#you aren't even offered the choice in the first place since you and the princess are one and the same

[pink-november]

here's your daily stp trivia

cheated is the only voice that prevents you from turning around and leaving the cabin during a chapter 3

[malnivia]

My contribution to the challenge! Enjoy

(Warning: some angst, a couple swears)

***

Cleaning the shelves. Dusting the books. Rereading the same story all over, again and again until you are finally determined worthy of another less repetitive task.

"Well, that was the last of me," he murmured and got up from his chair.

He could not handle anymore of this crap. Not today, at least not right now. The headache was getting worse and the more he read, the more letters seemed to be more like blurry lines with no pattern in sight.

It was time for him to run.

He laughed nervously when leaving the room. It was that easy. Because they never even were here to keep an eye out for their tasks getting completed. They never had to – he was a perfect student and apprentice and every other random rank he had been given in order to establish the givers as the good ones. Because he would never leave that dark dusty room to wander off to other endeavors. He was taught not to from a young age.

Worried, but determined, a boy with black hair and light-blue eyes hastened to the key chamber to outrun the reasonable thoughts in his head, telling him to go back.

The creaky door announced itself to all of the library halls. Behind it there were carefully placed artifacts in form of keys, hidden from the eyes of the gullible and common outlanders.

Not from the perfect apprentice they aren't, that's for sure

"Which one should I take?" the guy from before put his thumb on his chin and scratched it in a very asshole-y way, as if he was proving some kind of point to the non-existing audience. The point being "No, you cannot understand me, I am simply more intelligent and literate than all of you and your family combined."

Anyway, his gaze has fallen onto the easiest key there is – the Heroine Key. He was never given that one for reasons, obvious to Ex Libris, yet unknown to him. Well, he never really yearned for it since the experience it offers is truly horrendous. After all, what heroines do most of the time is fall in love and spend time with the fictional princes – who in their right mind would want to do that? But this time it was not about the story rather than the simple concept of walking around, doing nothing – something he could never afford.

Finally, he grabbed the key and turned his head to the closest shelf there. "Snow White" is the first one he saw and with no room for anxious thoughts and doubts, he puts the key in the book and vanishes.

***

Once upon a time... A dude falls from the sky.

He appears then in a castle, surrounded by beautiful and high walls, in a room that looks like princesses' chambers. But the boy doesn't spare a single glance – he is truly fed up with the fairytale settings and, having visited so many stories, has lost the ability to enjoy these fantasy surroundings.

Although something does catch his eye... A weird colorful outline coming from his clothes which were supposed to be dark and stylish.

"What the-" he uttered with a hint of hate and genuine disgust as he looked into the mirror nearby and realised what he was wearing – a beautiful dress with a skirt of a golden color, with navy blue puffy sleeves and some red gems around it. He also notices a red short bow in his hair.

Truly, a horror.

"What does it think it's doing?" he referred to the key which was the creator of this outfit. The keys were rarely talked to and if they were, it was not to ask them for a new fashion choice, that's why the guy was so weirded out.

And when you think the situation couldn't get worse – he wasn't even able to punish it (with words). Taking artifacts off of their keychains was strictly forbidden without supervision to ensure no slip-ups and runaways.

The bottom line being, all the boy could do was complain about this situation under his nose.

After 5 minutes of very inappropriate words, he finally let it go and went on on his endeavors, his voice now muttering the plot of the book like some sort of incastation that would make the real world problems vanish away from his brain:

"Once upon a time, there lived a princess named Snow White. Snow White was very beautiful" he rambled while passing through the corridors. "Her skin was as white as snow, her hair as black as the ebony wood and her lips were as red as a red, red rose."

Who even has the lips of a double red rose? Clearly, the princess applied some lipstick before starting the story. "Now now, that's just cheating" a boy thought while stepping out of the castle. "Really, this is supposed to be medieval with no make-up business in sight. Me, I would prefer if my lips were compared to the actual color they are" he considered while gracefully stepping through the garden.

"Excuse me, your Highness!" a voice echoed behind him and he turned to see a local huntsman getting closer. "Princess, would you like to go on a walk in the forest with me?"

"Ah, the part where I get left behind" princess pondered.

"I would love to accept your proposal, sir" he stated instead since he was taught better than to mess with the story's flow of events.

And so they went on a walk. It wasn't really a two-person walk since Snow White has long forgotten how to relax and talk to people his social status and could only reminisce on the plot carved into his mind. He put his hands behind him and didn't pay attention to the character near him until the man cried:

"Princess, I... I have to tell you something. I believe I forgot the... the task I was given by her Majesty. I am going to have leave you."

"What? Aren't you gonna do some work and show me a place to hide from my stepmother?" the princess was very confused as to why is the story different from what he has read.

"E-excuse me, miss. But, you should stay in the forest. It's not safe at the palace right now." the huntsman mumbled with clearly no idea of a good excuse to leave.

The princess couldn't believe his ears. To think that the least this measly character would do is follow the story exactly and yet he doesn't. Snow White felt pissed and very annoyed.

"Ugh, whatever. I am in no need of my mother's subject who can't even do a casual job of killing me..." he said, whispering the last words to escape the leaving man's attention. He watched him go and after he was left alone, he realised... how quiet it actually was.

Is anyone doing their job around here? The huntsman ain't unaliving little girls and now the birds are not singing and helping out the princess. Well, guess what? Today is the opposite day. So, our heroine is going to seat right here and not move for a single inch.

...

Why would it matter anyway... If he went looking for the dwarves' hut, he would have to clean it – basically, more work for the errand boy.

He sat down by the tree in search of some comfort. The headache could not be erased by the magic of Ex Libris, but at least it wasn't getting worse – more like frozen in time.

The boy now had time to dwell on.

He wanted so much to happen, but nothing did. He was still dusting the books and reorganizing the shelves and rereading the same fricking books over and over again. It felt like no life at all. Every meeting, every training session gave him no enjoyment at all – they all became just one single mess of chores that he had to deal with.

Suddenly the boy felt his eyes getting wet. He couldn't believe it. He quickly got up from sulking (which he apparently was doing) and tried to distract himself to avoid the tears coming. After all, what good of an apprentice who cries whenever he gives in a bit too much to ponder on casualties of the present?

He then started thinking about simpler things. He thought of what the Queen was doing at the moment and the words came up to him as if he had the page opened right in front of him.

"Famed as thy beauty, Majesty,

But behold, a lovely maid I see.

Alas, she is more fair than thee,

Lips as red as a rose,

Hair as black as ebony" he brushed his hair off of his face.

"Skin as white as snow."

He sat there for a silent moment before clapping his eyes twice in a rush of thought.

"What?"

He swiftly returned his locks to the same spot.

"Hair as black as ebony huh," he realised only now when looking at his short hair. It was quite dark, a color of night.

"Skin as white as snow..." he then focused his eyes on the hand that was holding the hair, now leaving it behind. His hands were indeed pretty pale.

Instinctively, he touched his lips, but swiftly rolled his eyes after realising that they were clearly not as red as any red, red rose.

"I suppose we're not so different, now are we?" he said to himself. "And without the appearances, we are still both scullery maids, assigned by our predecessors. And in no power to express our opinion." he nervously laughed. "It's almost as if the only difference is that..."

He started, but didn't have the strength to finish.

What he wanted to say was, that in contrast to him... Snow White has a good ending. The evil Queen dies and even though the girl falls asleep, not only she gets kissed by her true love, but the random dwarves and forest animals make a damn good funeral for her.

He's definitely not asking for true love stuff... But a comfortable coffin does sound nice – as well as the people mourning him. Would someone actually do that for him? The Ex Libris probably don't have the patience and the generosity to arrange a little something of an event. Even if they would, it feels really difficult for the boy to believe in something like that.

...

Suddenly, he hears a sob. It's coming from him.

"Well... At least the old man can't hear me," he thinks before letting the tears free.

***

Once upon a time, there lived a princess named Snow White.

Snow White was very beautiful.

Her skin was as white as snow, her hair as black as the ebony wood and her life – as miserable as the most miserable life could be.

[genshin-impacted]

Exchange of Rings

(Alhaitham x Reader - 5/?) 

Love can speak a multitude of languages. You think you're beginning to turn into a polyglot, and you can only hope Alhaitham can understand. OR change + convenience + hypothesis

Word Count: ~4.4k

Notes: afab!reader*, second person pov “you”, gn!reader, switches pov with Alhaitham, modern au, arranged marriage, fall first/fall harder, slow burn

*(really) vague mentions of reader having a menstrual cycle

[Previous - Next]

.

.

.

Not many things have changed since you've come to terms with your feelings for Alhaitham. There is no dramatic reveal, no major shift in perspective. Perhaps you have always been a little in love with Alhaitham, because this self-awareness has given you the chance to love purposefully and unabashedly. 

You buy him small trinkets just to see him smile. They remind you of him (green gems like the necklace he always wears), or you think Alhaitham would get a kick out of how interesting something is. You never thought he would be into art-- and maybe he isn’t. The point is the two of you both still get your kicks out of that one wonky sculpture he bought ‘just because,' so you bring him shiny things as a gift, much like a crow. You think Alhaitham and you both make the same connection because you see him reading a book on corvids the same week you bring back a ‘funny-looking’ marble. 

For the most part, you don't see a lot of the trinkets you buy laying around the apartment. You don’t actually mind if he eventually throws them away. Most of the things you get are cheap and for a bit of a laugh without much actual utility, but you have a feeling Alhaitham has stored them away somewhere safe. 

(The mini, inflatable boyfriend that grows with water is the only thing you know he threw away. You saw him do it, purposely, in front of you with a deadpan expression that still gets you into stitches when you recall it.)

You cook him his favorite meals based on what he's liked of your cooking so far and with a little help from his parents. They were very eager to share their recipes with you, even offering to come over and teach you how to make it. You kindly turn them down– you aren't sure how Alhaitham would feel about being so close to his parents yet– but you appreciate their willingness to lend you help. It is so very evident to you how much they cherish their only son, and their warm wishes for your union with Alhaitham only makes you appreciate them more.

It's freeing, knowing exactly how you feel for Alhaitham. It gives you the courage to invite him to outings just to spend time with him. You try not to overwhelm him with so many invitations, with how much of a homebody he can be, but he has been amenable to all your plans so far, which could not possibly make you any happier. You hike together to see the sunset. You take him out to lunch at the city to try out something new together.

Even for menial tasks, you ask if he wants to come along too. He doesn't always go with you, but when he does pick up to-go with you or drop by the shop to buy something, warmth nestles inside of you from the trip there and back.

You tend to drive on these outings. Just a preference agreed upon by the both of you. You like using your car and Alhaitham likes reading in the passenger side. 'My passenger princess,' you call him teasingly, and Alhaitham always only gives you a shrug, not once denying the allegation. When convenient, you drive him to places he needs to go, though it will always be convenient if you do it for him. This, too, is something you do out of love.

Alhaitham often ‘rewards’ you for your diligence by reading to you in the car upon your request. It's your choice of book usually, if he wants to not have you fall asleep at the wheel. If you were being particularly teasing or bothersome, he pulls out the book on Introductory Harmonic Analysis and reads it to you whether you want it or not. The passenger storage container now fits the emergency kit and two books: the fictional book you want Alhaitham to read aloud and Alhaitham’s book that he keeps for the car rides. Alhaitham's smooth and sonorous voice is a pleasure to listen to, your own personal kindle reader who only pauses when the two of you arrive at your destination. 

In love as you are, you have your off-days. For the most part, you are content with where you are with Alhaitham. You like to think you have a growing understanding of who he is as a person, so you believe even if he isn’t in love with you as you are with him, he has at least grown fond of you. He shows that he cares not through words but through actions, making menial tasks streamlined for you or providing you with help that makes your life easier. He once told you, “To some extent, I want everyone to lead the lives they want to live.” You like to think he has a special interest in making sure that your life is especially to your liking and take it as a hopeful sign of affection.  

Still, some parts of you yearn for open declarations of love. Of someone holding you close and telling you how lucky they are to have you. Of telling someone ‘I love you’ and having them say it back without hesitation. Even the fanfiction you used to read and enjoy, you still enjoy, but your mind always drifts back to Alhaitham and putting Alhaitham into the stories instead. You are by no means blaming Alhaitham for whatever actions or words he cannot give you, but you admit that it makes living with Alhaitham the tiniest bit lonely at times. 

During these sloughs, you deal with it by watching sad videos that make you cry your eyes out. (If it works, it works.) You wipe the tears gathering in your eyes and see Alhaitham, who is beside you in bed reading a book, occasionally glance over with mild concern. He hands you a box of tissues at some point, and you gratefully grab some to dab at your eyes, now completely refreshed after the bout of crying. 

“Thanks, Alhaitham,” you say, returning the tissues to him.

“Sure…” He trails off, watching you carefully. You blink at him, watching as the metaphorical gears turn in his head as he decides whether or not to continue. Eventually, he asks you, “Are you okay?” 

Your heart flutters at the thought of his concern for you the same time you laugh at how worried he looks. “Yeah, I’m fine,” you explain. “Just a few sad dog videos online. Followed by some cute stuff that makes me reaffirm my faith in people. Makes me a little emotional.” 

You see him mutter ‘only a little?’ to himself and let yourself laugh again. Your heart is set to burst with love for him as you put your phone down to throw yourself at his side like you always do. “It’s that time of month again too,” you say.

“I did restock the bag of chocolate in the cabinet today,” Alhaitham tells you. “As for your other items, I just checked whatever you already had and bought the same ones.” 

“You restocked everything for me?” You ask, not even bothering to hide the adoration in your voice. “Thank you.” 

“No need to thank me,” he says, turning back to read his book. “It was convenient for me to get them is all.” It’s what he’s always told you whenever he does something nice for you. But you know the grocery store you both often go to does not have every product that you would need, so you would always need to make an extra stop elsewhere. ‘Convenient,’ he says. It cannot be ‘convenient’ to drive an additional distance away from the apartment to get something he doesn’t need. 

He does it for you, you think warmly. You think you almost tell him ‘I love you’ then.

Instead, you lay your head where his arm rests and gently hook a finger onto his, the closest thing you can get to holding his hand. You think if he asks, you’ll tell him you were just examining his hand, but you hope he lets you stay near him until you fall asleep.

(You sleep earlier than Alhaitham for once, so you do not realize Alhaitham keeps your hand in his until he turns away to put his book down and join you in slumber as well.)

.

.

.

Something has changed. It is so subtle of a shift that Alhaitham almost doesn't notice. But he is more observant than most, and when the changes involve you, who is often the focus of his observations, it is only a matter of time until he realizes something is different. 

It started when you began to ask him out more often to places. A restaurant, a park, the post office– it doesn't really matter where, but you explicitly seek his company more often. He doesn't always accompany you to your desired destination, but he does it more often than not. After all, reading at home is much like reading in the car when you drive with an added plus of stopping by the library or the local book store if there's time left before supper. And he would rather not leave you unsupervised at a stationary store lest you bring home a box worth of things you 'think' you might use.

Though, he admits convenience is not the only reason. He's also curious about the sudden developments, and perhaps he will understand what has changed and the reasons why if he comes along.

For one, you have been giving him more ‘gifts’ as of late. Small trinkets and baubles that have caught your eye when you pass through the flea market or at the shops while he’s at work all end up in your shared apartment. Some of them reminded you of him, and others you found too amusing to not show him. The most notable trinket you have brought home to him (aside from that inflatable boyfriend you bought as an April Fool’s joke) is an artsy take of a drinking bird and a Newton’s Cradle. When questioned as to why, you responded with “it’s funny” and “you like physics, right?” 

(The answers are 'yes,' and 'you're not wrong, per say.')

Other things you have brought him are marbles you describe to have the same shade of green as his eyes. It seems you’re building a collection because the vase you’ve begun to fill with these marbles you find is getting fuller. Not all the marbles are the same exact color though. Some of it has a twinge of orange or yellow, the green a cooler or warmer tone. When Alhaitham takes note of this, you still insist that they are the colors of his eyes. 

“You don’t get to see them in a different light but I do,” you tell him as you turn into the grocery store parking lot. “It’s hard for you to see your eyes without a mirror, right?”

Alhaitham glances up at the dashboard and closes his book. “I suppose so. Just don't look at me so much while you're driving. I'd prefer to avoid a motor vehicular accident, if possible,” he replies, looking over at you. The incoherent sputter is enough of an answer for him, and he can’t help the huff of laughter despite your grumbling about how you would never do that because you're a safe driver, if he couldn't tell!

(He could tell. Alhaitham just thinks your reactions are amusing.)

Alhaitham would think that the gifts are like tokens of appreciation, though Alhaitham can’t fathom what he has done to warrant such gratitude. Any changes he may perceive, he does not believe he has changed in any way since he has lived with you. Yes, some of his habits are affected by you, but his way of living, the ideals of life that he strives for has not changed. Thus, he concludes that the change must be inward; something must have changed in you for you to be acting differently than before. 

Nonetheless, his observations end up inconclusive. 

Alhaitham can conjecture all he wants, but he cannot prove why the change has occurred. Something has changed the way you act around him, but is it from an active force (a decision, an event, a realization) or is it a change that has simply run its natural course? Alhaitham does not know you before the arranged marriage, so he cannot know whether or not this slight alteration in behavior is a result of you becoming comfortable– if this is simply a ‘you’ that he has only just unlocked. It could be both, he reasons. There is no reason why an active force could not act as a catalyst for your change, but he figures he cannot truly know unless he asks.

Not that he will, though. 

In the end, there is no need for Alhaitham to do a thing. As far as he is concerned, the change has only yielded positive things. He’s been able to understand you more and he’s been able to visit places that would be too far (read: inconvenient) for him to go alone. Your gifts do amuse him, and your desire to spend more time with him is more endearing than annoying as he would have previously thought. 

If there was one point of concern, it would be the fact that you seem… distracted at times. You are a person more present than most, so when he finds you with a far-away look and an almost wistful expression on your face, he finds it cause for notice. It’s a normal occurrence for him to walk into the dining room and find you reading something on your phone. What is not common is seeing you stand at the kitchen counter and stare off into the distance, a call for your name unable to bring your attention to him. 

When Alhaitham peers over your shoulder– perhaps something you read has made you contemplative– and asks what you’re reading, your yelp and jump is so sudden that even he is taken by surprise. You gasp when your phone drops onto the floor with a loud clack. Alhaitham instinctively covers the corner of the counter with his hand as you scramble to pick up the phone and check for any damages it might have attained. 

“Whew, it’s all good.” You sigh in relief. Finally, you look at him and smile sheepishly, the bright gleam in your eye present as always. (Alhaitham doesn’t realize but he feels tension leaves his body the moment he sees your familiar smile.) “Sorry, I didn’t hear you. Did you call for me?”

“Not exactly,” he says. “I was just wondering what you could be reading that would make you so distracted.” He trails off when he sees you freeze like a deer in headlights. 

"Um, uh," you start to say succinctly, looking anywhere but at him. Alhaitham knows he often made you nervous when the two of you first started living together, but this is the first time it has happened in a while. 

When you start to mumble something, Alhaitham raises his hand and stops you. If it's something you don't want to share, he finds no reason trying to make you. "Never mind. It's fine if you don't want to tell me-"

"Well, no, it's not like that," you blurt out. You press a hand to your face in the way you always do when you feel your face grow hot in embarrassment. "It's just, um…" He watches as you bite your lower lip in thought. "You ever heard of fanfiction?"

"Of course I have," he says, and his heart leaps without his permission when he sees you turn your head to him, eyes wide with stars. He wonders if it's truly that much of a surprise, but as you go onto a long-winded and, as it seems, long-time coming explanation of fandoms and fanfics, it's evident that you did not anticipate a warm reception to your hobby.

But he does not judge. Why would he? The effort to determine whether one hobby is worth more than another is simply too much for something that does not affect him. In regards to what is ‘socially acceptable,’ has he ever been one to care what society determines as ‘acceptable?’ You seem to have forgotten this facet of his personality, much to his amusement, murmuring a quiet ‘oh yeah’ when he tells you as much.

He truly believes that writing, in all forms, has its merit. Fictional works have never been his moda operandi, but the written word has always been a part of his life. His father is a professor, his mother is a journalist, his grandmother is a librarian– it doesn't come to a surprise for him that his fiancé is involved with prose to some extent too.

“Oh, and your mom has a blog too, right?” You recall, “I remember you telling me she usually talks about her job on there.”

Alhaitham pauses for a moment in his explanation before nodding in confirmation. Perhaps it should not come to a surprise to him that just as he can remember the minute details of the conversations with you, you can too. He remembers the number of times he’s talked to you about his family can be counted on one hand, much of it in passing detail. And you remembered? He didn’t expect you to, but the fact that you did rather… pleases him.

Throughout this conversation, your expression settles in between gratitude and relief. Alhaitham doesn't think what he's saying is particularly praiseworthy, but the way you beam at him so brightly keeps his lips zipped from any further comments. 

Your gifts to him would make sense in this situation, but instead, you offer to cook him one of his favorite meals. It wasn’t out-of-the-blue, it seems, since you gather the needed ingredients from the refrigerator and begin your prep work, humming all the while. Midway through your preparations, Alhaitham begins to recognize what you’re trying to make: chicken-wrapped shawarmas. 

You must notice his calculating gaze because you shoo him out of the kitchen to set the table for dinner that is rapidly underway. Before long, the two of you are sitting at the kitchen table, and you watch him with rapt attention as he takes the first bite. Alhaitham feels a smile tug at his lips at how tastefully familiar it is, and you match his expression with your own bright grin. 

“Is it good?” You ask, though he is sure you already know his answer. 

“It tastes exactly like how my mother makes it,” he says. The words delicious and flavorful are synonymous with his compliments, and you understand, if the way you duck your head bashfully is of any indication. Alhaitham glances at you almost coyly. "Almost like you have her recipe.”

“I asked her for it," you say sheepishly. "I hope you don’t mind.”

Many facets of your personality, Alhaitham finds, are endearing. The way you shift between pride and humility when he praises you, the effort in which you place into getting to know others, his family included. The thought of you getting along with his parents strangely pleases him as well. It’s not like you’re marrying his family (just him; though some books have said marriage is the joining of two families…) and his family’s approval has never been something he needed. But the idea of his parents and you enjoying each other’s company is a nice thought. Alhaitham takes another bite of the shawarma and thinks about his grandmother and how she would also like you as you are: lively, witty and kind. 

He must have been quiet for a moment too long because you tilt your head at him curiously. “Is it your turn to be contemplative today?” You tease, spreading the yogurt sauce into the pita bread.

It is only a hypothesis, but he finds no harm in sharing his thoughts. “I was just thinking my grandmother would like you too,” Alhaitham says. “As it seems my parents seem to have taken a liking to you. My mother does not share her recipes with just anyone.”

“W-Well,” you stammer, fidgeting with your plate like you are wont to do when shy, “it’s because I’m cooking for her son, of course she would send me the recipe. But, um…” You trail off, looking down at your shawarma. “Your grandma… I know how much you care for her. You really think she would like me?” 

You look worried when you ask. Though he cannot empathize, Alhaitham does understand why you would be concerned just because of who you are as a person. Of course, you would worry about what his family thinks, about making a good impression. You value family, so it is only natural for you to want to be a part of his family.

He believes your worries are misplaced though; there is no reason to worry when he is almost certain that his family already loves you. Hypothesis yet to be proven, he thinks, but he imagines you are one family visit away from being included in his mother's journal entries, invited to his father's outdoor barbecue, and doted on by his grandmother who will squeeze your cheeks. The thought of it soothes him.

Alhaitham also predicts if you ever bring up meeting his friends (or more likely, when they bring up meeting you), they will end up liking you too. You might even laugh at Cyno's jokes while making glances with Tighnari and Dehya who will like you the moment they realize you win arguments against Alhaitham. Nilou and Kaveh will especially get along with you. You are a creative soul, and they will know almost immediately and flock to you like birds of a feather. 

It is not hard to imagine, Alhiatham thinks. You are easy to love.

“Yes, I’m quite certain my grandmother would like you," he says finally, much to your relief. "You'll find them much more agreeable than me."

"Well, that's not much of a competition, is it?" You joke, and you laugh when he quickly snatches the condiments you were reaching for out of a pretense of spite. 

Even Alhaitham cannot hide the hint of a smile when you complain to him. It’s all an act when you do it, goading him into bantering back and forth with you. A well-laid trap that he willingly walks into because it feels easier to do so than not. Sometimes, though, he watches you whine and gripe about something to see what you would do without his responses. 

Like tonight, when you roll into bed with him at what you consider an early bedtime, you tell him you can’t sleep, looking up at him anticipatorily for a reprieve that he can provide you. Alhaitham knows you want him to read to you. It’s something he does for you often, in the car, in the living room. You find his voice soothing, perfect to lull you to sleep, so you say. He isn’t prone to mischief, but even he finds ways to amuse himself at the tiniest of your expense.

“Alhaitham…” 

“Yes, what is it?” 

Alhaitham doesn’t have to glance away from his book to know that your lips have formed into an involuntary pout as you decide whether or not to ask him to– for a lack of better words– read you a bedtime story. You find yourself embarrassed at the strangest (to him) of things, not that Alhaitham is complaining. He gets to flip through a few pages of his book as you stew in your thoughts, and it’s as if Alhaitham can see the mental gymnastics you’re doing to work yourself up to ask for something you want. 

“If it isn’t any trouble,” you begin, and Alhaitham already begins to mentally sift through the possible books he can read to you before you even finish asking. He thinks anything might do if his voice truly has that effect on you, but if a story isn’t necessary, math will do just fine to put you to sleep. “Can you read something to me for a little while?” You scramble with your words for a moment, “Just until I fall asleep, I mean. If you don’t mind.” 

“Is that all you wanted to ask?” Alhaitham can’t help but say just to watch you huff in mild indignation. A smile is on his face before he even realizes it. “How’s the book I’m reading right now?” 

Even now, he still startles slightly when you snuggle right up to him, if only to squint at the book cover he’s currently holding. When you tell him that anything is fine, his heart has already begun to settle again, your warmth comfortable and familiar at his side. And he begins to read. 

It doesn’t take long for you to fall asleep. You’re on your side, breathing steady, with your head in the center of the bed where you moved in closer to him. As animated as you are, with your body language and your expression, it is something of a novelty to see you be so still in sleep. Alhaitham feels something stir inside his chest as he watches you for a moment longer, his hand reaching out to pull the blanket up higher to tuck under your chin. 

Alhaitham doesn’t know how long he sits there in his own thoughts, but eventually he finds himself getting ready for bed as well. He turns off the lamp on his bedside table and gets under the covers, turning toward the center of the bed where you still are. It’s a little cramped on his side, but he finds he would rather keep you where you are than run the risk of waking you up to move you. It was due to his efforts that you’re now asleep, after all, so it would only be a hassle to ruin all that work. 

And it is a cold night tonight. Spring is fickle with its temperatures, with its sunny mornings and cool sunsets; your presence by his side serves only to make his sleep more comfortable. It’s why he’ll let you stay as close as you are- among other reasons he can think of, and he thinks he can come up with more. 

There are two thoughts that run through Alhaitham’s head before he falls asleep. One, he’s pleasantly surprised that you’ve been able to keep up the habit of sleeping early like you had hoped for. And two, he can smell your shampoo from how close you are– the scent of citrus that suits you so well staying with him even in his dreams. 

.

.

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taglist:

@crowbird @thetwinkims @jaguarthecat @tanspostsblog @dxstopiaa @yoimyas @theprinceofkhaos @homeinhobii @nagisuterus @sleep-deprivedracoon @scentedcandlesandcookies @secretlyrexlapis @kibbly-bibbly @loki-zos-galvus @teapartyspilled @herbal-tea-and-manga @quintessentialdreaming @detectivesparrow @certaindreampost @kazuharem @flooffi

[yelenassecretlover]

laundry day

anime: attack on titan

characters: yelena x reader

synopsis: your roommate yelena helps you on laundry day, and reveals some feelings while she does

warnings: a little angst, internalized homophobia???

words: 2.1k

a/n: For @belavender collab <3333

You never really thought about love, I mean the romantic kind. Life was already hectic as it is, to add boys into the equation was asking for misery. So, you lived a perfectly good life without all the unwanted stress of it.

You fold your roommates laundry as you have these thoughts. She was really busy lately so you offered to do it for her. The fresh scent of lavender and the warm cloth on your hands relax you enough to explore these topics in your mind. Doing laundry for most was a hassle and annoying but as you sit on the floor of your living room, you are at peace.

“Damn Y/N, you’re so slow. How are you still folding clothes?”

A deep voice disrupts your thoughts and you look up to the owner. It's Yelena, your roommate. She’s leaning on the opening of the hallway, dwarfing the entrance with her tall stature. She’s in black gym shorts and a white tank top. The black color of her sports bra peeks through her top, and her white sneakers brings the outfit together. She’s going to the gym.

“Yeah, I like to take my time with the clothes. Folding really helps me think ya know?” You shift your attention from her back to the clothing. You’ve known her for so long now, ever since college when you were first randomly assigned together. It only felt natural to stay together after graduation. You hear footsteps approaching you, but you stay focused on the task at hand. Yelena sighs and sits next to you. She snatches the shirt you’re about to fold, and you open your mouth to protest but she speaks over you,

“I know you don't need any help but I feel bad. Plus I checked the weather and it's way too cold for me to go out in this attire. I need my clothes”she chuckles, and so do you.

“Yeah no shit those tight ass booty shorts aren't fit for the weather. We are in the middle of winter Yelena” You both laugh and she throws a fake punch at your shoulder.

“Just don't disrupt me.”

“Whatever you say princess” You feign embarrassment by placing your hands on your face dramatically, earning a chuckle from Yelena.

You then continue the laundry by picking up a green turtle neck. Folding Yelena's clothes you've come to learn she owns way too many turtlenecks, like does she even wear them all? winters only a few months.

Yelena begins folding clothes next to you and observing you in the process. She notices how lost in thought you are and a few other things. Looking at you was one of her favorite pastime activities. You were so entrancing. She wasn't sure what it was about you, that she fell so in love with. If she had to guess, she'd say everything. One thing she used to really love was how clueless you seemed of everything. She could be staring right at you just as she was now and you wouldn’t notice, always in your head about something or the other. But emphasis on ‘used to love’ now she’s frustrated. What are you thinking about? Who's taking up space in your mind where she should be?

You feel Yelena's gaze on you. You aren’t stupid, but you also are so unsure of everything. It takes you hours in the morning to find the right outfit because you are so hesitant on making any final choices. You think Yelena sees you as more than a friend but you aren’t sure, and you’d never want to impose your own feelings onto someone else. Not that you have feelings for anyone, do you? you can't decide so you ignore love, remember? that's what we do with it, hide it and bury it and pretend it doesn't exist. Because admitting you feel love would be admitting so many truths about yourself you aren’t ready to handle. What you can handle is folding these clothes and neatly stacking them, that is the only thing you're sure of.

“What are you thinking about?…what goes on in that mind of yours?” Yelena mutters. She realizes she said those words aloud and internally cringes, but she still half expects an answer if you heard her. You keep folding clothes as if you didn't, and defeated, Yelena slumps back to her pile.

“Love” you answer.

Yelena is surprised but she doesn't show it. She continues slowly folding clothes but her posture changes, she sits up right. She wasn't expecting you to answer but now that you did she's intrigued.

Why did you answer? you didn't even mean to but you did and now there's a really awkward silence, if you don't count the shuffling of clothes.

“Elaborate,” Yelena mutters again.

“I dont think I'm sure how.” You sigh.

Yelena looks over to you again. The look of confusion is something even she can't hide from her face. You look up at her to see it and give her a small giggle.

“What?” you ask as you giggle even more. When situations get awkward you can't help but laugh, it's a survival tactic, that's only ever led to your doom.

“its just…” she begins, you see how her eyebrows raised and her mouths in a half smirk, and you bust out laughing. She starts laughing too, although hers is more of a deep chuckle.

“Love? I've never pegged you as the love type. I don't think I can even recall you bringing a single man to this home, not even back when we were dorming” she says as she places a shirt in a folded stack.

“I was busy with school, back then.” You plainly state.

“And now? what’s your excuse, now.” You keep looking at her and aren’t sure what to say, your mouth just slightly agape as you try and think of words to say.

“Speaking of men, I also can't recall you ever having a crush on one, isn’t that funny,” she chuckles. You awkwardly chuckle back, but you don't know how to answer. Yelenas not dumb she doesnt find anything amusing, but if she presses you too hard on the subject shes scared you’ll fold and close your self off. She doesn't look at you but her eyes are sharp. She's pushing you into a corner. A corner she's not going to let you escape, not this time.

“I think the weather is getting warmer, you going to the gym?” you weakly attempt to change the subject, Yelena doesn't fall for the bait.

“Nah, you still ignoring your own feelings?” You immediately freeze up, you look away from her, shifting your gaze to the shirt in your hand.

“Excuse me?” you try to chuckle but it comes out more as a strained cough.

“Sorry let me rephrase that” Yelena snatches the shirt from your hands forcing your attention onto her.

“You still ignoring my feelings?” she says, this time a lot softer. But Yelena's face is no longer amused, its hard and vulnerable. You look around as if the walls of your living room hold some kind of make believe answer you can give her before looking back at her.

“What are you talking about? Is something wrong” You give her a small smile.

“Is something wrong?” Yelena mocks before she begins laughing maniacally. You’re a little freaked out at this point but still frozen in your spot on the floor.

“y/n..” She sighs and leans her arms and back against the couch looking up at the ceiling.

“I'm going to move out, I already started looking at places” Yelena admits. You are completely blindsided by this and hurt. You aren’t sure what to say to make her stay but you aren’t exactly sure what’s wrong to begin with.

“Yelena what’s wrong? lets talk about this,” Yelena remains with her gaze at the ceiling, but she's breathing harder, as she tries to stop herself from completely breaking down in front of you.

“Im fucking tired of falling in love with straight women.” Your heart drops as you realize what’s going on. But maybe she's not referring to you? you're so unsure, always unsure about everything. Yelena continues,

“It’s embarrassing and not only that, it hurts. It hurts me every time. And I, And I know I shouldn’t do it, I know but—” She changes her posture and sits up again. She looks over to you moving her hand over her mouth as she thinks.

“I thought I could do it with you, that I would get over it. But I was wrong. I'm going to move out for myself, this is what I need. If you can't accept how you feel, if you even have any feelings I don't know. But i'm not going to force you to do anything—“

“Yelena what are you talking abou—” you begin,

“What am i—“ Yelena interrupts before she takes a deep breath,

“Im talkin about you constantly claiming men are the worst things in the world. That, that you don't want anything to do with them. And in the same breath just constantly, and I mean all the fucking time you flirting with me—“ Yelenas voice cracks but she continues,

“Im talking about you making me feel like, like theres a chance, like— fuck, y/n you know im in love with you, you know, dont act stupid” Yelenas eyes are mad and her breathing’s erratic. But you’re looking at her completely shocked, as if this were news to you. And she feels guilty but she stands her ground. She’s been in love with you for way too long. Yelena just wants a rejection so she can finally move on.

For so long you weren't sure how Yelena truly felt about you. You knew she treated you differently than the rest but she was your closest friend. It's a given she would behave differently with you. But now you know she's in love with you, and you? Well this comes as a surprise to no one but you're confused. So many emotions and anxieties are swirling inside of you that you remain silent.

Yelena waits patiently for your response. She can see the gears rolling in your head. She can see the inner debate that's unfolding within you. She’s seen this so many times before, the choice of whether to accept the feelings or ditch her for some dude. Yelena waits, but she prepares for the worst, you deciding you don't feel anything for her.

You scan Yelena one more time. You scan her face and see how her eyes desperately analyze all your movements. You scan her body and see how her chest moves sporadically and hands keep wiping themselves on her shorts. You scan her legs and how long and beautiful they are. There’s no denying now the attraction you feel towards her. You can't ignore it, not when you're being forced to confront it. How did you never notice such blatant feelings before? The way you’d always stare at her for longer than you should’ve, how could you have genuinely chalked that up to friendly feelings. There was nothing friendly about the way you felt about her, and now you know the feelings are mutual.

Yelena, however, is still in the dark. She keeps watching as you calmly look at her and she feels as if her heart’s about to burst and fall out of her into a million pieces. Falling in love is a dangerous game, but wow does Yelena love playing it and she hates herself for it. You finally look Yelena in her eyes, chewing on your lip as you think of what to say. You look so…sweet, you make Yelena's heart ache. And Yelena decides she can keep playing this game if it's with you.

“ y/n i'm sorry let's just forget this whole mess, and finish the laundry. I won't move out, I just, I don't know…” Yelena looks down on the floor and starts rummaging through the clothes again. And you're given an opportunity to keep hiding. To pretend and go back to how everything was before. Always friendly with one another, always friends. But you’d be silly to think that was ever possible after today, so you make up your mind. You move over to Yelena who’s folding a jacket, and crawl on to her lap.

“ y/n I cant— you cant—” You place a kiss on her cheek and snuggle into her neck. Yelena drops the jacket in her hands, and wraps them around your waist loosely holding on to you.

“Dont be sorry, please.” You whisper while your face is on her neck.

“im so bad when it comes to this stuff, but I love you too” You feel Yelena pull you as close as she can to her and you melt. Even though it took so long you were finally in her arms the way she wanted you to be, and you both couldn’t be happier.

Networks: @our-love-club

[oh-holy-slut]

Bloodlust

Pairing: Damon Salvatore x fem!reader

Warnings: smut, explicit language, blood sharing, mentions of death, oral sex

Word Count: 2,6k

Summary: Stefan forced Damon to try his animal diet. Damon hated it, but didn't had a choice... until Reader makes a suggestion. Suddenly things get steamy.

Being with Damon was complicated. Him and Y/N have seen each other a lot in the past weeks. The two of them had a lot of fun; saw a lot of movies. Actually, Y/N was sure Damon secretly hated many of those. However, anytime Y/N suggested another dramatic, romantic cliché movie like "Last Song" - the vampire groaned, put his arm around her shoulder, let her head rest on his chest and endured every single second of the movie of her choice.

Damon even flirted and teased Y/N here and there, but didn't lead to anything more intimate so far.

Today was another of those days. Y/N stuck around at the Salvatore boarding house, brought a few of Damon's favorite groceries and a bunch of movies, of which she thought that they will suit his taste. Even if they were a little to bloody and brutal in her opinion.

"Pick one!", she demanded, holding all three Blu-ray sleeves in front of him. Damon just shrugged, not bothering to even look.

"Don't be a killjoy, Damon Salvatore!" Y/N sighed.

"Tell me what's wrong or pick a movie. You've got no choice. And besides that... Which number of drink is this?" Y/N frowned, pointing at the liquor in her friends hand. Damon usually consumed his beloved bourbon with pleasure.

But the man on the couch didn't seem pleasured at all. His facial features totally hardened and a look in his eyes like he was ready to rip someone's heart out.

You put the disc's back in your handbag, closing the zipper and put the bag on the floor.

"Fine. No movie night today. Who are we going to kill?"

A small smirk appeared on Damon's lips, finally looking towards Y/N.

"Stefan and his hero hair. He made me go vegetarian... well, for a vampire... and I can't get myself to eat one of those chipmunks, bunnies or bambis." He shook himself with disgust.

"And why did he count you in? You clearly aren't excited about the changing... So, why did you agree?"

"He said, he would kill me, which is kinda funny. But-" Damon made a wide gesture "he stole my daylight ring. And he wouldn't give it back until I stop feeding on innocent people - and kill them."

"So, you truly let your younger brother blackmail you like that?! Wow... I don't know how to feel about your dieting or your new path. Or whatever this is supposed to be."

"You don't like me killing people either", Damon maintained, while taking another sip of bourbon.

"Well, I don't", Y/N agreed, took a step forward, stole the glass from the vampires hand and put it on a small table nearby. "But I don't believe in forcing as a method to get people to change their minds. I believe that change for the better must be an intrinsic motivation," she added quickly, giving the vampire an innocent smile.

Damon's lineaments suddenly turned from annoyed to curious. "Any suggestions, little one?" The vampire raised an eyebrow and a little smirk showed up on his lips. On the one hand, Y/N blushed over the nickname, Damon called her.  On the other hand she felt skittish looking forward to making a deal with him. Not only a deal. It's far more than a simple agreement.

It's Y/N, actually giving Damon a part of her. The red elixir of life. She was about to give him total control of her body and she not even for a heartbeat doubt that Damon will use it against her.

"Actually... Yeah. There's something on my mind." Y/N said chewing on your lip. "I could open up a vein for you. I mean, you could feed on me. And since you have my permission, there's nothing for anybody to have objection about."

Damon frowned and gave her an incredulous look. "You would do that for me?" The vampire couldn't believe, he understood correctly. Why would Y/N want to get involved with him feeding on her? What's in it for her? Damon tried hard to connect the dots, but he wasn't able to. It all seemed to make no sense. Y/N wouldn't have an advantage of that. The vampire hesitated, pinning his dangerously blue eyes on the girl in front of him.

"Is it so suspicious of me, that I'm trying to help my closest friend?" It pierced Y/N's heart, realizing, Damon's trust in her was rather fragile. "Never mind", she waved the pain away and forced herself to keep her composure. "I only had a hasty idea; you really don't need to fee-"

Suddenly Damon appeared behind Y/N, using his vampirism. "Shhhh", he whispered softly. "I never said, that I don't want your blood. I'm thinking about if we are going to cross a line? Blood sharing can be very personal..."

"It can be? It is personal already. Believe it or not - I'm not gonna offer my veins to all the vampires of Mystic Falls." Y/N rolled her eyes, her arms folded on her chest to point out the indignation she felt right now.

"Kinda sensitive today, huh?" Damon gently stroke a strand of hair behind her ear, Y/N could hear this smug smirk through his words. It was a true 'Damon thing' to do. "I didn't mean it like that, princess." He sighed; unsure if he should agree or not. Damon didn't want to act selfish towards Y/N. He compelled a lot of girls for the purpose of drinking blood in the past. He literally used them as long as they weren't too annoying - and then he acted like they have never met. Damon Salvatore couldn't imagine this scenario with Y/N. They've been so close, the vampire couldn't stand loosing her. The offer was risky, but it also could bring each other even closer.

Damon tried hard to avoid any serious attraction between Y/N and him, afraid of messing up. Indeed, he found himself thinking, and even dreaming, about Y/N more than he wanted to admit. She was smart and had this special sense of humor, the vampire adored so much. She was the only one, who could make him feel good no matter what. Needless to say she had that glimmer in her eyes, when she did something she truly loved. In these moments she was even more pretty. Y/N was hard to resist.

And maybe now he could have her like nobody else. At least the vampire gave in. He wanted her blood. He wanted her.

Y/N flinched by the feeling of Damon brushing her neck with his lips.  "Oh, Damon", she gasped. "Bite me." Y/N almost begged for the vampire's teeth breaking through her skin. Damon loved the sound of her husky voice. In less than a heartbeat he turned into his vampire shape. "If you insist", he grinned devilishly, ready to place his teeth on to her skin.

Suddenly Y/N made a slight move forward with the intention to interrupt her friend. "Did you change your mind?" Damon was close to switching back to human, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Mostly a lack of understanding, but also a little of disappointment and even anger. Was Y/N playing games on him? While Damon Salvatore was sorting feelings, Y/N turned around, standing now in front of him.

She was so close, not even a piece of paper would fit between them.

Y/N slightly exhaled breath, her eyes darting between the vampires eyes and lips. It was the first time Y/N saw him like this. The icy blue of his eyes, she loved so much, has turned darker. Purple veins appeared under his eyes; Y/N couldn't help herself. Damon's appearance fully intoxicated every fibre of her being. Her fingertips found their way gently brushing over his dark purple veins. She felt heat and softness, while tracing one of them.  It took her a few seconds to get out of trance, realizing what she had done. "Sorry", she murmured with a voice barely audible. "Don't apologize, little one." Damon tilted his head, his lips curled up in a self-assured grin, exposing a perfectly white vampire fang. "I never saw you like this before, you loo-"

"... look like a monster?"

Y/N shook her head. It was nothing like that. Yes, he did look unfamiliar. And she should be scared under normal conditions. Instead, his look hit her in an unexpected way. He looked hotter as a vampire, if it was even possible. 

Y/N cleared her throat, looking up at Damon. "I feel... attracted to you."

"So nothing's changed", Damon teased, raising his eyebrows. The girl in front of him softly slapped him on his shoulder; which was only possible because the vampire permitted. "You are always so full of yourself." She smirked, feeling more confident being to something, they have had been so many times before. Granted, he was terrifying accurate, but she wouldn't serve her feelings on a silver platter.

"I'm still into it. You can bite me; feed on me. I only needed to see you before..." 

A shockwave of electricity flowed through her body the second Damon took her hand and pulled her close.

"I'll be careful", he promised, nuzzling his head into the nap of her neck. Damon once again placed his lips on her soft skin. 

Suddenly a harsh pain made Y/N feel like in a kind of haze. She flinched and let out a groan at the same time, unintentionally biting her lower lip. 

During Damon embedded his fang deeper and deeper, she started feeling dizzy. Her hands searched for the vampires upper body, finally wrapped around his neck. She needed him to lean on. A narrow trickle of blood flowed down her neck. Let Damon feed on her felt like flames licking up every fiber of her body. 

With every passing second Y/N could feel her control slip away. Her body was now firmly pressed against Damon's, like she would want to merge them into one.

Damon noticed her staggering, wrapped his arms around her waist, supporting her.

Bloodlust already messed up the vampires mind, so he continued feeding on Y/N.

A tempting moan escaped her lips, but she didn't care to cover up. Y/N's heart was racing, her eyes flattering. It was almost as if he was about to push her over the edge, but in a different way. "Mmm, this...this… feels soo weird... and so good...", she whispered under a shallow breath.

As soon as Damon heard her fading voice, he abruptly

quitted drinking from her.

"Fuck!" He rapidly laid her on his lap and checked Y/N's vital signs, to make sure she was okay. Instinctively he bit his wrist, pressed it against Y/N's mouth. He knew his blood would heal her, but it wasn't going fast enough. A few seconds passed through, to him they felt like centuries. Y/N finally blinked and Damon was relieved. He cupped her cheeks, his gaze never leaving hers. "I thought, I'd gone-" Damon cleaned his throat. "I'm so glad, you are doing well", he whispered, while trailing her lips with his fingertips. "So, fuckin' glad..." The vampire exhaled a deep breath. 

"It... You made me feel good. Strange, but good", Y/N appeased and flushed over the memory. "Maybe you got a little carried away, but I don't mind. I wouldn't trade the feeling for anything."

Y/N quickly interrupted herself, before she could reveal too much.

However, Damon used his vampire skills, noticing that Y/N was hiding something from him. "Isn't there anything else you want me to know?", Damon asked without taking his eyes off her. Y/N shifted and flushed even more. "It's unfair. You use your vampirism to get everything out of me."

"Well, if that were the case, I could easily compel you." Damon shrugged and found back to his smugly self. "Tell me, what you are hiding". He said in a seductive voice.

"I wanted to get lost in you."

Her confession sent shivers all over the vampires body. At first he could not decide, how to handle this. "Are you sure that's what you want? I could really hurt you..." Y/N hummed.

In the next split second, Damon pinned Y/N against a wall, smashing his lips on hers, kissing her with all the passion he had to give. The vampire devoured Y/N with a new kind of hunger. He didn't know he could crave someone so much.

"Fuck me, Damon..."

The vampire felt him getting hard, only by hearing those little three words out of her mouth.

"Say it louder. Tell me, what you want me to do."

Y/N pulled him closer, gently biting his earlobe.

"Fuck... me, Damon." It took her a second to focus and forming the words again. After she was near to climax earlier, it wasn't a long way getting to the edge once more. "Make me cum... You almost had me there..."

A deep moan got over the vampires lips, once he understood, what Y/N was trying to tell him.

With the next blink Y/N found herself in Damon's bedroom, lying on his bed.

From now on there weren't many words needed. Damon's hand's found their way under her shirt, cupping her breasts and make her moan over and over again.

He closely listened to the rhythm of her heart, making sure he would be able to delay her climax to the point he needed her to.

"Don't cum yet... I want to taste your little pussy first."

Y/N grabbed the vampires head, running her fingers through his dark hair - pushing him down, since she was unable to form a single word.

As Damon got down, he didn't take his eyes off Y/N.

He used a hand pushing up her skirt and lightly stroking over her panties with his fingertips.

"My girl is so wet", he praised in a low husky voice."-and I barely touched you."

His dirty words in combination with his touch lead to another moan, almost turned into a scream.

Damon pushed the fabric aside, leaving sloppy kisses on the inside of her thighs.

Y/N's eyes fluttered, when his soft lips reached her middle.

Damon's tongue licking around her entrance was driving her nuts.

"...so delicious..." were the only words she was able to catch up. Damon knew, he couldn't thrill her forever, so he got back to her. He spit on his palms, stroking his hand over his crotch. In under a second Y/N finally felt this releasing pressure of his cock. It was like a switch went off in her brain and she braced herself for the hard thrusts that would follow.

Damon dimmed the whining noises Y/N made with a passionate, hungry kiss.

He cheated with his vampirism to give it to her deeper and faster, knocking out all the air of her lungs while Y/N screamed out Damon's name. Her walls clenched around him and made him twitch. It was like her pussy massaged his dick the best way possible.

Every time he hit her harder and rougher he was making sure he hit her spot with every thrust.

Damon gathered speed one last time and pushed her over the edge until she was a moaning whimpering mess.

With her last contraction around his shaft, Damon was cumming inside her.

"You are so tight, little one", he whispered under his breath. "We should make arrangements more often."

Please like or/and reblog if you enjoyed reading or/and want me to write more stories about Damon.

Thanks guys ❤️

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

Unexpected Places (Pt. 07 of 11)

Pairing: Ivar the Boneless X Reader/Bjorn X Reader

Word count: 1.9 K

Summary: As a princess, you've lived in a golden cage all your life, always a piece on someone else's game. But everything changed when the Norsemen came crushing down on Wessex, like waves in a violent storm. Their king spared your life and decided to take you with him to his kingdom, in what felt more like a rescue than a kidnapping. There, you were not only confronted with a completely different culture and lifestyle, but also with two of his sons. The oldest one has his eyes set on you, but it's the youngest one, Ivar, who gets who claimed your attention since the first sight. And he seems to have an unnamed interest in you. Of course you hoped whatever that was would pass, but when unexpected feelings start to flow a different way, things begin to change.

<- Previous part (06)

Next part (08) ->

{Vikings Masterlist}

×

Honesty

“(Y/N), wake up.” A faint, weak murmur fills your ears. You're still under water though, floating away. “C'mon, wake up.” A sudden motion makes you bounce, a movement too abrupt to someone who's drowning. That's when you acknowledge the air filling your lungs. Not too much, but enough to bring some relief. You can't be under water. People can't breathe under water. “You won't die, hear me? Not from the cold.”

Ubbe. What's Ubbe doing here? Closing your eyes tightly, you feel like you're climbing back to the surface, back into consciousness, forcing your eyes to open. The first thing you notice is the cold, piercing, attached to your bones. Then, you realize you're being carried. “What...” You mumble, clenching your shaking hands into fists.

“There you are.” Ubbe happily says, walking fast. “We're almost there.”

“Almost where?” The lightning suddenly changes, and everything gets a little darker.

“What happened?”

“She was at the lake. The ice cracked and she fell.” Ubbe says.

“Get a warm bath to her room now!” You recognize Aslaug's voice. “Bring her close to the fire.”

The moment you're put down and feel a source of warmth, you push yourself closer, but arms hold you back. “Not that close.”

“Shit.” You curse, hands hovering above the fire. It comes back suddenly. The woods, the lake, and the ice cracking under your feet, swallowing you. How you got out, however, you have no idea, but you figure it was Ubbe. “Damn it.” You're shaking like a leaf, wishing you could sit inside the fire.

“(Y/N).” Someone calls, and when you look at your side you see Ivar and Hvitserk, both looking worried. Ivar moves faster though, dropping to the floor next to you.

“Are you alright?” He asks, hands cupping your face.

“I'm cold.” You mumble, laughing at how stupid it sounds. “I'm freezing.” Giggling, you feel as Ivar pulls you close, your body collapsing on his chest. It makes you blush, if that's even possible given how the cold has penetrated your bones. Shaking against him, you place your forehead on his neck, welcoming the warmth emanating from his skin. “Sorry, I'm soaking wet.”

“Don't worry.” He says, a hand caressing your hair. You don't know exactly what's going on, but Ivar is like a second fire right now, and you have no intention of letting go of him.

“Here,” Hvitserk mutters, and you feel a piece of fabric being laid around your shoulders.

“Alright.” Ivar fixes the blanket, rubbing your back. “You'll be fine.”

“Let's leave them,” Aslaug says in a low voice, and you notice Hvitserk and Ubbe walking away. “I'll send someone to call you when the bath it's ready.” Her voice fades away as she speaks, and then there's nothing but the low noises of the fire.

Slowly, you feel yourself warming up, the shakings finally surrendering as you sink more and more into Ivar. You don't want to think about what this means, so you barely move, not wanting whatever this is to end just yet. You almost died today. Drowned, frozen, whatever. But you did think that was the end of it. And life has so much to offer, you'd hate to lose all of its endless possibilities. Death will come one day, but first, you want to live.

“What happened?” Ivar asks, his voice barely a whisper.

“I didn't know I was at that lake, I just... I wasn't really paying attention then I heard a cracking noise.” Taking a deep breath, you remove some hair attached to your face. “Then it broke right under me and the water was so damn cold.”

“(Y/N),” Aslaug calls, and, hesitantly, you move away from Ivar, sitting up straight. “Come take your bath. You need to warm up.”

“Alright.” Nodding, you glance at Ivar before pushing yourself up.

The bath is a blessing, and you couldn't be more thankful. The warm water cleans the ice that fixated itself on your bones, and you relax in the tub. Aslaug, of course, wants to know exactly why you ended up on the frozen lake, and you have no choice but to tell her what you heard. But you beg her not to speak to Bjorn about it. You can deal with your own problems, and you don't want to make their already delicate relationship worse.

After you're clean and warmed up, she allows you to leave the bath and get dressed. You're eager to leave this episode behind and never again you'll set foot on frozen water. As you leave your room with Aslaug, her maids left to drag the tub away, you meet Hvitserk coming from the opposite direction.

“Ice lady.” He says, smiling.

“I'll leave you two to talk and go find my husband,” Aslaug mutters, and you sigh to know she will be speaking to him about Bjorn.

“How about not calling me that?” You tell Hvitserk, crossing your arms. “I almost died.”

“But you didn't.”

“Hvitserk just...” Complaining it quite useless. He'll probably only make it worse. “Fine then, call me what you like.”

“It looks like I won this battle then.” Raising an eyebrow, he gives the girls passing by a glance. “What was that, by the way?”

“What was what?” Running a hand through your hair, you still have a threat of hope he might be talking about anything else.

“Really? Do you expect me to ignore you and Ivar hugging like that?”

“I don't know what that was.” Shrugging your shoulders, you sigh. “But I'm willing to find out. It's better than think too much and end up with wrong conclusions.”

“Ivar is in his room, in case you want to know,” Hvitserk says in a low voice, walking closer and giving you a glance that always makes you want to punch his jaw. “And he was very worried about you.” And he walks away, leaving you there like an idiot.

“You're putting some effort into ruining this friendship, aren't you?” Rolling your eyes, you turn on your heels and start making the way to Ivar's room, walking fast and eventually leaving Hvitserk behind.

You were feeling brave until you're at Ivar's door. Then you wonder if this is a good idea. Some things are better left alone, and Ivar is a complicated person. But still, you can't bring yourself to walk away, so you knock three times, not sure if you want him to answer. But you hear footsteps, and seconds after the door is pushed open. It still takes you by surprise how tall he is, and those blue eyes still send shivers down your spine.

“I left my necklace here.” You mutter, feeling a little stupid. “Earrings, bracelets...”

Silently, Ivar moves aside, giving you space to walk in, so that's what you do. “They're where you left them.” He mutters, but gestures at the table he has set near the fire. Following his gesture, you sit down, hands hovering over the fire. “Ubbe said he saw you wandering through the woods.” He starts, settling down on the chair across the fire. “He called, but you didn't listen.”

“Yeah, I was just... Trying to run from my own thoughts, I think.”

“What happened?” The question is the same as earlier, but it means something entirely different. This isn't about the ice cracking, it's about what led you into that situation. Raising your eyes from the flames, you find Ivar's intense stare as he leans forward, the fire illuminating his features.

Taking a deep breath, you decide to tell him. “I heard Bjorn and your father talking and when I caught my name I decided to know what was that about and... Bjorn said something about a prophecy that says he'll marry a princess and guess what? He thinks I'm the princess.” A humorless laugh escapes your lips.

“Bjorn wants to marry you?” He states, cupping his hands together, anger taking over this expression.

“I don't care what Bjorn wants, only about what I want and I surely don't want him.” It sounds mean, like you despise the man. “I won't be told what to do, not here, not anywhere else, I'm done with being just a piece on somebody else's game.”

A smile creeps through Ivar's lips, and the anger slowly fades. “That's good to know.”

“And... Ragnar said he kept me alive because he promised my father.” Looking down at your hands, you decide to share this with him as well. “That if I didn't get used to Kattegat he'd just send me anywhere. He wasn't thinking about any prophecy.”

“So you're not into Bjorn?” Ivar asks, and you stand up, rolling your eyes.

“I wouldn't have fallen into a frozen lake if I was.” Running a hand through your hair, you tell yourself not to keep bringing that up. The talking or the lake incident. Both things are better if forgotten. “I thought it made things obvious.”

“I've been seen women falling for Bjorn since I can remember.” Ivar says, resting the clutch on his lap. “Some had him, some were left with a broken heart. The older he gets, more women chase after him. Can you blame me for thinking you would be one of those?”

Turning to look at him with both hands on your hips, you chose to be honest. As honest as you can, because there are things you don't understand, things you can't put into words. “In the boat, sailing here, for a moment I thought Bjorn was... I don't know, he was being nice to me. But it didn't take long for things to... Change.” The moment you saw Ivar for the very first time, something went off... Or on, inside you. You don't know what, but suddenly Bjorn was already on second plan. But you're not bold enough to tell him that. “Then he knocked me down with a shield, made my mare bolt up a slope, and now the lake... It wasn't directly his fault but I didn't like him talking about me like I'm just a thing that he thinks belongs to him just because someone else said so.” You get angrier with every word, as the memory of everything he said comes back. Moving to the table, you grab a cup and pour some drink for yourself, taking long sips. “I'll belong to whoever I chose, and only if he wants to belong to me as well.” You only realize what you said when you can't take it back anymore. Taking a deep breath, you drink what's left before putting the cup down. “Sorry, I needed to give vent to my anger.”

“That's alright.” Ivar stands up, slowly making his way over you. “It's good to know you won't bow down. You're more Viking than some people I know.”

“More Viking? Please, I can't even hold a sword properly.” You're about to move away when Ivar's hand comes to your waist, holding you as he did on the day you almost fainted because of the head injury. It clouds your mind immediately, and when you turn back at him, your faces are only a few inches away.

“You can still learn if you want and if you don't...” His hand moves away, coming to caress your cheek instead. His fingertips are cold, but they leave a trail of fire on your skin. “I'll still admire your bravery, Christian princess.”

The way he says it makes you smile. For the first time, it doesn't come out as an insult, or in a sarcastic way. Could Ivar accept you, despite the differences between your worlds? Right now, it feels like he can.

×

@multific @revolution-starter @crackhead1-800 @youbloodymadgenius @clown-boyyy @kitten0394 @castielsangelx-blog @goldlion07 @midnightmystic @readsalot73 @xvxcarolinexvx @momowhoo @fangfoxy @msrawog @walkingonshunshine @alytavzla @anotherfan07 @heavenly1927 @alexhandersen-marcoilsoe-fandom @msrawog

[kuerbisflocke]

It's been a while since my last review but this game is worth it so here I am.

Meteor World Actor is a visual novel that's rooted in a fantasy setting with elves, pixies and so on. Despite that the game takes place in a big city founded by humans but inhibited by all races. Another new take to the whole fantasy world is that you play not as a knight but as a detective fighting crime. The main character Ruka is in the 13th division, also known as "Sideliners" because they never have a real case and just pick up the leftovers from the other divisions. Therefore the whole division is made out of "difficult to handle people" like Ruka, who cares more about napping than working. His peace is interrupted as a newbie is assigned to him, the young elf Claris. Claris is quite the opposite of Ruka, leading to incredibly funny moments.

During the game you will learn a lot about the different races and the world building which is a nice addition to the crimes the couple is trying to solve. That said, there are choices in this game which can have several consequences, yet the story is linear and Ruka and Claris will handle the solving of the cases, not the player (like in Ace Attorney for example).

The art of Meteor World Actor is incredibly good. I really enjoy the character portraits and backgrounds. The music is also nice to listen to but doesn't stand out to much.

Like in most visual novels, you can choose different heroines to romance. You get to choose between the elf Claris; Mell, princess of Genomland; Chiffon, a segitt (known for their inhuman strength) and Komachi, a human. Every character has an unique personality and their stories differ greatly. To get the complete picture, it's necessary to play every route because they have quite an impact. To do this, the advanced skip function this game offers is a huge help. You can skip freely between choices without having to wait like in other VNs.

Despite Ruka's harsh comments, the romance in this game is quite sweet and innocent. Yet Meteor World Actor is an adult game, not only because of the violence and darker topics, but also because of the H scenes. Every route has several sex scenes. The scenes aren't animated, but the art is really good and changes several times per scene. These scenes were not really necessary for me, but they didn't interrupt the story or felt forced like in other games. And since there is sadly no all-ages version you're stuck with it anyway. That said, the game is more than worth playing even if you plan on skipping the sex scenes. Also kudos to whoever decided that Ruka should wear a condom during sex - for me as a woman a good decision.

My only major con is that this is the first part of a series - therefore the game ends rather abrupt and the character routes feel somewhat incomplete. Especially since the second game seems to focus on different heroins.

Summary: Meteor World Actor is a great detective story with fantasy elements and is worth playing for it's overall good story and great characters.

[soliverse]

baby don’t like it - q.kn

pairing: royal au duke!kun x princess!reader ft my best girl, Irene of Red Velvet

genre: angst, much muuuch stronger than the last one

warnings: mentions of violence, cheating, cussing, alcohol consumption (again, nothing too explicit, just giving you a bit of a heads up.

word count: 3171

Prompts:

“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” - Home Alone (weird choice, I know)

“Baby, whether rain or shine, naughty or nice. I'm by your side.” - Ariana Grande (Not Just On Christmas)

ps: did I just write another angst for another Christmas special?

Yes. Yes, I did.

Baby Don’t Like It is a part of my Walking in a Winter Wonderland Collab with @suh-insane​ and @neocitybynight​. Once again, this is one of my first collabs and I am thankful for the approachable anons that let me join this event.

You can check the Walking In A Winter Wonderland event and the works of my fellow NCT writers over here!

networks: @nctcreations​ @kdiarynet @kpopscape

Men.

You’ve always hated them.

You’ve hated how your father treated your mother. You’ve hated how you’re treated all your life just because you’re not born as a man. You've always hated how they controlled every single decision in your life. You've hated how you're forced to marry someone you don't love for "the sake of our people".

But out of all the men that you hated; it was the one right in front of you.

As your assistants helped you get dressed, your husband was just sitting there on his phone, looking all nice and fine and smiling from ear to ear. He looked divine, suit garbed in black and red, making him look almost ethereal. Strands of his dark hair falls into his forehead, framing his perfect face even more. At the same time, he decided to wear his circular glasses, something that he did if he didn’t want to use his contact lenses.

Overall, his outfit made him look like one of those princes from those fairytale books that you had as a kid.

You can't help but roll your eyes, but you can't say whether it's from your assistants eyeing Kun or that he just HAD to be there to see you get dressed. After hours of getting ready, they placed a heavy tiara on your head as a finishing touch.

You stood up from your seat and twirled, making sure that everything looked perfect. You walked towards Kun and did a little wave to get his attention away from his phone. It didn’t work, so you walked closer to the couch and tapped his leg. This time, he shot up a look in your direction, still smiling.

“Oh hey. You good to go?”

You nodded as an answer. The two of you then made your way into your car, him being the driver. The car ride was eerily quiet. None can be heard except for other vehicles passing by and funky Christmas songs blasting from people outside. Well, there isn’t that much to talk about. You’ve spent every hour with each other that you feel like there’s more to share.

This is probably the reason why he suggested the event in the first place. Social events aren't really your thing, but at least it’s better than to stay at home and celebrate Christmas in silence. Or worse, spend it at your parents' mansion.

“Hey baby, cheer up a little.”

He was the first one to break the silence.

“Thank you for coming with me to the event. It means a lot to me.”

His voice was soft, just like it had always been whenever he’s talking to you. He moves closer from the other side of the and took your hand, squeezing it tightly. You never said anything. You just smiled at him in return, not really knowing what to say. It stayed that way until you reached the venue.

It was already a bit late at night and the whole city glistened from the twinkling lights that adorned it. The snow slowly falling down made your entrance to the party even more magical.

The car door has opened and cameras started flashing left and right. Dozens of paparazzi surrounded the area while the guards tried their best to keep them out. Kun made a point to wave to everyone, a move that everyone loved. You tried to force a smile as he wrapped his arms around your hips, feeling the silky fabric of the dress that you’re wearing.

Everyone greeted him, of course. His cheery self was acknowledged by everyone around him. Meanwhile, you just politely bowed at everyone else, forcing an awkward smile whenever someone tried to make interactions. They were probably bummed up that YOU had to go with, though. After all, Kun was the life of the party. The darling of the crowd. The Diana to your Charles.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome our honorable guests for tonight. The main benefactor of Little Angels’ Children Hospital and the people behind this lovely event, Duke Kun and Her Highness Princess Y/N of the Northernshore.”

The crowd applauded as you made your way into the grand halls and took your place in the seat designated for the both you. It was a table that was isolated from everyone else, so the two of you are just stuck together. Sitting there was uncomfortable to say the least. You knew he wanted to mingle with people, but being the introvert that you are, he can’t leave you alone.

The program proceeded as usual. The children from the hospital sang some carols which touched everyone’s hearts. One of the cute little girls gave you a small figurine that she made. You gave her a warm hug before letting her join the other children on the stage. Kun, on the other hand, was trying his best to focus on the gala.

“Is something wrong?”

“No. Not at all.” He chuckled awkwardly, sneaking peeking on his phone from time to time. You didn’t pay him that much attention and shifted your focus back to the kids. The host announced that dinner will be served soon and the program will resume right after. You felt the need to go to the bathroom and so you tugged on his jacket to get his attention. Some Christmas carol was playing overhead and so he leaned down to hear what you had to say.

“Excuse me for a second. I need to powder my nose.”

You shyly whispered in his ear. He again flashes a sweet smile before nodding. Other people are so standing up from their seats, taking this opportunity to mingle with other people while dinner is being prepared. The guards offered to go with you but you declined and insisted that they stayed with Kun. From far away, you can see a bunch of people enthusiastically going to his direction. You just sighed as you walked across the crowd of people with your head down.

As you’ve finally reached the bathroom, the first thing you did was lock the stall and breathe. You rested your head at the door for a few seconds before finally doing your business. You’ve heard some people entered the bathroom. Your ears perked up to listen at their conversation. To your relief, none of them talked about you. They didn’t take long inside, probably just touched up, and left the bathroom.

Making sure that no one is inside, you opened the door and proceeded to look at yourself in the mirror. You weren’t that bad. Your red silky dress complimented your body and skin well. There are strands of your hair cascading from your messy bun, but that just added to your look. You look fine. It’s just that in everything that you say and do, everything pales in comparison to your husband. Opening the sink, you washed your hands and tried to snap out of Grinch mode. After all, it’s almost Christmas. You should be having fun.

///

After leaving the bathroom, this time with a much jollier attitude, you saw Kun sitting in the same table. This time, he was with a woman. A woman that you knew pretty well.

Minji used to be your bestfriend during highschool. She was the only one kind enough to talk to you and actually get to know you as a person. Unfortunately, things changed just as soon as you reached college. Kun was a junior at that time and he became the guide that toured the freshmen throughout the university. Minji has been whipped ever since and Kun returned the favor.

Her family aren’t a part of the royals, which meant they can’t be together. A fact that had always pained you whenever you think about it. A part of you still felt guilty upon breaking the former couple apart. You never had the guts to faced Minji and so you made your way towards the open bar. Maybe some drinks will help you clear your head.

Trying to hide from other people and the guards, you picked a seat just right at the farthest corner of the open bar. You sat at one of the counters and ordered whatever drink that can get you drunk the fastest. You downed the drink fast, not even minding the harsh taste that it leaves as soon as it hits your tastebuds.

A voice suddenly interrupted your drinking session. You tried to hide your face to avoid being recognized, but the woman still sat down right next to you.

“A princess shouldn’t be drinking like that.”

“Excuse me?”

You finally turned around, casually flashing a playful smile at you. Your eyes grew wider at the sudden realization of who she is.

“Irene! It’s been ages!”

You almost spilled your drink to the floor as you stood up to hug one of your old college pals.

“It’s been forever, and yet you still act like a royal novice.”

The lass never changed. She was still her snobby self, a trait that you used to hate before you came to realize that that’s just her quirk.

The two of you are almost squealing before finally letting go of each other. You sat back down excitedly before pouring yourself another drink.

“Okay. Why are you here?”

“Remember Suho? The doctor? Well, he’s thinking doing business with the hospital. He’s making it some sort of an extension.”

"I still couldn’t believe that you got married." You said while chuckling. The old Irene had always had this intimidating aura to her that no boy ever dared to talk to her. It’s something that the two of you had in common.

"I could say the same about you."

Irene snickered as she motioned the bartender to bring more drinks for the two of you.  She casually grabbed her wine glass, being the classy lady that she is, and took a bit of a sip at her sparkling champagne, eyeing you shadily like there’s something she’s trying to tell you.

“I see that your husband is having fun without you.”

You just sighed as a response.

“Royals are for royals, Y/N. Minji isn’t born with a title.That is not your fault. Keep your head high for fuck’s sake. You’re THE Princess.”

You raised an eyebrow at her, preparing to talk her down to filth. However, her phone lit up from a phone call that she's receiving.

"I'm gonna have to leave you for a sec. It's Suhyun's babysitter."

She gave an apologetic smile before grabbing her purse from the counter and finishing the last of her drink.

"I’ll be back in a moment.”

She tossed a wink at your direction before you’re left alone in the bar once again. You started drinking once again when you felt a tap on your shoulder. Thinking it was Irene, you turned around and was about to talk smack to her. Instead, it was your husband. He grabbed you by your wrist and took you to an empty storage room nearby.

“The guards have been looking for you everywhere.”

His voice was low, but you can tell that he’s incredibly pissed.

"I just needed a drink to lighten myself up. Figured you need some time to hang out with your colleagues without your boring wife tagging along."

“You’re glad that I found you first. What would the media say if they saw the princess drinking like she’s in a college frat party?”

You just rolled your eyes at him and tried to free your hand from his tightening grip.

“I want to go home.”

“You are not going home in the middle of the event!”

You scoffed.

“Yes, I can. I’m the Princess. Just tell them I feel sick or something.”

You finally managed to escape his grasp and you walked out of the storage room by yourself and walked back into the. Sure enough, you used your acting lessons to feign an illness. The guards took charge immediately and escorted you back to the car. It caused a bit of a scene, so it didn’t take long before Irene found you. She whispered something in your ear and you just nodded.

“Change of plans boys. I’m going to we’re going to the hospital.”

///

"Wakey-wakey…”

Kun felt a sudden surge of pain running through his body. His vision was blurry, pupil still adjusting to the light blaring through his face. Despite this, he can definitely see one thing. It was a silhouette of a woman.

"Ugh… Who are you?"

Moans and groans escaped his busted lips, the taste of metal fills his mouth. Not only was his mouth filled with his own blood, he was struggling to talk because of the dryness in his throat. He tried to move but his body felt sore. His arms and feet were tied up to this chair, making it impossible for him to get up.

The last thing that he remembered is that he is on a car ride somewhere, until his own guards pointed their guns at him.

The woman just laughed as a response. She walked towards him, dragging something heavy behind her. The screeching sound coming from the friction of the floor and metal stings in his ear.

Suddenly, he felt a hand run up to his shoulder into his neck making all of the hair in his body stand up. He had never felt more scared in his life. He felt her face lean over and whispered something to his ear.

"You know very well who I am Kun."

"Irene…"

The woman laughed once again. It sounded darker and more maniacal than earlier.

"I'm glad you remembered you my name after all these years. However, I'm afraid I’d have to cut this reunion short."

Just as she stood up, another silhouette appeared from the dark. The tapping of the back of her heels filled echoed across the hospital room, completely stealing your attention from Irene.

This time, he's certain about who it is.

"When you said that you'll make my problems disappear, this isn't what I had in mind."

You took the coat off of your body, letting in fall to the floor. He was about to beg you to release him, but he noticed something.

You had that dangerous look in you. Your blank cold stare even scarier than Irene's. The typical shy demeanor was dropped and instead replaced by those of predator. Someone that wants to eat him alive and make him disappear in the face of the Earth.

"I had a little fun with him already, if you don't mind.”

Irene walked towards your direction, smiling from ear to ear seeing her old friend back like this.

“I’m afraid I have to leave you here darling. Suhyun and her father is probably looking for mommy right now. Call me when you need me.” She gave you a delicate peck on your cheek before walking away from the room.

Now, the two of you are left alone. Silence once again peeks in as the two of you just stared at each other. Even up until now, that never changed.

This time, you’re the first one to speak up.

“You’re probably wondering why you’re in this situation.”

You took one of the seats and dragged it just a few meters in front of him. You sat down, leaned back while your arms and legs are crossed.

“I know about the affair between you and Minji.”

“Baby, please. It’s nothing...”

He used his sweet voice again, but to you it sounded more like teeth-rotting sugar. That sickly sweet taste that made you want to gag.

“Oh, stop the bullshit. I know about ALL of the affairs.”

You finally stood up from your seat and held your right hand up in the air.

“Let’s see. There’s Rosie, Jessica, Heather…” You spouted more names, taking down a finger every time you mentioned one. Kun is now looking even more uncomfortable. This time, it was his turn to look down, hiding the guilt-ridden expression of his face. Your finger touched his chin, tipping his face up in your direction.

“Wanna know how I knew?”

You poked your tongue in your cheeks and rolled your eyes before giving him one hard slap on his cheek.

“It’s because of those damn glasses! I can see every lewd picture that they send you, asshole!”

You look down at his direction and you saw tears running down from his face. He was trying his best not to sob because his own mouth betrayed him.

“What, baby? you don’t like being slapped in the face? Isn’t that what you wanted Minji to do to you whenever you’re fucking at the manor when I’m at business trips?”

The last sentence made you choke on your words. The combination of seeing Kun crying and the recollection of memories made you a bit soft. Your legs shook, making you kneel down on the ground and sob like a little girl when someone had taken her toys away from her.

“Why did it have to be Minji?”

“I-I’m sorry Y/N. Please… Let me fix this.”

You wiped you tears away just as you dropped this bombshell.

“Why did it have to be her? My first love?”

Picking yourself from the floor, you went back to where your discarded coat is. You wiped your tears out with the sleeves of the coat while you rummaged through its pockets.

“I can’t stand it. Even when you married me, she ‘s still stupidly in love with you.”

“W-wait… What do you mean?”

“Minji used to be my pretty little angel. You just had to turn her into your slutty mistress, don’t you?”

You felt something hard on your right pocket. It was the gun that Irene left you earlier at the party. Right beside it was your phone, blowing up with notifications of people greeting you a Merry Christmas as the clock just turned 12:00 a few minutes ago.

“It’s a sad thing that this will be our last Christmas together.”

You said once again, finally calmed down from the tears that you have just shed a few moments ago. Kun was now shouting at his seat, finally aware of what you’re about to do.

“You are not gonna get away with this!”

“Oh. But I will…”

You smirked at him once again.

“If I killed you right now, Irene and his men would take care of your body and discard it without anyone noticing. They do it all the time. If people suspect that I did something to you, I can just say that I went to the hospital to get treated. They have logs and cameras over here to back up my claims.”

You cocked the gun in your hands and started pointing it to his temples.

“..And as for you baby, text records show that you’re about to run away with Minji tonight. All of your other secrets will be exposed and people will finally see what you really are…”

You took a deep breathe before mustering up the courage to pull the trigger.

“Merry Christmas baby. I’m sure they’d appreciate charity events in hell.”

[sheblah]

OK I'm apparently not done talking about this. Here I'm going to expand on my meta that DT's motivation = survival and all else is just a byproduct.

Lots of people have commented that Double Trouble does what they do purely for drama, or chaos, or because they just love destroying lives. It's as valid an interpretation as any, I guess, but I don't agree with it. They are certainly manipulative, but I don't think this trait is incidental to their personality; it's very much intentional on DT's part. If put together with other clues, I think it reveals something very different about them.

What I propose is that ultimately, DT's goal in life isn't to cause drama or have fun at other people's expense (bear with me). Their goal is to survive - or more accurately, to maximize survival chances - and they have a very meticulous way of going about it.

First I want to take a broad look at the elements that shape DT's personality and motives. This might involve some speculation, since we don't know anything about their early life and very little about their internal thoughts, but I'll stick to onscreen evidence as much as I can. What we do know is that they first appear in the Crimson Waste. I choose to assume they live there and have done so for an indeterminate time before their first appearance. And in the Crimson Waste, the strong make the rules. Not everyone can be the "strongest in the Crimson Waste." Most people just have to be strong enough to survive on their own, or else join up with the strongest like Huntara's goons or Tung Lashor's lizard gang. Since DT isn't ostensibly allied to any group in the CW, they're probably the former. And their strength isn't muscle; it lies in deception, observation, and manipulation. As a shapeshifter, they're naturally predisposed to that sort of skillset. They probably started their career of deception by shifting to blend in and escape danger, and then expanded the applications of that ability into eavesdropping, information gathering, and eventually espionage. Their best strength is knowing more than everybody else, and knowing how to use that information.

Let's go back to S4E2 for a moment. This is the first time we see DT:

They're looking down at Adora, Bow, Huntara, and Perfuma. In retrospect I thought this was odd, since they then proceed to approach Catra, not the heroes. They don't interact with the heroes until Catra has them do their "audition." Why show DT watching them? I think, in this moment, DT is choosing which side to join. For at least a moment, they consider offering their services to the Rebellion instead. We also know this because they mention the possibility to Catra.

Now my opinion is biased towards a morally gray interpretation of the character, but to me this is a pretty big hole in the popular rhetoric that DT is evil for the lulz. Why even think about joining the "good guys" if all you want is chaos and destruction? The Rebellion is about stopping all that noise. And why consider them first? We don't see DT watching Catra and sizing her up.

But before we get to that, we have to ask: why get involved in the war at all? What would drive them to leave the Crimson Waste and seek employment in the wider wartorn world of Etheria? I posit that it's because the Waste is no longer survivable.

In that episode, we see that the Valley of the Lost is crawling with Horde soldiers.

They're terrorizing the denizens of the desert. Now these are mostly hardened criminals who aren't easily terrorized, but the Horde has armor and weapons and numbers on their side. As Huntara puts it, "It wasn't always like this. It used to be a great place, where an honest criminal could carve out a life." When she says this, it's news to her; from what we can tell, she's been living in Bright Moon for awhile. But everyone else there has just been living with this new state of affairs however long the Horde has been in their valley - and it's probably been awhile since they have a whole warehouse set up. It's reasonable to assume DT has been suffering from the Horde's presence as much as anyone else who lives there. How can you make a living gathering intel when there are soldiers around every corner interrogating everyone?

It's simple, actually: if you can't beat them, join them. Or maybe join their enemies.

I think they don't have great choices at this point - either keep working and hope that business picks up while ALSO avoiding the aggressive soldiers, or get involved in a war that you and your home have avoided thus far. The choice that gives them the best chance to keep making money - and, you know, living - is to get involved with the war one way or another.

So then, why pick the Horde way? Also simple.

From where DT is standing, the Horde is winning. They have sophisticated technology, abundant resources, and enough soldiers that they can afford to station a few dozen in a remote desert town. Who does the Rebellion send to steal the ship back? Three kids and a former gang leader. And oh sure, one of them is She-Ra, but what's one superpowered princess against an army? Any way you look at it, the Horde's forces are more impressive.

So they offer their services to the Horde first, with the rebels as a backup in case the Horde says no.

So, let's summarize up to this point. Pretend you're DT. You make your living as a spy, but suddenly a powerful presence takes your town by storm and completely disrupts everyone's daily lives. Finding clients becomes difficult, and actually doing the work is next to impossible when the streets are clogged with armed aggressors. Your income starts drying up. You can't avoid the war anymore - the war has come to you. So you decide to join it. You spot a handful of outsiders trying to avoid attention and figure this must be the Rebellion's forces. It's four people versus dozens of armored soldiers with enormous resources. You pick the stronger side. But now you've gone from working with petty thugs to working with literal warlords, and that's a hell of a dangerous position to be in. If you piss off your employer, you just might die. So. How do you cover your ass?

By getting the dirt.

Because that's your strength. That's how you survive. By manipulating the people who could hurt you. By gathering information that could hurt them so bad they couldn't even retaliate. And, hey, you don't necessarily gather this information with the intent to use it - but if the crap hits the fan and you do something that'll get you on a tyrannical world leader's naughty list, well, you need something to defend yourself with. For you, information is the best weapon.

That explains why they're so determined to get in Catra's skin. They want to know what makes her tick, her strengths, her weaknesses, her obsessions. It's not just for the love of acting. These are all bullets that they can use to bring her down if need be. And when they decide to switch to the other side? Need be.

Giving Catra that devastating speech has multiple effects. I think a part of them really does care about Catra and wants to be honest with her. But my theory is that they're mainly trying to get one important message across:

Don't try to retaliate for this betrayal. I know enough to destroy you without throwing a single punch.

As an ending note, I want to examine that line above. "The best way to survive is always choose the winning side." As amusing as the "would sell you to satan for one corn chip" memes are, that's not actually the sort of attitude they have about betraying Catra. They're not talking about getting a reward here. No mention of superior pay is made. They're not saying they destroyed everything she's worked for on a lark (although they may have had a lark in the process). They're talking about literal survival. The basic gift of continuing to stay alive. That's what they betrayed Catra for. They do the math in that cell in Bright Moon, figure they're on the losing side of the war, and decide what they're getting from the Horde isn't worth getting killed over. Anything else they get out of it is incidental.

Mind you, none of this is meant to imply that they don't enjoy messing with people's heads. There's abundant evidence that they do. Rather, my point is that they probably learned how to manipulate people not as a hobby, but as a vital survival skill... and probably long before they learned to enjoy it.

[punkscowardschampions]

Janis & Jimmy

After smacking Mia one (and Jim).

Janis: Soz about the shiner, like Janis: Dunna how to dodge like a decent ref should obvs...you should work on that Janis: But forreal, you're welcome for the time you got to spend in the head's office with a cold press on #schoolboyfantasiesaremadeofthis Jimmy: 🤔 You mean this tiny insignificant scratch like Jimmy: I'd say get the pads out but between you and your nan lately I'm not sure my ego's up for that Jimmy: Your plan all along was it? 👌 she's no type of mine but I appreciate you trying to be a mate 😉 Jimmy: Best bit was Gracie doing her bit to defend my honor at the end there. Maybe I DO owe her one 😂 Janis: Alright, monty python 😂 don't be a hero on my account...oh wait, advice coming too late, my bad 😉 Janis: Ah well, if you're not fancying it like, pal, good thing I'll have her to myself all this week AND next 🙄 thanks mia... now THAT was the real plan all along 😏 Janis: At least you know what her shout is already 👍 though if you could spit in Mia's next, I think she'd take that and call it quits Janis: If you make like Rocky and get steak up on your bruises, I'll get my Da to cook it for ya after, we settled too then, yeah? 😘 Jimmy: Mia's plan 100% 🙄 Am I meant to be offended that she thinks you're a lesbian still? Because I'm taking it as a compliment #prettyboy 😂 Jimmy: Shame I've got too many disciplinaries to have her banned it'd be one less skinny latte to have to expertly craft Jimmy: Maybe. What sides are we talking about? I think one more smack down and I'll be demanding my chips triple cooked Jimmy: Warn your relatives Janis: Assumedly, pretending here her stinging text slams had her intended effect, and didn't just make me fall about, like #facesoprettyyoudontseeascar 🤞 Janis: Ugh, tell your boss to do one, 'cos they'd lose half their business if you did, think on, dickhead 😒 Janis: Know your worth, babe Janis: Gotta respect that Janis: At least my Brother doesn't need to bother fighting you now I beat him to it, ay? Jimmy: Who'd you wanna be, princess (bless Gracie Lou) and basketcase already taken and athlete being the obvious choice 💪 Jimmy: Tempting offer but you can do better Jimmy: Of course that was 1 of the 10! Should've seen that coming Jimmy: Can't lie I'd much rather take you on 😉 Janis: Never seen it 🤷 but boy is Charlie Sheen's bro, yeah? So sounds legit for the family I have to endure 😏 Janis: You're not gonna end up with Grace in the end are ya? 😤 just 'cos you wanna rock the leather fingerless gloves #lewk Janis: I'll never tell 😉 his ego definitely ain't up for that Janis: we can have a rematch any time any place Janis: i'm ready 💪 Jimmy: Me either. Still break you out though. Isn't that what they do? 🤔 I'll ask your sister but not before she gives me of precious bling to take down cash converters Jimmy: My bad boy image has taken too much of a battering, literal, for me to refuse the fashion 😎 Jimmy: Let's go then. There isn't a nurse but I can still play the concussed care and run. Say when. Janis: Probs after some cringe bonding and bants, thank GOD we got that outta the way, mate 😜 Janis: Most of her jewels are from Primark so I dunna how golden your chances are, don't tell anyone like #banginonabudget Janis: What lesson you in anyway? In PE rn so usually you wouldn't get a look-in (you ain't that special, babe) but they got me coaching the first years girls for a fucking team management module and...Give me strength Janis: we talking screaming when the ball comes their way levels Janis: so I'm making them do laps whilst I shout encouragements about how it ain't that cold from my warm as shit coat, like any gym teach worth their salt 😉 Janis: Gonna get an A, like Jimmy: Oh I dunno, you and Mia still need to hug it out 😉 bet she'd love it too 💘 Jimmy: I'm in art of course #tortured soul and everyone knows you're my muse so done deal there. Jimmy: I'd come snapping but I don't need the rep that'd come with background first years in their shorts Janis: I'd sooner watch a thousand chick flicks with Gracie Janis: amongst other fates worse than death Janis: but honestly #whyareyousoobsessedwithmehun? #toolittletoolateforthisloveaffair Janis: That's probably why you're so tortured 😉 Edie Sedgewick I ain't Janis: Nah, that wouldn't help your case, there's only so much bashing that I can be a party to in a day... Janis: I get to swap with Kayleigh Dwyer next period, meant to go write up about my experience but sure I can as easily do that wherever you need to get your inspiration from, like Jimmy: 😂 it's the curse of being so #goals, hun Jimmy: I don't have a clue who that is but like I've said before you take a decent picture. Now don't get a big head (it'd fuck with my framing terrible) but it isn't half bad being stuck with you Jimmy: There is always Mia's 🦆 pout if you're really busy but like Jimmy: Since you aren't I'm thinking back to mine? Twix will happily hear about any of your running or ball based experiences Janis: Kayleigh? Rude, she sits next to you in English, the one drooling all over you and the desk? Bless her, she'll be devvo 😂 Janis: I forgot you haven't had an Ali McKenna education, she was Andy Warhol's main bitch (aside from Basquiat, tea) in all his shit films, Bob Dylan was hard for her too but she weren't really arsed so he wrote Like A Rolling Stone about her Janis: At least you didn't come for my life that hard post-bath Janis: Bad enough like, I'd have to fake my own death forreal then Janis: She'd fucking love that...do her dirty in the edit, boo, no facetune 😂 Janis: A girl after my own heart that dog, kindred spirts 😍 Janis: sounds good, always down for being out of this dump Janis: your Da's unlikely to pop back for lunch, yeah? Jimmy: I've been calling her Kourtney #awkward Jimmy: Bet she loves it anyway Jimmy: Speaking of, I still have that project to finish up (deadlines long enough to hang yourself with cheers ms sheppard) might dedicate some space on that edit to the lot of them. Fancy helping as well as inspiring? 😈 Jimmy: #satireorshadeisit? Jimmy: Good. Keep the lovefest away from me. Last thing I need is Twix licking my wounds Jimmy: Packed up his sarnies myself so we're set Janis: The KardashiKlan clout, everyone knows she's the CLASSIEST sister, SO fitting 😂 Janis: Can't be anything but a sweetheart, can you? N'awwh! Janis: Hell yeah, you clearly need my talents for cuntery, you bring the skillz, I'll bring my winning personality and large head, like Janis: How fucking rude though, tell her to keep her antiseptic spit to herself 💅 #menaintshitbabygirl #imsorryyouhadtolearnthislessonsosoon Janis: Like I said, you're just too good for this world 😇 Janis: Maybe I'll find the time between being a muse and bad influence to make you one Janis: Its no steak apology but Jimmy: 👍 Too right Jimmy: Maybe if we take the mad bitch out she won't chew a hole in anyone's face (tempting as that'd be if it was any of Mia's squad) been enough facial damages sustained for one day Jimmy: Get some very #aesthetic shots for my A Jimmy: 😇 Always on that good boy track Jimmy: Maybe I can shout you a pie and pint in that spirit Janis: Goes without saying, need the skirting and your Da's shoes to be safe for another day Janis: Should bin off the rest of the day altogether, then you could take Twix to pick the kiddo's up, Cass would be made up getting to show her off Janis: you always after those best big bro points, I know Janis: and I know it, you always want me to protest too much the other way like 😈 Janis: wholesome afternoon of dog walking and homework with bae, no wonder the entire female population of the school is so jealous 😉😘 Jimmy: Did you just have a good idea? 😮 Jimmy: But yeah world's most bog standard bro coming through 🏆💪 get that middleschool clout cass 😎 Jimmy: We just can't stop being #goals however hard we try. Damn 😘 Janis: Don't sound so surprised dickhead! I'm a wealth of cunning plans or have you forgotten Janis: Didn't hit you that hard Janis: Now who's being modest Jimothy 😊 you know you're bestest Janis: whoda thunk it, bitch, not I Jimmy: Been a while can't blame me 😏 Jimmy: 💕 Cute Jimmy: How will I survive the aft? Janis: We can go back there if you really pining Janis: and I'M the one who's sexuality is always in question Janis: #fakebaebetterthanarealone Janis: Ha ha, keep testing me and you might not Jimmy: You'd never make it. Can't get enough of me 💋 Jimmy: If you'd rather be in school doing their tests don't let me stop you 😏 Jimmy: 😎 Jimmy: Told you i'm bad Janis: 😑 Janis: bet you break before i do Janis: we'll see how bad you are, won't we Jimmy: Last shift's 💶 on it Janis: Done Janis: I've got my eye on some new kicks Janis: At least even when you lose you can still pretend you treated me 😜 Jimmy: When you lose you can pretend you don't need a man to treat you Jimmy: so many #s in that for you Janis: Imma win when I PROVE I don't need you to treat me as much as you need me to treat you, sucka! Janis: and there ain't no point in nothing if it doesn't make your 'gram captions pop off #truerwordsneverspoken Jimmy: We'll see Jimmy: so soon too ⏲ Janis: you started your countdown already, boy? Janis: keeeeeeeen Jimmy: Not ready? Shame Janis: Born ready Janis: Admittedly, got the upper hand, nothing sexy about first year girls, despite what some fourth year boys might believe Janis: you surrounded by all them loose af art hoes Jimmy: How rude of me not to pull all your focus Jimmy: yep, those blunt fringes really get me goin Janis: Well s'why I know I got the W in the bag 🤷 Janis: Called that in the air Janis: whip off those unnecessary nerd glasses and there's real beauty under there Janis: #hotdamn Jimmy: For a rom com hater you've got all the cliches down 😂 Jimmy: Quietly confident now. That shit won't help you off screen 🏆💪 Janis: Oh, you don't recall how pushy my sister is? Janis: Let's call this off rn and she'd be happy to remind you herself I'm sure 😏 Janis: I'm sure you've learnt PLENTY off a whole different typa romcom that is all types of fucked IRL Jimmy: Only if she promises to bring Tam too. I need that model height for my shoot naturally Janis: You really wanna be that letchy photographer stereotype, huh? Janis: Get the whole squad 'round for a sesh Janis: Just know they'll start a # Jimmy: #rolloutladies Jimmy: 😂 Jimmy: I'll #bowout of that one thanks Janis: Sure? It'll give you a better chance of winning the bet Janis: #knackered Jimmy: I'd rather lose Jimmy: #takemymoneyandrunaslongasIcancomewith Janis: Sweet talker. Janis: Meant to be me with the gift of the gab 🍀 Jimmy: nope, real talker Jimmy: Got up close and personal enough with Mia today thanks. Still washing these hands Janis: Same, despite what she might think, not something I fancy repeating either Janis: Though I will if she talks shit one more time Janis: So watch out if you don't want the other side to match, like Jimmy: Don't make me say I'll do it all again Jimmy: so many stereotypes already in this chat Jimmy: 💕 Janis: Ew. 💋 Janis: Best get your chat to as high a standard as poss tho, as all the guards and other inmates will be listening in Janis: Reckon's her Da can actually get me done Janis: Bitch be serious Jimmy: Doesn't he sell cars? Janis: Lmao, no Janis: Though he is 100% a used car salesman in aesthetic, you're spot on Janis: He is a lawyer or some shit so he knows realistically who gives a shit about a playground scrap but he'll try and scare my parents like they're fucking idiots so no one is ever mean to his little princess again Janis: That type 🙄 Jimmy: She wants to be a yank so bad it must hurt Jimmy: Remind me to cut my pops so slack next time he's pissing me off Jimmy: could be so much worse Janis: Too bad she's a few hundred years late for the mass migration to the states Janis: Only looking famished, like Janis: Same, wouldn't hate being as spoilt as she is but you know Jimmy: Yep, too bad you'll be waiting for those kicks Jimmy: 🎅's your best bet Jimmy: Not too late to back out 😏 Jimmy: Keep on his good side Janis: No chance Janis: I can keep him on side by keeping away from yours, simple 😜 Jimmy: You sure? There's literally songs about how much he loves 💋 Jimmy: I think he'll be mad if you don't cave Janis: 💋 for him from MILFs maybe Janis: I don't think it'll pain him to see you go without Janis: I see no mistletoe, like #demstherules Jimmy: 👌 Bet stays on Jimmy: Take your chances Janis: Way to make me sound more predatory than the big man 😲😂 Janis: If you're that scared, we can mark it down to a lose for you by default 😉 Jimmy: Not when I'll have you begging for a draw in a bit. Easy Jimmy: Just get ready to accept your loss, not reason we should both be sore Jimmy: #bruisedandbattered Janis: Pretty cocky for a boy who can't even promise A FEW bruises, like 😜 Jimmy: Waste of a 🤞 Jimmy: why talk about it when I can just do it Janis: As long as you start it, I'm allowed to finish it Janis: win win for me 😊 Jimmy: Cocky for a lass who hasn't won anything against me yet Janis: 😡 Janis: it wasn't a fair fight all those other times, thank you very much Jimmy: Maybe you were faking the skills as well as the 💕 Jimmy: awwh Janis: You won't be finding out any time soon Janis: ✌ Jimmy: So you keep saying, all talk I think 😂 Janis: All talk no action is right Janis: Prick 🖕😂 Jimmy: 😘 Jimmy: You're about me Jimmy: unlucky ☘ Janis: Shh Janis: Not all bad, I suppose, at least you've got a cute dog 😘 Jimmy: good point, what a you offering? first year having an asthma attack? 😂 #goals Janis: I never said I had anything worth sticking 'round for Janis: More fool ye for your 😍 Jimmy: Secret's safe. I won't tell Mia Janis: I think she's pretty confident she knows where she and I lie on the pecking order already 😂 Janis: not coming for her 👑 Jimmy: just her 👃 Janis: What can I say? Save daddy the surgery fees Jimmy: you're the 😇 you think I am Janis: it has been said Janis: oh wait, no it hasn't, ever 😂 Jimmy: Only because 🐶 can't speak Janis: The love is so real Janis: Its all the treats and walkies, maybe I'll have to employ the same technique on you when the bet is up Janis: Worth a shot 🎯 Jimmy: Start now #worthashot #haveyoubeentricked? 😂 Janis: I'm not quite as easy to distract as Twix Janis: All these dog comparisons, bit rude tbh, don't think I appreciate Janis: Will piss on your boots tho Jimmy: Unless we're playing pool or darts Jimmy: Make sure they're mine. My dad has only just replaced his Janis: Wasn't even you, it was pub lighting and a prick munching on his crisps too loud at the bar #dontflatterlike Janis: Will do 👍 I'm not looking to make him dislike me anymore than I already have lol Jimmy: #surejan Jimmy: least he's never about so no drama there. Been enough for one day Janis: #ihateu Janis: what's he even do, like? dead busy Jimmy: 💕 Jimmy: Warehouse Jimmy: Very much #goals Janis: Ah fun, lots of shitty shifts and long days like, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt too for being such a prick about poor Twix then Jimmy: Probably shouldn't. He bought her Janis: True...People never think how big a commitment a dog is though Janis: Twix be giving them puppy dog eyes like a pro Jimmy: before 🎄 too though what a prick Jimmy: can't even use the excuse Janis: Bleh Janis: Shoulda clued him in like 😉 #cuffed Jimmy: if I'd known he was going to do it I would've Jimmy: done now though Janis: Yeah, its just another stress you don't need, like? 😕 Jimmy: Snagged me you so maybe she's worth keeping about 😏 Jimmy: Because yeah she does take all the credit Janis: Smooth 😋 Janis: Can't go breaking my heart now, nor the kiddo's for that Janis: I can start taking her out again in the mornings, don't miss much 'bout dem days but it was decent having a running buddy Jimmy: Fancy some company or you wanna be alone with your true love? Janis: You reckon you can keep up, yeah? Janis: Not having you slowing me down 😉 Jimmy: Can't be using me as your excuse thanks 💪 Jimmy: maybe I'll come with then when I'm not working, leave you in no doubt Janis: Its a date, mate Jimmy: 💕 Janis: That's probably them more than sufficiently warmed up Janis: Get back to work, slacker 💚 Jimmy: 🎨📷 will do Jimmy: not too hard though, gotta keep my 💪 up for the victory party you'll owe me Janis: In your dreams, baby 💋 Jimmy: see you there 😘

[photokatsu]

Moon Desert Rhapsody Event Scenario Ep 1-6

Episode 1

Ichigo: Excuse us~

[Sound of door shutting]

[Scene Transition]

Ichigo&Friends: ……

Ichigo: You did it, Ran!

Aoi: Aaah~! Even I, the idol professor, couldn't have predicted this!

Otome: Who would've thought it'd get a stage play!

Ran: Yeah...Wait, calm down, guys.

Ichigo: I can't calm down at a time like this~! The famous drama that features you, Moon Desert Rhapsody, is gonna be a stage play!

Aoi: This really is something special!

Otome: Yep♪

Ran: That's true. I was really surprised, too.

Aoi: Moon Desert Rhapsody is a drama based off of Arabian Nights…

Otome: It had so much impact with all the combat scenes~♪

Ran: Yeah, you guys all helped me out with training that time. I passed auditions thanks to you guys. I'm really grateful. Thanks, guys.

Aoi: What are you saying! It's all because you worked so hard! Right, Ichigo!?

Ichigo: Yeah, yeah! It was so cool how the results of your training showed in the drama!

Otome: Right! It was super exciting fun~♪

Aoi: Ran was the swordswoman and Sora-chan from DreAca was the princess! You both were perfect for the roles!

Ran: Yeah, I've always been strangely in sync with Sora.

Ichigo: Hehe, I kinda get it.

Aoi: Yeah, yeah, you two are great partners!

Otome: You two give off a vibe when you're together~♪

Ichigo: I know! Like, they're both so mature, right?

Ran: R-Really?

Ichigo: The princess is still gonna be Sora-chan for the stage play, right?

Otome: The headmistress said it hasn't been decided yet, huh…

Ichigo: Then let's go ask Sora-chan!

Aoi: Yeah! I'm sure DreAca's just hearing about this now, too!

Ran: True. Then, let's get going right away…

Episode 2

Seira&Friends: Whaaat~!!

Tiara: Are you guys surprised?

Seira: Yes…! But, why!? Headmistress Tiara…!

Kii: It's Moon Desert Rhapsody, the drama Sora-chan was in, but…!

Maria: But I can't believe Sora's not in it…!

Seira: The main character, the swordswoman, is still Ran Shibuki from Starlight, but for us to get offers for roles when Sora's not it in…

Tiara: I don't blame you. To tell you the truth about those offers…

Sora: I said I wanted you guys to be in it, and asked them.

Seira&Friends: Sora!

Kii: But for us to be in it when you aren't…

Seira: What's going on, Sora?

Sora: About that, well.

Maria: Is there...A reason you aren't gonna be in it?

Sora: Yeah. This time, I'm not gonna be an actress...I was thinking I wanted to support everyone behind the scenes this time.

Kii: So it's just that you're not gonna be acting…

Sora: Yeah, I'm gonna be in charge of costumes and the art direction.

Seira: So that's it~ I got so scared!

Sora: I did want to act, but...More than that, I want to create and express the world of that drama on stage. Also, I'm confident that even if it's a hard stage play with lots of combat scenes, you guys will make it to the end.

Seira: I see. So you decided to take on a new challenge!

Maria: If that's the case, then we can't lose, too...!

Seira: Yeah! It'll be the first time doing combat scenes for me, but…

Kii: We gotta take it up if it's Sora-chan who's asking us.

Maria: Yeah♪

Seira: So this means it's gonna be a stage play with all of Starlight this time, huh.

Kii: Then we should all get together for a strategy meeting!

[Notification sounds]

Sora: Oh, it's from Ran-chan.

Kii: Good timing♪ Then, let's get going right away…

Episode 3

Aoi: Collective meeting for the Desert Moon Stage play!

Kii: Is now starting~

Everyone: Yay~♪

Kii: Okay, then! Let's have the costumes and art direction producer Sora-chan go first!

Sora: Okay. Thanks for taking up this offer, guys. It's a stage play this time, not a drama, so I think it'll be really different...But I hope you guys will give me a hand to make this a good play.

Seira: Are dramas and plays really that different?

Ran: Yeah, since a play means acting live in front of an audience.

Aoi: There's no retakes, and no tricks with the camera.

Seira: I see. That's a pretty big difference…

Kii: Right, right? So plays require higher levels of skill from the actors.

Sora: And one more thing...We have to have combat scenes for this story. I want to make use of those hard combat scenes even in the play. So I'd like you guys to train all-out for them.

Maria: Combat scene training, huh. It seems tough, but I'm sure it'll be fine♪

Ichigo: Yeah! Let's all train together like we did for Ran!

Aoi: Looks like we have no choice.

Otome: No matter what, we should just challenge ourselves~!

Ichigo: Right♪

Sora: Thanks, guys!

Ran: Let's all make this stage a success!

Ichigo: Yep, yep! Then let's get started on training…

Sora: Before that, another thing. I want to decide on a leader this time.

Seira: Leader? Not you?

Sora: I don't think I can be with you guys much because of costumes and art this time, so...I think it's better to decide on a leader with one of the actors.

Aoi: That does sound better. Since it's a play this time, is it the chairman in this case?

Otome: Is chairman different from a leader?

Kii: For theatres and plays, the leader is called the chairman.

Ichigo: Ooh~! I didn't know that!

Sora: So about the chairman...Can I ask you, Ran-chan?

Kii: Yep, yep, there's no other option!

Maria: She's the lead actress for the drama, and has experience with combat scenes, so she's perfect!

Ran: Okay, got it. I'll be the chairman for the play this time. If we're gonna do this, we're gonna focus and go hard!

Everyone: Okay~!

Episode 4

Ran: Thanks for all your work, Sora.

Sora: Oh...You too, Ran-chan.

Ran: You're sure good at progressing meetings, huh?

Sora: Hehe, thanks. I thought about a lot of things for today, so. But there's still tons of things we have to discuss and decide.

Ran: Yeah, like the training schedule and place...There's mountains of things to decide. I'll help you as much as you want so don't work too hard by yourself, okay?

Sora: Hehe, yeah, thanks. I'll make to rely on you, okay?

Ran: ...I still think about drama even now. I worked hard and trained, and learned about combat scenes…

Sora: Yeah, I do too. You looked so cool when you were training. So that's how I got the image of a princess that isn't just always being protected, but who fights alongside the swordswoman, too.

Ran: I was so surprised when you came rushing in during the audition. But it was super fun. I didn't think I'd fight alongside the princess, so.

Sora: I thought that I could go anywhere with you by holding hands...So I really couldn't decide. That if I should be an actress or art producer. But, I wanted to make it the best play ever, so…

Ran: I see...So you decided.

Sora: I can't stand on the same stage as you, but I can fight alongside you.

Ran: Yeah...Then I'll make sure to make this the best play ever as an actress. So make sure to make the best costumes for us, Sora.

Sora: Yeah, of course…! We're fighting in different places, but our goals are the same.

Ran: Let's combine our strengths and make this the best play ever!

Sora: Yeah, let's do our best!

Episode 5

Ran: Okay! Let's get started on training for combat scenes right away!

Seira&Friends: Okay~!

Ran: That response was weak! Put more focus into it!

Seira&Friends: Yes! Chairman!

Ran: Good! Let's start from the basics...Aoi!

Aoi: Stage combat means swordplay and footwork acting. Like scenes with samurai sword fights in historical dramas.

Ran: Okay, let me show you an example first. Basics are like this...Come at me, Ichigo…!

Ichigo: Haaah~!

Ran: ...If she comes at you like this. Hup! ...Dodge it lightly like this. Haah! And slash quickly like this!

Ichigo: S-She got me~…….Got it, guys?

Seira: ...Ummm~?

Kii: Lightly? Quickly?

Maria: I don't think I get it…!

Ichigo: Ah, I knew it.

Ran: Alright, let me explain again. First of all, mastery of stage combat taught by the master himself! From 1 to 4!

[Scene Transition]

Seira: Okay! I'm starting to get the hang of it!

Kii: Whaat~, already? That's our Seira.

Aoi: Kii-chan's sense of rhythm isn't bad, though~

Seira: It has similar points to our usual Aikatsu! Like it being important to stretch, and doing it over and over until your body moves by itself…

Ran: Yeah, but for you, Seira, you're being too rhythmical. It's a sword fighting scene. Don't fall into the rhythm.

Seira: Ack…! Did my body just get into rhythm by itself!?

Ichigo: Hehe, Master said the same thing to Ran at first too, right?

[Scene Transition]

Maria: Otome-chan, here I go~

Otome: Okay~ Ready when you are~♪

Maria: Ya~♪

Otome: Too slow~♪

Ran: You two! You're lacking focus~!

Otome&Maria: Chairman! We're sorry~!

Ichigo: For these two...It doesn't look like sword fighting…

Aoi: U-Uhhhh~...I wonder how this is gonna turn out? Ahaha…

Episode 6

Aoi: Phew~ I didn't know what was gonna happen at first, but…

Ichigo: Everyone pulled through in the end, as always! They picked it up so fast~

Otome: It's thanks to Ran-tan's good teaching♪

Aoi: Yeah, as expected of master...No, no, as expected of the chairman…!

Ichigo: Honestly! Yo, Chairman Ran!

Ran: No, it's still not good enough!

Aoi: What!? Even if you compare them to you when you started training, I think they're doing pretty well…

Ran: Yeah, everyone's doing well now...If this were a drama, that is. But it's a play this time. And on top of that…

Ichigo: What, there's still something else?

Ran: Yeah. The number one problem here is that you're going up against other idols in combat scenes.

Aoi: I see...If you were against a pro, they can back you up even if you mess up, but…

Ran: Yeah, there's only us idols for this play. We have to act on the same levels as pros.

Otome: I-I see~…! This is tough~

Ran: Of course, there's a secret method to raise your skill. It's…

Ichigo: [Gulp]...It's…?

Shion: We were waiting for this.

Sakura: We were waiting for you.

Otome: Shion-tan!? Sakura-tan, too!? Whoa~ what's the matter~?

Sakura: We arrived called by Ran-sama.

Shion: She asked for help, saying you're gonna do special training so you needed helpers.

Aoi: Special training...Ran, what are you planning?

Ran: You guys helped me with it when I was learning stage combat too, right?

Aoi: Oh, wait…!

Ran: Yeah, Sudden Death-style special training!

Ichigo: Wow! So we're gonna do it this time, too!

Shion: I have confidence in my action scenes, so! I'll help out as much as I can.

Sakura: Ah! Stage combat is mastery of martial arts, and the traditional Japanese soul! I shall pour my whole soul into helping you~!

Ichigo: Thanks~! You guys!

Shion: I'll attack you no matter the time and place, so prepare yourselves!

Otome: I'll take you on~♪

Ran: Stage combat is all about guts! You can't let your guard down during this special training, so it's perfect for training your guts!

Aoi: That's true! You can't avoid mishaps on stage! This special training catches you off guard and makes you practice your improv skills, too!

Ran: Yeah, it's practice reading rhythm for both the defender, and the assailant as well! Alright! We're still in the middle of training! We gotta tell DreAca about this Sudden Death-style training, too!

Everyone: Yeah~!

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

The Perfect Bad Boy (Pt. 12 of 18)

Pairing: Billy Hargrove X Reader

Word count: 3 K

Summary: Working as a lifeguard in the Hawkins Community Pool, you try to fit in after moving from New York. Things were going pretty well when you notice you've been under someone's stare. Billy Hargrove, Hawkins' bad boy, has been staring at you since day one. You never intended to have anything to do with him, judging by the reputation he has. But Billy won't leave you alone, determined to show you his feelings are different this time...

As if your heart flooding you with confusing feelings wasn't enough, there are weird, strange animals lurking in the woods... But those have to be just part of the wild live of the woods surrounding Hawkins... Right?

<- Previous part (11)

Next part (13) ->

{Stranger Things Masterlist}

×

Apparition

A wave of courses leave Diane's lips when you're done telling her what happened yesterday. She tells you Robert is a lawyer, and if Neil ever shows up again, she won't save up money to sue his ass off. You couldn't agree more. But after the tense moment has passed, the three of you seat on the kitchen table, ready for a different kind of tension.

“Alright. Now, aunt. We're actually here for something else.” You start, clearing your throat and trying not to show that you're nervous about it. It's not that you're changing your mind, but you're aware of the big decision you're taking. And you're scared it won't work in the end, but still, you want to do it, to know how it would be to live with Billy. Well, with Maxine too. You're trying not to overthink, but to just give this crazy idea a chance.

“What is it?” She squints her eyes, flying from Billy and back at you.

“You tell her.” You elbow Billy, who looks at you with wide eyes. “It was your idea.” You lower your voice.

“But she's your aunt.” He complains.

“Alright, kids. What's going on?” Diane raises her voice, tapping on the table. “Should I be worried? I heard some rumors and–”

“No. It's... Good news.” You assure her, taking a deep breath before–

“I asked her to come to live with me.” Billy bursts out, and you don't know why but you feel so damn nervous about it, so you hold his hand. It's a funny feeling, one that you never felt. You never introduced any of the guys you dated to your parents. The only two guys you dated before. You did tell their names to Diane, but that was it. A short time after the relationship was over anyway, so it was never a thing. But this... This is huge.

“Well, that's... That's a big step you're taking." Diane doesn't seem mad, and you remember she's nothing like your parents. She understands you, supports you, and it makes you feel better, confident. And if you mess up, she will be right here to help you up. “Are you both sure about it?”

You both nod at the same time. “I came up with the idea.” Billy starts. ”We have the same plans about the routine when summer is over and the classes are back.” He moves your holding hands over the table, his thumb caressing the back of your hand. “I own my house, so it just makes sense since (Y/N) plans on staying in Hawkins.” He makes a pause. “As do I. And you wouldn't have to pay rent anymore.”

“It's not this part that matters. I came to live here because I wouldn't leave (Y/N) alone and I have no trouble driving to the clinic. What matters is what you guys are feeling. Living together is a big step. You'll be around each other all day, you'll get to know each other a lot better and fights will happen.” She's using the mom's voice, and it's so cute. You can't even remember how many times you wished she was your real mother. How many times you called her, in tears, sobbing, asking why she wasn't the one to put you into this world. But it doesn't really matter now, because it's Diane, it always has been, who was a mother to you. It's to her you run to when you need advice, and she's the one you're nervous about telling this decision. Your parents won't know about this, they don't have to. But Diane? She has to. You own her this much. “And you can't just break apart when the first disagreement hits.”

“We won't,” Billy speaks up before you can, tightening his grip on your hand a little. Turning your head, you look at him, those blue eyes reassuring you about all this, and a smile comes to your lips. “I love (Y/N). I think you, as her mother figure should know that.”

This takes you by surprise. You never thought Billy would be the one to act like this. He's still impressing you, every passing day...

“Then you already said the three big words to each other,” Diane states, but your eyes are locked on Billy's.

“We did,” you assure her, suddenly aware of the public, what makes you blush. “I really wanna do this, aunt.”

“I know, honey. I'll give you my permission then.”

“What?” You gasp, laughing a little. “I wasn't asking for permission. I was just... Letting you know.” Raising an eyebrow, you give her a smirk.

“I give permission.” Diane crosses her arms, leaning back on her chair.

“I don't–”

“Let's just start packing up your things.” Billy cuts you off, and you wonder if he's trying to get into your aunt's good side. He pulls you off the chair and you have no choice but to follow him.

You still have an hour before you have to get to the pool, so you start working. Diane helps until she has to go too, telling you she'll call the house owner from the clinic and let him know you'll be moving out.

As you put all your clothes and personal stuff into the three pieces of baggage you have, you feel it becoming real. Yesterday you were both a little high from the commotion, but now... You're actually doing it. You and Billy are emptying out your wardrobe and drawers, and the few stuff you have around the bedroom. You make a few trips to his car and back, making sure nothing is left behind.

“You don't have much stuff besides clothes,” Billy says as you both stand by the door frame, looking at the now empty bedroom.

“No. Actually, most of the clothes I have now I bought in Indianapolis. When I left New York I had nothing but a backpack.” You can't help but smile at the memory. You felt like a teenager that day, running away. It was the first time on a plane, but the whole flight was a blur. You could only think that you were finally free, to do what you wanted with your life.

“Ready to go? We can drop your things off before driving to the pool.”

“Yup. Let's go.”

The short ride back to his place is silent since you're a little lost in your own head. You don't know why, but the fear you once had of falling for Billy hits again. What if this is a mistake? What if it's way too soon to do this and this is what will break you apart. ‘We're bound to break.’ The sentence hits you like a brick, and you can't help but nervously run a hand through your hair, looking at the landscape outside the window.

“(Y/N),” Billy calls, and when you turn your face to look at him, you notice you're already here. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, I... I just...”

“Did you change your mind?” His voice sounds weak, still deep and strong but... Weak. Fearful.

“No, I just... I don't want to ruin what we have. Guess I'm a little scared.” Shrugging your shoulders, you take a deep breath, stretching your arm and touching the back of his neck. “Aren't you? Not even a little bit?”

“Yes. I'm scared you'll open your eyes and realize the asshole I am and walk away.” Billy opens the door and steps out of the car.

“Shit,” you mumble, doing the same. “Billy, wait.” You raise your voice, eyes on his back as he goes to the front door. He's still affected by what happened yesterday, and it seems that the only thing that's making him happy is the fact that you're here. “Won't you help me carry these things inside?”

You smile when he stops, biting your lips when he turns on his heels and comes back.

You have your eyes on the clock since you couldn't help start putting things in their places. The room is a mess because of the bad idea of laying everything on the bed and only then start looking for places. You're thankful that he has some space in his wardrobe, but you'll need a new one, bigger. When you're tired of dealing with the clothes, you leave him to it and move to his bathroom. And there's definitely no space in the cabinet. You sit on the floor, looking at your things, and at the space you have to put them.

“It won't fit,” you complaim, considering putting everything on a box under the bed.

“What won't fit?” Billy asks from the bedroom, but he soon comes to your aid. “Ok, let me see.” He offers his hand and you take it, pulling yourself up. “You have... Three different types of shampoo.”

“Yes,” you mutter, leaning on the door frame. “One is for when my hair is dry, the other–”

“Two types of hair conditioner.” He's having way too much fun today, you can tell by the tone of his voice there's a smile hidden.

“I couldn't choose the scent I liked more.” You have no idea why you're explaining this to him.

“And... Two types of tampons.”

“For goodness sake, Billy!” You yell, felling your whole face burning. In an insanely fast move, you take the boxes from his hand, putting them away from his sight. The smile on his face makes you want to punch him.

“Chill, princess.” Grabbing the shampoo and hair conditioner, he gets back to his feet. “We can put those in the shower organizer.”

“Mhmm.” Looking down, you're still trying to swallow the embarrassment, drumming your fingers on the wall.

“You're so cute when you're blushing, strawberry,” Billy says as he comes out of the shower box, a smirk on his lips.

“I thought you said I looked like a tomato last time.” Giggling, you step back, running from his embrace.

“Yeah, but strawberries are cute.” He moves fast, a strong arm encircling your waist and pulling you close, making you collide against his chest. “Like you.”

“Did you know that when two women live together, their cycles are likely to get in sync?” It's your time to tease now, so you make sure to give him a wicked smile.

“And?” He furrows his eyebrows.

“You'll have two girls PMSing at the same time.” You can't help but laugh at his face, as he tries to understand what you just said. “Now, are you changing your mind, baby?” Keeping your voice soft, you peck his lips.

“Billy, where–” Max swings the door open, but her words are cut short, and when you look at her, you see the reason why. There are still some clothes scattered around. “What the hell is all this?”

“Uhm...” You forgot to tell Maxine.

“(Y/N) lives here now,” Billy says, embracing your waist from behind when you turn around to face Max.

You're nervous to read her expression, but it's blank. She doesn't believe it. What if she doesn't want you here? “A-are you happy about it?”

“Are you kidding? I'll have someone else in this house to talk to other than this shithead.” Her face breaks into a smile, and you're so damn relieved. “You're really serious this time, aren't you, Billy?”

“Yeah.” He mumbles, his mouth is dangerously close to your ear.

“Well, I'll leave you two alone before I'm grossed out.” Max rolls her eyes and leaves.

Taking a deep breath, you turn around, Billy's arms never letting go of you. “So... We're dating for less than twenty-four hours and we're already living together. We're both completely crazy, Hargrove.”

“I don't see a problem with that.” Billy crushes his lips on yours, and you laugh through the kiss. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you stumble backwards as he pushes you, tasting the lips you dreamed about for so long. A groan gets caught on your throat when your hip hits his dresser before your back hits the wall, which makes you laugh again.

“Ouch!” You exclaim, faking an angry face that soon enough fades away. You wonder if you'll ever get over the sensation Billy provokes. The nervousness, the butterflies on your stomach... You slide your arms down from his neck, so you're touching his chest. You guess it's ok now, right? To look at him and want to touch him. And you're kinda upset his wearing a shirt.

“Sorry. Just can't believe I can kiss you now.”

“It's not a big deal, Billy.” Biting your lip, you look at the clock he has on the dresser beside you. “We gotta go though. Or else we'll be late again.” When you turn to look at him, his face is different. It's the same from last night, full of pain and suffering. You're about to ask what happened when you realize you gave him a good sight of your bruised cheek. Red and purple, with the scratch from Neil's ring. Your eyes fall on his wounds too, on the apple of his cheek, his lower lip and above his left eyebrow. “Baby–”

“I'm sorry, (Y/N)–”

“I'm not,” you whisper, cupping his face with your hands. “I'll say it again: I'd face a hundred Neils for you. Without thinking twice. I love you, baby.”

Slowly, a smile comes to his lips. “I like it when you call me baby.”

“Well, baby...” Pushing him away, you gesture at the clock. “We gotta go.”

•

You somehow managed to get to the Community Pool right on time, despite being way too playful on your way there. The fact that you're holding hands until you have to split up at the lockers gets some attention. You change into the red swimsuit before putting on the sunblock, seated on one of the benches. You're putting your hair up on a ponytail when you hear a whistle, which makes you jump, heartbeat increasing.

“No running on my watch!” You hear Billy's yell, and you can't help but laugh. The kids are terrified of him.

You're playing with the tips of your hair when you leave the locker, making the way to the chair to start the day. Knowing there's a funfair to go to makes you want the day to pass real quick. You've never been to anything like that, and it'll be good to have something new and different to do.

“(Y/N).” Someone calls and you stop, turning on your heels to see who is it. All the joy melts when you see David, walking over you. “Been a while. How are you?”

“I'm great. You?” You ask just to be polite.

“Perplexed to know you're still hanging out with Hargrove. I even heard these rumors that you're–”

“Pregnant?” You cut him off, sighing. “Yeah. But I'm not. I fainted because of heat exhaustion, that's all.“ You give a step back, turning your head at the kid's pool, trying to make him notice you're not interested in talking. You'd work for twenty-four hours non stop if it means you won't have to talk to David.

“The hell is that on your face?” He raises his voice, and you suddenly remember the bruise and cut on your cheek. You forgot the damn thing. But you hate the way he talks, as if he had any right to. David's eyebrows are furrowed, an angry expression on his face.

“It's–”

“Did he do that to you?” David looks and gestures at something behind you, and you know who it is. A second later you feel Billy behind you and you immediately feel better. “He's beat up too. What the hell–”

“We got into a fight but that not your business,” Billy says, his voice especially deep and low. Like an unspoken threat.

“You should see the other guy,” you mutter, and a small smile involuntary comes to your lips.

“(Y/N), if this asshole did that you can tell me. I can–”

“David, stop it. Billy didn't hurt me and I don't have to tell you anything.” You can feel Billy getting tense.

“What do you expect me to think when you're still hanging around this asshole and then you show up with your face all screwed up? But if you want to be his whore, be my guest, (Y/N), good luck with that.”

“Now you stepped over the line,” Billy shouts, stepping forward, burning with anger. But you know this will end badly for him since he's an employee here and David is a client. If you were anywhere else, you wouldn't lift a finger.

“Let it go, baby.” You raise your voice, moving to stand between your boyfriend and David.

“I told you I'd break his nose the next time.”

“I know, but it's not worth it.” You keep a hand on Billy's chest, but you turn to face David. “Listen up, buddy. I couldn't care less about what you think you know. We're not friends, so the next time you want to come and talk to me as if we were anything else than two people who happen to live in the same town, don't. I have a boyfriend who looks after me, I have real friends and an aunt who looks after me. I don't need you.” You keep a straight face as if the words had no meaning at all. David looks like he was hit by a train, embarrassed because he knows there are people nearby, listening. You have been noticing most of the people here don't like him very much. Can't possibly understand why. “And next time you do anything like this, I won't stop Billy.” Leaning closer, you whisper: “I might even help him beat you up a little.”

He doesn't say anything else. He just walks away, leaving the pool. You turn around to look at Billy, as he follows David with his eyes until he's gone before looking down at you. “Damn, (Y/N).”

“Damn indeed.” Smiling, you chose to ignore the public for a while, tiptoeing to kiss him. Billy wraps his arms around your waist and lifts you up. God, you can feel dozens of eyes on your back. And you don't care one bit.

“Look what we have here.” Monica's voice is what makes you pull away, being put down again. “This must mean something good, I hope.”

“Guess,” you say, winking at her. But Monica's face changed and you know why.

Her eyes fly from you to Billy then back at you. “You guys ok? Got into a fight or something?”

“I'll explain everything later. We're still going to get ready for the funfair at your place, right?”

“Yup. All our girl friends. No boys allowed.” She points a finger at Billy. Despite the light tone of her voice, you can tell she's worried.

“No boys allowed,” you repeat, tiptoeing once more to place a quick kiss on his lips. “Now, let's get to work.”

•

At the end of the day, you're utterly bored. But there are still two hours to go. The pools are almost empty, compared to the number of people you have here daily. People are excited about the fair and left soon to meet up with their friends, and it only makes you more excited by the minute. So you're not on your post, you're seated on the middle step of Billy's chair, in between his legs, using his sunglasses, hoping the hours will pass by faster.

But honestly, you're already done for today. “This is the worse workday ever,” you mutter, breathing out. “We could actually leave. Anthony isn't even here.” You complain, staring at a small group of teenagers across the pool.

“Let's go then.” He lightly kicks your arm.

“What?”

“Let's go.” You get up when you feel him moving, giggling as he jumps to the ground and takes your hand.

You don't even bother to change, you just get your stuff and run to the car. You're a breathless mess when he speeds away, feeling like a teenager again, running from school.

Maxine is perplexed to see both of you home so soon, and she mumbles something about expecting something like this from Billy but not from you. It just makes you laugh harder. You quickly put the rest of your clothes in their new places before you decide to chill until it's time to go. Well, you'll go to Mon's earlier and he'll meet you there.

You can't believe you're so excited about this. Maybe you're just happy about everything and it's channeling to the fair. But it'll also be the first time you and Billy will go out as boyfriend and girlfriend. Maybe it's silly to think like that, but you think it's ok to be silly for a while. You're drinking a glass of cold water by the sink, looking at the street through the window. Hawkins is beautiful, and you can't help but wonder, imagine, what it could be from now on. You mean, you still got college to go through, but you want to know what will come next. You know what you want, but you still need to know what Billy wants. But it's not the time to think about it yet. You still have a good amount of summer ahead.

Running a hand through your hair, you go back to the living room, a smile forcing its way to your lips when you see Billy on the bench press, lifting the bar over his head. “Looking good, baby,” you tell him, getting one of his famous smirks, the same that once had you hating him for a while.

“Good to know you're enjoying the view, princess.”

Your eyes suddenly fall on your glass, still half full, as an idea crosses your head. Slowly, you walk over the bench until you're right next to him, looking down. “What if I...” You turn the glass just a little bit, threatening to spill the water on his chest.

Billy doesn't stop though, raising an eyebrow at you. “You won't do it.” He says, way too confident.

“Uhum...” You mumble right before fulfilling the threat and throwing water on him.

“What the–”

Bursting into laughter, you run on the moment you see him getting up. “Can't believe you did that.” He exclaims, and you're about to reach the hall when you're grabbed from behind, an arm around your waist, lifting you up. “Give me that!” He tries to grab the glass and you struggle to keep it out of his reach.

“Stop it!” You shout in between laughs, almost losing your breath since he's holding exactly on your ticklish spot. You gasp when you feel a bunch of water on your face. “It's glass, careful.”

“You have no idea what you started.” He yells, still trying to throw what's left of the water on you.

“What's all the yelling about?” Max's voice startles both of you, and when Billy moves, his feet slips and you're suddenly pulled down with him, falling on your butt. Your laughter clouds whatever Max is saying as you just stand there, on the floor. “You're crazy, you two.” She mumbles before heading back into her room.

“I–” You're interrupted by someone blasting the horn outside, and you know it's Monica. “That's my ride,” you tell him, pushing your body up to a sitting position, looking down at Billy. “See you there?”

“I miss you already.” One of his hands comes to caress your cheek, and you bend down to place a quick kiss on his lips.

After taking the bag with your outfit for the night, you meet up with Monica on the sidewalk. She's obviously excited about the fair, and so are you. The sun is down already, and the first signs of the night are already here.

“Hanging out at Billy's, huh?” She asks as she drives away.

“Yeah...” You can't wait to tell her, but you'll wait until Billy is with you. She'll freak out, you're sure. “Things are going unbelievably well between us.”

“I can see that.” Monica gives you a look, winking. “Candace and Alice will come a little later so we'll have some time to talk. And little lady, you have a lot to talk about.”

Smiling at her, you nod, turning your head to look at the landscape outside the window. The woods fly past you, the darkness already taking over under the trees. Something moves, and you move in your seat too, trying to see what it is. You're about to tell Monica when a strange feeling builds up on your stomach, and you squint your eyes, trying to see better.

That thing is as fast as the car, easily keeping up. Then you see another one, a little slower, but still unnaturally fast. Clenching your hands into fists, you quickly notice this is not the first time you see something like this. The low light, that somehow still finds it's a way through the leaves, gives you a sudden glimpse of their skin. And just as you thought, as you hoped not to be, it's naked. Like a dark, slick skin. The face is shapeless as if it didn't have one.

Terrified, you look away, focusing on the road ahead.

“(Y/N)? Are you alright?” Monica's voice sounds distant, low.

“Yeah.” You breathe out, nodding, and clearing your throat. “I'm ok.” Forcing a smile, you say it more to yourself than to her.

This gotta be a mistake. You're probably... You don't know. Imagining it? But James saw it, the same damn thing... Whatever it is, it's not in your head. It's real. Giving another look at the woods, you look for the animals, but they're gone. You should feel relieved, but you don't. You have to tell Billy about it and then the police. Someone has to do something, find out what this... Thing is. What if it starts attacking people? What if it leaves the woods and starts going into town?

Taking a deep breath, you run a hand through your hair. You'll try to keep it together for tonight. But tomorrow, you'll do something. You have to.

×

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