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dacrethehalls · 5 years

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Wild Flowers

Summary: Samantha Harrington never expected to spend her entire spring break with Billy Hargrove and Billy Hargrove never expected to fall in love with Samantha Harrington.

Word Count: 9.9k

A/N: *RE-POSTED FROM MY OLD ACCOUNT* loosely based on the Chateau music video Dacre is in. credit to Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstine for the quotes in this, and shout out to all my faves who we name dropped in this.

******

"Hey....Emily.....No, Amanda? No-no, it's Laura!" Tommy H. sputtered, leaning against my locker. I rolled my eyes, grabbing my books and balancing against my hip.

"Tommy, we have literally been in the same class since we were seven and you still can't remember my name." I muttered, slamming my locker shut.

"Shit, it's Andy isn't it? Or is it...something that Starts with an R? Or is it a K? Kiki right?"

He could have gone on for hours guessing my name and would still get it wrong. I held up my hand, shaking my head,

"Stop before you hurt yourself. What do you want?" I asked, shifting the weight on my feet.

"Billy is busy today, he said his brother is in town or something and I was going to ask you to-"

"If you finish that sentence with 'ask Steve', I will punch you." I cut off, turning on my heel and strutting towards the parking lot.

"Aw, come on Regan lighten up! " He yelled as he ran to catch up with me.

"That's not my name either." I groaned, "Give it a rest will ya? And last time I checked, you and Steve are not friends...like... at all so go find someone else to blindly follow."

Tommy crossed his arms glaring at me,

"Oh my god. Yes, I'll talk to him."

He smiled at me as I kept walking,

"Thank you, Dot!" He yelled out as I stuck my middle finger in the air.

"That boy really needs to get his own personality." I breathed

I plod out to my car unlocking it,

"Maddie wait!" I let out a defeated groan. "What do you want Keith?"

"Can you cover my shift tonight?"

"I quit The Palace like, three weeks ago." I huffed, leaning on my car.

"And for the last time my name is Samantha. Like the show Bewitched"

"I thought your name was Krista?"

I rolled my eyes, getting in my car driving home.

******

"Not one, but seven. Seven different names Steve. All of which are nowhere close to mine." I grumbled laying across his bed.

"Sammy, relax."

"It's kinda hard to when you have lived in the same town your entire life and nobody can remember your name. Samantha." I drew my name out slowly, "It comes after 'Steve and'."

"Uh so i'm taking Dustin and the others to see a movie tonight. I won't be home until later."

"Way to change the subject, asshole."

"What?"

"I'm telling you that your friends are being pricks to me and you just mention going to the movies with some random kid."

"He's a good kid, Sam."

"Doesn't matter if he's the goddamn president of the United States, I'm telling you that something upsets me and you're blowing me off!"

"Sam, you can't let things like that upset you, okay? Now I gotta go or we'll be late for the showing."

"What I really need is to spend time with my big brother and just forget about this whole stupid thing."

"Maybe later!" He hollered, already out the bedroom door and trotting down the stairs.

I rolled my eyes, rolling onto my stomach and letting out a frustrated groan, blowing the hair away from my face.

Those were always the words I got from Steve when I asked if I could hang out with him; maybe later.

******

The next day at school was the usual, being ignored, people getting my name wrong, including teachers.

I had a nice cry at lunch in my car and ended my day in my favorite spot, a field full of wildflowers outside of the football field.

When the snow started melting away and the temperature went up I would spend my afternoon out there finishing homework and picking the flowers around me. I sat with my legs crossed, a pile of Johnny jump ups and dandelions beside me. I wound the stems together, finding the process relaxing.

"Samantha!" I jerked my head in the direction the voice came from, Billy Hargrove was striding towards me.

"Hi?" I questioned as he reached the blanket I was sitting on,

"Hey, so I was out of school for a few days," he chuckled, pointing at the disappearing bruise under his eye, "Basketball concussion, any way, we have third period chem together and I was wondering if I could copy your notes...and maybe your homework." He asked

Of course the only thing he wanted with me was to use me for my homework. At least he actually knew my name. I'll give him that. I leaned over to my bag, grabbing my chemistry notes handing them to him.

"Do you mind if I sit here with you incase I have questions? I know missing one of Mrs. Valentine's classes really means missing like, five classes. I've missed three so basically I'm fucked."

I chuckled, scooting over on my blanket to make room for him,

"Nah, Mrs. V has been out sick we've had a sub so you haven't missed much."

He offered me a soft smile, pulling his notebook put laying on his stomach, scribbling words on his paper,

"Man, you're pretty thorough, color coded and everything." He noticed, his eyes scanning over the highlighted words and pink gel pen. I hummed in acknowledgement, eyes focusing on the floral stems I held in my lap as I weaved them together.

"Jeez, I may as well just be reading the damn textbook... except at least this shit makes sense." He grumbled as he tapped his pencil against his notepad.

"Yup." I hummed, mindlessly twisting the stems around each other.

I still couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Billy Hargrove barely gave anybody the time of day, let alone me. Sure, he had his little groupies that followed him around, but they were nowhere in sight. Even Tommy was gone.

"So, uh, you got any spring break plans?" I questioned.

"Not really. My brother is in town, though."

"Billy Hargrove doesn't have any spring break plans?" I gasped, placing my hand over my heart, "What, you aren't going back to bright, sunny California?"

"Pfft, I wish." He scoffed, "Get the hell out of here. It's April and it's still cold!"

"Yeah, that's the midwest for ya." I sighed,

I plopped the flower crown I was weaving on to Billy's head making him break his concentration.

"What's this?" He huffed, poking away his curls from his face as his eyes darted up at me. His brows were knit together in confusion, almost going cross eyed as he attempted to get a walked at what was on his head.

"It's a crown." I beamed, placing the other one I made on my own head, "The purple and yellows in the flowers really bring out the blue in your eyes."

"What kind of hippie bullshit is this?" He questioned, plucking it off of his head and staring at it. Despite his gruff demeanor, I could see the blush creeping up on his cheeks.

"Oh, come on. It makes you walked... soft..." I hummed, gently taking it from his grasp and putting it back on his head.

"Soft?" He scoffed.

Of all the things he had ever been described as, it was never soft. He was more likely to hear a string of profanities and slurs directed at him than to be called soft. Hell, I was occasionally known to call him a dickhead every once in a while. Especially after what he did to my brother. I was about ready to take that spiked bat and go after the bastard myself.

"Balances out the black eye, you know? Actually... it kinda matches." I observed, staring at the eerie yellow color that crept under his eye and in towards his nose. A sign that the bruise was healing.

Billy took his crown off once again, setting it next to his notebook.

"Question." I blurted,

Billy hummed as I laid back on the blanket, looking over at him while he continued to scribble notes down.

"How the hell do you know my name?" I asked.

He raised an eyebrow, staring at me, "I sit behind you in third and sixth period. I see you write it on your paper. Now your last name I don't know."

I let out a loud laugh, sitting up,

"You're kidding me right? Billy, you have to be joking."

The expression on his face led me to believe he was serious,

"Samantha Harrington, otherwise known as The Other Harrington, Steve's Sister, Hey You, Little Harrington, Dakota, Anna, Becca, any and every name that is not remotely close to Samantha." I huffed, blowing a strand of hair away from my eyes.

"You and Steve are siblings?" He pressed.

"He's a whopping 18 months older than me. My parents only wanted one kid, I was an accident. They sorta treat me that way too, the entire town does." I scoffed, rolling my eyes,

"They give me a credit card just so I wont bother them. But I don't use it. I don't need shit from them."

His eyes studied my features, eyebrow still raised as if he expected me to keep talking,

"When I graduate, I'm getting the hell out of Indiana." I sighed, fiddling with the stems of the flowers I had left in my lap.

"I want to travel, live in my car go on fun adventures with my best friend-if I had one. Find a house in a field of flowers. Make as many crowns as I want." I said, placing the flowers once again on Billy's head.

He let a grunt out in defeat as he moved the curls from his eyes once again,

"You know, if you got that cut off, you wouldn't have to keep brushing it out of your eyes." I commented.

"No way in hell I'm cutting this baby off." He replied, smoothing his hand over his hair after taking the crown off again.

I rolled my eyes for what must've been the dozenth time,

"Tommy mentioned something about your brother being in town."

Billy let out a disgusted groan,

"Unfortunately."

"That bad, huh?"

"That bad. He's the favorite son... Star football player, got a scholarship to some school he's way too stupid to attend." Billy griped.

"Does he have a better hair cut? When's the last time you brushed that rats nest?" I questioned, picking up the flower crown and placing it on his head for the hundredth time. Billy grunted in defeat, sitting up.

"According to everyone, he has a better everything then me." Billy rolled his eyes, pulling his cigarettes from his jacket pocket placing one between his lips.

"Bad habit." I scolded, taking it from his mouth and replacing it with a flower.

Billy grunted again, spitting the flower onto the ground as a dragonfly flew over us then zig zagged back, landing on Billy's shoulder. He glanced over at it with a soft expression before moving his shoulder so it would fly away.

"You know dragonflies are often thought to be loved ones coming to visit you after passing away. According to the Native Americans, they bring rejuvenation after hardship." I announced, watching another dragonfly zip past us.

Billy closed his book and sat up, "Thank you, Sam." He yawned, standing up.

"You're welcome, if you ever need my notes again just ask." I chuckled as Billy put another cigarette between his lips.

"I may take you up on that, Sam. Turn the B I have into an A." He laughed as he attempted to light his cigarette, "It's getting dark out, you okay out here by yourself? Or if you want I can walk you out to your car or give you a ride home."

"Thanks, but I might stay out here a little bit longer. The stars are almost out, I like watching them." I mused, earning a raised eyebrow from Billy.

"Okay. well, have a good spring break Sammie. Thanks again." He conceded, rocking back on his heels and heading towards the parking lot.

******

A tap at my window nearly made me jump out of my skin. I spun around in my desk chair, opening the blinds, assuming Steve was an idiot and forgot his key again. To my surprise, a familiar mullet-headed boy offered me a grin and a wave. I glanced over my shoulder to my bedroom door that was still ajar. I rushed over to close it, being careful not to slam it for fear of Steve finding out who was at my window.

I returned to the window sill, unlatching it and throwing it open. I watched as Billy climbed through my window, nearly knocking my glass of water off my night stand.

"What are you doing here?" I questioned.

"You want to travel? Go on an adventure? Let's do it." He panted, adjusting his jacket as he got his footing on the carpet.

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Let's just forget about this shitty town and our shitty parents and step out of the shadow of our siblings."

I stared up at him, dumbfounded for a moment, only to notice a new bruise on his cheek. I furrowed my brows,

"Billy. What happened?"

"Don't worry about it, Sammie," He murmured, walking over to my bookshelf glancing at the books, various academic trophies, and my collection of porcelain horses.

He picked up my polaroid camera, pointing it towards me and snapping a picture of me.

"Excuse you!" I exclaimed, trying to snatch the photo out of his hand as he shook it.

"Not a chance, princess."

"Princess." I mumbled under my breath.

He placed the picture in his jacket pocket as he grinned down at me,

"Are you really that desperate to do something over spring break that you want to spend it with me? The other Harrington?" I questioned, crossing my arms.

"Sam, knock it off. You may be a little off your rocker but it's in an endearing way," Billy grinned, lifting the camera up and pointing it at me and getting into the frame as well.

"So what do you say? Hmm? Let's go on an adventure, use up some of mommy and daddy's money. Get out of Indiana or not." He clicked the shutter button, making the camera flash.

He grinned at me, placing that picture in his jacket pocket as well.

This boy was completely crazy, but I knew that Steve would be too preoccupied with the kids that decided he was the best brother figure they could find. He wouldn't even notice that his own flesh and blood sibling was gone. It would also drive Steve up the wall if he found out who I was with.

"Okay. Fine, let's go." I cheered, jumping up and grabbing my bag, packing a bunch of clothes for various occasions. Billy sat on my bed watching as I ran around my room gathering as many things as I could.

"I don't know if Steve is still awake or not so you gotta go back through my window. I'll meet you outside in like ten minutes." I whispered as Billy got up and started climbing out my window.

I shut it behind him, grabbing my bag and heading down the stairs.

"Hey Steve, I'll be home later." I called, walking past him and all his middle schoolers who were all yelling at one another.

Steve threw up a thumb, not even acknowledging me as I pranced out the front door. The thought of getting out of Hawkins sounded more and more appealing. I bumped my bag into Billy's butt, making him turn around.

"There you are." He grinned, taking my bag from my hands.

"We're taking the Camaro."

"No, we're taking Priscilla."

"What the fuck is a Priscilla?"

I grinned, nodding my head to my bright red 1965 Volkswagen Beetle, my baby that I had saved up for and bought myself after turning sixteen.

"I am not riding in that death trap."

"It's okay, Prissy. The mean mullet man didn't mean to call you a death trap. He's just intimidated." I cooed, patting her hood and smirking over at Billy.

"I'm not intimidated." Billy whispered under his breath.

"Then lets go!" I giggled, taking my bag from him and putting it in the back seat.

Billy shook his head, opting not to continue the argument. He grabbed his bag, placing it next to mine.

"You can park your car in the garage."

I pulled out, Billy replacing my spot in the garage with his car. I shut the door as Billy climbed into my car with a grunt.

"So, I didn't think I could actually talk you into doing this since we kinda just met, so I didn't plan this far ahead." Billy admitted, glancing at me.

"It's okay. I know a great place to go to start our adventure."

******

"What the hell is this place?"

"Some boujee country club my parents used to belong to." I replied, "It's disgustingly expensive."

"Then what exactly are we doing here?" He replied, raising an eyebrow at me.

"We're getting a room for the night. For free."

"For free? Yeah, right." He scoffed.

"You think I can't do it? What with my Harrington charm?" I drawled, twirling a strand of hair around my finger.

He rolled his eyes at me,

"Tell you what, let's make a bet." I proposed.

"Now you've got my attention."

I pursed my lips, humming to myself as I thought of what our wager should be,

"If we get in... you have to get your mullet cut off."

"Hey! No way in hell!"

"What, you worried that I'm right?"

"No." He scoffed.

"Then what's your wager if you win?"

"Priscilla." He smirked.

"You got a deal."

His smirk dropped as he realized that I had the confidence to bet my car, my baby. He knew he was getting that haircut.

"Come on, blondie!" I called as I skipped up to the front of the club.

Billy and I both wondered to the front doors, inside a fountain trickled in the background and the pristine white tiles reflected the lights from the ceiling.

"Welcome, how can we help you?" The woman behind the front desk greeted. "Hello, I'm Samantha..Harring...rove.. uh Hargrove," I chirped, glancing up at Billy who looked at me with shock, "And this is my Husband.....Billy." I snaked my arm through his, leaning my head on his shoulder hugging him into my side.

He put on an unconvincing fake grin, flashing it at the woman,

"My parents had a membership here and Billy and I are newly weds. They gifted us a membership under their names." I chided.

"Yes ma'am! What are your parents' names?"

"Timothy and Patricia Harrington."

The lady's head shot up at the sound of my parents names.

"I didn't know Timmy and Trish had a daughter! I thought Steve was their only child." She beamed as I dug my nails into Billy's arm.

He cleared his throat, slightly nudging me in an attempt to get me to loosen my grip,

"You know, your parents said this place was nice, but I hear there's a much better place upstate. Maybe we should cancel the membership and head up their instead."

"If you stay here, all of our newly weds get complimentary room service." The woman offered, startled by Billy's suggestion to take our money elsewhere.

"That sounds nice, doesn't it, sweetheart?" I encouraged.

He gave me a nod, letting out a sigh of relief when I retracted my nails from his skin.

"You'll be staying in suite 315, it's between the gym and the indoor heated pool." She instructed, pointing out the window behind her.

"Thank you." I cheered enthusiastically.

"Congrats!" She called after us as we stepped back outside. Billy pulled his arm from mine,

"I think you made me bleed." He commented, staring down at the half moon marks on the inside of his arm.

"Don't be such a baby." I retorted, going to the door of our room and shoving the key in the lock.

I let out a sigh of relief as the chilled air from the room hit me in the face. The bed was enormous, covered in crisp, white sheets with the logo of the club embroidered into them with green thread. Billy trailed in behind me, throwing his bag down on the floor by the bedside table. I slipped off my shoes, immediately hopping off the floor and landing face first on the bed.

"They're so soft!" I exclaimed, voice muffled by the sheets against my skin.

Billy laid on his side beside me, reading off the menu of the country club's overpriced restaurant,

"On tonight's dinner menu we have pacific caviar and braised lamb with whipped garlic parmesan mashed spuds." He mocked in the most obnoxious, rich old lady accent I had ever heard. And I had heard my fair share of obnoxious rich old ladies at my parent's stupid dinner parties, "Darling, I heard the wine selection is to dieeee for." I rolled over, flicking my wrist while holding my hand over my heart.

"How about we just order a pizza and go for drinks later at that bar we passed. Maybe do some golf cart races?"

"Sounds like a plan to me. But first we have to do something with that rats nest on that head of yours." I smirked, running my fingers in his curls.

Billy swatted my hand away, turning his head to glare at me.

"The mullet stays," he mumbled.

"But my dear husband, remember the bet we made in the car? The one where if I could actually get us a room here you would cut your hair." I giggled, tapping his nose.

"It's never going to happen. I don't remember shaking on that deal." He grunted.

"You lost fair and square buddy. Say bye bye to the mullet."

******

I smirked as Billy strolled out of the salon, his mullet was gone and replaced by a clean shave in the back and his natural curls still up front.

He looked even more handsome than before. I let out a whistle letting, him know I liked it.

"It looks like shit," He objected, crossing his arms.

"No it doesn't. Now come on, there's a club here we can go to. We'll have a few drinks then go back to the room and order pizza." I hummed, grabbing his hand and pulling him towards the club.

"This place is obnoxious." Billy cringed, peering around at all the random couples spread throughout the bar.

"It's a country club. It's supposed to be obnoxious." I chimed, pulling Billy to a table and sitting down at it.

We ordered a few drinks and a appetizer as we people watched the rich folk around us.

The beginning of the song from Dirty Dancing started blasting through the speakers, making me gasp. I turned my gaze over to Billy with a big grin on my face.

I didn't even have to say a damn word,

"No."

"Come on please, I've always wanted to do it. Billy PLEASE!" I begged as I started swaying my hips along to the song.

I danced around his chair as he watched me with a deadpan expression,

"You're the one thing I can't get enough of!" I belted.

"No."

"AND I OWE IT ALL TO YOUUUUU." I sang as Billy groaned, standing up and walking away from me.

"Oh, come on! Where are you going?" I laughed as I kept dancing

"Are we going to do this or not?"

I let out a loud squeal, causing the people around to stare at us.

I started singing at the top of my lungs, walking towards Billy grabbing his hand as we started to twist back and forth along to the song.

"This will never happen again," He gibbed as I twirled around him.

"This is our first dance as husband and wife. We had to make it memorable." I quipped, doing a boogie away from him as the song built up. I kept swaying back and forth before running towards Billy and jumping as he caught me by the hips, lifting me above his head.

I crossed my legs, putting my arms out, smiling knowing that Jennifer Grey would be so proud.

I smiled down at Billy who had a huge shit eating grin plastered across his face. He placed me back on my feet, pulling me closer to him as we kept dancing.

"Ahem, Mr. and Mrs Hargrove, I'm going to have to ask you to leave the club for tonight. You are disrupting the rest of the customers."

Billy and I glanced over at the waiter, busting out in laughter as we ran out of the bar. "People don't know how to have a good time anymore." I groaned as we stumbled into the lobby.

Billy grabbed my hand, pulling me over to the grand piano in the corner.

"I noticed your keyboard in your room. You play?" He asked, sitting on the bench.

He cracked his knuckles, wiggling his fingers before pressing them on the keys, playing the beginning of Claire De Lune.

I glanced at him from my peripheral, pressing my fingers on the keys, playing along with him. "Been playing since I was seven. Rode my bike to my lessons every week."

Billy bit down on his lip before the corners of his mouth turned up.

"I think I started lessons at seven too."

"Who knew the Billy Hargrove has a thing for Debussy and ivory keys." I praised.

He swayed along to the music we were producing together,

"Ahem."

We both turned our heads over at the person behind the desk who was pointing at the giant sign behind us stating that the piano was not to be touched.

"Oops." I giggled, standing up, "Let's go back to our room before we get into more trouble."

"Nah, I'm sure we can find some more trouble we can get into." Billy chirped, standing up. We both shuffled outside and around the country club before coming up to a closed off section.

"You ever crash a wedding before?" I smirked, eyeing Billy as he lit a cigarette.

"Bad habit!" I scolded, taking the stick out of his mouth and replacing it with the pendant from his necklace.

"Will you stop that!" He grunted, taking the cigarette back from me, "We are not crashing somebody's wedding."

We continued our walk around the courtyard, coming across a golf cart. We both looked at each other than made a mad dash to the vehicle

Billy slid me over to the passenger side before climbing in the driver's side, pressing his foot all the way down on the gas pedal.

He drove off the sidewalk turning the wheel sharply making golf cart whip around in a circle.

Before long, the security guards pulled us over, screaming at us to stop and pointing at more signs stating boring rules for the boring people who actually paid money to stay at this place.

We laughed all the way back to the hall leading to our suite,

"Tonight was fun." Billy cackled as we walked into our suite.

"Yeah it was. I'll take the bed. Is the couch okay with you?" I questioned as Billy pulled his shirt over his head, throwing it on the floor and falling face first onto the couch.

"Mmhmm." He hummed.

"Good night, Billy." I whispered throwing a blanket over him.

He let out another soft hum.

"Good night, Sammie."

******

The next morning, I woke up and went down to the travel desk in the lobby, setting up all the things I needed to to surprise Billy with a small trip to California.

I tiptoed into the living room and over to the couch, shaking Billy slightly. "Wake up sleepyhead. Check out is in an 45 minutes and our flight leaves in an hour."

Billy grunted, lifting his head to walked at me.

"Did you just say flight?" He grumbled, his voice hoarse with sleep.

"Sure did. The in-laws bought us round trip tickets to California for the next two days." I beamed as Billy sat straight up, looking at me.

"Did you really buy tickets to go to Cali? Sam, you're shitting me."

Billy climbed over the couch, picking me up hugging me to him. "Thank you Sammie!"

I leaned in kissing Billy's nose, causing him jump a little from shock,

"Come on and get dressed!" I trilled, pushing him toward the bathroom.

******

The flight was longer than I expected it to be. Once we landed in California, I picked up the car I had rented. I eyed Billy who about fell on the ground when the blue convertible Corvette was brought to us. "That's the car you decided to rent!?" He exclaimed, almost drooling over it.

"Mmhm," I hummed, throwing my bag in the back seat and then climbing in the front.

"You know where the Chateau Marmont is?" I questioned, smiling at him.

"Did you get us a room there?" His eyes grew wide.

"Nah, it was too expensive, even for my parents. I booked a hotel overlooking the beach."

Once we got settled into the hotel, both of us were starving. We ventured out, finding some Mexican restaurant that Billy started raving about.

The food was decent and not too expensive but it wasn't like I was afraid of my parents finding out about me spending the amount of money I had in the past few days. They didn't care as long as I didn't bother them.

"Hey!" Billy yelled, catching up to me. "Uh..um.. I got you this," He panted, placing a heart shaped ring into my hand.

I examined it, smiling up at him, "Tanzanite, the December birthstone has energy for emotional healing from all worries. It brings happiness." I informed.

"Yeah..okay. I uh, just found a quarter on the ground and put it in a gumball machine. I mean, you're my wife and I didnt even give you a ring so." He grinned, gesturing to the ring.

"See, tanzanite brings happiness." I beamed as I slipped the ring on my left hand.

"So, does your mom live here?" I questioned as we made our way down the street.

"No. She passed away a while back." He sighed, a frown forming on his face.

"I'm sorry for your loss. You two were close?"

He nodded

"My mother was my best friend, she was a phenomenal woman. I never understood what she ever saw in my dad, he's a shit person." He chided through clenched teeth.

"Does he do this to you?" I asked, lightly touching the yellowing on his skin. He ignored me, walking ahead of me getting into the car.

"He does doesn't he? Are you going to be okay when we go back to Indiana?"

"Yes, Sam, I'll be okay." He retorted as we drove off into the direction of the hotel.

"Are you sure? If you ever need a place to stay you are we-"

"I'm fine Sam. Drop it." He snapped, cutting me off.

"Billy Hargrove is that you?!" Billy's head snapped to the car beside us at the red light we were stopped at.

"Sure is." He chortled, pulling his sunglasses down to his nose.

"Are you back for good?" The guy asked.

Billy shook his head "Nah, my....Sam and I came here for our spring break. We're leaving tomorrow night."

The guy in the car frowned as the light turned green.

"There's a party tonight at Olivia's place! Better see you there!" The boy yelled, driving off.

Billy's eyes lit up as he glanced over at me.

"Party tonight?" He questioned.

I pursed my lips together, rolling my eyes,

"Do we have to?" I groaned.

"Yes, I haven't seen these people in a long time!"

No matter how hard I tried to change Billy's mind, he wouldn't budge. And that's how I ended up at a party full of people I didn't know, sitting next to a Pug named Joe. Not exactly my ideal way of spending my first time in California. But I could tell that Billy missed his friends so I tried my best not to complain.

Music blared through the house as random teens danced around to Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne. I pushed past the crowd, finding Billy talking to some random girl by the keg as he poured himself another beer.

I was never a partier, when my brother dated Nancy Wheeler, she would always make him take me to parties. Most of the time it would end with me walking home or me hitching a ride from Jonathan Byers who hated parties as much as I did.

I stood next to Billy, nudging him with my elbow, frowning at him nodding my head towards the gate we had walked through when we arrived to the party.

"Sam, it's a party go have fun. Go drink." Billy shooed at me with his solo cup.

I rolled my eyes, walking towards the beach, digging my toes in the sand once I set foot on the grain surface. I plucked a few evening primrose from the steps, placing the stems into my plaited hair as I continued further down to the water. The booming music became more and more distant.

The beach was beautiful, and the California sunset even more so. What everyone considered a beach in Hawkins didn't even compare to this.

I took my time walking along the shore, picking up only the best shells and pieces of sea glass.

"Why aren't you at the party?" I heard a voice from behind me, I recognized it, so I didn't bother to look up,

"What're you doing?" He asked, watching as I scooped a sand dollar off the sand before the tide could pull it back in, "Collecting shells?"

"She sells seashells by the sea shore," I chirped, offering Billy the sand dollar. He rolled his eyes, taking it from me and throwing it into the ocean.

"Hey!" I hissed, crossing my arms.

"God dammit, Samantha can you not be weird for once? You're embarrassing me in front of my friends."

"I don't see anyone but us around," I shrugged, reaching into the water and picking up another shell.

"Sam. Please. Just pretend to be normal." He begged, reaching for the flowers woven into my braid and pulling them out.

"Excuse you!" I yelled, smacking his hands away, "Go party with your friends. I'll be okay by myself. Always have been." I fumed.

"I'm not leaving you out here alone. Just come back to the party, pretend to be normal and we'll come to the beach tomorrow."

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"Are you really quoting Dr. Seuss? This is the shit im talking about. Normal people don't quote Dr. Seuss."

"If normal people don't quote Dr. Seuss, how do you know it's a Dr. Seuss quote?" I replied, and that was as close to a rebuttal as he was going to get from me tonight. I wasn't about to get dragged in to a Billy Hargrove argument. Especially not on spring break.

Billy continued to follow me as I kept examining shells and placing them into my pockets.

"Somebody has to go polish the stars, They're looking a little bit dull. Somebody has to go polish the stars, For the eagles and starlings and gulls have been complaining they're tarnished and worn, They say they want new ones we cannot afford. So please get your rags and your polishing jars, Somebody has to go polish the stars." I beamed, spinning in a small circle, kicking some water up at Billy.

He let out a frustrated groan,

"Harrington, you are really starting to piss me off." He snarled, grabbing my arm, "God, you're acting just like your brother." He snapped, "No wonder nobody bothers to get to know both of you, you're the same person."

I couldn't remain neutral any longer, I yanked my arm from his grasp and gave him a shove backward before turning on my heels and strutting back the way I came.

"Where the hell are you going?" He hollered.

I resisted the urge to turn around and scream back in his face as well as the urge to reach up to wipe the tears that had started to fall onto my cheek. I couldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he hurt me. My attempt at escape was thwarted when he ran up behind me, grabbing my wrist and spinning me around to face him,

"Let go of me, Billy." I hissed, straining against his grasp.

He gripped onto me with white knuckles,

"Not until you tell me where the hell you're going."

"Away from you." I spat.

"I'm not letting you leave here by yourself."

"You don't own me, you don't get to decide what I can and can't do."

"You're out here with me, I'm responsible for you."

"I'm responsible for myself, always have been. Find your own way home, asshole." I tore myself from his grasp, turning my back on him and making my way back to the car we rented, climbing in.

******

I drove around for at least two hours before heading back to the hotel. I knew that eventually the asshole known as Billy Hargrove would make an appearance, taking place of the boy I had been around for the past few days.

I figured it was from him being vulnerable with me and opening up to me about his father and mother. But the loss of his best friend and the fear of his father gave him no right to treat me or any other person that tries to get close with him the way he treats them.

I grew up almost raising myself, in a semI neglectful home with a vain mother, an absent father, a star athlete and a favorite brother. And that made me angry. That my own flesh and blood never took the time to come to my piano recitals, or come cheer me on for any academic achievement.

Hell, I doubt anyone in my family even knew that I was graduating a year early. I was counting down the days to graduation. I would be my own person, I would travel to places and do things that my brother would be too scared or stupid to do.

I opened the door to our hotel room to find Billy slumped on the couch asleep. I went over to him, taking his boots off and covering him up with a blanket.

"You're back." He grumbled, half asleep.

"Mmhm. Go back to sleep." I whispered, setting a glass of water on the table next to him then walking to the room, shutting the door.

******

I woke up the next morning to Billy shaking my arm. "Hey...Um I'm sorry about last night."

"I only accept apologies from assholes when there are pancakes involved." I grumbled, pulling the covers over my head.

"Sam..." Billy whined. I felt the bed shift as he sat next to me, resting his hand in the curve of my waist,

"Go away." I objected, kicking at his butt and wiggling out from under his touch.

A small chuckle left Billy's lips as he moved the covers from my head, "I really can't take you seriously when you're mad." He laughed.

I glared at him,

"You're a jerk. Get me pancakes and then we'll talk."

"Get up and get dressed. I'll take you to the best pancake place in town."

I wandered out of my room, passing Billy who was sitting on the counter with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth.

"Are you really not going to talk to me until I feed you?" Billy asked as he followed me into the elevator. I glared over at him angrily, not breaking our eye contact, pressing the button that would take us to the lobby.

"Sammie..."

I crossed my arms, examining the tiles of the elevator floor.

"I know.. I'm an ass okay? I'm sorry for what I said, you're nothing like Steve and it's a goddamn shame that nobody in that shit stain of a town doesn't see you as Samantha. You're crazy and quote Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein as a means to fight. You always know what to say and the right time to say it. I didn't mean anything I said last night."

My head still faced the opposite from where Billy was standing. I uncrossed my arms, reaching down grabbing Billy's hand.

"You're still an asshole" I asserted,

I could feel him relax underneath my touch. I glanced over at him, he was staring at me, cigarette still hanging from his mouth.

"Bad habit." I jeered, taking the cigarette out of his mouth and replacing it with a lollipop I found on the floor of the elevator.

Billy took the lollipop out of his mouth, dropping it to the floor gagging. "Gross!" "Still better than the cancer stick." I retorted, crossing my arms again and staring him down.

"You're an asshole." I repeated, skipping out of the elevator and outside to our car.

"These are some of the best pancakes you will ever have." Billy hummed as he started the car, heading in the direction of the diner he was taking us to.

He was right. They were some of the best pancakes I had ever had.

"So are you going to talk to me now?" Billy questioned, reaching for my hand and interlocking our fingers.

"I told you I would once you fed me." I quipped, pushing my plate away with my free hand.

"I'm truly sorry about last night Sam. I shouldn't have forced you to go to the party and expect you to want to stick around. And I'm really, really sorry for comparing you to Steve. You're not like him at all."

I squeezed his hand, peering up at him.

"You're an asshole. But, I forgive you."

******

Billy and I sat in comfortable silence on the car ride home from the airport. I couldn't help but have this feeling that once we got home and went our separate ways that Billy would go back to his friends and I'd go back to my flowers. Despite him profusely apologizing over our fight on the beach, I feared that he would go back to being his asshole self and only talk to me when he needed notes- maybe even to get under Steve's skin by being around me.

I pushed my feet up in the dash as Billy silently hummed to himself, tapping on the steering wheel.

"What's going to happen on Monday?" I questioned, peering over at him, "The past few days have been...amazing to say the least but once school starts back, are we going back to Billy Hargrove the king of Hawkins and The Other Harrington."

I started to nervously fidget with the ring Billy had given me, twisting it around my finger.

Billy reached over, grabbing my hand and squeezing it "When school starts back on Monday, I'll be Billy and you will be Samantha. I know im an ass, but I won't pretend this trip didn't happen, that I don't love you."

I turned my head at him in surprise over the fact that he just admitted that he loved me.

"Sammie, you make me less pissed. Not... not pissed, but I feel like I use to before I lost my mom."

"I saved that flower crown you gave me. It's in a box under my bed next to a flower crown she made for me on my fifteenth birthday."

Billy brought the back side of my hand to his mouth, placing a kiss on it.

"You promise?" I asked hesitantly. He sighed, pulling over on the side of the road.

"Sam, I'm not sure if you heard me the first time, but I'm in love with you. You somehow talked me into getting a haircut,-"

"You lost a bet and those were the stipulations." I corrected, earning an eye roll from him.

"I cut my hair for you, and I opened up to you about my father. And told you about the only other person that I knew that was as kind and loving as you are. It was a no brainer that I would fall in love with you. I just didn't expect it to happen as fast as it did."

I leaned over, kissing his cheek,

"You are an asshole with I really nice hair cut. I love you too, Billy Hargrove." I reached over, turning the volume up as the guitar riff to Highway to Hell blasted through the cars speakers. I started dancing along to the beat beckoning Billy to get out of Priscilla and join me on the side of the road.

Billy laughed, getting out grabbing me by my waist as we started dancing together. We danced and twirled around to the music, singing along to the words together.

Billy placed his hand on the small of my back, pulling me closer to him as his other hand snaked behind my neck, bringing my lips to his.

"So, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to go get dinner later? But not like friend dinner...uh like a date? And you be my girlfriend." He babbled.

I chuckled, kissing his nose,

"You're cute when you're nervous. Hasn't this week been one long date?" I questioned, intertwining my fingers with his.

Billy leaned in, his head resting it on mine. "I don't want to go home." He confessed, opening his eyes looking down at me.

"We have to go back to reality. And when graduation comes around, we'll pick back up where we left off, travel the world together forget about Indiana."

I twirled around Billy's fingers before wrapping my arms around his neck.

"So now I'm included in this adventure?"

"You are my husband, you kinda have to go with me." I retorted, resting my head on his shoulder as the song slowly came to an end.

Billy wrapped his arms tighter around me, placing a kiss on top of my head.

"Back to reality."

I pulled up in front of the Hargrove household, glancing over at Billy who was almost as pale as a ghost. "I'm going in there with you."

"No you're not. Sammie you are safe out here."

"But you aren't safe in there." I retorted, getting out of my car.

"He won't do anything to you in front of a stranger." I added, reaching down for his hand. We walked into his house to find what looked to be his father and brother sitting on the couch watching whatever game was playing on the television.

Both men drew their attention to the door. Billy's father glared at both of us his arms crossing over one another.

"Where the hell have you been?" He snarled, standing up from his recliner.

"Uh...um," Billy sputtered.

I squeezed his hand trying to give him reassurance as Neil turned his focus from his son to me.

"You were off doing God knows what with this whore weren't you?!" Neil boomed, not breaking eye contact with me.

"Um.. uh."

"That's not an answer, Billy."

I groaned,

"Yes, Mr. Hargrove he was with me. We went to my parents country club and then flew to California for a few days. It was a lot of fun. I found a lot of pretty shells. I see where Billy gets being an asshole from." I exclaimed as Billy's hand tightened against mine.

"I want you out of my house!" Neil howled, taking a step toward Billy and I. Billy instinctively took a step in front of me.

"You want me out? Fine."

Billy pushed past Neil, heading the direction of his bedroom, me following behind. He grabbed the remainder of his clothes from his closet, stuffing it in trash bags. I reached under his bed, grabbing a shoebox with his mother's name scribbled across it

"Can't forget your flower crowns." I whispered, sitting the box on the bed, helping Billy grab all of his belongings.

"You have nowhere to go." Neil laughed, standing in the doorway and crossing his arms.

"My house is big. He can live with me." I retorted, stepping in front of Neil, blocking his view of Billy the best I could.

"And your parents are going to be okay with that?" Neil challenged.

"I don't think it's any of your business how my parents react to Billy coming to stay with me."

Billy walked over to me with the trashbags full of his belongings.

"He isn't your concern anymore. You can fuck off." I spat, reaching back for Billy's wrist and bumping my shoulder into Neill as we walked in the the hallway.

"You'll be back after this slut gets tired of you." Neil yelled following after us. I stopped turning to face him.

"I can assure you, that I won't get tired of him. We got married when we were in Cali." I chortled, flashing my left hand up at him.

"Like I said, Billy isn't your concern anymore." I lifted my middle finger up at Neil as Billy pulled me out of the house and out to the car.

******

"Steve isn't going to be happy," I mumbled, pulling into my driveway.

Billy let out a small laugh, leaning over kissing my cheek. I faced him with a stern expression,

"Please be nice. I'll handle all the talking." I stressed, squeezing his hand. I placed a quick kiss on his lips before stepping out of Priscilla

"Where the fuck have you been, Samantha?" Steve gripped, walking out of our house and crossing his arms.

Billy slowly got out of Priscilla, walking around to stand behind me.

"Let me rephrase that, where the fuck have you been with Billy Hargrove." Steve seethed.

"California." I stated as a matter of factly.

"California!?" Steve blurted, his jaw dropping, "What did you do to her, Hargrove, kidnap her?!"

"He's my friend...boy," I said as Billy intertwined our fingers, "Err my boyfriend."

"Since when?"

"Since this morning."

"Sam, you don't socialize you go to school and come home."

I rolled my eyes, opening my mouth to say something only to be cut off by Steve,

"How do you two even know each other? God Samantha, leave it up to you to become friends with the biggest asshole in school. Do you even remember what happened to me in October?"

Billy stood between us placing a hand on Steve's chest. Steve quickly stepped away from Billy's touch, "Man, I know we have our issues. And I'm sorry for everything I've done to you." He began.

Steve crossed his arms over his chest, raising an eyebrow and shifting his weight onto his heels, "But I actually give a shit about Sammie. And nobody appreciates her damn near as much as she deserves." Billy mused, glancing down at me.

"Stop acting like you care, Steve." I grumbled under my breath.

"You're my baby sister, of course I care."

"Really? Do you even care enough to know that most of your friends don't even know my name?" I fired back.

"What're you talking about?"

"In fact, most people don't even know my name. Not just your friends. And you know who did? Billy. You know who came and talked to me without prefacing it with 'can you tell Steve'? Billy." I defended, "He actually talks to me like I'm a real person and not just a means to get to you."

"Are you sure that isn't what this is? A means to get to me?"

"Is it really that hard for you to believe that somebody cares about me?"

"I find it hard to believe that Billy Hargrove cares about you."

Billy dropped my hand from his grasp, balling up his fist. I stepped ahead of him, blocking his path if he decided to make a move.

"Somebody has to! Mom and dad sure don't. And you're too busy running off with a bunch of middle schoolers who you call your siblings to pay attention to your actual younger sister!"

"Sam, this isn't about mom or dad or me or them!"

"Bullshit it isn't!" I snapped, "My entire fucking life I've been walking around in your shadow and I'm goddamn sick of it!"

"How many times have I told you that people don't know my name? How many times have I said that kids I've known my whole life, gone through kindergarten with, don't know my name? All I am is Little Harrington or The Other Harrington. I'm not Samantha. I'm not my own fucking person. And that's on you, Steve!"

"How is it on me that you don't do anything to get attention?"

I could faintly hear a rumble in Billy's chest,

"Because you've never taken me seriously! Never stood up for me when I needed you to. Steve, I needed you to be my big brother and protect me and you didn't!"

Steve opened his mouth like he was going to say something, but I cut him off,

"Go take care of the rest of your 'little siblings' hope you don't let them down like you did to me." I snarled.

Billy went back over to Priscilla, grabbing my bag from the car and following behind me.

"I don't think so. You are not going into my house." Steve said, grabbing his arm.

"Fuck you, Steve." I spat as Billy yanked his arm from my brother's grasp.

They squared up with each other, chest to chest. Neither of them particularly wanted to get into a fight, especially not in front of me. I intertwined my fingers with Billy's and took him inside with me.

"What the fuck is he doing here?" Dustin asked as the other kids stood up in defense.

"Ask your older brother, he seems to be pretty open with you guys." I sneered, pulling Billy up to my room.

I shut the door behind us, leaning back on it and letting myself cry.

"Hey, hey, hey, baby, no." Billy comforted, pressing his forehead to mine. "No crying." He cupped my face in his hands, making me look at him

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

I smiled softly at him as he kissed me,

"Normal people don't quote Dr. Seuss." I sassed, wiping my face with the back side of my hand.

"Well, as it turns out, I'm not as normal as you think."

******

Monday I could feel every single eye on me. The worst part of living in a small town was word got around fast.

"Christy, is it true you and Billy Hargrove robbed a bank over spring break?"

I rolled my eyes as I shut my locker door,

"No, it's not true." I grunted, walking past Carol and into Chemistry. A smile spread across Billy's face as I walked down the row of desks and took my usual seat at the one in front of him. He leaned forward in his desk, pressing a kiss to my cheek,

"I missed you," He whispered, placing another kiss on my shoulder.

"Two whole periods without me, how did you live!?" I exclaimed,

"It's not like you didn't just move in with me." I joked, leaning my head back so it was laying on his desk.

Billy chuckled, leaning forward connecting our lips together, earning various grunts and sighs from some of the girls in our class room.

By lunch people were well aware of Billy's status. People know knew who I was and who I was dating. But they still intentionally called me some random name.

Most of them probably figured that it got under my skin, so why would they stop?

"Sammie, are you okay?" Billy asked as we walked into the lunchroom together.

"Yeah, I'm just not used to being this...well known. And people are now purposely calling me different names." I sighed as I grabbed a juice and a banana in the lunch line.

"Mr. Hargrove, your new haircut looks wonderful!" Edna, the lunch lady chirped.

"Doesn't it?" I questioned, running my hand in his hair.

Billy rolled his eyes, swatting my hand away before paying for both of our lunches.

"Oh! Miss Hayley! Will you please tell Steve he still owes us money from before spring break."

I grinned at her, knowing that she didn't mean any harm by calling me the wrong name, unlike the rest of the school.

"Sure thing, Edna."

I followed behind Billy as we both sat at the lunch table with Tommy H. and Carol.

"Nicole are you lost?" Tommy H grimaced as I sat next to Billy. "No, I'm not." I mumbled. "Then why are you sitting here? Last I checked you weren't popular." Carol snorted.

The walked on Billy's face made me think he was about to kill everyone around him.

"Knock it off both of you. Samantha is my girlfriend." Billy chided.

"Ew, why would you want to date Kayla?" Tommy sneered, giving me a disgusted look "You know she's Steve's sister, right?"

In a flash Billy flew across the table, throwing his fist into Tommy's face. He then climbed on the table, placing his pinkies in his mouth and whistling.

"Just so we are all on the same page, This girl has a name, and It's Samantha. She's my girlfriend...Samantha Harrington is my girlfriend. If I hear anyone call her The Other Harrington or anything that is not Sam, or Samantha, one more time, you will really be wishing you didn't." He threatened, "Now what is my girlfriends name?"

In unison, the entire lunchroom sang out my name. I could feel my cheeks grow warm. I knew for a fact I was as red as a tomato.

"And if any of you mess with her? You'll deal with me," He yelled as one of the coaches marched over, pulling Billy off the table and escorting him out of the cafeteria.

I cleared my throat, poking at my plate as Tommy climbed back back up to the table, holding his bleeding nose.

"The chicken is really good today isn't it?"

******

The week was long and uneventful, and by Friday not only did everyone- including teachers knew my name, they also came up to me apologizing- something I'm sure was Billy's doing.

I didn't hate this new found fame but I didn't love it either. Billy made an ass out of himself at lunch, landing him a weeks worth of detention. So every day I would go sit in the field, making 2 floral crowns while I waited for Billy to get out of his detainment.

"How was detention?" I asked as Billy plopped down on the blanket next to me ,taking my floral crown from my head and placing it on his own.

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." Billy sang, kissing my cheek.

"Quoting Dr. Seuss again are we?" I sassed.

"I love you," He uttered as a dragonfly flew by landing on my nose.

I chuckled, shaking my head startling the bug away.

"Looks like your mom loves me too."

Billy smirked, pressing his lips onto mine before stretching out onto the blanket, placing his head on my lap, staring up at me with the utmost adoration.

It didn't matter anymore to me that people got my name wrong, or how I would become a distant memory after graduation,

The soft boy with a hard exterior had the free spirited girl with a love for wildflowers.

We had each other, we made each other shine.

And that's all that matters.

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doof-doofblog · 4 years

Text

"I Want To Cash In!"

Tuesday 15th September 2020

Good evening folks! The majority of you will know I've already posted once today, this is going to be my second post of the day following up tonight's episode, so I'm completely up to date with you all! The previous episode (last night's) was a bit of devastating blow for Chantelle, Gray is just finding ways from stopping her leaving, it seems each time she's attempted to leave he's managed to take it one step further and stop her in her path.

Let's jump right into it, oh my gosh how heartbreaking is the opening scene!!! Chantelle has gone off on a holiday with her family but she has devastatingly had to leave her children behind, she's in the seaside cafe all on her own, staring out the window. All you can hear is the sound of rain against the glass window and the sound of seagulls. She looks like she's lost everything in the world. At the holiday apartment, the rest of the Taylor family are playing games and having fun, Mitch is videoing them to remember the memories, but he is just as miserable, he claims it's the same and as much fun without Chantelle. He can't seem to understand what's bothering his daughter, he decides to leave the fun and goes off to find her.

Back on the Square, Ian is finding every opportunity he can to dodge Max! Pretending to be on the phone and then having to hide behind the door of his house! Sorry, but it's pathetic! Why doesn't Ian just be the bigger man and come clean and just apologise and be truthful about what he's done! He's digging a deeper and deeper hole for himself! Meanwhile, Ruby has gone to visit Martin in the hospital, fantastic news is that he's awake and he's up and out of bed! The main thing he wants to know is if the Police know who it was who attacked him, fortunately for Vinny, Martin didn't see anything! Ruby is completely over the moon to see Martin looking well, so much so that she drops the L-Bomb on him!! But before he gets a chance to reply, he is wheeled off in the other direction. Did Ruby mean to say the L word? Or has she come to realise her true feelings for him during recent events. Another big question is, does Martin feel the same way about her?!

Hmmm, so is Ian actually struggling financially? It's probably understandably that his businesses aren't coping at the moment, possibly due to the current pandemic? But also the fact that he now owes Max some money, will this meeting be the only opportunity he has of getting things under control?

In time, Mitch eventually finds Chantelle. He finds in her the seaside cafe and he comes in tow with a huge elephant teddy for her. It's clear she's been crying, he gently places it on the table in front of her and she scoops it up and holds it as if picking wanting to hold her children ever so tightly. Mitch pulls up a chair and joins his daughter, she is looking so heartbroken and lost. Mitch begins to apologise for not being there for her as much as he should've been, but little does he know that's not the thought that's on his daughter's mind right now. He promises that he'll always be there for her from now on, Chantelle stares at him with tears filling her eyes, he softly asks her the most important question "What's wrong?" ... she sighs and tells him that she's missing her children. Now, of course she is missing her children but she hasn't given her Dad the main reason as to why, she hasn't given him the full story. She claims she just wanted them all to be together, Mitch then takes it upon himself to go back to Walford to collect her kids! Much to Chantelle's shock, but deep down as he goes and promises he won't leave without them, part of me believes she actually has hope that her Dad will return with his Grandchildren. Once again, Chantelle's hopes are lifted at another chance of getting away from Gray, but this is EastEnders - we know what's going to happen, right?!

Meanwhile, in the Vic, Ian is having a meeting with Douglas on his potential chance of becoming a part on the Planning Committee. Sharon is chatting away with Tina about Frankie when Ian enter's the pub. I feel sorry for Sharon really, she is doing everything she can to make it up to Ian. Giving him compliments and speaking highly of him in front of the fellow businessman. Ian is just shutting her down over and over again, not even saying that they're even friends anymore. In all seriousness, Sharon has done nothing wrong! She can't force feelings that she doesn't feel. If there's anyone Ian should be angry with, it's Dotty, for serving him stories and making him believe something that wasn't true. Sharon is literally just wanting her old friend back, but Ian seems to be having none of it! In the cafe, Max is on his phone to someone, does he owe someone money? He make the odd one-liner joke about having to hold Ian upside down and turn his pockets inside out to make sure he gets his money back. I'm sure the longer Ian tries to dodge the bullet and hide from Max, the more suspicious and angry he's going to get! Only, Kathy seems to overhear Max's phone conversation, and says states that he shouldn't be pestering Ian for his money, but Max makes the perfect point and claims that they were businesses partners. Kathy suddenly let's slip "He doesn't need this right now!" ... Bang! Max is suspicious, what did she mean by that?! He moves in closer to her "What has he done with my money, Kathy?!" He knows something isn't right! Kathy stands her ground and doesn't give anything away, she just tells him he'll have to wait, just a little bit longer!

At the Mitchell household, it looks as if Ben has now dragged in Jay to help with getting hold of Danny. I'm quite surprised as Jay has never been one for trouble. He's always stayed clear of Ben and his dodgy deals and gangsters. Jay makes it perfectly clear to Ben that he's not happy about it, he even asks if Phil is aware of Ben's plan. Suddenly, Callum joins them in the room, he can sense that he's walked in on a conversation between them. He asks if everything is okay and Ben assures him that everything is and that Jay is helping him with something. As Jay leaves the room, Callum then also asks Ben if he and Phil are okay with starting a war against Danny? It's a difficult situation for them all to be in, no one wants to get anyone else hurt, but I think that they know that Ben needs to go through with this to clear his name, he really does not want to be going back to prison!

Back at the holiday venue, Chantelle is packing her children's toys in the suitcase. She finds the lucky poke chip that Kheerat gave her and she sighs deeply. Suddenly a knock is heard on her bedroom door and her mother, Karen, appears. Karen sees that Chantelle is already packed and ready to leave. She's shocked to see her daughter packed already before her children have even arrived. Chantelle asks desperately to her Mum whether Mitch has been in touch. Karen confirms to her that Mitch and Chantelle's children are on their way! Chantelle's face is in utter shock! Gray has let them go? Could it be possible that Mitch has persuaded him to let them come? Could this be the last chance she gets of making her escape with the children? There's the tiniest smiles that grows on her face as Karen tells them that they'll be able to enjoy their holiday as family and make some wonderful memories. Chantelle must feel so relieved, she decides to go and buy her children a treat for when they arrive!

On the Square, Ruby is back and giving Kush an update about Martin, everyone seems very relieved to hear that Martin is doing okay. Kat shouts from across the Square that she's managed to pay Kush's rent for his stall! Kush is over the moon and he declares his love for her, as he does so, Ruby looks slightly disappointed - Why didn't Martin say the L word back to her? Does she feel silly for telling him that she loves him? Suddenly Suki approaches her, asking her how Martin is, at first it all seems rather polite but then Suki drops the bomb to Ruby that she knows about the insurance fraud. Ruby is ready to state that it was her son who attacked Martin in the first place, of course Martin is unaware of what actually happened, and Ruby wants to keep it that way. She informs Suki that Vinny is safe, she won't be going to the police and she wont be claiming on the insurance. But what I want to know is, is this going to turn around and hit Ruby where it hurts? Is Martin going to become aware of her and Vinny's plan? Will he blame her for being attacked?!

In the restaurant, Ian is continuing his meeting with Douglas, he's trying to prove a point that he's able to cope in awkward situations. Unfortunately the main thing on the other fella's mind is Sharon. Ian then literally tells him about all her failed relationships, in an attempt to warn him off! Mentioning that she had an affair with her husband's brother, to then Dennis being murdered and then finally - i'm assuming he means, Phil - a gangster?! Or was that somebody else that i'm unaware of?! Anyway, Max finally catches up with Ian, he wants his money and he wants it now! He refuses to leave the building until Ian tells him exactly what's going on! He makes himself known by dragging out a chair and sitting with his arms folded, staring at Ian! I think he knows he can't escape Max now, it's time to tell him the truth!

Oh great! Just what Walford needs, Danny Hardcastle then decides to pull up in the Square. Is he looking for someone? Does he know that the police after him? What an Earth would bring him back to the Square? As he locks his car walks away into the distance, the camera angle moves as if someone is watching him from behind the wall. At first, I thought it was going to be Ben, only Jay appears and shows that he has a screwdriver in his inside coat pocket. Is he going to scratch his car? Or perhaps stab his tyres? I feel sad that Ben has dragged Jay into this, of course Jay would do anything to help his brother out, but surely not in this way?! Ahhh so Danny has come to meet with Ben? Or did he actually believe it was Phil he coming to see?! Danny makes a snide comment saying with Phil not being there, is that his way of apologising?! These two haven't seen each other since that job in Stratford, i'm quite surprised neither of them are putting their fists up. Ben claims that he and his Dad don't owe Danny anything! Ahhh I see, so while Ben and Danny have their little catch up - Jay is planting the stolen money in Danny's car. Danny informs Ben that the money they nicked is traceable, so the police will be all over it! Jay can be seen then trying to close the car boot frantically! At this moment when Danny is walking back to his car, his keys jingling in his hand, I am so worried for Jay as Danny gets closer and closer, Jay is pushing the boot repeatedly trying to get it shut! Luckily he manages to get it shut completely just a few seconds before Danny gets to his car. He quickly walks away and calls the police! Have they really gotten away with setting him up?! My heart was in my mouth when Jay was doing that! I hope to God nothing bad happens to Jay after this!

Back at the restaurant, Max is waiting for Ian to get his money. He appears to be on the phone to a lawyer, of course a fake lawyer! He comes up with a story about his lawyer chasing some thieves and apparently he was attacked on the head. Not realising, as Max points out - that its exactly the same of what happened to Martin! Ian can't play any more games, he knows he's been sussed out. The lies he's building is just getting worse and worse, Max just wants to the truth, he slams the kitchen units, he's had enough of Ian's lies! Ian then states that his money in a high-interest account and he can't get to it quickly because of penalties. Max can't believe what he's hearing, he's devastated that his business partner could do this to him! He gives Ian one last warning, he wants his money by the following week, otherwise Ian is going to be the one needing major surgery! Ian has once again lied his way out of another situation to by him some time to get some money for Max, but in all seriousness - how is he going to get it?!

The Taylor family are still on their holiday, Keegan announces that the children have finally arrived! But they didn't come by train, Mitch appears with luggage and asks where Chantelle, Bernadette informs him that she had gone to buy some doughnuts for the kids. A voice from the hall then echo's the word "Doughnuts!" - Gray has only gone and wormed his way in! Even though the family are all delighted to see him, we know Chantelle is going to be scared and worried and stuck yet again. Karen makes a comment "Chantelle is going to be so happy to see you!", he has a really smug grin on his face as he replies to her that he didn't want to miss out on the family fun! Ooooo Gray is just getting darker and darker, his anger at Chantelle is getting worse and worse and her fear of him is just growing and growing. It's still SO devastating that the Taylor family have no idea what's been going on behind closed doors, which I think is going to make Chantelle's death far more devastating and heart-wrenching to watch.

After his encounter with Max, Ian makes his way back to the Vic. He pulls Sharon to one side, she's asks him how the meeting went, trying to be the best supportive friend she can be. But it looks as if Ian is tired of feeling let down, because his heart has been broken, yet again, he's taking it out on his friend! He claims to her that if it wasn't for him she wouldn't have the pub! He decides to make it perfectly clear to her that the pub is his business alone, she is just his employee. Sharon knows that he is saying this out of spite, just because she doesn't feel the same way about him. He's angry, he's upset, he's embarrassed so he wants to have the upper hand! He's wanting to feel powerful! He warns her that he going to be setting her some targets, and if she doesn't meet them he will find someone else to run the pub! Sharon can barely believe her ears, she has always told Ian how grateful she has been to him over the past few months, he took her in when she had nowhere to go, he comforted her when Dennis died, of course we know it was out of guilt, but now saying he could potentially make her homeless is such a horrible curve-ball! Will she ever be able to find a way to make it up to him? Will Ian finally come to his senses and realise he's in the wrong?!

The last scene of tonight's episode, Chantelle is seen in the seaside cafe buying her children their treats. Its the first time we've seen her happy in a long time. She makes a phone call, it's Kheerat she calls, she's sounding so relieved and so happy. Its the first time we've seen her smile in a long time! She believes her children are on the way to her and she can finally find some happiness with Kheerat, she assures him that everything is fine and he has no reason to worry. She then says that she's ready, she's ready to cash in! Little does she know that Gray has been stood behind her, listening to her conversation. How is he going to know what "Cash in" means? This is going to be the thing that rages him more than anything! He believes his wife is having an affair, even though we know nothing has happened between Chantelle and Kheerat yet, it's going to be the first thing that jumps into his head! Is this what makes Gray lose his temper with Chantelle so much that it comes to the point he commits murder?!

As the episode gets closer of Chantelle's death, the more worried and scared I am of how it's going to happen. I truly believe it's going to be a devastating, harrowing episode. I do believe some viewers will find it incredibly hard to watch, the past few episodes I've been getting very nervous for Chantelle as I know what's coming, but seeing it all unfold - all the events leading up to her death and hearing the news of the aftermath of her death. It's going to be very hard viewing! I know I've said it once, but I can't praise Jessica Plummer and Toby-Alexander Smith high enough! Their performances have been phenomenal this week!

I hope you're all preparing yourself for what the next few episodes hold. It's going to be a tough few days that's for sure! I hope you've all enjoyed reading, thank you all for taking your time to read through my blog. It really does mean the world! Enjoy the rest of your week and i'll be back very soon! Love you all xXx

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klaus-is-the-real-number-1 · 5 years

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The Light Behind Your Eyes (slytherin!Five x slytherin!reader)

A/N: sooo i had a different idea originally but liked this one more because,,, i dunno,, ill probably keep the other one as a draft but it probably wont get posted!!!! hope this is what you wanted.

Request: Omg could you write a Slytherin!five x Slytherin!reader fic? If you’re not too busy that is. I just love Hogwarts and would die to see that dynamic power dou!!

Words: 2893

“Just focus, it’s not that difficult.”

It was difficult though, the patronus charm was one of the hardest spells to master and even some of the greatest witches and wizards can’t produce one. Yet, for some utterly strange reason, you were expected to be able to cast one. You couldn’t even cast an incorporeal patronus so they gave you a tutor, a sixth year prefect, Five.

Five was the year above, he was one of the strictest prefects you had ever met and the smartest person you could think of. In all the time Five had been in Hogwarts he’d never let his grades drop and had never let anyone or anything distract him, cunning and ambitious, you could tell exactly why he was placed in Slytherin. You, on the other hand, had no clue why you were placed in Slytherin, you couldn’t see yourself as ambitious, cunning or resourceful. It was like you were a puzzle piece that on first glance appeared to fit but the piece is slightly misshaped and distorted.

Faint rumours about Five would drift across the school like the ghosts that lurk in every corner. You had heard tales of how powerful he was, all the duels he’d won, all the advanced classes he took and yet he was here with you, desperately trying to get you to succeed. He was only trying to help you so he could add it to his already huge list of things that he’s done for his head boy application.

“If it’s so easy then you do it.” Turning angrily to face him, you crossed your arms as he looked down on you. He was meant to tutor yet he hadn’t even shown you once how to do the spell.

He huffed. “I’m not the one who needs a tutor to cast a simple spell, y/n. Why should I have to do it?” You observed as he stepped back, crossing his arms to mimic yours.

“You should have to do it because you’re meant to be tutoring me, how can I do the spell if you’re not going to show me how!” You just kept getting more angry as the seconds went on, for how smart Five was meant to be he didn’t have any people skills. He was avoiding eye contact with you, opening and closing his mouth, searching for an answer as you just looked at him expectantly.

“It’s,” you thought for just a moment, Five was about to open up to you, allow you to see into his mad world that he kept to himself. “It’s nothing, I’ve got a head cold right now, it’s difficult to concentrate on casting spells. Let’s just call it a day and I’ll see you in a week at the same time. Practice when you can, It’d be nice to see an improvement.” And with that you grabbed your robe that goes over your jumper and pushed past him, muttering a small ‘whatever’ as you passed him. No matter how great of a wizard he may be, it didn’t deter from the fact that he was a bit of a dick.

Heading back to the common rooms you take a minuet just to think about Five, during your years at Hogwarts you can’t remember a time when you saw him genuinely laugh or smile, he’s always been so uptight since the day you met him when he was a second year and you’d just been sorted into Slytherin.

“Y/n!” Heavy footsteps reverberated off the walls, getting closer. You turn just in time to see Five stop short of a couple of paces in front of you. “If you’re really serious about learning the patronus charm, meet me before breakfast and then after we can go to the library.” You both started walking in the direction of the common room. “and once we’re there we can so some proper research and actually get this spell down and done with.”

“Sure.” He looked relieved at your response, Five began to fully tell you his plan of action with doing the full research to be able to grasp the true meaning of the spell. You listened intently to his plan, humming to what he was saying. You say the password to the common room while Five continued to talk.

When you reached the corridor to the girls dorms you turn to face Five and give him a smile. “Night Five, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Night y/n, don’t forget 07:30 A.M tomorrow morning down here.” Five gave you a small smile and walked away to the other corridor and began to walk up the stairs, not before turning to give you a small smile. Maybe spending time with Five wouldn’t be as bad as you thought.

In the library, you had stacks of books laid in front of you, any books even containing the word patronus were on the table with you and Five scanning through. You had been going through books for about an hour, only revising information you already knew.

“What’s the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done at Hogwarts?” You ask as you push the book you were currently reading. Five was one of the most well know students but no one knew anything about him at all.

“I’m not very rebellious, I think the worst thing I’ve done is that I was 2 minuets late to a class once.” He copied your actions by pushing his respective book away from him and leant back in his seat. “You?”

You wondered how much you could actually tell him, he was a prefect after all. “I don’t know, I like to teach myself spells before lessons or just silly spells that we wont get taught.” You say matter-o-factly. You watch as Five examined your face, knowing that you were hiding something. “What, don’t you believe me?” Sarcastically acting shocked, you placed a hand over your heart.

Five rolled his eyes. “It’s not that I don’t believe you. It’s just that I’ve heard rumours about you, that’s all.” You looked at him expectantly. “You know that you’ve got an illegal magical creature cartel or that once you broke into the professors lounge, stole alcohol and then sold it at high prices to the 7th years.”

You chuckle at what Five had said, the alcohol ‘rumour’ was true and to say the least it was one of your proudest achievements within the school. “If I confirm any of those rumours will you grass on me?” Five shook his head. “It was me with the alcohol. I would just like to confirm that I definitely do not have any form of cartel.” Five smirks, you both ask questions back and forth until it was time for you both to go off for lessons. You both agree that you would try casting the spell the next day and you went your separate ways, smile on both your faces.

It had been a few days since you and Five had been meeting up to learn how to cast a patronus. However, it’d always end up with you two just sitting and talking for a few hours until it’s time to go to lessons or time to go back to the dorms. Five had really come out of his shell even if it was only to you, it was a new side to Five that hadn’t been seen before and it was nice.

One thing you were especially good at is care for magical creatures, you were always helping Hagrid out with ‘out of curriculum’ tasks. Every Wednesday night you’d sneak out and go to the forbidden forrest and care for a few creatures that needed some extra help. You’d been doing this since second year and now Hagrid left you too it, he knew you treat them well and you wouldn’t get caught. There were some rare creatures you cared for, not to mention some illegal and ‘dangerous’ creatures but you knew they wouldn’t hurt a fly.

But you had gotten lazy when sneaking out, forgetting to check behind you and cover your tracks. You were at the entrance of the forbidden forrest, waiting for 5 minuets before entering to make sure no one was around but you felt a hand get placed on your shoulder.

“Y/n,” It was Five, he knelt down next to you. “What are you doing here, you know you shouldn’t be out of dorms.” You were glad it was only Five but it didn’t stop you from being mad.

“What are you doing here, why did you follow me if you knew you’re not allowed out?” You stared at him expectantly. You sighed “Are you coming then?”

“Where?” Five asked, you just grabbed his hand and kept low as you head into the forest. Five never argued against it or asked any questions. As you reached the clearing you go to every Wednesday, you grab your wand and muttered a quite ‘lumos’ illuminating the opening. You were deep into the forest and knew that the light couldn’t be seen from the castle.

You drop the bag you were carrying that contained various meat and bread to feed the creatures you cared for. You pass your wand to Five for him to hold.

“Y/n, what are we doing-” But you shush him as you could hear steps getting closer, you see him visibly tense and go to grab his wand. Gently, you place a hand on his arm and shake your head before reaching down into your bag to get a piece of bread out.

There she was, a thestral, you’d been looking after her for 3 years now, when you first met her she had a badly damaged wing and couldn’t take off the ground properly but now she was flourishing, she comes back every Wednesday to see you. Today however, she’d brought along her foal, you knelt down so you were height level with the foal and gently offered it some bread.

Stepping back, you turn to look at Five and take in his gobsmacked expression as he eyed the large creatures. “Aren’t- aren’t they classes as extremely dangerous?” You scoffed at his question.

“Do they look dangerous to you?” You went over to him and took back your wand and took his hand, leading him towards the two thestrals. “Come on, I’ll show the others, don’t worry, it’s safe. I’ve been doing this for years.” He didn’t seem to believe you but he let you drag him towards the beautiful creatures, you take his hand that has yours held in a death-grip and place it on the thestrals head.

You let go of Five and step back, watching him relax as he stroked her head. You pat her on the back as she knelt down to allow you to climb on, you nudge Five to get on behind you. Cautiously he sat behind you and wrapped his arms around your waist.

“Brace yourself.” Then you were in the air, soaring away out of the grounds, over the lake and the forests, reaching the stars and beyond. Fives grip loosened around your waist as he looked around in the air, he’d never seen anything so beautiful.

Five was glad he made the decision to go after you them few days ago, he was glad he was assigned as your tutor. He was sick of being boring, sick of just being known as a strict prefect. The real reason he didn’t cast a patronus is because he just didn’t have a good enough memory to be able to conjure one but he wanted to change that and tonight, he was.

Far too quickly you came to a soft landing, you both jumped off before giving the thestrals a soft pat. You let them lead ahead, following them to the rest of the magical creatures you looked after and cared for throughout your time at Hogwarts. The place they were leading you to was a large opening with a small lake, even at the dead of night it was softly lit by various creatures with a gentle buzz from the animals that inhabited it.

“What is this place?” Five was shocked, looking round with large eyes. He was taking in the picture that was in front of him.

“Heaven.” You led Five forward, giving him some snacks to feed the creatures with. The small pups came running towards you first, excited to see what foods you’ve brought them this week. There were crups and kneazles, puffskeins and snidgets. Five then saw Griffins and more thestrals, he couldn’t believe his eyes, all these creatures in one place with not a single one fighting or trying to attack him. Everything he’d ever been told about these creatures was wrong, he was wrong about them.

“Everything in here is protected,” You explain, picking up a crup pup. “I taught myself the Protego Maxima, Fianto Duri and Repello Inimicum charms and use them on this area so only people who travel through on the thestrals can see whats inside, mainly because they know where to go as you can’t see whats inside.” You continue to give love to the crup held in your arms as other creatures make their way over. “People hunt and abuse these animals, I don’t want them to get hurt, they don’t deserve it. There’s some endangered creatures here, so I like to make sure they’re ok.”

Five took a seat next to you, accepting the creatures rubbing against him for attention. You finish dishing out the various snacks and treats to the creatures of the magical world, it was time for you to go back to Hogwarts, you beckon Five back over to the thestral and begin your journey back.

Once reaching the castle grounds you had sneak back into the castle unnoticed, this was the first time you had to get two people back in. You decide the best way of getting back in is to go through the secret passage at the back end of the school, luckily for you, you had acquired the marauders map and were able to see where everyone was at that current time. It was an easy route in that night, you both simply sipped back into the common room.

Just before you turned to walk up to your dorm Five grabbed your arm. “Thank you y/n, for letting me come with you. Sit with me tomorrow at breakfast tomorrow and then straight after we can finally crack the patronus?” You just nodded your head at Five and gave him a smile. A part of you didn’t want to be able to cast the patronus so you could continue spending time with him, in almost a week you’d seen a complete opposite side to Five than the rumours suggested. Five had been acting differently recently as well, being an overall kinder person hadn’t gone unnoticed by professors and students alike.

Five laid in his bed, unable to sleep from the nights events. He couldn’t believe he waited that long to get to know y/n, he can’t believe how boring his time at Hogwarts used to be. In them few days of knowing y/n, Five had had the most fun and interesting time. Not to mention y/n’s way with magical creatures, how much she actually cared for them and she let Five see that side, see her ‘heaven’ as y/n put it. Five hoped that she wouldn’t actually be able to cast the patronus so he could just be with her more. He hoped that after tonight he would finally be able to cast one as well.

The next morning, you were stood in an empty classroom with Five, watching closely as he was about to cast his patronus. You watch his shaking hands as he took a defensive stance, you didn’t know what his patronus could be but then he said the spell.

A silver otter burst from the end of his wand, it slid through the air playfully before dissipating in the air. “An otter?” Five seemed almost disappointed with his patronus.

“An otter represents playfulness and being relaxed, god knows you’ve hid that well.” You joked cheekily joked, nudging his arm. “I guess it’s my turn, innit?” Sighing you turn to the side, allowing for room for whatever patronus would appear, if one would appear at all.

“ Expecto Patronum!” A white light shoots from your wand, through the light a giant thestral galloped graciously, turning towards you, circling you before disappearing. You look at the space where the beautiful beast stood and then turned to look at Fives gobsmacked face. “I did it!” You embraced Five, almost knocking him off his feet.

“You did it.” He sounded almost breathless in his response. He didn’t sound too pleased about it though.

You stepped back. “You don’t sound too happy about it, you actually managed to get me to do it.”

“Well now that you’ve done it, I don’t need to tutor you any more.” He looked sad, at a stretch you could say devastated.

“I’m still going to hang round with you even if you don’t need to tutor me anymore. You’re pretty good craic to be honest, I’d like to keep that around.” Five smiled to your response, glad not to be losing a quick found friend. Maybe the rest of your time at Hogwarts wouldn’t be so bad.

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whirlybirdwhat · 4 years

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If Truth is True North

For @greyskyflowers ask: I was also wondering if you could possibly continue this or do a one shot where one of the crew gets hurt? You spoke of Nami loving her role as navigator given by Luffy. How would they react if Luffy got seriously hurt?

I hope you enjoy! Its not quite what the prompt asked, but I wasn’t sure if you wanted it in the Sea of Monsters Au or not, so I just went with what I was inspired to write!

The other details of your ask will be posted shortly with the actual ask lol.

See Ao3 for warnings and better formatting!

Nami is the best navigator in the world - but the tides of emotions are one thing she has never quite been able to map so well.

But - with Luffy she thinks she would rather die then fail in her task to help her captain.

(He has given her a place - navigator - so she must fulfill it.)

Or:

Nami helps Luffy work through some stuff after a battle - a true navigator must be able to chart all seas after all, even ones of the mind.

Nami navigates. It’s what she does. She looks at the sky the wind the stars and tells her captain that way, and so they go.

She’s drawn maps since she was tiny, loves the smell of parchment and ink and the awe-inspiring feeling of I’ve seen all that when she looks at a finished chart, but nothing will ever quite beat the act of guiding her crew through their grand adventure.

She’s able to stand through hurricanes, tornadoes, water spouts, voyages ten thousand meters to the sky and below the waves. There is nothing she cannot conquer with a log pose or compass, nothing she cannot challenge with the knowledge of the winds and her crew at her back.

All perhaps one thing that is.

Nami’s never been able to deal with emotions well before.

Her childhood has been filled trauma – ever since Bell-mere died, she had no choice but to board up her emotions behind a large brick wall backed with Sea stone and anger, because Arlong would have torn her part before then if she hadn’t.

(Map-maker, the slimy beast called her, cackling as she staunched the blood dripping from a bullet wound, your mine. Go make me some maps, won’t you?)

She’s been a screen of anger and conniving grins since then, snarling at men who touch a little to close and biting at anyone who tries to steal what is hers (her family’s ticket to freedom.) A carefully placed grin – and everyone thinks she on their side.

Then Luffy came in – and suddenly Nami was laughing, crying, shouting with emotions of sincerity. Suddenly Nami had a knife in her shoulder and a hat on her head, and friend (A Captain, a King) who would do anything for her.

Suddenly, Nami had to deal with emotions again.

(Navigator, my navigator, Luffy would call her, the words not like a chain but like a crown, like belonging to something loving once more. Never possessing, because as selfish as her Captain was he would always make sure they were free, but always his. (Because he’s selfish like that.))

The raging waters of her own heart were something she never thought she had to cross again, but she learned. Learned with the compass of her nakama’s laughter and love, and now…

Nami thinks she’s able to do well enough with herself.

But Luffy – her compass, or at least true north – has not.

He bottles it up in a bottle of optimism with a cork of smiles, and hides it behind a scarred chest. He hurts, and Luffy can’t lie but he can pretend nothing is wrong, but sometimes he doesn’t even do that (doesn’t he understand his fake smiles hurt more than daggers? Nami would know-) and instead looks so lost-

And his navigator has no chart to lead him by.

(But she hasn’t ever needed one before.)

Luffy has five bloody bullet wounds in one arm, twelve in the rest of his body and a collar around his neck – sea stone and near unbreakable. His chest is nearly caved in by a stray cannon ball, and it’s a miracle he’s still breathing despite the wounds scattered across his body, pale and unmoving.

It’s the worse Nami’s ever seen Luffy.

(She wonder’s if he was worse after Marineford, then dismisses the thought because of course he was.

Ace is dead after all.)

Nami’s hands are the only ones steady and small enough to help Chopper pick the lock around Luffy’s neck, and so she’s the only one allowed in the infirmary, only one besides Chopper allowed to see every little wound and every little pained gasp Luffy makes.

It makes her break a little inside.

Four hours later however, it’s over, and Luffy by some twist of fate is alive before her, breathing, as her bloody hands grip her pants.

Chopper tells Nami to wash up as he goes to bring everyone else in. Nami barely hears him, but she does register Zoro sitting beside her, ever the loyal first mate.

He has a straw hat gripped in his hands, but one look at her face, and Zoro plops it on her head.

She doesn’t question it – if Zoro does it, it means Luffy would have wanted it as well.

(She still wishes Luffy was awake to give it to her himself.)

Nami takes the third watch over Luffy. Chopper took the first and Zoro the second while Nami rested, but she doesn’t think she can rest anymore.

(The owner of the strawhat tied around her neck isn’t awake to claim it after all.)

It’s a day after the battle at this point, ship safely away from the Marine filled island, and captain sleeping away the battle fever (and torture) in the belly of their ship of dreams. There’s a pile of food beside the bed – Chopper says despite the wounds, Luffy should wake up sometime soon, so Sanji has been busy. Nami herself has a plate of sandwiches in front of her to snack on, and a few oranges to the side.

(One’s for Luffy when he wakes up – but only one. Nami can’t let her captain be spoiled after all.)

She is making notes about the log pose when she hears it – a soft rustling from the bed and a low, pained groan, in a familiar voice.

“Luffy!” Nami turns around, uncaring about the ink spilling about in her haste to see her captain.

But Luffy doesn’t see her despite the fact that his eyes are wide open. His eyes are glassy and hazy as he tries to sit up in bed, but his arm shake beneath him (7 total bullets had torn into his arms, regular but able to hurt due to the sea stone collar wrapped around her Captain’s neck (who only ever wanted to be free-)) and he collapses backward.

Nami opens her mouth to call out for her captain again but the words lodge in her throat as Luffy’s hand impossible drifts to his chest, where bandages cover up the scar.

He seems to panic at that, fingers gripping into the place where his scar should be, instead feeling only cloth keeping his chest together.

A scratchy sound, barely even a voice, whispers from his throat. “Ace…”

Nami stops cold in her tracks, feet as stuck as her voice.

Oh no – oh please no-

“Ace?” Luffy’s voice is still hoarse, but louder and more frantic. “Ace? Ace! Ace I’m here – where are you – where’s Ace?” He coughs, but that only makes him look down at his hands, which seems to trigger something even more horrific in his mind.

“No – No no nononono! ACE!” He tears at his hands, and that’s when Nami knows she can’t stay still anymore.

She dashes over, grappling at his hands to prevent him from pulling against the bullet wounds, to prevent them from tearing at himself, at his chest.

(His hands are calloused where they grip hers, only slightly bigger, but seemingly smaller with how fragile he feels right now.)

“Luffy,” She calls, voice firm and gentle as she sits beside him. There’s no tremor in her voice to betray the panic welling up inside her. “Luffy. Breathe.”

He doesn’t – instead his breaths get even shorter as he struggles to voice his desperate calls for his brother and his hands struggle further to get to his chest, to do what Nami doesn’t know but she doesn’t want to find out.

“Ace, Ace, Ace, Ace where are you ACE-“

“Luffy!” She regrets shouting as soon as she says it but at least Luffy’s words have stopped. “Breath. You’re on the Sunny, you’re in the infirmary. You’re safe, Luffy, you’re safe, we wont ever let something like that happen to you again, please, Luffy – “ She takes a breath and gathers her own composure.

She can’t help Luffy if she can’t help herself.

“Luffy,” Nami lifts Luffy up so he’s rest against her, able to feel her chest go in and out in big exaggerated movements. “Breath – c’mon, do it with me. In – 2, 3 – Out, 2 3. That’s it Luffy.”

And ever so slowly, Luffy’s hands stop gripping at his chest, stop pulling at his wounds. Ever so slowly, Nami helps Luffy navigate his way back home, back to himself.

Ever so slowly, Luffy comes back, until he gazes around with a confused look. “Na-Nami?”

“Yeah, Luffy,” she swallows back her sigh of relief. “It’s me. You back with me captain?”

It’s a long silence before he responds. But Nami’s patient, She allows Luffy to play with her hand in his, allows him to affirm that yes, she’s real and no, he isn’t back there. It’s a slow process, but

“I think so?”

It’s worth it.

Nami doesn’t talk to him about it the day of, or even the week after. Instead, she ambushes him on his first day allowed back on deck without supervision (medical supervision that is – Luffy’s a devil fruit eater with a penchant for trouble. Its good to make sure there’s someone there to shout “Man Overboard!” at all times.)

Most of the bandages are off at this point – rubber is wonderfull for healing stuff, and the future world’s best doctor does greatly help matters – all save for the swathe of bandages around his chest.

“Hey Nami,” Luffy greets first. “Wanna sit?” He pats the place next to him on Sunny’s head.

“Of course, Captain.” Luffy laughs as she stumbles on her way up, but scoots closer as she settles down.

Looking out at the sea, Nami understands why Luffy loves this spot. The light of the sun over the ways now, at dusk, makes the world seem like a fire of molten gold.

It’s beautiful.

But nothing gold can say, as that old book goes, and their silence is broken.

“Don’t scare us like that, okay Luffy?”

“Mmhmm.” He only hums in response, so Nami takes that as the okay to breach the territory they haven’t ever dared venture.

“Luffy… when you woke up for the first time, do you remember that?”

“Yeah…” His voice is suddenly ten times quieter, and the waves seem almost overwhelming in comparison.

“Were you thinking about Marineford?”

“… Yeah.”

“Mmhmm.” Its Nami’s turn to hum now, letting Luffy set the pace, letting Luffy stop the conversation if he wants.

(This is new territory, things yet to be charted. One misstep and her captain could be hurt, but Nami’s been mapmaking since she was born, she can do this, help her captain figure it all out.)

“Do you wake up like that a lot?”

“…Sometimes..” Nami doesn’t expect Luffy to speak much after that, and is surprised when he goes on. This time, his legs are hugged up to his chest, face resting on his knees as he looks out to see. Its almost as if he’s forcing himself not to touch his scar. “When I got out of Marineford, I was on Torao’s ship, all bandaged up. I didn’t know what was going on only that – that Ace wasn’t there and my chest hurt and felt too tight and there was pain everywhere and –“

“Luffy – Breathe.”

Luffy takes a deep breath, one that would be comical if the situation weren’t so serious, and continues. “And it hurt. And- And now sometimes I get reminded, and I don’t like it, and it feels like I’m back at Impel Down, and – and – and-” He gives up on trying to get the words out and buries his face in his knees, so uncharacteristically meek it hurts.

(It reminds Nami of herself, trapped in the map room at Arlong Park, terrfified that she was going to be crushed under the weight of the world.)

“Luffy – it’s okay. You’re not there anymore, okay?”

“BUT IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE THAT!” Luffy shouts, then rushes to hide his head again. He doesn’t like to shout at his crew in anything but joy, not since Water 7.

“And we will help you Luffy- You just have to let us. We can help make those feeling stop, okay? Okay?”

“But – I’m the captain, and –“

“Luffy. No. Look at me okay?” He looks at her, and Nami knows what she will say next won’t be enough, because Luffy doesn’t believe in words without actions, but it will be a start so they can help. “You don’t know how to navigate. You don’t know how to cook anything but barbecue meat, or swordfight, or snipe, or play the violin or build a ship or heal wounds or read poneglyphs. That’s why you have us, okay? And we’re here to help, Captain, help you reach the top and we won’t think any less of you if you need help. Let us help you Luffy, we want to – we can all see how you’re hurting.”

His face goes through an odd sort of emotion, but Nami can see what he wants. It’s good as yes anyway.

So she spreads open her arms, and her captain squeezes the life out of her.

(She doesn’t mention how her shoulder is wet.)

It’s different, Nami thinks, leading her captain back to the infirmary, already talking about ways to make all the pain ease up - (Making sure the bandages aren’t pressing, pain medication to ease pain in the chest and telling him where he Is when he wakes up – things to make him stop thinking of the aftermath of Marineford, just as they let Nami have her own cache of belli stored away, just as they give Robin a cup of warm tea after a fire on an island. Ways to fend off nightmares – Zoro wouldn’t mind another bedmate, moron that he is, and Usopp stays up late anyway.) – navigating for this captain. His waters are treacherous and his winds stormy, but behind all that is a steady smile of sunshine.

But if she’s able to guide him through it, maybe, just maybe, she can help her captain find himself again.

#monkey d. luffy #nami #cat burglar nami #roronoa zoro #chopper #Tony Tony chopper #op #one piece #whirlywrites #whirlywhat #fanfiction #writing #fanfic #opfic #luffy #zoro #whirlyanswers #ao3

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caelesjjk · 5 years

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Push (Part 4)

So basically, I’ve tried a million different way to get this to work, but it wont stop posting this huge space between the photo and the text for the fic every time I copy and paste, so just scroll down until you get to the text lol. Its there I promise. Hope every one enjoys! Leave some feedback if you can, it means the world!

Almost a month had gone by since my birthday, and now it was nearly Christmas time. I loved this city during the holidays. It was magic in every sense of the word. But the air was cold now, and the ground has been dusted with a few small layers of snow. The trees have traded in their colorful leaves for bare branches, and that part was always a little sad for me. Winter was funny that way, everything outside was losing layers while people were forced to add layer after to protect us from the elements.

The kids in my class were all extremely restless throughout the week, itching for Christmas break to finally arrive. Kindergartners were difficult enough as is to keep engaged, but throw in some sugar from all the treats they’d been consuming and it was a bit of chaos. But a chaos that I gladly welcomed in my life, I loved seeing them so happy. And truthfully, the promise of Christmas break excited me as well.

It was Saturday evening now, and I had been looking forward to this night for months. My erratic mother had gotten me tickets to see my favorite musical that was in town this weekend only. I couldn’t believe that I was actually going to see Wicked on the big stage. I had woken up far too early, but I couldn’t sleep any longer knowing that I was going to see something so amazing today. I had made sure to ask Michael weeks ago if he would go with me, and he was more than happy to accompany me. And things had been good between us.

Ever since Calum and I had talked the night of my birthday, things seemed to cool off. We still met at the coffee shop almost every morning to talk, but it was nothing more than that. I was learning more about each other in a complete platonic way. That’s something that friends did.

I wasn’t a huge fan of shopping, but I went out a few days ago and bought a dress to wear to the theater. It was a deep green color and made of the softest silky material. The thick straps lay loosely on my shoulders and the skirt was very short but I was confident in the way this dress made me feel. So I slipped it on and took my time styling my dark hair in loose curls, pulling it up slightly and pinning it in place. I kept the make up that I applied as simple as possible, only putting on some light eyeshadow and liner and just a bit of rose colored lipstick. Once I was completely ready, I grabbed my long leopard print trench coat in hopes that it would keep me warm in this tiny little dress.

Soon enough, my heels were clicking up the driveway to Michael and Calum’s house. I hadn’t had a chance to talk to Michael much this week because I was so busy finishing things up at school, but I knew there was no way he could forget something like this when he knew how excited I was about it. I took a deep breath before knocking on the door, unable to wipe the huge smile off of my face as I waited for it to open.

When the door finally swung open, the person on the other side of it was barely recognizable. They were dressed in some kind of costume with blue paint all over their face and arms.

“Michael?” I ask, my voice laced with confusion.

“Hey babe! What are you doing here?” He asked, stepping aside for me to come inside.

“We’re going to see Wicked, remember? Why are you dressed like that?” I was so confused, and I could feel my emotions start to bubble up in my throat.

“Oh shit, Iz. I forgot that was today. I’m literally heading out the door to ComiCon right now.” He motions towards a bag sitting next to the door.

“ComiCon? Mikey this is important to me. We planned this so long ago.” I sighed.

“I know, and I’m so sorry. I promise I’ll make it up to you. You look so pretty though.” He leans over and kisses the top of my head before he moves to pick up his bag by the door.

“I um…I guess I’ll go by myself.” I force a smile.

“You’re the best, Izzy. I’ll see you in a couple days okay?” Michael backs out the door, leaving me standing in his living room completely dumbfounded. He obviously had no idea how much this meant to me.

“That was awkward to witness.” I hear Calum’s voice say behind me, I almost jump out of skin. I turn towards his voice, even though I know there are tears pooling in my eyes about to betray me.

“Sorry you had to see it.” I sniffled, dabbing at my eye with the sleeve of my coat.

“What was all that about anyways?” He asks, sitting his book face down on the arm of the couch.

“It’s stupid. I should just go.” I dab my eye again.

“Try me, Bambs.” He stands up, and comes to stand in front of me. I can’t help but to start blubbering when I meet his eyes.

“My mom got me tickets to see Wicked. And Michael promised weeks ago that he would go with me. Now I’m all dressed up so I can go to the theater alone.” I’m half laughing, half crying at this point.

“Let me see the dress.” He takes a step back so he can look at me.

“What?” My eyebrows scrunch.

“Let me see the dress you’re wearing, Bambi.” His eyes widen expectantly. I look at him a moment longer before reaching down with my somewhat shaky hands to undo the buttons of my coat. I hold onto each side and pull it open slightly.

“Is it…is it okay?” I ask. His eyes wonder up and down more than once and his teeth sink into his bottom lip before he speaks again.

“It’s perfect.” He sighs. “Which is why I’m going to go put on something much nicer than sweatpants, and take you to the theater to see your play.” He steps around me and walks towards his room.

“Calum…you don’t have to do that.” I walk after him, my heart pounding at the thought of spending an entire evening with Calum Hood. Just when I thought I’d gotten past this.

“I’d be a fool to let that dress go to waste.” He smirks. “Wait here, I’ll make it quick.” He walks into his room and I’m left to my own devices in the living room.

I pace for a few minutes until my feet start to ache from the damn shoes I have on. I convince myself to sit down and do some deep breathing. Calum was just being a good friend. This wasn’t a date. This was just two friends going to see Wicked together. And no sooner had I started to breathe normally again, Calum comes walking out of his bedroom. His hair was styled to the side instead of the natural curls I was so used to seeing. His long legs were covered in black dress pants that had obviously been tailor made to fit him like utter perfection. His black button up was covered by what appeared to be a black velvet jacket with dark red filigree designs adorning it. I had no idea that anyone could pull off something this like until this moment.

“Holy shit.” I accidentally whisper out loud. I gasp, covering my mouth with my hand immediately.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Calum smirks, shoving his hands into the front pockets of his pants as he approaches me.

“You look great.” I sigh.

“Are you ready to go?” He asks. “We can take my car.”

“Yeah, let’s go.” I smile gently and follow him out to the garage where his car is parked. Calum even goes so far as to open the passenger door for me to get in first. He watches me as I carefully slip into the seat and situate my legs. The feeling of his eyes on me makes every inch of my skin tingle.

The drive into the city consisted of soft music playing, and not a lot of talking. We didn’t need to say anything right now. And once we reached the theater, Calum insisted that I let him drop me off at the doors while he went to park the car. He came around and opened my door again to let me out of the car even when I insisted that I could handle it.

“I’ll be right back, Bambs.” He said as he jogged back around the car, pulling away to park the car. I walked up a few steps and waited in front of the revolving doors, until a soft voice interrupted my thinking.

“Your husband is quite lovely.” An older woman with silver hair and a black shawl wrapped around her said.

“Oh. He isn’t my husband.” I laughed nervously.

“Boyfriend?” She questioned.

“No. He’s just a friend.” I explain.

“Your friend is in love with you.” She states boldly. I almost choke.

“I’m sorry?” My voice cracks.

“I was standing here, watching him watch you. Friends don’t look at each other that way.” She waves her hand, so much confidence in her voice.

“Well, he’s most certainly just a friend.” I pull my coat around me a little tighter, turning when I feel a hand touch the back of my shoulder.

“What are you doing out here, Bambi? It’s freezing.” Calum says, motioning for me to follow him inside. And it’s that moment, when I’m not sure if it’s what the crazy old lady was saying that was getting to me, or if I was just finally seeing things for what they were, but Calum was beautiful. More than just goofy little crush beautiful, he was full blown, heart pounding, stomach in knots beautiful. And I was crazy about him.

I shook it away, smiling and following him inside the theater. I had been here a few times to see other plays, and it never got old being inside. There were golden statues lining the walls and the marble staircases. Enormous pillars could be found here and there touching the high ceilings and leading up to all the intricate crystal chandeliers. The carpet looked like it had probably been here since the building was built but I was still the same lush maroon color it had always been. It was perfect.

“I’m just going to put my coat in the coat check area.” I told Calum, but he stopped me by gently grabbing my elbow when I went to turn away.

“Lemme help you.” He says lowly, using his pointer finger to make a circular motion, indicating he wanted me to turn around. I bit my lip, turning around and letting him help me slip my coat off my shoulders and arms. “I’ll be right back.” He says in my ear as he walks by.

When I’m able to focus again, I see the little old woman walking passed me and winking with a giant smile on her face. I couldn’t help but cover my mouth and laugh a little.

“What’s funny?” Calum says as he comes up behind me.

“Nothing at all.”I shake my head and walk towards the huge gold doors that lead into the theater.

The orchestra is playing quiet music as everyone enters the theater and finds their seats. Our seats were very close to the front and as we sat down, I couldn’t help but to smile as I stared at the giant red curtain currently covering the stage. There was something about the way it smelled inside the theater that made me incredibly happy. And as soon as the music started to play louder, and the lights turned down, everything felt right.

Wicked was one of those pieces of literature that played with all of my emotions. I was laughing one minute and crying the next. I felt Elphaba’s emotions throughout the entire thing. The acting was so spot on. They took the story from the book and turned it into a live action masterpiece. I don’t know how anything will ever top this. At one point during a particularly intense scene, I felt myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat, and when the climax happened I was gasping and grabbing for Calum’s hand, I held it tightly and didn’t even think about the fact that he wasn’t my boyfriend. He let me hold onto him, lacing his fingers through mine and rubbing my knuckles with his thumb to comfort me.

When the whole thing was over, and my mind stopped whirling, I still felt my hand in his. I knew I should pull it away, but I didn’t want to.

“That was so amazing.” I gushed, wiping at my cheeks to dry the happy tears.

“You’re beautiful, Izzy.” He sat forward in his seat in order to get closer to me. My heart clenched, that was the first time I’d ever heard him call me Izzy. It was always Bambi or Isabella.

“I um…thank you.” I breathed, moving my eyes down to our tangled hands.

“I think I watched you more than I watched the play. You were so invested, it was hard to look away.” He admits, still not taking his hand out of mine.

“I didn’t mean to distract you…I just love this play so much.” I shrug my shoulders and laugh lightly.

“I’ve got an entirely new appreciation for Wicked.” He smiles, the dimples next to his mouth and at the corners of his eyes showing. I had never wanted to kiss someone’s dimples before now.

“I feel like I’ve just gotten off a roller coaster. Thank you, for coming with me.” I squeeze his hand in appreciation.

“Are you hungry?” He asks, gently letting go of my hand. And as much as I wanted to grab it back, I let him stand up in front of me.

“What did you have in mind?” I stand up too, straightening out my dress.

“I know a few places around here. Let’s go.” He lets me out of the aisle to walk in front of him to the coat check out.

After we got my coat back, we walked to Calum’s car together, the smile on my face never faltering. The air was cold as it whipped my hair around my head but I didn’t mind it at all. Everything still felt so warm, and Calum stayed close to me the whole walk. His hand was on my lower back, gently guiding me and sharing his body heat. And as soon as we got to the car, he was quickly turning on the heated seats.

“Are you comfortable?” He asked.

“I’m perfect, to be honest.” I smiled over at him and he did the same in return. I could tell he was thinking about saying more, but instead he backed out of the parking garage and took a left into the city traffic.

Calum sang along to the music quietly. I had to strain to hear him, but his voice was so pleasant. I didn’t want to cross any lines, so I pushed away the part of me that wanted to ask him to sing louder for me to hear better, and just enjoyed the small bit he was willing to give.

“How do you feel about breakfast?” He asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

“My favorite meal.” I say.

“Good. Come with me.” He parked his car quickly, jumping out to come around and open the door again.

“You don’t have to keep doing that, you know?” I tease him about the door opening.

“You’ll never open your own door if you’re with me Bambi.” He helps me out, his warm hand back in mine. I take a moment to look at him, not sure how he really meant “with him”. He let go of my hand and walked up the sidewalk, stopping to wait for me.

“Coming.” I said quickly, making way to the door and inside the tiny little restaurant. It was warm and smelt heavily of pancake syrup and bacon. The booths were a red and white checkered pattern, the seats were torn in a few spots. I suddenly felt over dressed, but comfortable at the same time.

“Sit wherever you like, folks.” An older woman with her gray hair pulled back into a bun said. There were only maybe 10 tables inside, sort of like the Hatfield’s coffee shop.

I take off my coat before slipping into one of the booths, Calum doing the same on the other side. My bare legs slightly stick to the booth, but I can’t bring myself to mind it much. I was far too happy with this night to let something so small damper my mood whatsoever.

“Drinks?” The woman says with her notepad and pen in hand.

“Coffee, please.” I say.

“Same for me.”Calum replies as well. She doesn’t say anything else, just turns to go back behind the counter and retrieve some mugs.

“I still can’t believe this night really happened.” I gush as I scan my menu.

“And you’re happy?” He asks, I can feel his eyes watching me, so I look up to meet his pretty chocolate ones.

“I’m so happy, Cal.” I can’t help but to smile, breaking the eye contact before I find myself drowning in those eyes.

“Here ya go.” The waitress sits down the coffee mugs. “Food?” She asks next.

“Waffles and bacon for me, please.” I tell her, sliding my menu across the table towards her.

“That sounds perfect.” Calum tells her, handing over his plastic menu. The waitress sighs loudly, before she walks back to the kitchen area.

“How’s work for you?” I ask, my stomach is jumping nervously.

“Are we really going to make that type of small talk Bambs?” He chuckles lightly as he leans over the table a little.

“What else should we talk about?” I ask, trying to swallow the lump in the throat.

“Tell me why you’re still with Mike.” He says lowly. It sends sparks down my spine. I’m trapped in his gaze as he waits for an answer that I’m not sure how to give.

“I really like Michael. He’s good to me. And he’s really sweet.” I sigh, pulling my lips between my teeth.

“He didn’t go with you tonight.” He simply states.

“He just forgot we had plans. I didn’t remind about it this week.” It feels like I’m making excuses. And I know it’s because I don’t want to hurt Michael.

“Clifford didn’t give a flying fuck that you had plans tonight. Something better came up and he knew you wouldn’t fight him on it. You’re too nice, Isabella.” He sits back, his arms crossing over his broad chest.

“How do you know? He could have just simply forgot, Calum.” I can feel my eyebrows scrunch together in confusion and a bit of annoyance.

“Mike’s been my friend for a long time. You don’t think I know him?” He scoffs.

“Why do you care, Calum? What does it matter if he did stand me up?” My voice gets a little loud and I look around to make sure no one is listening.

“Because you deserve better than that. He should picked you up at your fucking door and drove you to that play. Because he fucking missed out, Isabella. He missed out seeing you smile all fucking night. You were so happy, and he missed it. Fuck him for that.” Calum’s breathing is a littler faster and his eyes wider as he finishes speaking. My mouth has practically dropped onto the table in shock.

“Calum…I…I don’t…” I start to say, just as the waitress plops our plates down in front of us.

“Eat up, Bambi.” Calum says, picking up his silverware and cutting into his food. I don’t push the issue, choosing to eat in silence the rest of the time we were there.

The walk back to the car was also very quiet, though he still stayed close to me until I was inside the car. But during the drive, he didn’t look over at me. I had too much to time to think.

I thought about what I had done wrong to make Michael forget about how important this night was to me. It was all I talked about for weeks. But maybe I deserved it. I deserved for him to hurt me when I was lusting after his best friend and roommate. It must have been the universe’s way of punishing me. But that didn’t mean it didn’t hurt. I released a shaky breath, a couple of tears rolling down my cheeks as I did.

“Are you crying?” His voice is laced with concern.

“Possibly.” I sob.

“Shit, Izzy. I didn’t want to make you cry. Please don’t.” Calum pulls into the driveway of the house, parking it quickly and turning his body towards me.

“It’s just…I don’t understand why he couldn’t just come with me. Am I really not important enough for him to remember something like this?” I continued to cry and look down at my hands in my lap.

“Don’t say that shit. Mike’s just an idiot.” His hand comes over across the center console to gently wrap around one of mine.

“Maybe he just doesn’t fucking care. God maybe I’m the idiot.” I half laugh, half cry.

“No. You could never be.” He tries to comfort me, but I can feel my chest heaving harder.

“I’m so stu-“ But I can’t finish my sentence, because Calum leaning across the console pressing his lips against mine. My words are lost on his lips.

It felt too natural. Too perfect. I all too willingly molded my mouth with his, salty tears mixing in with the slow movements of our lips. The rough pads of his thumbs found their way to my tear stained cheeks, wiping away the wetness and pulling me closer to him. I allowed one of my hands to slide up the side of his neck and cup just below his jaw.

It was wrong. So why did it feel so right?

“Shit. Shit, I’m sorry. I’m sorry I shouldn’t of fucking done that.” He suddenly pulls away, opening his car door and stepping out. “Just…sorry.”

He closes his car door, leaving me alone with my thoughts and more confusion than ever.

TAGS: @chilleezliz @slimthicccal @bbycal @kinglyhood @sugarcoated-pain @shower-me-with-roses @c-dizzle-swizzlex

#5sos #5seconds of summer #calum hood #calum hood fic #imagine #ashton irwin #michael clifford #luke hemmings #cth #push series #5sos recs #im really in love with this story #its going to get super interesting now #and probably smutty #i cant resist #5sos imagines #5sos fanfic

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kdtheghostwriter · 5 years

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SNK 115 - “OMW”

I mean...

Let’s be real. As far as Deus Ex goes, I’ve seen more preposterous this week.

If any of you are wondering why this post took so long, it isn’t for lack of time I assure you. This chapter was…a lot. And god damn, Isayama, I wasn’t expecting to dig up my Junior Year debate notes for this one blog post but here we are lads. Quick recap before we get into writers’ mumbo-jumbo.

Flashback

Deus EX

#HeelFloch

Sad Hange

RESURRECTION

We all know Isa loves his religious imagery. He isn’t quite as egregious as Zack Snyder (who is, tbh?) but it’s definitely a thing. He also loves mythology of all types. And while Norse mythology seems to be his area of expertise, it isn’t mine - which is why seeing Stupid Sexy Zeke emerge from his Titan Incubator made me think of another Stupid Sexy God from the Ancient Greek Canon.

I speak of the Goddess Aphrodite, who has dominion over love, beauty and its various trappings. Admittedly, this comparison is drawn in relation to aesthetics only. Zeke’s aloof temperament doesn’t really mirror that of the Greek goddess. Even though Aphrodite did technically help start the Trojan War but that’s neither here nor there.

Zeke’s appearance from the steam of the felled Titan is nearly identical to the foam that appeared during Aphrodite’s spontaneous conception in the Ionian Sea. For the sake of transparency, I must point out that long ago, a fanfic author by the name of Homer relayed to us that Aphrodite was the daughter of Zeus and Dione. This is not technically wrong but it is quite boring. And it was also pre-dated (shout-out to Hesiod). Uranus, the primordial god of the sky, got into a spat with his children as deities are wont to do. This particular dust-up ended in Uranus being castrated by his son – the Titan, Cronus – who usurped the throne. The disembodied testicles fell into the sea like a pair of primordial bath bombs and out of the resulting effervescence appeared a full-grown Aphrodite in all of her Tumblr-banned glory.

Zeke, with nothing left of him after the explosion than a head and torso, was taken into the gut of a waiting Titan. Let me clarify, here. He was not eaten, no. The mindless titan scooted itself along the river banks and inserted the dying Zeke into its stomach cavity. Then OG Ymir with her trademark PATHS Magiks, crafts the golden boy a brand new body and sends him on his merry way.

Like I said up top: of all the examples of Deus Ex, this isn’t even the third-most severe I’ve seen. The implications of it are…a lot. And it actually makes sense if you consider what we know about Titan Biology.

Back to the beginning. Once upon a time, the Founder Ymir Fritz made a deal with the Devil of All Earth that gave her untold power after coming into contact with the “source of all living matter.” With that power, Ymir became the Progenitor of Titan Power. Upon her death 13 years later, her soul was split into nine pieces and connected via a metaphysical system known only as PATHS. These PATHS transcend space and time and bind together every subject of Ymir, even those who have been long dead.

We also know that the Titans themselves are a conundrum of theoretical physics. Their mass and energy are created from nothing. They generate massive amounts of heat, but don’t appear to need fuel. They have no digestive system and regurgitate the contents of their stomach when it becomes full. Even though they are huge creatures, their actual limbs and body parts are incredibly light. Even though Zeke has little recollection of what happened to him post-explosion, he’s likely smart enough to infer, as we can, exactly how and why he emerged from the carcass of a Titan with a brand new body.

This is all before we mention that Zeke Jaeger is a part of the Fritz family tree. The Royal Family line that descends directly from Ymir herself.

I also thought about Lazarus of Bethany while reading this section. Lazarus was a good friend of Jesus, the lad from Bethlehem. Maybe you’ve heard of him. Jesus was told that Lazarus had fallen ill, but has business and doesn’t set out until a few days later. Jesus and his crew arrive in Bethany only to discover that Lazarus has already passed away. This leads to the Gospel’s shortest verse.

Jesus wept. [John 11:35, KJV]

Perhaps the better comparison for her is to Abraham (with the whole “making a great nation” stipulation). But! I’m trying to do something pithy here, so bear with me.

The story of Lazarus might be the Good Book’s most well-known resurrection (besides that other one). The idea here is that the world’s most Holy Figure decided that this man’s time on Earth wasn’t done. Jesus was too late to heal Lazarus and felt so guilty as to weep. Lazarus was then called forth from his tomb, still wrapped in his death robes.

For the Eldian Empire, no figure is more Holy than Ymir Fritz. She’s the Founding Titan and, if this chapter is to be inferred upon, her spirit still influences the will of her subjects to the day. An entire cult has formed with the sole purpose of returning her to her former glory. I should also point out that Zeke essentially committed suicide.

Like, yeah, maybe the injuries were a bit too extreme for an old shifter to be able to regenerate from, but even if that’s the case there would have been the telltale signs of an attempt to do so, like Pieck in Liberio. There wasn’t even that. He was so tired of the fight – so done with Levi torturing him – that he was willing to abandon his years-long plan entirely and sacrifice his powers to the shadows of death. He chose to die; the Founder chose differently.

The rainstorm clearing to make way for the sun. The beautification of Zeke Jaeger. The visage of his tall, strong frame standing firm as his hated rival lays broken and mutilated at his feet. It’s all very hard to miss. Who knows where his head is at following this? I do, however, finally know why I get so many Spidey Sense tingles whenever Zeke opens his mouth.

The name is Immanuel Kant: German scholar and one of the godfathers of modern philosophy. I first learned of Kant and his teachings as a teenager on my high school debate team as I prepared my cases for the Lincoln-Douglas competition. It was my first tournament and I placed second out of dozens of students. After I was done for the day, a girl came up to me and gave me congratulations for understanding Kant. I thanked her, but the truth was that I didn’t fully grasp Kantian philosophy until I got home that night and studied a bit more. Kantian ethics can be hard to grasp because they are often in conflict with each other. (Gee, that sounds familiar.)

Kant’s ethics are deontological in principal. This is a fancy way of saying that the main concern is the Deed That Must Be Done. It is a separation of morals from emotion. Kant rejected the Utilitarians of the day and their schools of thought regarding the inherent “goodness” of an action. Specifically, he had a big problem with Determinism, saying that things like free will were inherently unknowable; also, basing the morality of a decision around perceived outcomes was impossible, because consequences existed outside of physical existence and therefore could not be quantified. Kant set out to quantify the question of moral relativism with his most famous work: The Categorical Imperative.

This is a terribly complex system that has been repurposed and reinterpreted countless times over the past two centuries so I’ll spare you any ballywho. Basically, CI is the inverse of Consequentialism where everything but the consequences matter. Saving a person from drowning isn’t inherently a good action unless there is a logical reason for doing so. This is admittedly a very simplified summation, but even the expanded version leads to some dissonance of reason.

If we look at the Abstract of Categorical Imperative, it tells us: “Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself.” This line is very similar to the Golden Rule, which Kant famously opposed. The American scholar Peter Corning pointed this out, saying, “Kant’s objection is especially suspect because the Categorical Imperative sounds a lot like a paraphrase…of the same fundamental idea. Calling it a universal law does not materially improve on the basic concept.” To borrow an idea myself, it’s like playing the Super Mario theme in a minor key. It’ll sound more dour than usual, but it’s still the Mario theme. Joking aside, what’s important here is that the whole point of CI is to quantify the question of morality and it appears to do that in part by using the qualitative philosophy of the Golden Rule.

Another big beef came from Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. He felt that Kantian autonomy was insufficient in holding people to the standards of CI’s universal truths. In his words: “Kant was of the opinion that man is his own law – that is, he binds himself under the law which he himself gives himself. Actually, in a profounder sense, this is how lawlessness or experimentation are established.” In other words, if the only thing that matters is reasoning, you can justify almost anything to serve your immediate reasoning.

EXAMPLE

Here is where the dubious nature of the Categorical Imperative fully rears its head, as it displays BOTH the morality and immorality of Zeke’s plan.

On one hand, this plan is fucking awful. There are numerous and many arguments to be made against it; working solely in the context of Kantianism, it is irrational to presume that sterilizing the Eldian people will lead to a more peaceful world. It relies on a ludicrous number of assumptions – the least of which isn’t that Marley will one day stop being a total bell end. Besides that shit, it violates the nature of Kantian philosophy by attempting to foresee the outcome of the situation.

The other hand? It actually makes sense. CI says that only reason matters. It’s ethics through the lens of rational thought. No matter your thoughts about the Great Titan War, how it started and ended, whether or not the Eldians’ preceding subjugation was just or not, it’s a fact that the Titans have caused a great deal of suffering for many people. Only one race of people can transform into these beasts, so the idea of stripping their ability to reproduce isn’t a great leap to make. It is rational specifically in the context of this universe.

(Apologies for any details missed. I haven’t read any Kant in several years and this is a very condensed version of a concept I would encourage you to look into further. Thinking about this all now, the fact that I ever made it to out-rounds while arguing any of this is frankly absurd.)

It makes sense then, finally, why Yelena is so devoted to Zeke’s plan. Titans destroyed her home and slaughtered her people. The rational course of action is to remove this weapon from the hands of those (Marley) that would abuse them. And if those same perpetrators get screwed over during the course of this plan then…[Shrug Emoji]. She claims what she wants is justice. What she really wants, of course, is revenge. Just like her sensei, Jaeger-san, who wants revenge still. Which Jaeger, you ask? The answer is yes.

Situations have been reversed. The volunteers (and Onyankopon) are seated at the head of the table while the officers of the Garrison and Military Police that held them captive are under their thumb. Color-coded armbands are divvied out to the Eldian forces, juuuuust in case you forgot which period of history we’re sending up here. Armbands are assigned based upon when a person surrendered to the Jaegerists. Those higher ups (and Falco) that partook of the wine get their own special armband, because Everything Is Awesome!!

Then there’s this fucking guy. Before I revisited the world of epistemology, I had a much less astute take prepared about character psychology and the concept of the “Double Turn.” I may still write that as a separate post; it won’t do any good here. Reiner didn’t appear, firstly (even though it appears that he and the Warrior Unit are on Paradis), and the visage of a disembodied child using Titan Magiks to bring Zeke back from the precipice of death brings up some very real questions about how real the Curse really is. We don’t know how Ymir Fritz died originally. Given the way mythology tends to work, I’d say patricide is highly plausible.

As usual, all we can do is speculate. One thing that doesn’t need speculation is Pieck. As usual, she’s right on time. As expected, she’s exactly right.

Stray Thoughts

- As I noted last time, Levi was sent flying into the river. Evidently, he had enough strength to make it back to shore, just not much more than that. I suspect he’s alive for now but, goddamn did he get messed up. Levi underestimated Zeke’s suicidal tendencies, just as Zeke underestimated Levi’s tenacity. For two fellas that spent months in direct contact with each other, they have almost no clue.

- Not to stir the pot here but, here’s an in-story example of Kantian Ethics in case you’re still not quite sure. On the roof in Shiganshina – if Kant had been there (lol) – he would have disputed Levi giving the serum to Armin. Not for the reason you think. Categorical Imperative is all about reason. The reason Levi chose to save Armin is because he refused to rob his loved one of their humanity and instead chose to let him rest as opposed to reviving him for the sake of continuing a senseless, endless war. As Momtaku has said before: Levi chose Erwin over Armin. This was a choice made on emotional, borderline selfish, grounds and thereby irrational, which in Kant’s eyes makes it immoral. Just a little extra nugget for you. Discuss, friends!

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katie-dub · 6 years

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The Devil's Doorbell

A while back @winterbythesea shared a post with this amazing description of the clitoris: “That's the devil's doorbell and if you keep pressing it, soon enough he will answer.” So Svenja shouted fic prompt, as is her wont, and came up with this:

Emma wanders into the path of a weird curse or eats something she shouldn't or picks up an artefact she wasn't supposed to touch (Regina did warn her!) and suddenly every time she settles in to, ahem, ring the devil's doorbell... he answers.

So I wrote the thing and am sharing it now for @cscocktoberfest - I hope I’ve done you proud Svenja. This is more banter and innuendo with a sprinkle of smut, but I hope you all like it. (And I’ve got another Cocktoberfest fic to come next Wednesday!)

Thanks @initiala for organising this event, which gave me the nerve to actually post this. Cheers for reading this over for me @mahstatins and danke schön @distant-rose and @welllpthisishappening for chanting “post it!” at me ;)

Emma Swan was having a day. Or maybe a week. Possibly even a lifetime. It was one thing to discover after 28 years that she wasn't actually an orphan but a bona fide witch from outstanding magical pedigree, it was quite another to find herself expected to do something about it and take flipping magic lessons. Especially when her teacher was her sassy step grandmother who expected nothing less than total dedication at all times. Only today she had found her mind and her hands wandering resulting in such a sharp reprimand that she was almost glad that her entire family had been separated from her by a curse for her entire formative years.

(And, OK, maybe it was better not to touch strange magical artifacts that she had no knowledge or understanding of, but surely Regina didn't have anything actually dangerous in that vault of hers.. Right?)

Still though, the incident had left her feeling frustrated and full of pent-up nervous energy that she desperately needed to relieve. And what better way than with a little TLC?

She ran a deep bubble bath, downloaded the utterly ridiculous sounding trashy romance Manaconda to her kindle (figuring that if the erotica was subpar, it should at least be good for a laugh), and poured a glass of wine. She sank into the deliciously hot water and settled in for a night of fun.

It quickly became apparent that Manaconda, while hilarious, just wasn't going to do it for her. So she set her kindle to one side and closed her eyes, dreaming up a tall, dark and handsome man to help inspire her as her hands drifted down, stroking and teasing just as her fantasy partner did, before she moved to touch that one special spot...

“Well, well, well what do we have here?” Her eyes flew open and her hands shot away from her clit like she'd been burnt. She sloshed water out of the bath as she yelped, “holy shit!”

The intruder chuckled. “There's nothing holy about me, let me assure you.” She turned to look at him - god, he looked like her erotic fantasy come to life with his chiseled, stubble-covered jaw, lean but toned physique and perfectly mussed dark hair. He even had a perfect sultry voice with a British accent that really worked for her. Did her magical powers extend to wish fulfilment? Her cheeked burned at the thought. “Now why did you summon me - did you need a hand? Or perhaps there's another body part you'd prefer?”

She gaped at him. The man in her dreams was a lot less, well, annoying. “What the fuck?”

“Or do you simply need someone devilishly handsome to add a little spice to your fantasies?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively and she felt inexplicably pissed. How dare her fantasy lover come to life and damn well mock her? She'd heard of kink shaming, but this was ridiculous, could you even be shamed by your own subconscious? She briefly considered Regina's face if she were to ask. Yeah, that was not going to happen.

She sighed deeply, totally exasperated by this experience. “Get out before I do something that you'll regret.”

(He was a manifestation of her deepest desires and she figured that meant she could justifiably murder him if he pissed her off too much.)

He gave a short bow, said, “as you wish,” and disappeared.

Emma wondered if she could discreetly find a book on magical mishaps before the next time she needed to show herself some love.

As it turned out she didn't have time to look up her particular problem before she felt the urge to touch herself again. All the day after she first saw her dreams come true (and honestly she never thought she'd think that was a bad thing) she felt on edge and needy.

So that night she went straight home after her magic lesson, stripped off her jeans and jumped into bed. There was no need for teasing or delicacy tonight, she was already wet and wanting. She stroked her fingers through the wetness and circled her clit. She groaned in blessed relief.

“Oh it's you again, Swan.”

Despite her embarrassment at her fantasy lover once again appearing when she had her hands in her panties, Emma was deeply puzzled by this. “You again?” she repeated, “you know, I'd have thought a physical manifestation of my desires would sound a bit more pleased to see me.”

“Is that what you think I am?” Her fantasy was positively smirking at her. It was infuriating.

“Yes, of course that's what you are,” she huffed, more than a little annoyed at the need to argue with her own subconscious. “It's like you stepped straight out of my brain. All the details are perfect. Except you're far less chatty in my fantasies - you focus on winding me up in the good way.”

He laughed at that - actually fucking laughed out loud. “I'm no fantasy darling, I'm a demon. I can understand the confusion, it must be hard to believe anyone this devilishly handsome could be real.” She narrowed her eyes at him, surely no one this maddeningly arrogant could be real? And yet, he was living and smirking in her bedroom. “But here I am, answering your summons, the name's Killian, feel free to scream it out when you get back to business.”

She reluctantly pulled her hand from her panties and finally sat up so that she could glare at him. “I didn't summon you.”

“Oh but you did, probably subconsciously from the sound of it. Do you have magic?”

She shrugged. “Um, yeah, I'm a witch or something.”

He nodded sagely. “That'll be it then, powerful witches don't require complicated rituals to call upon demons in their hour of need. So,” his voice dropped to a sultry murmur and he stepped closer to her, “what do you need from me?” He pushed his tongue against the inside of his cheek and raised his eyebrows suggestively.

She pretended that it did nothing for her, even as she felt the need to press her legs together to dampen her desire. If anything, that made it worse. “I need you to get out.”

He quirked his head at her in disbelief, but nevertheless he said, “as you wish.” He vanished and Emma’s eyes closed. She deliberately focused on reliving a particularly excellent time with her ex Graham as her fingers got back to work.

“Ah. This is unfortunate. It seems you'll have to stop touching yourself if you want me to leave for good, Swan.”

Her eyes flew open at the sound of the British accent and she took in the unwelcome - and all too familiar - sight of Killian. “Why are you back?”

His eyebrows arched in amusement. “Well it would seem every time you - what do you Americans say - rub one out it summons me and I'm powerless to refuse the call. Now, how do you want me?”

“I don't!” she gasped, annoyed by the breathy quality to her voice. She tried to push herself upright, but her hand slipped and she ended up resting on her elbows awkwardly.

“I have strong evidence to the contrary. I can watch you if that's what you're into? Whisper sinful words into your ear? Provide manual assistance?”

Oh fuck a little hands on assistance would be incredible. She ignored the thought and hoped her body didn't betray its obvious delight at the idea. She feigned indifference instead. “Do you ever shut up?”

“I do find it's hard to talk when my tongue is engaged in more pleasurable activities.” His tone was matter of fact but the way he licked his lips and the look in his eyes was pure sin.

“Can you just leave?”

“And leave you wanting? That would be very bad form.”

“Yeah, I'm not in the mood anymore.”

“Shame. I'll see you next time, don't be shy about ringing the devil's doorbell if you feel the urge.”

“Did you just call my ...” Emma trailed off, lost for words in her disbelief.

“Well I answer every time you press it, seems fitting, don't you think?”

Emma's nose crinkled in disgust. “Just go.” It was going to be a long time before she even considered touching herself again. (Even if she did need a cold shower to help wash away the buzz of arousal and the tingle of disappointment.)

The next day she was feeling more than a little desperate. She tried not to give into the urge to fuck herself stupid but it was starting to almost hurt. She couldn't quite believe that there were people who were actually into this whole orgasm denial thing.

She didn't even make it to her bedroom this time. She just stuck her hand down her pants the second her front door closed behind her. Her fingers touched her clit and for a brief second she it was sheer bliss.

"You rang?" Killian was leaning against her kitchen counter smirking at her with undisguised glee.

She hastily pulled her hand from her pants. "I did not"

"Oh, darling, you know I'm bound to come when you do." He sauntered over to her, moving in close and biting his lip with undisguised want.

She gritted her teeth. "Well, you're early."

"I do apologise. Bad form, that. It's not usually problem for me.”

“Is there really no way to stop this?” she whimpered.

He stepped back, his seductive demeanour gone and scratched behind his ear thoughtfully. "It's not an affliction I've encountered before. Perhaps you need to find other methods of loving yourself - there's a number of toys you can purchase?" His face was a picture of false innocence. She wanted to smack the look right off his face. Or maybe kiss it off. Or perhaps she could just sit on his face… but no, her thoughts were not going there.

"Shut up."

"No? Well how about less sexual methods? There's meditation, manicures, massage - avoiding the obvious erogenous zone, of course."

He thought he was so cute and it drove her mad. "Bite me."

"If you insist.”

“That wasn't an invitation!” Even though her whole body screamed at her that it really, really should be.

“Are you sure? I'd make it so good for you.”

“And you've just killed my buzz.”

“I don't believe that for a second.” His eyes swept across her body, no doubt her dilated pupils, full-body blush and stubbornly heaving bosom betrayed her lie.

Traitor, she hissed at her own body in her head, before fixing him with a bright grin. “I'm all good thanks. Begone demon!” He raised one eyebrow in amusement, but vanished, leaving Emma to once again climb into a cold shower.

The next day she'd reached her limit. At the point where she seriously considered using a comfort break in her lessons to escape to the bathroom and make herself come she knew that she had to give into whatever weird curse she was under. She told Regina that she wasn't feeling well and wasn't surprised that she immediately suggested that she go home. She probably looked half crazed and she was damn sure it wasn't just her loins that were on fire, or whatever that stupid cliché was.

“Well hello.”

She was expecting him when she touched herself this time and she knew what she needed to do. “Turn around.”

“Pardon?” He looked genuinely affronted.

God, she didn't want to have to explain this. “I'm desperate, but that doesn't mean that I want you here, so just turn around and don't listen.”

He frowned at her. “It seems a shame to deny yourself the pleasure of my company.”

“And don't talk.”

“I can think of a better way for you to shut me up. If you would let me I would caress every inch of you with my lips and tongue. I would tease you, slowly licking my way closer and closer to that delicious bundle of nerves, drawing out every ounce of pleasure until you couldn't take it and you forced -”

“Stop talking.” Killian fell silent and she could almost tell herself he wasn't there. And that's how she liked it, because his little speech was definitely not causing her to shiver and little waves of arousal to run through her. She pushed the thought to the back of her mind and focused on making herself come. Except, nothing she did was quite doing it for her. She was doing everything right but since Killian had stopped his narration it wasn't enough. He was going to be insufferable. “.. Ok, I need it: tell me what comes next.”

His answering grin was wicked. “Darling, isn't it obvious? You do.”

If Emma had thought that giving into her desires would break whatever spell she was under, she was wrong. If anything the desire and sheer need was worse now. Her head echoed with the rich and detailed fantasy that Killian had narrated for her. She could see them acting out his words, she could feel it, and she was in a near constant state of heightened arousal. She cancelled all her plans for the day and tried to take her mind off her throbbing clit. Several times she realised that she was on the verge of touching herself with no recollection of a conscious decision to do it. She was feverish with the need to give into temptation.

At last she admitted that her attempts to resist were falling flat. We need to resolve this for good, she told herself when she accepted the inevitable, I have to see him so we can make this stop.

(Even she wasn't entirely convinced by her logic, but this way meant orgasms and relief.)

“We really have got to stop meeting like this, love, I'll start to think that you're just using me - and you're more than welcome to.”

“What have you done to me?” she whined. “The need to rub one out is just overwhelming.”

“I tend to have that effect on people.”

“I'm serious. I just need to touch myself. Constantly.”

Killian looked unbearably smug as he replied. “They say the devil makes work for idle hands. You haven't upset my boss recently have you?”

She glared at him. “I don't believe we've met.”

“You angered an evil witch?” She shook her head. “Stepped on cursed soil?” She rolled her eyes. “Handled a magical artifact?”

“I - er - may have done that last one?”

“Good, we're getting somewhere, any idea what it was?”

Emma wracked her brain, what had Regina called it? “The horny afro ditty?”

“You mean the Horn of Aphrodite,” he said with a smirk.

Emma waved her hand dismissively though it was hard to deny the blush that had spread across her face. “Yeah, that's basically what I said. So you know how to fix this?”

“Do you want the good news or the great news?”

Her heart sank at his delight. “Why don't I like the sound of this?”

“The good news is I know the cure. The great news is you'll get to kiss me.” He bit his lip suggestively. She ignored the tingle of arousal she felt in response.

“That's it?” She had to admit she was expecting something a little more x-rated. After all the symptoms were hardly as innocent as a simple kiss.

“Were you hoping for more? Can't say I blame you, I know my way around a woman.”

She frowned at him, shaking her head at his ego. (Even if she fully believed that he would be excellent at kissing - and the rest.) “It's fine by me. Just seems a bit..”

“Chaste?”

“Well - yeah.” She shrugged, trying to convey that it was totally fine by her.

“Aye. Well, I can see that love has been all too rare in your life.” She opened her mouth to argue but he silenced her with a raised brow. “In those cases it's not uncommon for the effects to get.. Lost in translation. Your need for intimacy has been misinterpreted as physical desire.”

“You think I need you?”

“You said it, not me.”

She scoffed at him. “Please. You couldn't handle it.”

He cocked his head at her curiously - somehow that one tiny gesture felt like a challenge. “Perhaps you're the one who couldn't handle it,” he said, tapping his lips.

He was goading her, there was no other word for it. He was goading her and she was uncomfortably horny and he was talking to her about physical desire and she never could back down from a challenge. That's why she wrapped her hands around the lapels of his jacket and pulled him down to her.

Several things happened the moment their lips touched. There was a burst of magic that seemed to pulse out of their lips. The all-consuming need that she'd been feeling eased, replaced by a pleasant tingle of desire. Her theory that he would be an excellent kisser was proved right - and then some.

The kiss was both soft and powerful, tender and passionate. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close and running his fingers through her hair. Somehow a simple press of his lips to hers felt more sensual and intimate and made her heart beat faster than all the teasing, innuendo, and dirty talk that they had traded. It felt more personal than all of that somehow, so much more than merely lips and tongues and teeth meeting.

When they broke apart to take a breath they stayed close. She hadn't let go of his coat, their foreheads were touching and they breathed in each other's air.

Until she remembered herself, then it was all too much. His cheeks were flushed and he was ghosting his lips over hers hoping for more. She pushed away and refused to look at him.

“That was -” he breathed.

“I think we broke the curse, or whatever that was,” she said brightly.

Her words seemed to snap him out of his haze. His eyes lost their sparkle and she felt bad immediately. “Unintended side effect - a magical mishap. ” His voice was flat.

“Like some kind of sexually transmitted demon?” she chuckled, feeling a little proud of the ridiculous joke, and hoping that it might bring back his mischievous demeanour, but he didn't react. She felt disappointed, but she decided not to dwell on it. This was just a magical mishap, as he said, one that she was happy to have resolved in such a pleasant manner. “Well, I feel nothing now, so that's good.” That wasn't strictly speaking true, but he didn't need to know that. “So, thanks for your help. Um. You can go now.”

“As you wish,” he said and vanished. She tried not to think about the fact that she probably wasn't going to see him again.

It would be ridiculous to suggest that Emma missed Killian. She barely even met him a few times when she had needed to relieve some tension. It was true that he seemed to step right out of her fantasies, but that didn't mean that she actually knew him.

Still, the next time she needed to show herself some love, she summoned to mind his image to inspire her. And if she half hoped that she would summon him in the more literal sense, that was no one else's business.

It was two weeks to the day since she last saw Killian. She was lazily reading through a magical text, eyes glossing over slightly at all the descriptions of the Amulet of Something Significant and So-and-So’s Macguffin, when she saw it: The Horn of Aphrodite. Fitting name, she sniggered to herself, remembering its intense effect on her, it certainly gave me the horn.

And Killian, another voice whispered in her head.

The Horn of Aphrodite, she read. An ancient Greek artifact bestowed upon the hero Paris by the Goddess Aphrodite to unite him with his True Love. It is said that… It took Emma a moment to register what she'd just read. It united some dude with his True Love. Right. But that had to have been a one time thing she mused, feeling an uncomfortable prickly heat spreading throughout her body. It is said that all those who handle the horn, despite Emma's alarm at the implication of what she was reading, she still smirked at that particular description, will summon their own True Love to their side.

If this artifact summons a person's True Love and if touching it had summoned Killian, that meant… Well, fuck.

“You're my True Love?” she blurted out the second he appeared.

“Believe me, I'm as surprised as you, my kind isn't exactly first in line for a happy ending. Well, not the fairytale kind at least.” He gave her with a lopsided wink and she rolled her eyes.

“Seriously? I'm having a crisis and you're making dodgy jokes?” She slumped into a chair in disgust. “Some True Love you are,” she muttered.

Killian sighed and pinched his brow. “What did you expect, love? I'm a bloody demon, not Prince Charming.” He looked at her earnestly. “I'm sorry that you have been landed with the likes of me, I'm sure you deserve better.”

Emma's heart went out to him - must be that whole True Love thing - and she patted the seat next to her. He sat down without a word. “Would it help if I told you that I always thought the prince was a bit of a dick?” He laughed out loud. “I'm serious! He's all romance and happy endings but how many princesses married Prince Charming?”

“You think it was the same Prince Charming in every tale?”

“All I'm saying is Charming is not a very common name.”

“You sound like a tough lass to woo.”

She shrugged. “Not really, just give me banging it out over a bouquet of flowers any day.”

“So shall we?” Killian turned to her, placing one arm on the back of the couch behind her head. He poked his tongue into his cheek and wiggled his eyebrows at her cheekily.

She twisted towards him. “What?”

“Bang it out?”

Emma answered him with a brief, bruising kiss. She pulled back and grinned. “I thought you'd never ask.”

She had expected a good, hard fuck, not his tongue all over her, worshipping her, easing her into her orgasm. It was lazy and tender. She felt cherished and worshiped. Usually that would be enough to make her come and run, but it felt.. pretty nice actually.

She felt a blissful calm running through her, she sleepily looked down at Killian between her legs. He was grinning at her, delighted at her obvious pleasure, it was a good look on him. She closed her eyes and relaxed back against the couch.

Dimly she was aware of him moving away from her, but it didn't fully register until he scooped her up into his arms. She squealed and flailed her arms, startled by the movement. He laughed and pulled her closer to him. “Relax, love, I'm just taking you to your room.”

“Hoping I'll return the favour?”

“I'm hoping to have you on your hands and knees while I shag you senseless and it seems like very bad form to allow my True Love to get carpet burn the first time we fuck.”

“How thoughtful.”

“So what happens next?” They lay naked and sated in bed when Emma finally asked the question she’d been thinking about ever since she first read about the Horn of Aphrodite. Killian looked over at her and lazily quirked an eye at her. “With the whole True Love thing?”

“Oh, of course.” He turned on his side to look at her properly, licking his lips. “How does a lifetime of sexual bliss sound?”

She grinned in reply. “Perfect.”

#cs ff #cs cocktober #captain swan #katie dub writes #cs smut #ish #more smut glitter tbh #but i hope you like it

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xxwritemeastoryxx · 5 years

Text

Forgotten Alliance Ch 24

Author: xxwritemeastoryxx

Pairings: Elijah Mikaelson x OC with other parings mentioned throughout.

Word Count: 3.3K

Warnings: Canon Typical things

Author’s Note: As a reminder, FA can be found on ffnet up to chapter 42. I am uploading chapters here on tumblr for convenience. I decided against tagging this until new chapters are posted. If you would like to be tagged please let me know! Chapters are queued and will be posted randomly. Chapter from here on out are not aligned with any episodes. Enjoy

"You seem to be troubled." Jess said as she stepped out onto her porch with Elizabeth. Elizabeth and Veronica had been at Jess's house for several hours. Jess had been able to show Veronica several things that she had learned. Veronica had been the happiest Elizabeth has seen her in quite some time. She felt better knowing that Veronica would be able to do some kind of magic now.

"I feel as though I have the weight of the world on my shoulders." Elizabeth said shaking her head slightly. In a few hours she was supposed to put a plan into action to get Aurora. And at the same time she needed to make another to give Marcus so he wouldn't sabotage the other. On top of it all she was going to attempt to make a trip to visit Hayley and Hope. She had been gone long enough and she needed away from the city for a little.

"If I said I knew what exactly you are going to do, would you like to see it?" Jess tried offering. Being a seer had some perks.

"That is cheating." Elizabeth said chuckling.

"Didn't stop you before." Jess said smiling at her.

"Now look where that has gotten me." Elizabeth looked up at the night sky. "Its not gonna change the past, its only going to make me freak out about what is to come."

"And what exactly is to come?" Jess asked wanting to hear it in Elizabeth's own words. Even though she has already seen what will happen, Jess was curious to know what had worried her friend the most.

Elizabeth hesitated a moment. "The back booth at Rousseau's." She said with a sigh. With the visions that Jess had showed Elizabeth the night everything had gone down with the originals, she showed her one vision that left Elizabeth more worried about what would happen then instead of the worries she had for Aurora or even for the cures.

"Would you like to know when?" Jess wanted to ease her worry.

"No." Elizabeth shook her head. "I don't want to know when. I already know it is coming. I'd rather not have a countdown of the inevitable."

"What is inevitable?" Veronica asked walking out of the house.

Elizabeth looked back at her. "Life. Even as a vampire there are things we need to face even if we rather not."

Veronica rose an eyebrow. "What has you worried, Liz? You sound like something bad is going to happen."

"Not for some time." Jess said with a slight nod. "I showed Elizabeth some visions several months back."

"What is going to happen?" Veronica asked curiously.

Elizabeth sighed. "A deal that will make and break everything."

"Don't you mean 'make or beak'?" Veronica questioned.

"No. I meant what I said." Elizabeth said before taking a step off the porch. "Some deals do both while others are one or the other."

"Is this deal bad?" Veronica asked. "I mean if it does both, is it really that bad?"

"I'll explain that when the time comes." Elizabeth said before she gave a nod towards Jess before she and Veronica headed to the car to head back home.

On the drive back to the compound, Elizabeth had thought hard about what plans she wanted to put into motion. It shouldn't have been hard to come up with a fake plan and a real one. But Elizabeth was having some trouble with it. It wasn't until she reached the compound that an idea had formed. It was going to seem like a meaningless plan, but it was one nonetheless. While Veronica had went into the compound and head to to bed, Elizabeth stood outside of it for a few minutes before she made her way over to where Marcel had his 'garden'.

She walked through it as her eyes had wandered in every direction. While all the vampires that had been kept down here had been killed some time ago, it still felt eerie being down there. There was just something about this place that would probably make any human go running out of here. But as Elizabeth walked through it, she had found an empty space that had been left for anyone that Marcel would have seen fit to be placed there. And while Elizabeth already had her plan of what was to be done, this specific space made it more of a perfect plan. A grin slowly spread on her lips and she set to work.

Come morning, Marcus had done as he was told and the compound had been filled with vampires that were willing to help out to see an end to Aurora. Elizabeth had stood on the second floor and looked down at all of them. Her fingers tapped on the railing for a moment as she got her thoughts together one last time.

"As you all probably know," She said around at them all. "Aurora has escaped her stone prison. Of course she is now killing the locals and per the new rules that have been established, she will receive the death penalty. I have a guess as to why she has been acting out as she has. I can only assume it is because she is trying to really piss me off or she wants Klaus's body."

"Don't you have him hidden?" Josh asked looking up at Elizabeth.

"I do and I have just moved him." She said before looking to Marcus. "I have moved him into the garden. He is of course still spelled and I am only one to remove him from there. I need you to take a few of the vampires and keep watch over the garden."

"You want us to be guard dogs to Klaus's body?" A vampire asked.

"Isn't that pretty much leaving him open to be killed by Aurora?" Another vampire asked.

"What I want is for you to watch the entrance to the garden." Elizabeth said shaking her head. "I am bold enough to use a live mouse in this trap. But do not step into the garden at all." She warned. "It has a barrier spell that once a vampire enters, they cannot leave. Those that are not with Marcus will be resuming life as normal. But if you see Aurora, have some fun." She gave them a nod of dismissal and she watched as they began to leave. "Josh," She called out to him. "A word please."

Josh headed up the stairs and followed her into an office. Elizabeth closed the door behind him and sighed. "You know that I trust you right?" Elizabeth asked.

"Well, yeah." He said with a small smile before it faded. "Did I do something to break that trust?"

Elizabeth chuckled and shook her head. "No. You have done nothing wrong." She said and Josh relaxed. "If things go as planned-"

"That plan is kind of crappy, no offence." Josh said cutting her off.

"It was a fake plan." She said with a smirk.

Josh's eyebrow rose as he looked at Elizabeth. "What do you mean?"

"While I do expect Aurora to go in search for Klaus it is mostly to make our spoiled princess a bit more pissed off." She said with a shrug.

"Where is Klaus?" Josh asked.

"In the same place I have had him hidden." Elizabeth admitted. "Though the exact location of where, I wont say."

"Right, cause that is the only thing you don't trust me with." Josh said with a shrug.

"I don't trust anyone with that information." That had been a lie. Veronica knew where Klaus was. But she after she had woken up that first night, she never went back to that room and probably doesn't even really remember that she shared a room with the Original Hybrid. "Now I am leaving for the week to take care of some business outside of New Orleans. I need you to keep an eye on Veronica for me."

"You want me to play babysitter?" He asked

"No. I'm asking to be her friend while I am gone." Elizabeth shrugged slightly. "Show her around town, take her out to Jess's, or anything that keeps her occupied while I am gone. But to also watch her and make sure nothing happens to her."

"Got it." Josh said with a nod. "Where are you even going?"

"Now that is a secret I cannot share." She said with a smile at him.

When Elizabeth pulled up to the familiar house, a smile slowly spread on her face. Hayley and Hope were outside. Hope was running around the yard chasing after the bubbles that Hayley had been blowing out for her. When Elizabeth parked and got out of the car, Hayley looked up and a smile grew on her face and nodded at Elizabeth. When the bubbles had stopped, Hope had looked to Hayley before she turned and see Elizabeth. That was all it took for the toddler before she went running towards Elizabeth.

"Liz! Liz! Liz! Liz!" Hope yelled as she ran. Elizabeth laughed and held her arms open for her and she jumped into her arms.

"Hi Hope." Elizabeth as she stood up and held her. Hope had a huge smile on her face and it made Elizabeth smile even more.

"That was a long few days." Hayley said with a smile.

"Believe me it really was." Elizabeth tried explaining. "But I was finally able to get a way for a while." She walked closer to Hayley and once she was, Hayley lead her into the house.

"Its been over a month since I've asked you to come for a visit." Hayley was concerned. "What was it that was keeping you?"

"There was a vampire in town killing off locals." It wasn't exactly a lie, but Elizabeth just didn't say who it was that had been doing the killing. "A lot of damage control needed to be done."

Hayley shook her head. "There is always something in that City." There really was. There was no stopping anything from happening in New Orleans. The last year and a half alone had been enough to make it so that if Elizabeth wasn't trying to make things right, she would have left some time ago.

Elizabeth was about to say something when Hope placed her hands on Elizabeth's cheeks demanding her attention. Elizabeth smiled and looked at her. "Yes?" She asked.

"Door." Hope said before removing one of her hands and pointed towards the basement door.

"I told you she always wants down there now." Hayley said shaking her head slightly. "She has been trying to get back into that dreamland."

"Has she been able to?" Elizabeth asked. Part of Elizabeth hoped that she had been able to.

Hayley sighed. "No. She hasn't." Elizabeth nodded slightly disappointed.

"May I take her down there with me?" Elizabeth asked. She wanted to go down and see Elijah. She figured if she took Hope down there, she wouldn't bug Hayley about going down there for a while.

"Of course." Hayley said with a small smile. "Afterwards we'll go out to the park or something."

"Sounds like a plan." Elizabeth said with a nod. Hayley handed her the key to the basement and Elizabeth unlocked it, and took Hope down with her.

Hope seemed to have gotten excited the moment she realized she was able to go down to see her uncles and aunts. She had this huge grin on her face and she pointed for at each of the coffins that was there. Elizabeth had chuckled at her excitement. Elizabeth ran her free hand over Elijah's coffin as she walked along it. Even though this would be the third time Elizabeth had seen Elijah in a coffin, the feeling in her chest had never changed. It was a heavy feeling of not knowing when she would actually be able to see him awake. It was hope that filled her that if she opened the lid she would find him awake and not in the deep sleep that he was in.

But when she did open the lid, nothing had changed. Elijah was in the same deep sleep he had been in. She smiled down at him as she ran her fingers over his cheek. She had closed her eyes trying to hold back the tears that seemed to be fighting for release. Elizabeth still hated everything that had happened and seeing him like this, it was enough for her to feel sad, angry and guilty for this. No matter how much she was trying to fix this, it was still her fault.

"Down." Hope said excitedly and Elizabeth opened her eyes to find herself back in the dreamland.

Elizabeth set Hope down, shocked that that they were back here. It made her wonder what really it was that had brought them here. Hayley had said that Hope had been trying, but no matter how much and how hard Hope tried, they couldnt get into the dreamland. Taking Hope's hand, they walked through the grassy field just as they had done before. It seemed that both of them had a faster pace in their steps. When the house had came into view, Elizabeth seen Freya run out of the house.

There was a smile on her face as she looked at them. Once Hope saw Freya, the little girl was no longer walking fast, she was running. Elizabeth smiled and walked over to both of them. Hope was now in Freya's arms as Freya gave her several kisses on her face. When Elizabeth reached them, Freya hugged her.

"I didn't believe I would see either of you again." Freya said with a grin on her face.

"Believe me, I know the feeling." Elizabeth said looking around. "Where are the others?"

"They will be back shortly." Freya said with a nod. It had caused Elizabeth to look confused.

"Where did they go?" Elizabeth asked. She really didn't think there was anywhere else for them to go.

Freya laughed. "When I created this place, I added a lake not to far from here." She explained. It was then that realization had dawned on both of them. "How long do you think your visit will be?"

"I honestly have no idea." Elizabeth said worried that she may not even get to see Elijah. Freya looked out into the distance and sighed.

"Come inside," She said walking up the porch steps. "Make the best of your visit. I'm sure they will be here soon."

Elizabeth followed her inside and she had been quite shocked to see how the house had look from the inside. It had been nothing like she had expected it to be. She had assumed that there would be artwork, antiques and furniture that they had within each of the rooms of the Compound. Instead it was almost similar to what would be in one of those home decor magazines. It was simple. There was nothing that looked as if it had been centuries old.

"Not at all what I was expecting." Elizabeth said as they walked through the house.

"It was the home I always imagined we would live in once we were all together." Freya said as she placed Hope down on the carpeted floor. A second later a bunch of toys appeared in front of Hope and the girl squealed in excitement before she started playing with the toys.

"You can still control everything in here?" Elizabeth asked as she watched Hope playing with the toys.

"Some things, yes." Freya said. "Other things, not so much." Freya shrugged.

"Like what can't you change?" Elizabeth was curious about it.

"I can't change the basics of what I had included in the spell. The house doesn't change, the garden stays blooming no matter what, and its always bright and sunny here with a slight breeze." Freya smiled and Elizabeth couldn't help but smile back.

"It's a whole lot better than living at the compound." Elizabeth said with a slight nod.

"How is it out there?" Freya asked.

"It is a work in progress." Elizabeth admitted. "I have vampires going after witches and humans. I'll admit it is a mess."

"Who is in charge of the witches now that the link to the ancestors was destroyed?" Freya asked as she sat down on the couch.

"Vincent." Elizabeth said with a nod. "He's got them more organized and doing better than before the ancestors were cut off."

"Liz." Hope said causing Elizabeth to look down at her. Elizabeth was hoping that it wasn't already time to go back. Hope looked up at Elizabeth and held out a toy and it caused Elizabeth to relax a bit. Elizabeth walked over to her and sat down on the floor with her and took the toy Hope had handed to her.

"She's talking a lot more." Freya noted.

"Yeah and it was surprise that she learned my name." Elizabeth admitted. She was still shocked that out of all the names she could have learned, it had to be her name.

"How are they?" Elizabeth sighed and shrugged slightly.

"They seem okay. I know that this one here has been trying to get her magic to work. " She nodded towards Hope.

Freya had grinned. "Has she been able to do anything?"

"Well, if she is the one that got us here, she can do that." Elizabeth said. "But when ever she tried with Hayley, there was no luck."

"That is a bit strange." Freya noted. "Why would it work with you but not with Hayley?"

"That I have no cl-" Elizabeth was interrupted by the front door opening with Kol and Rebekah arguing.

"Must you be an idiot?" Rebekah asked as she smacked him over the head.

"What the bloody hell, Bekah?" Kol asked as he attempted move out of her reach. Elizabeth stood up from her spot and it caught the attention of Rebekah and Kol that they stopped in their tracks and stared at her.

"Is the bickering really necess-" Elijah had started to say but stopped when he seen that his younger siblings had stopped right inside the door. When he looked over and saw Elizabeth standing next to Hope, a smile grew on his lips. "You're back."

Elizabeth nodded and smiled as she watched him move around Kol and Rebekah. "I'm back."

#The Originals #the vampire diaries #Forgotten Alliance #elijah mikaelson x oc

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365daysofsasuhina · 5 years

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[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Forty-Eight: Dancing ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina, NaruSaku ] [ Verse: Healing Waters and Scorching Flames ] [ AO3 Link ]

Up until meeting the Avatar, the only dancing Hinata had ever done was the occasional traditional routine in the Southern Water Tribe’s various festivals. Of course, as she got older and the raids left them listless, such celebrations were cut short until they were nonexistent. And her time traveling with their ragtag group, attempting to save the world from the encroaching Fire Nation, left little time for play. Children though they were, the burden upon their shoulders had to take precedent. All too quickly, the lot of them were forced to grow up.

Which was...easier for some than for others.

Naruto, what with his element of air, was simply playful by nature. Even early on in their journey he insisted on taking time out of their way to pull pranks or visit places that had little to nothing to do with mastering the four elements. As exasperating as the rest of them found it at times...it was, admittedly, a silently welcome respite.

But the more time went on, and the shorter they learned their window grew, the less Naruto allowed himself to become distracted. No more side trips. No more breaks.

And then, with one final battle...it was over. Suddenly they weren’t just beacons of hope - they were true-to-life heroes. They - even if most of the credit was Naruto’s - had brought a war a century in the making to an end. The Fire Nation was defeated, the Fire Lord bested. Peace, at last, could resume.

But it wasn’t easy.

All of them had work to do. Lands living so long until the grip of the firebenders were suddenly free, and not all of them with stable means to regain their independence. That’s where Naruto and his role of Avatar came in, alongside his young but seasoned friends. While Sasuke’s inclusion had left some sticking up their noses, his experience was - admittedly - invaluable.

He’d been raised a prince, after all: embroiled in politics from a young age. Misguided, sure - brainwashed, most certainly. But that didn’t mean he didn’t learn, even with the bias that came with it.

So, it was mostly them as a pair that negotiated and led. Hinata’s main concern had been the freeing of imprisoned waterbenders, and their reintroduction to society and fresh air. The old woman that had shown her bloodbending had been warning enough: she had to be careful with those who had spent anywhere from months to years to lifetimes under firebender thumbs for the crime of being a waterbender.

But once things began to settle - once some semblance of normalcy returned - celebrations began to take place.

Everyone everywhere had something to sing and dance about. Even the Fire Nation - battered and wounded in pride as it was - needed to embrace change, and peace. Festivals of every banner began cropping up like flowers from beneath the ashes of a wildfire. And given their importance, the group was invited to as many as they could physically attend, if not more so!

Naruto reveled in them. At last he could let loose as his element was wont, and of course he never minded people praising him. Sakura had to keep an eye on him and bring him down whenever he floated a bit too high in any sense, but even her stubbornness was lessened in the wakes of the celebrations. All of them were hard pressed not to find relief in the gatherings.

Of course, Hinata had never been fond of crowds. Her village had been small, and her nature reserved. But one could still find her lingering around the edges, watching with happy, if not tired, eyes.

Another face she often found lurking was Sasuke’s. It was no secret his guilt at his actions - as well as treatment still received for it by some - made him...wary of such goings-on. He had no intention of his presence ruining the atmosphere and people’s fun. But there was still a longing on his face Hinata couldn’t help but feel sympathy for.

But it’s been years since then. Now the group of them are grown, with even more responsibility than they had before. Hinata is the upcoming matriarch of the Southern Tribe. Naruto still travels and attends to his duties, all while working on plans for a unified city in the heart of the nations. Kiba tends to the navy, Sakura helping train upcoming metalbenders. And Sasuke serves as right hand for his elder brother, the Fire Lord.

None have much time to spare. But with the tenth anniversary of their victory and peace upon them, there’s no excuse to miss it.

It’s held in Ba Sing Se, as best to meet in the middle of the lands. And all of their old troupe is in attendance. Greetings are had, comparisons of work loads made: all the expected banter of friends who’ve gone too long without seeing one another.

Hinata greets them all cordially, giving warm smiles and warmer hugs. Then there’s the obligatory banquet, including a heartfelt (and rather unscripted) speech by their Avatar. And it’s only once they’ve all had their fill that the main event begins.

Dancing.

It includes displays of regional dances: all brought together to celebrate the diversity of the lands, but also the balance and unity between them. Unlike as a child, Hinata isn’t part of the spectacle. Instead, she watches proudly as waterbenders of all ages go through long-standing, traditional movements: part dance, part bending.

All four lands have their routines, and then a final unified performance that gets wild applause from all in attendance. It’s then the floor is opened, and anyone is allowed to take part.

Watching, as always, Hinata is content in it for a time before spotting Naruto and Sasuke a short distance away. They seem to argue quietly before the blond gives up, abandoning his friend to instead have a dance with Sakura.

Observing the exchange and then glancing between the parted pair, Hinata finds the Fire Nation prince looking much as he used to: hanging around the edges and watching almost painfully.

...so she decides to intervene.

“Beautiful night, isn’t it?”

He jumps a bit, clearly not expecting - or noticing - her. “...it is.”

“Any inclination to join the fray?”

“...not really. I’d only be in the way.”

“Oh, I doubt that - surely you, as a prince, were taught to dance?”

That earns a glance. She takes his silence as a yes.

“Well, would you care to show me how? I bet it’s quite different than what I was taught.”

“I…” There’s a hesitation. “...I don’t want to interrupt.”

“Sasuke.” Hinata gives him a look. “You aren’t the corrupted prince anymore -” his flinch is ignored “- and you aren’t about to bring the party to a grinding halt just by dancing. I can see you want to - just go have a little fun!”

For a moment, it doesn’t look like he believes her - his gaze moves back out over the party.

“...just give it a try. If it goes poorly, we’ll stop. If not...we can keep going.” Her head tilts, trying to catch his eye. “...please?”

A soft sigh heaves through his nose. “...all right.” To her surprise, he offers a hand, which she takes, and leads her out into the throngs.

No one stops. No one stares. They’re all too busy with their own dancing. Sasuke seems to see as much, eyes flickering around before moving back to Hinata. “...why don’t we just start with the basics?”

“Sure.” She lets him guide her hands into position, unable to help a small smile at his flush as he takes her waist.

“Then, we just…” There’s a step, letting her mirror it before taking another. Eventually, they make a small loop of movement much like many others are doing. It’s nothing flashy like she’d expect from a nation of fire, but...it’s nice enough.

“How long has it been since you’ve done this…?”

He heaves a small sigh. “...a few years. Itachi’s held some gatherings in the capital, and...I was encouraged to attend. I didn’t feel so -” Realizing what he’s admitting, Sasuke quickly clams up.

“...I don’t blame you for fearing their reactions,” Hinata offers softly, still following his lead. “But things have changed. Especially you. You shouldn’t let that fear deprive you. Look at all you faced: a few glares and muttered curses surely can’t be any worse, can they…?”

“...you’d be surprised.”

It’s her turn to sigh. “...well, pay them no mind. We know who you really are, and all the good you’ve done. Yes, you still made mistakes,” she goes on, cutting off his predicted retort. “But those are behind you now. And from that day forward, we should all be looking forward. No more back. It’s like...dancing.” There’s a smile at his frown. “Even if you had a few stumbles...look at you now. And you can’t just stop dancing because you make mistakes. The only way to get better...is to keep practicing.”

He doesn’t reply, instead looking quietly thoughtful. Hinata doesn’t interrupt - instead, she leans a cheek against his chest...which immediately makes him stiffen as the gap between them shrinks to nothing.

“H...Hinata…”

“Hm?”

“...nevermind.”

Her lips lift just a hair, eyes closed.

She’s going to have to take time to dance more often.

Late OTL Some more AtLA crossovers - been a while since I've had a chance to use this verse. It's one of my favorites to do, in all honesty. It's just such a neat parallel to a lot of things in Naruto canon, but with enough different to keep it interesting! Anyway, that's all I've got tonight. Though, just a heads up: things irl are very...unsteady lately, and may start shifting soon. And there MIGHT be a chance of my ability to post being interrupted. While it's not a for sure thing yet, just thought I'd warn you all now. Really hoping it doesn't come to that, but...well, life's been kinda hard in my household lately. I don't want to get too personal, but as it might affect my work here, thought it best to just be upfront. We'll see how things go. But until I can't anymore, I'll keep on posting! Thanks so much for reading!

#uchiha sasuke #hyūga hinata #sasuhina #narusaku #healing waters and scorching flames [ au ]#365daysofsasuhina

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drblueneck · 5 years

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Massive Genderbent AU - Rookie 9 edition

Ok. I should really NOT be writing that, but that little shit of a story wouldn’t leave me alone and I couldn’t focus on my studies and I was going CRAZY. So, here. It’s written. NOW LEAVE ME ALONE BRAIN, LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!! I decided to post it, because I want people to enjoy the beauty of genderbender. This will turn into a fullfledged story. Maybe. Probably. Certainly. But not right now. Because I don’t have time. I NEED TIIIIMMMME.

As spring was in full bloom, it was time for Hideo-sensei - Head of the Academy - to peruse the new application forms for the upcoming year. Going through each of them and smiling at the familiar clan names, he took him a moment to notice the higher than normal percentage of girls being enrolled. As he took a closer look, his surprise went up a notch. The heirs of the most prominent ninja clans were to be in the same year class, and all but two were females. It had been a long time since such a thing happened! Hideo-sensei idly wondered if the girls would be up to par with the boys, and winced at the ludicrous idea of Genin teams made up mostly of kunoichi - their strength would never amount to that of their male counterparts, science said so. Or, well, science said so before Tsunade-sama gave it the finger... Hideo-sensei shook his head and snorted. Frankly, what were the chances for all these girls to end up like the legendary Sannin? Prodigies were a fluke, not the norm.

With a rueful sigh, he closed the files and signed them, already mourning for this future batch of Genin who would more likely than not bring down their forces’ strength for months, if not years - that is, if they ever graduated instead of mooning over boys like so many were wont to do in their debute... Hopefully, these kunoichi would have a wake-up call sooner than later!

Years later, looking back on this biased oversight, Hideo-sensei would berate himself for dismissing so easily what Konoha saw as its new rising stars and the best ninja of their generation.

Shikaku stared at his ranting kid from where he was sitting under the shade of the great oak in their backyard, ears used to relentless tirades after years of mariage to his dear banshee of a wife. He loved her, really, he did, but damn if that troublesome woman didn’t turn him half-deaf in the first two months of their marital life. It’s without shame that Shikaku would readily admit to having prayed for his kid to turn out like him - lazy and fond of long stretches of silence. The Nara genes were usually strong, to the dismal of those who married into the clan, but it looked like Yoshino’s were as stubborn as her!

Troublesome woman indeed, Shikaku thought with fondness as his daughter finished her rant about ‘not being a kid anymore’ and thus demanding to be ‘trained as a real kunoichi to kick butts’. Maybe he stayed quiet for too long because she started tapping her tiny foot on the grassy ground, arms crossed as she dished out her best glare, and all that was done in a perfect imitation of her mother - and it only made her father want to laugh and squeeze her in a hug.

Which he did.

“Daaad! I’m serious!” Shikaru wailed, tugging harshly at her father’s spiky ponytail to punctuate her words.

“Yes you are,” he cooed, rubbing his scratchy beard against her chubby cheek.

“I wanna leaaarn!” She wailed again, squirming in his grasp and trying to escape his beard, struggling not to laugh and keep up her angry pout. It tickled!

Trapping her into his arms, Shikaku let himself fall down on his back, adjusting comfortably his neck so that he could watch the fluffy clouds go by.

“Maa, why couldn’t you be a lazy one just like your dad, hm?”

The child instantly stopped her useless squirming and with fire burning fiercely in her brown eyes, she hissed like an angry cat, “Cause I’m gonna beat Inoshi! He made Chou cry!”

Aaah, right. The first time he and his teammate decided to officially introduce their kids to each other when they were four, Inoichi’s boy - who lacked a brain to mouth filter - had taken one look at Chouza’s girl and pointed at her before saying with all the innocence of the world, “Daddy, look, she’s fat.” The poor Chouko had bursted into tears and clung to her father the whole day while Shikaru, true to her name, spent a good ten minutes scolding the boy before launching herself into a philosophical pamphlet of sorts on the serious issue of body image within the shinobi world. Inoshi had gaped at her, a bit pale, before hunching his shoulders and muttering a bit too belligerently, “Well, you’re definitely not cute...”

Inoichi had confided that to this day, his son still obsessively kept his hair short, traumatised by Shikaru gripping on his tiny ponytail so hard that she tore out a big clump of fine blond hair. Another of her mother’s bad habits... It was a good thing Shikaku got so used to the rough treatment that it felt like his head was made of steel, otherwise, between his two troublesome girls, he would’ve turned bald yeard ago!

Anyway, all that had been a year ago, and Shikaku had to marvel at his daughter’s ability to hold a grudge.

He hummed under his breath at another of his daughter’s whine about ‘stupid boys’ and wanting to train.

“Then you’ll be happy to know that you start the Academy next month,” he said, nonchalant, happy to stare at the powdery blue sky with the light weight of his kid securely held against his chest. Said kid abruptly sat up, pushing a bony knee into his ribs and he ‘oofed’. Kids... so uncaring...

“Really?!” she cried out as she bounced on his stomach, her almond-shaped eyes almost glittering with stars.

“Really.”

Shikaru dropped back down against him, squeezing her skinny arms around his neck with all her strength - and Shikaku was proud to say that it was actually a lot - as she smothered her excited ‘”thank yous” into his shirt, her feet kicking out in a show of unrestraint happiness and narrowly missing his jewels.

Inoshi was going down. Ha!

It had been a long time since a masculine presence had been felt in the Inuzuka household. From as far as she could remember, Kiku had always been surrendered solely by her mom and sister and their dogs, with the occasional clansmen dropping by to check in with their Head. And if asked, Kiku would tell you that her mom was badass.

Once, she had asked where her father was and mom bristled and waved a fist in the air. “Who needs that pussy when you got me, huh?” Hana later told her that dad had left them because mom scared him. Tch, mom was right, what a scaredy-cat! Inuzuka women were the bomb!

And Kiku wanted to be just like her mother.

It actually amused Tsume greatly to see her youngest daughter following her everywhere like a lost puppy, even when she went to work in the Jounin HQ or meeting with members of the Council for clan matters. Kiku would closely watch her every move and copy them – sitting with an arm thrown on the back of a chair, legs slightly splayed out or crossed at the ankles; fingers drumming on the table when she wanted to fuck with uptight people like Hiashi or Fugaku; lips turning into a snarl when she wasn’t happy… Yep, her daughter was cute as a button in her mom-worship antics.

Tsume actually thought it was all just a phase and that her childish wonder would soon fade out, but Kiku never stopped praising her mom with starry eyes, asking stories of her missions, and more recently, pleading to start her training in the shinobi arts like Hana. She had already given Akamaru to her a few weeks ago, wanting her to acclimate herself to her life-partner, but Tsume had wanted to leave the shinobi training for a bit later to make sure the dog would be able to follow… So what to do, what to do?

Sighing over her dilemma, Tsume entered Shikaku’s office and dropped her latest report on his desk, not feeling one bit sympathetic as he groaned while glaring at the pile of reports that would soon turn into a tower. Usually, he had to hunt down his Jounin to get their reports on time, but strangely these past few days, they’d all been quite eager – gleeful even! – to complete their administrative duties…

Tsume shot him a mean smirk. “Serves you right for ditching us last week with the new recruits,” she said snidely, still peeved that heir commanding officer had disappeared for a whole afternoon and let the more seasoned shinobi drill the baby Jounin. Shikaku was way too good at hiding from them, the sneaky bastard.

“God, I’m surrounded by nagging women,” the man groaned, signing the papers he was reading with a flourish and attacking a new batch.

“Beats being surrounded by whiny men,” was Tsume’s quick retort.

Shikaku shrugged and stretched his arms, which Tsume took as her dismissal. All too happy to leave the Jounin Commander to his own suffering, she skipped to the door with a bounce to her step, only to reluctantly stop when Shikaku called out her name.

“What.” She was a busy woman, dammit.

He smiled apologetically before asking, “I was just wondering if you were putting your daughter into the Academy this year? Mine is going, and I’d be more at ease if some of the kids she knows were to attend too… Shikaru really needs to up her social game,” he added thoughtfully.

God, that man could be such a mother-hen sometimes! Tsume wondered if he would’ve been this dotting had he had a boy as laidback as him… Probably not.

“I’ve put in Kiku’s application but didn’t tell her anything yet. You know how my clan likes to keep the kids as long as possible and teach them at home before sending the little brats to schools, what with our dogs needing proper training too…”

Shikaku nodded. Many clans were like Tsume’s, enrolling the kids only for the last two or three years of the Academy as they preferred – or simply needed in some cases – to train their kekkai genkai first and foremost before even thinking about formal schooling.

“Well, if your girl is anything like you, she’s going to take to shinobi training like a fish to water,” he said in a smile, complimenting his Jounin’s ruthless efficiency on the field, and Tsume grinned back, showing her sharp teeth.

Maybe sending Kiku earlier than expected would actually be a good thing. Her girl was driven after all!

“She’s been bugging me about training her for weeks now. I think she’s ready to commit,” she mused outloud in a prideful tone.

With a wave of the hand, she turned around and leisurely walked out Shikaku’s office while calling out, “My girl’s totally gonna make you turn prematurely grey when she’ll be under your command, Nara!”

Chuckling at the muttered “troublesome” that her enhanced hearing caught, Tsume made her way back home, the grin never leaving her face. Damn right, her Kiku was going to become a kickass kunoichi!

(Shikaru means “to scold” which I found hilarious. Inoshi comes from inoshishi which means boar, Kiku means chrysanthemum because I just wanted to have some coherency between her sister and her, and Chouko means butterfly child, which is cute af. Next one should’ve Female!Sasuke, Male!Hinata, and I’m gonna have so much fun.)

#genderbent AU #genderbent Rookie 9 #Naruto fanfic #Female Shikamaru #Male Ino #Female Chouji #Female Kiba

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meetmeatthecoda · 6 years

Text

New Lizzington fic!!

Hey y’all! Here’s a new fic for ya! It’s a little plot bunny that bit me quite a while ago and something I’ve been working on piecemeal for like a week or two and I’m kinda excited to post it. It’s just kind of a drabble type thing where Red is being a complete sap and just totally in love with Lizzie. So, his natural state basically. LOL. Anyway, there’s kinda no plot, it’s just romantic and the tiniest bit angsty? But not really. Idk what to say about it really, I’m not selling this very well, it’s super late here, so I’m just gonna leave this below and hope you enjoy this somehow! It’ll be posted on FF.net and AO3 in a hot sec so look for it there if that’s your preferred reading platform! It’s called “Domestica” and any feedback would be incredible, like always! I love y’all! <333

“Do you want to come in?”

In a long day of pursuing one of the most disgusting criminals on his blacklist, a day fraught with peril and danger, now permeated with fatigue and hunger, this is the one instance that surprises him the most. Lizzie, standing in front of her apartment, facing him, dark circles under her eyes that he wants to kiss and caress until they disappear, asking him this question.

Red blinks in surprise, feeling the considerable difficulty with which he pries them open again. He feels as exhausted as she looks.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

The temptation is strong, as tired as he is, to accept her invitation, but prolonged contact between them, especially non-work related, has not been a good idea lately. Eventually one of them will jump from the relative safety of inane conversation to the unsteady ground of more sensitive topics. Tempers flare, patience is lost, and someone ends up yelling.

Usually her.

And after the long day they’ve had, running around in constant danger, Red worrying every second for her safety, he doesn’t think he can hold his own with her in an inevitable argument. He’s more likely to let something important slip or just give in completely and lay himself down at her feet.

And as much as that should bother him, he’s more worried about her. From the looks of her, he doesn’t think she has the energy to scream and yell and throw him out of her apartment like she usually does, and he doesn’t want her to collapse out of sheer exhaustion and frustration. She hasn’t been taking care of herself and he doesn’t want to her hurt herself even more on his account.

(The fact that everything bad in her life is all his fault anyway weighs heavily on his shoulders every moment of the day.)

But she’s still standing there, looking at him, and sighs exasperatedly.

“Red, come on,” she says on a heavy exhale. “I’ve been with you all day since half past eight this morning and I know I’m starving, which means you have to be too. It’s already quarter to ten so please just come in and have some food.”

And she turns around without waiting for him to protest or accept or splutter indignantly and strides right into her apartment, leaving the door wide open behind her.

All right then.

(And although this is surely an awful idea, bound to blow up in his face, he finds he can’t stop himself wanting to prolong his time with her at this late and vulnerable hour, and his hallmark trait of self-destructive curiosity propels him into the apartment after her.

What’s new?)

He shuts the door gently behind him, feeling a familiar sense of foreboding as the lock clicks. He takes a fortifying breath before turning around, trying in vain to prepare himself for whatever comes next.

(And he wonders why he’s trying.)

Red moves forward into the living room to peer around the partition and look into the kitchen, taking in the sight of Lizzie puttering around, moving from stove to fridge and back again, gathering ingredients for some kind of meal, before he blinks and his brain processes exactly what he’s seeing.

She’s different.

Lizzie has tossed her bag near one of her armchairs and shed her shoes not far from that. Red’s eyes trip down to her feet to see socks instead of shoes. It’s a simple thing, and it’s certainly not meant for him, but he becomes mesmerized by it anyway.

(The fact that he’s privy to the sight of Lizzie’s sock feet is a wild and exhilarating thought.)

Red’s eyes move back upwards as Lizzie’s hands catch his attention and he watches in breathless awe as she pulls a hair tie from her slacks pocket and quickly twists her hair up into a loose bun. The motion is so natural and graceful and like nothing he’s ever seen before that he just stares like an idiot.

(He loves her hair. Sometimes he wonders what it feels like.)

After a moment, Lizzie speaks without looking up, busy with something at the counter.

“Are you going to come and sit down?”

Red almost laughs out loud. Lizzie is asking all the difficult questions tonight it seems. The sheer absurdity of it all, the thought of being invited to sit at Lizzie’s kitchen island, awaiting a meal made by her, in her sock feet and a messy bun, no less, is…

Well, not what he expected from tonight.

He moves forward like a zombie, following her lead and shedding his coat, slinging it over the back of one of her tall kitchen chairs before perching gingerly on it.

“Is there anything I can help with?”

“Uh,” she thinks for a moment. “No, that’s okay. I’m making the one thing I’m pretty confident I won’t burn. Grilled cheese sound okay?”

Red cranes his head to look at what Lizzie is doing at the counter and sees her buttering bread smoothly and quickly, setting each piece aside as she finishes them. He notices a frying pan heating on one of the stove burners next to her as well as a pack of artisan cheese and a sliced tomato on the counter.

Red feels his stomach growl.

“That sounds just fine, Lizzie.”

He continues to watch her, his mind in a bit of a haze. It seems as though his vision is a little blurry around the edges of her, as if she is in the center of his focus, the most important part, and every little thing around her irrelevant in comparison.

(Well, he supposes that’s not wrong.)

Here, now, he relishes in the opportunity to watch her undisturbed, no third-party frowning at his unshakable focus, his disarming gaze as he looks at her how he prefers to. Even more rare is the chance to see her without any awkwardness permeating the air around them. She tends to get uncomfortable when he stares too long or too hard, as he is wont to do.

(He doesn’t blame her. He supposes that devotion is a little like headlights. Difficult to look at straight on.)

Right now, with her back to him, surely, she can feel him staring (and the thought makes him warm pleasantly) but he detects no trace of stiffness in the line of her shoulders and he certainly can’t see a frown on her face, none of her normal indications that he’s unnerving her. She must be too tired to pay him any mind tonight.

(What a rare gift this night is.)

Red’s gaze drifts down from her soft-looking bun, ghosting over the elegant line of her neck, to the fabric of her light blue blouse, such a gorgeous color with her skin, so unlike the drab black she has taken to wearing lately. Over her pale, freckled arms revealed by the short sleeves of her blouse to her delicate wrists, now bending this way and that as she picks up bread and places it gingerly on the frying pan. Across to her hands, long-fingered and able, wrestling briefly with the package of cheese before she manages to peel it open and pull a slice from inside, turning to add it on top of a piece of bread. To her face, now in profile to him as she stares at the half-made sandwich on the pan, waiting for the cheese to get warm, her brow slightly furrowed and her tongue absentmindedly running over her lips.

Tell-tale signs of impatience, for once not directed at him. She’s hungry. Red feels his lips turn up slightly at the corners, quite without his permission. He could watch her for hours. She’s fascinating.

(And beautiful.)

She moves again now, reaching for the plate of tomatoes and taking a slice gingerly in between her fingers before moving it quickly to the sandwich on the pan, then adding another piece of bread to the top with her other hand. But she’s not quite quick enough and he sees a few drops of tomato juice run down the side of her hand, leaving little paths in their wake.

This is a sight in itself but then his wide eyes follow as she quickly brings her hand up and swiftly licks the juice off her hand, apparently without a thought for his sanity, which is rapidly deserting him.

(How is he supposed to handle this?)

Her tongue appears again, this time just peeking out from between her lips as she picks up a spatula and holds it determinedly like a weapon, staring down at the sandwich sternly before placing her fingertips on the top to hold it still, slowly sliding the spatula under and then quickly flipping it over in a flash, a beautiful golden-brown color appearing as the uncooked side goes down.

And Lizzie’s little triumphant grin to herself almost has Red melting out of his seat like the cheese in the sandwiches, completely at her mercy, anything she wants, he’ll do with question, all she has to do is ask and –

“Red, can you pour drinks for me? Glass are in the upper left cabinet above the sink.”

That will do.

Red pulls himself together enough to stand from the island and move to the sink, reaching up for the two glasses, Lizzie successfully flipping more sandwiches as he does so. He pauses once the glasses are on the island, frowning to himself.

“Lizzie?”

“Hm?”

“What do you want to drink?”

He feels a thrill at the simple question, immediately berating himself for his stupid reaction. What should such a basic question be exciting to him?

(Because it’s something intimate to ask, something people who eat together ask, something people who care about each other ask.

Something new.)

“Milk, please. There should be a half gallon in the fridge.”

Red blinks at her answer, taken aback.

“Milk?”

“Yeah,” Lizzie says simply, moving past him in a sudden rush to get plates from the cabinet next to the one with the glasses. “I always drink milk with comfort food like this.”

It’s this little fact that punches him in the gut, this little tidbit about Lizzie that he would have no way of knowing otherwise, if she didn’t choose to tell him about it while making them grilled cheese sandwiches in her apartment at ten o’clock on a Wednesday night.

(He wonders how much more of this he can take.)

“I think I have some wine in there too, if you’d prefer.”

Her suggestion pulls Red from his moment of awe-induced silence.

“No, no, milk is just fine.”

Fine, fine. Everything is ‘just fine’ tonight. The kind of ‘just fine’ that a shooting star is on a dark night or a rainbow on a sunny day. ‘Just fine’ mixed with a little wonder and beauty and stunning.

(He thinks he feels himself quickly approaching some sort of invisible limit.)

Red pours milk in both of their glasses and sets them on either side of the island, just in time for Lizzie to whirl around and set two plates down, each with two sandwiches, perfectly cooked, complete with gooey cheese and ripe tomato.

“Ta da.”

She says it with just a touch of derision, fatigue bleeding back into her voice as she sits down to eat.

“They look delicious, Lizzie.”

He says it warmly, sincerely, because they do, his mouth is watering just looking at them and he wants her to know how much he appreciates this, this amazing gift she’s giving him tonight.

The sandwiches and everything else.

She murmurs her thanks at his praise without looking at him and he takes the cue to sit as they both dig in. Too hungry to talk or communicate, they just eat, companionably in comfortable silence, together.

(Together.)

He can’t help but occasionally glance up at her in between bites, just cautious little looks that she doesn’t seem to notice. Her eyes remain trained on her sandwiches, disappearing quickly from her plate, in between swigs of milk at regular intervals. She only gets up once to get them both napkins, handing him his without a word. He keeps up with her, matching her almost bite for bite so they’ll be finished at the same time, not wanting to outstay his tenuous, magical welcome.

As they start on their second sandwiches, he sees her eyes begin to droop a little, looking heavier than they did before. The sight makes his own eyes ache and his him hurting in other places for her, like his heart and soul.

(He’s much too soft tonight.)

Once they’re both finished, Lizzie takes their plates and glasses without a word and places them in the sink. Red is about to protest, tell her he’ll take care of the washing, but she turns and leaves them there, presumably too tired to bother with it tonight. She leans on the sink and faces him instead.

“Thank you for dinner, Lizzie,” he murmurs to her. He’s feeling warm and fuzzy now, sleepy as well as the exhausted he was already, two completely different sensations muddling his mind.

“You’re welcome.”

He gazes at her, his own eyes drooping a little. She’s so pretty, leaning there, looking at him, soft and open. He’s all kinds of tired now and he can’t wait to just lay his head down somewhere and close his eyes, he really can’t –

“Do you want to stay?”

And there it is, there’s the line he was quickly approaching. He knows without a doubt that that’s the most he can take tonight without something happening that shouldn’t right now and it’s time for him to leave.

(It’s rather like he’s just finished an indulgently rich piece of cake, chocolate and delicious, and someone just came and set another one down in front of him. He can’t take any more without getting sick from the sheer joy of it.)

Lizzie seems to see the panic in his eyes.

“The couch,” she hurries to clarify unnecessarily. He never assumed she meant anything else. “The couch is really nice, and I have some spare pillows and blankets, you could –”

“No, thank you, Lizzie.”

It’s best to cut her off, she’s struggling to make sense with her words, and him, well, the images she’s conjuring in his mind are just too incredible to handle and yes, it’s time for him to go.

He gets up, takes his coat, and heads for the door and she follows wordlessly, seeing him out, even though she clearly wants nothing more than to turn down the back hallway and go to sleep. That makes him happy.

(She cares tonight, at least a little.)

The reach the door and he opens it before turning around the take her in. This night has been incandescent in its domestic way and he’ll be thinking about it for days, analyzing all the little idiosyncrasies he observed from Lizzie tonight, letting it all sink in slowly, too much to absorb in one short night.

“Good night, Red.”

Lizzie is standing in the doorway, watching him, and he feels odd leaving her there because he’ll probably see her again tomorrow but things will be different. Maybe not for her but that’s not unusual.

(He’s used to being the only one invested in this. It’s a cross he bears.)

They’ll see each other again tomorrow and they’ll be rested and alert and back on the defensive and the softness from tonight will have disappeared with the light of day. When the sun rises, so will their normal states of being, the Red and Liz they are with one another, and she will poke and prod and pick until he has to snap because he only wants to protect her, even if she doesn’t understand. Tomorrow, things will be different and tonight will probably never happen again.

“Good night, Lizzie.”

Tomorrow, they’ll start again.

#The Blacklist #Lizzington #mine #fanfic #domestica #casually dropping a new 7 page fic at 4am #LOL #i hope you guys can maybe like this #:D #let me know what you think i literally live for comments #:)#much love everybody!!!#<3

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mainexiii · 5 years

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Always Be With You Forever Day6 Young K x OC

“Soo hyun came back to Korea to see her family, it's been 5 years since she went to the U.S to study, as she stepped her feet in Korea, memories came flooding back, will she be able to forget the tragedy that almost cost her life and killed her boyfriend or a miracle will happen?“ Also posted in AO3 = Mainexiii

also.. im lazy asf so i did not prood read all of this, hence, a lot of grammatical errors coz English is not my primary language.

I’m having this strange feeling when I walk out on the arrival area at the airport, Jinnie my younger sister waving at her hands rapidly as if I can not even see her, I smile at her and waves back. “Soo hyun! Woah, I really missed you”, teary eyed she hug me tight and kiss my right cheek. “ yuck! You just smudged your lipstick on me, come on!” we laughed and went out of the airport, I was wiping my cheek when Jinnie asked a lot of things about my 5 year vacation in the U.S, well, it’s not just a vacation, I barely lived there during my college years and never came back to Korea.. I did not answer her question and just continue to walked until we reach her car, the both of us are silent the trip to my house, it’s not easy to talk about what happened years ago, it’s too hard to recall my memories that I’ve kept hidden inside my brain just to survive. “Jinnie-ya..can we please not talk about the past? I’m still not ready okay? Please..for me?” you gaze at her direction at holds her other hand and squeeze it. She heaved a sigh and squeeze back my hand. “ Okay.. you know.. after all these years without contact from us and your friends, one of these days you’ll find out about something and you have to be prepare for it”. I was confused about what she’s talking about and just shrugged it off. “ Wait.. is mom setting up a man for me to marry?, if that what it is.. then drop me off right now” I giggled but Jinnie is damn serious right now. “I hope so tho, but unfortunately that not it. I want you to stay strong, okay? She smiled and opened the radio. I panicked at her sudden action “Turn it off!” I screamed at her and she immediately turned off the radio. Jinnie apologized and stopped the car, Jinnie tries to calmed me down by caressing my back, took a deep breath and fix my hair and make up,I don’t want to let my mom see me like this, still a mess after all these years away from home. I face Jinnie and smiled, “I’m fine, Jinnie .. I’m sorry for startling you, I know all for you are worried about me and I’m sorry for everything, I hope you understand what I’ve through. Jinnie hugged me tightly and smiled and gave me an understanding nod. I'm meeting my family at the province with takes three hours of driving, I went by so familiar places and I feel that my heart’s going to burts with all these happy and sad memories with him.

8 years ago when I met Young hoon, everybody calls him brian. We went to the same high school and I was a transferee, he was the class president and he was assigned to help me everything to adjust to the new school, he took me a tour around the whole campus and introduced to different clubs, he was very helpful and nice, obviously the whole class loves him. I was bullied once when I was on my way to home on my first day of class, the kids who seemed to be rebels are ganging up on me , they took my wallet and ripped my school bag thinking they’ll find anything worth to steal, I was frozen walking the whole time and a girl from my class pat me at my back “ Hey, is this yours?” she turned over my lost items including my money, the only thing I did was hugged her and cry. She laughs and hold both of my shoulder, “It’s okay! I already took care of those bitches, they wont bother you anymore” I nod still crying. “Stop crying will you!” she offered her hand and introduced herself, “ I’m Hana, and you must be Soo hyun right?” confused, i looked up at her cause she’s quite tall “how did you know me?” I asked, “ Girl, we’re on the same class!” she replied, “ Oh, I did’nt notice you” doubting that she’s lying. “Brian gave you a tour around the campus?” she asked as we start walking outside the skirts where the bitches brought me, I didn’t even know this place, i felt my cheeks hotness and touch them, I smiled at the thought of Brian, he’s tall, handsome and I’ll figure out the rest, I was smiling the entire time when Hana confronts me, “Yah! don’t tell me you like Brian too?” she stopped facing me crossed arms, what the hell? I’m having a rival here already?! I stare at her her blankly, “ So what? You like him too don’t you? I gave her a question look, “ Bitch no! Brian’s my first cousin so don’t worry, I smiled at her reply and continues to walked when I saw my parent’s car near our apartment. “oh my parent’s already here” I glanced at her and pointed our apartment, “ I lived there!” I smiled at her took her hand, “ I’ll introduced you to my parents sometime” she smiled and shake my hand, “okay sure, but to tell you honestly, Brian has alot of admirers so good luck my friend..” she laughs and I slapped her back. She fakes a pain and laugh again seeing my red face, “ that’s not it,! I don’t like him at all! “ we we’re laughing and my parents called me to go up now, I wave at them and says thanks to my new found friend.

We arrived at the the province and my whole family welcomes me outside the house. Mom walks towards me as I opened the car door and hugs me tightly, I didn’t know I was crying until she wipes my tears, “Thank you for coming back” mom whispers while crying, seeing my mom, dad and two other siblings in front of me wont let me stop crying , I missed them so much that it hurts, everything hurts. We went inside and talk about everything excluding him. The day went by so fast I forgot I'm jet-lagged, mom prepared me a tea to help me sleep. I just want to take a rest now, I hope I’ll dream of him again, that’s the only thing that keeps me reminding of his face, I wished every single day to see him even in my dreams only, I missed him so much I think I will never moved on.

I woke up and look at the time on my phone, it’s already 9 am and I’m so freaking hungry. I climb out of my bed and I noticed a wedding invitation card at my bedside table, I open it and sees the fancy gold emboss font “Kang Hana and Park Sungjin” wow, how did she even know I’m back.”They did really end up together huh,” you smiled and recall little memories with them. I did not open the entire invitation since I don’t have the guts to see them. I took a shower, letting the water run down my body and close the clog to let the water full up the bath tub, I closed my eyes and recall the memories with him, I have to be strong, it’s been 5 years and I just cant accept the fact that he’s gone, I tried dating during my college years but none of them worked out.

After a year of being friends with Brian I decide to make the first move, it’s our last year in high school and I don’t wanna missed the opportunity, I know there’s something going on between us, but we just keep it casual, we’ve spent a lot of time together, holding hands, bus trips while holding hands, eat at cafe’s holding hands, watch busking holding hands and more holding hands, that’s it. We we’re contented about us just like that. We exchange stories about everything at our school’s rooftop. We wants to be a singer someday, play with a band, he’s good at guitars, basses, he was already a trainee at a company so most of his time are just in school, us going out and training, he rarely sees his family since he have been living in the dorm with his soon to be members. It’s fun spending our youth just like that. When I got the courage to ask him out, he already plans something, he brought me to the roof top and picnic basket, he let me sit down and runs at the back of the corner of the roof top to get his guitar, I was so excited I cant stop smiling all the time, he tuned his guitar and smiles at me widely, that the best thing that I liked about him, his smile that can lit up a dark world. He started singing one of his original songs, I listened at him looked him in the face and mouth “ I like you”, he stopped singing and walk towards me giving me a peck on the lips, I squeel covering my whole flushed cheeks. We spent the whole afternoon talking about our future and to travel around the whole world, Brian loves travelling as much as I do, we planned to go to Busan, Daegu and Jeju Island after our graduation. It’s the last day of our graduation and made our first trip to Busan, I was so excited spending my time with him, we ate and ate, went to the beaches, visit historical site. That feeling can never be replace by anyone. We’ve visit a lot of libraries around Seoul preparing for our college exam, he used to say that he loves me everyday, but I cant let out those words because I was unsure if it’s already love I am feeling for him,” it’s okay if you still don’t love me, as long as you let me love you, I’m okay with that” he smiled and hold my hand. It’s been 6 months since we had a trip outside Seoul, I was busy at school while Brian is busy preparing for their debut, Brian is amazing at multitasking, he went to school while practicing his bass skills, he’s so amazing at managing his study hours, practices and me. He always had a time for me, I mean everything, we eat breakfast together since my dorm is also close to his. Even when I’m sick, he can still take care of me, and that’s when I realized that I have loved him all this time, unsure of the feeling .. I shook the bad thoughts away and said my first I love you on his birthday, He keep on jumping and took me by his arms, hugging tightly. He kissed me passionately and I feel my hot cheeks probably flaring at this new feeling, he pulls away and widely smiled at me, “ We should go now” he says holding my hand leading me down stairs and went outside, “ oh wait, my gift for you” I hand him the box containing a couple dream bracelet. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You greeted him again with a hug and attached the bracelet on his right wrist. “ Thank you, really,”he hugged me tightly, he love giving tight hugs, his a hugger.

After our final exam, we had planned going to Jeju Island, just for one day since it’s expensive going there. I had pack my bag and prep up myself and called Brian, “ Bri, where are you now” I asked, looking around to see if I miss anything. “I just arrived downstairs, you coming down now?” he replied. “yeah, see you downstairs” I locked up my door went went downstairs.

We arrived at Jeju Island , the both of us feeling excited, we started to wander around , asked some locals what to ride to go to our accommodation, we took the bus that travels for 30 minutes to our place, we’re both excited as we planned the whole trip for months, we listened to some music on his ipod when I notice the sky is getting darker, I was nervous when it started raining heavily, the bus driver went on slowly to avoid accidents. The traffic light went red and the bus stopped, I hold Brians hand and lean on his shoulder, he felt the tension and my hands are shaking, “ You okay? Are you cold?” he ask with a worry look. I just nod and he brings his arms around my shoulder to pull me closer. The traffic light went green and as the bus driver starts to drive, I heard a loud bang! And I black out..

chapter2

I woke up feeling my whole body aches, mom rushes to hold my hand and asked if I was okay. She was crying while calling the doctors. I didn't know what's happening, I only remember Brian and I was on the bus and I blacked out. Brian and I was involved in an accident , fortunately... I was okay ,nothing serious happened but Brian, he was comatose. I felt my whole world turns into darkness, i immediately went to Brians room and cried for hours.

Days gone by, weeks turns into months...

Brian still not awake, he's condition is not getting good and i blame myself for it. If it weren't for me.. He would've been laying for months in this awful room.

I was with him the entire time, i helped his family taking care of him, i rarely went to school and because of it. . . Im about to fail all my subjects due to absences .

I went to my school to inform that I will be taking a break and also informed Brian's school. I went back to the hospital and as I was about to enter Brian's room , I heard the doctor and Brian's parents talking about his condition.They decided to end Brian's life support.

My whole world shattered .

How can they do this to their own son? !

How can they take a life without taking chances!

This is not fair !

I burst into the room and beg for chances, to give Brian chance to live. I was crying while tugging his mom's coat,

" please don't do this ! I beg you ! Please .."

We we're both crying the whole time and she explained to me the consequences if we let Brian stay like that forever ..

" Soo-ya, we dont want Brian to suffer too, his condition is not getting good his body is so weak right now . I dont want my child to suffer like this .." I saw the sadness and sorrow in her eyes, the pain of watching his son getting weak.. I also can not stand watching Brian suffer, but I can not let Brian lose his life without even trying. I won't .

But the decision is not mine to make.

They're going to end his life the day after. I have to be with him on that last day , my heart aches to much there's no tears left to cry .

My heart is too numb.

D-Day

Brian's whole family is waiting for me at the hospital, while me .. Still at home, crying my heart out, " I thought there's no tears left" I mumbled.

I get up packed my clothes and documents and book the earliest ticket and went straight to the airport.

Brian's mom keep on calling me but I ignored and sent everyone a message that I'm boarding bound to America and never to contact me. I turned off my phone and cried myself to sleep.

I just lost the love of my life and im going to a unfamiliar place and tried my best to forget him.. But how can i? When I left my heart and soul in Seoul .

I finished taking a shower and went outside to grab some brunch, I found a cafe that serves American brunch sets and went inside . I keep on thinking the wedding invitation, I miss my best friend so much and she might hate me forever if I wont go to her wedding, I don't know what to do anymore .

Someone sat infront of me, I raised my head and saw Hana crossing her arms while glaring at me . Im so shock I almost spit my food, " Hana! " I get up and hug her . She hug me back and gave me a wide smile.

"I missed youu Soo-ya!!!! " we hugged tightly and sit down. " Soo! It's been years.." She said giving me a faint smile "I know.. It's been years and I missed you too, and I'm sorry Hana ..for everything"

"I understand you Soo, I know the pain that you went through but it's not worth it, you made yourself a mess, after all these years, no one knows where on America are you, you wont let us comfort you, you completely shut us down in your life.. And im telling you Soo, all those tears .. It's not worth it."

The pain that i've felt all those years.. I know, i did not help myself overcoming it. It was so overwhelming i kept myself busy working and studying, just to forget Brian .

But it did not help, because at the end of the day.. Brian is the only one who i think of. My love for Brian is irreplaceable. I blame myself everyday until my heart don't let any people inside it.

"It's not worth it Soo, it's the time for you to moved on and be happy, because it's not your fault okay?" I tried to remain calm for a few seconds, i wont let my tears be visible for this is the day that i have to let my old self go and open a new door and let people inside it. I take Hana's hand and squeeze it "Thank you Hana, i'll try my very best"

We went outside the cafe and walk towards the parking lot, she have to run some errands for her wedding tomorrow and bid goodbye as she went inside her car.

As I was going to the opposite direction, Hana's car stopped beside me she roll down her window. "Soo! I have to tell you something tomorrow, please come okay?! It's very important and you deserve to know it, please come okay?" She said and I answer her with a smile and nod and . She smiled back and drive away.

I gather my thoughts about everything, it's time for me to moved on and be happy again it's been years and there's too many people that i've pushed away. I shouldn't let myself be forever like this, it's time to say goodbye to Brian.

It's Hana's wedding day at 12pm and there's still a lot of time for me to visit Brian's grave. But.. I dont know where he was buried. I'll just ask Hana later after the wedding.

I arrive at the wedding hall and went to the bride's room. Hana was talking a picture with my high school friends and i feel so guilty losing contacts with them, Hana notices me as well as my H.S friends, their faces look shocked to see me and turns into an apologetic smile, I composed myself and greet them warmly, they hug me tightly and atleast i felt that they really miss me.

I turn my attention to Hana and praised her with compliments, the girls and we're catching up when the Host is announcing to start the wedding, we went out of the room and went to our table. As the wedding starts , I wander if im seeing familiar faces at the event and my eyes landed on Brian's mom, she was looking at me and give me a warm smile and a nod, i smile back and my heart skip a beat seeing her, it was so nerve wrecking... I always feel so attached at Brian's mother, during my stay at the hospital she also takes care of me when my mom is not around, we share stories about Brian and our trips and i felt her happiness as we talk about Brian.. I shrugged memories away. On the middle of the wedding the announcer says that there will be a surprise perfomance of a band called Day6, I looked at Hana and her face turned pale while she look at me, I'm confused at the sudden reaction and I looked at my friends , seeing their faces the same reaction as Hana while looking at me, suddenly i feel nervous and ask what is happening. They can not answer me and just keep silent when another stage appear and there i saw a familiar man with four more people each holding their instruments, the band starts singing when the man holding a bass put it down and went in the middle of the stage and hug Hana while singing, I stand up to see a clearer view and i froze .

No way this is happening, i was still frozen when the man singing averts his eyes on me, i recognized the same eyes, nose and lips, it's Brian. It's Brian! How is this possible? He's dead! Brian..is dead. My tears started to fall and notice Brian's reaction, he give me a small smile and finished singing. My kness are weak and i grip the table to lean on, my friends help me to sit down, and tries to calm me.

How can i calm when the man i grieve for years is alive?! I can not gather my thoughts my mind went blank as i was about to leave the venue .. Someone stop me by holding my arm, i face that person and my heart shatters to see him this close to me. I just let my self cry as he holds both my shoulder , the overwhelming feeling makes me unconscious and I blacked out. Again.

Chapter 3

I woke up hearing different voices , i open my eyes and saw Hana still in her wedding dress.

"GOD SOO! YOU'RE AWAKE! she hugs me tightly and cry.

It wasnt a dream..

Hana explained everything , They we're supposed to end Brian's suffering on the day that i left, but Brian's mom change her mind and give another chance for Brian to wake up, they keep on calling me to tell me the news but i already went abroad. After a month of intensive prayers a miracle happened and Brian woke up. Yet they still cant reach me. After months on theraphy, Brian decided to went after me on America but i never told them where i live even my family didn't know. Brian eventually became busy because of training and catching up homeworks for school, and tried to move on from me too. He debut in a band two years ago and became known globally, which ofcourse I did'nt know because I shut myself from the universe...

My mind went blank, all those pain and rejection and guilt , those feelings that ruined me..i cried and cried until i calmed down, Hana left me in the hotel room and went back to the venue. I lay down overthinking about Brian, how do i react when i see him again, that..if he still wants to see me ,but i want to see him badly my heart aches for him, he probably hate me for leaving him. I hate my self too. All these years of heart break, i feel so pathetic. I heard knocks on the door, i went down the bed and open the door...and Brian stands there, I took a step backwards as he went inside and lock the door. I can only hear our breathing standing face to face ,no one tries to speak.

We just stare at each other,when he took a step forward and holds my hand. The moment our skin touches all the memories with him came flashing back and all i can do is cry. He pulls me in a tight hug as i sob inside his arms. I keep on crying on his shirt as i feel the warm liquid on my head, i look up at him and saw him crying too. We cried in each others arms, we lay down the bed, he hugs me closer and stroke my hair still crying. No talking just tight hugs.

Chapter 4 Brian’s POV

After the accident i woke up in the hospital and never saw soo hyun again.. She went away unknowingly what happend to me , she thinks IM DEAD. We can not contact her phone, email we didnt even know her address in the states. She shut everyone down. Occationaly she sent letters to her family without the return address. That's the only communication that they have. She never came back.

I tried hard to finished my studies and training and finally i debuted with my band. I still cant forget her i think i will never forget her , she took my heart with her and i never dated anyone else , my friends even think im gay . Everything reminds me of her, my dream bracelet, the rooftop, the shirts she gave me on special occations, our favorite restaurant, she's everywhere. I cried so many sleepless nights thinking about her, i miss her so damn much . And eventually i set aside my feelings and focused on my work and studies ,and i graduate finally, i think of her every single day, so many what if's, she might be happy right now, she must've moved on . Thinking about her with another man makes my heart beats faster, i should be with her, she should be with me celebrating life. But she never came back.

It's Hana's wedding day, im not supposed to be at her wedding because of conflict of schedules but it was cancelled so i went and surprised her.

But i was the one whose surprise.

Soo hyun, the love of my life, is here.

We made eye contact, i can see her eyes full confusion, hurt, mixed emotions. I smile at her and she rushed to the door. I chase her calling her name and grab her arms, she froze standing looking at me and cry. As i was gonna hug her she collapsed.

I went to her room after Hana explained everything, she cried and cried as I hug her tightly . God i missed her so much i cried along with her, we didnt talk and i just let her cry her heart out. She fell asleep still sobbing. I watch her intently, i still cant believe it's her, i never thought she's coming back into my life again, she must've felt guilty about the accident she blamed herself all these years thinking that i was dead.

"I'm sorry you went all through that" I stroked her hair, planting small kisses, i hug her tightly and she open her eyes, looking at me without blinking ,intently fixed her gaze on me, i smile at her and touch her cheeks..

"It's not a dream right?" She kissed my hand

"No babe, i'm real and alive" I cupped her cheeks and trails small kisses on her face and gently kiss her lips.

"I think it's time for us to be happy, you should let go all the burdens, let's start a brand new chapter of our life,okay? I missed you babe, i missed you a lot" i kissed her again this time passionately to let her feel safe and that im here with her.

" I love you Bri, thank you for being alive"

" I love you more Soo, thank you for coming back"

#day6 fanfic #day6 young k #day6 younghyun #day6 fluff

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chicandchaud-blog · 6 years

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N°61 • ‘Tea with Dreem’

After having had been on what could have been considered a super long hiatus, I’m glad to bring back to my blog what I definitely wish I could do more of – INTERVIEWS, or better known as ‘Tea Time’ to you guys. If you have no idea what ‘tea with...” is, you could definitely check out my past interviews with; Mai Bilavio, and Nova Faerye for some insight on what exactly entails in the interviews that I do on my blog. Typically I keep things peachy and sweet with creators, but that wasn’t quite the case with Dreem who allowed me to ask any questions that I dared, along with those that you guys wanted me to ask her. Considered the Queen of Second Life, Dreem sits and chats with me about a multitude of things, ranging from; drama, creating, and more DRAMA! Thank you so much for taking your time to read, and enjoy. *special thank you to Dreem Doll for trusting my pen, and having tea time with me.

alas, the interview:

J: First of all, I’d like to thank you for taking the time to stop by, I’m so glad to have you here considering your busy schedule. – How are you doing today?

D: I am fine, feeling blessed and highly favored. Thank you for asking.

J: That’s great! Well, as you know, I do mainly post fashion tips, and advice on my blog so I’d like to know who you’re wearing today so the readers can get Dreem’s look today *smiles*.

D: Well im wearing a shirt by Rowne, who I adore, I paired it with my pants which are the thermal leggings, by me. I accessorized with shades by Brotherhood, and fannypack by Majesty – which is my daughter’s store.

J: I love it, you look bomb! Well, since you’re here and I just snatched you up – what does a typical day in the life of Dreem look like?

D: Well, First and foremost I am a very family oriented person so my day usually consist of my family. I would have an entire day planned down to the T and would get online and end up totally not doing anything besides hanging with my family all day *laughs*. Besides that, I like to get some work done, alot of the time aswell so sitting on my platform is one of my biggest pass times. Everything else really just comes last after those things, so boys,drama,haters, etc.

J: Yea, every now and then I check your Instagram, and you’re always posting cool moments with your family or whatever have you – whether it’s drama related, store related, or boy-drama-related your Instagram seems to be kind of your outlet for everyone to see, with that, as a public figure or so, I’d like to ask you – being you, and being such a public figure, what are some of the challenges that you often times face?

D: One of the biggest challenges I face everyday is being a public figure, and role model to my family and supporters. Alot of times I am learning now that I have to step back and think.. "Well if I do this a certain way, how is everyone else going to perceive this" Alot of people look up to me for guidance and direction so it’s very hard to make sure I don’t disappoint or lead them down the wrong path. Having my life put under a spotlight for the whole internet to see was very scary, I would have randoms coming up to me like omg you’re such and such that did this and that and have my whole timeline and history down pack and at first that scared the life out of me *sighs*, but it also let me know I have the power and the platform to do and be better and set better examples everyday *smiles*.

J: I’d imagine that being such a huge influence could be quite nerve-wracking at times but it does have someee benefits *laughs*, and since you told me that you had people coming up to you, and mentioning things that have happened in the past, did you ever think to yourself that you’d be where you are now, in terms of your position on the grid having had transcended from IMVU to SecondLife.

D: Maybe not to this extent, but even from IMVU I have always been a household name and a public figure. SecondLife is a wayyy bigger and greater platform so, obviously it naturally amplified. I never expected it to be to this level though, kind of a blessing and a curse at the same time. Either way i am very grateful for it God makes no mistakes *smiles*.

J: Yeah, from what I’ve been told by readers, and your family that came from IMVU to SecondLife with you is that you were basically in the forefront of everything, and gave IMVU life in a sense. Do you ever miss IMVU, assuming that you still have family members that still play, or just fans that might miss you?

D: Definitely, IMVU made my whole internet persona. "Diiva”, which was my IMVU character, is now naturally embedded in my DNA. IMVU prepared me strategically for so much and just my outlook on the world in general. IMVU will always be my nest that i flew out of.

J: That’s good to hear, I’m pretty sure everyone feels like that for either IMVU or SecondLife, it definitely does teach you lessons along the way. Not to mention, you had a LARGE impact on IMVU and I’m sure there’s no denying that. However, you had a family on there as you do on here, – do you believe that your impact has transcended from IMVU onto SecondLife? If so, what solidifies that?

D: Yes, my leadership is something that goes everywhere and anywhere with me. Naturally I attract flocks and attention because thats just my personality. My realness, my loyalty, and my talents is what has kept me afloat for so many years and will continue to keep me afloat. Staying true to yourelf and pure hearted will put you through some tests but in the end it will always pay off.

J: You mentioned your talent, your loyalty, and realness help you stay successful, what do you believe contributes to the longevity of your family name?

D: Love, Loyalty, and Realness *smirks*.

J: Well, if that’s the case – I’m sure after having read some of your accolades readers would love to be a Killin, which is your family – what exactly does it take to be took in as a Killin?

D: I like to seek out my own family members, because usually when someone comes to you to be apart of a family they are seeking something or coming for the "clout" or the wrong reasons. However, when I seek out someone I feel like I’m getting the people who are busy in their own league, bosses, and leaders. My family is filled with marketing geniuses, so be a boss, and ofcourse be sexy! *laughs*.

J: Well, now they’re aware of what needs to be checked off on their checklist before they even think of applying for adoption *laughs*. Since we’ve talked about that, I’d like to drift away from family oriented questions for a bit, and ask you; If you could bring something back to the grid that you used to do that isn’t as popular, what would it be?

D: Slapping bitches, jk *laughs*, but I loved everyone hanging out together in world – like big groups of people actually role playing and having fun! Now a days everyone is busy securing our bags, and we can only do that once in a while but I do miss that!

J: That was always fun, it’s like everyone is in their own circles now – which definitely isn’t a problem, but gathering every now and then would be super cute. Since you mentioned securing a bag – you’ve secured quite a few given that you’ve done basically everything there is to be done in the field of creating. You’ve had an event, or two – along with store/s, and even solidified yourself as the queen. Would you considering yourself a jack of all trades, and could we expect anything in the future?

D: I am definitely the Proclaimed Queen. Wheter good, or bad you’ve heard of me, my name ring bells – I’m honestly one of the biggest names to ever hit the grid, and i have impacted in so many different ways. I proved I am a one bitch army, and can handle ANYTHING thrown my way. I proved I can have a huge successful store, winning over 10 awards for my store alone. My events all did amazing, and had really big name designers, and am also very pretty so thats always a win. You could expect alot more like ALOT.

J: Well, I would like to delve more into the topic of what we could expect in the future – but I won’t do that because I do loveeee surprises, and you surprised us with your recent release of newness from Sabotage just a few days ago. I have to ask, is Sabotage back, and is New Regime gone – is it a sub-brand or...?

D: Sabotage issss back, and I’m releasing a lot of newness very soon..*smiles* New Regime is a sub brand as of now, the difference with NR is that it takes a classier safe route, Sabotage is more of a wild ‘do-what-i-want’ type of style, which could be considered more risky. As far as what’s next with New Regime. – it’s not gone, New Regime is still going, New Regime is actually set to debut its mainstore on the new Vive Nine Sim coming very soon.

J: Niceee, I can’t wait to see all of the newness that you have in store with both New Regime, and Sabotage – since you brung up the different styles, I’d like to ask you what exactly influenced you to create in the style that you do considering that it’s quite original to your aesthetic, and brand.

D: Lack of originality on SecondLife is literally an epidemic, like a serious issue..*sighs* I haveee to think outside of the box, and bring fresh new ideas. I've always strived to be different – even with the orange.. No one was doing it, orange was always my least favorite color but i said why not take something like orange and make it a powerful, bold, and different statement.

J: You mentioned you being the first to use the color orange as if there’s someone else using it – what exactly do you think of those that try to imitate your aesthetic?

D: I am very flattered, now if your stealing my work thats a difference, but imitation is the biggest form of flattery. I also see alot of big store brands trying to do what i do and i love it, it lets me know that I am doing something right *laughs*.

J: Are you convinced that there is a lack of creativity amongst creators that bite off of smaller creators?

D: HELL YES! I wont even get deep into this, I am sure you guys can open your eyes and see the amount of non-creative creatures we have roaming around here. Its sickening.

J: I’m gonna brighten things up a bit before I go back into the topic of your brand – it’s style, and aesthetic, me and the readers would love to know what exactly put you on the map in the world of creating – in other words, which of your items sold the most?

D: My denim thongs was definitely my first hit, they’ve been out for over 3 years and are still selling like hotcakes. I think it has to do with them being a very risky and revealing piece lol, but yes the denim thongs put me on the map for sure.

J: I lovee those thongs, and a little birdy told me they’re soon to make a comeback when you open the doors to the new Sabotage flagship. Now, let’s talk about your circle – You’ve worked alongside many people and that obviously takes good communication skills, who would you consider to be your circle, whether they’re creators or not.

D: As far as who's designers that I am close to and would consider my real friends, and circle would be, Mishi from Blueberry we have a bond outside of secondlife which alot of people think is such a strange mixture, cause she is like the nicest sweetest person ever and everyone looks at me as the bad guy but, we mix so well. Even though we are very different we are very both real and I am glad God placed us in each other lives. I have learned so much from her that has formed me into a better person today. Vo from SEUL is my good good sis, Sanya from Vive Nine is also my sister who i love dearly, always looked up to her so it’s nice to be like yes i work with Sanya or aside her, and she's dope. Torei from Betrayal is my child, so I dont know if he counts but his store is something to look out for and we’re very close. Other then that i have cool friends that i know and respect, Such as Beusy, Ambush, Reveal, Foxy, DOUX, Represent, MOON, Kraftworks, MaiB, Wonton, and a few more. I can go on for days, and ofcourse ALL of my kids stores! 28LA, Nastygirls, WolvesByNature, Betrayal, Majesty, REIGN, PinkAcid, Bluprint, Björn, Fatal, Love, Etc.

J: You clearly have a handful of people, if not more, and that obviously comes with the public figure status – so does enemies, do you feel that people you were once friends with try to tarnish your name, and legacy?

D: Yes chile.....yes, but I just like to look at their lives now, and then look at mines and remember why God is so great *giggles*.

J: *laughs*, Well, another thing is that people often times associate your name with drama, why do you think that is?

D: I came here very open hearted, open minded, and very gullible to the SecondLife scene. On the urban side, people can be very ignorant. I never woke up and decided to come at or start with anyone, any altercation I ever been placed or involved in I have always been on the defensive defending myself, fortunately enough for me, I have a very loud bark and a very painful bite. I am war ready always have and always will be thats just in my nature, I wish that people can just get to know me beforehand instead of passing judgement on me. I love to LOVE and anyone who knows me will tell you that i am wayyy too nice but what the public use to see was always me lashing out in defensive, the only thing I am guilty of is not being able to walk away when drama is brought to my door, I always answered the door, why not? I don't bother anyone, I sit with my family, and work on my clothing there should be no reason anyone wants to pick with me call me g*ys, f*gs, and all sorts of disgusting things, and then cry when I strike them back. I give you what you give me times three.

J: That’s a good way to describe things, obviously something will happen to you if you mess with or do something to someone, that’s just how things work sometimes – sometimes however, problems can be solved with a simple apology or talk. Do you regret any of the things that you’ve done on the grid.. or that the grid has seen?

D: Yes, I regret caring about what everyone thinks of me, I also regret not making my ass clap in those sex tapes *blows kiss at the camera*.

J: *screams* Well, I wasn’t expecting that.. – when there is drama, there is also pet peeves.. what would you say is your BIGGEST pet peeve?

D: Trolls, people who sit online all day when their only agenda is to talk about other people to take away from the fact that they’re not happy, it’s so sad.. like people will literally sit down all day and discuss someone who never everrrr thinks about them, its mind boggling. Like, get a job and a hobby. Putting someone down will NOT rid your problems, when you get off the computer.

J: Trolls can always be a little annoying, just take them with a grain of salt – however in your position it could be a little bit different given that you have a title to uphold, let’s end this interview on a good note, if you could improve the grid in any way, how would you?

D: More black successful businesses. More urban designers in these big events. To give everyone a chance, so many people come to the urban side steal ideas, take it into these big events, and release them. Meanwhile, the original designer doesnt get any invitation to any of those events.. It needs to change and I will change that. To the creators who are just starting, never stop trying even when it seems like theres no future for your store or business. Keep it going, you will get recognition from the right crowd, and what you think may be the right crowd may not always be the right ones. Dont be discourage by events or sales. keep striving and be original because it will get you a long way.

J: Thank you soooooo much for having tea time with me Dreem, and I’m so glad you could give us insight on the different topics we discussed within this interview. I can’t wait to see you again! Any final statements?

D: Thank you for having me, it was my pleasure – anddddd just wait til’ you see what’s coming from Sabotage, and New Regime *smiles*.

Please be sure to keep up with Dreem Doll’s future releases on her social media, and shop at the links below!

FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / FLICKR / MARKETPLACE

#dreemdoll #dreem #sabotage #newregime #new regime #dreem doll #SecondLife #second life #Second Life Fashion #Second Life Blog #secondlifefashion #chicandchaud #chic&chaud #interview #SL #SL Fashion #slfashion

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