animealways

[animealways]

Steve: For self defense reasons, I'm going to pretend to be a burglar and you guys have to act wisely.

Bucky, Wade, and Y/N: Ok.

Steve: If you don't want to die, give me all your money.

Bucky: Bold of you to assume I have money.

Y/N: Bold of you to assume I don't want to die.

Wade: Bold of you to assume I can die.

[animealways]

Staring

Natasha *without looking up from her mission reports*: You’re staring

Y/N: You’re beautiful

Natasha: *blushes hard*

[animealways]

The Elk House Swap AU part 1 (pages 1-10)

cw/tw: blood!

another one of those cryptic nightmares

Prev | Next

[animealways]

That Dang Snake

Pairing: Hermione Granger

Summary: Hermione starts to get the attention of an unlikely Slytherin girl

Word Count: ~900

A/N: So I know that I write for DC and Marvel, but some things I write for Harry Potter. Since I haven't been getting any requests, I will put this series out this week. Please ask for a request!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

(Not mine GIF)

Hermione decides to go to the library to get some studying done in a quiet place since the Triwizard tournament is happening, and she doesn’t want to get too far on her studies. She opens her books and gets right to work ignoring the world around her, but that doesn’t last long because of the group of bothersome Slytherins in the corner. It was Draco, Goyle, Crabbe, Pansy, and the one and only, Y/N who were all making so much noise.

Y/N is a fourth-year Slytherin who is the star chaser on the quidditch team and is very intelligent while being the school fuckgirl. Everyone wanted to be her or wanted to be with her. She was funny, kind, smart, arrogant, and a little cocky all wrapped into one. Y/N was well-liked throughout the school but towards one group. The golden trio doesn’t really like Y/N because Y/N is a part of Draco’s gang. Y/N never does anything about Draco’s taunting, she just stares or walks off somewhere else.

The only reason why Y/N hangs out with Draco’s gang is that Y/N is a pure-blood and hung out with Draco growing up. They just have a bond that can’t be broken, even though he can be a dick. Y/N tries to change his ways but it never works. Behind closed doors, Y/N always scolded him for being so mean toward the trio. That is the one thing Y/N hates about being friends with them but she just lets it go to be with her best friend.

They are just making too much noise in the library for Hermione to study right now. Hermione looks around to find Madam Pince to see if she is going to put a stop to it, but she is nowhere to be found. So Hermione decided to take things into her own hands. 

“Can you guys please quiet down? There are some people in the library who actually need to study and get some work done. We can’t do that when you guys are making so much noise” Hermione says confidently, trying not to show that she is a little nervous addressing the group.

“Why don’t you quiet down over there mudblood. We are just over here minding our own business supporting the next top of the class. Are you jealous?” Draco says pointing at Y/N and Hermione is taken aback a little bit. Sure Hermione is at the top of her class right now but close behind her was Y/N. The frustrating part about it for Hermione is that Y/N didn’t need to study as much to get good marks as her. But Hermione wasn’t jealous of Y/N but more admired how she juggle her social and quidditch life on top of her studying. 

Then out of nowhere, Y/N smacks Draco upside the head while not breaking eye contact from the book in front of her. The group starts laughing and Hermione covers her hands over her mouth to not laugh.

“You don’t have to answer that Granger” Y/N says lowering her book to look Hermione in her eyes. When she did that something came over Hermione that she never felt before and she couldn’t explain it. 

“She is right though guys. You guys are making way too much noise in here, go back to the dorms and I will meet you there when I am done studying” Y/N says and the gang all listens to her and go back to the dorm without too much of a fuss. Hermione was shocked that they all listen to Y/N and she actually defended Hermione. After all the years that they have been at school she has never stopped the bullying towards the trio. What has changed Hermione thought to herself. 

“Thank you for getting them to leave by the way,” Hermione says to Y/N. 

“No problem, they were getting on my nerves too. They were just getting too excited for the next quidditch match” Y/N says putting down her book and staring at Hermione.

“Well I bet you are going to do great against Hufflepuff,” Hermione says putting her book down too.

“So you like watching me play,” Y/N says with a smirk and Hermione blushes a little. 

“Well, I don’t come to watch just you. I come to support my house and watch them beat you,” Hermione says with her head held high and Y/N chuckles a little bit to herself. 

“Well, how about you come to the next match and I will make sure to give you a show to keep coming back for more” Y/N says leaning forward on the table and Hermione's face turns red.

“I may come to the match if you answer this question for me,” Hermione says and Y/N gets up and comes over with all her stuff to Hermione’s table.

“What is the question?” Y/N asks while sitting down.

“Why did you stop Malfoy this time from picking on me and not any other time” Hermione ask on the edge of the sit waiting for the answer. 

“I want to start getting on your good side,” Y/N says while winking and grabbing all of her stuff. 

“See you at the match Granger,” Y/N says and walks out of the library leaving a stunned Hermione. 

[animealways]

*y/n flirts with Natasha*

*Natasha flirts back*

Y/n: :0

Natasha: your not gonna flirt back?

Y/n: *now panicking* Idk I didn't think I'd get this far!

[animealways]

Little Y/N: Are you a nerd?

Hermione: No. Why would you ask me that?

Little Y/N: It's Friday night, and you're doing homework.

[animealways]

*y/n to y/n in the mirror*

Y/n: you stress me out.

Y/n: *pretending to be mirror self* yeah well you stress me out!

Natasha: *watching from afar* why do I love you?

[animealways]

*Natasha trying to have a normal conversation with her girlfriend.*

Y/n: I swear to god if I have to go through any more character development my character is gonna turn into a fucking villain.

Natasha: why do I even bother trying to talk to you?

[animealways]

*y/n texting Natasha*

Y/n: I'm in a really good place rn.

Y/n: not mentally

Y/n: this bookstore is great! They got free coffee and there's cats everywhere!

[animealways]

You: I'm cold.

Nat: Here's my jacket.

You: I'm cold.

Nat: Here's my hoodie.

You: I'm cold.

Nat: Here's a hug.

credits to @milanocookiesandivyprofen :)

[animealways]

Can you do a Natasha x fem Reader based off wildest dreams by Taylor Swift? The idea I had was something like R and Nat having feelings for each other and then end up kissing or something a one of Tony’s (Tony is R’s dad) parties. They end up have a secret relationship because R is scared to come out to the team and especially her dad. But they end getting caught by Thor who accidentally tells Tony and the team at a dinner or something. But there’s a happy ending

Note: I do apologize but I kind of changed the ending on this but I do hope you enjoy it.

Warning: secret relationship, reader is closeted for the beginning, kissing, angst with a happy ending, drinking, self-doubt, miscommunication

Relationships: Natasha x Stark!Reader, Tony x Pepper x Reader (platonic)

If there was one thing about your father, he could throw a party, and most of the time, you had no idea why a party was happening. You knew the team returned from a mission. They saved the day, were the heroes, and now they were drinking and partying. All expect Natasha Romanoff. The Black Widow was nursing a Long Island iced tea outside the party. She was wearing a black mesh jumpsuit. The top was sequined with a deep v-neckline and long sleeves. It was a showstopper. Every head seemed to turn towards her but ignored every advantage, man or woman.

You sighed, stood up from your spot at the bar, and pushed your way through the party to the outdoor balcony. You felt her eyes on you as the door closed behind you, and the sounds of the party became muffled. She would come; you just had to wait. So you walked to the patio set in the corner and sat down.

The cool summer air caused goosebumps to form on your skin. You enjoyed the cooler weather, and the sun blasted the city during the day. It recorded high temperatures this year. “You are going to get sick wearing just that,” you knew she was smirking without looking. You were more focused on the city skyline.

“Come keep me warm then,” this time, you looked at the Russian as she walked over to you. She sat down next to you, her thigh barely touching yours, but you felt the warmth she gave off. This was the nature of your relationship with Natasha. Constantly flirting, teasing touches, and longing looks at one another. That was it. It was as if you were both too scared to take that final step. “Are you not enjoying the party?” You turned to face her. Your arm bent on the back of the couch, and you rested your head in your hand. “The talk of the town is that you’re a hero.” You were caught off guard by the bitter laugh that escaped from her, and she sipped on her drink. You frowned.

“I’m not a hero.”

“I think you are,” she said, placing her hand on your thigh. You were wearing a skirt, so you enjoyed the feeling of her hand on your skin.

“You look good,” she said, changing the direction of the conversation. Did you wear this for me?” You rolled your eyes but placed your free hand on top of hers.

“No,” you deadpanned. “I don’t want to inflate your ego, Romanoff.” She smiled and moved closer to you. You thought she was going to kiss you. Instead, she rested her head in space between your neck and shoulder. “Nat,” your voice shook. “What are you doing?” She hummed, and the vibration caused a shiver to travel down your spine.

“I was thinking about kissing you,” she pulled away, and you felt the warmth of her breath on your lips. “What do you say to that, pretty girl?”

“I’d say, what are you waiting for?” Her lips were softer than you expected. Her hand moved to your cheek, keeping you close as the kiss depended on it. She ended it. Her lips were red, and her cheeks were rosy.

“Let’s get out of here,” she whispered. “Drive out of the city, away from the crowds.” You have never moved so fast in your life.

Now, your relationship with the Black Widow has changed. The longing looks were still there, but the flirtatious behavior was replaced with stolen kisses when the team wasn’t looking. Too often, Natasha pushed you up against the tower’s walls and kissed you as her life depended on it, always ending before the team caught you. No one knew, especially your father. For six months, Natasha and you kept your relationship a secret. Even when you knew Natasha wanted to show you off at every party, cuddle with you during moving nights, or claim you as hers. It was you. You weren’t out yet to Tony, and the man was trying to set you up with every eligible bachelor in the city. You were so scared he would be disappointed in you. So you hid, and you pretended it wasn’t kissing you.

*

You woke up to an empty bed, and the spot Natasha had slept in the previous night was cold. There was the lingering scent of her perfume on her pillow. You had an apartment a little away from the tower. Tony told you often that you could live in the tower, but you liked the sense of privacy. It was also the perfect place to be with Natasha, away from the team. You could be all over her, which you were last night, and a fight broke out.

You were needy and missed your girlfriend, which caused you to be attached to your girlfriend like a koala. She laughed it off at first, poking fun because she was usually the one that constantly wanted to be close to you. You grumbled something about being unable to hug her all day, which was true. You were both so busy the only time you could touch her was at night or early morning before your busy schedule whisked you away from one another. As the night carried on, you noticed a shift in her mood. With Natasha, it was up in the air on how to deal with it. Sometimes, she was honest and told you the truth. Other times, she bottled everything up and shut down.

You decided on the direct approach and asked what was bothering her. She was quiet for a moment and focused on the Bond movie that was playing. It was her night to pick, so you weren’t surprised when you returned from the bathroom to see it queued up on the TV. ‘Are you ashamed to be with me?’ she asked.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time she’s asked you this question. As soon the question was asked, you knew the direction was headed. Over the past six months, it was the only thing you fought about. Hurtful words were said on both sides. She was tired of being your secret. Even though you fought about it before this time, it felt final. She was almost fed up waiting for you.

You sat in your bed and stared at the clothes she had left in your room. Most of them were folded neatly in the space you made for her in the dresser or hung up in the closet next to yours. These clothes were from two nights ago when you ripped them off your girlfriend. You slumped back in the bed, pulled Natasha’s pillow over your face, and inhaled your scent. You needed to get out of bed, but the weight of the fight and waking up to Natasha being gone was soul-crushing. Sighing, you force yourself out of bed to take a quick shower.

You were part of the lead team of scientists at Stark Industries. A position you had to work your ass to get the position and prove to everyone you were more than qualified. You heard the whispers and saw the dirty looks, that everyone believed you got the job because Tony Stark is your father.

Braiding your hair, you entered your kitchen and found a note on the counter. You recognized the handwriting of your girlfriend. ‘Your breakfast smoothie is already blended, and I peeled some hard-boiled eggs. Maybe we can do lunch if you aren’t busy. Forever and Always.’

It was a saying the two of you said. Instead of ‘I love you’, it was ‘Forever and Always.’ Natasha found it easier to say that than the L-word. You kissed the note and placed it in your pocket. Still, your heart felt heavy.

*

There was no time to see Natasha between meetings, running experiments, and writing reports. You were exhausted and missed your girlfriend. It wasn’t until 3:30 when you saw her. She was in the kitchen, cutting her sandwich into triangles. You always found it funny, but she claimed it tasted better. Your eyes locked onto hers pointed to the side hallway and walked over there. With your back against the wall, you waited. You heard her footsteps as she stood in front of you. “Hi,” she smiled.

“Hi,” you responded and kissed her cheek. But you refused to move away, basking in the warmth she always gave off. You put her arms around her neck and hugged her. Her hands found their natural place on your waist. “I’m sorry,” you whispered. “I’m so sorry. I’m just so scared.” You felt her nod and gently pulled back so she could face you. Your arms remained tightly around her neck.

“I know,” she said. “I’m sorry, too. Forever and always, I promise.”

“Forever and always,” you whispered against her lips. She kissed you softly. In hindsight, getting lost in how Natasha kissed you was a bad idea. You bite her bottom lip, and the gasp she releases lets you deepen the kiss. Her grip on you tightened, and she pushed you back against the wall. You moaned, and it only seemed to spur her on. Kissing Natasha was everything. Every time she kissed you, it took your breath away. Gently morning kisses or rough, passionate kisses against your kitchen counter. You could spend your entire day in her arms and her lips on yours. “Ah, Lady Stark, oh-” you jumped at the sound of the God of Thunder’s voice. His eyes flickered to you and Natasha, whose arms were still around you. “How long has this been going on?”

“6 months,” Natasha answered. You’ve lost your ability to speak. The god smiled.

“Very well. I will find you later,” he winked at you and returned the way he came. Thor knows you thought. Someone on the team caught you. It was only a matter of time before it got back to Tony or Pepper. The Avengers were superheroes, super soldiers, and trained spies, but they were horrible secret-keepers.

“Sweetheart,” you snapped out of your thoughts by Natasha’s voice. “Are you okay?” You nodded, unsure if you were.

“I have to tell Tony and Pepper before it gets back to them through someone else.”

“Do you want me to?”

“No,” you cut her off before she could finish her question. You desperately wanted her to be there but needed to do it alone. You were the reason your relationship was hidden for so long. “Sorry,” you ran your hands over your braid. “I have to do it alone,” you placed her hand over her heart. The steady beat calmed you down. She put her hand over yours and kissed you softly. The kiss was so gentle it felt like a goodbye. You kept your forehead against hers and closed your eyes. There was so much you wanted to say.

What would your last request be? Would you tell her to remember you? She took you to the beach for a date. You stood in a nice dress and stared at the sunset, red lips and rosy cheeks. ‘Remember me there,’ you thought. ‘Say you’ll see me again even if it’s in your wildest dreams.’

“Forever and always,” you said again.

“Forever and always.”

*

You promised Natasha that you would find her as soon as you were done talking with Tony. Luckily, you had some paperwork to give him, so the visit had a more tangible reason to see him. You opened the door to his office as a dart was thrown, and it hit the door frame. “Oops, sorry, kid,” you rolled your eyes and pulled the dart out of the wood.

“For you,” you dropped the pile of folders onto his desk. “We just need you to verify our numbers are correct, and then we can move on to the next phase.” He groaned dramatically and flopped down into his chair.

“You know I promoted Pepper to CEO, so I didn’t have to deal with paperwork.” Your mother was a saint. You chuckled and aimed at the dart board. You threw it and hit the bullseye.

“It’s your project,” you said, walking over to the board and pulling out the darts. We don’t want another Ultron,” you saw him roll his eyes.

“You make one robot that goes rampant, and it’s all everyone talks about,” you laughed and threw another round of darts. “Do you need these back now?” He pointed to the files.

“No,” you sat in the chair and crossed your legs. “Can I not spend time with my sperm donor?” You ducked at the stress ball he threw at you. He hated it when you called him that, but you loved getting a rise out of him. “Actually,” you folded your hands. “Can we talk about something?” He sat up in the chair. It was rare for you to see the man so seriously.

“Are you dying? Pregnant? Did you kill someone?”

“No!” You laughed and scratched the back of your head. “I uh shit,” you weren’t sure why you were so nervous. You knew the man was an ally. Stark Industries was at every event during Pride.

“Angel,” he smiled. “You can tell me anything, and I won’t be upset.” Angel was the name he called you since you were a baby. You were born very premature and got sick so easily that the doctors weren’t sure if you were going to make it. But you recovered.

“I’m gay,” you whispered. “I’ve known for a while,” you said before he could say anything. “I’ve been so scared to tell you.” He stared at you, blinking a few times, but remained silent. “Right, sorry for wasting your time. I’ll go.” You stood up quickly, knocking over the chair. You left it on the ground and stumbled out of the office. You needed to get out. You needed to go.

*

Natasha was getting worried. She thought it was taking a lot longer than she thought it would. She asked the AI where Tony was, and the Black Widow walked into a shit show when she entered his lab. Tony was frantically moving holograms around, but they flashed red, and he would try again. Pepper was no better. Her phone was pushed against her ear, and she was pacing. Back and forth. Back and forth. “Are we being attacked?” She asked, making her presence known. Tony glanced at her before focusing back on whatever he was doing.

“I don’t have time for whatever stupid prank Yelena or Peter pulled. Whatever they broke, just order another one,” he began to work again. I have to find her.” He said it mostly to himself. It was a mumbled and throwaway comment, but Natasha heard it. ‘I need to find her,’ Tony said. Natasha grabbed Tony by the shoulder without thinking and threw him into the chair. She steadied him so he wouldn’t fall over.

“What did you say to her?” She asked, crossed her arms, and took a small step back.

“How do you-” he squinted his eyes at her. “Look, I didn’t say anything to her.” He threw his hands to the side. It clicked in Natasha’s head. She knew you better than you knew yourself sometimes. You took his silence as rejection. “Now move so I can find our daughter.” But Natasha stayed.

“Where have you looked?”

“FRIDAY can’t find her,” Pepper ended her call and walked over. “I’ve called some of her favorite sports, but no one has seen her.”

“She’s either turned off her phone or blocked me from finding her.” Natasha always believed you were more intelligent than him, but she knew where you would run off.

“I know where she would go,” Natasha turned on her heels to leave.

“Wait,” Tony called out. His frantic voice caused the Black Widow to stop. “Why do you know so much about her?” Right. If you took off, you wouldn’t have told him. Slowly, Natasha faced him.

“I’ve been dating her for six months,” she said. “So I will find her and make sure she’s safe.”

*

You knew your time was up when you heard the quiet chime of the front door. You waited until strong arms circled your waist and pulled you flush to her chest. “Found you, my love,” you smiled and chuckled. Of course, she would be the one to find you. She was the only one who knew about this place. “Tell me about this painting.”

You told her a story that captured the emotion of the painting in front of you. You stood in a small art gallery way past closing hours, but the owner gave you the key. You were an investor here, meeting the owner in Central Park while they were painting. The art gallery was small, and it showcased local and small artists. It was peaceful, and the place gave your mind a break. You kept the gallery a secret, protecting your space from the crazy personalities of the Avengers.

“Is he mad?” You finally asked. Natasha shook her head and kissed your shoulder.

“No, he’s worried he couldn’t find you,” she chuckled softly. “I may have told him we are dating.”

“Oh,” you whispered. You felt oddly okay with him knowing, even if he wasn’t going to accept you as you were. “Where is he?”

“Well, I told him to stay at the tower,” Natasha sighed. “But he’s stubborn, and I caught him and Pepper following me.” You laughed, not surprised that Tony Stark couldn’t follow a car without getting caught. You spun around to face your girlfriend, arms around her neck and hugged her tight.

“Forever and always,” you whispered.

“I love you too.” The three-word statement shocked you and made your stomach flip. Your heart filled with butterflies. You were happy and terrified but mostly happy.

You were startled when you walked out of the gallery, and your dad bulldozed into you. His arms wrapped around you tightly. “I love you,” he said. “I love you and support you even if you have questionable taste in women.” You let out a watery laugh and wiped away your tears.

“Thanks, Stark,” Natasha rolled her eyes with a small smile on her face.

“I will support you. I will always want you to be happy,” Tony continued.

“We love you no matter who you love,” Pepper said, getting out of the car and joining you. “No matter what.” You collapsed into your parents’ arms and cried against them. A weight was lifted off your chest, and you felt free.

*

The next Stark Party, you were sitting on the couch. This time, Natasha’s arm wrapped tightly around your waist and your hand on her thigh. It seemed second nature that the two of you were attached at the hip. No one batted an eye. When looking back at it, you seemed a little silly. But now you were free to live your life to the fullest.

[animealways]

*before Natasha and y/n were a couple*

Wanda: you've been giving y/n alot of attention recently.

Natasha: she was injured on a mission!

Wanda: *pointing to bullet wound* I got injured in that same mission Nat.

Nat: then you should get it checked in the medical wing like c'mon Wanda who am I your nanny?

[animealways]

*y/n coming to a meeting late*

Natasha: detka why were you late?

Y/n: oh yeah sorry I was busy sitting on my couch at home.

[animealways]

Nat, yelling in public: Happy birthday, Y/N!

You, looking around in panic: Shut your mouth!

Nat, loudly to a passerby: It's my girlfriend's birthday!

You: Nat, I swear to God-

[animealways]

Ron: You’re writing with your left hand?

Draco: Yes. I’m ambidextrous

Ron: That’s so cool, mate, love who you love!

*later*

Ron: Harry, did you know Draco’s ambidextrous?

Harry: Really? You think I have a chance?

Hermione: …

[animealways]

warrior

[animealways]

small details.

| W.M -> N.R

Undeserving of a Love Like Yours, Chapter 8

Chapter Warnings: a moment of not wanting to get out of bed, white lies, reader loves orcas/sea animals and collecting music(?)

Summary: A decision takes place to guide you towards your next path, green eyes leading the way.

Series Summary: When you're stuck in a complete hole of confusion and hurt with the one you thought you loved most, a certain redhead finds her way into your life.

Word Count: 3.7k

Category: Fluff

Series Playlist

| Started on 31/03/2024, 8:16 PM |

| Finished on 04/15/2024, 2:56 PM |

Masterlist | Series Masterlist | N.R Masterlist

<- Chapter 7

"Your heart is so soft, I find it hard to believe anyone could ever hurt you."

|——————————— ⴵ ———————————|

...You tap on your contacts, scrolling down in the alphabetical pattern. Soon you find yourself, not at the bottom, but at the letter N.

Lingering on the contact, your mind filled with thoughts of everything that could happen. You didn't even know her full name, but the contact seemed like she had saved it with her first letter.

"What am I doing?" The whisper of your voice wasn't meant to be directed to anyone but you, yet you could feel movement on your body of a paw gently landing on your stomach.

You look down and see Lucky, staring up at you adorably and peacefully, his eye shining from the sunlight. There was a small reflection of the park in his pupil.

This was a better decision than going back to your ex though, isn't it? You took a deep breath in and sighed, your free hand gently going through Lucky's fur.

Then, you look back at the screen and decide to text the stranger, your thumbs hesitantly making their moves.

hi :]

I'm Y/N, the one with the golden retriever

I got the right phone number, right?

you're the redhead from earlier?

Her reply came in quicker than you had expected, so your heart skips a beat when you see her typing.

Hey. :]

You've got it. I'm the redhead.

I don't know your name so...

Natasha.

But you can call me Nat.

Natasha. thats a pretty name :]

Thank you. Yours is cute.

Cute.

At that, you had gotten far too distracted and lose your grip, your phone sliding out your hands and falling atop your face.

"Ow." The golden retriever in your lap jumped slightly and went forward, his nose bumping into your hand or face as you picked up your phone once more, seeing him check if you were hurt.

"I'm okay," you say with a gentle chuckle, and Lucky licked your face once before retreating back to his original place.

Your eyes focus on your phone screen once more, reading the words she's written out.

So, when do you think you're free?

Thinking it over, your teeth sinks into your bottom lip, wondering if you should dive in, or take small cautious steps.

With you basically not having a job anymore, considering you're in New York, you had all the time in the world.

how about friday?

She doesn't reply for a few minutes, and you almost got anxious, thinking you had somehow scared her off or lost her interest, but the three bubbles soon pop up once more.

Friday's good for me.

I know a cozy cafe somewhere near cornelia street. Only, it is french though, would you like that?

I'm okay with anything really!

maybe we could also hang out at that pizza

place we met near?

Or well...the second time we met?

As long as you're comfortable with the place we pick, pizza sounds good too.

It didn't matter what you picked as much, but seeing as you were slightly more familiar with the area, you chose that. Plus, you'd be able to get Lucky or Kate a pizza once you were done.

friday, pizza place at 2, if

thats okay with you?

Then its settled. See you there :]

see you!! :]

After a few seconds of not doing anything else but stare at the screen for a bit, you turn off your phone and set it aside. You weren't sure if the warmth you felt on your face was from the sun starting to shine on you, or whatever had just happened earlier.

Looking at the time on your watch, you decide its best you go back to Kate's apartment before you'd end up falling asleep on the grass and it'll be sundown.

Your hand props your body up, and at the movement, Lucky shifts until he realizes you're about to stand up, to which he gets off of you and places his paws on the grass.

With a lighter heart, you gather your things and make your way back home, Lucky somehow not getting distracted along the way as he followed beside you.

The close of the door echoes through the apartment when you arrive, kicking your shoes off. Surprisingly, Kate was already home, watching The Hunger Games on the couch.

She paused the movie and turns her head to look at you, her eyes moving from the dog beside you and you. She saw something different in you, but didn't question it, thinking it was just because you went on a walk outside.

"Hey." You say gently to Kate as you leaned down to take the leash off of Lucky, and she smiled, seeing the pizza dog run to her with excitement of seeing her again.

"Hey. Wanna join?" She asks you, then greeting Lucky when he arrived to her, and jumping on the couch to lay beside her.

"Sure, which movie are you on?" You walk over to both of them, sitting at the single open space there was left.

"The first one. I just started, so you're right on time." Kate had brought out a treat from somewhere beside her, holding it in her hand and testing Lucky's patience.

"How was the walk?" She asks as she glances up at you. Lucky was slowly moving forward, sniffing until he chomped on it while Kate got distracted, and you had to hold in a laugh from his swift movement. Kate on the other hand, had a shocked face from the sudden feeling of his saliva.

"Good. But this little guy saw a pizza restaurant while on our walk." You pointed at the golden retriever, your hand then moving to pet his head.

"Oh, no, what happened?" She freezes and stares at you, a million thoughts in her head. Could Lucky have ran into the restaurant? Did he steal someone's pizza? But look at his eye. He could never have done something like that. But he could. But he wouldn't.

"He practically dragged me towards it." You chuckle softly, pulling your hand back and sitting back against the couch, putting your legs up and getting comfortable.

"Jeez, you little troublemaking pizza lover." She cups Lucky's head, shaking her head before gently running her hands through his fur.

"Are you okay though?" She asks softly, her face turning into one of concern as she looks back up at you once more.

"Yeah, I accidentally bumped into someone, but I'm fine." You brush it off lightly, your mind proceeding to think of the redhead you had met, and the messages, but you decide against mentioning it to Kate.

She hums, "Better keep in mind the path you're walking in the future, then." You let the words sink in. It had sounded deeper than you knew she intended it to, and she probably didn't even notice as she played with Lucky. She then settled back comfortably on the couch, resuming the movie.

"I will." You say under your breath, nodding, but she didn't give another word, her eyes focused on the screen. The rest of the night continues with small conversations and jokes until the two of you bid each other goodbye to go to your bedrooms and sleep.

You fell onto your bed, wanting to close your eyes and surrender into the darkness, but you can't help but only twist and turn for a bit, unable to rid your mind of every thought it had.

Since you couldn't sleep, you grab your phone from the side, checking it for anything. For a moment, you linger on the text messages, going over every word before closing the app.

When you went to the lockscreen to clear your notifications of anything else so you don't read the things you've already seen later in the morning, you notice your low battery. So, you reach to the side to turn on your charger and plug your phone, the battery going green in indication.

Yawning, you try sleeping once more, this time, it starting to look to be more successful, and soon enough, the whole world disappearing until your breathing went into a softer rhythm.

The night passes by, the moon slowly fading out from the sky as it brightened with the sun that was rising.

You did your morning routine tiredly, repeating onwards until it was friday. With the smell of freshly blended fruits from Kate's smoothie she had made still lingering in the air, you walk out the living room fully ready to go out.

Well, your appearance is ready. You, on the inside? You were not prepared, even if you had a few days to get yourself together. It was just hanging out with her, right?

Was it a date? No. No, it can't be. You had just met. It was a planned meeting...meeting? That sounds too formal. Planned hang out? Oh, whatever it is, you're not ready for it.

Kate sees you anxiously check your phone along with the time, to then you making sure you have everything in your pockets. Her curiosity peaks and she stops working on her smoothie.

"Where are you going?" She asks simply, and a tinge of red lightly crosses your face as you realize she was observing the way you're acting, and you try to make yourself look more proper.

"Just...on a walk." You say your words slowly, treading carefully, yet making it up as you go along. "I'm thinking of grabbing some stuff from the nearby bakery." That was a lie. Well, a half lie. You're going to visit a bakery, but you're going to go on a dat- hang out with a certain redhead.

"Really?" She squints her eyes at you suspiciously, scanning your fancier than usual of an appearance. She's noticed all the times you've had the tiniest hint of a smile when you'd stare at your phone the past few days too.

"Yeah." You nod, trying to make it seem believable as you go towards the door, your keys clinking within your hand. "You want anything?"

"Well, if it's true, grab me a croissant." She shrugs, playing along even though she could already suspect what was happening.

"The chocolate one?" You point your finger up to her in gesture, and she smiles, tilting her head. She honestly looked like Lucky for a moment.

"Yes, the chocolate one," Kate said with a small gentle chuckle leaning on the kitchen counter, as she wondered how you had remembered. She had only gotten it once or twice but found it delicious each time.

"Okay, bye!" You open the door and was going to get out, but feel Lucky bumping into you with his head and paws, having ran to you thinking you were going on another walk with him. But, you gently push him, telling him he'll get his next walk another time. He soon relents, sitting down and watching you go. Little did he know, Kate would be home for the entire day.

"Bye!" She says, putting her hand up to wave at you slightly, about to return to finishing putting her smoothie into her cup before looking at you once more, who was right about to close the door. "Oh, and have fun!" She adds teasingly, a smile on her face.

You only felt the blood stream into your cheeks further but shut the door to start your journey to your planned meetup. As you walked along the path, you had a sense of deja vu. Yet this time, you aren't going to the park. Your legs stop completely at the pizza place.

Your eyes scan the area first, seeing if the redhead's arrived before you, but you only found someone that didn't have green eyes or the correct jawline...jawline? Why were you so focused on her features? You shook it off and went in, the smell of freshly baked pizza in the air.

Voices of people talking filled your hearing, and your feet took a few bit more steps until you get to an empty corner table, beside it, a window. The place was lively, but it was almost a light, joyous atmosphere.

You sat down, getting yourself comfortable as you looked around the area, up until a server gives you the menu, making you look up to the person, giving a smile and saying a 'thank you' before going over the meals written down.

Nearly everything looked delicious, but you try your best to take notes as to which one you would order, along with your drink.

When you heard the bell of the door opening from the entrance of the restaurant, you turn your head, but it wasn't someone you were expecting, so you purse your lips and look back down on the menu, only to grab your phone to check the time.

It showed 2:00 PM, exactly. There was still time anyway, and why would she leave you hanging? You scroll on your phone for a bit, catching up on the media and everything.

Just as you were about to open your messages, you see a shadow and a presence beside you. You look up, and see green eyes staring back at you, her red hair perfectly framing her face as she had her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket.

"Oh, hi," you say, nearly quietly as you leaned back slightly, feeling she was a little close. But in fact, she wasn't at all, your body was just moving in instinct.

"Hey," she said, moving to settle in the seat in front of you, a hint of a smile on her lips while she kept her gaze on you.

"Sorry if I'm a little late," her hand places her phone on the table while she shifted to get more comfortable. You return her small smile, hoping to ease any worries she had.

"It's okay. Nearly got worried you weren't going to come though." You didn't know why those words came out your mouth. They were supposed to stay in your head, but it just happened.

"Don't worry about that," She rested her arms on the table, leaning forward slightly. She mirrored your form, your own arms folded against the plastic covered menu.

"I would've texted you if I couldn't come," she reassures you gently, taking the menu you slid over to her side, and it almost calmed your nervous heart.

"What do you wanna order?" You ask, seeing how her eyes scanned the menu, concentrated on each word. Then you try to keep your gaze elsewhere, trying to not stare.

The quiet silence was only filled by the sounds of the restaurant, the clattering of the kitchen and the noise of laughter echoing from the other side of the room.

"I'll take...a pepperoni pizza. We can share, if you want," she said slowly, looking back up at you. Both of you knew neither of you could finish a single pizza by yourselves.

"Sure," Your lips raise up and you nod, taking the menu back from her and calling up the waiter. When they arrive, you order the pizza along with your drink, not forgetting to then ask her about her drink of choice. She orders it easily, and the waiter repeats your order to make sure it was right. When it was, they step back, taking the menu back with them.

She looks back to you, and you almost hesitantly bring your eyes to meet hers. It was almost like she was a magician, able to make your heart rate go higher with just a single look while everyone else disappeared. That damned stare.

"So, what brought you here to New York?" She finally speaks up, her hand fiddling slightly on the sleeve of her leather jacket, but she soon stops when she realizes she's doing it.

"Oh, I..." You utter out, taken aback at the question. It was a simple one, really, but not an easy one to answer. You take in a breath, trying to gather your thoughts.

"Well, thing is, I was um...moving out of..." You start slowly and quietly, wondering if you should actually even share such a thing. What would it hurt anyway? She waits patiently, her eyes searching your face for your thoughts.

"...my ex's apartment. a few weeks ago." You finish, talking a little faster and unfolding your arms as you felt it getting warmer.

"I see," She whispered under her breath with a nod in understanding, looking to your arms. She was going to say something else, knowing it needed a change of topic, but you add another sentence first.

"It's fine, I'm getting through it," You say with a purse of your lips. That was the second lie you've said today. Why were you counting? You didn't know. She tilted her head, but it didn't seem like it held any judgement.

When she didn't say anything, you spoke softly. "You have any hobbies?" You were trying your best to seem normal, as if you weren't panicking on the inside.

She thinks it over, her eyes slowly moving across the table to gather her words.

"...I like taking pictures." When the sentence comes out her mouth, your eyes widened slightly in surprise and shined.

"Ooh, professional, or just like casual?" You say with a bit of excitement, leaning forward. Nat chuckles softly at your interest, sinking deeper into a cozy conversation.

"Casually. Things like the sunset or just scenery. I'm not a portrait type person," she shrugs lightly, her lips raising up a little more with her smile, and you almost couldn't take your eyes off of it.

"I used to do photography. Sunsets, too, or just random people outside from faraway, but...I don't know, I slowly just stopped," you said yourself, remembering your own passion from back then.

She hums, giving you a gentle gaze. "It seems like that's something we should work on then," She suggested, as if to gently push you to dust off your old hobbies.

"Do you do anything else?" Her voice was soft, and the words started to form a little more natural in your head.

"I like collecting. Physical copies of music and stuff." You sat a little more upright, although still comfortable. The sun got brighter outside, shining down through the restaurant windows.

"Like what?" She replied in curiosity, but her appearance was calm. Her eyes shined slightly from the sunlight, and her orange hair glowed.

"Cassettes, CDs, vinyls, kind of, but they hurt my bank so I took a pause on that." You chuckle slightly, your head moving with your words.

"I have some cassettes, but I don't listen to them as much as I should," She said, and you could've sworn you were imagining the tinge of red crossing her face.

"I definitely need to see your collection." You said eagerly, and her eyes widen, possibly worried about her music taste.

"Oh, no, they're probably old and dusty...I--" She shook her head, and your smile grew, but before she could go any further, you spoke gently.

"It won't hurt." At your sentence, her shoulders went down slightly in defeat.

"Well, if you insist." She smiled once more. It felt nearly unnatural to her, but she couldn't help it. You didn't have a thought at all about it, other than simply thinking she was absolutely gorgeous.

"...What's your favorite animal?" Right as you asked the question, your food and drinks arrive, making you lean back to let the waiter put it all on the table. Once it was done, you set your arms back on the wooden table once more.

She hums. She'd never thought about having favorite things. Especially not 'silly things' such as animals. "I like cats." You raise your eyebrows just a little, your heart getting lighter as time passed by.

"A cat person. I can see that about you." Your eyes roam her face, watching how her slightly curly hair move and how she had just raised her own eyebrow with a small smirk.

"Oh, really? And what else do you see?" She asked casually, but it did have a hint of teasing. You had two choices. And you went with the one that was right to you.

"Someone kind." At that, Natasha nearly freezes, her eyes blinking as if she was in shock. You tilt your head at her, but she moves again by diverting her eyes to the window, her face natural once more.

"What about you? Your favorite animal, I mean." She said, quickly adding in the last part of her sentence as she gestured her hand to you. Your teeth sunk gently into your lip as you tried to resist yourself from having your smile widen even more.

"I like orcas." You say, nearly with a small voice, and she found it adorable. Her curiosity piqued up further though, her mind thinking about the sea animal.

"...Orcas. They are beautiful creatures." She said, her eyes elsewhere in almost a longing way.

"You know, I once saw an orca swimming near the coastline." She adds, and instantly, she sees the way your face brightened up with happiness and interest, a gasp coming out your mouth.

"Where?" You asked, and she chuckled softly. As if you weren't already happy at her mentioning that she's seen an orca, the sound of her raspy yet gentle laugh warmed your heart.

"Long island." She said at first, her head filled with her memories. She was sitting near the shore, up near the mountains all alone, having been reading a book.

"Here," she pulls out her phone and opens her gallery, finding her photos and videos of the moment she had captured, showing it to you.

You were absolutely mesmerized, your eyes kept on the video upon her phone. Her green eyes in the meanwhile, keep themselves on your features, admiring exactly how happy you looked.

The meetup goes on like this, a comfortable atmosphere, shared smiles and small laughter. You've never had a conversation flow so naturally with someone before. It was like you were in a dream, and you had nearly forgotten about anything else that had happened to you

Afterwards, you say your goodbyes, content with the time you spent. You had grabbed the chocolate croissant for Kate from the bakery, needing to trace your steps back when you had forgotten, but relief flowing through when you remembered once more.

end of chapter 8. <3

Series Masterlist <- Chapter 7

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