#when did he ever play rugby this is sending me

[my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction]

Hi Fen!!! Popping in to ask what you think the moon boys’ hobbies would be (if they weren’t so busy moon knighting). (For Steven, I feel like studying ancient Egypt is more like a passion, so like what else do you think he’d be into?)

K. Love you! Byeeeee.

IDJIDHVDHFH Oh my gosh, I love this ask so much! Thank you so, so, SO much for sending it! ❤️(ILY!) Did I think about this at work for a good 1 and 30 mins instead of working on a spreadsheet? No, of course not, I would never do that… 👀

I have narrowed it down to one each to save everyone from seeing my absolute madness.

Moon Knight Boys Headcanons & Hobbies

Rating: PG  Masterlist | ao3 | want to be tagged?

Warnings: Swearing

Steven: Cooking

Okay, here me out. So, I’ve seen opposite ends of opinion on this one (both are valid) but I’m going with Steven is a very good cook, and he likes cooking. 

He’s been vegan for a while and it’s only in the last couple of years that food places have really been trying with vegan and vegetarian options that aren’t salad… bread… (chips if you’re lucky) So, I think he enjoys making lots of different recipes. 

It started out with him just making vegan ones and then, over time, became him changing other recipes to make them vegan and coming up with his own. 

Absolute master at vegan cakes, no one can ever tell the difference, and, in fact, a lot of people compliment him on ‘the best cake they’ve ever had’, ‘so light and fluffy? How do you do it?’ “Well, that’s the secret, innit?” (whisk the aquafaba like your life depends on it and sweet potato) 

Steven is absolutely horrified by the food Marc makes himself. (Plain chicken, rice, spinach) 

“Where are the flavours Marc? At least some herbs? Spices for fuck’s sake? I can’t believe you’re eating plain steamed chicken?” (He doesn’t even care that it’s meat, it's just the lack of flavour.)

“It’s boiled chicken actually.”

Steven loses his goddamn mind. 

“I don’t care what bloody macronutrient you are monitoring, you are not eating that.”

It’s not that Marc can’t cook, he just doesn’t see the reason to put the effort in when it’s just for himself (doesn’t feel like he deserves it.)

Steven grumbles to himself and refuses to let Marc cook his own dinner if he can help it. “If you’re going to eat meat, at least treat it with respect, yeah? Bring out the flavour?” He usually preps something for Marc, so he can cook it quickly when he’s hungry. 

Makes so many cakes and pastries for Jake. Leaves them in boxes with ‘Jake :)’ written on a post stick note on the top. Jake is always so touched and surprised when he does. They have taken to playing a little game where sometimes the food is vegan and sometimes it’s not and Jake has to guess. He’s more accurate than most people, but it still only averages around 70% right. (69% if we’re being exact, and Marc is sure Jake’s messing with the correct statistics on purpose.)

Marc: Fantasy Baseball and Fantasy Football

Literally takes it so seriously. Has spreadsheets filled with information and pours over every single statistic like it holds the answers to the universe. It only got more intense when he found a forum for people with the same interest and he literally will spend hours talking online about it.

“It’s not about getting the best players, it’s about making the best team.”

Jake has joked that he puts Steven and his love for history to shame and if those spreadsheets weren’t saved on the computer Marc would have boxes and boxes and folders upon folders of printed out info and then there would be zero space in the flat. 

When Marc annoys Steven, Steven tells him to “go play with your pretend american cricket and american rugby” to piss him off. 

(Marc retaliates by incorrectly pronouncing UK places. 

“Steven, maybe we should take a trip to Ed-in-b-row” 

“It’s Ed-in-bruh.” 

“How about Sus-SEX or Es-SEX?” 

“It’s Sus-SIX and Es-SIX.” 

“I do love Green-WITCH at this time of year.” 

“IT’S GREN-ITCH! Jake, you're from New York, how is Greenwich pronounced?” 

“I’m not getting involved.” 

“Ha! That’s because he agrees with me!”

When things get really heated, Marc threatens to make a cup of tea in the microwave. Steven says he doesn’t care because he makes coffee in the microwave all the time and it’s fine. Jake puts an end to it by saying hot chocolate tastes best with water and then laughing when both Marc and Steven gang up on him. 

“I cannot believe you think that mate.”

“You know how many different types of milk there are?”

“Absolutely disgusting.”

“Cow, goat, soya, almond, coconut, literally any of them instead.”)

Jake: Knitting

Wanted something to keep his hands busy, that he could pick up and put down, and that he could take in his cab when he was stationary and waiting for fares. 

Took to it a lot quicker than he thought it would, and can just zone out and knit. It helps keep him grounded. 

He feels like he has spent a lot of his time destroying and there is something so satisfying about being able to create. 

Once he mastered the stitch he quickly moved onto making clothes. Before Marc and Steven knew about him he used to knit jumpers for Steven and hide them in the wardrobe. 

Jake makes Marc a cartoony style baseball jumper that he also loves, and a thick cardigan for Steven that is covered in hieroglyphics (he spends months researching the language to get it to make some sense, and works in a dig at Khonshu in there and has Steven crying with laughter.) 

When they know about him Steven excitedly requests the “most garish and over the top Hanukkah jumper anyone has ever seen!” Jake does his best, presenting it to Steven (and trying to hide how nervous he feels) Steven loves it and refuses to take it off all winter. 

Most people think Jake has a stern glare when he wants, but you can never be sure if he’s planning your destruction or trying to work out how many balls of wool it would take to make someone your size a jumper.

____________________________________

Thank you for reading!

Taglist: @pleasurebuttonwrites @raven-rk @campingwiththecharmings @alexxavicry @mystinky-butt @cocodiem @oscarisaacsspit @welcometostayingawake @mbakubabe @solobagginses @melodygatesauthor @romanarose @pimosworld @jake-g-lockley

If you'd like to be taken off the tag list please let me know here

[cosmal]

aaaahhh congratulations!!! 3k! that’s crazy! i feel like it happened in just one second omg

sza — rugby player!james x reader who truly doesn’t care about sports till the moment when she one day catches the end of one of his practices and finally actually sees him in action, her mind melts and it goes from being this annoying thing he keeps on blubbering about to being one of her biggest turn ons.

thank you!!!!ily i know i swear i just did my 1k one omg.

james potter x fem!afab!reader

you’ve never been one for sports!!!! it’s never interested you. there’s plenty of other things that do.

one of them being james potter so it’s a catch 22.

he asks you for at least a week, he’s not above begging.

still, he’s your best friend, one who you’re hopelessly in love, so you’ll do anything for him.

it’s not like you’re donating a kidney or anything, but it’s still fun to watch him get all whiny because he really does want you there.

please come. bring remus so you can complain together.

when you tell him you’ll make it, he gets aggressively happy. a bit overboard but you won’t lie and say you don’t love it.

you bring remus to one of his last training sessions and you’re quiet the entire time, drooling over him.

every time remus tries to talk to you, he has to snap you from some little lovesick daze you keep falling into.

his little shorts. his tight jersey. how sweaty is. how controlling he is on the field. how every time he catches you on the sidelines, he sends you a little wave and a wink. how you’re absolutely, desperately in love with your best friend.

how you think you’re completely stupid for missing out on half of the season already when you could’ve been doing this every tuesday and thursday afternoon.

remus notices. obviously.

god, you make me sick.

what?!

i’ve never seen you so interested in a sport before, hmm?

it looks fun!

right...

once he’s done, he finds you both afterwards. you can’t look him in the eye.

he’s all red and sweaty. panting.

so. did you have fun? interesting?

yeah! yeah, no, it- it was fun to watch.

after that you have so many questions about the sport. what if your hit your head? how does a scrum work? they look pointless. if you can come to his next training. if you can come to watch his next game. and the game after that.

james is shocked tbh. but elated!!!!!

he’s so excited that you’re interest in the thing he loves most!!!!

you feel bad for not ever showing such interest but you know it’ll be worth it now.

you go to almost every training after the first. you’re at every game. his little cheerleader <333

you bring him extra powerade and you braid back his hair. you always go for lunch afterwards. he pays mostly, to show his appreciation.

and eventually the novelty of him being so hot wears off.

of course he’s always going to be good looking playing rugby.

but eventually you just love watching your best friend play rugby. especially when he’s so committed and passionate.

soon, the lunch’s afterwards turn into dates. and you become the best rugby player’s gf!!!!

[xjustonemoremiraclex]

rwrb thoughts from someone who hasn't read the book (yet)

The good/general thoughts:

pleasantly surprised by the acting! which I know sounds mean, but listen, I saw these guys in other things and I wasn't suuuper into them, so it was a nice surprise lol

THE CHEMISTRY BETWEEN THE TWO again, pleasantly surprised by that lol they played off each other SO well

10/10 soundtrack, it definitely took inspiration from older rom-coms and I loved it <3

PS I really liked all the side characters! I wish we'd gotten to spend a little more time with some of them, but everyone was pretty great <3 also, all the women were awesome, and I am very gay and very in love <3

Ok, I really, REALLY liked how they showed the two of them texting each other, and the whole editing around it. It was pretty cute

I was living for all the latine songs at the new year's party, that was a nice touch

ok, when everyone was getting down at the party and alex and henry stayed up and stared at each other and time slowed down, I know it was supposed to be romantic, but I have to say it: it was also the funniest shit I've ever seen lol

henry at the party is giving both 'i have social anxiety and my only friend here is a social butterfly and keeps leaving to be with other people send help' and 'i thought you invited me here as a first date kind of thing but you're dancing and making out with other people and i'm feeling so betrayed rn :('

'christ you're as thick as it gets *kiss*' LMAO

Listen, I'm not usually into rom-coms (I say, like a liar), but I was pretty happy with the writing, in general. I laughed at all the funny parts, got emotional over all the dramatic ones and swooned at the romance bits. Great job, everyone

'I just can't afford for you to fall in love with me' LMAO babe, we're WAY past that. On both sides

ok, full disclosure: I don't really like sex scenes all that much (there's nothing wrong with them, I'm just very ace lol), so I usually just use my phone while they're happening, and while I did that a little bit here too, I was still paying attention, and honestly, they were pretty sweet. They did a good job. And, like, I have no idea why the film was R-rated lol you literally don't see anything

again, love the little montages that show the passing of time, while also showing they're keeping in touch and getting to know each other better and stuff. It makes the relationship between the two and the way it's developing feel a bit less rushed, which is nice

ZAHRA MY MOST BELOVED

YES PLEASE I WANT TO SEE THAT POWERPOINT PRESENTATION THANK YOU

KARAOKEEEE

alex giving an impassioned romantic speech to henry, about to confess his love: // henry:

'I didn't want to break his heart' - oh, honey, you already did :(

'to tell you that I love you, knowing that you wouldn't say it back' brb sobbing

NOT CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE 😭😭😭

'because when they write the history of my life, I want it to include you and my love for you' help i'm dying 😭😭😭😭😭😭

MIGUEL DON'T THINK I DON'T KNOW IT WAS YOU please die in a fire <3

alex's speech was really good by the way 🥺

LOVESICK HOMOSEXUALS LMAO ZAHRA MY BELOVED

'baby' screaming crying throwing up jgdkfk

I FORGOT THE KING WAS STEPHEN FRY why is this so funny to me

SEQUEL WHEN

The... less good?/general questions:

Kinda wish there'd been a bit more enemies in my enemies-to-lovers film

'he just grabbed my hair in a way that made me understand the difference between rugby and footbal'' - please, I beg you, someone smarter than me - what the fuck does this mean 😭 ppl are LIVING for this quote and I'm like ??????

this is probably me being stupid and ignorant lol but why would alex's relationship cost his mum the election? like, from what I've seen, her government has been very pro-queer, that's not really a secret, so her son being queer and in a relationship with a man shouldn't lose her any voters..? the people who are against 'the queers' were not going to vote for her in the first place, soooo..? me is confused

honestly, this is probably an unpopular opinion, but... the king was not that bad? like, i'm not saying he's not kind of homphobic and kind of a dick lol but i get the impression that everything stems from the whole thing about sticking to tradition and public image and bla bla. Like, again, obviously, part of that involves homophobia, but I think that on a personal level, he... doesn't really care? Even at the end, he's like 'ok, are you absolutely sure about this, cause there's no going back. Yes? Really? Well, go off I guess *long-suffering sigh*'. Like, I got way more homophobic vibes from phillip than the king idk 🤷‍♀️ (I really hope I don't have to clarify that this only applies to the film, and not like, the real life crown lol)

Sooo, as I said, I haven't read the book yet, but I've seen some posts about it, and I think after watching the film I've realized that it's biggest flaw is that it's that - a film. It's a great film, don't get me wrong! And it's pretty obvious I really liked it. But damn, I'm a firm believer that book adaptations only work as series. They don't have to be super long or anything, but there is just no way to fit everything in a book in a two hour film. And yeah, when you're adapting something you have to make some changes, but Idk, it's kind of a shame that you lose so much (and even without reading the book, I can tell there's a lot of stuff missing). In any case, I can't talk too much about it until I read the book, but yeah 🤷‍♀️ It does seem like they did a good job, though - like, it genuinely can stand on its own really well, but I guess I'll have to find out for myself

Also, tagging @silassstingy bc I promised her my thoughts on the film and she might give me some interesting insights on some of the stuff I mentioned, cause she's a queen like that <3

[katesmemes]

feel free to change any pronouns, etc. || may contain some nsfw! || PART TWO HERE.

“Okay, you’ve been yucking my yum all day.”

“What’s going on with you?”

“Just remember you’re handsome and charming and everyone loves you.”

“Oh shut up, [Name], and get into the spirit of the thing.”

“If I was gonna go for a rich white boy, that is the rich white boy I’d go for.”

“He’s the worst kind of rich white boy.”

“He’s the world’s rudest person.”

“He’s the world’s most irritating person.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Did your parents send you to snobbery school or does looking down on people just come naturally to you?”

“I can assure you that making it was one of the most depressing moments of my career.”

“You better act like the sun shines out of his ass and you have a vitamin D deficiency.”

“What if I set myself on fire?”

“That’s my son you’re talking about.”

“You’ve got to be joking…”

“One thing I most admire about [Name] is his willingness to admit when he’s wrong.”

“Do you visit this place a lot?”

“Why do you dislike me?”

“I didn’t realize you’d heard that.”

“So you do admit that’s a douchey thing to say.”

“I’m sorry I was a prick to you.”

“It’s no excuse, but I was a prick to everyone in those days.”

“Well, now I feel like I need to apologize.”

“People like him more than they like you.”

“[Name], you are the most exquisite woman I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“What’re you doing out here?”

“Did I do something wrong?”

“People I date don’t interest me, and the people who interest me, I can’t date.”

“Oh my god, [Name], I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Christ, you’re as thick as it gets.”

“Did I forget your birthday?”

“He grabbed my hair in a way that made me understand the difference between rugby and football.”

“I mean, it wasn’t unpleasant, just…surprising.”

“I mean, you’ve been wanting him to dick you down forever.”

“I know I owe you an explanation.”

“You’re gonna stay at least 500 feet away from me for the rest of the night, then at midnight you’re gonna come to my room on the second floor of the residence where I’m going to do some very bad things to you.”

“To be clear, this changes nothing between us.”

“I really thought you hated me.”

“I hated how good you looked.”

“I am as gay as a maypole.”

“I wouldn’t mind doing this again.”

“I just can’t afford for you to fall in love with me.”

“I should probably get going…”

“I think we should make love tonight…”

“Who says ‘make love’ anymore?”

“I am so not playing this cool right now…”

“I can’t believe how wrong I was about you…”

“Don’t you tell me what to do.”

“Do you have a few minutes?”

“I’ve been, um, figuring some things out about myself lately…”

“We’re gonna need some pizza.”

“I mean, if I’d had more warning I could have made you a PowerPoint presentation, but…”

“Can I give you some advice?”

“You need to figure out if you feel forever about him before you take this any further…”

“I dunno if we’re there yet, [Name]...”

“This is uncharted territory for us…”

[emilygail]

Heartstopper Season 1, Episode 1

The following is a list of my favorite moments in S1E1 of Heartstopper. And by favorite what I really mean is a list of moments that gave me ✨feelings.✨ This list was supposed to be like my top 3, but it kept getting longer and longer. But this is MY Heartstopper feelings diary, so the list can be as long as I want it to be. So there.

1: When Nick draws a smiley face on Charlie’s hand. This moment was so nostalgic for me - I would always draw on my hands when I was that age. If a crush did it to me, I would have spontaneously combusted. And I would not have washed that hand for a week.

2: The montage of Nick saying hi to Charlie in the hall like it’s no big deal. But to Charlie this is the BIGGEST deal - Ben could never.

3: Nick has convinced Charlie to join the rugby team. We get an adorable montage of Nick teaching him how to play. And at the end, Nick tackles Charlie and he gets his first leaves!! 🍃

4: Ben has revealed himself to be the literal scum of the earth, but Nick saves the day. This is the begging of the legend that is the “s word” getting banned. And it shows Charlie that even though Ben is trash, there are good people out there. And Nick is one of them. Bonus points for the moment when Nick grabs Ben - it’s a perfect recreation of a frame of the original comic!

5: Charlie wants to text Nick to say thank you, but we see him type and delete several messages before finally sending one. As an anxious person, I also over think every message I send to anyone. This is something I can’t recall ever seeing portrayed in media before, and it just made feel so seen. And I couldn’t find a gif of it, so instead please enjoy the look on Charlie’s face when he looks back at Nick. ❤️

Anyway, thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. And yes, I will be writing up my feelings for every other episode as well. Hopefully not at 3:30 am next time…

[op81s]

dont be surprised if i send u a link in the next few minutes 🫡

okay, that link might be the greatest thing i've ever seen!! let's react to it 'cause i have follow up questions but fair warning, i might have written an entire fucking essay 😂😭

now, let's start!!

romain ntamack aka rolaj

a) being so shy that you could go an entire day without talking to anyone #relatable b) what do you mean he almost blinded his brother???? c) a little bit of a hoe AND and has cute doggos?? sign me the fuck up. d) ....i'm not gonna lie.... the pornstache kind of does it for me.... 🙃

melvyn jaminet

a) telling me that most people hate him is a surefire to get me intrigued in him 'cause i'm a petty and contradictory bitch 😈 b) what do you mean the coach had to call his parents so they could help him understand mr jaminet better?? that's really sweet?? 😭 c) doesn't use social media aka has probably reached a higher plane of existence than us mere mortals who are all chronically online

baptiste couilloud aka mr booty

a) i will admit that as someone who is very close to my siblings, seeing sport blorbos have good relationship with their siblings does make me a little soft for them b) #shortking (also love that in rugby being 176cm classifies as 'short' because i'm 158 cm...) c) this man jumped into not one, but two rivers?? two seperate rivers?? whilst half naked?? i need context here?? ...and photos...

charles ollivon aka mr ollivon aka mr thighs

a) i'm sorry if i offend the entirety of france... but to me you all sound the same... but i did look up an interview with him and i do love his accent?? b) calls everyone chicken?? okay... why tho?? 😂 c) tHIS MAN IS 199CM TALL??? and his teammates goes around yeeting him into the air?? holy fuck... d) mr capitaine!! e) very large man with a soft gooey center that loves animals?? it's a good thing he has a girlfriend or i would be on my way to france right now...

martin page relo

a) ooooh bestie to mr rolaj. i love me some childhood friends who grow up and achieve their dreams of playing their sport at the highest levels b) okay but you need to stop calling these fuckers small, he's still 15 cm taller than me... c) okay but when you say he doesn't speak italian, do you mean he's not fluent or that he doesn't speak any italian?? because i feel like that would get quite lonely?? d) loves food #relatable and great cook #unrelatable...

baptiste serin

a) okay first of all, we love a private king. someone who shows up, does his job and goes home. does he have children?? literally no one knows. b) he used to facetime his cat??? okay i've found my favorite, the competition is over, everyone else can just pack up and go home. c) swears a lot you say??... again... #relatable d) smaller sports blorbos picking fights with people twice their size that their teammates then have to finish. name a more iconic sport dynamic.

louis rees-zammit aka lrz

a) okay, first of all, looks like a fuck boi but in a way that's kinda hot but he's also six years younger than me sooooo. no. b) he joined the nfl?? what, so he just up and went halfway across the globe to join the fake football league?? okay. c) ...not gonna lie... the accent... kinda hot d) ...but what do you mean he had to protect a giant lion plushie for weeks?? from what?? was someone trying to take mr plushie away from him?? e) i need picture proof of this lightning haircut 😂

antoine dupont aka sQUARE HOE?? 😂

a) awww, his teammates protecc!! b) #educatedking but for real, getting an education feels like a good idea when your day job is rugby... one of the most physical sports in the world... c) hmm... model you say?? 👀👀 d) okay, so he's one of the best rugby players in the world who also finished school and models in his spare time... so he's perfect??

matthieu jalibert (not gonna lie... read that as jailbait the first time...)

a) why is mr jalibert with his doggos getting hated on?? don't people know he has doggos and as such can't be that bad (don't quote me on that...) b) ouchhhh, getting misdiagnosed and worsening the injury is pretty much every athlete's worst dream 😐 c) ooooooh, give me the drama deets... d) what do you mean chipped off a tooth whilst rowing?? how do you chip a tooth, whilst rOWING?? don't you use your arms for that, not your teeth??

damian penaud

a) okay but getting your teeth knocked out, getting replacements but either never wearing them or sometimes wearing them but taking them out to play with them the rest of the time is SUCH a hockey player move... b) aGAIN, give me the deets on the drama. who was this reality show douchbag?? why was it such a big deal?? c) attended his team party celebrations for their grand slam victory in shorts and flip flops 'cause he jumped into a bubble bath with his suit on?? ... i love these idiots already 😂😊 d) THEY LOST THE TROPHY?? HOW DO YOU LOSE A TROPHY?? WHERE WAS IT?? HOW DID THEY FIND IT?? e) i've been told i laugh like a hybrid of a hyena and a disney villain so i feel you... f) a gamer AND a golf addict?? well... you win some, you lose some

ange capuozzo akA THE PRETTIEST BOY???

a) i don't know if it was the picture you choose but i think i'm in love... his soft brown eyes... the little swoop of his hair... b) joris is like charles' personal assistant right?? c) i'm not suprised you love him if he's a huge charles fan, like calls to like 😊😂

bonus round:

cyril baille

first of all, you weren't kidding when you said he's a huge teddy bear, i love him already. secondly, him and i are birthday twins!!

ethan dumortier

'he's smart. still can't believe it.' ....i love that being your only comment... 😂

gregory alldritt

mr alldritt didn't even get a comment... poor mr alldritt 😂

anyway, this was an absolute blast!! i will definitely be trying to memorize these fuckers!!

[catierambles]

The Ritual Ch.4

Pairing: Ghost!Mike x Danica Wells (OFC)

WC 2273

Warnings: derogatory language against women and some hot smoochy smoochy (not in that order)

@liecastillo @summersong69

They spent their days and nights together, Danica working on her new book while Mike watched TV on the couch after she turned it on and flipped it a channel he liked. Mostly sports, she noticed, the man had a thing about rugby. “A less pussified football” he called it, getting a snort from her. He was an animated watcher, yelling as a goal (or a “try” as he informed her) was scored. He was a massive All-Blacks fan and was very pleased when she found a premium channel that played their games round the clock. Watching him enjoy himself, she caught a glimpse of him when he was alive, watching games surrounded by his friends, food and beer scattered around the living room. It was just a flicker, another memory of the house, and it was gone.

He was watching the game when she came down the stairs one day, dressed in her business attire.

“Where you goin’?” He asked, looking at her.

“I have a meeting with my publicist.” She explained, “I sent her the first couple chapters of the new book I’m working on and she wants to go over marketing for it.”

“You got an idea!” He said with a smile and she nodded. “Moving out of the city worked then.”

“Seems like.” She said, “I won’t be long, a few hours at the most.”

“Leave the TV on?”

“Of course.” She said and he got up from the couch, walking her to the door.

“Have a nice day at work!” He said and she snorted with a smile. Leaning into her, his lips ghosted over her cheek and she felt the contact like a brush of cold over her skin. They found if he concentrated hard enough, he could almost make real contact with her outside of their dream world. He couldn’t physically touch her, but she would be able to almost feel it if he tried. Leaving the house, she closed and locked the door behind her, looking back over her shoulder as he watched her go from the front bay windows.

The drive into the city was long and traffic filled and she walked into the offices a little before her meeting was supposed to start.

“Danica!” Her publicist greeted her warmly and they shared a hug before they sat down at the desk in her office. “I’m loving the new stuff you’re sending me. It’s just so tragic. A young man cut down in the prime of his life, cursed to haunt his childhood home.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Write what you know, right?

“And the way you described him? Woof. The casting people are going to have a field day with that cover.” She said, “The way he talks about loneliness and longing, it’s just…I want to wrap him up in a hug and never let him go.”

“That’s what I was going for.” Danica said.

“And this “Dream Walking” thing you’re describing? Opens up a bunch of possibilities that’ll make your readers jealous of the female lead who can see him.” She was a little too on the nose with that one and would probably change it before editing started. “Just the doomed nature of their relationship tugs at the heartstrings: two lovers separated by death. Please tell me you’re going to give them a happy ending?”

“Spoilers.” Danica said and her publicist pouted but accepted it.

“I have to ask though, how did he die? You never mentioned it.”

“I haven’t decided yet, bouncing around a few ideas in my head.” If Mike ever shared how he died she wouldn’t put it in the book as that would be far too personal. She knew he was never going to read it, but it still wouldn’t sit right with her. “Need to find something particularly tragic.”

“Well, absolutely keep me informed, you know I always get a bit giddy when you send me new chapters and I’m waiting on the edge of my seat for the next ones.” It was a business thing and she knew it, her publicist feeding her ego to keep her writing. Still, it didn’t hurt to hear it. Writers fed on validation, feedback and comments being almost like catnip for them.

They talked for a couple more hours, her publicist trying to worm more details out of her about the book but Danica stayed mute on the subject, steering the conversation away. At the end of it, she was tired, driving back out of the city and pulling up in front of the house. He was still watching the game when she walked in, closing the door behind her.

“How was your meeting?” He asked, getting up from the couch.

“It was good.” She said, “Very productive.”

“You know what you need?”

“Yeah?”

“A nap.” He said and she laughed. “I’m serious! You look tired and you’ve been working so hard lately! All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”

“The Shining? Really?” She asked and he shrugged.

“I loved that movie.” He said and she stared at him for a moment before snorting.

“Okay, fine.” She said and he gave her a smile that she returned, she couldn’t help it. “Let me get changed out of my work clothes.”

“I’ll meet you upstairs.” He said and turned, bounding up the stairs with her following. As always, he stayed out in the hall as she got changed, only coming in when she gave him the all-clear. He settled on the bed when she did and they turned on their sides to face each other, their eyes closing.

They were back in the house, but it had changed, becoming more how it looked currently, and she watched him as he puttered around the kitchen. Going to the sink he made a noise before reaching over and turning the handle for the faucet, water gushing into the sink.

“Well, that’s cool.” He said and picked up the hose, “I wonder if…” He squeezed it briefly, jumping as the water hit him in the face and she laughed but the laughter died as he turned it on her.

“Mike.” She said warningly and gave a surprised sound as he sprayed her, the cold water feeling almost real as it hit her skin. “Don’t you…” He did it again with a snort and dropped the hose to retract back to the sink at the look she gave him.

“Don’t hurt me!” He said as he ran from the kitchen with her following close behind him. They chased each other around the house, dodging around and leaping over furniture, their laughter filling the air. She chased him up the stairs and into his room but didn’t see him as she entered. There was a moment of confusion before he gave a rough noise behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist, tackling her to the bed. His hands moved over her sides and she giggled, trying to squirm away from his tickling fingers.

“Stop!” She called out, “Stop! I can’t breathe!” She said and he settled next to her, propped up on his elbow with a smile as he watched her catch her breath, soft giggles leaving her as she relaxed. She looked at him as he reached out, turning her face to him with a gentle touch, his thumb moving over her cheek. Scooting closer to her, his tongue darted out to wet his lips, and then they were on hers, soft and gentle. He kissed her slowly and she responded to him, reaching up to lay her hand over his. It was wrong, she knew it was wrong, but she didn’t want it to stop. He deepened the kiss with a groan, his tongue tracing the edges of her lips before dipping into her mouth. He didn’t have a taste, but he still felt so real. “Mike.” She said softly as he pulled away and he kissed her again, harder this time, moving over her to press her into the bed. Her hands slid under his jacket, pushing it over his shoulders and he let it fall, pulling the zipper of his hoodie the rest of the way down and shrugging that off as well. The fabric of his white shirt was soft under her hands, his skin warm underneath.

“Fuck.” He sighed as he pulled away, “You feel so good, but we shouldn’t do this, right?”

“I don’t care.” She said and she honestly didn’t, pulling him in for another kiss that made her toes curl.

“I don’t care either.” He admitted as he ducked his head under her chin, his mouth moving over her neck. “Wait.” He said, picking his head up. “Can I even still…I mean, it takes blood flow doesn’t it, and my heart isn’t beating.”

“I don’t know.” She said honestly, “I’ve never actually done this with someone like you.”

“I guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” He asked with a small grin, “Even if I can’t, I can still make you come. Give you the best damn dream ever.”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He said and complied, kissing her deeply as his hands pushed up her t-shirt, thumbs moving over her ribs and starting a dull throb between her legs.

She woke to…something and she whined softly, Mike chuckling on the bed next to her.

“Just as it was getting good.” He said and she nodded. There were sounds from downstairs and she picked her head up, it sounded like someone was moving around down there.

“Mike?” She asked and he picked his head up, looking over her shoulder with a scowl.

“Stay here.” He said and got off the bed, tugging his jacket straight as he walked around the bed and out the door. Standing at the top of the stairs, he could hear a couple of people moving around, the house dark as night had fallen while they were asleep. There was a thump and a muttered curse and he walked down the steps slowly.

“Careful!” Came the harsh whisper, “You want to wake the bitch up?”

“The fuck it matter?” Came another harsh voice. “What’s the bitch gonna do?”

“Mike?” Came the soft voice behind him and he looked behind him, seeing her leaning out of the doorway.

“Shit! You hear that? You said she was alone!”

“She is alone. Even if she’s not, we can take care of it.”

“Stay there.” Mike said, not really knowing why he was whispering as they wouldn’t be able to hear him anyway. Going the rest of the way down the stairs, he leaned in the archway of the living room, looking at the two men moving around. Her laptop was already gone from the table, probably stuffed into the bag one of them was holding. Concentrating with a roll of his head, he crossed his arms over his chest. “Hey.” He said and they looked up at the sound, seeing him in the archway. Their surprise gave way to amusement as they looked at him.

“You her little boyfriend or something?” One of them asked and he shrugged.

“Or something.” He said, “Drop the bag and leave. I won’t say it again.” They just laughed at him, setting the bag down and moving around the couch to approach him.

“What’re you going to do? Cry at us, pretty boy?” He pushed away from the archway, giving them a disarming smile and holding up his hands.

“Guys, really, just leave.” He said and they chuckled as he backed away down the hall to the kitchen.

“That’s what we thought. Not so tough, are you?” His smile turned into a grin before he flickered, reappearing in front of them in the blink of an eye.

“Boo.” He said and they fell back, stumbling over their feet.

“Holy shit!”

“What the fuck!” He laughed as they ran from the house and back out into the night. Once they were gone though, his chest tightened painfully and he fell to his knees, his energy spent.

“Mike!” He heard her run down the stairs behind him, closing and locking the front door before kneeling by him, her hands hovering over him like she wanted to touch him.

“I’m okay.” He rasped, “I’m fine. That just took a lot outta me.” He was flickering in and out of sight, like a bad TV signal.

“You need to be careful!” She said and he looked at her, seeing her worried eyes.

“I’ll be fine, sweetcheeks, just need to gather my strength again.” He said, “Doubt they’ll be coming back again and maybe they’ll spread the word that this house is off-limits. Being haunted, and all.”

“That was reckless.”

“But it worked.” He said, “Go back to bed, I need to rest a little bit.”

“You’re sure you’re okay?” She asked and he nodded.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’ve done that before but it’s been a while.” She didn’t need to know he had done it to get rid of a squatter that had taken residence some years back. She stood when he did, her hands coming up as he wavered on his feet a little. “Go on, go back to bed. I’ll be down here.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.” She said and he nodded, turning as she went back up the stairs. “Also,” She stopped, looking over her shoulder at him. “Don’t call me sweetcheeks.” He gave a weak laugh at that, watching her go up the stairs and disappear into the bedroom before he walked into the living room and sat down on the couch, leaning back against it with his eyes closed.

[honeyhenry]

Sweet as Pie

With some much needed time off, and excitement crisp in the air, you had flown over to Jersey with your husband Henry for Christmas to stay with his family, and they had been delighted to have you both back on his homeland. You settled in to Henry’s old room, unpacking all of the gifts you had brought for his family. You knew his nieces and nephews were going to love you even more when they saw what would be lying for them under the grand Christmas tree in the living room. Secretly, you were their favourite - not that they’d ever tell their poor Uncle Henry.

The large home is tidy, but scattered with family members in every room, all feeling at home in the place where Henry and his brothers grew up. You’d been able to catch up with the relatives you didn’t often see, and promise to spend some quality time together over the holidays.

It was so sweet to watch all the children’s faces light up on Christmas morning. You were glad that you and Henry could be spared an extra few moments in bed, being the only childless couple in the house. Yet moments later, Kal had leapt onto the bed - much to Henry’s annoyance; “down Kal, careful now” -  as soon as he had heard the pattering of his small friends’ feet out in the hallways. And what Kal wanted, you usually gave him.

Which is why, at 6.45am, Kal dragged you and in turn, dragged Henry down to the living room where the rest of the family sat, with the kids lit up like the Christmas tree that their plethora of presents laid under, grinning to their bleary eyed parents who’d barely had a wink of sleep on the cold winter morning.

“You’d think after 6 years it gets easier” you’d heard someone murmur, and so you’d decided to put the kettle on for those poor souls. Luckily for you, 45 minutes later, you’re able to snuggle back into bed with Henry, warming your feet on his legs to annoy him. You kiss the offended pout right off his face, before feeling his beefy arms wrap around your waist. It’s the last thing you had recalled, as you dozed off in his arms only seconds later, feeling his fingertips rub against your hip softly.

------

The kitchen was bustling with about 10 bodies all completing their various tasks; cooking, washing, baking, roasting, timing and tasting. Well, you had kicked your husband out of the kitchen for sneaking a taste of your dessert before it was ready, chastising him out of the door. 

“You can either help properly or go and play with your siblings” you had bargained while he’d grinned, leaning against the doorframe. He raised an eyebrow, looking you up and down like you were a pastry he was keen to ravish himself; “But who is going to compliment the chef?”

With that, you’d folded your arms across your chest, blushing at his words. The cheek of that man was not lost on you, and it still got you every single time. 

And you loved him for it.

------

The meal was a total success. A wonderful soup starter, followed by a small appetiser, and then the most magnificent turkey. Feeding over 20 people - now probably closer to 30 if you were to include the children who were growing up so quickly in front of your eyes - had proven to be difficult, but it was a challenge the family had clearly tackled before.

You had been so excited to prepare the desserts, and present your dish. However, halfway through the day, somewhere between the main course, watching your nephews with their new toys, and the dessert course of the delicious homemade Christmas feast, you’d fallen asleep on the sofa completely tuckered out. Your legs rested on Henry’s lap as he’d covered you with a hand-knitted blanket that he’d once slept with as a boy. Henry’s mother speaks up, careful not to wake you. She has a gleam in her eye, not that you or even Henry notice, too wrapped up in your own cozy sleepy bubble together by the fire.

“Dessert can wait” his mother says to the gaggle of children and adults swarming the living room, “go out and get some fresh air.”

She turns to the children, specifically.  “Do not disturb your Aunt, okay?”

------

Your cheeks are warm as the fire heats the living room, and after a particularly competitive game of rugby with his brothers, nieces, and nephews, Henry quietly checks on you. He had left the room earlier when you had shifted your legs slightly, taking the opportunity to get some fresh air himself. It had indeed been a long day. His brothers had questioned your tiredness briefly, making sure you were well. With the knowledge that you were simply sleepy, they had begun to joke that you obviously just couldn’t keep up with the rest of the Cavills - despite having married into the family for 2 years and been around for the holidays for 4. Henry had promised them that you were fine -  that you still weren’t used to the long trip back to the island for the holidays. 

Not exactly a fib, he’d thought.

Kal was laid beside you, loyal as ever, watching out for anyone who may disturb your rest, sending a rumbling growl towards anyone who approached. Except Henry. 

While checking on you now to make sure you were still comfortable and resting well, he smiled, taking a picture of you wrapped up cosily by the fire, at peace in his childhood home, completely at rest and ease with him and his closest relatives. Petting Kal softly, he thanks him for looking after his mama so well.

“So?”

His mother, he hears. She’s alone for once as there was no one rushing to check for updates on food, no enquiries about the house, or any funny stories woven into a ten minute tale from her grandchildren. She’s alone, with her hands on her hips and her eyebrows raised.

Henry stands up straight. There’s nothing that can wipe the tremendously cheesy grin off of his face. He can’t even speak. Even after dessert had finished, you were the one who would be doing all the talking, the telling, the explaining.

“Mum-”

“Henry. She’s not ill. and i know you’re sensible enough to not be up the whole night with your wife...at least under my roof. So…?”

He looks over at your peaceful form, and then scratches his neck, blushing at being caught out, but also ecstatic that he can finally say something about it.

“She’s eleven weeks. We’re expecting a baby next summer”

With that, his mother almost leaps with joy over to her son, who she hugs closely despite the obvious height barrier. 

“Oh i knew it, I knew it! I’m so happy for you Henry, for you both. I thought, ‘She normally loves that bread for starter’, hm? Oh my boy! A father!”

With her proclamation, Henry finds that he has tears in his eyes as he holds his Mother close, finally glad that it’s not just a little secret between the two of you - well, the two of you and Kal, who had already been a stellar protector and big brother.

“We had planned to tell everyone after dessert…we’ve known for nearly 2 months and it’s been killing me that I couldn’t say. We’ve had to be so careful-“ 

“Henry?” he hears your quiet voice from across the room, as Kal’s collar jingles. He turns to see you sitting up from your nap with Kal booping his nose at your stomach. You’re scratching at his head, thanking him for being such a wonderful boy, while looking up at the two Cavills.

It takes less than a second for you to realise what is happening in front of you. Your jaw drops and louder than your previous call, you exclaim, “Henry you told her?”

“She worked it out! Practically forced it out of me.” he grins, holding his hands up as his Mother pretends to smack his arm.

You stand, watching not to step on Kal or any stray Legos that your nephews have left strewn across the floor, and walk over to hug her. She’s been so caring and kind since you’ve joined the family all those years ago, and you know that she will be an incredible Grandma to your little one. 

Breaking apart from the hug, you find Henry pulling you to him carefully, letting you melt into his side. Kissing your forehead he asks, for your ears only, “Good sleep? No pains? Sickness?” He has a small crease of worry between his brows and you always do your best to soften that small tense area with regular updates and sweet kisses.

“Yeah i’m okay honey” you reassure him, patting your stomach, “this ones growing up a storm in there”. 

And they really are. Henry’s mother cannot believe she’s seeing it, and mostly can’t believe she missed it. You’re already showing, but a large loose sweater -probably one of Henry’s old ones that has since become yours - over your dress, has hidden a sizeable roundness to your stomach that you were excited to finally show.

“How did I miss this!” Your mother-in-law gasps, causing you to grin, and Henry’s chest to puff with utter pride and excitement.

“I know it’s bordering on having too much to eat, but we’ve been hiding it for a couple weeks now. Doctor thinks that baby’s gonna be big. Just like their daddy.” You explain, giving your stomach another gentle rub, surprised to find Henry’s hand there on it already.

If you’d thought Kal was protective, Henry was another thing altogether.

He’s still grinning as you kiss him, before you pull away to speak more to his mother about all the details, especially when you’ll be coming over to Jersey again. Kai follows you closely, making sure you’re staying safe. He’s known that there’s something up with his mama, there has been for weeks, especially with the way his master looks after you now.

Henry, deciding to be sneaky while the two women in his life are currently distracted chatting, takes another taste of the dessert you made, now set out on the kitchen. The worst part is, he thinks he’s got away with it.

He realises he doesn’t the second you smack his hand from the dessert.

“Strike two Mr Cavill! Step away from the pie.”

“And if I don’t?” he raises an eyebrow, watching your reactions as you hold a butter knife in your hand trying to look at least vaguely threatening - failing miserably. “Maybe i’ll strike out tonight, hm?” he continues with that wonderfully mischievous glint in his eye, taking cautious steps towards you. “You look even sweeter than your pie with this little bump here. Maybe I’ll have a taste later after all.” 

Henry’s mother had not been right in her assumptions, for under her roof, you and Henry were not sensible at all.

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

please let me know what u think! i am v nervous to post but excited!!!

[newtonsheffield]

Hey Molly I wanted to ask when are we to expect an update on A Slamming Screen Door? I really need some teenage kathony fluff 🥰🥰

In the meantime could we perhaps see little Kate and little Anthony attend Simon's end of the summer party. I always wondered how it would turn out if they were dating at the time.

Hey!

Here’s what my posting schedule is hopefully gonna look like for this weekend

Friday: Sure Part 2

Saturday: Royals Chapter 6

Sunday: A Slamming Screen Door and maybe a new moodboard!

“Do you wanna Dance?” His voice was raised over the sound of the party thrumming in the background, his eyes looking back at her so hopefully, so brightly it almost hurt her to say it.

“Sorry, my boyfriend would probably hit you.” She hummed, gesturing backwards into the crowd vaguely.

His face twitched just a little, his voice grave. “Oh right. He a big guy? Jealous type?”

Kate sighed, “He plays rugby. And let’s just say, he knows what’s his.” She’d leaned closer to him to say it and his hand had closed around her upper arm sending a jolt right through her.

“What position?” And really, when he asked a question like that what did he expect?

She leaned closer towards him her lips brushing his ear , “Oh I think we both like me on top.”

Anthony groaned in her ear as he tugged her towards the dance floor that had formed, the crush of people forcing his body closer to hers. He pulled her even closer, his body starting to sway a little with the music, his hands on her hips.

“So this other boyfriend of yours, where’s he going to University?” Anthony was smiling at her, his eyes still sparkling.

Katie hummed, her arms wrapping around his neck. “Oh I’m a super proud girlfriend, he’s off to Oxford, with all the other rich people.”

Anthony scoffed, “you’re going to Bristol! That’s basically the same thing!” He was grinning now.

“Yeah, but I’m on a scholarship.”

“Which just means you’re even smarter. Which is hot as fuck by the way.” He was still swaying against her, even as her heart ached she was too afraid to pull away.

“I don’t want to go tomorrow.” Her voice was tiny, and for a moment, she doubted he’d heard.

“I know it’s going to be hard but I’ll visit you, you can visit me. You can keep me on FaceTime all day if you want it’ll be like we’re not even apart.” He’d pulled back just slightly to look in her eyes, serious, more so than she’d ever seen him.

“You’re probably going to meet someone else, someone any better than me and realise that the distance isn’t worth it.” She could hardly look at him as her insecurity bubbled to the surface.

And whatever she’d expected Anthony to do, it hadn’t been to throw his head back and laugh. Her heart fluttered at the noise even as it stung, she tried to resist as he tugged her lips to his, ignoring the whistles in the background.

“Katie, that is, I’m sorry, the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.” He said as he pulled back, his thumb on her cheekbone. “I know I’m really young, but I want to marry you.”

She could have sworn right there, in this party her heart stopped. “I want to marry you, and buy us a house, and one of those little loaf dogs you like so much. That’s what I want. That’s almost all I want Katie.”

She forced back the lump in her throat, and a smirk to her lips, “Are you asking?”

He laughed again, like music drifting to her, so carefree and full of promise. “You can consider this a preproposal.”

And even though she was 18 and it was so stupid she couldn’t help herself “Then I preaccept.” His lips on hers cut off the rest of the sentence for several moments, until he pulled back.

“Now take me home Bridgerton, and I’ll sneak you in and we can celebrate our preengagement.”

They spent the rest of the night, promises passing between them in her tiny bedroom and whe;her father found them in the morning he didn’t even glower. Just a resigned sort of sigh when he said.

“Edwina is separating the two of you in the back seat this morning.”

[mycrofts-gunbrella]

Fred Weasley x Reader- The Worry of Wealth

Hey! As promised, I will be posting my three part Fred story in celebration of reaching 100 followers so quickly! Feedback is always welcome!

"Fred? Fred? Freddie? Hellooo? You're staring again." Fred was snapped out of his thoughts by his twin clicking his fingers in front of his face.

"What?"

"Y/N. You're staring at her again, it's getting a bit creepy if you ask me." George tugged his brother's arm out to the courtyard.

"Yeah well I didn't ask you." Fred quipped back, slumping on the wall. George raised an eyebrow at Fred's tone and nudged him. "It's just so bloody frustrating Georgie. I like her. Like I REALLY like her." He groaned, hitting his head back on the bricks and closing his eyes in annoyance as you walked past him and gave him a small smile.

Y/N L/N- the most gorgeous girl to ever grace the grounds of Hogwarts. You were clever, beautiful and one of the funniest people Fred had ever met- some of your pranks even leaving him in awe. If that all didn't already make it hard enough for Fred to catch your attention you were part of the L/N family. The one family that was even more wealthy than the Malfoys. You could have anybody you wanted. Poor old Fred fell for you hard the moment he was paired with you in second year potions and you kept catapulting random ingredients into everyone else's cauldrons so you and him had the luxury of being the first to finish and escape Snape's words of wrath, all while enjoying the confused looks of the other students who were adament they had followed the recipe step by step. That was 4 years ago. He'd always noticed you before then but never really paid you too much attention, knowing from the get-go you'd never be interested in a Weasley. He opened his eyes and looked down at his clothes. His shoes were his dad's old ones, the soles tearing from the leather and scuffing at the front. His robes were fraying and his jumper sleeves both had holes in after being both Bill's and Charlie's before he got given them and grimaced.

George just looked at his brother and frowned. Y/N was genuinely one of the nicest people he had ever met but he'd be lying if he didn't think his family's financial situation would stop her from seeing Fred in any way more than just a friend rather than embarrassing herself by dating the guy from the poorest family at Hogwarts. Still, he'd always try anything to help his brother get what he wants.

"Come on Freddie, we've got quidditch practice next. That'll take your mind off her for at least a little bit." Fred still sulked and wouldn't move. "Oi." George slapped Fred's arm. "I'll race you. Last one there is a soggy mandrake." And with that George started to run. Fred rolled his eyes and jogged behind him. All of a sudden a huge crash was heard as George tripped and fell straight into the group of you and your friends, sending the books and papers you had stacked in your hands flying through the air and landing on the ground. "Ooopppss." George spoke childishly. "Sorry Y/N, gotta run. I’ve got a race to win." George finished continuing to run to the quidditch grounds after shooting a wink in his brother's direction. Fred immediately went to help you.

"Sorry my brother is such a bloody idiot. If you think this is bad, imagine living with him." He attempted to joke as his piled your discarded papers in his arms. He offered his hand out to you to help you up and felt his face flush as your skin came into contact with his. You just laughed it off and stood.

"It's fine honestly. I have 3 sisters, I'm used to it." You grinned, taking the pile of books and papers from him. He nodded in response and wiped his hands on his trousers, noticing they had become clammy. "Thanks Fred." You smiled, leaning up to kiss his pale cheek, trying to hide your amusement as you watched his face become redder than his hair. Fred zoned back in from his little daydream and opened his mouth to speak.

"Uh do you want a hand? With the books I mean. Not that I'd give you a hand with anything else. Obviously. Unless you wanted me to. Then I-" Your giggling cut him off.

"I'm actually free next period. Do you want to help me carry these back to my dorm? We could hang out for a bit after if you wanted as a thank you?" You asked, feeling your own heart beat a little rapidly for finally asking out the boy you'd been fawning over since you were 14. You watched as his face dropped and panicked. "You don't have to don't worry.."

"NO! Uh I mean.. I'd love to... but I can't. I can help you carry your stuff but there's quidditch practice I've got to go to since we have that big game against Slytherin in a couple days." Fred shouted inwardly at himself. The one bloody time he had an opportunity to be with you for a bit and he couldn't go. Although he was tempted to drop everything then and there for you.

"No worries! How about you sneak me into practice and then we can go grab a butterbeer afterwards?" You tried again, mentally crossing your fingers for luck. Fred nodded, for once in his life being completely speechless. He knew he shouldn't get his hopes up and that this was just going to be an innocent drink among friends but he was still excited. He took all of your stuff from your hands, despite you saying you could carry a little bit before thinking through what you had said earlier and turning his head towards you.

"Hey Y/N?" You hummed in response. "How did you know I was Fred anyway? I'm pretty sure no one said our names when George rugby tackled you." You grinned and felt your cheeks warm a little. After having a soft spot for Fred the last four years you could tell the difference between him and his brother in a heartbeat.

"You're my favourite." You answered innocently.

"Right. Yeah okay. Makes sense." Fred swallowed deeply and carried on walking beside you.

In the distance George watched on and grinned to himself.

"Oh George Weasley you genius. 10 points for supreme wingmanery." He grinned to himself, actually making his way to the quidditch pitch now.

Barely 10 minutes had passed before Fred came sauntering out onto the quidditch pitch.

"Oi what took you so bloody long? Do you want us to lose?" Ron shouted at his brother. Fred said nothing and instead turned to face the stalls, giving you a quick wave and kicking up on his broom. "Bloody hell is that Y/N? As in THE Y/N L/N?" Ron's eyes widened as seeing your face in the distance.

"Freddie here is just a boy in love." George teased, making kissing noises as he flew around his twin.

"No way. Sorry Fred but it won't happen." Ron quipped, tightening his grip on his broom. "Have you seen her? She's gorgeous." He trailed off. "Not to mention stinking rich."

"Well rumour has it that Fred is going to Hogsmeade with her after practice for some butterbeer as 'friends'" George grinned.

"How did yo-"

"Eyes and ears everywhere Fred." Before anyone else could say a word Madame Hooch came out to begin training.

Spending 60 minutes ogling Fred Weasley was definitely one of your best choices of time wasting. You hadn't even realised they had finished until Fred came flying over to you, red faced and sweating slightly.

"Could you give me like 10 minutes to get cleaned up then I'll be ready to go if you're still up for it?"

"Of course I'm still up for it. It was my idea after all." You grinned.

"Wicked." He turned to fly back down when you called him back.

"Fancy giving me a lift down there? The stairs are a killer, I'll look like I've played 12 rounds of quidditch by the time I reach the bottom." You joked, slinging your small bag over your shoulder.

"You'd still look gorgeous." Fred muttered; realising quickly he said his thoughts out loud and coughed, hoping you didn't hear. "Uh I mean yeah. If you want. I'm a bit sweaty, mind and my broom's not the best but I reckon it could take your weight too.." He stopped and groaned. "Bollocks that's not what I meant. Obviously it would take your weight, you're perfect.. I mean, not perfect. Nobody's perfect. Not that you're NOT perfe-"

"Fred you're all good." You blushed a little at his words and his nervousness. He nodded and turned around and shuffling forward a little.

"Your chariot awaits Madame."

Fred stiffened as you used his shoulders for balance to climb behind him on the broom. You wrapped your arms around his frame and squeezed a little, both faces burning from the close proximity as you made your journey to the bottom of the pitch near the other players.

"I'll see you in a minute?" Fred asked more than anything, still not quite sure if you were going to go through with going out with him. You nodded and smiled, taking a seat on the bench there as the team walked through to the changing rooms.

"Not even been on a date yet and she's already ridden your broom."

"Bugger off George."

/./././././././././././././././././././././././././

The journey to The Hogshead was silent. Not awkard but equally not NOT awkward. It was unlike either of you to have nothing to say so this was definitely a new experience; you just hoped the conversation would pick up when you sat down with your drinks. Thankfully, it did.

"You know, I'm kind of glad your brother launched me in the courtyard. I've been wanting a good enough excuse to talk to you outside of class for a while." You admitted, awkwardly wiping away the condensation from the side of your butterbeer glass. Fred's cheeks dusted pink a little and he smiled.

"You didn't need an excuse; I'd have said yes anyway. Unless of course you like getting thrown to the ground before every date." OhshitFredsheneversaiditwasadate. "Not that this is a date. Is it? I wouldn't not like it to be. I get if it-"

"I've never heard you stumble over any of your words before. To be fair, I don't think I've heard you finish your own sentence for a while. It's cute." You grinned. "This can be whatever you want it to be." You finished. Fred tested the waters by reaching his hand over the table to hold yours, rubbing his thumb along your knuckle.

"Thank Merlin for that. That could have been bloody awkward." With that interaction dealt with, the two of you spent the next hour chatting about anything and everything, neither of you having laughed so much before. Why hadn't he just manned up and asked you out sooner? You were just so amazing it enchanted Fred; enchanted him enough the past 60 minutes that he forgot he only had enough money for one butterbeer until the waitress came over with the bill; he had just finished his third but now he was sure he was going to throw it all back up. What was he going to do? Fred felt his hands sweat and his cheeks burn.

"Fred? Hey, are you okay?" You asked, placing the money for your drinks on the receipt.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." Fred croaked, pulling his hand out his pocket to show his few measly coins that he had. Mixed in it was 2 buttons and a piece of gum, none of which Fred was sure would work as accepted currency.

"Don't worry about it, I got it." You smiled, taking out some more money and setting your purse back in your bag. The waitress gave Fred a look and smiled at you before walking away. Fred had never felt so embarrassed- now he remembered why he didn't ask you out before. Then he felt himself doing something he hadn't done in years- his eyes started to water and he had to get out of there.

"Sorry I've uh. I've got to go. Thank you for the drinks." And with that he all but ran out of there, turning multiple corners until he found the side street next to Zonko's that led to a small seating area he could be alone for a while. What was he thinking? Did he honestly think going out with the richest, most popular girl in school was going to work in his favour? Stupid, even for you Freddie. He hung his head in his hands and groaned, so lost in thought that he didn't hear someone walking up to him, only startling when he felt a small hand on his shoulder.

"Fred?" Oh god, it was you. Let's play a game called 'How Many More Times Can Fred Make Himself Look A Complete Moron'.

"Hey. I should be able to pay you back in a few months after my birthday. Sorry again." He muttered, standing up to get ready to leave again. You tugged him back by his sleeve.

"Don't be silly Fred, you don't have to pay me back at all. You paid me enough just by agreeing to come with me." You smiled, slipping your hand from his sleeve to his hand, lacing your fingers with his. Fred sighed again and gave you a weak smile.

"You could literally have anyone el-"

"What if I don't want anyone else?"

"Then you're weird."

"You're weird too."

"Mean.."

"Kiss me."

"What?"

"Kiss me." Fred still just stood there dumbfounded so you rolled your eyes and pulled him towards you, wrapping your arms round his neck and kissing him. After the shock settled Fred kissed back, bits of confidence coming back to him as he placed his hands on your waist, pulling your body as close to his as he could. Eventually the need to breathe called and you pulled away, resting your foreheads together.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." You both said at the same time and started to laugh. "Second year potions?" You laughed again and pecked each other's lips once more.

"You know I can't take you out to fancy restaurants and buy you expensive gifts right?" Fred breathed, still trying to recover mentally from what just happened. Christ George wouldn't believe it.

"Fred you could take me to a junkyard bin diving and as long as you called it a date I'd love it because you'd be there."

"You're giving me some good ideas here. Hold on a sec, just need to grab my quill." He laughed, taking a step back from you but reaching for your hand to still keep you close. You slapped his chest with your free hand and laughed. "So it really doesn't bother you? Genuinely? I won't be offended. Although after that kiss I might cry a bit." You smiled as you made your journey back to Hogwarts hand-in-hand.

"Not even a little bit."

././././././././././././././././././././././

"No way. Harry, give me your glasses." Ron slapped his best friend's arm as he watched you and Fred walk through the courtyard holding hands.

"What?"

"Jammy git he is. Look. Fred and Y/N. Holding hands." Ron stated, pointing obviously towards you two. Harry stared too, equally surprised.

"That, Ronald, was the creation of yours truly." George appeared from nowhere. "This morning I ran into Y/N, knowing little lover boy would help her. She asked him out as a thank you. I'm practically Cupid." George beamed, genuinely happy his plan worked for Fred's sake (and for his own bragging rights).

"Bloody hell. We've got divinations next, fancy tripping Hermione down the stairs?"

"Ron!" Harry exclaimed.

"What?"

[henrycavillobsessed]

Porcelain

Characters: Henry Cavill x Anwen Evans (fictional fiance)

Summary: Henry and Anwen’s life was perfect. Until one day, one phone call, changes everything.

Words: 3,444

TW/CW: Death, car accident, description of injuries, hospital, grief. Slight mention of implied sex; some bad language. 

Notes: So here it is, my latest fanfic. It’s been a while, due to a bit of a mind block. The idea for this came to me, after being inspired by the song Porcelain by Emarosa (link below in case you’re interested). This one is different to my other fics, for one it’s not the usual Henry x reader narrative. I have created a character this time to act as his partner. Also this one is LONG (3,444 words). I have enjoyed writing a longer and more complex story and I hope you enjoy reading it. (As a warning, it’s SAD. I am not ashamed to admit I cried just writing it.)

Link to song: https://open.spotify.com/track/7rk8cH53nI8ffb5ZccjfpT?si=QMVvEmA3TK-3WuQXJanMmQ

“Oww! Shit!”

Henry looked up from the book he was reading in bed. Anwen was rubbing her forehead and looking very wounded. She’d clearly just walked into the doorframe. Again. Henry laughed out loud.

“Don’t laugh at me!” A pillow flew through the air and missed its target of Henry’s face by a considerable amount. He laughed again. 

“I can’t help it. You are so clumsy!”

Anwen climbed into bed, still massaging the sore spot on her head. She scowled at Henry. “If I remember correctly Mr Cavill, it was because of me being clumsy that meant we met for the very first time.”

“Hmm,” Henry reached over and gathered her up in his arms, leaning back against the headboard. He kissed her gently on the faint bruise that was blooming on her pale skin. “I do remember,” he said fondly. 

          It had been over five years ago now. Henry was out with his friend and colleague Simon Pegg, drinking their way through some of London’s best nightclubs. It had been a great night so far, with both men enjoying their freedom; they’d recently finished filming their latest movie and were celebrating. Henry was feeling happily tipsy, and when Simon offered to go to the bar for another round, he didn’t refuse. 

“Get some shots too!” he shouted at Simon’s back as he left their table. Simon waved a hand in response; Henry took that as a yes and smiled. He was just checking his Instagram on his phone when something- someone- crashed into him and he felt the cold wetness of a spilt drink over his shoulder and down his shirt. He looked up incredulously. A woman was stood there with an empty glass and an equally shocked expression.

“Oh, my go- I am so sorry!” she said in a very attractive Welsh accent, Henry thought. He felt his annoyance dissipate immediately. 

“Hey, don’t worry about it, accidents happen. How much have you had to drink anyway?” he asked cheekily. 

The woman’s ivory skin blushed, contrasting prettily with her ebony hair, which was cascading around her shoulders in thick waves.

“Um, I actually don’t drink,” she admitted. “I have just shown you how uncoordinated I am; I really don’t need to throw alcohol into the mix.” 

“Very wise. Hi, I’m Henry Cavill.”

“Anwen Evans, nice to meet you.” They shook hands and were making pleasant small talk when Simon returned with the drinks.

“What on earth happened to your shirt?” he asked Henry. 

“Anwen happened. Anwen, this is my friend Simon Pegg.” 

Anwen’s face lit up. “I love your movies! Hot Fuzz is just hilarious!” she said to Simon, who smiled widely and they spent the next few moments quoting lines from the film. Simon looked sideways at Henry, and saw the way he was looking at Anwen, and cleared his throat.

“Well, it’s been lovely to meet you, but I must get on. Henry, I’ll call you tomorrow,” he said, winking at his friend. Henry mouthed a silent thank you, grinning. 

After Anwen explained to her girlfriend’s that she was going to continue the night with Henry, prompting a lot of excited giggling and whispering, she sat herself down at Henry’s table. The hours flew by as they got to know each other. Anwen was an up-and-coming chef, who’d recently opened a new restaurant nearby in London. She told Henry about the restaurant’s menu, and Henry promised to try it out soon. In return, Henry told her about the films he’d been in. He was mock-outraged when Anwen admitted she’d never seen a Superman movie, let alone Man of Steel, and laughing, she promised she’d check it out soon. Conversation naturally flowed between them, Henry felt so at ease with her, and it turned out they had quite a bit in common. As Henry told Anwen about his akita Kal, Anwen told him she also had a dog, a golden retriever named Ciri.

“Ciri?” Henry had asked. “As in Ciri from The Witcher?”

“Yeah! I’m such a huge fan, I’ve read all the books, and I’ve played all the games!”

Henry laughed. “You are never going to believe who I’ve just been cast as for my next job…” Anwen’s jaw dropped to the floor when he told her. 

The night ended with Henry walking Anwen home to her nearby townhouse, and they shared their first kiss on the doorstep, swapping numbers with the promise to meet up again soon for a date.

          Now back in the present, nearly six years later, Anwen had moved into Henry’s penthouse, with Ciri who Kal adored. Both dogs were curled up at the end of the bed now, fast asleep.

In Henry’s arms, Anwen cuddled in close. “Yes, so if it wasn’t for me tripping and drenching you that night we wouldn’t be here now, so stop taking the piss!”  

“Okay, okay!” Henry laughed. “I do worry though, you know. You’re like… like porcelain. So easily broken. Be more careful, I’d hate for something to happen, for me to lose you. I love you so much, my Annie.”

“Don’t be so soft! I’m not going anywhere, not for a long time. And I’ll love you until the day I’m gone, and if I can love after, then I will then too. So shush,” Anwen replied, placing a kiss on his lips.

“Anyway, I’m not that breakable, I don’t think. Wanna test this theory?” 

Swinging her legs around Henry’s waist, Anwen straddled him and seductively removed her top. She was braless underneath. Henry whistled low, and licked his lips.

“Yes ma’am.”

          Henry and Anwen’s life continued in perfect bliss. Both had never been as happy as they were with each other. Anwen was now an established celebrity chef, having opened many more restaurants worldwide, written a few cookbooks and even been on television a couple of times. Henry’s career as an actor was skyrocketing, his role at Geralt in The Witcher making him a household name. This meant that he had to travel all around the globe for work, however this didn’t impact his and Anwen’s relationship in the slightest, as she regularly went with him, using the time to research new recipes for her business. When they had spare time, they enjoyed exotic holidays, and it was on the white powder sand of the Maldives that Henry proposed. Anwen had burst into tears and accepted immediately, and they’d spent the rest of that holiday on their private island mostly naked, enjoying each other as an engaged couple.           Their home life was refreshingly normal however. Behind closed doors, they were just Henry and Anwen, not the famous actor and the celebrity chef. They both took in turns to cook dinner, did the housework together and spent the evenings cwtched up on the sofa watching old movies. Laughter was a staple in their home, in fact they only ever rowed when England played Wales at rugby during the Six Nations. Life was indeed bliss, and it seemed nothing could burst this content bubble they were living in.

            One average day in late autumn, Anwen was sat at the kitchen table, with her laptop open in front of her and Ciri snoozing quietly at her feet. Dressed in a pair of comfy sweats and a loose off-the-shoulder jumper, her hair piled artfully messy on top of her head and holding a large cup of coffee in her hands, she was looking at wedding venues online, finally making a start on planning their special day. A huge binder was also open on the table with multiple sheets on paper sticking out of it. She’d made plenty of notes and had lots of ideas; it was now time to put them into action. Henry walked into the kitchen, looking very stylish in back jeans and a tight black t-shirt. He was holding Kal’s lead and the akita was tip-tapping on the tiles behind him, clearly very excited about going for a walk. Ciri didn’t even raise her head, happy enough to stay in with her mum and continue her nap. 

“I’m going to take Kal with me to the meeting with my manager,” he said to Anwen. “Then do you fancy meeting me after with Ciri and we’ll take them for a walk in the park?” 

“Yes, my love, sounds lush. How long will you be do you think?”

“Not sure, I’ll call you when I’m done.”

“Sounds like a plan!”

“What are you up to today?” Henry asked, walking over to Anwen and kissing her on the top of her head. “Wedding stuff?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna send off some emails now this morning and then go to this bakery and try out some wedding cake samples,” Anwen smiled.

“Well, I’m jealous! Have a great day honey, I’ll call you later. Love you!”

“Love you, bye!” she called as he walked out the front door.

          Henry’s meeting was going well. His manager had quite a few prospective roles lined up for him, and Henry was interested in the majority of them. His mind wandered to Anwen every so often; he still missed her when they were apart. As the meeting was coming to a close and Kal started getting excited again at going for another walk, Henry’s phone rang. He looked at the caller ID- withheld number. 

“Hello?”

“Is this Mr Henry Cavill? I’m a nurse here at London hospital. We have you down here as Miss Anwen Evans’s emergency contact.”

Henry paled. “Is she okay?”

“I’m afraid Miss Evans has been involved in a serious accident. We have her here at the emergency department. Can you get here straight away?”

          Henry had never moved so quickly in his entire life. After giving his manager a hurried explanation and asking him whether he’d look after Kal, he’d gotten in his car and sped through the streets of London, not caring that he was breaking the speed limit. He parked illegally, jumping out of the vehicle and sprinting into the hospital. His mind was in overdrive, all sorts of scenarios going through his head. He felt sick with fear and exertion. Flying into the emergency room, he looked around wildly, finding a nurse sat at the front desk.

“Anwen Evans? I’m here for Anwen Evans, I’m Henry Cavill,” he cried desperately. The nurse didn’t hesitate.

“Come with me.”

She explained to Henry what had happened on the way. “Anwen was crossing the road at a zebra crossing when she tripped halfway, according to witnesses. There was a speeding car, who didn’t see her. He… he ran right over her. He didn’t stop. There are police looking for the car and driver as we speak.”

The flash of anger that Henry felt was so severe that his steps faltered for a second. But then he pushed it away, to be dealt with later. All that mattered now was Anwen. 

“Mr Cavill, Anwen is in a bad way. She has a serious brain injury, and multiple body fractures. The trauma team managed to get her stable, but it’s touch-and-go. The next twenty-four hours are critical,” the nurse said gently. “Prepare yourself before you go in.”

She opened the door to the dimly lit room. The sound of machines beeping dominated the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. Henry moved closer to the bed, his mouth dry, hands shaking. His Annie was lying in the bed, connected to the machines, wires snaking out from every part of her it seemed. Her beautiful black hair was covered by thick white bandages wrapped around her head, and every part of her skin was purple and blue bruises. Her striking green eyes, usually so full of love and sparkle, were swollen shut. Henry had never seen anything so heartbreaking; tears coursed unbidden down his cheeks.

“Can I sit by her? Hold her hand?” he choked to the nurse. 

“Of course, pet.”

He pulled up a chair to her bedside and ever so gently took Anwen’s hand in his. It was reassuringly warm. He could do nothing for a moment but stroke it slowly. Worry filled every part of his being. 

“I’m here Annie. It’s your Henry. Come back to me, you can get through this,” he whispered, and then as sobs wracked through him, he added, “you said you’d love me until you’re gone and I’ll be damned if you’re going anywhere yet.” 

For the next few hours, Henry didn’t leave Anwen’s side; he didn’t let go of her hand. He held onto hope that she would get better. After all, porcelain could break yes, but it could also be fixed. And he would do anything to fix her. 

          As it approached eighteen hours since Anwen’s accident, a nurse came into the room and caught Henry fighting not to fall asleep. She softly tapped him on the shoulder.

“Mr Cavill, go and get some rest. You’re more than welcome to use the family room just next door. Freshen up, get an hour or so sleep. If anything changes, I promise I’ll come and notify you immediately.”

Henry considered this, torn between not wanting to leave Anwen’s side and the need to at least wash his face. 

“I’ll be half an hour, tops. Annie, I’ll be right back.” He put her hand down, and exited the room, rubbing his tired eyes as he went. 

He hadn’t been gone five minutes when a terrifying beeping screeched out from Anwen’s room. He ran out of the bathroom still with wet hands, his heart in his mouth. He halted in the doorway, petrified at the scene unfolding in front of him. 

A team of medics were working hard on her, the unrelenting beeping just adding to the frenzy of the situation. Anwen’s heart had stopped; someone fired up a defibrillator. The shock that went through her echoed in Henry. He just didn’t know what to do. He was vaguely aware of someone trying to lead him away but he just couldn’t move, couldn’t tear his eyes away, panic rising, threatening to overspill. His Annie, his Annie was there dying on that bed, and he couldn’t do anything but watch. And then suddenly, the most sinister sound yet. A flatline. Followed by a voice.

“We’ve lost her. Time of death, eight fifteen AM…”

Then silence.

The sound that tore its way up and out through Henry’s throat was that of a wounded animal. He screamed, the feeling pure agony.

“No! NO! There must be something you can do! My Annie! Annie…”

The doctor looked at him with sadness in his eyes. “I am so sorry, Henry. So sorry. Please, everyone, give him some space.”

The rest of his team followed him out; the nurse that had told Henry to go get some rest was crying silently. 

Henry stood rooted to the spot, in a state of absolute denial. Only a day before they’d been in their kitchen together, making plans to walk their beloved dogs, she was planning their wedding. Their wedding. Agony ripped through his chest, sobs wracked his body, his breathing erratic, his heart shattered, never to be healed again. Broken, like porcelain. 

          Henry didn’t know how he got through the funeral. He’d been to the funeral home, and dressed her in her favourite dress and shoes, and spent a long time brushing out her hair; he’d done that when she was alive, but the familiar act did nothing to ease his pain. When he got to the church, he walked down the aisle with her coffin on his shoulder, his heart heavy because he should have been watching her walk down the aisle in a white flowing dress towards him, he should be becoming her husband, not burying her. When it came to reading her eulogy, he was overcome with emotion, for the first time in his life not able to talk in public. His mother helped him down from the podium; his father continued the speech. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

At the wake, he got blind drunk. No one saw him for a week afterwards.

          The news of Anwen’s death was plastered all over the newspapers and online. Headlines such as “HENRY CAVILL FIANCE KILLED IN TRAGIC ACCIDENT” and “CELEBRITY CHEF ANWEN EVANS DEAD AT 27” accompanied photos of the both of them. The hole in Henry’s chest got bigger each time he saw it. He threw himself into his work; being someone else for at least 12 hours a day was easier than dealing with real life. Because the grief was all consuming, terrifying, never-ending. When he got home to his cold and empty penthouse, he couldn’t escape it; Kal and Ciri looked at him sadly every night, the question in their eyes: “where is our mummy?” Henry had no answers for them. He spent each evening sat in the dark, in silence. There was no laughter, no enjoyment in life since she’d gone. 

          A few weeks later, Simon came to visit. He’d been dropping in regularly, terribly worried about his friend. Henry looked, quite frankly, awful. His hair was long and the curls unkempt, he’d let his beard grow out and he had deep purple bags under his eyes. He’d lost a lot of weight too, although he hadn’t stopped working out. Simon sat down next to Henry on his sofa, nervously voicing the question he’d come round to ask.

“Henry, it’s the awards ceremony tonight. Will you be going?”

Henry looked at him like he’d gone mad. 

“Look,” Simon continued. “You’ve been nominated for Best Actor. It’s highly likely you’re going to win. Remember how she… how Anwen was really looking forward to going.” This was true. The red dress she’d been planning to wear was still hung up on the back of the bedroom door. “If you don’t want to go for yourself, why don’t you go for her?”

Henry thought it over. He hadn’t been out, apart from work and the gym, since before the accident. The thought of going to such a high-profile event caused panic. Yet… an image of Anwen, smiling before him in that red dress suddenly entered his mind. She had been so excited; she’d even helped him write his acceptance speech in case he did in fact win Best Actor. Go for her, Simon had said…

          And that’s how, just hours later, Henry found himself back on the red carpet, surrounded by flashing lights and crazed shouting as paparazzi tried to get his attention. He posed for a few photos before hurrying inside and taking his seat. He ate the extravagant three-course meal without really tasting it, drank the wine without really feeling it. Simon sat by his side, a welcome support; a truly great friend. Then, finally, it was time for the awards to be given. 

Henry clapped and cheered as each person won their nominated categories; showing his support for his fellow actors and actresses. Seeing them so happy actually lifted his spirits for the first time since… before. Then it was time for the winner of the Best Actor award.

“And the winner is… HENRY CAVILL!”

Henry sat in shock as the cameras and spotlights panned to him. Simon was on his feet, screaming “I knew he’d do it!” and then he was helping Henry up. “Go on mate, to the stage. You won, you bloody won!” 

In a daze, he walked towards the stage, then across it, accepting his award from the host. The applause was tumultuous; it took a few moments for it to die down, and then everyone in the audience was waiting expectantly for his speech. Henry drew a blank; he had no idea what to say.

“You can do it, handsome!” a heartbreakingly familiar voice whispered in his ear. He looked to the side and his breath hitched in his throat. Anwen was stood there, a wide grin all over her face, looking devastatingly beautiful in the red dress she’d planned to wear tonight. 

“I’m right here with you. I love you.”

Tears welled and spilled from Henry’s eyes as he turned back to face the audience. 

“This award,” he started. “is for my Anwen. My Annie. I couldn’t have been the actor who deserved it without her love and encouragement. She was my everything. She still is. I owe this, my entire career, my entire life to you, my angel. I miss you more than words can describe, and I love you even more.

As he left the stage to even louder applause and cheers and flashing lights, he looked up, seeing the love of his life again, smiling, tears sparkling on her cheeks, blowing him a kiss as she faded away.

“Goodbye my Annie,” he whispered. “Goodbye.”

[emmy-writes-sometimes]

The Hoodie Problem

A wardrobe mistake costs you and Henry the privacy of your relationship. 

-

           “No,” you groaned as your heard the dreaded chiming of the Alexa alarm. “No, no, no, turn it off!”

           “You have to say its name, dearie,” a tired Henry grumbled in response. You could feel him pull you tighter, deeper into his warm arms. “Alexa, stop the alarm.” The alarm stopped right after.

           “It’s currently 6:20 AM. The weather in London, England, is currently 6 degrees Celsius and will be sunny for the rest of the day. There are no unread emails for your .edu or gmail.com account. One package, containing 3 makeup brushes and dog treats will be arriving to 102…’

           “Will she shut up?” You groaned in response, turning back into Henry’s warm body. The room was freezing cold, and the dog had already gotten off the bed.

           “I don’t think she’s done yet.” In a single second, the opening riff of Back in Black started playing. “Alright, love, you actually need to go.”

           “No,” you grumbled. “Fuck class, I don’t wanna go to class. I hate it anyway, and I don’t wanna sit there and listen to my history professor talk about an asshole and defend his work when it’s already shit anyway.” Henry chuckled, sending another wave of heat through your body, making you want to stay even more.

           “You won’t get to argue your vulgar point if you’re late.” You sighed and started to sit up, yelling at Alexa to stop playing music. “Go, darling, otherwise I won’t get out of bed either.”

           “You’re such an asshole in the morning,” you responded, wrestling yourself onto the floor. A gigantic ball of fluff followed you, expecting his breakfast. “Can I borrow a hoodie? Left mine in the laundry.”

           “Which you only did so you can borrow one of mine. They should all be clean, just find one that can cover the bruises on your neck.” You sighed, spying a hoodie from a charity Rugby match Henry had done the month before, and after slapping deodorant onto your under-arms you pulled it on over her sports bra. You hoped it would be enough. Quite honestly, you didn’t care who saw the hickies on your neck. Anyone who was going to see was an adult who should act like an adult about it. Your hair would have to do since it wasn’t too greasy, and after deciding just to leave it down, you finished up in Henry’s adjoining bathroom and walked back to the bedroom.

           “Covered?” You asked.

           “Yep. Leave me your keys, take the Merc, and I’ll pick it up from the shop after my workout, I want them to check the paint on the hood, too.” He looked you up and down, sitting up in bed as you walked over to give him a kiss.

           “Thanks, babe.”

           “You look beautiful,” he responded with a smile.

           “I do not.”

           “You do!” Without bothering to look at the back of the sweatshirt, Henry got out of bed and went into the bathroom. You yawned as the massive dog zoomed down the stairs, waiting for breakfast. Kal sniffed around as you set foot on the stair landing, probably wondering why your vanilla perfume was mixed with the scent of Henry’s strong aftershave. Truth be told, you were glad. It was a comforting smell.

           “Be a good boy, Kal, Papa’s gonna feed you in a minute.” The dog panted in excitement and went to go stand by his water bowl, where he would inevitably drool for the rest of the time until Henry came to feed him. You placed your things from the dining room table, your makeshift desk, into your backpack, refilled your water bottle, and took a few seconds to exchange your keys with Henry’s keys. With another glance around the house, making sure you didn’t leave any chargers behind, you walked out the front door and began to adjust Henry’s car to fit your height. You felt like something was off, but you couldn’t describe it. Instead you went to go get your coffee and find a place to park before your frightfully early class.

           “You look knackered,” a voice said behind you as you finally climbed out of the car an hour and a half later. It wasn’t the first time you’d borrowed one of Henry’s cars, but at least it was the humblest of the three he had. The McLaren wasn’t something he even trusted himself to drive sometimes, he’d finally gotten rid of the Clio collecting dust at his parents’ house, and the Aston was his precious baby you didn’t dare go near. But you were endlessly grateful he let you borrow the Merc. You just wished it wasn’t so flashy. It was ten times flashier than the seven-year-old Hyundai you’d inherited from your mother. Especially in the parking spot right in front of the building ten minutes before class where people could see you getting out of it. The voice who’d spoken was Anna, your best friend, and supposed roommate if you ever came home.

           “Trust me when I say that man needs a new coffee machine, because I’m sick of having to leave the house at seven in the morning to go buy some,” you groaned in response, swinging your backpack over your shoulder. It was heavy as hell, but you were carrying most of your things in it because you didn’t have time to go back to your barely lived-in dorm room. Your other hand held your gigantic coffee, the biggest one you could buy because apparently British people preferred caffeine-free tea in the morning. People called you absolutely crazy for getting cold drinks when it was cold outside, too, but you didn’t care.

           “You realize your neck is completely purple, right? I doubt an espresso machine is the reason you’re so tied.” You scoffed at Anna’s statement. In reality it hadn’t been crazy sex keeping you up for the past few nights – you’d been working so late that Henry came up to you the night before and wouldn’t stop biting at your neck until you agreed to come to bed, hoping it would embarrass you into having better sleeping habits. But sex was a much better story.  

           “Is it really bad?” You asked.

           “No. Not from the front.” Anna started walking backwards up the building’s staircase, opening the door for the two of you. Your classroom was the first one on the left, a massive auditorium, because everyone had to take the History of Wagnerian Opera class for some stupid reason. You took your normal places in the bright room, taking your laptops out onto the desks. You fully expected to have to plug it in, but Henry, the ever helpful boyfriend, had plugged it in when he found it half dead the night before.

           “Had a rough night, did you, Yankee?” Another voice asked behind you. It was Isaac, another student you’d been friends with from the moment you stepped on campus.

           “What on Earth gave you that idea?” You asked as you took a sip of coffee. Isaac leaned closer, looking down at the back of the sweatshirt you were wearing. The hood barely covered the top of the lettering on your back. It read Cavill in white letters, and underneath it was the number 01. It was obviously customized, and well-loved judging by the fading English rose that was the logo for Henry’s favorite team. It was about three sizes too large, too, adding to the evidence that the hoodie didn’t belong to you. Isaac and Anna knew you were dating Henry, but most people had no idea. It wasn’t like you were hiding it, because you weren’t. Henry just wanted to protect you from the craziness that came with dating him, including paparazzi and prying eyes that would try to find their way into every little thing you did with or without him. You hadn’t signed an NDA or anything, but Henry was insistent on protecting you for as long as he could. You were fourteen years younger than him and he loved you dearly and nothing could change that.

           “You do realize that the back of your hoodie says HIS name on it, don’t you?” Isaac said quietly, hoping no one else in the auditorium heard.

           “What?” You asked in response. You could feel your face going red.

           “It says Cavill 01.”

           “Oh, shit.” You couldn’t take it off because the only thing you were wearing underneath it was a thin sports bra, and of course Henry’s car was so spotless on the inside that there was no chance of there being an extra shirt in there. Come to think of it, he’d been lounging around in the sweatshirt the night before. Shit, you thought. How could you miss it? How could you screw up that badly? What if this ruined everything?

           “Oh shit is right,” Anna remarked.

           “Does my hair cover it?” Isaac looked down at your hair. The lecture was about to start, but the thought of maybe losing Henry over a hoodie made you want to sit in the corner and cry.    

           “No. Neither does the hood.” You sank lower into the seat.

           “Maybe people won’t care. Cavill’s a common last name here.”

           “No, not really. And I think they will.” You sighed, crossing your arms against your chest.

           “Just don’t mention it to anybody and wear your bag when you can. Problem solved.”

           “I’ll get you something else later,” Anna cut in. In reality everyone already knew something was up. You had mentioned a few times, offhand, that you had almost moved into your boyfriend’s house and was commuting from Kensington. And you mentioned one day that he was an actor, much less that he was one of the most well-known actors in the entire world. Your phone had his name as Hank, and even though the connection wasn’t immediate, it was still enough to make someone think of the name Henry. Damn the British and their overly common name diminutives.

           “I swear to God, I’ll strangle whoever even thinks about it,” you sighed in response, putting your head down until the professor started class. You didn’t need to take notes quite yet, and pulled up the messages between you and Henry. The last night it was just on my way, got the food! And you are an absolute angel. Drive safe. His name wasn’t completely revealed at the conversation.

           We have a problem. Henry started typing immediately.

           You didn’t crash the car, did you????

           No, but that probably would’ve been better…

           Please explain.

           Promise you won’t get mad?

           What’s wrong???

           I picked up your hoodie from last night and it has your name on the back and it hides my neck but it has your name on it and there’s nothing under it so I can’t take it off and I’m freaking out because you don’t want people to know and I’m sorry, I just screwed up so bad. I’m such an idiot.

           It’s okay. Calm down. You’re not an idiot. You’re an absolute moron and I love you anyway

           I’m so sorry. I know you didn’t want anyone to know.

           The only reason I didn’t want anyone to know is because I didn’t want anyone to make you upset because I’m stupidly in love with you and people will try to tell you otherwise. It’ll be okay. If they find out they find out. Don’t worry about it. Really.

           I feel like an idiot now.

           I’m sure you look better in it than I do anyway. Don’t worry about it, love. I’ll see you at home and we’ll figure it out.

           Thank you.

           I love you!!!!

           Love you more dimples.

           You smiled a little, sitting back into your chair and starting to type out notes about the dark undertones within Ride of the Valkyrie. For the rest of class, it was fine. But you couldn’t lie and say you weren’t nervous for your next class. Isaac wasn’t there to back you up, and Anna sat on the other side of the room because you always distracted each other. You were on your own, taking in the scent of Henry’s aftershave that was left on the sweatshirt from the night before. It helped you calm down at least a little, even if the name on the back made you nervous. You sat lower in the chair than usual, but it didn’t stop at least one person knowing.

           “You like Henry Cavill too?” Elizabeth, the most annoying person on Earth (and a completely mediocre pianist with no sense of emotion who only got in because her father works for the royal family), said as she strained to read the sweatshirt on the way to her seat.

           “Yep.” You tried to play it off and wipe out the conversation before it even started. Never before had you wanted to listen to your old white professor rant about other old dead white guys. “He’s a good actor.”

           “I’m, like, so in love with him,” Elizabeth responded. Henry rolled his eyes every single time you said a word about Elizabeth, but you’d never tell her that. “Like, he’s just so dreamy.”

           “Oh, yeah,” you responded without even thinking. “He’s gorgeous.” You didn’t even realize what you said until Elizabeth’s eyes danced with a grin that matched her mouth.

           “You know him?” She exclaimed.

           “I mean, um, yeah, my internship…” you tried to cover, but it definitely didn’t work.

           “Shut up, you know him? Or, oh my gosh, is he the guy you’re dating?” You could tell that all of the color drained from your face and the room suddenly felt hot. You weren’t going to lie about it, but she would also be one of the first few people to know. And it wouldn’t be long before she blabbed her mouth to her followers.

           “I heard he likes younger girls anyway,” Ellen, the girl who sat behind Elizabeth, said. That was the cue for you to realize that everyone else was listening, too, and they couldn’t just mind their business. Your hands shifted uncomfortably inside the pocket of Henry’s sweatshirt. The room was definitely getting warmer.

           “Yeah,” you responded quietly. “We’ve been dating a few months and didn’t want to tell anyone yet. But you figured it out, so congrats.” You swallowed a lump in your throat. On the one hand you were glad that it wasn’t going to be a secret anymore. You didn’t want to hide how much you loved the curly-haired idiot who was too large for his own good.

           “Oh my GOD!” Elizabeth said excitedly. She was a little too loud with it. You just turned back around and pulled out your phone, hands shaking from the anxiety of what Henry had said. He said you were good enough, but what happened when the world was able to judge you?

           Well, Elizabeth figured it out. Not long until she spills to her 22 followers. And then their 22 followers.

           At least I can post that picture you took with me on the beach…

           The ugly one where I almost drowned after? Nooooo please!!!

           Oh that’s not what I was thinking about, but now that you mention it, my fingers might just slip…

           This conversation is DONE, fat Cavill! I swear I’ll punch the dimples right out of you.

           You underestimate me, little one.

           Cavill, this class is an hour long and I swear if I get out and you did something I will make you sleep on your own couch for the next year.

           Guess you’ll just have to fight me when you get home…

           With that, the conversation was over. Most people in the room didn’t seem to notice or care, but Elizabeth and Ellie did. Your friends didn’t for the most part, but you would assume some would turn on you. And you could tell that they were going to do whatever they could to make sure everyone knew that they knew before anyone else. It was strange to think that Henry was being so cool with it, that he wanted there to be a before people knew and an after. You shut your mind off and did your best to focus, even though it wasn’t very well.

           You got up at the end of class and packed your things, ready to brave the library until your next class, but you exited the room and there was someone standing at the entry hallway. Henry. And he was holding another coffee in one hand, and draped on his other arm was a shirt. He’d never been in public with you without some stupid disguise on, much less to bring you coffee in between classes.

           “Henry?” You asked, slightly too loudly. Elizabeth and Ellen turned toward you, but you blew past them to see Henry. He was grinning, from ear to ear.

           “So apparently, according to the internet in the past few minutes I’ve been in the car, I’m cradle robbing. Apparently you’re Instagram-model material, which I could’ve told you,” he said. “I brought you another coffee for dealing with bullshit, and I brought you another shirt in case you want to change.”

           “Can I keep this one?” You asked, looking down at Henry’s that you were still wearing. “And you didn’t post the bad picture of me yet?”

           “No, I was waiting for your approval,” he responded. He reached for his phone and handed it to you, and it was opened to a set of pictures he hadn’t posted yet.

           @henrycavill: The real Mission Impossible is getting her to stay still long enough to take a picture with her favorite old man. To be clear, though; she is MINE and I couldn’t be happier. I will sword-fight ANYONE to defend her honor!!

           It was a series of five pictures, all of them the two of you together, some of them cuter than others, and you just grinned. You couldn’t believe he was okay with everything, and you couldn’t believe that he was actually standing there with you, braving the people in your class just to hand you a coffee and offer you a shirt.

           “I love you,” you said quietly. He smiled in response. “Really.”

           “I love you too. I don’t care who knows.” You laughed and hugged him tightly, even though he was still holding your coffee. “But I do want the Merc back, your car is outside.”

           “Whatever you say, cradle-robber.”

A/N: I’m in an opera history class right now and it’s so frustrating that I’m definitely taking it out here. I hope the person who requests this loves it as much as I did because omg I love this 😭

[blazenekofox]

big English Amity update

“Boscha what are we doing here?” 14 year old Amity looked up at her pink dyed “friend” as Boscha practically dragging a not so pleased Amity into the gym.

“we're here to see who will be cheering for me” giving Amity the biggest smug humanly possible

with a sigh Amity shakes her head, and pulling her hand out of Boscha grip “I could be studying, or reading a good book” looking annoyed at the smug prick.

Boscha looks at her in disbelief, “I can't believe a jock like you” Amity just stares at her darkly “....anyway you can't see cute cheerleaders in cute outfits doing flips in you're geeky books” not wanting to look into those cold golden eyes, Boscha watches the cheerleaders.

“you're such a perv, I be worried what you would be doing if I wasn't here”  Boscha head shoots back bright red seeing Amity with a smirks as Amity watches the cheerleaders, Boscha's about to reply but Amity quickly points at something “isn't that one of your team mates”

with a brake neck seed, Boscha looks “what!” leaning forwards “what's Skara doing down there” with a hint of a grow in her vice.

Amity smirks gets bigger, “seems she's gotten sick of you bossing the teem around”

Boscha shoves Amity "fuck you" Amity catches herself and grins at seeing Boscha little outburst.

the two stop there bicker when they hear "you think that's an impressive trick" both look and Amity hears her heart beet faster as she sees a beautiful tan skin girl "check out this" and lifts her eye lids, Amity she giggles at this, Amity smacks her hands onto her mouth, a Bright never giggles, yet here she was wondering why she giggled at something so odd and gross.

“yea she's a total loser" with a devilish smirk.

“y-yea” Amity can feel the blood go up to her face

“god I hope that weirdo doesn't get in” Boscha gives the oddball a devilish smirk.

Amity looks at her with such hate and says darkly “don't worry, no one will be cheering a pervert on” Amity wonders why she got so angry at Boscha comment.

Boscha being so smug with herself doesn't notice the anger coming her way “yea you're right” Boscha gives it a sec then sceams “I am not a perv!”

this startles the cheerleaders and they look up, Boscha goes bright red as they stare that the two, and laughs nervously.

Amity storms off bright red from being seen like that and mad at her pink headed “friend”so mad that she slams the door.

Latter Amity smiles as she finds the living oddball having trouble closing her locker Amity makes her jump when forcing the the stupid thing close, “thanks” when the girl looks at her, Amity can see the her lovely chocolate eyes “oh it's you from the gym” giving the cutest smile Amity has ever seen.

Amity scratches the back of her head nervously with a grin that says why did she have to see that “yea me”

The girl then looks at her oddly, “aren't you friends with Boscha” her face looking not so happy.

Amity is taken back by this Boscha what did you do “I guess you could call her my friend, but she's  a toltal twat”

This makes the girl starts giggle Amity just smiles nervously, that was way too cute the girl then looks up losing her smile, it's clear that this girl feels like she did something wrong “sorry, it's just your accent is so cute”

Amity feels woozy as her face goes red did she just say I sound cute.

“I've never met an Australian before” grinning at Amity.

Amity looks away all red “emm, I'm not Australian, I'm English”

the girls smile fell and blushes at her mistake putting her hand other her mouth, “oh god I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to, I'm so sorry” the way she said it made it seem like she ran over the golden eyed girl's cat.

“n-no it's okay”  Amity says in a rush “it happens all the time”

Luz smiles making Amity smile back, as her brain begs herself to say something.

“I'm Luz by the way” Luz smiles holding out her hand.

“Amity Blight” blushing as she talks Luz's hand,  Amity wonders why her hand is so sweaty.

Luz then looks Amity up and down making the one with gold eyes go even redder, “are you on the football teem?, err I mean rugby” Luz smiles sweetly.

why does she have to be so cute “emm no, I used to play Rugby, but they don't have any teems here” Amity looking a little down at this, Luz is about to say something, but Amity cuts in “also American football isn't like rugby” then giving a grin “for one thing we don't hold back in our tackles” buffing out her chest a little, and quickly gets embarrassed at her stupidity.

lucky for her, Luz misses the fact the other girl was trying to impress her, and just looks at her in disbelief  “but what if you got hurt”

Amity just smiles “you get up and get back in the game, also we trained to know how to tackle don't want to hurt someone too badly”  

the two keep talking till the bell rings both looking a bit down “right well err we better be off”

Luz smiles and rushes off as she waves, Amity waves back slowly, spines and goes to class with the biggest smiles anyone has ever seen.

Amity finds out that Boscha had been picking on Luz again, so she goes too the football pitch to find her “oi Boscha!” Boscha looks up and bang, Amity tackles Boscha, shoves Amity off “what the hell Ams, and that was too hard” "what's the point in the armour if you can't take a tackle?" Boscha looks at her miffed "there is no way you tackle that hard in rugby"  Amity smirks “you're right, we hit harder” Boscha just looks at her not believing her shakes her head “can't you see I'm busy” and goes back to what she's doing

Amity is standing outside Luz's house passing in front of the door, saying “so she invited me to watch Azura with her, this doesn't change anything, it doesn't mean that she fancies me” the door creeps open making Amity jump, “Amtiy!” Luz tackles her into a hug “h-hay Luz” Luz leading her in “I'm so sorry, I over slept and forgot to get you some tea”Amity giggles at this, “it's okay, any way I'm not a big tea drinker” smiling at how sweet Luz is being at trying her best, Luz knows that Amity misses England, Amity always finds it so cute when British things for her but doing something wrong or not understanding it hits her heart is in the right place every time, like the time Amity explained that the thing Luz is holding is called a cookie in England not a biscuit, when Amity was eating a chocolate hobnob, which is a biscuit and not a cookie, the face Luz pulled was so cute, in the end Amity explained that cookies are a type of biscuit, this is not too say doesn't get her Amity own back, as doing the same to Luz, sometimes by accident sometimes purpose, it's clear that they love to tease each other.

It's Valentine's day Luz walks too her friend Amity and sees that her locker is fall of cards and candy, and Amity is sorting them out, Luz looks down a bit sad, and says "someones popular" making Amity jump, turning and smiles, "yea happenes every year, must accent" Luz smiles back "it is a cute accent" Amity going red and goes back to sorting them, as they talk, "I wish I got Valentine's day card", "I'm sure you got at least one" Amity says looking a bit red, Luz is about to say something but Boscha pushes past Luz saying get out the way, Luz looking cross, and Amity doesn't say anything, which is odd, she normally says something, Boscha then starts to brage "hay Ams look I got 10 cards, how many did you get 3" "Boscha can't you see that I'm busy" Amity moves showing Boscha that she has at least 30, "why do I always get so meny" Amity says grining at Boscha, Luz does a little giggle at seeing Boscha face going off saying she was just lucky, Amity grabs her books and says "come on Luz lets go" Luz can see that she's a little as they walked she says "didn't get a card off you sercet crush?" Amity not look at Luz "seems it" "I'm sure he's just being shy" then teases "you do have a cute accent" Amity goes red and does a nervous laugh and says "you mean she right" Luz stares "you're gay" Amity giving a nervous laugh again hoping that she didn't give her self away "yea" "why didn't you tell me" "we never talked about sexuality" Luz humms at that this, "I'm bi by the way" Luz says with a grin, "the way you look at Ed and Em when you met them, I be shocked if you said you where ace" Amity sounding annoyed, Luz smiles "they are cute, but a bit too into pranks" Amity smiles at this "who trys to find there sister's diary to show the school" Amity smiles at that, when Luz gets too her locker she finds a card and squeals, "I got one I got one" Luz looks at it, and it has no name, opening it, Luz stares then asks "Amity can you read this the cursive writing hard to read", Amity jumps at this and goes red as a tomato, "shouldn't you get your mum too read it" going very shy and has a nervous smile "pleases I need to know what it says" Amity sighs, and reads the letter, leaving out who sent it, as it was hard sending this letter, saying she sent it, was going to far for Amity

“Luz I get that you love Azura, I do too, but this isn't good idea” both of them are in the woods, Luz looking for snakes, “come on Amity, what better way to show off Gildersnake then a real snake” Amity shacks her head, “what comes to mind, a toy snake, hell a hose would be better then a real snake” “how would a hose be better” “oh I don't know, maybe hoses aren't venomous, people aren't scared of them, also you aren't taking them from there home” Luz stops looking, and looks at Amity a little sad, “maybe your right” Luz putting a snake she just found down, Amity sighs, “hay it isn't all bad, we could go find a rubber snake and look up YouTube on how to make it look more like Gildersnake” this makes Luz smiles at this,excitedly “yes yes, lets go!” grabbing Amity's and pulling her

Amity walks too Luz's home and knocks on the door, and older looking Luz answer it “oh Amity sorry but Luz isn't here, she's gone out too the movies” “hi, sorry I needed to ask you something” the older woman look her, seeing Amity is nervous “and that be?” Amity sighs “I-I don't know anyone that can cook and I” Amity going bright red making the older woman smile, “that is would you help me cook” Amity won't even look at her face “is this for Luz” “well, err yes I say it is” the older woman smiles “I love to help” Amity smiles at this “th-thank you Camila”.

Boscha tricks Luz into drinking some alcohol at school, Amity finds Luz drunk and is very worried, she knows Luz isn't the type to drink, for one they are only 14, as Amity is taking Luz too the infirmity

Luz runs up to a poster, and points to it over and over “look look look” each look gets said faster.

When Amity looks, it's one of them learning posters where the acronym does not work, the words making an animal “hmm oh it's a zebra”

Luz spins on one leg and starts giggling as she rushes right up too Amity's face coming close to nocking the other girl over, Amity catches herself as stumbles from how close Luz was, and Luz gives her a stupid but cute grin.

“W-what?” Amity looking away from Luz, embarrassed and worrying that Luz can hear her breathing as the two start walking.

"Zed-bra zed-bra ZED-BRA!" Luz sung badly, then starts to giggle, she then walks in front of Amity, turning so that she's walking backwards so that she can look into those honey like eyes, she smiles making Amity starts to think that Luz is trying to kill her by how much blood is going to her face"oh oh say zoom say zoom" grinning like a kid in a candy store.

With a sigh Amity shakes her head then gives Luz a knowing smiles Luz smiles back, and Amity says "zoom"

Luz looks upset at this, “noooo do it in your cute British speak, zed-oom”

Amity looks away like someone called her as she feels her face heat up, she feels like a 6 year old is telling her off, and somehow Luz making it cute, "s-sorry Luz but we say zoom as well" Luz looks gives a face like she failed a maths test again as Amity looks back when it's safe, "well you don't say zee-oom do you"  

Luz puts her hand to her mouth as she giggles "nope" then Luz starts saying zee-oom other and other, then suddenly stops and stares at Amity like she just worked something out.

Amity stops stops coming close to walking into her “err what is it”

"you know what you are" Luz is getting very excited.

Amity smiles thinking it's never a dull moment with Luz, “err no”

Luz giggles as she grabs Amity into a bone crushing hug "no, you're my best zed-friend" then she kisses Amity on the cheek.

Amity nearly falls from all the blood rushing to her face, she goes so red that a tomato would be envious.

[scienceoftheidiot]

In my move, I’m also moving all my drabbles, prompt answers and short stories with my OCs. Here’s an old one.

In case you don’t want to click on the link, the short story itself is right here under the cut. It's 3.5K long, so beware.

No prompt for this one, just Desden and Diane going out for a drink, except it doesn't go the way they expected. Some parts will be rewritten in the future, or a new part added - I have already written a part where they discuss the event at the end, and I'll share it after ;)

In case you don't want to click on the link, the story is right there under the cut. TW : sexual harassement, ableism

“And what’s this song saying, then?  “I said I understood it, didn’t say I can immediately translate all the songs that we get to hear in every bar we end up!”

Desden patted Kalinka on the head. He had not been through his first pint yet, while Diane had drunk one and a half. Music was blasting from the pub’s sound system, but most of the patrons were following a sports event on TV at the other end of the room. They were alone near the counter.

“But you said you knew this one! Also, we have only ever been to one bar and it’s this one. And I’m sure you can.” Desden straightened up, more amused than annoyed.  “Oh, of course I can! … but not just like that and with all that noise and -«

He tilted his head backwards at the roar that just came up from the back of the pub.

“Who scored ? »

“The… blue ones…? » “Well, thank you very much, but which town is it? »  “I have no idea. You should know, if you’re that into it! » “Didn’t know there was a match tonight. Also it’s rugby, yes? Not football, if it’s football we’re leaving this filthy place. »  “Gosh, you snob, yeah it’s rugby, of course it is. Two secs… okay so it’s us against… Toulon?”

Desden grinned, his face lighting up behind the dark glasses that hid a big part of it.   “Whoah, so not only are we playing tonight, but we scored then! We’re the blue ones! » “How’d you know that? »  “I know so many things, you wouldn’t believe it. We’re blue. They’re… white ? » “Oh, please! And they’re red.”

Diane tapped her bitten nails against her glass – nearly empty. The song she wanted to know about was not finished yet.

“Come on, what does the song say?”

Of course, she didn’t really care about it. She did that for the playful exasperation it prompted in Desden. They probably both knew it, judging from the more or less annoyed, crooked smile on his face. He had a dimple in his right cheek – not on the other side, for some reason. It made his smile even more asymmetrical. How come Diane had not noticed that before?

“Right now, I don’t know! why do you want me to do that? » “Cause I ask you to? Nicely? »  “You’re drunk.” He gave a high-pitched chuckle. “As if you weren’t. That was the ugliest laugh, by the way.” “And I am not singing yet. If you want to hear that you’d need to get me many other drinks. Care to do just that?” He said while tipping his now empty glass in her direction.

Diane suddenly thought about something, and sobered up a little.

“Is it okay for you to drink that much? Haven’t you told me you have balance problems? » “Oh, this is cute. Are you afraid for me? »  “Seems like I’m the only responsible adult, here, so, I ask. »

Desden straightened up and got a little more serious. “It’s okay. I’ve drank only one pint of light stuff, and I’m big. I shall be alright. Besides” he added, and the smile was back “I know you’re strong enough to carry me home. » “Shut up.” As Diane was getting up to head for the bar, a pair of hands abruptly landed on her shoulders, nailing her down to her stool.

“Hey lady? Why don’t you join us for the next round? Drink to our certain victory?” She stiffened. She had almost bit her tongue in surprise. She cast a glance at Desden, who looked lost, frowning. But even if she thought she could handle it, she couldn’t communicate it to him like that. Right now he couldn’t even know half of what was happening. Especially that that stranger had his hands on her.

She had to play it nicely. She didn’t want to make a fuss.

The guy was starting to vaguely massage her shoulders. It sent shivers of disgust down her spine. A bunch of guys near the TV screen had cheered as he talked to her and was now looking avidly. She’d have thought they would be a group of random older rugby supporters, but they were more probably students –and well dressed, at that.

So there were others. She’d have to be diplomatic. She turned to the man – roughly her age, or a little younger, maybe? – dressed fancy, him too, with thin metal rimmed glasses, and what he probably thought as a charming smile. Judging by his dapper style, he and his friends could be from one of those expensive business schools, those were in the city centre, not that far. You never saw people like that near the campus – she knew that from all the times she’d been there for a run.

She tried to smile back at him.  “No, thanks. I was having a good time with my friend here, and I’d like to go back to that. You don’t need me to cheer for the team, eh? You got your mates for that. Have a good evening. Bye. » “No need to be rude, girl. Just thought you’d be happy we save you from doing your charity thing here, that all.”

From the corner of her eye, she could see Desden lick his lips, and red slowly rise to his cheeks and ears.  “I was not rude. You are starting to be. Please leave us alone.” Her sudden mean look probably worked, because the man finally let go of her shoulders, and walked away with his hands out, in a “I didn’t do anything wrong” gesture.  She let out a big, if a little shaky, sigh. Desden spoke in a tiny voice. “I am sorry. We shouldn’t have come here. We should go home.” He was already getting up – and probably felt dizzy doing so, as she saw him suddenly grappling the table. She chose not to say anything about it. “Why, did you know there were going to be assholes in this place? » “No, it’s a nice place, it never happened before, but – »  “Then I say we get another drink and leave when we want the fuck to and not before. »

Desden hesitated. He was still half standing, but loosened his hold on the table. “I am not looking forward to more interaction with this type of people. I may sound like a coward, but I am always afraid they could go further. » “And what? »  “Please.” He shook his head and made a face. “Don’t let me say it out loud. » “He won’t do anything. Don’t worry. » “I’ll worry if I want to. Just… please, try to understand.” He was visibly upset. “I don’t mind being called names and such. I don’t care. There’s just nothing to do but let them talk. I just don’t want to get in trouble and I especially don’t want you in trouble either.”

She didn’t know what to say. He didn’t go on any further and motioned towards his ever faithful backpack. Kalinka immediately got up. Diane noticed just now that the bright red colour of the backpack definitely clashed with the plain, if nice, clothes he wore from work. But was the same colour as his shoes. Bright red chucks.  She was going to make a lame joke about it, to try and lighten the atmosphere, when the whole group of guys that had been cheering in front of the TV came back towards the bar and them. The game was over. Despite the points they’d scored earlier, they’d lost. She locked her eyes on her beer, avoiding the men’s stare. Desden himself had sat back. She didn’t know how he could have told, but there were probably too many people around at the same time for his taste.

The man with the glasses stopped by their table again. Too close from her, his back towards Desden. “See, girl, we lost. Should have come with us instead of staying here babysitting. We’d have won.” Diane didn’t want to be diplomatic anymore. She wanted this guy to eat his words.  “Just get lost already. Leave us alone! » “Oh, yes, or what? Your boyfriend’s gonna kick my ass? Send his dog? »  “Yeah, Damien, eh!” Another one was standing next to Desden; he looked quite drunk – and quite tiny next to him. “So, what happens if I do this?” He waved his hand in front of Desden’s face; in doing so, his sleeve brushed Desden’s shoulder, who jerked away as far as he could while keeping his hold on the table. He was as red as his backpack and was biting his lips furiously. They had to leave. “Look, he moved! Eh, wait, is he mute, too, or what?”

Diane didn’t give them a look, leaned over the table and pressed Desden’s hand. “You were right. Let’s go.” He just nodded in answer. They both got up, and she led the way, Desden and Kalinka right behind her, feigning to ignore the sneering men around, bumping into them when they wouldn’t move. They managed to get to the counter.  Desden mumbled. “I’ll pay.” She did not argue.

“Yeah bring him home, tuck him into bed. How much does he pay you, really? Do you sleep with him, too? Is it part of the contract?” Desden felt Diane stop. Like this was one comment too many. They were in the street, now, and he would have thought the men wouldn’t have followed, that they would have stayed inside and carried on with their drinking, forgetting about them as soon as they left. But they apparently weren’t drunk enough for that.  He tried to talk to Diane. “Come on, let’s just leave. It’s okay. Let’s go now.” He had found her sleeve, and was tugging at it. But she wouldn’t move. The guy was still talking – more or less saying the same things on repeat, nothing really inventive.

This type of person was not something he’d encounter often, but he already had. There was nothing else to do than retreat to another place. Most probably home because he was beginning to feel tipsy and that wasn’t good.

“Diane, let’s go. Please.” It had no effect on her. He let go of her arm; he actually was ready to leave without her, that is, if he hadn’t feared for her. She moved away from him, not speaking; he had no idea whatever was going on, or through her mind, at this moment. Frustration and fear were getting on his nerves. Again.

Until he heard, more or less at the same time, the guy suddenly shut up, and a perfectly audible, painful crunch. And then tables or chairs collapsing.

Diane shook her hand, trying to relieve the pain of the punch, and walked towards the man she had just broken the nose of – but surprisingly, not the glasses. She looked down at him from all her height – not much, and he was still half lying on one of the fallen tables – and said in a low, growling voice she didn’t even recognize herself :  “One : I am boxing since I am seven. Also, I grew up with three sisters, it teaches you. Two : you are an arsehole. Three : he is not my boyfriend, but if he was, I’d probably be a lucky girl. He is much more of a man than you’ve probably ever been. You are filth. Go home, arsehole, you’re drunk.”

“You are ALL fucking going home. You’ve ruined my terrasse, bloody tossers!” The barman – where had he been all this time? –  put his hand on Desden’s shoulder. “You okay, mate? Need a lift? I been late on this, but I’m not a cunt.”

Diane was shaken. The guys were all silent, shocked, too. Sobered up, hopefully. She was. She deliberately turned away from them to walk by Desden.

He was white as a sheet. How had he turned so suddenly from totally red to white was a mystery. He took his glasses off – the first time Diane had ever seen him do so – keeping his eyes closed, he rubbed his face with the back of his hand. He started slowly: “No I think I’ll be okay… I have…” He stopped, then bursted out, something between a genuine and a hysterical laughter. “I think I have a bodyguard!”

“You’re all fucking drunk. Piss off, all of you, or I call the cops. » “You should call the cops! Look what she did! She broke his fucking nose, man! “Yeah, well. Want me to call the cops, I’ll call the cops. Then you’ll have to explain to them why you were harassing a woman and a blind man. Good luck. I was going to throw you out, well, I couldn’t predict she would react like that. Too fast for me. Now fuck off. And I’m keeping an eye on you boys. You ain’t following those two. In fact you’re going to stay there for a while. Now,” He turned towards Desden and Diane, who were already leaving, “you two, piss off.”

Here they were, walking in the middle of a deserted street – it wasn’t that late, but it was a week day. Desden had finally calmed down, but still had random bouts of giggling. Diane felt torn between the same kind of maniacal laughter and the need to throw up. Not because she was drunk.

It took a long time before Desden spoke.  “This was -«  “Terrible. »  “Epic. I have never had anyone fighting for me before! » Desden smiled a broad smile.  “What? I didn’t fight for you.”

Diane was still angry. She had to calm down. “And you make it sound like it was a noble fight or whatever. I just punched him.” She hoped he couldn’t hear the trembling in her voice, but he probably could. “I just grew sick of him and I had too much to drink. Sorry. This guy, he… He fucking touched me. Twice. The first time he put his hands on my shoulders, and then he ostensibly grabbed my… It’s… it’s disgusting. And he kept being fucking rude to you. Like you weren’t even there. “I am sorry. Really.” He couldn’t help but chuckling again: “And I know. I actually was there.”   “Do you really find this funny or is it the alcohol, or adrenaline showing?  “Probably all of this. Sorry. » Desden let his head down and stopped talking.          They walked silently again for a few minutes. Diane envied the ignorant calm of Kalinka, who was just there doing her job, and had apparently already forgotten the tension of a few minutes ago. She could see the top of the footbridge. Arrived there, they would part ways – Desden lived nearby on the other side, and wasn’t really into people walking him home, as she understood. Right now he had his hand on her arm, but he could probably manage. He wasn’t really drunk and knew those streets like the back of his hand. She still felt bad about the idea of letting him go alone, though, after what happened. Or maybe it was her who needed someone to walk her home. And probably stay with her. They had reached the footbridge, drenched in a harsh orange light. Diane felt an urge to look over the railing, to have a look at the river at night, to see if the furious rambling she could hear translated into something that resembled what she felt. The river was pitch-black. Not even the slightest, orange-y bit of foam. She sighed. “You okay? I mean, seriously.  “Yeah, allright.  “Well, you definitely don’t sound okay.  “I am, though.  “Mmh-mhh.”         Desden didn’t look nor sound convinced. He had stopped next to her, and was taking his cane out of his backpack – a sign that he felt at least a little drunk, as he could walk the road back to his home following only his dog, usually. She had seen him do it countless times. She wanted to stay with him. Not to protect him, not to make sure he made it home safely. Because she was not sure of making it home safe herself. Because she felt like going back to her empty flat would make her scream.  Because she felt she needed to be held and told she had not done a terrible stupid thing, and that she wanted the arms holding her to be his.  “You don’t want company, walking home? You do sound pretty shaken.  “Desden, you’re the one always claiming you’re not made of glass. Am I the one who is, then?  “Well, obviously not… Okay, okay, it’s just that I don’t like to leave a friend alone like that.  “Are we going to accompany each other back home until the end of the night, then?  “No need to be all witty, eh. Sorry. I’ll go. Just… take care, ok? And don’t think about this too much. It’s nothing. He deserved it. If he gets it taken care of right away, there will be nothing to see in a few weeks.  “Would you have punched him, if you could?  “I don’t know. I… don’t think so. Never been a fighter. I’m a coward, really. Always been. “Do you… do you think he’s going to file a complaint against me?  “He doesn’t have your name, right? The only thing he has that could help find you is me.”         None of them moved, nor talked. It seemed they didn’t know how to leave. She was reluctantly stepping away when he spoke again. Desden had apparently been thinking, because he suddenly said, as if continuing their previous conversation: “And that little speech you gave? It was great. Especially that part about me not being your boyfriend, but –  “Wait, you heard that?  “Well, I have good ears, but I’m pretty sure the whole pub heard it, Diane.  “Shit. It was… anger talking. I hate this type of people. When I’m angry I just ramble, it’s nothing, sorry. “Really? So you don’t actually think what you said?” Was it her or did his hand on her arm, he had put it back there somehow,

tightened a little?  “What, about you being a better man? Of course, what, yes I do!”  “No.” He took a step closer to her. She could feel the warmth in his breath, now. His hand was definitely holding her arm tighter. The crooked smile had returned, but he was not giggling anymore. “About the fact that you’d be lucky if I was your boyfriend.” She didn’t know what to answer. Because she didn’t know what she actually thought about it. Yeah, it was probably true, but… He let go of Kalinka’s leash and brought his hand up, apparently hesitating. Then he smiled again, and felt for the side of her face, lightly resting his hand on her cheek. “Can I?”  “Uh, yeah?” He was going to touch her face. That was what blind people did, right? Like, in film. It felt awkward, them being – admittedly alone – doing that in the middle of the street.  On the other hand, while she had been disgusted by the touch of that man in the pub, she could feel blood pounding in her ears right now…  But Desden just quickly trailed the line of her chin, stroked her lips with his thumb, bent over and kissed her. A very sweet kiss. A very unexpected one, too. He could probably feel she was surprised by her slight recoil – he had a step back, too.  “That… you didn’t actually say yes for that, right?” Red was back on his cheeks, and he looked confused, head tilted on the side. She had never noticed how much of an open book he was. You could read everything on his face, and she couldn’t even see his eyes. He was obviously as embarrassed as she was. “Miscommunication? “Yeah, I… sorry.  “No, no, I’m the one who’s sorry.” He let go of her arm. “Sorry, I thought… Alright, I’m probably still drunk. I should go.”         She should have let him go, called it a day and went home too. That was the right thing to do. This was definitely not the time to do anything else. She caught his arm – remembering too late that he hated that, let go of it and just hugged him. The top of her head didn’t even brush his chin.  Desden took his time to close his arms around her, and did it very slowly, as if she was a small animal anything could frighten into flight. He sighed.  “If we’re going this road you probably should talk a little more, alright? Or miscommunication will happen.”  He could feel her answer as much as he heard it, as she kept her face pressed against his chest. “Okay. “We still… friends, then?” He felt pained to have to say so, but he’d rather state it and keep her close than have her run away because he was dumb. He’d been definitely dumb to think she was anything else than a friend. It was good. He didn’t have many. “No more of this. Friends. All right?” He felt her head move against him. Just to hold her was good enough.  “All right.”

Taglist : @heirsoflilith @hughstheforcelou @shutterbug-12 @omg-okimhere @foxesandmagic

[tomtenadia]

Island Dreams - Chapter 21

Chapter 21 is here. Chaol is back for a quick last scene. I swear this is the last time we see him. The reason he is still here is because i had a few things to carry over from chapter 20.

Aelin has a few interesting phone calls and in the end, well... something really great happens to her.

I hope you will love it.

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Rowan was on his way to the shop when he noticed a figure leaning against the door. His arms at his chest, clearly waiting for him. He thought he was a customer to start with but once he got closer he realised who it was: Chaol. Aelin’s ex. He already hated the man, but after the encounter the previous day he was ready to punch the guy. Rowan went to the door and ignored Chaol. “I am looking for a book, can you help me?” Rowan kept pretending he was not there. Got in the shop and shut the door in his face. Switched on everything and took his time to actually open. There were no actual customers so he could open five minutes later, just to piss him off. In the end he caved and went to the door and opened and Chaol entered the shop. “You are five minutes late, is that how you do business around here?”

Rowan went to his computer and started working and continued to ignore the man. “The customer service in this place is quite bad, I must admit.” Chaol started walking around the shop. “How can I help you, sir?” Said Rowan through gritted teeth. He had never punched anyone in his life but that morning it was about to become a first. Very quickly. “Yes you can.” Chaol turned to him “let her go.” Rowan grabbed a pencil and almost snapped it in two. “See? She is still mad at me at the moment, but she will come around eventually and realise she made a mistake.” He played with a book and put it back all squint on purpose “I have known her for ten years. You have known her for what? A few months? She will tire of this place, this life and of you. She will come back to me. So just save yourself some heartache and let her go.” “She made her choice.” Chaol kept walking the length of the shop “And she can’t be a doctor here. She has an amazing career in London. She will get bored after one day. If you really love her as you claim you will see the damage that this job will do to her. It will make her miserable.” “Yes, the amazing job in London that denied her the promotion she deserved.” Chaol looked at him stunned and Rowan’s lips curved up wickedly. “Oh so you didn’t know.” Now it was his turn to be petty “She was up for a very big promotion but she didn’t get it and it destroyed her. I guess she did not tell you because you were so busy with the night shift that she preferred not to burden you.” Chaol’s hands fisted. “And between a job delusion and an asshole of an husband she decided to pack her life and leave.” Rowan’s eyebrows lifted at the man expression. Chaol did not know any of this. Interesting. “She was quite a mess when she got here, but she is better, thanks to me. Because I look after her.” “Aelin is needy and used to a standard of life that you can’t give her. Definitely not with the money you make from a pathetic bookshop.” Rowan breathed in deeply “She seems satisfied with what I can giver her and I know needy and Aelin is definitely not that. ” He smirked, he was reaching extreme level of pettiness “And so far I have been able to satisfy her with everything I gave her. Even sex. For example last night when I took her against the wall she loves so much. More than once. The way she screamed my name…” Aelin was probably going to kill him but mean Rowan had taken over his body. “I had to show her what a fulfilled sex life looks like. Apparently something else you lacked as a husband.” “I always satisfied her.” “Sure, did you ever bother ask what she liked? Her fantasies? Go along with them? Or you just went on top like the proper alpha male you think you are, did your job and went back to sleep? Because it sounds like you were a self serving bastard in bed as well.” Chaol moved a step closer to Rowan trying to be intimidating. A useless feat when the person in front of you is twenty centimetres taller than you and almost twice your size. “What?” Asked Rowan in a flat, annoyed tone. “Did she tell about her life before me? That she was a bit of a slut—“ But Chaol did not manage to finish that sentence. A fist connected with his mouth, then Rowan’s hand was at his collar, lifted him and slammed Chaol against the wall “do not finish that sentence. Don’t you dare call her like that ever again.” His grip tightened “I swear I will file for a restraining order if you don’t leave this island as soon as possible. You have done enough damage.” He let go of Chaol and the man tried to protest but Rowan’s stare kept him in place. “Fuck her all you want. She will grow tired of you very quickly.” Rowan almost went for a second round but Chaol stopped him “She will put career before you and family. Mark my words.” And with that he left. Rowan counted till ten and walked back to the counter and grabbed the phone and dialled Aelin’s number. “Do you really can’t stay without me for a whole morning?” “I just punched your ex husband.” The line went silent for a moment and Rowan feared he was in trouble, that he had crossed a line. “Did you take a video? Why was I not there to witness such a magical moment?” Rowan was puzzled. He was expecting Aelin to shout at him . “I’ll be there in five. I want all the details.” And she hung up.

As promised five minutes later she walked to him and kissed him deeply. Definitely not the reaction he was expecting. “You are not mad.” “I was impressed that you did not thump him yesterday to be honest.” She sat in the chair beside him “What did he do? Why was he here? And why the asshole is still on the island?” “He told me to let you go. That I can’t give you the life you deserve and added that you will tire of living here, this life and of me. Oh yes, he also added that as a pathetic bookshop owner I can’t give you the life of luxury you crave.” “What a lot of pish.” Rowan laughed “You picking up Scots words is very sexy.” “Yeah, sure, now keep talking about the asshole” she jabbed his arm with a finger. “And then I turned petty.” Aelin’s mouth fell open. That was not Rowan. “I might have bragged a bit.” And she laughed at his admission. “What did you say?” “That you seemed very satisfied with what I have been giving you so far and I might have added that you were definitely happy when I took you against the wall last night while you were screaming my name. Multiple times.” Aelin noticed the top of his ears going red. “I can’t believe I missed this amazing fight.” And she kissed him. “He called you a slut” and she felt him tense. “Oh yeah. He never approved of my life before him.” “That’s when I punched him. And I threatened to file a restraining order if he didn’t leave the island as soon as possible.” Aelin pushed him against the wall and kissed him hard “Did I tell you today how much I love you?” “Not even once.” “Let me make this up to you.” She dragged him to his office. Once inside she pushed him to the table and started kissing him. His hands went on her butt and dragged her close. “I love you.” “I don’t think I heard that properly.” They made out for a good ten minutes before Rowan decided it was time to break apart and go back to work. They went back to work and Aelin kept smiling at him showing him that she definitely approved what he did.

She was busy with some work Rowan had assigned her when the door opened and Aelin squealed in delight when she noticed who had just walked in. She ran to the woman and hugged her. “Lorcan and I have checked out and we’ll be on our way soon. We just thought we had to pop in to say goodbye.” “Thank you. I am sorry for last night. It was my fault I was not feeling great.” Apologised Aelin. “No worries. The ceilidh was amazing, but we left halfway through it. We were exhausted.” “Rowan.” Called Aelin “He is somewhere in his office.” Two minutes later he emerged and he smiled when he saw the couple “Hi guys.” Lorcan nodded to him and Elide waved at Rowan quite happily. “Sorry about last night,” and his arm went around Aelin’s waist “Aelin wasn’t well.” “She told us. It’s fine.” The dark-haired woman replied “We just came here to say bye. We need to go back to Glasgow and we need to leave soon. We have to drive all the way down to Tarbert to catch the ferry to Uig on Skye.” “It was nice meeting you.” “It was,” and Elide turned to Aelin, “please keep in touch. If you guys ever come to Glasgow, let us know. We have a spare bedroom.” “I will let you know about the rugby. We can go to a Scotland home game together.” Added Lorcan. Rowan smiled widely “definitely I need some decent rugby and I would love to go back to Glasgow for a few days.” Eventually the four of them said their goodbyes and Elide and Lorcan left. “They are such a nice couple. Although Lorcan should learn to smile a bit.” Aelin commented going back to her task. Rowan hugged her tight and then he disappeared back to what he was doing beforehand. Aelin finished to prepare the orders that had come in and began sending email to the people who had ordered books. “Ro?” She called him and he came back. She showed him the computer “there are some new releases of fantasy books that are quite interesting. I think we should have them in.” Rowan quickly looked at the titles and smiled back to her “Go ahead. Let’s start with two copies each. If you think they are good let’s order them in. I trust you.” “Really?” She was beaming. So far he had been the one deciding what to order. She was very chuffed that he had let her do it for once and that he trusted her instincts. His hands grabbed her hips “You have good taste in books.” And he kissed her and moved away again. She was in the middle of the order when her phone buzzed with an unknown number. “Hello?” “I am looking for miss Aelin Galathynius.” “Speaking.” “My name is Dr McIver. You applied for a A&E job a while ago. Am I correct?” Aelin’s heart started hammering in her chest. She saw Rowan coming out of the office and she gestured to him to join to her. “Yes, I did.” He looked at her as if to say ‘what’ and she scribbled job on a piece of paper. He smiled and went behind her and held her from behind. “I am contacting you because I am very fascinated by your resume and I’d like to invite you for an interview.” She started jumping in Rowan’s arms. “I’d love to.” “I have a busy schedule tomorrow, but I can see you at 9am.” Aelin grabbed Rowan’s hand and his look was of one deep love. “That is perfect for me.” “Fantastic. Once you arrive at the hospital ask for me and I will come and get you.” “Thank you sir, I will see you tomorrow.” The man greeted her back and hung up. Aelin turned to Rowan and screamed “The job!” And she jumped. He grabbed her in his arms and lifted her up and twirled on the spot, kissing her. “I have an interview tomorrow morning for the job I applied for.” “They will love you.” He kissed her again, “I am so proud of you.” Then it hit Aelin and she froze “Oh shit.” “What?” He asked worried at the change in her expression. “I am panicking. What if I can’t do the job? What if I am aiming too high and I applied for a job that I am not qualified for? And now I am freaking out.” She started breathing hard and he brushed her back. “You can’t be afraid to be successful.” Aelin looked up at him, her eyes wide “Did you just quote Jake?” He kissed her head “I did. I love the scene where he convinces her to take the lieutenant exam.” She grinned back at him. “I can’t believe they called me.” She leaned back and sighed hard “Ro, this is big. But I need to calm down. I don’t have the job yet.” “You will.” Then her gaze turned sad “I will miss working here, though.” Rowan’s hands cupped her face “You are doing the right thing. You can come and help a bit when you have time off. This is your shop too.” His hands twined in her hair “I will miss you too, but at least I will be able to do paperwork in peace.” She jabbed her finger to his side and left him.

The next morning Aelin woke up early and was panicking. She got out of bed without waking Rowan and went to the living room and paced. A part of her was excited. The idea of being a doctor again was amazing, but a part of her was terrified and she did not know why. She had a very fitful sleep and not even Rowan’s arms had helped her in any way. She was feeling horrible and that was not the best way to face an interview. She breathed deeply and sank on the sofa. Now she felt sick. In the morning silence of the house she heard Rowan’s feet padding behind her. “Aelin…” She turned and stared at his sleepy face, and tousled hair. He only had his boxers briefs on and all of a sudden the sight of him chased away all of her fears. She stood and went to him and kissed him fiercely. His arms folded around her and lifted Aelin and together they sat down on the sofa. “What’s wrong?” He asked, pulling away from the kiss. “I was panicking,” she gave him a wanton smile “then you walked in, in such an amazing state of undress and my fear are gone.” He pulled her closer and her hand landed on his beautiful naked chest. Her mouth deposited gentle kisses on his shoulder and inhaled his scent. Pine and snow. All of a sudden her mind calmed down and the panic subsided. “I should ask Dr McIver if I can take you with me for the interview, sitting on your lap. That will help a lot.” He chuckled “I don’t think it’s doable.” His hand was on her back “But I can accompany you. I will wait outside of course, but I can be there with you.” She looked up at him and her heart melt “What about the shop?” “It will be fine for a couple of hours.” He kissed her head “you are more important.” Aelin almost cried. How on earth did she end up with such an amazing man? “I would love that very much.” “Good.” She stood “I need a shower.” And wiggled a finger to him “fancy coming?” She was ready for him to say no again, but surprise caught her when he stood up and took her hand. “But no shenanigans. It’s not our getaway and we don’t have time.” Aelin nodded and her heart raced. She walked to the bathroom and Rowan followed her. She turned to him and slowly she peeled off her t-shirt and adored the look on his face. Then she proceeded to remove her bottoms and finally stood naked in front of him and she noticed hunger and desire in his eyes. “Your turn.” She challenged him while entering the shower box and opening the water. For a moment he stood on the threshold and stared at her, water running down her naked body and he had to concentrate very hard not to take here and there. There was no time and he had other plans. Finally he moved and removed his briefs. Aelin turned and finally saw him for the first time and her breath hitched. Damn the man was perfect. Ideas started to gather in her mind but they didn’t have time for that. She looked up at him “You are still not inside the shower.” “I was just enjoying the look on your face.” He finally stepped in and joined under the water. Rowan noticed her stare and grabbed her wrists “hands on my chest, Fireheart. We don’t have time for dillydallying.” She kissed his chest and her hands roved on his muscles. Oh the things she would love to do to him. He grabbed the shampoo, then turned her and began washing her hair. Aelin ground her backside agains him. His mouth was against her ear “Very bad idea.” And he put a bit of space between them and Aelin groaned in frustration. While he was washing her hair, Aelin was now washing her body. She could not have Rowan do that. They would never leave the shower and she had an interview to go to. He turned her and she snuggled against him, his mouth pressing delicate kisses on her head “You will be wonderful.” In his arms, she relaxed. They stayed under the water for a bit longer until Rowan closed the jets and left the shower. He grabbed their towels and passed one to Aelin. She gave him one last look before he covered himself with his towel and Aelin had to press her legs tighter together. She took her towel and went for their room. At least her mind was now clear of the fear for the interview, but such thoughts had been replaced by some sexier ones. She got dressed, desperate to do something. Maybe the shower together had not been a great idea. All she could think about now was him. She breathed hard and began drying her hair. “Let me help you.” Rowan joined her and took the hairdryer from her hands and started drying it for her. “Head down.” She bent over and he continued his job. Luckily he had put some clothes on. Once her hair was dry he brushed it as well, untangling the knots that had formed. “I could have done this myself.” “I know.” Once he was done she went back to her old room looking for a decent enough outfit. She found what she was looking for and got dressed. Slowly she had moved the clothes she used the most in the side of the closet that Rowan had given her, but she had kept the stuff she used very little in her old bedroom. She had to look professional so she went for a black cigarette skirt, a light blue blouse and a black jacket. Added a pair of earrings to the ensemble and eventually she decided to put a very thin layer of makeup on. Once she reached the living room, Rowan was there waiting for her. He had jeans, a shirt and a leather jacket and he took her breath away. He finally noticed her and she realised she had the same effect on him. He moved a step closer “You are…” “It feels so weird.” “Stunning. You are stunning.” “I haven’t dressed like this in a lifetime.” She confessed while looking for her heels. Then she turned to him “Why are you all nicely dressed?” “I can’t accompany my girlfriend to her big day dressed in a t-shirt and looking like a slob when she is so gorgeous.” She looked up at him “you could get out of the house clad in a garbage bag and you would still manage to have every single woman turn their head and stare at you.” He grinned. She grabbed her purse and she was ready to go. A moment later they were in the car and Aelin’s anxiety began to come back. Rowan noticed that and his hand went on her knee squeezing it gently. His presence was a calming anchor at her side. Not long after they reached the hospital. Before getting off the car Rowan pulled her to him and kissed her deeply “I am at your side.” Aelin nodded and hand in hand they entered the A&E. As requested, Aelin asked for Dr McIver at the reception and a few minutes later she arrived. “Miss Galathynius.” He extended his hand and Aelin shook it back. “This is my partner. He drove me here.” Rowan shook his hand with the man. “Come on, both of you.” They took the lift and reached the floor where McIver’s office was. In front of the door Rowan took her hand “There’s a few chairs. I’ll wait here. I have a book.” He kissed her head “I love you.” He whispered. She nodded and followed the man in his office. “Please take a seat.” Said the man pointing at the chair in front of him “Please don’t be nervous. This is more a chat to get to know you.” He grabbed what she guessed was her resume “I must say I am impressed, miss Galathynius. You have a remarkable skillset and experience. Definitely something we need here and that we could put to really good use.” “Thank you sir.” Aelin felt her body relax a bit. “Can I ask you a question?” “Of course.” “Why did you leave London? The A&E in a place like Stornoway can get busy but cannot be compared to working in one of the best trauma hospital in London.” He stared at her “Your experience would be like a blessing for us, but we are not a trauma centre. I am not sure we can offer you the same level of challenge that a London hospital could.” Aelin took a deep breath and fisted her hands in her laps to stop them from shaking. She was expecting such a remark. It was perfectly understandable. “I know sir.” Another breath. It was time to tell the truth “I was up for a big promotion to become the head of the A&E and trauma department. Alas, that dream was stolen from me. My job was given to…” how could she put it without anger colouring her voice “let’s just say that the person who was chosen was not picked for his merits but more because of who is father was.” Tears threatened to well in her eyes but she fought them back. “The news hit me hard. I… lost interest in my job. So I took a sabbatical and then officially left about two weeks ago.” It still hurt like hell “I needed to get away for other reasons as well. And I ended up here. My life is here now, sir. I know this will not be a major trauma centre but I am not worried.” She took another breath “It will be a challenge in itself because it will be a new role for me with a new team. All I want to do is be a doctor. It does not matter if it is a big hospital or a small one, I just want to help people.” The man smiled and she relaxed hoping that her speech had gotten through him. “Our current senior emergency surgeon is retiring soon and to be honest with you, we need fresh blood. He was amazing at his job but quite set in his ways. Our A&E might not be London, but we have our set of challenges. We are the main major hospital for the entirety of the Hebrides. We get people airlifted here from the smaller islands. On a busy day our A&E needs to work efficiently. Our beds supply is not endless.” “I have spent many days and nights working in an overwhelmed A&E with probably ten times the influx of patients. I perfectly understand the challenges. I have helped train paramedics to form better triage stations at big accidents sites so that only grave patients would be sent to us. It was working before but it was not efficient enough. I spent years honing my team to run like a perfect oiled machine and deal with crisis in a way that would not endanger patients.” The man nodded and Aelin felt like things were going well. “Do you have experience in training interns?” “Yes. Being in charge of interns was another one of my roles. I did their rosters but also took one or two under my wing and taught them.” “It seems like you had your hands quite full.” Aelin’s hands fisted again. She had to hold her temper in check. “My boss, loved to… delegate.” She sighed “And that’s as nicely I can put it without being disrespectful.” The man laughed and Aelin relaxed again. It was good. It was going well. “And you have no intention of returning to London.” It was not a question. “No sir.” Of that she was positive. “My life is here. My partner is here as well. This is my home now.” And saying that out loud felt amazing. Lewis was now her home. And it had taken only a couple of months. “If you are successful when will you be ready to begin?” “Straight away. I am working at my partner’s bookshop at the moment but I can start whenever you want me to. And I have no issues with night shifts either.Also my partner and I don’t have kids at the moment so I am very flexible. We might in the future, but at the moment we are free.” “That’s good to hear.” He smiled again “You can relax now. You have done well.” Aelin breathed out and relaxed. “I have two more people to interview this afternoon. But I must say miss Galathynius that I am impressed by you. I will let you know tomorrow. I intend to make my decision tonight after the other two interviews.” The man stood and Aelin followed him. He extended his hand “it was a pleasure, Miss Galathynius.” “Thank you for the opportunity, sir.” And at that she left. As soon as she was out of the door Rowan stood and opened his arms for her and she slammed against his chest. “Are you okay?” “Yes.” She nodded “He will let me know tomorrow.” “I am pretty sure you charmed him completely and you will get the job.” Aelin pulled away and grabbed his hand “let’s get out of here.”

The next day Aelin was in the bookshop with Rowan but was having problems to concentrate. Her eyes kept flicking to her phone that was right beside the keyboard. She had no idea when Dr McIver would call and she was getting anxious. The wait was killing her. The previous night she had phoned Lysandra and she had told her about her job interview and the woman had threatened to come and inflict endless pain to the man if he didn’t give her the job. Her friend’s support has been incredible and she wished Lysandra was there. Rowan had been wonderful as well. After the interview they had gone home and changed into more comfortable clothes and gone back to the shop but at night he had taken her out on a date. They went to dinner then to An Lanntair for a movie and after had a log walk along the marina and the Lews castle grounds. That morning they had another special shower together, always with their boundaries and realised that although waiting was driving her insane, it was also deepening their bond somehow. They had spent their time talking and getting to know each other, but also got to know their bodies. Rowan had taken on him the challenge of learning what made her feel pleasure. He had started worshipping her body and leave Aelin a blubbering mess. All of that without ever doing the final deed. And she had loved it. He had allowed her to reciprocate but forbade her to use her mouth. She was dreaming about the previous night when her phone went off and her heart started racing in her heart. “Rowan.” She called for him as soon as she recognised the number. He was at her side in a second and by her stare he realised what it was. “Hello?” “Miss Galathynius? It’s Dr. McIver.” Aelin was positive she had stopped breathing. “Hello.” “So, I have news for you.” She grabbed Rowan’s hand and squeezed as tight as humanly possible. “Do you think your partner could do without you at the bookshop? Because my colleagues and I would be very pleased if you could lead our A&E.” Aelin froze for a moment. She had heard it correctly. They wanted her. “I think my partner would be very happy to get rid of me.” And she smiled at Rowan with love. “That is fantastic. I will see you at 8 tomorrow. I will send you in a moment an email with the details of your contract including as well your salary offer. If it’s all ok for you we will finalise the paperwork tomorrow morning.” “8 tomorrow sounds perfect. Thank you sir. Thank you so much for the opportunity.” “I am looking forward to have you in our team.” Then the conversation finished and Aelin turned stunned to Rowan who had the biggest smile on his face. “Told you.” “I can’t believe it.” He hands were shacking. A few minutes later her phone pinged and she noticed it was an email from Dr McIver as promised. She opened and read the detail of her contract and gasped when she noticed her salary. “Holy shit, look.” She said showing the phone to Rowan. “Guess I will be the kept man.” His hand brushed the back of his head. “Ro,” she said to him “This is friggin loads of money. I was not making this much in London.” Her head was spinning. “This is a higher position. You would have made this much or more you had gotten the job you deserved.” He told her with his usual logic. “I need to sit down.” He pushed the chair to her. She looked up at him and beamed at the pride in his eyes the she hugged him “This is amazing.” “You deserve it.” He kissed her head. Then customers came in and they broke apart and Rowan went to offer their help while Aelin was still on her chair and was busy texting Lysandra with the news.

She had spent the entire day floating on air. She was happy that she felt like in a musical and was about to burst into song. Her life was finally back on track. She and Rowan finally closed the shop and headed home together from the bookshop for the last time. All of sudden her mobile went off and she looked at it and stared at the London area code. “A London number?” Aelin accepted the call “Hello?” “Aelin?” Said the familiar voice. “Dr Thomson.” Why was her old boss calling her now? Why today of all days? “I hope I am not disturbing.” “No you are fine.” Anger started to flare up. “I have good news for you.” I highly doubt, was what Aelin thought. “We need you back.” Aelin’s heart raced. “Since when? I thought you had your perfect candidate and you did not need my skills.” She had to calm down. “Well, we had an issue with him. Kind of a sex scandal.” Aelin stopped dead. It was not a secret that Kieran, the guy they had chosen instead of her, had a penchant for bedding all the nurses and female doctors he could. Everyone knew. “Fucked the wrong person, did he?” “I can’t go into detail but rest assured he had been removed from the position and we have decided to offer it to you. You were the best candidate after all. It was just politics that stopped us.” “No, it was fucking money,” her rage burst free “His father promised you all a nice wee sum in exchange of his son to get the job. Kieran was an idiot. Now he fucked up, literally, and you think I will crawl back? Do you have an inkling of how much you insulted me? And now you phone me and tell me that you want me back? How the fuck you dare?” She was now shouting and Rowan’s hands were on her shoulder and she thanked him for his presence. “Aelin, let me explain. I voted for you. I had your back, but alas the board preferred the money. I had a fight with the board. It was not fair what they did to you. You were one of my best doctors and I need you back.” “Well, you can keep your apologies and stick them where the sun doesn’t shine. I am not coming back to London. I am in Scotland on an island and just got offered a job as senior emergency surgeon. So thank you for calling me but I respectfully decline.” “You can’t be serious. You can’t waste your skills in a small hospital. Don’t be an idiot, Aelin. Don’t waste your career in a backwater place.” Aelin was officially tired to hear people tell her that she was wasting her life. “What I do with my life is none of your business anymore. I have resigned, I am not your employee any longer.” “I’ll give you a raise on top of the salary for the post.” “Sir, you can beg all you want and try to entice me with more money. My answer will always be no. There are patients here as well. That’s all I need.” “Aelin, what can I do to convince you?” “Nothing. I actually should thank you. Here I found the life I want, with the perfect man. Not getting the job was the best thing that happened to me.” Her ex boss tried a few more tactics but Aelin was relentless. She was happy. She was home. She had all she needed right there. Once the conversation finished she looked at Rowan and her heart skipped a beat. He was her home. “Are you okay?” She sighed “I think I just reached closure.”she admitted as his arms went around her “You know the saying when a door closes another one opens?” He nodded. “Another one did open and I just realised that it was the one I needed. I hurt for a long time for not getting that job, but I just realised that without that, all of this would have never happened. I would still be in London, pining over the asshole and grieving over a job I did not get. I would still be a mess and utterly unhappy. A massive weight just lifted from my chest.” “I am a very lucky man.” He murmured against her head. “How so?” “Because you chose me.” “And I am lucky because you chose me.” She looked up at him “we chose each other.” “So, why did he phone you?” His arm went around her shoulder and they resumed their walk home. “Oh the guy they choose over me stuck his manhood where it was not meant to and apparently caused a big sex scandal. I need to phone Lysandra for more details. She will know all the gossip.” Rowan laughed. Once in front of the door Rowan kissed her deeply “I think I need a shower.” “Oh, do you?” He lifted her in his arms and they got into the house. “Do your worst, Whitethorn.”

[flintwoodandco]

Of Masks, Magic, & Falling In Love

Summary: Marcus Flint is Spectre, a reluctant protector of the world.

Amongst the chaos of being a superhero, hiding his identity while being a rugby player, Marcus also has to deal with his rival, Oliver Wood, and not strangling the man every chance he gets. 

As if his life couldn’t get any more off-balance, there’s Marcus’ predicament with Illusion, another superhero he finds himself liking a little too much. 

What’s a hero to do?

Rating: T

Genre: Superhero AU, Enemies to Lovers, Banter, Minor Violence, Falling in Love

Words: 3480

A/N: a gift for @acespacejay !!! thank you so much for this prompt!! it was a fun challenge!!

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AO3

or

When the call for heroes echoed around the world, Marcus ran.

For years he only had to worry about himself, managing his powers on his own. The weight of the world was terrifying and Marcus wasn’t ready to let everyone down. It was easy to hide really. With his questionable past, nobody sought him out. Nobody but Illusion. 

Marcus didn’t know where to start with him. Illusion was a loud, excitable hero, ready to help at a moment’s notice, jumping headfirst into danger. It had been an accident that they met. Marcus had stumbled onto a villain’s lair and, well, he couldn’t just let them get away with their nefarious plot. Identity be damned, Marcus jumped into the fire and managed to catch the villain by surprise. Of course, with invisibility powers, Marcus could catch an attentive watch dog off-guard. The situation was under control, but then Illusion and his many clones popped up, almost sending everything into chaos. 

By the end, Marcus simply fled. It was the only option, it seemed, and Marcus didn’t want to be dragged into the league of superheroes. Especially not by one such as Illusion. 

Eventually time caught up with him and Marcus reluctantly joined the battalion though not without his conditions. He worked alone, took on missions he knew he could handle.

When he wasn’t working, Marcus found his solace in rugby. Out in the field, he didn’t need his powers. His strength, wit and skill, led him to victory without fail. Well, almost without fail.

The thorn in his side, Oliver Wood, was forever a challenge to be reckoned with. None of Marcus’ tricks worked against him and as soon as Marcus tried something new, there was Oliver blocking him.

“How about you try playing like your life depends on it?” Oliver called from the opposite side of the field. 

It was rich words coming from an ordinary human like him. Marcus had risked life and limb, always sleeping with one eye open for the sake of humanity. 

Gritting his teeth, Marcus grabbed his passes, found his opening. He would show Oliver once and for all who owned the rugby field. Oliver came closer and closer as Marcus charged towards him. He was almost there before all went white.

Marcus didn’t make the winning score.

Oliver’s team had one-upped his own yet again, leaving Marcus in a state of loathing. If only he could give Oliver a taste of his own medicine. Semi-finals were coming up and no doubt Marcus’ team would have to face Oliver’s again. Redemption was so close, yet ages away, driving Marcus to practice harder and longer every minute he could. 

It was only when his teammates worried about him that Marcus scaled back, giving in to an invitation of drinks at a local pub. 

The evening went on well enough until familiar faces appeared and the tension in the air grew thick. With two rivalry rugby teams staring each other down, the pub owner was quick to threaten banning both teams unless they agreed to get along on the premise. 

At this, Oliver beamed, wrapping an arm around Marcus’ shoulder. “We’ll get along fine, won’t we, Flint?”

Marcus grit his teeth and weakly attempted to throw Oliver off. “Like hell we will.”

Oliver’s smile did not falter and he remained by Marcus’ side as the two teams accepted their fates with grumbles and snarky remarks. 

“Come now,” Oliver shook his head as he took a sip from his drink. “Don’t tell me you haven’t been dying to talk to someone about the game between Westchester and Fairmeadow.”

Marcus’ face gave him away and Oliver dove in, pointing out certain plays, the end result of the game. 

“Well, Charles really should have dodged Blythe’s tackle,” Marcus slurred, now more than a few drinks in. 

Oliver’s laugh filled his ears, a strange fuzzy warmth overcoming Marcus. “You on a first name basis with ol’ Charley?”

“You’ve got the nickname for him,” Marcus retorted, jabbing a finger at Oliver. 

Oliver hummed in return, his body swaying dangerously close to Marcus’. “And perhaps more than that.”

It didn’t take long for Marcus to put two and two together and he smirked, looking Oliver dead in the eye. “You looking to sleep around with all the rugby captains then?”

“Mm, perhaps,” Oliver grinned with a coy sip from his drink. 

Marcus blamed the alcohol, but what happened next was a memory that was never far from his daily thoughts from then on. 

He leaned in, grabbing Oliver by the back of the head and planting a sloppy kiss on his lips. Oliver was quick to reciprocate and before Marcus knew it, he was being dragged out of the pub and into the quiet streets. 

“Thought you didn’t like me,” Oliver teased, his mouth brushing over Marcus’.

“You’re right. I don’t like you,” Marcus shot back before meeting Oliver in another heated kiss. 

When they finally reached Marcus’ flat, tangled limbs and lost clothing led the two men into a night of whirlwind fantasies before having to wake up to the harsh reality of morning. 

Marcus woke alone, 

A hastily written note on his bedside table was all that was left of Oliver, along with memories of questionable choices. This wasn’t what he wanted. It couldn’t be. 

Marcus tried to forget about it, but all he could see was Oliver. All he could think about was the next time they would see each other. 

It was agony not knowing where Oliver was, what he was doing. So many nights, Marcus would find himself far from sleep, staring at the ceiling with the man on his mind. It was as if nothing else existed. 

The buzz of his phone pulled Marcus from his thoughts and he picked it up with a sigh. In an instant, he perked up. It was Illusion. Though it took Marcus a while to come around, he found he enjoyed Illusion’s company. He couldn’t put a finger on why however, let alone how he ended up with his number. 

An invitation to fly was all Marcus needed to dress and head out into the breezy night. Fastening his mask on, Marcus breathed in the night air deeply, almost giddy with excitement for what the night would bring. Diving head first out of his window, Marcus closed his eyes as everything faded away. 

The wind whistled past his ears, the ground growing ever closer, yet a smirk remained on his face. There was no fear, no tightness in his stomach. With a contented sigh, Marcus summoned the strength within himself and his body snapped upwards, suspended in the air. 

The citizens on the ground didn’t notice his presence or perhaps they didn’t care as Marcus weaved between buildings, zooming around the bustling city. 

Landing on the domed roof of the library, Marcus stared out at the lights, reminding him of his responsibility, his gift. 

“Fancy meeting you here, Spectre.”

Marcus turned to the voice, unable to stop his smile as he was greeted by a familiar masked face. “You’re the one who invited me out, Illusion.”

“Ah, so you do like me!” he beamed, joining Marcus alongside the rooftop edge. 

“Just because I remember your name, doesn’t mean I like you,” Marcus scowled. 

Undeterred, Illusion leaned against the railing, focused on Marcus and nothing else. “Well, when I first showed up in the city, I was sure you were going to have my head.”

“That’s because this is my city to protect,” Marcus butted in. “I was doing just fine before you came along.”

“But isn’t this fun?” Illusion grinned. “You, me, the threat of the end of the world?”

Marcus pursed his lips. He wouldn’t admit it outright, but he did admire the other man. They were both reckless in their own manner, utilizing their powers in unorthodox ways. It kept their rivalry, or perhaps friendship, strong and Marcus found himself looking forward to the next encounter with Illusionist. 

“I suppose,” is all Marcus offered, but it was enough for Illusion. 

He gave Marcus a friendly nudge before turning about to look at the city as well. The two fell into a contented silence, a warm breeze passing between them. This was nice. The calm moments in between saving the world were cherished. Here, with Illusion, he didn’t have to put on a show. He could even take off his mask if he wanted. 

The thought had struck Marcus time and time again. Here he was, in a tangled web with Illusion, yet this was the one person he trusted, the one that understood the world as he did. 

“You’ve got that look in your eyes again,” Illusion teased, breaking Marcus from his trance. 

Marcus turned his face away with a huff. “What look?”

The hand on his cheek sent a jolt up Marcus’ spine and he didn’t dare look at Illusion. Despite his inner protests, Marcus allowed the other man’s hand to guide him until they were facing each other directly. 

“That one of longing. Wondering what our lives would be like had we not been given our powers.” 

Illusion read him like a book and Marcus caved easily. As he stared at Illusion, Marcus watched his face inch closer, anticipation rising in his chest. His mind screamed at him to run, his heart told him to stay, so Marcus froze, letting Illusion do as he wished. 

That was, before a siren shook the air, breaking the spell between them. 

“Fuck,” Marcus swore, staring at the beacons. “Guess that’s us.”

Illusion replied with a heavy sigh, jumping off the roof first and flying into the night. Marcus was quick to follow, but his thoughts were a flurry, jumping from one thing to the next. He had to focus on the mission–whatever it was–but all he could see was Illusion. Illusion’s touch, his strength, his gentle demeanor, it was all rolled up into one frustrating man that Marcus couldn’t be without. 

“Spectre!” Illusion shouted past the wind. “The metal factory!”

Marcus furrowed his brows, ticking off villains in his head. The factory had been abandoned for years, but it was not without its valuables, left behind as its doors shut for good. 

“Of course,” Marcus muttered to himself as he veered off to the right. 

With Illusion a few buildings away from him, the two shot off, following the cacophonous booms and shakes. Police were circling the building, but none could make their way in, not with the entrance blocked by a massive sheet of ice. Diving in through a large shattered window, Marcus crouched down on the steel walkway, watching the sparks that flew as the villains cut through metal with mechanical saws.

“Looks like Helix is back in town,” Illusion whispered right next to Marcus’ ear and nearly caused Marcus to scream.

He shot a glare at Illusion before turning back to the scene, eyeing the workers that moved quickly from the cut metal to the moving trucks. 

Steadying his breath, Marcus embraced the shiver in his body as he became invisible. He let his fingers graze along Illusion’s hand, a small laugh bubbling up as the man tensed. Then with a nod, Illusion followed Marcus’ lead forming several images of himself that then scampered off in different directions.

“On three?” Illusion checked.

“On three,” Marcus replied and climbed over the railing. 

The countdown began and Marcus rushed at the closest workers, taking a few down with precise kicks and punches. The chaos began, yells echoing in Marcus’ ears as the enemy helplessly tried to hit him. Teasing them, Marcus appeared for a moment before vanishing again, sprinting toward the main target. Once Helix was taken out, the rest would be a piece of cake.

“Twenty!” illusion boasted as another one of his mirror images sent someone flying.

“Rich, considering I’ve got thirty five!” Marcus retorted.

He hadn’t been counting but he wasn’t going to let Illusion get the best of him. Smashing another face into the wall next to him, Marcus spotted his opening.

With Helix distracted, Marcus shot off, landing a blow across his face. The masked man stumbled back, shooting out a beam in Marcus’ direction. It grazed past Marcus’ ear, a ringing shaking his eardrums as he stumbled to the side. Just as he was ready to grab at Helix, one of Illision’s clones slammed into the villain, sending him to the ground. 

It was time to breathe a sigh of relief, even when the clone was blasted away. Then, Marcus saw the blood, the gaping wound on Illusion’s shoulder. All clones dissolved away, leaving the true Illusion bleeding out. Face contorting into anger, Marcus grabbed hold of Helix, his emotions letting his camouflage fall. The two struggled, punches and kicks thrown along a steel walkway. Blind rage fueled every one of Marcus’ moves yet no matter how hard he fought, Helix wasn’t going down. The mocking laughter from Helix cut Marcus down to his core, tearing down his morals one by one. Justice be damned, Marcus summoned a deep power within himself, stealing the very breath from Helix. As the villain struggled to breathe, Marcus held him up until Helix passed out before throwing him to the side. 

Chest heaving, Marcus thought to do more, but remembering Illusion shook him from his onslaught and he rushed over to the other hero. His body lay crumpled on the ground, blood painting the ground around him and he was still. Holding a hand to the wound on Illusion’s shoulder, Marcus lifted up his head, panic rising in his chest.

“Don’t fall asleep, back up is almost here,” Marcus tried to reassure, a lump forming in his throat. 

At this, Illusion’s eyes cracked open and he smiled weakly. “Worried about me?” Blood dribbled from the corner of his lip and he hacked up another clot, sending more red streams down his chin. 

“Of course I am!” Marcus exclaimed. Biting down on his lip, Marcus ignored the sting in his eyes, the ache in his chest. “I can’t lose you too.”

Confusion and heartbreak swarmed in Illusion’s eyes before he let out another grave laugh. “Never thought I’d hear that from you. Well, just in case I don’t make it…”

With all of his strength, Illusion dragged a hand up to his face and pulled his mask down. When familiarity hit Marcus square in the gut, he reached for his own mask, only to find his face bare, his identity lost between fighting Helix and rushing over to Illusion. There was no going back now. All Marcus could do was squeeze his eyes shut, pull Oliver close until their foreheads were touching. 

“Should’ve known it was you,” Marcus bit, his voice breaking on the last word. 

“Keep my secret?” Oliver rasped and Marcus nodded, fastening his mask back on for him. 

Sirens rang in his ears, lights flashed all around, and Marcus was numb as Oliver was taken from his arms, rushed away to the hospital. All he could focus on was the beat of his own heart, his struggle to understand all that had happened. 

He didn’t know how he had missed it. From the taunts on the field to their teasing as they saved the world again and again, it should’ve been obvious that Oliver had always been at his side, yet Marcus almost didn’t want to believe it. They were rivals, different as could be. Or maybe that was the lie Marcus tried to tell himself. He thought back to their night together, the attraction shared between them. Surely that wasn’t made out of hatred at all. 

When a violent shove to his shoulder snapped him to attention, Marcus glared at a medic fussing over him, mistaking his presence as an innocent bystander than one who had helped with the fight.

Marcus blinked and in a second all his senses came back full force. He tried to get to his feet only to find strong arms helping him up. 

“Easy there,” the medic warned, her face wrought with worry. “What were you doing here anyway?”

“I...homeless. Was going to stay the night here until all this happened,” Marcus stuttered through his lie. “Is Illusion…?”

“Not too sure, but he’s not one to go down easily. Do you need help finding a place to stay tonight?” The medic’s grip was still tight on Marcus and he gave a quick shake of his head.

He had to get to the hospital. Pretending he needed some water, Marcus then made his get-away. He shot off into the night, all but crashing into the hospital lobby when he finally got there. Several secret codes and barred doors later, Marcus finally made it to the room that held Oliver, several robotic machines crowded around the bed and fussing over him. 

Brown hair edged into his peripheral and Marcus waited for the doctor to speak first. 

Dr. Granger had set up this facility all on her own, specializing in healing those with powers, protecting their identities while under medical care. 

“Illusion had overused his powers, made too many clones,” Dr. Granger spoke, gentle but straightforward. As usual, her mind-reading took care of Marcus having to speak. “His body is finally catching up, but he will need to recover here for a few days.”

Nodding his understanding, Marcus then found himself with a decision he never had to make before. He could stay overnight, be there when Oliver awoke the next morning. Then again, they weren’t anything more than acquaintances. He didn’t owe anything to this man. 

Except, he did. 

Accepting himself, his powers, had been a nightmare for Marcus. He was ready to throw it all away when he first ran into Illusion. The man had been an annoyance, bugging Marcus with incessant questions. It was only with reluctance that Marcus allowed Illusion to see him for nights after that. 

Then, like a switch, everything changed. Marcus was happy, smiling, amongst all the competitions between himself and Illusion. Life was turning for the better and Marcus had fallen for the hero and the man behind the mask.

With a nod to Dr. Granger, Marcus edged into Oliver’s room, careful to not get in any robot’s way as he sat in the corner. Minutes passed by like an eternity and when the final robot left the room, Marcus dragged his chair over to the bedside and stared at Oliver’s sleeping figure. 

Had he not seen the wound, it would appear that Oliver was just resting after a hard fight. If only it was just so. Marcus sank, his worry tiring him as he replayed everything in his mind. Yes, Oliver would be okay, but how soon that would be was uncertain, eating away at Marcus’ heart. Surely there was something he could have done. He had almost taken care of Helix before everything went to hell. 

Exhaustion eventually took over and Marcus was woken suddenly by the clearing of a throat. Sitting up straight, Marcus hastily rubbed his eyes, wincing a little at the sunlight that poured into the room. When his vision focused, he was met by Oliver staring at him, the corner of his mouth quirked. The man didn’t look much better from the night before, pale face, tired eyes, but at least he was alive. 

“Sleep well?” Oliver rasped out. 

“No,” Marcus couldn’t help retort and then readjusted in his seat. “How are you?”

Oliver sighed, a slight hitch in his breath. “Could be worse. Been worse.”

Marcus could only imagine, nodding his understanding. An awkward silence filled the air causing Marcus to look away. Where to go from here was a mystery and Marcus was too tired to solve it. 

Both men wore matching frowns, trailing into their own thoughts. Marcus shot back to the one night stand, his muddled feelings hitting him like a truck. He liked Illusion. He didn’t hate Oliver. There was no need to keep him at arm’s length. Not anymore. 

“Alright,” Oliver spoke with conviction, shaking Marcus from his trailing mind. “What if after I’m all healed up, we meet up for drinks? One drink. You as Marcus, me as Oliver.”

“No masks, no secrets,” Marcus muttered to himself. 

“Exactly.”

Biting his tongue, Marcus summoned the courage to look at Oliver. His eyes were gentle, shining, and through everything, the past, the present, Marcus’ chest ached, his stomach churned. 

It wouldn’t hurt to try. 

Maybe, in this world of unknowns, Marcus could finally be okay. He could have a friend, something more, who truly understood the complex workings of a superhero’s life.

As Oliver’s hand reached out to him, Marcus met him halfway, their fingers lacing together. They didn’t have to solve everything now. 

For the moment, they could just linger and let their minds wander into the what-if’s that would soon await them outside of this little room.