#(morally i mean. like i said five heart attacks)

[irregularbillcipher]

someday i'm gonna write something about how futurama is such a rich series from a "literally all three protagonists are disabled in some way and parts of this show are such a disability power fantasy" perspective

#like fry is a canonically audhd character played by an audhd actor who has synthesesia and dexterity issues #and has survived five heart attacks #and whose 'brain thing' (aka his neurodivergency) is the literal key to saving the world on multiple occasions #like god. the most important person in the universe is and always ill be this disabled guy with a good heart #(morally i mean. like i said five heart attacks) #and then leela is a physically disabled woman who was been defined her whole life by her facial defect #who learns that her whole family is actually disabled (mutated) and starts fighting like HELL for them #and whose life was turned upside down because her society was treating her and those with her birth defects like scum #to the point her parents had to give her up and try to pass her off as an alien instead of a disabled human just to make sure she had right #AND she has some severe anger issues and a whole boatload of mental illnesses #and some incredibly clear trauma from the ableism she's faced #but she's still incredibly loved and desired and competent! #and then there's bender who has a whole section of his wiki dedicated to the bugs and glitches he has #who was born without a backup drive which to robots is absolutely a disability #who has a faulty inhibition chip #also he unusual empathy emotions and thought processes from both a human and robot perspective #like he doesn't experience empathy in the same way humans do but he also has free will unlike literally every other robot #and has moments where he's clearly feeling things in a way a lot of other robots in the series don't #(sometimes played for laughs like the 'as a robot i don't have emotions and that makes me very sad' line) #but also often taken seriously #not to mention the whole point of lethal inspection where bender finds out he has a factory defect #and wants to find and yell at the guy who approved him even though he was mortal-- a defect by robot standards

[humansofnewyork]

(39/54) “It would have been suicide to fight. There were no courts to petition. No laws to challenge. The only weapon that we had left were our words. I joined together with five colleagues from the Pan-Iranist party, and we formed an underground journal. We met daily in an abandoned office. We wrote with pen and paper, and when each issue was finished it would be secretly printed by a friend that worked at a publishing house. I wrote under the name of Rahdmard. It was the same name Mitra and I would later give to our fourth child, who was born severely disabled. It means a man who is noble. A man who is morally upright. It’s what I wanted for him, and it’s what I wanted for myself as well. In my articles I never attacked the regime directly. I didn’t mention the executions. I never named any names. Instead I wrote about ideals and principles. 𝘋𝘢𝘢𝘥. 𝘙𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪. 𝘈𝘻𝘢𝘥𝘪i. I said: ‘Let us not lose ourselves. Let us not descend back into darkness.’ We had no idea if our words were being read. Each issue would only be one thousand copies, and we’d only pass them out amongst our friends. But we were like a dying person who was desperate to live. If we wanted to survive, these were the breaths we had to take. Just being together gave us hope. Darkness was pressing in all around us. But coming together for a single purpose, a single goal, it gave our hearts energy. Each day we’d share the news we’d seen and heard. We talked about what we could do, how we could help. One of the members had been sheltering Dr. Ameli at his house. He’d been staying there since the first days of the revolution. But after several weeks he began to miss his wife and family. So he decided to leave the safehouse. He knew that he was innocent, so he took a chance. He went back home. And that’s where they grabbed him.” 

(۳۹) پیکار با آنها خودکشی بود. امید چندانی برای نبرد مسلحانه نبود. دادگاهی برای دادخواست وجود نداشت. قانونی برای به چالش کشیدن نداشتیم. تنها کارمان نوشتن بود. همراه پنج تن از یاران ‌پان‌ایرانیست مجله‌ای زیرزمینی راه‌ انداختیم. با کاغذ و خودکار می‌نوشتیم. مجله پنهانی به دست دوستی که در چاپخانه کار می‌کرد آماده می‌شد. از هر شماره تنها هزار نسخه. آن را میان دوستان پخش می‌کردیم. من با نام رادمرد می نوشتم. مرد آزاده و جوانمرد. راست‌کردار . مردی که آرزو داشتم باشم. این نام را برای چهارمین فرزندمان برگزیدیم. او بیمار زاده شد. آن ویژگی‌ها را برایش می‌خواستم. در نوشته‌هایم به رژیم نتاختم. از اعدام‌ها سخن نگفتم. نامی از کسی نبود. درباره‌ی آرمان‌ها و بنیادها نوشتم. داد، راستی، آزادی. می‌خواستم خود را فراموش نَکُنیم، به تاریکی فرو نیفتیم. نمی‌دانستیم که نوشته‌هامان خوانده می‌شوند یا نه. تلاش‌هایی نومیدانه برای زنده ماندن بود. هر روز خبرهایی را که دیده و شنیده بودیم با هم در میان می‌گذاشتیم. درباره‌ی آنچه می‌توانستیم انجام دهیم و کمک‌هایی که از دستمان برمی‌آمد، گفت‌وگو می‌کردیم. ما پشتیبان هم بودیم و برای آرمانی همگانی و هدفی مشترک همگام، و این به ما دلگرمی می‌داد. روزگاری بیم‌آمیز بود و همین با هم بودن امید می‌بخشید. نواری از آژیر با نیمرخی از چهر مهربانش بر آن که درفش شیر و خورشید نشان بر گردنش جنبان بود، جاکلیدی و سنجاق‌سینه‌هایی با نشان شیر و خورشید، جزوه‌ی «کار، تنها سند مالکیت و یگانه پاسدار آن» از کارهای آن روزهاست. یکی از دوستان از نخستین روزهای پس از شورش پناهگاهی برای دکتر عاملی فراهم کرده بود. دلتنگی همسر، فرزندان و دیگر گرامیانش او را از پناهگاه بیرون کشاند. او را در خانه‌ی پدری دستگیر کردند.

[eriexplosion]

Entering season 2 with Spoils of War!

Honestly I think this is one of the best season openings I've ever seen. The setting is perfect for showing off their animation chops and the upgrade between seasons, bringing everyone into sight with Echo falling flat on their face is hilarious, and it leads into a fun high energy sequence that lets us see the time gap between seasons and just how much Omega in particular has grown. While also introducing us to why everyone is so tired because god are ALL THEIR JOBS LIKE THIS?

Cannot overstate how funny Echo face planting is.

Fucking. Splat.

We went over the plan FIVE TIMES.

Tech turning the ship too sharply and throwing Omega out of it like what did you expect you knew she was out there

Baby girl has gotten SOOOO GOOD WITH HER BOW. I'M PROUD OF HER.

WHY IS OMEGA HANGING OFF THE SHIP?????? Hunter is SO TIRED. He is going to have a fucking heart attack at any moment and he sounds so much more tired than last season already.

"Better late than dead, I always say." Truly I would have done anything this woman said from this point on. Phee is so unspeakably gorgeous and this is still the best line to possibly have Tech come back on, just SAYING.

The faces Wrecker and Omega make at each other on 'this one's too big, this one's too small' are amazing

THIS ONE'S GOT A FACE TATTOO just roasting Hunter with NO provocation, going straight for the giant tattoo on his face. Reasonable, frankly, it's not great for going undercover.

"GOT A NAME BROWN EYES~" I love her.

Wrecker stuttering out 'Yes ma'am' is exactly how I would be around Phee, huge mood.

Echo is the only one besides Tech that she doesn't roast, clear acknowledgement of the fact that Echo is perfect.

Cid leading a mutiny when Hunter doesn't like the war chest plan is fantastic honestly. "We took a vote" and Wrecker can barely even look at him. Sorry Hunter this team has been turned into a democracy you're being overruled. Even Killjoy agreed. Can't tell if Echo is horrified by the name or that they got ratted out.

Cid giving this job is interesting, because the obvious reason is that she wants the money too, but what she tells them is true and comes into play at the end. Eventually the Empire will come out here. If they had succeeded here, they might have split from her completely amicably which is probably what she preferred.

"You can have a future. Isn't that what you're after?" and Hunter looks at Omega I'm WAILING.

Echo has probably rehearsed this speech SEVERAL times. And while neither of them are entirely right (Hunter is right to want to protect Omega, but he's wrong to think that getting away from the Empire is even possible in the circumstances, Echo is right to want to fight the Empire but that doesn't mean they need to throw themselves right into the battle with everything they have) I think that ultimately Echo's POV is the more realistic. And what we've seen in other Star Wars media, and has also been set up in TBB before, is that it doesn't matter what Omega deserves, the world they're in doesn't allow kids to be kids. I'm thinking of Cham in season one saying that he doesn't want Hera to live her whole life fighting like he's had to, where we know damn well that it's exactly what happens - it might not be what they WANT for their kids, but sometimes it's the realities of life. They can't just walk away from that, no matter how much they might want to, not just because of a moral imperative to stand up to the Empire but also because it's just not possible.

Anyway I'm emotional as always over the fact that all Hunter wants is to let Omega have a childhood and that's one thing that I think she will not be able to have.

"Our lives are like this because of Omega" OW OW OW OW Echo WHY did you have to say that her room is RIGHT there.

"We. Should be doing. More." GOD BUT THEY'RE NOT WRONG, THEY'RE NOT, JUST UGH. THIS HURTS.

Omega in her little room with Lula thinking about what she just overheard I'm destroyed.

One of the reasons that the theories that Hunter will die to save the team don't quite work for me is, like Tech, we already know Hunter would die for them. Right here his plan is that if anything bad happens he'll divert their forces entirely by himself, sure he has plans to do that and make it out alive but if he doesn't? He's fine with that, if it gets them out safe. Him sacrificing himself for them isn't any kind of character arc because we're already starting from a point where he'd do that without a second's thought.

Wrecker smoothly scooping Omega into the cargo crate is such an adorable moment.

Even through his helmet the power of Tech's >:T at Wrecker for stunning a guy is powerful enough to be felt.

Shout out to Hunter's gratuitous roll

"How could all of this belong to one person?" that's capitalism Omega

Somehow never noticed Wrecker calling Hunter 'Boss' before oh my god that's adorable.

"Are you sure this hatch will lead into the ship?" "If I am incorrect, we will instantly be sucked out and perish. I am seldom wrong!" I love him, he's so chirpy about it.

"Congratulate yourself after we escape" NO NEVER HE WILL CONGRATULATE HIMSELF RIGHT NOW

The inside of Dooku's palace is soooo gorgeous

Listen if the cargo containers can have thrusters to slow down their descent, I think that the tram cars could have them too, just saying.

"You are correct, I am impressed!" is so cuteeee oh my god.

THE MOST FACE.

God I am cry at Hunter being too boggled to understand how to operate a lift. TECH USUALLY DOES THIS baby it is a TOUCH SCREEN it cannot be that hard what do you mean Tech usually does?

He's so fucking stupid I adore him.

THE S C R E A M

#the bad batch rewatch

[dragoneyes618]

Since October 7, Amnesty International’s social media pages have been filled with photos of people of different ethnicities from all over the world. Not one of those photos include any of the approximately 1,200 people in Israel who were brutally murdered on that day by Hamas terrorists. On World Children’s Day, November 20, Amnesty did not mention any of the 38 Israeli children who were killed on October 7 by Hamas terrorists, or the 42 children who were abducted. The only photos Amnesty posted of the 253 people who were abducted by Hamas were of two Thai workers – there are no pictures of any of the Israeli hostages, like Kfir Bibas, who recently turned one years old in captivity.

Amnesty also did not post on World Children’s Day about the 116 Israeli children who became orphans on October 7 and the hundreds more since then. Instead, the organization released an Instagram post that stated, “Israeli forces have demonstrated a chilling indifference to the catastrophic toll on civilians of their ongoing relentless bombardment of the occupied Gaza Strip,” and urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel for committing war crimes. Amnesty also drew attention to the plight of Gazan children and demanded a ceasefire.

On January 25, The New York Times published a two-month investigative report, “’Screams Without Words’: How Hamas Weaponized Sexual Violence on Oct. 7,” which uncovered “a pattern of rape, mutilation and extreme brutality against women in the attacks on Israel.” On March 7, Israeli Government spokesperson David Mencer referenced the report of U.N. special representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, after her visit to Israel. Five months after October 7, Mencer stated that the report presented “clear and convincing information that the hostages trapped in the Hamas terror dungeons have been subject to rape, sexualized torture, and cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.” Yet there is no mention of either report on Amnesty’s social media or website.

To highlight the organization’s hypocrisy, on March 7, the day before International Women’s Day, former New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind, with his wife Shani and about 40 women and 20 men, convened outside of Amnesty International’s office building in Midtown Manhattan at 11:15 a.m. The protest was not publicized on social media, so no pro-Palestinian protestors showed up.

Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism (AAA), brought a Moral Hypocrisy award to present to Amnesty, along with a statue of three monkeys depicting the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” maxim by covering their eyes, ears, and mouths.

Expressing her outrage, Shani Hikind told The Jewish Press, “I feel that Amnesty International is a sham of a human rights organization. They don’t even register one ounce of care for Jewish women who were assaulted, brutalized, massacred. They should be ostracized for their silence, ineptitude and lack of decency.”

Like other protestors, Shani held a sign that said “#MeToo unless you’re a Jew!” outside while she gave her speech, in which she explained that the reason her husband was there was because both of his grandmothers were murdered in the Holocaust. She also criticized pro-Palestine actress Susan Sarandon, by stating, “If Susan has such a great heart for women and children in Gaza, let her direct her anger to Hamas because they can put an end, right away, to all the suffering in Gaza.”

When journalist Sara Lehmann spoke, she reiterated Amnesty’s claims that “women’s rights are human rights.” She stated, “When I typed in ‘Hamas rapes in Israel’ on their website’s search bar, all that came up were the words, ‘Sorry we didn’t find any results.’…Apparently, Jewish women’s rights are not human rights, according to Amnesty International.” Lehmann said that, like the definition of “amnesty,” which means to pardon or overlook something, Amnesty is “pardoning terrorists for the brutal murder, rape and hostage-taking of Jews.” She added, “Worse, they are willfully conflating the perpetrators with the victims.”

- https://www.jewishpress.com/sections/features/former-nys-assemblyman-arrested/2024/03/14/

#israel #pro israel #dov hikind #shani hikind #sara lehmann #amnesty international

[eddiescorrodedcoffin86]

Long Gone

Eddie Munson Masterlist

Part 1: Me and You

Part 2: ‘86, Baby

Me and you Masterlist

You should’ve went back with Eddie and Chrissy

Minors Go Away I Will Kick You In The Forehead. Typical show violence. The way Vecna kills people. Dead Chrissy Cunningham. The iconic forest scene but with you added. You’re not jealous of Chrissy though. Cursing. Definitely not extremely happy with it but it’ll get better I’m so sorry.

“So, I didn’t wanna ask earlier cause everyone was around, but… Chrissy Cunningham?” You raised a brow, looking at him as he helped you step over a log. He laughed and nodded. “Yeah I had the same reaction, she basically cornered me by the bleachers in gym and said she needed something… but she was like twitchy and looking over her shoulder, so I figured it would help to have a… gentle female presence around.”

You blinked rapidly, looking at Eddie like he’d grown a second head before laughing. “You think I’m gentle?” You cooed teasingly as he rolled his eyes. “Awww Eeeeddddssss.” You pulled him to a stop, grinning. “You’ve got a crush on me.” You teased.

He scoffed, looking away from you as he laughed a little. “I wasn’t obvious about it?” He teased. “I get a sneaking suspicion when you tell me you love me.” “Oh, really?” He raised a brow and laughed again, shaking his head and kissing you softly. “Come on, poor Chrissy might have a heart attack out here.” He was joking but you could hear an underlying worry.

You’d known Chrissy briefly in middle school, the three of you grew close the night you went to the talent show with Eddie for moral support. After their performances, you had talked to her for all of five seconds before she was being pulled away by the cheerleading coach, Chrissy had gotten popular after joining the squad in middle school and had forgotten about you and Eddie, you had no ill will towards her though, she was always kind and Jason wasn’t such a dick with her in his presence, so you figured she was a decent person she just got swooped up in everything so you couldn’t really blame her.

You’d stepped on a small twig, the piece of wood snapping under your feet. As you stepped into the clearing you saw Chrissy backing away from a tree, looking at it with a pretty terrified look on her face. “Hey.” You said as you walked up behind her, raising your brows a bit when Chrissy spun around with a Yelp, like you’d scared her.

Eddie held his hands up. “Woah. Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you” He chuckled softly. You tilted your head a little, noticing the look in Chrissy’s eyes and immediately sat down with her. “You okay?” You asked curiously. Chrissy looked away from Eddie to look at you, nodding a little and in fact seeming to relax a bit with you around as Eddie walked around to the other side of the picnic table, setting his black lunchbox down and then sliding his jacket and vest off. God he looked really good today…

"No one comes out here." Eddie explained as he sat down. "Just me and Ed so you don't have to be scared of someone seeing you out here." Eddie leaned forward on his elbows a bit, waiting for Chrissy, who had her head down and was staring at the table, her eyes darting to Eddie's lunchbox. "So, how does this work exactly?" She asked softly, looking at Eddie curiously.

"Oh, Just like any other old sale," Eddie shrugged, looking at you and then back to Chrissy, dropping his arm from where his chin had been perched on his hand, "except, uh, cash only, and, uh, for obvious reasons, no receipts." He gave her a little half smirk and you knew he was turning on the charm a bit, even if just to help Chrissy relax, you didn't mind of course, Eddie loved you and you knew that. Besides, Chrissy was dating Jason and, despite his obvious flaws, they seemed happy, Eddie wouldn't jeopardize anyone's happiness.

Eddie looked at Chrissy quietly as she glanced off towards the woods behind him. He reached into his lunchbox for a moment and pulled out a baggy. "I'll do you a half ounce for, uh... 20. What do you say?" He held the bag up. "Plenty of bang for your buck. Should last a while." A squirrel scurried up a tree behind you, causing Chrissy to gasp and turn towards it quickly.

Eddie rolled his eyes a little dropped the baggie back in, closing the lunchbox. "Hey, uh, we don't need to do this. Just give me the word and we'll walk away." He leaned on his hand, looking at you again with a slightly annoyed look on his face before waving his hands a little. "Okay?" He grabbed the lunchbox as Chrissy started talking.

"It's not that. I don't want you guys to go." she held one hand to Eddie and one to you, gripping the sleeve of your jacket lightly to keep you from standing up. You glanced at Eddie and then at Chrissy as she continued, Eddie leaning forward on his elbows as his face softened a bit. "It's just... do you ever feel like.." she hesitated, trying to find the words as she scratched her hand on the edge of the table. "You're losing your mind?"

You let out a soft laugh, raising your brows as you nodded at her, shrugging your shoulders a bit to indicate that you did. Eddie laughed a little with you, looking at you as he fiddled with his hands before looking at Chrissy again. You were worried about her, she was usually so bubbly, at least she was around school, now she just looked.. deflated, sad, and scared, it was weird and you didn't like it, something was seriously wrong.

"Uuuumm, you know, just..., on a daily basis." Eddie grinned slowly, very obviously trying to lighten the mood. "We feel like we're losing our minds right now doing a drug deal with Chrissy Cunningham, the queen of Hawkins High." He exaggerated his words with a playful look on his face, nodding his head along with his words, he always had to move some body part of his, it was adorable.

Chrissy smiled at him a little funny. "You know, this isn't the first time that we've, um..." Eddie pointed at her and waved his hands a bit as he looked for the right words. "Hung out." You finished for him, looking at Chrissy to see if she would remember, she didn't seem to. She looked between the two of you curiously and furrowed her brows. "No?" Her voice was light, kinda airy, and she was really pretty, you couldn't blame Eddie for being a little flustered around her.

"You don't remember?" The two of you asked in unison, Eddie's eyebrows doing that little thing where they jerked up and it caused the corners of his mouth to turn up into a pretty little smile. "I'm sorry. I-" she looked between the two of you as you shook your head to show it wasn't a big deal. "That's okay." Eddie said softly, and then proceeded to look off into the woods, a little dramatically, and you knew a performance was coming.

Suddenly, Eddie slammed his hand into his chest and flung himself back onto the ground like he'd been stabbed. "Ah!" Chrissy jumped and grabbed the table, surprised by Eddie's outburst as you laughed. Eddie rolled around in the leaves as he stood up, walking towards a tree. "I wouldn't remember us either, Chrissy, well me, y/n i could never understand, how can you forget such a face." You rolled your eyes and shook your head as you laughed, leaning down onto the table to calm yourself.

He dusted leaves off of himself as you and Chrissy laughed. "Honestly," he spun around, your laughter getting worse when the two of you saw the leaves in his hair. "do I have stuff in my hair?" He looked at the two of you with a funny look, combing the leaves from his hair like he knew where they were. "You don't remember us?" He stepped forward, his arms crossing over his chest. "So rude, Chrissy. Honestly." You teased, nudging the girl playfully. "I'm sorry." Chrissy giggled, looking between the two of you.

"Middle school, talent show." You tried to jog her memory a little. "You were doing this cheer thing. You know, the... the thing you do." You and Chrissy laughed as he waved imaginary pom-poms. "It was pretty cool actually." "It was. I was there for moral support for Eddie." You agreed with a soft laugh. "And I... I was with my band."

"Corroded Coffin." Chrissy spit out the words like she couldn't stop them, blinking rapidly as the name was thrusted to the forefront of her mind. Eddie clapped rapidly and did this adorable little victory dance spin thing. "Corro- you do remember." He pointed at her energetically.

"Oh my God! Yes, of course. With a name like that how could I forget?" Chrissy seemed genuinely confused that she forgot about the two of you. "I dunno. You're a freak." Eddie teased, hands crossed in front of him. Chrissy looked a little surprised by the use of the nickname, but was still smiling. "No, you just... you guys just looked so-"

"Different?" You laughed softly. "Well, Eddie's hair was buzzed, and I had braces and big stupid glasses until my eyes corrected themselves." "And i didn't have these sweet old tatties back then." Eddie grinned and tugged the collar of his shirt down a bit, exposing some hickies as well as the zombie head tattoo on his chest.

"You played guitar, right." Eddie nodded, hands on the back of his hips. "Still does, and he's a God." You teased. Eddie flushed and nodded. "Yep, still do." "You should come see them." You nodded. "I'll be there it'll be super fun, and they're really good." "We play at The Hideout on Tuesdays." "it's pretty cool." "We... We actually get a crowd of about.. fiiiiive drunks and y/n." You and Chrissy laughed. "So six drunks." You corrected playfully. "Basically." He grinned.

"It's not exactly the Garden, but you gotta start somewhere, right? So..." He turned around and started lightly punching the tree behind him. Aw he was flustered. "You know, you guys aren't what I thought you'd be like." "Mean and scary?" You teased as Eddie pulled some hair in front of his mouth to hide a smile. "Yeah." "Yeah, well, we actually kinda thought you'd be mean and scary too." Chrissy looked genuinely surprised as Eddie moved closer, smiling in awe as she looked between the two of you. "Me?" "Terrifying." You said laughing softly as Eddie sat down, nodding his head in agreement.

"Uh, so," Eddie picked the lunchbox back up and set it on the table. "In other good news flattery works with me, so..." he leaned his chin on his fist, grinning and nodding his head, Chrissy giggling a little and looking down with a smile. "Twenty-five percent discount for the half." He flipped it open and pulled the half ounce back. "Fifteen bucks. You're robbing me blind here, you know." His waved his hands a bit, getting this goofy adorable smile on his face again.

Chrissy opened and closed her mouth a couple times, a little hesitant before responding. "Do you have anything... maybe... stronger?" She looked up at him. This threw Eddie off a bit and he leaned back, looking at her curiously.

"Uh..." He looked at you and then back to Chrissy. "Yeah, but, uh, I don't bring it to school with me so it'll have to wait until later. Can ya wait?" Chrissy shifted a little before nodding. "I can wait. Thank you.. I should get going before Jason starts to look for me before the game.. it was nice talking to you guys." She pulled the sleeves of her sweater down as she stood up.

"Yeah, you too." You stood up and smiled softly. "I have work soon so I won't be able to come with." "Oh.. okay, well, then I'll talk to you whenever I can and I'll see you later, Eddie." "See ya, Chrissy." She hurried off into the woods after the goodbye and you frowned a little.

"Chrissy Cunningham buying drugs... and wanting something stronger than weed?" You mumbled. "I know.. maybe she's tired of hearing Jason's grating voice." Eddie seemed pretty proud of his comment and you couldn't help but give him a light laugh, shaking your head. "Shut up and let's get you to Hellfire so you can kick their asses, if I'm late again my boss will have my ass."

"Oh what ever will they do without you there to hand out the shitty prizes." "It's vital to the company." You replied blandly, sarcasm seeping through as Eddie laughed, his arm stretching over your shoulder as you walked to the Hellfire room. You wished him luck and gave him a kiss before leaving.

You went home to shower and change into your arcade shirt and a pair of jeans, walking to the arcade since it wasn't too far away.

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Your shift was boring, and way longer than what it was supposed to because last minute someone called in and your had to fill in for them until almost daylight, you didn't know why your boss thought a 24 hour arcade was a good idea, but he did. You got home at the same time as Wayne, frowning when you didn't see Eddie's van, Wayne looked confused to see you but not Eddie. "Y/n? Where's Eddie?"

"I don't know he should be here, he hasn't come to the arcade." You shook your head and went to the door, pulling it open and jumping back with a short scream at the sight of Chrissy Cunningham twisted up almost like a pretzel on the living room floor. "Oh my god." You gagged a little and covered your mouth, turning away as Wayne stepped forward to look. "Oh my... Eddie!" He immediately ran into the trailer as your mind started racing, nausea rising.

Neither of you could find Eddie anywhere. "I gotta find him." You panted softly, hands on your knees as you wiped vomit from the corner of your mouth before Wayne was pushing his keys into your hand. "Get outta here, go find him." He nudged you towards his truck and jogged into the house to the call police.

When you were pulling out of the trailer park Max Mayfield stepped in front of the car, causing you to slam on the breaks. "Jesus- Max?! What the hell are you doing?!" You asked as she opened the passenger door and got in. "We gotta pick up Henderson." You grunted a little and sighed. "I'm kinda in the middle of something, Max." "Looking for Eddie? Yeah, well, he's gonna need a lot of help. So let's go." Her voice was firm, way too grown up for a 14 year old, and you found before looking forward as she put her seatbelt on. "Bossy." You muttered, driving to Dustin's house, you followed her to his bedroom window. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" "Of course it is, it's an emergency."

"Why... are you all so chaotic." You mumbled, watching her tap repeatedly on the window. After a moment Dustin's head popped up at the window and he widened his eyes before pushing the window open. "Max? y/n? What are you doing here?" He whispered, looking back at his door and then his desk, a muffled voice calling out, hm, was he talking to Suzie?

"Eddie's gone." Max started with, causing you to blink rapidly. "Just gonna.. jump right into it then." You mumbled before clearing your throat. "Something.. happened to Chrissy when she bought from him last night and when I got home he was gone and she was..." you cleared your throat. "We need to find him." Max shifted the direction of the conversation, glancing at you and then at Dustin.

"Um... hang on." He leaned into his room and picked up a phone off his desk, definitely talking to Suzie, you heard him whisper a lie about his mom waking up, then a soft I love you, making you laugh a little, before he hung up the phone. "We have to wait for Family Video to open." "Why exactly?"

"Because then we have more phones to call around asking for Eddie. Duh.” Dustin squinted at you and you squinted back. Wow this kid needed an attitude adjustment. “Now get in here before someone sees you, and be quiet.” He ushered the two of you into the room, you helped Max in and then climbed in with a small huff.

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Max quietly filled you and Dustin in while you waited for a decent time, deciding 9 was the perfect time to slip out of Dustin’s window and around the front to have Max ask if he could come out, you stayed off to the side of course.

With a shout of ‘Dusty!’ Dustin was practically sprinting to the door, stopping to give and receive a kiss from his mother before you were getting into Wayne’s truck and driving to Family Video.

When you walked in Robin and Steve looked over from where they were watching the tv, your home now on full display in the background, police filling the screen behind the news anchor. “Have you guys seen this? Y/l/n. What are you doing here? Aren’t you usually with Eddie.”

“How many phones do you have?” Dustin didn’t give you time to answer Steve, pressing his hands down on the counter and looking at home expectantly. “What? Why?” “How many phones do you have?” He repeated, harsher than before and you raised a brow, shaking your head a little and looking at Steve.

“We need to find Eddie.” “What the Hell do you need to find him for?” Steve frowned deeply. “You two are usually shoved so far up eachother’s asses it’s hard to tell where one of you starts and the other one ends.” He scoffed lightly. “Cute.” You replied sarcastically.

You stepped back and watched as Dustin haphazardly jumped over the work counter, knocking over several tapes in the process. “Woah! Hey!! My tapes!” Steve shouted, throwing his hands up and kneeling down to put the tapes back on the counter, frowning deeply and shaking his head as he sighed.

You walked around the side, smiling at Robin when she lifted the small door so you could step behind the counter. “Why can’t you guys just go looking for him. You’re his girlfriend.” Steve scoffed after Max explained what happened. “And how do we know-“ “if you suggest Eddie is guilty I’ll break your arm.” You looked up from the phone to glare at Steve. “Eddie wouldn’t hurt anyone that didn’t deserve it. Much less Chrissy Cunningham. We’re looking here because driving around looking for my boyfriend who is no doubt soon going to be wanted for murder, and me probably an accomplice, is the dumbest thing we could do.”

Steve rolled his eyes but continued to help you, Max, Robin, and Dustin call around looking for Eddie. Of course, you had no luck, he wasn’t hiding out at Gareth’s or Jeff’s or any of the guys from the Hideout. “You haven’t seen or heard from him at all?” You asked Gareth, panic obvious in your voice as you rubbed your forehead with one hand.

“No, y/n. Sorry, man. Hey uh… try Reefer Rick. You guys have his number or something right?” “No he usually calls Eddie when he’s got his supply and he doesn't take me with him…” your eyes gazed over to the computer withstand used to check movies in and out. “… but I might be able to find it. Thanks, Gareth. I'll try to keep you up to date on what’s going on.” “Alright. Good luck.”

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After about five minutes of searching through the movies every Rick in town watched you stopped Robin. "Cheech and Chong? that's definitely him." You laughed softly. "Eddie just came home talking about that last one."

"Alright, let's go." Robin stood up and you all turned around to face Steve. "Woah, woah. We can't just leave in the middle of the day, Robin." "Fine, then you stay here and we'll go look for Eddie." Robin grabbed your arm and pulled you around the counter to the door, Max and Dustin following closely.

Steve threw his hands up and scoffed. "Yeah, right." He muttered. "I’m the only one that can drive." You heard him mutter before grabbing his keys and walking around the counter, locking the door behind him as you all piled into his car. You left Wayne's keys in his truck since the five of you wouldn't be able to fit in it, leaving it sitting there in the parking lot.

As Steve drove to Reefer Rick’s all you could think about was Eddie, wishing over and over that he was alive, occasionally bombarded with the possibility that he could have ended up like Chrissy, twisted up, dead.. and all alone and scared when it happened… it was making you nauseas.

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Tag List:

@lunar-flwr @dahliarose3 @minimnmsdotcom @ranibewsprimskle @fabienne250503 @camcanyon @catherinnn @kaz120 @kiki51199 @babyali622 @nanamunath @giovannasgarden @munsonboyblog @meaganjm @kooksfor-life @ali-r3n @manitskatrina @you-arethepan @sleepy-zodiac @ilostmysoulbruh @literallylikepoison @mxbrbi @lov3ly-3m @slutfor-munson @slut-for-fictional-men-kms @rmeddar123 @redpool @spookykylie @sebby-staan @vulcrum332 @raybaeray @that-one-writer @littlebatsimagines @imagine-all-the-imagines @tvserie-s-world @geekmom3 @mlvgren @scentedstudentfestivalclod @princeeric @hurricane-abigail @theanxietyqueen17 @celestialallysum @darksoul100 @hwrteye @hellfire-fan-club @notbeforelong @the-achievementhunter @jessicainhell @whitemanshoe19 @brofistsandhoranhugs-blog @ssareids-coffee @eosprincess @neuroticpuppy @cococrazy18 @mainstreambitchlife @sydnee-writes @periodtbluddd @captainkokosnuss @rushintothewild @pnks-stuff @c0untryclub @dhdjdhbdh @whoreformenwithlonghair @turnmyknuckleswhite @chaoticlovingdreamer @lokidokidarling @frozenhuntress67 @superflannel @ruinedbythehobbit

#stranger things #eddie munson #joseph quinn #eddie munson’s rings #eddie the banished #eddie the freak munson #stranger things 4 #eddie stranger things #eddie munson x reader #Eddie munson x female reader #me and you #me and you part 3

[seph7]

Thursday, August 15, 2013

In Character: J.T. Walsh

When most people think of J.T. Walsh, they recall the numerous menacing sons of bitches he played. The murders, the thieves, the liars and the assholes – no one could play mean quite like Walsh. But upon digging deeper, it’s clear that Walsh was capable of so much more than depicting scumbags. He had compassion, charm, wit and panache. He was an actor’s actor, a working man, an invaluable day player who we lost far too soon to a heart attack in 1998.

Perhaps Walsh’s good friend and collaborator, Billy Bob Thornton said it best: “A real actor doesn’t try to make yourself look good all the time. Because the job of an actor is to portray the character that’s written, and portray it with all your might. J.T. did that everytime he did anything. If J.T. was in a movie that just plain sucked, he never did. He was always perfect.”Five Essential Roles

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Sgt. Major Dickerson

“You stay out of my way, there’ll be no problem. But toy with me, and I’ll make you wish you’d died as a child.”

That says everything you need to know about Sgt. Major Dickerson, the cankerous commander of Robin Williams’ ceaselessly sarcastic Adrian Cronauer. Dickerson is a straight shooter – a military commander ensuring that his duties in the Vietnam War are handled as professionally as possible. But Cronauer isn’t a professional. He makes room for choice and laughter, things that don’t exist in Dickerson’s world. Needless to say, the two never get along, which lends itself to some of the most scathing fire and brimstone Walsh ever delivered. Good Morning, Vietnam is designed for us to root for its protagonist, but I promise that you’ll love to hate Sgt. Major Dickerson.

A Few Good Men (1992)

Lt. Col. Matthew Markinson

Taking a minor step away from the brutish men Walsh often played, Lt. Col. Markinson is one of the few men suggested in the title of Rob Reiner’s excellent film. As the only apparent Marine on Guantanamo Bay with intelligence and a healthy conscience, Markinson feels compelled to speak out against his commanding officer’s recent misdeeds. But in order to do this, he must hide in plain sight. He must dress as a civilian, hiding in the back of cars, chain smoking cigarettes in crappy hotels. Markinson is a welcome breath of hope late in A Few Good Men. If only he’d held out a little longer.

Breakdown (1997)

Warren “Red” Barr

When we meet Red Barr, he has kindly pulled his 18-wheeler over to offer Jeff (Kurt Russell) and his wife, Amy (Kathleen Quinlan) a hand with their broken down Jeep. No one can get the car to work, so Red offers to drive them to the closest telephone. Jeff and Amy quickly resolve that Jeff will stay with the car while Amy goes with Red, shortly to return with help.

The second time we meet Red, Jeff and a police officer are frantically questioning him as to where Amy is. She never came back, and Red was the last person to see her. Red denies ever having met Jeff and Amy, and, much to Jeff’s horror, the officer allows Red to go on his way.

No need to divulged more but just know, as mentioned, Walsh is no novice to playing men of loose morals, and damn if Red Barr isn’t the meatiest among them. Close to being the best performance of Walsh’s career.

Pleasantville (1998)

Big Bob

Pleasantville is a simple town. Simple rules, simple people; everyone gets along because they know no other way. OrneryPleasantville Mayor, Big Bob, is one chief facilitator of such calm order, so when a few new kids come strolling into town and mixing things up, Big Bob ain’t at all pleased.

Pleasantville is a none-too-subtle allegory for American Civil Rights. On its most basic level, the film is about a bunch of white people letting color into their lives. It’s a charming movie full of heroes, but with every film of its kind, there needs to be at least one strong oppressor for balance. And who better to be in charge of moral oppression than a J.T. Walsh character? His final, heated moment as Big Bob is the highlight of the film. From black and white to Technicolor, all in one passionate rant.

The Negotiator (1998)

Inspector Niebaum

When I initially drafted the list of Walsh’s best performances, I didn’t consider his turn in The Negotiator as an option. Thankfully, I went back and rewatched this perfectly decent action thriller, and found myself utterly taken away by Walsh’s deceit.

In the film, Lt. Danny Roman (Samuel L. Jackson) is accused of killing his partner, so he holds a few people hostage, including Walsh’s Neibaum, to clear his name. Now, because this is a Samuel L. Jackson-playing-the-good-guy movie, we know Roman is innocent. Roman’s chief suspect in the crime is Internal Affairs Inspector Niebaum (or someone working for Niebaum) so, as a by-product of our innocence for Roman, we assume Niebaum is guilty. And the beauty of Walsh’s work here is that he doesn’t try to convince Roman (or the audience) otherwise. In short, we never know how to feel about Niebaum. He could be to blame, he could be a patsy, or he could just be having a very bad day. It was always hard to tell with Walsh.

The Best of the Best

Sling Blade (1996)

Creepy Inmate (Charles Bushman)

In Sling Blade’s opening scene, we watch as an ice cold inmate in a mental institution slowly drags his chair across the room, placing it next to Billy Bob Thornton. From there, J.T. Walsh sits down and delivers a monologue of sheer dread. He recalls a time when he picked up a woman off the street for sex, only to soon discover she was a he. Walsh delivers this haunting exchange in one single shot, and usually with a smile on his face.

Then the film does something very interesting. It cuts to two young female reporters, arriving at the institution to interview an inmate known as Karl. When the film cuts back to Walsh and Thornton, Walsh is now describing how and why he abducted and killed a woman some years ago. Cut back to the girls preparing for the interview. Back to Walsh, and so on.

This is classic movie juxtaposition: anyone who knows anything about movies knows that the two girls are there to interview either Thornton or Walsh’s character. They are there to speak to Karl, yet, if you haven’t seen the film, you actually have no idea which of the men Karl is. The warden of the institution slowly makes his way into the room where Walsh and Thornton are speaking. The warden instructs Karl that he has a visitor, and we wait in baited breath to see which man stands up. Thornton stands, and we let out a sigh of relief.

Just imagine if Karl was the other guy.

Other Notable Roles

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

House of Games (1987)

Tequila Sunrise (1988)

Misery (1990)

The Grifters (1990)

Backdraft (1991)

Hoffa (1992)

Red Rock West (1993)

The Last Seduction (1994)

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Blue Chips (1994)

The Client (1994)

Nixon (1995)

Outbreak (1995)

Persons Unknown (1996)

Executive Decision (1996)

#j.t. walsh #jt walsh #underrated actors

[adonis-koo]

wicked • 9

↳ Summary: In a desperate hope to stop war from breaking you are a serviced to wed the most vile man alive, the one who has committed atrocities and war crimes beyond comprehension, he who is responsible for the fall of many nations, the wicked prince who’s heart is made of stone. You are to marry a man who challenges every belief and moral you stand for, all while being faced in a foreign land with nobody but yourself too trust…But are you both truly that different? Or is hate not too far from love?

↳ Pairing: Jungkook/reader

↳ Genre: arranged marriage AU, enemies to lovers, it’s kind of a period AU??? Historical but also technically not? prince!AU, eventual smut

Word Count: 11k

Previous | Next

Note: oof it’s been forever since I updated so I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!! I still didn’t get everything I wanted done in this chapter just due ot the flow but the good news is that just means more content for next chapter and lemme tell yall 10 is gonna be w i l d.

The first week of your recovery was monotonous at best and painful at worst. You had been chaperoned like a child the entire time due to your fingers being heavily blistered and therefore making you unable to really do anything by yourself.

Just as Taehyung said though, time certainly did heal the blisters and this was your first day you had been cleared to be able to use smaller things such as utensils for eating and being able to move around on your own without any assistance. 

And much to your surprise Jungkook had taken it upon himself to set up a picnic on such a gorgeous day which is where you were sitting currently, very content under the shade of a massive willow tree. 

“That’s not how you-” 

The sound of Taehyung’s deep voice was cut off by a shrilled scream- one would think it was Wheein’s but upon glance it was Jungkook’s servant Taehyun who had been knocked off the Elk. 

The sight made you smile as Wheein let out a squeal, suddenly dashing away from the Elk that began bucking in her direction, Taehyung sighing as he facepalmed, “You two are so hopeless…” 

Both servants had accompanied you two out here but eventually got distracted by Taehyung who had been feeding the Elk in their grove and after being told they could roam around they had both immediately went over to chat with him. 

You had brought your studies outside and your book currently set out on the blanket along with a quill and ink pot. 

Your journal abandoned in your lap in trade for watching the others in fondness. You had been so caught up in the gloom that you hadn’t even realized how close you had become to them. 

“In Eunoia, they’re pacifistic there, yes?” 

You blinked, glancing at Jungkook, His back rested against the wide trunk of the tree as he continued to clean the handle of his sword, now digging into the groves of it’s carving. 

Closing your book you nodded, “Yes, after all the bloodshed during the Upheaval of overthrowing Celestia we vowed to never devour another soul again and instead, chose to go back to our roots in the Dryads, it’s been this way ever since.” 

Jungkook extending his hand that held the blade, flipping it to check the other side, “So what would you do if another kingdom invaded?” 

“Another kingdom wouldn’t invade us.” You said, somewhat amused as you quirked a brow. 

“But what if they did?” Jungkook pressed, turning to face you finally, “Peace can never last forever.” 

You finally turned to him fully, his eyes flickering back to his sword as he sat it back on his lap, dipping the rag into a pot of polish as he back to wipe down the metal, “So what would come of Eunoia if another attacked?” 

You sighed as you looked back out over the hill towards where Taehyung was struggling to keep Wheein steady on an Elk, “Well, our first resolve is to speak with another nation about what they want. We’re a giving kind, and while we’re considered pacifistic we’ve been in difficult positions before that has had war looming over us.” 

“Such as…?” Jungkook asked. 

“The five year war.” You spoke plainly. 

The Five Year war was an abbreviated term referring to all the clustered invasions, sieges and wars that happened when Penumbra had first came to be and while Eunoia wasn’t directly involved in it, you dully remembered the stressful days of your youth when you laid awake at night wondering if it would be your last.

Jungkook did a double take, as if not expecting your answer, as if almost sheepish he glanced back at his blade, “The five year war affected Eunoia?” 

“How could it not?” You scoffed a little before sighing, letting your back rest against the tree as your expression softened, “...It was a difficult time for everyone, we had refugee’s from outer villages all around that were decimated in the wars. All of our extra beds were taken, food had to be rationed due to the shortages with the spike of refugees, blood stained the ground everywhere I went.” 

You could almost still smell the strong scent of metallic even now, “There were so many bodies and not enough land that we- we had to burn them…” Your lips quivered a little as they dropped to your now bandaged hands, “Many had come with infections and wounds, even missing limbs. And even the help we attempted to give still wasn’t enough.”

Just the memories of your youth made you lower your gaze with a slight tremble in your voice, “Many of our allies demanded we take part and do our share in the War to defeat Penumbra.” 

You sighed as you closed your eyes almost mournfully, “We all had a part to play back then, I wasn’t old then…twelve? I was a bit younger at the start of the war but we didn’t start getting a flood of refugees until after the second marked year of the war after Penumbra had completely destroyed Gildia.” 

Jungkook was quiet for a long time, his eyes almost unreadable- almost. Something akin to confusion played in them as he sighed, finally setting down his blade, “I knew the war had affected many areas but I didn’t realize the catastrophe it must’ve been for your nation…” 

You only frowned softly, maybe at one time you would’ve hated him for what your nation had been put through but…well this wasn’t exactly his fault and in fact…Just the thought maybe you come to a realization as you asked softly, “Jungkook?” 

He hummed out. 

“How old were you…when you first began your service in the war?” 

Jungkook shrugged, “I was twelve,” he paused before he smiled, as if something in his memory had been jogged, “Scared shitless when my grandfather first declared we would be warring with Kyoto.” 

You straightened at how casual he had replied, “And that’s…that’s normal?” 

“What is?” Jungkook asked. 

“Being that young? Fighting in war?” You couldn’t help but feel tugs of worry in your chest though you didn’t understand why, Jungkook was here now so he had obviously made it but…the idea of so many other children who hadn’t been as fortunate as him… 

Jungkook sighed as he shrugged loosely as if knowing where your train of thought was going, “It is,” He lowered his head as if in silent acknowledgement of the horror of it, “It’s not a tradition per say- but my father wants it to become one. My grandfather thought the only way for us to know how to truly fight- to survive, was to be put on our feet first. We were underlings back then, put on the frontlines for experience.” 

“And your father was…okay with that?” You were trying desperately hard to keep an open mind right now, but it was difficult at just the idea. 

You had seen death first hand many times during your youth due to the high amount of injured you had tended to in the barracks, tents and many other places refugees could be stored, but…to see death and the violence that besought it at such a young age. 

When it was silent you dared to look at Jungkook, he leaned back against the tree and his eyes were cast out over the meadow, as if he was deep in thought before he finally shook his head silently, “I suppose he was.” 

If he hadn’t tugged on your heart string before he certainly had now with that tone of resignation in his voice, you didn’t pry further as you nodded, folding your hands into your lap once more, carefully to not irritate your injuries. 

“It wasn’t all that bad…” Jungkook finally spoke, his voice a notably softer tone than usual, a brief smile on his lips, “We didn’t have much during the war, but…we had each other. Jimin and Hoseok trained alongside me as children and our handler Namjoon cared and watched out for us during the war, we all grew up together.”

You thought back to how Jungkook had previously interacted with the two and it suddenly made sense why Jimin and Hoseok always seemed to lack formality with him, “They’re the brothers I never had.” Jungkook concluded, “I don’t suppose you have any siblings?” 

This made you smile a little as you curled your knees to your chest, shaking your head, “No, it was just me…My mother always wanted more children but…” Your smile slowly melted into a frown, “Dryad blood can cause infertility. Every child born from it’s bloodline is considered a miracle. It’s why so few exist anymore, most dryadkin have died out by now.” 

Jungkook only shrugged, grabbing his dagger, “Makes sense, given they were born from tree’s or something. How does that even work?” He frowned, “You’re from dryad’s but I doubt they’d have the same anatomy as a human.” 

You puffed an amused breath at his question, “Dryad’s clearly had similar enough anatomy-” this made you giggle at seeing Jungkook wrinkle his nose, “There’s many variations told in Eunoia of how we became the offspring of the Dryads, but nobody actually knows how we came to be. They disappeared in late 8EX, some say the Earth gave birth to them, for them to birth their own kin before returning back to the earth- and so the cycle continues.” 

You hummed as you glanced at Jungkook curiously, watching him steadily polish his dagger, “You’re awfully curious about Eunoia.” 

Jungkook shrugged though you didn’t miss the tinge of red on his ears which you were slowly learning was a clear sign of embarrassment on his part, “It only seems fair I know your culture if you’re getting to know mine.” 

This caused you to giggle at the sudden deeper tone in his voice, his eyes squinting on his blade though you were positive it was because of you, “I never said it was a bad thing I…I appreciate it…” 

“You look sad.” Jungkook stated, his flickering to you before back to his sword, for as unemotional as he was, he was certainly observant, “You miss Eunoia?” 

It was more of a statement than a question.

You peered out over the meadow, a warm breeze passing by that made you feel lethargic as you shrugged, “Of course I do but...I am beginning to feel okay again. Penumbra certainly isn’t the land of valleys but…it does have its own charm.” You offered a small smile, “In fact, it makes me appreciate the things I once took for granted, like today. The sun always shines in Eunoia, but here…sunny days are so rare, it makes you want to take advantage of the days when it’s out.” 

Like today, you glanced out from the swaying willow branches into the azure sky which was so rare, not a single cloud in sight.  

You didn’t see it but Jungkook’s lips quirked up briefly at your expression before he spoke, “You’ll get on just fine in time.” 

“Taehyung! You said this would be easy!” 

You both glanced up at the shriek of Wheein who was currently shoving Taehyung who was cackling loudly. Taehyun was gasping for air with his hands on his knees and Taehyung and Wheein had somehow ended up in the Elk pen together. 

“Taehyung has spoken about courting her.” Your head whipped to Jungkook’s figure in shock as he looked out at the two, setting down his dagger in trade for his goblet of wine as he sipped it.

His plain expression almost made you want to laugh, he looked as if this was something serious and not at all gossip, he then added a, “You didn’t hear that from me though.” 

You knew of Taehyung’s affections for her, but to hear he may actually court her had you excited to see love blossom, you knew she reciprocated even if she’d never say anything about it, it was always obvious, Wheein always looked flustered and giggly around him before shying away from his smiles.

“Well you can’t just say that and not tell me why he hasn’t!” You pouted as you straightened in your spot causing Jungkook to give a breathy chuckle at having your full attention. 

After a moment he paused before frowning, “Seers aren’t allowed to be romantically involved.” “Well yes, I know that much,” You frowned, “And I understand to a degree but...could an ultimatum be reached…?” 

While you had heard of Seers you weren’t studied in their ways and you didn’t fully grasp how they worked and what a request such as that entailed.

“There could,” Jungkook answered, giving his goblet a swirl as he glanced at you, “But it would mean giving up his position on the guiding hand. And more than anything Taehyung hopes to guide me as head seer once I’m on the throne. I wouldn’t begrudge him if he chose to step down of course. But it’s his decision in the end.” 

Jungkook clacked his tongue, “I will say this much however, Wheein has a good heart and if he breaks it,” Jungkook tucked his tongue into his cheek, “He won’t have her or a position in the end.” 

You almost snorted at his words as you quirked a brow, Jungkook and Wheein rarely ever interacted, you hadn’t realized he held her in such high regard…

Jungkook’s eyes narrowed on the sound that escaped you before he set his goblet down, “She’s a good servant….” He trailed off before sighing as he reluctantly spoke, “...she also…helped me…as a child…” 

“Pardon?” You quirked a brow. 

“I wasn’t always good with a sword…she was…” Jungkook’s ears looked beyond red as his expression twisted into one of exasperation, “We were children and she has four brothers and it made sense that of course she’d be good with a sword-” 

He stopped at the loud laugh that escaped you, he puffed a breath parting his lips multiple times for some sort of sentence to save himself from his own self inflicted embarrassment but he couldn’t muster it at the sight of your smile. 

“You don’t have to explain anything to me,” You laughed out, wiping your eyes from the tears that had formed from how hard you had laughed, “I just think it’s cute! Wheein never told me she helped train you as a child.” 

Jungkook sighed, running a hand through his hair, “Training isn’t an adequate word…it’s more…she sparred with me a lot. Again, we were children, I didn’t understand royalty and protocol or any of that back then…” 

You tilted your head at the sight of his jaw clenching as he spoke lowly, “She probably never brought it up because when it was found out I was sparring with her she had gotten a good scolding from the guard captain about consorting with a royal.”

“Oh…” You ushered softly, a frown forming on your lips. 

“Still, her help is what caused me to pass my swordship rite. She might brush it off but I’ll be forever grateful for that.” Jungkook said with a small nod, “I’d never let any harm come to her if I can help it.” 

A sad expression morphed onto your face as you glanced back out over to the two who looked like children, Taehyung currently chasing Wheein around the pen as she managed to squeeze through the Elk that paid them no mind. 

You felt disheartened at the idea, that they wouldn’t be together in the future. 

You wanted more than anything for Wheein to be happy, and she never looked more like it then when she was with him. And truthfully, you hadn’t seen Taehyung smile nearly as much unless he was with her. 

“Don’t look so sad,” Jungkook snorted, “Seers laws have never stopped him from doing what he wanted,” You turned back to Jungkook as he shrugged, “When Taehyung wants something he gets it. You absolutely did not hear that from me though.” Something akin to a playful smirk tugged on his lips before he looked back down at his sword as he resumed cleaning it. 

You tilted your head a little as you glanced out over the scene where the two down below looked as happy as children. You could only hope that was the case, it would be a pity if they couldn’t be together when it was so obvious they were in love. 

Enjoying the birds chirping and the rustling of tree’s as the wind passed by you inhaled a sharp breath of fresh, crisp air as you closed your book, leaning back against the tree as you closed your eyes as you let out a little yawn. You couldn’t help but feel like it was truly a perfect day. 

Despite your life in Penumbra having been off to a very painful start, things had eventually mellowed out and while you were still adjusting. It had been nearing five months now that you had been living here and while it wasn’t your homeland, you weren’t struggling the way you had been before. 

Yes you still missed Eunoia, dearly. 

But you were now settling in and things didn’t feel as perilous as they once had. Your thoughts did still linger often to what your life was once like and that of course included your old lover 

Your mind had been more hyperactive in the beginning of your stay when it came to thinking of him, wondering what he had been doing, had he already moved on? Was he still yearning for you the way you had him?

Yearning wasn’t a good word to describe it anymore though, five months had made your love for Seokjin feel like a distant memory. Thoughts of him didn’t pop up as frequently anymore though it still made you sad to think about it. 

But then again, you had also resigned yourself at the beginning of your stay, that you would never be able to talk to Seokjin again, let alone see him. It had been such a bitter pill to swallow that during the beginning, you wouldn’t even let yourself think of him for more than a mere few minutes without the threat of possibly crying. 

With all of this in mind; some could probably imagine your surprise when the royal courier had bowed to you before handing you a letter. 

You hadn’t even realized it was possible to send letters to the outside world from Penumbra, the whole ordeal almost felt illegal to you though the courier hardly even batted a lash when he handed it to you. 

The beautiful cursive writing however was unmistakable along with the seal from Kimhae; Seokjin. 

“After the Great War in EX11- mind you this was during the Upheaval of Celestia in Eunoia- Seoul had been nearly wiped off the map, when the new empire rose up it was renamed as a metaphor for what it once was; Penumbra.” Namjoon’s voice was soft spoken as you glanced up at him. 

You had been so lost in your thoughts you had almost forgotten you were even in the library for your study session with Namjoon. Your eyes flickered between him before back down, captivated by the letter- an invitation you received only shortly after you had gotten to the library. 

“Princess?” Namjoon called out, gaining your attention after a moment before you gave a rather sheepish smile beforeing bowing your head in apology. 

Guilt briefly flooded your veins at your lack of attention, here Namjoon was taking time out of his busy schedule to help teach you and you weren’t even giving him your full attention. 

“My apologies,” You spoke softly, a weak smile on your lips as you set down the invitation, “I...supposed I’m just a little distracted…” You felt unsure of how to continue as you glanced down at the paper before out the large window of the great library. 

It was a beautiful sunny day yet again and it truly did brighten the capitol into something less than intimidating when you had first arrived, it would soon be time for lunch.

“...I,” You couldn’t help but giggle as you shook your head, “I’ve been invited to the ball held every Yule in Kimhae. It’s custom for them to send invitations to all the other countries in hopes of setting political differences aside to make merry.” You explained, deciding to keep the minor details out of it.

Namjoon’s lips parted in understanding as he put his book down, offering an understanding smile as he replied, “Ah yes, I’ve heard of Kimhae and their considerably peaceful celebrations with other countries. Penumbra once attended one.”

“Yes!” You immediately nodded as you remembered surprising Namjoon as you laughed, “I was a little girl! I didn’t understand at the time why it was such a shock.” 

“And did you see the Prince there?” Namjoon looked even more in surprise as he leaned in curiously. 

His words made you smile as you thought back on the memory, Jungkook may have grown but he certainly never changed. His eyes were just as piercing and his expression just as cold when he was a child. 

But the more you got to know Jungkook, the more you began to wonder if it was really cold? Or if he was simply just aloof growing up, perhaps even shy? 

“Yes,” You shook your head, you remember meeting eyes a few times with Jungkook but he’d always avoid eye contact, with you and just about nearly every other girl for that matter. 

Somewhere along the lines you as a small child yourself had made it your mission to try and get the little boy to talk to you.

Except he nearly ran away from you every time you had thought you cornered him. 

“He kept running behind his uncle everytime I tried to approach him. Dare I say he looked quite shy back then.” You let out a small giggle at the notion. 

Namjoon shared a laugh with you as he spoke, “Most likely because he was, the Prince was rather sheltered growing up, by the time he was older he was very shy of girls his age, he just used his natural coldness to hide it. It wasn’t until he became of age that he began exploring women.” 

Just his words made you laugh as you shook your head, having a hard time imagining your husband being genuinely shy. 

It would certainly make sense of his completely lost and dumbfound ways when it came to women, at the very least, especially with Seohyun who was not anything like yourself, which seemed obvious right from the moment you met her.

“I take it you will be attending then? It seems you are very familiar with it m’lady.” Namjoon, polite as ever asked as you folded your hands in your lap in thought. 

Would you go? 

You thought about it for a moment, your lips quirking into a frown as you replied, “Well...would I even be allowed to go?” You frowned softly as you glanced at Namjoon, “Kimhae is at least a five day ride and...Truthfully I wasn’t involved in the terms that were worked out when it came to what would be allowed of me after mine and Jungkook’s wedding.” You felt a little embarrassed admitting that but you were a woman after all. 

Who cared if it was your life they were bargaining, why would you even need to know? Inwardly the notion made your blood boil but you put the notion into the back of your head.

Namjoon hummed, “Well I certainly wasn’t involved either,” He offered a weak smile, “But I’m sure if you discussed it with the Prince he’d attend with you. You’d be his partner after all. It would make for an easy way to navigate all of this formal business.” 

You couldn’t help but cringe inwardly at the idea as you mumbled, “Perhaps.”

Asking Jungkook to attend Yule with you, wasn’t what turned you off from the idea, it was more to do with the fact that your ex-lover was hosting and well…You had become acquainted with Seohyun being Jungkook’s ex-lover but…Come to think of it, you don’t know if you had ever spoken of Seokjin to him, how would he react to that?

The question was brief in your mind but it suddenly made you want to snort, well what would it matter anyways? You and Jungkook may be married but it wasn’t as if you were lovers. He probably could give less of a damn who would be there. 

Thoughts of attending swirled in your head as you contemplated it, surprisingly it wasn’t Seokjin you wanted to see but your family. It had been so long since you saw your parents and all you wanted was to be embraced by your mother and to tell her all the private details of what had happened thus far.

But again, if Jungkook gave less than a damn then…well why would he say yes to attending with you? You frowned at the idea, you two might not hate one another anymore but Jungkook would have no reason to say yes…

It made you want to sigh but you withheld it as you withdrew from your mind, clearing your throat, as you attempted to make your voice peppy once more as you continued, “I haven’t decided whether to go or not. Which leads me to my next question- does Penumbra celebrate Yule or something akin to it?” 

Namjoon nodded as he turned to face you, “We celebrate Yule, but there are no merry-making celebrations outside of a feast in the court. The city would be your best bet for holiday activities such as ice carving or skating. Oftentimes there are ice sickles that stick off the rooftops that the town will preserve all winter for Yule to play ice darts with hay bales saved or my personal favorite fire eating while candles are set up to burn.” 

You tilted your head as you listened into fascination as Namjoon continued listing off activities that you had never even heard nor thought of on Yule. Perhaps...you’d stay here in Penumbra this year, for the first time...ever. 

After all attending the ball at Yule in Kimhae was a tradition you held as the Princess of Eunoia, not of Penumbra and maybe it would be best to familiarize yourself with their activities and festivals now that you were a Penumbrian Princess.

“Princess!” The chirped voice of Wheein called out as she waltzed in, pausing to curtsey at the sight of you as she smiled, “Are you to attend lunch? It’s being held on the terrace outside today.”

Both you and Namjoon got up as you gave a short nod with a small smile, “Yes, I haven’t had anything to eat since breakfast this morning. Thank you again for helping me study Namjoon.”

Namjoon gave a dimpled smile as he bowed, “It’s always my sincere pleasure Your Highness, I will see you at our next lesson, and do tell me the conclusion you come to!”

You couldn’t help but give a small laugh as you nodded before following along with Wheein to your room to fresh up and at your request to change clothes into something lighter if you’d be eating outside. 

While it wasn’t hot out, it could be due to all the layers you had been wearing indoors.

“Are you sure Princess?” Wheein tilted her head at your choice of dress.

You set the letter down on your vanity as you paused to look at her, “Yes, It’s a gorgeous dress and perfect for something like today. Is there a reason I shouldn’t?” 

She offered a dimpled smile of her own, “No, it’s just the Prince has been very strict about making sure none of your burns be exposed in the sun during the healing process.” 

This made you snort, how come you always found out things about Jungkook from Wheein and not from him yourself? You supposed it was due to his reserved nature, cold upfront but caring from afar. 

It might’ve annoyed you back during your first month but it was…oddly endearing. 

“Then he can simply deal with it, none of my burns will be exposed,” You snorted with amusement making Wheein giggle a little as she began to redress you into the gown. 

It was simple but elegant and for once a pop of color in your wardrobe, it was a pale sage green color and fit rather snug on your body. 

The top was completely sleeveless and had a sweetheart neckline but a thin vail of chiffon had held it up creating a neckline and another piece folded over giving you a sense of coverage that draped to your elbows. 

Simple but pretty. 

Wheein rearranged your hair before you stepped outside your room, letting her escort you down to the terrace. Today seemed busy as servants and maids had ushered by you both, not in a nervous energy but in the bustling castle that had so much sunshine in a single week. 

It was a notable difference compared to the usual lethargic energy on the normal gray days. 

Stepping outside on the cobblestone bridge that led down a set of stairs towards the terrace, a triangle roof overhead provided a much needed shade as a warm breeze passed by. Walking down the long strip you admired the meadow in the distance that danced alongside the wind before you were guided down the stairs. 

“We’ll need to secure the perimeter of the guards and make sure it’s what we think it is. If it’s a Ashe Wolf we’re going to have problems,” Jungkook seemed relatively serious as he spoke to Hoseok, but the moment his eyes spotted your exposed shoulders a frown immediately planted on his lips, his conversation now cut off at the sight of you before looking at Wheein, “Had I not made myself clear…?” 

Wheein offered a weak smile, “It was her insistence to wear what she wanted.” 

“It was,” You replied as you tilted your head, “Maybe consult me next time you try to control my wardrobe.” 

Jungkook snorted as he walked closer to you both alongside Hoseok, “I do control your wardrobe.” 

“Very charming sire.” Hoseok jabbed, a sharp smile on his lips, as if taunting his friend, “For what it’s worth I think you look lovely today Princess.” 

Jungkook’s gaze snapped to Hoseok, his glare just a tad colder than before as he stepped to your side, “Since you’re so stubborn let’s get you at least out of the sunlight.” 

You were surprised at the elbow he offered you before you looked between the two, Wheein had to look away alongside Hoseok, both looking as if they desperately wanted to laugh. You offered a gentle smile before you carefully looped your arm around his. 

“I didn’t realize it was sunny beneath the terrace.” You commented, somewhat cheeky as Jungkook let you both towards the table, you wouldn’t deny that his action made you feel a bit bashful.

Jungkook’s gaze flickered between you and then towards the table, “Sit and eat.” Was all he said, and had this been earlier in your marriage you might have been offended as his plain, brash words, but something about his expression…

Seeing the slightest flush on his ears made you smile, saying nothing more as you sat down next to him. Lunch had been quiet and you had enjoyed your meal, a sense of contentment filling you as you looked out over the meadow. 

“What was that you were talking about?” You asked softly as you began to eat, “With Hoseok?” 

Jungkook sat down beside you as he sighed, seeming somewhat tired as he leaned back in his seat, “Something has been killing the Elk in the meadow. We suspect it to be a Ashe Wolf.” 

You frowned at his words as you looked out over the meadow, “Ashe Wolves don’t usually roam so close to civilization, are you sure?” 

“Nothing else could take down an elk as easily as one, there’s also been multiple sightings in Broadshed, the village that is just past the thicket of the wilderness beyond the meadow.” Jungkook hummed out, his gaze slowly turning to you, “I didn’t take you for the hunting kind.” 

Your lips quirked a little as you leaned back in your seat, “You mistake my words, I’m not a hunter. I just…” You folded your hands, feeling a bit silly at what you were about to ask, “Would it be possible to lead the Ashe Wolf away and back into the wilderness? They tend to not be volatile towards humans unlike they’re smaller counterpart.” 

You knew it sounded stupid but, well, you didn’t like the idea of killing something that belonged to nature, especially if it was possibly looking for something, which the ashe wolf would have too if it was bordering the meadow so closely. 

Jungkook looked at you for a long moment as you sighed somewhat defeatedly, “Well don’t look at me like that…” 

“You’re the only woman I know that would advocate for something as massive and grisly as a Ashe Wolf to not be killed.” Jungkook said with dismay as he shook his head, “You’re really not going to like what I tell you next then.” 

“How so?” You asked a pout beginning to quirk on your lips. 

Jungkook sighed, his face scrunching a little as if not looking forward to what he was about to tell you, “My father requested that it not only be slain but to preserve it’s head so that we could mount it onto the throne room’s wall.” 

“What!?” You cried out, straightening up in your chair, you had never heard of a practice that seemed so…cruel. Ashe wolves weren’t trophies to hang on the walls of the castle, especially when the king wasn’t even the one going to kill it.

Jungkook sighed, “It is excessive,” His words were soft if not a little quiet, “I’d rather just make it quick and not let the beast suffer.” 

“Are you going to do it for him then?” You asked, a frown on your face as you glanced back down at the spring salad that was presented quite beautifully if you took the time to appreciate it. 

Jungkook didn’t reply for a long moment before he sighed, “Well, truthfully I’m not going to go out of my way for something as superficial as what he wants. But if it just so happens we kill it while preserving the head then he can mount it.”

You said nothing more, trying not to think about it otherwise it might upset you, at the very least you liked that Jungkook was kind enough to not let the animal suffer. Rather than continuing to think about it you decided to shift your focus to something else. 

Looking back out over the meadow made you want to run through the soft fields and prickle of grass against your feet. Wind occasionally passed by blowing the brush around and the sun was poking through thick fluffy clouds. It was rather hot but the wind seemed considerably cool against your skin. It reminded you of Eunoia. 

“Jungkook?” 

He hummed in response, a goblet in hand and his eyes were cast out over the meadow as well, he seemed deep in thought these days, or maybe you were just getting to know him more personally. Once upon time his energy seemed so cold and rigid, intense even. 

But now he seemed relaxed and energy he carried was so calm that it felt like it wrapped around you like a blanket, or could you be stressed in his presence if he wasn’t himself? 

You tried to keep a straight face but you ended up letting out a small laugh at the stupid question that was floating in the back of your mind. 

Jungkook’s gaze flickered from the meadow to you, a brow quirking in question. 

“I know you enjoy swinging a sword, but do you enjoy anything outside of that?” You asked, trying to hold in another laugh but the look on his face was almost priceless. 

“Of course I do.” Jungkook replied, almost offended that you’d think that about him, but considering how quiet he was, it seemed like you often had to pry to get to know him in terms of more surface level things. 

“Such as?” You prodded with an endeared smile at his expression faltering a little, “Well? Don’t leave me in such suspense?” 

You curiously peered at Jungkook as he shifted in his seat, almost apprehensive before he replied, “...you’ll laugh at me.” 

“I won’t.” You said, perking up a bit, now even more curious than before as Jungkook sighed. 

Jungkook stared down at his goblet as he mumbled something out. 

“Pardon?” 

“I said I enjoy gardening.” Jungkook gritted his teeth, shoulders tense now before he puffed a breath, sulking back into his seat, “Or pottery, or painting, or anything to do with my hands really.” 

He was sulked in his seat refusing to look at you until he heard the worst case scenario in his mind escape you, a laugh. And even more giggles following after as his gaze snapped to yours, it was difficult to be truly mad at the smile that graced your lips, “You said you wouldn’t laugh!” 

“I’m not laughing at you I swear!” You said between giggles as you twisted a little in your chair to face him better, letting your laughter die down as your lips melted into a tiny smile, “I just think it’s endearing, that you enjoy that. Why would I laugh at something like that?” 

Jungkook seemed almost taken aback by your words, his eyes flitting back to the meadow, it was quiet for what felt like a long time before he spoke, “Because it’s not something a Penumbrian Prince should enjoy taking part in.” 

You quirked your head a little at his words, somewhat confused. Seokjin was heavily into the arts and always loved to write you poetry when he was away. What was so wrong with being a Prince and enjoying the fine arts?

But then again…Penumbra had a heavily different culture compared to most other kingdoms, you thought back to your first night in the dining hall, where you were ruthlessly teased- if not flat out disrespected for not partaking in eating meat. 

As if that made you a lesser being somehow. 

Would that translate to something like this?

“You’re speaking to what once was a Eunoian Princess though,” You finally spoke, tapping your lower lip in thought, “And I would love to try gardening together come spring.”

This caused Jungkook’s eyes to meet yours, he was expressionless making it difficult for you to figure out how he felt in the moment, other than maybe surprised at your words.

You offered a gentle smile, “Flora is sacred in Eunoia- naturally. It would make me very happy to be able to flourish a little piece of that here in Penumbra, with you and your blessing of course.” 

Jungkook puffed a breath, his eyes finally leaving yourself as if he looked almost in disbelief as he mumbled, “You don’t need my blessing to do it.” But then his expression shifted ever so slightly, as if something in his thoughts amused him, “But I will warn you, I can’t ever get anything to bloom. The gardens have been barren for a long time, so you’ll have to be patient.” 

“With you or the garden?” You teased lightly. 

“Both, probably.” Jungkook spoke, his words tad soft as he took a sip from his goblet. 

You only smiled softly before you stood up from your seat, causing Jungkook to mirror you as you both pushed in your chairs. 

“Well I don’t suppose you have any free time during the rest of your day?” You asked as you looked up at him. 

Jungkook frowned, “No, I have to meet with Namjoon and the Royal Guard to go over our new rotations and figure out how to go from here with the Ashe Wolf situation, it’ll go until the evening at least and then I have-”

“She’s here, oh my gods! Hide me!” 

Jimin looked like a bat out of hell as he ran down the stairs, eyes locking onto Jungkook who looked dumbfounded, “Jungkook! Please, help me! Please! I can’t go back there again!” 

Jimin looked like he was on the verge of tears- though he was being so dramatic that it was difficult to take it serious, you hadn’t seen him in weeks and just like that, he suddenly appeared out of thin air it seemed. 

“I thought you were in Verg?” Jungkook quirked a brow, ignoring his friends' theatrics. 

“Was. I was in Verg!” Jimin cried out, grabbing Jungkook’s shirt with plea.

“Until…?” Jungkook raised a brow, it was almost comical how different the two were acting. 

“The War Matron bloody showed up talking about how she was going to eat me alive in bed!” Jimin’s eyes were wide with horror. 

You however let out the most unlady like laugh as you snorted, “You? Running away from a woman? That’s a first.”

Jimin looked over to you like a helpless puppy as he cried out, “You don’t get it Princess! I’ve known her since I was a child! And now she wants to bed me! I wouldn’t survive that, I just wouldn’t!” 

You couldn’t stop laughing as you peered over at Jungkook, his expression caught you by surprise though. His eyes looked anywhere but at Jimin as he frowned, “...You're on your own.” 

Your brows shot up in surprise and amusement at how resigned Jungkook was- almost, dare you say, fearful? When had Jungkook ever been afraid of anything? 

“There you are, little boy.” 

A deep feminine voice sounded out, a loud smack of boots hit each step as a tall woman stepped down the stairs. She looked to be in her mid forties and she was even taller than Jungkook by at least four inches, her hair thick strands of black and her skin seemed fairly tan as if she was often in the sun. 

Which would make sense given she was wearing a heavy set of silver armor. 

Your gaze snapped over to Jungkook who you could’ve sworn had just taken a massive step away from you both and Jimin hurriedly followed to hide behind him. 

The woman paused at the sight of Jungkook and you curiously waited to see what she’d do, “Still haven’t grown an inch huh kid.” She quirked a brow before letting out a hearty chuckle, smacking his shoulder as he winced a little, “But my little nephew has gotten quite strong.” 

Her eyes flickered from Jungkook and much to your surprise, her deep brown eyes met yours as if in curiosity before realization must’ve hit. 

“My, my, the Eunoian Princess.” She purred out, nearly making you flush at how sensual her voice was, she had a minx like smile on her face as she stepped up to you, peering down at you as she gave a bow, “I heard of your bravery during the fire in the market, it’s a great honor to have you in our court and treat us as your own.” 

“Oh thank you,” You smiled a little bashfully, “It’s an honor to be here. You are…?”

“War Matron Jeon Areum.” She introduced herself, her chin lifted a little proud. The last name made you raise your brows a little as you briefly looked at Jungkook, he had never mentioned Areum before, but she called him her nephew which only meant… “I’m the sister of the King. I would’ve come to the wedding but I was head of the expansion of the East.” 

You let out a brief laugh, somewhat bashful still as you lowered your gaze somewhat shy under her powerful gaze, “Oh it’s okay, you didn’t miss much truthfully…” 

“Tell me,” Areum drew out her words as she stepped a little closer, lowering her voice, “Is that child treating you well? Not giving you a hard time? Because I’ll string him up-” 

“Aunt give her a little space.” Jungkook’s voice was cold, obviously overhearing the conversation as he suddenly stood right beside you, in fact he was nearly invading your personal space himself as an arm coiled around your waist. 

Areum’s eyes flickered from his hand to him before a smirk cast on her lips as she took a step back, “Do I need to remind you of the duel incident Jungkook? Because we can have another if you truly wish” 

You glanced up at Jungkook, his jaw clenched before his lips twitched, suddenly his eyes flicked away from hers in an odd hesitation that made him look like a puppy being scalded, this caused a small giggle to erupt from you. You had never seen Jungkook look so hesitant to talk back before. 

“...No.” Jungkook finally spoke, “You made it very clear the first time.” He rubbed the back of his neck in almost exasperation. 

“Good, that’s what it was meant to do.” Areum spoke, her lips quirked into another smirk as she offered a hand out to you, “Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to steal your wife for a while, I’d love to get to know her.” 

You reached out for it but Jimin cut you off, “Princess…!” There was plea in his voice as he popped out from behind Jungkook. 

Areum’s eyes twisted into a scalding glare at Jimin, “Boy don’t interfere where you don’t belong. Unless you want to be taken to my room for punishment…”

This caused Jimin to visibly shrink back. 

You glanced at Jungkook but he refused to even meet her gaze as you quirked a brow in amusement, “I’d be happy to accompany you. Seeing as my husband is too busy for me right now anyways.” 

“Oh is he?” Areum’s gaze snapped to Jungkook. 

“My duty to Penumbra comes first, does it not?” Jungkook spoke but he seemed resigned to whatever she was about to reply with. 

“It does not, family always comes first.” Areum gritted her teeth as she leaned down to meet his gaze, almost condescending as she gave him a gritted smile, “You’re stubborn just like your father, you know that?” 

Jungkook’s eyes met hers before his lips twitched, “I’m nothing like him.”

Areum’s lips curled into something of amusement, “Then act like it.” 

And with that, she carefully took your hand, hooking arms with you as she guided you up the stairs. 

“My apologies for my crude façade,” Areum looked down at you with a small smile, “They may have grown into fine young men but I’ll always see them as two little boys smacking each other with their wooden swords, sometimes men need a lashing like one as well.” 

You offered a weak smile, “But Jimin said…?” 

Areum snorted as she lead you down the long open corridor towards the entrance to the castle, “I overheard the swamp rat boasting that he could bed any women with a single look, which I didn’t care about until he mentioned my name,” She rolled her eyes, “I made it my personal mission to make his life a living hell since and so far I think I’ve done a good job of it, don’t you?” 

You let out a laugh as you raised a brow, “Well I’ve never seen either of them cower in fear before, so I suppose you have. I’m curious Areum why do they call you the War Matron?” 

She glanced out over the fields of the meadow as you both slowed to a eased stroll, deep in thought before she spoke, “I trained the underlings before they’re sent to battle- or at least I did during the Five Year War. After the wars had been settled I wanted to make use of myself outside Penumbra and wanted to expand our land further East towards the groves.” 

You briefly remembered Jungkook mentioning being an underling along with Hoseok and Jimin but he never mentioned it was his own aunt who had trained them. You briefly wondered as to why before you asked, “Is it a position then…?” 

“A title and position both I suppose,” Areum hummed out, something peaceful in her eyes, her voice a pleasantly dulcet tone, “I led the battle of Kirrav and then the siege of Mont Clair right after. The only woman allowed to fight.” She puffed a breath, her eyes slowly melding into a silent storm as if the idea infuriated her, “Truthfully I think they let me in hopes I wouldn’t return.” 

Entering the castle you curiously looked up at her once more, Areum certainly held the beauty of a Jeon with thick raven black hair and deep mahogany eyes that seemed warm and inviting whenever she looked down at you. 

A few knicks could be seen on her face though, a slight cut above her lip a little towards the right side, a slit in her left eyebrow, a few cut marks on her neck. All faded but they didn’t escape your vision. 

A frown formed on your face at her words however, she didn’t say who but…well it certainly wasn’t hard to imagine who it could be. After all the king had never mentioned a sister and neither had Jeong Dae, the two brothers, no matter how much they loved to boringly reminisce on their, they had never mentioned a sister before. 

“But I did,” Areum clacked her tongue, a cat like smile on her face as she quirked a brow, noticing your crestfallen expression as she continued, “Don’t look so sullen Princess, you can’t let the bastards keep you down, otherwise that would mean letting them win.” 

“Is that what you told yourself, during the five year war?” You asked, a soft note in your voice. 

Areum let out a mischievous smile as she shrugged, “It’s how I’ve felt my whole life, I once lived with aspirations but the older I get the more I find myself living out of the pure spite of pissing my brothers off.” 

You both paused in front of a room, presumably Areum’s as a maid had been waiting for you both, giving a small courtesy as she opened the door. 

Stepping inside it was rather regal inside, mauves and deep maroon colors painted the room in an elegant way, a divider set up as Areum walked behind it with the maid as you sat on the chair of the vanity patiently. 

“So Princess,” Areum called out, “Now that my little nephew isn’t here, why don’t you tell me the truth. How much of a prick has he been?” 

This made you giggle, looking down at your bandaged hands as you felt yourself falter a little at the sight. You quickly shook off the feeling as you spoke, “Well, truthfully we hated one another in the beginning.” 

This made Areum let out a laugh as she replied, “Oh really?” 

“Yes, it was horrible,” You admitted, though a little amused thinking back on it, “Both of us were mourning our lost relationships, and we both said very hurtful things to one another.” 

“But…?” 

“Well,” You inhaled softly as you looked back down at your hands once more, “After many altercations and months of arguing, I wanted to have a peace of mind. I wanted to understand Penumbra and more than anything, I at least wanted to understand Jungkook. It was slow at first, it still is but…I think we’re beginning to understand each other better now.” 

“Good,” Areum spoke, her voice a tad softer as she walked back out from behind the divider, now out of armor and in a sleek mauve dress with flowing sleeves and deep plunge neckline, “I’ve been worried about him,” She frowned a little as she sighed, “When Yui died and I was sent to battle…I feared the worse for him, Jeong Dae has no respect for women let alone decency for them and I know he’s attempted to inflict those same beliefs onto Jungkook.” 

“What about the king?” You asked quietly, now wondering why she was telling you all of this, it seemed so…sudden, or maybe she was simply an open person. 

What you could tell however, was that Areum was sincere, you could see it in her eyes, they seemed so soft now compared to when she spoke to Jungkook and Jimin, as if she was bearing a piece of herself that was usually reserved. 

“Dae Seong is too busy running the kingdom to care, as long as Jungkook does his duty. I had thought he would love and care for Jungkook even more when Yui died but…” She sighed as she shook her head, taking a seat across from you as she crossed her ankles, “It seemed like when she died, he did as well, he completely cut himself off from everything and everyone, his own son included so it seems. I tried my best to be there for the boy but…” 

Areum only shook her head, “I wasn’t allowed to be close to him except for the one year I spent training him as an underling.”

“Areum,” You ushered softly, gaining her attention as you tilted your head slightly, “Why are you telling me all of this? I’m but a stranger to you.” 

And at this Areum let out a hesitant smile as she glanced away from you, thinking long and hard about that question before she finally spoke, “Sometimes, it is better to confide in a stranger then a friend. You have a big reputation Princess, a heart so pure she’d surely be a Dryad Matron, no? But even more importantly, you’re the biggest piece on the board right now.” 

You frowned at her words, no quite understanding what she meant. She spoke cryptically and it was hard to gather what she was drawing.

“How so?” You scoffed somewhat amused, “I’m a stranger in this court and it isn’t hard to tell I’m not welcome here.” 

“That’s not the point Princess,” Areum urged you, “Whether you’re welcomed or not doesn’t matter. You hang in the balance between everything that’s going on. I cannot say much, but I will say this, be vigilant Princess, many have different ideas of the part you’ll play in the future.” 

Your lips gapped a little, wanting to pursue the conversation but Areum had already stood up, a mischievous smile on her face as she gestured to you, “Now let us go have tea, I’ve been craving for Dew Drop since I left years ago.” 

Letting out a sigh you let go of the conversation as you nodded, following behind her. The day had melted into the evening and Wheein had eventually found her way to you but not before being greeted well by Areum. 

Eventually you both had parted ways before dinner as it was Sunday meaning you would be dining with the Jeons tonight and you had asked Wheein to help you change into something more suitable for the presence of the king.

Looking in the mirror you peered down at the long black dress, it was a color you weren’t used to wearing as it was a mournful color in Eunoia- you hadn’t been a stranger to this of course, during your youth of the five year war you had often wore it in respect for all the lost refugees that had come to your kingdom in desperation.

Just the memories were enough to make your heartache. 

But here in Penumbra, black seemed to be a color of power, often worn by many of the aristocrats that joined court meals. The neckline of your dress sparkled in dark onyx gems which weaved with gold that haltered around your neck, the sleeves were short and hung against your shoulders exposing the tops of them. 

Your hair had been styled back with accent pieces of gold to match as well. While you missed the old brighter colors you wore in Eunoia, you were slowly becoming accustomed to the more darker palette Penumbrian’s preferred to dress in. 

“Well Princess?” Wheein took a proud step back from her work as she clasped her hands, “We have enough time to change you into another gown if this isn’t to your liking.” 

You offered a small smile as you stood up, “Of course I love it, that won’t be necessary. Will you escort me to the private dining quarters?”

Wheein smiled happily as she nodded, opening the door of your room for you before leading you down the hall, “How do you feel Princess?” 

“Pardon?” You asked softly, having been looking out one of the big windows that overlooked the kingdom as you passed the pane by. 

“About Penumbra? In general, how do you feel Princess,” Wheein looked back at you with a soft smile, “You seem happier these days, given everything that’s happened.” 

You hummed out as you looked down at your bandaged hands, “Well, I do feel better then I had when I first arrived. I do still have some…doubts…” 

Wheein frowned, “Why would that be m’lady?” 

“The duel with Seohyun…” You sighed with a sad frown as you shook your head, “It keeps plaguing the back of my head. Being injured has already delayed my training enough as it is but…It makes me nervous whatever the outcome will be.” 

Wheein offered you a weak smile, “Please don’t worry Princess, we’re all here for you and will support you during this. As soon as Taehyung clears you for training you’ll feel a little more at ease.” 

You had been patient with yourself so far, but now with Areum’s return and her cryptic words, it had you feeling on edge and you couldn’t describe how or why. You supposed Wheein was right though, once you started your training you’d feel better…hopefully. 

Weaving through many corridors and passing the main foyer Wheein had finally stopped at the doors of the west wing of the castle- solely dedicated to His Majesty, “Well, good luck m’lady, I’ll be here when you’re finished.”

You offered a smile as you quietly thanked her before she opened the door for you. 

All eyes of the room were on you, once upon time you had been scared to death to enter this room, but these days going weekly has steeled your nerves to a certain degree. 

You still felt an edge of nervousness, that would surely never go away under the intimidating cool gaze of the King, you had immediately noticed a stiff tension in the room however which made you innately want to turn around and run for it.

Ignoring your mind however you stepping forward into the room as the doors shut behind you, you dropped into a small courtesy as you lowered your gaze, there was a thick tension in the room but you couldn’t detect why, standing up fully the King’s gaze was on you inspecting you carefully before he nodded, gesturing you to sit down. 

What you had noticed however was the different alignment of chairs, you usually sat across from Jungkook but today, an empty chair was beside him where he sat, currently lounged out having been looking bored until you entered. 

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” You ushered quietly, a nervous smile on your lips as you sat in the empty seat, a servant pushing you in beside Jungkook. 

It wasn’t hard to see you clearly had.

“Even if you had, we wouldn't speak of anything of true importance in front of the likes of you.” Jeong Dae, who had been sitting across from Jungkook, gave you a sharp smile and it was difficult to tell the man held you in low regard. 

Jungkook exhaled somewhat loudly, gaining the attention of the others as he boredly swirled his ale, “Uncle don’t you think it’s time to lower the pretenses? She’s a Jeon now.” 

Jeong Dae’s eyes darted to Jungkook as his lids slowly lowered into a show of displeasure at his nephew's words, “When did you become so soft?”

A sort of tension returned once more and this made you frown, your gaze flickering to Jungkook and you assumed he would have that cold glare of his, but then the oddest thing happened. Jungkook let out a chuckle, as if the sight of his Uncle’s anger amused him, “I’m no such thing and we both know that. It’s as my own father said; she is a Jeon and must be treated as such.” 

Jungkook looked at his father, his gaze almost cunning as he quirked a brow, looking for confirmation. 

Dae Seong shifted in his seat thoughtfully before he sighed, “You lot are far more trouble than you’re worth.” He rubbed his chin before he nodded while waving a hand to Jungkook, “But the boy is correct, you should treat her as our own kin Jeong Dae. Word has it you’ve been helping the outer villages yes?”

You straightened in your seat, trying to figure out how this conversation had quickly twisted into being about you. Often at dinner with the king you usually stayed quiet and observed conversation, occasionally giving a few meek comments where they were due, but otherwise you rarely spoke. 

“Yes,” You stuttered, nodding your head before you lowered your gaze in somewhat of a frown, “But ever since my injuries I haven’t been able to tend to them as I had before, I do wish to return it once I’m recovered though.” 

Dae Seong nodded as he turned his gaze to his brother, “See? Though they aren’t great achievements, the Eunoian Princess is giving back to our nation.” 

Jeong Dae however only snorted, his eyes a deep brown eyes matched the rest of the family aside from your husbands, however the one trait they all had was that icy cold glare, “Last I heard she was stealing from the castle's pantry to give away freely.” 

Your lips parted in somewhat offense at that statement, “I wasn’t stealing anything, you can even ask the head chef himself, I spoke to him personally to ask what we could give to the outer districts. There’s many fresh loaves that were being thrown away before. As he told me, the royals said they weren’t suitable for them. I asked that I take them and distribute them to those who could use it instead of something so wasteful.”

Jeong Dae’s lips curled into a mean smile as he raised a brow, “You suggest that our court is wasteful? That we? Who were once in poverty would be unthankful and wasteful of our abundance?” 

You sat back in your seat silent for a long moment in frustration, that wasn’t what you…!

“No, by all means Princess, tell us how you really feel about our nation, that our ways are barbaric and horrendous to you.” Jeong Dae goaded you further.

Your lips twitched and you were once again reminded the eyes of the King were on you and you had to restrain yourself, “I’m merely saying that food is a blessing to all, but too much of an abundance should be given out to those less fortunate, no? I am no liar and I would dare not disrespect Penumbra’s ways. I saw a flaw in the system and I wanted to change it, that’s all.” 

“And who gave you the authority to do so, little girl?” Jeong Dae challenged with a sneer. 

“Jeong Dae, do you ever shut up?” Areum spoke, though muffled as she grabbed her drumstick, yanking a chunk of meat out as she chewed, “Stop giving the girl grief over bread, do you not have better things to speak of?” 

This made Dae Seong snort in amusement, “Yes I do believe we have better things to discuss.” 

You lowered your gaze back to your plate, a vegetable soup presented to you which made your mouth water, having not realized how hungry you were as you began to eat. 

You could feel Jeong Dae’s glare on you but he relented with a sigh, now sounding bored, “By all means.” 

The King resumed eating once more as if content that his family had finally shut up as he began to spoke, “With Mabon approaching I intend for the court to attend the big festival in the streets of the capitol.”

“I don’t suppose we’re going out of enjoyment of the festivals.” Areum asked. 

“No,” Dae Seong replied, “One of our elite patrols notified me that Rosewood is planning an assassination attempt and framing the Guard Captain for attempting to overthrow our family.” 

It became quiet at the table as you shifted warily in your seat, you hadn’t been caught up on all the in house political fights, mainly because they were often petty and so long as the common people were left out of it you didn’t really care. 

But clearly the in house politics of Penumbra were vastly different then in Eunoia, which at this point wasn’t that big of a shock to you, but still, to be planning something as big as an assassination…? There must have been a lot of strife among the aristocrats for it to be pushed this far. You briefly looked at Jungkook, making a mental note to ask him more about all of this later. 

“Has this source been verified?” Jungkook asked, not looking too concerned about it as he leaned back in his seat. 

“No, but it isn’t something we should make light of.” Dae Seong answered. 

“Mm, yes.” Areum nodded as well, “Ever since we agreed to end the war with Kyoto and hold an alliance with Eunoia the Rosewood’s have been in an uproar. If they succeeded in usurping our family they’d surely plunge Penumbra back into war and use the Princess as ransom.” 

You stared down at your bowl of soup, whatever hunger you had slowly beginning to be curbed at the idea. Everything your country had worked so hard for…being completely decimated because of a political war within Penumbra, your marriage to Jungkook, everything you had done, your entire life. 

Gone. 

“If this is a planned assassination, then why are we showing our presence at the festival then?” Jeong Dae asked, slumped in his seat with his chin resting on the palm of his hand. 

“Because if we don't, the Roseblood’s intend to make a big show of us and attempt to turn the people against us. The streets have been stirring ever since the market fire saying that the royal’s are no longer taking care of them. Which is why the Princess will give a very heartfelt speech about the incident and promise her next year of work will be dedicated towards rebuilding the district.” 

“I am…?” Your voice was just above a whisper in confusion as you looked at the king. 

“You are.” Dae Seong answered, “You’ve shown enough loyalty that I’ll allow this. You will be given a budget to work with and a crew of men to direct as to what is built and who to sell what shops too, this is a good introduction into getting to know the aristocrats and the higher common people. That won’t be a problem will it?” 

You hurriedly shook your head, “No, of course not.” You hadn’t expected to be given any sort of real responsibility in the court, you had assumed this since you had begun your stay in Penumbra, so for this to be said was a delighted surprise. It made you nervous but you knew it would be good for you to have something to focus on.

It made sense though, despite your wedding having not been long ago, it would be coming up on almost 6 months now and now that you have begun to truly settle into Penumbra you did feel more ready to take on formal responsibility now then you did back then. 

“For the festival, I don’t suppose we’re attending without any sort of plan?” Jungkook spoke up, his eyes curious as he looked at his father 

Dae Seong puffed a breath with amusement, “I will discuss that with you tomorrow morning in the War Room, for tonight, we shall celebrate the return of Areum back home.” And though the king had said to celebrate, the most you could do was fret over the next few months and what would come of it. 

#bts #jungkook #jeon jungkook #jungkook x reader #jungkook x y/n #jungkook smut #jungkook x reader smut #bts jungkook #bts fanfic #bts au

[letarasstuff]

Notice me!

(A/N): This was requested by an anon. I hope you like it1

Summary: Teenagers at JJ's daughter's school get attacked. Does she fit the victomology?

Warnings: feeling uncared for

Wordcount: 2.7k

✨Masterlist✨ ___________________________________

“Good morning, my lovelies. The good news: The case is local. The bad news: Somebody is attacking teenage girls from the same high school”, Penelope starts the briefing, dressed in a bright pink dress with matching accessories.

“Are they from the same class? Age?” Hotch asks, looking over the file. Upon opening her own, JJ feels like her heart stops. “Negative, the three girls are from different years even. The only connection is the school.” “It’s (Y/N)’s school. She-she is a Junior there. I-Hotch?” Desperately she looks at her boss.

The team’s eyes soften. It’s already difficult with minors involved, but when it gets personal the case is a thousand times harder.

“Call her and tell her we get her to answer a few questions. At this point we can be sure it’s someone from the staff or a student. Time is the essence. Reid and JJ, you get (Y/N). Morgan and Prentiss, you question the first two. Dave and I take the last one and then go to the crime scenes. Garcia, I want you to find out anything about the victims and their families. Check their social media sites and look out for anything that connects them”, the Unit Chiefs orders.

Everybody gets up immediately. JJ has her phone already at hand. The longer it takes her daughter to take the call, the more nervous she gets.

“Mom? Did something happen? You know exactly I’m at school. I don’t wanna get in-” “Honey, Uncle Spence and I come to get you. There is something we have to question you about.” The teenager is silent for a moment. “It’s about the girls that got beaten up, isn’t it?”

Her mother sighs. Of course nothing like that stays quiet for long. “Yes, it is.” JJ doesn’t see the point in lying to her. “Ok. Uhm, can you just question me at school? I really don’t wanna leave, because I have soccer practice after school for the game this evening.”

A little light blinks at that in JJ’s mind. “Isn’t it that important game, where scouts are coming?” (Y/N) begins to smile. Her mother remembers it. Maybe she does pay attention to her. Maybe, just maybe, she pays enough to come and see her. After all she even took a day off for Henry’s recital last time.

“Yes, you said you will come and cheer for me.” JJ’s heart aches. She knows that her oldest often backs down due to her mother’s job. More often than the blonde agent likes to admit she has stood her daughter up to save someone’s life. “I try to be there in time, Honey. I can’t promise you anything, though. Just let us hope we solve this case quickly, ok?”

(Y/N)’s shoulders drop. Of course, how could she be this naive to think her mother cares enough to at least try to make it to her probably most important game? “Alright. Text me when you are here or just get me excused at the secretary's office. Bye.”

JJ looks at her phone in puzzlement. The teenager always is understanding of her job and the sacrifices it takes. One night under a lot of tears she confessed to her mother that everytime she is away on a case, she is in the greatest state of worry. Will reported repeatedly that (Y/N) is miserable whenever her mother isn’t at home.

So she told her daughter about the pact she made with her sister. Any time they miss each other, they go out and look at the moon, knowing that they see the same. JJ also admitted that she and Henry are the reason she is even working as a profiler. The agent wants to make the world safer for her kids. A safe space, where they can grow up and go to the park without worrying about Stranger Danger or anything else.

“Is everything ok?” Spencer asks as he sees his best friend frozen on the spot. JJ looks up to him, spotting concern in his eyes. “Yeah, no. I don’t know? It’s just, (Y/N) has an important soccer game tonight with scouts coming and such and I’m not sure if I can get there in time because of the case. She sounded really sad when I told her that. You know, I’m incredibly proud of her for getting this far and she plays really well. Scratch that, she is amazing. Especially knowing (Y/N) is responsible enough to think about college in her junior year makes me swell with pride”, she gushes unknowingly.

Spencer smiles. “I see, she is just like her mother. I’m sure (Y/N) will come around, she loves you so much and knows how difficult our job is.” JJ nods, trying to believe him.

Not long after that the duo enters the secretary’s office, explaining the situation. He immediately notifies the teenager’s teacher and a few minutes later (Y/N) opens the door. “There is an empty classroom we can use, I already asked Mr Boyle. He is such a sweetheart”, she tells her mother and uncle.

“Thank you for consenting to answer our questions. (Y/N), do you know the girls?” Spencer begins after settling down. “I do. One of them, Amy, is on the soccer team with me. We mostly talk about her family. She is in love with her little sister. The other two, Rosa and Gina, are in Freshmen. I tutored Gina briefly until her mother said she doesn’t need it.”

Unfortunately (Y/N) isn’t able to tell more useful information. “Thank you so much, Honey. Have fun at your practice later”, JJ tells her while embracing the teenager. “Yeah, thanks. Do you come home tonight?” Her mother sighs.

“I get it, you don’t know. Ok, I don’t wanna interfere any longer. Maybe you are able to solve the case faster. Stay safe. Love you!” Quickly she picks her bag up and leaves the room.

JJ looks at the genius with a face that says “Do you know what I mean?”

“My lovelies, all three girls don’t have the best connection to their parents. They often complain about the missing approval. Do you think that it’s a kid from their classes?” Garcia informs them as the team gathers back around the round table.

Rossi shakes his head. “The crimes are too organized for a kid. Every girl was drugged, but we don’t know how. Then the UnSub waits for the drug to kick in and takes her to a vacant spot, where the beating occurs. And all of this happens right after classes end. It has to be a staff member, probably a teacher.”

“Yeah, but there is one detail that doesn’t sit right with me”, Derek pipes up, “The connection between the girls is the bad relationship with their parents. It has to be someone, who is reminded by their own dysfunctional family.”

“Garcia, look for someone from the area, his comfort zone shows that he knows remote areas that you don’t find by accident. He has to be from D.C.” Spencer instructs her.

“Okidoki, boy won- Wait, are we looking for a male?” Hotch nods. “We are, the amount of strength used to beat up the girls suggests a male, same with the amount of hatred.”

Emily looks unsure. “This sounds all right, but why is he choosing the girls? What does he relive by hurting them? How does it help him?”

JJ wants to partake in the mindstorming, but a ping from her phone distracts her from saying her thoughts out loud. It’s a text message from (Y/N)

If you find the time in your busy schedule to read this, be informed that Will and Henry won’t come to the game tonight, because Henry has a spontaneous playdate. Don’t worry, he brought me my inhaler to school already.

(Y/N) sighs after sending the text. Is it really too much work for her mother to make room for her? This is probably the most important event in her whole school carriere and she decides that a team of masterminds need her more than her own daughter.

Hurt by the clear ignorance she shoulders her bag and makes her way to the counselor’s office.

“Come in”, a warm voice invites the teenager after her knocking on the door. “Hey, Mr Pembroke. Uhm, I have a class before soccer practice and I wanted to ask you if I can put my bag here? I know I got a locker, but I still got my mom’s birthday present in there and I’m scared I’ll leave it in my classroom and have to run back to get the bag if not another kid already took it away.”

Mr Pembroke looks at her with a smile. “Of course, (Y/N), I don’t mind. Speaking of your mother, will she be there tonight? I really hope so, because you are a star on the field. She’s missing out otherwise.” At the end he winks. He is just that kind of guy. Working with kids makes him desperate for appearing younger than he really is, but that is also part of Keith Pembroke’s charm.

“Unfortunately my whole family isn’t able to come. It is like- I mean I get it, serial killers are dangerous and it’s important and the right thing to chase them down. But do I not deserve some time with my mother?” Mr Pembroke evolved into a moral support over the past school year since he started his job at (Y/N)’s high school.

He always has something noice and wise to say. “You do. Everybody deserves some time with their family and especially with their parents. Why don’t you talk to them after all this is over? I can help you work on what you can say.”

Happily the teenager takes the offer and rushes to her class.

“Guys, I might be onto something”, Spencer rips everybody from their train of thoughts. JJ looks at the watch on her wrist. (Y/N)’s game ends in about five minutes. And she sits here, stumped one the case she stood her up for.

“So we thought about how he chooses his victims. The only connection we found was them having a bad relationship with their parents. But how would the UnSub know? They didn’t share any classes.

“But there always is one person, who knows about the student’s problems. They tell them voluntarily”, he finishes, giving his colleagues the opportunity to answer it themselves.

“The counselor!” Rossi exclaims, wondering how they oversaw the obvious.

Penelope’s keyboard is practically on fire from her fast typing until she nearly shouts: “I got him! Keith Pem-” The rest goes under in the loud ring from JJ’s cellphone. “I’m sorry, but this is… (Y/N)’s school! I-” Hotch nods, giving her permission to take that call.

“Jennifer Jareau?” She can’t wait until she is out of the conference room. Now that they know who the UnSub is, JJ is more on edge than ever. “Uhm, Mrs Jareau, I call about your daughter, (Y/N). She is on her way to the hospital, she collapsed during the soccer game. We suspect an asthma attack, even though she used her inhaler.” The teacher on the phone gives her a few more information before hanging up.

“I-I’m - (Y/N), she is- hospital. Her inhaler.” In that moment she makes all the connections. “Garcia, look for the girl’s medical history. Pembroke exchanged (Y/N)’s inhaler, I’m sure he did. Look for it in the other girls. I have to go, she is at the hospital right now.”

In a way even Derek Morgan would describe it as reckless JJ speeds to the hospital, ready to fight any regulations keeping her from seeing her daughter sooner. “I’m here for (Y/N) Jareau. J-A-R-E-” She tells the woman at the reception breathlessly.

“Oh I got her. She is in room 99. (Y/N) was unconscious for a certain amount of time, but she is slowly regaining her senses. A doctor will meet you there.” Before she even finishes her sentence, the blonde leaves the desk into the direction of the appointed room.

In fact there is a doctor waiting for her, updating the mother on her daughter’s condition. “I advise you to not overwhelm her. Her mind is still foggy and there may be things that don’t make sense right now coming from her. But (Y/N) will make a quick recovery, being good as new in only a matter of days.”

Cautiously she enters the room. The teenager might be awake, but her mind clearly is elsewhere. “Hey, Honey. It’s me, your mom. How are you feeling?” JJ asks softly, taking her daughter’s cold hand into her own gently.

“Oh, hi Mom. I didn’t know you found the time to actually come here. Isn’t there like a bad guy out there waiting for you to slap some handcuffs on him?” Ouch, she doesn’t expect that kind of honesty. But it’s true and JJ knows what (Y/N) is talking about.

She sighs. “I’m sorry, Honey, for being seemingly absent from your life. I swear, you can’t imagine how proud I am of you. I mean, you play soccer and there might be a scholarship in sigh. And even if you don’t get one, you can do anything and I would still be proud to call you my child.”

(Y/N) turns her head around, looking deeply into her mother’s eyes. The blonde can see all the pain she brought onto her bundle of joy. “Mom, I don’t even enjoy soccer as much as you think. I only do this, because I thought there would be finally something we can bond over. But I clearly didn’t calculate your stupid job in.”

JJ kicks herself for overseeing her daughter this much. She never stopped to acknowledge her oldest child’s accomplishments in front of her team and family. She always told everybody in the BAU what (Y/N) is up to, if they asked or not is not her problem. But in the whole process the agent forgot the most important person, the one who reached all those goals.

“Oh Honey, I’m so sorry for letting you feel like I don’t want to partake in your life. I- I was just so invested in your life that I didn’t think about you. You don’t have to do anything that I like to get my attention. You can join the school band playing the triangle and I would practically make t-shirts for the whole team sporting your logo.

“Anything you do is enough for me. You don’t need to change yourself to appeal to others, not even me. I’m sorry for letting you down. I love you so much and I hope you can forgive me.”

It seems like (Y/N) needs a few seconds to comprehend her mother’s statements before answering them. “I just need a mom, who is there more often. That would be enough for me. Just once every three games is enough. To let my friends know you care. To let me know you care.” JJ gets tears in her eyes. She promises to be there more often, fully intending to keep that promise.

“Good, now that we have that sorted out I need you to come into bed with me. I feel I could sleep for at least a year because of Mr Pembroke’s really weird tasting substance in my inhaler. Can we just cuddle until I feel like I’m my old self?” JJ smiles while happily laying down next to her daughter, engulfing her in a hug, still being cautious of all the tubes she has going in and out of her.

“I love you so much, Honey Bun”, the blonde murmurs, stroking a few strands out of her daughter’s face. But (Y/N) is too tired to answer. She just nods and cuddles closer to her mother before falling asleep.

Meanwhile, JJ watches over her like a hawk. Not even Will is allowed to come closer to her than two meters (or roughly six and a half feet for Americans), not wanting anyone to disturb her daughter’s peaceful sleep.

Taglist:

All works:

@dindjarinsspouse @big-galaxy-chaos

Criminal Minds:

@averyhotchner @mggsprettygirl @herecomesthewriterwitch @ash19871962

#jennifer jareau #jennifer jareau x reader #jennifer jareau x daughter!reader #jennifer jareau x teen!reader #jj x reader #jj x daughter!reader #jj x teen!reader #spencer reid #aaron hotchner #emily prentiss #david rossi #penelope garcia #derek morgan #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfiction #x reader #reader insert #x daughter!reader #x teen!reader

[zafirosreverie]

Must be the eyes (Teacher!Agatha x Fem!Student!Reader) part 5

(Part 1) (Part 2) (part 3) (part 4)

a/n: I’m sorry if this is a little rushed, i did what i could with my laptop freezing at all times.

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

You jumped when your phone beeped with a message. You quickly grabbed it from the bed, where you had carelessly thrown it. It was from Nick.

"Meet me in the lobby”

You frowned slightly. What could he want at this hour? Probably tease you a little more. You rolled your eyes fondly.

During the whole tour, he hadn’t been able to tease you as usual. From the moment the two of you caught up with the group, your teacher's hand was firmly positioned on your lower back and when you entered the library, she was never too far away, so any joke Nick might have made would have reached her ears. And during dinner, the teachers' table had been right behind yours, conveniently.

"I'll be there in 5" you answered quickly, before putting the phone in the pocket of your shorts and smoothing your shirt again. You tied your hair in a messy bun and grabbed your purse. You didn't want to pay attention to the way your pulse was racing, or the voice in your head telling you that you were going on a date.

Because no, you were definitely not going on a date!

"Oh, are you ready?" asked a voice from the bathroom door.

For a moment you had forgotten about the other person in the room (well, not about her, but that she was there at the time). You turned to see your teacher leaning against the doorframe, in dark pants and a three-quarter-sleeve blouse. She looked so casual, so relaxed. It was a beautiful sight.

"Umm y-yeah" you stuttered "I'll wait for you downstairs. I'm going to the lobby with Nick" you explained

"Jadu?" Agatha frowned, quickly feeling a twinge of jealousy "Mister Jadu should already be in his room" she said.

"W-well, I'm sure he'll be soon, he just wanted to tell me something. Could be important" you said nervously.

It was strange how the woman could change her attitude so quickly. A few seconds ago she had been so relaxed, as if the two of you had been living together for a long time (you blushed at the thought. You did not live together!) And now, she was the living image of a beast about to attack.

"Fine" she said after looking at you for a few more moments "I'll catch up to you there"

You nodded quickly and left the room in a hurry. As much as you wanted to, now you couldn't turn a blind eye, you knew Nick was right. Harkness was acting weird.

____________

Agatha sighed when the door closed behind you. She mentally cursed herself for scaring you like this. She shouldn't be jealous of you, she shouldn't want to control what's going on around you, and she shouldn't want to be by your side for as long as possible.

Shouldn’t. It was a word that she had been repeating many times in the last three days.

"Maybe, I shouldn't have done all of this" she murmured.

The original plan was simple: take you to Salem, see you happy, go back, keep seeing you from afar through the hallways of the school, the end. But you had managed to complicate everything from the moment you were late, making her panic.

Then you had fallen asleep on her, making her feel nervous, you had managed to be sacrificed as an offering for her, sharing a room and making her doubt her own self-control, then you had gotten into her dreams, making her do things that she really didn't want to think about right now (there was no time for another trip to the bathroom, thank you very much) and now you were simply torturing her, rubbing in her face everything you could do with that little friend of yours that you couldn't do with her, making her feel terribly jealous of something that didn't even belong to her.

And still, she couldn't help but want to be close to you. She wasn't blind, she knew exactly how you felt about her, and even though she was still struggling with morality and shit, she also wanted to see where all of this took you both.

"Well, nowhere if I don't hurry up" she murmured, taking her purse and leaving the room.

___________

"Sooooo" Nick smiled at you, making you roll your eyes for the fifth time in the last five minutes.

"It’s not a date" you said for the third time "She will only take me to the antique store because it isn’t on the itinerary"

"How strange" he said sarcastically "I don't remember hearing her invitation ... Oh wait! She didn't invite us! She will only take her favorite student, with whom she shares a room, and from whom she hasn’t taken her eyes off, to a night walk through the city, so that you can visit a store that you wanted so much to go to. Yes, totally not a date" he rolled his eyes

"Well, I can ask her to let you come with us if you want" you said, blushing

"No, no" he laughed "I'm not going to piss off the kraken"

"Nick"

"I'm serious. I mean, I don't get along with her as well as you do, princess, but I want to think that I'm not on her list of students to murder. And something tells me that being a third wheel in her, 'not a date', would make me top that list" he laughed "so no, thanks, but no thanks princess"

"You are exaggerating, you know?" you laughed

"Yes yes, you call it exaggeration, I call it knowing how to choose my battles. And believe me, we all know that making Harkness angry is a losing battle and a suicidal desire"

"You make her sound like a serial killer" you rolled your eyes

"You never know" he shrugged "talking about the queen of Rome, here she comes" he told you in a low voice, subtly pointing to someone behind you.

You turned to see the brunette walking towards you with a smile that seemed a bit forced. You couldn't help but notice the sway of her hips.

"Well, I better go" Nick whispered "don't forget to bring me something" he winked at you.

She saw him rush past the older woman, giving her a little goodnight, which she only answered with a slight nod of the head. 

You saw your best friend disappear into the elevator, before paying attention to the woman in front of you.

"Everything alright?" she asked

"Y-yes Miss Harkness" you said

"So, was it important?" she pressed

"What?" you frowned confused

"The matter why you had to meet him here" she said she "didn't you say it might be important?"

You blinked a little at that. You hadn't thought that she really cared about what you said. It was a pleasant surprise, truth be told, it made you feel special and warmed your cheeks.

"Well he just wanted to make sure i bought him something" you lied.

The woman didn’t seem convinced, but she didn't say anything more on the subject. Smiling, she offered you her arm.

"Then we better go" she said she "we must find something for Mister Jadu, right?"

You giggled at that before nodding and, against your better judgment, you entwined your arm through hers.

Agatha smiled at this, unable to help but feel butterflies in her stomach, a quite refreshing and welcome feeling after the hot wave of jealousy that had washed over her when she stepped off the elevator and saw you so close to Nicholas.

______________

You tried to ignore the blush that was spreading across your face and neck when you walked into the store. You had thought that maybe you would take a taxi or something, but the brunette had told you that the store was not far away, so there was no point in taking a taxi when you were perfectly capable of walking there.

What she hadn't told you was that she wasn't going to let go of you. Sure, you linked your arm with hers, but you thought she would let you go when you got into a taxi. You didn't expect to find yourself walking to an antique store, arms intertwined with your crush, at night.

"How romantic" you thought sarcastically. Well, you could at least tell Nick that it was definitely not a date.

Your train of thought, however, stopped the moment you took a look at the shelves. There were old books, antique dolls, lamps, clocks, paintings, chairs, statues, among other things. You felt like a little girl in a toy store.

Agatha smiled at your look of astonishment. Your lips were slightly parted, you weren’t blinking and your eyes had a special shine that the brunette had never seen. Almost like a girl looking at the presents under the tree on Christmas day.

You looked so cute that she didn't care that you let go of her arm to get deeper and deeper into the place (although she immediately missed your warmth). She followed you carefully, not wanting to miss out on any of your reactions to the artifacts in front of you.

"I had one of those when I was little" you said suddenly, pointing to a beautiful porcelain doll.

Agatha looked at it for a moment. It had white skin, with black curlers tied in a half ponytail and a large purple bow. The dress, although worn and a bit dirty, still retained a bit of its purple color and the elegance of its original design.

But it was her face that had caught your attention the most. She had flushed cheeks, red lips (albeit a bit faded), and long eyelashes. And her eyes...her eyes were two big beautiful blue orbs.

"She looks like you" you said, smiling at the woman next to you

Agatha was a bit surprised and felt a rush of nerves when you stepped closer to her so she could see the doll better. It was true, it looked a bit like her.

"I guess so" she smiled at you

"I like her" you whispered.

The woman gasped silently, looking at you intently. You weren't looking at her, but at the doll in your hands, but something inside her, maybe a selfish part of her, told her that you were talking about her. And for the sake of her heart, she would hold on to that belief, regardless of your next words:

"T-the doll" you clarified quickly, cursing you for being so clumsy "I like the doll" you said, smiling nervously at her.

"Why?" she asked "Most people find them creepy”

“I don’t know” you shrugged “Must be the eyes” you smiled.

Agatha smiled back at you, but she didn't say anything. Suddenly feeling very exposed under her gaze, you set the doll back in place, before turning awkwardly to continue staring at the other shelves.

"Aren't you going to buy her?" the brunette asked, making you look at her again

"...no" you said "She’s beautiful, but too expensive for me. I prefer to save a little for other things that we can find in the following tours. It wouldn’t be smart of me to spend all my money on the third day, right?" you joked lightly.

Agatha however, noticed the look you gave the doll before turning around. You wanted it, of that she was sure.

______________

"My grandmother had one of those" you laughed

"Well, your grandmother had good taste then" replied the brunette, holding the locket in front of you.

"I suppose there is a certain beauty in it" you admitted, taking it carefully, smiling when the woman winked at you.

"Old is beautiful, Y/N" she said

"Much" you smiled and winked at her. You both knew that you weren't exactly talking about the necklace in your hands.

In the hour and a half that you had been there, something had changed between the two of you. It had started with something subtle, probably since the moment you said you liked the doll that reminded you of your teacher, but then it was an innocent comment about how beautiful a brooch looked in her, a hand on your back encouraging you to try on a necklace, a warm breath on your neck as she approached you from behind to see books over your shoulder. And without realizing it, you had been exchanging somewhat flirtatious comments with the older woman.

Nothing serious, you told yourself, but enough to feel like your relationship had changed. As if you had become closer.

"Well, I think I have everything" you said, separating a little from her

"Are you sure?" she told you "What about the gift for Mr. Jadu?"

"Here" you smiled, showing her the quartz necklace that you had chosen for your best friend.

"Excellent" she said to you "Why don't you pay and wait for me outside?

You shrugged and watched her get lost between the shelves. You paid for your things and left the store, shaking a little. It wasn't cold, but you needed a bubbly presence by your side.

__________

The next morning, there was no sign of the older woman. You frowned at that, but you guessed that she had simply gotten up before you, she was probably already in the dining room or waking up the rest of your classmates for breakfast.

You took a moment to remember the night before and how special it had made you feel. Too bad the spell had been broken as soon as you left the store.

You had asked her what was in the box she came out with, but she hadn't answered. In fact, she hadn't spoken to you the entire way back to the hotel. It was weird, but you hadn't minded because she had re-entwined her arm with yours anyway, so you were sure she wasn't upset with you.

______________

"So how was the no date?" Nick asked, immediately after sitting down across from you

"Great, they had very interesting things" you said

"Oh come on Y/N, give me the juicy details"

"There are no 'juicy details' Nick" you rolled your eyes "as you said yourself, it was not a date. We just went to an antique store and voila"

"Liar" he said "there had to be something! She took you by the hand? She pushed you against a shelf and kissed you?"

"Nick!" you hit him on the head

"Ouch" he said "Hey, don't be so aggressive"

"Don't be such an idiot" you said "Nothing happened. Period"

"Okay" he sighed in defeat "did you at least bring me something?"

"Yes, but I don't think you deserve it" you said

"Oh, come on!" he groaned "You don't give me juicy details and you’re also going to take my gift from me? Dark magic is corrupting you, Y/L/N"

You laughed at that, almost spitting out the juice you were drinking.

"You are an idiot" you said

"But?" he smiled at you and raised an eyebrow

You rolled your eyes "But, you are MY idiot" you said. You took the quartz necklace out of your pocket and threw it at him "Here, cry baby"

"Woah" he said, catching it in midair "Awesome, a rose quartz! Thank you princess"

"Yes, yes, you're welcome" you said "now, be a good slave and bring me more fruit, will you?"

"Right away, my lady" he winked at you and stood up.

You were so busy laughing at him, you didn't notice the brunette behind you getting up and leaving the dining room quickly.

______________

Agatha felt her hands shaking as she placed the package on your bed. She wasn't sure if she should, maybe she was crossing a line, maybe she had misinterpreted the signals. But last night she had seen a side of you that she didn’t know.

In that store, you had stopped being the tender and shy student who was always nervous for the presence of her teacher, and you were transformed into a playful and flirtatious creature that had made her legs tremble.

She hadn't expected you to flirt back, but she loved it and now she wanted more.

"But this" she whispered, looking at the gift on your bed "Will it be too much?"

She was breaking the agreement that she had made with herself. It was not night, and only the nights belonged to her. Leaving you a gift in broad daylight was against the rules.

Fortunately, Agatha Harkness was a woman who made her own rules.

_________________

You opened the door to your room quickly, counting in your mind the seconds it took. You were only back for a pair of sunglasses and your wallet. You were about to leave again when you noticed the box on your bed.

"What is this?" you murmured, moving closer to it.

How did you not notice a box in the middle of your bed as soon as you entered? You didn’t know.

You took the card that was on top of the box, blushing immediately when you recognized the fine handwriting.

"You keep surprising me with your ability to love broken creatures, Miss Y/L/N, but I suppose you're right. It must be the eyes -A.H."

You opened the box and couldn't help but smile as a familiar warmth ran through you and butterflies fluttered in your stomach.

A pair of glass blue eyes stared at you as you hugged the doll and you wished you could hug the woman who looked like her too.

- - - - - - - - - - - - 

Tags: @midnight-lestrange @everythingmarvelsherlockspn @amethyst-bitch @juliejules-089 @powerfulmagicalgirl @novohyde @annie-mit-ie @shinkomiii @agentbrownierso @swanqueensupercorp @usernames-are-difficult @philippaharkness @rainbow-hedgehog @parkerprolly @amelia02 @misarwen25 @booklovinbi @bloodyfool @marvelseverything @superpearlnerd @rooskaya-yelena @danvers97 @notsosecretlyalesbian​ @thoroughly--confused​ @tomy5girls​

#x reader #reader insert #imagine #agatha harkness #agatha harkness x reader #agatha harkness imagine #agatha harkness x y/n #agatha harkness x you #agnes imagine #agnes x reader #must be the eyes #some tags aren't working #I'm sorry

[lady-literature]

Teen Titans

i had no ideas for Texting yesterday so i made today’s prompt longer instead

@maribatmarch-2k21​​ | find more here

She and Adrien are fourteen years old when Master Fu sends them to join the Teen Titans.

There’s precious little for them back in Paris. Only good friends whose paths through life have deviated from their own. She and Adrien keep in touch with their old team, but it’s not the same as having them at their side.

Marinette misses them like an ache.

But Beast Boy was persistent and Starfire was friendly and Robin was so similar to her it’s like looking in a mirror sometimes—it wasn’t long at all before the Titans started to feel like a family, like something that could be called home. The Titans were the brothers and sisters of her heart just as much as they were in arms.

But then, a little over a year after they've settled in, Red X shows up and Marinette is suddenly reminded of all the times Alya had complained about her many siblings.

“You know,” Chat says to the Titans at large, “this is the fourth run-in with Red X in a row, that he’s hit on Ladybug.”

Ladybug’s face is already in her hands. “Oh, Kwami. Not this again.”

“I’m just saying-”

“But what if you didn’t?” she interrupts. “What if we just didn’t do that?”

“-that Red X is definitely crushing on you!”

“You gotta admit, Spots.” Beast Boy slings an arm around Chat’s shoulders, a matching expression of glee blooming across his face. “He does seem to have a soft spot for you. I can practically see the heart eyes he’s making through that mask.”

“Absolutely not,” she insists. “You stop this right now, Red X has not and will not ever ‘make heart eyes’ at me.”

Starfire tilts her head, finger at her chin as she thinks. “But he flirts with you an awful lot, does he not? He just now called you ‘bewitching’ and ‘fiery’, both of which are compliments, yes?”

“Don’t forget all the poetry her recites!” Chat adds.

Starfire nods, even though Ladybug knows she doesn’t quite understand Earth poetry nor its connotations. “So does that not mean he likes you in the romantic way?”

“No, it doesn’t,” Ladybug says the same time Chat and Beast Boy chorus, “Yes!”

Starfire blinks. “I am confused.”

“Red X is hitting on Ladybug,” Cyborg leans over to explain, “And she doesn’t want to admit she likes it because he’s technically a villain.”

The sound she makes is distinctly inhuman. Had it been anyone but the Titans next to her, she’s sure it would’ve sent them running. But it was the Titans, so they only find her distress amusing.

Even Raven has the ghost of a smile hovering at her lips, which is practically her equivalent of the manic grin Chat and Beast Boy are sporting.

“Are we talking about the same person?” she exclaims, arms flung out like she’s expecting an answer from the universe itself. “The thief who’s put our lives in danger multiple times? Whose morals are questionable at best and destructively self-serving at worst?”

“We never said your taste in men was good, LB,” Raven quips flatly.

“Damn,” Beast Boy exclaims, drawing out the word to several syllables and extending his hand for a high-five—which Raven ignores. He shrugs and high-fives Chat instead. “She’s right though.”

“I do not like him,” she all but growls at her soon-to-be ex-friends.

“I think the lady doth protest too much,” Chat stage whispers to Beast Boy who nods sagely.

She turns to Robin, who’s been silent thus far and has… complex feelings about Red X, both from his own time in the suit and its new owner. If anyone was going to be on her side, it would be him. Or, if not her side, he at least wouldn’t tease her about fictional flirtations.

She gives him the most pitiful look she can manage, begging him to take mercy on her.

“Well,” he starts, “you wouldn’t be the first hero I know to fall for a thief.”

Her expression abruptly sours. If looks could kill, Robin would be dead ten times over with each way more brutal than the last.

“I hate all of you,” she says decisively, shrugging Chat off with ease since he’s too busy laughing to resist her properly. “You guys are the worst.”

“Nooo!” he yells after her through his giggling, “Bugaboo, come back!”

“Don’t leave us for Red X!” Beast Boy shouts dramatically, “Please, we’ll treat you better, we promise!”

She flips them off over her shoulder and promises to herself that she’ll never complain about Alya’s grossing anymore when they facetime. Siblings are the worst.

(She also, unfortunately, wouldn’t trade them for the world.)

***

BONUS:

Marinette finds flowers on her desk every Friday. Giant bouquets of red and black and white, signed only with a simple ‘X’ as if she hadn’t already known who it was from.

Logically, she knows this is a problem. It means Red X has a way past the Tower’s security system, that there’s a hole in their security and it’s being exploited on a regular basis which is dangerous-

But today she finds camellia blossoms and tulips by her window, Tikki already nuzzling at the largest bloom, and Marinette is not worried or scared. Red X can get in whenever he wants, has access to their home at all times, and instead of attacking or stealing something important, he leaves her flowers.

(She’s checked. Thoroughly. Multiple times.)

Perhaps she should tell her teammates, but she knows how they would act, what they would say. She has no desire to deal with their teasing and thinly veiled insinuations. They’d be unbearable if they knew Red X was doing something so conventionally romantic—and worse still if they knew how long she’d been hiding it.

If they’re going to overreact no matter what, it won’t hurt to keep it a secret for just a little longer, would it?

Marinette raises a camellia blossom to her nose and sighs.

Later, she thinks. I’ll tell them later.

***

BONUS BONUS:

It’s unfortunate Marinette had forgotten that not all things worth being stolen can be bought or sold.

Red X is a thief of the highest caliber and just because he hasn’t stolen something yet, does not mean he isn’t trying to. He is indeed seeking to steal something from the Titans, but it is not weapons or jewelry he’s after. Rather, the great Red X, has his sights on something far more precious.

He is seeking to steal a heart.

(It’s only fair, he thinks, considering she stole his first.)

#maribat #mlb x dc #maribatmarch2021 #jasonette #my typewriter #jason as Red X supremecy #also jason being trained by catwoman???? #who knows #maybe i'll continue this #i kinda accidentally really like this world i made #i got them Ideas

[mandareeboo]

SU Music Rankings

Bc I can and I wanna start some Disk Horse rip. These are all in order of preference, with explanations, etc. It’s a long bitch. That said, I’m not counting little short jingles or small joke songs like Little Butler. This is the meat and potatoes of SU music- just under 30 songs. I might do the rest if people like my takes lol.

I scored it mostly on three bases- how dear it was to my heart, how much/often I relisten to it, and also what it means to the plot. That said, little fun songs don’t automatically go farther down than big, plot-heavy songs either! It’s a strange little balance.

Special Note: I don’t dislike any of this music! I love SU and that includes its bumps and glitches. I just pick favorite children lol.

1.) Change

Was there ever a more Steven moment than when he wiped the blood off his face and kissed it into sparkles? I think not. 

If “Be Wherever You Are” is an ode to young Steven, then this is teen Steven’s. Talking about change, and how much and how little it can do. How he holds his arms up for Spinel to hug him, so trusting. How he seems able to just. Break into soft tears at will, and not to be manipulative- it’s just his kind nature. The warmth in his voice. Fuck yesssss.

2.) Change Your Mind

This song is only fifty five seconds and it’s EVERYTHING to me. It really felt like someone was speaking the words I’d always held deep inside of me, unsure of how to say. It feels like a goodbye to someone who never really loved me. 

As much as I enjoyed Future, if this was the finale of SU, I would’ve been perfectly okay with that.

3.) Drift Away

This song gave me legitimate shivers the first time I heard it, and it still haunts me to this day. Spinel stayed, and waited, and all she got was a transmission thousands of years later. Fuck.

4.) Here We Are In The Future

THE MOVIE IS SU AS ITS BEST AND I WON’T BE SWAYED ON IT. Steven being a teen who loves his weird family but is growing just a bit sarcastic to their drama. The adorable love he and Connie share. His slow realization that he will always be working, always have things to do, is both somber and real. The Crystal Gems won’t be safe with one epic battle. They’ll be safe with years of hard work and love. HIS LITTLE HANDSHAKE WITH AMETHYST.

This is a helluva bop and a great way to summarize the main character’s backstories.

5.) Let’s Only Think About Love

Did ya’ll know that Zach Callison killed his throat with that last note? He gave his all for this performance in a vocal range he no longer comfortably do and by god did it SHINE. The FLAIR. The FORESHADOWING. All of the Gems all being awkward about Rose and Steven trying to bring them to the present. Peridot having a mini-existential crisis in a cute yellow dress. I love Zach Callison’s normal singing voice but man is that a fucking bop. Nothing will ever beat it.

6.) Here Comes A Thought

This bad boy helped me out a LOT with some mental issues I was dealing with in high school. I was unmedicated, unsupervised, and full of anxiety. I’d have break downs when I tried to speak about certain things. I couldn’t function. This song inspired me. It helped me feel okay with my intrusive thoughts.

And the episode! -chef’s kiss-. Once again bringing up the morally gray area of training child soldiers. Connie expanding her social group. Steven’s trauma hauling ass in that second half. The ANIMATION. Stevonnie’s gorgeous singing voice. GOD yes.

7.) It’s Over Isn’t It?

Just barely squeaking above Stronger Than You, this ballad is everything gorgeous. The whole episode is. I think Mr. Greg stands in the top five of my episodes for the entire show. It even got nominated!

There’s just so much about this song that I love. The gentle melancholy of Pearl’s voice. How the crew had to redo the shots for this bit bc Deedee went so fucking hard. The hard cuts between Pearl, remembering the love of her life, and Steven, who has begun to feel like he took her away. I’d recommend this song to anyone, regardless of what they do or don’t know about SU, simply bc it tugs so many heartstrings of love, loss, and responsibility.

8.) Stronger Than You

Did you realize this episode aired SEVEN years ago? This bitch was what got me into SU! Hearing about Ruby and Sapphire made my little gay heart so happy inside, and then getting a whole song confirming that they were a couple, that their love powered the strongest Gem on the team? Aaaaaaaaa

To this DAY I get excited when I hear Estelle start singing. This song is timeless. This song will live in media history. God I fucking love this song.

9.) Other Friends

I’m not the biggest musical person, so I hadn’t heard of Sarah Stiles before her casting as Spinel, but JESUS CHRIST the lady went hard. She went SO fucking hard. Sarah Stiles started on 100 and somehow just kept CLIMBING. You can just hear the sheer manic energy building in her voice, the anger and resentment. 10/10 Sarah Stiles is a queen.

10.) Independent Together

This made the list entirely bc the crew was like “you’re gonna get a himbo ass Steven-Greg fusion singing with Opal while Garnet flies across the moon on Lion while floating” and I am forever thankful to them for it

11.) Who We Are

Bismuth deserved more songs. ‘Nuff said.

12.) Peace and Love (On the Planet Earth)

It Could’ve been Great is EASILY one of my favorite s2 episodes. I love the entire concept of this song. Of Steven making music to reflect how much Earth means to him and his family. Of him teaching Peridot some self-care. Also Peridot’s singing voice is really cute and squeaky. 

I know it’s silly, but I would’ve really enjoyed a flip around of this in Future! Like Peridot reminding Steven how much he loves music, that he needs to take time to relax for himself, maybe with a new verse or just a remix of the original song!

13.) Something Entirely New

I watched this episode as it aired, and I legitimately almost cried. I love Charlyne Yi’s voice so much ya’ll- her raspy, not perfect singing voice against Sapphire’s deep soothing lull is great.

And to have Ruby and Sapphire’s meeting be the way it was- for Ruby to bemoan Sapphire losing Homeworld, to being stuck with a single Ruby, while Sapphire is a noble who has always been taught everyone in her “caste” is vitally important (and has, in her own mind, taken that to mean every Gem, as she should) and how they come together and make each other happy. Good shit good shit.

14.) I’m Just a Comet

The fact that Greg’s music career never really blasted off pisses me off to this day bc Tom Scharpling’s voice is fucking BUTTER. Also the song really feels like a jab at his parents now that we know the kind of dynamic he had growing up. “This life in the stars if all I’ve ever known” is definitely him wiping away their existence after reminding them (and himself) the things they used to say about him.

15.) Do It For Her

This episode. This fucking episode. This episode got me permanently hooked on SU. I’d just binged season 1 and was kinda meh about it overall after the bop of Stronger Than You. “Oh,” I thought to myself, foolishly, “I’ll probably just casually watch this from time to time.”

Like three days later Sworn to the Sword aired and that was it. I was hooked! Pearl’s gentle training song turning darker and darker, Connie’s accompaniment from nervous to determined to fully into such a toxic mindset. The fact that SU had the BALLS to discuss the repercussions of training child soldiers, now and later. This episode was everything to me, STILL is everything to me.

Six years and well over 100 fanfics written later, I think it’s safe to say this show swallowed me whole and never let go.

16.) System/Boot.pearl_final(3)

I debated putting this on the list because it’s not anything crazy important, just a way to show things are Wrong, but I had to do it entirely bc Pearl is so damn SALTY.

Like telling us about the Gems makes sense, she felt like she was given a duty, but she went so damn petty. WHY is that Ruby alone. Gross. This Amethyst is a trash dump. Wtf are you people.

17.) Full Disclosure

This episode really feels like a turning point for SU. Before, the show had its dark moments- but now we’re in the thick of it, and it’s not going away. Full Disclosure felt like an rebuff to the idea of returning to any normal we’d established in season 1. Gems are actually a giant species now. Gems tried to kill us now. There’s this Yellow Diamond bitch who got namedropped. Something about a Cluster. 

The song itself is BALLER, with its ingenious use of Steven’s ringtone and photos as he tries to decide whether to clue in Connie on all this nonsense. Meanwhile we, the audience, already know damn well Connie about to yeet some common sense into him.

18.) What’s the Use of Feeling Blue?

I’mma admit it- I’m a Yellow Diamond stan. I’ve always loved her- her anger, her poise, her hardworking nature. I actively argued against the “Yellow Shattered Pink” theories back in the day. But, man, when this arc leaked? I got so overexcited I was too jittery to watch it for like two days. It’s easily my favorite arc of the series. The sheer alien nature of the zoo, the Famethyst, and absolutely Patti Lupone’s beautiful ballad. Goddamn. Yellow singing to Blue to try and help her regain her old status, the warble in her voice as she reminds Blue she misses Pink too, the movement of the bubbles as she talks about attack. It gives me shivers to this day. FUCK.

19.) Tower of Mistakes

This is, fun fact, that only SU song I have completely memorized. The story itself is kinda funny! See, we lost internet at my house for a solid 5 to 6 months when these episodes aired, so I only got a very brief window to view them all. But this was the first Amethyst song in a long while, and I didn’t want to forget it! So I keep replaying it in my head for ages. And that’s still definitely a thing.

Anyway will never not be sad that this entire song was about making it up to Garnet for Amethyst’s perceived slights with Sugilite (which was a two-way road), only for Garnet to pressure her into fusion later when pissed and never discuss it again bc Garnet probably never thought twice about it and Amethyst has the emotional openness of a clam that’s just been told its ugly. Helluva way to make someone feel like shit, G. Helluva way to bottle that shit, Ames.

20.) On the Run

I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a million times: Amethyst! Needed! More! Songs! 

The dichotomy between Steven’s play and Amethyst’s honest desire to run away from home is so well-done, especially when you consider a lot of Steven and Amethyst’s actions are playing together. The song is also near and dear to me simply bc it’s my favorite Amethyst episode to exist (well, maybe second to What’s Your Problem, but not by much). Moments like these are all the proof I need that they were right to fuse first.

21.) Be Wherever You Are

This tune really just feels like an ode to who Steven was as a kid. Trapped on an island with no way home, and he’s just happy to be with his friends. The stars are beautiful and not oppressive. Also that one animatic with Lars and the Off Colors playing in the Homeworld Kindergarten to this music was iconic and made this song get stuck in my head for a solid month.

22.) Familiar

I ADORE how the crew use bright neon colors to show how alien Homeworld can be. And Steven recognizing that the Diamonds treat him how the CGs used to, and how prepared he is to “fix” a broken family. It’s a soft, gentle tune about melancholy. Also the Pebbles are beautiful.

23.) Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart

Such a cute little love ballad, but every time I listen to it now I just imagine the heart attack Rose must’ve had at the line “And if we look out of place/Well, baby, that's okay/I'll drive us into outer space.” like there’s a Vietnam war flashback if I ever heard one

24.) What Can I Do?

I’m kind of neutral on this one? Rose and Greg both have great voices, but the song itself lacks many lyrics. I think it was definitely a good way to show Rose’s flaws in thinking.

Also, I’m shocked they managed cram that much vaguely sexual innuendo into two minutes, followed by how Not Hetereo that dance between Rose and Pearl was, and not get their asses chewed by it. You go guys.

25.) Cookie Cat

I love a lot of the vibes this song has. The lyrics are so damn prophetic, but they also sound like the kind of weird 90s commercials I grew up on. It’s been like two decades since I saw the Shirley Temple commercial but I’ll be damned if I don’t remember “Animals crackers in my soup! Monkey and rabbits loop-de-loop.”

26.) Giant Woman

I am. NOT the biggest fan of Steven’s original singing voice. I feel bad saying that, since it was just Zach Callison as a kid, but he never jived well with me for some reason. So I wouldn’t listen to this on the fly. 

The song itself is still really good though, with all sorts of fun animation of Amethyst and Pearl being bitchy to each other. It’s a bit sad in hindsight to see tiny Steven trying to get his moms to get along. Ahh, season 1.

27.) Strong in the Real Way

This song has SUCH a strong start. Pearl reflecting on Sugilite’s problems, but the show making sure to show us that Pearl’s lack of enthusiasm towards her also lends itself to jealousy as well as just general malaise. How much she cares about Steven, and wants him to grow up strong. 

And then Steven just kinda. Ruins it? I appreciate his enthusiasm for tryna bulk up but to take what was starting as such a rich, personal song and broadcasting it to random strangers just makes me a bit sad. Almost a bit angry on her behalf?

28.) That Distant Shore

I KNOW this is gonna create some discourse, but I’m just not the biggest Lapis stan. I love her voice. I love the visuals of the song. And I get why she felt afraid and needed to flee.

But Lapis never got to take responsibility for her own actions. And, in the end, the song feels hollow to me- because we all know she’ll never talk to anyone about it, know she’ll burst back in and destroy the barn, and no one will ever question it. I like Lapis a lot, but I feel like her arc never was fully finished. She never got help. She never learned to feel safe.

29.) Dear Old Dad

I’ve yet to meet a single human being who likes this episode tbh. There’s some great discussion about what kind of parent Greg is from it, and what kind of dynamic he has with the Gems that he felt he had to fake an injury to hang out with his son. Honestly the first half was fine and dandy. It’s just that then they Greg just went out of his way to drag Steven away from missions and such. It never jived well with his character before or after.

Also, is it just me, or does Zach himself sound like he hates the song as he sings it? There’s no passion or heart in his voice. It sounds like they told him to read off cue cards and he did. Tom Scharpling’s best attempts didn’t save this one for being a skipper. But the episode, unfortunately, isn’t, so it gets a spot on here.

#Steven Universe #Steven Universe Future #SU Analysis #(I guess????) #Music #Steven Quartz Universe #Amethyst #Garnet #Pearl #Yellow Diamond #Blue Diamond #Blue Pearl #Yellow Pearl #Greg Universe #Bismuth #Spinel #Lapis Lazuli #Steg #Opal #Rose Quartz #Lars Barriga #Sadie Miller #Sapphire #Ruby #Stevonnie #Falc talks

[love-and-monsters]

Fake Dating pt. 2

M Faerie X F human reader, 6,405 words

This is a part two to this story. Elwain and his human are safely in the human world, dealing with things far more mundane than an assassination attempt. Both of them are adjusting to the new life and to each other. Very fluffy, with some caretaking. I was in a very romantic mood while writing this and I think you can tell.

Content notes: mentions of parents trying to kill their child, descriptions of minor illness.

“This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen. Why do humans like this?”

You repressed a snicker. “You’re watching it.”

Elwain didn’t even look away from the screen to reply. “You put it on.”

“I just turned on the TV. You’re the one who started watching.” Elwain made a noncommittal noise. You pressed your lips together, trying not to smile. “I can change the channel, if you want. There’s a documentary on that I wanted to-”

“No, this is fine,” Elwain said. He hopped onto the couch next to you and curled up. “Ugh. These people know that expensive doesn’t mean good, right?”

You covered your mouth with a hand. Elwain actually, legitimately enjoying trashy reality shows was by far the best thing you’d learned about his personality since you’d started living together. The worst thing was probably that he’d grown up with servants and had no comprehension of household chores. It had taken a few weeks to get him to put his food back in the refrigerator when he was done with it, and you weren’t sure he was ever going to get the hang of doing dishes. Still. He was getting better.

“You’re still going to need to vacuum later tonight,” you reminded him. Elwain groaned.

“I spent all day at work!” he said. “I should get a day off.”

“You only had a five hour shift today. I worked seven. Plus, I have school. You don’t get breaks on household chores. Doesn’t matter how much you worked, they still have to be done.” Elwain looked away sulkily. That was an expression you were getting uncomfortably familiar with. “And you’re not allowed to do magic for it, either.”

“What? Just because you can’t use magic, there is no reason for me to be forbidden!” Elwain said.

“Yeah, sure. You remember what happened last time you used magic to clean the apartment?” Bright pink spots appeared on Elwain’s cheeks. He glared down at the couch, expression screwed up in irritation.

“I fixed that.”

“Uh, yeah. Sure. You fixed the apartment. What you’re never going to fix is my trauma from walking into my apartment and finding everything covered in spiders!”

“I apologized!”

“Look, the next time you decide to enchant a bunch of bugs into doing household chores, just. Don’t.”

Elwain huffed. “They weren’t even venomous to humans! All of you are so easily frightened. They weren’t going to hurt you.”

“I think the heart attack I had upon entering my own apartment could be considered as hurting me,” you muttered. Elwain looked sour, but didn’t respond, apparently returning to his TV show. Elwain’s adjustment to the human world had been… difficult. He had no real understanding of conventional social norms and obviously still expected everyone to treat him like a noble, despite working a minimum wage job at a fast-food restaurant. Not to mention that he seemed to have very loose morals when it came to enchanting mortals. As far as you were aware, he’d never done it to you, but he didn’t seem to have any sort of restraint when it came to anyone else. Before he’d gotten his job in customer service, he’d made all of his money by charming random people off the street into handing over their wallets.

Admittedly, his skills had come in handy. You didn’t feel particularly good about it, but he had charmed the landlord into giving you the apartment for significantly less than the going rate. In your defense, there hadn’t been many options. You couldn’t stay in your parent’s house with a Fae hanging around, and even with both of you working, there was no way to afford an apartment otherwise.

It did not help that Elwain apparently found your moral crisis very funny.

“You all live by such dumb rules all the time. If you really wanted, I could probably charm someone into giving us their house, or just letting us stay there.”

“That feels morally dubious,” you said.

“Ugh. You won’t let me steal anything, you won’t let me charm people into letting us use their things without stealing them, you won’t even let me charm people into handing some things over!” Elwain flopped across the couch. “So now we’re living in a garbage apartment and I have to work at a greasy food place where customers yell all the time and-”

“It’s a nice apartment, especially considering what we’re paying for it,” you interrupted. “And if you use magic too often, people might start figuring out that something weird is going on.”

“I doubt it. Mortals are stupid.” But Elwain didn’t protest, and went to his job as usual, and didn’t steal, which was more respect for your rules than you were worried he’d show. And, really, you were glad you’d instated the ‘no magic’ rule at large, given how unpredictable the results could be.

Elwain sprawled across the couch. He had a tendency to take up ridiculous amounts of space, pushing you to the edges of the couch to avoid contact. Eventually, you got up.

“Where are you going?” Elwain asked as you walked out of the room.

“I’m going to study for a bit before bed,” you called back. “Enjoy your show.”

He stared after you until your door clicked shut. Weird. He’d seemed almost annoyed about you leaving, even though it meant he could watch his shows for longer and you would stop bugging him about vacuuming. Whatever. He’d been acting weird recently, though. Maybe you should talk to him about it. He’d seemed fine for the first month or so after leaving his home and his parents trying to kill him, but maybe he was having some sort of delayed reaction.

You buried yourself in your textbooks for the next few hours, trying to get a solid start on one of your papers. The back of your mind seemed to be focused on the little noises in the apartment, though. Every sound of footsteps or things being moved pulled your attention back to the rest of the house. Eventually, you heard the sound of the vacuum running for a while before Elwain headed into his room.

He never went back into the main area of your apartment and, buried in work, you were soon thoroughly distracted. Gradually, as you worked, your mind grew less and less focused until you were face down in your books, dead asleep.

“Wake up!”

You bolted upright. There was a piece of paper sticking to your cheek from a stream of drool. You hurriedly pulled it off. “What? What’s going on?” You blinked, focusing on Elwain’s fine face in front of you. “What are you doing in my room?”

“Your alarm was going off. I can’t believe you didn’t hear it. It woke me up.” Sure enough, your phone, which was still sitting across the room from you, on its charger, was ringing furiously. You weren’t surprised that you hadn’t noticed it, though. Your head felt like someone had stuffed it with cotton.

“Oh. Sorry.” You rose a little unsteadily and turned the alarm off. “Thanks for waking me. Probably would have slept right through it if you hadn’t.”

“Uh huh,” Elwain said. “Did someone curse you?”

You blinked at him. He seemed dead serious. “Uh, no. I doubt it. Unless you know something I don’t.”

“If you’re asking about my parents, I would assume they are no longer concerned about me,” Elwain said. His voice was clipped, like it always was when he talked about his parents. “I don’t think they would bother to curse a mortal. If they had the means to lay a curse on someone, it would be far easier and more effective to just curse me.” He paused. “I was only asking because you look terrible.”

“Thanks,” you mumbled.

“You do. Why didn’t you sleep in your actual bed last night?” he asked.

“Because I fell asleep at my desk by accident. Are you going to stand here and just insult me or-” You broke off into a round of thick, hacking coughs. Elwain took a step back, alarm crossing his face.

“What is happening to you?” He lifted his arms in front of him, like he was trying to ward off some kind of evil spirit.

“It’s a cough,” you said. “Have you never seen a cough before?”

Elwain lowered his arms, still looking at me like he thought you would start convulsing at any moment. “Fae don’t do that.”

“They don’t cough?” You rubbed at your chest. A significant amount of phlegm had settled there. God, your body really had to pick the worst time to get sick.

“Not like that,” he said. “What’s the matter with you?”

“I’m sick,” you told him.

He nodded slowly. “I’ve heard of that. A mortal thing. Your forms are weak, so you occasionally fall ill. It is a sign of your small, failing lifespans.”

You considered correcting him, but decided that you had better ways to spend your morning than trying to explain germ theory to a Faerie. “Yeah. Sure. Well. I’m sick. So that’s why I’m coughing. It’s just a cold. I’ll be fine.”

Elwain narrowed his eyes. “Hmph. Well. I have work. Don’t die while I’m out.”

“I’m not in any danger of dying,” you told him. “Go head to work. Have fun.”

“That’s unlikely,” he muttered, but he left your room without protest. You closed your door after him and set about getting ready for your day.

The cold had settled into your head and chest and you could tell it was going to be bad already, even before it had come on fully. God. You could not afford to get sick.

Elwain was eating breakfast when you shuffled into the kitchen. You’d needed to absolutely cake your face in makeup to look presentable, and you saw his brows rise as he looked at you. Fortunately, the Fae at least knew how to keep their mouths shut. He just looked back at the frozen waffles he was toasting.

You snagged a granola bar and headed for the door. “Have a good day at work!” you called over your shoulder. Elwain grunted in response. The door swung shut behind you.

Work was exhausting, as per usual. It was better than Elwain’s job by a long shot, since you were working in a local candy store run by a sweet older couple, but between keeping an eye on any batches of candy being produced, sorting out customers, and having to deal with the requisite child-throwing-a-fit-for-not-getting-sweets, it was tiring. Trying to look bright and perky while being weighted down with a cold was awful.

As soon as work was off, you had class. Dragging yourself through it was a slow, painful slog. By the end, your head was fuzzy and you felt dead on your feet. Slowly, you hauled yourself on the bus and fell asleep.

Naturally, you missed your stop.

About an hour after you were supposed to be home, you dragged yourself in through the door. Elwain practically slammed into you. His hands clapped on either side of his face and he peered intently at you. “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you! I thought you were dead!”

You pushed him off you and bent to one side to cough heavily until you were nearly sagging to the floor. Elwain stared at you. “Sorry,” you rasped when you’d stopped. “I fell asleep. And then my phone was on low battery and I wanted to make sure I had enough battery to use my GPS to get home.”

“You couldn’t have texted me?” Elwain drew himself up, hands on his hips. The entire situation reminded you, ridiculously, of your mom when you came home after a night out. “I was worried! I didn’t know where you were, and mortals are so ridiculously fragile-”

“Aw, you’d have been fine,” you said. “If anything, you’d be able to do more without my stupid mortal morals.”

Elwain’s expression went strange for a moment. “Are you feeling well? You seem… off.”

“I’m not feeling well. I’d like to lie down, actually.” You coughed again. “That okay with you?” Elwain was still frowning, but he stepped aside, allowing you down the hall and into your room.

You went down into your bed face-first. Almost as soon as you hit the pillows, your mind faded into sleep. Sleep came to you in fitful waves. You kept waking, coughing, rolling over and falling asleep again. When your alarm pulled you back to full consciousness, you felt thoroughly awful. The cold had settled firmly into your chest and head, gumming everything up. Your chest rasped every time you breathed in, prompting heavy coughing fits, you shivered even when you were wrapped in blankets, and your head felt full, achy, and cloudy.

The cold had apparently decided to upgrade to a full-blown illness. Slowly, you shoved yourself upright. It was hard to breathe through your nose and your mouth. Your throat stung with every inhale. Every cell of your body just wanted to pop some of the cold medicine that made you sleep and hopefully you’d wake up when it was all over.

Just as you were standing up, someone knocked on your door.

Well, you knew who. There was only one person who it could be. Grimacing, you walked over to the door and pulled it open. “Elwain. What?”

He stared at you. “I was- are you okay?”

“I’m sick. You remember the discussion was had yesterday?” you said. “Anyway. You needed something?”

Elwain looked you over. You hadn’t looking into a mirror, but given his expression, you probably looked terrible. He seemed to think you were five seconds from crumbling into a pile of ash, like a vampire exposed to sunlight. “Do I need to call 911?” he asked.

“Uh, no. It’s a cold. I don’t need an ambulance. I need to sleep for a while. Why are you knocking on my door?” you asked. Elwain’s mouth moved wordlessly. Whatever he had wanted to talk to you about, it seemed to have been completely derailed.

“I… er.” Elwain’s gaze flicked over you again. “Well. I wanted to see how you were doing. You went to bed right after you got home last night and I never saw you again. And you seem to be doing… poorly.”

“Yeah. I’m not doing great. I really just want to go back to bed.” You rubbed your hand over your head. “I feel like shit.”

Elwain hesitated. “Do you need me to do something?”

“Just go about your day. I’ll try to keep my gross self out of your way.” You slouched across your room to your bed. “If you don’t need anything else, I’m going to try to get a little more sleep.”

Elwain lingered in the doorway for a few moments longer. Finally, he turned and headed into the kitchen. The door remained open behind him, and you couldn’t be bothered to get up and close it again. Instead, you buried your head in your pillow. Sleep claimed you again within moments.

Less than an hour later, your alarm went off again. You slapped at it balefully until it shut off. Somehow, it felt like you gotten negative sleep, like sleeping had made you even more tired. Slowly, painfully, you pushed yourself upright. Shivers wracked your frame. How had sleep made everything worse?

You threw on the first clothes that you could get your hands on and shuffled into the kitchen. Elwain looked up from his breakfast. His mouth opened slightly. “Good lord. Maybe you have been cursed.”

“Thanks,” you mumbled. “I don’t look that bad.” You did, but you’d slathered enough makeup on your face to cover most of it. Then again, maybe that wasn’t enough to hide from Fae eyes.

“You look like a walking corpse,” Elwain said. You collapsed in the seat next to him and coughed into your fist. The force of the motion made your head throb. Elwain curled his lips back from his teeth in a grimace. “Are you certain you don’t need me to call 911?”

“No. It’s a cold. I’m-” You dissolved into a fit of coughing so severe it was difficult to catch your breath. Elwain stared at you, eyes wide. “I’m fine,” you croaked.

Elwain narrowed his eyes, but returned to his phone. You didn’t know where he’d gotten it from, because he certainly hadn’t purchased it, but you’d decided you weren’t going to ask. You ate slowly, mostly because your stomach felt tender, and you couldn’t finish even half of your normal portion. After a while of picking at your food, you dumped your dishes in the sink and started gathering your items to head out.

“Where are you going?” You startled. Elwain had appeared at your shoulder, completely silent. You might have chalked up not noticing him to your cold-dulled senses, but he could sneak up on you no matter how well you were feeling.

“Work,” you said.

Elwain looked back down at his phone. “You are not supposed to leave the house if you’re sick.”

“It’s a cold. I’ll be fine,” you said.

Elwain kept looking at his phone. “If you are sick, you are supposed to stay home, both so you can avoid infecting others and so you can recover.”

“Are you reading that off a website? Where are you reading that from?” You tried to grab his phone, but he gracefully slipped out of your reach.

“I searched about human illnesses on the internet,” he said. “Your symptoms are consistent with the common cold, but they are also consistent with pneumonia. It says you should sleep and drink water until you are recovered.”

“Look,” you said. “I’m fine. It’s a cold. I’ve had them before. I will have them after this one. I know how to handle them. I’ll pop some cold medicine and I’ll be fine.” Elwain stared at you. His expression was hard to read. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll live.” You sniffed and blotted at your face with a tissue. “I’m going to leave now. I’ll see you later.”

You swept out the door, giving Elwain a wave. He stared after you, not moving until you slammed the door shut.

It was a long, slow, awful day. You could barely keep your head together. By the time you got home, your limbs were heavy with exhaustion and your mind was swimming.

You dragged yourself through the door. Your body felt like you were wrapped in a massive, thick blanket. Everything was warm and it was hard to move, like everything was stiff.

Elwain stared at you as you pulled yourself into the kitchen. “You look like death warmed over.”

“Fine,” you mumbled. “’m fine.” You slouched over the counter and leaned against it. Elwain stood, stepping closer to you. “I’m good. I… I’m good. Just… Tired. Tired. Need to nap.”

“Perhaps you should nap in your room,” Elwain said. “Not on the counter.”

“I’m fine here.” Your words were getting mushy. Why weren’t your lips moving correctly? “I’m good. I just, um. Need. Something…”

“It’s okay. You’re okay. Here, hold onto me. I’ll-” Elwian’s hands were on your waist, on your back. You felt boneless, mushy. Your limbs weren’t moving the way you wanted them to. The only thing you could feel were Elwain’s hands supporting you. Was he carrying you? Maybe. You felt like you were floating. Your head was disconnected from your body, floating. Someone was speaking to you from far away, a soothing voice. It was so soothing. Maybe you could just sleep for a bit. Just sleep. It would be nice to just sleep.

Dimly, you came back to yourself. You blinked your eyes open. The ceiling was unfamiliar, at least as ceilings went. Not that you were familiar with many ceilings, really. Looking down at yourself revealed why the ceiling was so unfamiliar. The bed was covered in heavy, dark blue sheets. Elwain’s sheets. You were in his bed.

Slowly, you pushed yourself upright. You still felt bad, but less bad than you had been feeling. A raking cough escaped your chest, thick with phlegm.

“You’re up!” Elwain appeared in the doorway. He looked… frazzled? You weren’t sure the Fae could look as frazzled and unkempt as a human could, but he didn’t look as ethereally beautiful as he usually did. He looked sort of ruffled. “I was considering dragging you to the hospital, but the internet said that maybe ginger tea would actually be better, so I got you some of that.” He indicated the cup in his hands.

“You have got to stop getting all your information from the internet. Or at least I need to give you a media literacy course on identifying good sources,” you croaked. Your voice sounded bad, but it no longer hurt to speak. It just felt uncomfortable.

Elwain gave you a bewildered look and held the cup out toward you. “Drink it.” You took it obligingly and took a sip. Elwain must have dumped half a bottle of honey in it, because it was so sweet you almost couldn’t taste the ginger. You swallowed it carefully.

“Thank you,” you said when you’d finished the cup. “What, uh. What exactly happened to me?”

Elwain sat on the end of your bed. He was wearing his old cloak, the one he’d taken with him when he’d fled from Faerie. He tucked it tighter around him, fingers fidgeting at the hem. “I was hoping you could inform me of that, actually. I was quite frightened when you collapsed like that.”

“Oh, yeah,” you said. Vaguely, you remembered passing out. “How long was I out?”

Elwain glanced at the clock. “Mn. Less than an hour? You were in and out for the first ten minutes, mumbling a lot.” You had vague memories of Elwain leaning over you, expression panicked. Must have been from then. “Once I got you into bed, you fell asleep. I wasn’t sure if I should wake you or not.”

“It is,” you said. “Probably a good idea to let me sleep. Though if I ever do collapse again, please call 911.” You considered. “Well, I guess don’t call 911 unless I’m actually dying. I can’t afford the ambulance.”

Elwain nodded, even though he looked politely confused. “Is your illness getting worse?”

“Maybe,” you said. “It’s hard to tell. I think I have a fever now, so that sucks.”

With absolutely no warning, Elwain leaned forward. His face was abruptly so close to yours, close enough to feel his cool breath tickling your skin. The hairs on the back of your neck lifted. Suddenly the only thoughts in your head had to do with his lips pressing to yours, his cool mouth meandering along your skin-

His forehead touched yours. His eyes closed, a little furrow appearing in his brow. “You’re warm,” he said. “Very warm.” He sat back.

You blinked. “Uh. You can do that with your hand, you know.”

“Oh? I saw the forehead one on the internet,” Elwain said, but he reached up and cradled your face in his hands. With a soft, delicate touch, the back of his hand brushed against your forehead and down your cheek. The touch made something in your chest tighten and your breath catch. “You still feel warm.”

You moved your mouth, trying to get your brain back in gear. “Uh, yeah. Fever! That’s, uh. Bad. I need, um. You remember that pill bottle in the bathroom I showed you? The one with the little red pills?” Elwain nodded. “Get those and a glass of water. They’ll bring the fever down.”

Elwain vanished for a moment and returned with a tall glass water and the bottle of pills. He watched as you downed them and sank back into bed. His sheets were softer than yours, his bed even more luxuriously plush. You weren’t sure where he’d gotten the sheets from, or if maybe they were the sheets you’d bought him, just augmented with magic. “Why did you put me in your bed, anyway?” you asked. “My bed’s not that much further away.”

“I wanted to keep an eye on you,” Elwain said. “And you do not like me coming in your room.”

“I don’t like you just walking into my room whenever you feel like it, but you can come into my room,” you said. But you were pretty glad he’d put you in his bed. Everything in his room smelled faintly floral and herbal, a smell that relaxed you. Everything was cozy.

“I am not familiar with how to deal with sick mortals,” Elwain said. “Do you need anything else?”

“No. I just need to rest.” You paused, looking toward the window. “I should probably head back to my own room, actually. You’ll probably want to sleep here tonight, right?”

Elwain shook his head. “Stay. You need to rest. I will sleep elsewhere.” He swept out of the room, cloak fluttering behind him. You stared after him for a moment before sinking back into bed. Despite just waking up, your head was already muddy again. Maybe Elwain had gotten you the pills with the sleeping medicine in them. Your eyes closed. Within moments, you were drifting away, fast asleep.

You dreamed of strange things, of hands on your face, cupping your cheek, of soft lips pressed to your neck, of kind eyes and strong arms carrying you around. When you opened your eyes to see the same kind eyes staring down at you, you were half-convinced you were still dreaming.

“Hello,” Elwain said. “You have been asleep for a while.”

You blinked. Your body did have that foggy heaviness that came when you’d been sleeping deeply. Even your discomfort from the illness seemed far away and dim. “Elwain.”

“Yes. I’m right here.” He said it more gently than a simple statement of fact, almost like a reassurance.

“How long was I out?” There was bright sunlight streaming in through the window and across the bed. You lifted a hand to clumsily shield your eyes.

“Over twelve hours. I thought you should probably sleep. That’s what the internet said.”

“Oh, man, we are going to need to get you some better resources than just ‘the internet,’” you said. “But you were right. Thanks for letting me sleep.” Slowly, you shoved yourself up into a sitting position. “What’s that?”

Elwain held a bowl out to you. “I was told that soup was good for mortal illnesses.”

You took the bowl of vegetable broth. Elwain’s cooking was usually pretty hit or miss- he could follow recipes just fine, but he also had a habit of deciding that he had a better idea than the recipe and going completely off the rails. The soup just seemed to be broth, though. You took a cautious sip. It was watery, but tolerable.

“Are you feeling better?” Elwain asked. You nodded, glancing over at the clock.

“It’s past nine,” you noticed. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”

“I called in sick. I wanted to stay home to make sure you were all right.” Elwain looked completely serious.

“It’s just a cold. I’m fine.”

Elwain’s eyes narrowed. “You collapsed.”

“Well, yeah, but…” You trailed off. There wasn’t much you could say in response to that. “Fine. But if you get fired for this, I’m going to be pissed.”

“I will not be fired. My boss loves me.” Elwain gave a superior little sniff, nose stuck up in the air. You laughed into your bowl of broth.

When you were finished, Elwain took your bowl back into the kitchen, returning only a few moments later. “Do you need anything else?”

“I think I’m okay,” you said. “You really didn’t have to stay home to take care of me. There’s not going to be a lot to do. I think I’m mostly going to sleep.”

“Regardless. I think it is better to be safe.” Elwain looked at you from the doorway for a moment longer. “I need you.”

He left the doorway. You could hear his footsteps retreating into your apartment, perfectly steady, like what he said hadn’t made your chest tighten intensely. You sank back into his bed. His scent wreathed around you, gentle and reassuring. Oh, god. Warm feelings were fluttering up in your stomach, swelling through chest and trembling in your lungs. Worse than that, they felt familiar. How long had these feelings been lingering in the background of your mind? And now they had surfaced and you didn’t know what to do with them. Naturally, you would have some kind of emotional crisis when you were sick.

You faded in and out of dreams where Elwain’s scent wreathed around you and his gentle hands stroked your forehead and cheeks. You woke up feeling oddly melancholy.

The sounds of the TV drifted through the open door. Shaking some feeling back into your heavy limbs, you hauled a blanket over your shoulders and headed into the living room.

Elwain was draped over the couch, staring at the TV. There was some soap opera on with a woman and a man hysterically throwing themselves at each other. Elwain looked up as you padded into the room. “Is it okay for you to be out of bed?” he asked.

“Yeah. I feel better, actually.” The sleep had helped quite a bit. You still felt foggy, but the pain in your head and chest had faded. Elwain sat up, drawing his limbs in closer to himself so you could sit next to him.

“You look less… corpse-like,” he said. Before you realized what he was doing, he took hold of your face in both hands and pulled you closer to him. “You are still warm.”

“Uh, yeah. I’m getting better.” You reached up and carefully pried his fingers off your face. You were overly aware of how your fingers lingered together. “How’s your day off going?”

“Human TV is still strange,” Elwain said, turning back toward the screen. “I can’t imagine any humans really behave like this. I have never seen it.”

“No, it’s a soap opera. It’s supposed to be deliberately over-the-top and crazy. That’s why they’re fun to watch.” Elwain rolled his eyes, but there was amusement in his expression.

“Is there anything you want to watch?” he asked.

“No, this is fine.” You settled into the soft cushions, staring at the TV. As much as you were looking in the direction of the TV, most of your attention was focused on Elwain. His gaze kept flicking toward you, as if he was unable to focus on the show either. After a moment, he reached out toward you.

One of his hands settled on your head, the other on your shoulder. Before you realized what had happened, he pushed you so your head was resting in his lap. You stared up at him as he, apparently unconcerned, started weaving his fingers through your hair.

“What are you doing?” you asked.

“You did this for me when I first came here,” Elwain said. “It was soothing. I thought you might like it as well.” He paused. “Was I incorrect?”

You considered for a moment. His fingers were still carding through your hair, twining strands around his fingers. “No. I don’t mind.”

Elwain continued to stroke your hair. His nails scratched lightly at your scalp. The feeling of being touched made something tremulous swell in your chest. It was a pleasant feeling, but one so sharp and overwhelming that it almost made you cry.

You lay with Elwain for a while, his hands absently playing with your hair and trailing along your head and neck. He seemed to be paying far more attention to you than to the TV. “You should take better care of yourself,” he said, stroking your bangs back from your forehead. “If you were to die, I would be alone in the mortal world.”

“You’d manage,” you said.

“Perhaps.” Elwain removed his hands from your hair and hesitated for a moment. He seemed to be struggling to speak. Then he sighed. “But I would prefer it if you were with me.”

You looked up at him. He was staring deliberately to one side. There was a faint pinkish color to his cheeks and his eyes were narrowed. “You could have left, once our deal was up. I only asked you to stay with me for the night. And yet, you helped me. There was no reason to. I no longer have my connections or any particular Faerie skills. Even the few powers that remain with me, you don’t like me using. You have gained nothing from this deal and you help me regardless.”

“Of course, I did.” Thinking about that night only brought one image to your mind. Elwain, who had nearly been killed by his own parents, looking lost and confused and abandoned. He had been cocky before, but in that moment, he had just looked forlorn and upset. He had just looked scared. “I wasn’t going to just leave you on your own.”

“You could have,” Elwain pressed on. “Easily, you could have. You could have justified it, even by mortal morals. There’s not a lot here that could kill me. As you have pointed out, I would be fairly fine on my own. But you stayed with me regardless, for no other reason than just helping me.”

“You’d just almost been assassinated. I couldn’t leave you,” you said.

“You could have. But you didn’t. And, at least so far, you have asked for nothing from me in return. To be quite honest, you’ve been almost annoying with how little you allow me to do.”

“I try,” you said. Elwain snorted. It was an inelegant noise, but somehow also incredibly attractive. “Where are you going with this?”

“I’m trying to explain to you that I care about you. I want you to be well and safe and healthy because you saved me and you didn’t have to and I appreciate it.” Elwain’s cheeks flamed red. “That’s what I’m trying to say.”

You reached up slowly and let your hand cradle the side of his face. He leaned into your touch, eyes closing. “It’s strange. I’m not used to this,” he said. “My parents loved me as far as they could use me. It’s how Faeries are. But you have used me for nothing, gained precious little advantage from having a Faerie living with you. And I wasn’t used to it. I still think I’m not used to it. But I am so… so… happy. For this. For you.” He blinked his eyes open. They were hazy with emotion. “Thank you.”

It was an impulse maybe you could have resisted if you were feeling better, but you were overwhelmed with feeling and not in the mood to fight with yourself. The hand on his cheek shifted position toward the back of his neck and pulled him down on top of you. His mouth pressed into yours, tense and unyielding, then softening as he realized what was happening.

There was a moment of fumbling, while Elwain registered that you were kissing. You broke away from his mouth, but he was pressing into you again, pulling you close to him and meeting your lips over and over with his own. His tongue brushed your lower lip and his moan sounded against your mouth.

You weren’t aware of how it happened, but suddenly you were lying back on the couch with Elwain on top of you. He was kissing you furiously, his hips flush to yours. Your fingers tangled in his hair, pushing him as close to you as you could get.

One of your gasping breaths caught in your chest, triggering a coughing fit. You rolled over, trying not to cough right into Elwain’s face. He sat back. His lips were already slightly kiss-swollen and he looked a bit rumpled. “Right,” he said, trying to finger-comb his hair back into a presentable state. “You’re still not feeling well.”

“Hold on. Give me a minute, we can keep going,” you said between coughs. Elwain pressed his lips together, but they were twitching toward a smile.

“You are admirably determined, but I think it would be better for you to rest,” he said. There was a pause. Elwain tugged on a few of the longer strands of his hair. “I take that to mean you feel the same way?”

“That I like you? Yeah.” You pulled him down so he was laying across your chest. He looked at you, eyes surprisingly wide and innocent. “When I first met you, I thought you were kind of an asshole. And you are kind of an asshole. But you’re also charming and endearing and you try to follow my rules even when you totally don’t have to. And you’re willing to take care of me when I’m sick.”

“You took care of me when I had lost everything,” Elwain said. “I only wished to return the favor.” His fingers wandered over your stomach, tracing absent patterns on your shirt. You could feel his warmth against your skin. “Usually, that’s how it works, with Faeries. Favors are given because giving means you can get something in return, and you’re always trying to leverage the deal to get more than what you’re giving.” He closed his eyes for a moment, brows furrowing. “But when I saw you were sick, I wasn’t thinking that I needed to pay you back. I was only thinking that I wanted to help you.”

You stroked your fingers through his hair. “That’s what love is.”

“Mortal love,” he sighed. “I always thought it was flimsy and weak and short-lived.” His eyes opened again and he nestled into you. “It’s much stronger than I thought. So much more than I believed. It almost hurts, but it’s a good hurt.”

You started coughing again. Elwain swung himself up and gathered you into his arms. “I’ll take you back to bed,” he said. “You need to get better. I want to continue this.” He pressed a kiss to your forehead. You rested your head on his shoulder and closed your eyes. His heartbeat thudded against you, slow and steady. The feeling of him holding you swelled and ached inside you, a pleasant ache. You clung to him as he eased you into bed and settled in next to you. Your illness was all but forgotten. Everything was soft and pleasant under a heady wave of love.

#exophilia #fae #faerie #fae boyfriend #monster boyfriend #monster lover #Fae lover

[wyn-n-tonic]

Golden, Like Daylight -- Part I

Word Count: 1,314 Warnings: PTSD. Drug use. As always, if I forgot anything, please message me and I will amend this warning ASAP. Note: In my head canon, Frankie has a daughter, I write a bit about this. I understand talking about babies can be triggering or people just don't like kids but it feels weird to say, "Warning: Baby." Feels a bit ominous. Like, it's not a vampire but just... ya know... be warned. Updated Author's Note (5.7.21): This is not a reader insert. At the time of writing this, I wasn't comfortable writing in the second person nor did I feel as though it was appropriate for what I wanted to explore in this series. This series is my absolute baby and it means so much to me. Thank you for reading. 

MASTERLIST | PART: I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX

It comes like lightning in the night, cracking through the tree of his spine heavy with years of hurt.

The first time he was tear gassed in the chambers at boot camp.

That time he crashed the chopper, losing twenty-something men all twenty-something years old. Men… they weren’t men. They were babies, he was a baby.

He remembers the time he had a panic attack in the jungle, squeezing involuntarily on… a kid, not the target.

He remembers the woman’s wail, “¡Mi hijo! ¡Mi bebé!”

My son! My baby!

He killed her baby.

“I killed the baby!” He’s up but his heart’s somewhere else, outside his body. It’s beating so fast he can’t even feel it anymore, not sure if he feels anything anymore and then—

Cool hands on his feverish back, he’s so hot she feels like ice and he sighs contentedly. Marrying the coldest girl in all of Texas had its perks. Her fingers wind into his too long curls at the base of his neck, her lips on his shoulder as she shushes him with a kiss.

“Come back to me, Francisco, you’re safe.”

“But I—“ he’s stuttering. Fuck.

“It wasn’t your fault,” her arms curl around his chest and she’s scooting closer to him now, pulling him into her as hard as she can, “None of it was your fault, it’s okay.”

“How can you say that?” The tears come like wildfire as he chokes out, “How can you hold me like this? Like I’m not a monster?”

Her arms pull tighter against his torso, he didn’t know that was possible. He doesn’t know how this is possible, how he deserved this. This woman, this love, this family she had made for him.

“Baby, listen to me,” her voice is hard and warm, honeyed whiskey to his aching ears. Splintered mind. Broken body.

He nods his head in the dark, whispering a soft, “Yes,” around a lump like coal burning through his neck.

“You are not a monster. The things you did, the things you saw, the horror that was inflicted upon you was not your choice. When you put the flag on your shoulder, Francisco Morales, you gave up autonomy in your decisions. You represented men who played chess with your life and you made it out. You made it out and they threw you away when you needed them the most but I’m not going to. Our daughter is not going to. You are not a monster, baby, and we will get through this together.”

“Luna,” he breathes. His girl, his perfect little girl, “Where is she? Is she okay?” He’s still panicked.

“She's in her crib, baby,” her lips press softly to his shoulder again, “Do you want to go see her? Wanna go make sure she’s okay with me?”

He’s nodding again, untangling fingers from hers to swipe at his cheeks quickly. Afraid, every day, that this tear or that will be the one that changes her mind, changes her heart.

She lifts herself, holding steady to his shaking body the whole time. As if he’s the rock that the storm of her life batters against and not the other way around. Her hands find his and she’s lifting him too. His balance is unreliable, he never lets her go, trailing along the hallway to the baby’s room.

It’s quiet, peaceful. His happiest place, painted like a sunrise. He wanted it that way, clouds around her cradle, his baby growing up in the heavens. He remembers the first time he ever went up there, like it was the first breath he ever took. All rising pinks and melting blues.

He wanted her to feel that freedom from the very beginning. —————

He was so fucking scared when she came into this world.

He was afraid of marring her innocence with his past. He didn’t want his traumas to manifest upon her upbringing, the way his father’s had his.

That first cry shattered his heart but when she wrapped her tiny hand around his finger, he was whole again.

They named her Luna, because he could always find the moon above the clouds. Could always find his way home.

That’s when he started using again. His fear of fatherhood choke holding him, undoing all his hard work. His therapy, his group therapy, his NarcAnon. He promised himself it would just be once.

Just to get through the day, Frankie.

And it turned into…

The week.

The month.

Six.

Next thing he knew, he was flying high and fucking up. Nose bleeds and slurred words, too fast movements and too fast reactions. He was randomly selected for a drug test.

His license was suspended. He was grounded, under review pending cleanliness of a piss test.

That’s when Leah snapped. His patient, strong wife. She’d said things here and there about his use. Argued about money, “Where's it going, Francisco?” The name she uses when she’s calling him back to her, pulling him into her or, like now, close to killing him. Eyes wide with anger and fear at watching her family fall apart because of the actions of one man.

“I'm not going to beg you to get clean. I am telling you,” the tears streaking down her face, voice raw with contained rage bubbling to the surface, “You were able to do it by yourself once, so get your shit together. Or I swear to god, Francisco Morales, I will walk out that door.”

His eyes haven’t left hers the whole time and he knows she’s serious. She promised she wouldn’t leave a man actively working against his ghosts, she’s soothed more sleepless nights than anybody should’ve, but she never promised to stay through active drug addiction. Could not. Would not bring her daughter up in a home dusted in white powder.

He nods, “okay,” lifting his hat from his head and he is pouring buckets. He’s coming down from earlier but he knows he’s gonna need more soon. And another after that. So on and so on until—

He sees the door slamming on an empty home, shocked still with the future his actions will lead him to.

“I’ll find a meeting tomorrow.”

Her glare bores deep, “you’ll find a meeting today, Frankie.”

He bites his lip, not daring ask for another hit to get through til then.

“Francisco!”

The world comes back into focus. How long had he been staring at everything and nothing? His eyes find hers again and his voice is weak as he says, “My stash is in the box with my dog tags and medals, my first pilot’s license.”

“I know.”

He’s nodding again, of course she does.

“The withdrawals are going to start soon, how should we handle this?”

She crosses her arms, pain stitched through every feature of her face, “I think you should stay with Benny and Will for a while. Until you’re clean.”

So he did.

One week goes by and he sweats with a restlessness he’s sure will bust the very seams of his being.

Two weeks and all he wants is sleep, even with the nightmares.

Three weeks and, Jesus fuck, he’s hungry.

Four weeks and the depression sets in, deeper than he’s experienced since he first started getting help back in civilian life.

Five weeks and he’s… not cold anymore. He doesn’t sweat. He doesn’t feel anything, he can’t concentrate on anything.

Can’t focus on Benny’s shitty fight lessons. Doesn’t even listen when Will practices that fucking speech like he hasn’t given it a million times already; to cadets, to soldiers, to the mirror. The only things he can think about, the only things he cares about, are still too far away.

Leah, Luna, the sky.

He needs all three to be whole.

To be Frankie.

A desperate man aching to be complete and to provide again.

That’s how Santiago Garcia found him.

TAG LIST: @greeneyedblondie44​ @justanotherblonde23​ 

#i believe in francisco morales supremacy #okay but frankie was actually baby #francisco 'catfish' morales #frankie morales #triple frontier #catfish #fanfic #fanfiction #OFC #OC #original female character #original character #god i'm really posting another fanfic before bed and dipping i love y'all #god that's my soft baby #pedro pascal #i wrote this in three hours pls be kind

[itsclydebitches]

I was once more thinking of vol 8 and other works to compare it to. I hit Harry Potter, specifically Order of the Phoenix. Literally all that happened there showed a much better "proactive Hero" and "Big Bad vs Big Good" battle that it feels unfair to compare. What say you Clyde?

It's been a very long time since I read Order of the Phoenix, but putting aside that and the series' problems with representation (something that always feels like it needs to be acknowledged when discussing HP nowadays), Rowling did a good job of setting up both motivation and justification for Harry's actions. Which isn't to say that he was never wrong — quite the opposite, especially in OotP — but that Harry's involvement in this war is justified in a way that Ruby's involvement is not. He's not just generally active (no tea sipping equivalent scenes), but we understand why he's the one taking that action.

Harry is an unwilling participant forced to fight due to a prophecy, so when he stumbles along the way, we as the reader are understanding because jeez, what else what he supposed to do? Literally no one else can do this and he's trying his best. Ruby, in contrast, is not necessary to this fight. We might have gotten that with her silver eyes, but we didn't, so when Ruby willingly steps up — or, in Volume 8, forcibly takes control — and then gets upset because things didn't go well, the viewer (or at least some viewers: us) are far less forgiving because she demanded this responsibility and then found she didn't like having it. When Harry rushes off to the Department of Mysteries, endangering many of his friends in the process (even if they volunteered) we understand that this action is done out of love. We've spent five books establishing Harry's desire for a family, it's literally his greatest wish according to the Mirror of Erised, so going after Sirius, while reckless, is such an in-character, relatable, human decision. It's integral to who Harry is as a person. Compare that to the lack of work done surrounding Summer and the unanswered question of why Ruby is fighting Salem. Because it's the right thing to do? Great, fantastic, but uh... that doesn't really explain or justify why she's leading the charge when all these other huntsmen — with the same goals, more experience, better plans, etc. —are trying to do The Right Thing too. When thinking about HP vs. RWBY, my mind always goes back to that moment at the end of the first book when Harry tries to tell McGonagall about the stone and she brushes him off. "Ah," I thought later. "That's why three 11yos are going off to save the magical artifact when there are adult, full-fledged wizards around to do it instead. The kids tried to turn hand this off to the adults and the adults failed them." Now, combine this with Harry's growing tendency to go it alone, the implication that Dumbledore may have been allowing him to face certain threats to get stronger, each book's individual situation like a hidden chamber that only Harry can enter, his Godfather being on the run, a magically binding contract that keeps him in a competition because the bad guys are specifically after him... Harry is at the heart of the story. He's integral to it, his part in the fight inevitable, so all that's left is to see how he bears that burden.

Ruby is not integral to this fight, her presence and even her silver eyes are not necessary, her facing down Salem is only inevitable from a meta perspective regarding expectations for a protagonist (and then, in Volume 8, Ruby didn't face her.) There's no clear personal motivation to drive her. There's not even a Guardian's of the Galaxy-esque motivation in the form of, "We'll step up because no one else will." Others do keep stepping up and Ruby keeps forcing them to follow her instead, insisting that her way is better. Only problem is, it's arguably not and that's when she has a plan at all. It's like if instead of going after the stone because his professors won't, or going after Sirius because he loves him, or going after Voldemort because a prophecy and a life of having a saving-people-thing has pushed him to that, Harry made his way to the front of this war Just Because, rejecting everyone else who fought in the first war, has more experience, and actual plans along the way. Why does he do this? Because his name is in the title of the book, I guess.

RWBY throws in lost of classic ideas and setups, but doesn't seem to understand their point. Even something as simple as that Big Bad vs. Big Good conflict in Volume 8. Putting aside how muddied this has gotten between the Gods' involvement and Salem's dip in the grimm pool, Volume 8 took the threat of our Big Bad arriving with an army and... ignored it. Instead, they ran with Ironwood as the primary antagonist of the volume, the guy trying to stop Salem, a previously established ally, the guy who just gave up his arm to capture another clear-cut villain, and who throughout Volume 7 demonstrated none of the manipulation we would attribute to a Dumbledore-like figure. Rather than running with their Big Bad's arrival, RWBY asked how they could force one of the good guys to become a bad guy instead, hence the sudden shooting of Oscar and murder of the councilman. This is a far from perfect comparison (and I take my virtual life in my hands bringing up another controversial character lol), but it's a little like if after we learned about which side Snape was truly on, he suddenly tried to kill Hermione, succeeded in killing a minor character like Professor Flitwick, and then made plans to destroy all of Hogwarts. Meanwhile, everyone is ignoring Voldemort standing on the front lawn because the narrative randomly made Snape the biggest problem instead. So a lot of the fanbase is like, "Yeah he's absolutely a dick and his horrific past/contentious choices are the point of his character... but he's also supposed to be one of the good guys at the end of the day? And the Big Bad is right there? We can argue about how 'good' Snape is until we're blue in the face, but he's no Voldemort. Why did you feel the need to chuck the morally gray character off the deep end for our heroes to oppose when our primary antagonist is literally right here, trying to kill them?" From this, to introducing a dead mother that in no way motivates our cast, to having Oscar face down Salem with an improvised weapon instead of Ruby with her eyes, to giving Penny an arc about accepting her android body only to rip it away, etc. etc. RWBY continuously throws out ideas without understanding what they're meant to accomplish. There's a lot to criticize about Harry Potter nowadays, but a lack of logical development isn't one of them.

And just to chuck in another text — because I too think about what has done Volume 8 themes better lol — consider: Loki. Stop reading now if you don't want spoilers, but a couple episodes in Loki and Sylvie end up on a dying planet that is only evacuating the rich. That's said overtly in both the dialogue and visually in the mise-en-scene, with poor people screaming that only the rich are getting tickets for the rocket and elaborately dressed elites enjoying the comforts of that ride. Then, just as they're about to escape, leaving the rest of their world behind, a piece of the moon hits the ship, either killing them instantly or stranding them with the people they abandoned. And I thought to myself, "See, this makes sense in a way RWBY never did." Evacuation was never about wealth in RWBY, despite what the fandom continually claims. Ironwood was trying to evacuate everyone and only stopped because they all assumed Salem would be killing them momentarily. This situation included Relics and a Maiden that would easily turn the tide of the war, meaning their safety influenced the whole world, not just these people. Mantle was not necessarily about to be destroyed — indeed, we find out later that Salem had no interest in it — and it was always a bad faith (and OOC) assumption that Ironwood was leaving his kingdom for good. The story doesn't even acknowledge the huge number of Mantle citizens already on Atlas when the attack begins. I was just sitting there thinking, "This two episode mini conflict in an insane show with alligators and time shenanigans somehow holds up better than RWBY's 27 episodes that are trying to be deep. How does that happen?"

#rwde #rwby #Harry Potter #HP #mymetas

[catboygretzky]

best stucky fic recs pwease

Okay, disclaimer, these are all like five+ years old (which is the best Stucky era, imo) and definitely not the only ones I enjoy; these are just a few in my bookmarks on ao3.

In no particular order besides the order I bookmarked them and under a read more because there's a shit ton of them (really, it's a lot):

- hold me until we crumble; Not Rated, 23k

“Sam told me you were watching Antiques Roadshow,” Natasha says, shaking out her hair. “I assumed it was a national emergency.”

- despite the threatening sky and shuddering earth (they remained); Explicit, 72k

“They really didn’t want the mask to come off.” Hill thumbed through the scans, and pulled out a film that she then handed over to Sam, face mostly expressionless but for the flat line of her pursed lips.

Sam accepted the film and held it up to the light, angling so both he and Steve could see it, squinting at the outline of the Winter Soldier’s skull, and the blips of unnatural white that showed up, God, in his brain, not to mention about half his teeth, plus the mask, with its thin protrusions—

“Those are pins,” Steve realized. He looked over at Hill. “The mask—it’s nailed to his face.”

Hill’s face was as unmoved as ever. “Like I said. They really didn’t want it coming off.”

- family means no one gets left behind or forgotten; Teen, 11k

“Why did you think I wouldn’t like you for being gay?” Steve asks gently.

“You’re Captain America.” Eli’s got his teeth clenched and is resolutely looking ahead. “You stand for truth and justice and the American way. You stand for American morals. You stand for…” he shrugs awkwardly. “Not people like me.”

Steve blows the air out of his cheeks slowly, trying to figure out how to keep the anger out of his voice so Eli doesn’t think it’s at him.

Or, Steve comes to terms with his new world, and gains some children in the process.

- Mistake on the Part of Nature; Teen, 1.3k

Steve takes in Bucky's betrayed look and Sam's confusion, follows Sam's gaze to the pile of mangled fruit in the trash can. Sudden comprehension fills his face.

"Oh," he says. "Bucky found out about bananas."

In which an American icon is mourned. But probably not the one you're thinking of.

- Swear Jar; Teen, 1.5k

Bucky isn't the only troll in the future.

OR

Steve has a Swear Jar and he makes the Avengers pay up every time they cuss.

- Barnes & Rogers and the Goddamn Truth; Not Rated, 19k

There are three well-known facts at Shield High:

1. The history teacher Mr. Barnes is a stone-cold terror, and it’s not even because he only has one arm. 2. The other history teacher, Mr. Rogers, is a mysterious enigma, and it’s something to do with the body of a Greek God and contradicting stories of his past. (They’re all rumours, anyway.) 3. Mr Barnes and Mr Rogers hate each other.

Bucky wouldn’t have it any other way.

- perfectly right wrong number; Teen, 32k

It all starts because Steve is too dumb to handle his smartphone.

A wrong number AU in which Bucky Barnes doesn't enter Steve's life (meaning: Bucky wasn't born until the eighties, but Steve is still Captain America) until Steve accidentally dials the wrong number. Wherein there is a lot of texting, some advice via Natasha and Darcy, a bit of pining, and a first date in an amusement park. Oh, and on top of being a disabled veteran, Bucky is a professional catwalker. Literally.

- The power of the right shirt (a.k.a. God bless America); Teen, 1.2k

"He just…" Phil trails off, mouth gaping. He is staring at the field outside the house, eyes glazed.

Clint sighs. "Yeah, he just ripped a log in two with his bare hands."

- To fill it up with something; Teen, 21k

A fateful encounter with Dr. Strange leaves the Winter Soldier transformed, and Bucky Barnes reunites with Steve Rogers in a most unexpected way.

“Steve brings the puppy inside, into the apartment that doesn't quite feel like home no matter how much he's been trying. He isn't used to being alone. Before the war, he always had Bucky, and his mother until her death. During the war, Bucky was there, too—and the rest of the Howlers, of course—but Bucky always meant home. (And well, maybe Steve's already got a name for the puppy in mind)."

- build it bigger than the sun; Teen, 10k

“Yeah, because nothing says heteronormative like living in Dupont Circle for two years and wearing skin-tight shirts to hit on hot airmen when you go running in the morning.”

“Look, I know you’re being sarcastic but I really don’t get how no one picked up on that.”

Steve and Bucky try to work out their relationship. The Avengers keep getting in the way.

- Memories Circle (Like Birds of Prey), Teen, 32k

Everything seems to be going right, Steve's fighting with his Commandos, they've saving lives-- until Steve falls from a train, is taken prisoner, and turned into the Winter Soldier. Meanwhile, Bucky takes up Steve's mantle as Captain America, and thanks to Zola's experiments, he gets dropped into a whole new time, only to cross paths with a Steve who doesn't know who he is anymore.

Essentially, the events of CA:TFA, mild mentioning of Avengers, and CA:TWS but with Steve as the Winter Soldier and Bucky as Captain America

- The Gentleness That Comes; Mature, 9k

Steve Rogers never really views the things he had to do to get by before the War with any sort of shame or embarrassment. People ask him for his opinions on modern issues in interviews, but Steve has gotten good at talking around those types of questions. Fury insists that there's no way to answer them without casting a shadow of controversy across the reputation of the Avengers, and that's the last thing Steve wants.

But then a sex tape is released featuring Tony Stark in bed with another man, and Steve can't stay quiet any longer.

- salt for the sea; Mature, 7.5k

Natasha comes home with intel regarding the fate of the Winter Soldier; Steve leaves to go and avenge Bucky Barnes.

“It's a list of everyone who was involved in his death, and a rough timeline of everything that happened beforehand,” she tells him.

“And the notebook?”

“I explained what they did,” Natasha says, “The blank pages are for you to explain what you do to them.”

- Lone Cat and Samurai; Teen, 8.4k

"We lost Kitten America sir!" Junior Agent blurted out. Then turned an unlovely shade of purple. "I mean, Captain America. Who’s a kitten. Because magic. Sir."

- Waiting To Prove You're Not Alone; Explicit, 41k

Months after he woke up on the banks of the Potomac, when a reporter mistakenly assumes Steve would disapprove of homosexuality being as accepted as it is in the modern day, Steve accidentally snaps and unleashes his real opinion on the matter... and with that, a secret he's hidden for over eighty years.

When that secret comes looking for him in New York, Steve can only hope that he can get a second chance at saving his best friend, even if it means keeping his heart in check.

“Yeah, back in my day it wasn't tolerated, and because of that I knew from the minute I figured it out, that I’d never get to tell my best friend that I loved him, and sure enough, he died without knowing that I’d been in love with him for a decade."

- I'm Not Sick (But I'm Not Well); Mature, 30k

Steve Rogers doesn’t meet Bucky Barnes in the 1930’s. Instead, Steve meets him April 17th, 2012.

Well…sort of meets him.

In actuality, Bucky had almost hit him with his truck.

Or: The fic where millennial Bucky Barnes nearly runs over a freshly thawed national treasure, and what Steve Rogers did to adjust to modern NYC during those two weeks before the events of The Avengers.

- pure as the driven slush; Explicit, 11k

He should have worked it out sooner. But then, Steve always was a sneaky little bastard—had to have been, just to survive this long.

For the SteveBucky Fest prompt, "Steve is quite experienced while Bucky's never gone beyond second base with anyone".

- Let's Be Exposed and Unprotected, Explicit, 5k

Bucky’s pretty sure he should be into getting fucked through the floor while walls explode around him like in that Mr and Mrs Smith movie that Clint loves. But he likes it like this. He likes being on his back with Steve looming above him, big and naked, blocking out the rest of the world.

- Man of Steel; Explicit, 6.7k

It’s like Steve looked at his metal arm and thought ‘Challenge Accepted.’

- 5 Times Steve Got Arrested and 1 Time They All Did; Teen, 4.9k

What it says, 5 times Steve Rogers ended up in jail (with and without Bucky) + 1 time all of the Avengers got arrested with him.

- the best of you; Teen, 16k

Bucky is on a mission when he gets the call.

They tell him that Steve has been compromised.

[The story wherein Hydra captures Steve to create a new weapon. Bucky, alongside the rest of the Avengers, come together and work through the fallout.]

- pull apart the dark; Teen, 79k

Steve's unending faith in his best friend was beginning to look less like hope and more like fantasy. When they'd caught the Soldier – in a fire fight that still gave Sam nightmares – the only thing the man seemed to recall was how to hit exactly where it hurt.

Four months later, Barnes still refused to speak English. Refused to heed anything but Steve's voice.

So, all in all, it was not a great time for Hydra to attack New York. All in all, Sam really wished they'd just killed him, instead of turning Captain America into a baby.

- Not Another Supersoldier Fantasy; Explicit, 8.9k

Bucky finds a popular sex toy modeled on Captain America's own anatomy. Well, isn't this just perfect? Because even after all this time, he still hasn’t seen Steve’s supersoldier cock. But apparently in this day and age anyone with $29.95 can get a decent replica. The unfairness of this is of galactic proportions.

- the blood of the covenant; Teen, 7.5k

Steve has a "thing" for hot water.

Or, Sam Wilson adopts Steve Rogers.

- Mighty like Love, Mighty like Sorrow; Teen, 19k

After freeing himself from the Russians' mind control, Bucky is left at loose ends, drifting through the decades. Still, he's in no hurry to take up Nick Fury's offer to once again fight the good fight -- especially not when Fury has the nerve to put some imposter in his best friend's old suit and send him out to fight against Chitauri.

- Read Me Like a Book; Gen, 1.5k

In which Bucky accidentally becomes a book collector, because when the universe gives you a million biographies about your boyfriend, you go bookcase shopping. And then he finds out about The Grenade Incident, and the boys actually talk about it like actual adults. (Somewhere, Sam sheds a proud tear.)

- the broadest stroke of color; Gen, 16k

Sarah Rogers always loved Steve's hands.

"Your hands will do a lifetime's work," she'd say. "Remember to do the work you can for those you love."

Almost a century later, Steve does just that.

[The story wherein Steve draws comics for Bucky to help him recover his memory. Through a series of events, the issues are leaked, and Steve finds himself reviving the Captain America comics. He still isn't sure how that happened.]

- If You're Loved By Someone (You're Never Rejected); Teen, 9.4k

You’re fifteen when you realize why you stare at Bucky’s lips more than normal when he laughs and when he says your name. You lean into his shoulder when you walk next to him and when you’re sick you don’t fight off his soft hands. You tease him, he teases back and being around him is so easy you forget what it was like to live without him. You can’t remember life pre-Bucky and it scares you.

- Unusual Weather; Explicit, 8.7k

Bucky’s been at the Avengers Tower for three weeks before he finally gives in to Steve’s gentle coaxing and Stark’s cheerful waving of fistfuls of circuits, and lets them scan the arm.

It doesn’t go well.

- this city bleeds its aching heart; Explicit, 35k

The one where Steve and Bucky pose as a happily married couple while on a mission for SHIELD, to catch an international arms dealer hiding in a suburban neighbourhood.

- Good Boy; Explicit, 13k

Bucky is still adjusting to life with the Avengers, and Steve is willing to do whatever it takes to make him feel comfortable. Increasingly, though, what seems to make him comfortable is strangely intimate.

Surprise, Steve! You're a gentle dom and Bucky wants to be your pretty pet!

- Brooklyn; Teen, 8.8k

"Captain America, what's your stance on gay marriage?"

Everyone knows that, by now. Everyone but Bucky.

#told you it was long as shit #fic rec #stucky #mcu #what do people have tagged #fsdjghk whatever

[peach-pops]

Hi! Can I requests a HC with Suga, Kageyama, and Noya where they go into Ukais store and they completely fall head over heels for the girl behind the register ( she can be related to Ukai or just works there for him)

This is my first request! Make sure you guys like/comment/reblog if you enjoyed it and requests are open! 

Suga, Kageyama, and Noya develop a crush on Ukai’s new employee 

➣Sugawara

One day after practice, Suga finds himself heading to Ukai’s store with Daichi and Asahi because they’ve been craving those steamed pork buns and since it was Daichi’s turn to pay for food, it was an offer he couldn’t refuse 

He’s definitely an advocate for “Free food is the best food” 

#sugardaddydaichi

The boys walk into Sakanoshita and Suga is the first to notice a new girl standing behind the counter who is reading the newspaper with her legs propped up just like a mini Ukai

Instead of a cigarette between her lip, she has a stick of chocolate pocky in her mouth 

Suga thinks you are SO cute and he can’t stop staring at you but once you look up from your newspaper to lock eyes with him, he averts his gaze and continues to walk forward, only to bump into one of the shelves by accident 

“ Woah, you okay suga?” Daichi asks as he turns around to face his friend

“ GAH I’m fine!”

Suga hears you let out a small giggle as you went back to your newspaper and pretended to act uninterested in the boy, even though you knew fully well that he was reallllllly cute

Daichi is a smart boy and he can clearly tell that Suga is completely flustered over you but decides to say nothing for now while Asahi is deciding between which flavor drink he should get 

He’s oblivious, aren’t all aces? 

The boys grab their buns and head over to the counter where you greet them extra politely because you are an underpaid customer service worker who is just genuinely nice a cute boy is in front of you and you wanna make a nice impression

“ Okay, you’re all set,  is there anything else I can do for you guys?” You asked sweetly as Daichi looks over to Suga who’s cheeks are getting flushed

Daichi gets Asahi’s attention and nods over to the door,” We’ll be outside Suga, don’t take too long.” 

Suga’s eyes practically are pleading with Daichi saying “ Please don’t leave me I think I’m choking on my own tongue” but Daichi just laughs and walks out with a confused Asahi trailing behind him 

Suga just tries to calm himself down because he knows the goal is to make a nice impression and hopefully set up a date so he can see you again 

“ From the way you were sitting, I imagine you’re related to Ukai? ”

Suga immediately regrets this approach because now he sounds like a weird stalker but you don’t think anything of his question

“ Mhm, I’m his niece Y/N, how do you know him?” 

He replays your name out loud and for some reason it makes him smile even more

You being Ukai’s niece doesn’t really make Suga panic even though the thought of crushing on his coaches niece seems like he is crossing some sort of moral line

Suga tells you that he plays volleyball for Karasuno and that your uncle is also his coach which lights up your face 

“ No kidding, what a small world! I would love to come out and cheer you on. When’s the next game?”

Suga short circuits for a second because you specifically said you would cheer him on instead of the team as a whole

“ S-sure! There’s one next week if you want to come .ANDmaybewecangetsomethingtoeatafter!” 

“ Sounds like a plan, its a date,” You smiled as Suga nods excitedly before rushing out of the store without another word 

“ Did I just hear her say that Ukai is her uncle?” Asahi asked as the three of them walked down the street

Suga nods and blabs on about his interaction with you but Asahi and Daichi look at each other the whole time as they think of how screwed Suga will be once Ukai finds out

➣Kageyama

Kageyama never really heads to Ukai’s store unless he’s with his teammates but one day when he’s out jogging, he forgets his water bottle so he decides to stop by Sakanoshita to grab a drink since he knows he won’t be able to run much longer in this heat 

He steps into the store and he’s blessed with not only the blasting AC but the sight of a girl around his age refilling the drinks in the fridge

Kags can only see the side of your face but even then, he feels his heart skip a beat 

He’s never felt anything like this before so he’s convinced he’s about to have a heart attack but then the unsettling thought hits him as he’s just standing there in the middle of the store with his wallet out 

“ She’s really pretty” and Kageyama doesn’t even realize he’s said this OUT LOUD until you turn around and give him a shy smile

“ Um, thank you, you too”

Kageyama wants to just run out of the store because he is so embarrassed and he can feel the back of his neck and ears heat up as he contemplates leaving

And that’s EXACTLY what he does!!!!

The dude just leaves without buying anything and decides to just run back home because he is MORTIFIED 

You’re kinda bummed out because “damn, I scared another one off this week” but you realize that he dropped his wallet as he was sprinting out so you knew he’d be back

You didn’t look through his wallet, all you did was put it in one of the drawers at the register and continued on with your day as usual 

Just kidding, you totally looked through it and founds his Karasuno school ID and when you saw he was a first-year too, you mentally gave yourself a high five

Kageyama on the other time is freaking out because not only did he lose his wallet, he is so sure that the last time he had it was at Ukai’s store which means he has to see you again

He decides to wait until later that night to show up because he thinks maybe Ukai will be there instead-but sure enough when he shows up, you’re still sitting behind the counter and this time, he can see your whole face as you’re doing homework 

And his heart stops when he sees that you’re wearing a Karasuno school uniform because he could’ve sworn he would’ve recognized someone as pretty as you around the hallways

He’s never felt this way about any girl before and now, he slightly regretted not listening to Tanaka’s advice on how to pick up girls because he was felt so lost on what to do 

You could feel someone staring at you but when you turned your head up, you found yourself almost glad to see him

“ Oh hey Tobio! Did you come back for something?” 

His brain short circuits for the millionth time because hardly anyone calls him by his first name and he figures you probably went through his wallet 

Kageyama sheepishly nods as he heads over to the counter. You don’t even understand how hard it is for Kageyama to even talk to you

Cause granted, he’s talked to girls before like Kiyoko and Yachi but never a girl he was interested in because until now, he never even found himself attracted to girls 

You hand him his wallet as you defend yourself, saying that you only went through it to find his address so you could return it after your shift  

he apologizes over and over again on how much it was a burden for you to keep his wallet for the day

All you could do was laugh at how absurd this whole situation was and your laugh made Kageyama tense up because even your laugh was attractive 

He made sure to keep that in his head though 

Kageyama doesn’t know why his feet are practically cemented in front of you but he just doesn’t want to leave

He makes up any excuse and looks down at your math homework and thinks of an idea

“ Oh, do you need help with that?”

And Kageyama feels so stupid because why the hell did he just offer to help you with math homework when he only has one working braincell

You look down at your homework and back up at him,” You know this stuff?”

Kageyama looks at you before swallowing hard and shakes his head,” No…I’m actually really bad”

You giggle at his attempt at trying to be helpful but you nod back towards your homework,” Well don’t worry, I have math under control...If you want I can tutor you sometime?”

Kageyama almost says yes way too quickly before he pretends to think it over in his head and happily accepts your offer

You smile back at him before grabbing a sticky note and scribbling your name and number on a piece of paper,” Call me whenever, yeah?” 

You know that face Kageyama makes where his smile is super weird and squiggly? Well thats the exact face he has as he takes the piece of paper and tells you goodnight

And you can bet everything you have that he immediately rushes home and pulls out his homework just so he can have an excuse to call you up 

➣Nishinoya 

Nishinoya frequently visits Ukai’s store even if it’s out of the way because he likes to see a familiar face 

And also tries to bargain a “family discount” to which Ukai always denies him 

So one night Noya feels a sudden craving for literally anything that isn’t within his own house and he just decides to go drop by Sakanoshita to annoy Ukai out of a free bag of chips

“ Oi Ukai-” Noya stops in his tracks when he sees a girl around his age carrying a big box of products out from the back of the store

He is completely SMITTEN for you right away and in the back of his mind he’s like Kiyoko who? 

He had been going to Ukai’s for a long time but he had never saw you around before so already his mind was thinking of who you could be 

“ She’s too pretty to be Ukai’s daughter- he isnt even married why would he have a daughter-unless his wife left him with a baby and that’s why he’s grumpy all the time- wait but aren’t babies made by having-”

Noya kinda snaps out of it as you let out a small grunt while you’re trying to balance the two boxes on top of each other

Lets be real, Noya is the number one women respecter so when he sees you somewhat struggling, he rushes over and helps take some of the weight off of you

You could feel your load lighten but you still keep your hand on the box,“ I got it, it’s fine!”

“ No, please let me help! You’re too pretty to carry heavy things, you need a big strong man to help!” 

He didn’t mean for it to sound so unfeminist because again, he loves women as much as Hinata loves volleyball but he just didn’t want you to hurt yourself

You guide him where to set the boxes and they’re way heavier than Noya anticipated but since he wanted to impress you, he tried to play it off like it wasn’t even that heavy 

“ Thanks for the help, I hate making multiple trips” You said as you crouched down and opened up the boxes. When you look up at the boy for the first time, you feel your heart skip a beat because duh, cute stranger alert and Noya was feeling the exact same way 

“ I would do it again in a heartbeat,” Noya smiled and introduced himself and when you said your full name, Noya felt like his mind had exploded

“ Woah! I know him, he’s my volleyball coach- I’m Karasuno’s libero-that’s the school I go to- and he owns the store- but you probably already know that- I’ve never seen you around before, are you new?” 

When Noya gets excited, he has a tendency to talk people’s ear off but you found it so amusing and almost endearing 

“ Yep, today’s my first day. It’s been pretty hectic but it keeps me pretty busy for the most part.”

“ You know, I’m here all the time so I practically own the store myself. If you need any manly assistance, I could help you- like right now- do you want me to stock these chips? The cheesy ones are my favorite what about you?” 

You didn’t want to burden him but after trying to convince him you were fine doing it by yourself, you just gave up and decided that it would be quicker with him by your side

It would’ve taken you about an hour to stock whatever was left but with Noya’s help, you two managed to get it done in 20 minutes. While you closed up the shop, he even offered to walk you home because “ someone as pretty as you shouldn’t walk home without a bodyguard” 

You happily accepted your offer because hellooooo any excuse to hang out with him longer worked for you! 

When you got to your house, you gave him a friendly kiss on the cheek to thank him and for extra measure, you pulled out a bag of cheesy chips from your coat

Noya practically fell to his knees once you closed your front door and he was simping so hard for you that everytime he wasn’t busy with volleyball, he would close up the shop with you and walk you home

#haikyuu #haikyuu!! #haikyuu x reader #haikyuu!! x reader #haikyuu headcanon #haikyuu!! headcanons #haikyuu hc #haikyuu!! hc #karasuno x reader #haikyuu!! smut #haikyuu smau #sugawara x reader #suga x reader #haikyuu smut #koshi x reader #koshi sugawara x reader #sugawara headcanon #kageyama #kageyama x reader #sugawara #suga #kageyama smut #tobio kageyama x reader #tobio kageyama #nishinoya #nishinoya x reader #noya x reader #yu nishinoya #yu nishinoya x reader #noya