#we told the yard leader about it when she got back from lunch and she got a kick out of it

[icedteaandoldlace]

Yesterday at work

Yard Guy: *walking around inside the store, looking a little lost*

One of the other cashiers: What are you doing?

Yard Guy: Oh, I was looking for [yard leader], but she's on lunch.

Cashier: (not hearing him) Who?

Yard Guy: [Yard leader's name]? From the yard? Tall? Mexican? The lady in charge back there?

Cashier: Aahh, the JEFA!

Yard Guy: (with huge, confused eyes) The WHAT??

Cashier: The jefa! The boss!

Yard Guy: Oh. ....Is that what that word means?

Cashier: Yeah! When she gets back, you gotta call her the jefa!

Yard Guy: Okay. *starts to walk away*

Me: JefA, not heifER.

Yard Guy: OH! Okay!

Cashier: Oh, yeah, don't go calling her heifer! She'll kill you!

[everlesslahote1]

‘So Your like Harry Potter?’ (Paul Lahote) -Request

Hello! Can I make a request? Something like Paul's imprinting is a witch and never told him because she was afraid the pack would hate her like they hate vampires? Happy new year and feel free to not write this one If you don't feel comfortable! Thank you ^^

-I’ll try, Thank you❤.

I hope you like it.

Paul Lahote x Fem!Reader 

(warning: none)

Y/E/C = Your eye color

Enjoy!

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“We could watch some movies” Y/N called out as she hung upside down in Emily’s living room while the rest of the pack were either on the floor or in chairs.

It was a Sunday and everything was clear in the woods, not a leech other than the normal one’s so Sam gave the pack a off day from patrol.

With only one problem... they were bored.

Jacob was with Nessi while Sam and Emily went to visit some of Emily’s family across town.

“Nah” she heard most of them mumble from their places around the room.

“I’m tired of movies” Jared said as he laid his head on Embry’s shoulder making him push it off while everyone agreed with him.

Y/N flipped the right way up now running out of ideas and looked at her boyfriend who was at the other end of the couch dosing off.

“Paul...” she whined and put her head back.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes to look at her beady y/e/c one’s, he smiled a little seeing the fake stress she was under before leaning on his hand.

He only smiled because this is the longest he ever saw his small rambunctious imprint sit still, ever.

No matter if it was her climbing the stair rail...she was ANYWAYS moving.

Its like she had around the clock jitters.

Of course Paul quickly adapted to his lovers personality because if he was being honest, it only made the love he had for her stronger.

Though he couldn’t argue with the fact that she tired the 6′8 foot wolf out on most times.

She wasn’t like Emily or Kim, she was the smallest other then Claire and she always wanted to fight with the boys. 

Y/N was known for getting a good laugh out of annoying the pack and they couldn’t do anything about it for two simple reasons.

One, because of the rule “no wolf may harm the imprintee of a fellow pack member” stand’s tall and Two, Paul would kill them dead if they so much as leave a scratch on Y/N.

Seeing she wasn’t getting anywhere with her imprinter she groaned loudly which caught Quil by surprise making him fall out the chair he was in.

Everyone looked up with wide eyes as Quil slowly got up rubbing his hind quarters and glaring at the small girl.

“Jeez Y/N, I think you broke Quil” Jared said chuckling making Quil throw the closest pillow he could grab at him.

Y/N rolled her eyes and stood up making her way to the back yard.

“Where smalls going?” she heard one of them ask on her way out.

Y/N plopped down in grass and stared at the sky trying to think of anything to do a this point.

She sat up and looked behind her to see if any of the boys were on their way out but saw the coast was clear.

She took a deep breath before remembering the words to one of the first spells her late mother taught her when she was a child.

“crescere” She said making a rose start to grow out of the spot of ground she was next to.

Y/N mother was a coven leader to witches in the south, she was kind, fair, loving, everything a leader was but she was a mother first.

When Y/N mother was pregnant with her she fought hard to keep peace with the wolves and vampires in the area they lived in.

Peace was a common factor between the three supernatural species.

When Y/N was six years old that all soon changed when the vampires wanted all of the land and the witches and wolves refused to give up what was theirs.

Not much longer the red eyed monster’s forced a attacked on the wolves when they least expected it.

Killing them all in a blink of an eye.

Y/N’s mother knew her coven was next on the leeches list but refused to bow, Y/N would say that her mother’s pride costed her a lot but if it didn’t she wouldn’t have everything with Paul.

As the vampires moved in on the witches, killing every witch they could get their hands on but not before Y/N’s mother put a cloaking on her so she could make her escape.

Six year old Y/N ran fast and hard from her home land as she heard her mother’s screams for mercy.

She soon found her self in Minnesota where she was raised in a foster home, it was there when she stopped using her magic.

 When Y/N was 17 she ran away from her abusive foster home and made a 23 year old friend by the name, Avery Carson who was on vacation to the small city.

Avery soon had to go back to La Push with her family and didn’t want leave Y/N behind, the 17 year old cried and begged the girl to take her with her and even explained why she couldn’t stay.

Y/N knew that if she didn’t leave then and there she would be found and forced back into her foster home only to be beaten and spat at again.

She didn’t want to go back to that horrible place, ever. 

Avery gave in and flew back to La Push with the soon to be legal girl on her side, she even took it as far to put her in school on the rez.

It was then she met and was imprinted on by the well known hot headed wolf, Paul Lahote.

People told the girl Paul was no good for her pure soul and let to her ‘simple crush’ go, not knowing that she found her soulmate.

Y/N thought Paul was over looking her but in all honesty the large boy was just scared to approach the small figured girl.

She would sit in the room that Avery gave her so she would have a place to stay just thinking about the tan boy.

How at lunch he would stare then after she would look back or try to hold eye contact he would quickly look back to his friends and act like he wasn’t paying attention.

After awhile the pack took notice to the odd silence their friend was giving then soon grew tired of Paul always thinking about the new girl on patrols but not acting on it.

So his bestfriend Jared and pack brother Quil gave him the push he needed to at least hold a conversation with Y/N, literally.

As Y/N was walking past the group of boys Jared and Quil pushed Paul into her, just as she was about to fall back on her butt Paul grabbed a hold of her belt loops pulling his warm body to hers.

It was then they became friends and later became something more.

Eight months into knowing Paul and his group of friends that everyone thought was a ‘gang’, he told her what he really was and what made him go into shock the young girl simply replied with....

‘I kinda figured’ 

Now a year later she was like the littlest wolf and a little sister to the pack but she never told anyone of her powers.

Not even Emily, Kim Or Avery.

She repeated her act of making the roses grow out the ground before she heard Embry’s voice speak.

“OH MY GOD!” he shouted as he ran back in the house yelling for Paul.

Y/n shot up off her spot in the grass and tried to catch the boy but it was no uses, his wolf speed was much greater then her little legs.

He was already in front of a slightly panicked Paul trying to explain what he saw his pack sister do with her bear hands.

“S-she just said it a-and i-it came up and- SHE’S A DAMN WITCH!” he said stumbling over his words.

“Okay Embry do it with me, deep breath in” Quil said taking a deep breath which Embry followed and then they both let it out.

“now what the hell happened-”

“she-”

“SLOWLY!” everyone shouted at him.

Y/N just laid her forehead on the door frame as she listened to one of her bestfriends freak out bout what she did.

“-and I ran in here” Embry said finishing and turn his head to Y/n who smiled nervously and waved at the boys.

Paul looked at Y/N as she started to turn red in the face, she knew not to lie about anything because she couldn’t keep up with lies and soon get caught in them.

Plus she knew Paul would know when she’s lying because he knew HER like the back of his hand.

“come” Paul said to his imprint.

Paul wasn’t mad or anything he is however disappointed his little ball of energy didn’t tell him about her powers sooner.

Y/N slowly made her way over to Paul so tear brimmed her eye’s, she was scared.

Scared of what her only reason of living would say, she couldn’t live without him or bare the thought of him hating her because she wasn’t fully human. 

“Look at me mama” Paul said as he saw a tear slip from her eye.

She tilted her head back to look at the tall boy in front of her and she saw no change in the way he looked at her.

Y/N thought he would look at her in pure disgust or anything of that nature but he didn’t, he still looked at the small girl with love in his eye’s.

“This true?”

“yes... b-but I didn’t want you guys to h-hate me l-like the leeches so I hid it and now-”

“woah woah woah” Quil said waving his hands to slow his little friend and reminding her to breathe.

“that’s what your scared of? that we’ll hate you because your not human?” Jared asked.

She nodded trying to stop the tears from coming but they wouldn’t stop.

“we don’t hate you smalls ,we never would” Embry said said with a little small to calm the girl.

“We love you” Paul said making her put her head down. 

He grabbed her chin gently making her look back up at him and planted a small kiss on her lips.

“I love you Y/n” he said.

The young girl looked from her lover to her friends and took a deep breath as she wiped her face.

“okay just so we’re clear you do magic.... So your like Harry Potter?” Jared said making the group laugh.

“umm, I- well, not quite buddy” she smiled and wiped her wet face.

“Group hug!” Embry and Quil yelled as everybody closed in on her and Paul.

They all hugged for a minute before pulling away.

Bonus

“can we see a little something?” Embry asked plopping down on the couch as Paul wrapped his arms around Y/N.

Y/N smirked and with a wave of her hand a pillow hit Jared dead in the face making him look at her and a hurt look.

“Hey!-”

She chucked another pillow at his face before he could say anything else and leaned on Paul as she laughed.

“that’s my girl” Paul said, smiling in her ear making chills go up her spine.

Jared got up and pretended to storm towards Y/N making her squeal and hide behind her lover.

“That’s not fair, you can’t hide behind Paul!” Jared said laughing.

“who says” Paul said.

“we do!”

“who is we, I don’t speak French” Embry said.

“Paul would let Y/N get away with murder because she’s small” Quil said shaking his head as everyone laughed.

Paul just smiled and sat down, pulling Y/n into his lap and kissing her lips sweetly.

“I Love you little witch” He smiled.

“I Love you Wolfie” she giggled.

“OH MY GOD!”

“ugh, gross”

“yeah just do the do with clothes on will ya”

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[moonlit-mizukage]

Chapter Nineteen: Pre lit 

Summary: Y/l/n Y/n, a third year at Sakura High School, is just a girl with a bad attitude towards anyone outside her small circle. When y/n’s younger sister starts first year, she gains a lot of attention. Unfortunately for everyone in school, the Y/l/n household has one rule, No dating till y/n does. Some people become just desperate enough to pay the leader of the “Monsters”, the trouble making group on campus, to date y/n. What will happen when she finds out? (All characters aged up to third year unless otherwise stated)

Tw: swearing, mentions of sex, mentions of alcohol, underage drinking, mentions of neglect

Word count: 1.2 K 

________________________________________________________________

Time Skip to Friday, Lunch time before the dance, Y/n POV 

“Don’t forget your writing assignment is due Monday and it will be presented to the class.” Mr Yagami said as the class left for lunch. I turned to Tendou as we walked out together.

“So did you finally tell them you and I are going together tonight babe?” He asked me.

“I will right now Satori. They both have been a little more on edge since shit with Mei last weekend honestly. I didn’t want to salt Tsuki’s wound. Shirabu also already knows anyway and he supports it.” 

“Oh there is Tsukishima.” He said as he dipped down a side hall heading outside. “See you at 9 babe.” 

At my locker my friends were already waiting for me to head to lunch. We headed to the court yard and sat at our usual table as I looked at Shirabu. 

“I think it’s time to include you guys in the loop before tonight happens.” I said. 

“What loop?” Tsukishima said with a hint of annoyance. 

“Tendou is taking me to the dance because I like him and you cannot change my mind. So either you support me or I can just leave the table and go hang out with him.” I said as fast as I could. Tsukishima let out a loud sigh. 

“Oh I am happy for you  y/n! I don’t mean to rush off but I have to go grab something from my teacher. I am happy for you!” Yamaguchi said as he stood up. 

“I can tell you are genuine Yams, don’t worry. I will see you later in class!” I looked over to Tsukishima. 

“I guess it’s fine. I don’t want to lose our friendship for some shitty guy. If he hurts you I will say I told you so.” 

“I will take it.” I said happy as my friends had accepted Tendou as my date.

Mei POV

I texted my sisters group and no one responded. I even tried to message my best friend who ignored me too. I checked my messages with Oikawa to see if he had responded yet. Just a short while ago I overheard Oikawa say I was nothing but an expensive fuck. I could feel my heart shatter when I heard him say that. I ran and immediately texted him I was unable to go to the dance tonight cause my father said I am too young. I now sat under a tree as I let my tears free fall from my eyes.  

“Mei… is that you?” I turned my head to see Yamaguchi. 

“Hi…” I said just above a whisper. 

“What happened? Why are you here all alone crying outside?” 

“I just.. I am sorry Yamaguchi. Y/n was right, I suck.” He then sat down beside me as he placed a pile of papers beside him . 

“Hey… I know I said some very harsh things to you a few days ago and I definitely could have worded them better but that doesn’t mean you suck, okay?” 

“I do. Y/n finally opened up to me and I blew her off and called Oikawa behind her back.” I saw Yamaguchi shift uncomfortably beside me. “I knew it was wrong but I thought he really liked me, till a little while ago… I heard him tell Iwaizumi I was just an expensive fuck who was showing to be not worth it anymore.” 

“Mei… I am so sorry.” 

“Please Yams, don’t be. If only I listened to Y/n. She tried to warn me so many times and I just wanted to be popular. I just, really wanted to be someone’s someone. I don’t know how y/n does it. Dad didn't care about us after mom left and I took such a great advantage of her to the point I don’t think she will forgive me. I even used the money she was saving for mine and her dresses and now it was just a waste. I really messed up Yams.” I said as I buried my face in my hands. He placed his hand on my back. 

“Hey, y/n has the biggest soft spot for you, I have seen it first hand okay? She will forgive you. And about the dresses, Mei will you go to the dance with me?” I looked into Yamaguchi’s eyes. 

“Are you serious…?” I asked him. 

“Yes Mei. Come with me and we will talk to Shirabu, Tsukishima and y/n together before we go, Okay?” I nodded my head in agreement as he gave me a hug then helped me up.

 Time Skip after school-Y/n POV

“If I had to give Tsuki a title its teen angst cause LOOK AT HIMMMM!” I shouted as I laughed at him. 

“I mean, can he deny it? No.”Shirabu replied. Even Tsukishima was laughing at that moment. We were interpreted by Mei as she entered the room. She sat down and began to tell us about what had happened with Oikawa. 

“I told you he was a piece of shit Mei.” I interrupted. She made no attempt to dig back at me as she carried on her speech. She told us what her and Yamaguchi had spoken about at lunch according to them. 

“You are my younger sister and no matter what I love you, I don’t trust you though so that's something you will have to earn back.” She jumped from her seat as she engulfed me into a hug saying how much she loved me with her whole heart over and over again. 

“I love you too but I got to get ready. Satori will be here in 30 minutes with the limo. You guys sure you don’t want to carpool with us?” 

“All the monsters in a small space… I will take a hard pass y/n.” Yamaguchi said. 

“I will get ready with you if that’s okay though?” Mei said as I reached my hand out for her to take. 

After Mei and I got ready Tendou had just messaged he would be here soon. My father took many pictures of the five of us as we headed out the door. I jumped in Tsukiishima’s car till we got around the corner and I hopped out seeing Tendou leaned up against the limo. 

“Hey babe.” He said as he pulled me into a kiss. We got inside the limo as Terushima was the first to speak to me. 

“Milkshake girl! What’s up?” He was noticeably already intoxicated at this time. “You wanna beer? We are getting pre lit before this fancy shit fest!” 

“I am okay, maybe after the dance.” I said. 

The ride was quite enjoyable as I feel I saw a new side of the rowdy bunch I once hated. We arrived at the school in no time as Tendou helped me out of the limo. 

“Looks pretty fancy already.” Hanamaki said as he walked up to the door with the rest as they followed close behind him. 

“You ready for the dance, Satori?” I asked him. 

“As ready as I will ever be y/n.” He said taking my arm in his as we walked up the few steps to get to the door. 

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[pregnant-piggy]

A little elf

Ron Weasley x reader

This is part of All I want for Christmas is fanfiction

Words: 2.5k

Warnings: pregnancy, slight mention of abortion

A/N: I’m back with a pregnancy-fic (gotta be true to my url in some way). This fic is all support and Ron’s soft and protective side

As the skies grew more pale outside, the rain and wind of the autumn made place for the cold and ice of the winter. Grass turned dry and died out, leafs had fallen of the trees and froze overnight. Icicles hung from the corners of buildings if it had frozen and the roads were getting slippery.

The shops had taken out their Christmas decorations and red and green adorned the streets. Fairy lights had been hung in trees and gardens flickered at night with colours shows in the shape of reindeers and fat Santa’s. At some houses Christmas trees were already standing in living rooms and cringe texts hung behind windows. Children dressed as angels went past streets, singing Christmas carols to whoever passed.

Normally you loved to walk outside at night and look at all the decorations. Countless of rounds you had made around the block with Ron every December. You knew which houses did what for Christmas, which ones were the first to put up the tree and which families always forgot and then put up the lights on Christmas Eve.

However, tonight none of the decorations were noticed by you as you walked home. With your hands in gloves in your pockets and your scarf tightly around your neck, you walked as slow and fast as possible; wanting to get home as fast as possible yet not wanting to get there at all.

Faint carols reached your ears as you turned around the corner to the street of your house. Halfway on the street stood the choir you hadn’t seen yet this December. You had gotten to know the leader a few years ago and feared you wouldn’t get out of a conversation when you walked by.

You took a halt in front of the choir and listened to the children together with some of your neighbours. Mrs and Mr Sanchez, the couple that lived next door, stood listening happily with their arms around each other. You watched them for a while as the choir sang ‘O Holy Night’.  

And indeed as you had thought, the leader of the choir, Francis, walked over to you after she had told the children to continue to sing.

‘Hey, y/n, long time no see!’ Francis happily said.

‘Hello, Francis,’ you nodded. You weren’t exactly feeling as ‘jolly’ as one might be in such a scene, but you conjured a smile on your face for the woman in front of you. ‘How are you?’

‘Busy, busy, busy,’ Francis said. ‘We are booked full for December. I don’t think I have a day off. But that doesn’t matter!’ she quickly added. ‘I enjoy working with these children so much. I believe they truly are my Christmas miracle!’

A bit more genuine smile came to your face. Francis was someone who was grateful for everything that was going on in her life. She enjoyed every second of her life and made sure she did plenty of things that she could look back at when she was old and grey and stuck in a chair at a retirement home. You loved to listen to Francis’ enthusiasm. Though you didn’t see her very often, because she was indeed always busy, the times you did see her you always were happy.

‘Is Ron not here? You usually come together,’ Francis noticed and the smile fell off your face.

‘He was busy,’ you lied, putting the fake smile back on your lips. You glanced around. ‘Are you coming back here?’ you asked, hoping to change the subject.

‘One more time, on Christmas Eve,’ Francis said.

‘I’ll make sure to come and bring you some snacks.’

‘They would love that,’ Francis sighed. One of the children signed for her and she had to leave you alone. ‘I’ll talk to you soon, y/n.’

‘See you soon.’ Francis went back to the choir and you turned around and walked to your house.

The light in the kitchen was on and a yellowish glow shone on the bare bushes in your little front yard. In the spring and summer they would be full with flowers and green leafs, but in the autumn and winter they lost their beauty.

Taking a deep breath you put your key in the lock and opened the door. The hall was dark and the door to the kitchen closed, only a stripe of light coming from the crack between the door and the floor. When you closed the front door behind you and put on the light, something dropped in the kitchen and a moment later the door was opened to reveal Ron.

He was wearing the apron you had gotten from your great aunt, one with little flowers and bees. His cheeks were red and there was a smudge of flour on one of them. The red locks that needed a haircut, though you actually liked it better like this, were standing in all ways, like it looked when he woke from a rough night. On his lips played a relaxed smile, that soon dropped as he noticed your tense state and worried eyes.

‘What’s the matter, sweetheart?’ he asked and quickly walked over to you to help you take of your coat.

While he turned around to the coat rack, you answered. ‘I’m pregnant.’

Ron dropped your coat on the floor and he spun around. His eyes were big and his jaw dropped. He stared at you for a second, before a big grin formed on his face.

‘That’s amazing! You’re pregnant? We’re gonna have a baby?’

‘No, it’s not! We aren’t prepared! There’s no room in our lives for a baby! What about our jobs? And our friends? We can’t just come over with a baby! Our lives would change so much!’

Ron took your hands and tried to look you in the eye, but you kept your gaze at the ground. He pulled you in an embrace and a tear escaped your eye. His hand rubbed soothing circles on your back and his lips were pressed against the top of your head.

Ron brought you to the kitchen and sat you down on a chair. He turned the stove off and gave you a glass of water before he took place opposite of you. He waited until you had drank the water and then took your hand over the table, forcing you to look him in the eye.

‘Listen, I am not forcing you to have this baby. It is your body and your decision and I am no one to change that. But I also want you to realise that this could be a good thing. Can you imagine how our lives would be if we had a little one running around? A happy baby, part you, part me. And it won’t be so difficult with jobs, you could even just keep yours the way it is now if you want. I won’t mind working less, I actually was thinking of already doing so. It is scary, but we will make it work.’

Ron squeezed your hand and you chuckled softly while the tears were streaming down your face. Ron got up from his chair and sat down in his knees in front of you. He wiped away the tears from your face and pressed a kiss to both your hands.

‘I am not asking you to make a decision right now, sweetheart,’ he said. ‘But just think about it. I will be happy with whatever you decide, as long as I am with you.’

You smiled tilting your head as you watched Ron get up and continue with dinner. His words had put your mind to work, but you pushed it aside for now, feeling that your emotions would influence the decision.

For the rest of the evening you talked with Ron about other things. You told him about Francis and the choir and he talked about his work and the new invention George had made. Of course you couldn’t just forget you were pregnant, but you just didn’t pay much attention to it and you noticed neither did Ron.

A part of you felt guilty for the burden you had placed on his shoulders. He had seemed so excited when you told him you were pregnant and the look on his face when you told him that you weren’t ready was still fresh in your mind.

Ron had sensed how you were feeling, like he always could. At night as you lied in the dark in bed, his hand took yours and he gave a little squeeze.

‘Don’t feel guilty, sweets,’ he said. ‘I am happy with or without a baby. Really. I support you whatever you decide.’

‘Thank you,’ you said with a hoarse voice. ‘I love you.’

‘I love you more.’

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For a few days you and Ron didn’t talk about it. You both just went your normal ways, doing what you normally did. But that didn’t mean that you didn’t think about it. In contrary, it was all you could think about. You tried not to show it too much to Ron, but you knew he noticed. He was a little more gentle towards you, making sure there wasn’t anything to worry about at home or making sure you were comfortable.

Those days you barely slept. You ate little and felt nauseous with every smell. You were always cold, but whenever you put on a jumper you were hot. Your lips were cracked and your eyes dull. Your skin was breaking out and with every hand that you brushed through you hair, you pulled along hairs.

On the fourth day of all this, you had called in sick from work. After you had reassured Ron that you would be fine on your own and that he could just go to work, you were alone for the first time in a week.

Your plan was to just stay in bed all day, but an hour or so after Ron left you got antsy and wanted to do something. Your bed was uncomfortable and warm and you couldn’t lie in it for another second anymore. So you shuffled downstairs in a pair or leggings and one of Ron’s jumpers. You made some breakfast for yourself and after that sat in the living room staring at the TV for a while.

If you had watched TV the whole time or had fallen asleep, you didn’t know, but around lunch time you startled awake. You turned off the TV and decided to go for a walk.

It was snowing outside and the world glistened with little crystals. It wasn’t so cold that the streets were slippery; the snowflakes only lied on the ground for a second before they melted. Soon your hair was wet from the snow and your cheeks cold, but you didn’t mind. The cold, fresh air did you good.

In the park close to your house you sat down on a bench and watched the people around you. There was an elderly couple walking arm in arm with each other. Two businessmen sat on a bench not far from you. They were talking about something you didn’t understand and you frankly didn’t care about.

The park was fairly empty for the time of the day. Normally it was full of people that would take a little stroll at lunch time, especially in the holiday month. But today it was empty and you liked it so.

You sat on the bench for a while, just staring ahead of you, until you were started by a woman with a stroller.

‘Can I sit here?’ she asked and you nodded at her. The woman flashed you a smile and sat down next to you, turning the stroller around so the child in it was facing whom you assumed to be their mother.

You paid little attention to the people next to you. Or at least you tried to. The mother had started to talk to the baby while giving them little bites from a piece of bread. The baby giggled when the woman started to make funny faces and you couldn’t help but smile.

The baby looked at you, when their mother turned to take something from her bag, and made grabbing hands to you. You chuckled and stuck out your tongue to the child. They copied you and chirred with excitement.

‘She seems to like you. Usually she’s not like that with strangers,’ the woman said when she turned back. ‘Do you have kids?’

‘Uh, no…’ you said and flashed the woman a quick smile.

‘I’m not judging you!’ the mother said quickly. ‘It’s just usually mothers who make her feel comfortable. Maybe you just have a special talent.’

You laughed and shook your head. ‘No, I don’t think that is it.’

‘Well, at least you made her happy,’ the woman said while she got up. ‘It was nice to meet you.’

‘You too,’ you said and smiled at the mother and waved at the baby. You watched them walk away and then got up yourself. With renewed confidence you walked home and for the first time since you had heard that you were pregnant, you felt happy.

}|}{|}{|{

That evening you had taken a hot bath, soaking off all the negativity you had been holding for the past days. You were standing in front of the mirror in your underwear and stared at your belly. Your finger was tracing your skin lightly, as if you were tickling the baby that was growing inside of you.

‘Sweets? Where are you?’ Ron yelled from downstairs as soon as the door had shut behind him.

‘Up here,’ you said with a distant voice as you kept staring at your mirror image.

Loud and fast footsteps were heard on the stairs and Ron came bursting into the bedroom. Worry stood on his face and he was panting lightly. You looked up confused to him.

‘Are you okay?’ he asked and the anxiety left his face as you nodded. ‘Why are you standing there?’

You shrugged as you looked at yourself in the mirror. Your hand had dropped from your stomach and was now hanging along your body. Ron took of his coat and stood behind you. He rested his cold hands on your shoulders and you hissed.

‘Oh, sorry,’ he muttered but when he tried to take his hands away you kept them there.

You looked at Ron through the mirror and smiled at him. ‘I made a decision.’

Ron froze and you turned around so you could look at him. He looked at you with big eyes and you took his hands, placing them around your waist. You wrapped your arms around his neck.

‘We’re having a baby,’ you whispered softly.

Ron stared and after a few seconds swallowed. ‘We’re having a baby?’

You nodded and giggled at Ron’s anxious face. He started to smile and pulled you close against his chest. His hands on your back were cold and his cheek in your neck too, but you held onto him. For minutes you stood like that, until Ron turned you back to the mirror and wrapped his arms around your waist from behind, resting his hands on your lower-stomach. His touch sent shivers down your spine and sparkles through your veins.

‘We’re gonna be parents,’ you said.

‘We’re gonna be the best parents,’ Ron said.

- - - - - -

Taglist:

General HP: @kitkatkl @girllety @yuptha-tsme @sleep-i-ness @iamak20 @thefuturelawyer @weasleydream @missmulti @deafgirltingz @moonstarrnghtsky @mytreec @lilulo-12fanfiction @emmaloo21 @kashishwrites @ananad1 @figlia--della--luna @kylosleftbuttcheek @mrs-malfoy-always @thefandomplace @magicwithaknife @mt2413 @aesthetically-hailey @superbturtlemakerathlete @the-natureofme @missswriter

MASTERLIST

[twistedlymad]

Hello there, I love blogs and your writing. If you have the time, can you please write about the MC (fem reader) where she accidentally summons Stitch himself, befriends him, Stitch took an instant liking to her, with the TW guys becoming jealous to the new familiar and Stitch causing all sorts of mischief and pranks towards them. Thank you, keep up the good work and stay safe

Ohmaigawd. When I first read your request, I was honestly shocked! OwO

I literally could not have made the connection between Twisted Wonderland and Stitch at all! When I started writing, I did so many research! Forgive me, but, I have not seen any episode nor movie related to Stitch during my entire childhood, hence the research ahaha

One note though, I cannot make you summon Stitch as he already is a being on his own. However, I can make him appear in Twisted Wonderland :’)

Anyway, I hope this story lives up to your expectations! Thank you for requesting and have a lovely day! 

What if Stitch appeared in Twisted Wonderland? (Ft. Grim, Ace, Deuce, Sebek, Jack, Epel and Crowley) (Twisted Wonderland crossover w/Lilo and Stitch)

It was a quiet night at Night Raven College, no unnecessary arguments, no drama involving dorm leaders nor their members and most importantly, no fights occurring.

Or so you thought.

After having dinner, you and Grim went back to your Ramshackle Dorm after saying your goodnights to your friends.

“Fgnaaaaa! That deluxe-katsudon was the best dinner I’ve ever had!” Grim said as you put him on top of your head. It was his go-to spot for relaxing.

“You always say that to anything you eat.” You said, laughing. “You should cut down on all the extensive eating, you don’t want to have a certain teacher order you to run laps more than usual now do you?” You continued, a slight smirk on your face as you felt slight shivering on top of your head.

“Ahaha, you know what? Maybe I’ll skip lunch tomorrow.” The creature said to you and you shook your head.

“I told you to pay attention to your diet, not skip out on meals. It’s unhealthy.” You said as you opened the door to your humble Ramshackle Dorm, Grim jumping from your head and went inside. Before you went in yourself, you took a look outside and saw that the sky was clear and the moon shone upon you with no distractions. You felt a slight breeze blow through your hair and decided that it was a perfect weather to take a walk.

“Grim, I’m going to take a walk! You can go to sleep without me!” You yelled into the dorm before closing the door behind you and went on your walk.

You weren’t far from the dorm, in fact, you were taking your walk on the small field behind the building, enjoying the peace and quiet for once. As you looked up to the sky again, you noticed the stars that littered the sky. You took out your phone and took a picture of the night sky. However, a certain star caught your eye.

It was rather large to be a star? You thought it must be because the star was relatively close. You almost shrugged it off, keyword: almost. You would’ve went on your merry way if it wasn’t for a certain fact about the star.

It was getting bigger, it looked as if it was right above you. Once your mind had taken this fact into realization, your legs got the message and began to move out of the way. You ran to a few trees and hid behind one of them. A crash was heard soon after, it was rather loud, Grim would have probably heard it if it wasn’t for the fact that he was asleep. You peeked your head out from behind the tree to see what had happened, but all you could see was smoke.

Your mind had told you to get back into the dorm and call Crowley but your curiosity got the better of you. You began to walk towards the smoke to see what had crashed. You craned your neck, trying to get a better view when all of a sudden a part of the crash had flung open. You were taken aback and took a few steps back, fearing for whatever would emerge from the thing.

However, the only thing that emerged is a blue koala? Was it even a koala? You weren’t sure. Your whole body froze as it looked at you.

But what scared you the most was the fact he had 4 arms.

AND 4 GUNS?!

The creature then pointed the guns at you and your arms immediately flailed up to shield your face.

“D-Don’t shoot! I wasn’t going to hurt you!” You yelled, hoping that it would just go away. The creature just looked at you, guns still pointed at you. However, you noticed that it was slightly trembling, so you slowly lowered your arms.

“Umm… Hi?” You waved to it, you weren’t sure if it even understood you. But it replied.

“Hi?” Your eyes widen and slowly crouched down to its level. The creature still had its guns pointed at you. You just held up both your hands as if to show you were harmless.

“C-Can you understand me?” You asked and the creature nodded, but then shook its head.

“Ah… I’ll take that you do understand but you aren’t quite sure on how to speak it.” The creature nodded furiously.

“Interesting… Do… Do you have a name?” You asked and slowly approached the creature. The creature still stood his ground.

“S-Stitch. My name is Stitch.” It said and slowly lowered its weapons, slowly realizing that you meant no harm.

“That’s very good, where are you from?” You kept the conversation going. You were trying to let it relax and know that it has no need to be defensive. You sat down and looked at it.

“Ha… Hawaii.” You nodded with a smile.

“I assume you’re a boy?” He nodded.

“Ah… I see… I should introduce myself too.” You said to him. “My name is (Y/N) (L/N). Nice to meet you.” The koala-like alien blinked at you before nodding.

“(Y/N)?” He asked you.

“Yes, (Y/N), that’s my name.” You smiled to the creature, it also gave you a smile back. Stitch and you looked at the crashed craft and could already tell that it was unusable. Sighing, you returned your attention back to the creature, you used your hand to cup his head to look at you.

“Say, Stitch, how about you stay for the night? We could go find help first thing in the morning.” You offered and you saw his eyes light up. Stitch nodded and you smiled.

“Alright, come, let’s get a good night’s rest.” With that, you and Stitch walked back to your Ramshackle Dorm. You let Stitch sleep on the bed while you slept on the sofa. Grim was already asleep on the bed so he didn’t hear the crash happening. You let Stitch shimmy himself into the bed and tucked the two creatures in, after doing so, only then you went to sleep on the couch.

You were awoken the next morning by a scream.

“FGNAAAAAAAAA!”

Your eyes jolted awake and you saw Grim running towards you and away from an already awoken Stitch.

“(Y/N)! THERE’S A MONSTER IN OUR BED!!!” Grim yelled, jumping into your arms. Your eyes travelled to Stitch only to see him looking kind of sad. You just let out a small smile.

“Grim, he’s not a monster, his name is Stitch and he crash landed on our yard yesterday. I’m going to take him to see Crowley in a short moment.” You said, petting Grim to soothe him.

“Does that make him an alien?” Grim asked you and you shrugged.

“I guess.” You said, letting Grim go and walking over to Stitch, who was now curled up into a ball. You then bend down to his level.

“Good morning Stitch, I’m sorry you got scared a moment ago, but this is Grim! He won’t hurt you, he was just surprised to see you.” You said and nudged Grim over.

“I am the Great Grim, the most powerful mage in Twisted Wonderland!” You rolled your eyes at his introduction.

“Grim? (Y/N)?” Stitch asked and you nodded.

“Yep, that’s us. Now, let me just go prepare for the day and we can go find help for you.” You smiled at Stitch and left Grim and Stitch in your room. You got dressed and had Grim resting on your head while you hugged Stitch in your arms. As you did, Stitch somehow morphed his extra 2 arms back into his body, this made you jump a little.

“So, you can morph those arms in and out?” You asked the blue creature and he nodded. “Wow, that’s very surprising. Well, time to go.”

With that, the 3 of you set off to find the bad fashion sensed and lazy headmaster. When you arrived at the headmaster’s office, Stitch had hidden himself behind your legs. You giggled and told him not to worry and went in the office together with Stitch and Grim.

Truth be told, the headmaster had let out a girlish scream when you brought Stitch into his view. The 3 of you were taken aback but the headmaster had quickly calmed down and asked you what had happened. After explaining the situation to Crowley, he decided that he will have students from Ignihyde Dorm to check out the crash and see if they can help, meanwhile, you get to have Stitch stay as your pet since you were a beast tamer after all. But in return, you must keep an eye on him 100% of the time and not allow any nonsense to happen at all.

Pfft, I think most nonsense happened because of you Crowley.

“Well, looks like we’re stuck together for now Stitch!” You said to the blue koala. “Now, you two better behave well in class later on.” You said and the three of you went to class.

After this time with Stitch, you would be lying if you said you weren’t attached to the him. Grim and him actually chatted here and there and became fast friends really quick.

Whispers and gossiping were heard once you’ve stepped foot into your classroom. You felt slightly uncomfortable, Stitch saw this and bared his fangs at the students who were gossiping about you and Stitch. Grim shot a few nasty looks here and there but nothing much.

“(Y/N), I don’t mean to be rude but, what is that?” Deuce asked you once you sat down at your usual spot, between him and Ace.

“This little cutie, is Stitch!” You said happily to the two of them.

“He’s the most adorable little creature I’ve ever seen!” You added, hugging Stitch closer to you. In return, the little blue koala-like creature snuggled close to you too.

Little did you know, a few sounds ‘tchs’ were heard from the two Heartslabyul boys beside you. However, Stitch heard them. Oh, this little creature knew what was going on when he looked up to see two jealous slightly annoyed faces looking down at him. And with that, he had concocted a plan to see how far he could annoy them.

They boy’s eyes widen as they saw Stitch had a semi-evil smile on his face as you giggled and kissed his nose. The boys were shocked! A few veins of theirs popping too! Low grumbles and mumbles were heard from the boys but you payed no attention to them as Professor Trein had walked in and began teaching.

As the bell rung, signaling that it was time for lunch. You stretched your body, arching your back after having it hunched over a table for some time. You then looked down to see a sleeping Grim and a semi-asleep Stitch. You let out a soft giggle and woke the both of them up.

“Grim, Stitch, come on, let’s go get some lunch.” And the two creatures woke up.

“Fgnaaaa! It’s eating time already? Come on, let’s go!” Grim said excitedly.

“Jeez, Grim is sure as hyper as ever.” Deuce commented.

“He better not steal my sandwich again…” Ace added and you let out a small laugh.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him.” You said, winking to the two boys. They blushed slightly as you walked with the two creatures to the cafeteria. The boys followed behind but was met with Stitch sticking out his tongue at them behind your back.

Cue more veins popping and potentially a bad boy Deuce breaking out.

Nevertheless, the two Heartslabyul boys had scowls on their faces and kept mumbling to one another. Somethings about ‘that little alien thinks he’s so high and mighty’ and ‘how dare he have more treatment from (Y/N) than us’ were thrown here and there from them.

When you arrived at the cafeteria, Grim jumped from your head and ran in a beeline towards the line for buying food. Ace and Deuce accompanied him as you and Stitch went to find your other friends. You saw them sitting at a table when Epel had waved you over. You smiled, waved back and head towards their table.

Jack, Epel and Sebek sat and chatted when you came over, and all their eyes landed on Stitch. You noticed that and began to explain what happened last night. Once you finished, Ace, Deuce and Grim were back with their food.  

“So, he’s an alien?” Jack asked and you nodded.

“Yes, and he is the most adorable creature ever! How can you not love him?!” You let out a small squeal and once again hugging Stitch closer to you.

Multiple and I mean MULTIPLE ‘tchs’ were heard. You were too busy giving Stitch attention that you didn’t hear a single thing.

Remember when I said Stitch knew about this jealousy the boys had for him?  

With a small smirk on his face, he kissed your cheek.

Innocently.

Jaws were dropped to the ground, eyes were wide open like saucers, and the most terrible thing was,

Sandwiches and food were squeezed until they were either like a thin piece of paper or entirely inedible.

FOOD WAS WASTED. HOW COULD THEY?! QwQ

You were shocked to have Stitch kiss your cheek. You looked back at the blue koala-like creature only to see him giving you the most adorable puppy eyes ever!

“Awwww! I love you too!” You said and hugged Stitch tightly and him hugging you back, tightly as ever.

“You see what we had to deal with?!” Ace whisper-yelled to everyone and they all nodded. Well, everyone except Grim. The little furball was just happy he got his sandwich and sat there, eating happily.

You guys were chatting and eating, with the occasional glaring between Stitch and the boys of course, when Crowley came up to your table, informing you that the dorm members of Ignihyde managed to fix Stitch’s aircraft and even upgraded it.

Truth be told, you felt happy and sad at the same time. Sure, it might mean Stitch gets to go home, but it also meant that you’ll have to say goodbye to him. It might have been only a day, but you’ve grown attached to the creature and now it’s time to say goodbye.

You had stick on a smile on your face and hid your true feelings inside.

“That’s great! Well, Stitch, let’s go and see your new aircraft!” You said to Stitch and all of you went back to Ramshackle Dorm to send Stitch off.

When you arrived, the aircraft in front of you didn’t look too much different when you first saw it, but it did have a few tweaks here and there. You let Stitch inspect his new ride, checking for anything that might go wrong again before taking off.

You were painfully quiet, which didn’t go unnoticed by the boys and Grim.

When Stitch had finished inspecting, he gave you a big smile and nodded furiously, telling you that everything was okay and that he will be going shortly. You gave him a smile back.

“Well, looks like you’re going home.” You said to him and gave him a hug. He hugged you back tightly and did something very surprising.

“Ohana.” Said the blue creature. You were puzzled.

“What?” You asked Stitch as you pulled away from the hug.

“Ohana means family. (Y/N), you took me in even when you knew I wasn’t normal. You, Grim and everyone were friendly to me and didn’t try to hurt me in any way. You even helped me in this unfamiliar world and didn’t push me away. That’s why, you’re all family to me.”

“You’re my ohana.”

Tears streamed down your face when Stitch said those words. A genuine smile had formed on your face and Grim was right beside you, bawling his eyes out as well.

“Thanks Stitch, you’re ohana too.” You said as you and Grim hugged Stitch together.

The boys at the back were holding in their tears. How could they think that this sweet little creature tried to take you away from them? They felt like as if a gun struck their hearts with guilt for wanting to hurt Stitch even though he only wants someone to guide him through this unfamiliar world.

You then pulled away from the hug and let Stitch get into is aircraft. Once the engine is up, you stood back and waved goodbye to him. He smiled and waved goodbye to you too before ascending into the sky, going back to his home.

The boys came up and comforted you as you wiped your tears away.

“Listen, (Y/N), we know Stitch meant a lot to you…” Deuce started but you just shook your head.

“Don’t worry, even though my relationship with Stitch was strong, I still have a lot of ohana here.” You said and smiled to them, in return they smiled to you as well.

“Yanno, I don’t mean to ruin the mood, but, VARGAS’ CLASS STARTS IN 4 MINUTES.” Grim said to everyone and you all laughed.

“Well, we better hurry if we don’t want to get punished. I remember the last time it was Sebek and Ace who got punished and their punishments were to run 200 laps and do 300 push-ups.” You giggled at the memory and the boy’s faces paled.

“What’re we waiting for? LET’S GO!” Ace yelled.

And so the 7 of you ran as fast as you could to get to class in time.

[random-mha-thoughts]

Bad Boy (Todoroki x Reader)

Pairing: Todoroki x Reader

Genre: Angst to fluff, and a lil spice ;), No quirk!AU

Summary: You finally get to see your childhood friend Shouto after years of being separated only to find out he’s completely changed.

BGM: “Younger” by Ruel

Word count: 2,781

Tags:  @yuki-osaki​ @liviitehe​ @iamsoftsodonttoucheume-blog​ @bunnythepipsqueak​

a/n: God this photo fucked me up good when I first saw it.

I saw this picture on my search for images for my last Todo post aaaaand yeah, pretty self explanatory. I got to thinking, what if this poor baby finally snapped one day and was like "FUCK ENDEAVOR AND HIS ENTIRE PROGRAM, IM NOBODY'S MASTERPIECE" and he went the complete opposite direction. So enjoy a little bit of OOC Todoroki and a bit of a longer post than my usual stuff!

I’m really really sorry about not updating in the past few days.  I was really swamped by college work and studying, and I was mentally exhausted and physically tired every day.  Today wasn’t my day and I almost had a breakdown because a lot of things piled up in me, but I had to pull myself together somehow.  Hopefully, after this week, I’ll go back to a somewhat regular posting schedule.  Thanks for being patient with me guys, I really appreciate it :)

When my mom told me Shouto will be going to the same high school as me, I was expecting the same buttoned-up, shy, good boy from elementary school.  Oh boy, was I wrong.

The boy I bump into in the hallway definitely looks like Shouto, but the only thing that's the same is his mismatched hair and eyes.  Everything else about him was much different.  His entire energy was different, even from the fraction of a second I focused on his face.

"Shouto?" I call when he's about to brush past me.

I don't think he's expecting someone to know him on the first day, pausing and looking down curiously.

The most shocking feature of all is the scar on his left side, a red blotch that covers the left side of his face, starkly contrasting his brilliant turquoise eye; a single ray of light in a scarlet sky.

As I'm gaping at the puckered skin, his eyebrows furrowing at my face as recognition slowly dawns on him.  "(Y/n)?"

I'm relieved that he at least remembers me.  "Yeah, hey."  I don't really know what to do now.  My first instinct is to hug him, but something tells me he isn't a fan of that sort of thing anymore.  There's a coldness between us that's thick as a knife.  "How have you been?"

"Fine," he answers curtly.  His hands are stuffed into his pockets, leaning back in a way that seems uncharacteristic of him and more like a ruffian.

Does his not want to talk to me?  I don't blame him, I haven't been in his life for a good eight years.  "How are your parents?"

His jaw clenches.  "Fine."

Oh.  I struck a nerve.  "Do you wanna catch up at lunch?  What class are you in?"

"1-A."  Overjoyed that we share the same class, I'm about to open my mouth, but he interjects, "But I don't think we should talk."  That was the last thing he said before he strolls past me.

I'm stunned, following his receding back through the sea of students.  I guess I shouldn't have brought up his parents when I know it's a sensitive topic, but I didn't know what else to say.  And it's probably awkward to see someone you used to be close to talk to you again, but the least he could've been is polite.  That's saying something, because Shouto was always the polite child.

Something is terribly wrong here.

Shouto has definitely changed since we were younger.  He's become a delinquent.

He never even shows up to class.  After our little encounter, he was slumped in his seat until the teacher finished role call, then he just got up and walked out in the middle of class and never came back.  In all the days after that, his seat remained empty even at the beginning of the day.

At first, I gave him the benefit of the doubt.  What if he happened to get sick and had to stay home?  Then I saw his signature mismatched tuft of hair walking back home in the school yard, and I knew he was skipping.

After a whole two weeks passed of him skipping, I had enough.  The Shouto I know would never cut class even if his life depended on it.  During lunch, I went looking for him in the group of other delinquent kids in the back of the school.

"Todoroki?" the ash-blond ringleader ruffles his hair and scoffs, "Idiot must be off somewhere by himself like the damn loner he is.  He picked a fight with me and I almost beat his ass into oblivion!"

I ball my fists up, more angry at Shouto than the group of boys eyeing me like a pack of wolves.  "You guys are useless," I mumble, about to turn away from them.

"Aww, is he your boyfriend, sweetie?" the honey blond with a black streak in his hair smoothly wraps an arm around me.  "He probably doesn't care about you, you deserve someone else who'll give you his time."

"Fuck off, who said you can touch me?"  I shove his arm away and step back.

"Calm down there," the red head with sharp teeth taunts with a smirk, "You're getting a bit defensive.  You sure you don't need help looking for your little prince?"

"I'm fine on my own, thanks," I huff, turning around to go look for Shouto elsewhere.

"Maybe I'll come with you," the overly-friendly boy blocks my way again.  "If he's not your boyfriend, maybe we can get together sometime?"

"Not interested.  Out of my way, Pikachu reject."  I try to side-step him, but the leader grabs the back of my collar and whips me around so I'm face to face with his bared teeth.

"You're a bit rude, aren't you?  Should I pull your head out your ass for you?"  His crimson eyes glare his murderous intent into me.

I hold my ground, the anger against my irresponsible friend more powerful than any fear of this hothead possibly hurting me.  "Don't act so tough if your talk is cheap."

He cracks his knuckles without breaking eye contact with me.  "I'll show you cheap talk.  Try waking up next week after I'm done with you!" he snarls.

I mirror his expression.  I don't mind throwing hands at this guy if I have to, blood rushing through me to prepare for the fist fight.  "I dare you-!"

"Enough, (Y/n)."

I can feel his presence right behind me even though he doesn't physically touch me.

Scarlet eyes shift behind me.  "Took you long enough, hot shot.  Your friend has just as much spunk as you, I'll kick both your asses!"

"I'd like to see you try, Bakugou," Shouto responds coldly.  "We both know who'd win."  Keeping his gaze locked on the aggressive male, he harshly grabs my arm and hauls me away.  "Let's go."

I'm fuming with anger when we're back inside the building.  I turn on him when he finally releases me, but he's already starting down the hall.  "Don't walk away from me!  We need to talk!"  I stomp over, following him to an abandoned classroom.  "What the hell is wrong with you?!  First of all, you were a real ass when I talked to you last week.  Second of all, you're not even coming to class like you should.  And now you're already picking fights with that idiot out there?  What's gotten into you Shouto?!"

"You were about to get into a fight as well.  You should thank me," he comments coldly, slipping into a desk with books open on top.

"I could've handled it just fine without you!  The only reason I was even there talking to them was because I was looking for you!"  I hover over him, glaring down so he can tell how angry I am.  "You'e skipped class all week, this isn't like you at all!  How are you supposed to catch-?"

One glance down the the open books shows all the material we've been going over in class.  He's already caught up to today's lesson, writing notes in his book and ignoring my presence.  The entire setup makes me angrier.  "I don't understand you, Shouto.  What kind of act are you trying to pull?  You're not a delinquent, why are you trying to act like one for everyone else?   Or is this all because you're just trying to ignore me?"

His pencil stops moving and it slams down onto the desk.  "A lot happened since you left, (Y/n)," the boy responds.  His quivering voice indicates restriction of intense emotion.

The hurt is apparent across his entire face, calming me down.  My gaze lingers on the left side of his features, over the eye that somehow looks perpetually sad.  "How did you get that scar, Shouto?"

The boy's eyebrows furrow.  "My father never let up on me after you left, and he got worse.  My mother couldn't handle fighting him on her own anymore.  One day, she snapped, told me how unsightly my left side was, and pouring boiling water over my face."  His large hand gingerly covers his reddened skin.  "And my bastard father put her in a mental institution after that.  He did this."

My heart aches for my childhood friend, the boy I took care of and listened to all his problems.  I can't imagine how much pain Rei was going through.  For her to have lost it, she must've held such a heavy burden.  When I had to move away, I felt so guilty about leaving him with all his troubles.  He had no one else to reach out to and it was snatched from him.  There wasn't a day I stopped thinking and worrying over him.  I reach to take his hand and offer comfort.  "Shou-"

Shouto bolts up from his seat, his taller figure hunching over mine, features screwed up in distaste.  "You weren't there when I needed you most."

I'm taken back, hurt more than anything.  "It's not my fault, we were so much younger, I didn't have a choice but to go with my parents."

A dark chuckle erupts from his lips, dismissing my excuses.  "It's fine.  It happened, I've learned to deal with it."

I'm about to blow my top with this kid.  "Yeah, you've dealt really well, haven't you?" I roll my eyes.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

My mouth gapes, letting out a sputtered scoff.  "You're kidding.  Just look at you!  You're pretending to be someone you're not!  You and I both know you were never the bad boy type when we were kids.  You're the slightly awkward, naturally smart, driven, hardworking-"

"I was only those things because my father forced them on me," he passes by me, crossing his arms.  "I don't want to be anything that bastard wants anymore.  And if you can't see that, then we were never friends in the first place."

That's a stab in the chest.  How can he say that we were never friends when we used to do everything together?  A surge of fury rushing through me, I grab his arm to keep him from moving any farther.  "You love watching superhero cartoons, your favorite was All Might.  Sometimes, you're so damn lazy that instead of doing homework when you came home, you would sneak in a nap before your dad came home to see you slacking off.  Your favorite food in the entire world is cold soba.  You don't like extremely sweet desserts.  You've always been insecure about how strange your mismatched hair and eyes look, but I always had to assure you that you're still the most handsome guy in our class."

Shouto halfway turns around to look at me.

"If we weren't friends, why do I know so much about you?"  I take another bold step towards him, softening at the underlying pain etched into his features.  "I know you always hated the way your dad expects so much from you.  The only thing you ever wanted in your childhood was to be normal.  The pressure finally crumbled down on you and your mom, and I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you through it.  But you shouldn't abandon everything that you are.  You took after your mom more than your dad; you're sometimes a sassy son of a bitch, but you're kind and have a deep respect for people you admire.  You have a natural sense of humor that you don't even know you have.  You care about the people you're close to, you only struggle with communicating how you feel sometimes."

His lips part slightly, processing everything I just showered onto him.  Guilt eventually creeps up on him, choosing to rub the back of his neck.  "You...always did know just what to say."

I smirk and engulf him into my long-awaited hug.  "Who else would put you back in your place?"

His arms hesitantly wrap around my body, the act of sharing body warmth strange yet familiar to him.  It's a small victory, but I'm relieved that we're back on speaking terms.  I'm ready to resume protecting him as I should.

Shouto shifts in our embrace.  "You said...I struggle with telling people how I feel...?" he mumbles sheepishly near my ear.

My boy perks with confusion.  "Yeah, even when we first-"

"Would it suffice if..."

Before I can turn to search his face for what he could be implying, his grip around me loosens as he pulls back to look at me, one of his warm hands resting against my cheek.  His face looms right in front of me, my breath catching in surprise, before he presses his lips to mine softly.  The weightlessness in my stomach is unmistakable.

As quick and unexpected as it came, it also left, Shouto's half lidded gaze resting on me from a small distance away.  All I can do is stare off dazed, still trying to process what just happened.

He leans back against the nearest desk in the front row.  "I guess I should've asked first."  I can see his cheeks and his ears turn almost as flushed as the color of his hair despite his hand covering half his face to hide it.  "But it was the only way I can think to get my point across without stumbling over words."

My heart still flutters trying to recover back to normal, my knees shaking as I lean against the teacher's desk for stability.  I resist the urge to touch my lips like a shocked schoolgirl, but I'm still trying to process the whole thing.  "You know," I cough, "We did already kiss when we were like...five, so this wasn't really our first.  But I don't usually count that-"

The intense color fades from his face almost at once, a darkness creeping into his gaze.  "Then," he pins me back into the desk, hands on both sides of the wood to trap me, "I shouldn't have any qualms about doing it again."

Contrasting from his strong setup, his next kiss is still shy and hesitant.  After exchanging a couple more tentative lip-caresses that still make my head spin, he's gotten his feet wet enough to go harder, establishing a rhythm between us.  As his kisses intensify, his hands reach up to cup both sides of my nape, fingers tangling in my hair desperately and tilting my head up for a better angle.  My own hands grasp the collar of his uniform, pulling him closer into the heat of the moment.

His body pushes me practically into sitting on top of the desk, moving one of his knees between my legs as he lets ones of his hands roam down to grip my waist.  The sudden tug elicits a minute gasp, allowing Shouto to nip at my bottom lip before tugging my head back to trail soft kisses down my jaw.  My fingers thread through his soft locks, letting him massage my neck with his mouth.

"W-Where did you learn all this?" I breathe out unsteadily, my breath refusing to return.

He straightens up and captures my lips in another slow kiss.  "You'll never know."  Another one.  "I've admittedly imagined this for a while."  The next kiss is much deeper, a hum vibrating from his chest as his fingers dig into my side again.  "You're special, so dear."  His mumbles between kisses become more incoherent as his kisses become messy.

"Shouto."  I finally manage to push him away for me to breathe and calm my dizzy head.  Both of us are panting.  His half-lidded eyes and flushed face tempt me, but the fear of someone walking by suddenly alerts in my mind.  "Someone might see us.  Besides, isn't there something you need to say?"

His brow lifts.  "I'm...sorry for being rude to you last week."

"That was needed, too," I chuckle, "But there's something else."

Confusion crosses his features.  "Have I done something else wrong?"

My hands slide down to grip his hands.  "Don't you need to ask me to date you officially?"

The tint of rose on his cheeks intensifies a shade.  "I thought it was clear already..."

Another chuckle bubbles from my lips and I lean up to kiss his warm cheek.  "I'll let it pass because I want to date you too."  His face begins to light up in joy, but I push off from the desk and tow him out of the room.  "But you have to start coming to class again."

Shouto catches up to keep pace with me and presses a kiss to my forehead.  "Done."

"And you need to see a therapist, Mr. Bad Boy."

He breaks out into a smile at that nickname.  "I'll think about it."

[sleepywinchester]

Fool For You Pt. 5 ⏤ Oscar Díaz.

Summary:  You are back in your hometown Freeridge to take care of your sister Jasmine and your father after being away for six years. You left Freeridge looking for a better life but in that process you had to let go of someone you loved. But you’re back and things are not the same but they sure feel like it.

Words: 2K+

Warnings: N/A

A/N: Hola!!!! Hope everyone is safe at home! This continues the story as a some sort of a series re-write. It won’t be something of all the episodes but the main ones of where Spooky appears. Hope you guys like this and always feel free to leave some feedback is so appreciated it.  | MESSAGE BOX | HAPPY READING!!!

(english is not my first language, might be some typos around)

Title: Ain’t Nobody Business 

Chapters: Uno - Dos - Tres - Cuatro

“There is enough food in the fridge to last you at least two weeks,” you told Cesar as you left the bags of extra things for him on top of the counter. “Clean towels and bed sheets in the closet.” 

Cesar looked around your apartment in silence. His body language told you he was deeply unsure about him staying here. 

“It’s not much but… is quiet,” at that moment Lunch Money started to loudly sound in the background. You turned around to see Jasmine dancing to it in the backyard. Your eyes went back to Cesar, “Ish.” 

He gave you a flat smile, “Thank you.”

“It’s the last I can do…” you told him. 

He furrowed his eyebrows, “How can someone like you be with someone like my brother?” Cesar’s words were cold and filled with resentment towards his brother. You sighed softly holding both arms crossed onto your chest. 

“Oscar is going through a lot right now,” you told him, “he didn’t want this for you. It’s-,” you let out a sigh trying not to say too much, “it’s complicated, mijo.” 

“Everything is always so fucking complicated and I’m not your mijo.”

“Damn,” you scoffed, “for someone who hates his brother, you damn sure act like him.” Cesar rolled his eyes looking away. “That’s just life, Cesar,” you said. “For now, tienes un techo y comida and you don’t have to sleep inside a car by the street or random hostels. You’re safe here.” 

It was hard for Cesar to see the good in this fucked up situation, after all he was just a kid to have all these problems and to be out of a home. He looked at you with sad eyes before sitting on your bed. “I’m here because Monse is making me say yes to this but… thank you, you’re right I hate my brother but you’re good for him.”

“I’ll see you at school,” you said softly, “try to stay out of trouble. Por favor.” 

Cesar nodded and the corner of your lip curved. Grabbing your bag from the counter you walked out of your place with a duffle bag hanging from your shoulder and strolled to Oscar’s. There were a couple of Santos in his front yard as usual. All of them giving you respectful nods as you made your way into the house. 

Oscar got startled by the loud sound of your duffel bag when it hit the floor. He was cooking something in the kitchen. You chuckled at the way his entire body shook. 

“¿Todo bien?” 

Oscar shook his head, “You scared the shit out of me.”

“The big bad Spooky,” you mocked. 

He clicked his tongue, “Shut up.” Once finally in front of him, he held you by the waist and placed a kiss on your lips. “How'd it go?” He looked you in the eye, silently allowing himself to show the worry he felt through his eyes. 

You gave him a look that let him know he was being well taken care of. Since Oscar was a kid taking care of his little brother has been his only job. He might not have taken the best decisions while doing so but making sure he was okay was always his priority. 

“Cesar is at my place and for now he is safe but…” you sighed, “he is a kid, Oscar. He shouldn’t be in the streets. He needs his brother, he needs to be in his home.” 

Oscar clenched his jaw, having a seat in his small dining room. 

“¿Tu crees que yo quiero que el este en las calles?” he told you, his eyes still full of worry. “Es mi hermano y lo amo pero… esto es complicado.”

You sat across the table from him, “I get that is complicated but there has to be a way to make this right. How long until the prophets know he’s staying at my place? Or something worse happens…” 

“Don’t say that,” he cut you off.

“He is not part of The Santos anymore, you can’t protect him,” you told him. “I know his friends are scheming and trying to look for solutions.” Standing up you looked down at him, “You should do the same.”

Oscar arched an eyebrow, “Do you have any ideas?”

“Maybe start with your boss, Cuchillos?” 

His shoulders tensed at the sound of the name Cuchillos, standing up he stood tall in front of you. “Cuchillos was the one who told me to kick him out, unless I have a good plan that benefies her, I can’t speak about it.” 

You caressed his arm trying to soothe the stress away, “We will figure this out… I don’t know how but encontraremos la manera.” Oscar kissed your forehead, holding your face with his hand.

After the small intimate moment you went into his room and smiled at the smell of Fabuloso. “Did you clean?” You shouted from the room.

Oscar appeared behind you, “Si.” He leaned against the door frame watching you place your bag on top of his well made bed.  

“Where can I put my things?” You asked him. 

He smirked as he walked behind you and reached his dresser opening the first two drawers of it. “Here,” he said and then opened the closet, “and here.”

“You really made some space for me…” you were a bit shooked of how much space Oscar had created for you. He was looking at you with sparkles in his eyes. 

“Wanted you to feel at home so…,” he held your hand and walked you down the hall and into an empty room. In there there was a made up desk and chair, right in front of the window. You recognized the room from years ago, it was his mother’s room.

“You,” you turned to look him in the eye, “you did this for me?” 

He shrugged, the small smirk didn’t vanish, “I know you’re going to need a quiet space to work and there’s always people here… I can’t expect you grading papers by the kitchen when there’s a lot of guys just shouting by the window.” 

You tiptoed your way to his lips, giving him a soft long kiss.

“I guess you liked your small office,” he whispered. 

“I love it,” you said, looking over your shoulder at the space, “but I know it was your mother’s room… It looks like it’s never been used.”

“Is because I haven’t,” he said. “When she died I got rid of all her stuff except this,” he reached the desk and grabbed an old notebook from it. “It was her… kind of a diary. It was the only thing that wasn’t toxic..” 

He held onto that notebook like it was the only good memory he had of his mom and maybe it was. You kissed his cheek, “Thank you.”

“Is nothing,” he whispered back. 

“It is,” you said softly, caressing the side of his face. “You are making sure I am comfortable here and that I feel like home. I love that and… I love you.” 

Oscar’s eyes sparkled when he heard the words I love you. He instantly began to kiss your lips. The soft kiss turned into a more passionate one in a matter of seconds. Your body began to get heated. Leaving the notebook back on top of the desk, he then proceeds to lift your body and carry you into the bedroom. 

/ / / 

You were woken up by a chicano rap sounding loudly from the backyard. Letting out a harsh groan you stood up from Oscar’s bed and walked out of the room. The house was empty but it smelled like someone just lit a cigarette, the smoke was still floating around. Following the music you walked to the backyard to find Oscar and Sad Eyes working on the red chevy impala. 

A smirk formed on your face, watching how sexy Oscar looked working on his beloved car. Sad Eyes cleared his throat when he noticed your presence. Your boyfriend's eyes met yours in a matter of seconds, then his sight went down to your body, chucking to himself. 

You looked down and remembered you were only wearing your Selena shirt. 

Oscar got off his car hood and walked towards you, “Buenos dias.” 

The smile on your face was kissed by his lips, “Buenos dias.” 

He pulled back, looking down. “Nice shirt.” 

“I know, right?” You winked turning around and walking back inside to get ready for the day. 

You weren’t surprised to see Oscar’s fridge to be fully stocked and the coffee freshly made in the coffee pot. He was the leader of a dangerous Mexican gang but damn was he domestic as fuck. You began to make breakfast for you and the two cholos working hard outside. 

“¿Que haces ma’? Oscar entered the kitchen sweat spots showing on his grey tank. 

“Making breakfast for us and Sad Eyes,” you said going back to chopping chilli peppers. 

He slipped the tank off his muscular body as he walked towards the bathroom. “Sad Eyes went home to his ruca. I’m taking a shower.” 

“More for me,” you muttered as you shrugged. 

“Heard that!” He shouted from the hallway, making you laugh.

While Oscar took a shower you continued to cook the rest of the breakfast. You made scrambled eggs with tomatoes and chilli peppers, toast and bacon. Once those were done you served it nicely on a plate and poured coffee for the two. 

“Yo, that smells amazing,” he walked into the kitchen.

Sitting down you shrugged smugly, “¿Que? You think you’re the only one who knows to cook?”

Oscar sat down smirking, “No, reina. You do your thing too.” 

“You better say that,” you said as you began to eat.

“Damn,” he said as soon as he took the first bite and continued to eat.

It was nice to see him eat and enjoy your food. When you two were teenagers you didn’t have this domestic feel, not even weeks ago when you were sleeping with each other. He would always cook or you would always have to run out the door. Staying with him was giving your relationship a whole new aspect and to be honest, you liked it. 

“Good?” You had a sip of your coffee. 

“So fucking good,” he said between bites.

You smiled, “It was made with love.” Oscar’s eyes looked up and shot a wink as he continued eating. “Are you driving me to work?”

“Do you want me to drive you to work?”

“Si.” You said without hesitating. 

Oscar licked his thumb, “What about your co-workers and shit?”

You shrugged, “I told you I don’t care what people say. I’m with you and if they have something to say, they better not say it to my face because I’ll react.”

He was so proud and turned on by your sassiness and by how sure of what you wanted you were. “I’ll drive you, chula.”

You were biting on your bacon when he said that, smiling you winked at him and continued to have the rest of your food. 

He drove you to the school, his hand rested on top of your thigh through the short trip. This type of normal was new for you two but it felt good for both. 

“Look at us being official and shit,” Oscar said, “you made me breakfast, me driving you to work. You are staying with me.” He held your hand and kissed the back of it. 

You leaned towards him and kissed his cheek, “I love it.”

“Yo mas,” he said back. 

He pulled over by the school just in the same moment Cesar and his friends were strolling in. All of them instantly spotted the bright red Chevy and began to whisper between them. You also spotted the principal waiting outside the school. 

“Ma’,” Oscar held your hand before you could step out of the car.

You looked into his eyes, “Mhm?” 

“Careful,” he almost whispered. 

You nodded as you gave him a soft smile and stood out of his car. You ignored the stares some of the students were giving you and strolled into the school. As you continued to walk towards your classroom the principal Ms. Gonzales joined. 

“Good morning,” she spoke after clearing her throat.

Taking a deep breath in, you looked at her and smiled. “Buenos dias.” 

“I noticed that Spooky dropped you off at school today?”

“I’m sorry,” you stopped walking and stood in the middle of the hallway.

“I don’t want to seem like I am in everyone’s business-,”

“That’s something everyone says when they are about to get in someone’s business.” 

She fixed her glasses, arching her eyebrow, “Spooky is the leader of the Santos and I don’t like to explain to the parents of the students that one of my teachers is dating the leader of a gang and also teaching history.”

“My personal life doesn’t take any of my capabilities of teaching these kids.”

“Well, it does get in the way of the image of this school.”

You rolled your eyes not believing what she was saying, “Image? Are we in fucking Brentwood? We have gang members as students, there’s no image to keep up. This is Freeridge.”

Gonzales' eyes went wide open after you cursed in front of her face. “Y/N that is not the proper language to use with your boss.”

“¿Y estar de metiche en mi vida personal lo es? I’m sorry Mrs. Gonzales but what I do outside or work or who I date is none of this school or your business.”

Part Seis

tags are open

@flamingweasley​​ @dolanackles​​ @lcandothisallday​​​ @mmelissarenee​​ @donnaintx​​ @blckgrl-sunflower​

[hollerace]

Mrs. Wahlstrom--Feb 5, 2021

How do you get into a fight the first time you see someone? When you’re the ripe old age of six? That’s the way it happened with Lloyd Tichey and me. We had just moved in to Midfield Avenue. I saw a kid across the street, playing between the two garages that took up the block. I crossed the street to inspect and got pelted with a clod of dirt for my trouble. I found a hiding spot and armed myself. After a brief fusillade, I poked my head out; so did Lloyd, who said, “My mom’s got iced tea.” Within first sips, our friendship was cemented. Lloyd was younger than I, not by much. He was a bit taller (who wasn't?) and better at sports and games. The surrounding streets were our arena, with plenty of kids and fewer cars. Were moms really allowed to drive? Not in our neighborhood. It didn’t take us long to confront a common enemy. Mrs. Wahlstrom lived next to me and anointed herself the personal enemy of kids having fun. She appeared regularly in attempts to quelch our enjoyment. Some of the games could attain high volume levels, particularly kickball. The sport was similar to baseball. An inflated ball would be rolled to the “batter.” You can figure out the rest. Four bases, hits, runs, enjoyment. Wacky Wahlstrom, as we called her, used her porch as her pulpit. Fortunately for us, she was a native Swedish (we guessed) speaker. Diatribes, accompanied by boney, croney finger-points, began with, “You keeds,” followed by screechy, unintelligible syllables, accented with various avian screeches, hoots and gabbling. Since she was a grownup, we didn’t sass her back, nor did we listen to her admonitions. Occasionally, a ball would find its way onto her porch. The nearest kid would race up there to retrieve the precious piece before she could confiscate it. Lloyd Tichey (pronounced “Ticky”) feared her least. He would march right up to Mrs. Wahlstrom and face her down until she surrendered whatever she had just nicked from us. One time, during a game break, I opined, “I wonder if there was ever a Mister Wahlstrom?” Several theories ensued. Lloyd’s stance was, “There was a guy, once. He musta killed himself.” We howled. Lloyd had an older brother, Barry, who was in my grade. He was quiet, virtually tacit, forever riding his bike down to Birch Creek to fish. An even older brother (Jimmy, I think) lived elsewhere. He was wild-eyed with bushy uneven hair and given to loud forms of addressing anyone. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING, TIMMY?” he would shriek as he raced from his car to the house. I never knew how to answer him. Mr. Tichey was a dapper, tanned, mustachioed man who travelled for work. His wife always looked furrowed; she seemed to worry a weathered washcloth in her hands as she walked about the neighborhood. She was followed everywhere by Baby Myra, a rotund little girl whose face needed constant swipes by her mom’s accessory. Their house smelled of cabbage. All the kids looked to Lloyd for leadership. He was a skilled organizer of games--a natural arbiter. If there was ever a problem, Lloyd seemed to rule. For a time, Dark Mark Longuiel, who lived down by The Field, started hanging around our street. He readily disagreed with anyone, and always seemed champing for a dispute. He even got mad at Ellen Botsford, who was far and away the prettiest girl who played with us. (Yes, we needed no Title IX; we just naturally went co-ed.). Lloyd Tichey got in his face. Harsh words, no blows, no Mark. As we grew, street play lost its popularity. We rarely saw Mrs. Wahlstrom. Once, when she was inching her ancient DeSoto down the driveway at a glacier’s pace, little Martin Botsford yelled, “Hey, Wacky Wahlstrom!” Lloyd immediately shut him down. “Leave her be,” he said sharply. Little Martin was already growing into quite the pain. But the little old lady seemed to fade into her dun, once-burgundy house. “She must have eighty Wiffle Balls in there,” remarked Lloyd one time. He remained an untitled leader in the ‘hood, but I was his consigliere, so to speak. Lloyd would ask me Big Questions. Many of these were about the aforementioned Ellen Botsford.

We were approaching the age where kickball dimmed in intergender activities. Most summer evenings, we played a game of Chase. This was a sort of an offshoot of the classic pastime, but much more hiding was effected as opposed to any seeking. I was just emerging from one of my favorite lairs, behind Crabby Creiner’s shed. I just happened to spy Lloyd Tichey and Ellen Botsford sneaking out of Muldoon’s lot, which provided excellent leafy cover. They were holding hands.

Wait! What? Suddenly, the rules of every game changed. Such manual interlocking was a brave, new world to a pre-shaving Catholic boy, at once exciting and terrifying. But Lloyd and Ellen? No way! No wonder all the questions.

I guess I liked some girls. There was a brief crush on Lisa Longborg, who was our eighth-grade lunch monitor. A veritable amazon at five-seven, she would camp at Sister’s desk while we ate on days too wet for recess. I would invent reasons to approach the desk while she sat there, imperious over her bologna-on-Wonder (pencil-sharpening was a good one), managing to sneak glances at her ever-burgeoning mammarial development. I wasn’t the only boy to attempt this ruse.

There was also the exotic, raven-tressed Ann Marie Pandolfo, whose glamour faded for me when she ironed a Paul Anka image on the back of her coat. This also garnered the disapproval of The Good Sisters.

I barely had the chance to recover from this tectonic shift in my life-views when another tremor hit. Lloyd announced that his family was moving up to Northfield, a suburb some ten miles north of town.

It seems Mr. Tichey had earned some sort of promotion at work, enabling his brood to improve their lifestyles. I was forlorn at first, then resigned.

The school year was bearable (Lloyd went to the public school), but that first summer loomed dusty, empty and stifling. There was the LAG (Lark Avenue Gang) for fun, just a couple of blocks away. Games of Chase still took place. Again I hid alone, noticing that more and more couples were pairing off.

My father even drove me up to Northford once to visit. The streets had no sidewalks or phone poles, with names like Chipshot Road or Rolling Mews Lane.

The Ticheys had a big, split-level ranch, a bigger yard. As neat as it was to see Lloyd, the entire scenario loomed disjoint, foreign. Even Baby Myra seemed clean, and the  house didn’t smell of cabbage

.I didn’t realize our city was slowly draining. People, stores and services were migrating. And a friendship faded, tattered pages of memories from a book hidden away on a musty shelf.

Not long after, I went off to Campion Prep; Lloyd ended up at Northfield High. I found the drums and Lloyd did the same for basketball. Our teams never played each other, for my school kept  an urban schedule. But the Despatch would cover Lloyd’s games, where his star would shine brighter as we neared graduation.

No sports legend, I even took Ellen Botsford to the movies once. She later ditched me for a Campion U. guy who had a sleek Honda bike. Who could blame her?

When I returned home after my freshman year at Sacre Coeur College, I fielded an odd phone call. It was from Mrs. Tichey. Her voice trembled as she told me how Lloyd had joined the Marines right after graduation. This unnerved me. I had thought for sure that a hoops scholarship awaited him. I asked for a way to get in touch. She gave me an FPO address. I wrote to him in vain.

Two summers later, I was rehearsing nightly with a local band, awaiting our maiden visit to a recording studio. One evening, a long Cadillac convertible pulled up to the house. Inside was Lloyd Tichey, in civilian clothes, but looking every bit the cut-and-pressed Marine.

Surprised, I hopped in, and we drove down to Lady’s, the seawall where Park Terrace met the Sound. It was his father’s ride, but Lloyd produced some cold Schaefers.

“I’m sick of this Honor Guard, shit, Timmy,” he began. An influential state senator from Northfield had arranged for Lloyd to secure this light-duty post at the governor’s mansion in Hartford.

“But, Lloyd,” I said, “this keeps you out of the war. Easy going.”

“Bullshit. Anyone can carry a flag. I’m a Marine; I want to fight.” I saw this was no time to voice my concerns over the Viet mess we had gotten into. His anger blossomed: sharp eyes, tightened features. I felt the tension.

We drank in silence. We both knew an argument was futile. As he dropped me off, we shared a brief hug, something we had never done as kids.

Our lives, like two opposing streams, changed courses, each divining its own path, surging forward in separate worlds.The ne

xt May, I read in the paper about Operation Georgia in Viet Nam. What made me notice was that the 9th Marines were involved. Lloyd’s unit.

I didn’t get a phone call. Reading the article in the Despatch galvanized my spine. I didn’t care about the heroes in Quang Nam province. But the article did include that a Lloyd Tichey of Northford wouldn’t be returning home. His remains, however, would.

I gleaned that there would be full military honors at Quantico, but not until a viewing was scheduled here in the city.My mom had sold the house by then, but on the day of the wake, I drove down Midfield Avenue. Why? An unseen force directed me down our old street. Maybe I wasn’t that surprised to see a cab pulled up next door to my old house.

I parked and walked over to the cabbie. “What’s the fare?”

“Some Mrs. Wallstorm. Goin’ ta Wolke’s funeral parlor. Sposta wait.”

I tipped him and told him to grab a better fare. Soon, she appeared on her porch. Hunched over like a question mark, she made for the stairs. I hustled over to help her. How old could she be? She seemed ancient when we were kids. I cradled her elbow as she descended.

“I gotcha, Mrs. Wahlstrom,” I said. She finally looked up, peering at me through veiled, powdery crinkles. I was afraid her arm, impossibly frail, would collapse under my grip.

“Oh,” she said, “leetle Teemy. We go see Lloyd, no?”

We drove the mile or so in silence. Every other time I had listened to her, she was yelling at me. This, somehow, seemed more appropriate.

My buddy, Juice Staley, worked at Wolke’s, so he procured a wheelchair for my passenger, who seemed grateful. We briefly stood beside the closed casket, bedecked with Old Glory. We were greeted by a forlorn Mrs. Tichey, looking uncomfortable in a dress. No husband in sight. She was propped up by Myra, now a young woman. I could see Mrs. Tichey’s washcloth lingering on a nearby chair. Jimmy, no longer wild-eyed, comforted Barry. The scene was fraught with an uncomfortable confusion.

 No one seemed to recognize Mrs. Whalstrom, and I saw no fruit in explaining who she was. Some folks, obviously from the suburbs, entered to pay respects. This eased my tautness. Mrs. Wahlstrom gave me a look that said, “Enough,” and we made our way out.

We passed a Marine officer, all gussied up in his dress blues. He said, “Folks, you might want to stay. We are having a color guard, and an armed salute…”

Mrs. Wahlstrom, still in her wheelchair, was having none of this. “YOU GO TO HELL, MEESTER! ALL YOU KNOW IS FIGHT! FOR WHAT? TO KEEL YOUNG BOYS LIKE LLOYD!”

The man bristled and said, “You best get her out of here, you damned hippie,” he said. I answered with a mock, left-handed salute.

All Mrs. W. could manage on the drive home was, “I guess I told heem!”

At her house, she said, “You come in for tea, Teemy. You must.” How could I refuse this?I had never dared to venture through the door before this moment. I was a bit frightened as I did so. “You seet, Teemy,” she said, leading me into a living room. I rested, cradled in comfy cushions bedecked with lace antimacassars. I could smell the furniture polish and soak in the patina of age that seemed to settle on everything.

Then, I shot out of my seat, drawn to an opposite wall. It was covered with decorations, almost a shrine. There were dreamed newspaper clippings (“Tichey Scores 38 in Tourney Win”); pictures of Lloyd as an All-Stater. Handshakes, trophies: a celebration of Lloyd’s career. Looking further, I could see clips from my Who’s Who in American Colleges honors. Even that shot from an old Billboard when they handed out those Sesame Street gold records.

I stood there, in awe (was it joy? terror?) as she brought in the tea. She sensed my questions as we sat.“

I had no keeds, Teemy. You and Lloyd--good boys. Noisy but good. So I follow you, like you was my own boys.”

As the murky, late-afternoon sun slithered through the blinds, I could hear the thump of a ball and the shouts of youth. I fought tears mightily.

Somehow, it all made sense.

[kr210]

Love at First Sight

This is Chapter 4 of my KHR fic. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Sakura’s Character Sheet

Summary : Our little Yakuza Princess finally meets Hibari and boy does it throw her for a loop. 

The first day of any new school is supposed to be nerve racking but that’s not how Yakumo Sakura felt. In fact the 11 year old was very excited to show off her new level of confidence. Over the summer she had been more involved in her family business. Kai and Bai made sure to take time to teach her not only how to defend herself but also how to properly fight. They also show her the business aspect of the family business including the properties her family had owned for generations. Then there were the four ports they also owned on the north side of town where their imports of goods came in.

One would think that these ports would be sneaking in illegal goods but you’d be wrong. In fact like most Japanese Yakuza’s the Yakumo Yakuza is all about helping out those in need. The goods that were being brought in were all items that were possibly illegal in Japan but legal in other countries. Either way they were all items that people needed and the Yakuza provided.

The other half of the business was real estate. The Yakuza owned a couple of properties in Namimori that includes, one apartment building, two outdoor shopping malls and the Yakumo compound which was a large traditional Japanese home that took up a large city block where all the business happened.

Learning all this totally gave the 14 year old Yakuza Princess more confidence than any normal 14 year old would have. The contrast was clear as day when other first years of Namimori Middle School walked through the front gate. Sakura carried herself tall and confident while her best friend Hinamori Yuna looked beyond scared and nervous. “I don’t know how you do it, Sakura,” Yuna said, holding on to the arm of her friend. Sakura glanced at her as they entered the school and walked over the announcement boards that shared which classroom each student was assigned. “It’s all about how you want others to see you. I want people to notice me and I want them to be aware of my pretense.” Sakura commented. Yuna looked at her. “Because of your family business?” Sakura nodded.

The girls walked over to the board where Yuna let go of Sakura and started on one side of the boards. Sakura went to the other and they both looked for their names. Sakura noticed both their names on the second board. They were in the same class which was a relief for both of them. The princess went over to her friend and pulled her out of the crowd. “We are in the same class. Class 1B” Yuna lit up and hugged her friend. “Oh thank goodness” They shared an excited giggle.

Just then a rogue gust of wind blew through the crowd of students. Sakura turned her head to avoid her soft light brown hair flying into her face. Her eyes then met another. A young man dressed in the proper male student uniform with a red band on his right arm. It was like time had slowed down as her breath hitched staring at this young man. His eyes met hers but only for a brief second before he turned his attention back to the other students. It was then she noticed the other male student standing next to the one that was making her heart race. It was the outdated hairstyle that this man was wearing that she noticed about this second one. But the air around the other one that made her face flare up. She couldn’t take her eyes off him as she openly stared.

“Sakura come on we’ll be late” Yuna pulled her back to reality. “Who is that?” Sakura asked instantly, looking at her friend. Yuna looked over to where her best friend was staring. “That’s Hibari Kyoya. He’s a second year in charge of the Disciplinary Committee here at Namichu. And the guy standing next to him with the weird haircut is his right hand man, Kusakabe Tetsuya” Yuna explained. Sakura looked back at the young man named Hibari once more. “Hibari Kyoya huh” she muttered with a slight smirk on her face.

The girls made their way into the main building to switch out their shoes. Their classroom was on the second floor as most club rooms were on the first. They made their way up the stairs to find their classroom. They were almost swept away by the crowd of students trying to find their own classrooms when Sakura grabbed Yuna’s arm and pulled her into their classroom. A sign above the door said, 1-B, on it. Yuna was thankful that her best friend pulled into the classroom as she continued to watch the first years rush to their classrooms.

“Why is everyone in such a hurry?” she asked no one in particular. A male student in the classroom turned to look at the new girls. “Don’t you know Hibari-senpai?” he asked them. Yuna and Sakura looked confused. “Hibari-senpai will beat up anyone at the school who doesn’t follow the rules.” another male student said. “I heard a rumor that the teachers let him do whatever he wants because his family has power and money” another student spoke up. “Either way” a female student intervened. “You don’t want to get on his bad side” she commented, taking a seat. Yuna and Sakura had more questions but the bell for class rang and the rest of the students quickly took their seats. Yuna and Sakura assumed it was in fear of Hibari.

At lunch time students were allowed to eat in the classroom or go eat in the cafeteria. Yuna and Sakura opted to go to the cafeteria to grab food but eat in the classroom. The walk to the cafeteria was uneventful but inside the cafeteria, that was bustling with students, Yuna struggled to decide what to eat.

“Should I get Curry bread or Yakisoba bread?” Yuna asked Sakura. Sakura glanced at the bread available for purchase. “Why not both?” she asked, shrugging. Yuna looked at her and frowned. Sakura sighed and rolled her eyes as they got to the front of the line. “Two Curry breads and two Yakisoba bread” she ordered. The man reached into the cased and handed the girl the bread. Sakura handed the bread to Yuna then pulled out her wallet. “9,600” He told her. She easily pulled out a 10,000 yen bill and handed it to the man. He handed her four one hundred yen coins back and the girls moved out of the line. “Thank you Sakura,” Yuna said both grateful and ashamed. Sakura thought nothing of it.

The girls were walking back to the classroom when Sakura noticed something outside the second floor window. Yuna noticed her friend distracted and looked out the window as well. “Eh?! Isn’t that Hibari-senpai that our classmates told us about?” she asked, seeing one man beating another student right there in the courtyard and everyone ignoring it. Sakura was staring at him. “I think so yeah” she commented smiling as she watched him. Yuna looked over at her. “Sakura?” But Sakura didn’t hear her. She was focused on this young man and the way he was fighting. She was watching and studying his moves.

“Sakura?” Yuna called for her again but Sakura was still distracted by this unruly hair prefect. Her eyes full of admiration. Her body itching to fight with him as well and experience his strength. “Sakura-chan?!” Yuna raised her voice forcing her best friend to look at her. There was a smug look on Yuna’s face. “You like him,” she said, smirking. “What?” Sakura asked, still coming out of her admiration trance. “You. Like. Hibari-senpai.” Yuna said it slowly and deliberately. The Yakuza Princess felt her ears burning. “I do not,” she retorted. Yuna started giggling as she headed back to the classroom. Sakura followed behind her trying to calm her fast beating heart.

After school Yuna was switching out her shoes while Sakura stood next to her locker. “Does Kai-san mind giving me a ride home today?” she asked her friend. “Do you need a ride home or do you want to sleep over?” Sakura asked. Yuna shook her head. “Just a ride home. Mom is working today but she’ll be home for dinner” Sakura nodded. “Yeah we can give you a ride no problem” she assured her friend as they made their way towards Sakura’s locker so she could switch her shoes as well.

Together they left the school and headed towards Kai who had the car around the corner. “Good afternoon Sakura-sama, Yuna-san” he greeted them both. “Thanks for the ride Kai-san.” Yuna said, smiling as she got in the car. Sakura got in after her. Kai got in the driver’s seat. “Sakura-sama and I never mind giving you rides anywhere, Yuna-san. Please continue to relax.” he told her as he started the car. They took off towards Yuna’s house.

The drive started quiet before Kai noticed his princess distracted. “How was school?” He asked them trying to see what had the princess distracted. “Sakura has a crush” Yuna right away teased her best friend. Sakura’s eyes widened and her face flushed. “Yuna!” she yelled in a very high pitched girly voice. Yuna started laughing. Kai noticed the blush on her face. “It sounds like you two had a good first day” he concluded out loud as the girls jokingly fought in the back seat.

They dropped off Yuna who told Sakura she would see her in the morning at school. Kai asked if she would need a ride in the morning but Yuna said her mom would drop her off which pleased Kai. “Please remind your parents if they need anything to ask” he told her. She nodded and waved before she entered the front gate of her yard that would lead to the front door.

From there Kai began to drive the Yakuza Princess home. “So a crush Sakura-hime?” he asked her. Sakura felt her ears burning. “It’s nothing” she quickly said trying to calm the burning sensation of her cheeks. Kai smiled to see her acting like a normal 14 year old instead of young Yakuza leader. “What’s his name hime?” A small fond smile appeared on her face. “His name is Hibari Kyoya. He’s a second year and the leader of the Disciplinary Committee. I saw him fighting today Kai and...He looked so cool. And strong. I want to fight him” she said smiling as she looked up at the rear view mirror. Kai smiled. “I will find out all the information I can about him,” he told her. She nodded her head. “Thank you.” Kai glanced back at her. “If he’s part of the Disciplinary Committee then he must be very strict with the rules of the school” he commented to her. “Yeah… I think I want to challenge him so he’ll notice me. But I’ll need you to back me up in case I get in trouble” she told him. “Leave everything to me Hime” he told her. She nodded her head as a small smirk tugged her lips. “Middle school is going to be fun”

“You’re out of your mind!” Yuna said, staring at her friend. Sakura and Yuna were about a block away from the main gates of Namichu. “He’s going to kill you dressed like that. It’s only the second day of school and you’re really going to upset the Disciplinary Committee leader?” Yuna questioned, staring at her best friend. Sakura had her hair tied up in a high ponytail so the ends of her hair were brushing her shoulders. Her uniform shirt had the first two buttons undone showing a bit of cleavage and the bottom three buttons showing off her bellybutton. The uniform skirt was rolled up so high that it barely covered her ass. She had no socks on and was rocking a pair of pink three inch high heels.

“He’s going to kill you the moment he sees you.” Yuna said, shaking her head. Sakura was smirking, “That’s the goal” she commented as they started walking towards the main gate. “So you’re dressed like this to purposely get him to notice you?” Yuna asked. Sakura nodded her head. “Don’t worry Yuna. You won’t get in trouble; this will be for my own amusement.” she said smiling.

One could say it was almost instant. As if Hibari himself felt something off in the universe that surrounded his school. He could sense the troublemaker entering the campus ground like a rabid bear looking for its next meal. And when he noticed all the male eyes staring at this first year girl disrespecting the Namimori Middle School Uniform, he nearly imploded. His tonfa’s were drawn as he stalked over to this disrespecting herbivore. But this first year was a trained fighter and she could sense his hostile spirit instantly. “Yuna leave.” Sakura used a tone of voice that Yuna hadn’t heard since the day her and Sakura became friends. Yuna quickly stepped away from her friend but didn’t want to leave her alone completely.

Hibari was so much quicker than Sakura expected. She nearly didn’t dodge that first strike. Her eyes were wide as she landed her first flip, but Hibari was faster and went to strike again. The princess was aware of his speed and was ever so gracefully able to dodge his second attack by throwing her weight over him and landing on the opposite side of him. Hibari felt her hands use him as a launching pad to land her flip. He turned to look at her; his piercing gray eyes glaring at her. “1st year, Class 1-B Yakumo Sakura” he stated her name. Sakura could not help the smile that appeared on her face. “So you know of me Hibari-senpai,” she said smiling. “I know every student at Namichu” Well… that made the smile on the girl’s face disappear. “How Disappointing.” She commented, pouting a little.

“Your uniform does not meet the dress code. Fix. It.” he spat at her. “No.” Sakura calmly challenged him. His piercing gray eyes met her soft brown eyes. Hibari’s eyebrow twitched as he took a stance to fight the girl again when the main bell for class to begin rang. “Welp this was fun Hibari but I don’t want to be late” she told him smiling before she could at top speed rushed to switch her shoes out. “Wait…” he yelled at her but she was long gone. He would normally chase after her but he didn’t want to damage his precious school. He wasn’t sure this herbivore would feel the same way either.

“I can’t believe you.” Yuna muttered to Sakura as they entered the classroom. Sakura had not changed her uniform at all. “It was worth it.” she said smiling. Yuna shook her head. “He’s going to kill you the moment you leave school grounds.” she pointed out. “That’s what I’m hoping for.” The cherry blossom said with a huge smile on her face. Yuna leaned closer to her friend. “Sakura do you really like Hibari-senpai?” she asked her in a hushed voice. Sakura looked away, her ears burning, and face flushed. “Yes. I guess you could say it is love at first sight.” she commented, smiling a little to herself.

[annelixa]

Trust Chapter 10

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Can also be read on AO3

Summary: Cassandra seeks Varian shortly after she stole the Moonstone so that she can use his intellectual gifts. Lucky for her, no one seems to be telling him what happened at the Dark Kingdom and he still sees her as the wise and trusted person he always knew. Utilizing that image of herself, she takes him for herself while under the guise of protection.

Fandom: Tangled the Series

A few days previously, Cassandra had created a small fenced in area for Varian. It allowed him an opportunity to enjoy the Sun while still being ‘protected’. At first, he had been nervous about going out while the Saporians were on the lose but once he had seen the towering rocks and menacing points, his doubts had disappeared. Every afternoon, the boy would spend about half an hour outside while eating his lunch or taking a break from his work. The door to the yard was opened in the morning and closed in the evening so that he could go out whenever he wanted without the need to ask for Cassandra’s assistance. This was rather useful as she still seemed to pop in and out whenever she wanted so Varian could never be sure when she was in the cottage.

Today she waited until he was asleep in his chambers and the entrance to the yard was closed before she slipped out. She had a mission to complete and needed the cover of darkness. Her mentor had given her the idea and while she wasn’t excited about it, she had agreed that it made sense. The balloon was used to fly to the beach on the far side of the capital, near the bridge, where she dragged it a little deeper into the woods to hide it until she needed it again. Once again, she pulled the cloak she had stolen from the Spire over her head and assumed the form of one of the palace guards. Without worry for being caught, she walked to the palace and easily made her way to the dungeons. Many guards greeted her on the way but she simply nodded at them. Two guards were meant to be in the dungeons but she only found one patrolling the area and relieved him.

A self-satisfied grin crossed her face as the man rounded the corner. When the sound of his footsteps was no longer audible, she grabbed the nearby keys and approached a cell.

“Get up,” she called to the occupants.

A tall man stood up, careful to not release the ends of the cords in his hands, and stepped closer. He didn’t seem to care about what she had to say. The only thing he was focusing on was keeping the other criminals from floating away in their bubble prisons.

“What do you want?” another occupant called but her voice was muffled by the bubble she was trapped in.

“I came to make a bargain with you,” Cassandra replied, lowering her hood and revealing her true form.

“Cassie!” another man called happily, head still stuck in a bubble. “I knew you still had a thing for me!”

“Shut it, Hubert.” The man glared at the use of his actual name. He hated that he had let her know it and wished for her to call him Andrew again. “I’m willing to let you out but you can’t be an ass.” She laughed. “Oh wait, that’s just how you always are.”

A short woman raised her eyebrow, looking her over while Andrew glared at her.

“What would you want in return?”

“I’m planning an attack on Corona. I need soldiers and I know you want a part in that.” The Saporian leader tapped against the outside of his bubble over the spot his chin was as he considered the idea. They did want to destroy Corona but was it worth joining the woman? Would she be true to her word or drop them the second things turned against her? “In exchange, I will release you and you might get to visit an old 'friend’.”

She withdrew a brightly colored orb from her pocket and tossed it in the air. All the occupants of the cell watched it with hungry eyes as she caught it again.

“That’s-” Andrew began, surprised.

“The alchemist!” the small woman interrupted.

Cassandra smiled.

“Yes. He made this for me. We’re working together to destroy Corona.” She looked at them like she was carrying a secret. “He might not be aware of that fact yet though.”

“We’re in.”

“Wonderful.” She pulled the keys out and unlocked the cell. “I have a balloon waiting for us on the other side of the bridge.” Lifting the orb, she ordered, “Now hold still.”

* * *

Rapunzel was in the middle of redesigning the routes the guards were using to look for Varian. They hadn’t found him yet using them and if he was in trouble, someone might be using the current routes to make their plans. She worried that if he was in danger somewhere, the person who caused it might move around when the guards weren’t nearby. It was a flaw she had to fix.

The door to the war room burst open and a guard ran in, panting heavily.

“Princess!” he cried, relieved to have found her.

“Whoa, whoa,” she tried to keep her voice calm so the man would calm down himself. Her heart was beating a mile a minute though as she tried to figure out what had spooked him so badly. “Take a breath and let me know what happened.”

“It’s the Saporians!” he explained in a rush. “They’ve escaped! We have no idea how they did it!”

Shocked, the princess took a step back. A million thoughts started to run through her head.

Why had they escaped?

How had they done it?

What were they planning?

Was Corona their target?

Did they manage to escape from the bubbles Varian had-

Varian!

A vivid memory of the alchemist dangling over the edge of an airship forced its way to the front of her mind; the haunting words Andrew had threatened him with ringing in her ears.

The Saporians had wanted to kill Varian the last time they had interacted. Did they still want to? Was he in danger? She collapsed to her knees and covered her face, tears threatening to fall. She should have told him everything, about their journey, about Cass, about why she had asked him to translate the scroll. If the Saporians got to him, she would never be able to tell him. She would never see him again.

[koukouture]

Meant for you chapter 7) Welcome to Reim

”Cheif Rametoto, I the warrior Hinahoho am grateful for your presence” Hinahoho said. 

Hina, Sinbad, Amaris and a woman who’s name was apparently Rurumu, knelt in front of an old weathered man, Rametoto, cheif of Imcakk. Hina stood, “We are here to ask for your permission, will you allow us, Hinahoho and Rurumu to get married? And leave the Imchakk clan?”

’Hina, choose your words more carefully’ Amaris thought. ‘You do not talk to a girl’s dad like that’

“Answer this question, warrior Hinahoho, what are you able to provide for my daughter? Wealth? Power? Status? My daughter has been cultured to be a warrior, she’s wanted nothing else her entire life. She has everything you can think of. So, I ask again; what can you provide to a person like her?” 

“At the moment, I am unable to provide her with anything” Hina replied. ‘Bad answer’ Amaris though with a wince. 

“Bastard! Who in their right mind would dare to insult the great cheif of Imchakk!? I’ll mangle you!” 

The cheif yelled, jumping down and swinging his staff just above Hinahoho’s shoulder. Amaris was surprised he didn’t even flinch, ‘Hina, you now have my respect’ Amaris thought, trembling from the sudden commotion.

”I am unable to provide anything for her in my current state” Hina said calmly. “That being said, we can work together to make our dreams come true” he said, turning to face Sinbad. 

“That is my master’s dream”

’Again, WHAT ABOUT ME!?’ Amaris mentally yelled. 

Timeskip...

They were off, with an agreement with Imchakk. They would sell things from Imchakk, and make a name for themselves as great merchants. But, there was a downside to this...

”A dress!? You’ve got to be kidding me!” Amaris yelled as Rurumu held a white dress in front of her. Rurumu frowned slightly “You are a lady, you should dress and act like one” 

The white haired girl ran behind Sinbad “Sin-kun, protect me!” Amaris yelped, hiding behind Sinbad. 

“I don’t see a problem with this. You would look good in that. Plus, she’s right. We’re not street kids anymore” 

Sinbad was dressed in fine clothes, having changed out of the ones the Imchakk gave him. He looked good, more clean, but Amaris wasn’t digging her outfit options. Sinbad sighed, knowing he wouldn’t win if she decided to argue, he pushed her further into the room and shut the door  behind him “Have fun!” 

Amaris trembled as Rurumu cast her shadow over her. “Ummm...”

Timeskip...

“It’s truly a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ja’far, and I’m what you would call a merchant. We’d be honoured if you could stock our products in your lovely store- What the hell am I saying!” Ja’far fumed. Amaris sighed beside him, “Don’t worry. Sometimes I wonder why I’m here too” she muttered. She was dressed in a simple but beautiful white dress held together by a rope, her hair was free of it’s ponytail and hanging by her shoulders, a gold circlet set off her white hair “I’ve had enough of this you old hag!” The boy yelled, slamming his fists in the table. 

Rurumu’s eye twitched “Old hag?”

Amaris and Sinbad jumped as Rurumu karate chopped the poor kid’s face. 

“How many times to I need to tell you; when addressing a mature lady, you address them and ‘miss’ or ‘madam’. We are now a part of Sinbad’s merchant crew, we have to act the part. The way we carry ourselves is the key to building strong and true trade relationships” the Imchakk women scolded.

A few minutes later....

”HOW DO YOU EXPECT TO AMOUNT TO ANYTHING IF YOU CAN’T EVEN READ!? YOU MUST ALSO LEARN CULTURE, GEOGRAPHY, AND OF COURSE MATHEMATICS!” Rurumu scolded. ‘I should have paid attention to my teacher’ Amaris thought, regretting not listening paying attention to her classes in the other world. But there was more hell to come. 

“Ja’far! Correct you’re posture!”

”Stay standing!” 

Soon enough, the three kids were on the ground exhausted. They saw Hina, Vittel, and Maho standing over them. “Hey how are you guys? Hanging in there?” Hina teased. “C’mon! You’ve got this!” Vittel encouraged. Amaris groaned while Ja’far grumbled about his headache. 

“Lunch time everyone!” Rurumu called. 

“I should have stayed in Parthevia...” Amaris groaned as Sin pulled her up. He patted her back with an apologetic smile. “Remember your manners now!” Rurumu said. Amaris saw the boys cringing, but she was used to this crap and just dug in. ‘Man this is good’ Amaris thought, taking a bite of the well cooked meat. 

An hour later, they were back to studying. It was just grammar and speech, Amaris was pretty good at it. Having spent most of her life in a world where everyone had the right to an education, she was a few leagues above the boys. “Hmm, Amaris dear, you sound like you know these things rather well” Rurumu said, checking her work. 

“Well, it’s not that hard really” she replied. 

“Indeed, for a noble, at least” Rurumu said, eying her almost suspiciously. 

“Yeah!” Sinbad piped up “I’ve always wondered why you’ve always been so smart, being able to write and read like that. But maybe you were a noble before we found you”

”Found her?” Rurumu repeated “I thought you two grew up in the slums together” Amaris sweat dropped nervously but Sin came to her rescue. 

“When we were eleven, we found Amaris passed out a little ways past the village. She had amnesia so we took her in” Sin explained. 

“Oh, well, I’m glad you’re starting to remember” Rurumu said, patting her head with her large hand. “And since you’re one step ahead of all my lessons, I won’t need to teach you anymore” 

“WHAT!?” Sinbad and Ja’far yelled. “Thank you!” Amaris exclaimed before heading off to tell Hina so he could assign her something to do. “No fair” Ja’far whined. 

Many nights passed and Amaris got to know everyone else better. She learned that Vittel was incredibly funny and that Maho was amazingly good at handling delicate things. And that Ja’far and her got sunburnt easily. Yep. (Haha I can’t relate since I have dark skip ;P) 

It was one faithful day when she saw the docks of Reim up ahead, Sinbad had climbed up onto the mast for a better view, she would have joined him but she couldn’t do shit in a dress. 

“All right, let’s get to business! There’s no time to waste so let’s go!” 

“Come one come all! Get you’re exclusive imported goods from Imchakk” Sinbad and Ja’far advertised while Amaris just hung back. A crowd of people gathered around to look at the goods. Most of the women over Sinbad, and most young men over Amaris. “Eh” Amaris sweat dropped nervously at her new admirers.

”What a beautiful girl” 

“Such fair skin” (I’ve been watching way too much Saiki k...) 

Over the crowd, Amaris could see Vittel with an amused look. “Help me!” She whisper yelled. Vittel shook his head and waved at her as he dealt with some customers. But, her saviours were the guards. “Break it up, break it up!” startled, the citizens cleared out. 

“You don’t have permission to set up shop here young man” one of the guards said. 

“Oh, I’m sorry sir” Sinbad replied “We’ll begin the appropriate procedure right away. Where do I go?” 

“You mean you don’t know anything about trading in Reim?” The first one said, the other sighed. “All universal transactions must go through the Reim union, which controls everything. Only the companies approved by the union are permitted to sell” the other one explained. 

“If there aren’t anymore questions then you can leave. That goes for all of you, move it!” The guard said. The people muttered as they walked away. A man in a blue cloak walked up and asked for the proprietor, Sinbad Of course answered him while Amaris helped clean up. “Yo Amaris! Box up everything we have! We have a deal!” Vittel yelled. 

“What!?” 

A sac of silver coins clinked onto the ground “Please accept this. I hope to do business with you again” the mysterious man said, and with that, he boarded his carriage and left. But that night, they were in for a surprise. 

“What’s going on here? These are our products” 

“And look at the price! They’re five-no-times higher!” 

“We were duped!” 

“That jerk took advantage of us” Hina growled. 

“He must make his money by buying and reselling goods” Sinbad said. “That being said, he plays it safe and targets non union merchants like us”

”I see” Rurumu said sadly when they met up and told her what happened. 

“How much did we loose Sinbad?” Hina asked. (I’m too lazy to write Hinahoho ok?) 

“I don’t know” was the purple head’s reply. Amaris sighed, “So much for our effort” 

“Bottom line is we need to join the union in order to conduct business in Reim. There’s no point in arguing about the resale” Ja’far and Vittel looked down. “I agree. I underestimated the trading business” Vittel said. “We all did” Rurumu sighed “But this is the reality of our business” 

“When it comes to trade, we’re total amateurs” Hina said. 

“What are you saying!? Isn’t that the fun of being in this business!?” Everyone looked at Sinbad, shocked. 

“But that guy made us look like idiots!” Ja’far protested. 

“Look at the big picture! That’s why it’s fun” 

“Huh?” 

“I respect merchants. Is you ask me I think they’re the shrewdest people to ever live! The world is run by money, and merchants move money. They have a huge roll in this world. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if I said that merchants move the world! Just think of it guys! We get to compete with people of that caliber! It’s nothing short of mind blowing!” 

Amaris felt the Rukh buzz in excitement, she didn’t know how but, it was a feeling. “I cannot believe you’re talking me into this again” Hina scoffed. “Our leader has spoken, and it is our duty to follow him!” 

“Sinbad, are you sure about this?” Rurumu, Hina, Ja’far, Vittel, Maho, and Amaris were in their boat. “Yeah. Head back to Imchakk as fast as you can and come back with new goods. Hopefully when you return I’ve settled things with the union” 

“Got it. We’re counting on you Sin” and they sailed off, leaving Sinbad on the docs. When they were about fifty yards away from the docs, Vittel grasped Amaris’ shoulders “Ok, spill  it. Do you have a crush on Sinbad?” 

“WH-WHAT!?”

[valeriethepussycats]

In A Dream

Chapter 2

Thoughts are in italics.

M/n- made up name

Warning- some sad parts

Life in New Orleans was nothing like Y/n expected. Gambit introduces her to the French Quarter of New Orleans. The sights, sounds, smells, tastes, restaurants,honky Tonkin, and the people from the North Rampart to the river canal to esplanade, before moving out wards to the business, district beyond as modern in it’s way as remain timeless. A start drive takes them to Lake Ponchatrain, then down towards the gulf into the Bayou Country. The days pass, and with each one, Y/n settles more and more comfortably into the rhythm of the “Big Easy” making it as much her home as it already seems to be Gambit. At this point they get to work. They hit the bad guys only, stripping criminals of their ill gotten gains and ranging along the gulf states from the Florida panhandle to south Texas merrily looting the the looters. Part Long Ranger mostly Robin Hood causin’ crooks no end of grief, cops and common folk an equal measure of delight. The time are so good Y/n can’t remember when she’s had more fun, she no longer thinks of what happened in Canada. The nightmares(since faded) that haunted her en route. New Orleans is where she’s happy this is where she belongs.

Until One Fine Evening.

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Y/n is walking down then street enjoy the parade. It was a Jazz festive, you could hear saxophones, Trumpets, Trombones, and Pianos. All the people dancing  to the wonderful music. Y/n jumps on the nears parade float and starts to dance feeling good and happy. Y/n looks out into the crowd she notice Gambit run.

“Gambit Gambit.” Y/n yells at at Gambit.

Gambit  ignores her not warning the people that is chasing him to find Y/n. Gambit projects his thoughts at Y/n so she could hear him.

Petit get to the house now. What’s wrong. There is something I have to tell you. Ok.

Y/n jumps off the float starts running home. Gambit has never sounded so worried before not even when we where in Canada what could’ve possibly shaking him up.

Y/n takes the back entrance to the house to make sure no one followed her when she gets inside she sees Gambit packing rapidly throwing everything that’s important in suitcases and garbage bags.

“What’s going on? Why are you packing?” Y/n questioned.

Pausing from Packing to gather his words so he can try to explain the situation to Y/n taking a deep breath in. “I used to be apart of the Thieve’s Guild and I did bad things which led me to get caught and now they found me and that means we need to go.” Gambit explained as he continue to pack.

“We can stop them. I can stop them.” Y/n implied following Gambit into the other room as he continues to pack.

“I don’t want you using your powers not even to save me.” Gambit replied.

“Then where are we going” Y/n Asked.

“New York.”

“We going to the X-Men aren’t we?”

“Yes we are. There’s a mutant there who has the same ability as you he can help you control your psychic abilities but we need to go now.” Gambit urged as he has Y/n a suitcase so she can start packing.

As Gambit and Y/n are packing to leave New Orleans and head straight to Charles Xavier school for gifted youngsters.

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Somewhere in Canada

Shield agent storm the facility where the Weapon X Program was held and before any of the scientists or the agents that work there at the facility, can destroy any evidence they are taking under arrest as Nick fury and Phill Coulson walk through the doors. Nick fury picks up files reading them looking at all the mutants that this facility had kidnapped and experimented on.

A name comes up that is very familiar to him, Ororo Munroe daughter and he thinks to him self. It can’t be possible Ororo never had a child. He looked at the date Birthday unknown but it haves birth year 1985.

Nick was with Ororo around that time so does that mean he has a daughter and why did she tell him about her and how could she let this happened to their daughter so many questions was running through Nick’s head he almost stumbled.

Realizing that Director Fury was under some type of distressed Coulson walks over to him and taps his shoulder lightly.

“Are you ok sir.” Phill ask with nothing but concern in his voice.

“I’m fine I’m fine we need to find the subject M/n Munroe.” Nick disclosed taking the file on his daughter and burning it.

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Somewhere on I 20 east

Gambit and Y/n Drive in silence. Y/n not trying to show how upset she is having to leave the only place she calls home to go to some school for gifted youngsters. Y/n knew this was Gambit’s plan to take her there to get help on her powers. You can’t really have secrets with someone who can read minds and, apparently this Charles Xavier had the same exact power has she does controlling people, moving things The whole 9 yards but maybe this is a good thing.

If I get control over my powers Gambit will let me use them and, then I can stop the people that’s after Gambit and we can go back home.

“I’m not mad at you if that’s what you’re worried about. I know you had a life before we met and, honestly I don’t care about it….I only care about the present Gambit not the past.” Y/n grinned as Gambit turns and looks at her and, smiles at her he never understood how she could be so understanding I guess the phoenix gave her more than just powers or maybe this was just her nature.

“It means a lot to me that you said that but I still feel like a owe you an exclamation petit.” Gambit stated.

“Gambit but you don’t.-“

“The Thieves Guild it wasn’t something I want to do it was forced upon me. My father got mixed up with some people then started using me for my abilities to get them off his back.”

Y/n and see this is hard for Gambit to explain. She can tell that he really doesn’t like talking about his past that he’s ashamed of it. Even though she tried to reassure him that his past doesn’t mattered to her.

Y/n smiles at gambit then says.” Gambit I knew about your past life I knew about this entire time and I didn’t care.”

“You knew!?” Gambit said not hiding the shock in his voice.

“Of course I knew I can read minds. Gambit what you did doesn’t matters it’s what you’re going to do.” Y/n pointed out. “So the X-Men group what do you know about them.”

“Well I know that they’re good people that they help people like us mutants.” Gambit explain.

“You think this Charles Xavier can do help me.” Y/n wondered

“Yes I do petit everything will be fine it all work out.” Gambit Promised.

Y/n looks over at Gambit with a small smile then turns on the radio.

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“Have we found anything on M/n Munroe” Nick Announced walking into the van.

“Three people come up Sir but none of them is who your looking for.” Coulson answered turning away from the computer to look at Nick.

“Ororo Monroe pull any information on her.” Nick told Coulson.

Coulson turns back to the computer to search up Ororo pulling all her files as he is searching he comes across a hospital birth certificate from Brooklyn New York.

“Ororo gave brith to a Girl name Y/n Munroe.” Coulson verified.

“That’s her. Her name is Y/n of course it is pull up any camera freed with Y/n in it.” Nick ordered.

Coulson types on the computer Y/n Munroe. Pulling up the camera feed where she’s crossing the border into America with a man driving.

”Zoom in on the man driving.” Nick urged Coulson.

Colson zooms in on the man.

“Identify him.”

“His is Remy LeBeau he was born and raised in New Orleans and used to be a part of and organization of thieves and assassin.”

”Find me any up-to-date information on Remy.”

Coulson pulls up I Camera freed from yesterday where Remy and Y/n are sitting at a restaurant eating lunch.

“Track their every move if their face comes up on any camera let me know.” Nick disclosed.

“Sir why is this so important.” Coulson questioned.

“Because he has my daughter.” Nick replied walking out the room without saying nothing else. He then pulls out his phones and calls an old number that he hasn’t called in years.

“Charles we need to talk.” Nick voiced with fire.

”Whatever do we need to speak of?” Charles said in a calm way.

“Is she there?” Nick Nick question barely containing his anger.

“If you mean Ororo she is.” Charles answered in a casual tone.

“I would like to know how she allowed my daughter to get experimented on in Canada.” Nick snapped.

“So I see you found out.”

“What the hell does that supposed to mean my daughter has Mutant abilities I thought you cared about your kind.”

“Ororo didn’t come to me until after she lost her daughter she wanted me to erase those memories of ever having one.”

”So who’s going to erase the memories of Y/n getting experimenting on who’s gonna do that for her you are going to find my daughter.

“Are you telling me or asking me” Charles asked in a leveled way.

“You choose.” Nick barked as he hangs up the phone.

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Westchester, New York

Charles hangs up the phone. Charles should’ve told Nick Fury that he had a daughter and that she was in Canada getting experimented on. Now he has no other choice but to find her because he knows the consequences if he doesn’t. As he is deep in his thoughts  he doesn’t notice when Scott walks into the room.

Scott can see the worry all over the professor face. “Is everything OK Professor?” Scott asked with a concern voice.

“Of course it is Scott I just have to go down to Cerebro.” Charles said trying his best to reassure Scott.

“Do you want me to call Jean?” Scott ask not believing a word the professors said.

“It’s fine Scott I can handle it.” Charles said wheeling himself downstairs so he can unlock. Go into Cerebro he put on the headpiece and focus on trying to find Storm’s daughter and as Charles is lookin he gets pulled into a her mind.

“Why are you trying to find me and who are you?” Y/n questioned.

Shocked that this young child was able to sense that he was looking for her and pull him into him mind.

“I am Charles Xavier.” He answered.

“You’re the leader of the X-Men. Gambit is taking me to you as we speak is that how you found me, did you know we were coming, can you predict the future?” Y/n rambled on.

“No I can’t predict the future why are you in Gambit coming to my school?” Charles wondered.

“It’s not safe in New Orleans anymore and and Gambit said you can read people‘s minds he needs you to help me get control of my powers.” Y/n answered.

“Yes I do have the ability to read and controls people minds.” Charles replied without missing a beat.

“If didn’t know we were coming why are you reaching out now.” Y/n asked Charles.

“Your father wanted me to find you.” Charles announced.

“My father I have a father!?” Y/n spluttered.

“Yes he Head of An organization called Shield where they monitor anything potential threat to earth.” Charles explained.

“My father called you to find me.” Y/n said not believing anything that is coming out of Charles mouth.

Disregarding what Y/n just asked him he asked her. “Do you know any information on your mother.”

“She hasn’t come to find me why should I look for her and if I remember correctly she abandoned me in the woods.” Y/n informed Charles.

Charles know it’s wrong but, he knows if Ororo ever found out that her daughter hated her it will kill her. So he does the one thing he’s good at.

“She didn’t abandoned you she died looking for you ok.” Charles lied as he planted a memory in Y/n mind.

“She died looking for me.” Y/n said believing every word of it.

“I will give you your father’s number you call him you let him know that you’re safe.”

“What about Gambit?”

“You are both welcome to come and be a part of the X-Men but if your path chooses you to be with your father he will understand.”Charles commented as he hands her a note with her father‘s phone number on it.

“You will do amazing things in life.” Charles proclaimed.

“Thank you.”

Charles take the headpiece off and wheel himself out of the room and sees Jean waiting

“Professor Scott told me you’re using Cerebro did you find a mutant Are they in trouble?” Jean said with worry.

“Yes and no this mutant is very powerful she like you and me.” Charles explain to Jean.

“Then we should go help.” Jean declared.

“This child is like you Jean. when I was using Cerebro to find her she pulled me into her mind like you did once.” Charles informed

“The Phoenix.”

“Yes it would appear you’re not the only one that has it.”

“Then we have to find her Charles you know how dangerous the Phoenix is when it’s not control.” Jean urged.

“Jean she’s Ororo daughter.” Charles announced.

“What!?”

“When Ororo first came here she told me what happened to her and her daughter. I asked did she want me to take away those memories she said yes and, I did she doesn’t remember having a daughter and her daughter thinks she is dead and, I want to keep it that way.” Charles declared as he wills away from Jean.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Y/n wakes up from the dream world. Trying to process everything Charles Xavier told her and then realization hits she’s going to have to say goodbye to Gambit she looks over at him. Barely containing the tears that threaten to fall down her eyes.

Gambit being Gambit he feels something is wrong. “You ok Cheri.” He Asked.

“I just got done talking to Charles Xavier.” Y/n murmured.

“What did he want?” Gambit Asked.

“He told me I have a dad and he’s looking for me.” Y/n sniffled no longer holding back the tears as soon as her tears starts to fall it beings to rain.

Gambit trying to hide the sadness he doesn’t want Y/n to see that this is having the same effect on him. “Oh so what are you planning to do.” Gambit wondered.

“Planning to do” I want to be with you. I know  if I go with my father I’ll never see you again.” Y/n sobbed.

“Petit whatever decision you make I will always be here for you.” Gambit promised.

I want to stay with you

“I don’t wanna leave you you’ve all I have.” Y/n mewled uncontrollably.

“I’m not anymore.” He said with a small smile.”Make the call.”

Y/n pulls her self together wiping way the tears and mucus then, pulls out her phone and calls the number that Charles gave her it rings three times until she hears a man’s voice say “Hello.”

“Hi I’m Y/n. Charles Xavier gave me your phone number.” Y/n said with a sad grimace.

“Where are you right now I can come and get you?” Nick questioned.

“Well we’re on I 20 east heading to New York Gambit and I was going to be a part of the X-Men.” Y/n replied.

“Gambit do you mean Remy LeBeau.”

“Yes.”

“Can I speak to him?”

Y/n hands Gambit the phone all he does is look at it. “He wants to talk to you.” Y/n told Gambit as he takes the phone at Y/n’s  hand and put it up to ear.

“Hello.” Gambit said Calmly into the phone.

“So you’ve the one that’s been taken care of my daughter for the past couple years?” Nick Asked.

“Ya that would be me.”

“How did you even find her?”

“We were both in the same facility in Canada.” Gambit stated. “I’ve been taking care of her ever since she’s no longer safe with me. I understand she’s your daughter but, she was mine first so I am trusting you with her safety.”

“Your are heading to New York we can meet up in Manhattan. Nick shared.

“Alright there’s also things I need to discuss with you in person.” Gambit replied.

“What is it about?” Nick questioned.

“Her powers.” Gambit answered.

“I’ll text you the address to where we can meet.” Nick said in a level tone.

Gambit hangs up the phone then puts it on the dashboard. Without even trying Y/n can hear Gambit voice in her head.

Why can’t she understand this is for the best anyone from the thieves guild find out about her there’ll use her I won’t let that happen to her.

Y/n  looks over at Gambit and For the rest of the ride Gambit and Y/n sat in silence.

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As Gambit and Y/n  meet Nick at the rendezvous point and Y/n starts to feel anxious.

This is actually happening I’m going to meet my dad.

Getting pulled out her thoughts by Gambit parking the car.

“This it petit.” Gambit Announced as they getting out the car. Nick Fury walks up to them not wanting to be seen by him Y/n hides behind Gambit.

“You must be Remy LeBeau I’m Nick Fury.” Nick Addressed Gambit.

“Nice to meet you and this beautiful young lady is Y/n.” Gambit grinned trying to lighten Y/n mood.

Not moving from her spot which is behind Gambit she whispered. “Hi.”

”It’s ok I understand you don’t know me.” Nick said in a gentle voice at Y/n, then looks over at Gambit. ”You want to speak to me about something.”

“Yes.” Gambit agreed. He turns around and looks at Y/n. “I’ll be right back.”

Y/n nodded at him As he and Nick very walk away. Colson walks up to Y/n  and introduces himself.”I’m Phill Colson.”

“Nice to meet you I’m Y/n.” She said with a gloomy sigh.

“She’s very powerful she’s going to need training now I don’t know what you do but if she loses control of her abilities she’s very dangerous.” Gambit declare.

“What is her abilities.” Nick questioned Gambit.

“She can control the weather and move stuff and control people with her mind.” Gambit explained. “She has this thing inside of her called the Phoenix for the past five years I’ve been teaching her how to control it but nothing I’ve tried work.”

“Is that all?” Nick wondered.

“When everything cools down with me I want to be able to see her.” Gambit told Nick.

”The door will always be open to you.” Nick replied.

Gambit nods at him then walks over to Y/n. “I guess is the end of the road.” Gambit commented.

“Can you promise me one thing?” Y/n Asked.

“What is it?” Gambit wondered with a curious tone.

“Don’t forget about me.” Y/n said with a sad smile.

“Never in a million years.” Gambit promised in a fatherly way.

Y/n hugs Gambit like her life depended on it.

“I love you.” Y/n sniffled.

Gambit pulls back from the hug to wipe Y/n’s tears “I love you too petit.” Gambit replied.“ This isn’t goodbye you’re gonna me.”

Y/n walks over to Nick Fury and they get into the car and drive away. Y/n looks out the back mirror to look at Gambit.

A/n-I know this chapter is kind of rushed because I really want to get to the Thor movie I am excited to write it.

Part 1 of the I’m Only Human.

[harmonie-writes]

Viking Hero request

1-B x fem httyd!reader

Summary: You moved down from your home in the Archipelago to train to be a hero. Your father being the chief of your island you hoped that studying at UA would give you insight as to be a better leader when the time came for you to take over. The only downside to moving was that your dragon had to remain on the island. You aren’t exactly sure how, but you managed to get placed in 1-A even though you had no quirk, just a flaming sword (something you picked up from a friend) and your wits. 

Warnings: violence (not gore), fluff

----------

“Alright we will be sparring against class 1-A today. Go change into your hero outfits,” Kan called from the front of the classroom. Standing from the seats the students grabbed their cases before making their way to the lockers. 

“Hey Kendo!” Testutestu called waving an arm above his head. The red-head stopped and waited for him to watch up. “Yeah?” they continued walking until they got to the training rooms. “We get to see (Y/N) again!” Tetsutetsu said fist pumping the air. “Yeah, because you know it’s not like we didn’t each lunch with her or anything,” Kendo laughed at the slight pout on the steel hero’s face. “Y’know what I mean.” 

----------

Looking into the mirror in the lock room you finally felt a sense of familiarity wearing the fur lined boots, the leggings and leather pleated skirt. Sliding the metal chest plate over your chest you made sure to tighten the straps to hold in firm only allowing the tunic covered abdomen to be exposed. Each of your forearms had a leather and metal bracer that. Strands of hair fell out of the various plaits and framed your face. Picking up the dark blue paint your dipped your index finger into it swiping it from the top of your cheek bone to the bridge of your nose and copying it on the other side before finally drawing a stripe on your lower lip down your chin. Looking like this made you miss home, but you were here to become a better leader for your people. 

Stepping away from the mirror Yaoyorozu waited for you by the door. “Ready for today?” she asked handing you your sword. Sliding it into its holster you linked arms with the dark haired female. “Always.” Making your way to Training Ground Beta you joined the rest of your class who was facing class 1-B. Unlinking your arm with Momo you slid into place beside Kirishima. 

----------

“There she is,” Monoma nodded in your direction. “Well compared to the other hero costumes she sticks out like a sore thumb,” Honenuki said putting his helmet on. “Quiet. If you didn’t know that’s her normal attire from where she is from. Dressing in a uniform is what’s weird,” Shiozaki nudged the mud hero. 

“Alright 1-A and 1-B. Today you will be sparring against the other class as you know. We will draw ballots for you to know who you will spar one on one with,” Kan said standing next to All Might and Aizawa. Every set of eyes turned to the monitor in the room as names were paired up together. Names and photo IDs of 1-A and 1-B side by side to see who would match up in each round. 

----------

Still struggling with the lettering system you opted to just look at the photo of who you would spar against. Humming you recognized the blonde you would go against. Eyes finding the boy in the crowd you locked eyes with a grin and nodded at each other. 

Raising your hands above your head you stretched wondering what quirk Monoma would borrow to train with.  He must have borrowed his classes quirks many times, but isn’t as well versed in them as the owner. I won’t underestimate him though, he would need to be quick in his decision making. Your thoughts were cutoff by Midoriya who nudged. “What are you thinking about (Y/N)?” “Oh, just my match up with Monoma. It will be interesting that’s all,” you shrugged looking over at said boy one more time. 

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All Might’s voice came over the intercom in Beta Ground, “Lot number 6 is now allowed to enter the field. Remember anything is allowed. Use what you have, good luck.” Both classes huddled around the various monitors on the wall to watch the training. Eyes glued to the screens as they watched the viking girl and the blonde copy quirk entered opposite ends of the street. 

----------

“What surprises do you have for me today Monoma?” you called strolling down the street eyeing his body language. “Wouldn’t you like to know my dear warrior princess,” you could see that smirk pulling at his lips. “Knowing you I won’t hold it passed you to come up with something clever,” your words were teasing air to them, but you knew that not being the actual owner of the quirk would require him to ad-lib.

You had both met in the middle of the street a couple yards away from each other sizing each other up. It wasn’t the first time you had sparred against each other, but since he always carried a new quirk it made things relatively interesting for the both of you.

“How would you like to start this?” you hummed spreading your feet into a more balanced position with your left foot slightly behind the right. “Ladies first?” “Oh no, no age before beauty,” you teased holding your left hand in a fist in front of your face and the right just below it with the palm facing out. You heard him sigh with a muttered ‘as you wish princess’ before he led in with a right hook. 

Ducking under his swing you readied for the following left side kick you knew usually followed in his combo. Left leg coming in contact with the bracer of your right arm you brought your left and down to grab his ankle. Blue eyes widened in surprised watching as you quickly turned away from him yanking his leg up over your shoulder and thrown on the ground in front of you. Wind knocked out of him briefly Monoma rolled over getting up and glared at you preparing to parry your attack with the quirk he had. 

Crossing both arms in front of him he allowed them to become steel to stop your fist. “Oh for the love of Thor Monoma!” you cursed pulling your hand back knowing that you might have a broken finger or two. Spinning on one foot you placed a well versed kick to his chest to get some space between you two. Grunting from the impact Monoma looked up, “Sorry (Y/N).” Gritting between teeth you glared, “It’s fine. We will deal with it later.” 

Charging at you with a steel fist you side stepped his swinging arm and pulled out your extendable sword from its holster. Flicking the switch it extended to it’s full length of three feet. Charging each other steel clashed together causing sparks to fly. Monoma managed to get a sharpened hand in just nicking the skin of your cheek startling you slightly. Using the opening he smacked your sword out of your hand causing it to clatter somewhere on the street. Taking advantage of the fact that you were now unarmed to get you in a pinned position. A steel kick met your stomach and you were sent sprawling on the asphalt. 

Pushing yourself up off your stomach you watched as Monoma walked up to you. Seeing your sword just behind him you barrel rolled to your left before pushing yourself out of his reach. Knowing the blonde was hot on your tail you pressed a button allowing the zippleback gas held in the canister to spew out behind you before lighting the spark. Hearing a body hit the pavement you quickly went to your rival. Rolling him over with your foot so that Monoma was lying on his back you stepped on his chest. Allowing the blade to coat in monstrous nightmare gel you lit it up before placing it just above his neck. Panting your gazes met, “Do you yield?” 

It was quiet for a moment before Monoma answered, “I yield, I yield.” Retracting the blade you held a hand out for your friend. Pulling him up you smiled at him before punching his shoulder, “A good match like always copy-cat.” “Oh shut it princess,” Monoma grumbled rubbing his sore shoulder.

All Might’s voice came over the intercom, “And the win goes to A-class’ (Y/N).” 

“C’mon let’s go get your hand and cheek looked at by Recovery Girl,” Monoma said taking your wrist and leading you out of the training grounds. Nodding you allowed him to drag you away.

----------

Standing a few feet in front of your class you talked to your friends in 1-B. “We need to get together again outside of just training,” Kendo said holding one of your hands. “Of course we do. It’s been awhile since we were able to hang out with everyone being busy with the hero provisional license exam coming up,” you smiled just thinking about the break that would eventually come up. Tetstutetsu same up placing an arm on your shoulder, “I know I have already told you this, but your hero costume is so manly.” “And I told you back home this is what I would normally be wearing,” you pushed his arm off your shoulder. “But besides that, you’re like the only person from A-class that Monoma seems to have respect for,” Tetsutetsu shrugged. Looking over at said boy you saw he was already staring at you so you waved and received one back with a smile. 

“Hey why don’t we get together this weekend and head to that new ramen shop?” you broke your gaze from Monoma and back to the two in front of you. “I think works for me. I think I’m going to invite Monoma too if you guys don’t mind,” you said eyes already moving back to lock onto the blonde and making your way over.

The two watched you as you conversed with their classmate. “They’re too obvious,” Tetsutetsu said crossing his arms over his chest as he watched his friend’s demeanor change when he was with you. Swatting his chest Kendo started walking away, “Leave ‘em be Tetsu, and who knows? We might have finally found someone who can keep him in check.”

[noradarhkpalmer]

Domestic bliss prompt for Darhkatom (and Constangreen and Avalance)

To absolutely no one’s surprise, the couple with the largest back yard was Ray and Nora. Ray had been all too excited, dragging a heavily pregnant Nora to the house he felt he had found at “just the right time” before the October 23rd arrival of their Tori-Bear. Nora wanted to be mad, simply preferring to lounge around on the Waverider, huge headphones on her expanding belly blasting musical soundtracks, but Ray promised it would be worth it.

When Ray had uttered the words “welcome home”, Nora took in the house and everything felt right. She had tucked herself into Ray’s side and started crying. She knew they would raise their family here.

That was four kids ago. Now a family of six, the Palmer’s hosted an annual end of summer bash with all of their friends. Their lives had changed so much in the last nearly decade, Tori was almost ten, Sydney almost nine, Danny almost eight, and Penny almost seven. They had a big goldendoodle named Chewie that Penny loved to wrestle with and a full house full of the love and warmth Ray and Nora always wanted to fill their house and home with. 

Soon their house would be even more full with their extended family. Ava and Sara with their daughter Laurel would probably arrive first, Ava never wanting to be late for anything in her life. Nate and his wife, Zatanna, and their daughters Sabrina and Amelia would probably arrive next. Zari, Charlie and their adopted son Behrad would file in eventually, and last but certainly not least, the Constantine-Green family would probably stumble in just as the food was ready.

Nora was busy putting together their homemade ice cream maker, a sweet treat for all of the kiddos (they also had a separate one to make dairy free ice cream for Ray and Penny) when she felt a tug on her sundress.

She smiled at her seven year old and turned her attention to Penny. “Yeah baby?”

“Is Cassie coming?” Penny asked, referring to John and Gary’s daughter nineteen year old.

Nora thought about it, Cassie didn’t need to head back to school until next week. “I think so, baby. I’m sure if she wasn’t she would’ve told you.”

Penny nodded and Nora could see the worry in her eyes still. Penny had become quite attached to Cassie as Penny grew up. She loved all her aunts and uncles and even cousins fairly equally but Penny had attached herself to her cousin Cassie a little extra.

“How about this, why don’t you go use my phone and you call her and you see if she’s coming?”

Penny nodded eagerly and dashed off to use Nora’s phone to call Cassie. Nora could overhear Penny animatedly talking to Cassie, asking her probably too loudly if she was coming, and Cassie (on speakerphone) let out a HELL YES and that she wouldn’t miss time with her favorite cousin before heading back to school. Nora continued to listen to her daughter talk animatedly about her latest interests with Cassie and resumed putting together the ice cream maker.

xxxx

When Nora began organizing the barbecue, she told everyone 12ish. That way kids and adults alike could utilize the pool and then still have time for lunch and plenty of hang out time after.

To her surprise, Nate and his family arrived first, Penny excitedly dashed down the stairs to greet her best friend from the womb (Nora and Zatanna being pregnant at the same time, due dates within a week of each other), Sabrina and the two dashed back up the stairs to Penny and Tori’s room to get into their swimsuits. 

Tori came flying down the stairs, irritated. “MOM! Penny said I look ugly in my bathing suit!”

Nora blinked, it wasn’t like that for her daughter to be that mean unprovoked to her siblings.

“NO TORI I SAID YOUR SWIMSUIT IS UGLY. CAUSE IT IS. NO ONE HAS WORN THAT SHADE OF GREEN SINCE 1979,” Nora could hear Penny shout from her room upstairs.

Nora couldn’t help but chuckle at her youngest and oldest’s squabble and put and arm around her oldest. “I think you look great, don’t listen to her.” Nora dropped a kiss to Tori’s head. “Go help your dad with the grill.”

Tori greeted the extended family that had showed up before dashing out the back, leaving their sliding door open.

“Tori! The door! You’ll let in bugs!” Nora rolled her eyes and walked over to slide the door shut. She turned to Nate, Zatanna, and Amelia. “Alright, lemonade anyone?”

xxxx

The Lance-Sharpe family arrived next, all four Palmer kids plus Nate’s kids were already in the pool. Laurel ran straight to the backyard and threw off her coverup, jumping straight in and swimming over to her best friends Penny and Sabrina.

“LAUREL! YOU SHOULD’VE LET ME TIE YOUR HAIR UP!” Ava facepalmed. “She gets that impulsiveness from you, you know.” Ava pointed a finger at her wife. 

Sara shrugged. “That impulsiveness is not only part of why we got together but has saved our butts many many times.” 

Ava wrapped Sara up in her arms and grabbed her wife’s ass. “I guess it is a good thing because I do like your butt.”

“Yeah?” Sara smirked and smiled into a kiss.

“Mmhmm oh yeah.”

Groans of disgust from the seven kids in the pool broke the two apart and they walked over to see if they could help Nora set anything up outside.

Before long nearly everyone was there. Mick showed up with armfuls of beer, Mona popped in with a totebag full of books, Zari and Charlie showed up with Behrad as well. Tori and her best friend took to the treehouse with what suspiciously looked like supersoakers.

To no one’s surprise, the only family that had yet to show up was of course John, Gary, and Cassie.

Just as Nora was about to call everyone to start eating, Cassie bursted through the gate of their privacy fence, throwing her arms in the air, wearing a cover up that actually covered very little up and grinned. “THE PARTY HAS ARRIVED!”

“CASSIE!!!!!” Penny jumped out of the pool and made a beeline for her favorite cousin. Cassie picked Penny up, despite the seven year old being soaking wet from the pool, and hugged her tight. 

“MY FAVORITE MUNCHKIN!” Cassie spun her around. “Don’t tell anyone you’re my favorite, okay?” Cassie winked at her.

Nora rolled her eyes at her niece. “We all heard you.”

Cassie shrugged and settled Penny on her hip. John and Gary filed in behind Cassie and Gary shut the gate back.

“Is the food ready?” John asked.

“I just called everyone to come eat.”

“Perfect timing then, love,” John replied with a cigarette between his lips.

Nora plucked the cigarette from his mouth. “How many times am I going to fucking tell you to not smoke around my kids?”

John shrugged. “Guess I do need the mouth free so I can eat.”

All Legends past and present sat around in Ray and Nora’s backyard as they ate. Penny was in Cassie’s lap, most of the kids sat around Cassie, being the oldest of the Legends kids she was a natural leader (which was a good thing sometimes and definitely a bad thing a lot of the times). 

Two kids were suspiciously still missing from the group. Nora looked up at Zari and looked around. “Do you know where my kid went? She was with your kid.”

Zari nudged her wife who was trying to shove two hot dogs in her face at once after accepting a challenge with John because he “did this all the time at home anyways” which earned a suggestive look from Charlie and a bashful look from Gary.

“Treehouse!” Charlie pointed upwards, the word muffled in her mouthful of hotdogs.

And then, despite the clear blue skies, the crowd was rained on.

Nora felt it first, a cold spray of water on her back, she yelped from her place sitting sideways in Ray’s lap. She looked up, wondering how in the world this could happen, then she saw the distinct dark brown curly mop of her ten year old, piled high in a messy bun, disappear beneath the windowsill of the treehouse.

Nora very calmly put her plate down on an endtable. “I think we’re about to be under attack.”

Behrad and Tori came rushing down the treehouse with their supersoakers, attacking their respective parents first and then going for cousins and siblings next, then aunts and uncles.

Cassie wagged her finger. “You plot this and don’t ask me to join in? Big mistake, little Palmer.” Cassie used her magic to start a wave coming from the pool towards Tori and Behrad but it quickly flattened and only splashed some.

Nora held the water at bay and tossed a supersoaker to Cassie instead. “No drowning my kid! Use one of these instead.”

Cassie cocked the supersoaker like a rifle with a mischievous grin on her fast. “Yes, Aunt Nora,” she replied before soaking her aunt then moving onto Behrad and Tori.

Everyone, despite some (Mick) not wanting to be drenched from the supersoakers, thoroughly were. Regardless, everyone’s hearts were incredibly full by the time the supersoakers were empty and the sun had set that day.

[razorblade180]

Lasting Embers pt14: Training Day pt2

[Atlas SDC headquarter CEO office]

*A man in his early thirties wearing a business suit in the Schnee family colors sits at his desk writing. His hair swooped back and cleanly shaven. Pretty in shape, like a bulkier Neptune*

Secretary:*creaking open door* Whitley, your special guest has arrived.

Whitley:Thank you Julia; please send her in.

*a women with black leather pants and dark combat boots walks in. Zipped up black jacket jacket and wearing aviators; gold trim on the seams of her clothes. Not to mention a ridiculously long auburn ponytail*

Whitley:Hey Illia, how’s the weather treating you?

Illia:Cold as usual *removes glasses* I see you’re on a first name basis with your secretary now; about time.

Whitley:*smirks and stops writing* You haven’t changed since your last visit. You’re a bit late; stop by lunch areas to flirt with my cook again? She’s been talking about you.

Illia:*sits on his desk* Can you blame her? Anyways, I’m here on the usual business mostly. *lifts his chin and examines his face* you eating well? Any death threats or loss of sleep? Death by stress or malnutrition isn’t something I can protect you from.

Whitley:*chuckles* I’m fine, I’m fine *moving her hand* What about you?

Illia:Eh, the usual. Killing the bad guys and taking life a day at a time; all before anyone knows they’re in trouble. *puts a file on his desk* oh, there’s an assassination attempt on your life being planned by the way.

Whitley:Of course, another person mad I banned Faunus labor or is it more sister related? *opens folder to see faces of men in grey hoods and red veins near their eyes and hands* You think cult members would look more inconspicuous....

Illia:They’re currently in a warehouse a little ways up north of here. A splinter group that has their own way of trying to please “Salem the great and powerful” They obviously know about Weiss so....

Whitley:They’re going after her loved ones yada yada yada. She’s getting such an ear full when she comes back.

Illia:You think she’s okay?

Whitley:If you can survive our house then you can survive anything. So, how are you going to deal with these lot.

Illia:Don’t have to myself; I’ve been put in charge of training a newbie. This is no real threat so she went on ahead to despose of the problem. Shouldn’t take her too long.

*knock knock knock*

Whitley:That was fa-

Illia:*draws her weapon* too fast.... stay back.

[Warehouse]

*pretty vacant except for crates and blueprints everywhere. A table in the middle with four cloaked figures around it*

Thug 1: Are you sure this is gonna work? Like I get he’s not a huntsmen or anything but I heard this guy has taken down other people before us.

Thug 2:Idiot *flicking him* unlike the others we have an actual plan. We’ll strike right in the middle of traffic go rain bullets down from the building above.

Thug 3:Yee the boss left us in charge of this operation while he and two more go off and secure something else. Uhhh I forgot what kind of a play he was making.

Thug 4:*young women’s voice* Honestly why did I get stuck with you three? He said he was making a power play; rumor has it the branch of the cult is essentially history. That’s why he’s gone to hunt down the winter maiden. With access to the relic and the SDC fortune then he’s top dog. Rumor has it that the maiden might be somewhere hiding in Menagerie.

“Well isn’t that interesting news? Thanks for the info.”

*everyone reading their rifles*

Thug 1:Who said that!?

“Guns? Aren’t you for members of the Children of Salem; shouldn’t you be having grimm serve you with those gross veins of yours? Or did your boss not trust you enough to lend you some”

Thug 4:Show yourself!!! If you think hiding in the shadows can-

*a chain flies out and wraps the gun. Pulling it to the side and shooting the first thug right through the chest*

Thug 2:Shit!!!! *freaking out* what the hell is going on!?

“The shadows are sort of my thing. I could show you my face sense I’m not allowed to leave survivors but.....I need practice.

Thug 3: Stop toying with us you crazy bitc-ugh! *blood dripping down the mouth*

*a chain out of the shadows with a metal tip finds its way into Thug 3*

“Cat got your tongue; or heart?” *reels his body into the darkness*

Thug 2: *dropping his gun* Okay we give up! We’ll tell you everything we know; I swear!

......

“When did your boss leave for Menagerie?”

Thug 4:Yesterday, by airship! I think a cargo one?

“Hmm I think I can catch up to that. Thanks for information.”

Thug 2:Are...are we good?

*chain wraps around both of them tying them up. A figure of a woman in her early twenties and wearing a similar outfit to Illia. However the seams are white to match her white tiger ears and dawns a black mask reminiscent of the white fang.*

“No, you’re far from good.”

*picks up the rifle*

•

Illia:*opens up the door quickly and jumps back to defend Whitley* State your name and- Weiss?

Weiss:*slightly taller and dressed more like her sister. Hair style like her mother yet somehow looking just like her normal self* Well that was one way to be welcomed home. I guess I should expect nothing less from-

Whitley:*runs up and hugs her* Hey dork, you look like mom.

Weiss:Ugh, you’re one to talk *hugs him tightly* I half expected you to be rocking a bushy mustache.

Whitley:When hell freezes over.

Weiss:Ooo do I have a story for you later. *chuckles*

Illia:If you’re here then does that mean... *scroll rings* Uhhh hello?

Blake:Hey stranger, you miss me?

Illia:.......*tearing up* Blake?

Blake:Who else? I know it’s been awhile but I’d at least thought you’d have my number saved. Just letting you know that I’m home; I’m finally home.

Illia:You’re already back in Menagerie!?

Blake:*sitting on top a palm tree looking into her house window* Yep, no one knows yet besides Adam’s family. *watching a certain monkey Faunus hard at work running her organization* that’s about to change though.

Illia:I didn’t realize he knew you were back. I came out to Atlas for nothing!?

Blake:No, he wasn’t home. His daughter said he was already going on another trip; he’s probably going through the same shock you are. Anyways just also calling to tell you that there’s probably gonna be a celebration when everyone realizes I’m back. As of now your job is to come home and relax with your old friend my sinister shadow.

Illia:*chuckles* As you wish High Leader Belladonna; save me some food. *hanging up* well better go get my recruit and- *scroll rings* speak of the devil. *answering* so how was your first solo op Sienna?

Sienna:*taking off her mask as she watches a warehouse burn. Her maple tan skin feeling the cold air as her short black hair catches the wind* I wish it was someone place warmer; had to heat myself up. Everything here is done but we sort of have to head to Menagerie right now.

Illia:Why do I have a feeling it’s for a different reason I want to go back?

Sienna:I’ll tell you on the ride there but uhh let’s keep this one extra off the books please? It involves my mom.... *wiping blood of her mask and chain* not that I’m too worried; her and Jael are tough. Just wish dad was there for sure.

[Jaune’s Yard]

Yujin:You’re mine! *swings her blade, barely missing Adam’s head* crap!

*abandons her sword to keep up the pressure with high speed jabs and kicks. Not giving him any room to breath*

Adam:*bobbing all her attacks as he tries to back up* interesting choice when fighting a superior opponent. Keeping the flow of a fight yours to maintain at the cost of your weapon. *catches a punch and knees in the gut*

Yujin:*cough* You know me, always coming up with ideas! *goes for rib shot but he dodges back*

Adam:Well points for- *aura discharges from her punch and knocks him back*

Yujin:Ha! *runs up and kicks off of him to send him either further back* (that should be enough distance....)

*picks up her sword and makes it glow an intense white. Flames emerge from hit*

Yujin:Here goes nothing..... *unleashes 3 slashes our pure white flames* sunslice....

Adam:*Smiling* Not bad...*moon slices through all three*

Yujin:Tsk *slices the oncoming attack* still not enough to out do yours huh? Okay...*switches to gauntlets*

Ruby:She’s pretty good with that sword; it’s almost her size yet she can swing it one handed. Almost reminds me of Qrow....

Jaune:Probably because everyone chimed in and told her about his moves. He might be gone but a bit of his flare isn’t.

Ruby:......*smiles* Good, that’s really good to know.

Yang:*soaking in the fight that’s in front of her. Seeing her daughter counter blade strikes with punches; displaying moves all too noticeable to her as her dad’s handy work*

Jaune:Enjoying the show?

*Yujin’s fist catching fire. Another aura filled punch scattering the flames as the embers dance around her. Not messing a step when avoiding Adam’s relentless bullets and cross slashes*

Yang:I wish....I wish I could’ve helped create this. *somber smile* look at our kid go; she’s in her element right now.

*Adam jumping over a sweep kicking and blocking an assault of jabs. Sparks flying off his sword*

Yang:And I didn’t help with any of it.... I feel a little bad.

Jaune:Are you kidding? Yang, you might not have been here but plenty recordings of your training days are. She won’t admit it but I know she’s watched every single one to be even remotely as good as you.

Yang:*shocked* Really?

Jaune:*Nodding* Yujin did everything she could to deny hand to hand combat; to be separated from you. No matter how hard she tried though she knew if she was gonna be huntress that eventually she’d have to come to terms with you have a legacy with rich insight. To be a little more like herself she’d swallowed her pride, and started acting a little more like you.

Ruby:Makes sense; she looked very angry fighting you hand to hand but also a little thrill. If I had to guess I’d say it was probably because she finally got to see where she stood.

Yujin: *Jumping back for distance, trying to catch her breath* Come on Adam, *huff* my mom tire you out. (shouldn’t be long now) no holding back *raises her gaurd*

Adam:*sword glowing* Says the one breathing deep. You’ve grown a lot Yujin; I’m proud. However, I think this might be your limit.

Yujin:Well let’s find out!! *bumps her first together and charges at him.*

Adam:This won’t kill you but it’s not gonna tickle *dashes towards him swinging his sword down at her*

Yujin:*smirks*

*a giant thumb erupts from the clash. Dirt and dust flying into the air as everything fall quiet*

Ruby:Huh....well would you look at that? Guess she has learned from you.

Yang:*jaw dropped in awe* You...you told her the story didn’t you?

Jaune:Maybe once or twice....*smiling*

Adam:*completely caught off gaurd, a familiar chill runs through him* .......heh this takes me back.

Yujin:*gripping his blade tightly before the impact. Her eyes shining bright lilac* Gotcha...

[sheridanfalls]

1x01

“Ana, Ana,” the desperate voice of her mother shook the young teenager out of her sleep.

“What?” Her voice hoarse from hours of singing the night before with Joel Riley, she sat up, pushing her blankets away.

Her mother threw the curtains open before turning to look at her youngest daughter, “Where is your sister?”

Ana rubbed her eyes, “I don’t know, the barn.” She shrugged pulling her pillow against her and laying back down.

“She ran away.” The words came out in a growl that instantly alerted the young teenager that sleep would not be anywhere on her agenda anytime soon.

“What, how do you know that, why would she?” The questions flew from her mouth as she watched the way her mother darted around the room.

Her mother ran a hand through her strawberry blonde hair, “She left a note. Your father is talking to the police. Did Willa say anything to you about running away, about leaving?”

Ana searched her mind for anything she could think of, “No, but have you checked her diary, she was always writing in it.”

“Yes, of course,” was the last thing her mother would say to her for weeks as she left Ana alone in the room, the morning sun starting to rinse the floor.

Tazia blinked as she woke up in the back of the limo, she could feel the chill throughout her body, she got this way whenever she remembered that dreadful morning when she was fourteen. Most days she could put her runaway sister behind her, but for some reason Willa had been in her dreams far more often, in one way or another.

“Don’t tell me you’re having more nightmares.” Her agent, Fletcher Curtis sighed as he looked up from his phone, “I told you to talk to Dr. Floyd about them and they would go away.”

Tazia rolled her eyes wrapping her gray cardigan around her body, “Dr. Floyd just wants to drug me up.”

“What you need is a vacation.” He continued to tap away at his phone, “Are you ready to perform today?”

“Yes.” It was one of the few things she still felt confident in, performing. She could get out on that little stage, in front of the studio audience, the harsh afternoon talk-show lighting and the cameras beaming her into the homes of people looking for some company in the middle of the day.

“Good, we’ll get you a coffee and then you’ll be good to go.”

Her body was still chilled as she looked out the window of the city traffic. A city full of strangers. Was Willa out here, was she living the life she wants, the one she had to escape Sheridan Falls for?

Over the years her mother Rosemary had gotten mad at her for not using her celebrity to bring Willa home. The last time she’d been at the family ranch had been about a decade before, not long after Joel had left her. It was a bad time all around and she could still smell the floral scents of her mother’s garden from the porch as she recalled it. The moment she told her mother that if Willa had wanted to come home, she would’ve.

“You know what you need, a vacation. I can get your schedule cleared for a couple of weeks. We’ll go to Hawaii; I can get that great house that you liked the last time we were there.”

“That sounds great.” It didn’t though, sure going to Hawaii sounded amazing, but another vacation with Fletcher sounded suffocating. Each year since Joel left her, her circle got smaller, and now it felt as though it was only Fletcher.

***

Keaton Hughes carried the suitcase out to the car parked in front of the house steps. His wife Isabelle was behind him with her purse as she followed behind, “Just make sure you have plenty of gas, that your phone is charged, I know service is spotty where you’re going, but check in once in a while.”

She smiled at her husband, his blue eyes full of love, “I will Keaton, it’s only a couple of nights. I left a lasagna for you tonight, and a bag in the freezer for you to dump in the slow cooker tomorrow.”

“You’re the best wife.” He pulled her close, breathing in the scent of her floral perfume before kissing her goodbye, slowly, memorably, knowing that life could change in a moment.

Isabelle pulled away, a smile on her face and her eyes closed before fluttering open again, “I love you Keaton, I’ll text you when I stop for gas.” She kissed his cheek as she clutched her keys in her hand, “I’ll see you Monday morning.”

He breathed in, “I know babe, I love you, Belle.”

She blew him a kiss before getting in her car, buckling in and driving away after the quick press of a button. She could see her husband in the rearview mirror, she loved him, he loved her, soon they would start to try for a family, but first she had to do something one last time. One final weekend away, time to close the door on her past, and fully embrace her future.

He stood by the steps, watching as she pulled out of the driveway, his eyes on her car until was down the street. He turned to go back into the house, he had a few repairs he planned to do while she was gone. He wanted to get her office painted, she’d been talking about setting up a permanent backdrop for her YouTube videos.

Making a stop in the kitchen he took the lasagna out of the freezer so it would thaw a bit before he threw it in the oven. He went out to the back yard and straight to the shed. He grabbed the can of paint he’d chosen, and the tools he needed. He pulled Spotify up on his phone, rolling his eyes when he saw the suggestion that he listen to the Best of Tazia.

He found what he wanted as he moved through the house to the office. The music filled the room as he started to move somethings out of the way to create the space, he believed his wife was craving. He paused the music and flipped phone into camera mode, “Hey YouTube, Keaton here. I know you’re like where is Belle. She’s on her yearly spa trip with her friends from college. I thought this would be the perfect time to redo her office. Since she’s the youtuber, not me I forgot to start filming before I started. Oops.” He chuckled, feeling awkward. He didn’t like the spotlight, that was for Belle and his sister, not for him.

He moved around the room taking footage, “I’ve started to move some stuff out of the way, but I wanted to give her a space special for her. So, I’m going to go and paint this wall back here, rearrange the furniture and maybe decorate a little.” He shrugged as he put the phone down across the room and started back to work.

Keaton was lost in the work when the doorbell rang, so much so that he didn’t hear it until it rang again. He moved through the house, his stomach starting to drop when he saw who was on the other side of the glass. He would recognize the figure of Detective Huff for as long as he lived. His hand shook as he opened the door, “Hello Detective, what can I do for you?”

***

“Great, I want to be able to open Memorial Day weekend. I need to be able to have those cabins installed by then.” Joel Riley spoke into his phone as he moved around his living room.

“I promise it will be done Joel.” The voice told him, “We’ve got the first three in production so far. That leaves six more. We’ll get these three out as soon as possible, we know it’s not the ideal time of year for an installation, but we’ll do all we can and at the very least get you ready to have the website and promotional material.”

“Thank you so much Bill, I appreciate it. I really want to see the Riley Ranch thrive and I wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

The voice on the other end chuckled, “Well, thankfully you had a lot of good structures to start with. We’re just helping fill in a few gaps. I’ve got to run and pick up the kids from school but call on Monday and I’ll give you a progress report.”

“Great, thanks, bye.” Joel put his phone down on his baby grand piano, letting his fingers dance over the keys. He’d been stuck on the song he was writing; it was supposed to be for some pop star. Though the label wouldn’t tell him which one. They probably didn’t even know, it would get demoed around and then someone would fall for it, while others would regret not picking it.

Joel sighed, picking the up tv remote and turning on Afternoon America. Not really paying attention to the show he started to clean up and organize the papers from his meeting. He listened as the star of a sitcom discussed the very special episode that would air later in the evening—he hadn’t even realized they did special episodes.

Moving into the kitchen he started to sift through the cabinets trying to find something to eat. He grabbed a few things to start putting together a lunch when breaking news on the TV caught his attention.

***

Tazia took a deep breath as she walked onto the sound stage, the lights were low now during the commercial break. The live audience on the other side of the rotating stage. She wore light blue jeans, a Kelly-green t-shirt, and her long golden-brown hair pulled back into an easy ponytail. Simplicity was the look she was going for with this album, this song, back to basics what her idea for the upcoming tour. She didn’t want the pyrotechnics, she didn’t want the large set pieces, she wanted to perform and enjoy the energy from her audience.

“We’ve got breaking news this afternoon.” Tazia heard just as the stage had started to revolve towards the audience and cameras, as the show host did her best to play news anchor.

“This morning in Utah, Bennett Chase, the leader of the Fire Yoga movement was killed in a car accident along with his wife Willow”

Tazia looked towards the monitor that had the graphics that the audience at home saw on screen. She felt her stomach drop as soon as the picture came up. “Willow was really Willa Hughes, a Colorado teenager who ran away from her home in 2000. Her disappearance made national headlines as her mother Rosemary begged for her to come home.”

“Bennett Chase and his wife, are survived by a teenage daughter.”

Anything else that was said, Tazia couldn’t hear. Yes, they, searched for Willa, every day for 3 years. They finally had to stop when the post card arrived from her. It was her handwriting, the front said Greetings from Oregon, but the post mark was Alabama. She begged her parents to let her go, insisted she was happy.

That was the first time Tazia felt the shadow of her sister start to lift over her.

She always held on to the thought that Willa was alive. She was happy, wherever she was.

Now though, on the television monitor in front of her, she couldn’t hold on to that anymore. She couldn’t hold onto much as her body crashed to the ground.

***

“Oh shit.” Joel watched the report, Willa had been his babysitter when he was younger, the older sister of the first woman he’d ever loved. Then his eye caught what was happening in the background.

It couldn’t be, could it? Ana, or as the world knew her Tazia on TV finding out her long missing sister, was dead.

He could see her shaking as she reached out towards her sisters face on the monitor, and then as she collapsed to the ground, and the entire feed cut away.

He knew what headlines would be trending in a matter of minutes.

They would all be wrong.

People assuming that she was high on drugs.

She had always insisted that Willa wasn’t part of her story.

She had two lives, the one where she had an older sister, and the one where it was just her and her twin brother Keaton.

He picked up his phone, her number was still the first one in his contacts. He hadn’t spoken to her in well over a decade, but he was one of the few people in the world who knew, who cared, who know Ana and Tazia.

It probably wasn’t the same number anyways. He told himself as he hit the call button and took a deep breath. It rang several times before going to voice mail, “Hi, you’ve reached the private line of Tazia, please leave a message.”

“Ana, it’s Joel. I just heard about Willa. I’m sorry. I’m here for you if you need me.” He looked back at the television, excuses were already being made for her, “If you come back to Sheridan Falls, you can stay at my place. I know it’s not easy with your family, and I promise you’ll have privacy.”

Sighing he hung up, hoping she would be the one to hear the message, no once else. Though who knows, was he even listed in her phone anymore?

***

Isabelle finished filling her car with gas, she looked at her phone sitting in the cup holder and turned it off. If Keaton couldn’t get a call through to her this weekend, then he would believe she was off with her old sorority sisters.

Not that she was ever in a sorority. Her college didn’t have a Greek system. Keaton didn’t know that though.

He didn’t need to know where she was, who she was with.

She promised herself this would be the last time she did this.

Next year at this time she and Keaton would be pregnant, they would be expecting a child.

At least that was her plan.

For now, though she had to do this one more time.

She continued down the highway, listening to a podcast, but not really. She knew this route by heart as she took the left turn towards the cabin, she would spend the weekend in. The road seemed open around her, before the forest wrapped around her, deepening with its pine and juniper trees before arriving at the Woodward cabin.

It was quiet outside as she breathed in the clean air, whatever worries she had, were now gone. This was where she was meant to be.

She grabbed her bag and jogged up the stairs, she didn’t need to knock on the door as it opened. She gasped when she saw him, as if she hadn’t expected him to be here again. “Mitch!”

“Belle” He pulled her into arms, kissing her with the hunger of a year apart.

She was breathless against him as he pulled her into the cabin. His fingers in her hair, clinging to each other.

“I missed you.” He growled as he kicked the door closed before his lips tasted her neck.

Her eyes fluttered shut, “This isn’t fair.” She confessed, “I don’t feel alive unless I’m with you.”

“I know baby.” He cupped her face in his hands, his green eyes searching hers, “This weekend is ours, let me show you how much I missed you.”

She didn’t respond, she didn’t have to as she felt him lift her up as he kissed her, carrying her to the bedroom.

***

Keaton stared out the window. He couldn’t remember ever feeling as cold as he did right now. He hadn’t expected this kind of news. He was at the family ranch. Waiting for his parents to return, to hear anything from his sister.

The sun was setting, washing everything in orange. He saw the dust of a vehicle coming up the driveway.

He didn’t recognize it. It wasn’t anyone in the family, none of the ranch hands, it wasn’t one from a family friend he recognized.

Yet as it got closer his stomach grew heavy. He realized who it was.

Kara Greene, a true crime podcaster who had been obsessed with Willa’s story. About a year or so ago she had come to Sheridan Falls to investigate. Keaton had found her bothersome at the time. One thing he agreed with Ana about was that if Willa wanted to come home, she would.

He braced himself before going out to the porch, “Do I need to get the shot gun?”

“I just wanted to drop this off for your parents.” She was taking a casserole out of her car.

He sighed, “I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.” His mother would, his father probably not.  

She brought it to the steps of the porch, reaching it out to him.

“Thank you, Kara.” He looked down at black sharpie directions for reheating. “I have no comment about anything today.”

“Not even the meltdown that popstar had when the news broke.”

“What are you talking about?”

Kara shrugged, “It was the weirdest thing, Tazia was about to perform this afternoon, and the news broke and since it was a live show she’s seen in the background, gravitating to the monitor before she collapsed.”

“Weird.” He gulped, “Goodbye Kara.”

“I’m not the enemy Keaton.”

“My parents had been doing okay until you came around, pulling Willa back out from the shadows. God my sister can’t even come home because she’s been in Willa’s shadow all these years.” He snorted, knowing it was insane considering she was a star in her own right.

“I just wanted to bring her home.” She shrugged her shoulders, as if it was that simple.

“She will be soon. But Kara, stay away. If Mom wants to go on your podcast to discuss this, she can. But wait for her to call you.”

She nodded as she went back to her car, “I’m sorry it had to be this way.”

“Me to.” As the words left his lips, he wasn’t exactly sure if he meant Willa dying, being found, or something else.

***

Fletcher sat by Tazia’s bedside and looked at her missed calls. Her brother Keaton had called about two dozen times, starting before she collapsed on live television. But he wasn’t the call that worried him.

Joel Riley.

He’d been just as famous as Tazia back when they were younger. He’d been engaged to her as well. Until Fletcher did what he could to be rid of the young man. A few well placed photographers and Tazia was convinced Joel cheated on her. She left him, and Fletcher brought the ring back to the young man and told him that Tazia was with him now.

For the next two years the music world watched as the two of them battled it out with appearances, songs, concerts.

Then Joel just went away.

No new music.

No new appearances.

No new albums.

He could be the subject of a YouTube remember when video.

Tazia made no mention of him ever, and since Fletcher usually had her phone, he knew they weren’t in contact.

“Willa?” Her voice broke as she woke up.

“Tazia, it’s Fletcher, are you okay?”

“Willa is gone.” She cried, in the haze of sleep and whatever drugs she’d been given.

“Willa?” Wasn’t that the name of the woman in the breaking news report?

Her breathing was uneven, “My sister.”

Fletcher stared at her. That couldn’t be.  He knew everything about Tazia. Sure, her family didn’t really seem to like him, but he’d made her a star. No way did she have a sister he didn’t know about.