#young val should get to giggle honestly

[garaks-gay-garderobe]

I'm in the middle of the second book now and I just wanna say:

lol!

[honoviadakai]

What you favorite Hazbin hotel song says about you 😈🎶😇

(This list includes songs from the pilot as well as a few others that are not official but are near and dear to the fandom's collective heart)

I’m always chasing rainbows 🌈:

…so how’s your relationship with your parents?

You have a good heart but you’re way too hard on yourself

You don’t always have to be busting your ass off, taking breaks is not a crime

Also failing is not the end of the world

I believe in you, please be kinder to yourself

Inside of every demon is a rainbow 🌈 😈:

Golden retriever energy

You are so sweet but so naive

I honestly feel like if this is your fav song, I could spit in your meal and you'd just smile and get a new plate

It's ok to go apeshit

If you did ever get mad I genuinely feel like you'd be absolutely terrifying

But you're such a sweet person, i can't imagine someone pushing you to that point

Inside of every demon is a lost cause/Alastor's reprise 🎶👿:

You're a cynical bastard and you wear that shit like a badge of honor

You're on the same page as Alastor in terms of redemption being impossible/pointless

If this song is your favorite, you laugh at children when they fall over

very loudly

You're the one in your friend group that everyone has to warn about before introducing you to new people

You receive the bombastic side eye so often you smile every time it happens

ADDICT🕸️🚬:

You need a hug

All of the hugs

You're doing your best and I just want you to know I'm proud of you

Vox's Interlude📺🎶:

You like Dubstep

You like Dubstep to a concerning degree

You're also disappointed Vox doesn't have the same voice effect in cannon that he has in the song

You're a Vox simp, but you're really chill about it

Royal Flush🥃♥️♠️♦️♣️:

Hello my fellow Pansexuals and Husk Fans~

If this if your favorite song, you're a Mick Lauer fan and you were sad to hear he wasn't coming back to the official series and it made you even more jaded than you already were(I feel you)

You're also a fan of Johnathan Young and Rock music

You lowkey giggle every time you hear the "every hole is a goal" line

You probably have a sever resting bitch face that scares ppl sometimes, but deep down you're a softy

A jaded softy, but a softy

Radio Play📻🎶:

Hello Alastor fans that lament the recasting of Edward Bosco

Hello Black Gyrph0n fans that think he's not receiving enough recognition

How deep in the financial debt hole are you because of your love of Alastor and new found desire to have a retro 30's aesthetic once this song dropped?

You have good taste in music but I feel like you'd say out of pocket shit on accident

You probably know how to do the Charleston pretty well and that's pretty cool

Redemption arc🙏🎶:

Hello my depressed gifted child burnouts and Elise Lovelock fans

You're a girlboss, you really are, but I need you to take more breaks and drink more water

You strike me as someone who takes the phrase "act your wage" as a suggestion at best

If over thinking was an Olympic sport, you'd win gold, silver ans bronze

stop trying to carrying other people's baggage on top of your own, that's not building character, its building more work for your therapist

Assuming you've even allowed yourself to see one!

Insane🦌🔪:

You're unhinged

like Niffty levels unhinged

but you have good taste in music

You're also a very vocal Alastor fan

You need to be watched 24/7 because you strike me as someone who'd commit war crimes for fun

Eyes on me📺🥲:

You like Techno a normal amount

you're probably a Bo Burnham fan

You also give the vibe that you like anime like Evangalion

as well as the vibe of hiding behind a chill facade even though you're kinda depressed

you also give the impression that you're into enemies to lovers and once sided pining in romance

You ship Vox x Alastor in a wholesome way and you're foaming at the mouth for their backstory

You hate Val(as you should)

Change the order 👑🪽:

You lament that Lucifer doesn't have a British accent

You HEAVILY lament Lucifer not being a heartless asshole

You oh so desperately wanna see Lucifer and Lilith in their prime/as a united power couple

You have slight daddy issues

You're also probably someone who grew up with some religious trauma

You're in your villain arc but it's mostly yo protect yourself

i highly suggest getting a dog, a rubber duck collection and a therapist

Get hooked🚬🦋:

Your search history is not suitable for human eyes

You definitely have daddy issues

You desperately wanna see Val on the poles

You're fun at partied but you cannot be left unsupervised under any circumstances

You radiate bad bitch energy but I feel like you'd apologize to a kindly janitor if you had to walk on a floor they just finished mopping

You can run in heels and I respect that immensely

Smile like you mean it😁🦌:

I get it! You love Alastor! Please lower your voice a tad friend!

It's concerning how quick you'd sell your soul to this man

You like jazz unironically(nice)

You wanna experience one of Al's radio shows

...I'm not entirely sure if you wanna hear it or be the victim...and that deeply concerns me

Use me up🕷️🥲:

You wanna see Angle Dust fuck shit up(same)

You don't make friends easily but you're the loyalest son of a bitch anyone could ever have and more people need to recognize that

You probably had a really rough childhood

You give ppl middle fingers and sass the way Oprah gave out cars back in the day

You just want a hug, someone to say they're proud of you(I'm proud of you friend) and a month long nap

We're sure to drown🐈‍⬛🥃🥺:

Hello again my fellow Pansexuals and Husk fans

Specifically the ones with severe depression, trust issues and think mixing Tequila and monster energy drinks will help with the abandonment issues

yeah, i see you, put the bottle down mf

get therapy, this a threat

You're so cynical that even shadow the hedgehog would ask if you're ok

asking for help doesn't make you weak fam, i get where your coming from but you need a good plucking you prickly cactus

oddly enough, you give the best advice to the few friends you keep in your circle but take none of your own advice

You listen to country rock with lyrics so sad that everyone in the car with you immediately get concerned

definitely a cat person

POP!👁️💥:

You either wanna be stepped on or do the stepping on

You probably watched Black Lagoon and loved Revy

If you don't know what I'm talking about, look her up, that's your type

Low key probably a pyromaniac

You're that one friend that's ALWAYS ready to punch your friend's ex's in the face

Honestly, I feel like you're scrappy enough to fist fight god with the confidence of someone who thinks they have a shot at winning

My machine 🐍 ⚙️:

You were really excited to see Pentious be one of the show's antagonists

You're still a little bitter about not getting your mad scientist, steam punk, snake man

You did love his War General outfit though

You probably really like shows like Arcane

You really wanted 'Enemies to lovers' CherriSnake or platonic/rivals CherriSnake

You probably have reptile as a pet

most likely a snake

Happy day in hell🎶🎤:

You're a basic Broadway bitch but your optimism is a tad infectious so I'll let it slide

You're a tad too optimistic though

Like, to a concerning degree

Someone could punch you and you'd ask them if they were ok despite having a split lip

you're definitely a workaholic

take that PTO sweetie, work will be there when you come back

Hell is forever😇😈:

you either really like Alex Brightman or you LOVE villains

you also love rock

You kicked your feet like a love sick when Adam did the guitar solo bit

Probably a fan of bands like Skillet

You have religious trauma but your coping mechanism is to crack jokes about it

some of them are probably inappropriate

Stayed gone📺🦌:

You ship Vox x Alastor a "normal" amount

You'd sell your soul for Vox and Al to have more duets together

You're probably a Vox simp

If you're not, its cuz you're an Al simp

You giggled at "That's the tea"

You also drooled at Al's demon form towards the end of the song

It starts with sorry🐍🥹:

friend, you are way too forgiving

someone could steal your life's savings and I feel like you'd just let them have it because "they probably need it more"

You were very proud of Pentious

Respectless💅📱:

You radiate chihuahua energy

You are 5'2 or smaller and 90 lbs soaking wet

someone need to make sure you don't run these streets lawless

don't get me wrong

You are absolutely a bad bitch that serves cunt like a 5 star restaurant serves gourmet steak

but you're gonna say the wrong thing to the wrong person one day

you cannot afford to fuck around and find out when they're over 5'9 my friend, sit down please

Whatever it takes🦋🩰:

you're the eldest child of your family aren't you

You don't need to prioritize everyone before yourself!

Love yourself first damn it!

You probably like Milfs or goths

You also probably wish Zestial had more songs

I have a feeling your favorite Disney movie is Encanto...

Poison🚬🕷️🥺:

Holy fuck you need a hug

You're either a survivor of some kind or life has just been kicking you in the balls for no god damn reason

Come here, I'm adopting you and making sure you're actually happy

You're low key an amazing dancer

literally one of the best people to be friends with

Loser Baby🐈‍⬛🕷️:

hello my fellow queers, Keith David fans, Blake Roman fans and Huskerdust shippers

You are a connoisseur of slow burn romance

You're probably a depressed hopeless romantic

friend, if you want the Husker to your dust...the loser to your baby...you gotta talk to people...

go touch grass

you're that one friend who bullies your bestie but that's cuz that your guy's love language

If anyone messed with your bestie, you'd fight that person to the death the way Husk and Angel did to those loan sharks

Hell's greatest dad🪽🦌:

You either beef with ppl for fun or you're a very flamboyant theater kid

Its probably both tbh

You probably fell in love with the blonde short king after this song

You ship Radioapple

you want a sitcom ft Radioapple and you'd sell your soul to get it

Your fav Disney movie is probably Aladdin

You totally play "HaHA! Fuck you..." on repeat

More than anything🪽😭:

So how's your relationship with your dad...

You cried so hard to this song that it scared you

grab the tissues, get your coziest blanket and go get your favorite treat

and some therapy

Welcome to Heaven😇🎶:

Emily is your favorite character

Your gaydar was going off when St. Peter started existing

Your a chill person

A little too chill though…

You might still be an active member of your community

Ya might wanna consider reducing your hours, there is such a thing as too much loyalty

Treat yourself to a vacation

You didn't know😧🪽:

Hello fellow black sheep of the family with severe religious trauma

You freaked the fuck out when the “If Hell is forever then Heaven must be a lie” line dropped

You felt so vindicated after this song and honestly, same

You LOVED Emily by the end of this song

Out for love 💗 🩰:

You like MILFs

You want Carmilla to kick/step on you

You’re either a magical girl fan, a fan of Latin music or both

You cheered so hard for Vaggie at the end you definitely got a noise complaint 🤣

Ready for this🎤⚔️:

You have anxiety

Your favorite character is probably Charlie

Your favorite movie is probably Marry Poppins or something in the same time period/genre

You’ve dealt with Karen’s before and watching Susan become tolerable was so satisfying for you

You want Alastor and Rosie to adopt you

More than anything(reprise):

You're the poster child of sappy hopeless romantics

You cried a little from joy here

You’re definitely not straight

You want this moment, go get yourself a Vaggie cuz you’re definitely gonna be the Charlie of the relationship

Finale🎶🎆:

You're the ultimate theater kid

This song hit all the sweet spots in your depressed brain for you

Let’s be honest, your favorite part of the song was either the Vees or Alastor

It’d your favorite part was with the Vees, your a huge chaos gremlin

You cannot be trusted with information but you’re very fun at parties

If your favorite part was Alastor’s part, get therapy

If you related to that part on a spiritual level, you mask so hard I’d believe you if you said you were born wearing a mask

[ask-rp-devra]

The slow pace was pleasant, despite the snow the sun shone brightly, and the pair was able to enjoy taking in the routes sights and sounds, plenty of Pokemon near by, you could see their tracks in the snow, the odd traveller moving from the station too. As Devra moved to the tree, Peach followed, standing out of her shot, looking up at the trees immense size and fresh colour.

“‘it’s really beautiful here...” her eyes squinted up further into the tree, something beyond the lower branches moving, then suddenly flying at speed from the tree. A moment later and snow hit the Professor square in the face, going down the back of her coat, getting an ungodly screech from her as she jumped about very suddenly to get the snow out, her poor Pokemon holding on for dear life.

Devra jumped at the sound, clutching her camera to her chest to keep from dropping it. She turned around to see the woman in distress. She rushed over and started to help shake the snow out of her coat. “Can you warm things up please Valka?” She finished getting the snow out and then started patting Peach’s back to try and warm her up.

The woman was already having a wailord of a time, the snow being so horribly cold, she was great full when Val fanned her tail out, increasing the ambient temperature around them all by easily 15 degrees, trying not to melt too much of the snow around them while heating up her trainer. Peach huffed, laughed a bit, and tanked everyone, hacking her bag to see if Dreepy was ok. He had been shocked yes but seemed fine once the situation had been explained, returning to the bag, his little face sticking out to watch everything going on.

“ok, ok. I think I’ll survive, got to remember not to stand under trees so much here hah.” She grinned in her weird lopsided way at Devra and thanked her, a little damp but otherwise fine now Val was doing her heat thing. “hope you got the shot you wanted, sorry to startle you all.” She even looked to Cole who had stopped what he was doing to investigate.

The little pup was sniffing at Peach’s feet, her behavior making him very curious. “Don’t worry I got it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had snow fall on me while taking pictures during the winter. But yeah, maybe avoid that.” She laughed with the Professor as they continued down the road. “Must have woken you up real food though.”

“‘I don’t think I’ve ever been this awake in my life, and I don’t know how to feel about it.” A bit of a joke, as the pair wandered towards the town, the tops of roofs starting to show up in the distance, and the smell of chimney smoke giving them both a sense of the warmth to come.

She took a deep breath of the cold and crisp air. “First thing I’m doing is getting some coffee. I might like the snow but I like it with hot drinks even more.” She glanced around, noticing a small open area tucked to the side of the trail. “Hey! Why don’t we let Aliza see the snow there?”

Spotting the same opening the woman nodded, honestly focused on the mention of a hot coffee, but the untouched snow begged for prints to be added to it.

“you know she’ll be all legs, excited, trying to jump things, running about madly. Yes. Let’s let her loose.” It’d be cute, a pokemons first snow is always a special little moment. The pack moved to the opening, peach sitting to one side, Val and her scraping snow off of a fallen tree, sitting neatly together, while the little Dreepy came out to see what was going on.

“‘get your camera ready for it, you know it’ll be cute.”

Devra was already ahead of her, getting her camera set for the bright light of the snowy area. She then took out a pokeball and released Aliza, camera ready for anything. The young ponyta shook herself after being in her ball for so long, then looked around her her person. She snorted in confusion when she noticed all of the white around her, ears flicking about. “Look Ali! It’s snow!” Devra snapped a couple pictures before kneeling down to show her it was okay to touch. Coal even came over and showed her you could leave prints in the snow. Aliza slowly lowered her head, sniffing at the snow. But before Devra could warm her the ponyta let out a loud sneeze as some loose snow got into her nose. She reared back and snorted, shaking her head before she started running laps with little bucks and kicks.

Yep. Disgustingly sweet. Dreepy looked to the little hybrid ponyta with fondness and familiarity, but while she bolted about in excitement, kept his distance. Peach noticed this little moment, petting him every so slightly as he sat on her lap with its little arms folded. “‘don’t worry bud, she’ll come over when she’s ready, she’s never seen the snow before, I bet you were excited your first time too.” He made a weird chirping sound before continuing to watch quite patiently. Devra was busy snapping pics and playing, Coal too, everyone seemed content for the moment, it was very quaint.

“‘I don’t think anyone would mind us travelling with the whole group out of their pokeballs, they’re not exactly a difficult bunch of Pokemon. You should keep her with you, she’s obviously enjoying it a lot.” A laugh escaped her as coal and Aliza collided with a skid and sudden stop, not bothered by the slippery terrain, or the tumble taken, back up in no time.

“I think I will. She’s having so much fun I don’t want to stop her.” She finished taking her massive amounts of pictures, going over to join peach on the log. Aliza kept going for another ten minutes before she came skidding to a halt, snorting from all the running she’d done. She then trotted over to Devra for attention, leaning into her for the pets she so desperately wanted. As the ponyta stood there she noticed the little dreepy, abd stretched her nose out to give him a sniff.

Dreepy hid, just for a brief moment, before slowly peeking out, touching noses with the pokemon, to get to know her smell. He seemed happy after a moment where they got to interact, Aliza reminded him of the other ponyta he had gotten to know, though not quite, and he couldn’t quite put his little mitts on why.

“I must admit, I’m worried about this Dragon type with all this snow around. I’ve seen nothing but ice types since we got here, hopefully he stays out of too much trouble, maybe the ghost in him will balance it out a bit.” Peach was unfamiliar with both dragons and ghosts, having had very few in her lifetime, mostly dual type grass or bug, making them much easier to work with, this Pokemon actually did unnerve her a little, she couldn’t help but worry about him constantly in the back of her mind.

“‘fire types are so straight forward in comparison hah!” The cluster of Pokemon around them all fell into the fire category, bar the little dragon, and you could tell, their ambient heat was slowly melting the snow where they sat, puddles forming around their feet over time.

“I’m sure he’ll be okay. Just got to keep him out of any fights for the time being.” She stood up after a minute to stretch. “Should we get going then? It looks like the little girl got her energy out for the time being.” Aliza snorted and gave Devra a little headbutt, making her giggle.

“sounds like a plan.” And so the group stood, brushed any snow off, and began their trek to the village close by, all Pokemon actually quite happy to walk together, aside from Val who took her watch post on Peach’s shoulder as per usual. It was however nice to see that little Dreepy being part of something now Aliza was out and about. He seemed a bit more confident for it.

“Hot coffee sounds amazing right about now, you really hit the nail on the head with that earlier.”

Aliza stuck close to Devra at they went, wanting to be close to the human that smelled like home. Coal on the other hand kept bounding ahead, keeping the group in eyesight. “So what area do you think we should go to first?”

[worfianism]

Okay here's my Dutch gp thoughts as someone watching an f1 season for the first time

- Zandvoort is a pretty cool circuit, I like the banking and stuff it looks really cool

- it was an exciting race for sure, things could have gone really differently today so it's nice to have that potential

- I liked that we had all young talent on the podium today (I mean yes devastated about the Lewis situation but happy for George, Max and Charles)

- I won't lie Merc were so so good today. Lewis and George were incredible, both putting in fastest laps and sectors, the strategy was also great until the end where they made that one mistake but a 1 stop when most of the grid were struggling with tyre management and everyone else was doing multiple stops would really have worked out if not for the safety cars

- Obviously Merc should have pitted Lewis along with George and gotten a 2-3 but that's a strategy problem (especially not letting Lewis know everyone else was on softs) but George made a really good call, he's shaping up to be one of the most talented drivers on the grid. I'm really hoping for a merc 1-2 soon and especially a Lewis win and I think this race has given both the boys some hope for the rest of the season

- I think people were expecting a brocedes era breakup after the race but Lewis actually seemed to be way more upbeat than last race after he had calmed down a bit (I mean he has every right to be angry about those last few laps and like he wasn't aggressive on the radio either he just said he was pissed) and George talked plenty about how it was unlucky Lewis lost out to Charles for p3 and he mentioned that he was looking forward to Lewis and him sharing a podium soon, they seem completely fine. Brocedes had the added drama of childhood best friends to rivals shakespearean tragedy so I just don't see this happening between Lewis and George coz they're clearly just teammates who get along but are ultimately doing their jobs.

- I won't lie it did make me giggle watching Seb ignoring blue flags a bit, I love chaos Seb

- Nico was fanboying over Lewis so much and as much as it does make me giggle to see it I'm also convinced the man is accidentally putting curses on him. Also my brocedes reconciliation delusion lives on

- Alonso was also tearing through the grid for a bit too which was fun to watch

- Sad for Yuki and Val tho :(

- I still don't actually know what happened with Yuki

- Nice to see Este had points tho!

- I think that's it! Honestly other than the lack of a Lewis podium (which I won't lie did majorly upset me at the time and still does but like Lewis is still one of the best on the grid, a win, another wdc (not this year obvs) isn't anywhere near impossible, there's always next time), I enjoyed that race, I feel more hopeful about Mercedes and it was just fun to see so many drivers tearing that track up.

[sunshinejihyun]

Perfectly Imperfect Christmas - Kiro

Author’s note: I wrote this for my dear, dear friend @dreamer-hyun​ for the Loveland Cutie’s secret Santa event! Merry Christmas, Val. I know this doesn't even come close to the gift of friendship you’ve given me this year but I hope it’s a start!

Also, a big big thank you to @beautiful-mystic-mess​ for organizing this wonderful event

Word Count: 3412

Warnings: One sexual innuendo, a lot of tooth rotting fluff, and some general shenanigans from the main four

Summary: On Christmas Eve, Kiro and MC reminisce about their past Christmases spent together and wonder what it means for the rest of their future

Masterlist

“Are there any more presents?” Your son clapped his hands and looked eagerly at you and Kiro, a cheesy grin that mirrored his father’s was etched on his face. His sister next to him sat sleepily, her head bobbing up and down as she tried to keep herself awake.

Looking under the tree, you sighed out and shook your head. “I think that’s it for tonight, kiddos. You gotta get to sleep or else Santa won’t come!” With the mention of the big guy, your son immediately bolted up, jumping into Kiro’s lap.

“Daddy! Can you tuck me and Edie in so Santa will come?”  Kiro laughed as he ran his fingers through Peter’s hair, the dark hair completely opposite of his father’s. Eurydice - nicknamed Edie - was the one with the blond hair, much like Kiro’s.

Kiro picked up Peter as you grabbed Edie, nuzzling your nose against her cheek as she leaned her head on your shoulder. For a two year old, the excitement of Christmas had worn her out and even though she tried to keep up with Peter’s energy, Edie was crashing quickly.

Putting her in her toddler bed, she immediately curled in on herself and shut her eyes, her breathing evening out shortly after. Peter climbed in his own bed and pulled his covers up to his chin, his bright blue eyes full of excitement. You knew that look, his father had given it to you many times before.

“Can you tell me a story daddy?” Kiro’s hand soothed over Peter’s forehead and the young boy leaned his head into his pillow and sighed contentedly.

“Hmm… What type of story would you like to hear?” Kiro asked, moving to sit down on the edge of the bed. You sat down next to him and he smiled warmly at you before taking your hand in his own.

“Something Christmas!” He whisper-yelled. Even high off the excitement of Christmas, Peter was careful not to wake his baby sister.

Kiro then glanced playfully over at you and your stomach flipped. Even after 12 years together, he could put your stomach in knots with just one look. “I have a good Christmas story.” His eyes never left yours and the way he was looking at you was so intimate that you couldn’t help the fact that your cheeks flushed red. “It’s about the first Christmas Mommy and I spent together.”

“Really? That must have been so long ago! Like a hundred and ten years!” You giggled at Peter as he grabbed Kiro’s hand and hugged it to him. Ever since he was younger than Edie he had fallen asleep cuddling his daddy’s hand. Even going on eight years old he still did it every night and Kiro was all too happy to oblige.

“Once upon a time, a hundred and ten years ago, Mommy and Daddy had planned on celebrating Christmas together. It was before we got married, and Mommy didn’t even know I loved her back then! But, Savin had called me and told me I had to work on Christmas--”

“Savin’s always ruining our fun!” Peter interjected, opening one eye to gauge both yours and Kiro’s reactions.

“Peter, hush! Let Daddy tell the story!” You covered up your laugh with your hand as you told him as much.

“Anyways, Savin told me I had to work on Christmas! And I was so sad because I had this whole elaborate Christmas present set up for Mommy and I couldn’t give it to her since I had to go to the studio.” Kiro smiled down adoringly at Peter as he snuggled into his hand more. “So even though I couldn’t give her the gift the way I wanted, I still planned out a way to have her get it.”

You leaned your head on Kiro’s shoulder, smiling at the memories as you continued the story. “Daddy sent me on a huge scavenger hunt, all over Loveland City and at each spot was another little present wrapped for me. There was a new scarf, since I had lost my old one when I was out with Daddy one time, there was some hot chocolate mix with marshmallows that he had promised we would make together sometime, and the final destination was the recording studio. I showed up and was so nervous! Savin was so mad at me for interrupting!”

“You were nervous? I could never tell, you just marched in there like you owned the place! Meanwhile, I was in the recording booth sweating buckets!” You thought back to that night, where you found a tired and overworked Kiro sat on a stool and crooning his newest song into the mic. His hair was sticky and wet against his forehead and he looked exhausted, but as soon as you walked in, his face lit up and that smile that made your insides gooey settled on his face.

“You really were! I remember seeing you and thinking you had just showered!” You laughed, nudging his side and making Kiro squeal before you covered his mouth with your hand and peered over at Edie, grateful that she slept through the noise.

Kiro turned to Peter, ready to tell the next part but instead found Peter fast asleep, his previous iron tight grip on Kiro’s hand now loose enough that Kiro could easily wriggle out of his hold. Silently standing up, Kiro stretched out his hand and you took it. He pulled you up and into his arms, holding you tightly to his chest. “I love you, thank you.”

Pulling your head away from resting on his heart, you looked up at him quizzically. “Whatever are you thanking me for?”

“For giving me a home, a family. I’ve never felt like I had any of that before I met you.” Kiro brushed his lips against your forehead. “You gave me a safe place to be completely myself, and two wonderful children and I will forever be indebted to you.”

“Then I must thank you for the exact same reason.” You replied, raising up on your tippy toes. Just as you were about to press your lips to Kiro’s, Peter shifted in his sleep and you paused, putting your hand to Kiro’s lips instead. “We should get out of here.” You whispered and without responding, Kiro grabbed your hand and pulled you out of Peter and Edie’s shared room.

You quietly closed the door and once you turned around, Kiro pressed you against the wall, his lips meeting yours in a sweet kiss. “Happy anniversary.”

Smiling against his lips before pressing another lingering kiss, you responded. “Happy anniversary I love you.”

Kiro released his hold on your hips to cradle your face in his hands, like you were fine china and if he held you too tightly you’d break. He used to hold you as tight as he could, almost afraid if he didn’t keep his hold that you’d vanish from his grip. Now, after years of holding you tightly, he still held you with as much love and affection, he just wasn’t afraid you’d disappear anymore.

“I love you more than I can even express.” Kiro said sincerely, each word broken up by a kiss pressed to your forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, and eventually your lips. “I could stay here forever, or even take you into our bedroom and show you just how much I love you, but we’ve got to play Santa for a little bit.”

You released your grip on Kiro and he dropped his hands, his cerulean eyes still light with the boyish excitement that you came to love when you first met him. “You go on and grab the gifts, I’ll go down and start on the milk and cookies!”

“You better save some for me, Miss Chips! Or else you’ll have to face the wrath of the tickle monster!” Kiro’s long fingers prodded your side, as if to prove his point, and you squirmed out of his reach, ready to bolt down the stairs.

“Better be quick then!” You teased and Kiro saluted you before turning and quickly making his way to your shared bedroom, where all the other gifts were stowed away.

You made your way down the steps and over to the beat up coffee table that had a glass of milk with a plate of two cookies sitting in the center. You picked up the gingerbread man with pink clothes, the one you and Edie had decorated together, and broke off it’s arm, popping the delicious treat in your mouth.

“Nooo! Don’t eat me!” Kiro’s voice, raised an octave and a half, called out softly behind you and you turned to face him, trying to hide your smile as you giggled. “Was I at least delicious?”  He asked in the same voice and this time you did laugh out loud. Kiro’s whole face lit up into a gorgeous smile as he heard your laugh.

“Very,” you replied before setting down your cookie. Pressing a kiss to Kiro’s cheek, you stood up and grabbed some of the presents he was juggling in his hands, arranging them nicely around the tree. As Kiro knelt on the other side of the tree, you took the time to study him.

After retiring from his career as an idol, Kiro had put on a few pounds because of his love for sweets. His hair had grown out a bit as well, but every time you looked  at him, all you could see was the 22 year old you fell in love with. His boyish charm, his cheekiness, and his vulnerabilities. That’s what made him the man you loved and those things would never change even if his physical appearance might have.

“Can I ask you something?” Kiro’s hand faltered as you said that and he pulled his hand back from trying to rearrange the presents under the tree. He nodded for you to continue. “On Christmas Eve, all those years ago, did you ever think things would end up like this?”

Kiro motioned for you to come closer to him and you crawled over before settling yourself on his lap. “Honestly, I hoped it would. We’d been friends for so long and I fell so in love with you in that time. But also knew that you had 3 other guys completely head over heels for you and… they could all give you a lot more than I could have back then. But, it didn’t stop me from daydreaming about what being with you would be like. There was a time where you consumed my thoughts, day and night.” He kissed your temple, wrapping his arms tighter around your waist.  “What about you?”

“I was dying to tell you just how I felt, how in love with you I was. My plan was to tell you that night when I walked into the recording studio, you just beat me to it.”

“I don’t think you’ve ever told me that part before.” Kiro reached over and grabbed a blanket that was sitting on the couch and pulled it over the two of you, cocooning you in the heat. “No matter what we thought would happen back then, I’m glad life’s ended up this way.”

You hummed in agreement, leaning back against Kiro and taking in that green apple scent that’s become so comforting to you, you both sat in the peace and quiet, watching the light snowfall sprinkle down over Loveland City.

“Hey sleepyhead,” Kiro’s hands rubbed up and down your sides, pulling you from your slumber-like state. “I have a present for you, if you want it?”

“Did I fall asleep?” You stretched out, starting to get off Kiro’s lap. His arms tightened around you. “Isn’t your lap numb by now?”

“I’ll take a numb lap with you in it any day over a normal lap without you in my arms.” Kiro reached over and grabbed a small box under the tree. “Anyways, present?”

He offered the small box to you and you took it, raising your eyebrow at Kiro before lifting the lid off the box. Inside was a gorgeous charm bracelet, adorned with a microphone, teddy bear, sunflower, baby bottle, and space to add on more later on. “Kiro…”

“I was going to give this to you 12 years ago, but I chickened out. So, I added on the baby bottle this year to signify our two little monsters sleeping upstairs. Every year from now on, I want to get you a new charm until the whole thing is filled.” Kiro spoke as he unclasped the bracelet and secured it around your wrist. His baby blue eyes met yours, so full of love and honesty in that moment. “Do you like it?”

“Kiro… I love it. Each charm means so much to me. I still remember that day we ran around Loveland City, you in a bear costume. I remember thinking that if I could do that with you forever, I’d be the happiest girl alive!”

“Or the day we laid in the sunflower field and watched the clouds for hours! When you fell asleep, I could only think about seeing your sleeping face next to me forever.”

“Looks like we both got our wish.” You leaned over and kissed him and then gestured to the big box next to him. “Okay, open mine!”

Kiro’s impish grin sent the butterflies into a whirlwind in your stomach. He tore at the wrapping paper, much like how Peter and Edie had done a bit earlier. Once he had uncovered the box, Kiro’s mouth dropped open and he stopped to look at you. “You didn’t!”

“I did!” You exclaimed. “I wasn’t sure which games you’d like, but I’ll buy you a few for Christmas if you pick out which ones you want.”

Kiro set the new gaming system aside and hugged you tightly, his bright blond hair brushing against your cheeks which in turn made you giggle. “I love you so much! Thank you, thank you!”

“You’re welcome. Now, we should be getting to bed soon. Tomorrow will be a busy day and Edie and Peter will be up before the sun’s even out.” Kiro in turn held out his hand to you and led you to your shared bedroom. Collapsing on the bed, both of you were asleep before you could even say your goodnights.

“Mommy!” Peter bounded into your room, jumping on top of your bed. You heard an ‘oof’ from Kiro next to you. “Santa came!”

“Oh, did he?” You asked, rubbing your eyes. “We have to go check and see what he brought you. How about you and Daddy head down and I’ll grab Edie.” Peter agreed, poking at his father’s cheek and you laughed at the whine that came from Kiro.

When you had reached the bedroom, Edie was sitting up in her bed, rubbing her eyes sleepily. “Santa come?”

“Yes hun, Santa came last night! We have to go see what he brought you!” Edie clung to your neck and sighed out. “Uncle Victor, Uncle Gavin, and Uncle Lucien are coming over later. They’re bringing you presents too!”

“Uncle Gav Gav?” Edie immediately perked up. Ever since she was aware of her surroundings, she had favored Gavin greatly. He always accepted her relentless love with open arms too.

You carried her down the stairs where you already found Peter sitting in the middle of a pile of wrapping paper, some new toy cars surrounding him as well as a new Nintendo Switch. He’d been asking for one for a while now and you and Kiro had agreed that he’d been exceptionally good this year and deserved it. “Mommy, look what Santa brought!”

“Wow Peter! Look at that! You and Daddy will have to set it up later!” You raised your eyebrow at Kiro and he nodded in agreement. “Edie! Look, you’ve got two presents from Santa!”

Edie squealed in delight and you set her down and watched her toddle over to her first box. Peter helped her unwrap it and she gasped when she saw what was inside. “Baby!”

“Yes! You got a little babydoll!” Kiro cooed, picking her up and kissing her on the cheek. As she moved to open the other one, there was a knock on the front door. You got up to open it, brushing a hand over Peter’s head as you passed him. When you reached the door and opened it, your mouth dropped.

Standing in front of you was Victor, fully dressed in a Santa suit with an obscene amount of presents in a huge bag hung over his shoulder. “Victor… you’re here early.”

“I knew the kids were going to be up as early as they could and I wanted to be the first one to get here so they knew I was the best uncle.” You laughed and opened the door for Victor to come in and as soon as he stomped the snow off his boots, he was bombarded by Peter yelling his name and attacking him in a hug. “Hi there bud, I brought presents!”

“You’re the best, Uncle Victor! Thank you!” Peter said, stroking the velvety fabric of Victor’s Santa suit. “Why are you dressed as Santa? He already came last night.”

“I thought it’d be fun!” Victor smirked at the young boy, ruffling his dark hair. “Do you not like it?”

“It’s a little weird…. But you brought presents so it’s okay!” Peter took hold of Victor’s hand and led him to the living room. You followed the pair and sat down next to Kiro on the couch. His arm went around your shoulders and your head fell against his. As you watched Victor spoil your children rotten, you found yourself drifting off, exhausted from all the Christmas craziness.

You awoke later when Gavin and Lucien let themselves in. Edie was in Kiro’s lap, snacking on some string cheese and Peter was on the floor in front of the TV playing with the Switch that Kiro or Victor must have helped set up.

“I told you not to dress in a Santa suit.” Lucien said to Gavin, gesturing at Victor. “Now you just look dumb.”

“Oh yeah,” you joked. “It’s because he’s matching with Victor that he looks dumb, not because  he’s wearing a Santa suit.”

“Joke all you want!” Gavin grumbled. “I’m not the one who screamed like a girl on the back of a motorcycle today.”

You looked at Lucien, one eyebrow raised in a question. “In my defense, I thought as a police officer, you were supposed to follow the speed limit laws. My mistake though, since we went 80 in a 30 miles per hour zone.”

“Well I had to get here in record time to see my sweet little girl.” Edie had been making grabby hands at Gavin since he walked in and since then has resorted to screaming his name over and over again. “Isn’t that right, pumpkin?” Gavin picked her up out of Kiro’s lap and walked her to the tree, talking about all the different types of ornaments hung on it.

As Gavin entertained Edie, Lucien made his way to Peter and sat down. “What are you playing?”

“Santa brought me this! I’m playing Smash Bros. Do you want to play?” Peter offered the second remote to Lucien and you smiled as he calmly explained all the controls and how to play the game.

“You look happy,” Victor noted as he sat on the couch next to you. He shrugged off the velvet jacket he was wearing and revealed the plain white tee underneath.

“I was just thinking about how much I love this little family, despite how dysfunctional it may be.” You responded, pulling your eyes away from your son and Lucien to watch Gavin with Edie. “It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly ours.”

Kiro gripped your hand as you said that and you turned your head to look at Victor. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”

Everyone responded in kind and you sat back into the couch, snuggling into Kiro’s side. You touched the bear charm on your new bracelet and smiled to yourself before returning back to watching Lucien and Gavin with your children.

Your Christmas wasn’t a normal family Christmas, but nothing about your life had been completely normal. All that mattered on this day was that you were with the people you loved the most, and that was worth more than anything you could ask for.

[keeponshouting]

After Infection

This is a rewrite and hopefully eventual completion of a massive multiverse mash-up of my OCs with a couple belonging to @whenromancesmoked and a few others from back in the day. I have absolutely no idea if anyone else is going to be interested in reading this (ok, I know a few people who will probably read it) but psh. I’m having fun and want to share.

Note: This is also a George Romero tribute of sorts. Like I started it for giggles because my PB for one of the characters was in the Dawn of the Dead remake and it just snowballed, which I guess means I should throw a WARNING: ZOMBIES sign up here or something. Anyway!

After Infection: Dawn of the Dead

It had seemed like a good idea at the time – or, well, more accurately, it had seemed like the right thing to do. There was a request from fellow hunters in a small town a few hours’ drive south and things had been quiet lately back home so Nate had figured that they could spare the time and energy. Besides, Dennis had been going pretty stir crazy for a while. Even if it was a hunt, it would be a good excuse to get out on the road for a while, a sort of vacation.

It had not turned out even remotely like a vacation.

They had been a little too late to the original party but apparently just in time for things to get much, much worse. Nate had brought a variety of tools just in case but he had primarily been prepared for an infestation of what locals called “hell rats,” a creature that was pretty common in the south and usually pretty easy to handle if you found their nests quickly enough. Sure they were venomous but as long as you were careful… He had not been expecting an infestation of zombies.

“The lot looks pretty clear right now.” Dennis is hunched over at the door, using the peephole to take a quick survey of the goings on outside their hotel room while Nate brews a second pot of coffee to get him through whatever the morning brings. After all, as long as decent coffee is available, he might as well take advantage of it. Lord knows he might have to go without for a while and God help his poor boyfriend’s patience if that happens.

When Dennis stands up straight again, his head is just about even with the top of the doorframe and he yawns as he leans back against the door, arms crossed over his chest. “So, come up with any plans yet or are we still waiting for the caffeine to kick in?”

Nate snorts into his cup and foregoes actually taking a drink for the moment in order to respond. “You ask that like I have any idea what sort of plan to use here. I’ve met exactly zero hunters who’ve actually had to handle zombies in the past decade at least. I honestly don’t think they’ve ever been a problem this far north before.”

“Well, there sure are a lot around here for something that’s never been a problem.”

“Some forms of infection can spread at an exponential rate in populated areas.” He drains a good half of the coffee in hand. “Our best bet is probably just to find out if there are any other non-infected people anywhere around here.”

Dennis flops across the bed, face down, with a muffled grunt.

Nate just silently continues drinking as the percolator finally finishes beside him and he very seriously considers making a third pot, just in case.

---

Zombies – shambling, groaning, flesh-eating, nearly Hollywood perfect zombies. For fuck’s sake. This should have been such an easy fucking job and now there are zombies.

Viktor strings together another line of curses, voice little more than a low growl, as he chambers another cartridge. Beside him, a terrified little girl whimpers. He simply scowls, sets Glock number one aside, lights a cigarette, and pulls out number two. “Zatraceně zasraný vědci.” Leaning over toward the window, he catches sight of a proper target and empties the last bullet into the back of its skull. What a fucking cliché.

This was supposed to be simple. They had agreed on that fact the moment that the specifications of the job had crossed the table. It should have been routine, easy money. Three towns, three targets, each plan the same; get rid of the scientist, call their employer, and let the clean-up crew come in and deal with the rest. The first two hits had gone off without a hitch. So, of course, it just figures that last one would have to be so much more complicated than it should have been.

“I—I—I w-want m-m-my d-da—daddy.”

Viktor’s jaw clenches as he exhales – slow and even, two thin streams of smoke – as he reloads the gun in hand and wills himself to remain calm. His patience is wearing thin at this point, though. He had not planned for going into this as usual and coming out as a babysitter. The target’s five-year-old daughter was not supposed to be in the house at the time of the hit. She only stayed with him on the weekends. What an absolutely brilliant turn of events that this was apparently the first Monday that she had ever spent with her father.

Dropping his half-smoked cigarette on the floor, he shoves himself up to his feet. He had lost contact with Miguel some time earlier, likely as a result of the scientist’s neighbor backing into an electric pole at full speed after one of the zombies had rushed her car. The impact had cut power to the entire neighborhood and he can only assume that it must be the cause of the interference. With long-range communication down, that leaves only one alternative: he needs to get within the functional range of their radios. Unfortunately, the hit had been planned for the late evening and he had only been able to make it as far as a vacant apartment building a couple blocks away before night had started to set. From here, short-wave does him about as much good as a water pistol.

“Come on.” Viktor has already reached the door and taken quick stock of the corridor beyond by the time he bothers to look back. Unsurprisingly, his unwanted charge remains unmoved, still curled up as small as she can possibly make herself, which is pretty damned small.

“A-are you g-g-gonna take me b-back to da-daddy?”

God give him strength but that stuttering is getting real old real quick. “Ne.” He swings the door open as quietly as possible and waits for a moment, listening for any movement outside, before carefully stepping out and making his way to the stairwell. With the knowledge that their escape route is currently free of hostiles, he takes a deep, centering breath and heads back to where he began.

“Look, holčička.” He crouches down in front of the child and tries to sound as reasonable as possible. Given his current level of frustration, he thinks that he is doing a fairly decent job. Miguel, however, would likely disagree. “Either you just come with me and go wherever I go, quietly and without complaint, or I leave you here. Your choice.” Yeah, Miguel would definitely disagree.

From the way that the little girl’s eyes go so much wider than he would have ever imagined possible, he feels safe in assuming that she disagrees as well and, five minutes later, they are creeping down an alleyway with more stealth than Viktor ever would have expected of a kindergartener.

---

What was taking so long?

That is the question that had led Alex out of the band’s bus and that was the question that he now wants to keep from crossing anyone else’s minds. This is all way too fucked up, like the should not be real kind of fucked up. None of this should be happening.

On the ground, backed up against the flat tire of the car that their driver had originally gone to help, Alex kicks hard into the jaw of what may have once been a perfectly lovely young woman and sends her sprawling backward where she lands on top of the monster still gnawing on the corpse of a man who should have still been living and breathing and driving their goddamn bus. Alex’s hand gropes around behind him for anything even remotely useful as a weapon and lands on the tire-iron just in time to smash it into the face of the dead woman once more lunging in his direction. Another strike as she tries to get up and he cringes and almost loses his lunch at the feeling of her skull cracking open and her brain splattering across the pavement. Hell, he really might have lost it if not for the howl coming at him far too fast. This time, he opts not to look as the hears the wet crunch and just leaps to his feet and starts running back toward relative safety.

“Alex?”

Oh fuck. “Stay on the bus, Val!”

“Don’t you fucking tell me what to do, Niccols! What the fuck is going—”

Alex fails to hear the rest as he spins around to slam the tire-iron as hard as he can into something else behind him. This time it gets yanked right out of his hand as the body drops and he scrambles back onto the bus, practically picking up a protesting Val in order to get her out of the way of the door that he immediately slams closed. He lets her go as he collapses into the driver’s seat, wide-eyed and hands shaking, and it takes him a moment to register the sound of his dog whimpering by his knee, let alone that of his own name. When the world comes back into focus, though, Val is staring at him in horror. It takes him another moment to realize why.

“Alex? What the fuck happened?” Whether she sounds more panicked or angry, Alex is far too dazed to tell. Her hands reach for his face, his shoulders, moving down to check every inch. “Are you okay?”

Taking a deep breath, he raises a hand to wipe at his face. No. No he is not okay. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

Val does not look like she believes him at all. “Is that—Fuck. That—That’s blood! Why the fuck are you covered in blood?”

Breathe, Alex. Always a good plan to breathe. “Shh. Don’t…” Never mind. Telling her to keep it quiet is pointless. Everybody else will have heard it already.

He shoves himself back to his feet, legs weak and wobbly, and stumbles as he makes his way through the curtain that separates the cabin from the rest of the bus. It is instantly evident that the rest of the band did, in fact, hear all of that. All three of them are already staring at him before he even properly steps into view. He is pretty sure that Sasha is the one choke out an “on shit” and it is definitely Macy whose response comes out as barely a squeak.

“Blood?” On his feet now, Macy rushes in to cling to Alex’s shirt, bodily fluids not withstanding. “None of it’s yours, right? You’re not hurt? You’re okay?”

Again, Alex reminds himself to breathe, turning just enough so that he can see where Val still stands in the doorway, Parker lying on the floor a foot or so behind her, his ears back and expression scared. For her part, Val is gripping the doorway so tightly that Alex can only assume that she is trying very hard not move and crowd him any further.

“None of it’s mine.” He looks at the faces around him, all of them staring, all confused and various degrees of frightened. It brings everything right back into focus. “We need to—” It takes a deep breath in and a slow breath out to get his thoughts back in line. “Everybody grab a bag, pack food, necessities, just—just whatever.” Stepping a little closer to Val, just near enough to pull one of her hands down from the wall and give it a quick squeeze. “We gotta get outta here.”

---

Nate leans out of the passenger side window just far enough to level his sights on one of the creatures that already looks less human and fires. One shot, between the eyes, and it hits the ground and disappears beneath the feet of its companions. He hears a quiet gagging sound come from the driver’s seat and finds himself feeling a bit queasy in turn. They are both going to need to make some real changes to their perspective re: what constitutes a monster and they need to make those changes really quickly because as of right now, it is going to be really difficult to get out of this mess without completely rewiring their conscience.

“Um, Nate?”

With barely a glance spared toward Dennis, Nate focuses himself on reloading. “Yeah?”

“How many, uh—how many of them are back there?”

The question gives him pause but Nate squints to get a count anyway. “About a dozen in view. Why?”

“Because we need to, uh—we have to stop for a minute.”

Nate drops back into his seat so quickly that he nearly smacks his head off the door. “We what?”

Not even bothering to look at him, Dennis simply peels one shaking hand off of the steering wheel to point at something ahead. “We have to stop.”

Nate has to squint but he starts moving the moment that he sees exactly what Dennis is looking at. “I’ve got the door.”

It was rather obvious even from a single glance at a decent distance that the man up ahead, standing stock still in his torn slacks and a blood, rolled shirt-sleeves, was staring straight past the car speeding toward him and cursing the sight of the ever-growing number of zombies trailing behind. Dennis hits the gas and is slamming the breaks in what feels like no time.

Nate shoves the back door open and feels like there is really no room for argument when he shouts to the man to get in but he has been wrong before and apparently he is right now. Instead of heading straight for them, the guy curses in a language that they are now close enough for Nate to tell is definitely not English and turns away.

“Hey!” Dennis spins in his seat to look behind them, which Nate is sure that he immediately regrets. “What the hell? What’s he doing?”

“I don’t know. He’s just—” And that is when the stranger pulls his gun, takes out three approaching zombies in relatively rapid succession, and finally turns to sprint back toward the car. “—getting a little girl.”

The child is practically flung into the back seat and their new passenger wastes no time slamming the door behind himself and snapping, “Go. Now.”

Dennis really does not need to be told and floors it the second he knows the door is closed.

“Take a left onto Carver,” the man continues, his tone speaking volumes regarding how unwilling he would be to hear any question or protest. “Follow signs for the mall plaza.” He leans out the window to pick off a few more of the monsters before Nate’s slightly incredulous look catches his attention and his scowl is honestly pretty terrifying. “You’ll be out of gas before the edge of town so, under the assumption that you wish to live—”

Nate’s eyes narrow in suspicion but Dennis has absolutely no qualms against following the orders of anyone with a plan right now and practically takes the aforementioned turn on two wheels when he nearly misses it.

---

“Are you sure you can hotwire this piece of shit?”

“It’s not a piece of shit, it’s a fucking classic.”

Val rolls her eyes at that as she continues trying to calm the utterly panicked Macy currently clinging to her so tightly that he might as well just climb into her goddamn skin. “Fine. Can you really hotwire this ‘fucking classic’?”

Two seconds later, the engine revs up as Alex sits back in the driver’s seat with a trin and a waggle of his stupid eyebrows. Sasha squeals in relief and flings her arms around him from her place in the back seat, as he laughs. “My mechanical genius is wasted on this red wire green wire bullshit.”

He pops the trunk just as something begins to stir inside of the nearby diner and Val shoves Sasha aside to squeeze Macy in so that she can help Nico load their bags at record speed. By the time she flings herself into the front passenger seat, there are already zombies starting to stumble out of the woodwork. Fuck seatbelts. “Gun it!”

Alex hits the gas and they peel out of the parking lot just as the diner’s doors give way.

He had tried to explain what had happened while they packed. It had felt impossible for Val to actually wrap her mind around it at first but once she had seen the mess outside? She had practically dragged Alex and Macy off in search of the nearest source of potential transportation. They needed to find something quickly and it needed to be something fast and she needed to not think about how painfully familiar the blood and gore looked, though she had only ever seen anything like it in her nightmares. When Alex had needed to stop and vomit into the nearest garbage can, she had a feeling that she understood why and a little pocket of rage flared to life in her chest – not because he had to stop but because he never should have been the one to wind up with someone else’s blood on his hands.

“Where are we going?” Macy is the one to finally ask, almost inaudible from where he has curled up against Sasha now, and Val catches his eye in the rearview mirror before she looks toward Alex.

Alex, however, is entirely too focused on driving to really think but so much and instead catches her eye before clearing his throat. “Nick?”

In the back, Nico turns away from the horrors outside of his window. “What?”

“How do you defend yourself against a zombie invasion?”

“Wha—Zombies aren’t exactly my specialty here.”

“No,” Alex agrees, “but zombies are supposed to be a helluva lot dumber than, say, Reavers, right? You know Reavers.”

“So?”

“So how would you defend yourself against an invasion of retarded Reavers?”

The drummer just stares at him for a moment with an expression that plainly says that he may consider that to be the dumbest question that he has ever heard. Eventually, thought, there is an answer. “I’d find the most well-stocked, easily-fortifiable location I could think of and hope I could wait out the attack or find some other way to get through them.”

There is silence in the car and then Alex shrugs. “All right. So, where’s the most well-stocked and easily-fortifiable location we can think of?

Five minutes later, they find themselves screeching into the parking lot of the local mall. The location almost seems somehow normal, given the situation at hand. In fact, were it not for the shrieking horde behind them or the knowledge that Alex is currently doing seventy into a public lot, it might almost feel a little reminiscent of home. Val almost finds it funny, really. What’s funnier to her than coming to a mall for safety, however, is the fact that they were obviously not the only ones with that idea, as they are definitely not the only ones pulling into the place with a bunch of undead goons straggling along behind them.

---

“Miguel.”

There is a burst of static in his ear as Viktor leans out to empty his 22 into the crowd of creatures still chasing behind the car that had picked him up on the highway. Once within range, he takes out a couple of the ones latching on to the other car that had pulled in to the lot at about the same time, too. When his magazine clicks empty, he makes a snap decision to save his 20 for later and drops back into the seat to reload. The driver glances at him in the rearview, looking a little bit frightened, while the original passenger only eyes him for a moment before leaning out of the other side with a freshly loaded shotgun. His fellow gunner might not be terribly trusting but at least Viktor can respect that. Besides, who needs trust? The guy’s a fairly good shot.

“Zatratím tě, Miguel!” The little girl still curled up beside him whimpers. He can hear it over the gunfire, the static, all of the goddamned zombies. It is grating on his very last nerve. “Odpovídáš mě!”

He could hope for no better response than to lean back out just in time to watch as a line of four hostiles drops one by one.

“En ingles, ’mano.” Another line of undead hit the ground as the line sputters out then clears up again, leaving room for easily the most welcome voice he has ever known. “Now where the Hell have you been?”

Viktor nearly laughs. “We can trade stories later, miláčku. Right now, I need cover fire while I try to get these people into the posraný mall.”

“Going shopping?”

“Sklapni. We try the mall or they come to your shop.”

“How many?”

Viktor glances toward the other vehicle still circling around the parking lot with them. “Eight plus me.”

“Well, if they dropped you—”

“Miguel.”

“Sí, sí, the mall sounds like a plan. There’s a garage off to your right. No good angle for me to shoot the lock off but I can keep the number of uglies down while you get in.”

“Děkuji.”

“That means thank you, sí?”

Viktor rolls his eyes. “Sí.”

The line bursts back into static with a laugh.

---

As it turns out, the garage door does not, in fact, require a shot to the lock. It rolls up just enough for the two cars to through before Dennis’s little hatchback even hits the ramp. On the other side, a young woman motions for them to hurry while two men in security uniforms stand to either side of the entrance to help keep the monsters at bay, though it appears that this Miguel guy really only needs the most basic of assistance. His precision is honestly kind of terrifying and Dennis is just as glad not to see any more examples of it as he swerves off to one side so that the other car has room. Nate and their scarier passenger are both out before he even has the damned thing in park, seeing to it that nothing gets in the way of girl at the door to slam the thing shut.

“We saw you on the security cameras,” of the security guards explains as he climbs up to try and jam the gears.

The other car’s driver takes a moment to collect himself, then grabs a wrench and makes his way over to the ladder. “Here. Let me have a look at that.”

“Figured we couldn’t just leave you out there.” The guard climbs down to let the driver up. “Then Shannon said she thought you were headed this way.”

“Thanks.” Dennis finally climbs out only to stretch over the top of his car.

The woman now known as Shannon simply smiles. “No problem. Mercy for your fellow man or something like that.” She laughs and shrugs, looking slightly flustered, though that is probably to be expected, all things considered. “Anyway, come on. Let’s get you all inside. We’ve got food, clothes, relatively comfortable furniture… We’ll get you poor things all cleaned up and sorted out in no time.”

There is a general rumble of agreement as the little group follows her to the door that leads into the connected store, allowing themselves to be ushered toward where another girl is waiting somewhat impatiently. That is, they all follow along aside from one man, anyway, who simply mutters something into his headset before switching it off and making his way back over to the hatchback. Shannon looks back, confused, as does Nate, though he looks more suspicious about it.

Dennis just sighs. “The little girl.” Then he ducks through the doorway and drags Nate away after the rest.

---

“Come on, holčička.” Viktor crouches down beside the open car door with a sigh as the child remains curled up in the center of the back seat. Children. How did anyone actually deal with children, let alone have them by choice?

The little girl simply whimpers and mumbles, “There are monsters out there.”

Well, at least the stuttering has stopped and he supposes he can concede that she has a fair point. “The monsters are outside, not with us.”

Before he can receive a response or think of anything more convincing to say, there is someone else coming up behind him, bending down to look the child in the eye with a painfully sympathetic and all too sugarcoated smile. He might be able to handle the sight of it at any other time but right now, with everything that he has just been through and the way that she has the gall to place one of her hands on his shoulder as if—God, he would really like to wipe that smile off of her face.

“Hi, there,” she says, voice floating in a way that speaks plainly of a familiarity with appeasing people under the age of seven. “I’m Shannon. What’s your name?”

Caught slightly off-guard, the child squeaks. “Um. I—I’m—” The little girl shoots a quick glance toward Viktor then, almost as if asking permission to speak with this new stranger before she finally answers. “I’m Amanda.”

Shannon’s smile becomes even brighter, even sweeter, if that is even possible, and Viktor has to dig his nails into his palms to keep himself from taking out her kneecaps when she leans even further over him, hand squeezing his shoulder. “Amanda? Well, that’s a pretty name! Are you hungry, Amanda?”

The little girl nods.

“Well, we’ve got all sorts of food inside. We’ve got toys, too, and games and books and all sorts of neat stuff.”

“And—and no monsters?”

Shannon laughs. “And no monsters.”

Still curled up in the seat, Amanda chews worriedly at her lip for a moment longer, eyes flashing back and forth between the two adults still there in the door. Shannon keeps smiling, encouraging. Viktor just stays crouched there with a clenched jaw and a headache starting to build behind his eyes. When the girl finally moves, though, it does not go entirely as expected. Rather than reaching for Shannon’s offered hand, she instead launches herself forward to wrap her little arms tight around Viktor’s neck and duck her head in under his chin, completely unaware of the rather undignified look of surprise that he is entirely unable to keep off of his face. Unhelpfully, all Shannon does in response is giggle.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Young Blood II -(PB/WITS Crossover)

A/N: Peter is also a non-existent character btw, or he never befriended the marauders doesn’t matter the point is that he isn’t here either lmao -Val & Danny

Warnings: Not proofread bc in this blog we don’t fear god

Words: 4,625

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Summer 1988

The day was warm and a little windy, it could’ve been peaceful as well, hadn’t been for the constant screaming coming from the garden.

“Ari! Come back!” The little girl shouted anxiously. “Mum told you not to climb that high, you’re too small!”

Mel ran around the tree desperately trying to reach for her little sister, but as an eight-year-old, there was a limit to the distance her arms could reach. She was whimpering and flinching with every movement her little sister would make; behind her, little Harry Potter and Perseus Black approached with curious expressions.

“What are you doing?” Percy asked.

“She’s up there!” Mel panted. “I’m trying to get Ariana, but she climbed all the way up! I don’t want her to fall!”

“You’re missing the games,” Harry complained. “It’s our party and you’ve been chasing your sister around, c’mon it’s almost time for cake!”

“Daddy told me to look after her!” She argued. “Your parents asked you to do the same with your babies! Where are they?”

The boys shared a look and then turned back to her with equal disinterest on their faces.

“The girls are probably in the kitchen trying to steal food,” Harry shrugged. “Who cares? It’s our party, I’m not going to waste it looking after the twins!”

“Mel,” Percy approached, he was usually the one to mediate between them during an argument. “If we help you with Ariana will you come and play? Dad bought us all new brooms!”

Mel didn’t want to disobey her parents, but the promise of a brand new broom waiting for her was tempting enough.

“Okay,” She sighed.

Ariana laughed hysterically above their heads, she hung upside down on the branch and Mel yelped, quickly hiding her face behind both hands.

“Hi!” Ariana waved at them. “You look tiny!”

“Get her down!” Mel pleaded in horror.

“Maybe if we lure her down with food..?” Harry offered, tilting his head.

“I already tried! She won’t come down!”

“Ari!” Percy stepped forward, an easy-going smirk instantly forming on his face. “Would you get off the tree now, darling?”

“Okay!”

With a swift movement and a short jump Ariana landed neatly in front of them, her lopsided grin mocking her sister’s pale face.

“‘Darling’,” Harry snorted. “You sound like our dads.”

“Dad told me we have to treat girls nicely,” Percy replied without an ounce of embarrassment. “Maybe the twins wouldn’t put shaving cream on your pillow if you were nicer to them.”

Harry made a face. “Whatever.”

“Is it time for cake?” Ariana asked, not really caring about what the boys were arguing about. “I’m hungry!”

She ran back to the house, Mel followed her with her eyes, mouth wide open.

“I hate her,” She pouted. “She always does this— Never listens to me just to make me cry!”

“Well, you cry all the time anyway, Mel,” Harry muttered.

The little girl narrowed her eyes and closed her fist ready to throw a punch, but her father’s head peered out the back door to call them in.

“Remus is here!”

The three children ran forward screaming their uncle’s name. The man opened his arms and the avalanche of children pushed him onto the floor.

“Dear god,” Remus grunted. “I swear your kids multiply every time I come visit.”

“Well, it’s like you said, Remus,” Persephone smirked, lovingly patting her belly. “We have to keep ourselves busy somehow.”

“This is why I hate rich people,” Remus teased, staring down at Persephone’s stomach. “So you’re going for the fourth, then?”

“And last,” Persephone sent a glare at her husband, but the man just grinned.

“What are you saying, you twat?” Sirius chortled. “Those books of yours have given you galleons over galleons! You’re rich, you just won’t admit it.”

“He might not admit it, but his robes speak for him,” James joked, picking up one of the twins from Remus’ chest.

“Kids,” Lily called over the yelling mass of tiny bodies. “Ivy, stop pulling your sister’s leg like that!”

“But I want daddy to carry me too!” The little redheaded girl whined.

“No worries dear, that’s exactly why I was born with two arms!” James said, happily picking up his daughter.

Sirius did the same with his younger son Leo, and Matthew carefully took Ariana away from Remus’ leg.

Seven-year-old Lyra Black approached her uncle and held his hand carefully.

“Are you okay, uncle Moony?” She asked quietly. “You fell.”

“I’m okay,” Remus smiled down at her. “Don’t worry, I’m very strong.”

“Can we eat cake now?” Harry asked in annoyance, the adults looked at him and laughed.

“Harry, don’t be rude!” Lily scolded her son while her youngest one, little Joshua, kept his arms tightly around her neck.

“Okay, gather round!” Emily called, placing three chairs together. “Where are the stars of the show?”

Mel, Percy and Harry sat, shoulders touching and squeezing together to fit as close as possible in front of the table.

“Make a wish!” Sirius said blithely.

Matthew flicked his wand and three huge cakes appeared, each with eight candles on them. Mel squirmed on her place excitedly, Percy eyed them with immense interest without making a sound, and Harry was practically hovering over his, ready to eat the whole thing alone.

“Happy birthday!”

Their families clapped at the sight of the three firstborns of the group blowing off the candles. While Sirius and Persephone started to hand out the cake to the guests, Matthew and Remus moved to a corner to chat.

“So, famous writer Remus Lupin is back from yet another tour around the world,” Matt smiled. “What now, Moony?”

Remus shrugged, his eyes fixed on little Mel, who was the oldest out of all the children.

“I have a new book in mind, but this one might be the last I’ll write in a while, I’ve missed most of the kids’ childhood, I want to be close when the real fun begins.”

Matthew’s smile faltered. “What do you mean?”

“Mel starts school soon,” Remus chuckled. “Harry and Percy as well.”

“Oh, but that’s years away!” Matt brushed it aside. “What does it matter anyway?”

“Oh please, don’t pretend you’re not worried,” Remus laughed. “The boys have all they need to be the next James and Sirius, and your daughter adores them, don’t you think they’ll drag her to their mischief?”

The young man looked at his daughter in sudden fear. Remus was right, Harry and Percy had the genes to charm his little girl into all kinds of mishaps, he couldn’t let that happen. He would not let that happen. Matthew was going to talk to Mel as soon as he had the chance.

October 1991

“No.”

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

“I won’t help you with your stupid pranks,” Mel said.

Percy and Harry had managed to intercept Mel before she could go eat breakfast, and now they were trying to convince her to help with their plans before she could leave the tower. It wasn’t working.

“They’re not stupid!” Harry argued. “We just want to put Percy’s cousin in his place!”

“Not a real cousin—”

“Your dad and his mum are cousins, so you are too,” Harry rolled his eyes.

“I had never seen him in my life until he stormed into our compartment acting all stupid!” Percy made a face.

“I’m sorry boys,” Mel sighed. “I promised my dad, my uncle is the headmaster and dad wants me to make a good impression…”

“You’re such a bore,” Harry frowned. “What happened to you? You used to be funny.”

Mel’s face twisted with indignation, she slammed both hands on the table making the two boys jump.

“I am fun! It’s you two who turned insuferable since we started school! You run around with Ron and his brothers pranking people and annoying Malfoy, everyone melts at your feet because your families are rich and popular—”

“You’re rich too,” Percy pointed.

“But I, unlike you, don’t enjoy being the center of attention,” She scowled. “I thought you would be better than this, Percy, you’re supposed to be the sensible one.”

“I am!” Percy replied. “But it’s just… Malfoy, he really gets on my nerves, you know?”

“Well, if you ask me, I think Hermione’s right,” Mel turned up her nose. “You boys are being ridiculous.”

“C’mon, don’t be silly,” Harry let out a silly giggle. “You never say no to a good laugh, it’ll be fun!”

Mel’s brown eyes stared at him harshly, Harry felt a cold shiver ran up his spine.

“I have to set a good example for my sister,” She said. “Leave me alone — and Percy, I hope you think twice before actually doing this, I really don’t understand why you agreed to it.”

“I already told you, Malfoy gets on my nerves!” Percy rolled his eyes. “He’s an idiot and I hate him. I’m not repeating myself, honestly…”

“Idiots,” Mel rolled her eyes. “Both of you, your mothers will send you a howler someday and I for once, am glad I don’t have to be there to witness it. Have fun in detention.”

Harry was speechless. Never, in their whole eleven years of friendship, had Mel refused to help them or show up for moral support. He didn’t understand why she was suddenly acting like this.

“Mel, you’re overreacting,” Percy said, though he was losing his patience. “Even your parents misbehaved when they were here, you should relax, have fun…”

“I’m having fun,” Mel picked up her bag. “Hermione and Erick are fun. Clever too, I enjoy their company — now that I think about it, I don’t think I’ll be listening to you from now on, Paddie, since you clearly prefer to follow Harry around, if I’m honest,” Mel looked down at Harry with a bit of disdain. “Your cousin isn’t even that bad.”

Both boys gasped at her statement.

“He’s not my direct cousin!” Percy said.

Mel left the common room without saying anything else, Ron entered the tower at the same time and she briefly waved at him. He found the two boys there, seated in silent shock, and asked them what was happening.

“Mel, that’s what,” Percy shook his head sadly. “We’ve lost her... I knew I shouldn’t have let her spend all that time with Granger!”

“And Flint,” Harry said through gritted teeth. “She prefers Flint over us! I can’t believe he took away my best friend!”

Percy looked back at him with utter disbelief. “And what the bloody hell am I, then?”

“She’ll come around,” Ron shrugged. “Granger and Flint only care about studying, she can’t possibly love homework that much.”

“I’ll win her back, you’ll see,” Harry’s eyes narrowed. “Mel was my friend first.”

August 1993

“WHAT?”

“I won’t repeat myself, James.”

“Hang on, so you’re saying Dumbledore hired you,” Matthew intervened. “As the new defense against the dark arts teacher?”

“Yes.”

“Even though Snape has been trying to get that place for years?” Matt added, a little smile playing on his lips.

Remus smirked, nodding silently.

Sirius and James roared with pleased cackles, Matthew’s eyes shone and his smile widened, although he tried his very best to remain neutral, typical Dumbledore behaviour.

Emily walked into the room to say goodbye to her husband, the men usually picked a house where to hang out once a month while the women would all spend a whole day in London simply having fun and leaving their husbands to babysit their children for a whole weekend.

“Remus got hired to be our kids’ teacher, Mily,” Sirius said delightedly. “Guess what subject he’ll be teaching?”

Emily froze, her eyes widening.

“You got the job?”

Remus laughed, nodding once again.

“Snape must be having a seizure,” She replied. “Had it coming, the idiot — Mel says he likes to bully our kids, what kind of man is he?”

“Yeah, Harry says that too,” James said darkly. “I’m telling you right now, if that twat tries to bully my girls I’ll go to that castle and turn him into a weasel.”

“I don’t think that’ll be necessary,” Remus said happily. “I’ll keep an eye on him.”

“Do the kids know about this?”

“Nah, I want it to be a surprise.”

“I’m sure they’ll be delighted,” Matthew grinned. “Their favourite uncle teaching them how to deal with water demons and stuff, bet they’ll plan to cause mischief during your classes, Moony, so you better be careful.”

“There’s no way Mel will let them get away with it,” Emily shook her head. “She’s a good girl… even if she misbehaves a little during summer.”

“Hey, Moony, do me a favour,” Sirius leaned over to Remus, grinning. “Take a picture of good ol’ Snivellus once he finds out you’re the new teacher, I just need to see his face.”

September 1st, 1993

The night sky welcomed the children into the Hogsmeade station, the Potter twins ran away as soon as they left the train, following other first-years, Lyra and Ariana stayed behind with Mel, Harry, Percy, Ron, Hermione and Erick.

Ariana tried to remain as close as possible to Erick, she had a not-so-subtle crush on him and everyone except Erick knew it, or at least that’s what she thought. Erick was well aware of it, but since she was two years younger, he wasn’t interested. It wasn’t that she was trying to make a move anyway, whenever he was around, Ariana was uncapable of uttering a word.

Once they got to the carriages they had to split since the group was too big to fit in one.

“See you guys at the feast,” Hermione said politely.

“Sure,” Ron answered.

Mel made an attempt to follow Hermione, but a hand closed around her wrist and stopped her. She turned and met Harry’s eager eyes.

“Let Lyra go with them, you can come with us...”

“I never said I wanted to go with them,” Lyra frowned. “It’s rude to speak in the name of others, you know?”

Percy’s sister followed Ariana to the other carriage, Ron and Percy shared a smirk but didn’t say anything, climbing up the carriage first and leaving Harry and Mel last.

Harry didn’t know why he’d stopped Mel from going, he just knew that as soon as the school year started she was going to leave him and spend the whole year with Hermione and Flint, and he didn’t want that.

As soon as they got to the main entrance Mel tried to find her way to Hermione once more, but Harry stopped her again. Mel let out an annoyed groan and turned to face him.

“What?” She spat.

“Eat with us,” Harry said simply. “C’mon, Mel, just this once?”

Ron whispered something to Percy and he snorted, pulling the Weasley away from the conversation. Mel and Harry were left completely alone one more time.

“We sit at the same table every day, Glasses,” She replied patiently. “I don’t see the difference.”

“The difference is that we have tons of fun during summer and then here you ignore us,” Harry said.

“I don’t ignore you,” She crossed her arms. “I keep my distance. Which is what my dad asked me to do.”

“Ruddy’s exaggerating,” Harry rolled his eyes. “We don’t get in trouble that often!”

Mel raised a brow.

“You have no self-control. All Percy has to do is to dare you and then there you are, throwing firecrackers at Filch. You say I’m the one who acts different, but the truth’s that you and Percy turn into insufferable prats as soon as we walk into the castle.”

Harry’s mouth fell open in shock, he blinked and stammered a reply, something about lies and Mel’s lack of sense of humour when she was at Hogwarts, she sighed.

“Listen, I don’t care if you like the attention, but I don’t, so please don’t try to force me to get involved. You should reconsider your behaviour this year though, Cassia and Ivy are starting their first year, they need someone to look up to.”

“They have you, since I’m such a twat,” He scoffed.

“Very well then,” Mel said, straightening her posture and looking at Harry with just a little bit of pitty. “Have fun, Glasses.”

Once the sorting was over, Cassia and Ivy Potter (both Gryffindors to no one’s surprise) sat next to Mel, although they were doing just fine without her, they were loud and hilarious, soon Fred and George made their way to them.

Harry continued to stare at Mel from his seat, frowning as he watched her talk happily with Ron’s brothers, Percy was fed up with this and decided to address it.

“She rejected your offer again,” He said calmly. “Told you not to try so soon.”

“Well, why don’t you try it, then? Since you’re such a know-it-all?” Harry responded defensively.

“That was the original plan, you prat, but as usual your impulsive arse couldn’t wait,” Percy scoffed.

“I don’t understand why you want her around all the time,” Ron yawned. “I like Mel, she’s fun and everything, but we wouldn’t get as many attention from the girls as we do now if she were with us, right?”

Both Percy and Harry stared at their friend with the same shocked expression. Since they didn’t reply, Ron decided to continue.

“You guys are wasting your time, almost every girl from our year wants you to ask them out to Hogsmeade this year and you’re crying because Mel won’t help you light a firecracker!”

“I never asked them to follow me around!” Percy exclaimed. “I don’t know why they do it!”

“It’s because you’re ‘perfect’,” Ron smirked. “Girls melt at your feet when you hold the door open or offer your little sister your cloak so she doesn’t get a cold.”

“That’s the way Dad taught me to treat people, isn’t that how everyone’s supposed to act? It’s decency!”

Ron looked at Harry and raised a brow.

“See? That’s exactly what I mean. ‘Decency’ I tell you…”

“That’s not the point,” Harry brushed it aside. “I don’t want to date any girls, I just want Mel to admit that we’re fun! Either way she would atract more girls than any of us, she’s a people magnet— and I know she likes to cause mischief as much as us, but it’s just… this has to be Flint’s fault.”

“How is Mel calling you a twat his fault?” Percy snorted.

“He’s a stuck-up idiot, just like your cousin dearest, only that he hides it better,” Harry said. “Mel wants his approval for some reason, so she acts like she hates us when he’s around.”

“Yup,” Ron said in disbelief. “That settles it then, you’re off your rocker. You’ve lost it.”

“Harry, she would never pretend to hate someone to get a boy’s approval,” Percy shook his head. “You have to face it, mate, she doesn’t like to cause mischief, she… she likes being a good student.”

Ron and Harry both grimaced.

“Well, that,” Ron grinned. “Or she has a crush on Flint.”

Harry choked on his pumpkin juice.

“WHAT?”

“We know Ariana has a crush on him,” The young Weasley shrugged. “Who says she can’t?”

Harry’s mouth suddenly felt too dry to respond, at the teachers’ table Dumbledore stood up and everyone fell silent. It was time for his speech.

“To our new students, welcome,” He smiled. “To our old students, welcome back! A few things before you go to your rooms. This year will have two new Professors! I reckon you know them well by now, but still, formalities ask me to do this presentation. First, we have Rubeus Hagrid, who’ll be the Care of Magical Creatures Professor, since Kettleburn has decided to finally retire.”

The students clapped and cheered, Hagrid was loved by most of the school, Harry and his friends included.

“Second, I’m very pleased to inform you that your new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts is none other than Mr Remus Lupin, who’s decided to take a break from writing to teach you about his discoveries during his years of research.”

The Great Hall erupted into loud and excited exclamations, Lupin was widely known in the wizarding community for his work, the Aurors in training would use his books as a guide, he was a legend. But to the Potter, Black and Dumbledore children, Lupin was their favourite uncle, and they were beyond pleased to have him around.

Remus walked towards the front of the table and smiled at the students in front of him with satisfaction, he gave a short speech thanking Dumbledore for this opportunity and winked at his nieces and nephews with a bit of mischief. He, of course, took the opportunity to send Snape a subtle smirk and nodded towards him, Snape pretended not to notice.

Once the hall started to be emptied, the group of children ran excitedly towards the table, their faces glowing with happiness.

“You should’ve told us!” Harry exclaimed.

“I wanted to surprise you,” Lupin laughed, softly patting his goddaughter’s shoulder, since Mel was currently hugging him.

“You’ll stay permanently?” Percy asked.

“As long as I’m allowed,” The man nodded. “Or at least, as long as there’s one of you here, which will be a long time. I’ve missed too many moments, I don’t want to miss any more.”

“Cool!” exclaimed the Potter twins.

“Wait, does that mean you’ll tell your parents if we get in trouble?” Harry frowned.

Mel scoffed, which didn’t go unnoticed.

“Nah,” Remus grinned. “I think Professor McGonagall takes care of that. Doesn’t mean I won’t send you to detention if I catch you cheating on a test or using magic in the halls. You won’t get any kind of privilege from me, you hear me?”

Harry, Cassia and Ivy all groaned. Percy sighed in resignation, Ariana and Lyra were just happy to have their uncle around. Mel finally broke the hug, she looked at the others ready to lead them like she always did.

“Time for bed, everyone!” She said. “Let’s go!”

As usual, the group obeyed and walked out of the hall after saying goodbye to Lupin, already looking forward to the classes with him. Lyra and Ariana wished the others a goodnight and left to their respective common rooms. Hermione, Erick and Ron were nowhere to be found, and when Percy, Harry, the twins and Mel got to the tower, Percy stopped her before she could go to bed.

Harry wanted to stay too, but the twins dragged him away while they excitedly begged him to give them a tour around the castle the next morning.

“Okay, this is the one time I’m asking you this year,” Percy said. “Harry’s driving me and Ron mad. Please, help us with one of our pranks so he can shut up.”

“You know my answer, Paddie,” Mel tilted her head sweetly. “I can’t. If I help you and then I get away with it people will think it’s my uncle turning a blind eye on me and then Ariana will try and follow along, you know how she is.”

“C’mon, Mel,” Percy implored. “Can’t you just pretend to be at least slightly interested? Harry’s losing his mind, I’m telling you — the twins will call you boring!”

Mel’s mouth twitched a bit and her eyes narrowed, she was adored by the younger girls, she didn’t want to lose that and Percy knew it. She pushed her hair back in exasperation and huffed.

“No. Stop asking.”

Percy ran a hand across his face tiredly and shook his head.

“Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” He raised a brow. “Harry’s getting desperate, and he won’t play nice.”

“What do you mean?” Mel asked, but Percy was already halfway to the stairs. “Black! What do you mean?”

The boy merely looked at her over his shoulder, a cocky grin on his face as he shrugged without speaking.

“Oh, no...” Mel shivered, already sensing what was coming her way.

May 1994

Saturday mornings were usually peaceful around the castle, Remus enjoyed strolling around the empty halls, but today the peace and quiet was rudely interrupted by a bunch of shouting kids.

“HARRY JAMES POTTER I SAID STOP!”

Remus freezes immediately at the familiar sound. He’s heard that voice before, but he’s never heard it so angry, more so when pronouncing the boy’s name. He carefully turns the corner and looks at the scene:

Percy, Ron and Harry are all staring at Mel with exasperated expressions, behind her Draco Malfoy and Vincent Crabbe float above them, cursing and demanding to be let down. Hermione Granger stands at the corner, looking at the boys suspended in the middle of the hall and she’s between amusement and horror.

“Mellow, didn’t you hear what he called ‘Mione?” Harry demands. “He said—”

“I heard it,” Mel replies bluntly. “But hanging him upside down won’t make him stop, he’ll just want to get back at you like he always does!”

“That’s alright, we have all the time in the world to put him in his place,” Ron shrugs, casually twisting his wand and causing Crabbe to crash against Malfoy.

“Don’t you think this is getting a bit old?” The girl steps forward but Percy gets in the way, raising a brow at her as if silently saying ‘D’you really think you can stop us?’ “Ugh! This is so stupid! You’re acting like children, you’re too old for this kind of stuff!”

“You look so pretty when you’re angry,” Harry teases.

Remus almost wants to laugh at the absurdity of this, the story somehow is repeating itself, how did this happen? Mel and Harry were getting along just fine last July…

He then abruptly remembers that he’s a teacher and he’s currently watching three Gryffindor students attack two Slytherins, he can’t stand there and just watch!

“What’s going on here?” Remus asks in what he hopes is his most convincing angry voice.

Percy’s eyes widen at the sight of his uncle but he expertly recovers, he gives a step forward to the man and and speaks in a polite voice.

“Malfoy was insulting Miss Granger, Professor, he called her… well…”

“He called her a mudblood,” Harry made a face. “As if he’s made of anything better than dung.”

“Enough,” Remus looks up at the boys floating above them and raises a brow. “Well? What are you waiting for?”

Mel pushes Percy aside, he complains under his breath.

“I tried to stop them,” She says to the man. “They weren’t listening — Can you please tell them they’re being stupid?”

“I can’t tell them that, Miss Dumbledore,” He raises a brow. “I saw what you were trying to do, you and Miss Granger can leave, I’ll take it from here.”

Mel nods and turns around to take Hermione away, Percy’s eyes find Hermione’s and he tilts his head lightly, vaguely making a head movement as if saying ‘you’re welcome’, and he smirks a bit. Hermione doesn’t reciprocate, she frowns. Percy’s expression falls instantly.

Harry mumbles something to Mel as she walks past him and she stops, looks him directly in the eye, and responds:

“You are the biggest prat ever.”

Ron chortles beside them, Harry’s jaw tenses as he watches her leave.

“Better luck next time, Harry,” He grins.

Malfoy and Crabbe are already on the ground demanding Remus to send the three boys to detention, and he has to admit he can’t ignore this, he looks at Harry and the boy sighs heavily.

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” He pushes his hair out of his face. “Detention for a week.”

‘I have to talk to the others,’ Remus thinks, watching the three boys leave the hall without looking even remotely sorry about their actions.

Next Chapter —>

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[heartofether]

Episode 7 - Liar TRANSCRIPT

[You can listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts, or go to our “Listen” page if you’re on desktop.]

AUTOMATED VOICE

Please state your message.

[THEME MUSIC AND INTRODUCTION PLAYS.]

VAL

Three-Eyed Frog Presents: The Heart of Ether.

[THEME CONTINUES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP.]

[PHONE BEEP.]

[INT. IRENE’S ROOM.]

IRENE

I’m backing up the recordings onto my laptop. It’s tedious, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I mean, even if I don’t use them, they have sentimental value, I guess. Plus, at least one of them has proof of the creature I ran into.

[SHE SCOFFS.] “Folk.” The hell kind of a name is that? Actually, no, it’s hardly even a name at all. I’m not even sure if what I saw was a Forest Folk, or if the Folk are something else entirely. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. The book Phoebe lent to me honestly gave me more questions than answers. 

[A PAUSE, THEN, WARILY] It does imply that there are more types of monsters in this world—more things like the Folk, but not exactly.

I don’t want to think too hard about it.

[SHE HUFFS A SIGH.] You know, maybe, just maybe, if Dorothy Wood hadn’t been so cryptic, we would have tangible answers. Until we figure out what the hell she’s saying, though, it’s as good as a dead end. 

[THERE’S A COUPLE CLICKS OF A COMPUTER MOUSE AS IRENE SORTS THROUGH HER FILES.]

IRENE

It’s kind of nice to go through old recordings like this. I don’t even remember what most of these are about.

Like this one, for example. It’s one of the earliest ones. I think it’s about—Actually, I don’t remember. Let’s see…

[THERE’S A CLICK OF A MOUSE, FOLLOWED BY A BEEP.]

[INT. DR. MICHAEL’S OFFICE, FOUR YEARS PRIOR.]

DR. MICHAELS

Is it on?

[IRENE SOUNDS SLIGHTLY YOUNGER HERE, WITH MORE ANGST CLINGING TO HER VOICE.] 

[PAST] IRENE

[SLIGHTLY FRUSTRATED] Yes, it’s on.

Isn’t there something about recording therapy sessions? Is this, I don’t know, illegal?

DR. MICHAELS

Ah, the rules are different if I’m the one recording. Technically, I can choose whether or not I allow you to record, but you can do whatever you wish with the recording afterwards.

IRENE

Right…

DR. MICHAELS

Whenever you’re ready, Irene. Talk to Rose like you usually do.

[THERE’S A LONG PAUSE.]

IRENE

Well, it’s weird doing it when there’s someone watching.

DR. MICHAELS

[THEY LAUGH.] We don’t have to do this if you’re not comfortable. I just want to see what you do when you record like this, since it seems to be helping you a lot.

IRENE

I’m fine doing it, just…give me a second.

[SHE TAKES A DEEP BREATH.]

IRENE

[TO THE PHONE] Hello, Rose. I hope you’re having a good day…wherever you ended up. I don’t know where that is exactly. Still, no matter where it is, I hope you’re happy there.

I’m still thinking about you constantly. Maybe, if I think hard enough, my thoughts will get through, and you’ll hear me. I miss you. Always do.

[THERE’S A LONG PAUSE.]

IRENE

[CONFUSED, TO DR. MICHAELS] What? You’re staring at me.

DR. MICHAELS

You know you don’t just have to talk about how she’s gone, right?

IRENE

[SLOWLY] What do you mean?

DR. MICHAELS

I’m sure that if Rose was with us, she would love to hear about how you’re doing.

IRENE

…oh. Okay. Sure. Um…

[SHE CLEARS HER THROAT AND DIRECTS HER TALK TO THE RECORDING AGAIN.] I’m going to move into my dorm in about a month. Still going to University of Washington, like I planned.

As of right now, I’m still set to be an English major, but I don’t know if I’ll see it through to the end. Lots of people change their major partway through—or so I’ve heard. 

Your Aunt Ella came by to visit today, by the way. She brought me some tupperware to use when I’m in college.

DR. MICHAELS

[WARMLY] Rose’s aunts sound nice.

IRENE

[TO DR. MICHAELS] They are. Lucy is cool, too, but she had to watch their son, so she wasn’t there. Rose was supposed to move in with them when she went to New York for college.

DR. MICHAELS

So you’ve told me. You’re still staying in touch with the two of them, though?

IRENE

Well, yeah. I mean, they’re the only people I have left who are connected to Rose besides her mom, who I would rather not speak to.

DR. MICHAELS

Mm. I see. Are you looking forward to college, Irene?

IRENE

[HESITANT] I think so. Maybe. It will definitely give me something to do, if nothing else. Well, that and lots of debt, but that’s neither here nor there.

DR. MICHAELS

Maybe it could help you take your mind off of Rose.

[IRENE SUDDENLY BECOMES UPSET, ALMOST ANGRY.]

IRENE

I—I don’t want to stop thinking about Rose. Okay? I don’t want to just move on with my life as if she was just a bad ex. She—she was such a big part of my future, and now I probably have to live through that future without her there.

[SNAPPING] Do you expect me to just be able to forget about her when I go to college? Because sometimes, it really seems like you’re just trying to make me—

DR. MICHAELS

[OVERLAPPING] Irene. Calm down. Take some deep breaths.

[IRENE STOPS TO TAKE A FEW SHAKY BREATHS.]

DR. MICHAELS

[CONT.] I don’t want you to forget about Rose. I’ve said that before. No matter what you do, I believe she is going to follow you everywhere you go for the rest of your life. That’s okay.

What I want to do is get you to a place where the thought of her isn’t weighing you down. You can still have a happy and fulfilling future, even without her there.

IRENE

[SHE HUFFS A SIGH, THEN, DISTANT] Yeah. Yeah, I guess you’re right.

DR. MICHAELS

It’s okay to take all the time you need to mourn. Just make sure it’s not preventing you from living your own life.

IRENE

[COLD] Sure. 

I’m going to turn this off now.

DR. MICHAELS

Understood. Any last words you’d like to say to her?

IRENE

[SHE PAUSES, THEN, HEARTFELT] I love you, Rose. So much.

[PHONE BEEP.]

[RECORDING ENDS.]

[INT. PRESENT DAY IRENE’S HOUSE.]

IRENE 

[ATTEMPTING TO SOUND UPBEAT, BUT A BIT SHAKEN] …um, kind of a rough one, but you get the idea.

Damn, I used to be so angry all the time. I guess it’s one of the five stages of grief, so it makes sense? A lot of my first recordings were mostly me screaming and crying, if I’m being honest.

[THERE IS A BRIEF STATIC NOISE.]

IRENE

[FRUSTRATED, ALMOST DESPARATE] Oh come on, please don’t crash on me, not now—

[HER AUDIO IS CUT OFF BY MORE STATIC. THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE COMING FROM IRENE. THE GLITCHING NOISES RISE FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE ABRUPTLY ENDING WITH A CLICKING NOISE.]

MYSTERIOUS VOICE 1

[AN UPSET VOICE] I am not a liar!

[MORE STATIC. ANOTHER CLICKING NOISE.]

MYSTERIOUS VOICE 2

[A SLIGHTLY DEEPER, APATHETIC VOICE] I just saved your life.

[THE SOUND BREAKS UP FOR A BRIEF MOMENT.]

MYSTERIOUS VOICE 1

I would never lie to—

[THEY ARE CUT OFF BY THE RISING STATIC. THE STATIC GLITCHES ON AND OFF FOR A SECOND BEFORE BEING ABRUPTLY CUT OFF BY A BIZAARE LOW CREAKING NOISE. THE GLITCHES STOP ENTIRELY.]

IRENE

[CONFUSED, BUT AS ALWAYS, SHE’S CHOOSING TO IGNORE HER PROBLEMS AND PRETEND THIS IS FINE] …okay. I guess it’s fixed. That was weird. The screen just kind of bugged out for a bit. Huh.

Let’s keep scrolling, shall we? Let’s see...

[SHE PAUSES, THEN, CONFUSED] Wh—I don’t remember this one. It’s from…[TAKEN ABACK] it’s from before it happened.

Did I ever record anything before the incident? [SLOWLY] I guess I did.

Guess there’s nothing else to do but play it.

[A CLICK, THEN A BEEP.]

[INT. IRENE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM, FOUR YEARS PRIOR.]

[IRENE AND ROSE ARE BOTH LAUGHING UNCONTROLLABLY.]

[PAST] IRENE

[THROUGH LAUGHTER] Okay, okay, I’m recording this—

ROSE

Oh my gosh, are you serious?

IRENE

I just want it on record that you, Rosemary Quinn—

ROSE

[PLAYFYL] Stop!

IRENE

—have read all of the Twilight books all the way through.

ROSE

Okay, can I— [SHE’S BRIEFLY CUT OFF BY HER LAUGHING.]

Can I explain myself?

IRENE

[OVERDRAMATIC] Oh, by all means, go ahead!

ROSE

[SHE LAUGHS.] It’s just, I was at my aunts’ over the summer, like, freshman year, and there was nothing to do. I mean, absolutely nothing.

IRENE

Surely, you had something better than those god-awful books.

ROSE

I wish I had! I wouldn’t have done it if I had literally anything else.

IRENE

[TRYING TO BE SERIOUS] But you finished all of them, front to back.

ROSE

Yes.

IRENE

And how were they?

[A PAUSE.]

ROSE

They were fine.

[THEY BOTH START LAUGHING AGAIN.]

ROSE

Don’t get me the wrong, don’t get me wrong, the writing was questionable at best, but if nothing else, they were entertaining.

IRENE

Mmhm, sure. Did you side with Edward or Jacob?

ROSE

Actually, I hated both of them. My favorite character was Alice.

IRENE

Ah. She’s the one everyone thinks is gay, right? That checks out.

ROSE

[GIGGLING] Shut up.

IRENE

Not a chance. I swear, I’m never letting you live this down.

ROSE

[TEASING, OVERDRAMATIC] Seriously? But I never told anyone which anime character you had a crush on in middle school.

IRENE

[EXASPERATED] That’s forbidden knowledge, Rose. God, don’t even utter the name.

[THEIR LAUGHTER DIES OUT, AND THEY BOTH SIGH HAPPILY. THERE’S A MOMENT OF SILENCE.]

ROSE

[QUIETLY] We should get married.

[A BEAT.]

IRENE

What?

ROSE

[DREAMILY, SWEET] Whether it’s right after we turn eighteen, or if we decide to wait until after college, either is fine. We should, though. We’ve already been dating for two years, and I can’t see myself ever loving anyone else.

IRENE

I— [STUTTERING] Um, I mean, uh—

ROSE

[DISAPPOINTED] Do you not want to?

IRENE

[RUSHED] No! No, it’s not that, it’s just.

[FLUSTERED] We haven’t even graduated yet. Aren’t we a bit, I don’t know, young?

ROSE

We’re practically adults, aren’t we? I’m turning eighteen this month. 

IRENE

I know, I know, and I turn eighteen right after that. It’s just… [SHE TRAILS OFF.]

ROSE

Then why can’t we?

[HER VOICE BECOMES SLIGHTLY PANICKED.] Are you going to break up with me?

IRENE

No, no, no! No, I’m not, I promise. I love you more than anyone or anything, Rose—really, I do.

ROSE

[QUIETLY] I love you, too, dear.

IRENE

[CONT.] I just don’t want to rush into a wedding and then have—I don’t know, financial issues down the line or something. It just seems way too soon to be thinking about that stuff. It has nothing to do with how much I love you, though.

ROSE

Oh. Alright.

IRENE

[SOFTLY] It’s not a no, though. Just a not yet.

ROSE

You’ll think about it, though? 

IRENE

[HESITANT, BUT GENUINE] I will.

Come here.

[THERE’S FABRIC RUSTLING AS THEY SHIFT TO HOLD EACH OTHER.]

ROSE

I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.

IRENE

It’s okay. I love you.

ROSE

[MUMBLED] Love you, too.

[PHONE BEEP.]

[RECORDING ENDS.]

[INT. PRESENT DAY IRENE’S HOUSE.]

[THERE’S A PAUSE.]

IRENE

[SOFTLY, ALMOST ASTOUNDED] When was the last time I heard your voice, Rose? It had to have been years, right?

[DREADFUL] Oh, god. All this time, I thought I knew your voice perfectly. I was wrong, though. It’s different than I remembered. 

[ANOTHER PAUSE.]

IRENE

[CONFUSED] Another new file just loaded. It’s a voicemail, though. It’s—are voicemails even backed up this far back? I could have sworn I cleared out my inbox ages ago.

It’s from a month before you left, though.

[A CLICK, THEN A BEEP.]

[EXT. ROSE’S ROOF AT NIGHT, FOUR YEARS PRIOR. THERE IS THE SOUND OF WIND IN THE BACKGROUND.]

ROSE

Hello, dear. I’m sorry to call you so late. I know you’re likely asleep by now, and if you are, then you deserve your rest. Today was a pretty eventful day, after all. 

I guess that’s part of why I called. [SINCERE, SWEETLY] Thank you for today. It was the best birthday I could have asked for.

[HER VOICES DROPS IN TONE.] Except for when I got home, and my mom scolded me because apparently, not only did I violate my non-existent curfew, but I forgot to clean up my art supplies before I left. [SHE SOUNDS MILDLY UPSET, BUT UNSURPRISED.]

It’s been a while since I’ve seen her get so mad, she got red in the face. It’s a familiar sight, though, with familiar hollow threats.

[SHE SIGHS.] You know how it is. 

[A BRIEF PAUSE.]

ROSE

I’m a bit better now. I think she’s finally gone to bed. I’m sitting on my roof again, looking at the stars. There aren’t many so close to the city. If I had a quarter for every time I wished on a helicopter, I might have enough money to leave, once and for all.

I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Some days, I’m inches away from packing a suitcase and running away. [DREAMILY] It’s such a romantic concept, I think. Driving off into the horizon with only one bag, blasting music, knowing that the chains that have held you for so long have finally fallen away. 

I know it’s not that simple, and I promised my aunts I would go to school in New York, but it’s still a tempting offer. [GROWING IN EXCITEMENT] I mean, I’ve been saving up birthday money since I was a kid, and I know it was supposed to go to college, but I’m still the one with access to it. I could do whatever I want. 

If I do run away, you’re invited to come with me. You’re the first person I’d tell. [SINCERE] Of course you are.

[TEASING] Maybe we could get married, then, too.

[SHE PAUSES, STRUGGLING FOR WORDS FOR A BRIEF MOMENT.]

ROSE

[STIFLED] I’m sorry. I wouldn’t pressure you to do it. I’ve just been thinking about it a lot. Just imagine, the two of us versus the world. I wouldn’t mind. After all, you’re really the only person I need.

Think about it, maybe? Goodbye, dearest. I love you.

[PHONE BEEP.]

[VOICEMAIL ENDS.]

[INT. PRESENT DAY IRENE’S HOUSE.]

[THERE’S A LONG PAUSE.]

IRENE

[GRIM] Do you remember your eighteenth birthday?

I picked you up, and we got ice cream. Sat on the swings in the park together while I had mint chocolate chip, and you had cherry. It melted down your hand, and dripped all over your skirt, and you, you just laughed.

I don’t like thinking about that day. It just reminds me of all of the things that didn’t happen.

There’s another voicemail here. It’s from the day after the last one. 

[A CLICK, THEN A BEEP.]

[INT. IRENE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM, FOUR YEARS PRIOR.]

[PAST] IRENE

Hey, Rose. Sorry, I just woke up. I got your message. I wish I could have answered sooner, but if you want to talk about what happened with your mom, you can always text me.

[A BEAT, THEN, FURIOUS] Nothing is good enough for her, is it? You work so hard to do well your entire high school career. Yet, here she is, saying that you’re lazy because you—what, forgot to clean up your paint?

[VENTING] And when she does care to acknowledge your achievements, she’s not actually proud of you, god forbid. No, she thinks that you’re just trying to make her look bad. What kind of parent has such an ego problem that they see their own child succeeding as a threat?

And you of all people should know how manipulative she is, I mean, you’re going to study psychology. You didn’t even do anything to deserve any of it, but of course she’ll never own up to her mistakes. She acts like it’s your fault, and it’s so—

[SHE MAKES A GENERAL NOISE OF FRUSTRATION, THEN EXHALES.]

IRENE

I’m sorry. I just wish I could make it stop. [SOFTLY] She’s hurt you for so long. You don’t deserve it.

If it helps at all, I…thought about what you said. A while back. I think…I think I want to graduate first, but after that? I don’t see why we can’t run away and get married.

[A PAUSE.]

IRENE

[CASUAL] Text me as soon as you can, okay? Let me know if I can help. I love you. Bye.

[PHONE BEEP.]

[VOICEMAIL ENDS.]

[INT. PRESENT DAY IRENE’S HOUSE.]

[THERE’S A PAUSE AS IRENE STRUGGLES FOR WORDS.]

IRENE

I don’t know how a voicemail I sent got in here. [STUTTERING] I don’t know…

[SHE TAKES A SHAKY BREATH.] I didn’t know. Back then.

[QUIETER, SADDER] How did I not know?

[WEAKLY, HER VOICE CRACKING AS IF SHE MIGHT CRY] That future we built together. It was doomed from the start, wasn’t it?

[DEFEATED] There’s a phone call in here. Don’t know how it got there, seeing as I’ve never recorded any of my calls. I recognize the date, though. I know exactly what this is.

[A CLICK, THEN A BEEP.]

[INT. IRENE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM, FOUR YEARS PRIOR, THE MORNING OF ROSE’S DISAPPEARANCE.]

[PAST] IRENE

[ANSWERING] Hello?

ELLA

[STRAINED, AS IF SHE HAD BEEN CRYING] Irene? Have you seen Rose?

[A SAD, YET LOVELY MELODY BEGINS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND.]

IRENE

[SLOWLY] No.

Wait, hang on, this is Rose’s aunt, right? Um, why do you ask?

ELLA

[UNDER HER BREATH] Fuck.

Yes, this is Ella. We met at—never mind. Are you sure you haven’t heard from her? She didn’t text you, or, or leave you a note?

IRENE

[PAUSES, THEN, DREADFUL] What happened?

ELLA

We don’t know. My sister called us this morning to ask if we had kidnapped her. Of course we didn’t, but she wasn’t in her room. My sister said she broke the door handle because Rose wasn’t answering, which is--well, I’ve known her for long enough, I’m somehow not surprised she would do something that drastic. [SOME COMBINATION OF A SCOFF AND A CHUCKLE.]

[WORRIED] Lucy and I are worried sick, though, and my sister is acting weird. Some of Rose’s things were missing, including her bike, and her window was left open. Her cat was gone, too, but his food was still there. We’re going to have to call the police if we don’t hear from her soon, and she hasn’t answered any of my calls.

Look, I know she had some...well, she had some fantastical ideas at times. Head in the clouds, right? [SHE CHUCKLES NERVOUSLY.]

But did she contact you, or have you seen her recently? You’re the person she most likely would have told if she was going anywhere. Please, if you know anything, just tell us. 

[A LONG PAUSE.]

ELLA

...Irene, are you—?

[IRENE ABRUPTLY HANGS UP.]

[PHONE BEEP.]

[CALL ENDS.]

[THE MUSIC FADES TO A STOP.]

AUTOMATED VOICE

Today’s quote is: “Sometimes people leave you / Halfway through the wood / Others may deceive you / You decide what's good / You decide alone / But no one is alone.”

Stephen Sondheim in Into The Woods, 1987.

[THEME MUSIC AND CREDITS PLAY.]

[suffering-and-happy-about-it]

WhatsApp? Part 5. (Steve Rogers x reader)

Description: You’ve never been lucky with guys. You just wanted to catch someone’s eye, to be loved. One day, that’s about to turn completely - with one fake, completely imagined number a guy gave you

A/N: I am a little shit for this tbh. But shush.

Warnings: FIRST ACTUAL SIGN OF FLIRTING. 

Tagging: @missdictatorme @songforhema

Read the rest and don't be scared bcs of my crazy ass:  Part One  Part Two  Part three  Part four

Series master list if you love to read series in order like me :) (I got u, boo):  H E R E

You had coma while you slept. Not like an actual coma - but you were totally dead when you fell asleep at half-past one a.m. You were done for - three and a half hours past your bedtime, charmed by some mysterious man and worried the hell out for that poor boy who snored all over the place.

Thank God May was woken up and that she had lived nearer to the office than you do. Because you could wake up later than you usually did. The traffic wasn't so bad in this part of Queens either.

"Pancakes are on the table, sleepyhead. Now wake the hell up." - She giggled when you just hummed into your pillow, refusing to wake the fuck up. You fell asleep at one a.m. for god's sake. This was some torturing and you were sure of it.

"I think I need to take a day off. I'm dead. I'm more dead than Peter was yesterday." - You mumbled into the pillow, smelling the delicious pancakes.

"I'm feeling ok now, Y/N." - A young voice rang through the living room. You felt dizzy, yet you take your head off the small pillow you've slept on. Peter, who's body most likely had the last hurrah before death yesterday, was sitting at the table, grinning at you widely. - "You're the dead elephant in the room right now."

He had his sweater on, his hair was super messy and he looked tired as hell. But he was alive per se.

"I will recall what I just thought in my head before a second." - You sat, yawned out loud like a lion on savanna at the midday and turned your head to him. You looked tired but really, really happy. That made him look happy as well. - "Because you're having your last hurray before your death. Guess the joke's on you, zombie-kiddo."

Peter knew you were just messing with him. You two did it all the time - friendly beefs and arguments about everything - the most of them happened after you've seen the last sci-fi movie in local cinema (you were his adult company to the movies he and his super best pal couldn't go alone to and you knew that even if Pete will grow up or find a gf, this will be a part of your life that's not going to change.)

"I'm mentally more mature than you are. At least I know how to get my crush better without panicking and talking to a fifteen-year-old boy. I know better than you." - Pete was teasing the hell out of you. - "Anyway, how did it even go?" - He wiggled his eyebrows at you, eating the pancake slowly.

"Well if you didn't come practically walking dead into our office yesterday, I would tell you... That we moved from strangers to friends with Steve." - You served yourself a pancake with some syrup on it. You sometimes slept over at their place, May always being the chef. And her pancakes? Dear lord. That was the best fucking thing ever. Period.

"He texted her six of those worried messages when she forgot her phone at the office." - May abrupted the conversation without taking her eyes off her newspaper. - “I think we all can consider that as something.” - She laughed a bit when you hissed in her direction. 

“Choose your side here May!” - You laughed and heard your phone vibrating at the small table in front of the TV, plugged into the charger as you left it before you fell asleep. You smiled and saw Peter grinning at you under the palm that covered his mouth. 

--- 

You couldn't even believe how fast can a month go around. You didn't even notice - you worked from nine to five at the charity, enjoying your time with your girl, sometimes you even hang out. Not too often tho, because you loved when you just curled in your favorite PJs, watching a movie and letting Steve make you laugh. (Don't worry, Steve’s unintentional dumbness made Sam laugh a lot as well.)

You two were basically internet besties. Steve read almost everything that happened you during the day (he found your life so calm and nice, he almost got jealous at you) and he even shared some details from his day-to-day life with you as well. He was usually surrounded by his friends - some name called Sam, one named Bucky and a woman whose name was apparently Natasha. They seemed to be an extra funny squad from what Steve had told you. 

Peter got really better after he almost stressed you out at the hospital. The fevers didn't come back, he didn't vomit since then and that biting on his wrist disappeared as well. He survived that and you were nothing but happy for him.

You even bought a hella good and hella cheap costumes for your performance at that Stark Charity Evening. You had a long meeting about what choreography you will actually do, but then Kat, the biggest sex bomb at your office stood up. 

“I think we should do Candyman choreography. It's thematic and it's sexy. And we are sexy, isn't that right, Val?” - She encouraged you. She was a feminist and May was too energetic and too much of a leader, she liked that idea immediately. 

“Ladies, that's it. We can be sexy but not slutty female officers. I like it. Yeah. We can get some costumes like a uniform tux and a pencil skirt...” - May tried to get you a vision of her idea. You honestly thought it is a bit stupid - Christina was super slutty in that clip. May was not really that type of a gal - but she would be up for it if is PG-13. 

“But you know, we can show some skin off.”- Deena took off where May started, looking at everyone. - “Jesus May, I didn't say we will make it a lesbian show-off strip tease even tho I know that Val would've loved it.” - She winked at Valerie and she just laughed. - “I mean, we can have those shirts tied around our back and some short under the uniforms. Like that girl who is showing her biceps off and is like a mechanic? Abby knows what I'm talking about, she has that posted in front of her for two years now.” 

“So...” - Suzie looked at everyone. - “We will start off as officers but then we will strip the formality off and show the men that we can take care of ourselves.” - She continued. Kat just seemed to be proud of that idea. And to be honest, when it would be like that, you were up for some Candyman as well. - “It will be a nice nod to the marinas and if we will have a good choreography, we can raise more money. Especially from the men. And that is our goal.”

“Okay girls. We have ourselves a plan. Now the choreography is in your hands and costumes are the things that I will take care of.” - You smiled shyly. You were off to a good start.

But you know, everything has to stop eventually. 

Steve: I will be off the country for the next fourteen days and maybe more because of my work. I'm really, really sorry. 

That hit you completely unprepared. You almost forgot about that thing with Steve’s job... Everything was just too dreamy to think about that mans job.  You bit your bottom lip, looking around. You felt like everyone in the office could feel your mood shift even if nobody paid you any attention. But you tried to play it off as a joke - you were friends after all. 

Y/N: As long as you will send me a postcard and you'll miss me out there, I think I'll make it somehow. 

You put your phone on your desk and looked at the computer with a blank stare. You knew him an only month and a half - you didn't know where he lives, what does he look like or how does his voice sound like, but that man just had some magic in his texts.

You wished that you were joking when you said it yourself, but he really had some magic in him. Two weeks without him? You will miss him badly. A month? You will go crazy in no time. 

Steve: That can be arranged. :)

A gentleman at all costs, you smiled and closed your eyes for a while. Maybe it was good that you will take a short break from each other. You will be more looking forward to his kind words. Even more, you did now. Which sound impossible, but it may be right. 

Y/N: Which one of the things we are talking about? I don't want to make any high hopes, handsome. 

You joked and looked back at the stuff you were working on. It looked good - it was a document about the usage of food and the clothes you gathered from the locals. There was one big pre-fall evening where you will be giving the thing to the homeless people and you needed to document how many things you had actually. You were almost done so a little dispersion from Steve was not a bad thing.

Steve: I thought we are talking about both of the things you wrote to me. Especially about the second one. 

Everything in you froze for a sec. Did he really... Did he really just flirted with you? And was it you or it was the most fascinating and smooth thing someone ever did around you? You half-hissed and half-laughed at that, suddenly being happy as hell. Wow. 

Y/N: So you would miss me?

No need to be overreacting. Maybe he is just messing with you - yeah. This man here sometimes got you good, once or twice, but it didn't happen too often. Which was kind of a bummer? He was so funny at times.

Steve: Do you even need to ask about that? Of course, I will. 

And that was it. You felt like screaming and jumping so high you will touch the clouds. Steve Rogers, the man who made you laugh with his shyness and cuteness had definitely told you that he will miss you. It almost felt like a first I love you. But you didn't want to get too over yourself. 

“I know that victory dance you're performing now.” - Suzie, the elegant tall blonde suddenly appeared at your desk with other papers with you. - “This man is actually doing a thing to you, do you know that? It's lovely to see.” - She said quietly as she let you off. 

The squad you belonged in had almost the most stereotypical friends in it - May definitely was the Mom one, there was no point in denying that. Deena was a girl full of energy and love for life, the paries felt wilder with her in it. She was the energetic one, still listening to Wannabe by The Spice Girls or Fancy by Iggy Azalea. Suzie felt like the quiet one, but she was just reserved and well mannered - she was somehow related to some fancy monarchy people or what. And you were the wallflower - everyone told you things and you just kept them a secret. Also, you were the hanging out friend. Things were much more enjoyable and funnier with you around.

So yeah. That was typical Suzie. She noticed, told you - but she was really formal and reserved, just giving you a shy smile. If Deena found you in this state, she would remind you every three to five seconds about your dreamy face. You should be grateful to Suzie for waking you up to this gently.

Y/N: I will miss you too. 

And it was out. Just like that, you admitted you will miss him. And you thought like everything just started with small, five- worded sentence.

---

Steve looked at his phone with a frown, watching your conversation for a little while. You weren't exactly making it easier for him to leave America and go to Russia. Most likely a whole month without you. He inhaled deeply. 

Both of you got used to each other's virtual presence so much it felt like the day will not be complete without the other one in it. Was it the feeling Clint told him about? The one when he had to leave Laura and his kids? It must've been something fairly similar, but on a smaller scale.

And you will miss him as well. Damn it, weren't you a sweetheart?

“Are we ready to take off today or should we call it off?” - Natasha called at him from inside of the Quinjet, looking like a walking hair product commercial. She was truly beautiful, but not for Steve, he had someone else on his mind. She was beautiful for Sam tho and he didn't hesitate to tell her, but she always rolled her eyes and told him to bugger off.

“Let him be, he has to say goodbye to his online girlfriend.” - Sam answered Natasha in a cocky voice, patting Steve’s back. At that point, Sam declared you like Steve’s girl at every actual chance he got his hands on. 

Bucky was more calmed and down to earth about that. He knew you make Steve smile and that you charmed him with your points and kindness. But there was a lot of more far ahead of you two - to meet up, try if your chemistry actually works in person and so on. But that didn't make him stop from making dumb jokes about you two from time to time. But he was not as persistent as Sam. 

“Shut up birdbrain.” - Bucky hushed him as he prepared his things inside the Quinjet next to Nat. - “You are just jealous because no girl has an actual interest in you. That is a point.” 

“I wonder why I wonder how...” - Natasha sang quietly and made Bucky chuckle. 

“It is a real mystery. We should call Scooby-Doo. Aren’t you fellas? You know, you're both animals and...” - Bucky shrugged his shoulders and just continued in teaming up with Natasha against Sam. They were a strong team, quite an enforcement commando used against Sam. Also, Bucky was a sucker for Scooby-Doo. He loved Velma especially.

“The girl from the bistro would tell you different, old man.” - Sam sat next to them, watching Steve with a slight smile. He was proud of him. He didn't fuck up and it was almost two months since this WhatsApp thing started. 

“She smiled at you and laughed at your jokes because she knew you will give her a bigger tip.” - Nat zipped Sam off before he could even start about that Tessa girl from the place they had lunch in. - “Because no one would laugh at your jokes willingly.” 

Bucky gave her a high five. - “Shots fired.” 

Steve: I'll call you when I'm back. And that's a promise. 

Steve: I really need to go, my friends are getting impatient and they are behaving like literal children. I need to take care of them. Be safe, Y/N. Okay?

He wrote quickly and followed his friends, knowing that he will hear your voice when he gets back. And that was a thing worth of speeding the mission up. Or at least doing everything it takes for that.

[of2worldsxmuses]

SECRET SPOT

    Ezra couldn’t believe how easily things changed for him and Val. He’d been gun shy about telling her how he felt and yet it came so naturally in text. He was more than happy that she felt the same way about him, and now, for the first time in his 29 years of life, he had a girlfriend. It felt a little crazy, but right nonetheless. After work, he went straight to the Tower to pick up Val. A huge grin was on his face when he rang the doorbell and greeted her. “Hello there, beautiful. You waiting for me?”

Valeria was just finishing up with her hair when she heard the bell. She jumped up, and headed to the door. A huge smile graced her face when she saw Ezra, “Hey baby, don’t you look handsome tonight.” She pulled him in for a kiss, and wrapped her arms around his neck. She couldn’t believe she had a boyfriend, and it was Ezra Sutherland, but she was happy about it. Once they pulled apart, “So, are we ready to go.”

    The beautiful smile that she wore was enough to make his heart skip a beat. Just that fact alone was enough to convince Ezra that Val was someone he had strong feelings for. “I’m from work. I look like a train wreck compared to you.” He stated with a chuckle before returning her kiss. “No, I want more kisses first. That was too short.” He pulled her back into his arms and kissed her until they were both breathless and then he said, “Now I’m ready to go.”

Valeria shook her head, “No you don’t, you look amazing in your suit.” She could never get enough of seeing Ezra in his suit. She giggled as he pulled her back, “I can do more kisses.” She happily melted into his kisses, and kissed him till they needed air. “I like that, so let’s go.” She grabbed her purse, and keys and headed out. “So how was your day baby?”

    "Thank you for the compliment. I wasn’t really trying to impress.“ Ezra laughed, looking down at his disheveled appearance. Once Val got her things together, he took her hand and laced their fingers together. "Same old, same old. Tiring, but let’s not talk about my boring job. I’d rather talk about my beautiful girlfriend. Boy, that still feels weird coming out of my mouth…”

“You are always impressive, but you can change into something more comfortable before we go to your special spot.” They made their way out the building, and holding his hand just seemed so natural to her. “I honestly don’t feel like your job is boring.” She smiled when he called her his girlfriend, “I like the sound of that coming out of your mouth.”

    "I could do that, but my place is so close by, there’s no need. I can change after.” Ezra was just excited about showing Val his spot. He’d never taken anyone there, and he wanted her to be the first. “It’s not that boring. I just don’t want to talk about my job.” He laughed. “What? Girlfriend? It still feels weird for me, but I’m glad you like it.”

Valeria nodded, knowing that his spot was near the Estate, so that was good to know.“Okay, suit yourself.” She didn’t care where they were going, all she wanted was to be with Ezra. She nodded, “Fine, we won’t talk about your work.” She smiled, “It feels weird to hear it, but I definitely like hearing you say it.”

    They walked hand in hand towards his car and it felt like the easiest most natural thing he could have done, which was weird for Ezra seeing as he was new to this whole commitment thing. “I’m so used to calling you Val. Girlfriend feels off in a way, but in a good way. I’ll get used to it, I guess.” When they approached his car, he opened the door for her with a smile. “My lady…”

Valeria giggled, and rested her body as close to him as possible. “You don’t have to call me girlfriend all the time, I’m happy just knowing that I am.” She smiled, just excited that they had come to this point in their relationship. She tipped her head, “Thank you kind sir.” She got inside and put on her seatbelt.

    "You are my girlfriend, but yeah, it would be weird for me to keep calling you that. –You’re welcome, my lady.“ Ezra laughed and watched as Val entered the passenger side. A few minutes later, they were on their way to the Sutherland Estate. "Are you hungry? I could stop somewhere and pick up some take out, if you want.” He shifted his head to the side to ask.

Valeria nodded, “Yeah a little weird, I mean if I called you my boyfriend all the time, it would be weird.” She got comfortable in the car, as they headed to his place. She smiled at his question, “Yeah, I can eat something. Whatever you want, I’ll find something there that I would want.”

    "Let’s definitely not make this weird.” Ezra let out a laugh, thinking about them calling each other girlfriend and boyfriend all the time sounded ridiculous. “I’m not picky. I could eat McDonald’s, so I’m going to make you choose.” He wanted tonight to be perfect because this was the first night they were together and he needed Val to see how serious he felt for her. He would do anything to keep that beautiful smile on her face.

Valeria giggled, “ I totally agree…” She thought about them going to McDonald’s, “I’m not picky either, McDonald’s is fine with me, I like a good quarter pounder myself.” She smiled, not wanting to be too high maintenance, because she told him that she wasn’t earlier.’

    "Are you serious?“ Ezra eyed Val suspiciously. She was special, he knew that much, but the fact that their tastes were similar was breathtaking. "If you are, I can make a stop at McDonald’s. I just want you to be happy. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” And his words could not be truer.

Valeria smiled and nodded, “Sure I’m serious, I am a fan of McDonald’s, although people would never know that.” She smiled and took his hands, “Go right ahead, and stop. I want large fries, they have the best fries.” She sighed happily, “I’m happy Ez, you make me happy.” She meant that too.

    "Okay, now I feel special because people have no idea that you like McDonald’s but I do.” Ezra felt a little smug in a way, he wanted to be the only person who knew the most about Val. “Alright, I’ll stop by McDonald’s then.” When she held his hand, he lifted their attached hands and kissed the back of hers. “You make me very happy too.” He stated with a tender smile.

Valeria giggled, “You should, I don’t tell everybody, everything.” She knew that people thought she was bougie, and only liked high end things, but sometimes she liked McDonald’s. She smiled, “Good, then we can head to this special spot of yours.” She liked hearing that she made him happy, she wanted to keep that going. “I try…” She teased.

    "I know you don’t and I’m going to ask you to keep this between us. I like feeling special.“ Ezra knew that it was crazy to feel special over something so trivial, but that was just how he felt and there was no changing it. "Alright then. McDonald’s first and then to my special spot.” He drove them to the nearest McDonald’s and order their dinner before driving towards the estate. Within twenty minutes, they’d arrived. He hopped out, and opened the door for Val. “Welcome to my spot.” He pointed towards the lake in his family’s property.

Valeria liked the idea of having something special between them, "I won’t tell anyone, that will be between us, just like your special spot.” They got their food, and headed to the spot. She could see they were on his family’s estate, but this was a part she hadn’t seen. When she got out, she smiled, “Oh wow,this is beautiful baby, I can see why you like it here.” She turned and wrapped her arms around his neck, “Thank you for bringing me here, something else that can be just ours.” She kissed him sweetly.

Once Val was out of the car, Ezra grabbed the bag of food and walked over to the lake. He placed their food down onto the picnic blanket and went over to where Val was standing. "You don't have to thank me. It's my pleasure to bring you here." He returned her sweet kiss and sat down, allowing Val to rest her back against his chest. "I never knew I wanted to share this place with someone, until you." The admission fell out of his lips without much thought.

Valeria sat down in between Ezra's legs, and made herself comfortable, after their kiss. "It's very beautiful, I can see why you would find this place relaxing, it's beautiful. And to have this right on your property is perfect for you." She sighed, thinking about asking him to leave all this, to come stay with her and Charlie, she didn't think he would want to do it. "I am honored that you wanted to bring me here."

"I know that I was born and raised here, and I should take all this for granted, but I don't. I'm glad to have been raised here. There's a lot of happy memories and yes, I might have been a hellion back in the day, but I do like hanging out and chilling by myself by the lake. Like I said, I want to share this place with you." Ezra stated, kissing Val on the forehead, a frown marred his features when he heard the sigh leaving her. "What's with the sigh?" He asked, knowing that he wouldn't feel right if he didn't know the answer.

Valeria felt so relaxed in Ezra's arms, the sound of his voice soothed her. She didn't think that they would be in this situation, but here they were. He was her boyfriend now, and it felt right. She smiled, "It's nice to know that you don't take this for granted, it's way too beautiful for that. And I don't think you were a hellion, just young and rambunctious." She knew that she gave her uncle a lot of gray hair trying to deal with her back in the day, but she had grown and matured now. She didn't think he heard her sigh, but obviously he did, "It's just that this place is so beautiful, and you would be crazy to want to leave it. But...." She sighed again, "I was talking to Charlie, and we decided to move back into my house, because being at The Tower kinda sucks right now. And she put this idea in my head that maybe I should ask you to move in with us, so we could have a man with us to feel safer. But you don't want to, I mean, if you don't want to. Although my place has plenty of room, and a nice garden and gazebo, I don't have this." She was rambling, so she stopped talking.

"You should ask Bella how I was as a child. We were little shits." Ezra said laughing, remembering his childhood with fondness. It was definitely a great one. Her explanation had his head spinning. She wanted him to move in with her and Charlie. It made him wonder if they were moving too fast, but then again, technically, he was living with Val already. They hadn't spent the night apart in weeks, it felt like. "Do you want me to move in with you? It doesn't matter what Charlie wants. I want you to feel comfortable." He simply said, once he'd turn her around to face him and gently swept a thumb over her cheek.

Valeria laughed, "I think I might have to ask her, because I bet she has amazing stories about you." She could tell that he was a little freaked out by what she was saying, and she didn't blame him. It was a lot that she was asking of him. She looked up at him, when he turned her around, "I mean...it's not like you haven't been with me every night, since we got together. And having you there would make me feel safer. So I would be comfortable having you move in with me, but only if you want too."

"Oh, she will have a few." Ezra nodded, chuckling at the thought of him and Bells as children. Eli must have had a real headache with them. "That's what I thought too. I don't mind living with you. Especially if it means making you feel safe." He told her gently as he continued to caress her cheek. While he stared down at her beautiful face in the moonlight, he found his answer immediately. "I want to." He told her with a smile and lowered his head to capture her lips in a sweet kiss.

"I'm sure she does, and I can't wait to hear all of them." Valeria laughed, and knew she would enjoy hearing the stories. She didn't know what Ezra was thinking, if he was actually interested in moving in with her. She smiled hearing him say that, he wouldn't mind living with her. "You would definitely make me feel safe. But if you want your own room, and space, I can make that happen." She wanted him to feel comfortable as well, because he was making a huge adjustment for her. She smiled as he caressed her cheek, after their kiss, "Good, because I want you too." She kissed him again sweetly.

Ezra couldn't deny that he liked the idea of waking up with Val in his arms every morning. He liked how soft she was and how easily they fit together. It made perfect sense for them to move in together. "I will always keep you safe." He promised. With everything going around in Verona, he'd made sure that he was constantly around her for that reason. Plus, he liked being around her, but that was just an added bonus. "Do you really think it makes sense for me to have my own room?" It sounded ridiculous if he was being honest because he sure as hell wouldn't be sleeping away from her, but if she wanted privacy then he would have to give it to her. "It looks like I'm moving in then." He smiled once their lips were apart. "Have I told you that you look beautiful today? Because you do."

Valeria smiled, "Thank you for saying that, because you definitely make me feel safe." With all the drama going around Verona, she needed to feel safe, and Ezra knew just how to keep her calm. His mere presence was enough for her to feel safe. She smiled hearing his question, and she knew she didn't want him in another room, but she only suggested it for him. "Actually no, I would want you in the room with me. But, I would have to let you use Emmet's old closet in the next room, because I can't give up my closet space." She smiled, and practically moved onto his lap, "Thank you baby, I wanted to look good for my boyfriend." She giggled, "It is kinda weird."

"As long as you feel it, I'm happy." Ezra smiled, liking the thought that he had been able to comfort Val. He didn't really understand why all these events was befalling Verona, but it was sort of a blessing in disguise because it brought him and Val a lot closer. "Good. It would be redundant for me to have my own room anyway because you know I'd only sneak into yours at night." He admitted with a laugh, though his mirth died the instant Emmet's name was brought up. He knew he shouldn't feel threatened by the deceased man, and yet, in a way he was. For now however, he decided not to put too much thought into it. They were here together and that was enough. "That's sweet that you wanted to do that for me, but like I told you, you look beautiful no matter what." He said, pressing a kiss on her forehead.

"I definitely feel it Ez." Valeria said with a smile on her face, and resting her head on his chest. It was nice to have Ezra there, with all this mess happening. She was so emotional lately, not knowing how her uncle was doing, but with Ezra being there, it kept her mind from wondering. She smiled, "Or I would be sneaking into yours." She giggled, "So it would be better if we just stayed together." She noticed the slight change in Ezra when she mentioned Emmet, and she hoped he wouldn't feel some type of way about him. But she was going to make sure she would mention him a little less. "Babe....are you okay? You seem a bit down." But he tried to cover it up, and compliment her. "I know what you said, but I am always going to try to look my best for you."

Ezra didn't want to let any negativity ruin his time with Val. He felt a little stupid for feeling insecure about a dead man. It wasn't like Emmet was suddenly going to come back to life. He needed to stop being stupid, and yet, somehow, he still felt off. Unfortunately for him, Val seemed to notice the change in him and asked if he was alright. Should he tell her the truth or just pretend like everything was alright? In the end, he chose honesty. He wanted to do the right thing, so maybe being honest was the best thing for them. "I'm sorry. I know I should feel like this, but when you mention Emmet, it makes me feel a certain way..." He told her, letting out a sigh afterwards. "Just ignore me. I'll be fine..." He added with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Valeria sighed, understanding why Ezra felt the way he felt. She leaned in and kissed his lips sweetly, "No, don't apologize for your feelings, you can feel how you want. And I promise that I will be more cognizant about mentioning him." She cupped his cheek, "I've made the choice to be with you, and I am going to respect you and your feelings." She was going to make sure to finish cleaning out Emmet's closet before Ezra gets there, so there is nothing there to remind him of Emmet. "You are my man now, and I want you to feel like you are the only one, because you are."

Why did he have to feel this way? Things were going great between them and then he had to make things weird by getting jealous over a dead man. Something was wrong with him. Val's tender words, her sweet kiss and the gentle way she was touching him, helped to quell his jealousy a little, but it also made him want to kick himself for being an idiot. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't feel this way. You have the right to talk about him. He was a part of your life, Valeria. I can't tell you not to talk about him. That's wrong."

"No, it's okay baby." She kissed him sweetly, "He was a part of my life, but you are also part of my life. So I need to respect you and your feelings, and I will." She hated that Ezra felt that way, but she was not going to make it worse for him. "How about we stop talking about this, and focus on what's important right here and now." She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him deeply, letting her tongue glide in his mouth, and moving her hips against his crotch.

Ezra really wanted to respect Val, he had to. She was someone special in his life and he never want her to feel like he couldn't share anything with him. He just had to stop acting like an idiot in this case and allow her to remember the love that she lost. "Respect goes both ways, Val. I want an equal partner and I never want you to feel like you have to hide your past." He reasoned. Somehow, like always, their encounter turned passionate. Not that he could complain. As their lips and tongues dueled, his insecurities were completely forgotten. All he felt was Val and that was a good feeling to have.

Valeria loved how Ezra was trying to respect her feelings, it showed that he cared for her deeply. "We are equal, and if something is bothering one of us, then it is the responsibility of the other person to make sure they are okay. So if me talking about Emmet bothers you, then I will talk about him less. But I won't be able to completely not talk about him, because like you said, he is a big part of my life." She never wanted Ezra to feel like he was playing second fiddle to Emmet, so she was going to do everything in her power to let him see that he is the only man in her life. Their, body was connecting and she moaned out at the feeling of his lips on hers.

Ezra had always been good at this, physical affection. What he lacked was the ability to connect in an emotional way. He wanted to do better for Val and in order to do that, he couldn't allow his insecurities to plague the goodness of their relationship. Still, it was hard for him to let go. A part of him wanted to be the only one in Val's life, but he knew that was crazy, so like it or not, he had to let go. He could feel desire stirring in his veins, his dick growing hard--like it normally would when he would kiss Val. "You feel so good." He mumbled against her mouth as he nipped at her bottom lip.

Valeria forgot about everything that they were talking about as they continued making out. It was easy for her to not think about anything else when she was in his arms. Ezra had a way of making her forget anything and everything when he kissed her, and she liked it like that. She moaned out, "So do you baby... I want you so bad. Take your girlfriend right here in our special place."

Ezra couldn't deny the needs of his body, not when Val was so eager to be taken. Her words made him kiss her hungrily, allowing their tongues to duel before he pulled back to say, "Whatever you want, baby girl..." Gently laying her down on the blanket, he kissed down her body, pulling up the tanktop that she was wearing and then running his tongue over her cleavage. "Tell me what you want me to do with you, baby girl..." He mumbled against her skin.

Valeria let Ezra lay her down on the blanket, and he wrap her legs around his waist and kissed him back. She felt warm and fuzzy inside at his touch, and she wanted more. She lifted her hands to help him take off her shirt. She moaned and arched her back, as he swiped his tongue over her cleavage, "I want you baby....I want your hands all over me. I want your mouth on every part of my body. I want you deep inside me, and making me scream."

Goosebumps rose on Ezra's skin, his cock jumping in his pants upon hearing the words that Val was saying. Shifting from his stance, he sat up and peeled off her shirt, followed by her bra. His head descended, tongue laving over her pert nipple, swirling around each of them. He then moved down her body, pulling off her pants with her help and shedding her panties before he was between her parted thighs. "So wet already..." He said with a low voice, allowing his fingers to graze along her folds.

Valeria made sure to help Ezra get all her clothes off, because she wanted him so bad. But as he removed her clothes, she was removing his shirt. She liked the feeling of his hard abs against her fingers. She moaned as she felt his fingers against her folds, "It's only you that gets me this wet baby. It's all for you."

Growing up, Ezra had a lot of fun by this very lake, yet not once did he think about having sex with his girlfriend here. This place was special to him, he supposed that it was fitting for him to be sharing this experience with Val. "Fuck... Your mouth is going to be the death of me." He groaned before lowering his head and running his tongue along her slit lazily. He wasn't in a rush tonight, therefore he would be taking his time.

Valeria ran her fingers through Ezra's hair, and moaned feeling his tongue on her entrance, "Does my boyfriend like hearing his girlfriend talk so dirty? Or does he want me to stop." She would do anything for Ezra, all he needed was to say the word. Her main objective was to pleasure her man, when he let her.

Ezra moaned against Val's pussy, for once not wanting to answer her as he taste her sweet essence. He was beyond hard by this point, and it was taking everything in him not to give in to his urges and fuck her right now. That wasn't going to happen tonight however. Tonight, he wanted to fill her with so much pleasure that she would always remember their first time here. He continued to run his tongue along her slit, only adding his fingers some time later and slowly thrusting it in and out of her.

It was something different about the feeling of being with Ezra tonight. She didn't know if it was because they became exclusive, or if it was them being this special spot, but whatever it was, Valeria liked it. He was being so gentle with her, and that was totally not them, but again, she really liked it. All she could do was moan at his touch, and her body was begging for more. She moved her hips as his tongue and fingers made their way inside her pussy. "Mmm baby....so good. Don't stop... please."

Somehow, as Ezra continued to pleasure Val, he was able to curb his own urges. He could tell that Val was enjoying what he was doing, the moans and her words was a huge indicator. He thrust his fingers into her languidly at first, wanting to build her up slowly but the longer it took for him to move, the louder she became. Taking mercy on her, he latched on to her clit and increased the thrusts of his fingers, flicking her nub rapidly with his tongue.

With everything going on in Verona, and in her family, Valeria needed this feeling of affection, and desire to distract her from it all. Ezra came into her life at the most perfect time, and she would forever be grateful to him. He was definitely skilled at pleasing her, and his touches were proving to be the most amazing feeling in the world to her in this moment. Her body was on fire, and he was the only one who could put it out. She moved her hips against his fingers, trying to get him to go deeper. "Yes baby....fuck so good." She wanted more, but she knew that Ezra controlled the pace, and that was how she liked it.

Ezra hissed at Val’s response, she had always been responsive to his touches and it drove him crazy. He was glad for the upper hand however, her climax was within grasp, but since he was controlling the pace, he knew that she was powerless against his actions. Knowing that she was his was thrilling. Only he could do this, make her hot and bothered, and that made him very happy. “What do you want, baby girl? Use your words.” He asked as he circled his tongue along her sensitive clit. Wanting her to answer, he slowed his movements and looked up at her from between her parted thighs with mischief in his eyes.

Valeria didn't know how much longer she was going to be able to hold off, but Ezra was teasing her so much. He was slowing down his movements, and questioning her on what she wanted. She didn't know if she could speak, but he demanded her to speak,  "You baby....I want you." She knew that wasn't going to be enough, " I want you to make me cum with your mouth, and then that big dick of yours. Make me scream your name."

Ezra didn't even know why he was doing this, not just to Val but to himself as well. It felt like the worse form of torture. He was harder than he had ever been before and he needed relief, but as long as Val still haven’t found hers, he would have to put it off his own a little bit longer. Her wanton moan and pleading words had him groaning. "Fuck… That mouth of yours… I'll make you cum, baby girl, with my mouth and dick." Plunging his fingers into her depths, he hasten the speed of his movements and whispered, “Cum for me, Val. I wanna hear you scream.” He latched back on to her clit then, letting his tongue swirl rapidly around the sensitive bundle of nerves.

Valeria was so close, but she wasn't going to let go until Ezra told her that she could. This was definitely torture, because everything inside her said to let go, and get that release she deserved. But until she heard the words from Ez, she would live with that torture. She moaned out louder and louder with every touch from him, then screamed out as he got faster, "Fuck! Ezra!" He finally decided to put her out of her misery and give her permission to cum, and without any hesitation, she was spraying her juices all over his mouth and fingers. "EZRA!" She screamed out.

Ezra knew that Val wouldn't be able to hold on for much longer. He’d teased her long enough, anymore she would probably passed out and who needed that? He sure didn't. As if on cue, she released squirting her sweetness into his mouth. He lapped her up, moaning at how addictive she was. Not having the patience to wait anymore, he quickly shed off his pants, sheathed himself, went between her parted thighs and entered her in one swift hard stroke. “Fuck… So tight…” He didn’t move for a bit for fear that he might lose it, so he stayed still.

Valeria felt like she was going to pass out after cumming so hard, mixed with the way Ezra was lapping her juices up, it just added to the climax. But before she could come completely down from her high, Ezra was slamming inside her, and she couldn't do anything but scream out. "FUCK!" Her voice echoed through the night sky, and she didn't care who heard her. She was getting some world class loving from her man, and that was all that mattered to her. She needed him to move, "Please baby....move."

Ezra needed a moment to regain composure and at Val's insistence, he began to move. His movements were slow at first, wanting to draw out the pleasure from this night. He needed her to remember this...always. "Better?" He asked, staring down at her beautiful face. "You're beautiful, Val…" He told her because he couldn't keep it in and he wanted her to know that she was always on his mind. Lowering his head then, he claimed her lips in a deep kiss. His thrusts were still unhurried as he allowed their tongues to meet in a slow sensual dance.

Valeria was practically begging for Ezra to move, so she could get this release her body was begging for, And finally he did, and she was ready for it. "Yes baby....so much better." She moaned out, and smiled at his compliment, "You are the beautiful one baby...inside and out." She was falling for Ezra , and she knew it, but she didn't know how to tell him.

Ezra never knew that he could be this happy being someone's boyfriend, but he was. Val was special to him and he always wanted to keep a smile in her face. Starting by pleasuring her beyond her expectation. The slow thrusts began to hasten, and before long, he was slamming into Val. "Fuck... I can't get enough of you." He murmured against her lips, hips slanting slightly to hit her spot.

The feeling of having Ezra inside her was so amazing, and addicting. He knew how to touch her to make her lose her mind, and she was so glad to have him in her life, as a boyfriend. When he started to go faster, her moans got louder and louder, "I hope not baby, I will always want you!" She dug her nails in his back.

Ezra could not have been more earnest. He was completely gone for Val. In his eyes, he could not have met a better match. It was good to know that she wanted him just as badly too. His lips found hers then, their tongues meeting in a lust filled kiss. He never stopped thrusting into her, fucking her deeply and trying to give her the best orgasm he could ever give to her.

Valeria could feel herself falling apart, but she had to hold it together until Ezra gave her permission to cum. The kiss was filled with desire, passion, and lust. She was on the brink, so she pulled back, "Baby, please.....I am going to cum. Can I please cum?" She begged.

With how long Ezra had been holding on, he knew he wouldn't be able to last for much longer. Val felt too perfect and he was more than convinced that she was built for him. Whe he heard her pleading, he sat on his haunches and strummed her clit with his thumb as he continued to thrust into her. "Let go, baby girl. Scream my name!"

Valeria was so grateful that Ezra gave her permission to cum, she didn't know how much longer she could hold it. She let out a loud scream, as her body shook hard, this was one if the hardest she had ever cum. "Ez! Fuck!" She couldn't stop shaking, as she felt him still inside her.

The moment Ezra heard Val screaming his name, he felt everything within him snapping. With a loud growl of her name,  "Val!" he came, shooting his excitement into the condom. Exhaustion sets in straight away and he fell against her sweat soaked body. "Fuck..." He murmured, unable to move, laughing a little when he thought about his brother possibly hearing them.

Valeria was completely spent, she could barely catch her breath. She looked over at Ezra, and saw him chuckling, and she got on her elbows, "What's so funny?" She wondered.

Ezra moved and laid down on the blanket, pulling Val into his arms. "I was just thinking about my brother. Can you imagine his face if he saw us like this? No, better yet, him seeing my white ass in the moonlight. I bet he'd go blind!" He chuckled and placed a gentle kiss on Val's forehead.

Valeria started to laugh, but then looked up, and her face went pale, and she started to melt down into Ezra's chest, "Um...babe, I don't have to imagine his face..." She motioned for him to look up. Eli heard some noise, and didn't know what it was. He grabbed his gun, in case it was some intruders, and followed the sounds. He then scrunched his brows the closer he got, because the sounds were strange. He finally got to the lake, and saw his brother's naked ass. He cleared his throat, and smirked, "I guess my little birdie was right, huh bro?" He chuckled, "The lake huh?" He laughed, "Well you kids have fun." He chuckled and walked away. He shook his head, "He really is serious about her, wow...

Ezra's features contorted in confusion. "What? Where?" He followed the movements of her finger and came face to face with Eli. His eyes went wide and embarrassment sets in. "Eli!" He gasped and quickly tried to cover Val's nudity with his body. He didn't even know what his brother said, because before he could say a word, the older Sutherland sibling was gone. "God..." He buried his head on the crook of Val's neck and groaned. "He never usually comes here. What the hell was he doing taking a walk in the middle of the night for?"

Valeria was mortified, the last thing she wanted was for Eli to see her naked. She couldn't even look up, she had her head buried in Ezra's chest. She heard what he said,  Maybe he heard the noise, Charlie did say we were quite loud." She giggled.

Ezra looked up then, and watched Val's reaction. It looked like she was having a hard time controling her embarrassment too. "He must have heard us. I mean, my girlfriend is very loud. But I do like that about her. It turns me on." He said, lifting her chin and kissing her passionately.

Valeria's giggles turned into moans as Ezra kissed her passionately, but she wasn't complaining. She pulled back, "If my boyfriend likes it, then I won't stop being loud." She kissed him again, but shivered, "Baby, as romantic as this is, I'm getting cold. Can we go inside now?"

They continued to kiss for a while longer until the need to breathe forced their lips apart. "I don't mind it at all. In fact, I like it when you're loud. It's sexy..." He trailed his fingers along her naked skin and found his body reacting to being close to her. "Damn, I was just about to start another round, but I guess we can continue this inside." He wiggled his brows and stood up to help her. They got back into their clothes and started walking towards his house. "So, how did you like coming to my secret spot?" He asked, on their trek.

Valeria pouted, "Damn me and my cold self, but we can definitely continue this inside." She giggled and grabbed her clothes. She put them back on, and headed back to the house. She smiled, "I loved coming to your secret spot, it's beautiful. I hope we can come here more often."

There was no way Ezra was just going to have sex just once with Val. It wasn't their style. They could go hours... "Don't pout, baby girl. You know I won't leave you alone until you can't move. So far you look fine to me." She told her with a cheeky grin. "Of course we will." He smiled at her. "I would love to bring my girlfriend to my secret spot anytime she wants."

Valeria laughed at Ezra's comments, "I am moving quite easily right now, so you definitely have some work to do." She giggled, and smiled. "Good, because I like it here a lot. But I think it is the company I like the most."

"Really now? You'll definitely be getting it when we get back to my place." Ezra winked, fully intending to fulfill his promise. "I don't blame you there. I've been told that I make an awesome friend. I guess this makes me an awesome boyfriend too?" He laughed. Before long, they were back at his house. Since she'd already been there, he didn't have to give her another tour. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind her and whispered. "Where should we start this? Here or in the bedroom?"

"I was hoping you'd say that." Valeria smirked and took his hand, "You are a great friend, and I am liking you a lot as a boyfriend." She followed him to the house, and giggled when he grabbed her waist, "Right here....because I need you right now."

Ezra smiled bright when he heard Val's words. "Right here it is..." He spun her around and immediately claimed her mouth in a heated kiss. His hands were everywhere, squeezing and groping her every curve. "Mmm..." He moaned against her mouth, feeling his erection growing harder. Pulling away, he gazed upon her pretty face and said, "On your knees, baby girl. Show me what you can do with that mouth of yours..."

Valeria was ready for whatever Ezra had in store for her. She was addicted to him, and she knew she would do anything to please him any way she could. Her desire was to please him, and hearing him say that he wanted to see what her mouth could do, put a glint in her eye, "Oh I'll show you exactly what I can do." She quickly got on her knees, and licked her lips. She grabbed his cock, and started stroking it, "Mmmm.....this is all mine, and I'm going to take it completely in my mouth." She took him completely in her mouth.

Ezra could only smile and watch as his sassy girlfriend got on her knees. He liked how mouthy she was. It was nice to be with someone who wasn't afraid to show their sexual side. When she wrapped a hand on his cock, he let out a hiss. "Fuck... That feels good, baby girl..." His heart rate picked up the moment her mouth covered his dick and without even thinking, he buck his hips, forcing more of him to the back of her throat.

Valeria hollowed her jaw, and took all of Ezra in her mouth. She was happy to not gag, because she wanted him to not go easy on her. She wanted him to fuck her mouth recklessly. She moaned against his cock, while massaging his balls

Ezra gritted his teeth as he watched the whole thing unfolding. It was the sexiest thing he could imagine seeing; Val with her mouth stuffed with his cock. He wanted to go easy on her, but as usual, his body had plans of its own and before he knew it, he was fucking her mouth with harsh strokes. For her part, she didn't even gag, which was impressive. "You're showing off tonight, aren't you?" He commented while still fucking her mouth.

Valeria couldn't say anything, because her mouth was stuffed with Ezra's cock, but never taking her eyes off him, she continued to moan on his cock. She moaned, louder and louder. Wanting more and more...

Ezra swore he could just cum right here and now, but he wasn't going to do that. He had a long night planned, and if he was going to make Val lose her ability to walk, he had to cool it a little. "Enough of that." He said, pulling away from her mouth. "Go bend over on that counter for me." He was trying to sound dominating, but was sure there was an air of desperation in his voice.

Valeria was willing and ready to give Ezra everything she had, and have him coming nice and hard, but Ezra had other plans in mind. She wanted to put when he pulled her off him, but hearing his next command, had her smiling. "Whatever you want baby." She got up and moved over to the counter, and bent over it, making sure to spread her legs for him, "Like this baby?"

When Val did what he ask of her, he moved towards her, letting his right hand gently trail the skin of her derriere. "Just like that." He hummed and without warning, he slapped her right ass cheek. "That's so pretty, baby girl... I like seeing your ass with my hand print on them." He spanked her again, but this time on the other side. "I'm going to have you begging for my cock tonight." He told her as he continued to spank her ass.

Valeria was waiting for whatever Ezra was had planned. Her body shuddered as he ran his fingers down to her ass. She let out a little squeal when he smacked her ass, "Mmm...so good baby." She giggled, "You like that? I can get used to having your handprints on my ass permanently." She let out another squeal, "I'll beg for it baby...all night long."

Most subs would have whimpered and cower away at the mention of a spanking. It didn't deter Val at all, in fact, she grew brazen, even chuckled at his words. "No more laughing, baby girl. This is serious business." He told her, although he himself felt like laughing. "I could always have my palms tattooed on your ass. That's permanent." He teased. Rubbing her now red ass, he tried to give her a reprieve, but then got greedy and ended up continuing his task. "You'll beg, baby girl. I promise you that you'll beg for this cock." He spoke again when he felt his hand stinging from the spankings.

Valeria quickly stopped laughing, "Sorry baby, I just get so anxious at the thought of you spanking me." She turned back around and shook her head at him, "No thank you, not that permanent, you just have to refresh the prints more frequently." She licked her lips, and wiggled her ass, just to tease him more. She moaned louder and louder with every hit to her ass. "Oh baby, I already want that cock of yours." She knew it wouldn't take much for her to beg.

Ezra couldn't believe how turned on Val was getting just by him spanking her. It sent desire rushing through his veins and his heart pounding in his chest. "If you want it, then beg for it." He whispered in her ear seductively, drawing an ear lobe into his mouth and swirling his tongue around it.

Valeria smiled, hearing Ezra whisper in her ear, " I do want it baby, and I will beg for it all night long!" She said honestly, as she gripped the countertop, "Please baby.....please give me your cock."

The moment he heard her begging for him, Ezra stopped, reached for a condom in his wallet, sheathed himself and entered her. "Fuck…" He groaned, grabbing a fist full of hair and yanking her close to him. "Is this what you want, Val? To be fucked hard and fast?"

Valeria screamed out, as she felt Ezra slide inside her, "Fuck...baby!" He felt so good inside her, and she knew she wouldn't last much longer, "Baby please....let me cum!"

As always, Val was loud and unafraid to voice out what she wanted. She wanted to cum, and he didn't have the heart to toy with her tonight. Reaching out, he strummed her clit with his fingers as he pounded into her. "Cum for me, baby girl. Cum NOW!"

It didn't take long before Valeria was ready to let go. Thankfully, Ezra wanted her to come right now. She threw her head back, and screamed as she came so hard, "EZRA!" She screamed out, and held onto the counter so she wouldn't fall.

Ezra had plans to hold on for a while longer, but when he felt Val falling apart, her pussy clenching around his cock tightly, he lost his ability to hold back and came hard. "Fuck! Val!" He growled out her name and felt his knees nearly gave up on him. Somehow, he'd been able to move them to the sofa, carrying Val over. "I think my knees are done after that. You drained my energy, baby girl." He said with a chuckle.

Valeria had no idea how she got to the couch, and she didn't care. All she knew she was in Ezra's arms, just where she always wanted to be. She giggled and kissed his cheek, "You drained mine too baby, I'm glad you carried me, because I don't think I can walk. You succeeded in your mission." She smiled, and leaned on his chest.

Ezra had a huge grin on his face. Although he was tired, he was extremely happy. He still couldn't believe that he was in a relationship with Val. He, Ezra Sutherland, had a girlfriend. How crazy was that? "I'm glad that I was able to do that." He told her, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I can't move now, but when I can. We should head to my room and get some sleep. We both deserve it."

Valeria snuggled against Ezra, he was the perfect boyfriend, and she was glad that he was hers. She smiled, "I'm glad you did too baby, it was so worth it." She chuckled, and kissed him sweetly, "I don't mind staying right here, but I do like to sleep comfortably in a bed." She ran her fingers on his chest, and heard her stomach grumble, "You do realize that we didn't even eat our food, and I'm hungry."

With exhaustion from the day setting in, Ezra was looking forward to spending the night with Val--actually sleeping this time, instead of having sex with her again. But then again, they could get up in the middle of the night and go at it, it wasn't like they weren't used to doing that. Val's growling stomach made him laugh and it was at that point that his own stomach decided to join in the symphony. "Looks like my stomach is saying the same thing too. We still have McDonald's we can eat... Let me go get it." He kissed her on the cheek and got up to get their food. After they'd devoured their meal, they headed into his room and actually slept through the night together. The next morning however, more monkey business followed, but that was just how they were with each other.

[madamebaggio]

Notes: Hey there!Thank you so much for the kind kudos and comments.In this chapter we'll have a lot of teasing and some gentle flirting... 

I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 7

Lucy walked through Winterfell with Ghost by her side. The direwolf was the dearest thing ever; his eyes were so expressive that the young Queen just kept waiting for him to answer her questions.

She missed the talking animals from Narnia, missed the fauns and the sunny days in Cair Paravel. She wondered how they were fairing in Narnia. Had they noticed that the Queens and Kings were gone? Or had the time not passed at all for them?

She worried because she didn’t know what they were supposed to do here. She had called to Aslan in prayer, in her dreams and even in the Godswood –as they called it here –but, so far, there was no answer.

Maybe they were supposed to help with the Others, as they were called. Maybe they were here to bring Spring. It was still a mystery to her and Lucy felt a bit unsure.

“Hey, little lady.”

Lucy smiled at Arya. “You are aware that I’m taller than you, right?” She teased.

“Still younger, though.” Arya grinned. “Come along. Jon wants to talk to the four of you.”

“Did something happen?” Lucy asked curiously, as she started walking beside Arya.

“Don’t know. Maybe he’s going to execute your brother for being an arse.” Arya teased.

Lucy rolled her eyes. “If that was cause for execution, we’d have done that years ago.”

Arya chuckled. “Well, we’re about to find out.”

When they entered Jon’s solar the other Pevensies were there already. Susan was talking to Sansa quietly, while Peter and Edmund were talking to Ser Davos about the training of the men. Jon wasn’t there, though.

Lucy talked to Arya until Jon showed up, almost five minutes later. He had some men behind him, all carrying something.

“You’re here.” He nodded at them all. “I have something for the four of you. As a thank you for all you’ve done for Winterfell.” Jon declared.

He made a gesture for the men to bring what they were carrying.

“Our things!” Lucy celebrated.

The siblings all but rushed to the collect what belonged to them. Edmund was the first to get there and pick his sword and shield. All his knives –the six of them -were there was well, in their proper cases.

Lucy’s hand went immediately to her belt. The dagger was there and so was her cordial in its vial. “My knives?” She asked Edmund.

“Here.” Her brother passed her said knives.

Arya arched a brow. “Damn, little lady.” She snickered. “Why do you need so many of those?”

“This isn’t even the complete set.” Edmund informed. “Lucy has more knives than a kitchen.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “You’re just jealous because my collection is bigger than yours.”

Edmund shoved her sword at her, rolling his eyes all the time.

Peter picked his sword and shield, and Sansa took a step back involuntarily. There was a red lion on his shield, the pommel of his sword was also a lion. It was like some god somewhere was mocking her: bringing this golden king to her house, making him a lion and the epitome of every stupid childhood dream she’d ever had. It was like some cruel deity was taunting her, wondering how much of an idiot she was.

She wasn’t a child anymore and she was dead tired of fairy tales.

“Susan, your horn.” Lucy passed her sister said horn.

Susan pressed the smooth ivory object against her forehead. Now that it was back on her hands she felt better, like help would come if needed.

“One of squires almost lost his fingers handling your bow.” Jon informed Susan.

“He shouldn’t have touched it then.” She replied placidly.

Jon arched a brow. “How can wood cut someone?” He asked.

“It’s not just wood.” She informed him. “The bow itself is made of a wood that is rare even in Narnia. Good enough for bows, strong enough to withstand attacks and…” She ran her finger to the curved tips of the bow. “Sharp enough to cut fingers off.”

Jon wasn’t amused.

Susan took a deep breath. “But… We are thankful for this, your Grace.” She told him honestly. “For your hospitality and now for your trust.”

He nodded at her.

“Mayhap now Lady Susan can start training the archers for us.” Davos suggested.

“It would be an honor.” She told the older man. “We need to find candidates.”

“I’ll see if I can pick some volunteers for you.” Davos assured her.

“Susan is very particular about her archers.” Peter informed the man. “She is ruthless with them, but they are like family to her.”

“I just want them to be prepared.” She replied dryly to her brother. “Archers have a very important role in battle and having them well trained can make a lot of difference.”

“It’s true. Susan once hit a flying arrow before it could hit Peter.” Lucy informed the others excitedly.

The Starks traded looks, but no one dared to comment, making the Pevensies trade looks as well, but also forgoing the comments.

“I guess is time for dinner.” Sansa declared suddenly.

“You are correct, my Lady.” Susan passed the bow to Peter quickly. “I will check the meal.”

“I will go with you.” The two left the solar.

Sansa and Susan stepped into the corridor and looked at each other. “So…”

Sansa smirked. “Shall we continue?”

“Alys Karstark.” Susan spoke as they started making their way to the kitchen.

Sansa shook her head. “Jon decided to marry her to one of the Free Folk and make the man a lord.”

Susan hummed her understanding. “So why not one of them? Like Val.”

“I’ve heard they had something.” Sansa admitted. “But I think it was brief and it’s over.”

“Well, they can rekindle the flame or something.” Susan made a dismissive gesture.

Sansa didn’t even try to fight her grin. “Jon would not be very happy if he knew what we’re doing.”

“Your cousin needs a wife.” Susan informed the other woman. “It’s is best if it’s someone from the North, so you can strengthen your alliances. And it’s better to choose someone fast, before the Dragon Queen decides to marry him to some Southern rose or marry him herself. You all do love incestuous weddings.”

Sansa let out a giggle, before covering her mouth. Susan’s heart ached every time the redhead felt like she needed to hide even the simplest emotions, but she was going to cure Sansa’s heart, even if it was the last thing she did in her life.

“You are terrible.” Sansa spoke.

“Me? How absurd.” Susan spoke primly, then cracked a smile. “How about your letters?”

“I received some answers already.” Sansa confirmed. “I think it was your wording.”

“Well, I am no called the Gentle Queen for nothing. I have a knack for diplomacy.”

“I was starting to think your title was ironic.”

Susan rolled her eyes. “So amusing, My Lady.” She snorted and they walked along the hallways, arm in arm.

XxX

“Your sister and my cousin are plotting something.” Jon told Edmund as soon as the others cleared the solar.

Edmund snorted. “How observant, Your Grace.”

Jon arched a brow at the younger man.

“Jon…” Edmund gave him a pitying look. “They’re always plotting something.” He informed the other man. “They hardly do anything else.”

“What?” Jon asked confused.

Edmund chuckled. “Let us just say that you are very lucky that your cousin is loyal to you. Otherwise they both would have already taken over the North and would probably be preparing to take over Westeros.”

“You are joking.” Jon spoke flatly.

Edmund snickered. “No, Jon, I’m not. I know my sister. And I’ll give you fair warning: the last time she was this secretive about something, she was trying to marry Peter off.”

Jon arched a brow. “But she wasn’t successful.”

“No.” Edmund admitted. “But only because she didn’t find anyone she liked. She looked all over Narnia but couldn’t find the right woman for him. Peter might be an arrogant fool at times, but he and Sue are close, and she wants him to be happy.”

“So you’re telling me I should be concerned.”

“If I were you… I would be.”

XxX

Susan had asked Ser Davos to round up all of those who wished to be archers. He asked how young the boys could be, and she arched a brow at him. “I leave the ages of the boys and girls to your consideration.”

“Girls?” He asked, a bit dumfounded.

Her brow was still in that elegant arching. “Yes, Ser Davos. The girls.”

He opened his mouth, maybe to argue, but then thought better of it. Smart man.

Susan had always been demanding of the people -or animals -she accepted to train as her archers. She took her position as their leader seriously, because good archers could change the result of a battle.

Peter used to make fun of her, saying that archery wasn’t that essential. Once she hit the arrow meant for him with hers, he stopped talking that. And apologized. Repeatedly.

She made sure of it.

Ser Davos brought her quite a few candidates, from the Free Folk to Northerners. Most of them were curious; they’d seen her practicing and her ability was becoming something of a legend.

There were over 30 people there, only six of them were girls. She dismissed two of them when she realized they were there because of some of the boys. She then dismissed seven other men, a few because she knew they were there to prove their male superiority.

Yes, she could put them in their place, but she had a serious job to do here and no time to waste with idiots.

She was left with 28 potential archers.

She was curious to see how many of them would be there by the end.

XxX

Susan was sitting with Sansa and embroidering. The Queen of Narnia despised embroidery with a passion, but it didn’t take her long to notice that Sansa not only was good at it, but she truly relaxed with the needle in her hand.

Susan imagined it had something to do with the control, the peace and quiet and the logic of embroidery. Lucy was quite good at it, but Susan never learned to like it. Sansa once admitted to the other woman that during her most terrible moments, embroidery was the only scape she could get.

Therefore, if Sansa asked Susan to sit and embroidery with her, she did it.

Sansa was making a red-breasted robin for Lucy –she loved the birds – while Susan was focusing on putting initials on handkerchief. This was simple enough. Brienne was standing by the open door, keeping guard over them.

They had been sitting there in companionable silence when the first pair of giggling maids passed by the door. The three women traded looks, but went back to their work.

Then another three maids passed.

Susan arched a brow at Sansa. “Is your cousin on the training yard?”

Sansa grinned. “Not that I know of. He was supposed to be in a meeting now.” She arched a brow at Susan. “Why do you assume it’s Jon?”

“The maids fancy him a lot.” Susan explained.

Sansa’s grin became bigger. “Maybe it’s one of your brothers.” She indicated.

“Well, it’s possible.” Susan admitted. “It’s just that mostly they are a bit scared of them.”

“It’s because of the rumors.” Sansa offered. “They think you’re magical creatures.”

They heard giggling coming from somewhere on the hallway.

“Brienne?” Sansa called the other woman, a question clear on her voice.

“They are all going downstairs, My Lady. I don’t know why.”  The woman admitted.

“Well, you know what?” Susan got up. “I want to know.”

Sansa bit her lip for a second, before putting her embroidery down. “I do too.”

Brienne sighed, but followed the two ladies out of the solar.

They went down the stairs and into the training yard. Sansa had been right, it wasn’t Jon. It was Peter.

Susan sighed as she took in the scene. Each one of the siblings was good at something: Susan was the best archer in Narnia, Lucy could throw daggers and knives, Edmund was an amazing swordsman and Peter had a deep appreciation for hand-to-hand combat.

He’d learned some in London –mostly boxing –and in Narnia he found some other masters to teach him.

To make a long story short, Peter was very good at it and he could take most opponents down easily.

Now, that was all beautiful and great. Fighting was a useful ability, but not when her brother was rolling around shirtless.

Why her, good lord?

He was facing off some man of the Free Folk whose name Susan couldn’t remember. There were men cheering around them –including Tormund. She found Edmund a bit farther and he was… Yes, he was taking bets, the little prick.

But none of this was a problem. Well, perhaps the fighting and the gambling were a bit of a problem. The biggest problem was that her brother was rolling around the mud shirtless.

No wonder the maids were giggling and fanning themselves.

Susan had to roll her eyes at that.

“Oh my…”

Susan looked at Sansa, who was covering her mouth. She arched a brow. “Something wrong, My Lady?” She asked amused.

“Your brother…” Sansa started, but stopped herself.

“Is an idiot?” Susan offered.

“Yes.” Sansa agreed.

“Arrogant.”

“Absolutely.”

“Completely shameless.”

“Yes, definitely.”

“And so handsome.”

“That too.” Then she turned to the other woman. “Susan! No!”

“You agreed.” Susan indicated as she laughed.

“You tricked me.” Sansa accused.

“Did I really?” Susan asked.

Sansa huffed and refused to answer.

Susan knew that her brothers were good looking –she’d heard many ladies saying so. They were handsome; and she said that in a sisterly way –seriously, what was wrong with the people of this kingdom?

She could only guess the effect that Peter had in other women. She couldn’t say she remembered feeling that much interest in a man, but… Well, that was her.

“Should we stop this?” Susan asked Sansa.

The redhead opened her mouth, but before she could actually make a choice, Peter kicked the man on the middle of his chest, and he went flying back.

“PETER!” Susan called before she could stop herself.

The whole place went quiet as the men around traded looks. Edmund looked absolutely guilty as he tried to hide the coins in his hand.

Peter ran his hand through his hair and arched a brow in her direction. “Yes, sister?”

Cheeky bastard.

“Care to explain?” She asked dryly, an eyebrow raised in the exact same manner as her brother.

Sansa marveled at how alike they were.

“Just showing the lads some moves.” Peter informed them.

“And Edmund?” She turned to her other brother.

“Raising morale among the men.” He informed easily.

“With gambling?” Sansa inquired, her voice as dry as a desert.

“It’s good for building trust, My Lady.” Edmund replied cheekily.

“Your brothers are both shameless.” Sansa informed Susan.

Susan sighed. “I am aware.”

“Go cover yourself, Lord Peter.” Sansa told the man. “Before you freeze.”

“Yes, my Lady.” Peter gave her a bow and a smile before turning back to the man.

Even as Sansa told Peter he would freeze, she couldn’t help looking around. It was sunny; the sky was clear and blue.

It was less cold. Again.

XxX

Jon read the letter on his hand, took a deep breath and then read it again.

Yes, it still had exactly the same message.

Lord Glover was inquiring after Susan. He wanted to marry her to one of his men.

Susan. He wanted to marry Susan to…

This was bloody ridiculous. The mere idea was preposterous.

Susan was not going to leave Winterfell, much less to marry a knight! She was a Queen!

Jon was about to reply exactly that to Lord Glover when he remembered something: Susan. If she knew he was replying that type of letter on her behalf without even consulting her… Well, Jon didn’t want to be used as target on her next practice session.

Sighing he got up and left his solar. He hadn’t planned on working so much after supper, but time ran away with him. He knew that Susan sometimes went to Sansa’s solar before retiring for the night, so he went there.

Brienne was standing by the door. “Your Grace.”

“Brienne. Is Sansa still awake?”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Is Susan with her?”

“They are all in there.” She informed him. “The Pevensies and also Lady Arya.” She explained when Jon looked confused.

Jon scratched him chin. “Maybe I shouldn’t bother them.”

Brienne opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. “I’m sure Lady Sansa won’t mind.”

“Right.” Jon cleared his throat. “I will just…” He indicated the door, then knocked on in.

“Come in.” Sansa called from inside the solar.

Jon pushed the door open and entered the room. Sansa was sitting close to the fireplace, embroidering with Ghost by her feet. Lucy was doing the same, while Arya and Edmund were talking about something and Peter and Susan were doing the same.

Jon felt like an intruder, like he didn’t belong there.

“Jon!” Arya smiled at him and he saw himself smiling in return.

“Did something happen?” Sansa asked, putting her embroidery down.

“Well…” He closed the door and came closer to them. “I got a letter from Lord Glover. He is asking about Susan.”

The woman in question arched a brow. “Yes?”

“He would like you to marry one of his men.” Jon informed her.

Lucy and Edmund started laughing as soon as the word “marry” came out. Even Peter seemed to be fighting off a smile. Susan gave them all a look, but it didn’t do any good.

Jon took a seat, watching the siblings with an amused smile.

“Well, look at that.” Arya commented amused. “You’ve barely gotten here and you already have men wanting to marry you.”

“Susan always had men stumbling over themselves, trying to get her attention.” Peter informed Arya.

Susan rolled her eyes. “That is an exaggeration. If I remember it well, Lucy always had more suitors than me.”

“Only because you scared yours away!” Lucy protested.

“There was one you used to like, wasn’t there?” Edmund put in. “The one that wrote you poetry.”

Susan scoffed. “And that was the end of it. I wonder who first discovered the power of poetry in driving away love?”

Sansa let out a surprised giggle. “I thought that poetry was the food of love.” She teased.

Susan shrugged regally. “Of a strong love, perhaps.” She conceded. “But if it’s only a vague inclination I’m convinced one bad sonnet will kill it.” She made a dismissive gesture with her hand.

Arya was snickering and Sansa rolled her eyes, but it was Jon who shocked them all.

“So what do you recommend?” He asked, silencing them all, making himself –although unintentionally –the focus of everyone’s attention. “To encourage affection, I mean.” He cleared his throat.

Susan looked at him, an arched brow. Then her lips turned into a small enigmatic smile, as she replied, “Why, dancing, of course.”

It was his turn to arch a brow at her.

Edmund groaned. “What is with you ladies and dancing?” He asked.

“It is the only ‘appropriate’ way to spend time alone in a man’s company.” Lucy indicated. “At least in Narnia.”

“Here it’s the same.” Sansa confirmed.

“So it’s the only time to talk freely and see if you like someone.” Lucy concluded.

“It’s also a great opportunity to get closer.” Susan spoke cheekily.

“Sue!” Lucy exploded in giggles.

“It is true.” She defended. “Nothing is appropriate for ladies. But dancing is.”

“It has its charms.” Peter conceded, a smirk on his lips.

Susan gave him a look, like she knew exactly what he was talking about. Sansa looked resolutely ahead.

“And you know…” Susan continued, putting her hands together, palm to palm, like they did in some dances. “Palm to palm is a holy palmers’ kiss.”

“That sounds sickly romantic.” Arya offered with a look of distaste.

“Just because I don’t like to have sonnets written in honor of my pretty blue eyes, it doesn’t mean I don’t like good poetry.” Susan indicated.

“So that’s why you all like dancing so much?” Edmund teased. “It’s a chaste way of kissing.”

“O, then, dear saint.” Peter spoke softly, his voice just a bit above a murmur. “Let lips do what hands do.”

They all turned to him in shock –though his siblings looked a bit more amused.

“What? Susan repeated that line so many times I memorized it.” He defended himself.

“What a suave way to ask for a kiss, dear brother.” Lucy commented, very much surprised.

“I’m a gentleman.” Peter indicated. “I would never ask for my dear saint to give me anything she does not wish, but…” He grinned. “I’m always a great devout.”

Susan slapped her brother’s shoulder, even as she saw Sansa turning to look at the fire to hide her blush. She really needed to talk to Peter about this.

Then her eyes turned to Jon, who’d been awfully quiet during this whole conversation.

“So no marriage?” He asked once they locked eyes.

“Not yet, Your Grace.” She inclined her head. “No dancing?”

His lip quirked up a bit. “Not yet, My Lady.”

Notes: I guess most of you recognized the dialogue from "Pride and Prejudice". I changed it a bit because I felt the words weren't exactly matching the tone I was using, so I adpted it. 

Also, Peter and Susan proclaim lines from "Romeo and Juliet", Shakespeare's work. I imagine they could have seen it in London, or maybe it was in Narnia... I didn't think much about it, I just wanted to use the line XD

Let me know your feelings!

[rollzerox]

Okay I kind of want to see Yona and Haks reaction to Lina being pregnant, can you write an add on to that one fic about it?

Sure thing anon! Continuation from @zenoobsessed ‘s work here: https://zenoobsessed.tumblr.com/post/186142037974/can-you-write-more-of-later-jaeha-with-lina-those

“Oh and be sure to add extra protein to the princess’ diet, these will help her with the coming months… Lina’s going to protest she’ll have all kinds of cravings also don’t spice things too much she’ll get sick and her nose will be very delicate…” Valerie was discussing with one of the cooks about what to serve Lina with the new information that came along, she didn’t even notice her husband approaching when he looked at her confused.

 “What’s wrong with Lina?” Hak asked, placing a hand on his hip.

 “Is something wrong with Princess Lina?” Kija asked, alarm in his voice as he was right behind the Lightning Beast.

 Valerie blinked in surprise as she spun around to see the Thunder Beast. “Oh honey! I didn’t see you there!” she sprang over and hugged him right away.

 “Yeah, yeah, what’s wrong?” Hak grabbed her by the shoulders. “I know she was feeling sick the other day because Ura mentioned he was worried about her.”

 “Please Valerie, if you know that something is wrong…” Kija looked worried. “I mean Jae-ha should be the one getting weaker not…”

 “Calm down you two, she’s not dying or anything like that.” Valerie sighed that of course the boys panicked. “It’s quite the opposite really.” Her lips twitched into a smile.

 “Ok… What is it?” Hak asked, not getting why she was grinning so much.

 “You’re going to be a grandpa!” Valerie cheered, placing her hands on her husband’s shoulders. “Lina is pregnant!”

 “W-WHAT?!?” Kija’s face turned white and he nearly fainted. “T-t-t-the p-p-p-princess is…. Is….”

 Hak grumbled and smacked his forehead. “God dammit she’s Droopy Eyes’ daughter alright…. Getting knocked up at the same age as her mother when…” it just dawned on him what Valerie said. “… Wait… Why am I going to be a grandfather?” he was starting to shake, his eyes widened when he realized what that meant. “You don’t mean…”

 “Ura and her got together just like I always said they would!” Valerie hummed, clearly overjoyed. “We should start planning the wedding! After all Ura went and got her pregnant we need to make sure he takes responsibility right?”

 Hak blinked twice… Three times… His face turned red with rage and he growled so loud the whole castle heard it. “URA DID WHAT?!?”

 Yona blinked as she heard the Thunder Beast’s shout all the way to her study, where she was currently talking with Yoon. “Was that Hak just now?”

 “Oh geez guess they told him, poor kid is so dead…” Yoon muttered.

 “Yoon?” Yona raised her eyebrow at his muttering. “Just what did Ura-“ she was cut off by the door slamming open and the boy in question rushing to her side.

 “HIDE ME AUNTIE!” Ura cried, running over and hugging the redheaded queen. “PLEASE! Pops is going to murder me!”

 “Ura!” Lina came rushing after him, she easily caught up thanks to her dragon leg. “Wait for me!”

 “Lina he won’t kill you! It’s me who he’ll break my spine once he finds me!” Ura whimpered. “I can’t believe ma went and told him already and didn’t give me a head start to run!”

 “Ah figures Val did it, I thought that was odd for you to go and tell Lightning Beast that fast…” Yoon muttered.

 “Alright what’s going on here?” Yona sighed, trying to collect her thoughts as she pet Ura on the head. “Lina? Ura? What happened? Did you two set fire to the garden again or break something?”

 “Well….” Lina looked down at her feet as Ura slowly backed up from Yona, trying to figure out what to say.

 “Yeah I’ll just leave you guys to talk about this, excuse me…” Yoon sidestepped for the door, but Lina and Ura both gave him pitiful looks as the Ryokuryuu grabbed his hand.

 “Please Grandma Yoon don’t leave me!” Lina pleaded, her innocent eyes melting his resolve.

 Yoon sighed and shook his head, he couldn’t deny Lina since she was a child and he still couldn’t. “Did you at least tell your father already?”

 “Him and mom were the first ones we told… Then I guess ma went and told my dad…” Ura whimpered, looking like he was awaiting his death sentence.

 “Alright Yoon out with it.” Yona had her arms folded over her chest. “What’s wrong and why is Hak so upset? What did they do that has Ura shaking like a leaf?”

 “Well…. M-mom you know how I’ve been kind of sick lately?” Lina whimpered, shutting her eyes. “… I-it turns out I’m…. I’m….”

 “She’s as bad at tracking her cycle as you are Yona.” Yoon stated bluntly, figuring the queen would guess from that hint, as he often chastised Yona for that each time she got pregnant and had forgotten about her period that she hadn’t gotten it in a while until it was brought up to her.

 “My cycle…? What does that have to do with-“ Yona’s eyes went wide and she nearly fainted, it was a good thing she was already sitting as she looked at her daughter who had a pitiful look on her face and Ura was already apologizing and bowing several times. “…. Lina you’re…. You’re with child?” she gasped, clasping her hand over her mouth in shock.

 The Ryokuryuu whimpered and nodded her head, Ura grabbing her hand for support. “Yes I am… I only just found out and I’m so sorry!” she looked ready to cry as she rushed over to hug her mother, burying her head into the queen’s shoulder. “I know I was irresponsible and I understand if you’re angry with me about it, but at the same time I’m happy because maybe this means daddy will get to see my…”

 Yona sighed and pet her daughter on the head, questioning when in the world did her little girl get to be an adult? Yona swore the little red and green haired child grew up so fast, she was even taller than Yona now, taking after her father. “Lina, calm down. Please. I’m not mad.” She then turned to Ura. “And Ura, stop apologizing and bowing already, save that for your father. So you guys told Jae-ha and Valerie already?” she was trying to stay calm despite trying to process how in the world did this happen? Only just the other day Lina was obsessing over a date with Ura and now…

 Lina sobbed a bit into her mother’s shoulder, too scared to look at her. “Y-yes we did… I asked daddy to try and live to see my baby… He said I’m giving him another reason to fight to live longer.”

 Yona couldn’t help but giggle at that. “That’s your father alright, he said that when I was pregnant with your brother.” She pet her daughter’s hair some more. “… While I’d say you both are really too young to be parents already, I’d be a hypocrite if I scolded you that badly… I was your age when I found out I was carrying you, Lina.” She admitted with a smile. “Your father and I got married almost 2 weeks after I found out I was nearly 3 months pregnant because he was in that Xing prison at the time.”

 Lina blinked in surprise when she pulled back, turning to Yoon. “… Is that why you said before Grandma Yoon that…?”

 Yoon nodded, folding his arms over his chest. “Yep. It’s rather ironic you’re going to end up with a child at the same age as your mother was.”

 “And also you’re right Lina…” Yona said with a sigh, shaking her head. “… This way Jae-ha can actually meet his grandchild. I mean… We have no idea how long he has left and he’s already lasted with us this long, just being able to be there for your special moment when you become a mother.” She ran her hand through the Ryokuryuu’s hair. “I just wish you two wouldn’t have followed my example and more had followed Hak’s and got married first.”

 Ura blushed at that, looking away. “… We were waiting until I turn 16, to tell the truth Aunt Yona.” He admitted. “I… Well kind of already asked her but we hadn’t told anyone yet.”

 Lina’s cheeks heated up at that. “Yeah we were kind of keeping it a secret. Not the greatest one since Auntie Valerie called us out on it.” She sighed.

 Yona chuckled and shook her head. “Lina, your father and I hid our relationship from everyone too, mostly because your dad was worried that Hak would murder him. Which he kind of wanted to do when he found out I was pregnant…”

 “Yeah he wanted to rush back to the prison and kill Jae-ha himself.” Yoon commented.

 Yona then reached out and grabbed Ura’s hand. “I trust her in your care Ura, just know that she has a lot of uncles that will be very angry if you don’t treat her right.” She joked. “I guess Valerie and Jae-ha were right, you two did end up together. Honestly, I’m happy for you both, as long as you’re happy.” She stroked her daughter’s cheek. “Lina I’ll be here for you, we all will be. I look forward to meeting my grandchild, something I wished my parents could have seen. I love you so much, my darling daughter.”

 “…. Mommy!” Lina burst into tears, hugging Yona tightly. “I love you too!”

 That’s when the door slammed back open, Hak panting for air with a look of murderous intent as he spotted his son. “URA!!! IS IT TRUE YOU GOT THE PRINCESS PREGNANT?!?”

 “D-DAD!” Ura quickly ducked behind Yona’s chair. “Please don’t kill me!”

 “Oh crap, Thunder Beast is here. Nice knowing ya Ura.” Yoon remarked.

 “Uncle Hak please don’t hurt Ura!” Lina immediately stood up, clasping her hands together and looking at the Lightning Beast with pleading eyes full of tears. “It’s my fault too after all, I love him and I didn’t think when we… I’m so sorry to disappoint you and I didn’t mean to upset you!”

 Hak instantly deflated seeing Lina in tears, sighing as he pulled the girl into a hug. “….. Damn it all why… Didn’t I help raise you two better than this? This is all Droopy Eyes’ fault with his influence…”

 “Oh come now Hak, young love can’t be controlled nor contained.” Jae-ha chuckled as he stood in the doorway, leaning against it while using his cane for support. Once he heard that shout and Ura rushed off he figured the boy ran here and worked he his slowly, Valerie helping him on the way. “At least we’re not on the road or anything like that, so the child will grow happy, healthy and safe here.”

 “Also no making Lina sweetie a widow before she’s married, I want the fun of planning their wedding!” Valerie cheered, wrapping an arm around her brother for support.

 “Shouldn’t you be in bed, husband?” Yona narrowed her eyes at the former Green Dragon. “Last I checked you were on bedrest for the next few days after you tripped down the stairs.”

 “Oh come now my lovely, this is a time to celebrate!” Jae-ha chuckled, strolling over by his wife and snaking an arm around her as she stood, holding her close. “So when’s the wedding kids?”

 “As soon as possible.” Hak said through gritted teeth. “I’m not letting my grandchild be a bastard child.” He glared at his son who was shaking still.

 “Oh please at least give me a week to plan their wedding sweetheart!” Valerie elbowed him. “We need to pick the perfect dress, set the date, give invitations out and make it completely formal, after all we’re talking about the Princess of Kouka’s Wedding! It’ll be a national event!”

 Lina sweatdropped at that. “… Can’t we just have a private ceremony like you guys did? I mean mom was a princess too you know…”

 “But she was in hiding and not activate ruler, it’s a big difference here honey!” Valerie said, shaking her head. “She was keeping her status a secret and it was for her safety, we can’t have a scandal or rumors go around! People will think you two kids sneaked off and eloped! We’ll just say you were both an arranged marriage since you were kids, you practically were. Ura sweetie we need to go shopping!”

 “…. Is this going to be my punishment then…?” Ura whimpered.

 “Oh don’t think you’re getting off THAT easy, kid.” Hak snarled. “We’re going to have a little talk in the training yards later…”

 “Uncle Jae-ha save me please.” Ura pleaded.

 Jae-ha chuckled, petting the teen on the head. “I’ll come with to make sure you don’t get too worn out. Hak go easy on the boy, can you blame him when he had a beautiful princess pawing all over him? What would you have done if Yona dear had-“ he was cut off as Hak flicked his nose, the Thunder Beast had slowed over lately with smacking Jae-ha really hard since the man could barely stand some days due to growing weaker.

 “Nobody asked you, pervert. If you weren’t half dead, I’d break you in half for corrupting my son into being a pervert like you.” Hak growled, but sighed as he couldn’t stay mad with Lina’s sorrowful expression, he pet her on the head. “Looks like you’re off the training ground for a while kid, you’ll need to take it easy with this news.”

 Lina pouted a bit at that. “Uncle Hak I’m pregnant not broken! I can still train and use my dragon leg!”

 “Hell no, your mother tried to argue that when she was carrying you and got into all kinds of trouble.” Hak said sternly. “If it wasn’t for that dragon blood in you she could have miscarried from all the stress she was under, I’m not letting you push yourself the same way because you can be just as stubborn as she is… Sometimes worse because you also take after Droopy Eyes and get in over your head.”

 Yona giggled at that. “Don’t even try Lina, when Hak’s this determined you’re not going to budge him.”

 Lina sighed, glad that her uncle wasn’t threatening to kill Ura anymore. “… Alright…. For the baby I guess I can… Behave a bit.” She twisted her mouth, clutching at her stomach. “… Thank you, everyone… For being by my side and being the best family anyone could ask for… I love you all so much and I can’t wait for my baby to be part of it.”

 Jae-ha smiled, pulling his little girl into a hug. “That’s our line, treasure. You brought us such happiness the day you came into our lives, I can’t wait for your child to do the same for you.”

[emotionsofthesoul]

Chapter 4 _ Porque Placerville?

The week went by in flash. The girls stayed in touch all week and even called each other before bed two nights in a row. It was now Saturday and they couldn’t be any happier to wake up and see each other.

Valentina went to pick up Juliana who gave the driver directions to where they would be eating. Before they went to pay, Juliana got them a pair of popsicles the restaurant owners make and handed one to Valentina. They headed back to the car and Valentina told her driver to drop them off on 21st and J St.

As they walked around, Valentina took some pictures when she saw something interesting but continued with her popsicle.

“Oye Juliana, this is the best paleta, I’ve ever tried. Thank you. Y los tacos? Ni se diga. Great choice.” Valentina told Juliana honestly.

“Thanks. I love that place. It’s my favorite. I mean I don’t really know any other places but I wouldn’t change that for the world; they remind me of home. Anyway, I have a question. Why Placerville of all places? Everything is here in Sacramento, your family’s company is here, your school is here? Why do you live in the middle of nowhere?” Juliana asked genuinely interested.

“Well, that’s a great question and has an even better story. When my mom was 22 she came to California on Vacation and she was driving towards Lake Tahoe to meet some friends and thought she was lost. She stopped to ask for directions and she just so happened to ask my dad who was also on vacation and had no idea. They chatted for a bit and turns out they were both from Mexico City. They exchanged numbers and she went on her way. When she returned to Mexico City they reconnected and eventually fell in love and decided to get married. They always said Placerville would be the perfect place to raise a family so when the time came, they made the move. We’ve been there ever since. My dad chose Sacramento for business because it’s the nearest city and it’s where the state capitol resides.” Valentina said thinking fondly of the story her mother used to always tell her.

Juliana smiled tenderly at Valentina, “Val that’s so sweet. Tell me a little about your mom, was she as amazing as you are?”

“She was incredible Juls. I was very young when she passed but she was always so kind to everyone around her. She taught me how to use my first camera. I got my love for photography from her. One of these days you should come over so I can show you her images, we have them all around the house. Every now and then when I miss her I just sit in my room and stare at her favorite picture. When she passed it became my only outlet. She taught me so much and I just wish I could have had more time with her but I guess everything happens for a reason. She’s the one that taught me to take care of everyone around me including our beloved employees. For instance Chivis, she’s been like an aunt to me. I love her so much, she was there when my mom died and helped the family grieve. She became our rock and I don’t know where any of us would be without her. & Alirio, that man is a saint. He’s been my driver since before I can remember and he’s always so protective of me. My parents knew him back in Mexico and according to Alirio, when I was born my mom called him and offered him the job saying they were going to need someone to protect their princess and they wanted that someone to be him. He’s protected me as his own ever since.” Valentina said finding a bench as they reached K and 13th.

As they reached the bench that said HEAR THE ART. It gave Valentina portrait idea. She told Juliana to sit there and pose. She snapped an image using the rule of thirds and having Juliana sit in front of the word HEAR and have THE ART to her left. Valentina wanted to capture the real art that was Juliana Valdes.

“Val, thank you for sharing that with me. Your mom sounds like she was great woman and mother. I’m sure she’s taking care of you every step of the way. I’m glad you had a good support system.” Juliana said genuinely now that they were sitting on the bench facing each other sitting crisscross apple sauce.

“My dad eventually shipped me off to Canada for a year to try and distract me. & I guess it worked, I had my fun. I met a boy named Charles who I actually lost my virginity to, we tried everything together. I’ll tell you sometime Juls, I’ve had 3 boyfriends and honestly sex has never been what everyone says it’s supposed to be like. There weren’t any fireworks. Not even with the last guy.” Valentina said trying to change the sad subject.

“Neta, wait so you’ve never actually fallen in love?” Juliana asked surprised because the girl in front of her has the biggest heart and wears it on her sleeve.

“Really. I don’t know, I don’t really believe in it, you know. I mean I guess it happens for some like my parents and now my dad and Lucia but I don’t know. I’ve always seen love as a reason, an excuse really, to sell things on the 14th of September. I mean February. See I don’t even know the date. If I’m honest there’s probably something wrong with me. But what about you, how have your experience been?” Valentina said in a joking matter.

“Val there’s nothing wrong with you. I’m sure one day you’ll find someone you can be 100% comfortable with and feel everything everyone says is possible. As for me, there’s not really much to tell. I’ve never dated anyone let alone had sex.  I’m not in a rush though.” Juliana said.

“Wey estas hablando en serio? No!” Valentina said laughing.

“Ya Val don’t make fun of me!” Juliana said holding onto Valentina’s hands.

“No babe I’m not laughing at you! You have a world of possibilities to explore! This is incredible! It’s the best news I’ve heard all day!” Valentina said completely excited for her friend.

“Stop Val, please.” Juliana said shifting her gaze to her lap.

“Don’t worry, you’re not missing anything.” Valentina said with a smile and a giggle.

They continued on their walk down 13th and reached the capital grounds. Valentina showed Juliana around, from the Rose Garden on 15th to the state capitol and all the memorials in between. They took some pictures around there and returned back to K St. Valentina took Juliana by the hand as they walked under the interwoven trees by the IMAX and showed her Maya’s Kitchen telling her it’s her favorite restaurant and they must come back on a girls day just to eat there. They walked down K until they reached 7th and Valentina took Juliana around the Golden 1 Center showing her all the little details what were put into that block only the eye of a photographer could catch. She showed her the fancy hotel that was made just for the arena. Then they walked across the bridged over traffic and cut through the little shopping area to reach the tunnel towards Old Sacramento. Valentina gave Juliana a very interesting tour full of rich history and funny facts of that little town. She took her to her favorite place in all of Old Sac, Evangeline’s Costume Mansion. She  showed Juliana the details on all three floors and they ended up buying halloween costumes. Well, more like Valentina insisted on paying for their costumes and persuading Juliana to be Lena Luthor while she dressed up as Supergirl. By the time they were out of Evangeline’s they were starving so they went over to Steamers and had a pair of burgers and raspberry lemonade. Afterwards they continues their tour and Valentina snapped images of Tower Bridge right as the sun was setting. They decided to buy tickets to the Ghost Underground Tour and Juliana scared Valentina multiple times during said tour.

As the night came to a close Valentina called her driver to pick them up outside of Candy Heaven. On their ride home Juliana agreed to visit Valentina’s home that following Monday.

[kpurereactions]

She Boss | Part 3

Summery: She’s her own boss and theres nothing that can’t stop her from ruling the world. Except for the soft heart she sprouts from the young, handsome Korean Leader. Pairing: Kwon Jiyong x Reader Rating: Drama, Angst, Smut, Fluff WARNINGS: Language, light|heavy Violence, light|heavy Smut

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |

“Your host tonight, G Dragon and the lovely Valentina Cappucio.” It said as all eyes were turned towards you two.

“So that’s what Val is short for.” He said giving you a wicked smile as he led you down the six steps it took to get to where everyone stood.

The two of you made your way to the center of the dance floor where Ji spun you once before pulling you in tightly to start the first dance. With everyone clapping you could hardly hear the music, this made you glad Ji was leading.

“What is a big bad man like yourself doing taking the first dance?” You tease raising an eyebrow at him.

“Tradition.” He said trying to hold his boss face.

“Tradition.” You repeat as he spun you once again.

Promising you a dance later Ji pulled you from the center of the crowd and off to the side where he led you to a section that was closed off with exception of a few people. Carlo and Ule were sitting in there along with the men that had accompanied Ji to the meeting. In the center of the two groups sat a crippling old man in a wheelchair and an aged, but never the less gorgeous woman.

“Mom, dad, meet Valentina Cappucio.” He said and instantly you reached your hand to shake his mothers hand. She just chuckled at you and stood pulling you into a hug.

“You’re even more beautiful than he described. Such elegance to you.” She smiled as her eyes flicked from yours to the necklace, warming at the sight.

“And a hell of a shot from when I’ve heard.”  The old man grumbled now holding out his hand.  Just just the first time you reached for Ji’s hand you expected him to shake it but he flipped your hand to kiss the ring on your pinky.

You curtsied in respect to the two before Ji directed your attention to the four men sitting to your right.

“These are my best men, Yongbae, Daesung, Seungri, and my right hand Seunghyun..” he said and you nodded to the boys in front of you, making a mental note it was Yongbae and Seunghyun that your brothers were getting friendly with.

“We’ve set up rooms for you all here, so please feel free to eat and drink all your heart desires. Your safe and more than welcome in our home.” Ji’s father said raising his glass of what looked like grapefruit juice towards you and then your men.

“If I’m lucky you’ll stay with me.” Ji whispered into your ear causing a stern look from you. He chuckled and held the hand that how lightly clung to a champagne flute, his other being too busy resting itself on your lower back to move.

The 11 of you sat in the closed off area talking about business for close to a hour. It wasn’t until Ji’s mother rose her hands in frustration while scolding Ji’s name did the two of you disperse.

“Enough with this, go dance, drink, make a baby I don’t care! Anything but this.” She whined. Your cheeks flushed and you started to silently thank Mina for the blush she already set on your cheeks.

You curtsied once more while bowing your head to his parents before letting his hand lead you back towards the dance floor you had to admit, all the talk about work made you loose count of the flutes you had so as Ji spun you around the dance floor, only one hand holding onto you as his other constantly brought champagne to his lips, you could t help but giggle.

“Why are you laughing?” He said, a playful grin tugging at his lips. You rose a finger in between the two of you and wiggled it telling him to lean in closer.

“I think I’m drunk.” You said biting your lip as Ji continued to sway you.

“Is that so? He smiled looking down to you before laughing at how much darker your cheeks had gotten. "How about we take a walk.” He said placing his half empty flute on a passing tray.

He intertwined his fingers with yours this time, not caring who saw the informality. He led you gently through the passing bodies and out one of the large back doors. The cold air hit you harder than you expected and you instantly shivered. Feeling your discomfort he shrugged his jacket off and placed it around your shoulders. You thanked him and wrapped your free hand around his bicep as the two of you walked silently in the dark.

“Are you having fun?” He said slightly bumping into you.

“A lot more fun than usual.” You smiled.

“You don have fun like this in Italy?” He asked looking down at you.

“Shooting people can only be so much fun.” You shrugged. “Honestly since daddy died I don’t think I’ve had any fun.” You said as he sat the two of you down on a bench.

“The life of a boss. I’m luckily my mom is still with me, if she wasn’t I don’t know if things like this would still happen.

You nodded and looked around, spotting Seunghyun and Carlo strolling around.

"I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get away from my brothers either.” You said sighing as the two older boys made eye contact.

“This struggles we live with.” He smiled sweetly.

“You should smile all the time, you have a nice one.” You said before you realized what exactly it was you said. “Sorry, drunk.” You said pointing at yourself.

“I do have to say it is hard for me to keep a straight face around you.” He confessed rolling his eyes at his own cringe words. You laugh at this and shake your head.

“Look at us. Two mighty heads turning into children.” You said making him chuckle beside you.

“Another reason why I hate these stupid parties.”

“I don’t know, I could get used to a little fun every once and a while.” You said looking back over to the light pouring through the windows.

“Stay in Korea then. I know I wouldn’t mind seeing you more often.” He said leaning forward slightly to catch your gaze.

“Ive already decided on staying.” You say causing a smile to tug at his lips.

“That’s good news.” He smiled giving your hand a squeeze.

You looked at him and smiled, not being able to help it when you let your eyes flick to his lips and back up quickly. He seemed to think the same thing but before he could lean in any further you reached into your clutch to hold your cigarette case out to him. He smiled lightly and took one before you pulled the gold gun out and flicked it on.

“That thing is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” He said pointing at it.

“It was my dads. I learned the whole pound flick thing from him.” You chuckled while running your thumb over his initials that had been carved a line over yours.

The two of you decided it was time to go back into the warmth after stepping out the cigarettes. He helped you stand before placing an arm around your waist and leading you back inside, Seunghyun and Carlo following closely behind.

“Mr. Kwon, may I steal my sister for a dance?” Carlo called from behind the two of you.

“As long as you give her back.” He said handing your arm back to your brother and removing his jacket from your shoulders. “Come back to me.” He whispered kissing your cheek gently before twirling the jacket back on and walking over to where his parent sat. You eyed Carlo as he gave you his infamous big brother ‘I told you so’ look.

“Do you even know how good it feels to be right for once?” He laughed as he spun you to the faster beat of music.

“Shut it.” You said still blushing from the small act of affection. “Do you think he knows?”

“What that you’ve never seen a man? Probably not with the way you introduced yourself yesterday.”

"So he thinks I’m easy.” You say nodding your head slowly and looking back over to see him watching you.

“No. I actually think he’s more impressed with you than your not spoken about sex habits.” He chuckled.

“Or lack thereof.” You scoff.

“Val, you are literally the definition of intimidating females. Cut the guy some slack.” He said cocking his head as Ji stood and made his way back over to the two of you. Without even having to ask Carlo held you at arms length and bowed as Ji replaced him in leading you.

“What were you two talking about?” He asked with a soft smile.

“You.”

“Good things I hope?”

“He’s very impressed with you.” You say earning that smile that makes your heart jump.

“Good, I’ve never had good luck with big brothers.” He said rolling his eyes dramatically.

“Oh and whys that?” You laugh.

“I don’t know things like 'he’s to dangerous.’ 'Did you see who he hangs around?’ Blah blah blah.” He said waving his hand before reconnecting it with his other behind your back.

“You are kind of dangerous, huh.” You said tilting you head.

“Says you, miss 'I’m not your sweetheart!’” You laughed and shook your head before removing your arms around his neck to take two flutes off a passing tray.

“To our empires.” He said clinking his class to yours before the two of you took a sip.

The rest of the night was spent with Ji spinning you around, the two of you completely forgetting who you are in the eyes of the public. The two of you ran around hand in hand while downing champagne to the point where Seunghyun had to carry you up the steep staircase after you tried to out ran your guards.

“I’m going to kill all of them.” You said bracing yourself against Ji who wrapped his arms around your waist. “Buona Notte!” You called after Seunghyun as he walked away laughing at the two of you.

“Stay with me.” Ji says looking at you with needy eyes. You bite your lip before nodding, your giggling starting right back up as he took your hand and pulled you down the hall opposite to the way Seunghyun walked.

“Ji you’re going to fast I’m stepping on my dress!” You laughed.

You’re giggles turned to playful screams as he bent to catch your waist against his shoulder and turned walking swiftly once again down the hall with you over his shoulder.

You couldn’t help but smile at how over the top his bedroom was. The walls were a deep red and in the corner was a large wrought iorn bed frame with dark blankets. There was a desk and lamps and more books that anyone could ever have time to read. The bathroom was open and just like the rest of the rooms down stairs; white marble that seemed to have a gold glisten to it.

“Here.” Ji said tossing you a long dress shirt.

In your drunken state you struggled to get a grasp on the zipper that rested just out of reach. You sighed and turned to Ji who was just only walking out of his closet in a pair of sleeping pants and nothing else. You blushed at the sight of the tattoos that covered his body and frustrated you turned your back to him.

“Can you unzip me?” You say.

You could hear him chuckle from behind you and soon his hands were brushing against your skin, sending a chill down your spine. You felt the dress loosen around your torso leaving your back completely exposed to the point where you were positive the top of the lacy red underwear you wore was visible. His fingers traced back up your back as if to push the sleeves off your shoulders but since they were never there to begin with he just ran his fingers back down your back and over your own long snake tattoo that curled over itself with its head risen to peek into your back. You didn’t even realize you had let your head roll to the side until he pressed his bare chest to your back and placed a deep, sweet kiss on your neck.

You sighed blissfully a his hands continued to tease the nerves on your arms and his lips continued to move the length of your neck. The second time he hit the soft spot right behind your ear your head you turned, forgetting all about holding your dress up. He looked down to you with heavy eyes and pulled you in closer. Gaining your usual confidence back, you hooked your arms around his neck and pulled him down till your lips were hardly apart. His hands snaked tightly around your waist which pulled you in closer causing your lips to meet. It was slow at first as you tried to recover from the light feeling that exploded through your body, and you could tell he was feeling it too as the moment you both caught up to real time the kiss grew heavy, needy almost. With both of you pulling one another closer there was no telling how the two of you were actually breathing. One hand still hooked richly around your bare waist he let his other hold onto your cheek as he started to walk you back to the bed, neither of you caring that you were still in your heels and heavy jewelry.

He laid you back with such care you could only pull him even closer to you. He deepened the kiss by licking your bottom lip, which you immediately submitted too. It didn’t last long though as you put up a fight to gain dominance through a kiss. He crawled over you while pushing you further back into the large bed, your hands not being able to hide any shame as you ran them up and down his back and across his sides finding every scar that’s ever interrupted his perfect skin.

It wasn’t until his lips left your so he could kiss down the length of your body while his hands began to slowly remove the bit of clothing that kept you from him did you realize how far things had actually gone. You’re eyes snapped open as he start to kiss past your navel and as if by instinct you shot up and slipped off the bed reaching for the shirt he had handed you.

“Val what’s wrong?” He asked, eyes widening with worry.

“I’m sorry, I can’t… I mean I don’t… I mean I haven’t… I’m sorry I’ll leave.” You said trying to find the right words but nothing came out. You reached down to scoop up the dress and was just about to leave the room when Jiyong stepped forward and took a light hold of your wrist.

“Don’t leave.” He said sternly before taking the dress out of your hands and dropping it back to the floor. He saw the million things running though your head which tugged a smile from the corner of his mouth. “Breath.”

You let your eyes close as he placed a kiss on your forehead before letting his rest on yours.

“I’m sorry I got carried away.” He said with a small smile, pushing back the hair that had pulled their way out of your now very messy bun.

“Ji, I…”

“You don’t have to explain anything to me. I meant it what I said don’t leave though. I want to sleep next to you.”

You smiled gently at his words and sat on the closest chair to take the heels off before he helped you remove the mass of pins that were holding your hair up.

“You’re more beautiful like this than the other things I’ve seen you in.” He said eyeing how his shirt rested against the tops of your thighs.

He took your hand and walked you to the light to turn it off then back over to the bed where he let you climb up first. Before making you look at him.

“Can I kiss you one more time?” He asked bringing his thumb up to stroke your cheek.

“Of course.” You said still looking at your intertwined fingers.

His finger hooked under your chin to make you look up and when you did he slowly bent his lips down to yours causing the same feeling as before to erupt throughout you.

[pixelsandpins]

A Year Later: Robert

It’s me again, with ya Dream Daddy fanfiction. I can’t be stopped. 

Robert x Dadsona

light cursing, reference to alcohol abuse and depression

3483  words

It's a warm night. Probably the warmest yet, this year. But, then again, it's only just now really getting into summer.

"Damien's hanging out in the graveyard again."

I look over at Robert who's peering down at the city through his binoculars. I smirk at him a little even though I know he can't see me.

"You are so obsessed with him, lately."

"I think he's a vampire. 99% certain." He scans the city some more. Not totally sure what he's looking for, but he'll tell me when he finds it.

"I'll just text Mary. 'Hey. Is your brother a vampire?'"

"She's a vampire, too, obviously. Undead siblings wandering the night, seducing young men. Taking them back to their lair where they feed on them for sustenance, draining their body dry. Then they bathe in their blood and offer them up as sacrifices to their dark lord."

"Wouldn't they need to bathe in their victim's blood before draining them dry?"

"How dare you expect internal consistency in my conspiracy theories." Robert lowers his binoculars. "What did you manage to come up with?"

I turn my hands out to show him my shapely hunk of wood. It's still pretty chunky and malformed, but it actually resembles a panda.

"Adorable," he says flatly. He pulls a flask from inside his jacket and takes a big ol' gulp. It's not booze. Soda, probably. Maybe sweet tea.

At first he just started cutting back, and was doing a pretty good job of stopping after one or two glasses. The smoking began falling off, too, soon after. Then he started taking anti-depressants, and he took the recommendations not to drink while on them very seriously. There are still bad days where he'll feed the dog and water his plant like usual but forget to eat himself. They're becoming less and less though, and every day things are a little better. A little easier. A little more manageable. I'm very proud of where he's brought himself.

"I talked to Val. She said Amanda's doing really well at that summer job she got her. Like a fish to water."

"Yeah. I was a little nervous about letting her go live in the big city, but Val offering her extra room helped. That was really nice of them."

"Desiree's coming with her when she brings Amanda back." Robert looks down at his thumb as it fiddles with the knob that changes the focus of the lenses.

"This'll be the first time you've mey her, right?"

"Yep."

The sounds of the night creep in and around us, settling into place. He brings the binoculars back up to his eyes. After a minute, he hits me in the arm a little.

"Roll out. The mission is a go." He hops down out of the tailgate of the truck and heads to the driver's side.

"We're actually doing this?" I ask as I jump out behind him and close the gate.

"Um, yes, we're actually doing this. I spent all this afternoon scouting the best location."

"Okay, I guess. Got nothing else better to do." Robert's already got the car running when I climb up into the passenger seat.

With a lurch, we roll down the dirt road from the top of the overlook. About halfway down the hill, he shuts the headlights off and we slow to a painful crawl. After a few moments of squinting into the dark, we find the slight turn off that's just far enough into the trees to hide the truck. Robert's very careful not to slam the car door as he gets out, and I follow suite. The rest of the evening's in his hands.

God help me.

There's a drainage gulch that runs along the road here, and he slides along the edge like a ninja. Well...a middle-aged ninja with a bum knee who still smokes about half a pack a day. I follow behind, but I'm not nearly as graceful and I almost fall into the ditch about three times. He finds what he's looking for and gestures me over closer. Hidden in the bushes is this dumb thing he's been working on in his garage for a week.

From chicken wire, he's sculpted the figure of a woman. Then he covered it in cheesecloth though I don't actually know what that is. Some kind of thin, see-through fabric, I guess. Something he found on the internet. He waves at me that I should help him heave it into an upright position. It's not heavy, but I feel my back crack every step of the way. With more silent signals, he insists we move it farther into the trees. We go a few feet, then drop the statue down into place. He zipties a little, black Bluetooth speaker to the bottom edge. I got it as a white elephant present at the neighborhood Christmas party, and this is the first time I've used it.

"Okay, let's check it from the road," he says quietly, creeping back out of the trees. I follow behind, already puffing and panting. Since distancing himself from booze and getting professional help, Robert has become a force of nature. Turns out he actually gets bored easily. That used to be when he drank the most. Afterward, his whittling output went up about ten fold. Then he ran out of ideas. Then he found the internet and holy mother of God. He hasn't found Pinterest, yet, at least. I hope.

When we get to the road, we look back into the trees, and wow. Okay. I hadn't expected it to come together so well. In the dark, beneath the trees, with the faint light from the moon and the city and the streetlight down the hill, it looks like there's an actual spectre standing in the woods. When you look at for more than a second you can tell that it's anything but incorporeal, but it's still pretty neat looking.

"Looks good. Let's finish before they get here." Robert nods, examining his work, and pats me on the back. We creep back into the woods and I help him hook a carabiner clip to the bottom of the "ghost" and attach that to a rope. We just finish before we hear the sound of a small group coming up the hill. Clumsy but quietly, we drop down into the ditch. We can just see the people of the group through the hedges.

"And the last stop on our tour is the hill where Joanna Ingelbread took her own life. It's said she haunts the woods still, waiting to be reunited with the spirit of her earthly lover. Stories say, she drives young lovers to jump from these cliffs themselves, dragging them into the afterlife with her." The guide speaks in a low, spooky voice.

"The guy who used to give this tour has his own public access cable show, now," I say quietly. Robert wants to ignore me, but he gives a little "hmph" of consideration after a moment, instead. A few weeks ago we had a discussion about what the difference is between "small talk to fill the silence" and "ice breakers meant to create discussion." So far, anything involving weird animal genitalia is primo conversation material, but hypothetical deep space events are mindless chatter. Seems like interesting factoids about people from the neighborhood might be on the approved list, too.

The group gets a little closer, and we see that tonight's customers are mostly middle-aged folk in breezy summer Hawaiian shirts and fanny packs. It's not a good look, and it clashes with the spooky atmosphere the guide's trying to create.

"They say on dark summer nights you can still hear her ghostly wail." He pauses for dramatic effect. Nothing happens. That's because earlier in the day Robert temporarily disconnected the remote controlled speaker hooked up in the trees across the road from where we're hiding. The guide, only a kid really, starts getting a little nervous and looking around. It's not the good kind of nervous for this sort of thing, though, and he's losing the interest of the tourists quickly.

Silently, Robert pulls his phone out of his jacket pocket and starts fiddling. I peek over his shoulder and see that he's synching to the speaker and queuing up an mp3. How the absolute hell does he know how to do this kind of thing so easily? I can barely get my pictures onto my PC without a six lecture course.

He presses play, and a very soft but distinct "wooooOOOooooo" emerges from the speaker. The tour guide shoots his head toward the sound, legitimately terrified. Robert plays another, similar sound. The tour guide gives a little panicked cry. The people in the group hear it. They feed off his fear and the overall terror rises quickly. Robert plays one more sound and uses the rope to wiggle our chicken wire ghost a little.

"Oh my god, what's that!" A woman screams.

"Holy shit!" says someone else.

Then Robert yanks the rope, bringing the figure flying at us through the grass and down into the ditch. We both manage to catch it, and Robert gets his arms around it.

"Run," he commands quietly. We take off down the ravine back toward the truck, heads ducked and sprinting like idiots. He throws the statue into the bed of the truck with a muffled clang, then heaves himself up out of the ditch. He helps me up, too, and we lean against the truck for a moment, gasping.

We didn't actually run that far. We can still see and hear the tour group a ways down the hill, shooshing each other and confirming over and over "you saw that, right?" Robert's grinning like a moron. Our hands are hanging next to each other, and he taps me on the fingers.

"Let's go before they see us."

As quietly as we can manage, we slip into the truck. It chugs just a little when it starts, but we're far enough back in the trees no one seems to notice. I watch the group as we pull out onto the road and drive up the hill. The don't see us, too focused on filming and searching the spot where the "ghost" was only a few minutes before.

"You know what? That was more fun than I expected. Did you see their faces?" I say as we get on our way.

"I told you it would be worth it. Throw one little wrench into the script, and they all lose their minds." He giggles like an idiot. "I haven't had this much fun in a while, honestly. It really is the little things."

"I'm glad."

Robert reaches over and pats me on the hand where it's resting on my knee then puts it back on the wheel quickly.

"Thanks for coming out with me. It wouldn't have been nearly as much fun without you." He's still smiling, and I feel that little bubble of fire in my heart when I look at him. I push it down.

We had an agreement. Robert wasn't in a good place for a relationship, but he needed a shoulder to cry on when things got too much for him. So it was my job to not catch feelings. If I really cared about Robert's long-term happiness and health--which I do, I desperately do--I had to be the thing he needs. Nothing more. Nothing less. And he needed a friend, not a boyfriend.

But there were so many little things that I couldn't help but notice. The way he tried not to smile but eventually did, leaving this weird tightness at the corners of his mouth and eyes. How he fiddled with his carving knife or the way his eyes darted over a chunk of wood before he started chipping parts away. The way his calloused hands would drift near mine when he wasn't thinking it. Dumb little things that mean nothing on their own. But they send through little shockwaves that remind me how deeply I've fallen for him over the past year.

We pull into his driveway, and he motions to the ghost in the back.

"Let's get it back in the garage. Do you want your speaker?"

I shake my head and help him lift it up out of the truck. It's fairly light, but it's awkward and the extra set of hands is instrumental in wrangling it into the garage.

"Am I coming over tonight?" He asks.

I hate it when he asks that because I always say yes. It's not like anything happens. We eat nachos and watch TV until 3am. I spend the whole night, though, in anticipation of that accidental graze of the thigh turning into something more. It kills the mood and drives me crazy, but I also hate being alone in that house since Amanda's been gone. That's why he offers on the weekends when those feelings get the worst.

Damn it.

"Sure. I'm out of snacks, though."

"That's fine," he replies, "let me just check on Betsy." He goes inside briefly, then returns jacketless, only a t-shirt and jeans. I bite my lip and reprimand myself.

It's the third--no--fourth episode in a row of Chris's Cryptid Cavalcade when I feel something heavy hit my shoulder. He'd been calling bullshit on Nessie, chupacabras, and the Jersey Devil for the past three hours, so I was surprised he was giving the Beast of Bray Road a pass via his silence. Turns out he'd rather just lean his head against me and stare at the screen, now, instead of giving Chris Cryptid shit for his shoddy show.

"Something up, Robert?" I ask, knowing full well he'll probably just stay silent. He sighs, though. Deeply.

"Remember that AA meeting I went to last summer?"

"The one that you said was completely bullshit because you're not an alcoholic. You just needed a kick in the ass?" He had spent about a week afterward complaining about the mere concept of the twelve-step program. He wasn't a fan, apparently.

"Yeah. Well. There was someone there who had come out of rehab and they told her something that I thought was interesting. When you get out of rehab and you're trying to figure out if you're ready for a relationship you should keep a plant. If it lives past a year, then get a dog. Raise that dog for two years. Then and only then, should you consider starting a new relationship. I already have a dog, but I still thought-"

"Wait. Is that a real thing? I feel like that's from a Sandra Bullock movie."

"Does it matter?" Robert lifts his head to give me a level glance. "The point is-"

"It just seems like a really weird system to me. I get the making sure you can keep something alive, but the relationship dynamics are so different."

"It's just a general principle. Anyway-"

"Because a dog and a plant are wholly dependent on you, but you wouldn't want a person to be. You wouldn't have a human companion for the same reason you'd have a dog companion."

"I understand, but-"

"It just seems dumb."

"I'm actually trying to be emotionally vulnerable. Why won't you let me talk?!" he raises his voice slightly, and I find that I've been holding my breath.

Damn. Damn it. Shit. Crap. Effing…god, what other profanities do I know? Bollocks.

"Because I know that you've been raising that dumb ficus, and that it's been a year. And I'm terrified, Robert. I'm terrified that you're about to tell me you want a relationship, and that it's not with me because you can only see me as a friend, now and I-"

He kisses me, that son of a bitch. He kisses me to stop me from talking and it's equal parts annoying and extremely hot. He pulls away, and I pick up where I left off.

"And I'm even more scared that you're going to say you do want to be in a relationship with me, but that neither of us are actually ready, and it's all going to fall apart. And I don't want to lose you."

Robert has my chin firmly in his grip. I'm crying. Why am I crying? Where did this come from?

"Only one of us is supposed to be a basket case," he says doing that thing where he tries not so smile.

"Well, you've had a year, so I think I get, like, ten minutes." I pull his hand away from my chin and sink my face in my hands. We sit, the drone of the TV filling up the silence.

"I've worked so hard the past year trying to be the best friend I can to you while you get yourself together. And I wanted to do it just because I cared about you, but then part of me also did it because I hoped we'd be here someday. But now that we're here, I'm freaking out a little, and I don't know why." I drop my hands down between my knees. You have to be up front and down to business with Robert. No beating around the bush. No passive-aggression. Otherwise he won't understand you. I know this, but I can't explain because I still don't know why my gut is upheaving, right now.

Everything is silent again.

"After...losing...Marilyn...and Val to a lesser extent, I was alone for the first time, and I didn't know...how to be. I had spent so long as somebody's dad and somebody's husband, that I think I lost track of Robert. And...well…you see what it did to me. I slept with Joseph, for Christ's sake. If that's not some form of rock bottom or another."

I let out a tiny snorting laugh despite the seriousness of the moment.

"Where I'm very badly going with this is that...I feel like myself...my real self for the first time in a very very VERY long time. Not my drunk self or a projection of one my bullshit stories. I'm...me. And that me...wants you. And I've never been surer of that. And I think I just met my emotional intimacy quota for the year, so you're gonna have to pick up the slack, now."

I look to him and his arms are a little open. I lean into him and let him hug me, really hug me, for the first time since we said we were just going to be friends.

"I guess...I think I'm still adjusting to not having to be Amanda's dad 24/7. And I think....effing...give me some of those fancy therapy words you've been learning."

"Um...uh....an aversion to change?"

"...no….I think…," and I try really hard to work it out. Robert did it for himself. Did it for me. I can give him this, at least. "I've never lived alone. Ever. Parents to college dorms to living with Alex. With Amanda away, I'm having to learn to live with myself and only myself. I feel like (not fake, necessarily, but) a not quite real version of myself, right now. And I'm worried that when I come out the other side, I'm not going to be a person you want, anymore."

Robert lets out a very low hum, and I feel it vibrate in his chest.

"I fell for the you that was still Amanda's dad. I still love the man that's sitting here right now. And I'm extremely confident in keeping those feelings well into our even grayer years when we become even older men. But you waited for me, so I'm more than willing to wait for you. Now that was another year's quota." He laughs. I laugh a little too. More like a sigh, I guess.

"Kiss me," I tell him, breaking out of the hug. "For real. Not that bullshit from a minute ago." I need it. I don't know why, but I need it. Something dramatic that can shake me into action.

Robert sits up straight, and angles his body on the couch better. A hand drops around my waist, and he pushes me down against the couch, his other hand framing my head resting on the armrest. His lips are cracked and dry, his stubble scratches stiffly against mine, and he tastes like old cigarettes and root beer. But damn. A year of pent up frustration and waiting and wanting and it pours out as his weight moves on top of me. We're suddenly people with mature, sophisticated romances and horny teenagers all at once. I want him. I want him so bad. I want him more than I've ever wanted him before. And I'm scared shitless by it, but it's very very real. This is very very real. And I can't deny it any longer.

[la-sorciere-fleur]

8 & 25. Alfie Solomons. Female Reader.

Thanks for the request :) I hope you like it!

PROMPT: “You’re mine!” and “You’re not going anywhere.”

WARNINGS: swearing

WORD COUNT: 1286

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Alfie’s blood was boiling. He tapped his fingers against his thigh impatiently, his eyes trained studiously on you. Outwardly, he remained composed - hardly betraying any of his emotions. Yet, inwardly, he was fuming. He watched as you danced happily with another man and he felt rage bubble up within him.

Alfie was a notoriously volatile man - the type who could snap at any given moment. He was also not the type who enjoyed going to clubs and dancing. Yet, you’d successfully convinced him to have a night out in London at one of the fashionable clubs. It wasn’t the Eden, sure, but it was a club outside of Sabini’s territory that was nice enough.

Although you’d managed to drag Alfie along, he’d put his foot down when you’d asked to dance. He had given into you by coming to the club, but there was no way he would do more than that. You’d felt a little dejected, but vowed to yourself that you wouldn’t let it spoil your evening. Alfie had been getting you both a drink when a young man approached you and asked for a dance. You hadn’t seen any harm in dancing with him, so you accepted.

Alfie had returned with both your drinks, only to find the table vacant. It didn’t take him long to spot you dancing with some smug prick and his temper instantly flared up. He had sat down, taking a few gulps of his drink, never once taking his eyes of you. He clenched his fists when you giggled happily, as the man you were dancing with dipped you. Alfie downed the rest of his drink as the dance came to an end and stood up.

His eyes narrowed when he saw the man try to coax you into another dance. Having completely reached his limit, Alfie moved over to the two of you. As soon as he was close enough, his arm shot out, grabbing hold of your waist and pulling you to his side.

“Alfie!” You exclaimed, surprised by his sudden appearance and his action.

Your dancing partner looked Alfie up and down in distaste.

“Who’s this?” He asked. “I didn’t think they let commoners in here.”

The man had broken Alfie’s last amount of self-control, and his fist shot out, hitting the other man right in the face. He crumbled to the ground, knocked unconscious as you watched on with wide eyes.

“Alfie, what -“

“Time to go, yeah,” Alfie cut you off.

He took hold of your wrist and dragged you out of the club. You were taken aback by his violent outburst and didn’t dare protest. He remained silently fuming until you reached your home. As soon as you were both inside he rounded on you.

“You don’t go near other men, right,” he fumed. “You don’t look at them, you don’t make conversation, you don’t laugh with them and you don’t fucking dance with them. Right!?”

“A-Alfie,” you stammered. “What’s gotten into you?”

“You’re mine, Y/N!” He roared. “You’re fuckin’ mine!”

You were honestly shaken by his anger and felt like it would be best to leave him until he’d calmed down. From the time you and Alfie had gotten together, he’d kept you close to him and you hadn’t really socialised much outside of your small group of female friends. You’d only wanted a night out with him to relax a little and have some fun together. You’d never expected him to act like this and he’d never been like this with you before.

You decided to leave the room and let him cool off a little. You figured that you could both talk later when he was calmer, so you moved to walk out of the room and upstairs. But, he took you by surprise once again when his hand shot out, grabbing hold of your arm and stopping you.

“You’re not going anywhere,” he growled out, pulling you back to him.

“Alfie…” you protested. “Just… just calm down.”

You turned back to face him and laid your hands gently on his chest. He didn’t soften even in the slightest, his body tense and his eyes burning with anger.

“You fuckin’ listen to me, alright,” he said lowly, in that gravelly voice of his. “The only man that get’s to touch you from now on, yeah, is me.”

“Alfie,” you tried again, softer this time. “You should know you’re the only one I want.”

You reached up, stroking his cheek through the coarse hair of his beard. He relaxed only slightly - to most it would have gone unnoticed, but not to you.

“I love you, Alf, not anyone else.”

“Not good enough,” he grumbled stubbornly. “Say it.”

“Say what?” You asked, trying your hardest to remain calm and patient with him.

“Say you’re mine, Y/N,” he elaborated. “Say you won’t go near any other men again.”

You let out a faint laugh, leaning up to press a kiss to his cheek. His eyes narrowed down at you, showing that he wouldn’t be satisfied until you acquiesced to his request.

“I’m yours, Alfie,” you assured him. “I always will be. And I won’t dance with other men again.”

“Or go near them, neither, “ he pressed.

“Fine,” you chuckled. “I won’t go near another man. But then you need to promise me something too.”

“What is it?” He asked, suspicion evident in his tone.

“I want to dance with you,” a wide grin spread over your features and he finally softened. “It doesn’t have to be at a club. Just dance with me here.”

“Sweetheart,” he said lowly, his gaze now warm as he regarded you. “I’m a fuckin’ awful dancer.”

“I don’t care,” you told him. “We’ll take it slow.”

You took his hands, placing them onto your waist, before wrapping your own around his neck. You pressed your body flush up against his and looked up into his gorgeous blue eyes. His grip on your waist tightened as he looked back down at you, his hands slightly ruffling the silky material of your dress.

“There’s no music, love,” he pointed out.

“Doesn’t matter,” you brushed it off.

You guided him, beginning to sway slightly as he continued to hold you. He was rigid at first, uncomfortable with the unfamiliar movements. Yet, after a while he relaxed into it, the two of you slow dancing in your living room. You leant up, his hands sliding further down your body as you pressed your lips to his. He responded immediately, his lips moulding against yours in a possessive kiss. He lifted you up, your legs automatically wrapping around his waist, and he moved over to the armchair, settling down onto it with you straddling him.

Your hands glided over the hard muscles of his chest, through the fabric of his shirt as you both continued to kiss heatedly. His hands moved up and down your thighs teasingly, his lips dominating over yours. You pulled back, feeling breathless from the overwhelming amount of emotions he always managed to stir within you. He continued his tantalising kisses along your neck, stirring up desire within you.

You felt his lips quirk up into a smirk against your skin, showing that he knew exactly what kind of effect he had on you. You reached up, gently running your fingers through his hair, causing him to stop his kisses and peer up at you. You smiled affectionately at him and he returned it with a content smile of his own.

“You have no reason to ever be jealous, love,” you assured him quietly. “You’re the only man I want.”

He didn’t say anything. He simply captured your lips in another heart-stopping kiss.