#but I can understand that she'd be upset when someone she hates is dating her sister

[ashwhowrites]

STOP YOUR REQUESTS R OPEN AGAIN YAYAYYY!!!

ima put you one idea cuz i love it idk why ,

steddie x reader

she’s accused of cheating and they both believe it , shes obviously really mad and they hear jason talking abt how it was a bet and they have to apologize and fix it , fluffy at the end 💗💗💗💗💗

Angst to fluff :)

I wrote half of this whole thing and didn't include that it was a bet....my bad

Part 2

Never proofread

~~~

Steve Harrington wasn't the best at relationships, he tended to give his partner his whole heart and soul. And he struggled with being on his own. He was too dependent on feeling loved and wanted. He knew he was hard to love, and he accepted that. All he had to do was find someone willing to put in their time, maybe if they understood him, they'd know why he was hard to love.

Eddie Munson also wasn't the best at relationships. He didn't know how to communicate, once he felt unwanted, he'd shut down and disappear. He was independent, he was fine on his own. He doesn't need to count on someone to love him, that gets him nowhere.

Y/N wasn't bad at relationships. She didn't find Steve hard to love, loving Steve was one of the easiest things in the world. She loved that Steve gave her his all, that she's seen every part of his heart and soul. She wanted to be there for Steve every single hour, she knew his past and wanted him to feel he was worthy.

And she understood Eddie didn't know how to handle being loved. Steve was an affectionate partner, and Eddie only wanted to be touched in private. Eddie struggled to communicate when he was upset. He shuts down and hides away.

Y/N balanced out their relationship. Steve and Eddie were a bit too different, they needed her. She kept the relationship together. She demanded communication when Steve and Eddie got frustrated with each other. Steve craved touch, and Eddie doesn't. She'd provide Steve's need for touch and that allowed Eddie to have his personal space.

The three were perfect for each other. She loved both her boyfriends, she didn't love one more than the other. She treated them both how they wanted to be loved. And they love her. Steve was always holding her hand, and Eddie held her at night. She felt loved by both of them. She never felt left out and didn't feel as if she competed with either of them.

Many people didn't understand their relationship. How can three people be together? People expect their relationship to be filled with jealousy and insecurity.....people like Jason Carver.

Jason Carver had a thing for Y/N for years, she was smart and fit in with the popular crowd. With King Steve Harrington on her arm, she stood out. Once Steve graduated, Jason hoped the two would drift apart. But Jason watched as she drifted closer to the Eddie Munson kid. Now the Hawkins freak was on her arm, and she stood out again.

Jason didn't like the fact she bounced off of Steve and landed on Eddie, how did she pick Eddie when Jason was right there? He's way more like Steve than Eddie was. And once Jason learned she was dating both of them......he had a small idea that maybe she was always wanting more. One guy wasn't enough, why would two be enough?

~~

Steve loved both his partners, Y/N gave warmth and comfort, and Eddie gave support and protection. Steve went from never feeling good enough, and not knowing what it's like to fall in love. Now, he fell in love with two incredible people, and they both loved him back.

At least, that's what he thought.

Eddie adored both his partners, Y/N and Steve, both, kept him grounded, and kept him motivated. Eddie wasn't a lovey-dovey boyfriend, but he knew his partners meant the world to him. He's learning what it feels like to be someone's first choice, learning how it feels to be loved unconditionally.

At least, that's what he thought.

~~

Steve didn't attend high school anymore, he worked with Robin as his two partners worked through their senior year. Steve hated being away from both of them and was slightly jealous they got additional hours together. His mind always thought of what rings Eddie wore today, and how Y/N styled her hair. And sometimes, he thought of things that weren't too innocent. Like if Eddie and Y/N sneak off into the janitor's closet, panting into each other, Eddie's thick cock pounding into her tight cunt. Steve left work every night with his jeans tight and his cock throbbing. Arriving at his small apartment, both his partners were already home and waiting for him.

Y/N was with her boyfriends every second of every day, barely ever alone. That's why, she wasn't worried when rumors started to fly around that she was making out with Jason after a basketball game. She knew her boyfriends wouldn't believe something so stupid.

At least, that's what she thought.

~~

Eddie heard the rumor first. Immediately felt his stomach turn and his body go ice cold. He couldn't feel any blood traveling in his veins, and he barely thought he had a pulse. He didn't mean to hear it, just passing to his next class. Ears listening to the second his girlfriend's name was announced down the hall. Her name came out of a random cheerleader's mouth.

"did you hear about Jason and Y/N? Chrissy found them going at it under the bleachers after his last game."

Eddie shut down immediately. His hands are already grabbing the bricks to build his wall back up. His sneakers will be worn out for how far away he was going to run from this. She cheated, and not just on him, on Steve too. At that point, Eddie didn't care about his heart shattering, his anger was building. How did Y/N have the nerve to betray Steve like that? Steve has been open about not feeling good enough, and she proved him right.

Eddie pitied himself, but the need to help Steve was more important.

~~

Steve was filled with anxiety the second Eddie's van pulled into the parking lot. It was the middle of the day, he was supposed to be at school. And he arrived alone.

"Baby? What's going on?" Steve rushed out the front door, racing to Eddie's van.

"I'm sorry, Steve. I'm so sorry." Eddie mumbled he wasn't the one who needed to apologize but he felt awful. He couldn't look into Steve's warm brown eyes and break his heart.

She fucked up, she should be the one to watch Steve fall apart.

~~

Steve was confused. Eddie showed up to his work, freaking out, begging Steve to get in his van. Driving them to Steve's apartment. Every time Steve brought Y/N's name up, Eddie flinched and his eyes glazed over. Steve grew worried, he's assuming the two got into a fight at school. But Steve knew they'd be okay. The love their relationship had, would overcome everything.

"Can we talk about it now?" Steve questioned, a hand landing on Eddie's knee. Steve was aware of Eddie's communication issues and was always prepared to be patient.

"she's going to tell you." Eddie sneered out, arms crossed over his chest. His heart raced from Steve's touch. He didn't want to allow himself to be upset, one of them had to be strong. Steve's heart needed protection, needed protection from her. And Eddie would never let anyone break Steve's heart.

Speak of the devil, and she will appear. Her worried face met Eddie's hard stare and Steve's anxious smile.

"where the hell did you go?" Y/N rushed out, throwing her backpack on the floor and racing to stand in front of Eddie.

"tell him" Eddie choked out, his jaw tight as he held back his anger. He could barely look at her. Just another person to leave him behind. Someone else didn't love him. And that familiar feeling of being unwanted was settling in.

"tell him what? What's going on?" She questioned, her eyes switching to Steve's. But Steve looked just as confused, maybe even more.

"no idea. This is all him." Steve answered her curious look. His hand still resting on Eddie's knee. His free hand reached for her but Eddie's harsh tone made Steve freeze.

"don't touch her"

Steve and Y/N were taken aback by his tone. They've seen Eddie pissed, but never at one of them.

"Eddie? What the hell is going on?" Y/N asked

"Jason Carver" Eddie answered, standing up and looking down at her. Eyes glaring into hers.

"what about him?" Steve asked from behind, Eddie talked a lot about Jason Carver. A bully that tried to make Eddie's life hell.

"did he say something?" Y/N herself grew angry. Y/N hated the way Jason treated Eddie and she never backed down from protecting Eddie.

"he couldn't say much, apparently his tongue was a little too busy going down your throat!" Eddie spat out, his forehead wrinkled as he clenched his eyebrows together.

Steve felt the dread fill up his body, from his toes to his head. His heart was pounding, his palms were sweaty, and he felt like he was choking.

"um, what?" Steve choked out, trying his best to swallow his spit, his throat felt like it hadn't received water in weeks. Dry and cracked.

"excuse me?" Y/N whimpered out, her head confused but her heart dropped seeing the betrayed look on Steve's face, her sweet boy hiding behind Eddie's broad frame.

"the whole school is talking about it. Jason and Y/N getting caught groping each other under the bleachers." Eddie explained. Trying to ignore the pain in his chest as he heard his own words. Standing tall so his boyfriend could shrink behind him. His heavy hand, filled with rings, reached behind to hold Steve's. Steve held Eddie's hand as hard as he could.

"Who said that?" Y/N gasped out

"that's all you have to say? Try a fucking apology" Eddie snapped

"I didn't! I would never! I'm not going to apologize, I didn't cheat on you!" Y/N panicked, never did she believe her boyfriends would believe she was unfaithful.

"yeah, that's what they all say. How could you do this to us? Ruined this whole relationship for what? A quick hookup with a fucking prick?" Steve could feel the anger rolling off of Eddie's body, his back tense and jaw clenching.

"Eds, let's calm down" Steve tried

"NO! SHE'S NOT DOING THIS TO YOU! SHE CHEATED AND IT'S OVER" Eddie screamed, head turning to look at Steve.

"Eddie, please believe me. Nothing happened. It's a rumor." She tried to explain. Her hands reach forward to grab Eddie's free hand. The way he flinched broke her heart.

"leave, now. It's over. Between us, and between you and Steve. We both know he doesn't deserve this. You are no different than Nancy. " Eddie spoke as softly as he could. Not wanting to upset Steve even more.

Steve and Y/N flinched at the low blow. Eddie knew that wasn't true, she was nowhere near as selfish as Nancy. But he wanted her to hurt, he wanted the upper hand.

"Steve, please. I wouldn't do what Nancy did, to either of you. Please let's just talk" Y/N whimpered, her eyes pleading to him. She understood Eddie was too far gone. His anger has already won, Steve was her only shot to clear the air.

"you are not talking to him." Eddie stepped in, blocking Steve from her eyes.

"I can talk to our fucking boyfriend Eddie. He can speak for himself" she argued. She was innocent, and if Eddie didn't want to hear her out, that was not her problem.

"he's my boyfriend. He doesn't want anything to do with you, the same way I don't want anything to do with you." Eddie kept throwing blow after blow.

"Steve is a grown man, if he wants me to leave, I wanna hear him say it" she argued back.

Eddie rolled his eyes, stepping aside to let Steve crawl out from Eddie's shadow. The anxious boy gripped Eddie's hand, and looked at his girlfriend....ex-girlfriend?

But all he saw was Nancy. A girl that made him feel worthless, left him alone, betrayed him, and didn't love him. All Steve had was Eddie.

Steve picked Eddie.

"please leave" Steve choked out, a drop of his shoulders. Eddie stood smug with a knowing look in his eyes. Steve picked him.

"Steve" Y/N sighed sadly, giving him another look. Her eyes are filled with tears. Steve was turning on her too?

"you asked and he said to leave" Eddie barked out

Y/N accepted the defeat. They wanted her gone, they turned on her before she even had the chance to explain and that's not on her.

"Okay, I'll go. Thanks for hearing me out before you decided I was just like Nancy" Y/N smiled bitterly, most of her attitude aimed toward Eddie

But Steve picked Eddie and that hurt.

Her back was to them as she opened the door, yanking her backpack off the floor.

"and Y/N?" Steve's quiet voice traveled through the apartment

She held her breath as she turned around, seeing his red eyes and teeth eating away at his lips.

"leave the key?" He added

She nodded sadly, digging in her pocket and slamming the key on the table.

Eddie and Steve watched her leave.

Eddie refused to cry until Steve went to bed that night. He fucking loved her and he hated how she made him feel.

~~

It was strange to wake up and go to school alone. Y/N was used to Steve covering her face with kisses and Eddie's knee in her back. But she slept alone and woke up alone.

She knew school was going to drag on, and she wasn't ready to face Eddie. She wondered if he would even show up. It was Friday, chances are he'd skip and have the weekend. Maybe come back on Monday.

Her heart was heavy as she thought about her boys waking up together, cuddling and kissing. Maybe Eddie was so fast to throw her out because he just wanted Steve. Maybe it was a plan, make up a rumor and the two could be together without her.

Turns out she isn't what balanced them out. She was just an added piece.

~~

Steve was in misery. He felt torn. His two partners were pissed at each other and he was a kicked puppy in the middle. A part of him didn't believe she would cheat, but a part of him was insecure. Nancy messed him up and he couldn't deny that.

But he also knew Eddie was quick to get angry and then focus only on that anger. He gets clouded and doesn't think clearly. Steve spent the night with Eddie, he could hear him crying but didn't want to acknowledge it. Knowing Eddie would hate to be seen crying.

Steve planned to talk to Y/N and hear her out. The girl he loves wouldn't cheat, their girl wouldn't cheat.

~~

Eddie woke up and already decided to see her was not an option. And seeing Jason was not in the cards either. Cuddling into Steve's warm chest sounded a whole lot better.

"I think we should call her" Steve's tired voice filled the silence. Eddie groaned at the mention of her.

"no Steve. It's over" Eddie grumbled, shoving his face in Steve's neck.

"Eddie stop that, she's our fucking girlfriend" Steve snapped, sitting up as he looked down at Eddie's tired face.

"she cheated Steve" Eddie stated in a bored tone.

"you went based on a rumor! No actual proof. If you are so fine with throwing our relationship away without giving her a fair chance to explain, then maybe you don't love her the way I do" Steve explained, yanking the covers off as he stood up. Walking to his closet to find clothes

"you didn't seem to doubt me last night" Eddie threw in his face

"oh fuck you, Eddie. I was caught between the two of you. I didn't know what to do" Steve explained

"And yet, you asked her to walk out. She would have stayed if you asked. You can't just blame me" Eddie shrugged

Steve knew he was right. He let her walk out, no, he told her to walk out. He didn't let her explain, the same way Eddie didn't let her. He was just as guilty as Eddie. Eddie felt that one partner turned on him. Steve can't help but wonder how she felt having both her partners turn on her without a single thought.

~~

Eddie couldn't believe Steve, but Eddie knew they both had a soft spot for her. Even sleeping through the night was hard without her, how was Eddie supposed to make it through the day?

Even though he didn't want to admit it, Eddie grew used to leaning on someone. He hated that. He never wanted to get used to someone, or feel dependent on someone, but here he was. His heart was only beating for two people, and now he has to learn to make it beat for one.

Eddie was scared of what he'd feel once the anger faded, once his eyes focused on the real picture. People don't leave Eddie, he makes it impossible for them to stay. And he chased her out of his life, and selfishly he chased her out of Steve's as well.

~~

Just as she thought, Eddie was nowhere to be found. Neither boy tried to call her, and she wasn't surprised by that. She knew the truth and if they didn't want to believe her, fuck the both of them. They can suck each other's dicks and have a total blast without her. She's more than just an added piece.

She went on with her school day, head held high, and shrugged off any looks that lingered on her. She didn't even know it was a rumor and she doesn't know how many people have heard it. Or how many people may have believed it?

She wasn't going to let a rumour get the best of her......

Until Jason Carver opened his mouth.

~~

Steve's walkie-talkie was blaring over and over. The sound mixes with Eddie's walkie-talkie. Dustin's panicked voice rang through Eddie's and Mike's excited tone rang through Steve's.

"MUNSON, WHERE ARE YOU? YOUR GIRLFRIEND HAS JASON ON THE FLOOR"

"FIGHT! YOUR GIRL IS IN A FIGHT!".

~~

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @slightlyvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergent @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @manyfandomsfanvergent

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddie stranger things #eddie munson request #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson angst #eddie munson angst x reader #eddie munson fluff x reader #steve harrington fluff #steve harrignton #steve harrington x reader #steve stranger things #steve harrington #steddie x fem!reader #steddie x reader #steddie x female reader #steddie angst #steve harrington angst x reader #steve harrington fluff x reader #steve harrington angst

[darkwaveho]

Favors

Summary: If someone would've told Wanda that asking for a simple favor could be so damaging, she would've never asked for it.

Pairings: Stoner!Wanda Maximoff x reader

A/n: Ok this part is finally here!!! thank you to everybody who stayed patient with me on getting this out and to anyone who's giving me feedback and kind words on this series. It wasn't supposed to last this long but I got carried away, lol with that being said this is the last part for Favors and happy reading <3 (Also, not proofread.)

Part 11 Series masterlist

Waking up from the effects of yet a late night you groan as you leave your bed. Your week has been somewhat peaceful, you haven't been stalked, harassed or the victim of a good guilt trip lately, but you were still hurting from what happened, you couldn't think of anything other than always trusting your first instincts. If you trusted your first instincts none of this would be pulling at your heart strings.

You would've never dated Wanda Maximoff, you never would've physically fought your best friend Kate and You haven't seen Wanda; you've been avoiding Kate and surprisingly you've been avoiding Natasha as well. She promised she wouldn't lie to you and yet she still lied and tried to cover for Wanda after you saw her with Jean at the frat party. Seems like everyone was lying to you and keeping things from you.

Walking out of your room you couldn't ignore the smell of breakfast filling your nose. What you didn't expect to see was Kate in the common area. "What the hell are you doing here?" You cross your arms over your chest. Kate was obviously nervous from seeing you, it's been a week since the last time you've even looked at her let alone talked to her.

"I- just" Yelena appears before she can say anything, she doesn't look annoyed or upset as to why Kate is here because she let her in. She's been talking to Kate since the party to get an understanding of her point of view and what she was going through when this went down. Yelena had to realize that Kate was also a victim in this situation.

“Y/n, I love you, I do but you two need to talk this out.” Yelena walks into the room and points to the small sofa that Kate was sitting on. three trays of breakfast sat on the mini table. Yelena was determined to fix this; she'd be damned if she let Wanda permanently ruin this friendship, she's made with you and Kate. No one says a word after that, everyone seated here was too stubborn, and too anxious to say anything right now, or so you thought when Kate is actually the first person to speak up after the awkward silence and pointed stares.

“I’m sorry.” Kate says the apology before you could even get a word out. “Why did you do it?” she swallows the lump in her throat and nervously picks at the skin on her fingers. “I- she’s very intimidating and she threatened to stop supplying me with the Xan’s and the weed if I didn’t help her, she said I would have to get them from Rumlow.” 

“You’re gonna have to talk to someone about your drug dependency and maybe talk to someone about your anxiety and stress as well.” She nods her head in understanding, this wasn’t to put shame on her because you knew from first-hand how hard and stressful academic praise and approval can be. You did this because you truly care about her and don't want her ending up in the wrong hands, and she genuinely hurt you. “As much as I hate to say it, luckily it was just Wanda wanting to pursue me and not someone else trying to do anything worse than that.” What hurt you the most was just how willingly she was to give things up about you. it doesn't matter if it was a class schedule or where you hung out at. It was the principle.

“I wouldn’t have done it if it was anything more than a date set up or just giving details about you.”

“You don’t know that Kate, things change when the need for drugs are involved. It depends on your desperation and need for them, and you were clearly desperate and in need for them when Wanda asked you to do what you did.”

"Okay, I’ll find a campus support group.” She holds your hand firmly. “I’m sorry for hurting you. I’ll never do it again, you’re my best friend.” You remove her hand from yours and Kate instantly wants to curl into a ball right here and now until you lurch forward bringing her into a hug. “Never let anyone take advantage of you like that again Kate.” She squeezes you back in the tight embrace. “I promise I won’t. So, you forgive me?” You pull away from the hug and pretend to think about it.

“I’ll forgive you but it’s gonna take more to earn my trust again. I want to see progress. I want to see changes in your actions Kate.”

“No problem.” She anxiously studies your face, would it be too soon? Did you trust her enough for a hug or would she be treated like a stranger on the street? Too afraid of the rejection she keeps her hands clenched into the fabric of the small sofa which Yelena quickly takes note of.

“Aww finally you guys made up, c’mon group hug.” Yelena sandwiches herself between you and Kate. “Ah, Yelena, you’re really squeezing me to death here.”

“Hm, good, because if you ever do anything like that again, I’ll kill you.” Yelena was put into a compromising position from this whole thing. She really didn’t appreciate the divide and shift of her friendship. She could forgive Kate, but Wanda would remain on her list. “You’re funny Yelena.”

“She’s not kidding Kate.” You knew when Yelena was joking and now as not that time, she meant it. She chuckles nervously and wide eyes look up to the angry blonde’s. “You were kidding, right Lena?”

“No, no I actually wasn’t.” Her emotions nonexistent, face blank and cold. She meant it. The uncomfortable silence doesn’t stay for long when the knock at the door interrupts the somewhat happy reunion. She doesn’t even bother to say a greeting once she pushes past the threshold of the door. “Uh- yeah come right in.” You motion with your hands sarcastically.

“I haven’t seen her; she hasn’t been home in three days, y/n I’m worried.” Yelena and Kate watch the red head with worried eyes. Wanda was missing and you were barely showing any type of reaction to the news, at least on the outside. Yelena parts her lips to say something but her sister stops her before she can. "Yelena if you're gonna say anything right now, don't, Wanda is my friend, so if you don't have anything useful to say to help find her then keep your damn mouth shut!" She didn't really mean to snap at her sister but she wasn't in the mood to hear petty remarks from her when her Best friend could be in danger right now. "I wasn't gonna say anything." Yelena mumbles under her breath

“No, I haven’t seen her Nat try asking Pietro, maybe he knows where she is.” you put up a good front to anyone else but not in front of Natasha she can see the concern in your eyes. “I checked already, and he hasn't seen her. Pietro is out looking for her right now as well, come on let’s go check some of her main spots.” Natasha walks out the door opening it and stops when she’s halfway out of the door. noticing she didn’t hear any footsteps behind her. You walk towards the door leaning on the doorway. “That’s not my problem.” you don’t get to close the door on Natasha as her foot stops it keeping the wooden door in place, you had no idea just how strong she was.

“Cut the shit you still care about her. You’ve cared about her since before you two got together so please stop wasting time, put your goddamn shoes on and help me find her, please.” Without another word you grabbed a jacket and put your shoes on. The car ride was silent for the most part until Natasha finally spoke up after unsubtly turning to you every now and then during a red light. "That night, what you saw wasn't what it looked like." Your face remains turned towards the window, the tint bringing a different contrast to gloomy morning. "No? so, I just made it up in my own head, hm?"

"No."

"So, you're telling me that I didn't see my girlfriend with her pants pooled down at her ankles in a closet with her old fuck toy?"

"You're not listening, y/n"

"No, I'm listening just fine, you're the one that seem to be creating a different narrative to save your friend from her actions!"

"It wasn't consensual!" Natasha had a short temper it was honestly amazing how long she held off on raising her voice with you. the word instantly changes the tone in the car. One word made you feel like shit, made you feel sick and ashamed for how you handle things and not let Wanda explain herself that night.

Anger courses through your body from the new given information. "What?" your voice comes out barely above a whisper, the air was truly knocked out of you. "Jean, snuck her way into Scott's room after I left. I walked Wanda up there to sober up so she could have a clear mind when she talked to you about fixing things. What you walked in on was a set up. She was up there waiting for you; Jean wasn't on her mind at all. I guess I should take part in blame for not staying with her until you showed up, but I've seen her more wasted than that and she was fine." Natasha sets her jaw in frustration and puts all her energy on focusing on the road.

"She didn't cheat on me." you repeat the sentence a few times until you grow angry with yourself. Wanda didn't cheat on you, but you technically did, when you kissed daisy. Natasha takes a glance at you and sees you accepting her words as the truth. "Listen don't blame yourself for anything, Jean was being a disgusting bitter bitch, you couldn't have known what was truly going on up there." That doesn't make you feel better that doesn't make you feel better at all for some reason, because, yes, you had every right to break things off with her after seeing her like that and your actions were justified, at the end of the day everything came back to Wanda and her actions. Her lies and deceit caught up to her and you just couldn't wait around to hear another lie fall from her addicting lips. Noticing the anger and shame Natasha showed in her eyes you reach for her abandoned hand and give her a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t blame yourself for what happened either, that night was just a total disaster for everyone.” She briefly tears her eyes away from the road to look at your linked fingers and she sends a small smile to you in appreciation.

“Thanks.” The word comes out small and vulnerable and she retreats her hand from yours after swallowing the lump in her throat and focuses her eyes back to the road. “Everything will continue to be disastrous unless we find Wanda. I just don’t have any idea where she could be and if something happens to her, I’d never be able to forgive myself.”

“We’ll find her Nat.”

“I don’t know y/n, she rarely goes anywhere other than the places we’ve checked already.” You zone out for a moment as the thought finally comes to you. The words come out in a mumbled whisper. “Places that you’ve been to.” Natasha can clearly hear you; she looks to the road with curiosity waiting for you to fill her in on the information you haven’t shared with her yet. "What are you doing?" Natasha eyes you curiously as you touch the keypad to her navigation system.

"I think I might know where she is."

--------------

As Natasha pulled up to the sketchy building, she side eyes you, asking if you were joking with her and if you were being serious about finding her best friend. This was the only place you could think of where she might be. It wasn’t a long shot since you’ve been here before with her many times within the small span of your relationship. Natasha was only looking at the outside of the building but once she entered the inside, she’d understand what this was and what this meant to Wanda, she has to be here. As you walk inside the building Natasha was still cautious of the appearance that the building was in, Wanda had more than enough money for her to be somewhere downtown instead of this cheap broken-down building nothing made sense. You finally stop in front of a door, the rusted metal plated number on the outside hanging by its last screw. You brace yourself for what you would find behind this door or what you wouldn’t find behind this door. The many possibilities roam your mind, and you get lost in them. Natasha has to bring you back by placing. A hand on your shoulder. “Hey, you alright?” You shake your head of the intrusive thoughts. “Yeah.”

“So, what’s all this? Where are we?”

“This is where Wanda does her art, and behind this door is her art studio.” Natasha hums in understanding Natasha and Wanda told each other everything, so of course Natasha knew Wanda had an art studio, but she never expected it to be somewhere like this let alone in this condition. “Hm, okay so let’s find out who’s in charge here to let us in.” You grab her before she storms off and you remove your hand from your jacket pocket. “You don’t have to do that.” Natasha pinches her brows together at your response until you planting the small metal key into her eye level. Wanda had given you a key. She had given you a key to the one place she found solitude and peace. Natasha smiles in response to the growth of her best friend. She was truly proud of her knowing this was all new territory to her, this was a huge deal.

“I hope she’s here.” You place the key into the socket and pushed the door open. You had a good feeling about this, this would be the last resort until you needed to go to the police and get them involved, and you really hoped it wouldn’t come to that. You’d be heartbroken if she remained missing and not have the chance to have a final conversation with each other. Even if you two don’t fix things, you’d never wish ill will on her. Your thoughts were right, you weren't prepared for what you saw behind the now opened door. her place of creativity now trashed and disheveled compared to the many times you've seen it. you and Natasha both rush into the room avoiding the gut feeling that something truly was going to leave you both in tears after searching for her in this room any further.

The more you move forward into this room the more you feel sick to your stomach. From the splatters of what you hoped to be red paint trail on the floor, the broken glass, and torn off pieces of paper all littered across the floor of this room. it isn't until you spot a half empty bottle of vodka surrounded by other empty bottles that you rush over to the area, Natasha quickly follows behind you after texting Pietro about the state of Wanda's art studio. What you find on the other side of the couch was an unconscious Wanda, no doubt drunk beyond her limits because once again she wasn't a drinker, she was a stoner. it's only been a few days and the amount of bottles that littered her floor range bells in your mind about the possibility of alcohol poisoning. You didn't recognize this person laying beneath you, this wasn't your Wanda. All previous radiant hues of color that glowed from her face and skin now gone and gloomy. "W-Wanda" The words finally push through your constricted airways, you found it difficult to breathe right now. Natasha finally rounds the couch next you as she hears your broken words and her best friend's name.

“Shit! Wanda, Hey wake up,” She drops to her knees lightly slapping Wanda's face after shaking her did nothing to change the limp and unconscious state she was in right now. in a panicked moment you use your surroundings and spot a water bottle, quickly grabbing it and throwing the liquid on to Wand's face, she gasps from the contact, it wasn't a freezing cold water, but it was enough to bring her back to life. Her eyes are still squinted not fully opening them, yet she groans from the feeling of being moved. “Don’t just stand there help me get her up.” You move to help Natasha stand Wanda up against the brick wall. It takes Wanda a moment to get used to her surrounding again, the pounding in her head and the effects of alcohol are still very much present on her but she still cranes her neck to the person she saw first.

“Hi Natty, you missed me? I thought about coming home but” She gasps with as much excitement as she can muster up in her drowsy inebriated state. “Princess! You came back for me?” She used all of her strength she had left to throw herself into your arms.

“I’m here because Natasha was worried.” You have to turn your face to shield your nose from the strong smell of liquor that trailed from her breath.

“Oh.” She doesn’t stay on the subject long quickly moving on to the next thing that popped up into her dazed and fuzzy brain. “Sorry about the mess I was trying to finish something to bring it to you, but I couldn’t get your face right, so I started adding your favorite color then I remembered you said you didn’t have and then I used all the colors. which wasn’t a very good idea, then I ended up with that.” She shrugs her shoulders and leans her head back onto the bricks when she’s done with her mini rant.

Natasha saves this moment of awkward silence with something to help Wanda's inebriated state. “C’mon let’s get some food and water in you to sober up.” Natasha almost has to pry Wanda's hands away from you, but since she was drunk it didn't take much to pull her away and help seat her at the small working table. Uber eats would just have to do for now because Natasha didn't trust herself to leave you here with Wanda alone. So, she found something that was in the area and didn't take long to be delivered. The more she sat there and sobered up the more she remembers. She specifically remembers your tongue being shoved down Daisy’s throat. How you thought she moved on so quickly from you. You didn’t let her explain you didn’t even want to hear her out hear her side of things. No, you immediately jumped on to Daisy just to piss her off. You see the switch in her mood now from drowsy and annoyed to now anger and jealousy. Wanda stares a burning hole of hatred into you the more the images play in her mind. 

“You have something you want to say?” You weren't going to walk around on eggshells around her. you weren't going to let her intimidate you like she did everyone else. You weren't looking for a fight, but you also didn't want to be around her this soon and if Natasha hadn't practically dragged you out of your dorm, you're certain you wouldn't be anywhere near her.

“You enjoy whoring yourself out last week?” The words grit through her teeth, her voice octaves dropped dangerously low and yet she had teary eyes. The slight growl and bite to her voice should've been a warning for you to just walk away but you couldn't do that. you couldn't let her call you out of your name when this whole thing started because of her not getting her way.

“Excuse you?” 

“You heard me!” Her hands slam on top of the counter. Natasha steps in to ease the tension. She pulls Wanda into her side and leans in to harshly but quietly whisper into her ear. “Wanda, calm down, this is not how you’re going to get her back.” Wanda shoves Natasha away from her as much as she can while still dealing with the aftereffects of alcohol. "I don't care about that right now, clearly she didn't care to let me explain things! She took the first chance she got to get with Daisy."

"You're right! I didn't care about how you felt in that moment. I didn't care how you felt after seeing you with your ex, but you can't call me a whore when I saw what I saw in that closet, you aren't a very creditable and trustworthy person, why would I want to listen to anything that came out of your mouth that night? I couldn't even look at you, you made me sick." Natasha inserts herself into the conversation once more but this time she addresses you and tries calming this situation down before it gets even more heated. She wanted things resolved now that she knew Wanda was okay, and this was the chance to make up for the ruined reunion at the frat party. "Clearly you two need to talk things out, so I'm just gonna make myself useful in the back and finger paint or something." She walks away from the two of you not waiting on a reply.

“You kissed her in my fucking face!” She paces back and forth. “We didn’t breakup, Y/n you said you needed space and time to think on things. You lied!” 

“I lied? You lied! You’ve been lying and untrustworthy this whole fucking time Wanda! I literally saw you in the same position as the last time we were at a party. Do you have any idea how that made me feel? How that makes me feel? Seeing you with your pants around your ankles and Jean-“ You couldn’t even finish the words; this was upsetting you the more you talked about it. You finally had Wanda and you lost her the same way you did a year ago. To Jean. “Look at me.” 

“Look at me please. I didn’t fucking touch her I swear. You know I would never cheat on you; you know.” And that's when you remember the conversation that took place in Natasha's car before arriving here. "Natasha told me about what really happened that night, had I known what was happening I never would've- I never." Wanda shakes her head in dismissal, cautiously holding your hands in hers. The spark sensation she feels from the touch of your soft skin makes it seem like it's been longer than a few days. "It's okay, you didn't know." Wanda takes this moment of sincerity and vulnerability to lean in closer, tears pooled in her eyes once again, needing the comfort and reassurance of reconciliation.

Feeling the heat and the comfort of Wanda being near you after her vacant presence had you turning to mush, you needed to get back on track, back to why you came here in the first place. You shift your eyes away from her. “Nat just wanted to know where you were and that you were safe, and it looks like your fine to me, so I’m just gonna go.” That was a lie, you could clearly tell she wasn't fine, she wasn't dead, but she was not fine. If only you knew just how dead she was on the inside. You remove your hand from Wanda's after clearing your throat. The small simple touch had you on the edge of bringing your walls down completely. "W-what? you're leaving? Even after you found out that it was Jean's fault. You're still running away from me?" Even though what happened at the party wasn't her fault you couldn't help feeling the dreaded pain of the images in your brain. There would always be a sense of insecurity within you and this relationship.

"Just because I was willing to hear you out at the party doesn't mean I was going to take you back Wanda. Yes, seeing you with Jean that night played a part in me making that final decision, but it ultimately comes back to you, and what you did. Don't try putting all the blame on Jean." After removing your hand from Wanda's, you brush past her, heading for the door of her studio. "And I'm not running away from you. I just can't do this, it's too much."

“No” She steps in front of you pressing her body against the door. “I don’t have time for this Maximoff, move.” She sets her jaw and barrows her eyes at you more determined and confident in her stance. “You’re not leaving until we work this out.” Her voice comes out as firm as she possibly can, hints of her voice wavering and breaking were evident, she was barely holding it together.

“How? How could we possibly work this out when I can’t even fucking trust you?” Wanda flinches and clenches her eyes shut from the volume of your voice and the harshness of your words; she still makes no effort to answer the number one question. “That’s what I thought.” You shove her from the door walking out of it to the common area where Natasha was. She furrows her brows as she watched the scene unfold in front of her waiting nearby just in case things got out of hand but far enough away to sill give you guys a sense of privacy. She's not happy at all about this happening, you both were clearing hurting and in pain. 

“I’m sorry!” You don’t look back at her as you set in on your destination. “You’ve said that already.” You wipe your tears as you turn to Natasha's awaiting figure in the back of the room near Wanda's older paint pieces. “I’m leaving, I already called for an Uber, and I’ll be waiting outside.” Confusion struck Natasha at your words; you would rather pay for an uber than to be near Wanda right now. "You don't have to call an uber, y/n I can take you back to your dorm the same way I picked you up."

"No, Natasha, it's fine I'd rather be alone right now all of this is just too much to deal with." Natasha doesn't put up a fight, respectfully accepting your wishes but Wanda wasn't having it, she'd fight until there was no more fight left in her and even then, she'd find a way to keep going. Wanda grabs your hand to halt you as you were walking towards the door.

“I’ll stop selling!” When you stop, she releases a breath and go further into details. 

“I’ll stop selling drugs.” Very noble of her to stop doing that for you, but you didn’t want her struggling to keep up with the things she already had before you two got together, especially since her father wouldn’t pay for anything because of her choice of being an art major. 

“I can’t ask you to do that for me.” 

“I want to, if that brings you back to me than I’ll do it. I’ll stop selling, I have enough saved up to pay for the majority of my tuition. I’ll stop smoking so much, whatever you want I’ll do it.”

“I never wanted to change you, I just didn’t think you were this type of person, that’s not enough.” You knew about what she did and how she was before you decided to get into a relationship with her, that wasn't the problem the problem was her continuous pattern of lying to you, the fact that she wouldn't take accountability and that she was abusing her power to black mail your friends. You snatch your hand from here and she once again beats you to the door. She stands in front of the last door needed to walk out into the hallway and out the building. “I love you.” She licks her lips quickly waiting for your response. You shake your head denying her confession. “Yes, I do Printcessa.” 

“No, that’s not fucking funny.”

“I’m not laughing.” 

“You’re lying.” Your response bites back

“I’m not and you know I’m not, is it enough?” The silence was only killing her even more than before.

“Is love enough?” She nudges her nose against yours as her lips quiver. “I love you.” She tilts her head to remain eye contact with you. You found the floor more interesting in this moment you didn’t know if this was another mind game, she liked to play it if she was being serious. Wanda sees your struggle with believing the truth behind her words, she pushes further into detail with more confidence. This was the first time she’s ever said them to anyone in a romantic way, this was a big step for her to admit it out loud because she’s known that she’s been in love with you from the start. “I’m in love with you, tell me it’s enough.” She whispers the last confession of love against your lips as she holds your chin in place to stop you from moving away from her. “Please.”

Once again, she's met with silence, she drops to her knees in front of you, her strong hands clinging to your legs with desperation. "I'm sorry" She mumbles the words into the fabric of your Jeans multiple times like a prayer. Finally snapping out of the trance, you're aware of how she's feeling and what just happened. She just poured her heart out to you and received nothing from you except for a blank face and silence. as you gather your thoughts Wanda cries harder into you, no doubt leaving stains of her salty tears behind for evidence.

"Wanda." The sound of your voice wasn't what she was expecting, and you weren't expecting her to ignore you and to cling against you tighter. You try again to grab her attention and to calm her down, with the amount of tears she's shed. You're sure exhaustion was ready to hit her like a train pretty soon. "Wanda, stand up." Your request goes ignored as she frantically shakes her head no. She can't take this; she can't take the rejection after she just bared her soul to you. Wanda would never recover if she got up from this cold hard floor hoping for a second chance just to watch you walk away from her again. She would rather keep you like this, in her arms forever than to let that happen. It isn't until she feels the warmth from your hand on her shoulder that she pulls away from your stained Jeans to look up at you.

"Stand up." Your voice comes out soft and yet that still doesn't bring any comfort to her, as your face remains unreadable. reluctantly she stands up on shaky legs, and she has to immediately link her fingers together to keep them from latching on to your once more. She studies your face, waiting for you to say it was over, that you couldn't forgive her.

What she does next wasn't what you were expecting. As you walk closer to her disheveled figure, she shies away from you. for the first time today, she looks away from you and desperately tries to find something to ground herself with. "I can't be with you." That was the final nail in the coffin, the final words she needed to hear to let her know that this relationship was truly over with. She tries to move past you, but your hands force her back to her previous position in front of the door. She lost all remains of her hearing with the words you spoke that she didn't even hear the rest that followed afterwards.

---------------

"I can't be with you if you hide things from me, blackmail and intimidate my friends, and lie." That still didn't bring any comfort or reassurance to Wanda that this would be worked out, so she keeps her head down and her eyes remain focused on the rings on her fingers. She's surprised they didn't slide off her fingers and clash into the floor with how fast she was spinning them against her sweaty skin. "Do you understand?" You gently rub you hand against her hair, cautiously fixing her messy strains as she processes what you asked her.

" Yes." The sense of your touch brings her back to earth. She was too afraid to move right now, thinking that if she made one subtle move you would be changing your mind for some odd reason.

You tug her forward, embracing her in a much-needed warm embrace. her quick breathing inhales and exhales in the crook of your neck from relief. Wanda clenches her eyes shut and focuses on the scent of you. The scent she's been without for a what feels like forever. you reluctantly pull away from her, she wasn't the only one going through it you just hid it more. You missed her, you missed seeing her waiting outside of your classes with flowers, a snack from the cafe and some spontaneous adventure she planned to take you on every day since this whole situation started. Your hands find their home on either side of her face, you slowly and gently wipe away at her stained tears.

Wanda was getting anxious as to what would come next, but she wasn't expecting the touch of your lips against hers. The kiss starts off with you doing all the work until the initial shock wears off and Wanda finds herself kissing back with more purpose and enthusiasm, you both put your all into this kiss. If the problem of breathing wasn't a factor for you two, you're certain you would've never pulled apart from each other. Your foreheads touch as you both clench the fabrics of your clothes. Soft panting is the only sound heard within this room right now. "Is it enough?" Wanda brings the discussion back to the burning question you left unanswered. After a brief pause and a deep breath, you finally reply to her question.

"It's enough." You nod your head slowly, whispering the words softly against Wanda's lips and only pulling away slightly to see her joyous reaction. She's been going through withdrawals and the first time she can have that feeling, that she now knows is love rushing through her body she takes that opportunity to be under that influence again, never wanting to be without it; to be without you. "It is?" her voice cracks with uncertainty, even after the intimate and vulnerable moment you two just shared. You crack a wide smile and nod your head in confirmation.

"Mhm." You hum in response and Wanda doesn't give you time to say anything else after that. Wanda's body collides into you causing you to stumble back into the small couch you've gotten familiar with in this art studio. Her lips attach themselves back upon yours, eager hands briefly roam your body before they settle against your waist still holding you with desperation and strength. You indulge her, letting her do whatever she needed to do. You needed the reassurance and comfort as well; this whole thing was unlike anything you've faced before while being in a relationship. You let her take as much love and affection she needs. She pulls back leaving you breathless before she moves onto her next destination to shower you with affection. She ignores your giggles and wiggling as she peppers your face with wet kisses while repeating her apologies over and over again until she finally pulls away from you on her own. "I love you, Princess."

"Wand-" Before you could get the words out Wanda shushes you and places her finger against your lips. She didn't want to hear your reply to her right now.

"No, I don't want you to say it just because I did. If you really love me, say it on a random day when I'm not expecting it, I can't be the only spontaneous one in this relationship, can I?" She playfully grins at you and you're happy to see her slowly returning back to her old self again. The darkness fading from her, and this environment was clearly evident to anyone who saw her state before now. Truthfully Wanda didn't know if you loved her as she loved you, so saying this was a way to keep that small chance of hurt away from her, but if you truly loved her, you'd say it on your own and not because she said it first. That's what she keeps telling herself in her mind.

“I just want you to know where my heart lies and that I’m serious about fixing things.” How could you not fall for her when she’s pulling out every raw emotion in her body right now. “If this is gonna work; I’m if we’re gonna work we need to take things slow, clearly we rushed into this too fast.”

“Whatever it takes.” She nods in agreement and pulls you back into her embrace. This was Wanda’s last chance, and she was not going to mess it up. “Should we go check on Nat and tell her we made up? She’s awfully quiet in there.” You nod towards the room stores with paint. Wanda wanted to be as close as possible to you, her face snuggles against the soft skin of your face. She groans as you try pulling away from her, she’d stay in this spot forever if you’d let her, as long as you where hers again. You surprise Wanda when you scoop her up in your arms, her leg’s immediately wrap around your waist as she chuckles. She was never ashamed to be vulnerable or submissive with you, it was very much welcomed especially after missing your touch for weeks. You walk into the room to actually find Natasha finger painting with her AirPods in her ear. She spots you both from the corner of her eye and plasters a devious smirk across her face. “I see the two horny love birds are back together.”

“Shut up.” Wanda replies back in an annoyed tone. “Don’t be rude I haven’t seen you in days and you haven’t even praised me for my artwork.” Natasha pouts in a sarcastic manner as she holds up the finger painting. “Can we go back out there I can’t deal with her my head still hurts.” Wanda turns back to you and turns your head to face hers. “You’re so rude! Y/n do you like my finger painting?” You slightly turn towards Natasha which grants you a grunt from Wanda. “I like your painting Nat.” Natasha gloats from the approval and winks at Wanda. “It’s a shitty painting, now can we go home?” Natasha mumbles under her breath as she cleans up the mess she made and dangles her keys as a motion that they can leave.

-----------------

After being in the backseat with Wanda once again she clings onto to you with desperation but this time it was a calm desperation. When you finally made back to Wanda's apartment all she could think about was showering and laying in her own bed again. you didn't want to ruin her mood about her piled up assignments she's missed since she skipped class or how she put her brother through such a panicked state. “I don’t think you’ll be getting any rest today baby.” Wanda swoons from hearing the pet name again. Hearing her last name fall from your lips made her angry. “Why is that? Oh, I know you wanna make it up to me with sex? You know I love going all night with you.” She wiggles her eyebrows playfully. You gently seat her arm. “No, first of all you don’t have the energy, second of all we’re not having sex until I see progress in you, and lastly.”

“Wanda!” Wanda’s eyes go wide with shock when she sees her fuming and disheveled brother standing outside of her apartment door. Wanda immediately groans, placing her head in your neck and mumbling what sounded like she should’ve stayed at her studio. “That’s why.” You say as you watch kiss her head and gently push her towards her brother that had every right to be angry. The reprimanded conversation takes place, and you take the chance to text Yelena and Kate to fill them in on Wanda’s whereabouts, deciding to leave out the part of you two working things out, you’d do it in person. As Natasha stands next to you, and you turn to her slightly bumping her shoulder for attention. She grants you the attention immediately. “Thank you.”

“For what? You’re the one that found her, I should be thanking you.” She playfully bumps your shoulder back. “For calling me out earlier and getting me back on track. Also, for telling me what truly happened that night.”

“Don’t worry about Jean anymore, I handled it.” You didn’t quite know what that meant but by the way her tone changed you weren’t sure you wanted more details.

“Princess, I need you, Piet is making my head explode.” You and Natasha both smile at each other. “Duty calls.” You say as you walk towards the door with Natasha following close behind you. “You know she’s not gonna let you leave the apartment, right?” You already had a feeling she wouldn’t let you leave; you’ve accepted the fate that lies ahead. You already had things here anyway you had no excuse as to why you couldn’t stay for two weeks.

At the end of the day when Pietro finally left, and Wanda was snug asleep in your arms she dreamed of ways to redeem herself from every diminishing title she heard fall from your lips during the arguments. She’d never want to ask for a favor again after the hell she went through just to get it. She ultimately lost more than she gained in a matter of a split second. It was finally Wanda would never lie or keep things from you again, and lastly, the word ‘Favor’ would never roll off of her tongue again.

#stoner!wanda #wanda maximoff x reader #favors au #stoner!wanda maximoff x reader

[maya-matlin]

What are your thoughts on Anya and Jane? I'm bringing them up because they were in a whole bunch of episodes yet somehow I literally always forget they exist, which probably doesn't say much about how compelling I found their characters?! I remember loving Jane initially and then thinking the show had no idea what to do with her. And Anya just seemed like such a sheep with no personality or strong opinions of her own, but that seems somewhat intentional?!

That's interesting. I feel like Anya is very memorable, but I can see why she'd be less noticeable compared to other characters.

Anya is complicated. She was one of my top favorites for years. I loved watching her character develop. You're right that Anya was always a follower and allowed herself to be easily misled and sometimes went along with things she didn't actually want just because she didn't care enough to fight it. She was very aimless and seemed to desire romance over stability, even in cases where none of her romances stood a chance of being successful. Anyways, I'm feeling less positively about Anya because I'm struggling to get past the fact she lied about being on birth control when she slept with Sav, therefore raping him by deception? And the thing is, I don't think she ever fully understands that this behavior was wrong, and that she violated the person she claimed to love. All Anya knows is that she shared something special with Sav, and then he quickly broke off their relationship. Her passivity leads to a lot of lying and deceiving to get the outcome she wants. There was the fake pregnancy that she later used to renew her relationship with Sav before going on to lie about a miscarriage. Only to be upset with Sav for yet again lying to his parents about not dating in high school. All those two did was lie to each other. She later lies to an adult man about being a legal adult in order to pursue a romantic relationship. He doesn't get a ton of sympathy for me considering he later made plans to see her again the minute she turned eighteen, but had he been someone with morals that would have been a deal breaker and had some sort of effect on his future dating life. Then there was the Owen relationship. Even though Anya was in a vulnerable place and felt very down on herself, she willingly dated a guy who committed hate crimes against two of her good friends and who is extremely predatory towards any girl that gets too close - Anya included. She pointedly ignores gigantic red flags to get validation. But then, I also like her demeanor? As manipulative and immature as Anya can be, she has good moments and is clearly lost for most of her time on the show. She's not an entirely bad friend, but she also isn't above throwing away that loyalty when it suits her. I don't know. She has a lot of issues.

As for Jane, I agree. Jane bugs me at times because she comes across as very judgmental and is another "not like other girls" character. It almost felt like Jane had a different personality based on the season. I liked season 8 Jane the best. Season 9 Jane was pretty confusing. Suddenly, she was singing in Peter's band and sleeping with Declan. I didn't mind the rationale behind Jane's affair, but it wasn't given a lot of explanation or even much thought. Anyways, sorry. I wish I could give you a better answer about Jane.

#mayamatlinscello #Long post #rape tw

[flightfoot]

I don't understand people who only know a character for a few episode/chapter and then decided that "this is it. This is a horrible character and I'm going to tell the world about how horrible they're" that they ignore every nuance, background and motive of that character. Even worse people who only echoing people bad take and decided that is the canon and spread it like fire.

I was a "victim" of this kind of people because my friend is an Adrien salter. That time I don't even know Chat Noir, I only see some fanarts and think his design is cool especially because I always love cat boy or cat in general. My friend saw me liking and share Chat Noir pictures and told me that "he may be cute but he's a horrible and problematic character" which made me raised an eyebrow and she explain more about how he is so "creepy" that he lied to someone who has a girl that he has crush on, saying they're a couple and when the other male get upset he blame the girl for it instead. She also told he that he's a sexual harrasser and tried to force to kiss his crush even though the girl already reject him and the reason people don't mind his problematic action is because he's "cute". Well, that just some among other things that she told me about him and none of it was really positive.

She said she hate the show and already dropped it but sometimes whenever I liked miraculous stuff, she'd tell me some other "horrible thing Chat Noir do" under the post that I share.

I wasn't the type who would back down from watching something just because my friend told me it's horrible but it does make me wonder if the show and this character is as horrible as she made it to be, because this is not the first time she hate on a character that I have interest in.

I'm glad I decided to watch it when it finally aired on TV because what she told me before was a complete BS. Adrien isn't like what she always told me to be and the more I watched miraculous the more I loved him and he's one of my cat boy.

The fact that the Chat Noir that she told me and the actual Chat Noir is like 360° difference just make me wondered, what's her problem? I mean, it's one thing to hate on a character or a show but to spread such misinformation because she hate that character is a horrible act! If you don't like the media or a character then keep it to yourself?? No need to drag others into a black hole full of misinformation!

I myself stopped watching halfway in s4 because I don't like the whole sentimonster theory, Ladybug attitude there and how the show sometimes not acknowledging Chat Noir awesomeness (that giant gallette especially) but I don't make it a habit to tell people the show is horrible just because it's no longer my cup of tea. So people like this make my brain goes brrrr.

Yeah people have an issue of latching onto one or two things they don't like about a character, and then ignoring every bit of nuance and motivation that characters has in favor of blindly hating them. You can still dislike a character, but it should at least be done fairly.

And I know the ML saltdom tends to not just emphasize negative aspects, but flat-out spread incorrect information when bashing on characters - the anon I got awhile ago claiming that Chat threatened Ladybug that he'd give up the ring in Syren unless she dated him comes to mind. People get caught in these echo chambers and don't actually think to check the show itself, nor to look at the actual reasons the characters has for doing what they did, from both a Watsonian perspective and a Doylist one.

#ask #ml fandom salt #leave adrien alone challenge

[slasheru]

If the dateables accidentally makes us angry or sad, How will they reconcile us?

HEX: Immediately panic, beat himself up for 2.5 to 15 seconds mentally, then immediately start asking how to make things better. Tries his hardest to understand what he did wrong, while doing EVERY SINGLE LITTLE PRACTICAL THING he can think of to make things better - apologize, clean the house, make you dinner, waiting on you hand and foot, etc :') .....aaaand he'd keep it up for like, two weeks.

SAWYER: Sawyer would apologize the second he fucked up, make a mental note of how and why this happened so he'll never do it again, and then do THE GRANDEST GESTURE(S) to make you feel better! Sawyer's DEFINITELY a "show up with flowers and chocolates as an apology, if that's what you're into!" guy. He'd go WAY over the top - Sawyer hates the idea that he made his special someone feel anything less than extra special :< He'd also actually spend a lot of time figuring out how and why he hurt you, since he's VERY introspective and cares a LOT about the feelings of the people he cares about.

LAILA: HORRIFIED. Laila knows she's abrasive, but assumes the Player knows she likes/loves them, really, of course - so she'd go the extra mile to apologize and understand and explain, but, unlike a lot of the others, she'd do it with her words, lmao. Laila would want to talk it out and make sure she understands exactly why you're hurt/upset and hold your hand and have a deep cathartic convo about it until you both feel better. :) Laila would 100000% make you tea about it, too!

JUNO: Determine that you're not bluffing, try to weasel their way out of it, and then, when they realize they REALLY fucked up, they'd actually drop their "heh bro" facade and ask what's wrong. They'd also try to make up for it by sharing more about their inner selves, something they never really do unless they trust the other person. They'd also plan some kind of date night if you're up for it, to reconcile - stealing an old-timey popcorn maker for a movie night, anyone?

TATE: Send a MILLION FUCKING TEXTS explaining and over-explaining himself, apologizing, beating himself up, offering recourse, and other things - and I MEAN a million fucking texts, lmao. He'd be really upset he hurt you, and he prooobably did it by accident (knowing Tate), so he'd be wringing his hands about it a LOT. He'd be worried you'd hate him, now, so he'd keep his distance, but the second you said you wanted him to make up for what he did, he'd go into fulltime "I'm sorry" mode again, and be extra attentive, making sure you every time he's thinking of you, etc. :>

#slasher u #asks #hexecutioner #sawyer ferguson #laila velasquez #juno park #tate mcgillicutty #slasher u lore

[smolwritingchick]

How would jungkook react to interviewers making Jennie very uncomfortable with questions of their relationship?

I see this happening a lot in America the most. Since Jennie has been teaching Jungkook English, his skill in the language is pretty much almost fluent so he will understand everything and speak in English.

Full protection mode while frowning. He'd be upset and hate how nosy interviewers would be just because 2 members of a big group are dating. I see him clapping back and defending her while she lets him speak. Jennie can speak for herself but it'll make her happy to see him immediately come to her aid to shut down questions that make her uncomfortable.

Ellen is going to be one of the interviewers. Ellen would try to push her buttons but Jen would keep her cool, prepared for it. She even warned the members it may happen.

An idea would be Ellen abruptly asking a question to try to catch BTS by surprise. "Jennie, word on the street is that you've been hooking up with people lately. Even with one of the members. Is this true?"

She'd look unamused at Ellen, laughing dryly and smiling bitterly. "Ellen...are we really doing this...? What a boring question,"

"Doing what?" she'd try to play it off.

Before Jen could speak, Jungkook would speak up and ask why does Jennie have to be "hooking up" with someone? And would tell Ellen that that she should be asking questions regarding BTS' new music and their excitement to be here in America.

I have an idea of Jennie bouncing her leg at a rapid rate because she was feeling a little on edge during an interview and Jungkook would place a comforting hand on her knee, easing her nerves. Then he'd hold her hand which would help her.

She wouldn't want to answer the personal or sexual relationship questions. She'd prefer to answer the cute and chill questions like the favorite thing to watch together for a cozy date night or when they began to like each other.

As I get there for these kinds of interviews, I'll brainstorm and think of more ideas! Can't wait to write them in America!

#answered

[trillscienceofficer]

okay with infinite regress I 100% get you and I… really hate the show’s handling of it. Like, as it was written and the ways that they give Seven more like inferiority and space to grapple with all this (which. I still think they don’t really give her a ton or enough but you know) are all… kinda gross. That said, taking it as the characters I do think while it would be perfectly valid for B’Elanna to react far less cavalier-ly, and honestly I think they should have let her be upset by it, there is a point there for potential future mutual understanding, because it’s a moment in which both of them are having their security and bodily autonomy violated. Which is obviously complicated by B’Elanna’s trauma here being at least physically caused by Seven, but in a more accurate sense they were both in some way overtaken by a third party beyond their control in a way that would be terrifying to both of them and which would be lastingly upsetting to both of them. So idk it’s definitely messed up but I don’t think it’s unrecoverable? But yeah I don’t. Like it.

[in reference to this post I wrote about “Infinite Regress”]

First of all, thank you for taking the time to send an ask with your thoughts, I really appreciate it!

Second, I totally agree with you about Seven—for all the griping about her stealing the show and the counting of lines etc (all valid complaints), Voyager still... fails to give Seven the right kind of space to figure herself out, in my opinion. She gets told a lot what she needs to be and do and she has very little choice in the matter. Plus last night, after I'd already written that post, I remembered the existence of “Retrospect”, a whole episode about Seven experiencing an assault that... turns out isn't real? What? And of course Voyager never speaks of it again so in that sense Seven has also her own fucked up shit she never dealt with, pretty much in the same way B'Elanna has. (Misogyny being truly inescapable and all that, I guess.)

And yes, you're right to point out that the whole situation in “Infinite Regress” was terrifying for both B'Elanna and Seven, although in different ways, and that it was a moment they both had their bodily autonomy violated. That is definitely a point of commonality on which they can build upon if they decided to talk about it.

I also definitely wish B'Elanna had been allowed to be a little more upset—although you could interpret her quipping 'does this qualify as our second date' as the usual way she copes with Things Happening So Much (she'd rather hide behind sarcasm rather than let other people see that she was affected. Especially when it comes to Seven). And there is also the fact that there's a brief time skip (a few hours) between Seven's attack and when she and B'Elanna speak next, a time Seven has mostly spent unconscious in Sick Bay and that the other senior officers have spent questioning Naomi and B'Elanna about what happened. I would hope that they were both reassured that Seven likely had no control over what she was doing and she meant no harm, even if harm unfortunately happened. So B'Elanna in a way has had some time to gather her bearings, and there is some wiggle room to make this fit with her cavalier attitude onscreen; I just wish it had been shown explicitly. Then again, this is Voyager, so this kind of reaction is just not often getting shown period. (And honestly you could say this about DS9 as well.)

I want to bring up here something @mylittleredgirl said in the replies that I thought was really smart, ie that Trek characters do know that space is weird and it makes people act very weird sometimes. In a way this makes genuinely messed up situations feels way less personal to all parties involved because they all know it was a temporary setback that could not be helped, and once it's solved they trust that it's solved. Plus there's the fact that B'Elanna herself knows how it is to not be in control at all and come on to someone else (see: the entirety of “Blood Fever”). I can see B'Elanna easily make the connection between what happened to her back then and what's going on with Seven in “Infinite Regress”. Both these aspects were things I didn't consider last night but I think are very good points and make this episode genuinely less upsetting to me.

I think I was being especially harsh with “Infinite Regress” in that post because the only way I've ever seen it discussed in the context of B7 is through jokes and memes while I find it hard to see what's funny about it. This is very likely on me, I'm sure there have been serious discussions about it in the last 20+ years and I just don't know where they are. Plus as I said in the tags, I can easily find a way to reason myself out of anything I like if I start thinking about the counterarguments hard enough, lol. Sometimes I need an external perspective to get myself out of these circular thoughts, and this discussion definitely helped, so thank you to all who shared their point of view on this episode.

In conclusion, I'm definitely not going to stop being invested in B'Elanna/Seven any time soon. While I still really don't like the way they interact in “Infinite Regress” (why does 'messed up situation involving women' always defaults to 'assault'! come on, there were other options there Voyager), I can see now that there IS a little more space for them to overcome this particular hurdle than I had previously thought, and I will keep thinking about it in these terms from now on!

#b7 #askbox #voy #trek characters being somewhat 'genre savvy' is a thing i've considered before while writing fic #and it's something that's valuable to keep in mind here as well #ep: infinite regress #i'll give this ep its own tag even if it's not... for the usual reasons

[kitkatt0430]

As a teenager I didn't really get the point of Xander/Anya and as an adult I understand their relationship even less. It was very much a 'pair the spares' type relationship. They were terrible at communicating and each often thought the other was only really interested in being together for the sex.

Xander was trying desperately to feel like he was an adult moving on with his life instead of getting stuck every time he tried to go somewhere with his life. The road trip ended at the first stop when his car broke down. His first attempt at moving away from his alcoholic and abusive parents only went as far as the family home's basement. Until he discovered he made a good construction worker, he went through a string of jobs that paid shit and he hated them. He felt like his best friends were leaving him behind because they were busy with college and discovering themselves and he... had Anya.

Anya was trying desperately to be human and do what humans do because she wasn't a demon anymore and trying to stay with the culture she'd been a part of for the last several centuries would get her killed. She doesn't know how to act human, though. And she doesn't know how to like herself as a human. She's trying to adapt to an entirely different culture with little to no sympathy when she gets things wrong and Xander is one of the few people willing to explain - occasionally and with great exasperation - what she did wrong and how to get it right instead. (She's heavily coded as neurodivergent and then made into an acceptable target to be bullied, which I didn't catch as a kid but realize now why their treatment of her was so upsetting to me then. And still is.)

They both want to be loved and to have someone to love. And they're both lonely. Like... I get why, in an amatonormative society, they clung together and nearly got married despite making each other miserable so often.

But Xander was almost the gay character in the Scoobies - Willow got to be a lesbian instead after Seth Green left the show, thus shortening the cheating arc between Oz and Veruca (an unnecessary rehash of the Willow and Xander cheating arc from S3) and ushering in the much beloved Tara as a result - and losing that story line really shows in how directionless he was in S4. And Anya dating Xander after centuries of punishing men who cheated on women never made any sense. Especially since Anya arrived at Sunnydale, the place she lost her power and status as a demon, because Xander cheated on Cordelia. That's... not someone a vengeance demon would be likely to find attractive.

So to some degree they very much read as two queer people desperately trying to pretend they can make a heteronormative relationship work. And I think that's what I picked up on from them even back in junior high (a time when I too thought I was straight and definitely 100% a girl; my how times change). They'd work so much better as amicable exes with mlm/wlw solidarity going on.

#btvs #fandom meta #btvs meta #xander harris #anya jenkins #honestly xander had more chemistry in S4 with spike than with anya #which does make me curious who xander's love interest might've been if had discovered he was gay or bi #anyway i do get relationships like theirs happen in real life #but staying with someone who makes you miserable is a poor choice #the only part of their relationship that made sense was xander walking away from Anya on the day of their wedding #not that he should have let it get that far #but that he realized what they had wasn't working and finally put an end to it

[mrsbsmooth]

I need some piece of advice and I don’t know who to go to so here I am😭 I got a friend who has a crush on a guy for a long time and this guy started texting my best friend. I would feel too bad to not tell my friend anything bc she’s like head over heels so I told her and now I feel bad bc my best friend told me not to say anything to the friend and I feel like a bad friend to my best friend. What should I do I feel so terribly guilty

Okay wait, I'm getting confused with friend/best friend so I'm gonna make it LITG.

Your friend (Hope) likes the guy (Noah). Noah started texting your best friend (Priya). You told Hope that Noah was texting Priya, but Priya asked you not to say anything to Hope.

My questions:

1. Did you tell Hope before or after Priya had asked you not to say anything?

This matters. If you told her before Priya asked you not to say anything, I think that's a lot better than if it was after.

2. What was your motivation for telling Hope?

I'm not sure I understand your motivation for telling her. Was it to manage her expectations? To make it so she didn't make a fool of herself by flirting with Noah? I'm not sure what good comes of her knowing that the guy she likes is talking to someone else. Honestly, if I was Hope, it would just make me feel really weird around Priya, because she's talking to the guy I like.

3. What kind of texts is Noah sending Priya?

Are they talking or are they 'talking'? Does Noah like her?

Obviously I need more details, but right now I guess I need more info. I hate to pile on you when you're feeling guilty, because I know it's the last thing you need and the damage is already done, but next time something like this happens, I'd just recommend to mind your business. It's all well and good to say 'she has a right to know' etc, but as far as I can tell, nobody benefits from Hope knowing that Noah's texting Priya. It hurts Hope's feelings, it makes things awkward for Noah, and it puts Priya in a really uncomfortable situation where she now can't get to know a guy she might like because her friend's upset and knows they're talking. Priya has a right to privacy, and so does Noah. If Noah and Hope weren't actively dating, I don't think she has the right to know about who he's talking to etc, no matter how much she likes him.

Sorry, beloved anon, I know it's not what you want to hear, but I think you need to come clean and apologise to both of your friends.

I wish I could tell you you've done nothing wrong or that you shouldn't feel guilty. It's a really tough situation to be in, because there's every possibility that if you hadn't said anything, and Hope found out later that you knew Priya and Noah were talking and you didn't tell her, she'd be really hurt. But you really have to decide where your position is in the relationship. By going behind Priya's back and telling Hope, you're telling Priya that you value your friendship with Hope more than you value her trust and privacy. You're also affirming to Hope that she has some kind of claim over Noah just because she likes him, and that she deserves or needs to know every detail about what he's doing and who he's talking to. That's not fair to Noah, and it's also not fair to Hope. She needs to understand that she does not have this right.

Priya needs to hear that you told Hope with the very best of intentions, thinking it would perhaps let her down gently to hear from a friend that Noah was talking to her instead of Hope. Apologise, and say you shouldn't have breached her privacy and trust, and you don't want to interfere in whatever is happening between them, and assure her it won't happen again. She may not trust you with details about what's going on between her and Noah for a while, and that's understandable.

Hope needs to hear that you shouldn't have assumed she wanted to hear about who Noah was talking to. Tell her you shouldn't have given details about anything that's going on between Priya & Noah, and that you used your position as Priya's best friend in a way that hurt both of them. Say you're sorry for making things awkward between her and Priya, and that you'll butt out of anything going on between her and Noah.

#not litg #relationship advice #look at me getting asks like a magazine column #advice mrsbsmooth #drama

[sonderkore]

✉ extraordinary attorney woo | ep 13 thoughts jeju-do, joined by friends, and junho's sister is going to have to sleep with one eye open

; or the one where i tried to make sense of what happened.

↳ jeju-do you know what i thought going into this ep? oh, jeju, it's gonna be so much fun!

and it was, actually! it had its funny moments here and there to balance out all the angst. from our newest golden trio singing in the plane and the car to their visit to the temple.

(minwoo's bp joke honestly made me laugh, and i do hate that it was him who said it lol jk)

imo the case's biggest contribution to this ep was that it brought all of them to jeju-do.

it's the things that happened while the squad was in jeju-do, in the middle of this business trip, were the main focus for me.

1. uncovering myeongseok's divorce. the show gave him the spotlight he deserves.

he told us his past, how much he worked even then that ultimately led to his condition now and his eventual divorce. i don't think he'll d word. we see him walking okay in the ep 14 preview when they visit the temple. (at least, i think it was him) ((also im in denial, he cant be terminally ill. he cant!!))

the squad might be trying to find the haengbok noodles owner for him, i think? but we'll see if that's relevant to the case or not.

2. suyeon and minwoo. is it it surprising that this happened? i don't want to say yes in full confidence but it's not a definite no.

we saw the way the camera focused on him when suyeon got a new hairdo. his reactions to when suyeon said she'd aggressively win someone over were also indications of his interest. those were hints that this was bound to happen. they established this in the first ep, i feel like. your typical enemies to lovers trope.

but does it warrant that confession FROM SUYEON we're getting tomorrow? i honestly don't think so and i hope it's a fake out. minwoo likes suyeon. sure, ok. i can understand, can't say i like it.

but you're telling me that suyeon likes him now? even after knowing what he did to youngwoo? after one walk in jeju? REALLY? if that's the case, i think she falls easily :( she fell for junho and her one night stand i think, and if that's the case, then this thing minwoo actually might make sense. doesn't mean i have to like it tho.

(joo jonghyuk's cute BUT MINWOO? TACTICIAN KWON MINWOO? no. he's a -12)

3. meeting junho's sister. we'll get into that one later.

4. minwoo's backstory. i sympathize with his situation. it's difficult to be the breadwinner of your family. you need to endure everything to provide and it gets incredibly lonely. he's suffering, and i can't fault him for that.

does that excuse his behavior, though? nope.

i can't get behind on a redemtion arc for him. he could've not went to taesumi, or they could've shown us him regretting ever going to her as he uncovers more about taesumi and youngwoo's relationship (or lack thereof) and then he apologizes to youngwoo because that's the least he could do after what he did.

but nah.

i just feel like it's a little too late for them to appeal minwoo to us, to say that he's not that bad of a guy.

he still is, that ableist prick. nothing will ever excuse his behavior towards youngwoo. ever.

but, anyway.

i loved that we got some of the cutest whale couple scenes in this ep! junho smiling when youngwoo arrived, even though he was still upset at her for what happened. youngwoo making junho guess the names of the dolphins in the pics, the plane talk and the whole seatbelt thing - i could be here for a while.

but my personal faves are: (non-verbatim)

"i have 154 (bows) left"

"no, it's still 155. you started late."

"why are you keeping track?"

"just keep going."

and

"i should've rented a van with an open roof, too."

"there are no vans with open roofs."

"right." *in like a "yes dear" type of tone*

if not date, then why wooho act like a couple married for 10 years??? 😭

↳ joined by friends the geurami, minsik, and myeongseok trio was so refreshing and funny to see!! their colorful fits and their singing in the car were top highlights.

i'm so glad they joined, because we not only got to see the whole cast together, but they were there as a saving grace for all the minwoo scenes we got. (hahaha jk... hng)

minsik not being (totally) awkward and sad around suyeon after their failed date is nice. he's still trying, though, but i hope he gets over her.

i love geurami so much and her scenes in this ep just sealed the deal for me. the clock scene is the best one!! she'll do anything for youngwoo, that's her ride or d word!! she'll slay any ticking clock that disturbs youngwoo for eternity.

but she needs to open her eyes and see that minwoo is not the boy for her.

↳ junho's sister is going to have to sleep with one eye open she really does.

i was really hoping that voice we heard in the preview wasn't someone related to junho. i was imagining them both overhearing it, and youngwoo opening up to junho about her worries and him reassuring her that their relationship isn't like that.

but, well.

firstly, junho wanting to introduce youngwoo to his sister is a big deal. that's what you do when you're serious about the relationship. not that we've seen anything from junho that states otherwise. but time and time again, he proves to youngwoo (and us, the viewers) that he's in this for the long run. he's committed!! he knows it will last!! HIS FEELINGS ARE NOT TEMPORARY!!

and it sucks big time that junho's sister clearly doesn't see that, too blinded by her assumptions.

before meeting them, youngwoo asked geurami for tips to impress them. after hearing that junho's sister will be serving them meat and raw fish, no gimbap, youngwoo was hesitant but since she remembered what geurami said, she said it was okay. junho even insisted that she didn't have to force herself to eat them, but she still did.

i made this point in a post earlier, but she did it all for junho. she sat there and ate something she wasn't used to eating because if it meant that junho's sister and her husband will approve of her, then so be it.

but they didn't.

and it led to youngwoo questioning their relationship. "am i someone who can make junho happy?" it's especially painful to hear that after seeing how wide junho's smile is just at the sight of youngwoo alone.

his sister had the audacity to tell him "you're not going to marry her, so don't bother telling our parents."

MAM

MAM

in junho's head, they've been married since this scene.

probably.

but he we saw how worried he was before moving forward in this relationship. he's 100% sure of youngwoo. he's down so bad for her and he's in this for the long run.

i've said that, but clearly junho's sister needs it drilled into her head.

my frustrations simmered down a bit now, but i'm still so incredibly disappointed at how things turned out. not at the writers, no. but the scene in general and the fact that we're going to witness a whale couple breakup tomorrow.

they need to be able to communicate this properly. saw someone said that wooho were better at communicating before they were dating, and i can definitely see that. this is a drama, and tbh when i said in ep 12 that their little bickering was necessary, i meant that. and i mean it for this one, too. that doesn't mean i enjoy seeing the angst tho. these are two people i want to protect.

i'd hate for the writers to throw the healthy communication down the drain in ep 14. they should talk it out!! and i mean in that beach, not when they go back home. we have 3 eps left, are they seriously going to make us wait??

also want to point out the glaring plotlines that are missing so far:

junho meeting youngwoo's dad

taesumi and minwoo. how's the deal going?

boston.

we haven't heard anything about boston since ep 11, if i remember correctly, and we have 3, episodes left. i hope they're not ending it with her going to boston, but it's becoming a possibility?

i don't want to think about it and this post is getting way too long and i need to work so.

see you later for ep 14!

#lia.txt #extraordinary attorney woo spoilers #extraordinary attorney woo #eaw #park eun bin #kang tae oh #woo young woo #lee jun ho #eaw ep 13 #eaw spoilers

[starrshaddow]

SVE Claire x Reader hcs because there's no content for her and it makes me upset

HEADCANONS

When you first came to her and greeted her at the front desk her first impression of you was annoyance.

You just kept bugging her and bugging her and giving her gifts and leaves without buying anything. At the same time. 9:30 AM.

So every time she'd snap awake from that telltale sound of ringing bells of the JojaMart's door, she thinks to herself:

'Oh god, not again.'

But it wasn't you. It was that grumpy old man going around with a big frown on his wrinkled face.

"What are you staring at?!" He yelled in annoyance.

"I'm sorry," Claire apologizes and puts on her best customer service smile. "Welcome to JojaMart sir, how can I help you?"

The old man simply wheels away with a grunt. His wife follows looks at her with a shy apologetic smile and says, "I'm really sorry about my husband. That was rude of him."

You came to the store an hour later with a basket in hand full of fruits and vegetables. When you put it on the desk and turn to leave, she can't help but ask,

"Do you do this to everyone?"

You stop, and turns to her with a curious gaze until it shifts to a neutral expression.

"I mean, yeah." You shrug. "But not everyone-everyone. Just the ones easiest to reach."

Claire looks at you in the eye.

"Please count me out next time."

You simply smiled and nodded. "Sure. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

There was no hurt or disappointed in your expression. You were polite and considering.

You did as she asked and she appreciated it a lot.

One of the things that Claire values most is privacy and her personal bubble. Unlike Penny who is shy, Claire is incredibly introverted. Those two things are really different.

You have to understand that she wants to keep her distance and just sleep sometimes. No date or hanging out. Just sleep. Its basically what introverts need to function

She socialize every now and then but everyday job and transport back and forth from Stardew Valley to her home really tires her out.

So, what she likes the most from someone is their understanding and thoughtfulness.

As her significant other, it's your job to make sure she gets enough rest, eats, and stay hydrated.

Claire hates being coddled so it's preferable to simply remind her every now and then.

She's probably older than you by five years.

She likes watching movies with you. Sometimes when you watch a very old film that she loves, she unknowingly mumbles and recites the actors's lines.

She recites them so passionately too, like it came directly from her heart.

I don't think Claire is a very affectionate person, so if you're aromantic or asexual, I think she'd understand you a lot.

She prefers company and talking more than being physically affectionate like kissing and cuddling.

A few hugs every now and then is nice as a gentle reminder that you love her, but if it happens so often every day then it can be pretty uncomfortable for her.

She likes hanging out with you more and talking to you. Simple things like sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace while you rant about a villager that pissed you off,

Or maybe she's just tired to even talk to you that she just sits down on the couch in exhaustion and you just sit next to her and read.

You both don't even have to do anything and that's already enough for her to feel contented and happy.

Honestly, being with you and seeing you is already great enough.

#claire #claire stardew valley #claire stardew valley x reader #claire x reader #stardew valley #stardew valley expanded

[julieverne]

Jane wakes in the night, still reaching for a body that isn't there. A body that hasn't been there for a long time.

Maura.

Maura is in Paris, and Jane is in a hotel in New York, out on training.

It's funny. Since she left BPD, no one in her family has been kidnapped or shot, no one has been targeted by a serial killer, no one has been in prison for some arbitrary reason. Jane thought it would be the opposite - working for a federal bureau would make her a bigger target, but it seems like that part of her life - all the chaos and blood and car bombs - ended when Maura left. When Jane left Boston.

When they left each other. Jane sat up, rubbing her forehead, her palms stinging. The aircon was cooler than she'd like, and the remote wouldn't work. She pulled her laptop into her lap, flicking on the bedside lamp, feeling nervous in the way she didn't back when Casey would make international calls from whatever military base he'd been stationed on. She flicks her mouse over her Ma's face, knowing it's too late. She checks the time in Paris, checks it again. They're a few hours ahead. Holding her breath she clicks on Maura, holding back from cancelling the call. She probably won't answer. She probably.

"It must be late over there - oh. You're in bed."

Jane's voice is raspier than usual. "I dreamt about - remember how Alice had you kidnapped? And you were gone, and I couldn't find you? And I dreamt... Susie..."

"Do you need me to come home?" Maura asked, and Jane can see now that she's walking down a sunny street, looking all the world as though she belongs in Europe, belongs in Paris in a way that Jane, with similar European roots, never would.

"No. I just needed to make sure... Just needed to see you for myself."

"I understand," Maura's voice was soft. "I'm fine, Jane, but I do miss you."

"Time zones can bite me," Jane says, trying to sound as though she's joking. The best part of all those shooting and kidnapping and car accidents had always been how Maura had folded into Jane's arms like she belonged there, falling asleep with her head on Jane's shoulder, bodies entwined with no space between them.

"I mean it, Jane. I miss you. And Frankie and Angela and Hope and Cailin, but mostly you. But I couldn't spend my life waiting..."

"Are you seeing someone?" Jane asks, as though she hasn't asked before, as though it's of no consequence to her, as though it's not a non- sequitur.

"No," Maura breathes. "No, and I won't be for a while. I'm still getting over..."

"Ian?" Jane asks. Maura barks out a laugh.

"Jane, how obtuse can you be? You were the first person that loved me for me, you were the first person who ever felt safe to me, and I kept hoping that some day... But you never, so I never, and I ended up dating serial killers and getting kidnapped and put in jail and Jane, I can't do this any more."

Jane's heart sinks. She'd known why Maura had left, but she hadn't wanted to say anything, to admit it was real.

"I did love you," Jane says, looking out over the New York skyline at 2am. "I do love you," she whispers. "But I was never going to be enough for you."

"You were never anything less than more than enough," Maura said, her voice cracking, and Jane hates that she let Maura leave, Jane hates that she left too, she hates that Maura is so far away and most of all she hates that she knows she could have prevented all of this by letting Maura know, even just once, that Jane loved her. She hates that Maura's voice sounds strained, she hates that Maura's so upset that her sentences aren't fully formed. "You were everything, but I couldn't stay waiting for..."

"I know," Jane sighs. "I know. Just..."

"Just," Maura echoes.

"What are you doing today?" Jane asks, trying to turn the conversation back to normal, like she's not falling to pieces in a dimly lit hotel room far too far away from the only person she's ever really loved. The only person she loved too much to get involved with, because Maura obviously deserves better than some damaged cop with no manners.

"I'm visiting an archive," Maura says. "The Microfiche hasn't been digitised so I'll be scanning in some articles for an idea I'm considering."

"That sounds like something you'd enjoy," Jane says, smiling, her teeth white on Maura's screen along with the tank top she'd worn to bed. "Enjoy yourself," she adds. "I should... It's late. Thanks for taking my call," she says, looking shamefaced.

"I still love you," Maura says. "I always will, even if it's not something you want. Even if you don't want me." Jane's heart hurts. She never wanted to hear Maura say something like that, with all the hurt in her voice like when she'd spoken about her family before Jane had a word with them. It's too late now, but she says it anyway.

"I do want you," she manages to choke out. "God, living without you is harder than living without the use of my hands, and it's only been what, a week?"

"Five days," Maura amends. "I can be there in... 12 hours. But Jane... I want all of you. If I come back, I want the movie scene airport kiss. I want to be swept off my feet."

"But your research..." Jane says.

"Can you be there for me? Physically, emotionally, sexually?" Jane's breath catches; usually she's the one asking about their relationship.

"I'll try," Jane says finally, honestly. "The first two, yes, I can. I always will be."

"And the last one?"

"Scares the shit out of me, Mau." Jane rubs her face again in a way that's so familiar to Maura, even through the phone thousands of miles away. "But I'm willing to try. And take notes, and feedback, and whatever you need. Just please," Jane's voice cracks again. "Mau, please. I should have said something sooner."

"I could have too," Maura says. She sighs. "I can't even make it a week without you, Jane."

"If you hadn't gone, I'd have never... I'd have been... not satisfied... but scared. Scared you'd leave if I told you. But you've already left."

"Will you go back to BPD?" Maura asks. "I can pick my job back up."

"No, too much drama. I got a job offer. Consulting for a tv show. They say I can telecommute."

"I've booked a flight. Jane, you'd better not be messing with me."

"Cross my heart," Jane says. "I'll come get you. JFK?" Maura nods. "Email me. I'll be there."

---

Maura disembarks quickly, with the ease of a seasoned traveller. She looks around. There is a big sign with her name on it, and Jane is dressed like... Humphrey Bogart? From Casablanca?

"Here's looking at you, kid," Jane drawls, pulling Maura into her arms and swooping her down for a long, long-awaited kiss. Jane pulls them both upright, blushing, tipping her hat over her face. "Let's get your luggage, huh?" Jane asks, tucking Maura's arm in hers, and Maura can't wipe the smile from her face.

If she'd known it was going to be this easy, she'd have gone to Paris seven years ago.

"We'll always have Paris," Maura said wistfully, and Jane laughed.

"They were showing it on cable last night," Jane admits. "You said you wanted that monumental big-screen kiss."

"No," Maura says, turning to look at Jane. She looks tired; they both do. But she looks good, she looks comfortable, she even looks a little smug, blush still on her cheeks from kissing Maura for the first time in a crowded airport. "No, I wanted this," she affirms, leaning in to press her lips against Jane's, softly, calmly, and it's better than the movies.

"I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Jane says, smiling, when Maura finally pulls away.

"Relationship," Maura corrects her.

"As long as I have you, we can call it whatever you want."

"I have learned how to live, how to be in the world and of the world, and not just to stand aside and watch. And I will never, never again run away from life. Or from love, either," Maura says, knowing from Jane's blank stare she didn't understand the reference.

"Frankly my dear," Jane drawls, "As long as I have you, I don't give a damn."

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40798623

#rizzles #rizzoli and isles #rizzoli & isles #jane rizzoli #jane and maura #maura isles #rizzles fanfic

[hxllyhawks]

I really like her. She can be frustrating at times but she's so well developed and ThunderClan under her leadership was my favorite part of the books

#I feel like the prophecies begin was just great in general #I think it's kinda iffy that she was so judgemental of snowfur and thistleclaw's relationship #but I can understand that she'd be upset when someone she hates is dating her sister #bluestar #warrior cats #thunderclan #warrior cats designs

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Thinking about an AU I like to call: None of This Woulda Happened If Adrigami Stayed Together 😌 (I don't have the energy to write it atm so I'm using the tried and true method of Tumblr bullet points)

Adrien decides he doesn't want Kagami to hate him so he just blurts out that he's Chat Noir before she can leave

Kagami's so shocked the akuma can't lock onto her anymore

Plagg thinks this is a bad idea but revealing himself erases any doubt Kagami might've had

She's very understanding but insists he make it up to her

Adrien: 🥺

Kagami: *kisses him on the lips*

Adrien: 😍

He talks to her about how he feels as Chat Noir. Kagami is a very good listener

Adrien encourages her to pursue interests outside Tomoe's approval. He's very supportive of her artistic endeavors

Chat Noir sneaks Kagami out so they can have a proper date without being on their parents' timer

Mr. Pigeon 72 never happens since Marinette doesn't have a reason to show up to Adrien's photoshoot

Adrien ends up exhausted from his allergies since the photoshoot went ahead, leading to a real conversation about how he hates them actually

Kagami encourages him to tell his friends how he really feels about the photoshoots instead of letting them think what everyone else does

Nino takes it upon himself to teach the new rich kid how to act like, well, a kid

Su Han showing up makes Adrien think more about the Guardianship. They talk about Master Fu, Ladybug being the new Guardian, the Order

Which makes Adrien feel guilty about keeping it a secret from Ladybug that he told someone his identity.

After his falling out with Chloe, Kagami states that she thinks Adrien did the right thing and that he isn't responsible for her reaction

Kagami learns what happened the last time Felix was there and insists they keep an eye on him

They overhear Gabriel being supervillain-y to Felix and resolve to watch him closer too (nothing incriminating tho)

Mega Leech and Guiltrip lead into more conversations about their parents. Something that comes up is how Tomoe will listen, sometimes, but Gabriel never does

This helps them better understand the differences in their situations and grow closer

Optigami and Sentibubbler results in their first fight because Adrien insists that everything is fine when Kagami can clearly see that everything is not fine

Glaciator 2 happens because Andre the ice cream fraud doesn't ship Adrigami

Something, something, lesson about how couples fight sometimes but the important thing is to talk to the other person

Adrien admits that he feels like Ladybug doesn't need him anymore

Hack-san starts off almost identically but when Chat Noir gets to the part where he says Ladybug would've told him about Scarabella he trails off guiltily

This gives Scarabella enough time to convince him that she's telling the truth.

Adrien isn't happy about it but they manage to beat Robostus with Scarabella's Lucky Charm

Ladybug and Chat Noir have a conversation about Scarabella and Adrien admits that he told someone his identity

Ladybug is shocked and has a mini freakout before settling into a guilty sort of sadness (cause that's exactly what she did and it feels terrible)

They agree not to tell each other who their respective secret keepers are and part amicably

Kagami isn't upset at Adrien for that like he thought she'd be. Just wondering how it changes things

Adrien's growing (but still fragile) self confidence makes it a little easier to fight Rocketear

The aftermath is messy because Adrien doesn't want to reveal Nino's identity to anyone else but it hurts to keep it bottled up. Especially now that Adrien has someone he can actually talk to about everything

In the end it's Plagg who spills the secret cause he forgets Kagami wasn't there (the geass only affects names so she puts the context together easily)

Plagg says his line about Ladybug being the Guardian. Kagami takes the opposite stance.

Telling Nino the truth comes up as a potential solution but they decide to hold off for now

With the career fair approaching they talk about what they want

Kagami is very much okay with going as far as she can in fencing but does want to branch out more

Adrien... doesn't know what he wants.

She suggests going to the fair together so Adrien can decide for himself

He gets sad again when childhood dreams come up because he doesn't remember having one

Kagami says she doesn't remember her first one either but that didn't stop her from pursuing new dreams

Chat Noir is more focused during the fight so Viperion doesn't learn anyone's identities

Kagami gets tired of hiding her relationship from her mother and after one of Simpleman's blasts she tells Tomoe that Adrien is her boyfriend

Tomoe isn't pleased about being lied to but is accepting of her daughter's relationship

Gabriel can't do anything directly since angering the Tsurugis is not a smart business decision

Adrien doesn't hold Kagami's actions against her since they were influenced by an akuma and is also relieved Gabriel didn't do anything (as far as they know)

Chat Noir saves the world from Tikki's creation. The Ladyblog makes a Chat Noir appreciation compilation, it makes international news, Ladybug is a bit distracted by her kwami (he would be too honestly) but she gives him that smile he's subconsciously started comparing to Nino's, Kagami let's him pick the cringiest anime he wants to watch together. Adrien rides that high for a solid week

This gives Adrien enough of a boost to ask Ladybug if they can talk

(insert scene where Ryuko whisks Adrien off in front of dozens of reporters with the blatant lie that the akuma is after him so Chat Noir can Cataclysm the safe) (I need it okay?)

They meet at the Eiffel Tower and Chat Noir finally tells Ladybug how he's been feeling sidelined and useless.

Ladybug realizes that she didn't think about how all this must've looked like from his perspective but insists he isn't useless even if she needs to call on a different Miraculous to win the fight

Chat Noir insists that he can help her more and Ladybug gets evasive

The discussion heats up into an argument until Ladybug eventually blurts out that she can't let him in because Chat Blanc would happen

Chat Noir listens, confusion turning into horror as she describes the experience until she finally ends with Chat Blanc's line: "Our love destroyed the world."

Adrien is quiet for a moment before he replies with a bittersweet smile: "Well, I guess we don't have to worry about him anymore. I have a girlfriend."

There's shock and relief and a little bit of sadness in Ladybug's expression as she collapses

Ladybug tells him about Rena Furtive and Su Han and Chat Noir is angry about that but he listens

They don't talk for a few days as Adrien lets himself be mad at Ladybug. Talking to Kagami about what happened.

Joining up again, Ladybug decides to tell him more about the Guardianship; how she discovered how to make the magic charms, potion making, what all the other Miraculous do, the identities of all the holders Hawkmoth already knows (for starters)

Eventually the Grimoire pops up and Adrien realizes how important that book is

He makes a plan with Kagami to sneak into his father's office

Plagg opens the safe again and they find the fake Miraculous. Plagg knows they're fake because he's actually paying attention this time

He also notices that the painting is too thick when he phased through it and the secret elevator opens

Adrien finds his mother's body surrounded by white butterflies and hightails it out of their before Gabriel finds him

Adrien breaks down in Kagami's arms before pulling himself back together. Determined to stop Gabriel

Chat Noir decides it's worth the risk and reveals himself to Ladybug because he's tired of secrets and doesn't feel like hiding who his father is from her

Ladybug also revealing herself when she learns Adrien's father is Hawkmoth

They assemble their team of Nino, Alya and Kagami (the three people Adrien and Marinette agreed to reveal themselves to) to plan

Nino gives Adrien a huge hug as Kagami thanks Marinette for being her friend

Alya is relieved 'cause she doesn't have to keep secrets from her boyfriend and best friend now

They launch a surprise attack, throwing Gabriel off balance. His counterattack is effective but doesn't take Rena Furtive into account.

There's a back and forth until Gabriel takes Nino hostage with a sentimonster

Cue Chat Noir power up

Adrien launches a projectile Cataclysm at the amok object, destroying both it and the feather

They each take turns punching him in the face before Ladybug uses her surprisingly straightforward Lucky Charm to take his Miraculous

Gabriel and Nathalie go to jail

Marinette has a bunch of people who she can lean on when Guardian stuff gets to much instead of just Alya. (Nino and Kagami won't take the Order's nonsense lying down either)

Adrien starts the process of making his bodyguard his legal guardian and has a bunch of friends he can lean on when the fallout starts getting too much. With Kagami being the permanent Dragon Miraculous wielder both of them have an expanded support network

Alya and Nino can be the superhero couple again without hiding it from their best friends. Rena Rouge getting to go back into the public eye and Carapace joining her as a permanent holder

Marinette tells her parents she's Ladybug

Nino helps Alya with her biggest project on the Ladyblog to date

And speaking of dates, Adrien and Kagami go on one without worrying about akuma attacks for the first time since... Ever

The future looks messy and hopeful and they, all of them, will face it together

#... #this is a lot longer than I thought it'd be #adrien agreste #kagami tsurugi #ml au idea #ml season 4 #adrigami #marinette dupain cheng #ml #miraculous ladybug

[twomanyideas]

It's Not Like That!

A collaboration by @mdelpin and @oryu404 Series: The Changing of the Seasons Pairing(s): Lyon x Erza, Gray x Natsu, Sting x Rogue, Jellal x Erza (discussed)

AO3

Summary: “Is that the new Sorcerer?”

“It is.” Sting wiggled his eyebrows.

“Let me see that!” Lucy got up, making an unsuccessful lunge at the magazine. “Did they get pictures of her date with Jellal? Jason mentioned he was going to be around over the weekend.”

“Oh, it definitely features Erza with someone, but it’s not Jellal.”

0-0

Tomorrow is your lucky day!

Erza didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as she thought of Cana telling her those words the previous night. She’d let herself believe it, too. How could she not, when Cana had seemed so sure? And her predictions were never wrong.

But they were this time. It wasn't Erza’s lucky day. Not by a long shot. She glanced at the note in her hand, rereading it for the third time in the vain hope that maybe if she read it enough times, the message would magically change.

Erza,

I’m sorry, I won’t be able to meet you today. Erik finally got a lead on that dark guild we’ve been tracking for months. If we don’t go after them now, they might go underground again. I know you’ll understand. We can try again next month.

Yours,

Jellal

Next month?!

Erza knew she had no right to be upset. Jellal was chasing after a dangerous guild. He was doing a good thing, but she couldn’t help but feel like it was an excuse, that he was avoiding her.

After the war had ended, Queen Hisui had pardoned the members of Crime Sorciere of all their crimes. They had been free to join the light guilds for months. To establish a base somewhere in Fiore, rather than continue to act as fugitives. Erza had hoped that Jellal would finally settle down somewhere, that they could begin to explore the feelings that, while unspoken, had always existed between them.

But did they really? Could it be that all this time she’d only seen what she’d wanted to see?

No, she didn’t think that was it, but she also didn’t understand what the problem was. All around her, people were pairing up, getting married and starting families. All things she'd always dreamed of for herself. But she and Jellal were still standing still.

There had been so many excuses over the years - the fake fiancée, his status as a fugitive, their childhood friends hating him for lying and enslaving them for the better part of ten years. The list went on and on, but Erza had never given up on him. Not even when he’d tried to sacrifice her to the Tower. So why was he giving up on them just when all their obstacles had been removed?

She sighed, separating the note from the flowers it had come with- a bouquet of red roses similar to the ones she'd received last time. And the time before that. She put them in a vase on her vanity table and requipped into her usual outfit.

The dress she'd bought after hearing the news about the pardon lay on her bed, price tag still attached to the label in the nape, and once again, it ended up back in the closet, next to the others.

Usually when this happened, she’d go to the guild and vent her frustration on a training dummy or a willing Natsu, but this time she was more sad than anything else. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was ending, which was ridiculous considering it had never started in the first place.

She decided to head to the guild anyway, knowing that moping by herself would only make her feel worse. Once again, her thoughts strayed to Cana’s prediction, and she snorted.

Lucky day indeed. What a joke that turned out to be.

Erza made her way through the streets of Magnolia, stopping now and then to peer at shop windows. And despite the chilly weather, it wasn’t long before she found herself at the outdoor market, enticed by the sound of street performers and the cheerful displays. There were all kinds of things for sale, from clothing to weapons, and she flitted from stall to stall, looking for something to add to her collection.

She’d just begun haggling for a kanzashi when she heard someone call out to her.

“Hello Erza.”

She turned her head, recognizing the voice but not placing it right away, and was surprised to find Lyon Vastia standing beside her.

“Lyon?” She summoned up the best smile she could. “What brings you here?”

“I was planning on dropping in on Gray.” He picked up a sword from the vendor's table, examining its blade before setting it back down.

“Oh, Gray left on a job with the rest of the team. They’re not expected back for a few more days.”

“That's too bad. I’m surprised you didn’t go with them. Don’t they get into more trouble without you around to act as impulse control?”

Erza knew he was right, but when they had brought up the job, she’d already made plans with Jellal, optimistic that this time he wouldn’t cancel.

“They’re not that bad.” She protested, but even she had to admit it didn’t sound very convincing.

“As someone who has seen what they’re capable of, I respectfully disagree.” Lyon chuckled. “Did you have plans for today?”

“I did, but they didn’t quite work out.” Erza turned her attention back to the kanzashi, not wanting Lyon to notice her disappointment. “Is there something I can help you with, or was it just a visit?”

“There is, actually,” Lyon said after a brief pause. Erza looked up to find him studying her. “A friend of mine is having a baby and since I’m here, I may as well try to find her a gift. Trouble is, I know absolutely nothing about babies.”

“You were going to ask Gray for help with that?” Erza asked in horrified disbelief.

Lyon chuckled. “Not at all. I suspect he might be even more clueless than me. But maybe you could help me with that?”

“Is it for anyone I know?”

“Yes, you remember Sherry, don’t you?”

“She’s having a baby? But she’s younger than I am…” Erza said before remembering that while she’d been under the effects of Fairy Sphere for nearly seven years, everyone else had continued to age.

“Oh… right. She was.”

“So, what do you say?” Lyon squeezed her shoulder briefly, but didn’t let his arm rest there. “Are you willing to help an old friend out? I’ll even throw in some lunch for your trouble.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’d be happy to help.”

“Nonsense, it’s no trouble.” He dismissed her protests with a dramatic wave of his hand. "Were you going to buy those, uhm… what are those?"

Erza smiled at the confused expression on his face. “These are kanzashi. They’re a self-defense weapon that doubles as a hairpin.”

Lyon picked one of them up, turning it around in his hands before sticking it in his hair at a jaunty angle. “What do you think? Does it suit me?”

“I think,” Erza said, getting ready to scold him for his behavior when he flashed her a mischievous grin. Until now, she'd only ever seen Lyon during a fight or when he was bickering with Gray. They'd never gotten close enough for her to see this playful side of him before. It suited him.

“You’ve come a long way from your Cold Emperor days.” Erza blurted, wincing as she realized that might not have been the best thing to say, especially when he looked away from her, removing the kanzashi and placing it back on the merchant’s table.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“I’m glad you think so,” Lyon interrupted her apology, turning back to her with a smile. “I can’t say I’m proud of who I was back then, but I like to think I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

He was right, of course, but it was so different from what she was used to that she didn’t even know how to respond. It was so refreshing to hear him not only own up to his past mistakes, but to see how he’d grown past them. And even though she knew it wasn’t a fair comparison, she wished Jellal could adopt some of his attitude.

“Shall we get going?”

“Hmm? Oh yes,” Erza blinked, bringing her thoughts back to the present, “I think there’s a shop a few blocks from here that sells what you’re looking for.”

Lyon straightened his cape and offered her his arm. “Lead the way.”

Erza linked her arm with his, though she felt slightly awkward doing so. She wasn’t used to being treated this way, although she also couldn’t say she minded it. Most men she met fell into one of two categories. They were either intimidated by her or were incredibly forward with their attentions. Lyon’s chivalry was a pleasant change of pace.

It didn’t take them long to find the store nestled in between a bookstore and a jeweler. Its windows displayed mannequins clad in fashionable maternity outfits and colorful baby clothes, along with stuffed animals and other small toys. Lyon let go of her arm to open the door and she hurried inside, eager to examine everything. There were so many things to look at, she didn’t know where to start.

“Good morning!” The shopkeeper looked up from the checkout counter. “Look around and please let me know if you need any help finding anything.”

There were tables full of bibs, onesies, and booties, and Erza soon lost herself in the allure of fabrics and bright colors. She helped Lyon pick out outfits and toys for the baby, setting some aside into a pile until she realized what she was doing.

There was no reason for her to buy them. None of her friends were expecting, and she certainly wouldn’t be needing them anytime soon. She picked a couple of outfits and one toy to gift Sherry and put the rest away.

Lyon had selected some maternity dresses, holding them up in front of Erza’s body to get a feel for the sizing.

“Maybe I should get Sherry some clothes, too. What do you think of this one?”

“Is this your first baby?” The shopkeeper interrupted, approaching them with a smile of delight.

“We’re shopping for a friend, but yes, it’s her first baby.”

“Wonderful!” The woman practically beamed at them. “How far along is she?”

Lyon extended his hand away from his stomach to show Sherry’s size.

“She means months!”

“Oh.” Lyon looked sheepish as he put his hand down. “The baby is due in May.”

“Those might be too small, then. Why don’t I show you some dresses that might fit her better?”

She led Lyon to a different rack, and Erza continued to explore the store’s offerings.

There were cribs, mobiles, pillows, books, and many gadgets she’d never even considered. She was admiring a crib when Lyon joined her, showing her the dresses he’d picked out.

“I think those are lovely. Sherry is sure to love them.”

She watched as Lyon continued to add items to his pile. Books, stuffed animals, clothing, and now he’d shifted his attention to the cribs.

“I thought I liked to shop,” she couldn’t help but tease, although secretly she thought it was rather sweet.

“Is it too much?” Lyon asked, looking down at the items worriedly.

“Not at all. I’m just surprised to see you get so into this. Any time I take Gray out shopping, he does nothing but complain and ask if I'm done yet.”

“I’m not usually a fan, either,” Lyon confided, “but Sherry’s always believed in me. I want her and her baby to have the best of everything.”

Hearing Lyon talk about Sherry with such devotion warmed her heart. It reminded her that, even though some things were still missing in her life, she could always count on the love and support of her friends.

“Well, she’s lucky to have a friend like you.” She said, squeezing his arm.

Lyon looked away, but Erza caught a reddish tint to his ears and grinned, realizing that just like Gray, he didn’t like to be fussed over. He walked over to the counter to pay for his purchases, writing the address where the crib was to be delivered on a piece of paper.

Erza knew that not all guilds were like Fairy Tail. Learning of how Master Jiemma had treated the members of Sabertooth had certainly opened her eyes to some of the things that went on behind closed doors. Things that their current master, Sting Eucliffe, had worked very hard to fix. And although she didn’t know much about Lamia Scale, she was incredibly grateful that they had taken Wendy in and treated her like family during Fairy Tail's time of disbandment.

She was glad Lyon had followed Gray’s advice to join a guild so long ago, and that Lamia Scale had proven to be such a good fit. He had changed so much since they had first met, and she couldn’t help but be proud of the man he’d become.

“Shall we go have lunch?” Lyon said once she had paid for her items. He maneuvered their many shopping bags around until he had a free arm to offer her again, and she gladly accepted it.

“Yes, I’d be delighted.” And she meant it too. The day might have taken an unexpected turn, but Erza couldn’t help but feel it had been a lucky one.

0-0

Lunch with Lyon had been fun. She honestly couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed herself so much. They’d chatted about the new Magic Council, their guilds, and even swapped stories about Gray as a kid. She was sure wherever he was, his ears must have been ringing. Through it all, she hadn’t once thought of Jellal or her earlier disappointment.

But all that had changed the moment she returned to her room at Fairy Hills and set eyes on the red roses on her vanity table, a reminder of why she’d gone into town in the first place.

And for the first time, a thought struck her. What if the reason Jellal sent her red roses was not because they represented his feelings for her, but because they reminded him of her hair color, which he’d always liked?

I remember now; it was the color of your hair…

She could still remember the way she’d felt when Jellal had said those words as the Rune Knights took him into custody. The hope that had bloomed in her heart, even when it had seemed she might never see him again.

After she’d learned Ultear and Meredy had broken him out of prison, Erza had done everything in her power to show him she’d forgiven him for the things he’d done during his time at the Tower of Heaven. She’d supported his decisions even when she didn’t agree with them and aided him any way she could. Every awkward moment they’d shared over the years had built up her hope that if she only waited long enough, everything would work itself out.

But that day had come and gone, and he’d made no effort to seek her out. There wasn’t much left she could do, save force her feelings on him to get her way, and that was the one thing she was determined never to do. She’d watched Juvia make that mistake over and over, and seen the results firsthand.

So where did that leave her?

More than anything, she wanted Jellal to find peace. To finally get to a point where he could not only accept forgiveness for his past actions, but grant it to himself as well. It had been almost ten years since the Tower of Heaven had collapsed, but it didn’t feel like he’d made much progress in that regard. He stubbornly held on to his guilt, firmly believing he could never truly make up for his sins. No matter how much good he’d done since.

And as she got ready for bed, she couldn’t help but wonder. Did that apply to her too? When Jellal looked at her, was it possible he still saw her as the little girl he’d once hurt so badly? Did being with her cause him pain?

That thought gave her pause. She didn’t like it, but she also couldn’t discount it. She grabbed the note and climbed into bed, reading it again and hugging it to her chest.

Wherever you are… Please be careful.

0-0

Erza stepped off the train as soon as it arrived at Magnolia Station. She'd taken a few simple jobs over the past few days, both to keep herself busy while she waited and to take her mind off the doubts that had crept in after her day out with Lyon.

“She doesn’t look any different to me.”

“I heard it happened during the war. How romantic!”

“She’s got that glow, you know?”

She heard many comments like these on her way to the guild, but Erza didn’t pay them any mind. They didn’t sound like they had anything to do with her and frankly; she had bigger things to worry about. Her team was scheduled to return, and she was eager to hear how their job had gone. This was the first big mission they’d taken since the war had ended, and despite the assurances she’d given Lyon on Sunday, she’d definitely been worried. With all that pent up energy, there was no telling what might have happened.

She noticed that people seemed to pay her more attention than usual, turning their heads as she passed and whispering behind her back, but she shrugged the thought away as soon as the guild doors came into view.

They opened, and Mirajane came out. She noticed Erza and hurried over with her usual smile. “Hey! Did you just get back?”

“Yeah, I took the early train home. Skipped breakfast, though.”

“Oh, you must be starving! I’ll be back in a few minutes to make you something. I just want to run out and get the new—”

“Sorcerer’s Weekly?” Erza finished for her with a laugh. “You never change. Are you in this one?”

Mira giggled. “Nope, but it’s always fun to see who is. I’ll be back soon. Oh, and Natsu and the others are back.”

“Did they get into any trouble?”

“I’ll be back soon!” Mira repeated, evading her question and setting off with a quick wave.

It was hard for Erza to be annoyed at her, seeing as the fool was practically skipping in her excitement to get at the new gossip. She shook her head with a fond smile, knowing she’d have her answer soon enough. It took her less than a minute to arrive at the guild doors and enter.

“You’re back!”

Her teammates greeted her with varying degrees of excitement, causing her to take a step back and peer at each one intently.

“So, how did the job go?”

Her eyes narrowed as she noticed Gray evading her gaze. Suspicious for sure. Wendy smiled at her, while Lucy looked like she was trying to decide whether she wanted to say something. Natsu didn’t pay her much attention after his initial greeting, too busy inhaling the ridiculous amounts of food that was piled on his plate as Happy cheered him on.

“It was fine.” Wendy moved closer to Lucy to make room for Erza.

“I wouldn’t call that fine,” Lucy muttered.

Erza raised her eyebrow in response. “Oh? Did something happen?”

“I’ll say something happened.” Lucy complained, shooting Gray an irritated glare that amused Erza. “Gray got himself arrested for public indecency again. And don’t get me started on Natsu.”

“Me?” Natsu said, tuning in to the conversation upon hearing his name, “What did I do?”

“You ate all of your money, so I had to bail your boyfriend out.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is.” Natsu shrugged. “It happens all the time. And he paid you back, didn’t he?”

Erza shook her head and chuckled as her two friends continued to bicker, soon joined by Gray, with Wendy trying to diffuse. Carla crossed her arms and expressed her disdain. Nothing had changed.

Relieved to hear they hadn’t tarnished Fairy Tail’s good name, Erza let Gray off with only a mild scolding. “Be sure to keep your clothes on next time.”

“It’s not like I can help it,” Gray muttered.

“What was that?” Erza put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Natsu snickered, and Gray retaliated by stealing some food from his plate, setting off another round of bickering.

She ignored them, sitting down next to Wendy and wishing for Mirajane’s return. She really was hungry.

“So, Erza,” Lucy turned to her with a glint in her eye that Erza didn’t like, “What did you do this weekend?”

Natsu sniffed the air, and whatever he smelled caused him to quickly tap Gray on the shoulder.

"Incoming." He gestured toward the guild doors. Gray only nodded, but his entire demeanor changed, tension visibly settling in his muscles.

Erza had barely had time to consider the odd behavior when the door opened to reveal Juvia’s arrival. The water mage stood in the foyer, scanning the tables intently. It wasn’t long before she found the one person she was looking for.

“Gray-sama, you’re back!”

In the time it took Juvia to reach them, the boys had moved until the only available space to sit at their table was next to Natsu. Erza watched as Juvia stood next to Gray, wringing her hands and staring at him with heart filled eyes as she always did.

“Can Gray-sama make room for Juvia?”

“I’m fine where I am, but there’s room next to Natsu if you want to sit with us.”

Juvia continued to stand where she was, staring down at Gray hopefully, but when he didn’t move, she pouted and sat next to Natsu.

It had been months since Natsu and Gray had announced they were in a relationship. The news had surprised everyone, including Erza, but after everything they had gone through during the war, she could only be happy for them. Unfortunately, the same wasn’t true of Juvia and Lucy. They’d had a much harder time accepting the unexpected turn of events.

To her credit, Lucy had attempted to handle it with grace, although Erza knew she wasn’t exactly okay with it. She didn’t think Natsu had ever been aware of Lucy’s feelings for him, and though Lucy did her best to act happy for them, there were occasional cracks in her defenses. It was one of the many reasons Erza had been nervous about having them go on that job without her.

Juvia hadn’t been as subtle. Which is to say, she outright refused to believe that Gray's heart belonged to someone who wasn't her. They had all tried to talk to her at different times to get her to see reason, but not much had changed. She was still as determined as ever to win Gray over.

Erza had hoped that spending a few days away from the boys would give Juvia some time to come to terms with her disappointment. But as they all sat in awkward silence, watching Natsu continue to eat while pointedly ignoring Juvia, it was clear she’d been too optimistic.

“What is taking Mira so long?!” Erza complained as her stomach rumbled in protest.

The guild doors swung open and Erza perked up. Speak of the devil! But when she turned her head, she saw Sting and Rogue entering the guild hall instead.

Well, that should certainly make the guild lively.

"Morning!" Sting greeted, loud and cheerful as always. He had a copy of Sorcerer clutched under one arm, while the other was linked with Rogue’s. Rogue saluted them with a tall coffee cup, and Lector and Frosch floated just behind them.

“Sting, Rogue,” Erza greeted politely. She smiled as Wendy got up and hurried to meet them.

Rogue gave her a hug, and Frosch and Lector greeted her warmly, but Sting seemed to only have eyes for Erza, and he looked entirely too amused for her liking.

Natsu called them to the table, and they made their way over, waving to the other guild members as they walked past. And still, Sting remained eerily focused on her. It made no sense.

“Erza!” Sting grinned, giving her a once over that would have given her pause, had she not known any better. “So it’s true what they say. You are most definitely glowing!” Glowing? Why would she be glowing? She had half a mind to ignore him, but the comment reminded her of some of the things she’d heard the villagers say on her way to the guild.

“Glowing?” Natsu peered at her and then turned to Sting with a frown. “What are you going on about? She looks the same as always to me.”

Gray grunted his agreement, looking mostly like he wished he was anywhere else, whereas Lucy’s eyes had moved to the copy of Sorcerer’s Weekly Sting held.

“Is that the new Sorcerer?”

“It is.” Sting wiggled his eyebrows.

“Let me see that!” Lucy got up, making an unsuccessful lunge at the magazine. “Did they get pictures of her date with Jellal? Jason mentioned he was going to be around over the weekend.”

“Oh, it definitely features Erza with someone, but it’s not Jellal.”

Erza most certainly did not like the sound of that, and suddenly she had a nagging suspicion she knew exactly what was in those pictures.

“Ooh! Who was it with?” Cana joined them, holding her morning keg of beer. “Did they get any good shots?”

Suggestions poured from all corners of the guild. Some suggested Bacchus, others Eve. Each suggestion was more ridiculous than the next. And when someone was stupid enough to suggest Ichiya, Erza was about ready to reach for her sword.

“You guys are all way off.”

“It was—” Sting drawled, but before he could finish, the guild doors opened again and quickly slammed shut. Someone stood against them, panting, but Erza couldn’t make out who it was, as everyone was still mobbing her.

Natsu sniffed the air, wrinkling his nose at whatever he smelled. “Is that—”

“Lyon?” Gray completed Natsu’s sentence as he recognized his brother.

“Ding ding ding! We have a winner!” Sting made a dramatic gesture towards the door.

Gray ignored him, rushing to check on Lyon. “What happened?”

No, no, no! What’s Lyon doing here?!

Her fingers moved of their own volition, adjusting her skirt and smoothing her hair, even as she peered at the ice mage with concern. He looked out of sorts, his clothes were in disarray, and his hair, which was usually perfectly styled, stuck to his forehead in sweaty tendrils.

“I didn’t realize Sherry had so many fans in Magnolia,” Lyon said, grabbing on to Gray’s shoulder as he gasped for breath. “Ever since I got off the train, people kept asking me about her and the baby. They swarmed me. It was nuts.”

“Are you alright?” Wendy moved away from Rogue to check on Lyon with her magic.

“You needn’t worry, Wendy. I’m fine, just a little winded.”

“You’re not making any sense.” Gray puzzled. “Why would random strangers ask you about Sherry’s baby?”

“I have no idea.” Lyon said, sounding increasingly bewildered. He removed the satchel that was slung across his body, placing it on the ground while he adjusted his clothes. “It was strange, too. It almost felt like they thought it was my kid.”

“Yeah, about that...” Rogue grimaced, rubbing his neck. "You might wanna sit down, maybe get a glass of wine."

“Huh?” Gray and Lyon chorused, moving away from the door just in time for it to burst open again.

“Erza Scarlet!” Mira stomped inside. “I am so mad at you right now! How dare you not tell me you were dating Lyon Vastia?! I thought we were friends.” The angry pout she gave Erza faltered when she spotted their visitor. “Oh, hi, Lyon. When did you get here?”

“Dating?” Lyon blinked, his eyes searching through the crowd, and Erza could only imagine he was looking for her.

"Congratulations, Daddy!" Sting laughed, holding up the magazine for everyone to see its cover, which had a picture of her and Lyon at that baby store. And to make matters worse, he read the headline aloud. “Jellal is out of the picture! The Fairy Queen and her Ice Prince are expecting their first child!”

The guild erupted in chaos. Natsu joined Sting in laughter, while the girls made high-pitched noises Erza couldn't distinguish from actual words. Lyon's eyes went wide as he exchanged glances with a shocked Gray and Rogue, who just nodded regretfully.

Erza felt her blood pressure rising. She’d tried to be a good sport about the teasing, but it felt like everyone had suddenly lost their minds.

This nonsense had gone far enough.

“Give me that!” She got up and snatched the magazine out of Sting’s hands, no longer in any mood to be polite.

She looked at the picture on the cover. Okay, that wasn’t too bad. They’d been buying things for Sherry. That was easy enough to explain away. She opened the magazine, looking for the article it promised and feeling a little more confident that this would all blow over soon.

Lucy, Mira, and Cana pressed in close, as they too tried to get a glimpse of the article.

“Don’t you already have a copy?” Erza complained to Mira.

“No! It’s sold out everywhere. I only know about it because that seems to be the only thing people are talking about in town.”

Erza filed that news away for later. She flipped through the pages until she found the article. Jason had dedicated a two page spread to the story. Her eyes froze on the first picture and she immediately realized it was so much worse than she’d expected.

Not only were there several more pictures of them at the store. One of Lyon holding the maternity dresses up against her body, another of them picking out baby clothes together, and one of a moment she didn’t even remember, but they were standing very close to each other.

They’d also gotten pictures of them around town, walking arm in arm, standing at the canal bridge, and laughing together at lunch. She couldn’t argue that with the pictures presented this way, it very much looked like they’d been out on a date. She felt the heat rising to her cheeks, a combination of the anger and embarrassment that flowed through her veins.

Erza didn’t know what to do with her eyes, and she hated that Lyon was not only in the middle of this mess but also there to see her reaction. She did a mental inventory of her armors, trying to decide which one she would wear when she paid Jason a brief visit later.

Purgatory armor came to mind…

She heard the sound of Gray, Wendy, and Lyon’s footsteps approaching her and she wanted nothing more than to run away, but her friends had her pinned and she didn’t want to make an even bigger scene.

“May I?”

Erza didn’t immediately respond to Lyon’s request, but Cana and Lucy moved out of the way to give him room to examine the magazine. Cana headed over to discuss the situation with Gray, and Erza could only hope that Loke didn’t pop in for one of his impromptu visits. She was in no mood for any of his inappropriate commentary. Mira, however, remained glued to her side, and her squeals as she read whatever drivel Jason had concocted were not helping Erza’s state of mind in the slightest.

“Surely, it can’t be as bad as all that?” Lyon’s voice was kind, and as much as she didn’t want to, Erza knew she had to look at him.

She looked up finally, their eyes meeting for the briefest of seconds. Long enough for her heart to skip a beat, and to recognize his amusement at the situation, or maybe at her reaction.

“Why don’t we sit down?” He suggested, “Maybe have some of that wine like Rogue suggested. Mira, do you think you could do that for us?”

“Are you sure wine is good for her in her cond—” Sting started, but the rest of that sentence died out, muffled by Rogue’s hand.

Lyon fixed him with a glare that, for once, put Gray to shame.

“Oh, yes, of course, right away,” Mira responded, finally tuning in to Erza’s mood. “You mentioned you were hungry earlier. I’ll whip you up something too.”

“Thank you,” Erza said, although it was mostly directed at Lyon for getting Mira to go away for a while.

They sat back down at the table and Erza laid out the magazine so they could both look at it. Gray, Natsu, Lucy, Juvia and Wendy squeezed in around them, with Sting and Rogue hovering behind them, but they all remained silent for the moment.

Erza tried to read, but her eyes remained on the damning pictures. She could feel her friends’ eyes on her, and it only added to her discomfort.

“So, why are you here, anyway?” Gray asked Lyon. “Were you looking for me?”

“Well, this is a bit awkward now.” Lyon said, running his hand through his hair in a futile attempt to put it back to rights. “I actually came here to see Erza. Sherry loved everything we got for her and I wanted to thank Erza for all her help, so I, uhm…”

“You know what?” He gripped the strap of his bag tightly against his chest. “Nevermind.”

“What’cha got there?” Natsu peered at him with interest, his gaze focused on the bag as if trying to decipher what secrets it held.

“It’s nothing.”

“You’re forgetting, there are four dragon slayers here at the moment.” Natsu sniffed the air, and it didn’t take long for a teasing smile to appear on his face. “Are those flowers?”

“Kindly keep your nose away from my things, you nosy dragon,” Lyon snapped. “Those were supposed to be a thank you gift!”

Lyon opened his bag and removed a bouquet of brightly colored flowers. Yellow daffodils mixed with blue and white snowbells, and some other flowers Erza didn't know the name of, but there wasn't a single red one among them. They were beautiful.

He handed it to her with a shy smile. “For you.”

“Y-You got me flowers?” Erza stammered, feeling her cheeks light up again as she admired the bouquet. “They’re lovely, but you didn’t have to do that. You’d already bought me lunch.”

Wendy smiled widely at Lyon. “That’s so thoughtful!”

"He loooooves you!" Happy bleated, and Erza would have loved nothing more than to punt him again for it.

"Fro thinks so too!"

She could forgive Frosch, though. They were adorable.

Lyon ignored the teasing, choosing to read the article quietly instead.

“When will someone buy flowers for Juvia?” Juvia sighed, looking at Gray with her best puppy eyes. When Gray ignored her, she turned to Lyon, giving him the same look.

"Don't look at me. You made it very clear that you weren't interested in me, and I'm respecting that," Lyon deflected, only glancing up from the magazine briefly.

"More people should try that," Sting muttered.

“You don't need some man to buy you flowers, beautiful. We can treat ourselves to some right now,” Cana said, breaking the awkward silence that followed. “Why don’t we go to the flower shop and see what they have?” She grabbed Juvia by the hand and tugged, leading her out of the guild despite her protests.

“Ugh, I don’t wanna watch this sappy crap,” Natsu complained. “Let’s go outside and spar or something.”

“Spar? Hell yeah, I’m up for that.” Sting cracked his knuckles in anticipation.

“Save it for later. Miss Anna and Gajeel are waiting for us,” Rogue reminded him.

“Oh, right.”

“Well, we might as well get going then.” Natsu stood up from the table. He raised his arms up over his head, joining his hands before pulling them up in a noisy stretch. Bringing his arms down, he wrapped them around Gray’s neck and leaned in for a quick kiss.

“See you later, Ice Princess.”

"Have fun, Flame Brain."

Natsu headed towards the guild door followed by Rogue, who dragged Sting along as he struggled against his boyfriend's grip and complained over his shoulder.

"Careful with my magazine!"

“I’m sorry we didn’t get a chance to talk more,” Wendy told Lyon, hugging him tightly.

“That’s alright, I’m sure I’ll see you at Lamia soon.” Lyon said, resting his head on Wendy’s shoulder briefly as he returned her hug. “Chelia always enjoys your visits.”

Wendy brightened at the mention of her friend. “Then Carla and I will make sure to visit her soon!”

“Sounds good.”

After one last wave, Wendy joined the rest of the dragon slayers and they took off with their Exceeds, leaving only Lucy and Gray at the table. While there didn’t seem to be any hostility, Erza could almost touch the tension between them.

"I'm going to dip into the library," Lucy said after a few seconds of silence. "I really want to make some progress on the research for my novel."

She got up, offering a tight smile before heading to the basement, where the guild library was situated.

“It doesn't seem like your situation has improved much since the last time we talked.” Lyon commented, staring after Lucy thoughtfully.

“No, not really, but I’m sure she’ll come around eventually.” Gray shrugged. “Anyway, I’ve got an idiot free day, and you two have a lot to talk about, so I’m gonna bounce.”

With Gray gone, Erza found herself suddenly alone with Lyon, and despite all the things they had to discuss, she couldn’t think of a word to say. Thankfully, she needn’t have worried as he was quick to speak up.

“I’m so sorry about all this,” Lyon said, pointing at the magazine. “When I asked you for help, I had no idea something like this would come of it.”

“It’s not your fault.”

Mira arrived, holding a tray filled with two plates of food and two glasses of chilled white wine.

“Still, I’d be happy to clear things up with Jellal. I wouldn’t want to get in between you two,” Lyon offered.

“Oh, no. You don’t have to do that! We, uhm... There’s nothing—” Erza struggled to explain her situation, or lack of a situation with Jellal. She felt even more flustered because she knew Mira was listening to every word.

Finally, she just blurted out. “It’s not like that!”

She didn’t have time to see Lyon’s reaction, as just at that moment there was a loud gasp and a resounding crash. Mira had dropped her tray and all its contents all over the table, Erza and the floor.

“Oh, god, I’m such a klutz! Let me help you clean up!” She said, trying to dab at Erza’s skirt and armor with a tea towel.

“I-It’s fine!” Erza waved it off, getting up from her seat to assess the damage. The components of a chicken sandwich rolled off her lap and wine dripped down her breastplate, joining the stains on her skirt and running down her legs. She knew she could easily requip into another outfit, but at this point she welcomed the idea of having a few minutes to herself.

“I’m going to freshen up.”

As she hurried to the women's restroom, she heard Lyon offering to help Mira clean up and resisted the urge to look back. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it for a full minute with her eyes closed.

Once she’d calmed down, she walked over to one of the sinks and grabbed a paper towel, wetting it so she could wipe the wine off her legs.

“There was no need to get all flustered,” she told her reflection in the mirror. “He’s just being polite.”

“You’ll discuss what to do about this stupid magazine article, and that will be the end of that.”

Somehow, that didn’t make her feel as relieved as she thought it would.

She cleaned herself off as best she could before requipping, debating on a few different outfits before opting for a casual one: a black turtleneck with a short checkered skirt and a pair of tights.

When she returned to the table, she found Mira had already replaced their food and drink and, thankfully, made herself scarce. Lyon sat sipping his wine while looking at the magazine, but he looked up at her approach and offered her a welcoming smile.

“I have to hand it to Jason. Some of these pictures are quite nice. This one here is my favorite, though.” Sporting that same mischievous grin he’d had at the market, he pointed at the picture of the two of them standing on the canal bridge, looking out at the water.

“You have a beautiful smile.”

Erza was happy that he’d chosen not to mention her earlier outburst, but did he have to say such embarrassing things?!

What was she supposed to say to that? It had been less than five minutes since her return and already she was back to feeling flustered. The only thing she could think of to do to escape his scrutiny was to eat her sandwich, but her eyes kept straying back to peek at him.

Was he flirting with her?

Did she want him to?

“What does the article say?” Erza asked in between bites, wanting to change the conversation back to safer topics.

“Oh, you know, the usual Sorcerer’s Weekly fare. We shared a steamy night at Hargeon, and now we’re madly in love and expecting our first child. Very romantic, I approve.”

“How can you say that? Shouldn’t you take this more seriously?”

“How can I?” Lyon teased, laughing at her outrage. “It says here I’m leaving Lamia Scale to join Fairy Tail because I can’t stand being apart from you.”

All of a sudden, his smile withered.

“What’s the matter? Is there something worse?” Erza grabbed the magazine, determined to read the article for herself.

“Yes, I just realized he might be right about that last part. Sherry and Chelia get together every week to look at this thing. I can never go back there.”

“Idiot! You scared me!” She wanted to scold him, but she couldn’t contain her smile at his overdramatic expression.

“There it is again…”

Oh…

He was definitely flirting with her, and the fluttering Erza felt in her stomach in response had nothing to do with her still present hunger. She was used to men complimenting her for lots of different things, but her smile had never been one of them. And it was more than just the words. It was also the way Lyon looked at her when he said them that made her feel like she was floating on air.

She couldn't stop smiling, felt her smile growing wider even, until she was sure she looked like an idiot. And not knowing how to respond, she shifted her focus back on the magazine.

She skimmed the text briefly, needing to read only a couple of sentences to know that it was all exaggerated and completely out of context. But the pictures were very real, and they helped remind her of how much fun they’d had together.

“Hey, Erza?”

She felt his hand gently resting on top of hers and looked up from the magazine, surprised by the gesture.

“Yes?”

"I know this is sudden, and Gray will probably kill me for even asking, but... I had a really great time with you and I'd love to do it again."

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Well, yeah. If you’d like to, that is.” Lyon said, looking nervous for the first time since he’d arrived. “Perfectly fine if you don’t.”

“I-”

Erza felt conflicted. While she couldn’t deny that she’d love to spend more time with Lyon, what about Jellal? Her eyes drifted to the bouquet of colorful flowers Lyon had personally delivered and it brought back Juvia’s earlier words.

When is someone going to buy Juvia flowers?

Juvia had caught Lyon’s eye once, but she’d been so consumed by her obsession with Gray she’d never given him a second look. And that was a shame. What had it gotten her? Gray had found love elsewhere, and Lyon had long since moved on, while Juvia remained stuck in place.

Erza didn't want to make the same mistake. She’d already been standing still for such a long time, planning and dreaming for the future she wanted to have. Buying dresses she hoped to wear on dates that more often than not were canceled without warning. If she continued to do nothing but wait for her life to start, one day she’d wake to find it had passed her by, and that’s not something she wanted.

Lyon was a handsome, smart, charming, and thoughtful man. He saw her as she was, never once acting intimidated by her, even though she knew from experience he respected her abilities. He was someone she genuinely liked and found attractive, and he’d now made it clear he was interested in her.

Cana had been right all along. Sunday had been her lucky day. It had opened her eyes to what her life could be like if she just opened her heart to others. All she had to do was reach out and take a chance on someone new.

And she wanted to do that very much.

“I’d love to.” Erza said, placing her other hand on top of Lyon’s and squeezing gently before reaching for her wine glass and taking a sip.

“You would?”

Erza nodded, laughing at the relief on his face.

“Alright, how about this coming Saturday? I’d love to show you around Margaret Town.”

“I thought you were leaving Lamia Scale.” Erza teased.

“Well, now that you’ve agreed to go out with me, I might be able to show my face again.” Lyon drawled, his confidence returning now that he had his answer.

“It’s a date, then.” She managed to appear calm, despite feeling giddy at the prospect of going on her first real date. “Now that we’ve sorted that out, what are we going to do about this magazine thing?”

“Meh, just leave it alone.” Lyon shrugged. “I’ve grown rather fond of it now. Besides, I’m sure we’ll be in there again soon enough.”

“You think so?”

“Who knows what trouble we’ll get into in Margaret Town?” Lyon winked and laughed at her horrified expression.

She had no idea if he was messing with her or not, but she couldn’t wait to find out.

Just a few days ago, she’d had a feeling that something important was ending, and maybe it was, but that was nothing to be sad about. She had lots of good memories that would always be a part of her.

But there was something she hadn’t considered. For every ending, there was a new beginning, and Erza couldn’t wait to see where this particular one would take her.

One thing was for sure: she already had a dress picked out for the occasion.

A/N: This was the first time we got to center a story on Erza and Lyon and it was really fun to play with them and throw them in the middle of chaos. This ship is one that grew, not out of a dislike of Jellal, but a love of Erza and a desire for her to find happiness in the traditional way that she hints at wanting throughout canon. Jellal and Lyon are very different characters, but they do have some similarities. They both started out as villains, with strong connections to Team Natsu members, but they achieved their redemptions in very different ways. This story doesn't try to say which of them is "better", just which we think is better for Erza.

We hope you enjoyed it.

#fairy tail #lyerza #lyon x erza #the changing of the seasons #fics #oneshot #gratsu #stingue

[marichat-verse]

Mist Memories

Leo Valdez x reader for his birthday ahhhh (even though it's angsty) with a platonic/developing jason x reader cameo at the end (lmao im sorry i couldn't help myself 😭)

Based on this picture I found in pinterest + also [kinda] based on traitor by olivia rodrigo and omg i really recommend u guys listen to this edit because it reminds me so much of this fic that's been stuck in my head for MONTHS also kind of a run away with me prologue lol

Your POV

I nervously made my way across the forest until I reached a limestone cliff. I knocked on the iron door, not really expecting to get an answer.

My boyfriend has been shutting himself in Bunker 9 for the past few weeks. I stood there counting up to seven before knocking again. I knocked again two more times, until he answered in the middle of my last knock.

He removed his goggles and winced as sunlight hit his eyes. He'd grown thinner and paler, making the dark circles in his eyes more pronounced.

"Oh, Leo..." I reached out to brush a few strands of hair away from his face, but he moved away.

"What are you doing here?" He said in a monotone voice.

I moved to walk inside the Bunker, brushing off his hesitation to let me in. "I'm your partner, remember? And I'm really concerned because you're shutting yourself out lately. You know everyone's starting to worry about you. Percy asked me to check on you because you missed pegasus riding with him. Oh, and I'm pretty sure Jason's coming back from Camp Jupiter soon. I was hoping you and Annabeth could be with Piper while Percy and I hung out with Jason because it's been a little awkward since their breakup. Plus Piper wanted to tell you something—"

"Please," he said forcefully causing me to stop and look at him. "Just... Get out."

Normally, he'd shut himself from the world for a few days to work on an important project or because he was feeling really sad and he needed space. But this was getting out of hand. He had never locked me out of his life when I offered to help him. He was never this mean when he asked for space. I was not having this attitude of his.

"Okay, Leo. I tried to play nice. What is so important that you blow off all your friends for nearly a month that you can't even tell your partner, or maybe say hi to your best friend who's coming back from the other side of the country?"

He didn't say anything. He pursed his lips and avoided eye contact. I scanned he room for any signs.

It was messier than usual with all the crumpled paper scattered on the floor, especially on his desk. He could have been drawing up new plans. Something in my gut told me that something wasn't right. There were no new unfinished projects, indicating that he wasn't starting a new invention. Harley's helicopter lay on his bench in the same state it was weeks ago. Huh, not even his siblings could enter the Bunker.

I turned and Leo was already changing Festus' oil. I took this moment of distraction to pick up a few pieces of crumpled paper on the floor and on his desk. I had to process the words a bit longer—too long that Leo took notice. Damn dyslexia.

I heard footsteps speed up behind me, but it was too late. I read enough and got the gist of what he had been trying to do these past few weeks.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He yelled at me. Small embers started to erupt between his curls.

I laughed dryly. "So this is what you've been up to?"

His fists tightened, further crumpling the paper in his hands. His eyes flashed with anger, despair and confusion.

I sighed and focused my eyes on his desk, not daring to look at him any longer. Under some pieces of paper were old photographs of him and Piper from Wilderness School. Yup, those definitely were the mist memories she had with Jason. I read the latest draft he'd been writing:

Dear Piper,

Remember the mist memories from boarding school with Jason? They were real, but they were with me.

I miss you. I miss when it was just us. I miss the night on the roof.

Yours truly,

Leo Valdez

I tried to keep my voice from cracking. "How long?"

I heard him sigh. "Three weeks."

I balled my fists. Tears started to fall and smudge the ink. I wiped them away as fast as they came.

"How?"

"In a dream," his tone softened now. "Hera came to me in a dream and told me to check an old drawer in Bunker 9. I found the photos and the memories came rushing back."

"How long were you dating back then?"

"Two weeks."

"Were you ever going to tell me?"

Silence; then a deep breath.

"No."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Why?"

"Because I knew you'd get upset like—"

"I meant why would you throw away months of our relationship for a couple of weeks of your relationship with her? And without even bothering to tell me? Gods damn it, Leo. We've been together since you've first arrived at camp. And what about those promises you made when we were sailing to Greece? You've been keeping these feelings away from me and you've been lying to me, making me believe that there's still something between us and—"

"Oh, calm down," he said with an annoyed expression and tone, which only infuriated me more, "it's not like I did anything were her yet! I didn't kiss her or tell her how I truly felt for her! She just got out of a relationship with Jason around the same time I had that dream. I had to figure out how to talk to her about it. I've been alone in this Bunker for three. Fucking. Weeks. I didn't cheat on you."

"Oh, and that makes everything better?" I countered. "Being in a relationship isn't about not cheating, Leo. It's about being honest and communicating with each other."

"Oh, like you've been communicating with me? After the war, you take go back to Manhattan for school, and you take a job. I haven't seen you much during the holidays because work has been keeping you in the city. And you won't tell me what you even do for a living!"

I took in a deep breath. "I told you I needed to have a life outside of camp! I needed to know first that I could handle myself in the mortal world as a normal human being. I needed this demigod part of my life to be separate as much as possible! I've been in two wars, Leo. I needed time to myself, too. And I was about to tell you guys in a few more days. But I guess now, I'm glad I've kept you out of that part of my life. At least I have an escape from all of this. And now, especially from you."

I took another deep breath and walked to the door, about to let myself out. I turned back again, both our tear-stained eyes meeting each other.

"If it makes you feel any better," I said softly, "I would've hated the idea of us breaking up. But if you really love her, if you really feel like you have this special connection to her and she makes you happy, then I won't get in your way. You could at least have had the decency to talk to me so we could have left on a good note."

He looked at me with wide eyes, clearly regretting his actions. I sighed and looked around the Bunker, possibly for the last time. Lots of memories were definitely created in this room; all just as grand and meaningful as the inventions they made here. But just like some of Hephaestus' contraptions, some of them were flawed and dumped in his scrapyard, no matter how much potential it could have had.

"Goodbye, Leo."

I sat on a rock on the beach that gave me a beautiful view of Long Island Sound. To my left, the sun started to set, casting an orange filter on everything. My heart broke, remembering how everything glowed orange in the Bunker. Leo always left the fires burning when he was working. The sunlight twinkling against the sea reminded me of how small bits of flame peaked through his hair earlier. I remembered how mad he was at me. Or maybe he was mostly mad at himself.

"Hey."

I jumped when someone sat—or rather, landed—beside me. I turned and smiled, seeing one of my good friends back at camp.

"Hey, you're back," I said weakly. "How long have you been here?"

He smiled at me, although he could maybe sense that something was wrong. "Half an hour, maybe? I saw Annabeth making plans to expand camp to have a city. She made me do an aerial inspection and I told her I'll get back to her tonight. That's when I saw you."

"Mhmm," I mumbled, not really knowing what to say. It was silent for a few minutes before I spoke up again, knowing he was just waiting for me to open up.

"I broke up with Leo."

His head quickly turned to me. I guess he wasn't expecting it to be that bad. "What?"

"Oh yeah," I laughed dryly. "Turns out the mist memories Piper had in Wilderness School with you? They were real. But not with you."

His eyes widened. "Oh... With Leo."

"He locked himself in the Bunker for weeks trying to write a letter. It was heartbreaking. Like, truly heartbreaking. He wanted to tell her how much he missed her and how much he missed them. Then he said how much he missed that night with her under the stars and... It hurt. Like hell."

"Oh," he said. "I guess Piper didn't tell me everything then."

"She knew all along?"

He shook his head. "Maybe not everything, but she told me she's been confused about her feelings lately and she'd been having visions or dreams of possible old memories that were messing with her head."

"I'm sorry about you and Piper," I said.

"Don't be," he said. "I understand her. It did hurt, though. But I think I can get over it some day. We're still awkward around each other, but at least we left on a good note."

I scoffed. "Leo couldn't even give me a good ending to our relationship."

"Hey," he said as he put a hand on my shoulder. "You're a great person, y/n. You've done so much, especially for him. It's his loss that he was stupid enough to let go of you."

"I know that."

"Do you really?"

"I do!" I said. "I'm a great person and I know that. But that doesn't mean what he did doesn't hurt me."

"I know," he said. "You'll find someone who'll treat you like the queen that you are. You're a great person, and I'm not just saying this to cheer you up. I truly think you're amazing."

I smiled at him. "Thanks, Jason. And you'll find someone great, too. Maybe not as great as me but, then again, who is?"

We both let out a laugh. The conch sounded in the distance, signaling dinner. I moved to stand up before hearing Jason speak up again.

"Hey, do you maybe want to just grab a couple of plates and eat out here?"

I smiled. "Yeah. That sounds good. I don't really want everyone else hounding me about the breakup right now."

I don't know how long it was going to take me to get over Leo. We really did gave something special. It was cruel how the universe gave me something so good, to make me have hope that something was finally going right, then have it yanked away from my arms just as suddenly as it came.

He never cheated on me, but that didn't mean he didn't betray every promise we made to each other. I should have known it was too good to be true. Life has always played cruel jokes on me.

Then again, who's to say that things won't turn out for the better, right?

•••

Tagging: @drvrslcense @bubblybubbubs @dreamerball @quteez @aesthetxcimagines @chasingpj @beingleft @wadewilsonsgreatestfriend

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