#yay these came together faster than i thought

[lady-pug]

Written Between the Lines

Interlude - Meddling With Our Hearts

Summary: Five times someone interferes with yours and Aemond’s relationship and one time you decide to take the reins and shape your own fate.

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Reader

Word count: 6,9k

Warnings: canon-typical incest (uncle-niece)

Notes: Hello!! How have you all been? This one came out faster than I expected! Yay!

Okay, just to explain a few things, so this chapter is a bonus, non-chronological chapter in the story. It is separated into items, as it follows the ‘5+1 Things’ model, spanning across several years. In item 1, Reader and Aemond are very young, around 4 and 6 respectively (and Aegon is around 10), whereas items 2, 3, 4 and 5 are set after chapter 1 of this story (think episodes 6 and 7 of season 1). Lastly, the last item is set in the middle of chapter 2. 

I am having lots of fun writing for Aemond, so much so I have a few ideas for unrelated one-shots I plan on writing for him. Anyway, I really really hope you enjoy this!

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1. Aegon Targaryen

As young children, wherever Aemond Targaryen was you were never too far behind. As the eldest of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children, you were often regarded as a possible successor of your mother’s to the title of the Realm’s Delight, being soft and sweet and so very beautiful even from such a young age. There was no shortage of people wanting to gaze upon you, spoil you with attention and possibly win over the favor of the heir to the Iron Throne after King Viserys I. But there was only ever one person whose attention you truly craved.

With the birth of your younger brother Jace and your mother’s pregnancy with yet another child, your parents’ attention was naturally split. It wasn’t to say they neglected you or favored your brother above you, oh no, but it was only natural that you were no longer their sole focus, even more fickle given their duties at court. Your father in particular, Ser Laenor, tried to give you as much attention as he possibly could, but even then that was restricted to specific times of the day, mostly at supper and after. It was an adjustment, for sure, and for a little while you resented your little brother, but you were quick to find another source of the attention you craved somewhere else: your uncle Aemond. You couldn’t possibly know why, nor had you ever thought about it, but you were drawn to him in ways you could not explain. And the feeling seemed to be mutual.

Aemond Targaryen, as the second son of King Viserys and his fourth child, was most often overlooked by many in court. He wasn’t Rhaenyra, who held their father’s unconditional love, or Aegon, who carried the title of his first male child, and matters were made worse by the fact that his dragon egg had yet to hatch, whereas Aegon’s had done so when he was still pretty young, and Helaena had quickly claimed Dreamfyre. Even his mother, who once doted on him like never before, had lessened her attention over him, as her fourth pregnancy progressed and her affection usually leaned more towards her only daughter. 

So when his little niece, barely old enough to attend lessons, had developed a fascination towards him and would often trail behind him wherever he went, he absolutely basked in the attention that was so freely given. You, who had no obligation to him other than to be cordial at best, gazing up at him with adoration in those innocent eyes made him cherish the moments you spend together.

It was only natural, then, that the two of you could often be found in each other’s presence. Whenever neither of you were having lessons and were left to your own devices, you seemed to always find each other, your tiny hand enveloped in Aemond’s not much bigger one as he pulled you behind him towards whatever destination he had in mind.

“Where we going, Aem?” your sweet voice, not yet able to properly speak his name, would often ask. The library, the dragonpit, the gardens, it didn’t truly matter as long as you were together.

Aem.

The nickname you had bestowed upon him was one of his deepest treasures. To everyone else he was either Aemond, son or brother, and two of these he had to share with other people, but to you, and to you alone, he was Aem. It was something so inherently his, something to share with you and only you. It reminded him of you, of the devotion and admiration you held for him, something no one else seemed to have for him, and he never wanted to let go of it.

But as he would be reminded time and time again he should never hope, nor should he wish for good things for himself, for they could be ripped from him at a moment’s notice.  

The day had started out like any other: after your lessons you had quickly scrambled out of your quarters to find Aemond and spend the day together. He had decided, then, to take you to the training grounds to watch some of the knights train.

“See that one over there?” he pointed to a man, just barely out of adolescence, training with Criston Cole “That is Ser Arryk. Or could he be Erryk? It matters not, either way, both of them are really good. Ser Criston is training them to be the newest members of the Kingsguard.”

“Wow.” you sounded from next to him, mesmerized by the clash of the swords.

“Impressive, hm?” he then pointed to another man who was supervising the training “Ser Criston, over there, he is the best knight in all the realms. I hope to train under him and be as good as he is one day.” 

He was eager to start training with the sword, like his older brother already did. His mother had promised him that he could start his own training after his next nameday, though it was still a few moons away, he was already eagerly waiting for that moment.

“You be amazing knight in future, Aem.” you turned towards him then, that look of pure reverence made warmth spread in his chest, for he felt your words were true.

“Aem?!” a familiar voice cackled behind the two of you, and Aemond could feel the cold dread seeping into his heart like it usually did when his brother decided to torment him.

Aegon marched over in your direction, almost an entire head taller than Aemond, and ruffled his younger brother’s hair with a tad more force than necessary.

“Oh, Aemy, you will be such an amazing knight one day.” he spoke in a poor imitation of your own voice, high pitched and overly sweet and dreamy. Your face was scrunched in anger and poorly contained humiliation, and had the two of you not been under scrutiny Aemond would have found it adorable.

“Aegon, stop it!” he tried defending the two of you but he couldn’t stop his own cheeks from lighting up in embarrassment.

“Aemy, oh, Aem. Perhaps our mothers will marry us off to one another and I can carry your children.” Aegon chuckled before flicking his brother on the forehead “You would surely want that, wouldn’t you, you twat?”

You couldn’t take it anymore. With a warcry unbefitting of a princess of the realm you delivered a sharp kick to Aegon’s shin, the only part of him you could really reach, before running off with tiny droplets streaming down your cheeks. Aemond tried going after you, holding your wrist, but you swatted his hand away and disappeared around the corner.

“She attacked me!” Aegon complained, voice strained from the intensity of the blow, utterly baffled at how something so small could carry so much strength.

“Oh, please!” Aemond pushed past his brother, annoyed, before stomping away towards his own quarters “It barely scratched. And you deserved it.”

For the next three days you ignored both of them, preferring to spend your days with Heleana. Whenever he asked about you, his mother would claim you didn’t wish for visitors and would rather stay in the company of your aunt. Aemond couldn’t deny that it stung, the only person he felt cared for him deeply, no longer wanting to spend time with him.

So he was overjoyed when, on the fourth day, you approached him as if nothing had ever happened, your expression light and smile bright as you held his hand.

“Where we going, uncle?” and his face fell, joy completely dissipating and giving way to sadness. 

You refused to call him by his previous nickname after that day, opting to refer to him only as ‘uncle’ going forward, and Aemond felt an overwhelming longing for things to go back to the way they were. He couldn’t help the resentment he felt towards Aegon for ruining what you had, for he felt it in his bones that things between the two of you would never truly be the same again.

2. Jason Lannister

You were bored out of your very mind at the moment. You had zoned out completely and could barely hear the incessant droning of Jason Lannister’s voice in the background as you reflected upon your life at the moment.

After that night in the bathtub where you shared your very first kiss with your uncle, you feared things between the two of you would change, and change for the worse. You didn’t want that, cherishing what you had with Aemond, even if it never went anywhere beyond friendship. But you needn’t have worried so much, for both of you seemed adamant in not ever speaking of that night ever again. It did sting a little if you were being honest with yourself, but you preferred that over ruining what you had.

So you were very much looking forward to spending a few hours with him before lunch when you were intercepted by Ser Jason Lannister.

“You look wonderful today, my princess.” the man had smiled down at you.

“Uh, thank you, my lord.” you answered, confused as to what he could possibly want.

“Why don’t you give me the pleasure of going on a stroll with me around the gardens?”

You didn’t know why he wanted to take a stroll with you of all people. And to be fair you didn’t want to spend more time than necessary in his presence. What you did want was to find Aemond and spend your day with him. But something, a strange sense of propriety and duty, held you back and you found yourself agreeing with his proposal.

That’s how you ended in the current situation, arm looped with his as he droned on and on and on about himself and his wealth and his castle and many other topics you couldn’t care less about. 

In your reverie you hadn’t even realized you had reached the training grounds until Aemond, who had just finished his training session with Ser Criston, smiled and waved at you as he was putting a wooden shield away. You were about to wave back when Ser Jason’s voice pulled your attention back to him once more.

“Well, princess, this is where we must part ways, unfortunately.” he gave a small bow of his head before letting go of your arm “The maesters say it is good to keep active, so I will go see if I can find a sparring partner.” 

You barely spared him a courtesy as Aemond was already by your side, ready to whisk you away.

“What was that all about?” he asked when you were already halfway to the library, a sense of unease pulling at his heartstrings once he remembered the way your arm was linked with the older lord.

“I do not know for sure.” you shrugged “I barely paid attention to what he was saying. Something about his riches I believe, we just went on a walk around the Keep.”

He laughed then, though it lacked any mirth, and his smile no longer reached his eyes.

“What is it?”

“You are so naïve, niece.” he explained.

“And why is that?” you questioned, feeling slightly offended.

“He wishes to court you.”

Your disgust at the thought must have been reflected very clearly upon your face, for he let out a full, genuine laugh this time.

“B-But- why?!” you tried collecting your thoughts, flabbergasted by such revelation “He is so…”

“Arrogant? Boring? Plain? All of the above?” Aemond completed for you, jesting at the situation.

“Old!” you whined and he laughed even harder at your expanse “I mean it! He is older than my own father!” you got closer to him to whisper conspiratorially at him “I heard he courted mother when she was looking for a husband, and he was already considered too old for her at the time.”

His laughter echoed around the halls, a few servants stopping to stare at the two of you, dumbfounded at the way you seemed to be able to bring the usually stoic prince out of his shell.

“But why does he wish to court me? Why not some other, older, lady?” you asked, still confused.

“Well, you are not just any lady, mandianna. You are a princess.” he explained, though his words seemed practiced, like they were reflections of not his own thoughts but those of other people “Any lord would jump at the opportunity to wed you. Chances are, in fact, that more suitors will start to flock around you for attention as you grow.”

“Ugh!” your shoulders slumped under the weight of your frustration “I do not wish to marry these lords!” you threw your hands up in exasperation “I just wish to spend my days with you and Helaena! Why can I not just marry you, then?!”

He felt a twinge too tight of happiness at the notion, but chose to ignore it and listen as you continued with your rant.

“If I were to marry one of these lords I would be miserable!”

His face softened in sympathy, remembering the conversation he overheard between his mother and grandsire regarding Aegon and Heleana’s betrothal. He felt pained for his sister, for he knew Aegon would not treat her how she deserved, and now he was seeing the same pattern with you.

“It is our duty, I fear, to find matches that best interest our House.” he spoke softly, but you turned towards him infuriated, and he feared he said the wrong thing.

“But I do not want to marry for duty!” his heart clenched in his chest as he noticed your eyes brimming with tears “I want a husband who loves and cares for me, like father and mother!”

He held back his tongue, knowing that speaking his mind about the kind of love between your parents, or lack thereof, would only upset you further. There was no denying that Ser Laenor cared deeply for Rhaenyra, just not in the way a husband should a wife.

The both of you stayed quiet for a moment, you simmering in your unsettled thoughts and him disappointed he couldn’t comfort you further, for this was something that was out of his hands.

“I would not mind, you know?” he heard you speak softly, turning his head to find you already looking at him.

“What?” 

“Marrying you.” you smiled softly at him “At least with you I would be content. I could see us being happy, even.”

Your words were a soothing balm over his heart, making it clench in his chest. He, too, did find the notion appealing, he could be happy with you, hells, you already made him happy.

“If it matters,” he spoke, trying to hide his true feelings behind a layer of nonchalance “I would not mind marrying you either.”

Your smile brightened then, and you bumped your shoulder with his.

“One can dream, right?” you giggled, before sighing once a servant came to fetch you to clean up before lunch, annoyed that your time with him had been cut short.

But as you walked away an idea formed in his mind, and with a determination he hadn’t felt in a really long time, he set off to find his half-sister.

3. Alicent Hightower

“No.” the Queen’s voice was harsh, and Aemond’s heart filled with dread as he peaked from his hiding place behind a pillar in her solar. He knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop but his traitorous heart was too anxious to wait.

“Come on, your grace.” Rhaenyra answered, clearly annoyed, a hand placed on her very pregnant stomach and another on her lower back, as if standing here arguing was bringing her physical discomfort “The boy came to me, begging for her hand in marriage, all that was left was for him to fall to his knees. She herself has asked about the possibility of marrying him once. They are the perfect match!”

After your conversation earlier that day, Aemond had set off to find Rhaenyra and ask, no, beg her to allow him to court and eventually marry you. She had laughed in his face, and he tried not to show how her dismissal wounded his pride, until her face softened once she realized he was serious. 

“Please, sister.” he had even stooped so low as to address their familial bond, no matter how sour the word tasted in his mouth “Allow me to marry her. As her husband, she would want for nothing, I would protect her with my very life. And I could even… make her happy.”

Rhaenyra’s face softened then, for the first time realizing how much her little brother truly cared for her daughter. She had known the two of you were close, but the depth of your feelings for one another was only now being revealed to her. So she promised him she would speak with his own mother, and if Alicent agreed, then so would she. Aemond’s heart had plummeted then, knowing it would be a lot harder getting through his mother. But he wouldn’t give up hope.

But hope, it seemed, was not enough.

“No, and my answer is final.” Alicent moved about, trying to get Rhaenyra to leave and go bother someone else.  

“Alicent,” even though she had her back towards him, Aemond could imagine the tick in his mother’s eye at the informal way Rhaenyra was addressing her “All I am asking is that you consider it.”

“Why do you even think they would be a good match for one another?”

“Oh, by the Gods, Alicent! Can you not see how much they care for each other? The amount of time they spend together? They are practically glued at the hip at this point!” Rhaenyra threw her hands up in exasperation, and Aemond could see yourself so perfectly in your mother’s image “I will just ask my father then.” 

“Do not entertain that idea even for a moment!” Alicent’s voice became shrill as she glared at her former friend “What is this even about, hm? Are you so afraid that child” and she pointed at Rhaneyra’s prominent bump “will be born sooner or later bearing a striking resemblance to a certain commander of the City Watch once more that you resort to this… this scheming? To secure your line of succession, is that it?”

Ouch. That was low, even for Alicent’s standards. 

Rhaenyra’s face hardened as she stepped closer to the Queen, and for a moment fear gripped Aemond’s heart that he was about to witness his mom get battered.

“My brother, your own son” she spat out, genuinely angry now “begged me to let him marry my daughter when they are older. He promised me he would be a good husband, and for once in my life I am inclined to believe him.” her face softened then, raising her hands as if to grab Alicent’s but let them drop, thinking better than to try and touch her “Please, your grace. If there is still any care left in your heart for the love we once held for one another, please let me do this for him.” 

Aemond waited with bated breath for his mother to say something, anything. For once in his life he allowed himself to hope; he’d give up everything, even his dream of having a dragon of his own, just so she’d say yes. But the longer she went without saying anything, the deeper the cracks in his heart became.

“I will not be able to change your mind, will I?” Rhaenyra asked, her face contorting in sympathy, and when Alicent shook her head, breaking his heart in a thousand tiny little pieces in the process, she sighed “Then I feel sorry for Aemond. For both of them.”

As Rhaenyra left the Queen’s solar, Aemond took his leave as well, his heart shattered and a weight heavy on his stomach, regretting even going to his half-sister in the first place. It seemed you and he could never be after all.

4. Rhaenyra Targaryen

Tears streamed down your face as you ran through the cold tunnels of Maegor’s Holdfast, not caring even for a moment that you were only dressed in a nightgown. The news you had just heard from your father regarding your mother’s decision weighed heavily in your heart, and you had to share them with your uncle immediately. It couldn’t wait until the morrow, because come first light you might be gone.

“Hells, niece, will you ever learn to knock?” Aemond had turned towards you once you barged inside his chambers through the secret door, freezing once he noticed the state you were in. He was in front of you in a second, holding your cheeks in his palms and forcing you to look at him “What happened?”

Even though his image was blurred by the tears that kept on rolling down your cheeks, barely noticing when he started collecting them with his thumbs, you could perfectly see the concern etched upon his features, and that was all it took for you to release the sobs you had been holding back, falling into his arms and hiccuping against his shoulder.

“Mandianna, what happened?!” he asked, holding your trembling figure in his arms and awkwardly trying to console you, running a gentle hand up and down your back. He had never seen you in such a state before, and he did not truly know how to help, much less without knowing the cause of your distress.

Once you had calmed down enough, your wails reduced to soft sniffles, you pulled back from him, running the back of your hand through your face to try and look more presentable.

“Mother has decided to move us to Dragonstone.”

Aemond’s breath hitched then.

“What?” he whispered, taking a step back from you.

“Father just told me. We are to leave King’s Landing come first light in the morrow.”

He felt his whole world crumbling before his very eyes then. He believed his heart could no longer face more damage, for it had already been broken when he overheard his mother and Rhaenyra’s conversation a sennight before, but he felt it shatter all over again at your words.

“C-Can you not stay behind?” With me?, he wanted to ask as his own eyes started filling with tears.

“I asked, but father says we are all to go. Me, Jace, Luke and baby Joffrey.”

His heart was beating widely in his chest, twisting painfully at the prospect of having to face everyday at court without you to keep him company, to keep him sane.

“We can write, of course, but-” you started, voice still trembling.

“It will not be the same.” he completed for you. 

It was true, wasn’t it? Things were about to change. On one hand he wouldn’t have to face the teasing from Jace and Luke, just Aegon, the main instigator. But on the other hand he would lose you, which was so much worse.

But then he noticed how your lower lip had started quivering again and realized he had put quite a lot of distance between the two of you. Not wanting you to jump to the wrong conclusions he crossed the space he had created and cupped your cheeks, looking sternly into your eyes.

“It does not change anything.” 

“Aemond-” you looked at him with sympathy and disbelief but he wasn’t having it.

“No. It does not change anything between us.” he spoke, determined “I will write to you every single day, and I expect a response every time. It will be like you never left. You can fly on dragonback and come visit. And when I get my dragon, I will visit you in return.”

Your smile, although tentative and still wobbly, returned to your face and he felt relief wash through him.

“You said so yourself, the lines promised me I will have a dragon.” he rejoiced at hearing you giggle “I have to make good use of them when time comes.”

A comfortable silence settled over the two of you. Something in your eye, glimmering with a blazing hope, compelled Aemond to lean forward, resting his forehead against yours, his eyes closing as he took everything in.

“We will still be the same.” he felt you move, nodding against his head, never once moving away “We will still be us.” 

And even though, or perhaps exactly because neither of you could prevent the events that would unfold in the following weeks, both of you believed it with every ounce of your souls.

5. Aemond Targaryen 

“Aemond.” you knocked once more, your knuckles red and starting to ache from their incessant contact with the hard wood “Qȳbor, please open the door.”

He hadn’t left his temporary chambers in days, and no one would let you see him. After the whole ordeal with Vhagar and the fight between your two mothers in the grand hall at Driftmark after the loss of his eye, Aemond was whisked away to the quarters he was stationed at during his stay so the maesters could work properly on his wound and for him to sleep off the copious amounts of milk of the poppy he had been given.

Having talked to your brothers and cousins and understood what had gone down, you started feeling a tad guilty for the way you reacted to it. Yes, you were still hurt over what he had said about your brothers and, by extension, you. But at the same time you had let him go when he was the most vulnerable, he had just lost an eye for the Gods’ sake. And yet, even though you were hurting, so was he, he needed you and yet you let go and ran from him.

So you had decided you needed to talk. Perhaps, if you apologized for Luke’s actions and your own behavior, he’d offer an apology of his own, for calling your brothers bastards and for not extending Rhaena the courtesy of trying to claim her late mother’s dragon before him. Then, having cleared the air, you could move past this and go back to the way things were, with exchanged letters and promises of visiting one another. 

But your attempts seemed futile. There was always a guard stationed in front of his door, denying you entrance every single time you asked. Even though they were stern, hardened by their training, you tried using your authority as princess to order them to let you through, but to no such luck.

“Apologies, princess.” they would say, a smidge of sympathy and annoyance in their tone “The prince is to receive no visitors. Orders from her grace, the Queen.”

Panic was starting to grip at your heart, for your time was running out. Eventually, as soon as Aemond was recovered enough to travel, King Viserys and his family would leave Driftmark and return to King’s Landing. By then it would be too late. If you didn’t speak to him now, you would lose Aemond forever. That is, if you hadn’t already lost him for good. You had to speak to him, and it had to be soon, otherwise he’d leave and you would lose the one person you cared most in the world, who understood you like no one else, and would be left to drown in your own loneliness.

So you started scheming. You waited around the corridor of his chambers, waiting for rotation of the guard so you could catch his door unattended. You almost managed once, but Queen Alicent opened the door to exit the room, stopping dead in her tracks once she came face to face with you, about to knock.

“Your grace!” you were quick to recompose yourself “I came to visit the prince. I wish to see if he is faring well.”

You winced, instantly regretting your choice of words once her face hardened. Of course he wasn’t faring well, he just lost his bloody eye! 

“Aemond is not receiving any visitors.” her voice was harsh, and dread overcame you as she started to walk away.

“Wait!” she stopped but didn’t turn around to face you as you pleaded “I just- I just want to see him.”

When she did turn her features were laced with a combination of disdain and pity. It stirred something so deep inside you you almost recoiled and ran, but you decided to endure.

“He doesn’t wish to see anyone, princess.” she spoke, her tone stern yet motherly. But the implications of her words were not lost on you.

He doesn’t wish to see you.

It hurt, tears brimming in your eyes as you turned around and headed for your chambers.  

Did he truly not wish to see you? Or did he just wish for solitude, away from everyone? Could your friendship still be mended after both of you had been hurt like this? 

It didn’t matter, afterall, for you were determined to try until the very end.

That’s how you found yourself in front of his door, finally alone with him, having waited patiently for the guard’s rotation and making sure his mother wasn’t around. It was his final night in Driftmark before he was set to return to the capitol, and so this was your last, final chance to talk to him before that. 

There was a light flickering inside his chambers, visible from under the door, so you knew he likely wasn’t asleep, and when you had knocked for the first time, you heard a thud coming from inside, like he had bumped into some furniture, so you believed he had listened to you. But no matter how many times you knocked, he wouldn’t open it, nor give any indication that he was listening. 

“Aemond, please.” you tried again “Please, let us talk.”

The longer you went without an answer, the tighter the knot that was forming in your throat became. Growing desperate, you laid your forehead on the cold, damp wood.

“Please.” you breathed out, not even sure he could hear you now “Talk to me, Aemond. Please.”

For a moment, a short, passing moment, you heard a flutter of movement from inside the room. Your breath hitched, a tiny flicker of unadulterated hope burning in your chest that he had heard you and was coming to talk. But it was quickly snuffed out when you heard nothing else follow.

A deep ache took over your chest, like something had dug its claws in your heart and squeezed. The inevitability of it all, the looming sense of grief over something so close yet impossibly far, out of your grasp completely, clouded your mind and had your ears ringing.

“I am sorry.” you said, taking a step back and turning around to leave “For everything.”

As you walked away you couldn’t help but feel like a part of you was missing. For you had just lost him for good. Perhaps forever.

+1

As you brushed off your skirts, having been sat on the grass by the weirwood tree, you set off to find your mother, determination written across your features.

You nearly ran into Luke as you walked briskly, sending a thankful look to Rhaena as she helped you steady him.

“Where are you off to in such a rush?” Jace asked as he came up behind your brother at the same time you bypassed him and Baela and continued on your way. 

“To secure myself a husband!” you shouted over your shoulder, not even turning back around to address them. Now all that was left was to find your mother.

And search for her you did. It was imperative that you found her quickly, for you wanted to make sure you did this tonight. It had to be tonight. No one knew how much longer the King would live, and the moment he drew his final breath, a war would break out within your family. A war that would ravage all of the Seven Kingdoms. So you had to make sure that didn’t happen while your grandire was still alive and lucid enough to give you his full support.

But Rhaenyra was nowhere to be found. The Keep was huge and there was a probability that you were both on the move and simply never crossing paths. You even stumbled upon Helaena during your search as she tended to her youngest son, Maelor.

“Have you seen my mother, aunt?” you asked after a brief and sweet exchange, though you did not hug her like you would Baela and Rhaena, for you knew she did not like to be touched.

“I have not, niece.” she bounced baby Maelor in her arms as he cooed up at her “Why are you in such a haste to find her, if I might ask?”

“I have something of utmost importance to discuss with her.” you smirked as you added next, and by the glimmer in her eyes she understood the hidden meaning of your words “I believe I have found myself a suitable husband and must ask her to arrange our betrothal as soon as possible.”

“Oh!” she smiled brightly then “So we might be celebrating tonight.”

To your surprise and confusion, her smile faltered just a bit, her eyes becoming unfocused, before she smiled brightly again.

“With a union forged in fire and blood, the dragon’s nest is put to rest.”

You dared not question her, for Helaena often spoke in riddles, even in your youth. Biding her farewell you went back to your task. You didn’t have to search long though, for you quite literally bumped into your mother and Daemon right as you were turning down the corridor from Helaena’s chambers.

“Mother!” you exclaimed as you helped Daemon steady a once again very pregnant Rhaenyra “There you are!”

“You were looking for me, darling?” she asked.

“Yes.” you cleared your throat, squaring your shoulders “I wish for a husband.”

That seemed to take both of them by surprise, their eyes widening.

“O-Oh!” she smiled then, still confused where this was coming from “And did you have someone in mind?”

“I wish to take Aemond as my husband.” 

“Darling.” her face softened in pity as Daemon scoffed “You know the Queen would never allow this union.”

“That’s not all, mother. I think I may have found a way neither she nor the Hand could refuse.”

Rhaenyra and Daemon exchanged a curious glance with one another.

“Let us hear it then.” your step-father encouraged.

“I want Aemond as my husband.” you took a steadying breath, knowing you’d have to argue the next part “And I want him to be King.”

“Absolutely not!” was Daemon’s reaction, while your mother just looked… betrayed. And it broke your heart. You knew what she was thinking, she had just reaffirmed you as her heir, had to fight for it, and you now want to pass that off to someone else entirely?

“Please allow me to explain.”

“Why would you suggest such a thing?! To that cunt, of all people!” Daemon kept on raging, but his words were abruptly cut short as Rhaenyra raised her hand.

“Let her speak.” her tone was firm, and you knew you had to choose your next words carefully to plead your case.

“Word has come to me of a… plot against you as King Viserys’ heir.” her face twitched in anger for just a moment “The Queen and the Hand will try to instate Aegon as King once grandsire passes.”

“What is new?” Daemon laughed, incredulous.

“And the noble houses would back his claim.” you explained “Many will not recognize you as the legitimate heir-”

“But-” your mother tried cutting you off but you continued over her.

“-regardless of the oath they swore years ago. Simply because Aegon has a cock and you do not.” you hated how crass you sounded, but you had to get the point across “And then a bloody civil war would break out, for you would not let this go unpunished, am I wrong?” 

Rhaenyra pondered for a moment before nodding, and you took that as a sign to continue.

“A war between us, dragonlords, would absolutely decimate not only our House but also the realm. But a marriage alliance between me, your heir and future Queen, and my uncle might just make them give up on this quest.”

“Otto would never settle for his blood being just consort.” Daemon argued.

“That is why he would not be consort.” you smirked, the catch you were waiting to reveal slipping from your lips.

“You shouldn’t give up your claim and be consort either!” your mother exclaimed.

“I would not do such a thing. I would be the rightful Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.”

Both of them looked baffled.

“Now you have lost me.” she said.

“When the time comes, both me and Aemond would be crowned Queen and King, and we would rule together as equals. No consorts.”

Rhaenyra took a step back from surprise, and Daemon looked like he was told the realm’s funniest joke.

“You cannot be serious, tala!” he chuckled, but there was an undertone of disbelief to it.

“It could work.” your mother spoke to herself.

“Rhaenyra, you cannot be entertaining this ridiculous idea!” Daemon turned towards her then, wringing his hands as if to stop himself from grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking some sense into her “It is not tradition!”

“Fuck tradition!” you exclaimed a lot more harshly than you intended, and probably a lot harsher than it was appropriate. 

You took a deep breath, trying to calm down enough. 

“You being heir over Aegon already breaks tradition as it is. Like I said, many will not see you as legitimate. But even if they do, and you are able to rule, the same thing would happen to me and Jace. But will you make all the great houses swear another oath to you?” Rhaneyra understood where you were going with this “Having a husband to back me up as heir, to rule alongside me, would give me strength in my own claim. If you are already breaking traditions, what is one more, eh?”

“You might want to keep your voice down.” Daemon spoke lowly, and you noticed he was staring at someone “The walls have ears in this Keep.”

From the corner of your eye you saw a familiar figure, and in a moment of panic, grabbed your mother’s hand and pulled her towards the temporary chambers you were housed in. You did not want Aemond to overhear what you had to say, fearful that should anyone hear about this ahead of time it would all crumble to shambles. As Daemon joined you two, shortly after, you continued. 

“Please, please mother! Think about it. It might be the only way.”

Rhaenyra was silent. While Daemon looked vexed, but made no further complaints, she looked deep in thought. You knew she knew you were right. She just had to see it for herself.

“It would be easier to convince them if we had the King’s approval. That is why we need to do this tonight, at supper.”

Daemon bristled but didn’t say anything. Your mother on the other hand agreed, even if she believed this was all very rushed.

“Would you be happy though?” she then asked, and it was your turn to be surprised “Marrying Aemond? After everything that has happened?”

You looked between her and Daemon, and for once in your life you were certain of what you wanted.

“Aemond has always been kind to me. Or most of the time, at least.” you shrugged “I believe, with due time, we could put our differences aside and rebuild what we once had. Perhaps even learn to love each other.”

Again, you meant. Learn to love each other again. At least in your case.

“Then it is settled.” she looked determined “We will pitch this proposition tonight.”

A wave of relief washed over you. This could work, genuinely actually work. Perhaps it didn’t have to end in bloodshed like you believed it would. Maybe your family could be whole again. And all of that at the cost of marrying the one you had longed for deeply in your heart once.

“He asked for your hand once, you know.” Rhaenyra broke you out of your trance, a soft smile on her face and a far away look in her eyes, as if she was reminiscing on a fond memory. Daemon had left at some point, leaving you both alone to share this conversation, too deep and personal for anyone else to hear, in private “Right before we left for Dragonstone.”

Your heart clenched in your chest at the revelation. He had wished to marry you as well?

“He said he could make you happy. And I believed him.” she then looked at you, cupping your cheek as pride took over her smile “I believe it still.”

You grasped at her wrist, feeling warm at the love you could feel it emanating from her.

“If you believe you could be happy as well,” she continued “then you have my blessing. That is all I want.”

You nodded, blinking back tears.

“I do. I will be very happy.” 

She nodded then, pulling you into her arms. In the safety of your mother’s embrace, you finally let yourself relax. Your fate was yours to shape how you saw fit, and you intended to make the most of it.

And you would.

High Valyrian translations: - mandianna - niece (older sister’s son or daughter) - qȳbor - uncle (mother’s younger brother) - tala - daughter (meant here affectionately, not by blood, as there are no terms for step-relative in High Valyrian)

Tag List:

@callsignwidow

@sleephereicome

@bitchassgoose

@voguiing

@dibutw

@fruityvampslayer

@garden-in-the-rain

@queen-of-elves

[farfromstrange]

Chaos Theory | Michael Kinsella x Reader

Chapter 1: Secret New Beginnings

Masterlist ° Chapter List (Coming soon)

Pairing: Michael Kinsella x Reader (she/her)

Summary: Now that you and Michael are somewhat together, you have to navigate your relationship, but there is something hanging over you, untold secrets that keep you from fully trusting each other. But Michael finally feels safe around you and he cares, and you might just be falling for him, after all.

Warnings: Fluff, some angst, self-doubt, cussing, talk about sex and violence as well as murder

Word Count: 4.9k

A/n: SO I finally got the first chapter done, yay me! I struggled a little with the transition from Butterfly Effect to this, but I hope you like it anyway. See it as a kind of prologue to set the scene. It's my starting point for this series. I will be posting a list of Installments soon, I just need to make it look nice.

The butterfly effect is often used in context with chaos theory, but they don’t equal each other. The notion is that a seemingly insignificant event, like the flutter of a butterfly's wings, could set in motion a chain of events with far-reaching and unpredictable consequences. 

In the aftermath of a shattered soul, Michael finds himself standing on the precipice that could perhaps lead to a new beginning. No, he is sure that the second chance he was given already set the new beginning in motion, and he owes that to you.

His past, as so often, blurs with his present. It’s tumultuous and it echoes deafeningly loud in his mind, but he can’t help but ponder the path of destiny that led him straight into the arms of a woman that has been looking the darkness inside of him straight into its poisonous eyes from the beginning, not once turning away. 

His past decision had wings that flapped ever so slightly and caused the world around him to collapse. People got hurt. He, himself, got hurt in the process. In the blink of an eye, his life changed. He saw it coming, deep down. He’s been a Kinsella from the beginning and he knew that getting close to him would eventually lead to destruction for every kind soul that decided to have mercy on him. But he was naive, he became careless, he did his work and thought that was enough to keep his loved ones safe – he failed, and then, when he tried to get back up, he failed again and he paid the ultimate price. 

But he has tasted the light. He caught a peak of what his life could look like, and for the first time in a long time, he feels the seeds of hope grow into a field of beautiful flowers in his chest. The sun came, shone its light into his life, and the rain met its rays just right to lay the foundation for a rainbow. 

Michael wouldn’t consider himself happy, but he saw what could be and he thought to himself, “I have to at least try.” So that is what he promises himself to do, every day, as long as it takes for his life to find the right path again. He doesn’t know if there even is happiness in the cards for him, but he can try to fix what he broke, and he finally doesn’t feel alone in it anymore. 

Chaos isn’t limited to the realms of science – it is an undeniable force that ripples through everyone’s existence. And for Michael, the bullet holes in his house and the gaping black void in his chest function as a stark reminder of the chaos that rippled through his existence eight years ago. 

Each decision he makes can change the course of his life and those around him inevitably forever, and that is a huge burden to carry. Once you realize the effect even the smallest events can have, there is no turning back. Anxiety grows fast, faster than poison ivy, and it threatens to consume you whole. 

You – you and him – made a silent promise to take the wheel before it would be too late, take the pen, rewrite your story, and find a way to make a happy ending happen for both of you. You are the one who convinced him to have a little faith, and you taught him that trying to be optimistic might just make life a little easier to deal with. 

Michael doesn’t deserve you and yet, he has you.

 The day he walked into the café looking for something familiar was the best day of his life, even though it was littered with gray clouds. Meeting you changed everything, and all it took was your conviction to sell him a cup of coffee that wouldn’t taste as simple as a double espresso and a gentle smile, and he was hooked. 

The Butterfly Effect brought you together; it has a double meaning. For one, you work at a café with the same name as one of the effects that are born from chaos theory, and two, the day he met you, he is convinced your decision to write that note on his coffee cup was you flapping your wings and setting everything into motion – and now he’s lying in your bed with you by his side, the sun streaming in through the slit in the curtains, and he can’t believe his eyes as he gazes upon you.

Your features are peaceful. You are peaceful. You are his safe haven. He didn’t expect himself to get infatuated with another person so soon after escaping literal hell, but there is something so sweet and innocent about you, so normal, so serene, he couldn’t help himself. It’s what he craved without even knowing, and maybe it’s selfish to ignore the danger just for a little while, but he couldn’t hold back any longer – he needed you and now he has you. If it were that simple, he could rest, but deep down he knows that this is only the beginning, and not all new beginnings are always good. Some beginnings start perfectly fine and then they drop and lose themselves in darkness, and in the process, you fall with them. Deep down he knows that nothing is ever as it seems, not with the life he lives, his history, his past, and his family. 

As he looks at your sleeping frame next to him, he wonders if you have secrets of your own. Well, maybe you have; it would be only human of you to do so. But then he thinks about your tendency to say yes to everything, to forgive and to give back so easily, always ready to please people, always on top of your game, and he begins to worry if there is a darkness in you he hasn’t quite caught yet. He realizes your story isn’t as clear as his. You only told him about your parents briefly, but that’s it. He considers you a breath of fresh air, but behind every bright smile often lies a deeper meaning. 

Michael gets lost in thought, hoping no one seriously hurt you to make you the person you are now – you told him you fought hard to get where you are now, but what problems did you have to tackle in the past? He only then realizes that you are still a mystery to him. But he hasn’t told you everything either, so you both have parts of yourselves you are not ready to share yet, and perhaps that’s good the way it is.  

You stir. His hazel eyes are still glued to you. You look so lovely like this. His lip curls up into a tired smile as he watches you come to life, your fists coming up to your eyes to rub them. You stretch, causing the covers to slip from your body just enough to catch a glimpse of the top of your breasts. You’re an ephemeral creature and he can’t believe he’s allowed to call you his now. 

His lips press to your cheek. Your eyes are still not open, but you smile a little at the gesture. Slowly but steadily, his lips move lower. This is the second night he has stayed with you now, and he is addicted to you.

A soft gasp escapes your lips when he reaches your neck. His hand cups your jaw, the other keeping himself up as he comes closer. His beard tickles, scratching at your sensitive neck as he nips and kisses you everywhere he can reach, but his touch is gentle as if you’re glass in his eyes. His lips suction around your pulse point then, marking you to be his. The blood pools under the skin and it is quick to turn purple. He licks over it with a smirk; it isn’t the first and won’t be the last mark he will leave on your perfect skin that is softer than any silk he has felt before. 

You wrap a sleepy arm around his shoulders. “Mhmm,” you mumble, a subtle sign that you’ve awoken from your slumber. 

He smiles into your neck, giving the hickey another peck before lifting his head to look at you. “Mornin’,” he says. 

You open an eye. “Morning,” you say. 

He brushes a strand of hair out of your face before planting his lips on yours. 

“How long were you staring at me for?”

“A while.”

“Why?”

“Yer just too gorgeous, pet.” His accent is thicker in the early hours of the morning, you’ve noted. “Besides, you look so peaceful when yer sleepin’. Makes me want ta squish your pretty face.” 

A giggle slips past your lips. “That’s a bit extensive, don’t you think?” you tease. 

He shakes his head. “Never.”

You open your eyes fully now and turn your body in his direction. “I could get used to this,” the admission comes in a quiet puff of air.

He tangles his fingers in your hair and only hums in response. He could get used to waking up next to you as well, but words fail him. You look like an Angel in the soft sunlight. He swears he can see a halo above your head, that’s how divine you are. 

“What’s on your mind?” you ask him. 

He blinks out of his daze and meets your eyes. “Nothin’ important,” he says. 

“All of your thoughts are important to me.”

“Not those.”

You furrow your eyebrows, but you leave it be. Forcing him to talk is not something you want to start or you could ruin the trust that persists between you. He will hopefully come to you when he feels ready to talk, or if that ever happens.  

With a peek at the clock, you notice that your alarm is about to ring. With a heavy sigh, you entangle yourself from him and sit up. 

Michael pouts when your warmth leaves him, his fingers slipping from your hair and down your bare back. He brushes the skin there, tracing your moles and stroking down your spine. Goosebumps erupt on your skin and you pause your movements, reveling in the feeling of his calloused fingers painting gentle shapes over your heated skin. 

“I have to get ready soon,” you say. It’s torture, almost, to have to leave him like this. 

Michael in your bed, shirtless and with his brown locks standing in all directions is a sight to uphold. You want to capture this moment, brand it into your brain and never erase it again. You want his perfect lips to be etched into your skin, his fingers tattooed, his voice injected into your bloodstream – you’re not sure where this desire comes from, this need to be close to him at all times, you are just getting to know each other, but he makes it impossible to think straight. You get lost in his eyes, his soul, and the desperate need to protect him fills you up like an empty cup until it’s overflowing. 

He’s not trying to sleep with you, you know that, he’s simply trying to keep you close a little while longer. He doesn’t want to face the day. He doesn’t want to be without you. You haven’t talked about how to navigate this, you just thought you would figure it out as you go, but there is sadness in his eyes when you look at him. 

There is a beat of silence before he speaks, and his words deliver cracks to your heart. “I don’t want to go home,” he says, and his voice borders heavily on a breathless whisper. 

You pick your shirt off the floor, slip it on, then turn around to face him. “I know,” you say just as quietly. “I would offer you to stay, but–“

“We haven’t reached tha’ level of trust yet? 

Your silence serves as an answer to his question. Michael nods, understanding where you’re coming from, but part of him is still hurt. You trust him to a certain extent, but he has a dark past and there are things not yet resolved between you, things unsaid that haven’t been addressed, and until you’ve figured that out, you have to take baby steps in the direction you want the both of you to go. 

“It’s okay,” he assures you when he sees the pained expression of guilt and regret flash across your face. “I have ta talk to my brother, to Amanda, about my job. I– I have ta think about Anna. Talk to my solicitor. I couldn’t stay even if I wanted.”

Part of that is a lie; he can easily talk to his attorney over the phone and he doesn’t feel like Amanda or Jimmy deserve even a tad bit of his attention, but he has responsibilities and he can’t ignore them forever. Besides, he has no money left and he has to find a way to get through that, too. Those are the things he can’t tell you because he feels so stupid like he would be a bad influence on you, and they are treacherous thoughts. 

You take a deep breath. “Let’s go through your application tonight,” you offer, picking up on your idea from the day before.

The Butterfly Effect is understaffed to the point you sometimes have to work seven times a week instead of getting your day off like you did yesterday, but that’s not the only reason you suggested offering him a job. You told him that your boss gives everyone a second chance if they need one, especially those fresh out of prison who have nowhere to go because even the most minuscule changes can change the course of what happens next, of what happens in the future. It’s not just the name of the café, it is a metaphor, and everyone you work with is so vulnerable and human, you know Michael would feel a lot more comfortable there than having his family breathing down his neck all the time.

He didn’t tell you much, but you already don’t like them. 

Michael thinks about your words, his chest heaving with a heavy sigh. He looks at the ceiling, his hand, then back at you. He nods. “Okay,” he says. “Yeah.”

“Hey–“ you lean over to press a kiss to his lips. “I care about you, you know that?” 

His hand finds its way to the small of your back, eyes fluttering close as you come closer. “Mhm.” He leans in for another kiss. He knows you care. He can feel it in his bones. You care with utmost devotion, and he doesn’t understand what he did to deserve you. 

“I’ll get you that job, and then I’ll help you get your daughter back. I don’t know her, but you sound like you love her and she should get the chance to reconnect with you. You’re not alone anymore, Mikey. You have me now, and I’m with you, every step of the way. I choose you.” 

God knows your father failed with his duties to actually be one. In Michael’s case, it wasn’t voluntary that he left for so long and he deserves a second chance as much as Anna deserves a father. 

“I choose you too,” he whispers. “And I can’t thank you enough…”

“Lucky for you that you don’t have to thank me. It’s okay. You’re gonna be okay,” – you kiss him again before getting up – “I promise.” You flash him a smile as you make your way out of the bedroom, leaving him behind. 

His hand drops to the mattress in defeat. He wants to spend forever in bed with you, wrapped in your cocoon, but he knows that’s not possible. So he lets you go. 

You wouldn’t go as far as to say you’re in love, not yet, but you’re getting damn close to falling for him. It’s as terrifying as it is exciting, and maybe it’s a little nerve-wracking, too. You’ve never been truly in love, you never learned how to love, and yet Michael pushes you a little closer to the edge every day. You just have to make sure you’re attached to a parachute in case you plummet to your demise. In that case, there’s not much that can help you anymore, and you’re not sure if you’d survive it, either. But probably – highly likely – not. 

You put his dirty clothes in the washer the day before and then hung them out to dry. You spent most of your day in your underwear with him, anyway. But now it’s time to leave and he has to get dressed into something. You don’t want to sound possessive, but this is a sight you want to reserve only for yourself.

You’re doing your makeup when he comes in to brush his teeth. You step aside to make some room for him in your small bathroom that’s meant for one person only, but you make it fit. He stands behind you, watching you through the mirror. You can tell he’s avoiding himself and only staring at you, and you can weirdly relate to that. Some days, or most days, actually, you can’t stand your reflection either. There was a time when it was exceptionally bad, but you don’t want to go into that. Your mind has been reeling enough, and it’s only morning. 

The conversation and the revelations about Michael have lit something inside of you, a candle you had long believed to have gone out, and that candle sparked a wave of nostalgia that you can’t shake now. You are eerily similar when it comes to personality, except you have learned how to handle your burdens, and he hasn’t even begun. Still, there is a part of you that is and will always somehow remain stuck in the past. But you’re not ready to share that with him yet. You doubt you could share it with anyone but the demons in your head, which are luckily still sleeping and haven’t planned to attack and tear you down just yet. 

“What’re you thinkin’ about?” he breaks the silence and the thread of your thoughts. 

You look at him. “Just some things,” you say. 

“Anything you might want ta talk about?”

“No,” you shake your head, “I’m okay.”

“Okay.” He leaves it at that, although his hand lands on your waist almost protectively. 

Michael walks you to work. You insist he doesn’t have to, but he does so anyway. Taking his hand, he stiffens for a moment and you fear he might pull away, that this is too much for him, but then he squeezes your hand back and you realize he doesn’t mind. 

You walk to the café in silence. The birds chirp in the trees around you. A soft breeze moves through the streets of Dublin. The sun is out, which is nice, and the temperatures are a little more bearable today. You watch as the leaf shakes in sync with the wind and the oxygen you breathe tastes clean. 

“You can come in if you want,” you say when you reach it, “I can make you a nice Americano, maybe? Or I could introduce you to the world of caramel Frappucinos...”

Michael’s heart swells, but he shakes his head with a soft smile. “I’m good,” he says. “Thanks though.”

“You sure?” You step closer to cradle his cheek. “You look a little tired, darling. A good caramel Frappucino with extra strong espresso might help you come back to life.” You’re only half-joking.

He chuckles. “I’m gonna be okay, ya said that yerself. Don’t worry, love, I’ll survive without coffee.”

You purse your lips; it’s cute, the way you pout and expect him to change his mind. You don’t want him to leave, he suspects. 

Now that you crossed all boundaries, had sex, and qualify as a couple now, there is nothing more you want than keep your routine. You have gotten used to turning his head with your coffee skills, and he seemed to always enjoy them. But things are different now, there is no denying the obvious. Things won’t go back to the way they were because your dynamic has changed. 

“Okay,” you cave, “Well, call me if anything’s wrong or if you need me.”

“Yer at work, I wouldn’t want ta disturb you.”

“Just do it,” you give him a stern look, “and I’ll text when I’m off so you can come over and we can work on making sure your application fits our requirements.”

“I doubt tha’,” he says, “but I love how much you want ta try.” His smile is genuine, but somehow, his words remind you of what he said only a few days ago.

People would like you more if ya wouldn’t try so hard. 

You swallow. He notices. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean–”

“No, it’s okay,” you say. 

People pleaser, a voice calls in your head. You can’t even admit that his kind words today hurt you almost the same as his cruel words did. 

“Hey–” he pulls you closer by the waist. “When I said tha’, I didn’t mean it.” 

Your forehead leans against his almost naturally and you breathe the same air as him. You can feel his heartbeat under where your hand touches his chest, searching for silent support, and his hands cradling your face offers more than that. He’s genuinely sorry. He didn’t mean it. If he had, you probably wouldn’t be able to stand with him here now. He opened old wounds, and he apologized. They’re not fully healed, not fully stitched up, but you can accept that. 

“Your kind heart is special, and I hold it very dear to me,” Michael says. 

You nod. You’re not a lie detector, but you can see in his eyes that he’s determined to mend what he did, especially now that he sees what an effect it had on you, and how much it still affects you. His words cut deeper than a knife ever could. 

“Okay, thank you,” you say softly. “I needed that.”

He kisses your forehead. “Have a good day at work, pet.”

You never thought you would say it, but you love it when he calls you that. It’s intimate, much more than ‘love’ could ever be. 

“And you take care of yourself,” you shoot back at him. 

He smiles, planting another loving kiss on your lips. They move softly against yours, savoring every last second you get with each other. And then, with one last glimpse at your watch, your break free. 

“I’ll see you tonight, Mikey.”

“Yeah,” he says your name, “See ya tonight.”

He’s about to say ‘Love ya’, but he quickly realizes that it’s too soon and you’re not even sure he means it yet. His definition of love got a little confusing over time. After losing Allison, he’s never paid another thought about falling in love again, and he still feels so hollow inside, he’s not sure if he’s even capable of feeling like that again. But he likes you and he cares and he wants to be with you – he wants to see where it goes, and if he ends up feeling the same spark again that he did when he first met his wife, he won’t hesitate to claim you forever. 

It’s a surprising thought, but he accepts it. 

You can’t help the smile on your lips as you enter the café. You feel like you’re floating on cloud nine again. Though when you look up and see Sarah behind the counter, her face pale and bewildered as she stares outside at Michael, your smile fades. 

“Damn it,” you curse under your breath. 

You forgot she was working with you today, and you told her about what you found out, so she knows what he did. She doesn’t know the truth behind his story though, which means she thinks he’s some kind of psychopath and would tell you over and over again to stay away from him, and she just saw you kissing the man you both cursed to hell the night you told her about it. 

She’s your friend and she cares, and you probably fucked up now. You and Michael, whatever it is between you, is fresh and you wanted to keep it a secret until you could be sure it wouldn’t be met with too much judgment. That’s too late now, the cat is out of the bag. 

“Are you out of your goddamn mind?” Sarah hisses as soon as you’re behind the counter. 

“Sarah–” you begin, but she cuts you off again. 

“Did ya just– why did you kiss the same guy ya told me was a cold-blooded murderer who just got out of prison?!”

“I can explain.”

“Yer insane, that’s the explanation!”

“Would you quiet down?” You look around yourself. The café is crowded with people. 

You take a deep breath, trying to stay as calm as possible as so not to disturb anyone. They don't need to hear about your love life or your bad decisions or how Sarah is out for blood because her eyes darken and you could swear she's ready to tear Michael's head off if he ever comes near the café again. "I understand that you're worried, but you need to trust my judgment on this one," you say. "I can't tell you everything because this is his story to tell, not mine, but he came to my apartment and he needed someone and we talked, and... I've spent time with Michael, and I've seen a different side of him. He's working on changing his life, and he deserves a chance."

She shakes her head, the disbelief evident in her eyes. She is fuming inside, you can tell. If you were alone, she would give you a full run-down and leave you as shocked as you are whenever your boss does the same, and it scares you a little. You know it's tough love, but the way she's talking about him doesn't sit right with you. "I can't wrap me fuckin' head around it, especially after everythin' ya told me about his past. Killing his wife, leaving a daughter behind, eight years in prison... I mean honestly," she says your name, "What is fucking wrong with you? It's like you're willingly walking into a dangerous situation, ready to risk your life for a guy ya barely know. And I don't doubt that the two of you fucked, didn't ya?"

"Sarah, be quiet," you growl. You don't often get angry and you hate confrontation, but this is Michael she's talking about. "If you're gonna slut shame me, at least do it in private."

But she shakes her head, a little bit of guilt coming through. "I didn't mean it like tha', I meant your general tendency to fuck with the wrong guys."

You raise your voice slightly, "It's not like that, Sarah! People can change. I believe in redemption, in giving second chances. And I'm willing to see past his mistakes. If you knew his story... you would think the same because Michael... he is not heartless, okay? He is compassionate and loving and he's been through a lot of shit in the past and he just needs someone. He needs me and he cares just as much as I do. He pushed me away because of his family, to protect me, but I chose to stay. It's not his fault. I accept him, I choose him and I stand by that."

With a groan, he lifts a red towel from the counter. "What color is this?" she asks abruptly.

Confused by the sudden question, you reply, "Red, obviously. But what does that have to do with anything?"

Sarah's voice grows sharper if that is even possible. "Oh, so ya do see colors. Good. Because this is a red towel, and tha' bastard, he's a walkin' red flag. Can't you see that?"

"Don't talk about him like he's evil."

"Oh, I will and I fuckin' am 'cause you can't see clearly fer the life of ya."

You purse your lips. “I can see that you're concerned, Sarah," you say, "but you're also letting your judgment cloud your understanding. Michael's trying to make amends. He's not the same person he was before."

"Yer risking so much for someone who may not even deserve it. Is that what you want? To be with a man with a questionable past, a man who could potentially hurt ya? Are you sexually attracted to danger or somethin'?"

Maybe you are just a little, but that doesn't matter now. Michael is different. Every last bit of doubt you had about your relationship evaporates. 

Hurt and anger blend. "You don't understand. I thought as my friend, you would support me no matter what, but instead, you're just tearing me down because you’re not okay with my decision. Mine. It is my life, Sarah! Michael deserves a chance to prove himself, just like anyone else."

"I care about you," – her expression softens – "and it scares me to see ya making choices that might put you in harm's way. I don't want to lose ya."

"I need you to trust me on this."

Sarah sighs. "Promise me that if you smell even the slightest whiff of danger, ya'll walk away?" she says.

You reach out and grasp her hand. "I promise,” you say. 

But you know that this is far from over.

Unbeknownst to you, her words planted a little seed of an entirely different kind of doubt in the garden of your soul, and it would soon have every right to grow, but not into a flower this time; this seed of doubt has the potential to turn into a terrifyingly large tree, and its roots are going to be the death of you. 

Maybe even quite literally. 

Tagging: @bellaxgiornata @shouldbestudying41 @your-not-invisible-to-me @glowstick-lesbian @ms-murdockswift @acharliecoxedfan @loveroftoomanyfandoms

[lutiaslayton]

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva

ＰＡＲＴ　１９

〚��ＩＲＳＴ〛〚ＰＲＥＶ〛〚ＮＥＸＴ〛

Disclaimer: This is a fan-translation for the Japan-exclusive novellisation of the movie Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva. The original novel was written by Aya Matsui under the supervision of Akihiro Hino, and belongs to Level-5.

This translation only aims to be a pleasant read for non-Japanese fans, nothing more: I made a few deliberate changes while translating in order to get the writing style closer to what is usually found in English fanfictions, as the Japanese storytelling can sometimes be different than what we are used to.

── London・Present

＊ Reunion

After Janice’s voice faded away, I remained pensive for a while.

Three years ago.

The moment I met her, I was left in awe.

She was a beautiful woman, much older than me…

But at that time, was it Melina that left such a big impression on me?

Or was it Janice…?

This is one of the puzzles that I have yet to solve.

This had been my first adventure with the professor, and it was a very special one for me.

‘Mr Future Gentleman’

I thought I had just heard her voice again.

“Look, Luke.”

The professor’s voice brought me back to myself. He had two tickets to the ‘Eternal Kingdom’ opera in hand.

It really was just like that time from three years ago.

Though of course, the name of the venue on the ticket was not the ‘Crown Petone’ this time.

Mr Whistler’s face came to my mind.

According to Inspector Grosky, he sometimes plays the piano in prison, bringing tears to the eyes of his fellow inmates.

I heard through the grapevine that Captain O’Donnell and Mr Marco Brock have hit it off since the incident, and often travel together.

Amelia is currently studying abroad at a foreign university.

The letter I received the other day said that she was still very grateful that the professor and I had attended her grandfather’s funeral.

Nina sometimes comes to visit us here, at Gressenheller. She has a very good memory and studies very hard, and I think she might be admitted to college before me…

But I won’t lose to her. Look out for the Future Gentleman and puzzle master, Nina!

Oh, that’s right, Mr Starbuck and Mrs Raidley had their wedding just the other day. The gossip magazines made it a really big deal.

And I’m currently reading Annie Dretche’s latest mystery. I’m so excited, I can’t stop reading it!

Annie once told me that she has been writing mysteries much faster than before for the sake of Mr Bargland. That way, he would have something to read while he spends his spare time at the hospital…

And then…

There was a knock at the door. Who could it be? Perhaps a client for some new exciting mystery to solve.

The professor and I got up from our chairs at the same time and headed for the entrance.

But as soon as I opened the door, my heart skipped a beat.

“Janice…”

I was dazzled by her smile. It looked just like the one I had seen three years ago…

　⇚　　　　　　　↛

And this completes the fan-translation of the official Eternal Diva novel, everyone! Man, this sure was something. A lot of work, a lot of tears and sweat, a lot of good surprises. Who knows what the future has in store for us now!

...Hm? What's that? Another novel? Let's see...We've seen a lot of blue lately, perhaps a change of colour would do us all some good. How about green? Green sounds nice, right?

Yup. Illusory Forest it is, baby. See y'all next week for a brand new adventure, and one that most of you never have gotten to experience before at that 👀

Oh, also, I'm just going to say before we let Ambrosia go back to its eternal sleep: this thing has followed me up until the very end of my PhD. I defended my thesis, like. TODAY. Just A FEW HOURS AGO.

At the exact time this post is coming out, I am likely going to still be stuck at the lab managing the mini-quiches for the party or something of the like, hahaha. So... yeah, I guess I'm a doctor now? In theoretical chemistry, that is. Yay? Yeah, let's go with yay :D

(and I hope that future me won't happen to be told a random "actually no ur work sucks you failed lol" on that very day and the party prevents me from editing this post in order to bring the bad news, that'd be awkward lmao)

[discar]

HZD Terraforming Base-001 Text Communications Network

Chapter 46 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

DIVINER: Aloy! Have you saved everyone yet??

FlameHairSavior: What?

FlameHairSavior: Alva, it's early and I had a long night.

DIVINER: Because you saved everyone already??

FlameHairSavior: No, sort of the opposite.

β: wait you killed everyone

DIVINER: [Betrayal.gif]

ADMIN [Zo]: I'm sure she didn't mean it like that.

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, no, just...

FlameHairSavior: Look, I have a headache, can't you just watch my focus recordings?

DIVINER: That would take hours! Even with fast-forward!

HIMBO: YEAH, MOST OF IT IS JUST WATCHING YOU RUN AROUND THE BEACH OPENING BOXES.

FlameHairSavior: ...you already tried to watch me?

HIMBO: KOTALLO THOUGHT IT WOULD BE FASTER.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Specifically, I thought it might be a more effective way of obtaining an after-action report. We watched your arrival to the area, up to destroying the defense tower.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Even with what you had already told us, we could barely follow what was happening.

β: you move fast

HIMBO: DID YOU KNOW YOU MUTTER TO YOURSELF A LOT?

ADMIN [Zo]: Really, that's the only reason I could follow at all.

FlameHairSavior: Fine, just let me eat breakfast first.

DIVINER: Yay!

----

FlameHairSavior: All right, I'm awake.

β: did you stay up too late with your new girlfriend

FlameHairSavior: Sort of.

HIMBO: HA!

FlameHairSavior: Wait. Was that a joke?

β: yes

ADMIN [Zo]: It's good that you are getting some of your own.

HIMBO: YOU'RE OFFICIALLY LESS SHELTERED THAN YOUR SISTER!

β: i think it just means ive watched more stupid romantic comedies and sitcoms

HIMBO: IF I PRETEND TO KNOW WHAT THOSE ARE, CAN WE MOVE ON?

DIVINER: Aloy, PLEASE tell me you found some movie archives!! The context you all lack is killing me!

MARSHAL Kotallo: ...I think she was busy trying to rescue your people?

DIVINER: That's more important, obviously!!

FlameHairSavior: No archives yet. Just...

ADMIN [Zo]: Why don't you start from the beginning?

FlameHairSavior: Right.

FlameHairSavior: Seyka and I found a ruin where all the missing Quen had been working. It was Londra's old headquarters, or at least one of his major bases. He was having the Quen dig it up because he needed something.

FlameHairSavior: A few of them were worked to death.

DIVINER: And none of the Quen objected to this? We have labor laws.

FlameHairSavior: He is literally a Living Ancestor with incredible power come down from the heavens. He's got them all wrapped around his finger. He's promised them...

FlameHairSavior: I'll get to that later. We didn't find out much about his relationship with them in this first ruin.

DIVINER: Still, I can imagine. We're taught that the Ancestors are the font of all knowledge. If an actual Ancestor came down and was just a little clever...

MARSHAL Kotallo: Aloy said all the Diviners were dead. Do you think that things would have been different if there had been any left?

DIVINER: I don't know.

FlameHairSavior: I think Londra would have just recruited the non-Diviners. His little workforce isn't the entire expedition, just a big chunk.

HIMBO: YEAH, THAT'S HOW CULTS WORK. YOU REMEMBER THE ECLIPSE. THEY DIDN'T TRY TO RECRUIT ME, THEY TRIED TO RECRUIT THE ONES WHO WEREN'T LOYAL.

β: i thought they were racist why would they ever recruit you

HIMBO: YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

FlameHairSavior: Anyway. Londra has some sort of AI, Nova, sorting through data for him. We found a security recording. Londra was looking for some project called "MSP" and had it transferred somewhere else.

FlameHairSavior: He also mentioned running from Nemesis. I... might have bungled that part with Seyka.

MARSHAL Kotallo: You explained Nemesis to her? Well done.

MARSHAL Kotallo: A soldier cannot fight an enemy with incomplete information.

ADMIN [Zo]: I do wish we could tell more people. A blight is best fought by all hands working together.

DIVINER: I know we can't tell EVERYONE, but I think it's a good idea to at least tell our closest allies!

HIMBO: I EXPECTED YOU TO TRY TO AVOID THE SUBJECT.

FlameHairSavior: ...

β: you avoided the subject didnt you

FlameHairSavior: Look, there's... Seyka was clearly emotionally compromised, she's looking for her sister and I was annoyed that she was hiding something from me...

FlameHairSavior: I wanted to at least wait until we find her people. So she's not distracted.

DIVINER: That's... maybe a bad idea?

DIVINER: Won't she be mad?

MARSHAL Kotallo: Ultimately, Aloy is the one on the ground. We must trust her judgment.

FlameHairSavior: Anyway.

FlameHairSavior: We found Londra's second facility easily enough. He was siphoning power from a nearby Horus for a shield, but we disabled the siphons and got inside.

ADMIN [Zo]: Wait. A Horus as in a Metal Devil?

FlameHairSavior: Inactive, of course.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Thank the Ten for that.

HIMBO: JUST A HEAD'S UP, IF YOU EVER FIND AN ACTIVE ONE, I THINK WE ALL NEED TO HEAR ABOUT IT.

FlameHairSavior: Noted. So we got inside, found the Quen, but managed to convince them we were there for the... "Ascension Hall" to... "embrace his light."

HIMBO: CULT. CALLED IT.

FlameHairSavior: Yeah. It's basically a museum to Londra, with a "devotion test" to see if you're worthy of "ascending from this world."

β: i think i see where this is going

Icarus: From what little I was able to glean, every single Zenith agreed on fleeing Earth before Nemesis arrives. They just had disagreements on how best to do so.

DIVINER: As horrifying as all this sounds, I have to at least give him credit for thinking to use the locals more! Why didn't more of the Zeniths do some basic politics?

Icarus: Politics take time, even with an overwhelming technological advantage to scare the locals into compliance. They had the keys to the kingdom, why bother talking to the peasants?

Icarus: By the time they might have considered the possibility, they had already antagonized everyone.

ADMIN [Zo]: Speaking from personal experience, I take it?

FlameHairSavior: Anyway, the museum talked about Londra's relationships with his friends and wife, his favorite bodyguard, blah blah.

FlameHairSavior: He's pretty clearly the guy who wants adoring fans who don't disagree with him. That's what he thinks friends are.

HIMBO: AREN'T YOU HAPPY YOU GOT US INSTEAD?

FlameHairSavior: Most of you, at least.

HIMBO: OUCH!

FlameHairSavior: So we got through the door, it was annoying, found what he's doing.

FlameHairSavior: Londra co-opted the printer of the Horus to make himself a spaceship. But it's too small to take all the Quen, or even all the Quen who are following him. He's leaving most of them behind.

FlameHairSavior: Also, the launch will irradiate the land for a thousand miles, killing everything in the region.

HIMBO: BASTARD.

β: you can see the logic

HIMBO: YEAH, WE'RE ALL ALREADY DEAD, SO HE DOESN'T CARE ABOUT KILLING US.

HIMBO: HE'S STILL A BASTARD.

β: not disagreeing

FlameHairSavior: The Quen soldiers came in while I was explaining all this to Seyka. They finally realized we were imposters. Still, they started shooting REALLY fast. They didn't even blink at Seyka being Quen.

DIVINER: That's... odd. I know you had a bad first impression, and our soldiers can certainly be xenophobic, but they shouldn't be so quick to attack another Quen! Especially if she was wearing a focus! Surely they would have considered she might be a Diviner!

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, I think something is up with them. I don't know if it's just Londra's cult or something else.

FlameHairSavior: So after the fight, the rest of the Quen found out they're being left behind.

MARSHAL Kotallo: Wait. You fought how many soldiers by yourself?

FlameHairSavior: I don't know. A dozen? Maybe two? Oh, and the boss had this Zenith-tech weapon that makes things explode. I might be able to use it.

MARSHAL Kotallo: And you did this with just yourself and the Quen woman.

HIMBO: THIS SURPRISES YOU?

MARSHAL Kotallo: No, I simply wanted to remind everyone that Aloy is terrifying.

FlameHairSavior: Funny.

FlameHairSavior: Well, I did tell Seyka about Nemesis after all. She... didn't take it well.

β: you get used to the existential angst after a while

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, I was really worried about her for a bit there.

FlameHairSavior: I was afraid she might give up on me after that, which would have been terrible.

β: erend

HIMBO: UPDATING THE ODDS AS WE SPEAK.

FlameHairSavior: What are you even talking about?

DIVINER: We can't tell you! It might foul the results!

FlameHairSavior: Fine. Anyway, we know where Londra's headquarters is, something called "the park." It has another tower, but I'm going to override a waterwing to get there. It can dive into the water, so we should be able to dodge the tower's shots.

β: she called me for help with that part

FlameHairSavior: Yeah, and now I'm just scrounging up the parts for the override.

DIVINER: But what about Seyka??

DIVINER: Did you talk to her?? Is she still on the team??

FlameHairSavior: Yes, yes, I did talk to Seyka. I think we're doing better now.

HIMBO: VERY INTERESTING.

FlameHairSavior: Now you're just doing it on purpose.

HIMBO: YEP!

ADMIN [Zo]: Personally, I find this all fascinating.

HIMBO: ODDS ARE LOOKING LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO LOSE THE POOL, THOUGH.

ADMIN [Zo]: I consider that a small price to pay.

FlameHairSavior: I hate you all.

Chapter 46 | Prev chapter | Next chapter Chapter Index

[kirchefuchs]

so yk how in ur AU, The Narrator is an AI turned human? And Stanley is aware that The Narrator is an AI? And how Jim and TK are/were part of the development team?

Do you also remember the Lovebug Virus?

ehe

Now, I have an idea for a tiny lil oneshot (probably gonna have more than 2k words so yay!! depends on what my writer's block says tho) based off of your AU with the Lovebug Virus added to the mix

SOO IF U DON'T MIND

Could you describe how TK and Jim (and literally everybody in ur AU) are? Personality-wise, I mean. I wanna write them as in-character as I can so ye :D

please and thank youuuu!!

— 🅰️non || 05/17/2023

*cracks knuckles* Okay, here we go!

Narrator (Pollux): For the most part he's the same as how he is in the game, just a little softer. He's definitely grown very attached to Stanley over time and especially after they enter a relationship he practically melts to Stanley's touch. He's still got that iconic snark and sass, he's just softer around the edges now.

Stanley: He's a menace. He's lovely, kind, and loves to shower others with affection, but he's a scheming, mischievous little piece of trash (affectionate). He loves to cause problems. Small problems. Ones that don't really hurt anyone and can be laughed about later. He just loves to smile and have fun. He's selectively mute and primarily communicates with BSL, but when he does speak it's usually in whispers or very quietly spoken.

Timekeeper (TK): Before the Parable? They were pretty laid back but took any challenges that came their way with a fierce determination. They were very good at their job. That being coding. They are a little socially awkward so Jim would do most of the talking for the two of them. They grew to miss talking to people after they got trapped on the coding void of the Parable. After spending what felt like an eternity in near complete isolation they went a wee bit crazy, so some things they say don't make sense or their thoughts get jumbled together. They come off as very cryptic sounding. Poor guy.

Jim: He is very loud. He loves to talk (probably has adhd but has gone undiagnosed) and he adores trying out new things with his projects. He was the head of the development team so he's definitely got some people skills, and he's similar to Stanley where he likes to make harmless jokes. He's a little bit mischievous, a lot a bit funny, and he loves to make people smile. He's got one of those laughs that can very quickly turn into snorting if he's laughing hard enough. (Lowkey sounds like Ernie's laugh on sesame street)

Mariella: Imagine if Stanley were a raging lesbian. That's pretty close to what Mariella is like. Although she's a lot better at putting on a professional persona when she needs to. And she's more the type to tell really bad puns than to purposefully annoy someone like Stanley would. Because of how similar the two are, Stanley and Mariella do get along well and consider each other friends (though she tends to tease him about how long it took for him and Narry to get together).

Curator: Curie is significantly more calm and collected than Narry. She can sometimes come off as a little intimidating or strict, but she just says things as they are. She's very self aware and that helped to her and Mariella figuring out their relationship quite a bit faster than the boys (what can I say? She doesn't see the point in bottling up emotions). She often acts like a wise older sister to Narry, giving him little suggestions and encouragements when he needs them. She cares a lot about those close to her, it's just hard to see sometimes.

[therainbowwillow]

Dracula Daily May 8th thoughts:

SPOILER WARNING: THIS IS MY SECOND READ-THROUGH

-A lot of people pointed out Dracula’s abuse via isolation, forcing Jonathan to become entirely reliant on him. The fact that Jonathan has now fully recognized what’s being done to him and is unable to escape it takes it all up a notch. I also wish that my good friend Jonathan had not gone on this particular business trip :(

-Jonathan fighting his own fear to remain sane is a theme for him and later, for Mina as she tries to convince herself that she & the others will be able to take down Dracula, maintaining her humanity. I like that their themes and motifs are so similar (the holiest love fr) but why can’t it be like… flowers and rainbow motifs or something? :(

-Becoming increasingly sleep-deprived is bad news for horror & tragedy protagonists of all stripes but maybe Jonathan isn’t making the worst choice by trying to stay alert given his circumstances.

-The shaving incident! I’ve always wondered why Dracula enters the room when it’s clear that Jonathan is shaving in a mirror. Is it a mistake? Does he throw out the mirror in hopes that Jonathan will mistrust his own eyes or has he decided that he no longer needs a facade? The important real estate details are mostly settled and now Jonathan is his to torture?

-Jonathan’s “well darn, now I can’t shave” line is such an abrupt change in tone. I don’t think it’s entirely genuine. I think he’s trying to distract himself from the clearly much bigger problem: that his host is an undead horror and he is now without the only item in this castle that can be used to confirm that he’s not mad and that Jonathan himself remains alive and human. He’s trying to find other solutions, but knows the mirror was better.

-This whole entry feels so desperate. Jonathan’s reflections on how far a “stone” would fall from the castle feels painfully personal and like it is not at all about stones. Jonathan knows he’s trapped and understands that escape is impossible.

-The image of Jonathan running around the castle, desperately trying to open all the doors is heartbreaking.

-Jonathan pieces everything together way faster than I remember him doing!

-Hey, now we know what presents Jonathan was given on the way: the crucifix, of course, garlic, wild rose, and mountain ash.

-Yay! Appreciation for the crucifix lady!

-Dracula, despite being fully aware that he is imprisoning Jonathan, is pacing around a room, infodumping about Transylvanian history to him. I guess the Brides don’t make good conversation?

-“What devil or what witch was ever so great as Attila, whose blood is in these veins?” I appreciate that, with vampire context, this either means Dracula is related to Attila the Hun or had drunk his blood (or both).

-“Blood is too precious a thing in these days of dishonourable peace…” These blood-related double meanings are incredibly clever (and also probably on Jonathan’s mind currently…)

-“…for everything has to break off at cockcrow—or like the ghost of Hamlet's father.” Ah, there’s the first of the Hamlet references! My script has a note on Jonathan’s references. I was so excited when Hamlet came up last year! It’s my longest running hyperfixation (shameless plug: @withasideofshakespeare is my sideblog!) and I love that Jonathan also likes it.

[pan-magi]

(x) Favorite Inspirational Quotes

[adaginy]

[Part 1+prompt] [Previous part] Part 7 The medics were confused by the suggestion until Jana pulled out the holovid again. They passed it to their superiors. They passed it to theirs, who consulted a human medic, who said to check a diagram of human tongue muscles and compare it to a scan of what was at the end of Kiddo's limbs, and only try it if it looked analogous.

Then those scans got passed to superiors, to their superiors, to another human medic who asked why they thought it wouldn't work and pointed out that, if they were so concerned about it, they could try the fingerless hand first since there wasn't much room to make anything worse.

That medic said she was willing to operate if no-one else would. Her assistant was a Vul (the ones born fingerless, who grow them later) and, although they were used to the medic having success with off-the-wall ideas, they asked that for this specific case either Kiddo or Jana make an offering to the Vul god/dess of fingers before they'd feel comfortable with it. Jana considered eirself "an agnostic henotheist," more bothered by the traditional requesting-more-fingers-please offering -- *urp* -- than any notions of blasphemy against eir own religion, and took that responsibility. The operation itself, and the healing after, were faster than the fussing and paperwork had been. The medic said Peprine healed even faster than humans because they were much, much easier to injure. Yay/boo? She'd also said that, once Kiddo was fully recovered and wouldn't be re-hobbled too badly by the recovery time, she could look at its other hand.

With practice, Kiddo could now open and close the "fingers" like scissors, overlap them with the inner finger on top (but not the other way), and clench them to within about 120 degrees of its arm, which wasn't useful yet but might improve. It could pick up utensils, press buttons, hold certain sizes/shapes of objects... mostly things it could do with the two real fingers on its other hand, and somewhat less finely, but now it had two hands to work with and could, for example, hold a circuit plate firmly enough to not budge it while calibrating the... surge... widget... doohickeys... Jana wasn't really an electrics expert -- ey was planning to sign up for an adult intro class to follow along better, but they weren't held often -- but was happy to listen to Kiddo eagerly describe what it was learning in class!

After that one class, Jana had poked around the instruction scheduling until ey found a place to mark that Kiddo and Binn were not to be in classes together, or to notify em if they were. Some species had to avoid certain other species for medical reasons, or Talts avoided each other for social reasons, so that system already existed, thankfully.

But a ship was a finite space, and no good thing could last forever.

They were in the cafeteria, going down the line, putting a finger or "finger" on the tag for each offering (it would beep, buzz, click, light up, etc in an evaluation of whether a food was good for you, likely to be palatable, or if your species could even eat it) and scooping themselves some dinner when Uvair and Binn came behind them in line. "Jana! I haven't talked to you since we came home! I see you still have your castoff, it looks like it's grow--" Jana set the serving spoon down and stepped into her space, teeth bared and voice low. "Uvair. We have been friends so I am doing you the favor of making this warning explicit. I know your fucked-up treatment of disabled kids is a 'protected cultural practice,' for now." There was going to be a remedial diplomacy class in eir future, at minimum, if Uvair tattled about Jana saying that, but there weren't other words. "But human aggression to defend bond-mates is also protected. I held back my human rage when Kiddo said Binn had called it that, and I'm holding it back now. Learn better, teach your kid better, and maybe we can be friends again. Or insult my child again and I won't hold back."

Ey turned sharply, picked up eir tray with one hand and took Kiddo's hand with the other, and walked briskly to a far-off table. Kiddo set down its tray and tentatively, carefully, hugged em.

[Part 8]

[uwuwriting]

Kirishima, Deku, Bakugou, Todoroki and Shinsou finding Mineta in your room

Request: Bakugo, todo, kirishima, deku and hitoshi(sorry if you have a character limit I didn’t see anything about tht in ur rules) how would they react if they enter their s/os room looking for them only to find mineta going through their clothes/underwear? I just wanna see mineta suffer😌😌 thank you!! -anonymous

Ha Mineta suffering makes me happy idk why it just does.This grape’s quirk is better than brainwashing? My ASS! Anyways, I hope you enjoy and yay I’m officially back. Tonight is angst time with the Shirakumo sequel. I did something weird with that fic idk if it’s good, oh well I guess we’ll find out. LOVE Y’ALL!!!!💖💖💖

masterlist

rules 

warnings: Mineta getting slapped, some swearing obvi, some fluff. 

Kirishima Eijirou

-Baby shark was coming to grab one of his hoodies because well his closet is empty. 

-He reached your floor and was heading to your door, key in hand when he noticed that it was already open.

- “Huh maybe she forgot to lock it.”

-But then he heard a weird scratching noise coming from inside and something moving. 

-Carefully he opened the door expecting something to jump at him. 

-Boy thought he was about to be attacked by a human sized rat. 

-Not far from the truth but you know. 

-As he stepped inside he was met with a sight he wanted to bleach away. 

-There was Mineta head buried in your underwear drawer his eyes rolling back as he sniffed. 

- *GAG*

-Kirishima might have died for a few seconds as he saw Mineta going through your underwear. 

-He couldn’t understand how someone could be this nasty and perverted. 

-He snapped out of it though and grabbed Mineta from his collar dragging him out your door and into the elevator, down to Aizawa’s office and dropping him on his teacher’s doorstep. 

-Mineta was begging him not to snitch and stuff but my mans was having none of it. 

-When Aizawa opened the door he was met with a really really angry Kirishima pointing at Mineta. 

- “Can I beat him up without getting in trouble?”

- “What did he do?”

- “Something inappropriate to Y/N’s clothes” 

-Baby had a blush on his face as he said that, too embarrassed to go into detail.

-Aizawa just looked at the grape and nodded, turning around and locking his door pretending that this agreement never happened. 

-You had gone out searching for your boyfriend when you realized that he was gone for too long. 

-You found him outside with Mineta, using the grape as a basketball. 

-When he saw you, baby forced Mineta to apologize and dragged you to the mall for some new underwear. 

-He wouldn’t tell you exactly why you needed new undies but it wasn’t hard to put two and two together. 

- *GAG*

Midoriya Izuku

-Okay this one pulled a +4 uno card on Mineta because he woke up to him going through your things. 

-He was staying over that night, sneaking in from your balcony and having an impromptu sleep over. 

-He sleeps better when he has you in his arms mainly because he knows that you’re safe and sound. 

-So it’s almost routine. 

-He woke up when he heard a weird whisper in his sleep. 

-You would sleep talk from time to time saying all types of weird crap. 

-He swore that it was the cutest sight in the world. 

-But when he woke up you were just clinging to him, your face buried in the crook of his neck nuzzling into him even further as he pulled away slightly to look around. 

-He thought he saw nothing at first but then he saw the silhouette near your door and he went into full protector mode. 

-After placing you gently on the pillow, he pulled the covers over your shoulder and stepped onto the floor, sneaking his way to your wardrobe. 

-Opening it up, green lightning already springing to life around his eyes he came face to face with...... Mineta.

-Not only that but in his hands was one of your bras. 

-The grape just stared at your boyfriend for a solid minute before giving him your bra. 

-Now I think that Izuku is very protective over his girlfriend so this type of violation of privacy really ticked him off. 

-He grabbed Mineta by the collar and much like Kirishima he dragged him to Aizawa only he just left him there. 

- “If I see you in my girlfriend’s room again I won’t be this calm about it.”

-Aizawa ignored the fact that it was past curfew and Izuku was in your room and focused more on the student who broke into your room. 

-Izuku calmly returned to your room and brought you flush to his chest. 

-You stirred slightly, gripping his sweatshirt as you nuzzled into his neck. 

-Leaving a kiss on your forehead he tried to fall asleep, deciding not to tell you about Mineta just yet. 

Bakugou Katsuki

-Ha ha he finna die.

-Prepare a funeral yall.

-I swear how he is not dead the moment Katsuki sees him in your room idek man. 

-Katsuki is already furious at everything and seeing someone creeping around your stuff made him livid. 

- “What the fuck do you think you are doin???”

-Mineta recognizes his voice immediately and mentally wrote his will.

-This boy hasn’t sprinted out of a room faster in his life. 

-In his escape Katsuki saw what he was looking at and the moment his eyes met with that pretty bra and panties you were wearing the other day his vein popped out of his forehead. 

-The whole campus heard his yelling and all the teachers became on alert. 

-Legit thought that they were under attack. 

-But once they reached the 1-A dorms they saw Bakugou being held down by Kirishima, Deku and Todoroki while you and a bunch of the girls were circled around Mineta. 

-At first they thought you were checking on him but then they saw the furious glares you were throwing his way accompanied by a few quirks being activated and that’s where they stepped in. 

-Prying all of you away from the grape they managed to get the basic story out of him before stepping aside and asking Sero to wrap him up. 

-Katsuki calmed down only when you started talking to him and telling him that everything was alright. 

-Of course when everyone was asleep Katsuki and Kirishima went to Mineta’s room and beat the shit out of him.

-A punishment for this time and a warning for the future. 

-Boy thought he was gonna die. 

-And he will the next time he pulled a stunt like this. 

Todoroki Shouto

-Goes into fucking creepy mode. 

-The temperature drops and almost freezes the right side of your room while the left side starts burning up. 

-At first he didn’t understand what he was doing in YOUR room. 

-Who gave him a key and why was he going through your laundry basket. 

-It hit him when he heard sniffing and oh boy. 

-Oh boy oh boy. 

-He gets that cold ass stare and he nearly growls. 

-His voice is so commanding as he starts threatening the grape. 

-No one and I mean no one fucks with his girl like that. 

-That’s pure harassment, 

-Legit you have never heard Todo curse like this before. 

-Mineta is trembling on the spot, tears streaming down his face as Todo is towering over him.

-It’s the only time he is grateful that he has that menacing aura that his father has. 

-He’s livid. 

-Would have burned him on the spot if you haven’t intervened. 

-Prying Todo from his spot in front of Mineta, you placed him on your bed before going to Mineta who was apologizing WHILE eyeing you up and giving him one hell of a slap and kicking him out of your room. 

- “I guess I’m throwing these out....”

-Todoroki gave you a little kiss before bringing you into a hug. 

- “Don’t worry, I’ll buy you new ones.”

Shinsou HItoshi

-Sleepover time again. 

-He can sleep with you around. 

-So you were in the bathroom doing your skin routine while he was playing on his switch when he heard the door open. 

-At first he thought it was just you getting out of the bathroom but then he heard muttering, something about “a hot little piece” and “what she wears to sleep” and he knew that wasn’t you. 

-Shutting off his switch he sat perfectly still as Mineta walked into your room and straight to your drawers. 

-Opening them, Hitoshi saw the grape’s mouth water as he grabbed a pair of your panties. 

-Now Hitoshi rarely uses his quirk to manipulate someone outside of class but this was a special occasion. 

-Letting out a very ominous chuckle, Mineta turned around slowly letting out a terrified hey which was all Hitoshi needed. 

-Commanding him to walk out of your room, he made him go outside in the cold and lay down on the grass.....naked. 

-Until morning. 

-He told you what he saw of course and you made a mental note to change the lock. 

-The next morning the indeed found Mineta in the front yard butt naked sleeping on the grass. 

-Aizawa was not amused and he knew who made this possible. 

-Now you and Hitoshi have to explain what happened last night and why Hitsohi was in your dorm past curfew. 

-Oh boy. 

TAG TEAM AY:

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[your-nerd-is-showing]

Gojo x Reader: Bath time Fun

NSFW AFTER PHOTO

Artist Credit to @Rennca_ on Twitter

“Good morning my beautiful (Y/N)!” Gojo came in waking you up with breakfast in bed. He placed the food down and jumped into bed cuddling with you.

You rolled over and kissed Gojo. “Good morning my love!”

“Eat up while I draw a bubble bath for us to share!”

“Satoru thank you!” You grabbed his hand pulling back into bed giving him another kiss.

Gojo went into the bathroom to start your bubble bath, he put a custom made cupcake scented bath bomb that had a surprise in the center of it, along with vanilla bubble bath foam to hide the gift. He hid a vibrator on the side of the tub.

He hurried his way back into the bedroom just in time as you finished breakfast to collect the tray. “I’ll be right back my love don’t move!” He winked at you as he disappeared and was back before you knew it. He picked you up and carried you to the bathroom. “Are you ready for an amazing bath my love?” He asked as he started to undress you.

“Mmmmmm y-yes I am Satoru.” You wined out as he kissed your neck and groped your breasts. “O-ohhhhhhh!” You shivered at his touch as he slipped his hand into your pajama shorts. “S-Sa-Satoruuuuuu!” Your legs started to tremble as he rubbed your clit and slipped your shorts off with his other hand.

Gently groping your butt he pushed you towards the bathtub. “Mmmmmm that’s a good girl.” He cooed as he bent you over the tub and got down on his knees.

You looked down to see Gojo under you as he dove face first into your soaking core. “Ohhhhhh Satoruuuuuu!” You moaned out as he nibbled on your clit making you almost lose your balance as your knees buckled.

“Don't worry I got you baby girl.” He held your hips as he slowly lowered you onto his face instantly making you squirt as he nipped at your clit.

You grabbed onto the tub as you grinded on his face. “Oooooooh Sa-to-ru!” Your hips started to buck as he flicked his tongue, you could feel the tension is your stomach starting to build as you grinded on his face. “F-fuck S-Satoru I'm-I'm gonna cum!” You moaned out just as you were about to reach your climax he stopped. “Wh-what the hell Satoru why did you stop!?” You yelled in frustration as you got off of him.

“You're not allowed to cum for me yet my sweet, sweet (Y/N).”

You glared at him. “….Fine….”

“Oh don’t worry I plan on having you screaming my name within the next few minutes my love.” He flashed you a sexy smile as he got undressed.

You got lost looking at his gorgeously chiseled features completely forgetting why you were mad at him. You couldn’t help but stare and stare some more at your inhumanly beautiful boyfriend. You always questioned how you got so lucky and ended up with the hottest guy in Tokyo, well you thought he was the hottest guy in Tokyo…. And according to the constant love notes he got from admirers he was definitely a catch. “How did I get so lucky?” You cooed.

“What do you mean beautiful? I’m the lucky one here.” He said as he pulled you into his arms.

You shook your head. “No I am…. I am dating the most handsome, sweet, sexy, caring, wonderful man in Tokyo….. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure this isn’t a dream!” You giggled. “Never in my life did I think someone like me could end up with someone like you Satoru.”

“What do you mean by that love?” He asked confused.

“I just never thought I was anything special, I never really stood out and from knowing you, you seemed like the type to want to date someone more interesting than me.” You chuckled.

He shrugged. “Baby girl you’re very interesting! You’re the only girl I’ve ever met who didn’t have an instant crush on me. That’s what made me want you! I hate it when girls throw themselves at me so willingly, I love a challenge in a girl.” He smirked at you.

“Well I did have an instant crush on you but I didn’t want to throw myself at you…. That seems desperate and rather unattractive. Plus I saw all those girls fawning over you so I never thought I had a chance….”

“When I saw you that first day standing in the corner away from everyone looking so shy and so cute with your little black dress on. I knew then I had to make you mine.”

“I remember that day all too well….” You laughed. “All the other girls looked like they wanted to murder me when you walked up and started talking to me completely ignoring everyone else. It was so amusing to watch their reactions as you flirted with me.”

“Honestly I wasn’t even paying any attention to any of them…. My eyes were glued to you and you alone as I watched you become a hot mess while I flirted with you.”

“Well not knowing you from a hole in the wall you were rather intimidating with those gorgeous eyes and the fact that I am so tiny compared to you. You tower over me Mr. 6’4” and lil 5’4” me I'm like a little toy compared to you Satoru.”

He picked you up and held you close. “You fit perfectly in my arms, I love small girls…. It’s kind of a fetish for me.” He chuckled. “Me being so big and tall I just love someone small that I can pick up and toss around.” He cupped your butt as you wrapped your legs around his torso moaning as his length rubbed against your slit.

“S-Satoru!” You wined out as he carried you into the bathtub and sat you in his lap facing him. You placed your legs on each side of Gojo straddling him as you leaned in kissing him passionately.

Without you noticing Gojo reached down to grab the vibrator, he slowly moved it between your legs and turned it on placing it right on your clit making you moan. He thrusted his hips perfectly sliding inside you.

“Ofh myha gabb Saaftoruuuuuuu!” You moaned into his mouth as he pounded in you. You broke the kiss and held onto his shoulders as you wildly bounced up and down on him. “Oh my God babyyyyyyy! F-fuck just like that Satoruuuuuu!” Your back arched as you slammed down on his cock feeling your walls clench around him you came.

“Mmmmm baby girl that’s it cum all over my dick, God I love the way you feel on him!” He moaned out as he held your hips thrusting deeper and harder.

You held onto Gojo for dear life as he fucked you senseless. “Sa-to-ruuuuuuu! F-fuckkkkk I love youuuuu!” You screamed out in pleasure as you rode him.

Gojo thrusted his hips faster and faster almost making you smack into his head as you bounced up and down. He held onto you pulling you in close so you wouldn’t hit your head as he went deeper.

Suddenly you took control and slowed down the pace rocking your hips savoring the feeling and Gojo's sweet whimpers.

“Ah-ahhhhhh (Y-Y/N-N) fu-fuckkkkk! That feels so-sooooo gooooood!” He moaned out as you fucked him.

“Mmmmmm you like that baby?” You said in a sultry voice.

“Y-yes baby girl please don’t stopppppop!” He howled as he thrusted into you getting in sync going nice and slow. “Fuck I love how you ride him babe.”

You held his shoulders as you kept a steady pace he leaned down and sucked on your nipple. “Ohhhhh babyyyy!”

Suddenly he picked you up and pushed you into the wall spreading your legs as he pounded into you.

“F-fuckkkk Satoruuuuuu! I'm go-gonna cummmmmm again!” You cried out as you squirted.

“Yessssss baby girl that’s it scream my name!” He kept pounding you. “Fuck (Y/N) I'm cummingggggg!” Moaned Gojo as he exploded inside you.

He kissed you. “Now let’s get squeaky clean.” He grabbed your soap and started washing your back, then your front while he played with your boobs making your horny all over again as he pinched your nipples.

“Sa-to-ru….” You wined.

“Hm? Am I turning you on again baby girl?”

You whimpered and nodded.

“Hehe oops.” He said not so innocently.

“You jerk.” You laughed.

He gave you a sexy smile. “I love you cupcake.”

“I love you too Satoru.”

“Yay!” He kissed you.

“You're such a goof.” You felt something floating behind you. “Hm?” You turned around and saw a little plastic container. “What’s this?” You asked picking it up.

“Open it baby girl! It’s the first of many amazing gifts for you today!”

You opened the container and pulled out a beautiful sterling silver necklace with a diamond moon on it. “S-Satoru oh my goodness is that a diamond!?” You stared at the giant diamond in awe, he nodded his head. Your (E/C) eyes grew wider as you looked at beautiful necklace. “It's gorgeous! Thank you so much!” You tackled Gojo tenderly kissing him on the lips.

“You're very welcome my love. Now let’s hurry up and get ready!” He said as he put the necklace on you.

The two of you quickly finished your bath.

“My love! I have something else for you!” Gojo said as he handed you a big box.

You opened the box and took out a beautiful red silk dress. “Satoru….. This is stunning!” The dress truly was stunning it was strapless with a sweetheart neckline, a layer of black lace in a rose pattern laid over the soft red silk. You kept looking through the box and took out the sexy lacy lingerie with matching thigh-high tights. The corset was completely see through and had ties attached for the tights, then you saw the thong. “Ohhhhh Satoru now is the lingerie for your pleasure or mine?” You laughed.

“Both! But mostly for me.” He smirked at you.

“Haha I figured as much!” You kissed him.

“Mmmmm baby girl gimme a lil show while you put that on.”

“Anything for you baby.” You winked at him as you shook your hips doing a sexy dance while you put the thong on. You twirled around and shook your ass in Gojo's face, he grabbed your ass with his giant hands clapping your cheeks together. “Mmmmm baby.” You moaned as he groped your ass before clapping your cheeks again. You twirled back around to face Gojo, smiling at him as you ran your finger along his collar bone, up his neck and under his chin as you pulled him in for a kiss. You broke the kiss to sit on the edge of the tub.

Gojo moved closer to you taking your leg in his grasp he placed sweet kisses all over as he worked his way up to your lips passionately kissing you. He broke the kiss and grabbed the tights slipping them on your legs. Then he grabbed the corset and stood you up to put it on you. He zipped the corset up, tightened the ribbons to give you that perfect hourglass silhouette lastly he fixed the tights so they wouldn’t fall. He gazed upon you completely lost for words as his jaw dropped. “God damn baby girl…. Is it bad that I don’t want to go out now? I could stay here all day just looking at you in that.” He cooed taking you in his arms.

You wrapped your arms around Gojo's neck, getting up on your tippy-toes very close to his lips. “No it’s not a bad thing at all my love but, we can have all the fun in the world later.” You tenderly kissed his lips. “Now let’s finish getting ready.

Gojo kept staring at you as you put the dress and heels on, you stood up so he could get the full view. His jaw almost fell on the ground as he gazed at you, that gorgeous dress hugging every curve perfectly and that corset making your boobs pop out of that sweetheart neckline Gojo started feeling very hot. “Nope I’m taking you again right now!” He scooped you up and brought you to the bedroom.

~ End

@mguqiis @milktaro-inc @sassyeahhhh

@ivorylyon

[yostresswritinggirl]

Stages of Grief

Detailed accounts of how the Genshin Boys deal with a break up... (masterlist)

Childe and Silent Acceptance

It depends on who initiated the breakup and if the reason behind it was actually valid in his eyes. He's not going to stop or be stubborn if it was the right way to go, he won't reach for your hand as you walk away, instead he'll stare at the ground until he can finally move himself.

Childe in all of his life after the Abyss struggled with his emotions more than any other normal human being. The essence of relationships was something he struggled to conform to until he met you, and then you left.

For a long time, his grip on his bow and arrow would tremble a lot to the point that he barely hits his target. Bows require precision yet everytime he grips, it just won't stop shivering. Hence his fights would mostly consist with his Hydro blades packed with the mightiest force he can bring in his frustration.

He will cry to the God of Love about it once in a state of absolute vulnerability, but the Tsaritsa would stay silent yet consoling. In the end of that quiet encounter Childe would have his resolve changed and his heart more hardened,

"The Fatui isn't made to love, but to conquer."

Zhongli's Desperate Bargaining

What does it mean to break up? To have space? To remove yourself from love? To be able to? These questions invade his mind every second after the break up, as Zhongli is but a man of logic, of black and white methodology. Is it really possible to leave from a contract of love? Is this a violation?

He will ask for reconciliation, for a talk to see what he has done wrong as well as a fortification of an actual contract between you two. It was horrible in your eyes, but it was something akin to him to do so. In the end there was no salvation in the wet ink that lays in front of him.

He will wander a lot with his thoughts, missing most of the time from work and observing humans in their natural habitat. He was still confused of the ordeal and will continue his ministrations of trying to understand what had gone wrong when he was sure he did things correctly to the dot.

He might try and sway you back but it's all a lost cause already. Zhongli might be intrusive, but if his advances make you uncomfortable, he will respectfully stand back and disappear once and for all.

You know for sure that he will think back to the times when he was still with Guizhong, with his fellow archons, with everyone. And he weeps at another loss, at another failure of himself,

"Guizhong, even now I still cannot understand them."

Anger in Albedo's Teal Eyes

Humans and their many facets concerning different types of relationships had always been a pure mystery to him. And with how he finally managed to grasp one that seemed everlasting was an accomplishment he boasts so nonchalantly. Where did it go wrong?

He questions you in every aspect that contains one, interviewing with a commanding tone as the coldness he brings to others now comes to you and it held with it a piercing glare, packed with a tightness to his crossed arms. He was filled with disappointment for many things, and that includes you and him. Once you are gone, he locks himself back to his work.

Where did he go wrong? His focus on his research for the meaning of life changes to that not written in paper but canvassed in his mind, his vials of chemicals no longer produce the results he wanted, and his frustration grows. At one point, Sucrose was witness to one of his only breakdowns. Which procured a lot of broken glass.

He was a disappointment, a disgrace, not just to himself but to his master he has no clue where. Abandoned to be the greatest, abandoned to his lowest. If Master Rhinedottir was there, would she still call him a genius?

Many nights would be restless to Albedo and most of the time he ventures far and beyond what Mondstadtians can see. He can't keep himself cooped up in a world that reminds him of you, and so he leaves, together with his frustration,

"The meaning of life won't come anytime soon."

Xiao's Mask of Depression

Without the aid of the distant flute to constantly grapple with the demons within him, he has found solace in the comfort of you. But it came to an end faster than he expected, it ended when he thought it would never. And you were gone before you knew exactly what you did. You left an after image of yourself in every part of his life and it became the hardest thing to work around.

The Almond Tofu in his mouth carry no more sweetness and the softness that reminded him of dreams turned into pitiful nightmares of a reality taken away from him. Goldett stopped serving after the third plate rotted in the balcony.

The Inn was no home to him anymore, Xiao had seen too much of your past visages, hallucinations to even begin to comprehend what is real or not. He disappears to wherever and only comes by when there's a major need to do so.

Verr sees it in him and on him. Xiao's battles became more drastic and obsessive, and a lot of times he ventures back dripping with blood that she knows isn't his, but some of those may not. He stands with a downtrodden gaze without a care for the mess that he is.

The voices in his head changed their assault from manifesting rage to hitting at his most vulnerable core: the loss of you. The very thing that kept him together and he did something wrong to make you leave, something even he himself does not know. And they were getting louder and louder—

"The Liyue Qixing can handle the new world, maybe now is the best time... to properly retire."

Make the fifth one!

My brain went into Denial cuz I lost the prompts in my head for a fifth lmao- New Xiao banner yay :)

(Zhongli preparing Xiao's funeral hehe-)

@kookieyachi @sk1nnyangelic @bunniesrorange @albaedhoe @struggljng @heisenwurst @moaa @dandelion-dreams @witchsungie @lehra @zelos-simp @legionqueensav @snackgod @rxsalinee @cala-ran @wind-wheel @lilydewi22 @yellowflowre

[juless27]

It Was Divine: Chapter Two

Chapter one

Summary: Eddie and Robin talk about their crushes, Steve and Nancy. Nance invites Robin to a sleepover with El and Max. After the younger girls go to sleep Nancy and Robin have a heart to heart.

Words: 3.3k

A/N: I know I promised Eddie and Robin's povs, but this one is all Robin. We will hear from Eddie next chapter!!

Read this chapter on AO3

Chapter Two

Eddie’s new trailer was…. It just was. It was evident that two men lived there without a feminine touch. But their couch was comfortable and, as far as she knew, no one had died there. Yet. Robin was currently on her way to becoming the first death on the threshold due to pure embarrassment. 

“I kissed her nose, Eddie!” She groaned and flopped face down on the couch. 

“Not gonna lie, Buckley, I don’t really see the problem here.” 

Eddie was sitting on the floor, back against the couch. When Robin lifted her head to glare at him, he passed her his joint sympathetically. 

“Friends don’t kiss each other’s noses, Eddie,” Robin said, exhaling smoke. 

“I don’t know how female friendships work,” Eddie defended himself, “and, for the record, I don’t think Wheeler does either. You’re fine.”

Robin just groaned and buried her head in the couch again. Her and Eddie had gotten close fast once realizing they were both social outcasts and even faster after they came out to each other. Robin loved Steve more than anyone in this world and the one under it, but there were some things he just couldn’t understand. 

Since Robin and Eddie simultaneously developed crushes on Nancy and Steve, respectively, they had also started making a habit out of pining after their crushes together. There was nothing that could bond friends faster than mutually crushing on straight exes that were probably going to get back together. Except maybe an actual life or death situation. Robin and Eddie had both. 

“I don’t want to think about it anymore. What’s going on with you and Steve?”

Eddie turned to look at her, “You mean what’s not going on. Also, I think I told him he was a corgi.”

Robin sat up at that, “Wait, what? Why?”

Eddie moved to sit on the couch, “You know, I’m not entirely sure. He had said something about you being a house cat and that he was a golden but he is so not a golden so I… told him he was a corgi.”

Robin thought about it. “He kind of is a corgi.”

“Right? Thank you!” They laughed and Robin passed the joint back to Eddie. “Anyways, where do you reckon they are on the getting back together scale?”

Robin groaned again, “Steve still swears up and down that they are just friends and so does Nancy.”

Eddie hummed thoughtfully, “Would they tell you if they weren’t?”

“Steve would. He has no reason not to.”

Eddie glanced at her at that, “You still haven’t told him?”

Robin threw up her hands, “What am I supposed to say? ‘Hey best friend! Lovely weather we’re having! By the way, I have a crush on your ex who you’re definitely still in love with! Yay!’”

“Well, not exactly that,” Eddie conceded, “But you guys tell each other everything, right? I can’t imagine him having a problem with it.”

Robin flopped back down, staring at the ceiling and letting her legs rest on Eddie’s lap, who protested for all of one second before accepting it. “No, of course not. But he might not get back with Nancy if he knows. And I want him to be happy. And Nance.”

“Even if she’s not with you?”

Robin sighed, “I’d rather be her friend than nothing.”

Eddie shook his head, “You’re such a liar, Buckley.”

But she wasn’t, not really. She did want Steve to be happy, maybe even more than she wanted anything for herself. And of course she wanted Nancy to be happy. Wasn’t that what love was? And ideally Nancy would be happiest with her, but that just wasn’t the reality. Didn’t mean Robin didn’t hope for it, though. She didn’t say any of that. 

Instead, she looked up at the ceiling and said, “Can we put glowy stars on your ceiling?”

“Robin. You’re a motherfucking genius.”

Eddie drove them to the store. Robin struggled not to throw up in the passenger seat. 

“No hurling in the van, Buckley!”

“It’s not my fault your driving is deadly!”

“If you puke in this van, our friendship is over.”

“Promise?”

Eddie hurled them into a spot and slammed the van into park. He was immediately jumping out of the seat and jogging around to the passenger side.

“Let’s go, Buckley, we don’t have all day.”

Robin swayed in her seat, “I need a recovery period.”

Eddie rolled his eyes as he ushered her into the store. 

Robin didn’t believe in fate. But maybe she should. Because the first two stores did not sell glowy stars, or maybe they were just hiding their stash from the two red-eyed teens, leading Eddie to drive them another two nausea-filled blocks to their final hope. The last convenience store in Hawkins. Which did contain glowy stars. And also Nancy Wheeler. 

“Well, well, well if it isn’t the one and only Nancy Wheeler. What brings you to this fine establishment?” Always trust Eddie to make a production out of everything. 

Nancy turned and her eyes immediately brightened at seeing them, making Robin’s heart thump in her chest. “Hey guys! Just running an errand for my mom, what about you?”

“We are looking for glow stars to put on Eddie’s ceiling,” Robin told her. 

“Uhhh, yeah,” Eddie agrees, but when Robin looked at him she noticed a glint in his eyes that she decidedly did not like. “I’m gonna go look over there,” he jutted his thumb over his shoulder, “and you take this aisle, Buckley.”

He was gone before Robin could protest that this was a cleaning supply aisle and unlikely to have glow stars. 

“I don’t think you're going to find the stars in this aisle,” Nancy said, eyes dancing with laughter. 

Robin shrugged, “Eddie’ll find them. Probably.”

Nancy raised one eyebrow, “Is it really wise to leave Eddie unsupervised and high in this store?”

“Eddie’s not high.” A very unfortunately timed crash sounded from the other side of the store, followed by Eddie’s cackle. “Eddie’s not that high,” Robin amended. 

Nancy giggled. Actually giggled. Robin always thought people sounded so dumb when they giggled, but if she could only choose one sound to hear for the rest of her life it would be Nancy’s giggle. No contest. 

“So, is Steve around here somewhere, then?” Nancy asked. 

Robin’s heart fell. Of course, she was looking for Steve. “Nah, just me and Eds today.”

“Eds?” 

“Yeah. It’s a nickname, Nance,” Robin teased. 

Nancy gave a closed mouthed smile. She turned back to the cleaning supplies. Robin wondered when and why Nancy’s mood had changed. 

Robin stepped closer to Nancy and bumped her shoulder against the other girl’s, “You okay?”

Nancy smiled back at her, a real smile this time (Robin didn’t know how long she had been able to distinguish Nancy’s fake smiles from her real ones), “Yeah,” she said, “I’m good,” she turned away from the cleaning supplies to look at Robin, “By the way, I know we are supposed to hang out with the guys tonight, but Max and El want to have a slumber party, if you’re interested.” 

Robin brightened instantly. She knew Max was younger than her, but she was cool and Robin was constantly baffled and honored by the fact that Max wanted to hang out with her. And El was just adorable. 

“That sounds fun! Eddie and Steve will have to survive without us, I guess.”

“Cool. Meet at my house at 6? Unless you need a ride?” Nancy asked. 

“I’ll have Eddie drop me off on his way to Steve. And Max, too, since she’s right there.”

Nancy’s face fell again, and she pasted on a fake smile. What was up with that? Did Nancy not like Eddie? That couldn’t be it, right? But Nancy just nodded and said, “Perfect.” 

There was another crash, followed by a “Hey!”, probably from an underpaid employee. Robin winced. “I should probably…” she gestured vaguely in the area of the crash.

“Yeah,” Nancy agreed.

“See you tonight!” Robin reached out and squeezed Nancy’s hand before turning to go find Eddie. 

“So, are we going for random placement or actual constellations?” 

Eddie and Robin were standing in his new room, which was basically a mirror image of his old room, both staring at the ceiling. Eddie held the plastic bags from the convenience store. 

“I think we overestimated the surface area of my ceiling.”

Robin glanced down at the bags in Eddie’s hands, “Yeah.”

They had purchased the store’s entire supply of glowy stars, which was likely enough to cover Eddie’s room, walls and all, at least twice. 

“Well, I guess we can give the extras to Nancy or Steve tonight.”

Robin snorted, “You think Nance has glowy stars on her ceiling?”

“You never know.”

“I suppose. But Nance and I aren’t going to Steve’s tonight,” she said it with forced casualty. 

“Did she finally realize you were such a catch and ask you out?” Eddie teased. 

“No,” Robin elbowed him in the side, “she invited me to a slumber party with El and Max.”

“Ah. Fun. And I’m assuming you’ll need a ride to this shindig?”

“Yes. Also, can you drive Max?”

Eddie made a show of rolling his eyes but he only resisted for all of a moment. “Fine. Let’s do constellations.” 

The sun had gone down when Eddie honked his horn twice to usher Max out. 

“Where is she?”

“What’s your problem?” Robin asked, fiddling with the radio, “In a hurry to see Steve?”

“Shut up, Buckley,” then he raised his voice to a yell, “Max Mayfield get your ginger ass out here!”

“I’m right here.”

Eddie and Robin nearly jumped out of their skin. Max was standing by the back door of the van, backpack on and skateboard in hand, as always. 

“Can you open the door?”

Max climbed in and Eddie was pulling out before the door was even closed. He drove through the residential streets of Hawkins, speedometer never dipping below 50. Max rolled down the window and let the wind blow her hair back. Robin resisted the urge to tell Eddie to slow down. He was excited to see Steve, she knew, no matter how he denied it. It was sweet. She just hoped he wouldn’t get her heart broken. Not that she was one to talk. Her own heart was ready to leap out of her chest at the thought of seeing Nancy even though she saw her just hours earlier. 

Eddie came to a rolling stop to let the girls out and was driving away the second Robin’s beat up sneakers hit the asphalt of the Wheelers’ driveway. She waved but he was already too far away to see. 

“He drives like Billy,” Max said. Then she turned sharply and walked up the path to the Wheelers’ front door before Robin could say a word. Max didn’t bring up Billy often. Robin hoped she was okay. 

Max rang the doorbell and made pleasant conversation with Karen Wheeler while they waited for El and Nancy to come down from Nancy’s room. Robin said a polite hello and tried not to be obvious about looking around the house. The last time she was here, she was mostly occupied with a telepathic serial killer and hadn’t really had a chance to look around. The Wheelers’ house screamed nuclear family and Robin tried to suppress a grin thinking about how it must tick Nancy off. Everything she could see was arranged just so. Photos lined the staircase, the kitchen was pristine, and even Ted Wheeler reclining in front of the TV looked like he was in a museum exhibit about the perfect cul-de-sac family. 

The sound of footsteps on the stairs sent Robin’s heart pounding. 

“Max!” It was El. She flung herself into Max’s arms. Max hugged her back just as enthusiastically. Letting go, she took Max’s hand and began to lead her up the stairs, already complaining about something dumb Jonathan and/or Will had done that morning. Max stopped and turned to Robin.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“Oh, yeah,” Robin unfroze and followed the girls upstairs and down the hall to Nancy’s room. Inside, everything was as Robin remembered. The Tom Cruise poster had been taken down, though. On the surface, Nancy’s room yelled perfect daughter, but Robin knew otherwise. She knew Nancy well enough now to see the little ways she rebelled. The Metallica record (a gift from Eddie) beneath the stack of Blondie albums. The feminist books stacked on her dresser. And, of course, the guns Robin knew she kept in a shoe box on the top shelf of her closet. 

“You can come in.”

Robin realized she had been standing in the threshold awkwardly. Nancy smiled at her and Robin nearly died on the spot. She looked adorable with her curls up in a messy bun and glasses Robin didn’t know she needed perched on her nose. Robin stepped into Nancy’s room. 

“Hi.”

“Hi. Did you end up finding stars?”

Robin had a very incoherent thought about stars and Nancy’s eyes before she realized Nancy was talking about the glow stars from earlier. “Yeah, we did. Got enough to cover the walls, too. Eddie has extra if you want any.”

“I’m good, thanks.”

Max and El had sequestered themselves in the corner of Nancy’s room and were talking about God knows what. Every so often they broke out in high pitched giggles. 

“So do you and Eddie hang out often?” Nancy asked, taking a seat on the edge of her bed.

“Almost every day, yeah.”

Nancy glanced away. 

“Do you have a problem with Eddie?” Robin blurted out. Nancy whipped her head back around to look at her.

“No. Why would you think that?”

“It’s just that every time I talk about him you tense up. I thought you guys were friends. I mean, I know you aren’t as close as Steve and I, but I like Eddie and I’m friends with you so it would be great for all of us to get along. I thought we were all getting along but if you have something against Eddie then–”

“Robin,” Nancy interrupted, holding up her hands to stop Robin’s ramble, “I don’t have a problem with Eddie. We are friends. You have nothing to worry about, I promise. And I’m sorry if I came across weird or standoffish. I know I do that sometimes, especially with new people.”

Robin remembered how Nancy had asked who she was the first time they had met in the Starcourt mall last summer, even though they had been in the same class since grade school with the same 80 people. Like Nancy had to establish she was the leader of the group as opposed to Robin. She remembered thinking it was hot. 

“It’s okay,” Robin said. 

“It’s just… are you and Eddie, like, maybe more than friends?” Nancy looked at her feet as she said it. 

“What? No! Absolutely not.”

“Okay,” Nancy looked like she didn’t believe her, and Robin was about to protest more, but El called them over to choose face masks and the moment ended. 

Being with the younger girls was fun. Sometimes Robin forgot that they were only freshmen. They had seen so much, been through so much. They needed a night like this, where they could just be girls. After the face masks, they gossiped about meaningless drama. Nancy recruited El and Max into trying to pry Robin’s crush from her, but she didn’t give in. Nancy braided Max’s hair and El experimented with makeup on Robin with occasional suggestions from Max and Nancy. It was the best night Robin had in a long time. 

Around midnight, Nancy set up the younger girls in her bed and spread pillows and blankets on the floor for her and Robin. When she turned on the night light to ward away the dark, Robin saw Max relax marginally. Nancy wasn’t the only one with a fear of the dark after everything. Max and El fell asleep quickly. 

Robin was lost in her own thoughts when she heard Nancy say her name. 

“Yeah?”

“You’re still awake?”

“Yeah.”

“Me too.”

“Can I ask you something?” Robin asked.

“Of course.”

“Why haven’t you gotten back together with Steve yet? I know he’s asked.”

Nancy sighed. “He has. I just…”

Robin waited out the silence in the dark. Staring at the ceiling, hoping for the impossible. 

“He’s too comfortable for me.” Nancy whispered, “We were never together because we had strong feelings for each other. I mean, I loved him, but it was a soft love. It was nice. We were the King and Queen of Hawkins High. It felt like we were just living out a story that had already been written for us. And I could keep turning the pages. Get back together with him. Get married and have six kids and a dog at the end of a cul-de-sac. Never leave Hawkins. It would be nice. But I don’t want nice. I want… more. I want to be a journalist. I want to live in a city and have a busy life and a career. And I want a love that sets me on fire. I want to do crazy, stupid things because I’m so in love. I want the rollercoaster, the kissing in the rain, the screaming fights at 2 am, knowing them like the back of my hand. 

“And Steve is great. He’s more than great. And I love him, I probably always will. But not like that anymore. Maybe not ever. And maybe that’s selfish, to want all those things. I don’t know.”

“I think,” Robin answered, “after everything that’s happened, you’re allowed to be a little selfish.”

Nancy turned to face Robin on the floor. After a moment, Robin turned too. They were less than inches apart. Robin could lean forward, brush their noses together, press her forehead against Nancy’s. Press her lips against Nancy’s. 

“You are, too. You deserve the world, Robs.”

The nickname lit sparks in Robin’s stomach, “I wish I could have a love like that.”

“You will,” Nancy said it like a fact, but her eyes were big and round, her lips were pressed together. 

Robin shook her head, “You don’t understand. I can’t.”

The blankets shuffled and then Robin felt Nancy’s hand slide into her own. “Then tell me.”

Robin took a deep breath. For once, the nausea she felt had nothing to do with Eddie’s driving. Here we go. She felt as if she was at the edge of a cliff, about to jump.

“I can’t have that because… I’ve never felt that way about a guy.”

Nancy’s brow furrowed, “You will, when you meet someone worthy of you.”

“No, I won’t. I’ll never feel that way about a guy. Because the way I’m supposed to feel about them, the way everyone thinks I feel about Steve… I have felt it. But not for a guy. For a girl.”

Nancy’s hand was still in Robin’s, but she would pull away any second. Any second she would kick Robin out, come up with a story to tell Max and El in the morning. Stop talking to Robin, stop coming to Steve’s. 

But that didn’t happen. Nancy squeezed her hand and didn’t let go. 

“Robin… you are so brave. Thank you for telling me that.” She sounded sincere. Robin exhaled. 

“You’re not… disgusted?”

“No! Of course not. You’re my best friend, Robs. And I know Steve is yours, but I wanted to tell you anyway.”

Robin smiled, “You’re my best friend, too. I can have more than one, right?”

Nancy grinned. She hesitated, then leaned forward and pecked Robin on the nose, “Right.”

“Good night, Robs.”

“Night, Nance.”

It was over an hour later when Robin finally fell asleep, Nancy’s hand still linked with hers.

End note: Ronance nose kisses>>>> Next chapter we will see what Eddie and Steve got up to while the girls had their slumber party....

[lovehearts2021]

Ohh I thought I’ve lost this post when I accidentally deleted it . I was so upset , but when I was checking and deleting some notes on my phone I found it . Yay I’m so happy now

I’ll post it again 💕

My co worker

I have a co worker who’s tall, has a nice body and a beautiful smile . To be honest , he’s gorgeous.

We were standing and talking during our coffee break because he always has so many things to do at work we barely have time to talk and we never take a break at the same time .

Suddenly he mentioned that due to work and some personal problems he’s having a lot of stress and it is somehow affecting his heart.

He went to the doctor because he wasn’t feeling well and he was told he has arrhythmia .

He said that suddenly his heart will start to beat fast , sometimes it beats so fast that he feels a bit dizzy . I felt sorry for him .

Later when we were going home we went together to the bus stop because we live near each other , (but since he’s always very busy at work he usually stays and work overtime ) and while we were waiting for our bus to come he puts his hand on his chest and says “ my heart is beating so fast right now, gosh “

I asked if he was feeling ok and he answered he was alright , but feeling his own heartbeat kinda freaked him out .

Then he looked at me opened a huge nervous smile and asked if I wanted to take a listen.

I was so surprised at first I denied and said I wasn’t a doctor , but then when I saw him grab his chest a bit tighter and take deep and slow breath I changed my mind and told him to let me listen to it .

He opened his arms like if he was going to hug me and I put my ear right over his heart near pulmonic area so I also could hear him breathe . He hold me tight as his heart was beating really fast . I also could hear some skips .

His breathing was fast , but his lungs sounded healthy .

We stayed that way for a couple of minutes and when our bus came we sat next to each other and I could see by the look on his face that he was feeling uncomfortable. I told him to relax because he was about to have a panic attack . I put my ear over his heart again and it was beating stronger and faster than before . When we got off the bus , I told him to come to my house ( which is super close to the bus stop )

Then I decided to do something different .

I told him to sit in the couch and made him some camomile tea . After drinking I asked if he was feeling better and he nodded negative. He said sometimes his heart keeps beating like that for hours and he feels like opening his chest to take it out and throw it away (I laughed when he said that )

I told him to listen to my heart , maybe it would synchronize our beats and make his heart slow down .

He looked at me like if he didn’t understand what I said , then I grabbed his head and put it on my chest . He hold me and pressed his ear stronger to my heart.

Luckily I can control my heart and it was beating strong , but slow and steady .

I was rubbing his back and telling him to breathe slowly

He kept there holding me and listened to my heart for a while until I realized he fell asleep .

I let him sleep for around 30 min and woke him up. He immediately blushed and started talking to me about his problems . He does push himself a lot at work and he is responsible for a lot of things so there’s too much pressure on his side , plus his father was diagnosed with a fatal disease and he doesn’t have much time , but he doesn’t want his dad to know that because he wants his father to have fun and do the things he likes without having to worry about anything . His brothers are kinda mad at him because of his decision , but since he’s the one who’s taking care of his father and paying for everything … they kinda respect his decision , but they are not talking to him .

I felt sad for him and I could see by the way he was talking that he was feeling upset and hurt.

I just told him to don’t worry because he is doing the best for his dad and this is all that matters .

To change the subject I asked about his heart and he said he was feeling much better .

Without asking I put my ear on his chest and listened to it for a few minutes . He didn’t seem to bother .

Then he said he needed to go and I told him to take care of his heart . When he was close to the door I said that next time I would get a stethoscope and take a good listen to his heart .

He looked at me and laughed . He also said when the doctor was checking his heart with a stethoscope he got curious and wanted to know how it sounded .

I said next time I would ask my friend to borrow me her stethoscope and then he could come and take a listen . He smiled and said ok

He kissed my cheek and said thank you putting my hand over his heart . I melted.

The next day we met at work again , he was so busy he didn’t even realized my presence .

When he saw me he smiled ( I love when he smiles ) , put his hand over his heart and mumbled thank you .

He didn’t come to my house for a steth check , but every time he seems me or walks through me he touches me and says something sweet .

I also didn’t have a chance to ask about his heart and it feels weird to ask about it when we have our colleagues around us . We need to take a coffee break together again .

[helnjk]

Snowed In - C.W.

Charlie Weasley x fem!reader

Requested: yes! by my love @lupinsclassroom

Ah HA I finally came up with a Charlie request. Okay, of course it’s professor reader because I’m obsessed with them but like....Charlie visits hogwarts, and then (I know logistically this isn’t possible bc ✨magic✨) but he gets snowed in and has to stay in the castle for the weekend and it’s just cozy and soft 🥺

Word count: 2.6k

Summary: sometimes, it takes just the right circumstances to get what you want. 

Warnings: meal mention, reference to/implied sex (blink and you’ll miss it), winter fluff! 

A/N: this took me so long to get done aaaaaaaa 😩 but yay ! more COMC professor & charlie 🥰

– 

Christmas at Hogwarts was always a spectacular sight. The professors always loved to go above and beyond with the decorations, but even without them, the grounds and the castle looked, well, magical. 

“Professor L/N?” a voice from across the room mumbled. 

Y/N looked up from the stack of papers she was grading to see Eloise Abbott, wrapped in her cloak and her Hufflepuff scarf, standing at the entrance to her office. A neatly wrapped present was clutched in her gloved hands as she waited for her professor to invite her inside. 

Athena was perched on her stand behind Y/N, resting after a long afternoon of delivering various Christmas gifts. Her sleeping figure seemed to appease the student’s apprehension slightly as she called out, “Come on in, Eloise!” 

“Isn’t the train supposed to be leaving soon? What’re you still doing in the castle?” Y/N questioned, stashing away the stack of parchments on her desk, that way her attention would be fully on the Hufflepuff. 

“Yep!” Eloise replied quickly, “I just wanted to drop off a present for you before I go! I know that you’re staying here for the holidays, right?” 

“You’re right.” Y/N smiled. “Thank you for thinking of me, Eloise, that was very sweet of you.”

A swift nod was her reply, and as quick as she had come, Ms. Abbott turned on her heel and darted out of the room. Thankfully, she remembered to yell a hasty, “Happy Christmas!” over her shoulder before she was fully out of hearing range. 

Y/N shook her head with a soft smile on her lips. Even after being her professor for nearly six years now, Eloise was still a shy little thing when it came to communicating with professors or any sort of authority figure. Still, the gesture warmed her heart greatly. 

The thought of gifts and spending Christmas alone, well, not exactly alone, but not with the Weasleys this year put a slight damper on her mood, though. Minerva had asked her if she could spend the holidays at Hogwarts this year since they were running short of staff who could chaperone the students. Of course, Y/N could never say no to her favorite teacher turned cool boss. It was the least she could do. 

With a sigh, she stroked Athena’s soft feathers and came to the conclusion that she was too distracted to continue her grading. 

Despite her attempt for some alone time, Minerva managed to stop her in the hallway. 

“Ah Y/N, just the person I wanted to see,” the older professor smiled.

“Anything I can do for you, Min?” Y/N replied.

She nodded, “I need your help with a particularly odd creature in my office. It doesn’t seem to want to leave.” 

The two professors briskly walked towards the Headmistress’ office side by side, their winter robes swishing around their legs. Professor L/N’s brows furrowed at the lack of concern Minerva had shown at the fact that there was a creature in her office. Of course, the older witch was highly skilled and educated, so maybe it wasn’t that big of a problem. What did she need Y/N’s help for then? 

“Er, Minerva,” Y/N began as they turned a corner, “What creature exactly is in your office? Do you think we need backup?” 

“I didn’t exactly get a good look at it, I just saw that it had orange-colored fur.” 

“Minerva.” 

The sly grin that she was met with did nothing to help the situation. Y/N simply rolled her eyes and went along with the all too obvious scheme the Headmistress had hatched up this time. 

The pair said nothing else as they continued their journey to the Minerva’s office, save for the password–’panthera leo’–once they reached the gargoyle statue. Y/N’s curiosity got the better of her as they ascended the spiral staircase, especially since the older witch hadn’t stopped grinning. 

“So, you’re not going to tell me what’s going on despite the fact that you’re grinning at me like a cheshire cat?” Y/N probed, raising an eyebrow. 

“You’ll see, dear.” 

The younger professor had to push down the urge to roll her eyes. Thankfully, they had reached the top of the staircase, and the words she was about to say got stuck in her throat as she saw what, or rather who, was in the office. 

“Charlie?” she gasped, after pushing the door open. 

Leaning against the large oak desk with his legs crossed in front of him was Charlie Weasley with a shit-eating grin. Y/N paused at the entrance to the Headmistress’ office, her eyes darting between the redhead and her boss. 

“He’s the orange-furred creature that you can’t seem to get out of your office?” 

Even as she spoke the words, her head couldn’t wrap around the absurdity of the situation. Charlie let out a loud laugh at her question, his eyes moving his former professor and head of house, who had just slipped past Y/N and into her office. 

“I asked Minnie here to help me out some with surprising you,” he grinned cheekily. 

He pushed off the desk and took a few short strides. Faster than she could comprehend, he was standing in front of her, soft eyes staring down at hers and rough hands grasping at her arms. 

“Hi,” he spoke softly. 

In an instant, she practically melted in his arms, “Hi Charlie.” 

The sound of someone clearing their throat brought them out of their little bubble and their heads turned in Minerva’s direction.

“Alright Mr. Weasley, I helped you surprise Y/N,” she smiled knowingly, “Now off with you two! I’ve got a school to run.” 

With a shout of thanks, Charlie took Y/N’s hand and practically dragged her out of the office. Biting her lip to contain her grin, she felt like she was a student again, laughing through the deserted hallways as she and her boyfriend ran towards her quarters. 

There was a lot of tripping over their own feet and a lot of giggling, but she hadn’t felt this elated in a long time. Whenever Charlie would turn to look back at her, the edges of her lips would turn upwards automatically, as if he was the source of her happiness and her laughter.

Which, in a lot of ways, he was. 

Y/N had never been so glad to see the castle empty. It meant that she could let her professional professor facade down and let loose without having to think too hard about the repercussions. 

“So,” she started as they reached the hallway containing her room, “Care to tell me when you planned all of this?” 

The sparkle of mischief and delight in Charlie’s eyes nearly made her swoon, “I can’t stay long, unfortunately. Mum’s expecting me at the Burrow tonight, but I got an early portkey so that I could see you before Christmas.” 

Pushing up on her tiptoes, Y/N kissed him softly, “You’re wonderful, do you know that?” 

“Careful there, love, we don’t want to boost my ego too much.” 

–

“You all set?” Y/N asked, smoothing out the creases in Charlie’s scarf and trying to busy herself in an attempt to distract her mind from the thought of not spending Christmas in his arms. 

With a deep sigh, he answered, “Yep, just about.” 

Majority of their afternoon together was spent in bed, much to their joint amusement. In Charlie’s defense, he had come to do whatever it was that Y/N wanted, and well, that was what she ended up choosing. In hindsight, it was probably their best option anyway, since the weather outside the castle had slowly begun to worsen. 

By the time they had stumbled out of the warmth of Y/N’s bed and had gotten dressed once again, it was practically dark outside due to the snowstorm that rolled in. 

“It’s looking pretty rough out there,” she noted, as the pair of them walked hand in hand down the deserted hallways. 

Now and then, a student staying at Hogwarts for the holidays would pass by them and try their hardest not to stare at their hot Care of Magical Creatures professor and her equally hot dragon tamer boyfriend. 

Each time a student rushed past, Charlie would wait until they were out of sight before making eye contact with Y/N and smiling so big it shouldn’t have been humanly possible. 

“You’re insufferable,” she grumbled after the third student they encountered disappeared around the corner. 

“You love me,” he shrugged. 

The bickering pair paused mid step when they heard a new set of footsteps approaching them. For the second time that day, Y/N watched as Minerva approached. 

“I’m afraid your journey to the Burrow has to be put on hold, Mr. Weasley,” she spoke as she reached the pair. 

“What?” Y/N and Charlie said together. 

“The storm outside is much too harsh for anyone to walk past the apparition wards, even with impervious charms,” she explained.

“What about your floo, can’t he use that to get to the Burrow?” 

As Y/N spoke, she couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at the pang of excitement she felt at the thought of being able to spend more time with Charlie. 

“Ministry’s just gotten back with word that the Floo Network is under maintenance until further notice.” 

Charlie’s eyes flickered from Minerva’s solemn eyes to Y/N’s slightly confused ones, before he nodded, “Alright. Seems like I’m spending the night at Hogwarts then.” 

–

Dinner that night was amusing to say the least. As most students were at home with their families, those who stayed behind all fit in the long table that was usually the Head Table. Minerva, Charlie, and Y/N tried their hardest to contain their smiles at the incredulous looks that some of the students had. 

For some, it was their first time being in such close and intimate proximity to their professors. Others were wary of the attendance of the non-Hogwarts staff member, partly because he was a dragon tamer and mostly because he was Professor L/N’s boyfriend. 

Y/N’s heart had melted, however, at the sight of Charlie having a chat with the younger students. She had a flashback of summers at the Burrow when his younger siblings still weren’t old enough to attend Hogwarts, and how they looked at him with wide eyes and thought everything he said was gospel. 

“And then he opened his mouth so big I thought I was done for,” he spoke with such a tone that even Y/N was drawn in, “But turns out the old bugger was just going in for a yawn.” 

The end of his story elicited a giggle from the youngest student at the table and Y/N was sure that her heart was positively a pile of goo.

As discreetly as she possibly could, she placed her hand on top of Charlie’s thigh and grinned cheerfully as he took the signal and placed his larger one on hers. 

“Is it bad if I said that I’m glad you’re going to be here tonight?” she whispered when most of the attention wasn’t on them anymore.

“Absolutely not.” Charlie grinned and squeezed her hand. “Don’t you think the Floo being down sounds a little odd, though?” 

The pair glanced at each other and then their eyes drifted towards the Headmistress. As if she could read their minds–which was entirely possible–Minerva caught their eyes and smirked from behind her goblet as she took a sip from it. 

“Honestly, who knows what Minerva can come up with,” Y/N murmured, “She could tell us that there was a rogue Ministry gryffin creating potions in the dungeons and we would believe her.” 

The nonchalance of her statement choked out a loud laugh from Charlie. The stilted noise coming from him as he tried to contain his amusement ended up making her giggle as well. As the group finished up with their meal, the pair of them would catch each other’s eyes once in a while and another round of trying to repress their laughs would begin. 

They waited as everyone shuffled out of the Great Hall, stomachs full and eyes slightly droopy from the big meal. Their hands found each other as they walked down the chilly halls, providing a source of heat and comfort in the midst of so much cold. 

Once they reached Y/N’s quarters, Charlie flopped down on the bed with a sigh, stretching out on the comforter with a groan. 

Y/N couldn’t resist the urge to crawl onto the bed, tucking herself at his side. The familiar warmth of Charlie’s strong arm wrapping around her was enough for her to sigh contentedly, closing her eyes and succumbing to the gentle pull of sleep. 

“Wait, wait…” she heard him mumble, feeling the words vibrate through his chest. 

A groan escaped her lips as she felt him shift, pulling the both of them into a seated position. 

“Can’t, ‘m comfy here,” she grumbled, refusing to open her eyes. 

Instead of replying, Charlie carefully maneuvered them so that she lay back on the cold sheets and he slipped off the bed. It was silent for a few moments, save for the sound of his footsteps echoing through the room. Y/N was tempted to crack open her eyes just to see what he was up to, but the comfort posed by the bed was too strong. 

She knew he would eventually come back, and he did, the bed dipping as he kneeled on the space next to her. 

“Love,” he whispered, his hand brushing her cheek softly. 

“What’s it?” she mumbled, finally easing her eyes open. 

Beside her, sitting on the backs of his heels, Charlie held out a wrapped gift. The sight of him with a sheepish smile on his face, hands fidgeting nervously with the ribbon wrapped around the package, was enough for Y/N to sit up quickly. 

“Charlie?” she asked, tentatively taking the gift from him, “What’s this?” 

Her boyfriend cleared his throat before speaking, “I, erm, I was going to wait to have this delivered to you on Christmas morning but, I figured I’d rather see you open it in person.” 

Y/N didn’t need any more explanation as she tore open the wrapping. An intricately designed box opened to reveal the most beautiful necklace she had ever laid her eyes on. It was fairly simple, the design, a single pearl-like object in the center of a silver chain. If it weren’t shifting through iridescent hues of pink then blue then green then purple, she would have thought it were a pearl.

Tentatively, her fingers glided over the small round thing and it was warm to the touch.

“Oh it’s gorgeous,” she breathed, her eyes flitting upwards to meet Charlie’s.

“You like it?” he rubbed the back of his neck. 

“I love it!” she grinned, “Will you put it on me?” 

For having such large and calloused hands, Charlie was nimble and quick with the clasp of the necklace, his fingers sending shivers down her spine as he placed the necklace on her. 

“It’s made out of the shell of an Antipodean Opaleye’s egg,” he explained when she turned to face him once more, “I asked a friend of mine back in Romania if he could fashion it onto a necklace. I saw the shell and thought it would look stunning on you, I was right.” 

With a soft smile, Y/N’s arms snaked around his neck and she pressed a soft kiss on his lips, “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.” 

“Love you.” 

“I love you too.” 

The couple stayed in each other’s arms for a long time, relishing in the warmth and comfort of the other. When they finally managed to get dressed for bed and Y/N was tucked under Charlie’s arm for the night, their hearts were full. 

“Happy Christmas, my love,” he whispered as they were lulled to sleep. 

–

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[travellingarmy]

║Diluc║Family Outing

Female reader as requested.

Fluff.

Word count: 2.8k

---

The manor was no longer the silent and lonely house that everyone used to know before he met you, and now that he has made a family with you, his heart felt comfort knowing that he has two little angels to return to each and every night.

"Wake up, Daddy! Wake up, Mommy!" a child's voice sang throughout the empty halls and continued to do so until it got inside your room. The owner of the voice frown when they saw you still sleeping-- well underneath the blankets.

However, that frown was replaced by a giggle and smile, taking this opportunity to jump right on your stomach since you were the closest.

You groan in a tired pain, but after a few seconds, you opened your eyes, looking at the little human sitting at the bottom of the bed. A wide smile greets you and you couldn't help but smile back.

"Yay! Mommy is awake!" They cheer, clapping excitedly. You look towards the person who lay beside you, sleeping peacefully as he pretended not to hear the loud child, his arms around your waist getting a bit tighter.

Diluc came home awfully late last night, eyes holding fatigue with light bags under his eyes, so it was understandable as to why he dare not wake up.

You pulled away from his wrap, making space between you and him before patting that spot, hinting the little girl to join.

If you didn't know any better, you might have thought that the smile on her face couldn't get any wider.

Crawling beside you, you placed a kiss on their forehead, wrapping one arm on their small waist. "Good morning, Nuri. How was your sleep?" Your voice a bit hoarse, still just waking up.

"At first, Nuri had trouble sleeping because of how excited I am!" Nuri exclaims, but soon added, "But Nuri had a good sleep! Mommy and Daddy showed up in my dream and we ate ice cream!"

You chuckled at her words, heart feeling warm. "That's good to hear," you simply answered, unable to reply with energy and wondered how the child had so much energy. The sun was still peeking through the horizon, yet she acted as if it was nine already.

"Are we going to go now?" Nuri asks. You look at the male, snoozing tiredly. "In a couple more minutes, okay?" you said, making the child frown a bit. "But Nuri wants to eat ice cream now!" she states.

"You will have as many ice creams as you want soon-- just let Daddy sleep a bit more, okay?" you assured the girl. She pouts, but nodded.

After a few minutes, you got up, reminding Nuri to not wake Diluc up just yet as you go shower to shake the remaining sleep off of you.

Upon stepping back into the bedroom, Nuri was sitting beside Diluc, poking his cheeks lightly as she admires his complexion. "Nuri, let's go get you change, okay? Then we'll wake your father," you said, offering her a hand to latch onto.

She looks over at you and jumps off of the bed, her excitement just getting higher as you two left the room and allowing Diluc to sleep in silence for a while.

"I want to eat loads of ice cream!" Nuri states excitedly, swinging her legs as she sat and letting you tie her hair. "I also want to play with Klee!"

"I'm sure we'll run into her if she isn't confined in her room," you said, just finishing tying her red hair into a ponytail and putting on a ribbon to top it off. Nuri smiles when she saw herself in the mirror and quickly hops off of the chair. "Can we go wake Daddy up now?" she asks, to which you nod.

"Alright, go wake Daddy," you urge the child when you two got back to the master's bedroom. Nuri nods and quickly leaves your side, doing the same thing when she woke you up- jumping onto his stomach.

"Wake up, Daddy!" Nuri said. Diluc groans from the sudden pain, eyes fluttering open to stare at the child. "Nuri..? What are you doing here?" Diluc greets, voice hoarse upon wake.

"You promised Nuri that you will take her out today, so get your butt out of bed!" Nuri orders, shaking the male with whatever strength she's got.

Diluc chuckles at her weak strength, but nevertheless, straightened up on bed. "Good morning to you too," he said, lifting the child up in the air and soon showing a smile of his own.

He turns his head towards you as you make your way to the two. You sat at the other side of the bed and gave a quick peck on his lips. "Good morning," you said. He returns the greeting by kissing you, but this time, letting it linger for a while longer. "Stop kissing and let's go already! I want ice cream!" Nuri weakily punches Diluc's stomach. You and Diluc chuckled, but complied to her orders in the end.

After Diluc changed into his daily choice of clothing, you three met in the dining room where Adelinde had ready set breakfast for the three of you.

"Slow down, Nuri. You'll choke if you eat like that," you said, seeing the girl practically vacuuming her breakfast. "But I want to go out and if we eat quickly, we'll get to go faster!" Even when saying so, she slows down.

After that, you three finally set off, walking all the way to the city where all the fun was.

Strolling around for a bit, Nuri's eyes landed on a toy store with a large window displaying the toys inside. Quickly, she tugs on Diluc's coat, drawing his attention. "Daddy, I want toys!" Nuri said, pointing to the toys on display, eyes pleading like that of a puppy wanting treats.

Diluc stares through the window and smiled at the girl, nodding and letting himself be taken into the store with her, you trailing behind.

Inside, Nuri quickly separates herself from you two to look at the many toys and soon return with a lot in her hands. "Daddy, Daddy, can I get these and those?" she asks, pointing at a couple of toys in the shelf as well as hinting the ones in her hands.

"Uh, Nuri, that's quite a lot, don't you think?" You sweat dropped at her pleas. However, "You can buy whatever you want," Diluc states. Nuri smiles widely and giggles, saying her thank yous to Diluc.

"Diluc, don't you think you're spoiling her too much?" you ask. He reassures you by intertwining your hands together. "If it is something she wants, I will get it for her-- no matter the cost. Besides, I make a lot of money that I don't know what to do with them other than spoiling you two," he said, smiling at you.

You nudge him lightly with your free hand, to which he chuckles. "Daddy, I'm done choosing!" Nuri said, waving from the counter.

"Can you wrap them up in boxes separately? I'll send my butler to get them later," Diluc said to the person behind the counter and placed a pouch full of mora. "Yes, of course, sir. But, uh, I'm sure that this is too much," the person gestures at the pouch.

"Oh, you can keep the change," Diluc said, earning a thank you from them. "Well then, shall we go?" he asks Nuri. She smiles and held his free hand, exiting the store happily.

When you three stepped out, you were greeted by an all too familiar voice. "Oh? So it seems that Master Diluc, (Y/N), and Nuri are out for a family stroll," Kaeya greets and approaches the family.

"Uncle Kaeya!" Nuri smiles widely at the sight of the male and let go of Diluc's hand to run to Kaeya, leaping into his already open arms and lifting her up to meet his eye.

A visible, wide smile appears in Kaeya's face as he chuckles. "Why if it isn't my little fairy," he said, rubbing his nose on hers, earning her to giggle.

"So, what have you been up to, my little fairy?" he asks. "I bought lots of toys for me and Klee!" she answers, putting her small hands on his shoulders.

"Oh? I'm sure Klee would be happy to hear that," Kaeya said, dismissing the glare he's earning from Diluc.

You chuckled at your husband's jealousy and squeeze his hand softly. Everytime Kaeya was around, almost always did Nuri go to Kaeya, even though she has been told time and time again by Diluc to not trust any of the inefficient knights.

"Sir Kaeya, don't you have some things to attend to?" Diluc asks, getting the captain's attention. "Oh, I'm free of work at the moment." He smugly smirks. Seeing his brother jealous was something he loved to see and make it a point to show up at some point to earn Nuri's attention.

"Huh, really? As far as I'm concerned, your other knights are standing at their posts and doing their duties.. Are you saying that you are slacking off?" Diluc shots back.

"Maybe I am." Kaeya shrugs, his smirk not dropping from his face. "I will happily slack off from work to enjoy my time with this angelic fairy." He hints at Nuri.

Diluc gumbles curses under his breath, clearly upset at his brother's presence.

Luckily, a fellow knight intruded, clearing looking for Kaeya. "Sir Kaeya, Acting Grandmaster wishes to see you," tha knight said, straightening his posture.

Kaeya eyed the knight. "Oh? What for?" he asks. "She asks of you to take care of Klee for a while, sir," the knight answers.

Kaeya frowns a bit, but that soon changed into a smile. "Oh, Nuri, would you like to see Klee now?" He turns his head to the child.

"I'm afraid I won't allow that, Sir Kaeya," Diluc steps in, not wanting his child to be inside the Knight's of Favonius' headquarters, even if it's just for a quick visit.

"Oh come on, I'm sure she would love to see Klee. Aren't I right, Nuri?" Kaeya asks with a confident smirk. And to his correction, Nuri nods. "See, Master Diluc? You don't want to upset your daughter now, would you?"

"Nuri, do you want to get ice cream now?" Diluc changes the conversation to his favour. He doesn't like giving Nuri sweets so early in the day, but it had to be done just this once.

Nuri's eyes glimmers and nods quickly, tugging on Kaeya's clothes to out her down so she can go to her father. At that point, Kaeya lost to ice cream and put her down.

"Ah.. Klee would be so sad.." Kaeya tries to change the child's mind, but to no avail. When ice cream was involved, Nuri tend to forget everything else and focus on getting ice cream.

"Well then, that settles this. Sir Kaeya, let us not meet a second time today," Diluc bids to the knight. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be sure to see Nuri again today~" Kaeya said, irking the redhead. Taking Nuri into his arms, he walks away, you following beside them.

"Daddy, will you really buy me ice cream?" Nuri asks for reassurance. Diluc nods. "I don't back out of my words," Diluc said.

"I want chocolate!" Nuri says once inside the ice cream shop. "Chocolate? Isn't it a little too early, Nuri?" Diluc points out.

She huffs and crosses her arms. "You said you will buy me ice cream and I want chocolate!" she said. Diluc sighs and went to buy her a small chocolate ice cream and in a cone as requested by her.

"What do you want, love?" he asks you, knowing that Nuri's love for ice cream was shared with you. "I'm sure you want your favourite, right?" You giggle and nodded. It felt special to you how he remembers everything about you-- from your favourite things in the world to your fears.

You exited the shop, Diluc smiling at his two angels enjoying their ice cream, although he still doesn't approve of eating something so unhealthy early the day.

From that time till lunch, you three went into stores that caught Nuri's eyes, Diluc paying for everything that the little girl wanted with no hesitation-- a luxury that only vieux riche can experience.

Soon it was time for lunch and Nuri became hungry. "Where do you want to eat, Nuri?" you ask. "I want ice cream!" she quickly answers.

"You've had your once-a-day ice cream, Nuri," Diluc points out, making Nuri pout. "But I want ice cream.."

Seeing her sad, Diluc quickly added to his words. "You will get a second ice cream after lunch, okay?" he said, lifting her spirits up. "Second ice cream? Yay!" She claps her hands. "Then, I want to eat at Miss Sara's," she answers. Nuri doesn't know the name of the places within the city, so when she says 'Miss Sara's', she means Good Hunter.

"Hi, Miss Sara!" Nuri greets, waving her small hands. Sara smiles and greeted the child, then going off to asking your orders.

Diluc was one to not like going in public places, unless he had some business. But now that he has Nuri, that changed in order to make her happy.

Sitting down, Nuri excitedly hums and swing her legs, wanting to get a second ice cream that only happens once in a blue moon.

"Ho~ You three don't certainly loiter around in one place." Behind Nuri, came an approaching Kaeya, however, he wasn't alone this time, so when Nuri turned, a huge smile tugged on the girl's face. "Klee!"

"Hi, Nuri!" Klee runs to Nuri's side, giggling. "Do you want to see my new toys?" the young knight asks and Nuri nods excitedly.

"Klee, you know what Acting Grandmaster said about showing your bombs within the walls, right?" Kaeya reminded. Klee pouts. "But I'm just showing it to Nuri.."

"Don't worry, Klee! We can play with it outside next time!" Nuri comforts the girl.

Bringing two chairs to the table, Klee sat beside Nuri and chatted with her more while Kaeya smugly looks at Diluc. "I thought I said to never appear again," Diluc grumbles.

"And I said that I will definitely be back." This only made Kaeya's smirk wider, clearly satisfied.

While the two children chatted away smilingly, the two male adults bickered over the childish of topics, you also joining when being asked for personal opinion.

Even after leaving Good Hunter, Kaeya and Klee tagged along in the family stroll due to Nuri's request. "We can take care of Klee. You can go back," Diluc states, crossing his arms and staring at the male on the opposite side of you, using you as a sort of barrier between himself and the knight.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, Master Diluc. After all, I have been personally assigned by the Acting Grandmaster~" Diluc glares at him and cursed him once again.

"It's okay, Diluc. He's still family, so it's natural for him to join," you said, holding his hand. "Mhm, that's right~" Kaeya hums in agreement.

When Nuri asked for her second ice cream, Diluc ended up buying ice cream for everyone-- except for himself, of course. That meant he also had to buy one for Kaeya so that Nuri wouldn't be upset with him.

After hours of strolling, the sun was seen setting in the horizon, hinting you that Nuri's bedtime was soon.

"Alright, Nuri, time to say bye-bye to Klee," you said, intruding into the girl's happy conversation. "Already?" Nuri pouts.

"Yes, we have to get home before dinnertime," you state. Reluctantly and sadly, Nuri said her goodbyes to the red knight.

"See you soon, Nuri!" Klee waves from the gate, her doing the same as she held your hand. Once gone from the bridge, it was time for her turn to go home. "Now, let's get you back inside the headquarters," Kaeya said. "Otherwise, Acting Grandmaster will totally have it in for me."

Inside Dawn Winery and after dinner, you brought Nuri to her personal bathroom to bathe her and quickly get her into her sleepwear while Diluc went to your shared bathroom to do the same and later joining you two in her bedroom.

"Daddy, I want you to read The Legend of Venessa!" Nuri said when she got on her bed, pulling it from under her pillow. "Again?" you ask. She nods with no hesitation to having her favourite book be re-read to her.

"Alright.." Diluc complies to her demands, reading the same words for the umpteenth time until you both hear her lightly snore. She prefers Diluc over you when reading her bedtime stories because of how nice his voice sounds.

You got up from your sitting position at the side of her bed, pushing any strands of hair and placing a kiss on her forehead.

Now, it was yours and Diluc's turn to sleep, going to your shared bedroom that was just a few doors away from Nuri's.

He wraps his arms around your waist and brought you close for more warmth than what the blanket could provide. "Good night, angel," he said and kissing the crown of your head. Tiredly, you hummed. "Good night, Diluc."

---

[nyxxon]

Please do more eri and the reader being adorable friends

» She's my baby, so of course. It'll basically be another scenario of "babysitter reader" with Eri. However, unlike my other one, this one is more gender neutral.

Candy Apples (Eri)

Platonic

Eri waited impatiently just staring at the door while she sat on the couch with her feet swinging back and forth at opposite intervals. She was waiting for you to be more exact. It had been a week since she had last saw you when you came to babysit her last—a week too long.

     Plus, Aizawa had told her you had a surprise for her upon your arrival which was quite exciting! You sometimes did get little things for her or had fun "dates" planned for just the two of you while he went away to deal with his basic hero work. Though she was mildly surprised since the sitting request had been a bit last minute.

     Aizawa glanced at the little girl as he also waited for your arrival. He was glad he had managed to find a sitter that could handle the girl, even though she wasn't much of a handful though her social skills were still quite lacking given all she had been through. So it was hard for her to form "friendships" or any sort of bonds with certain people.

     But either way, he was glad you two had a good relationship with each other.

     Right as he was thinking this, a knock sounded causing Eri to quickly jump up from the couch as she ran towards the door knowing exactly who was behind it—him slowly trudging behind her to reet you as well before he left.

     Opening the door, your form with three or so plastic bags hanging from your arm soon peeked through. Upon seeing you, Eri instantly jumped into your arms causing you to stumble a bit and almost drop the bag though you managed to keep you both upright and hold of the bag as you soon hugged her back with your free arm just as tight with a smile on your face.

     "(Last Name)!" Eri exclaimed as she pulled back from you, red eyes sparkling.

     "Hey, Eri." You placed your free hand on top of her head.

     "Thanks for coming last minute." Aizawa soon peeked through as he made his way outside.

     You looked at him with a smile, "It's no problem at all."

     "I've got to get going now. I should be back by eight at the latest. But I'll be sure to get back to you if something beyond my control happens."

     You nodded, "Gotcha."

     "I'm sure there won't be any problems." He said sincerely.

     "Nope! Eri and I will have lots of fun!" You gave a closed-eyed smile.

     "Come on, (Last Name)!" Eri began to tug at your hand as she started to pull you inside.

     "Uh–I . . . uhm, b-bye, Aizawa-san, good luck!" You gave the man a quick wave as Eri continued to pull you inside rambling on about her excitement and curiosity of what the surprise was that you had for her before shutting the door.

     A small yet rare smile played at Aizawa's lips as he had watched you being dragged off by the little girl before soon lower heading on his way to the site of the crime he had to investigate . . .

     After Eri had dragged you inside, she wasted no time in prying you for answers as to what exactly this "surprise" was that you had for her.

     "Are we going to go somewhere?" She asked.

     You shook your head as you started to the kitchen with her trailing along behind you, "No."

     She blinked and tilted her head as she put a finger to her cheek in thought once you had placed the multiple plastic bags on the counter and turned to face her, a smile still on your face as you watched her scanning her mind for a possible answer before she looked at the bags you had just put down—her eyes appeared to flash with realization.

     "Is . . . is it in the bags?"

     You nodded as you turned back around, pulling out a small bag of apples of both red and green that had been concealed by the plastic one to not spoil the surprise early.

     "We're gonna make candy apples!"

     Eri's eyes widened as they began to sparkle, "C-Candy apples?!"

     One of her favorite treats!

     But she hadn't had one since the U.A. School Festival which had been quite some time ago . . .

     "I heard how you liked them, so I thought we could make our own together!"

     "Make together..?"

     "Mhm, mhm.~" You nodded, "I was going to save it for next time when I was originally scheduled to come but decided to bring it along today since why not."

     "C-Can we start now?" Eri had her hands clamped together as she continued to stare at you with her sparkling red eyes.

     "Of course!"

     With that, she soon walked up to the counter. You had left the kitchen for a moment to get her a stool to stand on, placing it in front of the stove once you had gotten back before picking her up and placing her on top of it.

     Taking all the things you had bought out of the bag and placing them on the counter, separating them in a convenient position for easy access to get started, you placed a baking sheet you had sprayed down with cooking spray so the apples wouldn't stick when you were done before letting Eri stick the apples with the sticks you had bought after you had washed them really well.

     You soon grabbed a pot and placed it on the stove in front of Eri before reading the little paper you had bought with the directions of how to make these candy apples.

     "Ok, a three-fourths cup of water." You crabbed the measuring cup, putting the water in, then handing it to Eri who placed it in the pot, "Next, some sugar then some corn syrup, and lastly red food coloring." You did the same, handing her the measuring cups and allowing her to put them in the pot.

     Once you had let Eri put all of the ingredients in the pot, you soon turned the stove on medium heat as instructed before allowing her to begin stirring the items together as you waited for it to start boiling—it forming into a dark yet bright red color as she continued her stir motions.

     After about fifteen minutes it had started to boil, bubbles forming in the red-colored liquid.

     Grabbing the candy thermometer, you placed it in the pot to make sure it was the proper temperature before you removed it from the heated area. It reading the perfect temperature, you removed the pot carefully to the burner that was off.

     "Now it's time to dip!"

     "Yay!" Eri raised her arms above her head.

     Grabbing one of the apples, you handed it to ger so she could dip them in the melted candy liquid, "Now be careful, that stuff is still hot."

     She nodded as she carefully dunked the apple in the liquid, leaving a quarter of it unsubmerged, before pulling it out and allowing you to take it and quickly place it on the sheet as you both repeated the process ten more times.

     "You did good, Eri." You smiled once you had placed the last apple on the baking sheet and looked at them all.

     The candy coating on the apples was a bit messy done, but you hadn't expected them to be perfect when Eri had been doing them—she probably did as good of a job as you would have if you were being honest. But with that said, they didn't look any less delectable.

     "When can we have them?" She asked as she stared hungrily at the treats.

     "When they've cooled, so in about thirty minutes or so."

     She didn't seem too happy about such a long wait, but she nodded anyway, "Okay!"

     After placing the pot in the sink and washing it out, you picked Eri off the stool as you both headed to the living room to watch a show to waste some time as you allowed the little treats to cool down so you both could enjoy them.

     Once thirty minutes had passed, you both soon came back into the kitchen you both stopped to look at the coated apples that seemingly having had finished cooling on top of the baking sheet you had set out on the pan.

     Grabbing one, you examined it to make sure they weren't runny or still too warm for consumption before bending down and handing it to her.

     Eri gladly took the treat, not hesitating to take a big bite. Her eyes instantly began to sparkle as she chewed and swallowed. She licked her lips, "It's so good!"

     You soon took a bite of your own, the sweet flavor practically exploding in your mouth, "You're right . . . they are good. Better even."

     "Can . . . can I have another..?" She asked, a now finished apple on the stick.

     Your eyes widened slightly, a bit surprised she had finished so quickly but soon shrugged, "I see why not."

     Happily, she grabbed another one of the coated apples as she began to do quick work of that one, too. Once you had finished yours, you soon followed suit as you got another yourself and began snacking on—a bit faster than the last . . .

     With that, you and she enjoyed the little treats you both had made—perhaps a little too much as you both ended up eating all ten in only the span of about ten minutes . . .