have it here. I’ve never even heard you play in front of me. Ludwig has sent me videos of you playing once I told the old loon you were officially staying here with me he just wouldn’t stop.” I laughed a little bit at the fact that my teacher and mentor had been sending videos of my performances.

“I’m sorry about him, we’re just really super close that’s all.” I apologized and uncle Scrooge just laughed a little bit as I got a better look at my new instrument.

“It’s beautiful… thank you so much for this uncle Scrooge!!” I thanked him, scrambling to give him a hug and he just smiled softly at me. 

“It’s no trouble lass, I wanted to find ye something that you would love. And don’t apologize for the antics of my brother in-law. I’ve been related to him for far too long so I’m used to it.” I smiled softly at my uncle looking down at my violin and seeing that it was one in the morning.

“I should really be getting to bed. It’s late or rather early in the morning. Sometimes it’s like I’m the parent. I’m used to staying up past an ungodly hour to wrap Louie’s presents on Christmas Eve.” I told him as I yawned and sat down for a second just looking at the beautiful tree in front of me.

“Go and get a few hours of sleep lass you look like you are just about dead on your feet right now.”  I nodded my head rubbing my eyes and I went back upstairs and curled up in a little ball against my sheets grabbing my favorite stuffed octopus.

“Did you just come to bed sis?” I heard Huey ask me from the bunk below mine and I looked down leaning my head into his bunk.

“Yes and if you were a good twin you would go right to sleep yourself Huebert.” I threatened lovingly and he just rolled his eyes at me.

“Look who's talking, it's one in the morning Brina. Then again I’m too excited to sleep.” I laughed a little bit at my brother’s surprisingly childish nature.

“Just close your eyes and try to get some sleep Huey. I know that we’ve got a lot of presents out there but that’s no reason to not sleep. Uncle Scrooge got me a home violin. He just gave it to me.” I told him taking off my holly headband with a small smile on my face. I leaned my head back against my pillows and instantly fell asleep. Despite everything when I heard Dewey singing about Christmas only six hours later I still felt well rested.

“It’s Christmas, gotta open up some presents, it’s Christmas gonna spend some time with my family, it’s Christmaaaasss!!” I sighed holding back the urge to jokingly throw my pillow at my younger brother.

“Dewey I love you, I really do but please put a sock in it…” Huey muttered from underneath my bed and I laughed genuinely at him. I put back on my headband from yesterday grabbing my Christmas clothes that I would wear over to uncle Ludwig’s after breakfast and presents. It had Nutcrackers on it and I had gotten it last year on Christmas Eve from uncle Donald.

“Alright I’m coming, Louie get up it’s Christmas that means… present time!!” I waved my hands around animatedly and he shot up out of bed trying to race us to the tree. 

“Oh no you don’t, come on Huey we can’t let the greedy Gus get to our presents first we have to beat him.” I told my brother as he put on his shirt and cap and ran after me for the presents. I skidded to a halt seeing Webby looking around our tree. I looked around the tree for the purple wrapped paper that I had put there a few days ago.

“Merry Christmas Webby!! I hope you like it, I wasn’t really sure what to do for you but you’re one of my best friends.” I gave her the sweater that I had made for her that I hoped that she would like. 

“This is beautiful… You didn’t need to do this for me Sabrina.” I shook my head with a small smile gesturing to my dress.

“Obviously I’m a huge fan of the holidays. I have always been since I was small so everybody gets a present from me that’s how the holiday works.” I reminded her and she held up her purple let it snow sweater that I made for her.

“But you hand knitted this didn’t you? I didn’t even know that you could do that!!” I rubbed the back of my neck a little bit.

“Another teaching of uncle Ludwig’s and it’s one of my favorite hobbies. I made my ugly sweater that I was wearing yesterday. It’s just a little hobby that I have I knit usually before bed. It calms down my anxiety putting on soft music and just feeling the tension of the day go away.” My mom came into the room and I ran to give her a hug. She easily hugged me back, tying the bow a little bit better in the back of my dress. 

“Merry Christmas baby.” I smiled softly at her as she pushed my headband back just a little bit. I showed her the violin case that uncle Scrooge had given to me yesterday.

“Oh wow, this is beautiful!! Did you get this for her uncle Scrooge?” He nodded his head, still looking half asleep but happy.

“I did the lass was out here until one in the morning wrapping presents for her brothers.” My mom turned to me with a quirked up eyebrow.

“In my defense Louie is the literal present hound. He always tries to open his presents before Christmas so I have to wrap his the night before.” My mom looked over at Louie who was shaking one of the green presents and I gestured with my hand in a see motion. 

“Alright sweetheart I see your point. Why don’t you give him a present then.” I nodded my head, grabbing one of Uncle Donald’s presents for him.

“Merry Christmas everyone!!” Uncle Donald came through the room and I took one of the mugs of hot chocolate that he was carrying. 

“Merry Christmas uncle Donald!!” I gave my uncle a tight hug with a bright smile on my face. Webby came back wearing her new sweater over her usual colored shirt.

“Merry Christmas Sabrina, which of the boys wants to go first?” I gestured to Louie who had already started to open his already.

“Ugh clothes!!” He made an exaggerated face and I laughed a little bit and I sat down next to him on the floor.

“Come on Lou at least be nice.” I told him and he smiled softly at me handing me his present for me and I shook it gently.

“Don’t turn into me Brina just open your presents.” He said jokingly and I laughed a little bit at him opening the present and finding that he had gotten me the illustrated version of my favorite book series.

“Lou why did you get this for me? You always make fun of me for reading them…” He gently nudged my shoulder with a laugh.

“I make fun of you because you are my big sister and that’s my job.You’re my best friend in the entire world and I love you that’s why I tease you.” I rolled my eyes at my “younger” brother for his gentle teasing and I flipped through the book seeing the beautiful drawings of dragons.

“Hey!! I loved that book when I was your age!!” My mom encouraged me and I looked up at her with a small sad smile on my face.

“Uncle Scrooge already told me about that. Do you want to look at it mom?” I asked her and she nodded her head enthusiastically. 

“Look at this one Sabrina!!” My mom enthusiastically showed me and I took the book from her looking at the sketch that she was showing to me.

“That’s so awesome wow!!” I looked at the beauty of this book and hugged my younger brother tightly.

“Thank you Lou…” I thanked my little brother and he hugged me tightly back with a small smile before lightly pushing me away.

“Alright that’s enough of the snuggles, get away from me clingy.” I rolled my eyes at him and I went against the other side of the couch.

“Fine, you don’t want my love, that's fine with me…” I protested and I took my book from my mom as she handed it back to me.

“Hey Hue I got something for you!!” Our mom got up and handed my brother his wrapped red present. My brother opened it passionately and found that it was a Sr Woodchuck Guidebook for his new set of badges he was going to earn. He had graduated back in June of this year and I knew that he was excited about the new year for that. 

“This one is yours from me Sabrina!!” My mom told me handing me a book wrapped up in pink paper and I took off the corner of it.

“Learning German, a workbook. Thank you mom… this.. This means a lot to me. I’ve wanted to learn the language for so long but have been too scared to ask uncle Ludwig. I want to surprise him.” I teared up looking at my mom. This present was more than just a workbook. It felt like she was accepting that part of my life. I hugged her tightly and she dried my tears with a small smile on her face.

“Don’t cry sweetie. I know what he means to you and I know that you are going to change the world due to his influence on your life.” I nodded my head with a bright smile on my face finding my present for Dewey.

“Merry Christmas Turbo.” I joked and he just laughed at me while muttering still bitter about that. He opened his present and saw that I had drawn a framed sketch of Darkwing Duck and had Drake sign it the last time that we were in St. Canard.

“Thanks Brina this is… beautiful.” He hugged me tightly and I just smiled softly at my younger brother. We really had come a long way since we had moved here earlier this year. 

“You’re welcome Dew. I know that we haven’t always gotten along and that I can be a bit of an oddball.” He gently shoved at my shoulder showing the rest of the family what I had made for him. 

“I know that I’ve been a jerk to you and I’m sorry for that. You’re not a kook in training and I’m sorry that I made you feel that way sis.” I smiled softly at him lightly kicking his foot with mine. I went through the pile finding a box for Uncle Donald and I gave it to my ultimate favorite uncle.

“You didn’t need to get me anything Brina…” I shook my head with a small smile bouncing on the heels of my webbed feet.

“I knew that but it’s Christmas so just take your present. I have one for Launchpad too but he’s not here…” Our local pilot had gone to St. Conard to help Drake officially adopt one of my newer friends Gosalyn.

“He’ll get your present tomorrow when he comes back. Do you have anything for me?” My mom asked me jokingly and I nodded my head with a small smile going underneath the tree and found the spaceship wrapping paper that I had used. 

“It might be a bit cheesy…” I played with my fingers a little bit and she opened the present showing off a blue sweater that said World’s Number One Adventurer\Mom.

“Oh sweetheart, I just love it. This is the best gift that I could have ever gotten and you know why?” I shook my head and she hugged me tightly to her. I hugged her back. It had taken me so long to become adjusted to having a mom in my life. 

“Because it came from you and from your beautiful heart. You have the heart of an adventurer and the stubbornness of one. You got that from me sorry about that.” I smiled softly at her adjusting the skirt of my dress.

“Huey, I’ve got your present right here!!” I handed my brother the wrapped gift that I hoped that he would like. Out of my brothers he was the hardest one to either shop or make things for. Until I got this idea this year, an organized planner using the Junior Woodchuck sash.

“You… when did you do this?” I laughed a little bit, putting up a finger to my lips and sitting down next to my brother.

“A gift giver never tells her secrets.” I teased and he hugged me tightly. I was just happy that he liked his present. I had finally gotten him to genuinely like something that I had made for him.

“Thanks Brina this is amazing!! I can plan accordingly now!!” He cheered and I couldn’t help but smile softly at him as I waved for uncle Donald to open his.

“To my favorite uncle, wishing you another year filled with adventure and stories to tell.” He read the card that I had put on the present. I always left my biggest ones for last. Those all had cards with meaningful words that I typed out.

“Oh Sabrina this is beautiful…” He held up the sweater that I had knitted from last year’s family Christmas photo. I knew that to my uncle nothing was more important than the happiness of my brothers and I.

“You’re not out of the woods yet uncle Scrooge!! This one is yours.” I found his maroon colored wrapping paper that I had put underneath the tree. 

“To the duck who brought our family together and helped me come out of my shyness.” I smiled softly at the tears in his eyes as he opened his present and saw the gold sweater that I had made for him with silver number one dimes on it. “Thank you lass this the sweetest thing that anybody has ever done for me.” He thanked me and I grinned over at the man that had helped me out so much.

“Alright, I think that the gift giver now needs to open one of her presents again before we all start crying.” Louie snarked from over at his spot and I found one of the magenta colored ones testing the weight of it.

“That one is from me.” Uncle Donald told me and I saw the card on the side of the wrapped up box.

“To Sabrina, my niece who collectively is the most stubborn and independent young duck that I have ever met aside from her own mother. You have grown so much out of your shell this last year able to make friends of your own aside from Louie and Huey. Hoping that this new year brings you all the joy and near heart attacks that it has given me.” I opened the present seeing that it was a picture of me when I was a little duckling. I was in the arms of my uncle Ludwig and he was showing me a map that had all the colors of the rainbow.

“I kept that photograph on the boat in a secret spot knowing that one day I would give it to you. You have always been so captivated by the world around you. It’s something that made you unique Sabrina. I am so proud of everything that you have become during these last few months.” I felt tears fall down my cheeks as I took a picture of it and sent it to my uncle. He instantly got back to me.

“What did he say?” Dewey asked me and I let out a watery laugh drying my tears as I smiled down at the picture. 

“He said that I was always his most captive audience. I love that so much oh my god thank you uncle Donald this is so special to me.” I thanked him and he opened his arms to me while I put the picture next to me.

“Don’t thank me my darling, you’ve always been the best of my children.” I stuck my tongue out at my brothers. I got down and found my other present, this one from Dewey. It had a card on it that just said from Dewey on it but it was a new stuffed animal. My favorite sweet treat had been strawberry milkshakes for as long as I could remember. He had gotten me a stuffed strawberry milkshake.

“Aww it’s adorable thank you Dewey!!” I thanked him smiling softly when he just gave me a thumbs up. He also pushed me a French fry set as well.

“No problem alright, alright who’s the big green one for…” He hummed jokingly as he pushed the gaming console and games towards my green brother.

“It’s for me but this wasn��t here yesterday so it must be from Brina…” He trailed off finding the card and smiling softly.

“To the best friend and brother that a duck could have ever wished for. I hope that this brings you as much joy as you bring me everyday.” I smiled softly at my brother as he opened the gift and gaped at me.

“You didn’t?!” I nodded my head as he tore off the wrapping paper finding that I had indeed gotten him just what he wanted.

“You really are the best sibling in the entire world!!” He cheered and I pushed the two video games toward him that he tore open already booting up his new console. 

“Well we won’t hear anymore out of him today.” I joked and he just lightly kicked his webbed foot in my general direction. Huey handed me a neatly wrapped up pink box. 

“It’s not as heartfelt as you gave me but this is for you Brina.” I smiled softly at my brother as I unwrapped his present seeing that it was a scrapbook from over the years.

“I got most of them from the house, read the inscription.” He told me and I flipped to the front page.

“To Sabrina, a sister that taught me that being brave doesn’t always mean that you go looking for trouble but that you know just the right way to get out of it properly. You are the bravest person I know who is always ten steps ahead of whatever enemy she’s facing. Through learning with uncle Ludwig he has taught you to solve problems not just by looking at things straight but also sideways and backwards. Your brother, Huey.” I teared up reading the emotional inscription that he had obviously put a lot of time and effort into. When I flipped through the pages and saw all the different pictures that he had put in there including a replica in the frame that he must have copied. 

“Thank you Huebert this is everything that I could have ever wanted.” I thanked my brother and he just hugged me tightly to him.

“Don’t thank me sis you’ve worked hard enough. Not just on this Christmas but every single one of them before. Even when we were scraping for cash you still made the right gifts that would make everybody have a happy holiday.” I smiled brightly at my brother seeing one last present under the tree with magenta paper. I picked it up and saw that it was from Gosalyn.

“Oh from your girlfriend?” I shoved my Louie hard in the arm and he tilted but thankfully caught himself. 

“She is NOT my girlfriend.” I protested and he stuck his tongue out at me as I grabbed the card at the front of the package.

“Maybe not yet but she will be one of these days.” Dewey commented from the sidelines and Webby came back from the kitchen carrying waffles for everybody.

“Who’s who’s girlfriend?” Huey rolled his eyes coming to sit next to me and he grabbed the last of his presents from uncle Scrooge.

“On three…” I counted down with my brother keeping the card to read a bit later in the car on the way to uncle Ludwig’s. I opened the box to see another stuffed animal, a Build A Bear this time around this one a cute little reindeer that was white and sparkly.

“Ooo that’s really pretty!!” My mom exclaimed from over on the couch and I nodded my head hugging it tightly. 

“Watch her start sleeping with that instead of the jellyfish.” Louie shot back at me and I flushed a bright pink.

“You-why-you-” Dewey laughed heartily at my brother and I looked around for any other presents for somebody.

“Why lass, what’s there up in the tree?” Uncle Scrooge asked me and I looked around seeing that there was an envelope stuck in the tree.

“It’s tickets to St. Conard for New Years!!” I cheered and Dewey looked over my shoulder with a small smile.

“New Years was never really a huge deal for us anyways, we were way more Christmas fans.” I noticed that there was one more present with magenta paper and Gosalyn’s tag on it and I opened it seeing that it was a stuffed fox.

“She got you two?!” My mom asked me and I nodded my head with a bright smile on my face instantly becoming attached to the fox.

“They have those buy one get another for half off deals all the time if you get them without clothes. You’ve never really liked the clothes huh sis?” Louie asked me and I nodded my head standing up and hugging my uncle tightly.

“Thank you for the tickets to St. Conard uncle Scrooge.” I thanked him and he hugged me back with a small smile.

“No need to thank me lass. Why don’t you do me one favor though instead of a thank you?” I laughed a little bit grabbing my new violin and maneuvering my way around wrapping paper strewn across the floor that Huey was picking up. 

“Anybody have any specific request?” I asked and Dewey looked over at me with a small smile as he played with his new electric train that uncle Donald had gotten for him on the floor.

“What’s that Christmas song that uncle Ludwig really loves? O something?” I smiled softly putting the violin on my left shoulder. I gripped it with my left hand and started to play the beautiful Christmas song with my right hand. This had always been a favorite of mine to play. It just simply made me really happy.

“That was beautiful Sabrina sweetheart!!” My mom encouraged me and I did a mock bow in front of my family.

“That was the first time that she’s ever played for the rest of us…” Louie mentioned looking up at me in sheer awe.

“That’s true!! We used to have to sneak peeks of what she was playing because she was too shy to have an audience. You really have grown a lot this year sis.” Huey reminded me and I looked down at my tights.

“We should be getting you to uncle Ludwig’s, he’ll bring you back here. He’s coming to family dinner this year.” My mom told me and my eyes widened turning to my uncle Scrooge who sighed and adjusted his spectacles.

“I thought that it was high time that I stopped avoiding family. I always had a soft spot for my brother in-law anyways as kooky as he can be.” I cheered with a bright smile on my face. I grabbed my boots and coat, lacing them up.

“Are you ready to go Sabrina?” Uncle Donald asked me and I laughed a little bit at him as I turned around in a small circle.

“I’m ready uncle Donald!!” I cheered and he opened the front door for me and I got my new stuffed animal. I hugged my new fox and grabbed my reindeer as well to take them with me.

“Alright, I’ll be back in a little while family!!” He opened the front door for me and I sat down on my side of the front door. Uncle Donald drove me the short distance to my third uncle’s house and I instantly saw him get up excitedly and open the door for me.

“Mein starchen, happy Christmas!!” I hugged him tightly and he picked me up and hugged me back.

“Happy Christmas uncle Ludwig!!” Uncle Donald handed me the present that I had made for my teacher.

“I’ll see you in a few hours okay Sabrina?” I nodded my head while uncle Donald kissed my forehead driving away.

“Come along starchen it’s cold out here you’ll catch ze sick.” I laughed a little bit at my kooky uncle. I grabbed my stuffed animals and the sweater that I knitted for him.

“Did you get those stuffies for ze holiday?” I nodded my head and I softly felt the ear of my fox. He brought me into his study where I saw three carefully wrapped presents sitting on my work desk.

“My best friend sent them to me!! I told you about Gosalyn. She just got adopted by her foster dad a few days ago.” My uncle smiled softly at me as he scooted his chair over so that he could sit next to me.

“Well that was very sweet of her to do something like that. Did you send her something?” I nodded my head, getting out my phone and showing him the Darkwing Duck ugly sweater that I made for her.

“I knitted her this, I’ve gotten a lot better at knitting words over the last couple of Christmases.” My uncle looked at the picture in awe that I had made something of that caliber.

“Do you remember why I taught you knitting?” I shook my head and he just smiled at me taking one of my wings in his.

“When I was a little duckling much like you, I was an anxious little ball of trouble. My granny sat me down and taught me knitting. At ze time when I taught it to you I thought that it might help. I was never very good at it myself. I would always get too frustrated but I am so happy that you’ve stuck with it. Even though it was hard sometimes.” I smiled lovingly at my uncle who had taken me under his wing and made me his protege.

“I think of it as playing the violin. Yes it’s difficult and sometimes I want to throw the needle and thread across the room while telling it to simply do what I want it to. But then I just remember that you can’t rush knitting. It taught me to be more patient because sometimes even when you really want something done a specific way and it just won’t work you need to work through it.” I told him and I handed him his present that he ripped off like he was my age which caused me to laugh at him. He held it up with two wings and tears in his eyes. He had taught me about checklists when I was really little and I had combined that with my recent passion of knitting ugly sweaters.

“Starchen this is so sweet of you, I-I’m at a loss for words…” I laughed at my uncle unbuttoning my coat and draping it over the sides of my chair and taking off my boots.

“There’s a first time for everything.” I teased and he made the oh hush you motion with his hands. He turned the sweater around so that I could see the dark blue sweater that I made. It had a little checklist that I thought of for a design of four boxes, multiple PHD’s, incredible inventor, kooky uncle and best teacher. Every one of them I had double checked along with the percentages of 25. 

“I’m going to wear this, I’ll be right back. Don’t you dare open up those presents while I’m gone.” He told me and I put my hands up in complete surrender as my phone buzzed and I saw the familiar picture of my best friend. Gos: I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! Thanks Brina it’s super cute and just my style. She thanked me and I smiled softly at the selfie that she had taken of her wearing the Darkwing Duck sweater that I had knitted for her using black fabric. 

Me: Hey no problem!! I had a great time making it besides it’s kind of something that I make all the time. I prefer giving presents to getting them during the holidays (thanks for the Fox by the way I am naming him Ferdinand and the reindeer is Rosanna.) I’m at my uncle Ludwig’s right now. Did your dad tell you that I was coming for New Years?? My uncle came back with a bright smile showing me that his sweater fit perfectly.

“I love this starchen. I’m not taking it off for the next twenty four hours.” He told me and I smiled softly at my educator.

“I’m just really happy that you love it so much. I wasn’t really sure if you would or not but knowing that you do it just… makes me really happy.” My uncle ruffled my hair softly and sat down next to me.

“Did you already name these new stuffies of yours?” I nodded my head gesturing with my wing to Ferdinand and Rosanna.

“This one is Ferdinand and this one is Rosanna. Gos sent me a selfie in her new ugly Christmas sweater that I made for her.” I showed him a picture of what my best friend looked like and she messaged me back.

Gos: He did tell me!! I’m really excited since you didn’t really stay long enough to do some of the touristy stuff with me. We’ll have to do that when you come up for New Years. I thought that you spent New Years with your uncle though? The one that is your teacher?

“You should spend some time with yer friend, we spent a lot of free time together this year too. I knew when Scrooge offered you to stay in his mansion that I would see you less. I expected it so it’s fine that you want to go to visit your friend for ze holiday.” I smiled softly at my uncle giving him a tight hug. His sweater was soft and I instantly melted into the hug.

“Are you sure uncle?” He nodded his head and dried the tears that were there while I smiled softly at him.

“Look at us eh, couple of crying fools.” I laughed at my uncle taking Ferdinand and looking at him. 

“Are you going to knit them some clothes Starchen?” I nodded my head with a small smile. I couldn’t stand the actual Build A Bear clothes; they were far too itchy and scratchy. 

“Probably knit them some ugly sweaters of their own!! I’ll think of something my hands are a little tired from all the knitting that I had to do these last four months.” I went back to my own chair and he just smiled softly at me.

“Well starchen pick a present any present.” He told me like it was a gameshow and I went for the smallest one first. I unwrapped it seeing that it was a new necklace. I opened it and saw that it was a family portrait with my brothers and I last Christmas.

“Oh this is super cute!! Look at Louie’s little hat!!” I laughed a little bit at the memory remembering how much he hated wearing it. We had all worn Santa hats last year in our colors for Christmas photos. This year would have everybody there including Miss Daisy.

“So my nephew is bringing his girlfriend?” I nodded my head with a small smile on my face. I was just happy that uncle Donald had found somebody who would love him for who he was. 

“He is actually!! It’s the first Christmas that he is bringing Miss Daisy with him. I just hope that everything goes alright between them. I love uncle Donald but sometimes things just don’t go his way. Daisy is really nice though she liked my knitting the last time that I saw her I was wearing my GIR sweater.” My uncle laughed softly at my interactions as I tried to tie my necklace around my neck.

“Let me help you with that starchen  before you hurt yourself.” He warned half heartedly and I saw the snow start outside. It was beautiful and I always loved watching the snow. It was something that I had treasured ever since I was really little.

“I was really surprised when Scrooge invited me over for Christmas dinner. It has been a long time since we’ve last truly talked.” I smiled sympathetically at the man that had taught me everything I knew.

“I think I’ve helped him just as much as he has helped me. He got me a new violin for home even though you already replaced my old one and kept it here. I performed in front of my brothers…” My uncle gazed at me a little bit surprised since I had always been terrified of performing in front of somebody that wasn’t him.

“And how did that go?” He asked me carefully and I smiled softly nodding my head looking down at my dress. 

“It went really well surprisingly. I didn’t get nervous really at all. It’s not that I don’t love playing, it's that I get performance anxiety when everybody is looking at me expectantly. Like they expect me to do something and when I don’t… I fear that I’ll get rejected.” My uncle put his arm around my shoulders with a small smile on his face.

“But that won’t happen. They are your family and whether or not you get along with all of your brothers is up for debate. You are working hard to repair your relationship with Dewbert and I know that has been hard for you at times. But you’ve always worked through it and I am so proud of you for that. What did you play for them?” I smiled softly looking down at my necklace and seeing the goofy photo that we had all taken together.

“O Tannenbaum at Dewey's request. I was surprised when that was the song that he told me he wanted to hear. He didn’t know the full name but the point was that he remembered that I would always play it this time of year on the boat because it’s your favorite.” My uncle smiled softly at me adjusting my headband.

“Your siblings love you, I know that especially Louie does. Without you he wouldn’t ever do anything most likely but ze fact that you are there he does everything for you.” I smiled a little bit thinking about my younger quadruplet.

“I got him the gaming system that he really wanted. The cool thing is that it’s portable so he can take it on adventures!! He always whines about having nothing to do during the actual adventuring and getting to the place. So I thought that he would appreciate that. He got me the illustrated version of Earthsea. I’ll show it to you when you come back to the mansion.” I told him and he leaned his head on top of mine.

“I look forward to it starchen. How was Christmas with your mother? Was it everything that you wanted it to be?” I nodded my head with a small smile on my face thinking about the German workbook that she had gotten for me. 

“It really was!! I made her a sweater that said number one adventurer\mom on it.” He smiled softly at me and I reached for the medium sized present seeing that it was a chemistry set of my very own. I had only ever used his before during school sessions but I loved science and especially chemistry because that was the kind of thing that you could catalogue. He had taught me all the names for the elements through song.

“Thank you uncle Ludwig!! I love it so much!!” I thanked him and he just chuckled a little bit at me as I started to take it out of the box. I looked at all the different mechanics and put them together to make the full set. 

“That’s my niece, using that big brain of hers to put that together in… three minutes flat!!” He encouraged me and I laughed a little bit at him as I looked at all the different elements that were in front of me.

“Well I had a pretty fantastic teacher!!” I reminded him and he just laughed a little bit at me that typical ho, ho, ho laugh that I had grown up loving.

“You were an even better student, you just needed to be taught in an unconventional way. It makes sense since I am a highly unconventional type of person.” He reasoned and I smiled softly at him looking at all the chemicals that I had. I couldn’t wait to start experimenting with this once I got back home.

“I just needed a song about all the chemicals on the table set to a song. I love music and you used that to your advantage.” I added onto that and put all the items back into the box looking at the last one.

“What could it possibly be, I don’t really know…” I gently nudged him while laughing at his typical antics. I took off the wrapping paper and saw that he had gotten me another box. I opened it hearing a soft meow.

“You didn’t….” He nodded his head and I took out the cat carefully seeing that it was this tiny ball of fur.

“I already cleared it with Scrooge and you can keep ze little guy. What do you want to name him?” I hummed in thought before an idea occurred to me while petting his soft little head.

“Jiji? Do you like that name?” The kitten meowed in affirmation and approval and my heart simply melted at the cuteness.

“I say that he does like it quite a lot!! That’s all the presents that I have for you this year. I wanted to get you another stuffed animal but figured that you had plenty of those from the others. So I wanted to get you a real life friend.” I smiled softly at my caring uncle giving him a tight hug. 

“Thank you uncle Ludwig this is the best thing that could have ever given to me.” I thanked him and he just shot me back his signature kooky smile. “There is no need to thank me starchen. Simply seeing you happy is the thing that I wish for every year.” He reminded me and I smiled softly at my new kitten that I had just gotten as I petted his head and scratched behind his ears and he purred back at me.

“Well that’s funny because every year I wish you the exact same thing so it must come true.” I joked and he just smiled at me. Jiji came to sit in my lap and I felt him paw around until he found a comfortable spot.

“How is he already so attached to me?” I asked him and he gestured to the box which I sniffed and smelt the lemon and citrus shampoo that I used.

“I made it into a perfume if you want the rest of it, it's right here. I wanted him to get adjusted to the way that you smelled. I thought that if I made a perfume with that scent it would work and it would be a success!!” He cheered and I laughed a little bit at him hearing the soft purrs of Jiji against my lap.

“I love him uncle Ludwig thank you so much, he’s so cute…” I thanked him again, kissing his forehead and he pressed closer to me.

“There is no need to thank me Sabrina. I knew that he would make you happy. If he gets unattached maybe we could build a snowman in ze front yard?” I nodded my head enthusiastically since that was one of my favorite yearly traditions. 

“Yes!! Of course we’re doing that again, I love building the yearly snowman.” I cheered and I smiled softly taking a picture of Jiji and sending it to the family group chat.

Me: Uncle Ludwig got me a kitten!! Welcome to the family Jiji!! I got a series of gasping emojis from Huey along with a response that he would go out and get a cat tree for him to put in our room. I saw Jiji get up off of my lap and go wander around the mansion for a little while.

“Come on starchen it’ll get dark before you know it and I promised Scrooge that we would be back by four.” My uncle reminded me offering a wing up and I buttoned up my coat and put my shoes back on.

“Here take this scarf and hat. I don’t want you to get sick out there.” He reminded me lovingly and I took the items from him that were magenta colored. I tied up my snow boots and looked out at all the snow.

“Alright time to ze best snowman on ze block!!” He encouraged me and I nodded my head helping him to roll out the base. I got a really mischievous idea when I rolled up a ball of snow and launched it at him. I couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on my uncle’s face. He just looked so dejected and almost hurt for a moment before I saw the determination.

“Oh so it’s going to be like that is it young lady?” He asked with his hands on his hips arming himself with another snowball as I sprinted around his front yard.

“Gotta find a place to hide…” I muttered to myself and I found the big tree on his side yard running over there dodging snowballs.

“So that’s your strategy, you strike first and zen you run away?” I snickered to myself finding another snowball and gagging where his voice was coming from before throwing it.

“Oof!!!” I heard a sputter and a fall over and I couldn’t help but cackle with laughter at the fact that I had made a perfect bullseye shot.

“I grew up with three brothers, uncle Ludwig, in snowball your best bet is to find a place to hide and then build your ammunition. I’m sorry if I hurt you.” I apologized and offered him a hand up only for him to find the first pile of snow and lightly shove me into it. 

“Hey!!” I laughed a little bit when I hit the ground since the snow was not that deep and watched as his eyes widened. 

“Are you okay starchen?! Oh noes what was I thinking, I should have checked that snow pile.” He quickly offered me a hand up and I dusted off the back of my dress a little bit. I was fine. It did hurt a little bit but I was tougher than I looked.

“I’m fine uncle Ludwig, it did hurt but I’ll survive. It was more of a surprised hey than anything else.” I hugged him tightly and I felt him hug me back tentatively. I sighed a little bit since I knew that I had worried my teacher.

“Why don’t we go and finish the snowman? I promise no more snowball fights.” I held my hands up in surrender and he just smiled softly at me.

“You’re so strong starchen, I’m still so sorry that I did that. I wasn’t thinking.” I smiled softly at my uncle kissing his cheek gently.

“I’m okay uncle, come on this snowman isn’t going to build himself!! Ooo that would be a fun invention to try out an automatic snowman builder.” I thought to myself and my uncle did his bright laugh that I always moved hearing.

“It would save us ze trouble of having to freeze our tookies off every year!!” He added onto my thought and I laughed a little bit knowing that next year he just might have made the Von Drake automatic snowman builder. Whether or not invention would work was entirely up to chance. 

“Exactly!! But for now a snowman needs to be built. And a snow niece.” I reminded him helping him to build the perfect snowman while I got to work on my snow niece next to him. I went inside and grabbed the carrots and coal that we used every year and decorated them.

“Ze perfect snowmen!! Great job starchen we still have a while before we need to go. Come along let’s get you thawed out.” He put his arm around my shoulders and led me back inside. He lit his fireplace and brought out his latest invention.

“I call it the Von Drake automatic homemade hot chocolate maker!! Have you ever wanted a cup of freshly made hot chocolate and not wanted to use ze sometimes nasty but all together fine instant things from the microwave but the homemade was too much of a hassle for you?” I nodded my head because he did have a good point.

“Well no longer because this will make you a cup of hot chocolate that is homemade faster than the ones from ze microwave!! All I have to do is press this button.” He showed me putting a mug under the machine as I watched it fill with homemade hot chocolate.

“Don’t forget ze marshmallows!!” He encouraged me and I took a handful taking a picture of the hot drink and sending it to Gosalyn. 

Me: My uncle made a machine that makes automatic hot chocolate that is homemade!! Let’s see how it tastes and I’ll give you the verdict. I took a gentle sip and my eyes widened. He was right!! This did taste like homemade hot chocolate and it was made with no fuss, no mess that usually went along with the dessert.

“And what is ze verdict?” I put my mug down and gave him two thumbs up with a bright smile on my face.

“It’s amazing!! It really is, it tastes just like homemade hot cocoa but it’s without having to dirty up the big pot in order to do so.” He cheered with his laugh and filled up a mug for himself grabbing the marshmallows.

“It does work!! This could be my next big project, it would definitely bring in ze big bucks.” He thought to himself and I laughed at him.

“You don’t have to in fact I’d prefer if you didn’t. Have it be our little thing.” I clinked my mug with his and I sent my best friend starry eyed thumbs up emojis.

“It also just makes warm milk for ze kitties…” I looked down and saw Jiji come into the room and uncle Ludwig got a small bowl.

“But uncle Ludwig most cats are lactose intolerant!!” I reminded him and he held up one finger before showing me that he had made it with a cat milk option.

“And only be given it in moderation. Don’t worry, starchen I did my research.” Jiji carefully lapped at the milk that was offered to him and my heart warmed.

“Thank you uncle Ludwig again for him, he's so beautiful.” I thanked my uncle and he just laughed at me sitting down next to me on the couch.

“Tis no problem I wanted to bring you ze happy feels this holiday.” I smiled softly at him and the warmth of the drink brought the cold out of my body.

“Just spending the holiday with you makes me happy uncle. You didn’t need to do anything in particular to make it that way. But building the snowman is always my favorite part of the holiday.” I mentioned to him and I snuggled into his side as Jiji hopped up next to me on the couch curling up behind me.

“It’s my favorite too starchen. It makes me so grateful that you are so kind hearted to your kooky uncle.” I rolled my eyes at my uncle settling against him. I had never liked when he called himself kooky since even though he never really cared about the insult it still made me want to yell at anybody who had ever called him that.

“I don’t think that it’s right that people make fun of you uncle Ludwig…” I trailed off and he just smiled softly at me.

“They just don’t really understand me, tis them that is kooky not me. Besides I’m sorry too. I think that from hanging around me so much you got the gene too.” He apologized and my heart broke for my teacher.

“That’s not true!! I mean it did make me a bit… odd but I love the way that I am. You taught me that there is no straight answer or right way to answer anything. That there is always another way to analyze a problem. That methodology helped me to become a better problem solving adventurer because I knew that whatever bind I got into that there was always another way. It also helps that I got my optimistic attitude from you.” I joked and my uncle laughed a little bit at me.

“You always know just what to say to make me feel better starchen. I was only happy to help you. I knew that your schooling wasn’t helping you and that you needed a more eccentric way of getting the message across.” I smiled softly at my uncle drinking from my cup of now cooling but still warm enough to soothe the coldness in body hot chocolate.

“I made another machine for you to keep at ze mansion so that you can have it whenever you want to.” I cheered since that would make the colder mornings a lot easier for me to handle. I preferred his more grounded in reality inventions. There was one time when I was younger that he made an apple chopper that went haywire that scared me from eating apples for a year.

“Thank you for that uncle Ludwig. Really this is one of the best inventions that you have ever thought up. What made you change from being overselies with them to being more grounded in reality?” He sighed adjusting his spectacles with a small remembering smile on his face. Jiji pressed his body a little bit closer to my leg.

“It was you Sabrina. You made me rethink the way that I was inventing things after the apple slicer incident. I was only trying to make you happy. In doing that you had your first ever sensory overload. It was my fault. I know that you told me it wasn’t but I often felt bad about it. That’s when I knew. I had to stop the crazy gizmos and gadgets and make things that were more practical for people. Things that would save people time or bring people together like this one.” He mentioned to me and I smiled softly at my favorite teacher. He had done so much for me and I wanted to bring just a little bit more happiness to him.

“I love you uncle Ludwig…” I didn’t really know what to say to that whole speech. It would probably take me a bit more time to process but when he kissed my forehead gently I knew that he knew what I was trying to say. “Finish your cocoa and then we should probably get on our way starchen.” He reminded me and I drank the last of my mug and he took it over to his sink to wash later.

“Did you get your stuffies?” I nodded my head gesturing to where they were in my arms and Jiji walked beside me.

“He’s an outdoor and indoor cat but I would keep him indoors if I was you. Don’t want him running away now.” I nodded my head as Jiji looked down at the snow and then up at me as if to ask me mommy what is this sorcery.

“I got you little one.” My uncle picked him up and Jiji looked around at the atmosphere around him curiously. He stuck his pink tongue out at the snowflakes and caught one on his tongue.

“Good boy Jiji, we’re almost in the car.” My uncle had made his first car into an electric one a few years ago to try and save the environment.

“Alright starchen off to Scroogie’s house!!” He cheered and I cheered along with him as Jiji climbed into my lap to watch the world go by out the window. It was a beautiful snowy Christmas night and I loved the look of everything right now. Before I knew it we were at the mansion and I found my brothers playing outside with new sleds.

“Hey!!” Dewey cheered and I rushed to hug my younger brother and Jiji looked around outside the car.

“Hey Dew, what’s going on?” I asked him and he smiled showing me the igloos that they had made while I was gone.

“We all got new wooden sleds and we were giving them a test run. Also you missed a snowball fight but we’ll make up for it tomorrow. Is that him?” I nodded my head with an apprehensive smile but Huey was already rushing towards our uncle.

“Hi I’m Huey, it’s great to finally meet her teacher.” My brother introduced himself to our inventing uncle who just gave his laugh.

“I already knew which one you were actually Huey. She described all three of you to me since she was very little. Where is Louie?” My brother gestured to the inside where I assumed my brother had been most of the day. 

“Playing his new system he got cold about an hour ago which makes sense. I’m Dewey. You probably hate me and I’m sorry for all the stuff that she probably has already told you. I can kinda be a jerk to her sometimes.” My blue brother apologized and our uncle got down on his level.

“I won’t say that your words didn’t hurt me because seeing starchen cry is like a dagger in me. I do however understand that siblings can’t always get along. I commend you for being honest and upfront about your flaws. That is a very hard thing to say. I think ze ego gets in ze way of that.” My uncle reasoned and he took my wing in his wrapping it around his. He looked at the igloos that my brothers had built in awe.

“We build them every year as our team's secret bases for snowball fights. It’s every man for himself so it usually results in all out warfare. Is Miss Daisy already here?” Huey nodded his head with a bright smile on his face.

“She got here just a little bit before you did!! Is this Jiji? I got a place for you to live little buddy.” My brother bent to pick him up and Jiji gently sniffed his hand before deeming Huey trustworthy.

“So he really does say the as ze?” I nodded my head with a laugh a little bit as Huey was already asking him how he came up with the chemistry song.

“I love his laugh too, when he does it you’ll know it’s the ho, ho, ho laugh.” I did a bastardized interpretation of it.

“You are also both hand talkers I see.” I nodded my head since I had inherited that from spending all that time around him.

“Oh yeah he taught me a lot with the hand movements. Starchen is German for star by the way.” I mentioned off handedly to my brother and he just listened to me while I talked about the person who meant more to me than anything else in the world.

“Louie loves his game by the way he was playing it for hours after you left. He didn’t even come outside at first when me and Huey were. Uncle Scrooge had to make me drag him.” I laughed a little bit at the idea of Huey kicking and screaming just wanting to play his game. Huey opened the heavy door to the mansion and I heard Louie in the living room with our mom.

“Die monsters!! Die!!” I cackled with laughter hearing my mom’s overly enthusiastic video gaming style. 

“Ludwig…” I heard uncle Scrooge from the front hall as he walked briskly down the hallway. I couldn’t help but smile since I could see how happy he was. 

“Scroogie…” My uncle’s hugged tightly and I couldn’t help but want to commit this moment to memory.

“I’ve missed you, you old mad scientist you.” I laughed at uncle Scrooge and I knew how important this reunion must have been for both of them.

“I missed you too, my brother in-law. Not really doing much of ze mad scientist thing these days. I’m more moved onto teacher and and mentor now. Look what mien starchen made me!!” He exclaimed, showing him the ugly sweater and I saw that Scrooge was wearing his as well. My family was really the best family in the whole wide world. It was at times like Christmas in particular that reminded me of that. 

[afictionaladventure16]

can i request one Natasha x Bucky x Teen!Reader? where is Reader birthday, the 16-year-old avenger, who has no family but has always been considered by the team as “Natasha's and Bucky child ”. So, on her birthday, they filed the adoption papers to see what she thinks of making things official.

Our Birthday Girl (Bucky Barnes x Natasha Romanoff x Teen!Fem!Reader)

A/N: Hope you enjoy the fic! I also want to thank @musicalmarvels for editing this fic for me! Catching all my errors! It means a lot!! ❤❤❤❤

Avengers Masterlist

Avengers Complete Masterlist

Warnings: Mentions of loneliness

Word Count: 2,007

“Hey!” Sam exclaimed as you took the AUX cord from his phone.

“It’s my birthday, Sam,” you say with a smirk as you plugged the AUX cord into your phone. 

Sam rolled his eyes, “Whatever,” he said as he focused on driving. You and Sam were sent on a small mission; a mission that had lasted two days. “Do Nat and Bucky have anything special planned for your birthday?” 

You rolled your eyes. The team had officially claimed you to be Natasha and Bucky’s child mostly because you had come from a similar background but also because Natasha and Bucky seemed to have this protectiveness over you. 

You were an orphan since you were fairly young; both your parents were captured by Hydra and their death gave Hydra the ability to experiment on you. When you were 12 years old, Shield had saved you. Fury introduced you to the team but the first two people you warmed up to were Natasha and Bucky. “They didn’t mention anything,” you mumbled. Even with everyone calling you their child, you did think of them as your parents.

“It’s your sixteenth birthday, it’s kind of big.” 

“Yeah, and so is eighteen and twenty-one,” you smirked. 

Sam just smiled. He knew what Natasha and Bucky had planned; he just loved knowing you weren’t expecting it because frankly, it’s about time the couple was going to finally do something. The whole team had been suggesting it since a couple months after you arrived. 

It wasn’t long until you and Sam arrived at the compound, “Oh, come on, Sam! It’s my birthday!” you exclaimed as you both entered the kitchen.

“I don’t care!” Sam let out a sigh of relief as he spotted Natasha and Bucky at the kitchen table drinking coffee, “Nat, Bucky, please handle your child,” he said as he gestured towards you. 

“What did she do this time?” Natasha asked with her eyebrows raised. 

“Can you believe this kid wanted me to carry her inside,” Sam said in disbelief.

You rolled your eyes and walked over to where Bucky was sitting, “Well, it is her birthday,” Bucky said with a smirk. 

You chuckled and sat down next to him, wrapping your arms around him, “And this is why I love you, Buck.” 

Bucky smiled and placed a small kiss on your forehead, “Happy birthday, baby doll.”

You hadn’t noticed Natasha had gotten up from her spot until she was engulfing you in a hug, “Happy birthday, sweetie.” 

“This is real cute,” Sam said, “but I got paperwork to do,” He sent a wink to Bucky and Nat before leaving the room. 

Natasha sat down next to you, “So, what do you want to do today?” 

You honestly didn’t know what you wanted to do. You were tired from the recent mission, and all you wanted to do was relax and watch some movies. You shrugged, “I just want to relax,” you said softly. 

“Well, we can put on Star Wars,” Bucky suggested causing you to smile, “and order your favorite take out.” 

“Or we can have a Harry Potter marathon!” Natasha also suggested. 

“Whatever you want, baby doll, it is your birthday after all,” Bucky said with a smile. 

“Harry Potter marathon,” you said with a grin. 

 “I’ll go order the take out while you go take a shower,” Bucky scrunched up his nose, “You stink.” 

“Hey!” You exclaimed as you playfully hit his shoulder. Bucky chuckled. You got up from your seat and walked over to the elevator. 

Once you were out of earshot range, Natasha looked over at Bucky, “We’re doing it tonight, right?” 

Bucky nods, “It’s long overdue,” he mumbled. 

“We’ll watch movies, sing her happy birthday with the team, and have some cake,” Natasha mumbled the plan, “Then when everyone leaves and she thinks we’re gonna watch more movies, we give her the present.” Bucky gazed at Natasha as she continued to mumble to herself. He was smiling at her. Natasha could feel his eyes on her and looked at him, “What?” 

“I love you,” he whispered. 

She rolled her eyes, “I know.” 

You took a quick shower and changed into some sweats along with a comfy, long-sleeve shirt. You walked into the living room and saw that Nat had the movies ready; she was sitting on the couch, scrolling through her phone, “Where’s Bucky?” you asked as you sat down next to her. 

“He’s asking everyone what they want from your favorite restaurant. I told him to just get the two family combos but he insisted on getting everyone’s favorite dish.” 

You chuckled, “Sounds like Bucky,” you say as you made yourself comfortable next to Nat. She placed an arm around you as you snuggled against her. 

“Alright,” you heard Bucky say, “I just need to call it in and then we can watch movies,” he said as he took his phone out. 

After a couple of minutes, Bucky came back into the living room with a blanket. He placed it on top of you and Nat and then sat on the other side of you. “Where is everyone else?” You asked as Nat began the movie. 

“They um… they’re doing some things…” Bucky trailed off. 

“They’ll join us when the food gets here,” Natasha said with a smile. 

About an hour passed, and the food finally arrived. Everyone was now at the table eating. 

“One thing I do remember,” Steve began to say, “was the day Y/N arrived,” he said with a smile. 

“Oh gosh, please don’t tell me you’re going to get emotional,” you said. 

Steve chuckled, “I just can’t believe you’re sixteen. It feels like just yesterday you were this shy twelve year old following Bucky around like a lost puppy.” 

Bucky smiled, “I remember that, but if we’re gonna talk memories, I think my favorite memory of Y/N would be of the time she saved Sam’s ass during that one mission.” 

“Which one out of the many?” you asked with a smirk on your face. 

Sam glared at the both of you, “Ha ha real funny.” 

“I think my favorite has to be the time Bucky and I had to go to the parent-teacher conference for her school a few months back,” Natasha said with a broad grin.

Bucky smiled, “You know what, I change my mind, that’s my favorite memory as well.” 

You remembered that day very well; it was quite an emotional day for you. 

You sat in the back of the class, watching as your friends laughed with their parents as they showed them around their homeroom. You felt like you didn’t belong there; you didn’t even know why you showed up, but you did. This was your first year in an actual public school, and you didn’t think you would feel left out. 

Everyone had a norm. They had a family. You… had yourself. 

You sighed to yourself and got up from your seat, making your way out to the hallway. Why did you show up? 

You began walking down the hallway towards the exit, “Where do you think you’re going?” you heard a familiar voice say. Your heart leaped at the familiarness. You turned around to see Natasha and Bucky holding hands as they walked closer to you. They stopped just before the door to your homeroom.

“We got lost,” Natasha began to explain, “Hope we’re not too late.” 

You felt moved to tears, maybe you weren’t so alone after all. Bucky let go of Natasha’s hand and walked up to you. You desperately wrapped your arms around him, letting out a soft sob.  “Shh,” he said calmly, “It's okay.” 

You felt someone place their hand on your shoulder. You peeked to see Natasha giving you a comforting smile, “I know it feels like you’re alone,” she glanced over to the classroom door, “that you don’t have a family but-” 

“We’re your family,” Bucky finished saying as he gently rubbed your back. 

“And we will always be your family,” Natasha added. 

“I love you guys so much,” you said softly. 

“And we love you,” Natasha said softly. You let go of the embrace you had held with Bucky and Natasha gently wiped away your tears, cupping your face, “Now I want to hear all the good things your teacher has to say about you.” 

“Yeah! Hey, maybe you should show me where all the cool hangouts are,” you raised your eyebrows at Bucky, “It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a high school.” 

“Almost a hundred years, a long time,” Natasha said with a smile. 

Bucky rolled his eyes. You laughed and then showed them to your homeroom, “This is my homeroom,” you explained, “It’s kind of like study hall. It’s a bit boring but next, we can go to my English Lit class.” 

“That’s with Mrs. Smith, right?” Natasha asked.

You smiled at the fact that she knew who your teachers were, like an actual mom would, “Yeah,” you said softly, “It is.” 

“Alright, time for cake!” Tony said as he entered the kitchen, holding a cake. He walked over to where you were sitting at the table and placed it in front of you. 

“Oh gosh!” You exclaimed as you looked at the decorative cake in awe, “I love it!” You said as you looked over at Tony.

“You can thank Nat and Bucky for it. They’re the ones who ordered it,” Tony explained, “I just picked it up.” 

You looked back over at Bucky and Nat who were sitting on either side of you, “Thank you,” you said softly. 

“It’s no problem, sweetie,” Natasha said as she placed a small kiss on your temple. “Tony, the candles?” 

“Oh! Right!” He took out some candles from his pocket and placed them on the cake, lighting them up after. 

“These better not be those gag candles,” you warned. 

“No promises,” Tony said with a smirk. 

“Alright!” Bucky exclaimed, “Let’s sing happy birthday.” Everyone gathered around and began singing happy birthday. You looked at all the different faces, people who were called heroes, who didn’t live a normal life, and you were a part of it. You are an Avenger. Your life may never be normal. You may never have that normal family, but you did have a family. Although they weren’t blood, they cared and loved you like a family. Most of all, you had parents. A couple who took you under their wing and somehow, you felt like their child. That's all that mattered. 

Once everyone had a slice of cake, they all went into their own rooms. Leaving you, Bucky, and Natasha in the living room once again. 

“So, back to watching Harry Potter?” you asked as you began to make your way to the couch. 

Natasha cleared her throat, “Actually,” you stopped and turned around, “We have a present for you.” 

“What did I say about presents?” you said as you rolled your eyes. 

“This is different,” Bucky explained, you hadn’t noticed he was holding a yellow envelope, “Here.” 

He handed you the envelope, and you looked at them with a confused expression. You grabbed the envelope and began to open it, “We thought since we’re like a family,” Natasha began to say as you pulled out the papers. 

“And we love you as if you were our own kid,” Bucky added. 

You felt tears begin to well up in your eyes as you read the title of the first page, “Y-you guys w-want to adopt me?” You looked up to see the couple smiling at you. They gave you a soft nod, “Seriously?” 

“Dead serious,” Natasha said as tears formed in her eyes. 

“The papers are all signed; we just need your signature and the judge’s approval,” Bucky said softly. 

“What do you think?” Natasha asked. 

You had no words. You nod your head vigorously as tears began flowing down your cheeks, “Yes!” Natasha let out a relieved breath as she engulfed you into a hug. Bucky soon joined in as well. This was all that mattered. 

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