#would rather 1 pair of leather boots last me 10+ years than a pair of plastic boots struggle to last me 2

[the-martyrfication-of-the-matron]

The vinyl on my vegan leather docs is CRUMBLING

Dying

[jean-does-not-have-a-horseface]

Only Time Makes It Human 3

Part 1 | Part 2

A/N: hi and sorry for the long wait, I had to squish my brain real hard to get this chapter out, but I hope you like it, I decided a chapter about growth wasn't enough and y'all gave me an idea for angst so I just splashed it there and we'll delve into it more on the next chapter. 10/10 the idea works well enough for me to bring Levi and reader together even more. So don't call me out on being random. This is raw, un fucking edited, I'll edit later 💗

Pairing: Levi/ Reader

Tags: modern au, college au

Warnings: mentions of blood

Special kudos if you figure out why I used this gif ;)

The problem with your feet being numb in the morning when you woke up wasn't supposed to phase you as much as it currently did, but the weathering cold that had barged its way to your room silently begged to have you feel something other than the everlasting whirlpool of regret.

Which was -unsurpisingly- something you had been spiraling into a lot lately.

Your ringtone -or rather the caller that had caused it to go off- nontheless remained mercilessly unforgiving to your current condition. The brute vibrations that accompanied your once favorite song ripped through the air and bounced on every wall inside your room before it wooshed inside your eardrums.

You fucking finally had to change that ringtone, you thought.

Your feet, moist and heavy as they buzzed with the aftermath of the coma-like sleep you had just gone through, struggled to wiggle from underneath the comfort of your blankets. Your hands instinctively rubbed the underside of your nose as you sniffled all the cold of the room around you. Throwing the blanket off of you, you groaned at the non stop ringing of your phone.

The few steps to your desk felt like an eternity of having to walk with a badgy weight on your feet, but the faint feeling in your body didnt come to an halt even after you picked the device in your hands. Your eyes couldn’t really adjust well to make out the ID of the caller, of course, sleep hadn't rubbed off your eye lids yet, but still you slid the emerald button to acceptance with no resistance.

“Hey” you sleepingly moaned.

“Hellooo! (Y/n)!” Hange called enthusiastically for the other line, her joyous voice piercing your eardrums “Where are you booo?”

“I just woke up why?” you yanwed.

Pacing your eyes around your room you noticed the dull daylight creeping in through your blinds, signaling the gloom of another potentially snowy day for Trost. You blinked as you took notice of the few articles of soon to reside in the laundry bin clothing as well as the dress that hung from your closet door.

And then, it all snapped.

“Oh. shit!”

Anxiety rushed through you like a bullet to the gut, gushing numbness and waves of cold sweat from the point of impact. Forcefully, you ripped your phone off your ear and double tapped at screen to make it light up. The date read December 25, and below it, laid numerous notifications of your alarm and even a pop up reminder from last night to not forget the food you had to take with you.

Thinking back to that, your head started spinning like crazy, the familiar, yet bizarre feeling of your stomach dropping overtaking you. You hadn't cooked, rather, you had spent all night drinking and sulking on your own, cursing yourself for all your choices up to date.

"Yes, oh shit!” Hnge laughed “Oh! You forgot?”

"Hangeeee stop screaming oh my god no I didn't forget, I'm on my way okay?"

A little yelp came out of your mouth as the cable of your charger prevented you from taking another step closer to your bedroom door; letting out a curse under your breath though you quickly unplugged your phone, and rushed over the mess of your room and out to your living room.

"But you said you just woke up."

"Ahhh," you scratched your head, feeling your loose t-shirt sliding down your shoulder "no!" You said, then in a sterner voice you repeated "No! I uhm, I was just-"

Your poor excuse to communicate after having just woken up didn't startled Hange. If anything, she seemed to find it amusing because she burst into joyous, bubbling laughter at the sound of your despair. And you couldn't blame her for it; were you under any other circumstance you would be laughing with yourself as well.

"It's fine. Erwin and I are making a cake for shorty so if you want to cook here you have plenty of time yet. I'm going to say it though, we could really use your pastry skill."

You let out a sigh as you took your phone off your ear and pressed on the speaker icon. Your hands worked fast to grip onto the hem of your shirt and then, even faster, they managed to pull it off of you in shift movements.

"I'm just going to have a shower, dress up and I'll be on my way. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes."

Hange exhaled in utter relief through the phone and you could practically feel her sheepish smile as Erwin shouted a big fat 'thank you' from the depths of his kitchen. Bringing out a hand to grap your shower cap -the only shower product you loathed using- you ripped the cap off its place on your cabinet and messily shoved all of your hair in it in rushed movements.

"Got any questions before I hit the shower Hange?"

"Please ask her" Erwin was heard and you cocked your head to the side at the sound.

"No Erwiin, we got it under control okay?"

"No we don't."

Shaking your head to prevent yourself from zoning out, you clicked your tongue before opening your mouth to address your two friends. Asking as to what they were referring to was easy, although it was obvious that Hange felt confident in succeeding in the task Erwin was referring to. Knowing Hange though, you thought you could guess perhaps what exactly was going on.

"Please don't mix food coloring with spinach juice to make the cake green like two years ago."

Erwin's laughter was pretty much evident through the other line as Hange went on blubbering about how she wasn't going to do it again giving extreme emphasis as to why she couldn't understand the reason it tasted bad in the first place but would go with what you said nevertheless. At that point Erwin was laughing hysterically, telling you how Hange was once again, indeed, thinking about it and the sound of his laughter grew even louder than Hange's words.

"Do you have food coloring?"

"Yes Hange I have food coloring."

"Plea-pleaee bring some. Dammit Erwin what's gotten into you- gotta go (y/n) see you in a while."

The beeping sound from the other line left you little to no time to properly reply to your friends with a much wanted greeting, though, you didn't think much of it. You were going to spend the whole day with them, so getting upset over not getting the chance to say goodbye over the phone wasn't something that should have caused guilt to spurt in you.

But surely, this wasn't the only cause of your overly bubbling guilt. The actual cause of the knot in your gut laid to the fact that within the time span of two weeks you had managed to to drag Levi and yourself into a rather steep rabbit hole. There was going to be a serious impact of your relationship with your friends had the two of you made it known to them; everyone would scold you -and they'd be right at that- and maybe this time they'd pick sides as to what wrong or not. And you didn't want that.

Although you secretly wished everyone went with Levi. Or at least you had come to the conclusion that that was what you deserved.

You had been feeling bothered and repulsed by what had caused you to make out with him that night, given the fact that you had been the one that initiated the kiss. And just as much, you had been feeling furious over Levi allowing this to ever happen. But looking back at it now, you couldn't say you regretted getting close to him even in such way. And that was probably the most infuriating thing of all.

Nevertheless, there was also the fact that you would be seeing Levi today and frankly you didn't know what to do with that. Should you act like everything was fine? Should you simply ignore him? Was Petra going to be with him?

Speaking of Petra it would be best if you straight up let her know of what had happened. Acting shady with another woman's man behind her back was outrageous for anyone to do and you hated being in that position like the next person.

Your stomach twisted dangerously at your spiraling thoughts, but you chose to ignore the tight knot, attributing the loud growl you had heard to one caused by your excessive hunger.

Perhaps, your shower was going to help you sort out your thoughts and intentions.

With a twist of your wrist the water started sprinting out of the tap in your shower. Your eyes were fixated on your phone, your thumb roaming through Spotify in hopes to find the perfect song to company your bath with. You simply said good for a Christmas playlist that Spotify suggested, tapping on that, a list of numerous jolly songs popped up in your screen and you simply pressed the big shuffle button before putting your head on your cabinet.

..

The walk to Erwin's house was very much and as previously expected, quiet. The sidewalks on your way were all covered in sugary white snow, decorating each different apartment complex in the non urban side of Trost along with the standard holiday decorations.

Taking a deep sigh you brought the back of your finger to the metallic button of Erwin's doorbell. Blinking rationally, you looked around at the marble front door frame of his apartment complex, your blood subtly rushing to your feet. You dragged the tip of your combat boot over the snow, curling your toes on the fuzzy material that covered the inside of the shoe.

You were beginning to become impatient as you waited on the doorframe, Erwin was taking way too long to open the door and you were practically freezing out there; the dress you wore did almost nothing to keep you warm. Despite you taking precautions by wearing a cardigan and the leather coat that you had snatched from your brother, the cold still pierced through your sheer black pantyhose, as if your efforts to stay warm were ridiculous.

The sound of footsteps was what startled you next but still your head didn't turn to the source of the buzzing noise. Your nose simply nuzzled to the scarf you had wrapped around yourself as you rubbed your face onto its warm fleece material.

"Uh, hi."

This time you could help but turn around to check who had thrown a greeting at you.

A familiar puff of ginger hair greeted you as you snuck your nose out of the edge of your scarf, two big and round hazel eyes stared right at you as you blinked rapidly back at them.

Great. Just great.

"Hey."

Petra wiggled her nostrils once to the left and then to the right, seemingly scratching the awkwardness in the atmosphere away. She blinked her eyes a few times into yours, her lips pursing together slightly as if she was coming up with a good comeback to your greeting, yet it never came.

"uhm, what's up?"

Your fingers slightly clutched the edges of your coat, crossing over your chest as you felt your jaw start clattering. Your pupils gathered at the corners of your eyes, catching small glimpses of Petra as you eyed her up and down.

She too had opted for a cardigan and a dress. A very safe choice if you were in a place to express your opinion but hers, despite being adorned with numerous tiny and dainty coral and red flowers, looked so thin and tule like and it barely covered her thighs, so much that you felt a pinch of concern run through you that you were slow to decide on whether you wanted to brush off or not.

"I'm.. good." She managed to let out, but you noticed how her lip trembled.

She was definitely shivering, if that wasn't concerning enough you didn't know what was, and she looked so frail and out of place that she could definitely beat you at it. Plus, the lack of a warm jacket struck somewhat of a nerve at you. Even feeling so much guilt over being in her presence you couldn't help but feel your motherly friend instincts wash over you; why wasn't she wearing something warmer? And why were you seconds away from taking off your jacket to offer it to her when you knew she wouldn't even accept it.

"Damn, Erwin's sure taking long, do you want my jacket?"

"Uh-"

Once again and mostly out of instinct, your finger tapped over the metallic button, covered by the edge of your sleeve. Suddenly, the familiar buzz of the intercom growled in your eardrum and you shook your head to its direction automatically.

"I'm so sorry!" Erwin said. "Come in!"

"Hey Erwin!" Petra spoke before you had a chance to say your wanted reply.

Even if you couldn't see him, you knew how shocked of an expression he was wearing.

Taking the few steps into the apartment complex's yard, you rushed to the next door and waited for the known buzz which signaled that Erwin had finally let you inside. With awkwardness spread over your face though, you pushed your lips into a thing line, holding the door back as you signaled to Petra that she should be the first to come inside.

"Thank you." She muttered.

"No prob."

You watched as Petra hesitated to push the elevator button; with a set of trembling fingers her palm rested only a few inches before the metallic button that was lit in a red arrow. With another smile you came closer to her and went to check in which floor the elevator was currently at. Whether she flinched intentionally or not, you didn't know.

"Wanna share a lift? It'll be a while till it comes down again." You offered.

"Uhm, yeah okay."

Once she responded, Petra tapped onto the elevator button with her thumb.

Petra looked at you and clung onto the edged of her cardigan once again. You took notice of how she looked a little more casual and unkept, despite being dressed on point; the lack of a jacket and her tousled naturally wavy bob betrayed an unwillingness to be present to today's event and it's was painfully obvious.

"I'd like to" Petra hesitated, "I'd like to talk to you about something."

"Oh sure, what is it about?"

"It's about Levi."

Dead silence fell as Petra didn't dare turn her gaze to your direction. The little screen over the elevator button still showed that your lift was taking long to come down as if it mocked you, but you couldn't find it in you to tap into the button once again.

"Would you like to grab some coffee with me tomorrow?"

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

To say that you were panicked would be an exaggeration and probably a degradation to Petra's feelings. Her breathing was heavier than your own, frankly because for her it must have been even more uncomfortable than it was for you. You couldn't blame her for that.

Nonetheless you couldn't help but be genuinely curious as to what she had wanted to tell you? It was evident that she knew something. What's slipped you was whether or not she want to bash you for your actions.

She had every right to do so.

"Yeah. Of course, uhh, tomorrow sounds good."

....

Christmas day wasn't as bad as you had expected it to be when Hange had announced to you that Levi would be coming alone with Petra.

For starters, the food was in plehtora; Erwin had cooked your jolly favorite roasted chicken, Mike and Nanaba had brought an enormous plate of their creamiest, most mouth watering souffle, Levi had made some god tasty pumpkin soup and Hange had taken actually good care of fixing a custom non alcoholic cocktail to each one of you.

All of this drool worthy deliciousness had caused, and non surprisingly at that, your body to submit in that peaceful demi slumber that tagged along with the fullness of your tummy. Frankly, it had been so long since you had enjoyed such a good meal and you didn't think you would be enjoying another one until Mikasa's birthday.

Thus, the cool evening sir that entered the room when Erwin opened the window door to the balcony, found you laying on the floor right next to the tangerine fire that danced in the fireplace. You could faintly feel Nanaba's hand scratch at the roots of your hair, her almond tipped nails slowly running in purringly mellow lines over your sculp that sent you to pure delight.

Levi's eyes danced over your form more than he'd like to admit so. Ever so slightly his pupils would travel up and down your thighs and calfs, examining the material of your sheer back pantyhose but whatever emotion overcame him wasn't the animalistic lust he had expected to feel.

He felt rather guilty. And not only for staring at your legs. For bringing himself upon the situation he was in.

It wasn't easy to think with a throbbing head but in Levi's world this poor condition was translated as a prompt to try to get out of whatever shithole he had found himself in. Maybe. Because there was also a certain part inside of him that bashed him to no end about his previous and degrading actions to both Petra's and his person, which part he completely and rationally justified.

With a quick glance at Petra, Levi brought his hand to his face to hopefully wipe any of the numbness his guilt had got him feeling. Petra seemed to enjoy herself as per usual. With her soft smiles and the mellow sway of her hair over her shoulder, she'd often reach for the hem of her white wooly cardigan to cover her shoulder while cooing into the soft material and onto the side of the couch she was seating in.

It would be hard for anyone to guess that the two of them had broken up.

She was unsurprisingly sitting as far off him as she could; the fact that they hadn't announced to anyone they had broken up because they didn't want the Christmas party at Erwin's to be ruined didn't mean she owned Levi to act like his faithful and bubbly dog.

It happened that night after he had stood her up at the movies.

Levi had gathered all of his determination and had managed to push all thoughts aside from the back of his brain, as he was despairate to ignore that feeling your make out session had brushed on him. He had walked up to Petra, all dissolved and stoic, his chest swelling with anxiety. He had stared at her with an agape mouth, he had been muttering words so honest that he felt were fatally brute and Petra had digested them all without any difficulty.

And before he knew it, he was over and done.

Petra hadn't cried, she hadn't wept, she had only answered him with a smile that she'd rather just be friends with him if things weren't going to work between them.

And to an extended it tortured the ravenette, mostly because he remembered the hurt look in her face before she had managed to hide it with her usual mellow smile.

Taking another sigh, Levi stared at Petra's hand while she played silently with the lettuce hem of her dress. Her hazel orbs were fixed on you, who laid before the fireplace like a stray cat on the tire of car during a snowy day. Levi couldnt exactly place the exact emotion behind Petra's expression, though it would be perceived by most as a saddened one. There were specs of regret gathering at the corners of her eyes, reluctance gathered at her slightly puckered lips and a hint of determination to the front tips of her eyebrows.

Maybe Petra's inner strength was something that Levi deeply admired.

Levi made no effort whatsoever to reach out to her to ask what was going on, not even to show some seemingly convern. The more he looked at Petra, the more it felt utterly wrong for him to simply stand next to her, knowing what he had do behind her back. Whether he loved her or not, it wasn't like him to be caught up in such stupid drama.

"Shorty!"

Levi looked up to an enthusiastic Hange with much tousled hair and a big grin on her face that spread from one ear to another. With another, more thorough glance, he quickly became aware of the cake in her hands; a cake covered in white frosting, decorated with soft pastel green letters that wrote a simple birthday wish to his person. He couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"For you!" Hange smiled further "Erwiiin, come light up the candles!"

Looking around the room he noticed how all of his friends' gazes were on him. Mike and Nanaba remained cuddled on the couch opposite to the one he was on, Petra was mellowy smiling at his eith her cherry lips pressed into a thin line and you were fiddling with what seating arrangement was most comfortable for you at the moment.

"We're celebrating another year where you went up in age and down in height, how delightful." Mike commented, causing laughter to spark between the small group of people around you.

After the spur of happiness died out your eyes met with Levi's, briefly and then they traveled anywhere else in the room altogether.

"Let's light up the candles!" Smiled Erwin as he flicked the small metallic button of his lighter.

"I don't want too many, shit. The last time you took my lungs out."

"Not our fault that you're old Levi!" You spoke, earning a half smile by the ravenette.

"Very old!" Hange agreed.

"Tch, I'm only turning twenty six shut your shitty mouths!"

The warm light of the fire licked each waxed strip of wick that hung from the candles, illuminating Hange's face in warm orange light. Once done with lighting up the candles, Erwin plopped himself in between Levi and Petra, crossing his hands over his knees as he shifted his bottom in the most uncomfortable seating on a couch you had ever witnessed.

You merely caught a glimpse of Hange kneeling before Levi as you dragged your gaze over to Petra, fixating it on her for the thousandth time this evening.

There only was one thing in your head that bounced between the crevices of your brain like crazy. Just one simple words that held so much behind it.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow you were going to apologize to Petra and try to make amends. Being the despicable toxic person you had turned into didn't suit you. Owing up to your mistakes was the first step to redemption and you weren't afraid to take it.

As you fell into a spiral of thoughts and guesses about tomorrow though, you couldn't help but subtly ignore the cheerful sing alone to Levi's birthday song.

.....

"Thank you for coming!"

Petra's hair was messily swaying all over her face, falling a direct victim to the frozen December air, yet she smiled as if nothing was going on.

The park around you was covered in snow. White was primarily the color that was plastered on everything, save for the dry stems of trees that were once covered in forest green leaves.

Your peeping hot coffee did nothing to warm up your hands, despite your best wishes and in the moment you had called victim to some specs of jealousy over Petra's gloved hands as they rubbed soothing over her own coffee.

"Of course, I had been meaning to talk to you as well."

"Oh you did?" Petra spoke with her eyebrows following the little surprise that was masking her tone. "To be honest, I didn't think you'd come."

"Yeah about that-"

"Can I please go first?" Petra cut you off.

Her huge hazel eyes that blinked into yours from your left side left you little to no space to deny her wish. Thus, by taking a sigh, you pushed past the quick beating of your heart and gestured her to go first with a kind smile on your face.

"Okay oof, thanks!" Petra huffed "look. Levi and I broke up. Now I know that you'll say it doesn't concern you, and frankly it'd be ideal if it didn't, but I know it does, because Levi explained to me what happened."

At that Petra slightly paused.

Naturallye first thing that came to your mind was the need to express an apology. Although, you weren't that sure if Petra would perceive the apology as sincere, you felt like you ought to give one to her. Yet her eyes blinked into yours further as she took another turn down the path you were walking on and you wordlessly followed asuit.

"I love Levi you know," she sighed "but Levi loves you. You're not over each other and it's painfully obvious, I mean you did just collided to eachother quite literally, not giving a single care about whether you couldn't have each other or not."

A sheer red colored tint painted your cheeks at her words.

Your skin pricked you, burning up a stingingly painful path to all of the pores on your face as shame took the form of an earth shattering wave. Your heart started heaping beats, hollering into the depths of your chest and you could hear it bounce inside your eardrums as if your whole body was hollow save for the jolting organ and the echo of the sound it made was bouncing around each fleshy wall.

Petra was right and you couldn't help but accept but stand the as she was lightning you with her words.

"It hurts to see that someone that I love doesn't love me back but it hurts more to see that you two are very miserable without eachother. I really thought you were a bitch you know."

At the sound of that, you let out a startled laugh.

"Me?"

"Yeah, you just gave us looks when we'd shoe up together somewhere or you'd simply leave, but I don't like turning my back on people and judging them like that. I'm in no place to judge anyone a coping mechanism."

Petra sighed. Her fingers curled strongly onto her cup, while her left palm went to support the cup by the bottom as she angled it on her lips. She made a tiny gulping noise as she drank a sip from her latte, her nose crinkling up as the hot beverage brushed over her sensitive tongue. In turn, you sipped similarly, mimicking Petra just hoping it would serve as a sign for her to go on with her speech.

"I might be hurt, but I vouch to help you and Levi resolve what's going on and get back together."

"You do?"

"Mhm"

"Petra I, I don't know what to say you- you're a literal angel." You admit and the guilt in your stomach only growled in its awakening.

You and Levi had hurt a wonderful person. Petra didn't need to be nice to you, she didn't need to offer to help you with anything but once you made yourself step inside her shoes you were able to see why she had perceived you the way that she initially had.

"I'm sorry."

Your voice was silent and stripped of any emotion other than shame yet Petra was beaming at you in response.

Her warm smile was elegant and comforting as she stared at you, taking another gulp of her drink with a soft giggle. Your eyes were locked with hers, saddened (e/c) irises staring into her hazel ones, as she smiled even more little by little.

It was strange.

There was a different kind of bubbling inside your chest and you knew because your heart wasn't hammering anymore, not was your stomach trying to be ripped apart in tiny pieces after it vored into your other intestines. You felt serene, at peace even.

It clicked to you that this is what must feel to be forgiven.

"It's fine, plus you guys kinda deserve each other." Petra laughed at your chocked inhale, pressing a comforting, gloved palm to your shoulder. "I'd rather find my happiness when I'm not in between two people that struggle to find theirs."

Petra nuzzled to the comfort of her jacket, giving you a scrunched up bunny smile. You knew it's not that she hoped you could be best friends after this. She simply wanted to make sure that she could do her best to help two people find happiness. And it wasn't all that bad, you figured. You didn't know what you would do were you in her place.

In a way, you admired Petra for being so strong.

"Besides, girls shouldn't bring down other girls."

"Yeah, and I'm sorry about what I did behind your back. I own up to my mistake. I can't take it back but I can promise that I won't become this toxic ever again."

You shot an apologetic side smile at her as you followed her tracks.

Taking a new look in your surroundings, you deeply inhaled the cold air, filling your lungs in shivering winter freshness. A few specs of snow were adorning Petra's hair as the fell from the sky in a dainty manner, licking the stray threads that popped from her wooly gloves.

There definitely was a commotion a few blocks away. You could hear sirens go off not so far from your spot but you chose to ignore them, it was typical for a city person to filter out unnecessary noise, and having to live in Trost added tons to what you had to filter or not.

"It's December twenty six and the two is back to being a Mayhem." Petra sighed.

"It's like we're Gotham or some shit."

"Gotham?" Petra blinked at you, earning a gasp from you.

"Step one to being the friend of someone who's majoring in comics-"

"Oh, friends yay!"

Shaking your head, to ignore the child like enthusiasm, you continued, "Please know the most well known fictional city, it's Batman's city too."

"OH!" Petra's mouth fell agape as she took in the information, but she quickly giggled again as she saw that you easily took a gulp of your beverage "you're right."

For what seemed like a second you felt at peace once again. Petra bubbled about how she wanted to apologise to Levi about her rather cold behavior last night, and explained in the most non detailed way how it was the memory of the passing of her mother that had caused her to become this grumpy.

"Don't worry Petra! But beware, you could be turning into Levi version two point oh and-"

A loud sound startled you, sending both you and Petra back a few steps. Dumbfounded, you stared at each other and around you, locking eyes with different by passers that were just as shocked as you.

"Maybe we should go back!" Petra suggested. You simply nodded, hearing a good amount of running footsteps coming to the direction of the block you were in. In any way, getting caught up with a manhunt wasn't in your plans for today

"Yeah maybe we shou-"

Your words were cut off absurdly, harshly and shockingly all together. As gunmetal orbs locked with yours, your eyelids shot open, hour mouth dropping to the snow covered concrete.

"Levi?"

Wait, Levi? That was actually so random

Before you could manage to process what was going on around you, or why on earth Levi had just popped up from the alley right across you another head splitting sound filled the air.

Levi -yes, this was indeed Levi, you just didn't really know how to process this- collapsed on his knees like a rag doll, his torso and head giving in to the exhaustion of his body. Once he fell, you stood frozen, shieldimg Petra with one hand as the two of you watched in horror while crimson started littering the sugary snow.

"Call an ambulance." You spoke dryly, eyes still wide with horror.

The people who had seemed to be after Levi quickly fell onto the hands of the hands of a handful of police men who were on their tracks, but you couldn't care to look at their faces. You just run towards Levi, always followed by a petrified Petra, your feet giving in as you kneeled right next to him, your fingers gingery ghosting over him just to inspect what was his condition.

You listened as Petra spoke with the emergency center in horror, explaining what was the scene before her eyes while struggling to keep herself from trembling.

"What's going on?" Shy muttered once she detached the phone off her ear.

"I'm pretty sure now is not the right time for a story, but Levi used to be in a street gang in his teens."

"Oh boy."

Oh boy indeed.

Here's your gentle reminder that constructive criticism makes me cry because I'm a baby

Taglist: @sasageyowrites @liddolwhynot2000 @ackermans-freedom-inc @callmepromise @nobody-knows-anymore @levisbrat25 @thethyri @hawkssnugget @berrijam @melancholicmonologue

[bedlamsbard]

Part 14 of the other side AU concept! I know roughly when I want to pause and go back to section one to do revisions for AO3, but until then, concept writing, as I’m enjoying how low pressure this is at the moment.  This section is for very important family feelings.

Previous: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 

About 6.5K below the break.

***

Ezra woke up sluggishly, aware immediately that he was on a starship and that he wasn’t in his usual bunk. He could hear someone else breathing in the same room, but that could have meant anything; since the Chimaera had crashed he had been sleeping in the same makeshift barracks as the remaining death troopers.  He kept his eyes closed, unwilling to reach out into the Force and disappoint himself after what had undoubtedly been another dream of rescue.  He had had a lot of those over the past six years.

Eventually he opened an eye, frowning up at the surface of the top bunk above him – not the ceiling of the Scylla wardroom the death troopers were all sleeping in.  He turned his head slowly, wincing as the movement jarred pain up and down his neck.

Kanan said quietly, “How are you feeling?”

Ezra sat up so quickly he practically concussed himself on the top bunk.  Groaning, he clapped a hand to his forehead, staring at Kanan as the other man unfolded himself from his meditation cushion and came over to him. “You’re real,” Ezra whispered.

He put his free hand out to grab Kanan���s arm.  Kanan was solidly real beneath his fingers, muscle and flesh there beneath the fabric of his shirtsleeve.  He didn’t look the way he usually did in Ezra’s dreams, either; most of the past six years didn’t show on his face, but his hair was cropped shorter than it had ever been except for that last day, his beard cut close against his jaw.  That familiar scar still cut across his white eyes, taking a nick out of the top of his nose.  The metal bracers on his forearms were unfamiliar, painted green with the claw symbol from his old pauldron in white on them.

Ezra hung onto him, trying and failing not to cry.  “You’re real,” he said again, then managed to wake up enough to remember the events of the previous day and a half.  “It was all real.”

He crumpled forward into Kanan’s arms with rather less dignity than he would have preferred, his tears quickly soaking through the shoulder of Kanan’s shirt.  Kanan held him closely, a solid, reassuring bulwark in the Force; all Ezra wanted to do was bask in the warmth of that strength. He was real.  He was real. And here – they were all here.  He was on the Ghost.

“You were – gone,” he said irrationally, the words muffled by the fact he still had his face buried in Kanan’s shoulder.  “You were dead.”

“I got better,” Kanan said gravely, with hint of his old humor. “It didn’t take.”

Ezra finally raised his head, wiping a hand over his tear-streaked face. “You were dead,” he said again.  “You’ve been dead.  I – I felt it.  And I felt – I felt you come back.  But how –” He thought about the World Between Worlds again, the way he had a thousand times over the years, trying to decide if it would have been as awful as Ahsoka had claimed it would be if he had just done it, grabbed Kanan the way he had her.  He touched Kanan gingerly with his mind, wondering if he could sense the strange energy of that place on him, but all he could feel was Kanan.

“It’s a long story,” Kanan said. “And Hera had probably better tell most of it, since she can decide what’s too classified to talk about and I probably shouldn’t.”

Ezra frowned. “But it’s – you, isn’t it?  From – from then.”  He couldn’t say the words out loud, not when he still had nightmares about it.  He thought he probably always would have those nightmares.

Kanan nodded. “Yes.”

“But – I felt – back on Lothal – the Loth-wolves –”

Kanan arched an eyebrow.

“It’s why we went to the temple, when the Empire was tearing it up – studying it,” Ezra tried to explain. “I saw – I felt – you, back then.  If you weren’t dead –”

Kanan sighed. “Ezra, I don’t have an explanation for everything,” he said gently. “The Force works in ways that we can’t always understand – that we aren’t capable of understanding.  And – I know this one pretty personally right now – the Force doesn’t understand space and time in the way that we do.  Space and time don’t exist in the Force in the same way that we live it.  More than one thing can be true at the same time.  And death doesn’t mean the same thing in the Force that it does to us – not when we’re in this form, at least.”

Ezra flinched. “I don’t understand,” he said, always a safe thing to say with Kanan.

“I don’t either,” Kanan said. “The Jedi teach that we are the Force made flesh.”  He lifted his hands, flexing long fingers bared by his fingerless gloves. “We occupy this flesh, but it isn’t what we are.  We’re the Force, and the Force is more than one thing at once.  It’s all things at all times.  It’s one reason we can see possible futures and the past as it could have been, and the present as it might still be somewhere else.”

Ezra scrubbed a hand beneath his eyes again. “I don’t understand,” he repeated. “But – I’m really glad you’re here.”

Kanan grinned. “So am I.”

Ezra hugged him again, hard enough that his abused muscles protested, then sat back heavily on the bunk. “And I feel like I got tossed around by a krykna,” he groaned. “And then stepped on by an AT-AT.”

“For what it’s worth, you don’t look it,” Kanan said, and Ezra groaned again.

“I’ll wait on that until someone else can weigh in,” he said. “Are there clothes around here?” He looked around vaguely, trying to remember what had happened after they had arrived at the Ghost.  He was clean, so he must have showered; he was also wearing a shirt and underwear that weren’t Imperial-issue, and he was sincerely hoping he had put them on himself. He blinked again, finally realizing that he was in Kanan’s cabin.

Kanan leaned over, picked something up, and passed him a pile of fabric. “That should fit,” he said. “There was some guessing involved, but we were all feeling optimistic.”

“You have no idea how glad I’ll be not to wear something that doesn’t have the Imperial seal or the words ‘property of the Galactic Empire’ on it somewhere,” Ezra said.  He ran a hand over his hair, then pulled the strips of leather free and finger-combed it before he pulled it back again.

Kanan started to get up. Ezra grabbed at his arm and said, “Don’t –”

Don’t go, he almost said. Don’t leave me.

Kanan stopped. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said gently. “I thought you might want some privacy.”

Ezra shrugged vaguely. He had been living in a durasteel box for six years and then being watched every time he was outside that box, and he didn’t have a good grasp on the concept anymore.  Either way, the idea of letting Kanan out of his sight for more than a few moments felt like torture just now.

He got dressed while Kanan sat on the meditation cushion, pulling on the boots they had gotten him – more or less identical to his old pair, which had died an ignominious death a few years ago on one of the planets Thrawn had dragged him down to.  It felt unbelievably good not to have a single piece of Imperial-issue gear on him, not even the blaster he had brought with him from Chimaera Camp.  It was there; he just didn’t want to put it on, not yet.

When he finished and turned back, it was to find Kanan offering his outstretched hand.  Ezra froze, his eyes fixed on what lay across his master’s open palm.

“You don’t need a lightsaber to be a Jedi Knight,” Kanan said, “but it’s always nice to have one.”

Ezra reached for it, stopping with his fingers hovering just over the hilt. He could sense the kyber crystal there, attuned to him and eager to be back in his presence.  Then he looked up at Kanan, startled. “Jedi Knight?”

“You’ve had your trials,” Kanan said. “Even if I wasn’t here for them.”

Ezra bit his lip, fighting back the urge to start crying again.  He took the lightsaber from Kanan, weighing it in his palm before he turned it upright and ignited the blade.  It hummed between them, green plasma illuminating the shadows on Kanan’s face.  They lay calmly, with nothing odd or unnatural about them, except the reflection of the blade in his white eyes, like a ghost of his vanished vision.

Ezra deactivated the lightsaber. “I don’t know what to say,” he said, his voice a little shaky.

Kanan put a hand on his shoulder, smiling. “You don’t have to say anything,” he said.

Ezra put the lightsaber carefully onto his belt, then hugged Kanan again.  When he pulled back, he said, “Hey, does this make you a Master?”

Kanan blinked. “I guess,” he said; the thought had clearly never crossed his mind.  He slung an arm around Ezra’s shoulders and said warmly, “Come on, let’s get some food in you before we have to decide what to do about Thrawn and the Yuuzhan Vong.”

“Leave them to each other,” Ezra grumbled, but he didn’t mean it; he was more than half-afraid that Thrawn had somehow already talked himself into an alliance with the Vong. His impression was that the Vong didn’t believe in alliance, only domination, but it wasn’t as though he had all that much to base that on.  The only time he had ever actually interacted with the Vong they had been trying to kill each other; he had seen enough of what they left behind to dislike the wreckage, though.

He leaned against Kanan’s shoulder, drawing strength from him.  It almost felt as though no time had passed at all; they could have been back on Lothal or Garel or Atollon, the future still open and brimming with possibility.  As nice as the illusion was, though, Ezra knew it was just that.  For a Jedi, six years was nothing; a heartbeat; a breath; an eye blink.  He and Kanan had walked back into what they had been without much more than a moment’s thought; the distance wasn’t there, but it didn’t meant that the time hadn’t passed.

He started to pull away, then glanced down, distracted, and said, “That’s not your lightsaber.  I mean – that’s not your old lightsaber?”

Kanan released it to touch two fingers to the top of the hilt, then said, “That’s part of the long story that’s classified.”

Ezra felt his shoulders slump. “Because I’ve been with the Empire for six years.”

“No, because it’s top secret and involves another universe.”

Ezra blinked at him. “Um – wait, you mean Sabine was serious about that?”

Kanan arched an eyebrow, bemused. “Hera or I will give you the highlights later.  Come on.”

Ezra followed him out into the hallway. It looked unchanged from how he remembered it last, just slightly battered, with the scent of fresh paint and hot metal heavy in the air.  He said, “Is Sabine painting her armor again?”

“If you’d woken up a little earlier you’d have heard her banging away at the portable forge in the engine room,” Kanan said. “I think she’s personally offended about it.”

Ezra bit his lip. “Do you know anything else that can cut through beskar?  A lightsaber can’t.”

“Not off the top of my head,” Kanan said thoughtfully, rubbing a thumb over the edge of his left vambrace.

Ezra glanced at it, wondering if his vambraces were beskar and if so, how he had managed that; he had gotten the impression from Sabine that it was the worst kind of sacrilege for anyone other than a Mandalorian to wear beskar armor.

He still felt tired, sleep alone not being enough to erase the previous day’s exertions or do anything except make his aches and bruises settle more firmly into his abused muscles. Ezra rubbed a hand over the back of his neck and winced as the motion pulled at his bad shoulder.

As he had half been expecting, everyone else was in the common room; Hera and Zeb looking at a hologram of the Yuuzhan Vong encampment and Sabine sitting on the floor surrounded by paint jars and pieces of armor, Chopper peering over her shoulder.  They all looked up as the door slid open.

Ezra froze, self-conscious. Looking at them, he could tell time had passed in a way that was less obvious with Kanan; all three of them carried the passage of years that Kanan lacked.  In the previous night’s bad light, he hadn’t noticed it, but the harsh overhead lights picked out the scars dimpling the fur on Zeb’s left arm, the laugh-lines at the corners of Hera’s eyes, the sharpness of Sabine’s cheekbones. It dulled the fiery reds and oranges of her hair, pulled back for the moment as she worked; she already had flecks of paint on her chin and the front of her tank top.

“Hey,” he said awkwardly.

Hera got up as Zeb shut off the holotable and came over to hug him.  She was a tall woman, and Ezra was relieved to find that he wasn’t taller than her now.  She was also reassuringly sturdy as he returned the embrace, with a spray of small scars along the line of her left cheekbone and at the corner of her eye, as if the visor of her flight helmet had shattered and cut her.

“How are you feeling?” she asked him, stepping back but keeping one hand on his shoulder.

“Like I got stepped on by an AT-AT,” Ezra told her.  His stomach rumbled and he flushed, but all she did was smile. “How long was I asleep?”

“It’s about dinner time anyway,” Kanan said from behind him.

Ezra stepped out of the doorway so that Kanan could move past him into the common room, pausing to kiss Hera briefly before he crossed to the galley beyond.  He stepped around the tarp Sabine had spread out to protect the floor from her paints; Ezra resisted the urge to follow him just so that he wouldn’t be out of his sight for more than a few moments.

Hera released him and moved back so that Zeb could lift Ezra off his feet in an embrace that took the breath out of him. “Took you long enough,” he said after he had set Ezra back down and made an attempt to ruffle his hair, which didn’t work as well now as it had a decade earlier.

“It’s not my fault!” Ezra protested before he remembered that it absolutely was his fault. “Okay, I mean – what, did you want me to bring the Chimaera back?  Because Thrawn did, and he thought I could do it, too.”

Zeb scowled, presumably confronted with whatever the Seventh Fleet’s return would have done to the war at any point in the past six years, and clapped Ezra on the back again, making him stagger.

Sabine got up, wiping her hands down the sides of her pants; they didn’t leave a mark, so the paint on her palms must already be dry.  Ezra eyed her warily, then did a double-take and said, “Wait, did you already change your hair since last night?”

She shrugged, unrepentant. “I was doing my armor anyway, so I thought I might as well.”  She punched him lightly in the shoulder and said, “Besides, you’re one to talk.”

“My hair’s fine!” Ezra yelped indignantly.  Then he grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, bemused by the unexpected novelty of not having her armor dig into him. “And that’s my bad shoulder,” he added, releasing her.

Sabine looked startled. “Since when do you have a bad shoulder?”

“Since I got shot in it!”

“When did you get shot?” Kanan demanded from the door to the galley.

“Several times,” Ezra said; he vaguely remembered telling them about the time he’d been shot in the head – he’d managed to knock the blaster off-center, which was the reason he hadn’t had his brains blown out across the Chimaera’s starboard hangar deck.  Aside from that particular occasion, most of his blaster wounds came from a combination of being shot by enemies and being shot by stormtroopers who didn’t particularly care if they hit him or what they were supposedly aiming at. He had found out the hard way that some stormtroopers actually could aim.

He rubbed a hand over the old injury and admitted, “This time was on the Chimaera six years ago, over Lothal.  I wasn’t exactly at the top of the list to see a medical droid or a doctor afterwards.”

He looked away so that he didn’t have to see the distress or pity on their faces, though he could still feel it reverberate in the Force.  Kanan broke the sudden silence in the room by saying, “Dinner’s ready.”

Ezra excused himself to go to the refresher, which still bore the obvious detritus of Sabine’s hair-dyeing endeavors.  He stared down at the residue of dye swirling down the drain as he washed his hands, uncomfortably aware of how much it looked like blood.  He’d washed blood off his hands before, quite literally; he knew that the dye remnants were lighter and brighter, more orange.  It still made his spine crawl.

He forced himself to look up at the mirror instead, which didn’t make him feel any better.  Being back on the Ghost made him expect to see the boy who had last been here six years ago, not the man with the lines at the corners of his eyes or the scars where a razor bug had nearly cut his throat.  He had two days’ worth of stubble on his jaw, too, patchy on his scarred cheeks and chin.  Ezra met his own eyes, then looked down at the sink again.  Most of the dye had washed away by now, at least.

He dried his hands and went to join the others in the galley, struck suddenly by the savory scent of freshly cooked food.  “That’s definitely not grayweave,” he announced, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe.

Kanan turned a bemused eye on him, his eyebrows quirking. “As the person who made it, no, it’s definitely not grayweave.”

“You’ve been eating grayweave?” Sabine demanded, appalled.

Grayweave was a single-cell-organism-based food that could be manufactured cheaply off any kind of organic matter; the Chimaera had had a dozen grayweave reactors onboard in case of emergencies. As far as Ezra was concerned, “food” was pushing the description, but it was better than starving.  Marginally.

“Star destroyers only carry supplies for three years,” he explained, pushing off the door and coming over to sit down at the table.  “They did some hunting and trading whenever we were near a planet that could support life, but that’s not that easy when you’re talking about forty thousand people. Or even twenty thousand.”

“Mmm,” Kanan said neutrally, setting the last bowl on the table and sliding into a seat next to Hera. “I’ve eaten grayweave.  I think cannibalism’s preferable.”

Hera elbowed him and made a moue of disgust. “Let’s not talk about cannibalism at the table, shall we?” she said, half-standing to ladle fragrant red broth from the steaming pot at the center of the table into her bowl of noodles, then Kanan’s.  She handed the ladle off to Sabine, sitting on her other side, and started adding toppings from the array of small plates that filled the remainder of the table as Kanan did the same.

Ezra would happily have eaten the noodles with or without the broth and toppings, but he waited until the ladle came around to him anyway, then added some of every topping. There was thinly sliced meat that cooked in the hot broth, several kinds of sprouts, pickled vegetables, some spiced dried seaweed, and something that he vaguely recognized as a kind of dried sea urchin that started to disintegrate as soon as it touched the liquid. Other bits of reconstituted vegetables floated in the broth, whose spicy, savory steam filled the air.

He took the cup of tea that Zeb poured for him, took a few sips, and tried not to sigh in sheer relief before he found a place for it on the crowded table.  It had been a long time since he had tasted anything with actual flavor.

Even though he had eaten Kanan’s cooking before, he still wasn’t expecting how spicy the broth was. He managed to keep from coughing and had to drink the rest of his tea before going back to the broth and noodles, managing the eating sticks with more difficulty than the spoon with his deep bowl.  The noodles cut the heat of the broth, as did some of the toppings; after a few minutes Ezra got back most of his facility with the eating sticks and settled down to the food.  After the long day and night they had all had, all five of them ate in near silence except for occasional requests to pass the teapot or for some of the plates of toppings.  Kanan got up once to get more noodles for those who wanted them, which was nearly everyone; they’d all had a long day.

Afterwards, once the dishes were cleared away for someone to scrub out later, they returned to the common room with cups of tea or fruit juice.  Ezra took the juice because he found tea fine with meals like the one they had just had, but hadn’t had anything that even vaguely resembled a fruit or vegetable in years.

Hera leaned back into the curve of Kanan’s arm, holding her teacup between her hands, and said, “We need to decide what to do about the Imperials.”

“Leave them here and go home,” Sabine said promptly.  When they all looked at her, she shrugged and said, “What?  This is a little bigger than we’re really equipped to deal with – we’re out here to do reconnaissance, we’ve done it, let’s pass it back to New Republic Intelligence to figure out the rest of it.”

“We are New Republic Intelligence,” Hera reminded her. “And I can’t exactly tell General Cracken or the Provisional Council that we didn’t even bother to talk to Captain Pellaeon or ascertain that Yuuzhan Vong really do have hostile intent.”

“They felt pretty hostile to me,” Zeb grumbled, at the same time Ezra said, “Oh, trust me, they have hostile intent.”

Hera flicked a glance at Kanan, who said, “I don’t like what they do to the Force.  And I’m not happy with the idea of leaving the Imperials here to deal with them, or going without knowing more.”

“Ezra?” Hera said, turning towards him. “You know both better than any of us.”

Ezra scratched at his hairline, trying not to be bemused at the novelty of being asked for his opinion. “What do you want Thrawn for anyway?”

“To try him for crimes against civilization in front of a New Republic tribunal,” Hera said promptly.

“Has that ever actually worked?” Sabine asked.

“Do you pay any attention to the news back on Lothal?” Zeb demanded.

Sabine shrugged. “Why do you think I asked?  Can you name a single Imperial officer ranked higher than commander who’s actually gone to trial instead of being disappeared into one of the Republic’s black box prisons without a trial?  Or just getting a slap on the wrist and then released back into the wild?”

Zeb opened his mouth, hesitated, and then closed it again.

“Ezra?” Hera repeated.

He turned the cup of fruit juice in his hands, then admitted, “I’m a little worried that Thrawn will talk to the Vong into some kind of alliance.  I don’t know if the Vong would go for one, but –”  He shrugged helplessly.  “He can be pretty persuasive.  Not that persuasive,” he added in case anyone got the wrong idea about him, “but to people who don’t know him.”

He took a sip of the juice before he went on – he thought it was redberry, sweet but with a rich, almost bitter undertone to it.  Redberry was uncommon on Lothal, so he had only had it a few times before.  “For what it’s worth, I think he’d have another mutiny on his hands if he tried to sell it to the Imps, but if he’s just trying to get an advantage out of the Vong –”  He shrugged again.

“I agree with Ezra,” Kanan said. “I think we’ll have to go to the Imps.”  As Hera sighed, clearly resigned, he added, “Just think how much fun you’ll have telling Captain Pellaeon and all the rest of them about the Empire collapsing.”

Hera huffed out a laugh and sipped her tea.  “There is that.  We’ll comm them in the morning.”

Ezra nodded reluctantly. Part of him wanted to leave Pellaeon and the rest of them here – at least until someone else could sort it out, he supposed, since that was apparently an option – but that was the selfish part of him, not the Jedi part.  He sat and drank the rest of his fruit juice in silence as the conversation turned to other things, letting himself relax into his awareness of them all around him, of Kanan’s steady presence in the Force.  When there was a brief lull in the conversation, he said, “How is Kanan here?”

Hera flicked a glance at Kanan, who turned his head in response to her attention and said, “I thought I’d leave it to you, since I was more or less an accidental byproduct of your op.”

“What kind of op were you on?” Ezra demanded. “I know Kanan said it was classified, but –”

Sabine laughed. “Oh, it was weirder than that.”

Hera sighed and drained her cup before setting it down on the table.  She leaned her head briefly against Kanan’s shoulder for a moment, then straightened up and said, “All right.  I need to go back a little before the op and explain about Warlord Zsinj first –”

*

Afterwards, a little overwhelmed, Ezra went to go sit on the Ghost’s ramp and look at the jungle.  No one onboard being stupid, it hadn’t been left down the way it might have been on Lothal or some other safe harbor, but as long as he was actually there he didn’t think it would be a problem.  He wanted to enjoy the novelty of fresh air on his face and listen to the living sounds of the jungle – nowhere near quiet, just like the grasslands back home had never been truly quiet.  He pulled his knees up to his chest and looked out at the darkened woods, hearing some kind of avian crying in the distance and the scurry of night-dwelling creatures as they moved from tree to tree.  Somewhere about a kilometer off, a predator howled to the three moons above and was answered by a chorus of its kind, all of them singing for the sheer joy of it.

He sat there for more than an hour, drinking in the living Force of the planet around him and just thinking.  There was a lot to think about, and as tired as he was he let most of it wash over him, acknowledging each thought and concern briefly before letting it flow away. Some of them he would come back to eventually; others had just needed that one instant of acknowledgment.  It wasn’t meditation, but it wasn’t entirely not, either.

Zeb and Hera both came down to check on him, though neither spoke to him.  Kanan didn’t, but Ezra could feel him in the ship up above and knew that Kanan could sense his presence just as well – better, probably. He was listening to the predators howling to each other, letting his mind roll out to touch them lightly, when he heard Sabine’s step behind him.  She sat down beside him and didn’t say anything, her gaze fixed on the jungle.

Ezra listened to the predators a little longer, identifying each individual by sound and trying to match it to its presence in the Force.  They weren’t like Loth-wolves; the individuals didn’t read as strongly to him, especially not from this distance.  He thought that there were six of them, a family group.

Sabine waited for him to draw himself back into his own skin, flexing his fingers against his thighs – he had shifted into a more comfortable tailor’s seat at some point. Then she said, “You know, we weren’t a crew again until Kanan came back.”

Ezra glanced at her. She had her blasters holstered on her hips, but wasn’t wearing her armor, which was probably still drying after its recent paint job; its absence made her look uncomfortably vulnerable. “What do you mean?”

Sabine didn’t look at him, her attention still focused on the trees. “After Lothal – we were still friends, still family, but it was like we just…fell apart.  Hera and Chopper and Zeb went off to the Rebel Alliance, I stayed on Lothal – Hera was with Starfighter Command, mostly, though I know she had a naval command at one point.  Zeb’s got a commission in Special Forces.  Rex and Kallus are still with the Alliance too, but it’s all different divisions.  The Alliance – the New Republic now – isn’t anything like what it was six years ago.”

“Is it better?”

She snorted. “Now there’s a government, if you can call it that.”

Ezra didn’t know much about the government except that the Empire’s had been a disaster and Lothal’s was a joke, so he left that for someone else to explain to him in detail another time.  Probably Zeb, who was a politics junkie even if he pretended he couldn’t care less, or at least he had been six years ago.  That might have changed since. “Why did you stay on Lothal?” he asked instead. “Why didn’t you go to the Alliance with Hera and Zeb or back to Mandalore with your family?”

“Oh, I can’t go back to Mandalore.”  Sabine’s tone was light, but Ezra could sense a shadow to the words.

He turned to look at her. “Why not?”

She looked down, picking at a place on her knee where the fabric had pilled under the constant friction of her armor. “Didn’t I tell you when I went to Yavin with the rest of you back then?”

Ezra shook his head. “I don’t think so.  You just came with us.  It didn’t seem polite to ask why.”

Sabine grimaced. “It has to do with the Darksaber.”  She picked at her pants again, then sighed and pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around her calves. “If I stayed on Mandalore – or went back to Mandalorian space – I’d be a threat to Bo-Katan, because I carried the Darksaber and used it in combat.”

“But you gave it up.”

She shook her head. “Doesn’t matter.  As long as I’m alive, I’m a potential rival to her.  There are a lot of people in Mandalorian space who’d prefer me to her – or, well, they’d prefer anyone to her, I’m just convenient because I actually have a claim to the Darksaber.  And that was before everything else happened.”

Ezra frowned. “Everything else like – what?”

“Mandalore isn’t really something the Empire can leave alone for long,” Sabine said after a pause. “That’s why they had to have a loyalist Mandalorian viceroy, not a moff, not some outsider.  The Saxons kept the clans at each other’s throats for years, not to mention all the weird little splinter cults that have been around for a thousand years – three thousand in some cases.  Even when there was still a duke or duchess of Mandalore, back during the Republic, it was always very…tense.  And that’s putting aside the fact that the last duchess was a radical.  Mandalorian politics is – was – a lot of trying to keep quarrels from turning into blood feuds and blood feuds from turning into civil wars.  But if the clans ever have an external enemy, then all of that gets put aside.  It takes a lot to get the clans there; it doesn’t happen much more than once a millennium.  Bo-Katan was starting to do that.  So the Empire tried to wipe out the clans.  And Mandalore.”

“Your family?” Ezra said cautiously.

“They’re fine,” Sabine said. “Krownest got hit, but not as bad as Mandalore itself, and it’s not as though my family has never had to rebuild before.  All of Mandalorian space is a mess from what I’ve heard.  I’d go back, but – that would be seen as a challenge, no matter what I meant by it.  So I haven’t gone back.”  She shrugged. “Tristan came and visited me on Lothal once.”

“Why did you stay on Lothal?”

She shrugged again. “I didn’t want to join the Alliance and Ryder needed the help.  He’s governor again, by the way.”

Ezra nodded absently.

“I thought one of us should be on Lothal,” Sabine said eventually. “We expected some Imperial retaliation, but they were distracted by Mandalore, and then what happened on Scarif, then the Death Star and Yavin – they left Lothal alone, mostly.”

“That’s good,” Ezra said, feeling some of his unease unknot in his chest.

Sabine stretched her legs out again and leaned back, bracing her hands on the ramp.  Somewhere in the jungle, a night-avian hooted and some tree-dwellers set up a chorus of croaking sounds.

“What I was trying to say,” Sabine said eventually, “is that this isn’t easy for us either.  I know it probably feels like nothing changed or that we all went on without you exactly the same as we had been, but – everything changed. And we weren’t with each other anymore.  I mean, Hera’s a general, and all she does – all she used to do – was order people around.  Zeb was off with the Pathfinders and they’re the ones who do all the secret missions for the Alliance – the New Republic – you know, cutting throats and blowing stuff up and giving locals money so they can buy vibroknives and bombs to cut throats and blow stuff up.  And I was on my own, mostly.  And Kanan – Kanan just didn’t have any of the last six years, because he’s still – he’s exactly the same as he was back then, because he is the him he was back then. But none of us are.  Even Chopper’s not.”  She slanted a glance at him.  “No one expects you to be, either.”

Ezra looked down at his lap, running his fingers along the shaft of his lightsaber hilt.  He felt his kyber crystal warm to him, the faint hum in his mind turning into something close to a purr. “I don’t know who I am anymore.”

“So you’ve got time to figure it out now,” Sabine offered.

“Yeah, except for the extra-galactic aliens who want to kill us all,” Ezra said harshly.

She arched an eyebrow. “Don’t let Hera or Zeb hear you say ‘aliens’.”

He’d forgotten that it was considered a slur amongst a large portion of the galaxy.  “Sorry.  I forgot.”

“Mmm.”

Ezra sighed. “What’s it been like?  Being back with them, I mean.”

“Hard. Sometimes.  Easy.  Sometimes.  Back at the beginning, none of us knew how to be around each other anymore, except Kanan, and we weren’t reacting the way he expected.   It was a mess the first month, after we left Ryloth – Hera and Kanan had to take Jacen to stay with Cham Syndulla, and then they had the wedding, and we had to leave early because General Cracken didn’t want the Provisional Council to find out until after we’d actually gone –”

“Wait, what wedding?” Ezra said, sitting bolt upright. “Who got married?”

Sabine grinned, bemused. “Kanan didn’t tell you?  He and Hera got married about three days after they got back.”

Ezra rubbed a hand over his face, not sure why he was surprised.  It wasn’t as though Kanan and Hera’s relationship hadn’t been an open secret, but he hadn’t thought – well, Kanan getting killed had obviously changed things.

“I’m glad you’re all here,” he said instead of commenting on that.  He glanced up as a shadow passed over the moons above, expecting a coralskipper or one of the Vong cruiser-analogs, and was relieved to find it was just a cloud.

He pushed himself to his feet, wincing as one of his knees popped and his bad shoulder twinged.  He offered a hand to Sabine, who looked at it in bemusement and then let him pull her upright.

“Come on,” Ezra said. “Time to let the Imperials know they’re going to have company.”

He closed up the ramp behind him as they went back into the Ghost, then climbed up the ladder to the cockpit.  Hera and Kanan were both there, along with Chopper and a hologram of the Vong encampment.  They both looked up as Ezra and Sabine emerged from the hatch.

“What is it?” Kanan asked as Chopper shut the hologram off.

Ezra had never been able to figure out if Kanan had somehow been able to sense what a hologram was showing in the Force – certainly he couldn’t do it himself, and he had tried. He shoved the thought aside to ask about later and said, “I thought now might be a good time to call Chimaera Camp.”

Hera glanced at the chrono and arched her eyebrows. “I thought we were going to wait until morning.”

Ezra shrugged. “I thought I’d ruin Captain Pellaeon’s night.”  As far as he was concerned, Pellaeon had it coming.

Kanan snorted softly. Hera flicked a glance at him, then sat back in her chair so that Ezra could approach the comm board.

He plugged in the bridge frequency for the Scylla and only had to wait a few moment before a comms officer answered.  The transmission was audio-only, no visual; the increased data transfer of a hologram made it more likely for the Vong to pick up on.

“This is Bridger,” Ezra said. “Put me through to Captain Pellaeon.”

The officer snorted. “Do you have any idea what the hour is?  The captain –”

“Will want to hear what I have to say,” Ezra said flatly. “Come on, it’s not that late.  You and I know he’s not asleep.”

There was a pause, then the officer grunted agreement.  There was a moment of static as he transferred the call, then Pellaeon’s crisp voice said, “Bridger, I assume this is important.”

Ezra felt a muscle in his jaw twitch.  He looked around at the cockpit, noting that Zeb had come into lean on the doorframe, his gaze fixed on Ezra.  They were all here, back in the same place, and when they were together they could do anything. “Yeah,” he said to the comm. “It’s important.”

[cwfweekly]

WITCH WEEKLY - THE NOVEMBER ISSUE (1982)

“Your lives may not be perfect but your outfits should be.” - Camille Rowle

HALLOWEEN OF HORRORS: UNSTITCHED WITH CAMILLE ROWLE 

To say the least, this years All Hallows Eve party was a night to remember, but before it went downhill I took notice of all the guests attire, and colour me unimpressed. Not one of you met the standard that I was expecting however in your defense I suppose that when I set the standards myself it wasn't a surprise that none of you could meet them. Looking through all of my options it would seem the woman have come out victorious. I usually try to give them men credit where credit is due, but it would seem the only man who was dressed to the nines was Booker Bagnold, he looked drop dead gorgeous, pardon the pun.

First up is the dark haired beauty Alice Yen || @alicexyen. Although I wasn't the biggest fan of her interrogation technique the dress she wore whilst doing it was rather stunning. If it hadn't been such an intense situation I would have asked the name of the designer, alas, I am left wanting. The iridescent shine to the gown coupled with matching shoes and jewelry left none of us asking what the theme of the evening was. The finishing touch of the pearlescent sparkle to her skin completed the look, taking it from this world to the next. Owl me the name of the designer if you get chance, I know how busy your work load is right now. 

Next in the list of ‘best dressed’ is Narcissa Black || @blondsblack. As much as I hate to admit it, and I fully blame it on the rest of you who decided to turn up in below par costumes, but Narcissa was one of the few to pull it out the bag. For those of you who don’t know, the youngest Black sibling and I rarely see eye to eye, but it would seem for once we can, the gown she chose was spectacular, one in fact that I have in my own collection. The gown, coupled with the pearls and diamonds created the perfect ghostly air to the outfit, spectacularly in keeping with the theme. And may I say Narcissa, tickle me surprised that you would lower your haughty Pure-Blood morals to allow you to wear a muggle design, maybe there’s hope for you yet. To conclude; love the dress, hate her. 

Amelia Bones || @ameliabcnes is the next guest who came to slay, the avenging angel entered the party with the intent to slay all those wayward souls who did not stick to the dress code. She put everyone who didn't stick with the theme (how could you?) to shame in her black feathered gown and wings to match. Wings dare I say it that would allow her to fly far away from all those thirsty party goers she left in her wake. Pairing the gown with simple make-up was a daring and bold decision, but a correct one, showing off her natural beauty pretty much guaranteed her an evening of admiring looks and offers to not spend the evening alone. Sadly those plans were ruined by the drama that the night brought us, so instead of just judging those who’s costumes didn’t come up to par, the avenging angel spent her night judging all of your chosen alibi’s and whereabouts, I hope none of your secrets came to light, but then again, I hope they did.

It would seem that two out of the three Black sisters have excellent taste, sorry Bella, but it would seem you’re more suited for a jail cell than Paris Fashion week. Andromeda || @andromedhs, or lets just call her the only Black sister with any semblance of a personality looked glorious in her costume. Those of you who went above and beyond know how difficult it is to tell a story with your outfit, only a handful of people can do it, myself included and Andromeda pulled it off spectacularly. Her bridal gown and veil was almost too pretty to use as a simple Halloween costume, but I’m oh so glad she did so, as was, it would seem, a certain Lestrange brother. The bouquet and vintage jewelry finished the look perfectly, creating a vision in white that anyone would be lucky to wed. Can I just say Andromeda, you surprised us all with your dramatic costume, going against your quite subtle nature, keep it up, 10 points to Slytherin. 

Finally, the last lovely lady to make my list of best dressed is none other than Saorise MacMillian || @inkstainedmac. She very much surprised us all when she turned up in something other than stained overalls and I think she calls them Doc Martins? Happy to see the girl switch up her usual attire for some actual style she proved to you all that although I don’t necessarily agree with who she came as, I can still spot a well put together costume when I see one, I’m not as mean as you may believe, or rather I probably am, but I’m fair. Praise is given where praise is due! Her talc white gown with obviously hand sewn lace embellishments was paired with a daring choice of heavy dark make up and leather studded boots, creating a mash up of styles that worked perfectly with Saorise’s personality. So, although I don’t know who Nancy and Sid are, you did well MacMillian, and one piece of advice, burn those hideous overalls and wear more haute couture gowns. 

Well, that concludes the end of my first article, and colour me disappointed, boys, you better step it up if you want to be in the running next time, unless you enjoy being beaten by girls? Also, a heartfelt apology to all my avid readers, as you know it is my style to turn up fashionably late, but the timing of this article is beyond fashionable now, and for that I am sorry. However, if you need someone to blame for it, please take it up with the auror department and their constant questioning. Honestly, as if I would ruin a great night by murdering someone, its as if they don’t know me at all. 

(0) DEATH EATERS (+1) THE ORDER (+4) THE NEUTRAL

[atiny-piratequeen]

Against the Tide: First Voyage (Ch.1)

Pairing: Eventual Poly Ot8

Genre: Heavy Angst, Eventual Smut and Fluff mixed in

Rating: 18+

Tags: DemonPirate!Au, Supernatural, Eventual Poly Relarionship, Violence, Blood, Elemental Powers, Past and Modern Day AU, Mythical Creatures, Character Death

A/N: There could be tags added later, especially if there’s something I write that potentially triggers my readers. The last thing I want is for that to happen, so please don’t hesitate to give me feedback if there’s something I write here you’d like me to tag

Summary: Hongjoong is the leader of a notorious pirate crew. A run in with a demon leaves him with immortality and the ability to grant immortal life to those who form pacts with him. One day, a member of his crew angers a sea witch, and she decides to exact revenge on them by casting Hongjoong into a completely different part of the world and stealing his memories. The seven key members of his crew spend centuries looking for him, to no avail, and meet up in modern day Seoul to try and strategize how they can find their leader. Discouraged, with some close to giving up, they happen upon a man with a familiar smile and voice speaking on the street one day about a Long Journey. Now the seven of them must get Hongjoong to rember who he is before he slips through their fingers once again.

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Taglist

← Last Voyage   Next Voyage →

=Age 10=

“What in the blazes is that?”

He flinched, flailing his legs as he tried to get down from the man holding onto him by the back of his shirt. That earned him a sharp jab to his ribs, making him cough and sputter as he lowered his head, fear pulsing through his body. 

“He was hidden between some barrels in the hold, Captain. It looks like he was one of the port hands in the last town and he stowed away when no one was looking.” 

The figure across from him clicked their tongue, and he cowered as the sound of leather boots approached him, the wood of the deck creaking loud with every step. 

“Stowed away on my ship? Do you have a death wish, lad?” a voice growled at him and a hand reached out, lifting his face abruptly so he could look the Captain in their eyes. 

“A…woman…?”

The Captain’s eyes narrowed dangerously, one hand going to the blunderbuss pistol strapped to her thigh before she pressed it to the center of his head, lip curling up in dissatisfaction. 

“Aye, and you’re about to be at the bottom of Davy Jones’ locker, rat.” She hissed. He trembled, unable to move his head away from the firearm pressed against it. Panicked, his eyes looked around, finding other members of the crew were also women, some with shorter, choppier haircuts. Some of them sent him sympathetic looks, but none of them made any moves to stop their Captain. 

“I hope you’ve made peace with your family and your maker, lad. I don’t take kindly to people sneaking aboard my ship.”

“I d-don’t have a family…s-sir.” He quickly admitted, having a momentary battle on what to call the angered Captain. The finger that she had on the safety of the blunderbuss paused, and she put a hand on her hip, arching a brow at him. 

“I’m an orphan. I worked at port on the docks for as long as I can remember…I just wanted to see the world and do something more than be a poor orphan on the street, C-captain. P-please…please take me with you, I promise I’ll be useful!” He pleaded, brown eyes holding a flicker of hope and determination. The Captain’s brows went up in surprise, a small laugh leaving her throat. 

“Do you know what you’re saying? Me? Bring a child along? You wouldn’t last-”

“I’ll prove it to you! If I can make myself useful and survive, you make me a member of your crew!” 

The captain rolled her eyes and lowered the blunderbuss, putting it back in its holster and nodding for the man behind him to drop the child. He fell to the deck harder than expected, groaning in pain before looking up, looking at the Captain’s outstretched hand. 

“My name is Captain Jihyo. When we’re in port, you only call me Captain Hyo. If it gets out there are women aboard my ship, or that I’m a woman, our entire crew will be executed. Do you understand?” She snapped. The child grabbed her hand and nodded, pulling himself up with her help before he looked up, determination shining in his eyes. 

“My name is Kim Hongjoong. And I swear on my mother’s resting spirit, I’ll be a fine member of this crew.”

=Age 15=

“Must you always get yourself in trouble?” Jihyo grunted, dragging Hongjoong back into the tavern by his ear. He hissed, frowning as he looked up at his Captain. The woman had taken a liking to him in their years together and has quickly become a mother-like figure to him. 

Which…would explain the stern look and smack upside his head he received when Jihyo had pulled him into the room he was to stay in. 

“I told you not to go outside. I know this town well, I knew you’d pull this again-”

“I didn’t do anything wrong, Captain! He was harassing that lass on the street, she clearly didn’t want any of his attention, so I…’helped out’.” He coughed at the end of his sentence, avoiding Jihyo’s sharp gaze. She stared at him for a long time before she sent him a smile, pressing their heads together and lowering her voice as she spoke. 

“I appreciate your respect for others, especially women, lad. But you still have to tread carefully. The last thing we need is a brawl breaking out because you’re on your justice kick.” She gently scolded, ruffling his hair before moving away from him. 

“You are a pirate. I would imagine you’d earn yourself a rather..unique name if you continued being so nice.” She waved her finger at him, heading towards the door. Hongjoong rolled his eyes half heartedly, but smiled nonetheless.

“If they remember me for being more than ‘just another pirate’, I’ll take it as a compliment.” He grinned before diving onto his bed, smiling contently. 

=Age 19=

“There are some odd jobs we can do while in port.” Jihyo informed them, standing at the ship’s bow with her arms crossed. She had already cut her hair before they neared the port, her eyes set on the approaching docs as they approached. Hongjoong was at her side, along with her First Mate, a quirky gentleman named Daniel.

“I’m sure they’d be happy to see you, Captain. This is your port town, afterall.” He teased. Jihyo hummed, tilting her chin up as they docked. The town was welcoming of pirates, but she still made sure to change their flag to the country’s colors, just as a precaution in the event of any naval officers also being in town. 

“We’ll be staying here for a few weeks, stock up and make sure not to do anything stupid.” She ordered as they lowered the anchor, sending Hongjoong a sharp look as he tried to tip toe out of her sight. 

“That means you, Mr. Kim Hongjoong.” 

“I have no idea what you mean, Captain Park Hyo.” 

Jihyo rolled her eyes and smiled, nodding for him and the rest of the crew to disperse and enjoy traveling in the port town. She and Daniel stayed behind. They watched the people mingling in the port with small, calm looks on their faces. 

The silence was broken by Jihyo’s coughing, her brows pulling up as she hacked violently. Daniel frowned, pulling her out of the view of the curious port hands before sitting her on the ship’s deck. Worry creased his brow as she continued coughing for a few minutes before letting out a shaky sound, sighing. 

“Captain-”

“Don’t say it.”

“Jihyo. You can’t keep pretending this isn’t getting worse.” He told her sternly, holding her shoulders. She looked up at him, her lips trembling before she shook her head, brushing her hands off on her trousers before she stood. 

“I know. That’s why we’re here. I heard a tip from the last town that we’d be able to find something here to prolong this…just bare with me.” She told him before she squared her shoulders, pulling her hat down to slightly obscure her eyes as she headed down towards the docks. Daniel sighed and nodded, following faithfully behind her. 

=3 Nights Later=

Jihyo smiled as their Quartermaster, Psy, poured her another glass of rum. They all drank merrily together, eating the meat and rice served at the tavern. 

Well, most of them.

Hongjoong sat at the end of the table, nursing a glass of water as he looked over some of the maps their Sailing Masters had gotten a hold of while in town. He surveyed the pages, muttering to himself about potential treasure. Jihyo glanced at him before smiling, taking another hearty swig. 

The sound of their merriment was interrupted by the door to the tavern being opened abruptly, a group of men dragging in bloodied figures. The tavern owner jolted from her spot behind the bar, eyes going wide as the men dropped their wounded on the taven floor. 

“What in the hell are you doing?! You’re going to ruin my floors!” She barked in disapproval, slamming down a mug on the bar, ignoring the way the brew inside sloshed out and spilled onto the counter. 

“Bite your tongue, woman! Can’t you see they’re bleeding out?!” One barked. The woman behind the counter, Momo, raising her brows in surprise at the rude tone. She grabbed a knife from her garterbelt beneath her skirt, stabbing the bar as she looked at them with an unamused expression.

“I don’t like your tone.”

“W-we’re sorry, Miss! Please, let us stay just a little longer! We’ll pay for any damages and all the rounds will be on us tonight!” One of the men quickly tried to remedy the escalating situation. The pirates and other patrons in the tavern cheered, going back to their own devices, while the other wounded men sent him a glare. 

“What? We have to decide what to do and we can’t leave them on the street!” He snapped. A blonde in their group shook his head. 

“I told you dense bastards, we shouldn’t have gone near that cove. Did you see what that wench did to John and Terry?!” He barked. The other three men looked down, clearly terrified as the two they’d brought in coughed weakly on the floor, the focus fading from their eyes. 

Hongjoong bit his lip, moving to pull his seat out when a hand landed on his shoulder. He turned back to the table to find Jihyo had moved from her spot, now taking her place beside him. She sent him a firm glare, clearly having sobered up from the shock of the bloodied men. 

“Don’t you dare.” she growled, her voice lowered to mimic a man’s flawlessly.  Hongjoong shrunk down in his seat, mumbling. 

“I wasn’t-”

“Ay, was I born yesterday, lad? I know that look in your eyes. You’re troublesome need to help people all the time. Don’t you dare go to that cove. I don’t want to leave this port town knowing my son-” she paused. Hongjoong’s lips parted in shock and Jihyo cleared her throat, raising her voice to Momo.

“Momo! Another round of rum! Gimme the strongest you got!” She huffed, pivoting on her heel, leaving Hongjoong stunned in his chair. Jihyo sat down heavily in her original seat, avoiding eye contact with the teen as Daniel chuckled from beside her. 

Hongjoong felt his heart racing, his mind whirring as he ran the word through his head over and over again. 

Son…

A fond smile came to his face, and he momentarily forgot about the men behind him. Until a wary laugh came from the left. 

“At least we left that wench bleeding out. Tomorrow we’ll blast the damn cove shut. Send her straight to hell where her kind belongs.” He spat. The other men didn’t laugh along with him, but they seemed to be relieved that whatever it was that injured their own was in pain and soon to be trapped in the cove. 

Hongjoong’s gaze drifted back to the maps in front of him.

He can’t focus. 

=Midnight=

Hongjoong carefully removed his boots as he approached the cove, knowing he’d have to wade through knee-deep sea water in order to get inside. He rolled his trouser pants up, tucking his shirt into the waistband of them before he began his careful approach. There was a lantern in his hand, and he had to keep it high above his head to keep it from going out. 

When he reached the mouth of the cove, he bit his lip, looking from left to right. He didn’t see anything initially, so he steeled himself and pushed deeper, his feet lightly slapping against the wet stones of the cove. 

Then he heard it. The low, pained hiss. 

“G e t o u t.” 

“H-Hold, I’m not here to harm you, I only want to help-”

“Get. Out.”

Hongjoong bit back the urge to turn tail and run, turning to the sound of the voice, lifting the lantern. He saw a puddle of blood, his stomach churning as the light rose until he saw a raised stone, seeing a woman staring at him, her face and hands smeared in blood. Her hair fell in front of her face, her lip curled up into a snarl as she looked at him through the ink-colored locks. 

“You need help, you’re injured-”

“G E T O U T!” she screamed, and he was knocked off his feet in a harsh gust of wind. His lantern smashed to the ground, plunging the cove in darkness, with only the moonlight in the mouth to light anything. 

Hongjoong groaned, hissing when he felt the glass from the lantern cut into his palm as he pushed himself up. 

“L-lass, I don’t know what they’ve done to you or why, but I can’t leave you here hurt like this. Please, they won’t leave you alone. Those sailors intend on blowing this cove shut and leaving you here. You’ll die!” He pleaded into the darkness. There was a laugh, low and humorless.

Suddenly, lights appeared in the cove, in the form of balls of fire, each hovering in mid air around the woman. She stayed where she was, reviewing the brunette pirate with mild interest, though there was still pain in her features. 

“You…you must be a fool. Do you not know why they came? Do you know nothing of me?”

Hongjoong ignored the pain of his palm and shook his head, standing to his feet once more as he carefully approached her. He raised both of his hands when the woman’s eyes narrowed at him. 

“I am not from this port town. I am a pirate, we’ve only settled in port days ago. My name is Kim Hongjoong. Who are you, lass?” 

“I am Hyuna of Tortuga Bay. I am a demon.Those insolent fools came to take the ‘treasure’ of this cove, as fools tend to do. However-” She hissed, groaning as he breathing turned ragged again. She allowed Hongjoong to approach her closer, her hands twitching as he stopped in front of her. 

He looked at her face, hesitantly moving her sweat and blood-slick bangs out of her face. She was a beautiful woman with a porcelain complexion under the blood caked to her face. At this point, Hongjoong wasn’t sure if it was hers, or the blood of the sailor’s. 

“They said they left you wounded-” He stopped himself when he noticed the culprit of her agony. 

The glinting gold crucifix stabbed straight through her chest. His eyes grew, and he noticed the burns around the entrance of the wound and around her fingers, as if she had tried desperately tried to pull it out herself. 

“I…I can take it out.” He said suddenly, eyes transfixed on the crucifix. She stared at him carefully, a small glimmer of hope in her light eyes. The flames that illuminated the cove grew closer, and she looked up at him in interest. 

“You…said you were a pirate, correct? Why are you helping me? You know nothing of who I am and nothing of the rumored treasure, and yet you come to my aid? You could leave now. I can’t die, I’d be just like this for all eternity and you can take my treasure. Why are you trying to help me?” She inquired. Hongjoong shrugged one shoulder, running his uninjured hand through his bangs. 

“I don’t like seeing people being ganged up on. I won’t stand for men doing this to a woman, no matter what the reason.” He told her flatly, meeting her cautious gaze. 

“You can say my…my mother raised me well. I may be a pirate, but I was still raised with respect. Besides, if the puddle of blood I’m standing in is anything to go by, I probably wouldn’t make it out of the cove before you ended me if you wanted to, injured or not. Now…do you want me to take this out?” he questioned once more. 

Hyuna stared at him for a long moment before she closed her eyes, nodding. 

“This may hurt. I’m sorry.” He whispered, wrapping his fingers around the golden base. Hyuna’s brows twitched in pain and he could hear the sound of burning, so he yanked with all of his strength, pulling the crucifix out in one go. 

There was an unholy scream and Hongjoong dropped the crucifix in an instant, clamping his hands over his ears. The floating flames went out and Hongjoong frowned, trying to feel around in the darkness. 

“Lass? Hyuna? A-are you okay? Did I hurt you?” He called into the inky blackness. There was the sound of a giggle, gentle and feminine before the whole cove was illuminated. He looked up in awe, watching as the light illuminated from Hyuna’s body, different from the small, whisp-like plumes of fire from before. 

“I…I am free again.” She exhaled, holding her hand in front of her face, smiling wide as the burns healed themselves. Hongjoong watched the hole in her chest close and let out a relieved smile. 

“Good. You may want to leave, though. Those sailors intend on coming back tomorrow to blast the entrance closed.” He reminded her, moving to dust his hands off on his pants, but stopping when he remembered the blood running from his palm. 

“You…are unlike any man I have met in this realm. Come, since you’ve freed me, it’s only fair I give you a gift in return, yes?” She hummed, looking down at his hand. 

“You don’t have to-”

“You didn’t have to come here, Kim Hongjoong, the pirate.” She countered. He snapped his mouth shut, nodding in defeat. She did have a point. 

“I will give you the treasure many have come to this cove for. Eternal life, youth, and power beyond your wildest dreams.” She wiped at the blood on her cheek, reaching for his hand to lace their fingers together. 

Hongjoong felt a pulse course through him, and his eyes widened as his heartbeat increased. 

“What-”

“Kim Hongjoong, I will give you power. You will be like me, a demon. Upon forming blood pacts, you will also make those under you immortals. If the pact is strong, you will share your powers. Accept my gift, for I know you will use it well.” She muttered, her eyes glowing bright blue. Hongjoong gasped, feeling like his body was on fire, energy coursing through his veins. 

“HONGJOONG! GET AWAY FROM MY SON!” a voice caught Hyuna’s attention as a pirate ran full speed at her. She hummed and lifted her hand, a gust of wind lifting the woman effortlessly. She shook her head, sending a fond smile to her. 

“Ah, the mother he mentioned? I never imagined his mother would be a pirate disguising herself as a man. It makes sense, why he’s so unique.” she hummed before looking down at Hongjoong, noticing the faraway look in his eyes, his brow twitching in confusion. 

“What are you doing to him?! Let him go! Hongjoong! Hongjoong!!” Jihyo screamed, thrashing fruitlessly against the wind. Hyuna smiled in fond understanding and shook her head. 

“He has received my gift. He is immortal. Now, he must control his powers. Things tend to get…wild on the first night of the full moon after one becomes a demon. Now sit still. I will help him harness his powers here and now so that your crew won’t be ripped to shreds on the next full moon.” She instructed, watching as Hongjoong’s eyes went from brown to an electric blue, the overabundance of power coursing through him making small spider-web red veins appear on his face. 

His gaze snapped to Hyuna and she rolled her neck. 

“You and your demonic self must become one. Come, I will train you. Though I suggest we hurry, lest your mother have another child over there.” She informed, nodding at Jihyo’s direction. Hongjoong let out a low sound before darting to her full speed, a large blast of water shooting past him. 

Hyuna side stepped and smiled, watching Hongjoong’s face change, three marks appearing on his forehead, along with a bushy white tail. Fireballs rained down on her, all of which she knocked away without batting a lash. 

“Water, even my kitsune powers have went to you? Fascinating. More, show me more, Hongjoong.” She urged, skipping backwards as the ground beneath her feet shook. 

=3 Hours Later=

Hongjoong finally fell to his knees, panting as his eyes returned to their normal, welcoming brown color. Hyuna flicked her hand, bringing Jihyo closer to them, ignoring the way she immediately pulled her blunderbuss on her. 

“Hongjoong….” She trailed off, frowning as he passed out shortly after. 

“You…”

“I care not for your personal feelings, but I will explain myself. You are from this town, so you know of me. The ‘treasure’ of this cove is me. My blessing. My immortality. Men find out about demons that can grant them eternal youth and they hunt them down. I have killed most who have ventured here, and had you not have raised him the way you did, your son would have joined. But he is different. I can give him my ‘treasure’ with confidence that he wont abuse it and create a crew of immortal vagabonds. The powers are a little extra gift.” She winked and moved to walk past them. Jihyo watched her every move before she started coughing once more, brows pinched up as she observed the blood in her palm. 

“N-No…”

Hyuna stopped at her side, looking down at her in interest before she straightened her back, turning towards the mouth of the cove. 

“I suggest you form a pact with him. You don’t have much left, otherwise, pirate.” She informed her before she disappeared in a dazzling light. 

Jihyo wiped her mouth and grabbed Hongjoong’s arm, dragging him back out of the cove, sighing.

—-

“Captain, don’t you want Hongjoong to be here for this?” Psy inquired, pushing his glasses up as Jihyo gathered all of the crew-sans Hongjoong-on the deck of her ship. 

“No. I have something important to ask of all of you.” She told them, her voice solemn. They all perked, nodding as they watched her carefully. 

“My health…is dwindling. I doubt at this stage there is anything I can do. I know Psy and Daniel have no desire to be Captain when I’m gone, and that most of you have found Hongjoong to be reliable enough for the job. I have one order I want you all to take to the graves with you.” She told them, taking her hat off to rub her head before she set it back on. 

“Hongjoong was…he’s received a ‘gift’ and he’s not human anymore. The lad somehow impressed a demoness and she turned him into one of her own. He apparently can give this immortality to others,”

“Wait, so why won’t you just-”

“Because I refuse to take advantage of him. I want my son to give his powers to those he trusts wholeheartedly on his own, not have ties to us out of an obligation for us taking him in.” 

They all began protesting at once, but Jihyo slammed her heel against the deck, glaring at them all. 

“My orders, are for you to not accept any offers of immortality from Hongjoong. Even when he becomes captain. I am here now, and I’m giving the order here and now. Swear to me you won’t betray me. This is a dying woman’s wish.” she told them, leaving no room for argument. 

They all exchanged looks before small, reluctant smiles crossed their faces. One by one they all swore, patting their captain on the shoulder as they filtered back down to their quarters. Daniel and Psy stayed by her side, watching the waves of the ocean in silence as tears ran down her cheeks.—-

=x=

“Please!”

“No.”

“WHY?!” 

Jihyo sighed and looked up at Hongjoong from her bed, her face pale. Daniel was at her side, holding her hand as she coughed weakly. Her condition had gotten worse at an alarming rate and it became impossible for her to hide it. 

“P-Please…Please, I can save you. Please, why won’t you-”

“I said no, Hongjoong. Let me go. Let me rest. You’ll be a fine captain.”

Tears welled up in his eyes as he shook his head, his chest heaving. 

“Daniel! You can’t be okay with this! You love her! Tell her to let me help! Tell her to-”

“It’s already been decided.” Daniel cut him off, raising his head to look at him with bloodshot eyes. Hongjoong bit his lip, looking down with tears rolling down his cheeks. He shuffled to her other side, his shaking hand taking hers as he looked at her face. 

“Captain…M…Mom…please…”

“Just stay with me, Hongjoong. Stay with me and keep a smile on your face. You’re a different breed of pirate. I want you to make your own crew and change what it means to be a pirate for the world, okay? Until the last wind blows through these sails, please never stop being the center of the world.” She told him, reaching under her blankets to pass him a compass. 

“Let it always point you forward, my son.” She mused, cupping his cheek, crying with him as they continued sailing, the boat gently rocking the trio. 

= ~ =

The crew shed tears as Daniel set the last stone on top of the pile. Underneath, buried deep in the sand, laid the peaceful body of their captain. 

She had asked to be stripped of all materialistic items, jewels, gold, silver, and buried in the sand of an island she visited when she became a pirate. 

Remote, quiet, with the beautiful scent of island flora beckoning you in deeper. 

One by one, each crew member dropped a bloom on top of the stones, before heading back to the ship. Hongjoong lingered, the bloom in his trembling hand before he sighed and finally relented, setting it down on top of the pile. 

“Goodnight, Captain Jihyo…Sweet dreams, mother.” He whispered, turning and heading back with heavy footsteps. 

He stood on the bow, the wind carrying saltwater and the scent of island flora past his nose like a gentle caress. There was a flower tucked behind his ear as he stared down at the shore, eyes locked on the pile of beautiful rocks in the sand, topped with flowers and shells. The ship pulled away, and he bit back the need to sob as he watched the mound grow farther and farther away. An old voice called to him from behind, and he turned, noticing Psy standing behind him. 

“Captain? We have to keep moving.” his tone was gentle, a hand running through his balding head as he bowed his head in respect. Hongjoong lifted his chin, wiping his eyes with the back of his palms before he turned. 

Right. He was the Captain now.

“I’ll be right over. We have a long journey ahead of us.”

[mcrmadness]

Swooping in here once again xD Unusual asks: 3, 10, 30, 39, 46

Ask Game: Unusual Asks

Oooo thanks!!! :D

3. what color are your eyes?

Blue-grey. I think I also have some tiny green dots here and there but usually they're only visible when my pupils are the tiniest aka during very bright light (usually sunlight). But usually you can't see my eyes then because it's too bright to keep my eyes open and I need to wear sunglasses...

***

10. how would you describe your style?

Hmmm. My style doesn't really look like anything. All my clothes are in black, apart from some socks having a bit of color to them but usually they're striped, and usually the color scheme is black and/or grey and/or white.

I wear black jeans, I have a studded belt (but you can't ever see it because shirts never go into my jeans, because ym stomach looks annoyins...), I have a couple of chains hanging from my jeans. I wear either print t-shirts, mostly they are band t-shirts or something else (like video game related or so) or just plain black t-shirts; and black zipper hoodies. I also have a black (fake) leather jacket. Whenever the weather allows it, I also use my studded bracelets, and I like to paint my nails with black because I only need to do that every few weeks. (I don't use makeup because I have no interest nor time nor motivation, so nailpolish is the choice of a lazy person.)

^That might sound nice but trust me, it looks very basic. I believe. Just jeans, t-shirts and zipper hoodies and all in black, and almost always it's the same pair of jeans and the same hoodie so nothing even changes ::D Well, what goes for shoes, I've always been a sucker for shoes with thick soles and my favorite shoes are my pair of New Rock shoes I bought about 10 years ago. I love them! But I can only wear them when the weather is warm because they don't like winter. And then I also have 2 other, kinda army boot-like shoes with thicker soles for winter/autumn/spring.

I'd say my style can look either punk-ish or metallic depending on what band t-shirt I have on. I have 4 x Rammstein, 1 dä, 1 MCR and 1 Apulanta t-shirts :DD And then I of course have my dä hoodie that is way too big for me but I'm in love with that hoodie because it's just so big and comfy and soft ♥ (I'd love to have more dä merch but I don't like the colors and prints they have. I need that Schnecki tour shirt tho.)

***

30. whats your favorite candle scent? 

I don't like candles because I'm afraid of fire :D And most candles actually smell really bad because the smell is so strong and smells like an essence rather than any kind of natural smell - I'm very sensitive to strong smells and too strong and/or unnatural scents can cause me to have migraine. But I think vanilla is often quite mild and a smell I can stand. My mom also once had something that smelled like coffee beans, that was a nice one too. (She loves candles and I've often bought her also scented candles for Christmas. I think I once bought one that smelled like apple and that wasn't too bad either.)

***

39. do you have a nickname? what is it? 

No, I don't really have a nickname :( My real name, Aada, is so short and simple that it's hard to come up with anything, apart from what my parents or siblings use but those are more like something used with the family only. Anyway, my siblings started calling me as "Bumba" or "Bumbu" when I was still a teenager and occassionally they still use that.

And one friend liked to come up with random nicknames to all her friends and she used to call me as Dexter or Dexu at some point - because one of my favorite tv series was (and is) Dexter, and I also actually had a rat called Dexter at some point, too :D I don't know if she still remembers about this nickname.

But Madness is good. Anyone who knows me through internet is allowed to use that also IRL if we ever meet. Most of the time people call me as Madness or Madi online anyway, also in voice calls during video games or so even if we would be aware of our IRL names. I like that :D

***

46. whats your go to hair style?

I dye it black and get it cut regularly and don't really do much else about it. My ideal hairstyle is bedhead basically but I have straight hair and so sleek hair quality that I never brush it and it still never gets tangled, and my bedhead usually is very flat instead of messy and that is NOT the ideal bedhead I mean here XD So I sometimes use a bit of hair powder to give it a bit more volume and I like that already so much better. But most of the time I just get up and my hair is already ready (unless it's really flat and needs hair powder...).

Like I said, I'm extremely lazy (well actually I just have adhd) what comes to style and hair and stuff and I am always running late for everything anyway so I need something that is very quick, or lasts long, and hair powder takes maybe less than 1-2mins to be ready.

[flirting-with-psychology]

1.) What have you done the past 3 days? Stress

2.) Do you own any Sims games? Which ones? The sims 3 and 4 I think

3.) Whose birthday is coming up? What’s your relation to them? My dad’s was today

4.) Are you a fan of anime? If so, which ones? No

5.) Would you ever dye your hair your favorite colour? Maybe just as an ombre but probably not

6.) Have you ever sent a naughty text to one of your parents accidentally? No

7.) What was the last thing you wrote? Physically, my daily note

8.) Who do you talk to in your first period class? I’m not in school. Last “first period” was my high school calculus class and I had a couple friends in there that I always goofed off with

9.) Do you get freaked out by blood or does it not bother you one bit? It doesn’t freak me out, but I don’t want it staining my clothes 10.) Do you have Skype? If so, who did you last talk to on there? Yes, I used to talk to a long distance friend

11.) Have you ever had sushi? I’ve tried it and I did not like it

12.) If the last person to text you wanted to hook up with you, how would you respond? Ewwwwwww

13.) Who was the last person to text you anyway? What doe she/he look like? My mom

14.) Have you seen Black Swan? Was it any good? No

15.) Name one band that everyone else seems to like but you don’t. Cardi B

16.) The last time you had sex, what position did you do? Missionary

17.) Would you rather cut your hair 6 inches shorter or not shave for 10 months? Cut my hair

18.) Favorite bands at the moment? Taylor Swift

19.) How do you feel towards your mother? I love her but she is cramping my space

20.) Forever alone. Do you know what I’m talking about? I used to

21.) What color pen did you last use? Blue

22.) Have you ever played Cafe Life on Facebook? No

23.) Name one person you used to have a thing with in the past. What’s your relation to them now? We don’t talk

24.) Has a friend ever stolen the person you like from you? What would you do if that ever happens? Not intentionally, but the guy I lost my virginity to had a crush on my friend and even though she didn’t reciprocate, it affected our friendship

25.) Do you have any idea what you’re doing on Valentine’s Day this year? Probably something with my boyfriend

26.) If you watch Jersey Shore, what do you think of Deena so far? I don’t watch

27.) If you watch Skins (British version), are you annoyed that America decided to remake it? I don’t watch

28.) What was the last band tee you wore? I don’t really have band tees other than marching band

29.) What’s the most expensive pair of shoe you own? A couple pairs of leather boots that I got on extreme sale at Macy’s but they were still expensive

30.) How often do you do surveys? A lot

[snow-whiteandred-rose]

Our Two Romeo’s Version 1

A/N: So this was a little experiment Vanessa and I wanted to try. We had the same scenario, but each of us wrote it in their style and from their imagination. And in the end...it turned out almost exactly the same! I promise, that we dind’t talked about it until it was finished. It’s called Best Friend Magic! Because my BTS Bias is Jimin I’ve written mine about him. Vanessa’s will have V in focus :)

Pairing: Jimin x Reader, V x Best Friend word count: 2K

"Okay now it is your time to order. Just try it." you cheered you best friend. Because you knew that she was so nervous, when it came to speak Korean, you gave her all kind of supportive words. You started giving her a few, but rather unprofessional lessons, about a year ago. You weren't an expert yourself, but it kinda worked most of the times. Preparation for your vacation in Korea was the A and O for an outstanding experience. "Oh my god. I can do that. It's just a coffee." She breathed in and out. "Just a coffee." "It will take a bit I think." You said as you tiptoed to have better view over the que. It was a small coffee shop, a bit outside of the city centre. Your friend discovered the quiet and picturesque nabourhoud on pinterest. It was beautiful. And the light sunshine on this September afternoon was even enhancing the beauty. After the two of you strolled the streets with its small boutiques and shops you decided to take a little break at the nearby park. The small café came in handy. "I just want a normal, unfancy, plain coffee." you said as you had a look at the menu. "Do they have that? Normal milk, normal sugar, normal everything." "I don't think so." your friend laughed at your annoyed face. "Well, have fun pronouncing this weird names then..." "Come on, be positive. We can try something new." This was so typical for your best friend. She was the optimist, the one who was always positive about everything even if the situation was more than desperate. "What is the barista asking them besides what you want to order?", your friend asked. You were a bit distracted by your phone, scrolling through Twitter. "Mhhhh...I think they are asking, if you have a loyalty card? Maybe?" you raised your eyebrows and put on a fake smile. "I thought you are the Korean expert. You are supposed to help me!" she shoved you by the shoulder. Suddenly you heard a quiet almost non existing snicker behind your back. Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed two guys standing behind you in line. "Don't be so loud...People are already looking." you hissed these words without moving your mouth. "Everyone is looking at us anyway. It's because we are so handsome!" Turning tour head slowly over to her side, all you did was eye roll. "Yeah, of course." After another 10 minutes of waiting, your friend was next to order. "I'll tell you. The chocolate cake will be sold out." Your pessimistic side showed again. "Yeah because you know why? Because we want to have that. That's why it's gonna be gone." It was always like that. It didn't matter, what you want to order. Either way it was sold out or it would take an eternity to remake it. So both of you mostly ended up choosing option B. "And there goes the last piece." you sarcastically smiled. "Cheesecake for me then." "Why are you so quick? I dont know what I want. Ahhh!" "Just take something. Everything looks good. Now hurry. We have to order!" "I would recommend the chocolate chip cookie." a deep soothing voice echoed in your ears. 

Surprised you turned to your friend only to notice, that one of the guys behind you leaned forward to speak closely to her ear. He was saying that in English. She was also in shock, standing rooted to the spot. The mysterious man had his mask pulled up to his eyes, his dark curly hair also falling deeply in his face. You wondered how he could see anything. But even if you couldnt see much of his face, you just knew that he must be outstandingly handsome. Wearing a black turtleneck with a beige coat over it, it completed the model look. Yours and your friends reaction must have been the same. As always. Because now, a laughter pulled you out of your trance. Trying to get back to senses, you looked at the second guy. He was shorter than his companion and was wearing a black bucket hat. You saw light blonde hair peeking out at his neck and long dangling earrings. Sadly, his whole face was also covered by a mask. You didn't know what it was, but his whole aura was attracting you. "I think you are supposed to order now." he said to you with a smile. "W..wha..Oh yeah. Sorry." also you could do was stutter. "Y/F/N"! Hey!" She was still so distracted by the tall curly haired one that it took a few seconds for her to notice your words. "Its your turn. Order! Korean!" It worked out quite swimmingly. Your friend did her best, even if it took the cashier a few times to understand. "Just have look for a table. I will follow you as soon as everything is ready." you said to her. Patiently waiting for your order you looked around. Definitely not to have a look at the blonde guy again. To your surprise, both of them were ordering the exact same things you and your friend had. Well, the cookie was a recommendation from them after all. He was wearing black pants, black leather boots and a lumberjack shirt. Over that he wore a open leather jacket. "His body is unreal. Oh my." you thought. Finally your drinks were ready and you carefully made your way over to your friend. "I don't want to say anything to make you nervous, but these two dudes kept looking at us the whole time." She said, as you placed the tray on the table. "But don't turn around!" "Well, I wouldn't mind them checking us out." You said cheeky, but then self doubt hitted you again. "If they are checking us out... What if they are just looking because we are weird? Or so ugly that..." "Ssshhhhh! I think they are coming this way." You tried to act as normal as possible. Impossible to be honest, because they found a place right next to yours. There were only a few inches between the two tables. Technically everyone could think that you were there as a quartet.  At first they were doing their thing, you were doing yours. Pretending not to see each other. You talked about the next days of your vacation and what was planned.  Then your best friend, beeing herself, needed to go the restroom. The whole place was so crowded and full of people, that she bumped the edge of the guy's table while standing up. "Uhhh I can't believe it. Shit!" she angrily cursed. The whole coffee was spilled and liquid was dripping on the floor. You had a hard time holding your laughter at her sudden outburst. "I'm so so so sorry. Ehmm mianhae?" she politely said to your seat neighbours. The two also looked a bit startled at first, checking if anything was spilled on their clothes. "Is everything alright? Was the coffee still hot?" you wanted to make sure. Grabbing all the napkins you could find around you, you started to dab the spilled beverages on the table."Here you go." handing them a few. Your friend was on the floor doing the same thing. You saw, that the tall model-guy immediately jumped up to help her so that both of them were crouching underneath the tabletops. "Everything is fine. Don't worry. That can happen." the guy with the earrings comforted you. "Are you alright?" "Ummm..." looking at your purse and clothes "seems like it. All dry." You gave him a big smile. His eyes were shining as well. "That's all that matters." While looking at each other both of you had stopped cleaning up. You just stood there doing nothing but stare in each others eyes. Clearing your throat you focused on the mess again and said "We‘ll will order you new drinks. You couldn't even drink half of it. And as an excuse for this inconvenience." Here and there your hands touched while swiping. "If anyone is ordering new drinks, than its Tae and me. For you and your friend." You looked at him startled, not believing what he just said. He seemed to blush a little and looked away. Speaking of Y/F/N, you turned your head to her direction, only to notice that she was in a lively conversation.   "So this is Tae then? The one she is talking to?" you asked your still name-less partner. "Mhh. Right." he said absent-mindedly. "Ahh. I'm sorry. I'm Jimin by the way. How impolite." he gave you his hand and bowed. "He is so cute" you just thought. "I didn't introduced myself as well. So we are even." You shaked his hand and chuckled. "I'm Y/N. Nice to meet you Jimin." "The pleasure's is all mine, Y/N." "Hey you two. Flirting is over.", you were a bit shocked by the sudden voice. "Yahh! We were just talking."Jimin scolded his friend as Tae gave you a boxy smile. "Hi. I'm Tae. So you already know Jimin?" "Seems like it. And you obviously meet Y/F/N?" you countered cheeky. You gave your friend a knowing look. The way she smiled gave her away immediately. She was an open book to you. "I would say, me and Tae were probably thinking the same thing." Jimin nooded at his friend. In unison they turned away from the crowd and other customers, removing their masks slowly. You couldn't believe what you were seeing. Two of the most beautiful faces you've ever seen came to light. They were all so different and unique in every single way. Tae's face was heart-shaped and he had a strong jaw line. His nose was perfect, with a little mole at the top. The top lip was slightly fuller than the bottom lip. Jimin on the other hand had chubby round cheeks, you wished to squeeze with both of your hands. His eyes were tilted down a little and he had a small high nose. He had the most kissable lips ever. They were plump and perfectly shaped. "What have you two planned for today's evening?" Tae asked. You and your best friend were out of words. She quickly looked at you and was the first one able to think again. "We're free. Nothing's planned." "Yeah, we don't have any plans." you added. "Perfect. Than let's meet up later on. We still have a lot to talk about" Tae leaned over to your friend, whispering in her ear. Your mouth was dry. Was that really happening? "Here." Jimin handed you a small card with the logo of the café on it. He kept on holding your hand and pulling you closer to him. "Don't forget to collect your membership points." He winked. "But I..I'm not a..." and with that your two Romeos disappeared into the crowd. Your friend plopped on the chair. "I need a shot. No. I need two. What is that?" She pointed at the card Jimin gave you. "He said something about points or so?" You turned it around at your eyes almost fell out of your head. You also sat down with a thump. "Their numbers. He has written down their numbers, Y/F/N." In sync you looked at each other and started screeching like teenagers.

[remedyhunger]

Blake’s first sunrise..

Blake tossed and turned in her sleep. Sweat dripped from her skin as memories of the events of this summer came back with a vengeance. Yang went missing, the fight with Atlas, the world literally hanging on their shoulders...and then she saw Adam again, the hatred and disgust on his scarred face...his sword striking down towards Yang.

“No!” She shouted in the dark. Her body jolting up from her bed. With heavy breaths, and tears welling up in her eyes. It was a dream she realized. No a nightmare. She’s been getting those a lot lately.

Wrapping her arms around herself Blake suddenly discovered her sleeping partner was not beside her. With panic the daughter of Poseidon turned around and grabbed the covers of the neatly made side only to pause to see a note.

Confused Blake picked up the scrap of paper and turned it over.

“Morning Tuna-Brain,

Don’t start panicking ok? I had to go do an errand....yeah I know at 5:00 am in the morning.

Just trust me ok?

Wise Girl

PS. I have a special treat for you after breakfast...I promise it’s not just fish lol. “

Blake smiled softly, her heart rate steadily going back to normal. She scooted close to the edge and got out of bed. She was up she might as well take a walk to calm herself. Right?

Blake tilted her head a bit to see her desk cleaned up with all the books she brought to camp neatly stacked and one particular book with a sticky note on top reading, “Really?”

She reddened at the same curvy handwriting she saw earlier.

Well at least it was Yang and not Ruby...

Blake sighed while putting on her dark jean shorts and a purple jacket over her camp tank-top. The daughter of Athena was going to tease her about that book for the rest of her life. Yang has a photographic memory she can see one object and it’s stuck in her big head for eternity. Same thing when she hears a conversation or gossip.

When she was finally done getting dressed. Blake patted her pockets to check for her pen and smiled once feeling the familiar bump. She made her way to the mirror to brush her hair and paused once she saw a sliver grey streak on her front bang. Her eyes darted down, her heart skipped a beat.

“Stop thinking of that Belladonna!” She growled, surprised by her own tone of voice.

Blake made her way to her cabin door and opened it wide only to spot a tall young woman on the stairs.

The woman was wearing dark jeans that were ripped, dark red doc martins, a black leather jacket with golden trimmings over a orange camp shirt and a red sash around her waist.

“Um...” Blake started.

The young woman turned around and Blake noticed her facial features. Her hair was fire red in a high ponytail with a undercut. She had bright green eyes with a tinge of blue in the middle...like a stormy sky ready to strike down lightning. Her lips were full and was giving her a smile, and last but not least the golden headpiece around her head.

All in all the woman looked like a goddess if Blake was being honest. Thankfully she remembered meeting her during the quest.

“Pyrrha right?” She asked

“Oh good you remembered me!” She smiled brightly and stood up. “I was hoping you would! Yang asked me to keep guard while she does her thing so...here I am heh.”

Pyrrha Nikos was awkward, really awkward. Like she was trying to think of anything to talk about. It was rather adorable...wait.

“I thought you left with the other Huntresses?”

Pyrrha sighed. “I stepped down...well I decided to stay at camp. I mean Yang is here, and I want to look for my sister.“ She was looking down at her boots her lips downward and brows together. “Don’t get me wrong I loved being a huntress but, I’m needed here. I feel it was my destiny to stay here.”

Blake blinked at the girl. She realized Pyrrha was only a teenager like the rest of them. In fact Yang told her she was only a year older than her by two months. She was just tall...which frankly Blake was jealous of. She might have to start wearing platforms to get to Pyrrha’s height.

“I-Is that a problem?” The daughter of Zeus asked with uncertainty.

“No!” Blake reassured. “Uh, would you like to walk with me? It’s still dark and..”

“Sure!”

Blake smiled weakly and began to walk next to the other demigod. It was silent but not as awkward as before. She got to see Camp Half-Blood in a more calmer environment. It was pretty to say the least. She sighed in relief, there were no monsters or any danger and for once she felt blessed by to gods for that.

They continued to walk until Blake noticed a huge gathering at cabin number seven, Apollo cabin. Her eyes then zoomed in and saw a familiar demigod yawning loudly while leaning against a short half naked young man with sandy blonde hair, a pair of teal runners shorts and his camp necklace. Sun Wukong was his name and the counselor for the cabin.

She felt upset all of a sudden, but Pyrrha put her hand on her shoulder and smiled down at her. “Don’t worry Blake, nothing would ever happen between those two. Besides that boy has nothing compare to you, miss hero.”

Blake chuckled at that and felt a little more confident as the two walked over to the cabin. She noticed Yang was wearing her cut-off jean shorts, a pair of purple flip flops and a black hoodie that looked too big for her. It looked familiar like the one Blake thought she lost.

Wait...

“That’s my hoodie.” Blake blurted out for everyone to stop chatting and to look up at her.

Yang who’s hair was loose with her grey streaked bang falling over her widened silverish purple eyes, blushed. She quickly pushed Sun to the ground and shot straight up from the bench she was sitting on.

“Blake! I-I thought you were sleeping..”

Blake raised a brow at Yang’s lame excuse. “I mean I was until I realized my sleeping partner was gone.”

Everyone gasped and turned to Yang. Ruby who was laying on Yang’s lap before was now on the ground with a mischievous look in her bright silver eyes.

“And why was Wise Girl in your cabin?” Sun asked with a smirk on his face. His blue eyes twinkling with mirth.

“None of your business Arrowhead, and don’t call her that. Only I get too.” Blake said with annoyance.

“Ok, Ok I’ll stop!” Sun said while putting his hands up in defeat. “Anyway it’s fifteen minutes before dad rises...want to join us. It’s kinda a requirement for his kids...and legacies.”

“Is that why you’re here Yang?” Pyrrha asked. Who Blake just realized was still next to her.

“Yeah...it was before I met Blake...when I was eleven I got punished for skipping on gramp’s sunrise all the time.” Yang began, her hand rubbing the back of her head as she smiled cutely. “So...basically he put the sun right in front of Athena cabin and...I got shunned for a month from my other siblings and Mom because of it..”

“His ego must be big.” Blake deadpanned at the thought of Apollo doing that with a manic grin on his face.

“Yeah Dad is...narcissistic.” Sun sweated a bit. “Ya get used to it.”

“At least he doesn’t put his children in a stupid hotel.” The daughter of Hades interjected as she stepped out of the shadows. Scaring half of the children of Apollo.

“You really have to stop doing that Ice Queen...” Sun sighed at the girl with dyed hair who was wearing a dark blue jacket and black pants.

Weiss merely rolled her eyes and sat down next to him and Yang with her knees up. Her eyes looking up at Blake with curiosity and embarrassment.

Ruby who got up and grabbed both Blake and and Pyrrha was restless. “When is grampa coming up? I want to get back to my cabin.”

“Five more minutes..” Sun stated.

Blake was now next to Yang and Pyrrha she was already tried of all this waiting. She leaned her head on Yang’s shoulder, the girl before her suddenly stilled by the action. Blake opened her eyes to look up at her.

“Sorry..is this ok?”

Yang’s voice cracked. “Y-Yeah it’s fine...I don’t mind.”

Blake felt warm at Yang’s voice, she felt safe. “I had a nightmare earlier..” she whispered softly.

“What about?”

“Everything that’s happened with Atlas and Adam...”

She felt Yang put an arm over her shoulder and pulled her closer. Pressing her lips against the crown of Blake’s head right above her grey streaked bang.

“I’ve had nightmares of him too...” Yang revealed to Blake. Her golden hair framing her face beautifully and that one strayed grey lock falling over her right eye.

“ALRIGHT TEN SECONDS!” Sun yelled as everyone began to countdown the sunrise.

10

Yang pulled away from Blake and reached behind her.

9

Blake watched curiously as she heard rustling from behind and zippers.

8

“Close your eyes Blake!” Yang whispered excitedly.

7

Blake looked at Yang with a raised brow.

6

“Trust me! Come on.”

5

Blake closed her eyes.

4

She suddenly smelled a fruity scent nearby. It wasn’t Yang’s typical strawberry shampoo. No it was...baked.

3

“Alright open your eyes Tuna-Brain!”

2

Her eyes opened and was met with a small purple cupcake and a lit candle. Blake could see the sun coming out behind Yang and her hair glowed with it, the streak of her front bang almost silver. It was the most beautiful picture Blake had ever witnessed.

1

“Happy Birthday! Blake...”

0

Blake blew out the candle and everyone cheered as the sun came up. Yang smiled before putting the cupcake away to hug her and kiss her on the cheek.

The daughter of Poseidon knew she was never going to forget this. Especially not because of Apollo.

[down-in-dixie]

Muse Interview Meme;

1. WHAT IS YOUR NAME? ❝ Alex Danvers.❞ 2. WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME? ❝ ...Alexandra. Don’t call me that, though. I’d rather be called Alex.❞

3. DO YOU KNOW WHY YOU WERE CALLED THAT? ❝ Not really. But knowing my parents, I was probably named after some famous scientist or something. ❞  

4. ARE YOU SINGLE OR TAKEN? ❝ Single. I was engaged but we broke it off because we wanted different things in life. Which seemed like the right thing to do at the time, but now I’m starting to have my doubts. I think it might have been a mistake. ❞

5. HAVE ANY ABILITIES OR POWERS? ❝ You’re interviewing the wrong Danvers. If you want to hear about powers you’ll have to talk to my sister, Kara. ❞

6. STOP BEING A MARY SUE/GARY STU. ❝ Maybe I would if I actually knew what you were talking about. ❞ 7. WHAT’S YOUR EYE COLOR? ❝ Brown with a hint of green. The green is barely noticeable but it’s there. ❞

8. HOW ABOUT YOUR HAIR COLOR? ❝ It’s a dark reddish-brown color. I guess you would call it auburn. ❞  

9. HAVE YOU ANY FAMILY MEMBERS? ❝ My parents, although it’s been a few years since I’ve seen my dad, and my younger sister. ❞

10. OH? WHAT ABOUT PETS? ❝ I have a German shepherd named Mya that I adopted a few months ago. ❞

11.THAT’S COOL I GUESS, NOW TELL ME ABOUT SOMETHING THAT YOU’RE BAD AT ❝ Cooking, according to my family and friends anyway. I don’t think I’m that bad at it. ❞

12. DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES / ACTIVITIES YOU LIKE DOING? ❝ When I’m actually able to find some time away from work, I like to have ‘sister nights’ with my sister where we watch movies and eat junk food together, go out to the local bar, play some pool, go surfing, go for rides on my Ducati, sing karaoke, and have game nights with my friends. ❞

13. EVER HURT ANYONE BEFORE? ❝ Yes. I don’t usually want to hurt anyone but it comes with the territory in my line of work.  ❞

14. EVER….KILLED ANYONE BEFORE? ❝ ...yes. Again, I didn’t want to but I had no other choice.  ❞

15. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU? ❝ I’m human. But if you had asked some of the people that I hung out with back in college this question, they would have said that I was a party animal. ❞  *Rolls eyes*

16. NAME YOUR WORST HABITS. ❝ I’d rather not if it’s all the same to you. ❞  

17. DO YOU LOOK UP TO ANYONE AT ALL? ❝ My parents, my boss, my sister.. ❞

18. GAY, STRAIGHT, OR BISEXUAL? ❝ Gay.  ❞

19. DO YOU GO TO SCHOOL? ❝ No, I’m completely done with school. And I don’t ever want to go back.❞  

20. DO YOU EVER WANT TO MARRY AND HAVE KIDS ONE DAY? ❝ Yes. ❞

21. DO YOU HAVE ANY FANBOYS / FANGIRLS? ❝  None that I’m aware of. ❞

22. WHAT ARE YOU MOST AFRAID OF? ❝ Losing my sister and the other people that I care about. ❞

23. WHAT DO YOU USUALLY WEAR? ❝ Jeans and t-shirt with a pair of boots. And a leather jacket when the weather gets cold. ❞

24. DO YOU LOVE SOMEONE? ❝ There’s a few people that I love. ❞

25. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WET YOURSELF? ❝ I don’t think I ever have. ❞

26. HOW MANY FRIENDS DO YOU HAVE? ❝ A few, and technically speaking they’re mostly my sister’s friends and I just became friends with them by default. ❞

27. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PIE? ❝ It depends on what kind of pie you’re talking about. ❞

28. FAVOURITE DRINK? ❝ Beer. Or wine.... ❞

29. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? ❝ The beach back in my hometown. It’s where my dad taught me how to surf. ❞

30. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SOMEONE? ❝ There might be someone...❞

31. WHAT’S YOUR BRA CUP SIZE AND/OR HOW BIG IS YOUR WILLY? *Glares at you*  ❝ I’m not answering that. ❞

32. WOULD YOU RATHER SWIM IN THE LAKE OR THE OCEAN? ❝ Ocean. It’s hard to surf in a lake. ❞

33. WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? ❝ Other than the person being female, I’m not sure if I really have one. I haven’t exactly been with a lot of people. ❞

34. ANY FETISHES? ❝ No. And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you about them.❞

35. SEME OR UKE? TOP OR BOTTOM? DOMINANT OR SUBMISSIVE? *Slightly blushes and clears her throat* ❝ Next question. ❞

36. CAMPING OR INDOORS? ❝ Indoors. For the record, I don’t mind being outdoors. I just don’t want to have to sleep in a tent. ❞  

37. ARE YOU WANTING THE QUIZ TO END? *Looks confused*  ❝ Wasn’t this an interview? ❞

[fallintosanity]

cloud and kunsel are the dictionary definition of moirails change my mind

spoiler: you can’t

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, part 5, part 6, part 7, part 8, part 9, part 10, part 11, part 12, part 13

“Cloud!” Kunsel called. “Welcome back!” 

Cloud turned to see Kunsel jogging up the barracks hallway. “Hey. I thought you would be asleep.” 

It was late Sunday night; Cloud and the others had gotten back half an hour or so ago. While Noctis had headed straight for the Thirds’ bunks, Cloud had stopped by his office to file a mission report. He’d been heading back to his own bunk, but now Kunsel caught him by the arm. “I heard you’d be back tonight,” Kunsel said, “and we, uh.” He rubbed the back of his neck under the helmet; Cloud couldn’t see his face but he sounded almost shy. 

“You what?” Cloud asked.

“We have a surprise for you,” Kunsel blurted. “Zack and Genesis and me. C’mon.” He tugged Cloud’s arm, leading him back toward the elevators.

Cloud let him, not sure if he should be bemused or concerned, right up until Kunsel pushed the button for the floor where Sephiroth’s apartment was. Technically Genesis and Angeal had apartments on the same floor, but Cloud had had that entire floor marked off-limits in his mental map of the building from the day he got there. “Where are we going?” 

“Just wait,” Kunsel said. 

Cloud frowned, taking a moment to focus on his connection to Sephiroth - but the man was somewhere in the office blocks, probably working late again. “Sephiroth’s not involved?” 

“Not directly,” Kunsel said. “Technically as the general he had to approve this, but his part was just routine paperwork.” 

The elevator dinged, opening onto an elegant hallway that looked more like a luxury hotel than military housing. Kunsel led Cloud to the right, passing a couple of doors on either side of the hall before stopping at another door at the very end. Pulling a key card from his pocket, Kunsel tapped it against the door lock, then as the door slid aside with a hiss, waved Cloud ahead of him into the room. 

Cloud had an instant to register the room - easily three times the size of his barracks room, with silver-grey carpet thick enough to lose toes in, a sleek white leather wraparound couch, glass-and-steel end tables, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the wall opposite the door - before Genesis and Zack jumped into view. “Surprise!” they chorused.

From behind Cloud, Kunsel added, “Welcome to your new apartment.” 

“What?” Cloud said.

“C’mon,” Zack said, bounding over to catch Cloud by the arm and pull him deeper into the apartment. “Take a look around! Kunsel brought up all your stuff already so you can settle right in - we figured you’d be tired after that mission.” 

Cloud stared at him, then over his shoulder at Kunsel, and finally at Genesis, who’d taken up a studiously casual pose beside the huge window. “Why?” 

It wasn’t especially coherent, though Cloud would rather blame the long hours of travel than the unexpected emotion that tightened his throat. Fortunately, Genesis knew what he was trying to ask, and said lightly, “There are many benefits to being a SOLDIER First Class. A private suite is one of them.”

“You should have moved up here when you made First last year,” Kunsel added, “but you were promoted faster than anyone expected, and the rest of the suites hadn’t been finished. Then, well…” 

“Hojo happened,” Zack said, and rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. 

“I’ve been on Lazard’s case ever since you got back,” Genesis said airily, as though Cloud had simply been on a long vacation rather than trapped in a mad scientist’s lab. “It’s ridiculous that you’ve been stuck in that tiny closet downstairs.” 

“I’m next door on the right,” Kunsel said, jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the hall. “Zack’s on the left.” Genesis sniffed, probably disappointed that he hadn’t managed to get Cloud next door to his own apartment, but this layout meant Cloud was as far away from Sephiroth as he could be while still being on the same floor. 

“...Oh,” Cloud said. He looked around, taking in the rest of the space. A large kitchenette was separated from the main room by a marble-topped bar complete with tall stools, while on the opposite wall, a door led into what was presumably the bedroom. Through the door he could just see a huge bed, flanked by more floor-to-ceiling windows lined with curtains. He hadn’t lived somewhere this spacious since he’d left his mother’s house as a child, and he’d never lived anywhere half as fancy. “It’s…”

“Great,” Zack supplied. He slung an arm around Cloud’s shoulder and shook him lightly. “It’s great, buddy. That’s the word you’re looking for.” 

His enthusiasm was catching, and Cloud smiled despite himself. “Yeah,” he said. “It is.” 

“Excellent!” Genesis clapped his hands together, as though Cloud’s agreement was a sign. “I brought you a housewarming gift. Let’s crack it open!” 

Genesis’s housewarming gift turned out to be a bottle of expensive scotch and a box of fine chocolates from Mideel, which the four of them split around the kitchen bar while Cloud told them all about the mission to Rocket Town and the subsequent detour to rescue Yuffie, as well as Noctis Lucis Caelum’s odd behavior, his unexpected diplomatic prowess, and his bet with Yuffie.

“I still don’t know how he did it,” Cloud admitted. 

“A Steal materia?” Zack suggested, and spun his bar stool around thoughtfully.

Cloud shook his head. “He doesn’t have one.” 

“That we know of,” Genesis said. “I still think he has more materia than he’s letting on.” He leaned across Cloud to pour Kunsel another finger of scotch. 

“He claimed he’d never used it before, though,” Cloud pointed out. 

“He’s lying, then,” Genesis said, with a definitive nod. “Probably lying about never having been to Wutai, either, if he can deal that effectively with them.” 

“But why?” Zack asked. “Why lie about all that?” 

“Maybe he’s a Wutai ninja trying to infiltrate ShinRa,” Genesis suggested.

“Assassination?” Kunsel said. “But who? He’s not exactly well-positioned to get at the President, and trying to assassinate you, here, would be a death sentence.”

Genesis shrugged. “Ninja are patient. He might be waiting for a shot at the President, or he may even be hoping to get paired with me on an assignment where an ‘accident’ could happen.” 

Kunsel nudged Cloud with an elbow. “You said he was really upset about the whole, uh, ShinRa conquering thing.” 

Cloud nodded. “Enough to spook Reno.” 

Zack’s eyebrows shot up. “Spook a Turk? That’s something.” 

“Something unsettling, certainly,” Genesis said. “We’ll have to be very careful.”

“As long as it’s not another crazy time travel, mutant monsters, end of the world story,” Zack teased, and leaned across the bar to poke Cloud in the arm. “I don’t wanna go grey before I turn twenty.” 

* * *

It was nearly two in the morning before Genesis and Zack finally admitted exhaustion and headed back to their own rooms to sleep. Kunsel stayed, watching from behind the visor of his ever-present helmet as Cloud explored the bedroom. The place was huge, the bed luxuriously wide and soft, the floor-to-ceiling windows displaying a gorgeous view of Upper Midgar at night. A discreet sliding door in the glass opened onto a small balcony; if Cloud was feeling more adventurous he could step outside and feel the wind on his face from hundreds of feet in the air. 

As it was, he pulled the heavy curtains closed over the view. He liked the idea of having an escape route from the apartment that didn’t involve the elevators, but the huge windows left him feeling exposed. Turning to the walk-in closet - itself half as large as his entire downstairs bunk - he poked around for a few minutes, checking what was there. As Zack had said, Kunsel had brought up all Cloud’s belongings - which, granted, wasn’t much, just the standard-issue SOLDIER wardrobe, toiletries, and a handful of mechanic’s tools and trinkets Cloud had picked up in the nearly two years he’d spent in the past. Still, Cloud was glad it had been Kunsel who’d cleaned out his old bunk. He didn’t like people poking around his stuff, but Kunsel was different. 

“Everything okay?” Kunsel asked finally. 

Cloud nodded, started to answer out loud, and yawned instead. “Sorry,” he said. 

Kunsel chuckled. “It’s late,” he said, then yawned himself. He pulled off his helmet and tucked it under his arm. “Are you sure you’ll be all right up here?” he asked, then looked down, scuffing a toe on the carpet and abruptly looking like the teenager he was. “I mean, I know it’s sudden, and Sephiroth’s apartment is up here, and…”

“It’s fine,” Cloud said, and smiled at Kunsel when he looked up. “Thank you.” 

Kunsel’s face lit up. “I’m glad you like it.” 

“What about you?” Cloud asked, as he sat down on the edge of the bed and began pulling off his boots. “You’re up here now too.” 

“Yeah.” Kunsel hesitated, biting his lip. “It’s just…”

Cloud waited. It was an open secret in SOLDIER that Kunsel’s promotion to First Class had been a bribe for his continued loyalty to ShinRa after what had happened to him in Nibelheim. He’d suspected it bothered Kunsel more than he let on, but hadn’t wanted to pry. Now, though, it was clear how Kunsel felt. 

Finally Kunsel said, “You know, for all I joked about it with Zack, I never expected to make First. I’m nowhere near your level, or even Zack’s. I don’t…” He shook his head. “I don’t belong here and we all know it. But at the same time… I’m glad. And then I feel dumb for feeling glad, because I didn’t earn it—”

Cloud shook his head. “You earned it,” he said firmly. “What Hojo did to you… it wasn’t fighting in a war, sure, but surviving that…” He trailed off, suppressing a shudder as fragments of memory flashed through his mind, images of Hojo’s lab that might have been from six months ago, or six years. “Being First isn’t just about being able to hit things with a sword.” 

Kunsel bit his lip again, and Cloud jerked his chin at the open spot beside him on the bed. Taking the hint, Kunsel sat down, leaning against Cloud’s side the way he’d done on particularly bad days in Hojo’s cage. 

Cloud wrapped an arm around him. “I never even made SOLDIER the first time around, remember?” 

“Yeah,” Kunsel said. “But you’re different.” 

Cloud shook his head. “I was just a kid.” Sixteen years old back then, and now that he was closer to thirty than twenty, it was painfully clear just how little difference there was between sixteen years old and Kunsel’s eighteen. 

Kunsel didn’t answer, just settled deeper against Cloud’s side, kicking his boots off and curling his legs on the bed. Cloud yawned again, shifting to sit more comfortably. 

He didn’t notice when his eyes slipped closed and sleep claimed him. 

* * *

Cloud woke the next morning in a moment of dizzying disorientation. He wasn’t in his ShinRa bunk, and someone’s back was pressed against his— 

Kunsel. The new First Class apartment. 

Cloud blinked his eyes open, squinting in the darkness of the bedroom. Apparently the curtains over the big windows were blackout curtains; only the tiniest slivers of light filtered around their edges. Sitting up, Cloud stretched and yawned. He felt far more rested than usual, probably thanks to Kunsel’s presence warding off his usual highlight reel of nightmares. And probably also because the clock on the bedside table said it was nearly noon. 

There was a sleek little remote control mounted at the head of the bed, with buttons labeled “Open”, “Close”, “Lights: On, Dim, Off”. Experimentally he pressed the “Open” button, and was rewarded with the curtains swishing open with a low hum. Sunlight flooded the room and Kunsel stirred, then jerked upright with a startled yelp. He looked around, eyes wide, until he spotted Cloud - then his face turned nearly as red as his hair.

“Oh,” Kunsel said. “Um. I, um.” 

Cloud shrugged. “We were both tired. You sleep okay?” 

Kunsel nodded, making a visible effort to calm down. The blush faded and he smiled, a little sheepishly. “Better than I have in a while. You’re, uh. You’re not the only one with nightmares.” 

No surprise there. What Kunsel had gone through in Hojo’s lab would haunt him for a long time. Cloud shrugged again. “Glad to help.”

“I better get going, though,” Kunsel said. “I’ve got a couple local missions to run today.” He hopped off the bed, stuffing his feet into his boots and scooping up his helmet where it had fallen to the floor. Cloud trailed after him out to the main room of the apartment - marveling again at the size and lavishness of the place - and walked him to the door. He waved as Kunsel headed up the hall toward his own apartment.

Further up the hall, past the elevator lobby, another door opened and Genesis stepped out in a swirl of red leather. He saw Cloud and grinned - then spotted Kunsel, just stepping through his door, helmet tucked under his arm. Cloud saw it the moment Genesis jumped to the wrong conclusion, and sighed. He waited until Kunsel’s door was closed - Kunsel didn’t appear to have noticed Genesis, at least - and Genesis had stormed most of the way up the hall toward Cloud before saying, “Don’t.” 

Genesis sniffed. “Don’t what? I wasn’t going to do anything.” 

That was such a blatant lie that Cloud didn’t bother responding to it. Instead, he said, “It was late, we stayed up talking, we fell asleep.” 

It was funnier than it should have been to watch the muscles in Genesis’s jaw work as he tried to figure out how to respond to that in a way that wouldn’t make his already-obvious possessiveness even more blatant. But then Genesis’s eyes lit up, and he plunged a hand into the pocket of his coat. “Oh! I forgot last night, but I have another gift for you.” 

Cloud raised his eyebrows.

“I picked them up on that last tour with the President,” Genesis said, and pulled his hand out. In it, to Cloud’s surprise, he held two shining red materia. “Ramuh and Shiva,” Genesis said proudly, and tossed one of them at Cloud. “You have that mastered Thunder already, so I thought this might expand your elemental repertoire.” 

Cloud caught the Shiva summon and turned it over in his hands, feeling it out. Magic thrummed between his palms, the frozen breath of an ice goddess. “Thanks.” 

“You’re welcome,” Genesis said, and didn’t quite manage to hide the smug tone. Apparently if he couldn’t be the one to spend a night in Cloud’s apartment, he would try to buy Cloud’s affection with materia. Cloud just wished he could get through to him that Genesis didn’t need to buy Cloud’s affection. 

Then he had an idea. “You know, I haven’t covered summons with my materia students yet,” he said. “Want to come to the class on Thursday and help demonstrate?” 

Genesis lit up like Zack getting a day off from squats training. “It’s a date!”

[pendragaryen]

the 100 ask game            

tagged by @carrieeve

1. What station on the Ark would you be from?

Farm station

2. What would you get arrested for on the Ark?

Mh, I really don’t know...

3. Would you take off your wristband when you landed on the ground?

No

4. What would the necklace Finn would make for you look like? (Clarke: deer/Raven: a raven duh..)

Ha! We wouldn’t have had THAT kind of relationship so that he’d feel he have to make me something like this...

5. If you could resurrect any MINOR character who would it be?

probably Zoe Monroe

6. Create a squad of 5 characters to go on missions with. Who are they?

Bellamy, Clarke, Raven, Monty and Harper (or after Marper’s death... Murphy and Emori)

7. What Grounder Clan would you belong to you?

Floukru or Trikru? But... thinking about it... most likely Trishanakru

8. What would your name be in Trigedasleng? (example: Octavia=Okteivia…just make it up!)

I lol’d... Sorry.. But I don’t think you can make ANYTHING out of Anne... Anne kom Trishanakru... ;)

9. Thoughts on Finn? Some people hate him, and others love him, so I’m curious

Um... Blank space tbh. He was too unimportant for me to hate or love him. Only in relation to Raven and/or Clarke of course... What he did was disgusting.

10. Be honest. How willing would you have been to take the chip without knowing all the horrible things it does?

Tbqh... I don’t know. Maybe... if my friends would’ve taken it too. I’d like to say that I’d be strong enough to refuse it. But seriously, I have no clue what I’d have done in that particular situation.

11. What character do you relate to most?

S1-4: Bellamy. Since S5: Clarke.

12. What character do you like the least?

Deep sigh... I go with E/ho here. I didn’t like her back in S2 and I can’t bring myself to like her since.

13. Describe your delinquent outfit. (Would you wear something like Murphy’s jacket with the spikey red shoulder patch or have a trademark like Jasper’s goggles? Be creative, yet practical)

black leggings, boots, long shirt with some kind of a big leather belt, fitted leather or denim jacket, ragged scarf ... something like that and definitely nothing special

14. Favorite type of mutant animal?

The two-headed dear... if you can possibly speak of FAVORITES here... unf...

15. What would your job be on the Ark?

Um... I think i’d be some kind of a librarian... maybe... Or I’m just tending to plants...

16. Would you have willingly pumped Ontari’s heart if Abby asked?

Oh god... Not as a concious decision. But if I would have shut down all of my thoughts at that particular moment... i’d probably just ACT...

17. If Lexa wasn’t Heda, but she was still alive then who would have made the best commander?

Out of the Nightbloods? Um... I don’t know many of these. Later on: Madi. Probably.

18. How would you act if you ate the hallucinogenic nuts like Jasper and Monty?

I’d probably be laughing ALL THE TIME and over the most stupid things

19. How would you have dealt with Charlotte’s crime? A more John Murphy approach or Bellamy Blake approach?

I go with Bellamy here

20. Who should have been the Chancellor, if anyone?

Um oh god... I think... Abby? Back in the time of the ark/Arkadia. And/or rather Kane than Jaha.

21. Would you have been on Pike’s side like Bellamy or on Kane’s side? Or Clarke in Polis?

I would’ve been on Kane’s side

22. Mount Weather had a lot of modern commodities. (example: Maya’s Ipod) What is the one thing you would snatch while there?

Haha... Dunno... I LOVE music. So i’d probs go with an MP3-player too. ;)

23. What would your Grounder tattoos look like? Hairstyle? War paint?

No war paint. But tattoos. Maybe some climbing plants like ivy or something like that - but in black and white of course. On my arms and neck and reaching out onto my cheek. Oh and I like the hairstyle Octavia had back in S2. Something like that maybe.

24. Favorite quote?

Clearly “Who we are and who we need to be to survive are very different things”. Nothing fits the whole show better that these words imo.

25. If all of the characters were in the Hunger Games, who would have the best shot at winning?

Out of ALL characters? As much as I’d LOVE to say Bellamy... but.. Um... Probs Indra or Luna. Out of our delinquents: Octavia. Otherwise: Maybe Diyoza. Just a feeling...

26. Least favorite ship? Favorite canon ship? Favorite non canon ship? NOT INCLUDING CL OR BC OR BE

Least fave: I am prohibited to mention that (see above). Fave canon: Marper. Fave non-canon: Sea Mechanic (Raven/Luna)

27. A song that should be included in the next season? If there had to be another guest star like Shawn Mendes on the show, who would you want to make a cameo?

Depends on the plot what kind of song I’d like to hear. In regards to my fave pairing/ship... probably “Rewrite the stars” performed by James Arthur. I just LOVE this song so so much...

28. What would you do if you were stuck in the bunker with Murphy for all that time?

The bunker huh? I have no idea. Do you mean the Wonkru-bunker or the bunker/tower he was imprisoned by Jaha/Alie? As for the latter: Seriously. How should it be possible to shut him out of your life completely? It simply WON’T WORK. So... I think we’d probably doing all the weird and funny things that are available (games, karaoke, drinking and so on) and then I’d take my things and search for an empty, silent space just for myself. Just a place to retire to sometimes.

29. You’re an extra that gets killed off. How do you die?

I wouldn’t have survived praimfaya. That’s for sure. I’d have been burned to ashes. Before that: Probably hit by a grounder spear.

30. A character you’d like to learn more about and get flashbacks of?

Always Emori. She’s such an interesting character. And all the new characters that will appear in S6.

31. A character you’d bang?

Is that even a question......... Big B of course. Captain daddy can come @ me all the time. ;)

32. Would you stay in the Bunker? Go up to Space? Or live on your own in Eden?

Definitely Eden

33. In the Bunker, would you follow Octavia? What would you do to pass the time underground?

Lol what kind of a question is that... i would HAVE to follow blodreina... she’d throw me in the pits if i don’t... And ugh... I’d probably read mountains of books - if there should’ve been some down there...

34. What crime would you commit in the Bunker that lands you in the fighting pits?

Refusing to eat my fellow peeps...

35. Up in Space, who would you bond with first? Who would be the most difficult for you to get along with?

I’d probs be friends with Harper and Monty, as well as with Bellamy. I’d have my difficulties with Murphy and Echo, I’m pretty sure of that...

36. How long do you think you would last on Earth by yourself?

Not as long as Clarke

37. When the Eligius ship lands what do you do?

run and hide

38. Favorite Eligius character? Least favorite?

Diyoza is impressive. I admire her. I LOVE(D) Shaw tho... Least fave: Obviously McCreary.

39. Would you Spacewalk?

Yesssss!

40. Would you prefer to eat Windshield Bugs, Space Algae, or Bunker Meat?

Waaahh! THE ALGAE OF COURSE! *shudders *

41. Would you start a war for the last spot of green on earth? What would your solution be to avoid it?

I’m not a warrior. Never was. I’d probably try to negotiate some kind of peace with the enemy. Like Bellamy said at some point in S5: Everyone its little space of Eden to grow something on your own...-ish ;)

42. Would you rather dig out flesh-eating worms or stick thumb drives into bullet holes?

If I HAVE to choose here... The thumb drive...

43. Are you willing to poison your sister for the Traitor Who You Love? What would you do to stop Octavia?

Oh god... THAT’S hard... I do have a sister who is very, very dear to me. I can’t possibly imagine to poison her... I can’t compare her to O though, bc I was never separated from her for 6 long years - nor is she like a blodreina (NO-ONE is like blodreina... >.<). Bellamy said he did it (amongst other obvious reasons) bc he wanted to save her from herself. Maybe... if she would have gone too far, too... and the life of MY greatest love would be on stake... I’d do it.         But no... I don’t wanna think about that. 

As for what I’d do to stop Octavia... I don’t have any better idea either. That’s the problem here. *sigh *

44. Would you go to sleep in cryo or stay awake like Marper?

I’d only prefer to stay awake, if I’d have the love of my life by my side like Harper did, and if it would’ve been his choice too. Otherwise: Cryo.

45. Who are you waking up first to explore the new planet?

Bellamy, Clarke, Raven, Abby and/or Jackson

I’ve tagged so many of you peeps out there in things over the last weeks and I’m sorry in advance if you should’ve done this already. But this is SO INTERESTING ;) So here we go, I tag: @iishallbelieve, @thgbookprincess, @junebugninja, @fen-ha-fuck-you, @katersann, @lovethyblakes, @clarkgriffon, @tracylorde, @jasperjoordan, @jordanjaspergreen, @hostagetakerandhisgirlfriend, @hereforbobmorley, @clarkeywifey, @bellarkekomlovekru, @bellaarke, @arkadianbellamy, @lameblake, @peterstarkss, @sometimesrosy, @bellamys11thfreckle, @lostinbellamy, @asroarke, @grumpybell, @kingbobbymorley, @bobmorleyisking, @octannibal-blake, @pilotzaven, @ringsabellamy, @little-oxford-st, @diyozas (in no particular order)

[frighthouseofalighthouse]

All weird asks!! They're so good!

Sorry this is a bit late, babe! I wanted to wait til I had the opportunity to answer all these uninterrupted!

1. coffee mugs, teacups, wine glasses, water bottles, or soda cans?

Coffee mugs! tbh I drink tea out of coffee mugs because who actually uses teacups? I mean my grandma has tons and I would use them, but the handles are so tiny and I am v clumsy so it scares me.

2. chocolate bars or lollipops?

Chocolate bars!!! I’m too impatient for lollipops and plus they always get coated in saliva which just...drips down my chin since my mouth is already full.

3. bubblegum or cotton candy?

Bubblegum! I love cotton candy but I can only handle a bit at a time tbh. Also I haven’t had bubblegum in almost two years bc of braces and I miss it so much I can’t wait to have it again.

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?

Okay, so even though I’ve always been homeschooled, when I was in elementary school we did this program with a ton of other homeschoolers where you could take actual classes and stuff. My teachers always said I was quiet and focused and studious, and you could always count on me to be lecturing everyone else on the instructions if they hadn’t been paying attention. (does any of that surprise anyone?)

5. do you prefer to drink soda from soda cans, soda bottles, plastic cups or glass cups? GLASS SODA BOTTLES. nothing beats soda that’s been bottled in glass rather than plastic. You ever had orange cream soda from a glass bottle????? SLAPS ASS MY DUDE.

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

Pastel/boho/preppy/goth, my dude. I have so many sides to my fashion and aesthetic.

7. earbuds or headphones?

EARBUDS BC HEADPHONES NEVER FIT OVER MY EARS RIGHT. BUT EARBUDS WITH SOFT TIPS BECAUSE MY EARS ARE TOO SMALL FOR THE PLASTIC ONES.

8. movies or tv shows?

Tv shows tbh because even though I can binge 4 eps of 45 minutes each per night, they’ll hold my attention a lot more than a movie. It’s weird.

9. favorite smell in the summer?

Thunderstorms/petrichor, also natural bogs. PEAT BOG SMELL FUCKING SLAPS.

10. game you were best at in p.e.?

None. I liked trampoline time back when we took gymnastics, if that counts. I also liked jump roping and Irish step dancing.

11. what you have for breakfast on an average day?

Nothing lmao. I sleep til like noon and then I microwave something for lunch.

12. name of your favorite playlist?

My catchall playlist, Things I Love, my summer playlist, Summer Songs, my Gryffindor playlist, My Queen And Country playlist for writing, and my playlist for The Raven Cycle. (after I post this I’ll edit it and link them)

13. lanyard or key ring?

Keyring, a lanyard would like constantly detract from my outfit if that makes sense???

14. favorite non-chocolate candy?

Sour Patch Kids or Swedish Fish.

15. favorite book you read as a school assignment?

Between The Grapes Of Wrath, The Great Gatsby, The Handmaid’s Tale, and To Kill A Mockingbird!

16. most comfortable position to sit in?

Just fucking sprawled every which way.

17. most frequently worn pair of shoes?

My grey converse if it’s comfortable out, my silver flip flops if it’s hot, and my fur-lined black combat boots if it’s cold.

18. ideal weather?

65-70 degrees, partly sunny, breezy, not humid.

19. sleeping position?

I need to sprawl to fall asleep, but once I’m asleep I curl up into a little ball.

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?

Laptop and notebook ONLY IF I’m sure of myself, which isn’t often. But I do write dense, scribbled paragraphs on sermon note pages if something comes to me during church lmao.

21. obsession from childhood?

The American Revolution, weather, astronomy, and mysteries/ghost stories.

22. role model?

Idk tbh? Lately I’m just trying to define and live up to my own standards?

23. strange habits?

Pulling the collar of my shirt up to my mouth and sucking on it. Also being a perfectionist in my writing. I don’t do messy drafts. It’s all perfect by the time I write it, and I edit/spellcheck as I go.

24. favorite crystal?

Amethyst (my birthstone), bismuth, opal, and blue goldstone.

25. first song you remember hearing?

Other than nursery rhymes/kid’s songs, it was Light Up The Sky by The Afters, or California Dreamin’ by The Mamas And The Papas.

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

Find shade/a cool spot and read with a cold drink.

27. favorite activity to do in cold weather?

ALSO READ. And snuggle with thick socks and a cup of tea and play DS games all day.

28. five songs to describe you?

My five faves atm -

I Am Here // Pink

The Pines // Roses and Revolutions

Soldier, Poet, King // The Oh Hellos

Traveler’s Song // Aviators

Hymn // Kesha

29. best way to bond with you?

Share my interests about politics, history, books, true crime, paranormal, tv shows, and also be kind and understanding when I don’t text for long periods bc I don’t feel up to talking.

30. places that you find sacred?

The woods on the hill behind my house. Dense, deeply green, secluded woods. Hedge mazes. Old and crumbling castles. Anywhere beneath a clear sky and a full moon. Your heart when you’ve come to terms with your fears and made peace with yourself. Anyplace with historical significance. Bookstores on an autumn/winter day. Libraries.

31. what outfit do you wear to kick ass and take names?

A kickass plaid, bruh. Also my leather jacket - once I lose enough shoulder weight to fit in it again.

32. top five favorite vines?

Fre shavoc ado, the one where the dog eats the butterfly, the Lin-Manuel Miranda one where he’s brainstorming, “what the FUCK kind of weather is this, and the dad and son with the saxophone and the oven door.

33. most used phrase in your phone?

“oh mood”

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?

“WOW! It’s NatureStone!”

35. average time you fall asleep?

Right now it’s 4-5 am because I suck.

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

I Can Haz Cheezburger, My mom used to look at the website with me when I was like 10.

37. suitcase or duffel bag?

They both have pros and cons. :/ Duffel bags are easier to carry but suitcases keep stuff from getting broken better.

38. lemonade or tea?

TEAAAAAAAAAAAA

39. lemon cake or lemon meringue pie?

Lemon meringue pie!!! my stepdad made a really good one the other week.

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

Nothing, since I was homeschooled. Same weird shit that always happens at home. Our safe word for when I got overwhelmed in math was “quokka” and we’d stop and look at cute quokka pictures.

41. last person you texted?

My gf :)

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?

Jacket pockets because things are not only hard to fit in girls’ pants pockets, but if you put a chapstick/lipstick in there it starts to melt :(

43. hoodie, leather jacket, cardigan, jean jacket or bomber jacket?

BETWEEN HOODIE AND CARDIGAN. SO VERSATILE. SO COMFY.

44. favorite scent for soap?

Irish Spring soap or the blue Dial bars smells better and cleaner than anything to me.

45. which genre: sci-fi, fantasy or superhero?

Fantasy. It can take me a bit to get into it, but once I do, I love it. I only do sci-fi if it has rebellion and isn’t heavy on the sci. And superhero movies are great but a lot of the tropes are meh. Fantasy has a lot more versatility if you ask me.

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

Sweatpants/leggings and a soft, well worn tee.

47. favorite type of cheese?

Parmesan, white cheddar, or Muenster.

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

Raspberry!

49. what saying or quote do you live by?

“do no harm but take no shit.”

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

A really poorly edited political ad on tv a couple years ago. There was weird jazz playing, flames in the background of an image of the Capitol Building, and then the top of the dome opened and this guy’s face was inside. It is the single funniest ad I have ever seen and I laughed for 10 minutes so hard I was like an inch away from passing out.

51. current stresses?

Passing my driving test next month, getting a job, figuring out if my math skills are okay enough to take the SAT or an equivalent test.

52. favorite font?

Baskerville or Georgia!

53. what is the current state of your hands?

My fingernails are short bc I picked them while reading earlier, my cuticles suck bc I pick at those two, and my pinky is obliterated and scabbed because of when I accidentally sliced through the nail with a razor while shaving the other day. So, not great, but I’m living.

54. what did you learn from your first job?

That kids can be really annoying but also really cute and hilarious if you can get them to calm down. And also that baby fingernails are surprisingly sharp.

55. favorite fairy tale?

The OG Princess and the Frog where it’s implied the prince and “faithful Henry,’ his carriage driver, fall in love and ride off together at the end. JACOB AND WILHELM GRIMM SAID GAY RIGHTS.

56. favorite tradition?

Every December, my mom and I drive around after dark at night and I play Pokemon and we rate everyone’s Christmas decorations based on tackiness.

57. the three biggest struggles you’ve overcome?

So isolated I was as a preteen/early teenager, my self harm, and the internalized anger over my abusive relationship and PTSD.

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

Writing, puzzle solving, singing, and calligraphy.

59. if you were a video game character, what would your catchphrase be?

“Benvoli-no.” (I recently remembered I used to say that a lot and I need to bring it back)

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

Dark, fairy tale anime with a lot of secrets to uncover and some dark woods.

61. favorite line you heard from a book/movie/tv show/etc.?

TV show - “I am the Bad Wolf. I create myself.” - Doctor Who

Movie - “It’s not about deserve. It’s about what you believe. And I believe in love.” - Wonder Woman

Book - “If you never saw the stars, candles were enough.” - The Dream Thieves, by Maggie Stiefvater

62. seven characters you relate to?

Dean Winchester - Supernatural

Sam Winchester - Supernatural

Jack Kline Winchester - Supernatural

Charlie Bradbury - Supernatural

Gansey - The Raven Cycle

Blue Sargent - The Raven Cycle

Hermione Granger - Harry Potter

63. five songs that would play in your club?

Final Song // MO

Call Home // Heathers

I Am Here // Pink

Babylon // 5 Seconds of Summer

Shake It Off // Taylor Swift

64. favorite website from your childhood?

WEBKINZ AND THE OLD AMERICAN GIRL WEBSITE

65. any permanent scars?

Yes, I have several that remain from self harm, scars all over my left knee from being a clumsy child, and most of all a major scar down the center of my chest from heart surgery when I was a baby.

66. favorite flower(s)?

Rose, lavender, lilac, and dahlia.

67. good luck charms?

Not really???

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?

Olives, mushrooms, radishes, cottage cheese, and ranch dressing are all foul.

69. a fun fact that you don’t know how you learned?

Martin Luther didn’t actually nail his 95 theses to the church door, he just kind of passed them around, which is a lot less dramatic tbh. Also light-up signs were first used in New York City in 1884.

70. left or right handed?

I’m left-handed!

71. least favorite pattern?

I think zebra stripes, leopard print, and houndstooth are super ugly.

72. worst subject?

Math for sure. Even science would be easier if it didn’t involve so much math.

73. favorite weird flavor combo?

Wendy’s fries and chocolate frosty!!!

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

I think a 7, usually. My pain tolerance is pretty high because of a) years of self harm, and b) due to my PTSD my muscles are constantly tense and in pain anyway.

75. when did you lose your first tooth?

I was 4, and it had been loose but it fell out when I was trying to blow up an inflatable ball.

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

Fries or roasted potatoes that are charred and crunchy on the bottom. Chips are a close third.

77. best plant to grow on a windowsill?

Idk, my grandma’s the one with the green thumb mania lmao. But She keeps a lot of violets and arrowhead plants in the windowsills!

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

NEITHER I HATE BOTH COFFEE AND SUSHI IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

79. which looks better, your school id photo or your driver’s license photo?

Never had a school ID, but my temporary license photo is actually pretty good right now!

80. earth tones or jewel tones?

I really like earth tones for myself.

81. fireflies or lightning bugs?

THEY ARE THE SAME MF THING. Also I call them both, it just depends on what comes out of my mouth haha.

82. pc or console?

PC, I guess, though I don’t really game. I just watch my stepdad game.

83. writing or drawing?

WRITING. I cannot draw to save my life.

84. podcasts or talk radio?

Podcasts, talk radio is so annoying.

84. barbie or polly pocket?

Barbie, although I loved both.

85. fairy tales or mythology?

Mythology I guess??? Although again, I love both.

86. cookies or cupcakes?

COOKIESSSSS

87. your greatest fear?

Rejection, losing people I love, people secretly hating me. Also drowning, spiders, clowns, and guns.

88. your greatest wish?

To be a semi-successful author and work in a library/museum.

89. who would you put before everyone else?

My mom and my gf.

90. luckiest mistake?

Almost dropping a knife blade first on my foot but it landed between my toes.

91. boxes or bags?

um boxes I guess? I’m really good at fitting things in tetris style.

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

FAIRY LIGHTS AND DIM YELLOW LAMPS.

93. nicknames?

Ell, Alexander, Ellie, Little Lion, and Nerd.

94. favorite season?

FALL FALL FALL FALL

95. favorite app on your phone?

Tumblr or Spotify. Two apps I couldn’t live without.

96. desktop background?

97. how many phone numbers do you have memorized?

About a half dozen. Mine, my mom’s, my stepdad’s, my grandparents’ home number, my grandpa’s, and my grandma’s.

98. favorite historical era?

Both the American Revolutionary period and the Victorian Era (esp in Britain)

THANK YOU LOVE THIS WAS SUPER FUN

[stillthewordgirl]

LOT/CC fic: Loose Ends

About a year after Sara and Len visit Len's Earth (see "Hearts of Steel"), the Waverider gets a call from STAR Labs. And it seems a few visitors might just clear up some loose ends for this pair.

Happy birthday to @larielromeniel​! (And thanks for beta’ing your own birthday present!)

I know I said that "Hearts of Steel" was the last story in the Len Snart stories, but I apparently lied. :) (You might want to read those stories first, to see what's going on. You can find the series here on AO3.)

You can read this story here on AO3 or here on FF.net.

“Len?”

He’d finally fallen asleep what, three hours ago? Len Snart mutters something into the pillow, refusing to open his eyes, yanking the blanket up over his head.

Sara…whose room this technically is, although he’d pretty much moved in months ago…chuckles softly and not without sympathy. She knows, after all, because she’s the one who’d sent him and Ray and Mick on the particularly exhausting mission they’d only returned from three-hours-and 17-minutes ago. Or so.

“Umph,” he tells her indistinctly, speaking into the pillows.

Sara sighs. “Len,” she says quietly. “I know. But I need just a minute, OK?” She sits down on the edge of the bed. “Then you can go back to sleep for a while. But you should know this.”

That doesn’t sound good. Len cracks an eye open, then rolls over, eyeing Sara, who’s fully dressed and looking far too awake and put-together. (Well, she’d slept.)

She gives him a half-smile, registering that he’s listening. “We just got a distress beacon from STAR Labs, back in 2018 on our Earth. Not much info…but the message said  you need to be there.” She pauses. “I don’t know why. They haven’t responded to any other queries, but then we’re not really set up for that.”

Len can’t say precisely that he’s fully awake now, but he’s a helluva lot more awake than he’d been a few minutes ago. He stares at Sara, who gives him a regretful smile as she reaches out to wrap her fingers around his as they curl around a blanket.

“Lisa?” he says finally.

He’d finally met this Earth’s version of his sister a few months back, and it’d proven…complicated. Lisa of Earth-1 was still a mix of enraged and heartbroken over her brother’s fate, and seeing his doppelganger had been a kick in the gut. But they’d worked it out, somehow, arriving at an understanding of sorts, and he’d made her promise to call if she needed anything, anything at all. (While giving Cisco a flat sort of big-brother look, which seemed to be expected of him.)

Sara’s eyes are sympathetic. “I don’t know. Best I can tell, there wasn’t anything majorly wrong. It was Barry, and you know him…he’s not great at concealing things. If anything, he sounded…” She pauses, considering. “…extremely excited.”

“That kid could get extremely excited over a new flavor of ice cream.” Len closes his eyes and sighs. “OK. How long?”

“You have a bit. We need to take our ‘guest’ back home first.” She smirks at him as he sighs again.

The guest in question is one Butch Cassidy, who’d been thrown ahead in time by a temporal anomaly and, less daunted than expected by the 1950s, promptly started putting together a new “Wild Bunch.” Len and Mick had arranged to get recruited, with Ray unable to resist tagging along, while the others had tried to figure out where to deposit Cassidy that wouldn’t mess up the man’s personal timeline. Len had been rather beleaguered, trying to keep Mick (who’d hit it off famously with Cassidy) from backsliding--and trying to restrain Ray, who was overjoyed to be in such famous company and kept happily quoting a movie that wouldn’t come out for another 10 years to a confused outlaw.

No wonder he’d been exhausted.

“OK,” Len mutters, closing his eyes again. “Well, the least that bastard owes me is another hour or two of sleep.” Then he opens one eye and starts to lever himself up on an elbow. “Or do you need me to…”

Sara’s smiling as she puts a hand on his chest, pushing him back down. “Rest, Len. We’ve got this.”

“Make Ray and Mick put their new BFF back where he belongs.” Damn, he’s tired.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” He feels Sara’s lips brush his forehead. “I’ll handle it.”

“Urm.”

He hears her leave the room then, as he wills sleep to return. Of course, despite the exhaustion, his brain picks now to start obsessing over this mysterious call from STAR Labs—the one he needs to be there for. Could this Lisa and Cisco…nah. But then what…

It’s been nearly a year since he and Sara returned from his Earth, and it’s been good. Very good. He’s continued to fit in with the Legends, working with them far better than he’d ever worked with the League. And he and Sara challenge each other and back each other up and flirt and drink and fight and sleep together. They’re head over heels in love, and they make no secret of the fact at this point, and the team is amused and supportive, and life is sweet.

Except…

He’s thought about having Cisco vibe him back to his Earth to check on Lisa, to make sure she’d really taken the cure, to make sure it really worked. To make sure she’s as happy as she can be, and safe.

But he’d left the ball in her court, and he’s screwed up so much when it comes to his little sister that he’s loath to blunder back into her life just when she may be mending it. Mick knows how to find him if they want to get in contact.

Which would lead them to Earth-1’s STAR Labs. Which has just called for him.

He doesn’t want to hope.

But he can’t help it, either.

Len does sleep again, almost against his will, and Sara only wakes him well after Cassidy is safely back in 1900. She knows him well enough to read how fidgety and irritated he is at the sigh of nerves and gives him some space, pushing back and giving him a verbal set-down when his crankiness goes too far. He showers and dresses when they land in 2018, then joins the others to figure out who’s going where.

“Well, it doesn’t seem like anyone’s attacking the city,” Jax notes, looking at the newspapers Gideon’s pulled up on a viewscreen. “And Barry probably would have told us if they needed all of us. And he didn’t.”

He looks at Len, then, and the rest of the team follows suit. They know, at this point, about his sister and Mick, know that’d he’d left behind loose ends on his Earth. Len, already nervy, shifts in place, annoyed at the discomfort he’s showing and a trifle uneasy at the attention. He’s been just one of the team for so long now; he rather hates it when someone takes note that he’s from…somewhere else.

“OK, then, just let me go,” he says, turning a snap into a mutter with great effort. “No one else needs to bother. For all I know, they just need my powers for something.”

No one mentions that Team Flash has its own ice meta. Sara regards him, then eyes the others.

“I’m going with him,” she tells them, not even looking at Len. Well, maybe he deserves that, for doubting she’d have his back here. “Someone needs to stay with the ship...”

“I will.” Mick shrugs as the eyes turn to him. “Eh, I’m a better pilot than the rest of you losers—uh, not you, Sara—just in case we have to move the ship, and it might be better if I stay away from STAR Labs. If...well...I don’t think I wanna meet another me. Too weird.”

It’s perceptive. Len and Sara had long since discussed (back when Len had been a little more optimistic that his Lisa and Mick would at least check in before now) that maybe it would be better if the Micks native to their respective Earths didn’t meet. Despite similarities, they’re two very different men, although Len has the uneasy feeling that they could egg each other on to greater heights—or depths. Mick has apparently decided the same.

Impossible not to notice, though, that the team has come to the same conclusion that Len's trying not to reach— the one that he’s still holding out hope for.

In the end, Len and Sara head for STAR Labs on their own, with the team reminding them multiple times to yell or call or whatever and they’ll be there ASAP. Stein and Jax even assert that they’re going to wait a little while to be sure that all’s well before they head out to visit their own families, and Len’s rather touched by that—so much so that he even tells them so. (Jax slaps his back and grins like he’s the older of the two, and Stein bestows one of those fond quasi-paternal smiles on him.)

They have keycards to the labs, but Len still refuses to use his—and today is no exception. He heads for the Cortex, trying not to let his steps lag, Sara’s even stride beside him helping, in a way. They can face anything together, right?

Over the past year, he’s been thinking that sort of thing a lot. Interesting. And enough to have him thinking other thoughts he’s never had before.

But first, he has to get through this…whatever it is. Len feels his lips twitch, even as the end of the corridor approaches. And wouldn’t it be hysterical in a depressing sort of way, after all this, if Team Flash just wants to enlist him for a team-up, or something?

But nearly the moment he sets foot in the Cortex, he knows it’s not just that.

It’s far more.

Lisa’s standing there, her back to him—this Earth’s Lisa. Her hair is long and brown, and she’s wearing the black leather jacket he’s always seen her in, here. His Lisa had always liked lighter colors; it’s one of their differences. And she’s talking to…she’s talking to…

He stops dead in his tracks and stares. Sara, beside him, stops too, and he can hear her intake of breath. It’s not just him, then, he thinks distantly. She sees it too.

“Snart!” Barry hustles up behind him. “Seriously, of all the times not to use the key and give us a warning…”

Len ignores him. The two women ahead have heard him and, eerily in unison, they turn around. Now the breath hisses out of Len’s mouth, like he’s been physically booted in the stomach, and he takes a step forward, eyes on them, at an utter loss for what to do or say…

“Snart!”

And then he’s hit from behind, so started that he doesn’t even manage to ice up or lash out, breath driven out of him even more as his assailant lifts him right off his feet in a…bear hug?

Mick…it’s his Earth’s Mick, he realizes once he can breathe again, who else would it be?...drops him after a moment, stepping back as Barry, the jerk, laughs out loud and Caitlin, joining them, covers her mouth with her hand, obviously trying not to smile. Mick smirks at him in a way that suggests he knows just how much he’d startled his former partner, then winks at Sara. “Hello again, Blondie. Been keeping this ass out of trouble?”

“Getting into trouble with that ass, more like,” Sara tells him, grinning as he barks out a laugh at the innuendo. “Hello, Mick. Still no fire?”

“Nah. Burned out a bit on it.”

Len, who’s not sure where to look right now, chokes. “Was that a pun? That was horrible.”

“Well, you’re not around, so…”

But someone’s clearing their throat in an obvious bid for attention, and Len realizes that it’s Cisco, who’d gone over to the two women Len had been staring at and apparently brought them over to the others. The room goes silent again as Len stares at them, and they regard him in return.

This world’s Lisa finally sighs, giving him a sad little smile, far more emotion (other than anger, anyway) than Len’s seen from her before. In a gesture that seems quite genuine, she rests a hand briefly on the other woman’s arm for a moment, then turns and walks swiftly away, down another corridor. Len notices that Cisco watches her go, his expression melancholy, but the other man seems to think he needs to stay here a moment.

Sara, however, makes her own decision. She squeezes Len’s arm and then heads off after the dark-haired woman, leaving Len looking at the remaining woman, who’s looking back at him.

His sister.

Barry and Cisco are saying something in the background, but Len’s not listening, not really. Lisa looks almost tentative, an expression he’s rarely seen on her, but she’s…she’s herself. No longer a woman made of living gold. Her eyes are blue, with whites and dark pupils; her forearms are bare and normal sun-tanned flesh. She’s wearing ordinary clothing, jeans and a white blouse, no more gloves that were the only thing allowed her to touch…anything. The only thing about her that’s gold now is the necklace she’s wearing—one he gave her years ago—and her hair. It’s shorter, not quite to her shoulders, and so golden a color that Len would think it was still metal if it didn’t appear to be moving just like normal hair.

He can’t find words.

Finally, Lisa herself speaks. “It worked,” she says, very quietly, looking at him. “It worked, Lenny.”

Len clears his throat. “I see,” he says, equally as quietly. “I…I’d wondered. I’m sure it wasn’t pleasant…”

Lisa laughs a little, a disbelieving and breathless sound. “Are you kidding? I’m…I’m me again. And you came all the way from another world to do that. Thank you, Lenny. I…”

She stops then, with a little squeak of surprise, because her brother has stepped forward and done something he hasn’t done in years, not since they were both quite young. He wraps his arms around his little sister and hugs her, pulling her close and resting his chin against her golden hair, closing his eyes to try to stop the tears from welling up. (He fails.)

“I’m so sorry, Lis,” he tells her, feeling his voice thicken and trying to ignore the little “oooh” from Team Flash and the gruff murmur from Mick. “I’m so sorry. I thought I was going the right thing back then. I was wrong.”

But Lisa’s arms go around him too, and he knows, finally, that he’s forgiven.

Earth-1’s Lisa Snart had ducked into an empty office in the lab complex, and that’s where Sara finds her. The dark-haired woman is sitting on a desk and staring fixedly at her hands. She glances up as Sara moves into the room, then back down again.

“I’m glad for them,” she mutters, sounding more angry and lost than glad. “Really.”

“So am I. But…” Sara regards her, a bit at a loss. She’s only met this Lisa Snart a few times, and the first was when she’d gone with Mick to tell her that her brother had sacrificed himself. It hadn’t gone well. How could it? “But it’s hard. Sometimes. Knowing …that Len’s not him.”

Lisa’s gaze flicks back up to her, and, yeah, there’s anger there. “Oh? Kinda seems like you didn’t have much of a problem falling right into bed with this one. Didn’t remember my brother very long then.”

Now it’s Sara’s turn to blink, startled by the venom in the comment. She’d known Lisa regarded her with some suspicion, but she hadn’t quite realized that the woman felt this way. In fact, she hadn’t even told Lisa that she and the Earth-1 Leonard had been on the verge of…of something…when he’d died.

But maybe it’d been more obvious than she’d thought. Certainly, Lisa had been able to read her relationship with Len fairly accurately since the time she’d met him.

Lisa’s still watching Sara, eyes hard, but Sara thinks she sees a flicker of uncertainty in them. She’s suddenly forcibly reminded of how Earth-1 Leonard had been, back in the beginning, torn between his cold façade and his fragile connection with Sara, his growing ties to the team. He’d let go with a snide comment or nasty observation from time to time as if to prove that he didn’t care, but it hadn’t taken Sara all that long to figure out that it mostly just proved the opposite.

Damaged Snarts. She can’t seem to help trying to get through to them.

So Sara looks Lisa Snart of Earth-1 right in the eye, takes a deep breath, and tells her, “Falling in love with Len was one of the hardest things I’ve ever let myself do.”

Sara holds up a hand as the other woman starts to speak, continuing. “I’d been starting to fall for your brother, but it seems like you know that. When he…when he died, trust me, Lisa, you couldn’t possibly blame me more than I blamed myself.” She shakes her head. “I hadn’t cared for anyone since...well, in a long time, and his death hurt like hell, and I promptly went in the other direction, one-night stands throughout time, trying to make it go away, to hurt less.”

“And did it work?” Lisa’s tone is acerbic, but she won’t meet Sara’s eyes.

“You know it didn’t. And when I met Len...I shoved him away with both hands. There was no way I was going to let that happen again.” Sara smiles a little. “He was persistent. And managed to work his way in, through my walls. It wasn’t easy, Lisa. And I’ll...I’ll remember your brother until the end of my days. He made it possible for us to choose.” A deep breath. “And I chose to...to live. To move on.” She fixes the other woman with a direct look. “He’d want you to, too. And you know it.”

Lisa stares back at her, then looks away again, avoiding her eyes. It’s a very Leonard move and Sara sighs inwardly. But after another moment, Lisa looks back, and Sara’s startled to see a few tears in her eyes.

“I don’t know how,” she mutters, an angry, disconsolate comment. “I don’t know what to do. I keep trying to go good, to do what Lenny wanted, to travel or go back to school...but then I get bored, and I think about him, and I get angry, and I...” Her fists, sitting on her lap, tighten. “I don’t know how.”

Sara makes a snap decision. “Come with us?” she offers. “Be a Legend.”

Lisa stares at her another moment, then laughs a little. “Me? Time travel? Nah. It’d be really weird for...for Len to have his little sister’s doppelganger kicking around, and Mick...Mick’s turned over his new leaf. He’s found his place.” She twists her hands together, then, betraying an anxiety she doesn’t otherwise show. “I need my own.”

And to that, Sara’s not sure what to say.

“...my hair was the one thing the pill didn’t work on. I had to sort of shave it off—I looked ridiculous for a while.” Lisa shakes her head gently, setting her golden hair swaying. “And when it grew back in, it looked like this. I kind of like it.”

“An’ we sold the old hair,” Mick says cheerfully from where he’s roaming around the Cortex, inspecting everything. Team Flash had withdrawn to give them a few moments of privacy, and Mick’s rather obviously casing the place. “And the chair. Kept Scudder. No one would want something that ugly. S’ppose we could melt him down...”

Len and Lisa ignore that. “So, you’re OK?” Len asks tentatively, from his seat on a desk, while Lisa perches a few feet away. “No other ill effects?”

Lisa looks down. “Well. Yeah. Now. But it was...it was pretty tough to acclimate, really, physically. I...I hadn’t eaten in months, you know. Or seen, in a normal way. And I could be hurt again, and I wasn’t used to it.” She glances down at a few rows of small scars on her wrist, leading Len’s eyes to them too and flinching at his intake of breath. “And then I got a little addicted to the idea of feeling again. In any way.”

“Lis...” At the note in Len’s voice, Mick moves toward them again, looming protectively. Len would usually be glad to see that, but at the moment, he’s a little too preoccupied by his sister.

But Lisa’s shaking her head at him again, and there’s actually a hint of a smile on her face. “I’m fine, Lenny. Your friend found us. And she knew...she could tell I needed something different.”

“My friend?”

“The hottie,” Mick rumbles. “Um. Not Blondie. The dark-haired badass with the whip.”

Lisa rolls her eyes. “Lasso, Mick. Lasso.”

“Whatever.”

Lasso... “Diana,” Len breathes. “She checked in on you?” (“I give you my word...” a voice says in memory.)

“She did more than that.” Lisa glances around as Barry and Cisco move back into the room, then looks back at her brother. “She took me to her home. The island?”

Len’s jaw drops. “Themyscira?”

Mick sighs. “I asked her to take me too,” the big man mutters. “But nope.”

The idea of Mick loose on an island full of warrior women doesn’t bear thinking about. (He’d either be dead in minutes or so rapt he couldn’t speak.) Len shakes his head roughly, then stares at Lisa again. “I know of it. I mean, I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard...she took you there?”

“Took me, made sure I settled in, found me mentors.” Lisa beams at him, then at the others. “I’ve learned...well, I’ve learned so much. I’m going back, after we return. There’s a lot more I want to learn.”

Of all the things he’d thought his sister could be, a scholar isn’t particularly one of them.

“Study? What?” Cisco says then, his tone blank with surprise that Len considers a little insulting. (He’s allowed to be surprised at the notion of his sister being a scholar. No one else is.)

“Oh, history, medicine. Remember how I used to want to be a doctor?” Lisa grins at them, looking younger and happier than Len's seen her look in a long, long time. “And self-defense. I bet I could kick your ass now, big brother. And maybe even yours, Flash.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Barry tells her, grinning, as Cisco blinks.

Len shakes his head, then glances at Mick. “And you? What have you been up to?”

Mick draws himself up importantly as Lisa giggles. “Mick,” she says solemnly, “is a consultant.”

“A what?” Cisco can’t help himself. “On what? Arson and assault? Maybe a little robbery?”

“On being a crook,” Mick informs him. “Diana, she told those League people to call me if they needed advice on breaking and entering and all that crap. Some of those shiny heroes, they have no idea.” He looks thoughtful. “They pay well. And they almost always seem to call when I’m getting bored, too.”

Len flicks a glance at Lisa, who’s still smiling. “Oh?”

“Diana pays attention, too,” she informs him.

“I know you were always the brains of the operation, Snart,” Mick continues, “but that’s what I do, now. I ask myself, ‘What would Snart do?’ ” He smirks at his friend. “Then I usually do it. But sometimes I do the opposite.” He chuckles at the look at Len’s face. “Well, buddy, you got some blind spots. Like the Flash.”

“What? Why?” Barry asks quizzically, but Len hastens to change the subject.

“Not you,” he says to the kid, glaring at Mick, ignoring the fact that he knows his own counterpart here had had the same blind spot when it came to this Earth’s Barry Allen. “They really hire you?”

“Don’t act so damned surprised.” Mick folds his arms.

“Huh.” Len thinks about it a moment, feeling a smirk spread across his face. “Dealt with Br...the Dark Knight yet?”

“Nah. He’s a bit full of it, I hear. But I like the Big Guy. Good man.”

“Who...?”

Mick shrugs. “You know. The big guy, wears a cape, red ‘S’...”

Len’s getting a little tired of his jaw dropping. “You mean...”

“And his cousin’s hot.”

Barry can’t help it now. The speedster gets a good case of the giggles, sitting down and burying his face in his hands helplessly. Cisco looks like he can’t decide whether to be appalled or amused and settles for both. Len and Lisa trade looks that hold resignation at both their antics and Mick’s pithy way of stating things, which makes them both smile again.

“Well, at least someone thinks life’s amusing.” Earth-1 Lisa’s dry tone falls into the relative good cheer in the Cortex like a sponge into cold water, sobering Barry up immediately and bringing Len to his feet as he turns to look for the other two women. Sara, walking a few steps behind Lisa, gives him a look compounded of sorrow and something more nebulous. Regret? Frustration?

Lisa continues past her doppelganger, not even glancing at Len or the others, picking up a backpack sitting by the side of the room. “I just stopped by to see what was going on in Central, and happened to see her,” she says, turning and jerking her thumb at the other Lisa. “Distracted me.” She pauses, then, regarding them, eyes unreadable. Cisco takes a step toward her, but she doesn’t look at him, eyes on Len and his Lisa.

“I’m glad you got to see each other again,” she says quietly, after a moment, sincerity in her tone--then shrugs, back to studied insouciance. “Now, if you’ll forgive me, I’ve got nowhere in particular to be, but I need to be there soon.”

“Don’t go already…” Cisco blurts out.

“You don’t have to…” Len says over the top of him.

“I meant the offer…” Sara adds at the same time.

But it’s Len’s sister who’s risen to her feet now, watching her doppelganger with an expression that combines, Len thinks, a sudden sympathy, and an understanding that’s beyond all the rest of them.

“No, come with me,” she says abruptly.

“What?” five of the other six people in the room say, nearly in unison. But Sara’s looking back and forth between them, Len notices, a sudden light in her eyes and a smile blossoming on her face.

“Come with me,” Lisa repeats, taking a step toward her double. “Back to our Earth.” She pauses. “And then to Themyscira. I told you about it, a little, before they got here.”

The Earth-1 Lisa stares at her, backpack still dangling from her hand. “You gotta be kidding me. Why would they…”

The other Lisa cuts her off. “I’ll tell them you’re my sister. I’ve always wanted one.” She gives Len a lurking smile, then looks back. “Sisters mean a lot, there. They’ll understand. And you’ll have a place to stay, time to think.”

She lowers her voice then, speaking directly to the other woman even though there are others who can hear. “Trust me. I understand.”

Earth-1 Lisa looks dumbfounded. Life’s never offered many favors to the Snart kids, Len thinks, and the ones here were offered even fewer than the ones on his Earth. She takes a step forward, then stops.

“I don’t think I can be...be what they are there,” the dark-haired woman in black tells the golden-haired one in white helplessly. “Some scholar or warrior of the light...I don’t think I have that in me...”

“You don’t have to be,” her doppelganger tells her firmly, then smiles. “But you just might surprise yourself. I did.”

Lisa blinks at her, then glances around the room, gaze flicking over Len, Mick, Sara and, particularly, Len thinks, Cisco. Then she takes a deep breath.

“OK.”

Len will admit that he wishes he could have a little more time with this new, happy, uncannily self-possessed version of his little sister, but he also recognizes that the longer she and Mick wait to return home, the more likely it is that Earth-1 Lisa loses her nerve and runs. For now, at least, the dark-haired woman seems a little rattled by her decision, but at peace with it.

Len, watching from his slouch against the wall, sees her gives Cisco a kiss on the cheek, a quiet word and a sad smile as they wait. His Lisa is talking, low and earnest, to Sara, who’s grinning, and wouldn’t he like to be a fly on the wall nearby for that conversation.

Or maybe not.

Mick, who’d been talking to Sara before that, ambles over to Len and the two men study each other. This man, Len knows, hasn’t come to grips with the existence of feelings in the way the Mick on the Waverider has—or, if he has, he sure as hell isn’t going to talk about them.

So Len doesn’t bring that up, doesn’t tell his oldest friend how overjoyed he is to see him well and whole and content. Maybe even happy? Certainly this Mick has seemed to smile more than Len’s ever seen before, and he hasn’t even pulled out his lighter once. And Len will admit freely, to himself, that that makes him happy, untying a knot in the vicinity of his heart that’d been there, to some extent, since the day their guns had gone critical.

But he can’t say that. Not to this Mick, not now. Maybe someday. And it’s enough to know, now, that that “someday” might exist.

“You OK?” he asks instead. “Enough cash? Decent place to crash? Not too bored?”

Mick snorts at him. “Don’t try to mother-hen me, Snart. I’m fine.” He thinks a moment. “An’ you know, I sorta like working for the League, sometimes. I think I finally get why you joined up with them, while back.”

“Really?” Len blinks at him. He can remember why he did—his desperation to save his city and the friends in it, for all that they wouldn’t given him the time of day at the moment; his surprise when enough League members thought that he, a lifelong crook, was worthy of the accolade of membership; the rush of fighting and planning with a group again...

“Yeah.” Mick smirks. “It’s even more fun giving all those heroes shit when you’re helping them out and they can’t do anything back to you.”

Len’s startled into a laugh. “Yeah,” he admits after a moment, “that was part of it.” He straightens from his slouch as he sees Cisco, across the room, wave them over, then pauses. “You take care, Mick.”

“Yeah. You too, Snart.”

To Len’s surprise, his sister approaches and drags him into another hug as he saunters over, but he's not too surprised or taken aback to wrap her in his arms one more time.

“You’re OK?” she whispers to him. “You’re happy? Because…because if you’re only staying here because of how things were with us there…”

“Lis...” Len considers his words. “Yes. More than. I’m…” He shrugs uncomfortably, trying not to look over at Sara. “Well. I’m in love. Got every intention of spending the rest of my life with her. Never thought I’d have that. Yeah. I’m happy.”

Lisa’s eyes sparkle more then than they did when they were gold. “That’s all I wanted to know,” she says, pulling away, then pauses. “I…we’ll…be back to visit,” she adds, then goes up on her toes to whisper in his ear. “In case you have any particular events you want us to be there for…”

Definitely tired of the jaw-dropping thing today. Len stares at her, but Lisa just winks at him, turning away, toward her doppelganger, who’s watching with an expression that can’t decide if it wants to be jaded or hopeful.

Lisa of Earth-1 doesn’t hug him. She doesn’t even say anything. But she gives him a nod, and there’s understanding in her expression. Len gives her a slow nod back.

And then Cisco opens a breach and the trio steps through as Len watches them, a weight lifting from his heart and mind. When it’s closed, he lets out a long breath, then turns to Sara with a sigh.

“OK. Now, really…let’s go home.”

“So, what was my sister talking to you about?”

Sara’s chuckle doesn’t really assuage his concern about that little conversation, and neither does the fact that she gives him a small smile and nothing more in answer. Len had convinced her to take the scenic route on the way back to the ship, to stroll along the Earth-1 Central City waterfront that’s really not like his city’s waterfront at all. It’s a lovely day, really, he decides, feeling a lightness of heart he’s not sure he’s felt in…well, his entire life.

And that’s why, in part, he’s decided to…to do what he’s decided to do. Today.

“She just wants me to…how’d she put it?” Sara muses when they’ve stopped a moment at the railing, looking out at the water. “Not keep you out of trouble, because she knows that’s impossible, but to continue to have your back.” She gives him a smile, an open, sparkling smile, as she leans against the rail—gorgeous, smart, and badass, a partner and a lover and a friend, everything he’d once never admitted he wanted. “I told her, always.”

Len puts his hands behind his back, concentrating, feeling one small, perfect crystal of ice form between the fingers of his left hand, and a smooth, round band of ice form in the other. He’s been practicing this trick, telling himself that it’s just for fine control, quietly thinking that it would be perfect for a…a gesture. Until they can get something more permanent.

And then he brings the two pieces together, fusing them with enough raw cold energy to keep the ring solid for quite some time, and takes a deep breath.

“Yes,” he says quietly, eyes on Sara’s as he pulls the ring out from behind his back and goes down to one knee, there on an Earth on which he wasn’t born, looking up at a woman who’d hated him in the beginning, whose eyes have widened in shock as she watches him, but whose lips have already started to form the word he wants, so badly, to hear right now. “That’s what I’m hoping for, Sara.

“Always.”

[untaemedqueen]

Deaths House on the Hill > myg

Min Yoongi Vampire!AU

1.

Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make. - Bela Lugosi, Dracula

“You’d be wise to stay away from Deaths House on the Hill.” Were the words you couldn’t help repeating in your mind as your combat boots trudge through the mud of your new neighborhood. One, Lee Jiyeon, has so kindly taken you under her wing deeming you as ‘a baby bird needing to learn how to fly.’ You didn’t really want to know anyone in this town, you moved here to get away from everything and yet, she wouldn’t leave you alone. She was loud and incredibly opinionated and unfortunately, your new neighbor. On move in day, she came out of her perfectly kept white storybook house to announce herself as your new best friend. You didn’t want friends, you wanted to be alone. Why else would you move to a small town with just a thousand residents on the outskirts of Daegu?

The rain falls heavily onto your black hoodie as you stand outside the large metal gates of Deaths House on the Hill. Word has it that the place has been abandoned for hundreds of years, only demons and ghosts residing in the old gothic Cathedral. The outside was dilapidated with broken gargoyle statues and shattered windows, everything looked run down. All except the rose window perched high on the buildings foundation, the petals of glass dim and wet as the rain beats down upon it. You can only help but wonder how the teenagers of the town haven’t thrown rocks through it already. This Cathedral was a lot like you in some ways, run down and empty inside. “Y/N!” The shrill voice makes your eyes squeeze shut. The voice belonging to the only person you’ve talked to since moving. You turn your head as Jiyeon approaches with an umbrella in hand. The umbrella displaying puppies and kittens playing with different toys. Jiyeon, herself, was wearing a light blue babydoll dress with white frills. ‘She looks creepier than the Cathedral.’ You give her a small wave before starting to walk away. “Let’s walk home together!” ‘I’d rather not.’ As you begin to walk away, Jiyeon’s umbrella arrives overhead and you sigh before looking up at her slim face. “We’re neighbors! We should walk home together! That’s what best friends do!” You give a morose nod before walking together. “What’d you do today, best friend?” You put your now cold hands into your pockets, Jiyeon was nice enough but you weren’t the type to talk to people. “I walked around and got my bearings.” Your voice is short and even so, Jiyeon seems pleased with your reply. “Death’s House on the Hill is scary, right? I mean, demons live there.” You smirk at her words before tilting your head down further. “I think it’s beautiful.” Jiyeon looks down at your with an eyebrow raised before giggling. “You sure are funny, Y/N.” You press your lips into a straight line before stepping over a large, shallow brown puddle. “We should go out tonight, there’s a club on the border of our town and Kyulryung. It’s like a Friday tradition for all the twenty-something year olds in this town.” You were certainly not a clubber, far from it. If you could curl up in your small house with a book that would be enough for you. “I’m not much of a nightlife person.” You clarify as you walk together. “I’ll pick you up at 10!” Jiyeon says happily, clearly not taking no for an answer. You tongue your cheek before rolling your eyes, “I’d really rather not, I moved here for peace and quiet.” Jiyeon gives a laugh before shoving your shoulder gently. “I’ll have you home before 1. Don’t worry.” Her light brown eyes shine with glee as you fail to reply. Why couldn’t she just let things be? She’s so weird.

You breathe a sigh of relief as your small one story house comes into view, it was shabby but it was yours. You worked countless hours to make enough money to move from Seoul, you had no family to hold you back and you had always prayed for a quiet lifestyle. This was it, or so you hoped. “I’ll pick you up at 10!” Jiyeon calls to you as you hurriedly leave the comfort of her umbrella. “Dress nice! A lot of hot guys are around here!” Hot guys? Who gave a fuck about that? You’ve been busy working since you were fourteen and had no time to even think on the subject of the male sex. Your wooden patio now covered in rain water welcomes you home and you let out a loud sigh. The metal brown awning above rusted and holed letting the rain drench the face of the house. Your keys find the lock and like that, you enter your dark home. Your keys find the purchase on the small wooden table next to your doorway as you lock your front door behind you. The house was damp and cold as you shed your soaked black hoodie from your shoulders, your hoodie gets strewn over your coat rack before your combat boots caked in mud get discarded by the front door. “I should have been more adamant on not going.” You murmur to yourself as you walk into the small carpeted living room. That was always the case, you were never adamant about anything, you let everything take its course without a word. A trait within yourself you loathed but were to dead inside to fix. You throw your body on to the small tan loveseat you recently bought before pulling out your phone. You had no friends to contact or any job to answer emails too but you couldn’t seem to get rid of your phone. Like normal you dialed the familiar number before putting the phone call on speaker and closing your eyes.

“Hey! You’ve reached Jung Kihyun! I can’t take your call right now but leave a message after the beep! If this is Y/N, you better leave a long message so I can hear your voice.”

Beep

“Oppa, I miss you.”

You stare in the long mirror as you look over your outfit. A simple pair of black jeans and a deep cut black long sleeve t-shirt covered with a zip up hoodie. “This is dressing sexy.” You were not one to dress sexy. You did your eyeliner, that’s the most effort you could give to this forced occasion. You did drink, mostly by yourself. You certainly did not go out on the town with girls your age or frequent clubs. It wasn’t that it was beneath you but for someone who used to work fourteen hours a day, you had no time nor did you care to have any. Exactly at 10 did your doorbell ring. Jiyeon was already screaming happily for you to open the door and with the roll of your eyes your door was open. Jiyeon stood in front of you in a tight fitting leather bodysuit with red kitten heels. It was Autumn, why didn’t she have a jacket on? Probably so the evident curve of her breasts could be ogled at without being shielded. This was a surprise to see anyway, Jiyeon since when you first met her last week has never worn black or red. It was always pastel colors with matching hair ribbons. Her eyes look over your exterior before her lips form a straight line. “This is sexy for you?” You nod quickly before putting on your mud caked combat boots. “Oh, my God.” She mutters amused before putting her hand on her mouth. “I told you, I don’t go out.” You grab your keys before she looks at your boots. “Can you at least put on a different pair of shoes?” Her words tapering off into a giggle. “I have one pair of shoes, these.” It wasn’t necessarily true, you had other combat boots and Converse but they weren’t unpacked and you didn’t even want to go out anyway! Jiyeon would just have to deal with. “You really are a baby bird that needs to learn how to fly.” You curse in your mind before exiting your house and locking your door behind you. “We’re driving.” Jiyeon announces pointing at her light blue Volkswagen. Of course she had a beetle car. You nod before tilting your head, this is like the Twilight Zone. How underwhelming would tonight be, you could only imagine.  

“What kind of music do you like?” “Piano pieces.” You say shortly before rolling down your window and taking in some of the fresh night air. “Oh, man. Should we really be friends?” ‘It’s really, really okay if you don’t want to be.’  “I’ll put you on to some K-Pop.” She says putting on the radio, you rub your hands together awkwardly as your small town passes you quickly. Your eyes trying to take in as much of the town as they could before you reach Kyulryung. “You are probably saying to yourself, ‘How did Jiyeon switch her dress style so drastically, right?’” You look over at her before smirking, “I was thinking that.” You admit as her fingers tap against the steering wheel. “I like being another person at night, when you look as good as me, it’s fun to be like a different person.” You mentally scoff at her vanity but she was right. She was really beautiful, she had a small face with big, doe like light brown eyes and cheek bones that seemed like they could cut you if you touched them. Her lips were also the perfect size and the right shade of pink. She was like a movie star from a high budget film, you couldn't understand why she would ever move to this small town. If she was in Seoul, she could get casted straight away. “Why'd you move here?” Your curiosity overwhelming your mouth, Jiyeon laughs before putting on her sunglasses. The sun wasn't even out, she didn't need them, if anything it would make driving harder. “This town, Sumneun, it calls for people that want to run away from it all. It's so secluded and private. I wanted to be able to run away from my life. I used to be a race car model.” ‘Well that explains that.’  “I just got overwhelmed with life and decided to move. Most people you'll see at the club tonight are like me and you too, I guess.” Jiyeon gives you a small smile and you reciprocate it. You could definitely understand where she was coming from.

Kyulryung was so much more lively than Sumneun. So much so that partiers were lining the streets and drinking outside. It was as if you entered a completely different country. Clubs were lined up one after the other and even from the car you could hear the loud booming music. “Jesus.” You mutter out as a girl runs by the car naked. “Yeah, it's so weird. Some night it's like Kyulryung is possessed by demons or something. Everyone goes completely out of their mind.” Jiyeon says pulling up to park as a man turns his half naked body, his erected dick in the mouth of some random drunk girl. “Um… Tonight the demons are out in full force.” Jiyeon laughs loudly at your comment before shutting off the engine. “Come on! Let's go grab a drink, we'll go to Daydream. It's usually the more relaxed club of the strip.” You give a nod before exiting the car. The different house musics blaring into your ears and you stop before looking at Jiyeon incredulously. “Oh stop! It'll be fun! I swear!” She cheers before hooking your arm with hers.

The Daydream Nightclub was wild, admittedly less wild than all the other clubs on the strip but wild nonetheless. The music was a hard sort of techno that had people dancing as if they were in a trance. You were just thankful there were no strobing, bright lights in this club. You hated seeing flashing lights in your eyes ever since you were a child. You find your seat on a bar stool before putting your hand under your cheek. “What do you want? It's my treat.” Jiyeon yells over the loud music, her body starts to freely move and you let out an amused smirk before replying, “Jack and coke.” She nods impressed before screaming out for the bartender. Your eyes scan the club before they find a figure, dressed oddly like you with a face mask on. His black hoodie obscures his eyes, he didn't look like he wanted to be here just like you. He wasn't alone on the leather couch in the middle of the dance floor, a few other men dressed in fancy suits with long gold chains dance around him. They laugh and scream at each other as they drink and you couldn't help but wonder how he got to become a part of their circle of friends. He wasn't even moving, just sitting there as his friends talked excitedly around him. You couldn't help but wonder what his eyes look like and what they happened to be looking at. “Cheers!” You hear to your left breaking your eye contact from the hoodied guy. You turn to Jiyeon and give her a small smile picking up your drink. “Cheers.” You mumble before looking over at the couch again. They were gone! The whole group of guys just gone, the booth was completely spotless like they had never been there in the first place. Did you imagine it? How odd.

Jiyeon promised she’d bring you home by one but that was obviously a lie since it was currently 3 a.m. and Jiyeon was dancing out on the dance floor. Your patience was wearing thin, you had already asked about five times to leave and she just kept telling you to wait. You just wanted to go home and go to bed. You were pretty drunk, to be honest. You hadn't drank in a long time and six drinks in was a bit too much. The drunken decision to shove off the now overly hot bar stool and go outside to get air was maybe not the best idea but you would do it anyway. Stepping off the stool allows the blood to rush to all your limbs and you could definitely say you were way too drunk. Just standing still made you tilt and step sideways. “Oh fuck.” You mumble before stumbling towards the club exit. With many ‘I'm sorry’s as you knock your full drunken weight into people you somehow ended up at the exit. The whole drunken walk being immediately forgot. You would never go out with Jiyeon again. Ever.

The night air was refreshing against your pink tinted cheeks as you stumble out. Everything was blurry and you were not in a good state. Although, this must have been normal for the strip because people ignored you like the plague. You were a pretty rational person or so you thought but your next decision was incredibly unwise. You thought it a good idea to walk home. The drive was 20 minutes making the actual walk out to be around 40 minutes. A drunken you would take almost an hour but you thought it was better than waiting around for Jiyeon to maybe get off the dance floor. With this thought, you begin to stumble your way towards the road you drove down to get here. You weren't an overly cautious person, and you really didn't fear much from this small town. “Fucking shit.” People pass by laughing and screaming ignoring your stumbling, your feet scraping against each other as they hit the sidewalk. “I should have drank water.” You chide yourself as you approach the corner of the strip. Your eyes drunkenly scan the empty road before closing as the world begins to spin. You stumble backwards before hitting something hard.

Your body spins around quickly before seeing a man...No, two men but they are the same person. Fuck, you were too wasted right now. The man stands tall, watching you with a head tilt. His black hair pushed back off his forehead, his lips spread into a thin smile showing off deep set dimples. You stumble backwards before bowing. “Sorry. I'm fucking toasted.” You drunkenly explain making him laugh. He stuffs his hands into his black suit pants before tilting his head yet again. His nostrils flare before licking his lips. The chains hanging off his suit jacket clang together as he shrugs. You realize you're drunkenly ogling this taller man in front of you. He was gorgeous and the way the natural lighting of the night gave his face contours was beautiful. “Sorry, man.” You mumble before his body begins to sway in front of you. Or, was it you swaying? It was you, you begin to fall over before the strangers hands save you. His grip is strong on your shoulders as he rights your stance. “Be careful, little one, there's demons about in the nighttime.” His voice was melodic as he gives you a big smile showing his teeth. His nostrils flare once more before rolling his head around on his shoulders. “Do you need help getting home?” You blink rapidly as his image merges into one. Your eyes glance over his hands before trying to pull away, his grip gets stronger keeping you in place. “I'm fine. Please, let go.” You say looking into his eyes for the first time. You must be so drunk, or a neon sign is reflecting in his eyes but the man's eyes look red. A deep blood red as they stare at you. “Let me take you home.” His voice wavers and you suddenly feel comfortable around him. Your scalp tingling as you stare into his eyes. He lets your shoulders go before nodding his head as if he was satisfied. Why did you feel so comfortable? As you stare at him, you start to feel better, as if you never drank in the first place. A voice inside your head is screaming to be careful, something isn't right. It was strange, this feeling of compliance. You clear your throat before the stranger licks his lips. “You smell very good. Almost irresistible.” Your body felt frozen in place, you couldn't move even if you wanted to and you did. You wanted to flee from this handsome man in front of you, everything in your mind screaming that this situation was menacing and strange. His eyes dance over your throat before clearing his throat.

You were strong, you don't have to do anything you don't want to. You huff out as the stranger steps closer. “You're quite the flower, little one.” You swallow before trying to gain your confidence. You go to speak but your vocal cords are strained and silent. “Don't panic, little one. You'll forget all about this later. I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Namjoon. You're new here and I wanted to see if you could stay.” You try to scream but a squeak is all you get, Namjoon smiles wrinkling his nose. “You're so cute.” He presses his lips upward and his chin creases happily. “You will let me walk you home?” Namjoon asks tilting his head. You can't let him walk you home, you have to get out of this. You try to even your breathing without even realising you began to pant loudly. You will get out of this, no one has influence over you! You moved here to have be alone, no one can tell you what to do.

“You may speak.” You tilt your head before feeling your throat relax, the muscles no longer strained. There was no reason for you to speak to this man. FIGHT Your brain yells to you and suddenly you feel a snap in your body, the tingling of your scalp calms. You take a step back and Namjoon goes wide eyed. “Stop moving!” He says quickly as you begin to back up. “You don't control me, whoever the hell you are, leave me alone!” You spit out before turning around to run. Your fear now beginning to creep into your conscious. You were no longer calm and subdued, you wanted to flee! “Hey! I said stop!” Namjoon yells as you begin to book it across the street, your legs carrying you quickly down the black pavement.

You bend over coughing as your lungs gasp for air with a burning sensation, you ran until it hurt and you were not even close to home. Your hands find purchase on your knees as you sputter out. Why were you running? You couldn't even remember, you left Daydream incredibly drunk and now here you were running for your life. What had happened? “What the fuck?!” You mumble looking around gasping for air. The street was familiar, you drove down this street with Jiyeon but how did you get here? How were you stone cold sober? What the hell happened? You pull your hood up before pulling out your phone. It was 5 a.m. You left the club around 3. Two hours had passed?! How?! “What is going on?” You mutter out to the cold, morning air. You frown as you start walking, “I'll never fucking get home at this point.”

The morning sun has begun to rise as you finally enter the threshold of your house. Your keys find their place like normal before you throw your shoes off. The gaping hole in your memory makes your head hurt as you try to find an explanation to why it  happened. “Maybe I just drank so much that I blacked out.” You say out loud walking into your small kitchen and grabbing a water bottle. Your body was begging for sleep and you would comply. I'm never going out again.

[merciattire-blog]

12 Wardrobe Essentials You Shouldn’t Live Without

Let’s pause and take a second to look back and mentally picture the clothing items we had hanging in our closets ten years ago. Did you just cringe as much as I did? It’s likely that the most memorable items that came to mind were those short-lived trends that, if you are anything like me, you now choose to repress into your deepest, darkest memories. (If someone back then had just let me know that middle-school Paige was going overkill on the neon fad, the world would truly be a better place.) My point here is, you never know what the next hottest fashion trends will bring, nor what beloved pieces you have today will make you red in the face ten years down the road.

Nonetheless, there are some fashion staples that have stood the test of time and are here to stay. In today’s blog, I will elaborate on these basic, yet timeless pieces that every wardrobe should encompass to remain eternally stylish and chic.

1. White Tee

As a disclaimer, the listing of these wardrobe pieces has no rhyme or reason – except for this first item. This is the most important. You literally can never go wrong with a plain white tee (unless you’re a spiller). In my personal experience, I wear my simple white t-shirt about 80% of the time and I have absolutely no shame. To back up this fashion pick, let’s play a game. What goes well with some distressed jeans? A white tee. Some black high-waisted jeans? A white tee. Your favorite pair of shorts? A white tee. A pair of overalls? I think you see my point. Take my word that this is a timeless piece that should always hold a special place in one’s heart, or closet. Whatever.

2. Little Black Dress

No further explanation is really needed, right? It’s that one dress in your closet that all your other dresses wish they could be. One good-fitting LBD (little black dress) is your best friend when it comes to classy events without much notice. By simply switching out accessories, this piece can go from casual to elegant in seconds. To better ensure its versatility, aim for one with a modest length and high neckline.

3. Button-Up Shirt

As a business major, I would like to stress the importance that my white button-up serves in my closet. If you’re in need of a classy ensemble, there’s no going wrong with this piece. Throw this on tucked into some black pants or a pencil skirt and you’re good to go. Even if you’re going for an off-duty look, this classic top half-tucked into some high-rise jeans paired with some booties or heels is an effortless, yet totally chic look.

4. Jean Jacket

Ah, my trusty ol’ jean jacket. It truly holds a special place in my heart (and my closet). After becoming the hottest trend in the 80’s, it’s one that is sure to stick around for many years to come. Nothing spruces up an old t-shirt quite like a light-wash jean jacket, especially if you’re going for that 90’s grunge look. Even here in Wisconsin, where the weather is typically either 20 or 80 degrees, I find a way to sneak this classic in somewhere within the glimpses of spring. Pro tip: don’t make the same mistake I did; go for one that is a bit oversized so you can layer, layer, layer! Mine is a bit snug, but being a bit chilly sometimes is still 100% worth it.

5. Leather Jacket

The one piece of clothing that you can throw over any outfit and BAM! Instant badass. If you don’t own one yet, there’s plenty of styles to choose from. A faux leather moto jacket is the perfect starting point and you can find one pretty much anywhere. Coming from someone who looks for any reason to bring out my inner rebel (spoiler alert: it’s pretty much nonexistent), I guarantee you won’t regret it. Once you get a basic black one, you can even extend your collection by adding in some other colors. My closet consists of leather jackets in black, gray, white, brown, pink (for when I’m feeling more feminine vibes), and, my personal favorite, a floral embroidered one. Do I have an obsession? Probably. Am I ashamed of it? Not in the slightest.

6. Knit Sweater

Nothing says “cozy” quite like a big, soft sweater. As a college student that faces the true brutality of Wisconsin winters, chunky sweaters have been a lifesaving essential. This is probably the one item that I would vouch for as being most splurge-worthy. There are far too many itchy sweaters in the world that fall apart after two washes, so my advice to you is to seek out a comfortable, long lasting one. You deserve it. Now, say it with me: “I am better than itchy sweaters”.

7. Go-To Jeans

So, you had a plan to go over to meet a friend for lunch, but you overslept, you’re already running late and you have yet to get dressed... and do your hair… and makeup. We’ve all been there. There’s always the option to hit cancel on the hair and makeup; just bun it up and go for the au naturel makeup look that is so in. Alas, you probably still need to put on some clothes (I know what you’re thinking, but let’s just assume your just-slept-in yoga pants just won’t cut it this time). You don’t have the time to try on every pair of pants in your closet, not this time. So, what jeans are you thinking? If you have one specific pair in mind, your one true pantsmate, you are a lucky gal. If not, you owe it to yourself to go find that special pair. High-rise, low-rise, boot cut, skinny, whichever you fancy. Go find that pair that speaks to you. One you can always rely on, even around the holidays (i.e. stretchy fabric is your best friend). If you’re having trouble finding your pantsmate, here’s a helpful article on which jeans are best for your body type. Go on, get educated; become a jeanius.

8. Leggings

This is just a given, we all have ‘em. They’re truly amazing. Life-changing, even. Finding a sturdy, warm pair of black high-rise leggings will surely get you through any challenges life throws at you. Hence, why they make up half of the official finals week uniform, along with a greatly oversized sweatshirt that probably hasn’t been washed since syllabus week. On top of that, they serve an even greater purpose rather than wallowing in salty finals tears: working out. Who knew? I can’t be the only one who only works out 2% of the time when I wear these. Nonetheless, leggings are an essential for both everyday wear, or for the workout buffs (kudos to you, brave warriors). Also, I must add that leggings with pockets do exist and they are a total game-changer.

9. Pencil Skirt

The ultimate formal attire must-have. For any occasion where you just aren’t feeling a dress, a solid pencil skirt with a nice blouse or button-up is your best friend. This simple, timeless piece is one that will never not look classy and stylish. Plus, if you find a good quality one like I did, it may just last you for over 10 years. (I bet middle-school Paige didn’t see that coming.) My pencil skirt has gotten me through almost every single presentation in college thus far and I don’t plan on trading it in anytime soon.

10. Ankle Boots

Who doesn’t love a good pair of booties? They are the ultimate autumn fashion staple that you are guaranteed to fall in love with. I own two trusty pairs of booties: one in black faux leather, and the other in taupe suede. Both have been through countless lectures, business meetings, and crunched their way through the crisp fall leaves on the way there. They are the ultimate comfort shoes.

11. Black Pumps

Now, I’m going to assume here that no one likes walking in heels. We typically wear them to dress up an outfit, improve our posture, accentuate our legs, or to give us a little confidence boost. No matter what the reason, a pair of simple black pumps can really do it all. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting, happy hour, or a casual date night, they’re one accessory that won’t let you down (unless a heel breaks and in that case, they are quite literally letting you down). I suggest you invest in a pair that is somewhat comfortable. Believe it or not, there are some shoe makers aren’t out to kill your poor feet. Here are some top-rated heel brands based on their comfortability.

12. Basic Sneakers

If you were to see me any day during the week, odds are that I’d be wearing either my Slick Adidas or my Snappy Vans. That’s right, I even named them. Walking-friendly shoes are a necessity, especially for college students. I honestly have not realized the amount of walking I would face in my life until I entered college. However, with a nice pair of worn-in sneakers, the lack of car travel is no problem. I’d recommend either black or white; that way, they pair well with any outfit.

So, there you have it: the wardrobe pieces that have a lifetime membership to my closet. What is one timeless wardrobe piece you couldn’t live without?