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#I made my own nachos for dinner and ate them
hueylengyong15 · 25 days
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My top three memorable moments of February.
Since the second month of the year is over. I decided to do this post what I did in February.
Making my own ice cream sundae at Le Meridian Hotel:
After dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year, I decided to make myself an ice cream sundae by scooping out medium scoops of Vanilla, Chocolate, and Strawberry, adding a fudgy brownie, gummy bears, three of the Hershey's syrups including chocolate from the fountain, Golden Smarties, strawberry, marshmallow, and a Kit Kat wafer to top it all up.
I wanted to add the chocolate bark, but it was enough for me, as I would get a sugar rush and have cavities in my teeth. So, I decided not to get any more toppings as my mom would scold me when she got back from Taiping.
As I sat down to eat my dessert, I tried the brownie paired with the ice cream coated with the toppings I selected. The best part was selecting my own ingredients on what I could come with instead of copying someone's DIY bowl of ice cream.
Once the Reunion dinner was over, I was full of eating my sweet treat, I remembered not to add a lot of ingredients to the Sundae and learned to take only the things I could finish instead of wasting them.
Hopefully, next year I will learn my lesson about what I can eat instead of throwing away my food into the trash and being mean to the unfortunate people who can't afford to eat at a nice restaurant.
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2. Trying out Senjyu Japanese restaurant in One Utama for the first time:
On Thursday after Valentine's Day. I decided to watch the Cantonese version of Disney Pixar's Turning Red. Once we got to TGV Cinemas to get the tickets, we found out that there were no regular seats available to watch the movie as there were only Junior seats available. After hearing the news, I was sad, that I didn't get a chance to watch the Cantonese version of the movie as there were too many kids playing on the playground.
To cheer myself up, I decided to eat at Senjyu, the newest Japanese restaurant that recently opened one month ago. Once we got to this place, I ordered the Spicy Salmon Mayo Temaki Taco with Shimchi Yakiniku Don set with a citrusy and icy Lemonade Bliss drink.
The taco which was made with rice and seaweed coated in a tempura batter had an excellent crunch that paired perfectly with the spicy salmon and the shredded tamago had a good texture that reminded me of a burrito mixed with sushi that gave it a nutty and irresistible texture.
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As for my dad, he ordered the Hotate and Salmon Mentai kettle rice set. The Japanese Scallops were delicious and not so spicy including the salmon seared with Mentaiko sauce that makes it a perfect pairing when being eaten in one bite.
The Sashimi was one of the best side dishes that we ate with our meals. The Salmon was tasty and great while the cut-up fruits and Chawanmushi were savory along with the flower-shaped carrot, grated imitation crab, and eggy custard which was on the sweeter side when being served hot and fresh.
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Overall, I gave this Japanese restaurant eight stars due to their homemade high-quality recipes, and peaceful ambiance. And next time, when I eat at the Japanese restaurant again, hopefully, I will try their Gyoza dry ramen with Unakyu Sushi Maki.
3. Lunch at the Teddy Cafe:
Four days ago, I decided to go to the Teddy Cafe for a Sunday lunch after working on some of my assignments. After arriving at this place in the afternoon, I saw a white teddy carrying a gift box with a bouquet, a miniature teddy in an ice cream cone, and two pink teddy bears with a lemon wedge hat holding a white heart with a happy little cub waving hello to the people who come into the cafe.
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The decorated restaurant which had many teddies was excellent as it was suitable for people of all ages to enjoy eating at this cafe. I also liked the dressed-up teddy toys in different outfits such as Snow White, the Prince, Kawaii style bear, and many other clothing for the cute bears.
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As we found a table, we ordered the Nachos with Tom Yum Gravy, teddy-shaped garlic rice with grilled chicken, Mango, and Lime blended ice bear drink, and the Teddy beef burger with fries.
The Teddy burger was adorable to devour, especially with the fries and salad. The beef patty was juicy and went well with the veggies, cheese sauce, and mayonnaise. As for the Tom Yum Gravy, it had a spicy kick especially the tomatoes and lime were not too sour and made it a good combo with crispy Nachos.
The grilled chicken, garlic rice, and garden salad with sweet soy dressing sauce were sweet, tasty, and not so garlicky. The Mango and Lime drink topped with a marshmallow bear was excellent as it reminded me of Ice Bear from the show, We Bare Bears.
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Once we finished our lunch, I ordered an ice cream dessert for two called Teddy on Island. The strawberry ice cream and syrup are very sweet and delicious.
On the other hand, the chocolate waffles were crunchy and delicious when paired with the mixed fruit and the two happy vanilla ice cream bears. I loved the left side of the two waffles being the dirt and the sweet cream being the sand.
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After finishing our dessert, we decided to go home to rest before class tomorrow. This day was the best because I got to see a collection of teddy bears which people of all ages enjoyed. Hopefully, I will come back to this place to have a cup of 3D bear coffee with a bowl of mushroom soup when I have time.
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leclerced · 3 months
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https://www.tumblr.com/enchantecafe/738785748047806464/httpswwwtumblrcomenchantecafe738701264923328
No bc my brother would make fun of him!! He’d tell him that everyone gets their own giant ass Mettigel to eat raw and he’d be so relieved to know there’s just one where everyone takes bits off to put on their bread😭
And we make so much kale for the whole family! We eat it when everyone comes for my grandpa’s birthday in November and the rest gets canned up to last until next November (it lasts until February max). I swear, do you know how dogs get possessive and aggressive about their food? Thats me and my brother when my grandma divides the leftover kale, we’re like rabit animals 😭 + i wanna add i make a mean asparagus soup
Also please rant about your Christmas dinner, i love listening to people rant
🫀
no lando hearing he has to eat the entire thing on his own and its raw? he’s debating if he wants to marry this woman like he’s been dreaming about if it means a lifetime of eating a hedgehog made of raw meat. he thinks it looks like one of those cake fails, like someone tried making a hedgehog but it’s from his nightmares. he's so relieved when he just gets a single slice and he can take a few bites or avoid it by saying his trainer or nutritionist banned raw meat 😭
thats sm kale i have genuine eaten kale maybe once in my life and i took a nibble and spit it out. i cannot imagine having sm that u store it for months. i am sadly… not a veggie girl. im also not a soup girl generally but asparagus soup kinda sounds good! how do you make it?
my biggest rant about thanksgiving dinner was that the only sides were creamed asparagus and sweet potato casserole, neither of which are things i eat. im picky but i have been cooking dinner since i was like ten, so. i got to pick what was cooked and i know how to cook the things i like so im not annoying ab it. one of my aunts brought stuff to make mashed potatoes which is like my specialty and one of my fav foods. y’know what my grandma does? she makes my aunt take the shit home. says we don’t have time to cook them before dinner. i was upstairs when this happened and i didn’t know about the lack of edible sides until i was called down for dinner. i tried the creamed asparagus thinking like, i like grilled asparagus how bad can it be??
found out on the drive home that my aunt brought potatoes and was sent home with them, and i was like ‘someone should have told me that there weren’t going to be potatoes and i would have complained. you can’t have thanksgiving without potatoes.’ i am still bringing it up randomly to my siblings like ‘hey remember that awful creamed asparagus?’
i will say my family is very nice and always makes sure everyone eats, on family vacations i would skip meals bc they would cook smth i didnt like and everyone would be trying to make me other food while i ate fruit for dinner because they did a shrimp boil knowing i do not eat seafood. my grandma once offered me nachos and i got really excited and then she put tortilla chips on a cookie tray and then sprinkled shredded cheese on it and toasted it. imo nachos are chips and queso and stuff so when she brought me a plate of shredded cheese melted on chips i was very disappointed but i ate the entire thing bc what else do u do when ur grandma makes u food??
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mewp2rawr · 8 months
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✨Super duper amazing bike trip wow yay (๑>◡<๑)
Day 1 of trip!!!
went on a bike trip for about 5 days and took some pictures <3 here is the compilation and fun fun data took when biking <( ̄︶ ̄)>
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↑time it took ↑distance ↑avg speed ↑uphill ↑downhill
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☆*:.。.o(≧▽≦)o.。.:*☆ how far up and down i went throughout today
around the halfway mark (40km in) we stopped for a lunch break for nom nom and also took photo ^-^ at the time i forgot to take a picture of the bike and mew but i was able to take a photo later that day ~ it was my first time biking over 50km in a day but it was super fun since i got to see parts of the city that i never got to ⸜(⸝⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝⸝)⸝
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♡ (˘▽˘> ofc with such a long day of biking we cant skip the food~ had alot to eat to regain the carbs lost - the lasagna was HUGGGEEE BUT SO DELISH ASDFASODFIASDFOSIJDF (maybe i was just hungry at the time but devoured it so yummty) :3 funny enough ive always had lasagna in a square shape so seeing it on a plate was funny but also meant the quantity was huugggeeeeee w(°o°)w
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♡ ~('▽^人) as promised~ the lovely photo of bike and mew to wrap up day one
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Day 2 of trip ( ̄ε ̄ )
day 2 we were finally biking outside of the city o(>ω<)o at 20km was when we saw an amazing sign that signafied an island :0 (no wayyyyy) the sign was nice so took some pictures with mew ^-^ there was also a nice river beside the sign but i forgot to take pictures :P
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right after the 10% incline hill aka hell hill (40km mark above) we stopped by a smol gas station which we met some other bikers o(≧▽≦)o the bikers were friendly and thats when we told them how we got to where we are (¬‿¬ ) that was when the bikers told us that we just completed what they call hell hill we survived the hill but it was fun telling them all about how we went through hell 🔥🔥🔥 (also in the gas station there were super cute sonic and miraculous popsicles <3 kyyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa)
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food is most important so at the end of our ride we ate some lovely sushi for dinner 🍣🍣🍣 sadly we were too hungry and the food came LITERALLY ONE BY ONE APSODIFJPAOSIDJFSD WE HAD TO LIKE FINISH AND SALVAGE EACH BITE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT DISH IT WAS AGONIZING TO WAIT AAAAAAAAAAAAAA - i did end up taking picture of the tempura choco banana because dessert are the best preparing for the calm before the storm ( ⌣̀_⌣́)
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Day 3 of trip \(〇_o)/
day 3 made day 1 and 2 look like a bike in a park literally ヽ(ー_ー )ノ the hell hill from day 2 felt like childs play as we biked up an entire mountain it was alot of fun and challenging but unfortunatrely no photos since the entire view was just uphill and mountains (although the mountains were very pretty i was just pretty much in my own head VS-ing the hill one on one ) (╯✧▽✧)╯thankfully the dog was ready to pick me up in an RV and bring me to the top of the summit early in the morning
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(ಠ_ಠ) it was me VS hill~ a fight to the death where i would challenge the hill and tell them to throw everything at me (please dont throw things at me hill, because if you do throw stuff at me, it will 100% be rocks ( ╯°□°)╯ 🪨🪨🪨 )
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always forget to take pictures of the rest of the meal (๑ᵔ⤙ᵔ๑) ~ maybe i should have an xray in my stomach to take picutres of my food after eating it since i already forget to take pictures - BEHOLD GIANT PLATE OF NACHOS FOR US TO EAT AFTER SUPER MOUNTAIN RIDE ( ˘▽˘)っ♨
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Day 4 of trip -●●●-c(・・ )
behold the easiest day of the trip >x< (idk after day 3 it was very easy - also was the shortest day we biked so it was very fun ) (/// ̄  ̄///) the bike ride overall was alot of fun~ downhill to start followed by a nice moutain to climb (again) and then going down the smol mountain
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⸜( ´ ꒳ ` )⸝ hoorrayyyy~ the nice smol mountain top offered a nice view of a valley picture that resulted in a very big landslide
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Day 5 of trip (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
finally the last day~ it was a super lots of downhill which was nice BUT WHAT WAS NOT NICE WAS THE TERRAIN WE WERE GOING DOWNHILL ON >:( literally since the 40km mark, the entire trail was gravel~ it was EXCRUSSIATING FOR MY BEHIND - you can make a case for the first few days that would make my legs sore but HOLY ARCEUS AND MOTHER OF ALL POKEMON MEW DID MY BUTT HURT
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(>﹏<) it was not easy to go downhill on gravel either since your arms and core need to help you maintain balance to prevent you from falling off ~ main reason why we were travelling on gravel was because we were next to a railroad~ so alot of the old railroad was covered in gravel and it became the ☆*:.。.o BC trans canada trailllll o.。.:*☆
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(  ̄0 ̄) this last day was also the longest distance we covered with a total of over 100km travelled (ノ◕ヮ◕)ノ*:・゚✧ it was my first time to bike over 100km so it was super fun and an amazing conclusion to such a wonderous trip yatta!!! ~ took my time to settle in and relax last day treating myself to a wonderous and sparkling night view <3
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( ◕▿◕ ) i also took a picture of the giant peach (sorry i didnt see james) to remind me of how sore my butt was
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(๑>◡<๑) and finally the finale of the trip where i had the yummiest and biggest ice cream scoop ive had EVARRRRRRRR kyyyaaaaaa~ i got the shark flavor which was a combination of rasberry and bluberry :3 i enjoyed it alongside pengu (b ᵔ▽ᵔ)b🍦
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Lots of Love~ Mewp 💖
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talkfantasytome · 2 years
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I hope I'm doing this right! But this is my official ask request to Azriels and a Hormonal Gwyn's reaction to the fact that she's going to have a baby and that they are taking all the candy! 🥺🥺❤
Definitely done right! Though there's no real wrong way. 😄 💕
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"Actually, about that, there was something we wanted to tell you two." Cassian reached over and took Nesta's delicate hand, his own all but swallowing hers up.
Part One
I actually struggled with this more than I thought I would...ideas were flowing last night, and then they all felt stupid this morning. And I don't love my ending, but I needed something...but, anyway, I think the middle has at least some fluffy adorableness. XD
I took some (small) liberties with the candy thing. 👀
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Handing the plush, pale blue blanket to Gwyn, Azriel placed a soft kiss on her temple. "Is there anything else you need?"
"No, mom," Gwyn teased, spreading the blanket across her and Nesta's legs as they sat on the couch, discussing the latest Sellyn Drake book they'd both read.
Azriel chuckled as he made his way back into the kitchen where Cassian was preparing a crudité.
"Whatever happened to nachos and wings?"
Cassian froze for a moment, his hands paused mid air as they sprinkled cherry tomatoes around the dish. "Uh…you know, trying to be healthy. It's good for Gwyn."
"I doubt she'll touch that," Az sighed, shaking his head. "I can barely get her to eat a proper dinner these days."
"Tell me about it," Cassian muttered under his breath.
"Huh?"
"Nothing." Picking up the dish, Cassian flashed Az a weird smile and walked out into the living room as Az grabbed the bowl of Reese's, Kit Kats, and Crunch bars and followed. They set both out on the table, the girls each reaching for the chocolate immediately.
Az sat in the arm chair to the couch's left as Cassian took the one to its right, both sitting closer to their respective partners who were spread out enough to show they didn't feel like squishing all four on the couch.
Looking at the spread, Gwyn scrunched her face, making Az smile to himself, fairly certain he knew what she was about to say.
"I thought we were watching football."
"We are," Cassian replied while Az turned the TV on and flipped to the right channel.
"Then where's my junk food?" Gwyn pouted.
Nesta sighed softly. "Cassian doesn't like to serve that stuff anymore. Says I'm eating too much chocolate, I have to balance it." She leaned forward and grabbed a carrot stick, dipping it into the Ranch.
"At least he seems to be succeeding," Az chuckled, earning him a glare from Gwyn. He simply grinned back and then turned to face the TV as the game began.
It was a fairly standard Sunday. They watched football, joked, laughed, and ate. Nesta and Gwyn even managed to get Cassian to agree to order a pizza, not that either girl ate much of it. They both spent most of the afternoon shoveling the chocolate into their mouths, and it was starting to get on Az's nerves.
Not Gwyn, of course. He'd put the chocolate out for her.
But Nesta…Nesta knew Gwyn was pregnant, dealing with these cravings. And yet there she sat, eating just as much as Gwyn was, which only meant Az would have to go out and get more sooner. Especially since they never brought their leftover candy.
He was doing his best not to say anything. Tapping a finger incessantly on the arm of his chair, his right leg shaking to a similar beat, but with each piece she ate he grew more agitated until he couldn't hold it in anymore.
"Will you stop eating Gwyn's candy?!" he all but shouted during the fourth quarter of the game, his teeth grinding together as he leveled a glare at Nesta.
She stilled, a half-eaten Reese's at her lips and her blue-grey eyes wide with shock as Gwyn gasped out an, "Az!"
"What?" he replied. "You can barely keep anything else down, as crazy as that seems, and you sure as hell don't want to eat anything else. Is it so insane to ask our friends to leave the chocolate for the pregnant woman?"
He looked over at them, Cassian and Nesta meeting each other's eyes meaningfully. Nesta nodded to Cassian, who let out a deep sigh. "Actually, about that, there was something we wanted to tell you two." Cassian reached over and took Nesta's delicate hand, his own all but swallowing hers up.
Gwyn pivoted to look at them expectantly, her cheeks a bit flushed. Az realized that may have been from feeling embarrassed by his outburst, which had him mentally chastising himself. Not that he didn't feel justified in his request, but he hated making Gwyn feel bad in any way.
He paused the TV as Cassian flicked his eyes back to Nesta, who gave him a soft smile before turning to face Az and Gwyn.
"I'm pregnant."
"WHAT?!"
The shriek sliced through the air like a knife through soft butter, causing Az to startle when the shrill sound hit his ears. But Gwyn wasn't fazed by the effect she had. Not as she practically tackled Nesta to the couch.
"You're pregnant?!"
"I am," Nesta laughed, hugging her friend back.
"That's so amazing!" Gwyn exclaimed. "We're going to be mothers! Together!" Cassian cleared his throat, as if to remind Gwyn she and Nesta weren't the expecting parents of the same child. "Oh, you know what I meant!" She flashed a narrowed gaze at Cassian before returning to Nesta. "This is going to make it so much better! We can do all the pregnancy things together, support each other through it, we could even have a combined baby shower. Oh! And our kids will be the same age!"
Gwyn's voice began to break, which meant tears were already lining the eyes Az couldn't see. He was moving before he even thought about it, slipping onto the couch next to her and wrapping an arm around her waist.
"I'm fine!" Gwyn cried in protest, though she didn't actually attempt to move out of Az's arms.
Nesta only chuckled, taking Gwyn's hands in hers as water began to pool in her own eyes. "It wasn't planned, but I'm so excited we get to do this together."
Rolling his eyes, Cassian leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "I didn't realize Gwyn was the father."
"Oh, hush you."
Gwyn huffed out a small, wet laugh. "Don't worry, Cass. We all know the part you played."
"It seemed someone needed a reminder."
Throwing him a smirk over her shoulder, Nesta shot back, "Definitely. You're quite forgettable."
With a growl, Cassian was moving, lifting Nesta up as he took her seat before placing her on his lap as Nesta giggled.
Azriel simply watched as Gwyn beamed at their friends, reveling in the beauty of her smile. The way her eyes light up, how her nose would scrunch slightly, pushing some of her freckles together. Gods, she was gorgeous. He could only imagine how beautiful their child would be, and he couldn't help but hope they took after her completely.
"But, seriously, this is absolutely amazing," Gwyn continued, all eyes on her as Cassian rested his chin on Nesta's shoulder. "We're going to get to do it all together, and at the end of it we'll have our babies! And they'll only be, what…a few weeks apart?"
Nesta paused, staring off into the distance as she seemed to work something out in her brain. "Most likely. Maybe a month? According to the doctor, I'm most likely about ten to eleven weeks. A bit early to be telling people, we know, but…well…Az forced our hand." She leveled an amused look at him.
Az offered her a cocky grin back. "My true plan." The entire group laughed softly at his joke.
"That's so perfect! I'm at fourteen now, but considering due dates are just guesses, who knows what could happen! If I'm late and you're early, they could even have the same birthday!" Gwyn was all but hopping in her seat, even as tears continued to line her eyes.
"Let's not get too ahead of ourselves with that," Nesta mused. "Either way, they'll grow up together. Which will be nice, since Feyre and Rhys moved a state away for his job and Elain and Lucien don't seem to have any plans to move back home from Canada. I'm glad our little girl will have some form of family her own age."
"Girl? How do you know that already?" Gwyn asked in shock.
Nesta leaned back against Cassian as she placed one hand over her stomach. "I don't, technically. I just…have a feeling."
"Ah." Gwyn nodded in understanding. "I get that. I'm pretty sure we're going to have a boy."
Cassian's smile fell slightly, his eyes darting to Gwyn's stomach and darkening slightly. "Well, you tell him to keep his paws off my daughter."
"Stop it!" Nesta huffed, slapping him softly on the shoulder. "Save the overprotective, territorial male thing for when she's older and can actually fight against it."
"Never gonna happen," Az teased. His own smile had become impossibly wide as he listened to his fiancé and friends talk. Though nothing could beat the feeling he'd had when Gwyn told him she was pregnant, this definitely added to the excitement. There was something so right about Nesta and Gwyn being pregnant together, about Cassian and him having children so close in age.
"So…" Cassian started, prolonging the word, "since we're all so excited, and will be sharing so much, any chance you'll let us take home some of that candy hoard you're clearly hiding somewhere?"
Azriel's face flattened instantaneously. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Mmhmm, so it's just a coincidence the store is sold out of all of Gwyn's favorites? Which happen to be Nesta's, too."
"Must be. They are popular."
Cassian groaned as Gwyn laughed softly, resting a hand on Az's thigh. "We can give you a bag or two to hold you over until the store restocks." Az opened his mouth to argue, but Gwyn stopped him with a look. "And we promise not to buy out the entire store. Should we need to buy more…pretty sure we'll be giving some of this out for Halloween next year."
"Not at the rate you're going through it," Az muttered, earning him a light slap from Gwyn.
"Thank you, Gwyn." Gwyn gave Cassian a soft nod in recognition as she leaned back against Azriel.
Nesta leaned forward and grabbed another Reese's. "Well…now that's settled…can we please get back to the game?! I can feel my phone buzzing like crazy and I will not let my sisters spoil this for me!"
The entire room erupted in laughter. Cassian pressed a soft kiss to Nesta's neck as Gwyn tucked herself into the nook of Azriel's arm.
"Silly us," Az chuckled. "We should know not to try and keep an Archeron from her football."
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@live-the-fangirl-life @generalnesta @secretlovelybeauty @nestaisgod @julemmaes @live-the-fangirl-life @boredserpent @autumnbabylon @angelic-voice-1997 @moodymelanist @sv0430 @confusedfandomslut @gwynrielsupremacy @katekatpattywack @moonstoneriver77 @deedz-thrillerkilller16 @swankii-art-teacher @lemonade-coolattas @whoreforgwynriel @emily-gsh @my-fan-side @champanheandluxxury
Let me know if you'd like to be added to my Nessian, Gwynriel, or general/all tag list!
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superhero--imagines · 3 years
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Part 12
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Part 1 Here! / Part 2 Here! / Part 3 Here! / Part 4 Here! / Part 5 Here! / Part 6 Here! / Part 7 Here! / Part 8 Here! / Part 9 Here! / Part 10 Here! / Part 11 Here!
* You stare at the blank ceiling, the smooth unblemished surface like freshly fallen snow
* you should really put some nudie posters up there or something to lighten the mood a little. 
* Light notes from the piano float around your room
* You sigh, so these are the facts as you know them:
* Edward is your best friend who has occasional bouts of brooding and flirtatious behavior.
* Bella is not albino, she has a lovely peach undertone, and a lovely grilled peach scent
* The entire coven has treated your attraction to this young lady’s blood like you got caught masturbating or wetting the bed or something
* “You don’t need to be embarrassed it’s a perfectly natural feeling.” Esme tells you while rubbing your shoulders
* “We’ve all been there” Rosalie reassures
* “Totally not a big deal, it happens to me everyday!” Jasper chimes in
* You wish sunlight hurt you so you could combust into flames on the spot
* The piano notes get louder, and you feel your mouth pinch into a frown.
* “Oh my god Edward! Read the room, I want brooding music!”
* Edward stops, up until then he had been playing a pretty cheerful Mozart piece
* You can tell he wants to ask why, you’ve been radiating joy non-stop since biology. But he decides against it
* “You really shouldn’t eat lying down.” He says as you sip blood while lying flat on your bed.
* “Okay dad.” You snort
* Edward starts to imagine what it would be like if you called him ‘daddy’
* All needy on top of him, your hands curled in fists against his chest, the breathy “daddy please” that leaves your mouth
* All of a sudden he’s ugly turned on
* “Ugh you’re no fun, I’m going to hang out with Rosalie”
* You leave the room and Edward has a total meltdown, is this what a kink is? Is he discovering a kink?!? At 100 years of age?!?!?!?
* Edward.exe is broken
* You don’t even make it to Rosalie’s room, you can smell them a mile away
* Broccoli, sugar and fat, and axe body spray. No peaches you realize with a sigh.
* They’ve only just barely rung the door bell when you open the door
* “Hey what are you guys doing here?”
* Jessica’s standing in front, looking pretty at ease, while Mike and Angela look equally uncomfortable.
* Makes sense, Jessica’s here all the time now either for homework or to watch TV.
* Mike and Angela haven’t been back since your sweet sixteen
* “How did you get down here so fast?”
* “I saw your car from upstairs” you say with a sheepish smile.
* You wish Alice would have given you a heads up, you weren’t planning on pretending to be human right now. Still you probably look raggedy enough right now in sweatpants and an oversized sweatshirt
* You can probably pull this sick thing off
* “We just wanted to check up on you, I heard from Mike and Angela you got sick during class.” And then in a more annoyed tone Jessica adds “And I guess you’re too sick to respond to all my texts and calls”
* Oh crap, where is your phone.
* You pat your pockets, and think when you saw it last
* “I left it in my locker” you smack your head. You told Edward to go grab your bag from class but you forgot your phone.
* “Hey don’t worry about it, I can get it for you tomorrow if you want.” Jessica rushes to your side and pats your arm. You shake your head
* “No I can get it myself, I’m fine I just ate something bad.” You mumble.
* You’re not missing school tomorrow. You would literally risk murder to smell Bella again.
* It’s not insatiable thirst like described in the books, more like a craving, like someone might have for nachos.
* It itches at you for a while, but if you just distract yourself long enough you can move on
* “Would you like to come in? I think Esme just baked cookies or scones or something.”
* Esme likes to bake for the smell and donate the food to the local shelter. That, or take it for her employees at her architectural firm in town.
* Firm is a loose word, she has maybe four employees, and they get one job a month, but it seems to make her happy.
* Angela and Mike give each other looks but Jessica perks up
* “Is she making those delicious earl grey scones again?” You sniff the air
* “I think she made some of that orange zest butter too”
* “Omg I am so happy you left your phone at school” Jessica giggles walking inside past you, you hear her greet Esme with a squeal
* “They really are good.” You tell them and your remaining human friends enter the house carefully
* “Soooo where is everyone?” Mike asks taking a look around your living room.
* “Ummm Rosalie’s in the garage, Alice is probably meditating on the roof, Emmett’s at swim practice, and Jasper’s probably at the barn.”
* “What about Edward?” Angela asks before Mike can ask about the barn
* Last you saw him he was playing the piano in your room, but it’s been a while since then
* “He’s probably in his room monologuing about the degradation of the American dream or something.”
* You lead them into the kitchen where Esme and Jessica are already deep in conversation about the wonder of her baking
* “-side is so light and fluffy, how do you get the tea flavor though”
* “Witchcraft.” Esme jokes, giving a full smile before putting another tray in the oven. Only Jessica laughs, the other two are too nervous to even sit down
* “Why don’t I teach you how when you come over next week.”
* Yeah you’re pretty sure Jessica is really only a fan of the “eating” and not of the “baking”
* You’re half surprised when she seems happy at the invitation. 
* “Oh that sounds great, I can’t wait for it!” Jessica’s practically beaming
* Where’s Edward when you need him? You wonder what her motivations are. 
* Jasper is not going to like this. He’s already irritated enough that he’s kicked out of his own house every Friday when Jessica comes over to watch arrested development
* Before you can say anything to Esme the conversation moves forward
* “Did you guys hear about that security guard that died in Mason county?”
* She’s just making small talk, you know that. But you and Esme instantly tense at the mention
* Carlisle had mentioned he thought there was a nomad wandering through, they were still far enough not to cause the coven immediate trouble, but anything that brought more attention to them was a disadvantage
* “My Dad says he heard from Chief Swan it was probably a wild animal attack” Mike mumbles over a bite of scone, you figured he would be the easiest to win over with food
* You hide a smile behind your hand, he really is like a golden retriever
* “What kind of a wild animal climbs stairs into a building” Jessica mumbles over another bite of scone. And maybe to fit in, or maybe because she’s always been a nervous eater, Angela takes a bite too.
* “Oh wow, these are really good” she murmurs
* Esme Cullen ladies and gentleman, winning the hearts of teenagers with baked goods since 19XX
* “Well you kids stay safe, stay together if you can.” She pats your head and you nod.
* You don’t know the details of the attack, you get the feeling Carlisle still see’s you as a kid and he doesn’t want to burden you.
* But assuming the small changes that have happened have nothing to do with the large changes, that means Laurent, James and Victoria will be passing through soon.
* Maybe it’s for the best Bella doesn’t get involved with Edward until later.
* You’d really like to not get all mixed up in the whole “James Thing” if you can help it.
* “Are you staying for dinner? I’m thinking of whipping up some pasta, maybe a chicken?” Esme looks to you, yeah you have no idea how she’s going to manage that. Besides the baking basics there’s no actually food in this kitchen. And the one upstairs is just for your blood bags.
* “(Y/N), do you think...Carlisle would mind if we used one of... his chickens?”
* His chickens? The only chickens in the house-
* “No Esme! My chickens are only for love and chicken snuggles” and their blood which tastes very leans yet rich. “Not to eat!”
* “It would just be one-we’ll eat your least favorite!”
* You’re really hoping this is her way of chasing the humans out because she doesn’t want to cook.
* “No- oh my god- we’re going to the diner come on!” You say tugging Jessica and Angela to stand.
* “It was great seeing you again Mrs. Cullen, see you next week!” Jessica shouts as the three of them follow you out.
* “Going out? Is that such a good idea it’s late and a school night.” Edward says as he descends down the stairs
* “Oh my god, yes Dad I’ll be home before my curfew.” You say before leaving, cue Edward crumbling onto the stairs as he imagines you calling him “daddy” again
* “I’m going to hell, I’m definitely going to hell.” He mumbles, his face in his hand.
* It’s a really short drive to the diner, also known as the only place to eat in Forks in the mid 2000’s. 
*There’s not even a McDonald’s. It’s almost sad
* And when you get there, while everyone moves ahead to the table you see a familiar face.
* “Oh, Hey Bella”
* Your eyes met and you figured it would be rude not to say anything. It looks like she’s here having dinner with her Dad. 
*She really does look like her dad, same eyes, same cheekbones.
* “Nice to see you again Chief Swan”
* “Nice to see you too, how’s Carlisle doing? Heard it’s been busy at the hospital.”
* “Yeah, it’s like he doesn’t sleep anymore.” You grin at your own joke.
* “Are you feeling alright now?” Bella asks, she looks genuinely concerned
* “Yeah, I um, made some questionable food choices at lunch.”
* There’s an awkward moment of silence. You get the impression that Chief Swan and his daughter are both the “strong silent” types.
* It looks like they’ve both finished eating already
* If you had known she was going to be here you would have made Edward come with you. 
* “Oh hey, do you want to join us for dinner?” It just seems like the friendly thing to do for the new girl, something on-brand with human character
* Definitely not because if you get on her good side now, maybe she won’t kick you out once her and Edward get married. 
*Father and daughter exchange a glance and the familiar connection they have makes you nervous. 
*“Of course you don’t have to, I know you’re here with your dad so-“
* “I’m sure Bella would love to join-“ Charlie says at the same time Bella says:
* “Wouldn’t it be kind of weird since I already ate.”
* Ah, so they’re not as in sync as you thought. 
* You give your best “Golden Girl - You can totally trust me with your daughter” smile.
* “I’m actually not eating either,” you place a hand over your stomach like a human might. “The uh, Clam Linguine is still haunting me, so I’m sticking to broth and sprite.”
* Why did you say Clam? You don’t even eat meat, it’s how you’ve been getting away with eating so little at lunch. 
* “not a lot of vegetarian choices” You say to your human friends who nod solemnly. 
* Father and Daughter exchange another look likening telepathic communication and they both move to stand
* “I’m going to finish up some paperwork at the precinct, don’t stay out to late.” Charlie says, leaning down to kiss his daughter on the forehead
* You watch with warm eyes and a small smile twitching onto your lips
* Bella is so loved.
* You can’t believe she’s willing to break her dad’s heart just so she can be 19 forever.
* Which, as you are 19 forever, you can fairly say is overrated
* “Hey guys Bella’s joining us.”
* Your female friends offer her a polite smile, you see Angela gaze flick from the menu to Bella’s face. Silently calculating the worth of this opportunity
* Any intel on this new girl would be pretty valuable
* Same old Angela
* Mike sits up straight so fast that he actually knocks his silverware off the table.
* “H-hey Bella, Hi, w-what, what are you doing here?”
* “Eating.” Bella says it so bluntly that you can’t help but laugh.
* Mike flushes bright red and Jessica and Angela exchange a look before giggling.
* “I thought it would be cool if she came over since I didn’t get to talk to her much.” You take a seat next to Jessica and Bella follows by taking the last seat between you and Mike.
* You still catch whiffs of her scent her and there, especially when she’s sitting so close to you.
* But it’s not so bad, the peachy smell is making you a little lightheaded, but you can handle it.
* At least you’re not fantascizing about killing her and everyone in this room like a certain dork you know.
* “Do you guys want to do that promotion where we get the basket of fries for the table?” Jessica asks
* “I don’t like sharing fries with Mike he eats them all.” Angela mumbles
* Yeah you remember last time when after a football game the three of them actually sat down and divided the plate in three equal portions
* They even measured out each fry dividing up the extra long ones 
* “Says the person who basically eats ketchup with a spoon.” Mike retorts and Angela scoffs
* “It’s America’s best condiment for a reason Mike.” Angela snaps back
* “I think we’re getting off track, I say Mike buys us all french fries to make up for all the times he hogged the joint basket” Jessica’s teasing but Mike takes it seriously
* “What so I’m a French fry monster now?”
* “Yes” Both Angela and Jessica respond in unison without looking up from their menu cards
* “What do you think Bella?” You’re surprised that Jessica’s the one asking. You get the feeling she’s not very happy about Mike’s crush on Bella.
* “I think Mike should buy everyone their own basket since he has such a bad history with sharing.”
* “You traitor!” Mike mocks hurt and you all laugh.
* You look at Bella through the corner of your eye, maybe it’s just the lighting but she looks pinker when she’s laughing.
* She looks happy as she starts contributing to the conversation.
* “I will say the pie here is really good, I wouldn’t share even if someone paid me to.”
* “Omg yes, the cheery icebox pie is out of this world” Jessica responds
* “I’m partial to chess pie” Mike pipes in and Angela laughs
* “You guys are crazy, the fruit custard they make is the best”
* You grin as your four new friends argue about the superior dessert, watching Bella laugh beside you.
* Welcome to team human Bella
Tags:  @moonlights27 @thebluetint @the100thtwilight @awesomebooklover17 @oneofthepotterheads @smileygirl08 @imdoingathingmom @iconicgguk @yrawn @alyciaswhore @little-horror-show @wicked-watering-can @lazydreamers @xxxmuxxx @puritanicalhypocrite
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yoditorian · 3 years
Text
The Pancake King
javier peña/reader
yeah i know i said i had no more wip space but then i had a headcanon idea which turned into a note on my phone which turned into,,,,this, which might turn into something else but for now it’s a standalone oneshot that can be read as a sequel to this
main masterlist
word count: 2.5k // warnings: some swears, unnamed boyfriend cheating, food, work stress mentions
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This week really, really doesn’t want to give you a break. 
The mountain of paperwork waiting for signatures and stamps only seems to get bigger, obscuring half the office from your little corner desk. Every time you have a moment to get through a few of them, you’re pulled into somebody else’s office for a meeting, or someone needs you to double check one of their own forms, or you have to clean up somebody else’s mess. As usual. 
And then there’s your life outside of work, if you can even call it that. But your air conditioner is broken and the mailman keeps giving your letters to everyone but you, it seems, and it’s too fucking hot during the day to have to deal with any of this shit. 
So you took the day, called in with a fake-cold and promised you’d be back in tomorrow. How much could the office fall apart in just one day? The air conditioning is still broken, but you’d gone out and bought three of the biggest fans you could find. Problem one, sort of solved. The mailman is his own mystery, seemingly vanishing into thin air as soon as you’d spotted him on the sidewalk, at least Connie was in to give you the mail that had gotten mixed up with hers. That, and you’d managed to sneak in some baby cuddles with Olivia. There’s not much you can do about the weather itself, besides wear as little as can be considered publicly decent and pray for the thunderstorm the weather forecast keeps promising is on its way. 
Only, as luck always has it, things get worse. 
You’d called the boyfriend you left back home, just like you do at the same time every Thursday night. And some chirpy woman had answered, introducing herself as his girlfriend. And that was the last straw. 
You can’t even remember what you told her, now. Something about how he could drop the key to your apartment back with your best friend, maybe something along the lines of how he can go fuck himself too. That sounds about right. You’d hung up before she could say anything else. 
It’s just you and the wall now, the television not even good enough company to quiet the stress of literally everything in your life. You’re vaguely aware of your stomach rumbling, although you’re not sure you have the energy to get up and root around in your fridge. You ate the last of the leftovers in there yesterday anyway, and you’re pretty sure everything else involves some kind of preparation. Which you really don’t have the energy for. Sleep, sleep can be your dinner tonight.
Javier and Steve get back from the office at the same time Connie comes trotting down the stairs to leave for a shift. 
“Can one of you check on them?” She asks, pulling on her cardigan to keep off the evening breeze. There’s something in her tone that has Javier’s brow furrowing even further than it usually is, and it doesn’t go unnoticed by either of the Murphys.
“Last time we spoke, I thought they were gonna hit me,” Steve raises his eyebrows in disbelief, a little too dramatically, “This one’s on you, Peña.” 
He’s off up the stairs before Javier can argue that he probably, definitely, is the last on the list of people you want to see if you’re having a bad day. He’s responsible for half the forms waiting on your desk, seemingly doubled over the course of the day. That, and his comforting skills aren’t exactly legendary. Connie, for all her tact, shrugs apologetically at him before she’s leaving too, and he’s left standing in the hall wondering exactly what it is he’s supposed to do now.
He remembers his bad day, the really bad one, a few months ago. How you turned up on his doorstep with homemade nachos and a smile, exactly what he needed before he even knew it himself. He hears his father in his head, waxing poetic about the way that people comfort others is often the way they like to be comforted. And, honestly, who doesn’t like a good meal when everything feels a little bit against them? 
Javier can’t cook, he’s not arrogant enough to pretend that he can make anything off the top of his head. Nor is he certain he has any of the ingredients for anything in the cookbook Steve had bought him as a joke for the Christmas just gone. There is one option though, he just hopes it’s the right one as he starts to pull a frying pan out of the cupboard. 
You’re surprised when there’s a knock at your door and you have to struggle out of your blanket for a minute, your ass numb from sitting on the ground for too long. It’s probably only Connie, checking that you’ve eaten. She’ll see right through your lie but you doubt she’ll push it, only remind you to eat breakfast with a stern look that you know she only pulls out for her most difficult patients. You’re not sure when that privilege extended to you. 
It’s not Connie. 
Javier stands in the light of the hallway, a foil covered plate in his hands, and looking like he’d rather be literally anywhere else. You start to wish you hadn’t worn your blanket like a cape to answer the door. 
“I, um-” He can’t seem to pick where to look, eyes settling somewhere to the right of your head before he tries again, “You had a bad day.” 
Oh, oh, he really couldn’t have tried harder. It’s an odd parallel of a moment, months ago, when you barged your way into his apartment with nachos and good intentions. There’s an uncomfortable swell of something right under your lungs and you beg it to stay quiet. He gestures with the plate in his hands, the smell of sugar and sweetness wafting out from underneath it, and your stomach gurgles. The sound pulls a giggle from both of you, and things start to feel a lot more comfortable. 
“Welcome to the pit of despair.” You laugh, gesturing for him to follow you in and toward the kitchen. 
You pull your last two clean forks out of the cutlery drawer as Javier sets the plate down on the kitchen table and reveals whatever it is he spent the time and effort to make. Just for you. 
Pancakes.
And, honestly, you couldn’t imagine anything more Javier. He barely leaves the office, and you’re pretty sure you’ve only ever seen him eat outside of his desk when Connie forces him to come to dinner. You can’t stop the smile that slips onto your face, the first one all week if you’re being honest. 
“What?” He asks, taking the fork you offer out to him and settling down in the chair across from you.
“You made me pancakes?” Your voice is smaller than you expect it, the intention of his actions catches in your throat and makes you a little more emotional than you thought it would. He looks like he’s about to say something else, but thinks better of it when you reach out with your fork and rip a chunk out of the stack of frankly perfect looking offerings. 
And they are perfect. Fluffy and light and sweet and wonderful. An odd juxtaposition to their chef, but you don’t think about it. You don’t think about anything, you sit and eat in silence and try to prolong this one moment of peace for as long as you can. 
It ends sooner than you want it to. Every last crumb devoured between the two of you, and suddenly everything doesn’t seem so bad. Pancakes will do that. 
He’’s gathering up the plate and forks before you can protest, moving wordlessly to tackle the pile of dishes that you’ve been ignoring in your sink for the last couple of days. 
Javier can’t help himself when he spots the stack of dishes behind you. You’ve looked like you’re on the verge of crying since you opened the door and if there’s one chore that’ll reduce someone to tears, it’s doing the dishes. So he doesn’t even think about it, just collects the empty plate and pulls the fork out of your hand and gets to work. 
You’re about to protest, tell him something about how you can deal with it, or that it’s late and he should go home, get some sleep. He knows you well enough, and your face when he turns to look at you over the shoulder as the hot water starts running proves as much. Just as you know the no-nonsense look on his face isn’t one you want to argue with. He waits, watching, for you to rise from the table and shuffle back towards the living room, listens carefully for the sound of you flopping onto the couch, before turning back to the sink and getting to work. 
It’s times like these he wishes he asked more questions, then he might know what prompted you to call out with a cold when you’re clearly the picture of health. Physically, anyway. Although sometimes he thinks you could be all kinds of sick, and that little voice in his head would still tell him you’re pretty. If he knew, or had any kind of hunch, he could help a little more than this. Pancakes and dirty dishes only go so far, although he’s never been great at comforting people beyond his cousins’ scraped knees when they were little. It’s not a case of ignoring any time you’ve opened up about your life outside of work, there’s always some part of his brain ready to soak up your every word like a sponge. Maybe it is as simple as that, maybe it’s just work that has gotten a bit too much. Maybe it’s a combination of things.
The dishes are neatly lined up on the drying rack before he even notices he’s finished, fishing around in the bottom of the sink for a full minute until he realises everything has been washed. 
You’re still sitting on the couch when he comes through to the living room, hands dried and clean. You shuffle up to make room for him, having just dumped yourself unceremoniously in the middle of the cushions, and keep your eyes on the dormant television in front of you. You’re expecting him to say something, to tell you it’ll be okay, or that everything will work itself out, or that it probably won’t seem like a big deal in the morning. He’d be right, it probably won’t. But right now, all you can feel is the weight that settled on your chest as the whole of the past week makes itself comfortable. 
You pull the blanket tighter against you, shoulders straining the thin fabric, as if you could squash all your problems until they disappear. But they only seem to get bigger.
“You remember my boyfriend, back home?” You’re quiet, more so than you had been earlier. As if you’re afraid of the words as you speak them.
He does remember. The guy came down to visit once, only a few weeks after you’d been transferred. Steve had done his best to befriend the guy, where Javier hadn’t extended anything beyond a handshake and a raised eyebrow in your direction. Not that he didn’t like him (he didn’t, still doesn’t, but that’s besides the point), but all Javier really remembers is your disappointment come Monday morning when you’d trudged into the office and told them he’d had to leave early. Work emergency. It had smelt like bullshit then, it smells like bullshit now. Still, he nods, and lets you continue.
“Not only mine, turns out.” It all comes out in one breath, and all he can do is watch as you curl even further into yourself. Scumbag. Sure, Javi’s been around the block a little, or a lot, but he’s never stooped so low as to cheat on anybody. He’s above that, at least. 
The barely audible sniffle from under your blanket pulls him right out of thinking of all the ways he could make this guy’s life hell back home, and he sends a prayer up to whoever’s listening that he won’t make it worse with what he’s about to do. 
A soft tug on the corner of your blanket is the only warning you get, and suddenly you’re being pulled across the length of the couch until you’re half in his lap.
“Javi.” You manage, barely hanging on to your composure. You know he knows that, but you don’t know why he won’t leave you to it. 
The look on your face just about breaks his heart. All big watery eyes and confusion, the nickname you so rarely use sounds so soft whispered in the air between you. You’re already beginning to crumble, if only from the way he’s holding you like you’ll shatter with the slightest breeze. Maybe you will.
It’s the tenderness that gets you, in the end. How he seems to just know what you need, far better than anyone else has in a long time. The weight of his arms around you, gentle but firm, makes it suddenly difficult to breathe past the lump in your throat as the tears start to fall. And Javier holds you through it all. Even though you’re both at an awkward angle and you’re pretty sure his leg is trapped underneath you, he doesn’t budge. It’s easy to forget, alongside your easy camaraderie with Steve, that Javier works with you all day every day too. 
It can’t be more than an hour later that he feels you slump against him and your breathing begins to even out, save for the occasional stray hiccup. Something about the way you’ve snuggled into him, head on his chest and fingers fisted in the soft black t-shirt he reserves for cold nights and bad days. A crack of thunder and sudden downpour of rain jolts you as you sleep, sends you even further into his embrace, and he holds you to him a little tighter. It’s nice, oddly. Even though having you so close makes his heart want to burst right out of his ribcage. 
At least the rain sends a welcome gust of cool air through the open bedroom window, swirling down the hall and mercifully circling around the living room. 
Javier tugs the blanket out from around you, just enough to cover the both of you, and shuffles as much as he dares to try and get comfortable. You need the sleep, and he’s not about to take it from you just for the sake of blood flow in his leg. You barely notice when he settles, comfortable even on your old couch and the weight of a grown human on top of him. His back will kill him in the morning, but you’ll have rested better for it and that’s a small price to pay. 
He tries not to think too hard about what that might mean. 
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TAGLIST (add yourself here):
@bee-dameron @keeper0fthestars @thevoiceinyourheadx @firstofficerwiggles @1800-fight-me @ew-erin @chatterbean @darnitdraco @greeneyedblondie44
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rhyrhy462 · 4 years
Text
Sleepover (G.D.)
Pairing: grayson dolan x best friend!reader
Warnings: bad writing, pining, one swear word, semi-sappines, self-indulgent because of the big mouth thing and the snacks
gif by @pinof
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Everyone knew that Grayson Dolan went to bed early. It never failed that he was turning his phone off and putting it on his nightstand at midnight.
His best friend, Y/N, was a night owl. She went to bed at 3 in the morning most of the time.
Grayson and Y/N tried to squeeze in sleepovers whenever they could. These usually happened on Friday nights and consisted of, in no particular order, eating dinner, watching a movie, begging Grayson to take you to a grocery store to buy snacks, listening to music, begging Grayson to get you ice cream, and sleeping.
So just like all the other Friday nights, Y/N knocked on Grayson and Ethan’s door at exactly 6:53pm. She knows it’s a very specific time, but Grayson always has dinner ready by 7:05. So if she gets there at the perfect time, dinner will be ready and Grayson can’t yell at her for getting there too early when she complains about being hungry.
“It’s open, Y/N” Grayson yelled through the door, right as she was turning the knob and pushing the door in.
“I don’t even get a hello? I brought you homemade almond butter and everything!” If there was one thing Grayson loved in this world, it was Y/N’s homemade almond butter. He knew she just got the recipe online, but every time he tried to make it, it just didn’t turn out the right way.
“I’m sorry babe. Come give me a hug” Y/N felt her heart flutter when he called her ‘babe.’ Yeah, they called each other pet names all the time, but he said it so casually, almost as if she was his girl-
“Come gimme a hug.” Grayson pressed again, just as she started walking towards him.
She wrapped her arms around him, just as he wrapped one arm around her, still pushing around vegetables in a pan. “I missed you.”
Y/N and Grayson hadn’t had a sleepover in about a month and a half. They had both been busy. Whenever they did get to see each other, it’d be for an hour or so, but they never got to have fun with each other. “Missed you more.” Grayson replied, right as he was dumping the vegan stir-fry onto their plates.
“Looks good.” She said, as she started putting dishes in the dishwasher. If Y/N hated anything, it was having to do the dishes after she’s gotten comfortable. Lucky for her, Grayson had listened to her and started putting dishes in the dishwasher as he went along instead of having 30 dishes in the sink. She put the five dishes that had been left in the dishwasher, picked up her plate, and looked at Grayson questioningly. She was silently asking him if he was ready to go eat in his room.
“Let’s go.” Was all Grayson had to say to have her following him to his room.
Once they made it to Grayson’s room, Y/N plopped down onto his bed as he picked up the remote from his desk and tossed it to her. Every sleepover they alternated who got to choose what they watched. This time, it was Y/N’s turn. She turned his tv on and went straight to Netflix. Grayson had a feeling he knew what she was gonna pick. She threatened him with it all the time, but she did actually want to rewatch the show.
Grayson groaned as soon as he saw that she was hovering on Big Mouth. “What’s wrong with Big Mouth?” She genuinely wanted to know his answer.
“You’ve seen it at least ten times and you quote the whole show.” Grayson complained. He wasn’t wrong though. Y/N knew Big Mouth like the back of her hand. The reason why she watched it so many times was so she could directly quote the show. She already knew most of the iconic lines, but there were some she was still trying to learn.
“It’s my night to choose, babes. I hate to break it to ya, but I choose Big Mouth.” She said, just as she clicked on Season 1, Episode 2 ‘Everybody Bleeds.’ It was one of her favorite episodes because it was funny, but also because she knew the quotes. It was also the first episode Ladybug appeared in. If Y/N was honest, Ladybug was probably her favorite character. Ladybug was also the only character that she could completely quote.
With food in hand, she got as close to Grayson as humanly possible, just as he was draping a blanket over both of their legs. They ate while they exchanged jokes and talked about how’d they’d been, all while Y/N still managed to quote the best lines from Big Mouth.
They had finished eating a while ago. Now it was 9pm and Y/N wanted snacks. From their cuddled up position, she looked up at him, to see him looking at the screen. She smiled to herself because as much as he hated to admit it, Grayson thought Big Mouth was hilarious. “Gray?” She questioned, because yes, they had had dinner two hours ago, but she was ready for snacks.
He didn’t even have to look at her to know what she wanted. The first thing he did was look at his watch to confirm what time it was. It never failed. Around 9 o’clock, Y/N always wanted snacks. So he untangled himself from her and sat up, rubbing a hand over his face. His eyes darting around the room trying to find something that Y/N is completely unaware of. “Grayson? What are you looking for? Where are you going?” She asked, rubbing her eyes.
“I’m looking for two hoodies. You want to go get snacks don’t you?” Grayson said, realizing that none of his hoodies were anywhere in his room and he’d have to go into his closet.
“You know me so well.” She said, grinning when Grayson came out of his closet, two hoodies in hand, and tossed one to her.
Right after she slipped it on, on top of her shirt, Grayson was asking her, “Ready?”
He didn’t even wait for her response, just started walking towards his bedroom door, to which she followed right behind him, all the way to the Porsche. After they got in the car, he turned to look at her and asked, “Where we goin’?”
“Target.” She responded, as he started backing out of the driveway. Y/N always, always, let Grayson choose the music. Grayson always said the driver got to choose the music, but she never put up a fight with anything he chose. Which is why when Grayson asked her to shuffle his Young Thug playlist, she did it. No questions asked, bobbing her head to the music, even rapping some of it, on their way to Target.
When they got there, Grayson parked in the closest parking space he could find. There were a few cars in the parking lot, but not too many. Even if Grayson hadn’t seen Y/N in a while, he always kept three masks in his car. One for himself, one for Ethan, and one for Y/N. They both put their masks on and started walking toward the entrance.
When they got inside, Y/N was grabbing Grayson’s hand and dragging him all the way to the snacks section. The first thing she grabbed was pretzels, one of her all time favorite snacks, but sometimes she forgets how much she likes them. She went on a search to find Nutella, which in the process, Grayson made a smart comment about it not being vegan. Then she grabbed two bags of Doritos, cool ranch and nacho cheese.
Immediately after she grabbed the Doritos, she thought about ice cream. Grayson was on this stupid health kick getting ready for this match with Logan, that doesn’t even have a date. Because of that, it had become 200 times harder to convince Grayson to get ice cream. He knew that if he was around Y/N when she was eating ice cream, he’d cave. Which is why right now, when he saw that look in Y/N’s eyes, he knew exactly what she wanted.
He didn’t even let her get it out, “No.”
“But I didn’t even-“
“Absolutely not. I’m trying to eat healthy.”
“You don’t have to have any. Just let me get some.” She pleaded.
“Y/N, no. Are you done?”
“Grayson, please?” She begged, giving him that look that she knew would make him say yes.
“Fuckin’ fine. Let’s go” Grayson said, giving in.
So they walked to the ice cream section. Y/N already knew what she was going to get. She picked up two jars of Talenti. She made sure to choose vegan flavors, so she chose Alphonso Mango and Roman Raspberry. Grayson groaned when he realized she chose vegan ice cream. “You want me to have some that bad?”
She just nodded and told him, “I’m ready to check out.”
They walked to self-checkout and put everything down. Grayson always let Y/N scan because it was one of her favorite things to do. She didn’t know why, it just made her happy. When she had scanned everything, she went to pull out her card. “Uh-uh.” This was a conversation they had all the time. Y/N could afford to buy her own snacks, but Grayson just wouldn’t allow it.
“Grayson, at most it’s 25 dollars. It’s not that big of a deal.”
“I invited you over, so I should pay for it.”
“I asked for snacks, so I should pay for it.”
“Let me pay for it this time and then you can pay me back later.” Grayson only suggested that because he knew she never carried cash and he didn’t have cash app.
“Fine, but I get to buy them next time.”
“Ok, fine.” Grayson just shrugged his shoulders.
“Promise.” Y/N said, holding out her pinky.
“I promise.” Grayson said, as he linked their pinkies together rolling his eyes.
The ride back to Grayson’s house was smooth, but it felt long. So long, that Y/N tilted her head back and closed her eyes for what felt like 2 minutes. It actually ended up being a little under 30 because when she was opening her eyes, they were pulling into his driveway.
Grayson didn’t say anything about her falling asleep. Every chance he got, he’d glance over at the sleeping girl beside him. Right now, though, he was running over to open the car door for her and help her out. Every time she fell asleep in the car she was always disoriented for a few minutes after.
When they got back to his bedroom, spoons in hand because they stopped at the kitchen to get napkins and spoons, Grayson dropped the bag in the middle of the bed while Y/N crawled right back in his bed. As Grayson was climbing into bed, Y/N realized that it was a little after 11pm. She knew once Grayson had some ice cream, he’d be out like a light and she’d be up all alone, but she just wanted to live in the moment. Turning Big Mouth back on, they snuggled, both holding ice cream and a blanket thrown over them because Grayson knew Y/N got cold when she ate ice cream, but refused to admit it.
It was closing in on 12am and she saw Grayson trying to keep his eyes open and converse with her about any and everything. “Go to sleep, babe. I can stay up on my own.” She murmured to him as she went to reach for the remote to turn the tv off, so Grayson could sleep well.
Grayson grabbed the remote before she could and sat up a little bit straighter, “Don’t be silly. I want to stay up with you.”
“Babyyyy.” She said, absolutely oblivious to the fact that he was in love with her and would stay up all night with her if it meant getting to hang out with her.
“I love you, Y/N.” And he meant it with everything he had.
“I love you more, bub.” She responded, as Grayson pulled her even further into his chest.
tagging: @blindedbythelightt​ @333dolans​ @foxglovedolan​
A/N: hi! if you read it, thank you!! this had no business being 2k words, but it’s my longest fic thus far. if you have feedback let me know. if you wanna be tagged, which idk why you would, but if you do lmk. this literally took like 3 hours to write becuase writers block 😭😭😭😭 anyway, this is so self-indulgent i- anyway, love you sm. peace ✌️
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weirdthinkingdragon · 3 years
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Animal shapeshifter au. Warnings of blood, injuries, animal harm, animal death, drugging. A slow start.  
I’m going to be honest, I don’t even really know what this story is. 
The back of my house has a rather large forest area. There’s no other house near mine for a decent ways. Walking at dusk is the best with the sun coming through the trees. My only annoyance is the hunters that like to be around my home.
 I’ve tried getting them to stay away, but there’s nothing that could be done since they’re right outside my borders, so it’s fully legal. The far-off gunshots get unsettling sometimes and even spook my cat. I’ve gotten a few deep scratches from them being startled at the sound. 
I’m going through my familiar path again. I’ve done this same path so many times it would be possible to walk with my eyes closed. Obviously, that would be a stupid idea though with all the wild animals around.  
Far off in the distance, I heard frequent shuffling, like something was desperately trying to get away from something else but can’t. My mind immediately went to the idea that it could be a poor animal caught in some type of trap by the hunters. Walking up towards the noise, the familiar sight of a fox was seen. It has its paw stuck in something. As I got closer, it didn’t take long for the fox to notice my presence. They backed away and ducked down with their ears back. What I saw made me want to hurt those damn hunters. It was a steel-jaw trap. Its paw was bleeding pretty badly. They have been struggling for a while already. I was in a state of panic about what to do. I could just open the trap, but judging by the injury, they’re going to need some help since it’s a deep wound. They’ll most likely run if I just open it though. 
That’s just the chance that will have to be taken. I walk over and it drops down as far as it could to the ground. I instinctively put my hands up and get really close. The trap and the fox were within arm’s reach if I bent down. “It’s alright, I’m not going to hurt you. I want to help before someone that will hurt you does come,” At this point I’m wondering why I’m trying to talk to it. There’s no way it can understand me. I’ve never seen such a blond-colored fox either before. That’s rather odd. The fox seems to perk up a little bit, but still cautious. “Now, I’m going to open the trap, but please don’t run.” 
I push the springs on the side of the trap to make it open. The fox quickly pulls its paw out and takes a few steps back without using the injured front paw. They locked eyes with me, but it wasn’t  kept long as I looked back at the trap. “Why are they using an illegal item? These things are so inhumane…” I mumble. A lightbulb goes off in my head. This can possibly be used to make them stop hunting around my home! 
Another sudden thought popped into my head though. If I take the trap, they can possibly frame me for having them and trying to get the hunters to stay away from my home. Am I thinking too far into it? Probably. Should I take my chances? Better not. One of the fox’s ears flicked backwards as they looked further from the way I came from. It immediately went towards that direction, but looked back towards me, almost like it wants me to follow. Is that really a smart decision? I stood there, unsure whether to follow or just go back home. It kept waiting for me to come with. 
“My house is the other way, come with me and I’ll try to patch you up.” It didn’t come closer. “What could possibly be taking your attention that way?” I question, which is once again ridiculous since it can’t answer. I heave a sigh and start to follow. 
Not too far ahead was another trap, but there was something else stuck in it. A… cat?... To be fair, the cat is really big, even for a Maine Coon. But what in the world is a cat doing so far in the woods? 
The fox went right up to the cat, making the cat look at it, then at me. The cat has a glare that was far from just unsettling. Unlike the fox, both of its front paws were stuck in the trap. I did the same thing with the trap from before. It immediately tried to take off, but fell. I pick it up and start walking towards my house. He quickly tried to be let free by repeatedly biting and scratching my arms, and even trying to go for my face. It was a struggle, and him being such a large cat really doesn’t help. He kept hissing, growling, clawing, writhing, biting, everything to get me to drop him. I was getting multiple wounds from his struggles. 
“Can you stop struggling!? I’m trying to help, damn it! You’re lucky I’m just as stubborn to not leave you out here to die.” I hissed. Almost like he could understand, he quickly lowers his struggles. Looking to my right side, the fox was still following closely, keeping their injured paw from touching the ground. 
My arms started getting tired when we finally reached my home. I enter and place the still bleeding cat on the toilet seat in my bathroom. I grab a towel and get it wet with warm water. He still wouldn’t stop locking his glare on me as I wipe his arms. The fox let out a little bark at the cat, making him stop glaring. 
“So that’s why you made me follow? You were worried about your friend?” I smack my forehead. “Why do I keep talking like this? They obviously can’t understand me,” I get an old shirt and cut it to wrap around the wounds. “Hopefully that’s not too tight.” I then sit on the floor in front of the fox. He’s a lot more friendly and open to me than the cat is, and even put his paw forward for me. It didn’t take long to clean him with another clean rag and wrap his wound as well. Luckily, I was able to get to them before permanent damage was done. Well, it might still scar though. I then pour peroxide on my cuts and bandage the few that were deeper than the others. 
I bring them to my couch in the living room. They keep staring at me as the silence stays. After a minute, I let out a frustrated groan. “Ugh, what now? I could get in so much trouble keeping a wild fox,” I look at the cat. “You’d be fine, but it’s easy to tell you don’t want to be near me. How did you even get here anyways? The only people around are hunters, and they’ve shot my cats before, so you definitely don’t belong to them,” they just keep looking at me. I sigh in frustration again. “You two will just have to stay inside for a few days. After that, you’re both on your own. Judging that you’re close, at least you’ll be together.” 
Looking out my window, the sun is down now. “I’ll give two days max until a hunter will be pounding on my door.” I decided to make dinner for myself and my “guests”. They oddly preferred the meat cooked. My orange tabby, Nacho, didn’t care at all and ate both whenever I gave it to them. 
After that, I sat on the couch with the now three animals. Nacho in my lap, and the other two cuddling up in a way that’s adorable. They’re incredibly well-behaved for wild animals. They have to belong to someone or something. I rub one of my wrapped cuts from the cat while watching the comedy show that’s on. It’s going to be sore for a while. Fur suddenly rubs against the wrapped wound. It’s a rather deep one the cat got onto my forearm. I look over to see the black cat looking at me, almost in an apologetic way. I gently rub his head for a second. Surprisingly, he lets me. “It’s alright. You were in a panic. Just… try not to do it again, alright?” I asked in a joking manner. 
I went to bed not long after. In the morning, the sun went right onto my face. I get up to check on the two sooner than later. What I saw in the living room made me freeze and nearly scream. My hands quickly cover my mouth before a noise comes out and wakes them. Who exactly? The two naked men on my couch. Waking them wouldn’t go well for anyone, especially startling them awake. There was no sight of the fox and cat. The cloth I used on their wounds are on the floor next to the men. What really caught my attention looking at the two men was the wounds on their arms in similar places the cat and fox did. 
My mind is flabbergasted as it made the connection the only way this could be is if these two ARE the fox and cat, but that couldn’t be possible! The odd ears on their heads and tails that match the animals as well say otherwise. 
I have to force myself to not to look at their lower places. Luckily, it’s easier with the blond laying on the black-haired one. The blond wakes up as I start to walk backwards out of the room. He turns and we lock eyes, both freezing in our spots. 
The awkward silence between our stares was deafening. “You two have some explaining to do when he wakes.” I whisper. 
“No need to wait.” Replied the black-haired male as his eyes opened to look at me. The blond goes to sit up. 
“Waitwaitwaitwait! Don’t get up! I- I need to get you guys towels or something!” They look at me confused. Don’t tell me they’re used to being naked... I get towels and come back to them sitting up straight on the couch. I toss the towels at them with the feeling of heat rapidly growing on my face. They at least did cover their laps with the towels. 
“So, first question, where are you two from?” 
“We live just a few miles away actually! As to what we were doing around here? We were testin’ our animal forms!” 
I nodded. “That explains why you’re around here, but why didn’t you guys transform back to unlatch the traps yourselves?” 
“We can’t change to our other form when we’re under emotional distress. It’s the same way we’re not as fully logical either. Our animal form has more of our instincts that control than our regular mind.” The blond elbows the other. 
He glares at the blond before looking back at me. “Sorry again for injuring you.” 
I shrug. “Eh, once again, it wasn’t really your fault. Anyways, what will you guys do now?” I ask. 
“After you went to bed last night, we decided we’ll stay a few days if you’re beautiful self is fine with it. We were actually going to show ya our human side today, but uh… guess we must have changed back in our sleep!” he lets out a little laugh. 
“What would staying at my home do? I’m sure I could just drive you back to your home or something.” 
“We want to repay ya for saving our behinds from being killed!” 
“He wants to. Unfortunately for the both of us, it’s impossible to change his mind.” He crosses his arms as he looks at the blond.
“C’mon, Sho! Ya don’t have to be such a downer about it!” 
Sho?... Is that his name? “Oh! And could I get your guys’ names?”
“Of course! Mine is Hizashi! His name is Shouta! What’s yours, our beautiful savior!?” 
I look at him weirdly. “Savior? You can quit with that now, I get it. My name is Y/N.” 
Hizashi shakes his head with a big smile. “Nope, not gonna stop! And what a great name for such a beautiful person!” 
“I’d like to get back to our home sooner than later. Zashi, how about we share our numbers and have them drive us home for now?” Hizashi’s reply was a somehow bigger smile and frantic nod. Before we could do anything else, there was an aggressive pounding on my door. I already have a good idea to whom it might be, and I start to worry. Hizashi looks at me with worry himself. 
“Wrap the towels around yourselves and try to hide your animal details,” I walk over to the door to open it. In the corner of my eye the two of them try to wrap the towel around them, but Hizashi has trouble with his extra large and fluffy tail. Shouta was able to manage hiding it within the towel. Looking back at the door, it was the most problematic hunter around my home. Of COURSE it would be him. Oh why fate did it have to be his traps!? 
He’s definitely not happy either. Right after opening the door, he forces his way into my house. This isn’t the first time he’s done this. I quickly go over and sit next to Hizashi, almost accidentally sitting on his tail in the process. His ears are still up, but it almost looks like they’re ears on a headband, so hopefully Dabi doesn’t notice. Shouta’s ears pretty much just look like he has an odd hair style. He looks at the two guys with me, then back at me with a hint of disgust, but mostly anger and annoyance. 
“I don’t appreciate you setting the damn animals in my traps free. Those fuckers have been coming around my home and killing my chickens.” Oh, gee! That’s SO bad. Seriously, I feel bad for the chickens, but I don’t feel a smidge bad for the man, especially now after he stooped to such a low to such inhumane traps. 
“And you’re using illegal traps because?...” I pressure him for answers. 
“Because I don’t care, and I want the pests to suffer.” I could feel Hizashi’s tail bristle with anger behind me. I was pretty angry with him myself. “You’re lucky I don’t call security about your illegal act.” 
“Does it look like I care? They won’t believe you anyways. Same goes for your “friends”. They know you don’t like me around your property, and it would be easy to pin the blame on you for owning them.”
“You’re a horrible person! Your way of hunting is one I can never dig!” Hizashi pretty much growls. 
“Did I ever ask for your opinion? I don’t think I did, nor do I care,” He looks at me with a harsh glare. “Don’t think of messing with my traps again,” He turns around and goes to leave. “Also, you better watch your back. You’ve messed with the wrong hunter.” He finishes and leaves. 
The three of us look at each other. 
“O...kay… that just happened.”
“We’re staying for a few days,” Shouta suddenly proclaims. Hizashi and I look at him incredulously. His brows furrow. “That man doesn’t seem like he was kidding. It might be better for you to not be alone with him around.”
He has a point, but Dabi hasn’t caused anything to harm me before. Then again, I haven’t touched his traps before. I don’t really want to keep two strange men- er- whatever they are, in my place for long. 
“I’ll be fine. His threat was most likely empty. He can’t do anything drastic anyways.”  
“I don’t know, he seemed pretty serious.” Hizashi was with Shouta on this, I can tell. 
“If you’re so worried about it, I’ll get both your numbers and call if something happens.” They look at each other for a minute, then back to me. 
“How about this, we stay for just a day, then you drop us off at our home, and you spend the night a few days after, just to make sure?” 
I wasn’t too keen on going to their house from barely knowing them. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t really feel comfortable going to a stranger’s- two strangers’ house, you know?” 
Hizashi nods in understanding. “Hmm... Oh! How about you come over for dinner in a week or something then? THAT could be our thanks for saving us?” 
That doesn’t really do anything if they’re still going to stay for a day...  Screw it. “That will work I guess,” Hizashi gets a big smile on his face again and lunges towards me in a hug. 
.
.
.
.
His towel fell in the process of him standing up. A naked man is hugging me. Back up dude! This is beyond weird. “But could we go to your place to get clothes or something? I’m rather uncomfortable with you guys naked in my house.” Hizashi stops hugging me to look down. “Oops!” He grabs the towel. There’s a light tinge of red that spread across his face. “Sorry about that!” Sorry doesn’t excuse the sheer awkwardness I’m feeling now. 
“That seems doable if it makes you that uncomfortable.” Shouta replies. 
“Come on then.” I say, and go to grab my keys. Hizashi sits up front with me while Shouta sits in the center in the back. It didn’t take long to get to their house, which was a rather massive log cabin. “How did you guys manage to get such a house!? More importantly, how did I not know this was so close to mine!?” 
Hizashi laughs as we get up to the entrance of it. “Impressed?” 
“Honestly? Yeah.”
“Well, it just so happens to be easy with owning two flourishing businesses with the help of a few great friends!” 
I blink owlishly at them. “How in the world are you smart enough for businesses but get stuck in-” 
“Let’s not talk about that. We’re still pretty new to the countryside, ya dig? I’m much more of a city kitty, but Sho wanted to try the country. We stay together so I decided it wouldn’t hurt to try! Let me tell ya though, these bugs here are a nightmare!”
Shouta crouches down and grabs a key that was under a cat statue. The cat was sitting straight with its tail curled around its front paws, and was a light grayish color. The fur of it was long, wavy, and beautifully intricate. Definitely a better spot than many other home’s hidden key spots since there are a ton of other animal statues in the yard, and it's not the closest to the door.  
He unlocked the door and the three of us entered. Their house is really tidy, and rather plain. Not many pictures in the living room. The floor is a light gray carpet and it has black furniture. A large corner couch with a loveseat next to it a bit farther up, closer to the flat screen. It didn’t take long for the two to come back fully clothed. 
“So, what should we do?” I ask. 
“You could show us that area you found us. The area is rather nice.” Shouta replies. I’m a bit perplexed at their decision. “You sure? You both could have died.” I reminded them. 
“Oh, trust us, we’re definitely NEVER being in animal form around here again.” Hizashi informs. 
We walked my path. There were no traps this time. I got to learn a lot about the two of them. They’re not so bad. “When do you guys need to be back for your companies? Shouldn’t you both be in touch in case something happens?” I question. 
“This is our vacation time! Just to be on the safe side though we told them to call if it’s an extreme emergency, like if the building went on fire.” I nodded. 
We get back to my place, and I pet my cat while sitting on the couch. Shouta looks in wonder. “Is something wrong?” I ask him.
“He’s wondering what you’re doing to your cat. You did the same thing to him, and he liked it.” Shouta glares at Hizashi for calling him out. 
“Do you mean to pet? You’ve never done or seen something be pet?” I question. 
“Pet? That’s what it’s called? But that’s what the animals are called, aren’t they?.” Once again, I'm flabbergasted by what they do know and what they don’t know. 
“How do you guys not know this?” I question. Hizashi shrugs. “Eh, with our “odd traits” as you guys call them, it got pretty hard to stay in school and hold down a job. We didn’t really have internet for a while, so we couldn’t look this up. Some people dipped from our looks as soon as they came for an interview, but others stayed and work pretty well!” 
“Well, I’m glad you guys are doing great on your own!”
Hizashi nods in agreement.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
The week went by rather quickly after that night. They got rather touchy fast. I tend to think it might be their animal side so I don’t question it. Dabi hasn’t done anything. There haven’t even been any new traps. At least from what I could see. Thinking about it, that does seem a little suspicious though. 
I was walking on my path again and got a call from Hizashi. It’s still surprising how well reception is around here. “What’s up you two?” 
“Yo, Y/N! We’re already missin’ ya greatly! We were wondering if you could come over for dinner and movies tonight!” Already? It’s only been a few days since we last saw each other. I might as well get it over with now. I’m kind of torn whether to just leave them alone after or keep hanging out with them.
I stop walking, and go to reply. “That sounds g-” 
“Chink” Something slams onto my leg, making me stop mid-sentence and hiss out in pain. Immediately Hizashi was worried. “Y/N!? What was that sound!? Are you okay!?” 
It was one of those damn traps. So much for not seeing any. I look around my leg and check to make sure nothing is too damaged. I know to stay calm and not move my leg to prevent punctures. It’s not numb either, but it’s going to leave one hell of a bruise. “Yeah, just got caught in a trap.” I reply, and start to try opening it. This one is in much worse shape than the others were with Hizashi and Shouta. Mostly with the rust around it. I’m glad it got me instead of them, or they would have had to of been brought to the vet. That wouldn’t have gone well.
“WHAT!!?” He shrieks once what I said processed through his mind, catching the attention of Shouta when he asks something incoherent in the background. “Shit… Hate to bother you guys, but do you have a crowbar or something similar by chance? This one is rather rusted and I can’t get it open. It didn’t puncture thankfully though, so no worries there.” 
There was really rapid shuffling over the phone. “C’mon Sho, we gotta save our babe! We’ll be right there!” Our... Babe...? He hung up.
It would be stupid to keep moving my leg. The only thing that could be done is stand still and wait. To pass the time, I look around trying to find if there might be another one. I think I can see one a ways to the left of me.
The wait hardly took any time at all with two familiar men barreling from the bushes in front of me, almost crashing into me in the process. “Calm down you two! It’s not that serious!” They’re breathing heavily as they look at me. Shouta’s holding the crowbar tight enough for his hands to shake. I grab Hizashi’s shoulders and make him look at me again. He calms down incredibly quickly. It might help since he notices I’m not bleeding. The same thing for Shouta. I lean down and forcefully push down the springs again. “Put it between the jaws by my leg and pry it open.” 
Shouta does, and it cries in protest to be opened. He’s able to open it just enough for me to slide my foot out. They both wrap an arm around my back like my leg was broken and I needed help standing. It wasn’t nearly that bad. “You guys are seriously overreacting.” I comment. They keep looking at my leg. “It’s just to be on the safe side. Let us help you now.” Shouta says. 
“I can’t believe he hurt you.” Hizashi says angrily. I try to dissuade them from doing anything drastic. “No, it’s my fault for not being more cautious.” 
“Don’t be trying to justify his actions. He WILL face consequences for this.” Shouta growls. Hizashi gets happy suddenly. “Hey! We can walk you to our place for the night! We already just put the food in the oven!” That slightly seems to calm Shouta as he nods in confirmation. 
I laugh at his optimism. “Sure sounds like a plan! What movies are you guys thinking?” I ask as we walk. Taking one step forward with the leg that was caught, I’m actually thankful they’re helping me since the bruising pain nearly made me fall. They hold me slightly tighter.
“What’s your favorite movie? Hopefully we have it.” Hizashi says. I look at him with a smirk. “What, trying to impress me or something?” 
He replies with a smirk back. “That’s for you to decide~” I roll my eyes at him. Shouta grew a small smile as I purposefully leaned more of my weight on Hizashi. “SUCH a charmer.” 
“You know it babe!” 
Footsteps of someone else came stomping towards us. They picked up on it quickly with Hizashi’s ears twitching. “I thought I told you not to mess with my traps.” Came the all too familiar voice of Dabi. I’ve never heard him so angry before. I tug on the two to turn me around. They did. But weren’t happy about it if anything their frowns go by. I felt their tails wrap around my lower back. “Oh, I’m SO sorry for accidentally stepping into one of your damn traps! You know I always take this route!” 
“I’ve been here longer than you. You should know your damn place.” I was angry now. “MY place!? Who’s the one using illegal traps? Who’s the one nearly trespassing on someone’s property? Who’s the one hunting animals when it’s not even the season!? Who’s the one who keeps killing my animals? No wonder the previous person moved out! They didn’t want to deal with you, you sad excuse for a hunter! You give hunters a bad name!” 
“Tch, that’s fine by me. They’re just animals. Be lucky I’m not one to hunt stupid people. Same with your damn freak bodyguards. Did you have to kiss their asses just for them to want to be around you?” He looks at Hizashi’s still twitching ears. “And what’s with keeping that disgusting bullshit? Are you wanting to be hunted or something?” 
He was about to continue with more than likely another insult, but Hizashi straight up decks him in the face. Miraculously, it didn’t knock him out. He went to try to hit Hizashi back, but Shouta stepped in instead and Hizashi wrapped his other arm around me for more balance. The two share a quick look. Shouta dodges a hit that Dabi tries to throw.  Shouta sees something that makes him grow a giant smile, it feels like a rather sadistic smile. I can swear he sees the trap.
Hizashi puts his tail around me again and turns me around back towards the direction of their house. There was sounds of a struggle behind me, but Hizashi wouldn’t let me turn around to look. “Don’t worry too much about Sho, he’ll be fine! He’s just showin’ that dude a hard time.” 
“If you say so…” I reply, unsure from the face he had earlier. There was the faint familiar sound of a trap closing as we were a ways away. It didn’t take long for Shouta to catch up. “He can handle the suffering animals have gone through. He can open it himself if he’s desperate enough.” I was horrified. Yeah, he kinda deserves it, but he doesn’t have anything to pry it open if he can’t do it himself. 
“Don’t think too much about it! It’s just a little payback. Like ya said, he shouldn't have those in the first place!” 
“True, but-” 
“Don’t think about it.” Shouta cuts in, bringing his arm around me again. In my distracted state, I didn’t notice their log cabin until it was up close. We enter the house which has the smell of one of my favorite foods wafting through it. They set me down on the loveseat.
I pull my pant leg up to show a massive bruise already forming where my leg was caught. “That’s going to need a lot of ice.” I joke. Neither of them laugh. They go to leave the room, probably to the kitchen. I go to stand up. “I can’t just sit idle in the living room, at least let me come into the kitchen with you two.” 
Shouta glares and comes close to me. “No. We’ll get you ice and the food we made.” 
That’s rather odd. “Why shouldn’t we just eat in the kitchen?” They stayed quiet as they share a glance. I didn’t get even an inch farther from the couch before Shouta grabs both my shoulders and pushes me to sit on the couch. “Sit.” His harsh tone scares me into complying. I’m feeling more and more like something is wrong with these two.
Hizashi immediately picks up on my expression. “Aw, don’t worry about him! He’s just worried, ya know? We were stuck in those darn things and Sho doesn’t want you to push yourself.” My eyes go to the giant scabs on their arms. Well,  the one of Hizashi’s and both of Shouta’s, I guess that’s a pretty traumatizing thing. The scratches and bite marks still healing on me are proof too. He still doesn’t like looking at them. 
They go to the kitchen, and come back rather quick with three plates and an ice pack. It’s one of those really nice ones that can wrap with Velcro. Hizashi wraps it around my leg as Shouta passes me my food. Hizashi then grabs a big CD case and gives it to me. Flipping through it, it has many of my favorite movies. I smile at them. “Man, you two got good taste.” 
Hizashi lets out a mock gasp of joy. “We have acceptance of the magnificent audience!” 
I look at Shouta questioningly. “Is he always like this?” He nods. Hizashi pouts. “Yo, I’m still right here ya know!” 
I pretend not to notice, but the giant smile on my face gives it away. “Hm? Did you hear something?” Shouta replies by making his eyes look the other way. Hizashi leans on me. “Y/N!!! Don’t ignore meeee!” I reach over and aggressively rub the top of his head. It nearly makes my plate fall to the floor. Shouta catches it in a rather rushed manner. Guess it would be a pretty annoying mess to clean up. “Oops… Sorry, guess I got carried away…” 
They almost seem to have relieved facial expressions from it not dropping. “At least you’re havin’ fun! That’s what it’s all about! Now, let’s pop your favorite movie in!” I hand him the CD of my choice. He plops down on my right as it plays. Shouta does the same on my left. The ads before the movie can play start. 
Within the first bite, something seems off. I just… am I getting sick or something? I don’t remember it tasting like this. “Did you guys put something in this? It tastes different.” 
“Sorry about that! It does taste a little funny, huh? It was a new spice I wanted to try adding for more flavor. Safe to say I’m not doing that again!” 
It didn’t take us long to finish and focus more on the movie. Shouta lays down with his head on my left leg. “Pet me.” I hesitate. It’s rather weird to be petting a human. Or… Something so similar to a human. Hizashi lays on my right leg. 
“C’mon, don’t make us beg for it now! We want you to!” I did start petting their heads. Still weird though. Okay, maybe after tonight, I really should cut contact with them. I don’t think I can do the commitment of petting them like this often.
… Why am I suddenly feeling so tired? My hands get a bit more sluggish as the drowsiness gets worse. It’s getting hard to keep my eyes open. Looking around, I notice a few boxes that were attempted to be hidden by Shouta’s side of the couch. “You guys are getting ready to leave already?” I question, voice slightly slurring. 
Shouta sighs, “Yeah, something came up. We’re leaving tomorrow.” I was slightly saddened, yet greatly relieved by the news. “Well, I’m definitely going to miss you guys.” 
“Sorry little love song, but you’re coming with us!” 
“Zashi!” 
“What? We might as well tell them.” 
… What? Panic settles in rapidly. Shouta grabs my hand petting his head and nuzzles it. 
“Fine. If that’s what we’re doing, I’ll also say that man is no more. I made the trap set off on his neck.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. He didn’t deserve tha-
“Before you think he didn’t deserve death, did you know he left poison out for your cat? Did you wonder where it was for the past day?” Disbelief and sadness wash over me. Too many things spiraling in my mind at once. “We tried to bring them to the vet and tell you later we took them since they were outside, but it was too late. The poison got into their system,” He nuzzled my hand again. “We will be your pets, just like you’ll be our permanent guest.” My body was already too tired to struggle. I knew I shouldn’t have trusted them. Stupid me not listening to my instinct. 
“It will be so fun when you wake up! You’ll be at our real home, and we can always be around each other!” He kisses my hand. “Doesn’t that sound great, our beloved guest?~
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Definitely not my proudest work. I’m tired of working on this for 4 weeks and it still doesn’t feel right.
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reiven2017 · 3 years
Text
Delicate steel.
Chapter 3.
Lately, she felt worse than usual and listening to the words of the teachers, Rachel knew that she should listen, or at least not be distracted, but all she had the strength to do was just slowly watch from the side as her brain turns off and her soul leaves her mind. It was a strange state of emptiness. If only old death would mock her, taking away, then returning life and watching it as if it were a scene from a TV series. Rachel just snorted at the flow of bad thoughts. But no matter how much Roth tried to deny reality, reality did not want to leave her and Raven had to admit to herself that after unsuccessful attempts...she's getting worse.
Rachel barely flinched when the disgusting ringing of the school bell reached her ears and shivered again, shifting in her chair. It was chemistry, this subject had never caused Raven any problems or not ligaments, but now she frowned at the barely completed test and in one quick movement shoved it into the pile of others, wondering what would happen after. The figure should not worry Rachel much, but for some reason she felt like a fool.
Raven clucked disapprovingly at her behavior, attracting the attention of some people. If she's going to keep whining, she should at least wait until she gets home. She looked around the audience, stumbled upon the fact that half of the class had safely left the lesson, and the other was intensely discussing the test and finding nothing interesting for herself, pushing her chair back with a creak, began to collect things.
For some reason, this action aroused the silent interest of her classmates. They gave her a close look and Rachel was sure that she heard the word "Mouth and strange" several times in their sentences, but decided to keep it to herself, only smiling with one corner of her lips at this. She was quite calm in such situations. Rachel never tried to have communication with someone and this was the norm in her behavior, even when it caused disapproval from society, she simply allowed people to call herself a country. The only mistake in the conversations at the last school made much to be desired and left some scars on her, so Raven with firm confidence did not want to repeat this. Rachel winced wearily, feeling a subtle tingle in her temples and she stopped in the doorway of the classroom.
Of course, we didn't need Rachel Roth's migraine for a full ass.
======
The road to the house took no more than half an hour and Raven breathed a sigh of relief when she saw a white fence in front of her and a strange garden gnome who reminded her of a homeless man. She slipped through the fence, hoping that she did not fall under the attention of her very sensitive neighbor, Mrs. Rogers, who considered it her civic and even heroic duty to monitor every plot standing on the street. Rachel glanced at the windows in the neighbor's house, noticing that the lights were not on anywhere and mentally thanked God for such luck.
Mrs. Rogers was a plump lady, in the very, as she herself said, the dawn of strength and energy, with a rather fancy nachos on her head resembling a poodle. She had narrow blue eyes, but she always looked at everyone with a squint that seemed from a distance it was only two blue stripes. She had a button-up nose, like the most aristocratic lady, and she always kept white gloves on the belt of her floral dresses. In general, she was such a not very kind, but very curious woman with an overestimated sense of elegance and royal chic. So when Mrs. Rogers saw Rachel on the eve of the party in shabby jeans and a stretched T-shirt and Oh my God!without a bra, it seemed to the girl that she was declared war without any warning.
For this reason, now the Mouth was trying very hard not to catch her eye. She didn't care much about this woman's opinion, she always felt like talking to her during an interrogation and wondered if other people had the same thing, but it was easier to get around the problem than listening to an hour-long monologue about how Lady should behave.
Rachel darted across the yard just as quickly, almost hitting a flower pot and killing lilies, when the front door finally closed behind her. She cast a frown at her sneakers, with the remaining pieces of earth from the battle with the lilies, and was reaching to take them off when she heard her mother's voice coming from the kitchen. - Ria, is that you? She heard her mother talking to Ben in the kitchen, too quietly for Rachel to hear, but enough to arouse suspicion and the girl mentally tensed. From the kitchen there was a variety of different smells of food and it was quite strange for an ordinary Friday. Rachel finished with her shoes and was about to dive to the second floor, annoying herself on the topic of why her mother was so prepared, when the doorbell rang behind her, and voices were heard on the street. She could recognize this voice from a thousand others.
Oh, no.
Mrs. Rogers.
Raven was ready to literally howl with despair.
Angela came around the corner in time, dressed in a blue dress and with perfectly smoothed brown hair, which was a rarity, and clicked disapprovingly at her daughter's martyred expression. - Don't make such a plaintive look, honey, yesterday I told you that I invited our neighbors to our house for dinner. - Rachel stupidly patted her eyes looking at her mother. Mrs. Roth's eyes narrowed menacingly. - Just don't you dare say that you forgot. Raven batted her lashes again, but her mind was still racing.
Oh, yes, that day you decided to listen to Rachel Roth.
- We will talk about this topic again, young lady. - her mother finished sternly, and Raven realized that her death was close and was willing to at least die at the hands of her own mother than from the chatter of Mrs. Rogers. Angela pulled a smile to her ears, rushed to open the door to the guests. Rachel wearily lowered her gaze to the floor and her eyes involuntarily widened. Hands.
Fuck.
Rachel continued to pick at the vegetable stew with her fork, remotely listening to the conversations of adults. It had been an hour since their friendly neighborly gatherings and Raven was ready to personally dig a secret passage with a spoon to escape. At first, she received a contemptuous look from Mrs. Rogers, then she found out that Mr. Rogers was quite silent and neutral in his behavior, which Raven immediately liked, the next shock was that this woman has a child and even more, the same age as Rachel, and this gave way to a conversation on the topic " They will become friends!".
Raven lifted a despondent gaze from her plate and looked at the opposite side. Amelia Rogers. Yes, if Rachel imagined her neighbor's child, then everything was not so sad in her thoughts. Her curly blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun and tied with a pink bow, a white cardigan, a mint knee-length skirt from probably Grandma Raven's time, and shoes. A set like from the TV series Poirot for some flower seller whose husband died on the same flowers. Not that Raven was the one who judged people by their clothes, but she judged by Mrs. Rogers. She carefully watched how Amelia sits, sometimes says something quietly, and then buries herself in her plate. Rachel couldn't stand it. Mrs. Rogers didn't even stop watching the girl as she ate.
Probably in my mind calculating whether she holds her elbow at the right angle.
The thought made Rachel chuckle softly, and she immediately regretted it when Mrs. Rogers ' narrowed gaze fell on her. Raven swallowed hard. She was ready to sink through the ground even if only to avoid the beginning tragedies from this look.
- Mrs. Roth, I heard from Amelia that your daughter has become one of the best students in the school in such a short time. - Rachel appeared, or she heard the teeth of this stone woman grinding. She cast a quick glance at Angela, who was smiling broadly like any mother, pleased with the praise of her child, looked at Amelia sitting in front of her, holding her breath, and mentally groaned. This was the beginning of a great tragedy.
- Yes, Rachel can be proud in this regard. Studying has always been quite easy for her. Raven smiled tightly at her mother, hoping that everyone present would believe this, but she continued to watch Mrs. Rogers carefully from under her brows. She looked sternly at her daughter, pursing her lips, seeming to accuse her of something that was clear only to them, and Rachel frowned. And what was that just now?
- It's wonderful, it's great when children spend time studying. Angela would have liked to put in a word, but Mrs. Rogers continued sweetly without paying attention to her. - Although, when I first saw Rachel, I did not think that Amelia meant her. - The woman smiled sweetly, covering her rather unpleasant words and sipped her tea as if nothing had happened. - Jeans, a split T-shirt and hair...I will always be categorical against an unnatural hair color and I could not even imagine that this girl would overtake my daughter over the past few weeks. Raven was sorry she hadn't put laxatives in her tea. She looked at her mother, who was taken aback for a moment, not knowing how to react to these words, but then she caught herself and tried to put a friendly tone in her voice. "Rachel, honey, would you be so kind as to show Amelia your room?" At the sound of her name, Amelia jerked her head up and looked at Rachel for the first time. Roth thought she saw a flicker of interest in her eyes. Rei nodded dryly to her mother and did not even look at the guests as she left the table. Raven waited for Amelia to follow her before leading her to her room on the second floor.
As soon as the door to her room closed, Rachel wasn't the only one who breathed a sigh of relief. - Fuck. 
Fuck.
Raven did not immediately realize that these words came from the mouth of that sunny girl Amelia. Who had not uttered a word at the table under the gaze of her mother and who was now sitting impressively cross-legged on her bed. Amelia continued in a tone that didn't match her outfit at all. "Sometimes?" Raven arched a questioning eyebrow at her, receiving a short laugh from the girl in response. She shook her head thoughtfully, and then smiled wryly. - Okay, always. - Amelia.. - Amy. Call me Amy. I can't stand being called Amelia. after a pause, she added cheerfully. - I feel like a flower in a flower bed. Raven smiled with one corner of her lips. She liked Amy better than Amelia.
Amy stood up, her eyes caught on the poster on the wall and smiled.
- I'm glad to find someone in this hole who appreciates the Rolling Stones band. Amy Rogers is always at your service. she held out her hand to Rachel in a friendly gesture, and Roth returned the gesture. She smiled wryly, looking at this handshake, but inwardly shuddered with panic and mental pleading. Her heart began to beat faster, and Raven swallowed hard, unlike Amy, her palm was not so perfect. Raven hoped that this would go unnoticed by her new friend.
- Rachel Ariella Roth. But you can call me Raven. - she saw a playful smile flash across the face of her new friend.
- Wow. I thought they called me shit. Rachel rolled her eyes at this comment, her palm remained in Amy's grip and she still felt the tension in the muscle from this contact. She noticed how Amy was carefully examining her from head to toe, lingering on Raven's hair, which was scattered around her shoulders in disarray, and was already ready for another portion of ridicule.
- And to be honest, the hair fell off the heads. Is it pink? Or purple? My conservative maman will probably allow me to paint mine only in the next life. -  Amelia continued cheekily, releasing her hand from her mouth and from her grip and sitting down on the bed again, tucking her legs under her. Raven hoped that Amy didn't hear her soft sigh and glanced at her palm, crossed her arms over her chest. She swallowed convulsively, thanking God that everything was fine.
- It's not paint. Raven cleared her throat, and Amy stared at her questioningly, eager for an answer. Rachel already mentally regretted that she continued this topic, and did not say her usual "oh,yes". But to some extent, she really liked Amy, which is already difficult to do, especially considering that they have only known each other for a couple of hours and it will not be possible to return their words. - I was born with this hair color. - Cool. Amy said in surprise, but immediately grabbed the phone when the melodious symphony of the bell rang. Raven smiled to herself. She was sure that Mrs. Rogers had chosen the bell. Roth saw a flash of displeasure on Amy's face and she made a displeased grimace at Raven. - Yes, Mom...I got it, okay, I'm already going down. - Amy dropped the call, muttering something else into the phone with displeasure, and Rachel could almost feel how she swore so dirty. Amy jumped to her feet deftly, straightening her skirt and straightening up, smoothly walked past Rachel. - Well, what? Do I look like my maman? Amy asked, twirling her eyebrows merrily. - No...and this is good. - Amelia laughed. - I like you, Raven. - she said honestly, and Raven stared at her stupidly, having no idea how to react. - It was nice to meet you, I hope I'll see you at school tomorrow? 
 Rachel smiled softly at this and nodded curtly. Amy seemed satisfied with this answer, and with a parting wink at Raven, she headed for the exit. Just as she was leaving the threshold and closing the door, Amelia suddenly stopped and nodded at the box in the corner of the room. - And what happened to the mirror? Rachel swallowed dryly and suddenly felt like she was running out of air. - I squeezed my mouth out of myself, and bit the inside of my cheek, trying to show something like a smile.
======
Last night, she found herself really looking at her figure in front of the mirror. Her skin became several shades lighter, even having a natural dead pallor and convinced that there was nowhere else to go on white, Rachel looked at herself in the mirror with mute surprise, noting how ghostly and angular her body had become.
Not that she considered herself an ideal of beauty before, no, Raven was normal, and her hair was quite abnormal, it was a riot of colors from the roots to the tips, but now it was strangely frightening to look at her body and not recognize it in the reflection of the mirror. Her numerous tattoos contrasted so vividly with her skin that they seemed to glow with black funnels and Rachel was unable to understand and determine the time when her body became alien to her.
The girl gently ran her fingertips along the curves of her body, circled the roughly protruding collarbones, followed the bone on her wrist with her eyes, and with a contemptuous grimace, pulled her hand away as if from fire. It was painful, scary, and completely unexpected to look at myself.
It's disgusting.
The sarcastic voice of reason sweetly reminded her that this was her handiwork, it was only her own fault, bothering and bothering her every day, it seemed with the sole purpose of driving her crazy and Rachel got angry. Her fists clenched involuntarily, and her knuckles turned white from such pressure, and in the dry silence of the night room, the wet sound of blood drops hitting the tile was cut through. Raven looked down at the floor and bit her lip, feeling the salty taste of tears and tried her best to restrain the plaintive moan that was ready to break from her lips as emotions one by one flooded over her. She frowned, opened and closed her eyes, squinted and threw her head to the ceiling, as if trying to bring back tears from shame, from guilt and excitement, from a caustic feeling of euphoria, but she continued to feel stupid. Oh, Gods, she was so stupid. What happened in the past should not matter in the future. She kept repeating it to herself throughout the whole evening, like a memorized mantra.
And she almost  believed it, picking up the fragments of the bloody mirror from the floor.
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alisaspages · 2 years
Text
FOOD//Peter Parker
Fem x Peter Parker
TW// eating disorder
Peter and I have been together since we were born. We’ve been dating since we were 13 after ignoring each other two years straight. He quickly confessed his love after I said sorry. We’re now 15. We’re pretty young. He’s spider-man. And I pretty much begged him to have Tony make me a multi-million dollar suit to make me spider-girl. He said no. But then I talked to Steve who got him to make me my own avenger suit. But technically I’m not an avenger yet.
My hero name is Y/H/N and Tony says my suit is made from a special metal but he won’t tell me what type. I let him experiment on me and use me as a lab rat. I came out with super strength, telekinesis, and teleportation. Bucky taught me how to use knives. Today we were all going for dinner as a kind gesture from Tony. Actually Pepper convinced him.
We went as fancy as we could. I showed up in this:
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I went inside and the waitress lead me to our table. I really didn’t want to come. I only said yes for Nat and Peter. “Hi guys” I waved. Peter stared in awe and I blushed. They all looked shocked. “You look like a girl?” Tony said confused. Most times they’d seen me I was wearing baggie clothes and beanies. “Uhh thanks?” I said quietly. Peter pat the spot next to him and I sat next to him on the soft padded chair. I kissed him “hi Spider-boy.” He blushed “you look ravishing. Pretty. Gorgeous.” I giggled a little pleased by the comments and excitement “thanks love.” I held his hand under the table.
Lately I hadn’t been eating since I started gaining weight. I didn’t tell anyone. Peter came over one evening and saw me in a crop top and shorts for the first time I quickly covered myself up and he turned away “sorry. Go ahead and change I’ll wait.” Was all he said squeezing his eyes shut at the wall. He made me dinner the day after that. I gave it to my dogs while he wasn’t looking and I felt so bad.
First the appetizers came. It was nachos, I glanced at it then looked at my feet. “Y/N have some.” Steve said kindly. I shook my head “I’m gonna save myself for the main course. Thanks though.” He nodded and the waitress pulled out her notepad the second time since we’d arrived “what would you like to drink?” She asked looking at me first. I let out a loud sigh “uhhh.. water.” Peter looked at me with concern and whispered “you okay? Usually you eat a lot and order a lot of soda?” I nodded “just tired. Sorry babe.” My eyelids were heavy and usually I’d drink a monster to help at this time but I couldn’t. “Don’t be sorry. It’s my fault. I kept you up all night building my legos with Ned.” I shrugged “it’s okay.” I said kissing his cheek. When we looked back up it was his turn “uhhh coke?” The waitress nodded and was gone within seconds. My stomach grumbled and I tensed knowing Peter heard it. “C’mon love. Eat.” I shook my head “no it’s not that. Yesterday my mom made something absolutely gross and my stomach kind of hurts.” I felt awful lying to him. But I had to stay perfect for him. I was desperate to have Natashas body. Wandas. Even peppers. I would take anyone’s body over mine. I have stretch marks on my thighs, I’m over the average weight for my age, I have a heat allergy, and I’m very short. The list goes on forever. Not to mention the acne.
After ordering our main courses which mine was just a salad, Steve and Natasha looked at me funny “you love this restaurant? You love steak!” Steve said in a confused tone “Yeah… what’s wrong? You seem off.” By this point I wasn’t seeing straight. I missed going to the gym today so that I wouldn’t look so pale. It’s been at least a week. This was bound to happen sooner or later. “Yeah. Just my mom made this terrible meatloaf yesterday. I’m still recovering.” What I didn’t know was aunt May would be coming. She sent food home for me and my mom and I just put it in the fridge. She came in “Hey guys. Sorry I’m late, I couldn’t find my dress.” I choked on my water and coughed “sorry. Hi aunt May.” She waved “how was the food last night?” I shrugged drowsily “I ate my mom’s meatloaf. Sorry May.” She rose a brow “I thought that was for tomorrow?” Fuck. I shook my head “she changed her mind.” May nodded and I rested my head on Peters shoulder. Our food came and May ordered. I poked and prodded at my food and Natasha sighed loudly “okay I’ve seen enough why aren’t you eating?” I shrugged “I’m not feeling well.” She rolled her eyes “Y/N I know you better than you know yourself what’s going on?” I sighed standing up and wobbling “shut up. Stop asking me if I’m fine for gods sakes.” Oh no. Nononono. Fuck. I stumbled and Steve, Peter, and Natasha jumped out of there seats. I closed my eyes but they weren’t opening up again. I felt myself tumble into someone’s arms. Warm and stringy. Peter.
When I opened my eyes again I was connected to a couple tubes and wires but I wasn’t at the hospital. I knew this room too well. I was in the Avengers tower. “Morning.” Tony said smiling. I rolled over and he called the Avengers in. “She’s fine.” He said when Steve and Natasha bursted in right behind Peter. “How are you feeling?” Steve asked concerned. I only shrugged. I needed energy “Can I have a monster?” I asked as I sat up slowly. Peter shook his head “No. Mj called. She told me about your little diet! You can’t live off of monsters and water.” I sighed “it doesn’t matter.” He shook his head faster tears in his eyes. “No! I love you. So it does matter because I need you.” He put a hand on my cheek “why? You’re so beautiful.” I shook my head as the others came in.
I looked at them then looked at Peter. “Look at the girls. Look at Natasha. Everyone falls at their feet. Look at aunt May and Pepper. Look at Wanda. Look at them.” He looked at them confused “I don’t get it.” I shook my head looking at the floor, tears spilling out. “They are so perfect. They have nice boobs and good Ass. They are the perfect weight. They can just eat and still look like fucking Models Peter. Everyone wants to be them or is in love with them. I’d kill to look like them. Natasha knelt “I didn’t get this way starving myself sweetheart.” I looked away and Steve knelt on the other side of me “you’re so beautiful. You don’t have to look like Natasha. Or Pepper or Wanda or Sharon or anyone that isn’t you. You like being yourself don’t you?” I nodded and looked at Loki and Thor “Liz and Flash were making fun of me for it. Liz said I was hideous. Flash said I was worse than Ned. So I stood up for Ned but I couldn’t seem to do the same for me.” Loki pulled his daggers out and I shook my head “I was so frozen. It was pathetic.” Banner shook his head “that’s not pathetic. It’s okay to be scared sometimes. It’s not your fault.”
I hid my face in the crook of peters neck holding Steve’s hand. Steve was always my favourite and he was even my crush. But nobody went over Peters head. “Mj kept telling me I was pretty but it’s so easy for you guys to talk. You have hot perfect bodies. Like Steve has really hot abs. Because they aren’t like “I’ll crush you” abs but they’re “let’s cuddle and kiss” abs. Natashas body is self explanatory, and Peter. Oh Peter. You have the cutest face ever and that one time I saw you in your boxers- oh my god. Whatever! Point in fact is you’re all so perfect and ripped and you probably have really big-“ Peter slapped a hand over my mouth “okay. That’s enough talking.” I giggled a bit.
After that it took me a while to get back to my regular eating habits. But someone would always check in. I was only given rehab monsters till I could stop drinking them all together. They agreed not to tell my family as long as I ate properly. It was fun being able to eat whatever I wanted again. But I still felt conscious about my weight so Nat would help me find better ways to lose weight. We always dragged Wanda Pepper Steve May Peter and Tony to the gym. Often, Steve would bring Bucky and Sharon. I mostly just felt the urge to punch Sharon. Pepper would even bring Maria. Though I was getting healthier I was still finding that I wasn’t always feeling good. Steve said it’s because I have to stop staying up and playing with Peters lego but Nat thinks it’s just my body getting back into its old habits. Tony said it’s from listening to anything Steve says and Bruce says that it’s normal and my body is detoxing or something. Peter just likes to give me cuddles and kisses and belly rubs. Fury tells me he just wants everyone to shut up. Thor thinks I might not be able to go back to normal.
I hope you guys liked, it’s my first time writing about things like this so I hope you enjoyed it :)
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curseofaphrodite · 2 years
Note
It's been 5 days since I last messaged you because gosh the time at my mom's was partially a mess, SHE WAS HASSLING SO MUCH, I hate when she hassles because she starts to overthink and overreact and honestly I got to keep the whole house to myself from Monday to Wednesday and it made me wanna move back to my own place because THE PEACE aaaahhhh, you don't get peace when you're living at this nuthouse where I am (mom came home at like 8pm, ate a sandwich and went to bed and I could be playing my Playstation or write until 6am if I wanted because I didn't hear what she's doing in the bedroom and she didn't hear what I was doing in the living room, I MISS THAT, here, the walls could as well be made of cardboard), it was a dream to be honest. I could do whatever I wanted?? So I went to fetch fast food every single day like a health freak I am. (I eat healthily normally, I don't even have a chance to go eat fast food very often as the nearest store is like 7km away from my home...) At my mom's, there was Burger King, McDonald's and Taco Bell at like 5 minute walk and a store behind them. Sooo Monday, I went to test Taco Bell for the first time and got Fresh Burrito meal with nachos (liked it, though I embarrassed myself because I didn't realize that when they shouted 198, they meant me and my receipt had that number and they were calling to 198 for like 5 minutes and I was there like huh, why isn't anybody moving??? 🤦🏻‍♀️), but I didn't take into notion that when I eat my first meal at noon, I will be hungry as fuck by 6am... so when hunger struck through, I just had to suffer til next day, minus like one or two small pieces of bread.
So on Tuesday, I came prepared and first bought myself a buffet salad from the local store (my former home store back when I lived on my own, brought some memories) for dinner and bought myself a shitload of food for lunch (Big Mac Meal Plus, McFlurry with Smarties and a Pistachio Milkshake) because I still hadn't eaten much anything for 24 hours. At least I wasn't hungry after those XD I almost forgot about my McFlurry though... And on Wednesday, I fetched only a buffet salad because BK is also near my mom but on the other way from the store and I was too lazy to walk there and my mom gave me a permission to order a pizza 😂
And as I told you earlier, I got a Rummikub board game for Christmas and I bought two video games for myself (Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy rickrolled me the moment I first opened it and Kena: Bridge of Spirits is SO PRETTY even on my PS4??? It looks like some Pixar or Dreamworks animated movie???) But I came back home yesterday evening and still haven't unpacked.
But yeah enough about that. To mom's ex, yeah. I've met my share of toxic people so I noticed the red flags ages ago... ohhohhoo, if you ever wanted to hear the story of my ex-best friend H and me, you'd better sit back because that woman is a crazy bitch and still on me after 2 years of our friendship ending and has genuinely made me wish she'd die so this would stop. And me being like that needs a lot...
I also had a friend who lives here at the same place I do, she's slightly mentally disabled and I've looked at her rudeness through my fingers because of that but yeah, I finally snapped a couple of weeks ago and told her that she's unbearable and I can't take it anymore. That's another story, if you ever wanna hear the story of H, I can tell the story about this woman as well as a side story.
And yeah he's her neighbor now (not mine, I don't live at my mom's, I'm her guest when I'm over). He stalks her and bullies her. Mom is trying to get enough material for a restraining order right now. Feels like a setting for a soap opera.
Btw, when we were leaving and packing my mom's car so she'd take me back to my home, I saw someone half-running from behind the trash shelter hut thing (I'm not sure what it's called in English) and I turned to look at them, we stared at each other for a bit, it was snowing pretty hard so I didn't immediately recognize him but yeah it was my mom's ex who thought I'm my mom... 😂
okay your mother's place sounds so chaotic and fun at the same time, like the good sort of chaotic. Burger King, McDonald's and Taco Bell?? The HOLY trinity of fast foods. I try not to eat fast food either but i cant help it, theyre delicious 😩😩😩💓
I get the token confusion though. Fun fact, we don't use tokens on any shops here at all. we do them on hospitals tho! (but they show the number on the screen instead of shouting them, and its weird to sit in the chair and keep staring at the big screen especially when you're sick lol)
bestie buying all good stuff on the menu feels like HEAVEN. i googled mcflurries with smarties and omg that looks delicious???
Kena: Bridge of Spirits does look so pretty :0 (i googled that too jksdj) getting rickrolled by a video game is fun
crazy ex-best friends are a whole new species, we should start a Escaped From Them Yay club because toxic friends are just not it.
good luck with the restraining order!! i hope she gets it done soon cause that dude is just plain creepy ew.
LMFAO HE HID BEHIND A FREAKING TRASH CAN? Thats so funny and weird at the same time. Literally he needs to get a life of his own. 🙄🔪
excuse all my typos cause im in class atm (on a sunday ik, its torture)
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wannabesewcrafty · 3 years
Text
Comfort Food
Fandom: Debris (TV)
Summary: Set after 1.13 with spoilers present. Bryan tries to cheer up a despondent Finola with food.
Notes: The result of this.
Days passed after the incident at the quarry, during which Bryan and Finola both healed from their injuries and were scanned, injected, and otherwise tested enough for the Orbital medics to pronounce them fit again for active duty. Ferris called and gave Finola a final lecture about being careful and not letting her heart get the best of her. Maddox, who seemed happier these days, signed off on their paperwork and wished them luck in finding George, Anson Ash, and the other INFLUX members.
Things didn’t really feel right until Finola and Bryan were sitting in their SUV, alone on the open road. Bryan was driving as usual, and Finola was broken out of the reverie she had fallen into when he pulled over in front of a convenience store. “Why are we stopping?” she asked.
“You’ll see,” he said, getting out of the car.
He returned ten minutes later with two steaming bowls in his hands and two bags of corn chips held in between his teeth. Finola angled her body to lean across the car and open his door for him and he nodded his thanks. She took one of the bowls, allowing him to climb back inside the car.
“What did you get?” she asked, giving the contents of the bowl a dubious stir with the plastic spoon it came with. The stuff was red, and she saw some beef in the mixture. Chili, she guessed.
“You may not have noticed,” Bryan began after setting down his chips, “but we crossed into my home state of Texas about thirty miles ago. We’re going to have some Frito pie.”
She only stared at him in confusion, watching as he opened a bag of corn chips, then spooned some of his chili into the bag. When he deemed he had put in enough, he folded the top of the bag closed and then shook it around to mix the chili and chips together. Opening the bag again, he dipped his spoon into the mixture and took a bite, crunching on the chips.
“Best thing when you’re feeling down,” he said after he had swallowed. “Try it.”
She opened her mouth, ready to argue and ask “Who said I was feeling down?” but one look at Bryan’s knowing gaze, and she knew it was pointless.
She pulled open her own bag of chips and prepared her meal as he had.
She didn’t really taste the first bite, her head full of thoughts of her family. Her father had never bothered to introduce her and Dee Dee to new foods like this. Her father…now a wanted fugitive. Working with men who had used innocent people like lab rats, killing them without compunction. She recalled what Ash had said to her in the quarry. “I don’t want to kill you, but I will if I have to.” She was suddenly possessed by the urge to laugh, followed just as quickly by the urge to cry.
“Hey. Finola.” Bryan again, distracting her from her memories and emotions. She peered up at him, finding her vision blurred with tears.
“You’re crying into your pie,” he said.
She sniffed and put her bag on the dashboard in front of her. “I guess i’m just not hungry.”
She could feel his eyes on her, and she twisted her body away to look out her window. Half a minute ticked by before she felt the weight of Bryan’s hand on her shoulder. The gesture, so unexpected from him, made her turn to face him again.
“We’ll find him,” he said reassuringly. “All of them.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his confidence. “Where did all this faith of yours come from?” she wondered aloud, but Bryan shook his head.
“Not faith. Trust. I have trust.” He moved his hand down to capture her own in her lap. He squeezed it tight. “Because of you. You have it too.”
“In you,” she agreed. “I trust you.” She leaned her head to rest her cheek on his shoulder, and it spoke volumes that Bryan allowed her to while he ate his convenience store dinner. Slowly, in the silence, Finola let her story spill out of her, telling her partner everything that George and INFLUX had spouted at her.
She had written reports about it, of course, but alone with Bryan, she could shout and curse and, yes, cry. She did all those things. And then she used her spoon to poke at her Frito pie, which had long since gone cold. “Can we go to a drive-thru?” she asked. “I’d like some nachos.”
Bryan looked at her in surprise but then he smiled, started the car, and put it in gear. “Yes, ma’am,” he replied, pulling back out onto the road.
Perhaps predictably, they encountered a fast food chain as the first place that sold nachos and placed their order at the drive-thru, then shared the nachos in the parking lot. “Best thing when you’re feeling down,” Bryan said again, and this time, Finola laughed and nodded wholeheartedly before putting another cheese-covered tortilla chip in her mouth.
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punkpoemprose · 3 years
Text
December 5th- Livestream
Universe: 2010′s AU Streamer! Anna AU Rating: Teen (maybe I’ll do a smutty followup at some point!) Length: 4368 Words
A/N: Sorry this is a little late. I didn’t have wifi for most of the day so I spent it doing other Christmas things instead of writing.
“So you’ve really never played a videogame before?” She asked, “Like you didn’t play Pokémon or Mario as a kid?”
She was sitting, cross-legged, atop one of the four washers in the apartment complex’s laundry room, snacking on Nacho Doritos and undoubtedly making a mess in a room meant for cleaning things. Across from her, pulling clothes from the drier was her neighbor Kristoff. She wouldn’t admit it to anyone except for maybe her sister, but she’d been intentionally doing her laundry on the same schedule he did his, He wasn’t usually the social sort from what Anna could tell, but she found him very attractive and relished the weekly opportunity to get to know him better. Also, secondarily, but no less importantly, it gave her the opportunity to stare at his very tones ass as he bent over to remove his clothes from the dryer. That he always wore basketball shorts on laundry day was proof enough to her that God was real and she or he wanted Anna to thrive. Or to be tested for her strength of will. Perhaps both.
“Not really,” he admitted with a shrug, “I grew up mostly playing hockey. One of the ice rinks used to have a pinball machine, and I played that, bit it probably doesn’t count.”
Anna snorted and set down the bag of chips, shaking her head and wiping her fingers on her sweatpants. He was a totally unique guy, vastly different than the “pretty boys” she normally took an interest in. Her attraction to him ever growing since the day he moved in. That day, when she’d first noticed him, she’d been given the great pleasure of watching him lift heavy boxes through her window, and then through her peephole after he’d climbed the stairs.
“Did it have a screen or a ball?” She asked, more as a joke than anything given that she knew the obvious answer.
“Touché,” he replied.
She took one last good look at his rear as he straightened up, appearing to be satisfied that all his clothes were out of the dryer and into his green laundry basket. The smell of his dryer sheets wafted over to her from the open dryer as he shifted out of the space and she decided that she needed to up her laundry scent game. It was unfair that someone was allowed to be as attractive as he was and to also smell like lavender and citrus and all the good things on the Earth.
She noticed, probably a bit creepily if she was being honest with herself, that he wore boxer briefs. And since she’d first noticed it weeks before the image of him wearing them and nothing else had haunted her late-night thoughts like a sexy specter. As a result, it had provided her of the most perfect mental picture of what he might look like in her apartment, in her bedroom, undressed and giving her the eye. She bit her lip trying to rid herself of the thought, lest he glance over at her and see her giving him bedroom eyes, or worse, drooling all over herself. He probably didn’t even realize that he was weapons grade sexy, because that made him even more attractive in her books.  
“Sometimes I play solitaire on my computer if I’m waiting fi something to load,” he offered in his own defense.
He was turning towards her now, proving her concerns correct. He rested his basket against his hip as he leaned back on the now empty dryer. His sheepish smile and tone told Anna that he knew that the defense was not particularly convincing in anyway, but that he needed to at least try.
“That’s just sad,” she teased, shaking her head as if she truly were severely disappointed in him instead of just joking around.
“Well not everyone plays videogames for a living Anna.”
It wasn’t an attack really, but more of a statement. When she’d started talking to him the words may have had more sting, but now, knowing him and his gruff but kindly manner, she took it for the joke and defense of his lack of experience that he meant it to be. If he had a flaw it was that he was a bit of a grump. He’d never been mean though, and she was already watching him soften more and more by the day.
“Well not everyone is a chef either Kristoff,” she replied, “It takes all types to make the world go round.”
“I’m a baker,” he corrected.
He rolled his eyes at her when she shrugged and gave him her best “po-tay-to, po-tot-o” look. The look and sigh of exasperation that this rewarded her made her laugh. There was little better than the playful exchanges she could have from him in just looks, and it was one of the many reasons why she enjoyed being around him. They didn’t know each other very well yet, but she still felt like he got her somehow.
“And also, just so you know, you sound like my mother.”
“She’s a wise woman.”
She of course knew that he was a baker, but she hadn’t really realized that he’d rather be called a baker than a chef. Either way, she was still hoping that maybe someday he’d show up at her door with dinner, or a cake or something, just so she could invite him in.
“That she is.”
A silence fell between them as he folded his things and while Anna swapped her own clothes out of the washer and into the dryer. It wasn’t an uncomfortable silence, but rather a companionable one. That was of course, until they both seemed to come to the realization simultaneously that one of them would be leaving sooner or later.
“You can change it by the way,” Anna offered.
“My mother being wise?”
She almost laughed. She hadn’t met his mother, but she doubted that with a son like him she had the power to change anything about her. If anything, she might ask her for some wisdom of her own.
“Oh gosh, no. All mothers, or at least all the ones I’ve met, have been wise. No, I meant the ‘never played a videogame’ thing.”
He shrugged at first, but then gave her a look betraying a greater level of interest. She wasn’t sure whether he was going to say yes or no, and there was a long pause as he thought about it.
It would be fun, she thought, to play with him. Maybe, if he’d let her, she’d stream it too. Videos of experienced players teaching others always had high entertainment and replay value. It would be good for her brand, but mostly she just wanted an excuse to invite him to her apartment. She’d been wanting for a while to see him somewhere other than in stairwells and the laundry room.
“What do you play?” He asked finally, seeking out more information.
She wasn’t sure he was quite ready for the long list of games she’d streamed before, let alone the even longer one of games she’d played just for fun. She decided it was best to give him the highlights of the CliffsNotes.
“I play a little bit of everything. I’m competitive in Overwatch and League of Legends, but I’m not really like… going to in person tournaments of anything. I just get invited to a few online cups here and there. Mostly I just play for my audience rather than thinking about joining a league or anything.”
He looked at her like she had three heads that each of them was speaking a different language. She’d gotten too deep too fast she supposed.
“I just mean that those ate the games I play against people seriously in. I play other games for fun and for people to watch how they’re played.”
He nodded, and while she could still see confusion in his eyes, he was making a solid effort to understand. She did notice that he was giving her a sort of amused smile, like he was enjoying the conversation despite not really knowing what it was she was talking about.
“Can you put that into different terms? I get that it’s competitive, but are you playing for money or points or?”
“Sometimes a cup will have a cash prize, but mostly I earn money from people watching my streams on Twitch and then the replays and the play throughs of games I post on YouTube.”
They’d talked before a bit about what they each did for a living. She’d been trying to figure out how to ask him what bakery he worked at so she could drop by sometime but hadn’t quite figured out how to be subtle about it yet. He knew that she was a streamer, and while it was a difficult career to try to explain to someone, he’d made the effort to understand as she offered him more and more details each time. He hadn’t asked for her username of anything, which was always equal parts disappointing and unsurprising. She didn’t really want him to watch her videos per say, but she also wanted to be able to imagine that he was tuned into her streams when she was doing them. She just wanted to be able to pretend for a little while that he was interested in her enough that he’d want to watch.
“Uh, I don’t know where this falls exactly, but my sister’s kids play Minecraft. Do you play it? They talk about it, but I don’t really know what it’s all about.”
“I could show you,” she replied, feeling a bit bold, “We don’t even have to stream it if you don’t want.”
He stopped to think again, and Anna was careful not to let her eyes wander too far down his body as she took the time to take in the muscle of his arms, the way his black t-shirt strained over the expanse of his chest. Whatever it took to be a baker, she decided, must be one hell of an upper body workout. His rear, she’d already decided, was surely hockey related. He’d never said so directly, but she was fairly sure he still played, and on occasion she’d see him carrying a large duffle up and down the stairs.
“I guess I wouldn’t mind. Could my niece and nephew watch?”
She grinned. It was a date.
They’d settled n the weekend, not too early, not too late. She’d insisted on calling his sister to let her know personally that the kids could watch them play from home. When her sister had called him to let him know about the call, she’d told him how nice Anna had been over the phone and how she’d even given her instructions on how to keep chat closed for the kids’ viewing so that if anyone typed something profane they wouldn’t have to see it. Generally, Anna set up the whole evening and his one and only job was “show up and have fun”.
He’d been a little uncomfortable with the idea even after agreeing to it. He didn’t really know how to act around her, let alone on camera. The fact of the matter was that he was an introvert and Anna was the opposite. She was warm and gregarious, and she was, at least to his yes, radiantly beautiful.
When she’d offered to teach him to play a game, to bring him into her world, into her home, he hadn’t been able to say no.
For months, since he moved in and they started sharing their laundry room conversations, he’d been trying to find a way to get to know her better. All he’d wanted was an excuse to take more time, because when he was with her, he felt happier than he could ever remember being with anyone other than his family or his friend Sven.
He was sure Sven would be tuning in to see whether he made an epic fool of himself. The whole viewing world, or at least all her viewers, would be watching him bumble about, but it was worth it because it would make Anna smile. And he supposed also that it was a plus that he’d be able to play a game with his niece and nephew the next time he saw them, but mostly it was for Anna.
He took a deep breath before knocking on the apartment door. He’d wanted to bring her flowers or something as a thank you for teaching him how to play, but Sven had put the kibosh on it when he’d brought it up, insisting that it would make it seem like a date and that he needed to “play it cool” until “the real date” that he was somehow sure there would be.
“One sec guys, I think that’s him!”
He heard the patting of bare feet moving quickly across the hardwood floor. When the door swung open with a creak, he was met with a grinning Anna and a warm rush of air into their always too cold hallway.
The breeze carried on it the smell from her apartment, which hit him more directly than the heat. It smelled like the holiday collection at bath and body works had an illicit affair with the food scented and musk Yankee candles producing a lovechild that reminded him of what the bakery might smell like if it was in the middle of a garden. It was all sugar and spice, chocolates and floral.
It was like her, and as he saw the bright décor evident even in her entryway, he couldn’t help but smile. It was no surprise that she’d want to be in a place as bright and fun as she was.
“Hey,” she said excitedly, reaching up to click something on the headset she wore, and then reached for his hand, “I’m so glad you could make it! Your niece and nephew are viewing with everyone else. They’re extremely excited for their Uncle Kris to learn a videogame.”
He felt her fingers card through his as she lead him through the door and into the apartment. She was talking and while he was trying to listen, he was distracted by the fact that somewhere in his head, something was screaming over the fact that she was holding his hand, and that he was in her apartment and that this was all happening.
“Okay?”
“Huh?”
She was looking at him and he forced himself to focus on that, the way she was giving him an understanding smile, preparing to repeat what she’d said while he was busy spacing out.
“We’re going to just do an hour unless you decide you want to go longer. We’re going to play on my PC instead of console today. There’s going to be another monitor next to you with my livechat running but you don’t have to interact with chat if you don’t want to. I’m going to just give you a spare headset for audio, okay?”
He wasn’t really sure that he was okay. He was feeling spaced out and wasn’t really sure whether or not he was going to regret this whole thing, but then she squeezed his hand gently and he decided that it was all alright.
“Yeah, thanks for doing this. I’ve been meaning to…” Spend time with you? Ask you out? Watch your streams like a creep because I want to pretend you’re talking to me?, “learn to play something, you know… for the kids. They’re going to think you’re the best after this.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand again, this time holding it tight for a little longer before letting it go entirely, like she didn’t really want to let go.
“I’m glad you’re letting me. I’m really glad you came tonight.”
He took a deep breath, trying not to read into it as she led him over to her streaming setup. There were two chairs set up in front of a webcam with a bunch of screens around them. The main screen had “Standby” written on it next to a cartoon of Anna wearing a headset and drinking a hot cup of tea. The little icon was kicking one foot back and forth under a cartoon version of her computer chair and the cup was billowing steam. It was cute to say the least, and she must have agreed because she walked over, got into her chair and “booped” the nose of the drawing before beckoning him to sit next to her.
“Ready to go?” she asked brightly, handing him a bright green headset that had been sitting next to the main computer’s mouse and keyboard.
He took it and put it on, deciding that this was, in fact, going to be alright after all.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.”
She smiled and he felt her hand go to his again, giving it a squeeze where it rested on his lap before she pressed a button on his headset, then one on hers, and then clicked a few things with her mouse, bringing them on the stream, live, before an audience of a few hundred people.
***
“Hello and happy Saturday!” Anna announced warmly, trying to focus on working even though Kristoff was right there at her side, relaxed and smiling at her more than he was at the camera, “As you guys requested Kristoff, my neighbor is back for the fifth consecutive weekend to learn a new game.”
She tried not to roll her eyes when she noticed the amount of comments in chat that were, to say the least, thirsty. Anna had noticed that since having Kristoff on her stream for the first time, a fair amount of her female audience had been staying on stream for longer than they normally would. Normally she wouldn’t complain, but there was something about them thirsting over Kristoff that made her want to get her mod to kick them from chat.
It would be bad for business, but every time she saw Kristoff’s eyes wander over to chat and saw him flush from the attention, she wanted to take him into the other room and give him the proper attention he deserved. She’d gotten close to kissing him after the last stream he’d joined her for, and then again, the morning after when he’d brought her coffee and a beautifully glazed apple turnover from the bakery he owned just down the block.
She’d thought, weeks back when they’d done their first stream together, that she couldn’t possibly be more interested in him than she already was. But then he’d been funny and kind and an eager learner in her stream, and then she’d received thank you flowers days later, and he’d agreed, while they did their laundry to do another stream. And she’d fallen in love with him in just a few weeks, she’d fallen in love with the way he was thankful even when she was the one who needed to thank him. She’d fallen in love with the way he offered to come back again and again and again because it had been good for her work, and the way he’d invited her to see his bakery because it was only fair to share as much of himself with her as she had with him. She fell in love with the way he could be quiet, but that his gestures and facial expressions could speak volumes, and she fell in love a little more each day.
“Due to popular demand,” he said, taking a moment to look over at her for confirmation as he’d become more comfortable talking on stream, but preferred to address her more than he did the camera, “I’m going to be playing a dating sim.”
There was a subset of her viewers who, instead of thirsting after Kristoff, had been dead set on getting them together. There were also those who assumed that they were, in fact, together, but the viewers she was enjoying most were the ones who actively attempted to get them to talk about their “chemistry” and “tension” on stream. They were lead by a user named SvenjaminButton and Anna decided that if she and Kristoff ever did get together, she was going to track him down and buy him dinner, because he rallied the troops in a spectacular way, getting people to request more Kristoff on the stream and giving Anna the excuse to see him.
The dating sim had also been his idea.
She loaded it up and laughed at the bad graphics, it was one of those one dollar steam games that someone just threw together from preexisting code and some drawings. She wasn’t expecting much from it, but Kristoff was playing along like a champ, and she was looking forward to talking to him after the stream ended about how silly it was.
His skills with games were improving over time, and this point and click was surely not going to cause him any challenge, but still she appreciated that his initial response to the game launching was to move closer to her, putting her into his space should he need any assistance. She liked to think that maybe he just wanted to be in her space anyway.
“I hope you find true love,” she teased, the stream already going wild.
“I think I already have.”
***
Kristoff was still kicking himself for what he’d said at the start of Anna’s stream as they were logging off. He was pretty sure that she thought he was just playing up a joke when he’d said the bit about already having found true love, but truthfully he wasn’t, and he felt adrift. He’d fallen for her, and he’d fallen hard. She was just so fun to be around, and she instantly had changed his perspective on games from being a waste of time to being something actively enjoyable. Half the fun was, of course, just being with her.  
“Thank you so much,” she said when the stream ended, leaning back in  her chair and practically tipping her head onto his shoulder as she did so, “You’ve really been so wonderful with all of this. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to thank you enough for all the time you’ve been putting in.”
He smiled, happy that he’d been helpful to her, that she’d been happy to spend the time with him.
“You don’t have to thank me Anna. I’ve been enjoying myself. But… if I could maybe ask you something?”
This was the night. It had been Sven’s suggestion, and he still wasn’t sure of how he felt about it. He wasn’t exactly the kind of guy who made moves, but he’d never really had a cause to do so before. He could be bold in business, in work, in life, but in love? It was new for him.
“Of course Kristoff,” Anna replied, leaning her face towards his as she leaned back, bringing her face so close to his that all he would have to do was move a few inches to kiss her. That, he thought, was going to far, even if he desperately wanted to do so.
“Would you be interested in going out to dinner? Anytime you want, I know you’re busy, but I’d really like to take you out.”
She gave him a look of surprise and immediately he wondered if he’d just ruined everything.
He could feel the heat rising to his face, feeling like he’s just picked the wrong answer in the dating sim they’d been playing. He could practically see the little heartbreak icon popping up over her head, but then, he watched as she too flushed.
“Like… like on a date?”
He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He raked a hand through his hair, trying to focus on something other than how close her lips were to his and how incredibly wrong this could all go in almost no time at all.
“Yes. Unless you’d prefer not, because I like being your friend and I don’t want to ruin that if you’re not interest…”
He didn’t finish his sentence, because Anna’s lips were on his and she was kissing him. Then as he leaned forward, he was kissing her and reaching out to bring her closer. He couldn’t catch his breath before she was climbing out of her chair and onto his, her thighs moving to the sides of his as she straddled him on the chair and kissed him until he was breathless.
His hands didn’t know where to go, but after a moment of them simply hovering, he let one wander along her sides, feeling her waist and her hip while the other brushed against her hair and rested against the back of her head.
She pressed herself into him and he held her close as they kissed harder and faster, lips becoming kiss swollen and wet as they explored together. He hadn’t ever really kissed anyone like he was kissing Anna, so he focused on the pleased sounds she made when he pulled her closer and kissed her harder.
“Can I take this as a yes?” he managed, when they broke for a moment to take a breath.
She was resting her head on his chest, her eyes, when they met his, were dark and pleased. She must have enjoyed the kiss as he had, and he was glad for it. What he’d started to say was true. He’d be happy to have her as a friend if that was all she wanted.
He felt like the luckiest man on earth that she’d wanted more.
“Tonight,” she said, “Take me for dinner tonight because I’ve been wanting this for months now. I don’t think I can wait.”
His heart raced as he thought about Anna, for months, wanting him as she did now.
“I don’t think I can either,” he admitted, letting his fingers card through her hair as he held her tight.
He didn’t know where he was going to take her yet, but he knew that wherever they went, the food would taste sweeter than it ever had before.
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Jaime x Brienne Fic Exchange FAQ & Posting Guide
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First off, how dare you?
What? You signed up for it. We didn’t make you! (But we’re so happy you did!)
How does posting work?
The exchange portal will open on the 7th at 12pm AEST ( the countdown is here ). Once it opens, use AO3 to upload your fic as usual:
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Most of the upload process will be exactly the same as normal, but you need to fill in the following two fields:
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Fill in the first with “Jaime x Brienne Fic Exchange 2020” (It should autofill, but please be careful to select the right collection! This one is the one we're using.)
Type in your recipient’s AO3 name in the second field. Double check your original prompt to ensure you have the correct name. A few people have different tumblr/AO3 names and we don’t want any fics to go awry.
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After that, it’s as simple as clicking post! Your fic will be submitted to the exchange and automatically be made anonymous. Author’s names will not be revealed until August 22, when we click the button to reveal them.
Feel free to reply to comments during that week. As long as you are logged into the account that posted the fic, all of your comments will also be anonymised.
If any of this process is confusing to you, PLEASE reach out to one of the organisers ( @nire-the-mithridatist​ / @slipsthrufingers​ / @firesign23​ )! We’re happy to hold your hand through the process 🤗
Why is the exchange opening a day earlier than you said?
Because I’ve set the time on the exchange to suit my own timezone. I have to stay up till after midnight to watch F1 cars go vroom vroom and had to deal with being spoiled for every single episode of Game of Thrones on Tumblr and Twitter because it aired in the US while I was at work. This is my own petty little vengeance and I will not apologise for that.
Also it’s easier for me to keep everything straight in my head this way. Mathematics is not my strength.
Why do I need to let you know by the 7th that I’ve finished my fic if I can post it anytime during the following week?
So we can find a knight writer ASAP. The sooner we know that you won’t be able to complete your fic, the sooner we can find someone to fill in for you. We don’t want anyone to be disappointed.
Do I have to post ON the 7th of August? I’ll be AFK for the day because my cat has a piano recital!
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I really overshot the 1k limit and need to post multiple chapters. Should I post them together and drop my 40k prompt fill in the tag all at once, or can I stagger it throughout the week?
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Can I thank my beta in the notes of my story?
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I’m not participating in the exchange, but I want to get into the spirit of the week. What can I do?!
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r0s3mm · 3 years
Text
Summer Nights
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*********************** Grace, Madelyn, Madison, Lilah and Elaine were sat in Grace’s brand-new apartment, they were having a girls’ night to inaugurate the actress’ new home.
“Ok, so, ladies. We drank,” Madelyn started, the girls raised their drinks. “We ate great food, all thanks to our private chef miss Grace Parker Russell! I just wanted to propose a toast to success for each of us; with relationships, careers and life in general.” The blonde said with a bright smile and she sent cheesy smiles her friends’ way.
“Don’t get emotional on us, Mads.” Madison laughed raising the glass to her lips. “But, yeah, I hope y’all get what you want in life.” She finished making the others smile.
“Abrupt topic change but, you and Chase, you okay there, Mads?” Grace asked curiously.
“Yeah, why?”
“Well, I know y’all had like a little conflict the other day and I didn’t get a chance to see you after that, so—”
“Uh, no. Yeah, it was nothing, we’re all good, very good, even.” She said with a little smile.
“Oh, damn, Madelyn got some John D.” Lilah said with an absent-minded laugh, the others looked at her surprised before they all erupted in loud laughs. Grace brought her hand to her chest, the air leaving her lungs faster than the speed at which they were being filled, which left her wheezing and gasping for oxygen.
“LILAH PATE!” Elaine said loudly, wiping the one tear that had escaped her eye.
“Jesus, Li’, suddenly you turn seventeen and you startin’ to talk like us?” Grace chuckled.
“You’re just jealous, ‘cause you ain’t getting any!” Madelyn commented, sending her friend a pointed look.
“What makes you think I’m not getting any?” she asked, one of her eyebrows raised in suspense.
“I’m sorry, what?” Madison spoke up, her body leant forward as her entire face turned into a curious shock. “Grace Parker Russell, have you got a friend with benefit?”
“What? Why would it not be a boyfriend?” she asked, confused as to why her friend hadn’t thought of a boyfriend first.
“Because you haven’t been all giggly and doe eyed and all that crush shit you had last year.” Madelyn shrugged at Grace’s questioning eyes. “Last year, I’m sure you had a crush on a boy, I don’t know who it is, and I didn’t ask but, girl you had it bad. You’d text me “going out after work” and just like, full on leave for the whole night to come back the next morning all teenagery and shit.” She explained, Elaine, Lilah and Madison all surprised and interested by the new information.
“Oh, but to go back to Maddie’s question, no, I do not have a fuck friend.” Grace enunciated her words, her lips shiny and red with the beer she had been drinking. “And yes, before anyone ask, I did meet someone last year, but nothing came out of it, except a date.”
They stayed silent for a few seconds, each of them in their own minds, the alcohol, except for Lilah, seeping into their veins. Suddenly, getting them out of their thoughts, Elaine gasped loudly as she realized, her eyes darting to Grace’s green ones.
“Oh, my fucking god, the date you and Rudy went on, it’s him.”
“He’s her lobster.” Madelyn said, nodding, agreeing with Elaine.
“Shut up, jesus.” She groaned, her cheeks turning a light shade of red.
“She’s blushin’, you never told us what happened that night. Like y’all mentioned it last week but we didn’t wanna push in front of the guys but like, did y’all kiss or something?”
“No, not really.” She shook her head, bringing the neck of her beer bottle to her lips, the liquid gliding down her throat, the bitter taste making her hum in satisfaction.
-
July 9th, 2019.
7:43pm
Grace had gotten out of set for the day, her shooting schedule had been messed up throughout the whole day, she just wanted to get home and take a long ass bath. She felt a hand touch her shoulder just as her own reached for the handle of her trailer.
“Gracie?” she heard Rudy’s voice, she closed her eyes quickly, taking a deep breath then she turned around.
“Hey!” she said, her voice turning a few octaves higher, both of them chuckling because of it. “Sorry, I just hm—”
“Got anything planned tonight?” he asked her immediately.
He seemed calm, confident, sure of his words, so surely, he couldn’t be asking her out, it’d be freaking crazy. So, she stared at him a little bit longer, noticed the way his blue eyes would move between hers, his lips being licked by his tongue that darted out just a little bit. He put his hands together, an eyebrow raised.
“Gray?” he called out, the nickname slipping out of his mouth before he could stop himself.
“What did you call me?” she asked him, her hand releasing the door handle.
“Gray, is it not- do you not like it?”
“No, I- I love it, actually. My dad called me that when I was a kid.” She smiled.
“If it’s been reserved—” he chuckled, his hand went to his hair, pulling them back.
“No, don’t worry, he’s not using it anymore, it’s all yours!” she said, a sad flash of emotions went through her eyes, making her look away from his blue ones.
“I’m sorry.” He mumbled and she nodded, recognizing the tone and sympathetic look that people had been giving her most of her life.
“It’s okay, really, it’s been a long time. We’re all good.” She nodded, seeing him smile a little bit. “But, yeah, hm, totally free tonight.” She said, her body doing some kind of nervous but excited dance; swaying from side to side. “So, what time were you thinking?” she asked, and he looked at his phone.
“Now?”
“Right- right now?” she questioned, and he nodded, showing the car keys in his hand. “Oh shit, you’re serious, fuck, wait let me change first. Wait here, I’ll be back in like ten minutes.” And true to her word, ten minutes later she had changed out of her character’s clothes, taken off the little makeup they had put on her face throughout the day and as she walked out of her trailer with her bag, she tied up her curly hair up in a loose ponytail. “So, Pankow, what did you have in mind?” she asked as they walked to his rented car.
-
Grace smiled lightly.
“It wasn’t grand or anything, we went out, got dinner and then walked and we talked.”
“Where did y’all go?”
“Saltwater cowboy.”
“The freaking nachos that y’all always share, that’s so cute.” Madison gushed.
“Ok, so, what happened afterwards? Did y’all French?” the other and older brunette asked.
“Stop that, Charles Boyle, but no, Rudy and I never kissed outside of work, so you and your perverted minds can stop that—”
-
July 9th, 2019.
9:53pm
“That was absolutely delicious!” Grace said just as they walked out of the restaurant. “Thank you, but next time, I’m paying, ‘kay?”
“Next time, huh?” the blonde smiled at the girl, a teasing smile on his face.
“Yeah, no you’re right.” She pouted, the hand that was held by his leaving the warmth. “I didn’t have any fun.” She tried to hide her smile but couldn’t once he stepped to her left fully, his arm going to wrap around her shoulder.
“My ass you didn’t have fun, you snorted.”
“Hey, hey! What comes out of my mouth when I laugh is between me and her, just be glad someone actually laughed at your jokes.” She winked.
“What? I’m funny!”
“Yeah, when you sleep, you’re hilarious!” she said, and he looked at her with faux shock.
“Look at her, getting out of her shell.” He nudged her, which made her smile. “How you liking Charleston?”
“About the same as when you asked me yesterday, and the day before, and the one before that—”
“Just want to make sure you don’t get home sick.” He said, linking their hands in a small surge of confidence.
“Do you?”
“Do I what?”
“Get home sick, you must miss your brothers...”
“Well, I have Chase, you know... All the time, all day,” he said, chuckling. “So, he keeps me entertained.” She nodded, she looked up at him, he stared forward, leading them to a second destination.
“Dee,” she called out, her voice was quiet, shy.
“Yeah?”
“What’s this?” she finally asked the question that been on her mind since they left her trailer. He stopped walking for a few seconds, pulling away from her, making her cold. He sent her a small smile, before he grabbed her hand and interlaced their fingers.
“I- I don’t know.” He simply stated and she nodded.
The pair stayed silent for a few minutes walking closer and closer to the edge of the water. They could hear the people talk behind them; the ones still sat in the restaurants.
“So,” she started, sitting down on the grass.
“So,”
“Seriously Dee, what’s up?”
“Can’t I just take a girl on a date?”
“Ok, so this is a date, good to know.” She joked, she wrung her hands, them turning a little bit red from the constant contact.
“Stop it.” He mumbled, his whole demeanor changing, he rested his arm on his knees, his land reaching up to scratch his neck.
“You good?”
“Yep, yeah. Just huh, do you like me?”
“What? Okay, we’re doing this right now?” she asked, and he nodded slightly, noticing the girl’s discomfort. “I think I do,” she cleared her throat before she turned a little bit his way. “We haven’t known each other long and I’m not someone that- I like slow, slow’s good, getting to know the person, getting to learn what ticks them off, being friends...” she trailed off, feeling his eyes on her. “What?” a shy smiled appeared on her face, her cheeks tinted a light red.
“You just look really beautiful, right now.” He said, his eyes leaving her face, looking out on the creek that was near them.
“Rudy, I’m serious.” She said, but his eyes never left her face.
-
“Ok and then you fell madly in love with him, right?” Lilah pressed, and the brunette shook her head.
“I told you guys, Rudy and I aren’t happening anytime soon.”
“Ok, baby, look at me.” Elaine said from beside the younger girl. “Do you have feelings for him?”
“I don’t know, it’s just, he’s Dee.” She said with a small smile.
“And that’s all that matters.” The older brunette finished.
-
July 9th, 2019.
11:56pm.
“Wait no! Don’t take it away I want more!” she said, she grabbed his hand taking the plastic spoon out of it. “No, you ate all the peanuts... Rudy!” she whined, a pout appeared on her lips.
Her eyes went back to the hot fudge sundae in his hand and dug with the spoon for some nuts.
“I can’t believe you ate them all when I told you they were my favorite part.” She muttered, taking the cup out of his hand and taking a spoonful of ice cream and hot fudge. “Might just take the cherry for myself, then.” She winked, the tail of the cherry in hand she dropped the candied fruit in her open mouth. He looked at her confused until she pulled out the now knotted tail.
“Are you serious? You gotta teach me.” He said, his lower lip being tucked slightly under his teeth.
“Maybe one day.” She moved one shoulder up towards the starry sky. She walked ahead of him, finishing up the icy desert they had gotten.
His eyes followed her frame, hips swaying from side to side, as she looked at the brightly lit shops around them. A baby asleep in a carriage, the parents on a very obvious date made her smile, two younger teenagers blushing and linking their hands together made her giggle, a tired young girl being carried by her father made her heart clench, the father kissing his daughter’s head. She turned around, a melancholic look on her face as she glanced up at the blonde. He had a smile on his face, a content one. Rudy glanced to where she was looking a few seconds prior and his smile fell a little bit, seeing the younger girl’s eyes fill up with water, he grabbed the empty cup from her hands, throwing it away he pulled her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head, the brunette burying her face in his chest, he whispered comforting words in her ear, asking her if she wanted to leave and she nodded. He grabbed her hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand.
The pair walked back to the car; a few words shared between them. He opened and closed the door for her, making her smile.
“Home?” he asked her.
“Not just yet.” He nodded, Rudy started the car, mindlessly driving, his eyes shifting between the road ahead and Grace who was sat beside him. When “That don't impress me much” by Shania Twain came on, her whole demeanor changed, the actress playing into the role of the unimpressionable woman. Her whole body coming to life and the blonde turned up the volume, joining in for the few parts he knew from hearing the song come out of her trailer.
“Okay, so you're Brad Pitt
That don't impress me much
So, you got the looks but have you got the touch
Don't get me wrong, yeah, I think you're alright
But that won't keep me warm in the middle of the night
That don't impress me much” she sang, her eyes never leaving Rudy’s side profile.
Not just yet, turned into a few hours, they drove around Charleston until 3:30 the next morning. Both of their bodies exhausted from the long night and the long day of work they had finished eight hours earlier.
“Ma’am.” He said once he had walked her to the door of her and Madelyn’s shared apartment.
“I think you just won a record, there, Pankow.” She said quietly.
“Why?”
“Never been on an eight hours date. Congratulations, you just won.”
“What did I win?”
“A second one.” She said, she moved to her tip toes, kissing his cheek quickly. “Goodnight, Rudy.” She whispered; the door of the apartment already unlocked. She waved with a smile before closing the door.
-
Charleston.
October 2020.
“Ok, so dude, did you kiss her or not?” Drew finally asked his friend as he handed him a beer.
“Nope.” He shook his head.
“Not even on her birthday?” Rudy shook his head again, tipping back the beer bottle.
“Did you want to, at least?” JD asked.
“Fuck, yeah.” He groaned, finishing the last of his beer.
***********************
Taglist:
@pink-meringues​​ - @jaxandcomet - @taaniesha​​ - @bxileyclxne​​ - @k-k0129​​ - @sunflowerbecca​​ - @obx-direction-sos​​
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crystalninjaphoenix · 3 years
Text
The Magic Circle
A JSE Fanfic
Hey, who’s excited for my first non-AU piece in a long time? Who’s excited for my first one-shot in like forever? If you’re excited for either of those things, then this is the piece for you :D I took some inspiration from Marvin’s video on Halloween to come up with this. Here, Marvin meets a magic group for the first time. Let’s see what happens :)
It’s a bright summer day outside. The sun is still high in the sky, despite it being almost five o’clock. There are people walking around the city streets, either going somewhere or even just taking a walk. Birds are chirping on top of the power lines and in the trees planted along the sidewalk. And Marvin was locked inside his room trying not to break something in frustration.
“Oh my goooood.” He puts his head down on the desk surface with a bit more force than necessary. It hurts, but he doesn’t mind. “Fuuuuuck offffff.” The desk before him is lit up with a lamp, despite there being sufficient light coming from the window. The lamp shines down on a laptop, open to a Google Docs document, and a leatherbound book, open to blank pages. Marvin drops his pen down on the desk. “Fuck it.” And with that, he pushes his chair back and heads over to the room’s door, unlocking it and heading outside.
He goes down the hall to the stairs, then down to the first floor. For a moment, he stops and blinks. His eyes feel...weird. Well, it makes sense. He’s spent almost all day staring at a computer screen or a blank page. The only time he wasn’t was when he was going to the bathroom. That probably wasn’t good for his eyes.
According to the wall clock in the downstairs hallway, he’s been trying for nearly five hours. That explains why he’s so hungry. Marvin heads into the kitchen and starts looking through the cabinets for something quick but filling.
Someone knocks on the doorframe behind him. Marvin jumps, and spins around. JJ is standing there. He waves. Hello, Marvin. Did you finish?
Marvin snorts and rolls his eyes. “Oh, I wish. I’ve done like...three pages. God. Fuck.”
Oh dear...JJ frowns. What’s wrong?
“I dunno.” Marvin rubs his eyes. “I just keep getting distracted. Opening up YouTube and stuff. God, it’s just so boring. Why do I even need to write it all down in a book? All my spells and shit are saved online.”
Some people are sticklers for tradition, JJ points out. But anyway, maybe you should take a break. You haven’t eaten anything, have you?
“Uh...no. That’s why I’m here.” Marvin resumes rummaging through the cabinets. “Do we have any crisps? I’m thinking of making nachos.”
You’re not just going to eat nachos, you haven’t had anything since you woke up at ten. JJ walks over and slowly pushes the door to the cabinet closed. Here, go sit down in the dining room. I’ll make you something.
“C’mon, JJ, you don’t have to. You were probably doing something else, don’t stop that for me.”
I was going to make dinner anyway, JJ shrugs. I know you don’t eat until later, usually, but please make an exception. You can’t work on that grimoire if you collapse from hunger.
Marvin sighs. “Yeah. Thanks.” He bumps his shoulder against JJ’s—a sign of affection that could easily be mistaken for clumsiness—and heads into the dining room.
He wishes he’d never found out about the greater magical community. Ever since he had, all it meant were problems. He had to learn all about the structure of this community, about how this organization called the ABIM made laws, about how certain spells were supposed to be regulated, about how things like wands, crystal balls, and other magical aides were supposed to be made certain ways. Marvin had always done his own thing. He didn’t exactly think he was the only person in the world with magic—after all, if that was the case, who wrote down all the spells he found online? But it hadn’t exactly registered that they were probably organized somehow, and that he should probably go look for others. Thanks to his total lack of searching for other magicians, the ABIM hadn’t realized he existed until about two months ago.
But now they know. And Marvin has to learn and keep up with a bunch of rules and regulations. The one that’s giving him the most trouble is the existence of a “grimoire.” Apparently, magicians are required to write down all the spells they know, and keep them in one place. And no, the document where Marvin had copy-pasted all the spells he’d found online doesn’t count. So now he’s spent the last week or so struggling to transcribe the online document into the book he’d purchased. Progress is...slow. Marvin just can’t focus on something as unstimulating as copying words down. There’s not even any new information to process.
Luckily, eating dinner helped him get some energy back. But when it’s all said and done, and he pushes away his plate, he’s dreading going back upstairs to try and ultimately fail some more. “Thanks, JJ,” he says.
You already said so, and you’re still welcome, JJ says. Then he pauses. Is there anyone who could help you with this? Other magicians lately?
Marvin groans. “Yeah, I guess I know some, but...I don’t wanna.”
Yes, we know, you’re very stubborn, JJ signs patiently.
“I can figure this out,” Marvin insists. “I can do things on my own!”
Except for making dinner, apparently.
Marvin can’t help but laugh. “Ah, ya got me there.” He sighs, and stares absently out the window. “Look, all the magicians I’ve met so far are part of this government group. And I don’t like them.”
Well, if you ask them for help, perhaps your opinion on that would change, JJ suggests.
“Well I wouldn’t be doing this in the first place if it wasn’t for their stupid fucking law!” Marvin snaps. Then he winces. “Sorry, didn’t mean to yell at you. I’m just...tired.”
JJ nods. Maybe you should stop for the night. It could be easier in the morning.
“Maybe.”
And also, if you keep getting distracted, have you tried putting on music? Or perhaps doing something with your spare hand while you write? That helps me.
“Maybe.” Marvin’s still uncertain.
JJ pushes his chair back and stands up. Also, can you please do the dishes?
“What?! But you cooked!”
Exactly, and we both ate it, so it’s only fair we both do something about it.
“Oh come on, I’m all tired, please?”
JJ merely folds his arms and stares at Marvin.
“Alright, fine,” Marvin relents. “I’ve been sitting all day, might as well do something a bit active.”
Oh thank you! JJ says, beaming.
“Heh, act like you didn’t twist my arm,” Marvin mutters, shaking his head affectionately.
———————
Later that night, Marvin finds he’s having trouble going to sleep. He keeps thinking about JJ’s suggestion, the one about asking other magicians for help. Sure, he isn’t exactly fond of the ABIM magicians he’s met so far. But maybe someone else...then again, perhaps the problem with transcribing his spells is just with him, and not with the actual subject matter.
Still, it can’t hurt to get a second opinion, right? But how to find the magicians?
An idea starts to form in his mind. Marvin gets out of bed and walks over to the desk. His laptop is still set up from that day. He powers it on. The time on the computer clock reads 11:20pm. Wow, he’d only been trying to get to sleep for an hour, he thought it was longer. Anyway, he goes back to the document of his spells, searching through them for one specific spell.
Yes, there it is. The title is “Magic Minds,” a tracking spell he’d recently picked up. It’s supposed to be able to guide a magician to other magicians. Marvin hasn’t used it yet, since he had no real reason to. He didn’t want to run into magicians before, but why not now?
Marvin grabs his phone from where it was charging, and quickly changes out of pajamas and into regular clothes. He pauses, then also grabs his cape from his closet. There’s no real reason to wear it, but it would make him feel a bit better. And with all this, he heads downstairs and outside.
The spell is easy enough to cast. He’s done tracking spells before, and they all require the same basic steps. An incantation or a few gestures, then you follow whatever visual cue the spell uses to find your target.
He turns his wand over in his hands, flicking it upward, downward, side to side. Green sparks left behind by the movements make a cross, +, hovering in the air. Technically he could have used his hands, but he likes the wand. And with the cross sign hovering there, Marvin whispers a word, and blows on the middle of the cross. A wisp of green light dances out from the breath, and hits the cross. From the spot of impact, the cross turns from green to white, and falls down to be horizontal, parallel to the ground. It spins, reorienting itself, then one leg of the cross turns red as the cross settles, pointing somewhere. Marvin heads in that direction.
The cross acts as a compass, pointing in one direction. He hopes it’s not too far away. People would think it’s weird, seeing one guy with a magic compass in a cape wandering around the city at night. But unfortunately, it turns out to be far enough that he regrets not taking the bus. Then he remembers that the buses don’t run this late at night, and regrets not doing this in the daytime. How is he simultaneously the most impulsive and least impulsive person he knows?
He makes his way to a section of the city full of identical, red-bricked terrace houses. The compass starts glowing brighter. That must mean he’s getting closer. Though, looking around and seeing nothing but residential buildings around, he’s not sure he wants to break in to someone’s house. This situation doesn’t exactly call for it. He’ll probably just write down the address.
The compass flickers, drawing him out of his train of thought. It locks onto one direction, flares brightly, and then dies. Marvin growls, frustrated. This isn’t the time for the spell to fail!
“You couldn’t have waited to put it on?”
Marvin jumps a bit at the voice, and ducks into the nearest alley way. He glances around, and sees a pair of people on the other side of the street, walking. Oddly enough, one of them is wearing a black cloak. No...it can’t be this easy...
“Oh, who’s out to see it?” a different voice says. “It’s late.”
“It’s a busy city, you’re just lucky no one’s out in this section,” the first voice snaps.
The pair walks up to one of the houses, standing on the doorstep. They continue to whisper to each other, too quiet for Marvin to hear on the other side of the street. After a while, the door opens, and the two of them disappear inside.
Strange...Marvin walks out of the alleyway, staring at the house on the other side of the street. What’s this all about? He glances around, making sure there are no cars or people coming, then runs across the street, stopping outside the house. He pauses, then glances into the window quickly. The inside doesn’t look any different from an average house, but he’s not sure since he ducks away quickly so nobody inside will notice him. Though strangely, there aren’t any people inside, even though there must have been at least three. He glances back in, just to make sure they aren’t anywhere.
It’s then that he notices something strange. The image through the window is...shimmering. Like a heat wave in the air. But the glass isn’t warped or anything that would cause that effect. On a whim, Marvin presses a finger to the window pane.
And surprisingly, the window appears to shiver. A wave of warm yellow light ripples out from the point of contact, just like water across the surface of a still pond. Slowly, the effect ends, and once it does, Marvin can see people gathered in the living room. And they’re all wearing black cloaks.
What was this? A magic gathering? Marvin’s curiosity grabs a hold of him. He has to get inside. But how?
He gets out his phone, looking through the spells he has gathered again. There should be an invisibility one here somewhere. He hadn’t used it since his days as a stage magician, but he must still have it. Though it takes a while of scrolling, he does eventually find it. It’s just an incantation, but it requires the magician to use absolute focus as long as they want to remain invisible. He always had trouble with that part, which is why he gave up on using it as soon as his career ended. Until now, he thought it was only good for escape tricks.
Scanning the incantation a couple times to make sure he knows it, Marvin takes a deep breath. He puts his phone back, then rings the doorbell and quickly whispers the incantation. A rush of cool flows over him, like suddenly walking out of a heated building into a cold outside, and when he next looks down, he can’t see his own body. He gasps in triumph, but then he sees his body flicker, and returns to concentrating on staying invisible.
The door opens, and a man in a cloak looks around. Marvin ducks past him, and luckily just barely avoids brushing against him. “Hello?” the man calls. A few moments pass, and the man shakes his head and closes the door.
Marvin finds himself standing in a living room, decorated in warm colors. At least ten people are gathered, all wearing black cloaks, though it appears they’re wearing regular street clothes under them. There’s a coffee table in the middle of the room, with a few various desserts lined up on it. A low buzz of chatter fills the air.
“What was it, Callisto?” a woman asks.
The man who opened the door shakes his head. “Nobody was there. Probably some kids’ prank.”
“In the middle of the night?” the woman asks doubtfully.
“You don’t know this neighborhood,” the man—Castillo—grumbles.
“You should have taken the cloak off before answering!” Someone else says.
“Shut up Basil, nobody would’ve cared,” Castillo snaps.
Marvin walks closer into the gathering, trying not to be distracted by the various conversations. It was difficult. Words kept sneaking into his awareness despite his best efforts. No, stay invisible. Stay invisible. Complete focus.
“Why does everyone keep bringing desserts to the meeting?” A woman nearby complains.
“Because it tastes fucking good, duh,” another woman next to her says.
“Can we get started already?” asks a man. “Hey Castillo! Everyone’s here, right? Can we get started?”
“Jeez, who lit the fire under your pants, Leo?” Someone mutters.
“Hey, I’m only pointing out that it’s almost midnight, Lily,” Leo says. “We’re running out of time!”
“Alright, Leo’s right, we’re getting close to the time,” Castillo sighs. “Alright, listen up everyone! We’re heading down to the basement to get started!”
A wave of chatter breaks out, and everyone files out of the room. Marvin rushes to the side in order to avoid anyone bumping into him. He watches silently as they all move into the hall and then down a set of stairs. What are they doing? He hesitates, then follows cautiously. A bunch of people in cloaks heading down to a basement for some sort of ritual? Every movie, book, and game ever says that’s a shady thing and should not be checked out. Yet he’s so curious. Is this what other magicians do?
The staircase isn’t too long, and it opens up into a large, wide room. Marvin was expecting a concrete floor and visible rafters, but it looks more like an entertainment room. The walls were painted a pale yellow, the floor was mostly carpeted, there were sofas and chairs and even one of those huge beanbags. It’s lit up by lightbulbs mounted directly into the ceiling, which makes it look just like any other household room. The only thing different is a square section of dark hardwood floor with a circle drawn on it in, well, what looks like salt. A few tall candles sit around the edges of the circle, in alternating purple and orange colors.
Marvin walks closer to the circle. There are some symbols drawn around its edge, also in salt. He’s surprised to realize he doesn’t recognize any of them. They’re not part of any runes he knows. But he does feel like he’s seen them before, somewhere else. Maybe it’s a different runic alphabet? But what does this mean?
“Hey, did you see that?” someone asks.
“See what?”
“I dunno, I thought...nevermind.”
“C’mon, Morgana.”
“Well, I just thought it looked like a person out of the corner of my eye.”
Marvin inhales sharply and goes back to concentrating on staying invisible. This is the last place he wants that to wear off.
“It’s five minutes to midnight!” Castillo calls. “Everyone in position!”
There’s a bit of awkward shuffling as the group moves to stand around the circle. A few people whisper about watching the edge of the salt to make sure it doesn’t get knocked out of place. “Someone get the lights,” Castillo says.
“Uh, shouldn’t we light the candles first so it’s not dark?” Basil points out.
“Oh, I have a lighter!” Morgana volunteers.
“Oh yeah.” Castillo nods. “Mor, you light the candles. Uh, James, you’re closest to the lights, knock them out, will you?”
“Everyone watch their hems,” Morgana says as she starts going around the edge of the circle and lighting the candles. Once they’re all lit, a man dashes over to the wall and hits the light switch, plunging the room into darkness except for the candlelight.
“Hands, everyone,” Castillo instructs. Everyone grabs their neighbors’ hands, forming a connected circle. “Two minutes to midnight. Time to start. Make sure you chime in at the right time.”
Silence falls. Marvin holds his breath, waiting for something to happen. And soon, the circle starts murmuring. No, it’s not just that, they’re actually chanting, all in a low, quiet voice. More voices join in, and they all get louder. Harmonies break off as different strings of words jump in, until the group is singing, their voices echoing off the walls.
Lines appear on the floor inside the circle. Lines of orange light, each one starting at the feet of one of the magicians, then ending at the feet of another. There were so many, connecting each magician to every other member of the group. The light coming from them grew brighter, and then—
SNAP!
Sparks flew into the air in the center of the circle. Quicker than what should be possible, they grow into a fire, hovering about three feet off the ground. The flames start orange, and then flicker between different colors—red, yellow, green, purple, blue, pink, white, and everything in between. It was as if a firework had gone off in the room, completely contained within a small part of the air. Marvin couldn’t help but gasp. And, as he stared closer into the fire, he realized there weren’t just colors...there were images as well. Shapes of people and objects forming scenes. They pass by too quickly for him to fully make out.
The chanting reaches a crescendo, and the fire breaks down into small balls of flame. Each one shoots toward one of the magicians, disappearing into their chests. For a moment, all the magicians glow with the colors of the fire. And then it fades. The lines on the floor disappear, and the magicians slowly stop their chants.
There’s a brief moment of quiet, like the heavy sort of silence one hears after having finished a good book and absorbing the story it contained. And then: “James, can you get the lights again?”
The man from before walks over to turn on the light switch. Everyone gasps and blinks in the suddenly bright room. Idle chatter starts up.
“Hey wait a minute, who’s that?!”
Marvin gasps as one of the magicians points at him. They all turn to look, and he realizes too late that he’d forgotten to concentrate on the invisibility spell.
“Who are you?!”
“What are you doing here?!”
“How’d you get in?!”
And Marvin panics. He turns and runs up the stairs, hearing the magicians shout behind him. Skipping the last step, he bursts out into the first floor hallway and starts to sprint for the front door.
Someone shouts something, and there’s a burst of red light. Then only blackness.
———————
Marvin only realizes he lost consciousness once he starts regaining it. He groans, feeling a headache spike in his temples, and opens his eyes.
“Oh good, you’re awake.” A man is sitting next to him, wearing a black cloak. It takes Marvin a moment to recognize him as the Castillo guy. But upon recognition, he bolts upright. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, calm down!” Castillo holds his hands up, slightly pushing Marvin back down. “You’re not in any trouble. Persephone hit you with a blackout spell, but she’s sorry about that.” He glares to the side. “Riiight?”
Every other cloaked magician is standing nearby. They’re all back in the living room from before, with Marvin lying on one of the sofas. “Uh, yeah, really sorry,” a woman says. “I freaked out and acted on instinct.”
“How are you feeling?” Castillo asks, turning back to Marvin. “Some people have allergic reactions to blackout spells. Are you having any trouble breathing?”
Marvin doesn’t answer, looking wide-eyed at the people around him. Now that he’s actively facing the prospect of talking to other magicians, his throat has closed up. It’s probably made worse by the fact that he technically broke into their secret meeting.
“Uh, sir?” Castillo reaches out and makes to grab Marvin’s arm.
“Don’t!” Marvin flinches away. “Don’t fucking touch me!”
“Oh, okay, sorry!” Castillo sharply withdraws. “Just wanted to be sure you were breathing.”
“Yeah, well, I’m fine, so don’t touch me,” Marvin grumbles. He shifts awkwardly, glancing around at the others. They’re starting to mutter among themselves. He can’t tell what they’re saying, and that makes him nervous. Are they mad at him? It would be understandable. But he’s terrible with tone of voice, so he can’t even tell, and the uncertainty makes him even more worried.
“I got it, no worries.” Castillo gives a friendly smile, no doubt meant to reassure Marvin. “But you are okay, right?”
“Yeah, fine,” Marvin mutters.
“That’s good,” Castillo nods. “Um...do you mind if I ask how you got here? This house is warded from any teleportations.”
“Yeah, if you guys tell me who you are first,” Marvin countered.
“We’re the Magic Circle, duh,” one of the other magicians says.
“Well I’ve never fucking heard of the Magic Circle, so excuse me for not knowing!” Marvin sits up on the sofa, scooting away from Castillo.
“Huh? Really?” Castillo looks puzzled. “Well, specifically, we’re the Mirygale chapter of the Magic Circle, it’s a nationwide organization.”
“Are you guys like a coven or something?” Marvin asks.
“We’re just a group, man,” another magician says. “We meet up, cast spells together, not that hard to grasp.”
“I’ve never heard of magic groups,” Marvin says warily.
Castillo blinks. “Seriously?”
“Well, I know the ABIM guys,” Marvin admits. “But that’s it.”
“ABIM is different,” Castillo says dismissively. “They’re like a government, and a loose one at that.” He pauses. “Are you...self-taught?”
“Yeah. Why the fuck does that matter?” Marvin demands.
It must have mattered significantly, because a chorus of “ohhhhhh” passed through the group. “Ah, that explains why you don’t know about magic groups,” Castillo says. “You’re a bit old for being self-taught, though. Most magicians from outside a magical family find—”
“—find out about the greater magic community when they’re in college, yeah, I know, I’ve heard that speech before,” Marvin says through clenched teeth. “So I’m a few years late, I was busy. Anyway, what are magic groups? Just like, magicians gathered together? Is that allowed? What do the ABIM think?”
Castillo laughs. “The Magic Circle is much older than the Association, they couldn’t get rid of us if they wanted to.” He shrugs. “Well, magic groups aren’t too hard to figure out. It’s just a bunch of magicians gathered together.” He sweeps his arm around the room. “Spells cast by a group are more powerful than just a single magician alone. We share spells with each other, come to each others’ aid in times of magical crisis, study magic together...they say two heads are better than one, you know? Stronger in numbers.”
Marvin nods slowly. “So...what were you doing in the basement?”
“That? That was a combination divination and prosperity spell,” Castillo explains. “Something like that you can only get in a group. It shows us significant events in the next year, then gives us good luck.”
“Never heard of a good luck spell...” Marvin mutters.
“Well, you’ve been practicing on your own, and doing luck spells on your own is a tricky business,” Castillo says. “So now it’s our turn. How’d you get inside?”
Marvin shifts uncomfortably, then reluctantly explains the whole thing with the Magic Minds spell and the invisibility.
“Ohhh, I know that spell!” One of the magicians says excitedly. “But you’re supposed to include your target’s full name in the incantation, otherwise it’ll just lead you to the nearest magician.”
“Why were you looking for magicians?” Another one asks.
Marvin looks down. Now that the time has come for it, he’s kind of embarrassed. “I dunno, I...sort of wanted help with this grimoire thing. But it’s stupid. Nevermind.”
“Huh? What kind of help?” Castillo asks. “You know the Magic Minds spell and an invisibility spell, you seem pretty knowledgeable.”
Marvin scowls. “Well, apparently, it needs to be in a book, not online at all. Which is fucking dumb. Why do I have to copy it all over?! It’s all already there!”
“Have you tried listening to a podcast while doing it?” One of the magicians suggests. “It gives you something to focus on.”
Castillo chuckles. “Well, if it’s a problem with focus, I don’t know if magicians specifically could help.”
“Shut up,” Marvin mutters. “Maybe there’s a spell to copy it all over for me—”
“If you found one, let me know, will you?” Castillo jokes.
Marvin glares at him, then stands up. “Well, I’m sorry for interrupting your Magic Circle shit, I’ll just go now, because clearly this was a stupid fucking idea—”
“Hey wait!” Castillo stands up as well. “What’s your name, bro?”
“Don’t call me bro!” Marvin growls. “But it’s Marvin. Marvin Moore.”
“Wait holy shit like Marvin the Magnificent?!” A magician says excitedly. Marvin recognizes him as the James one. “You had real magic the whole time?! No wonder people couldn’t figure out your tricks!”
Marvin can’t help but smile proudly at that. “Hell yeah, people loved it.”
“Well, Mr. Moore, you have some powerful magic in you,” Castillo says admirably. “You bypassed all the wards I set up here without even trying.” He walks over to a table with drawers, pulling one open and taking out a pen and notebook. After scribbling something down, he tears out the page, and walks back over to hand it to Marvin. “This is all our information, and my personal phone number. If you ever have a group you want to join, call us, okay?”
“Oh! Do it!” James encourages. “Then we’ll be thirteen, it’ll be the ideal number for most spells! And we’ll have a famous guy in our chapter!”
“Hey, let him make his own decision,” a nearby magician says.
Marvin scans the information from the paper. There could be benefits to joining a magic group...one of which being that he’ll finally have more than five people to talk to. And were these spells cast by groups really more powerful? A familiar feeling starts to grow inside him, a feeling of wanting to know, of wanting to be the best. That feeling led him astray in the past, got him mixed up in branches of magic he probably shouldn’t have been involved in. But if he’s with other people, it’ll be different, right? He hesitates for just one moment longer, then asks, “Hey, so uh, what if I’ve already made my decision?”
———————
The next day, Marvin finds himself sitting at his desk once more, with his laptop and his unfinished grimoire before him. But there were also a couple other things as well. A slim book, its cover decorated with the same sort of symbols he’d seen written in that circle of salt, and a sphere of black crystal. “Consider these your entrance-level gifts,” Castillo had said. “I don’t know how familiar you are with the types of magic the Circle likes to use, so this’ll be your beginner’s course.”
Marvin actually isn’t familiar with these branches of magic at all. And that makes this book all the more fascinating. It contains a guide to the symbols they use, the principles of the magic, and a few basic spells. Interestingly, it seems to be derived from alchemy. Or maybe it is alchemy, Marvin doesn’t know. He’d never had any reason to look up what alchemy was before this.
He sets the book down, taking a moment to pick up his new crystal ball and look it over. He can already think of several uses for this, but that might have to wait until later. For now, he really needs to at least make some progress on the grimoire.
And where better to start than with the new, interesting spells? It’s sure to keep his focus if he’s copying down information he’s never heard before. Marvin puts the crystal ball down and picks up his pen. But before he starts writing, he puts on his headphones. Listening to a podcast, huh? Maybe that will help.
He can feel that something new is in the air. Something is changing. Marvin had never worked with other magicians before. The prospect is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. But however this ends, he knows now that things will be different from here on, in some way or another. And he’s certainly excited to find out.
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