#okay this was the last idea I had from Sunflowers and I'll now just not gif for a while since it's all been done before for the most part

[thelassoway]

Ted Lasso S02E02 Lavender || Ted Lasso S03E06 Sunflowers

#Ted Lasso #*mine: gif #tedlassoedit #Sam Obisanya #Toheeb Jimoh #Theodore Lasso #Jason Sudeikis #ted lasso spoilers #okay this was the last idea I had from Sunflowers and I'll now just not gif for a while since it's all been done before for the most part #sorry to the new people that started following after I went on gifmaking spree. this doesn't happen a lot :| #thank you to the 15 people who will reblog this. you are the real heroes #I'm still thinking about 15 unanswered text messages in total and the 15 sunflowers right it is 15 sunflowers #12 text messages + 3 gifs = 15 total messages..............

[asterias-record-shop]

╭════• ೋ•✧๑♡๑✧•ೋ •═══╮

         — i'll win him over

╰════• ೋ•✧๑♡๑✧•ೋ •═══╯

𓆩[main masterlist]𓆪 𓆩[request/ask me something!]𓆪 𓆩[join the taglist!]𓆪

Requested by anonymous: HIIIIIII!!!! Oh boy am I excited. Okay so now it's my turn for James Keene 🤩. Can I please request a story (it's a bit specific, but I've just finished peaky blinders and can't get it out of my head) which takes place after Jimmy has gotten out of jail. The reader has an older brother (think like Richie Boyle from the Outfit..it could even be him if thats okay with you) who runs a similar business like the one Jimmy used to, but they both hate each other. Nevertheless Jimmy falls for his sister which wounds up to be tough for both men. If you want the reader can have more brothers who run the business. THANK YOU FOR YOIR TIME I HOPE THAT WASNT CONFUSING LMAO BYEEEEE

pushed back in time to the 50s I believe, not in the same universe as Black Bird, someone should request for Richie Boyle 👀 *wink wink, request for richie boyle babe-* also, no smut!! i wasn't really in the mood for smut, sorry anon honey :( also, yes, a bit confusing but it's okay! i hope i did it justice :)

Jimmy's front was a bar that he was a bartender for. It fit, honestly, being a bartender for a drug dealing front. The only thing that didn't fit was the flower shop right next to him his competition always frequented.

Richie was too much of a firecracker to be liked, he had a problem with his anger issues so no matter how many times Jimmy tried to make some sort of alliance, it always ended in Richie getting pissed off and leaving — not before punching one of Jimmy's men though.

Today, he was determined to find out what the hell was so interesting about the flower shop next to his bar. Maybe it was just a ploy to see what he was doing? Figure out if they could steal another shipment?

All of the thoughts were running through his mind as he walked into the flower shop, opening the door to make a bell ring out. All of the smells flooded into his nose, his eyes widening when he saw all of the beautiful flowers and mixed bouquets. They were absolutely beautiful and bright, each flower absolutely perfect with zero wilted petals or leaves.

"Hi, welcome in! I'm so sorry, be there in a minute!" Your voice rings out, Jimmy pausing.

Maybe it wasn't what was so in the shop but who.

"That's alright love!" James slowly walked through the aisles, trying to find you in the entirety of all of the flowers that could've blinded him if they were lights. For fucks sake, they were all beautiful. You put together different colors and textures, one bright bouquet of roses and sunflowers catching his eye.

"That was my first bouquet I made," you say, walking toward him with a smile. "N-Not that one exactly, but the roses and the sunflowers. They're one of my favorites."

"It's beautiful." James said, smiling as he looked back at you. "I'm James, I run the bar next door."

You pause but take his hand and give it a firm shake. "Y/N. Nice to meet you. What can I do for you, James?"

"Well, I'm not sure if you know, but I run more of the high-end bars in town, and someone is always asking why we don't have centerpieces in the VIP rooms." James makes up the lie quickly, smiling down at her. "It doesn't have to be very big, and you will have full creative freedom if that helps guide your decision. All I ask is that they are different every week."

"Oh. Oh wow, when would you need the flowers? Come with me," you say, keeping his hand in yours and pulling him to the back. "Is there any color scheme that you want? Or a limit in price?"

"No, again, full freedom. Anything you want, I'll just pay every week." He smiled at you as you pursed your lips, humming.

"Well, it wouldn't be weekly. If anything, it would be biweekly, I make sure my flowers last longer than a week. There's a special element in the water." You say, writing down some ideas in some pretty handwriting. "Each bouquet would range anywhere from thirty to one hundred each. Is that okay?"

"Perfectly fine. I would only need eight each order because it's strictly for VIP rooms."

“Oh, gotcha! I can do that,” you smile one of the prettiest smiles he had ever seen. “I can get these for you in two days. Sound good?”

“Very good, love. Thank you, I really appreciate it.”

The bell rings making you look up, yelling out, “In the back!”

“Y/N! Where are you?!”

You rolled your eyes. “In the back!”

“Oi, you seen that-” Richie paused when he saw James, gaping. “Why the fuck are you here?!”

“Richie! Go away, he’s a customer!” You yell, quickly standing up straight. “James, I will have these flowers for you soon, okay?”

“No you won’t!” Richie comes between you both after you go around the desk, shaking his head. “You stay the fuck away from my sister.”

James paused, looking from you to Richie. “She’s too pretty to be your sister.”

“Haha, very fucking funny! She’s adopted, you asshole, leave her the fuck alone!”

“Richie, stop!” You say, pushing him as hard as you could. “I’m so sorry, James, ignore him.”

“I will,” James smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Y/N.”

It makes you smile, nodding. “Yes. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No he won’t!”

“Shut up, Richie!”

After that, you saw him a lot more. James came to see you every day, it was just a matter of time before something happened.

It started off slow, soft kisses behind closed doors and light touches when no one was looking, but Jimmy wanted to change that. You were the first girl he actually wanted to get serious with, he wanted to be able to go out on dates with you without risking being punched by your brother.

Maybe that's the reason why he stood in front of your house, ready to meet Richie and then your dad to continue to court you. It was something stupid he normally didn't believe in, but he wanted to do it right.

So, as soon as he passed the gates, he really did expect the punch he got straight to the face.

"You kissed my sister you bastard?!"

"Rich! Richie, you leave him alone!" You tried to yell, gasping as James shoved him.

"Don't fucking hit me!" He shouted, wiping at his mouth with a sigh. "I came to get your respect, not your approval."

"You don't have any of that, get out!" Richie goes in for another hit before Jimmy caught his wrist, shoving him.

"Listen to me!" James shoved him again, looking over his shoulder to stare at you being held back by one of his henchmen. "I love your sister, even if you don't know anything about that shit."

"Don't you fucking-"

"I'm going to be with her no matter what." Jimmy smiled back at you before glaring at your brother. "So, you better learn how to fucking live with it."

His words make you smile widely, giggling. "Move, Richie!"

Reluctantly, he does with a shout of your father, letting you run forward and into Jimmy's arms. "Oh my, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I'll take more than a punch to be with you." He smiled as you giggled, pressing a firm kiss to his lips. "I'll win him over, I promise."

"You better, or he might just kill you!"

Regular taglist: 𓆩[@lem0ns77]𓆪   𓆩[@cecepop15]𓆪   𓆩[@memeorydotcom]𓆪   𓆩[@your-favorite-god]𓆪   𓆩[@xyzstar]𓆪  𓆩[@just-my-shit]𓆪   𓆩[@your-mom21]𓆪   𓆩[@c78r]𓆪   𓆩[@dizscreams]𓆪   𓆩[@asrt5]𓆪   𓆩[@xoxomoonlightbabe]𓆪

© asterias-record-shop

#taron egerton #taron egerton x reader #taron egerton imagine #taron egerton x fem! reader #black bird #jimmy keene black bird #just hot because of taron egerton #with love asteria ♡ #asterias-record-shop #requests open

[money-and-dandellions]

Of cold nights, slushies and how good it is to breathe; one-shot about Sunflower Siblings.

Less than 30. Sunset is less than thirty minutes away, and the sun has already gone behind the clouds. As if it hadn't spent the whole day there.

In addition to how lazy the sun really was, other thoughts flashed through Lester's head; most often they were lyrics from songs that, with annoying buzzing in his head, played on a loop for a few hours straight.

"...It seems to me that when I die,

these words will be written on my stone...

And I'll be gone, gone tonight

The ground beneath my feet is open wide.

The story of my life..."

The finger while not thinking much about the recent events, tapped out the rhythm of the song, words of which had glued to the skull.

Speaking of skulls, then it's better not to think about them at all, because he has managed to see of too many skinless heads in the last two weeks. This experience is finished for at least three eternities. No exaggeration.

Lester swerved to the right, trying not to hiss at the sharp surge of pain in his right temple. The black-blue dots continued to dance in his view.

Well, at least they weren't tap dancing. He hoped so.

"...There'll be nothing left for me to yearn.

Think of me and burn..."

'Burn what?'

There was no such event as highly-pitched scream, thank you very much.

Meg's eyes, somehow reflecting the rapidly decreasing in availability sunlight, were shining with candle-yellow which did not go along at all with her red, dimmed by a light layer of dirt, tip-tops. Her hair were as wet as the top of her bright green dress, lovingly handed by Ms. Sally Jackson.

Despite that the rain had stopped more than an hour ago, no one would say it if only looking at his master's clothes. Weren't she asleep, like, just now?

'Why would—' A pause. They will, for sure, discuss all the ups and downs of Bastille but Lester doesn't recall what was the last time he have seen the [liquid poison] fluorescent lights of any convenient shop, so—

'Were are going to be in Arkansas in an hour, near some gas station - in 10 or so, because the road is wet, who thought it would be a good idea to... Anyway, in 10 or so minutes. Any wishes?'

'A blue slushie and fries. With salt.' Meg answered, kicking the tips of her legs together with a soft bup.

A slushie and fries it is.

And aspirin, before Lester's brain will wave a white neckerchief, wishing all the best.

———— ———— ———— ————

As it was said before, the liquid poison of lightning bulbs is the least expected thing to happen to anyone, who is crossing the United States of America, even in a company of girl with unicorn-obsession. Even, if you were a god.

Alas, the gas station's advertisment was not so merciful to every unlucky person that ever visited it would it be a mortal, demigod, or a monster.

It would be unpleasant if it would be merciful to monsters.

Sitting on the hood of the car, Meg McCaffrey was very much pleased with apple-strawberry flavour of brain-eating (okay, not the best choice of words) cheap freezer also known as a slushie. Kicking the air, she looked almost peaceful, even counting the pinkish cut on her cheek, which, of course, was already healing.

The clouds were not so peaceful. The dark-gray, wet and multiple layered mass of water looked too intimidating for simple liquid.

Everything started to have a significantly huge amount of ozone smell in it. Choking, cold and crystallized pieces of something sharp scratched Lester's chest, tightening it.

Like rings of lubricous, narrow as cut dried wax, scales that would not stop and would be very much satisfied with crushing him until the last, shaky breath—

'It's cold.'

'What..?'

'I'm freezing, let's get in the car, dummy.'

Yes, breathing is good.

———— ———— ———— ————

Five minutes, ten fries and one boring song listened after, the sun had fully sat, shining at last in the front window of the car. For the next eight or so hours, headlights are going to be Lester's best accomplices.

Meg, her fingers suspiciously shiny, put knees to her chest, head - onto the cold window. Her glasses shifted a little, sliding more onto her right eye.

From time to time, taking his eyes off the road, Lester casted a glance at her, trying to figure out if his young friend is indeed asleep.

Judging by how strong was her grip onto recently bought blanket, she was not.

In twenty or so minutes, the girl shifted, wrapping herself further in the soft cloth.

'I'll go sleep.' The mumble was almost barely audible, but it was still there.

'Have a good night.'

'Don't tell me what to do, du—' She yawned, interrupting her own speech.

"All this time I was finding myself, and I

Didn't know I was lost.

I tried carrying the weight of the world

But I only have two hands..."

'You too.'

Lester smiles tiredly, staring at the infinite dark road ahead.

It's going to be a long night.

#toa #lester papadopoulos #meg mccaffrey #sunflower siblings #oneshot #i'l upload it onto ao3 #yes i did it with my own promt? i think it falled like that #love them #it took me too much time to find the lyrics

[fragilecapric0rnn]

Made up fic titles:

The Sunflower and the Thistle

There's a Fire In His Back Pocket

We'll Build Something New and We'll Do it Together

I don't know where these came from (besides the last one that was a lyric from a Nothing But Thieves song playing as I wrote this ask!) but I'm curious to see what you would do with them if anything sparked any interest! :D

hi hi! sorry for the delay, but these were just SO GOOD i needed to wait for the time to free up so i can give them my full and undivided attention! thank you for giving me a lot of writing ammo with these so i cannot say it enough THANK YOU THANK YOU sweet and wonderful anon <33

The Sunflower and The Thistle OKAY i am not a plant person (bc i kill everything i bring into my home unfortunatley :/) so i had to look up what a thistle is, and the first thing i noticed was that it was prickly! kinda the opposite of a sunflower based on the vibes. Sunshine Sunflower and the Prickly Thistle. Who would that be?

To me? i couldn't stop thinking of wheelingham (Nancy/Chrissy) and as soon as that popped into my head OH THE WHEELS BEGAN TURNING.

I love the idea of Chrissy Lives!AUs and would do one where she ends up surviving the vecna attack in the first episode bc in Eddie's freaking out/flailing, he accidentally turns on some music, takes her out of the trance, and someone else is vecna's first victim. She gets roped into the Upside Down World Saving Shenanigans and they defeat vecna Somehow.

This fic though, would be following Nancy's POV the summer of 1986. They all graduated, they Byers-Hopper family went back to California and Nancy and Jonathan broke up and shes lonely. She didn't really get close with Robin after everything, she kinda pushed everyone away and plans to wait out her last few months in Hawkins before she moves to Boston and plans to never come back.

Until Chrissy Cunningham shows up at her front door with a cast-free hand and demands for her to teach her how to shoot some guns.

A reluctant friends to actual friends to lovers story with a bit of Nancy character study happening at the same time.

There's A Fire in His Back Pocket Back pocket made me think of Eddie's bandana and Eddie's bandana makes me think of him playing in a show somewhere, maybe its Hawkins, maybe its Indy, but he's absolutely shredding.

Steve is at this particular gig. He's gawking.

They make out about it.

We'll Build Something New and We'll Do it Together I'm thinking a gen fic. Starts out with Stobin and their bad ways of coping with things!

The two of them come out of s4 traumatized as ever, itching to get the hell out of Hawkins. So, as soon as Robin crosses the stage at graduation, car already packed, the set off across the country to (you guessed it) California! They leave everything behind, don't really tell anyone where they went or where they're going, and just drive until they hit the coast.

I'm already thinking of a sequel bc they don't tell anyone where they're going, they just disappear, so obviously Dustin is heartbroken. He doesn't look for them, bc Eddie encourages him not to 'If they wanted to be found, they would've told you in the first place.' But its like, almost 10 years later. Dustin is in grad school in California and Eddie, who is visiting for a week, sees Steve working in town and confronts him. Even though Dustin and Steve and Robin have lived in the same town for a whole year now. So Eddie confronts him and things... spiral... and then... oh god. Now i have to write this.

send me a made-up fic title and i'll tell you what i would write to go with it

#ask game #i hope you're proud of yourself anon! now i have three fics i need to write!!!! #sen writes

[padfoot-n-moony]

Yellow Sunflowers (Young Remus Lupin x fem!reader)

A/N: I hope you enjoy it xx

Trigger warnings: Low self-esteem/low confidence, talking yourself down, basically not believing in yourself, and shaming your looks.

"Happy birthday Rem!" you said excitedly. You ran up to Remus and hugged him.

"Thank you Y/N," he said, hugging you back.

"Happy b-day Moony," said James and Sirius in unison.

Lily rushed in. "Happy birthday! Did everyone do what we agreed on?"

"Calm down Lils," said James, planting a kiss on her forehead. "Rem's b-day is gonna be the best one he's ever had!"

Lily blushed but kept her anxious tone. "It better be the best one! This is our last year at Hogwarts!"

Remus smiled. "I'm so excited. I can't believe you guys did all this."

Sirius grinned. "So, basically how this will work is we all put our presents on the table, right? We didn't put our names on them. When you open each present, you have to guess who gave it to you, okay?"

Remus nodded. You couldn't help but notice how amazing he looked right then and there. He always looked good but now, specifically, he looked so happy. Happy to be with his friends, happy it was his birthday, and happy to be accepted.

"Well," you said, "we have to be going to class now. I will see you all at lunch!" The group waved as you all headed your separate ways.

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

"Okay!" announced Lily cheerfully. "Time for this one!" She pulled your present and handed it over to Remus. He felt it.

"I'm guessing it's a book?" guessed Remus thoughtfully. He tore open the packaging.

He scrunched his eyebrows and stared at the gift. It was a slab of wood painted white, on it was 3D sunflowers that could move around; a special charm you had learned; underneath the flowers was a small mirror.

"It's... cool," he said kindly. "I have no idea who it's from though. Maybe Sirius?"

Sirius shook his head.

"Then I'm stumped," concluded Remus. "Can I think about it for a bit?"

James nodded. "If you want we can open the others. You can always figure that out later."

Remus nodded and said, "Well, thank you to whoever got it for me. It's really cool and they did a great job!"

Stupid idea, you thought sadly. He hates it! You saw his face when he opened the gift. He thought it was lame you idiot! Why would someone- other than Sirius- want a mirror for their birthday? Especially one with sunflowers on it. Do people even like sunflowers? It was so stupid! Now when he figures out there will be no chance in hell he'll ever like you back. You ruined it just because of that stupid gift.

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

"I'm so tired," laughed Remus. It was adorable to see what good spirits he was in. He was in a pile of sweaters and books and you could see your present close to the others but not with nearly the same amount of love and attention. Your heart sank. You could tell he was trying to be nice about that one, but he just didn't like it.

After a few hours, and much fire-whiskey later, Lily had bid Remus a happy birthday, and the rest goodnight. Slowly the group dispersed. Sirius and James had run off to pull pranks with Peter and the other girls followed Lily. Except you. You really wanted to explain your gift. He still hadn't guessed. He hadn't guessed a few either though.

Sunflowers face wherever the sun is. That's why the mirror is there. The flowers were enchanted; by you; to follow Remus and only Remus. Because he was representing the sun.

"Here Rem," you said. "Let me help you bring those upstairs."

"Oh thanks, Y/N," he said, smiling at you.

"Anytime," you answered, picking up the whole lot of sweaters and cardigans. He picked up the books and your stupid present. He let you go first up the dormitory stairs and then followed you.

When you got up, you dropped all the sweaters on his bed. No one was in there except the two of you. Perfect, you thought. I'll get to explain in privacy.

Just as you were about to speak, Remus said sadly, "Who got me a mirror?" You could tell that it was a rhetorical question but you still felt compelled to answer. Before you could continue, Remus placed the mirror on his nightstand and stared at it. "Who would want to look at me? Who would think I would want to look at me? Who would want to look at the monster I am? The scars, the shame, t-t-the." He stopped because you could tell that he was on the verge of tears. "I'm just a monster," he managed in a whisper.

"Rem," you murmured, sitting next to him and wrapping an arm around him. "Don't ever talk yourself down like that. That's not okay. You're an awesome person."

Remus looked at you. "You gave me the mirror." You nodded.

"Why?" he asked.

"Because I don't think you look like a monster and I think you need to realize that too," you answered gently yet firmly. "Remus, you probably don't feel the same way but I really like you. You're smart, handsome, funny, kind, and literally perfect in every way whether you see it or not. I got you that mirror with the sunflowers because sunflowers point in the direction of the sun. Did you know? The sunflowers are enchanted to follow you when you look in the mirror- only you Remus. Because you light up my days like the sun. I know it's cheesy but-" you blabbered anxiously.

"Shh.." whispered Remus gently. He then pressed his lips against yours and kissed you. You kissed him back. When he pulled away he then pressed his forehead against yours. "I don't think it's cheesy. I think it's romantic and sweet."

A/N: I hope you like it. I've been procrastinating so I've decided that I'd just finish this crap :) Haha, I hope you like it 🥰 👉👈

#harry potter #young remus lupin #remus lupin x reader #remus lupin #young marauders #fanfiction

[stillwinchester]

Dean is walking in the park near to the lake, feeding the ducks and thinking how fucked up his life is.

His brother left him to go to college, and they had this stupid fight before that. And his father wants to keep him in their Auto Shop. Freakin' family business which became a curse...

He throws bread crumbs in the water in anger.

“You shouldn't do this.” Dean jumps, hearing some low voice next to his ear.

He turns around to see a dark hair guy in the trench coat. The pretty guy... who's talking directly to him because nobody else is near to them.

“What?” he asks, not understanding what the dude means.

“You shouldn't be feeding the ducks a bread,” he explains. Dean scratches a back of his neck, but he still has no clue what wrong he did this time.

“Why?”

“It's harmful for them. For their stomachs. It's also a diet low in vitamin D and E, which causes problems with their wings. It's a syndrome called 'angel wing'.” The dude is talking calmly and serious like he really cares about the ducks. Dean feels a little embarrassed.

“I didn't know that...”

“I figured that you're not killing them on purpose.”

Dean's ears turn pink after the last point. Dean isn't sure if he's serious or not.

He clears his throat and reaches his hand out.

“I'm Dean, by the way.” The man shakes his hand and tilts his head to the right, maintaining eye contact.

“Castiel.”

They're staring at each other for a moment longer, and Dean doesn't even feel awkward about that. There's something soothing in these blue eyes, something which feels like home.

“So, umm... What ducks eat then?” he asks eventually, and Cas blinks like he just woke up from the dream.

“A few stuff. Vegetables, sunflower seeds... I'll show you.” Cas puts his hand in his coat's pocket and pulls a paper bag out from it. He opens it and shares with Dean, who takes a bunch of this and throws it away. One duck comes closer after food lands on the ground.

“Are you an ornithologist, Cas?” asks Dean, wondering why his new friend knows a lot about ducks.

“No,” he chuckles. “I'm a writer, I did research, I needed informations to my book.”

“You're writing about ducks?”

“Sometimes,” he jokes. “But mostly about murders. I know ten ways to hide a body... You can call me if you need some help with that.”

“Okay, that's one is creepy!”

Cas smiles a little at him and gives ducks another portion of food. Next, he looks at Dean again.

“And what about you?”

“I'm mechanic,” he says. “But I want to have my own bar.”

He has no idea why he confessed this to the stranger, but maybe that is the reason? It's, indeed, a stranger who's not going to judge him. And he can be himself for five minutes, right?

“I hope your dream will come true one day, Dean.”

Dean shrugs and hide his hand on the pocket, trying to avoid Cas' gaze.

“Yeah... me too. But I don't think so.”

“Why? Good things do happen.”

“You believe in that?” he asks surprised, he doesn't surround himself with optimistic people most of time.

“Of course! I saved a few ducks today, isn't it something wonderful?” Cas points.

“Sure... But who's gonna save me?”

“I don't know,” he says. “But I think, you need to believe that you deserve to be saved first.”

“Yeah... The thing is I'm not a believer at all.”

Cas dumps rest of the food on the ground and puts an empty bag to his pocket. Dean thinks that he's going to leave him now, but Cas is still standing there, not moving even an inch. He's just staring at the lake in silence, and Dean can't help watching him.

“The sky is beautiful today,” speaks Cas eventually. Dean just nods, agreeing with him.

“Listen... Can I buy you a coffee?” he asks nervously, Cas looks at him agan and smiles.

“Only if I can buy you a pie.”

“Deal!” chuckles Dean and he realizes that he haven't felt so good for a long time.

“Shall we?” Cas offers him his arm.

Dean chuckles once again and slowly wraps his hand around Cas' elbow. They're walking in the park, and Dean thinks that maybe there's still hope for him. That maybe he can have happy life after all.

#destiel #deancas #spn #supernatural #castiel #dean winchester #destiel au #destiel fic #fic #fixlet #fanfiction #writing #mine

[sharkbait77]

The Sun Sets With You

Chapter Five: Just A Man

Summary: A simple yet despondent farm life suddenly sparks with new hope when an unusual traveler makes your town his latest stop and brings with him intriguing and promising viewpoints and no one to share them with. Until he meets you.

Pairing: Ezra Prospect x f!Reader

Rating: M

Warnings: Fluff! (It's getting cute y'all!), death of a parent, grief, smoking, food, Silas🤢, a little sad Ezra in this one

W/C: 4k (made it a little longer to make up for the wait! 🥺)

A/N: We are back! I'm so so so sorry this took so long to get out! What can I say, life happened & kept knocking me down & I couldn't find the strength to write for this fic. I'm still not even completely happy with this chapter, but after reading it so many times, I think it's okay lol a huge thanks to everyone for being so patient & lovely to me ♥️ okay, I'll shut up, hope you enjoy!

Series || Main || Taglist || AO3

Chapter Four || Chapter Six

~MAY EIGHTH OF EIGHTEEN SIXTY-SEVEN~

As the days and weeks passed, Ezra finally felt comfortable enough to join you and Pa for meals at your family table, sitting and eating quietly until responding to a thought or question of Pa’s. It felt nice. It felt…warm and natural. As opposed to the slight coldness you’ve felt sitting with Pa, without your mother. Though it was still as quiet as your meals alone with your father, the silence now was more comforting.

You realized shortly after that last evening under the tree with Ezra what exactly ails you when near him, why exactly your pulse quickens and you feel heat flush your neck and cheeks. It was a startling conclusion, given that you have been inexperienced when it comes to the term ‘love’, outside of the love you felt for Ma and Pa. This, with Ezra, contrasts immensely.

It had caught you off guard, a small infatuation with the man that you realized must have taken hold of your heart from the first moment you met him, when you simply could not remove your eyes from his face. You now find your eyes lingering on his features longer, learning the curve of his smile, the fine wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, memorizing the tone of his voice and his laugh to be replayed in moments of silence.

It’s strange; a simple emotion that you had witnessed your whole childhood into adulthood from your Ma and Pa, an emotion you carry in your heart for each of them, though the way you experience it now, the strength in which it has grasped onto your very being – and so suddenly – has been enough to make the room spin whenever you lay your eyes on him. The idea of taking a husband has never been one of priority. Up until now, at least.

“Many thanks for the delicious meal, miss. I am grateful you have welcomed me into your home as such,” Ezra says as he stands, helping you take the soiled dishes to the wash basin.

“You have always been welcome, Mr. Prospect. I am glad you now feel comfortable joining us,” you say with a gentle smile, looking up at him as he approaches you with the dishes. You catch a faint hue of pink spreading across his sun kissed cheeks.

“Would you care for a pipe, Mr. Prospect?” Pa calls out as he sits in his chair by the fireplace, beginning to pack away tobacco in his own pipe.

“I very much appreciate the offer, sir, however I do not smoke,” Ezra replies kindly as he turns away from you to face Pa and you begin washing.

“Good man; do not start the nasty habit until you become old and worn as I am now,” Pa jests.

“I only see a wise man, years of strength and kindness the only evidence that you have lived a wonderful life thus far,” Ezra compliments and Pa releases a hearty laugh.

“As I said: ‘old’,” Pa replies and both Ezra and you laugh along.

The genuine and natural lightheartedness of the conversations Pa and Ezra shared tonight warms your heart and you realize tonight has been one of the few nights you’ve smiled so freely, so frequently, since Ma’s passing and you strongly sense her spirit surrounding the three of you. Almost as if you could hear her laughing along with you all.

Although a feeling of sadness lingers in your heart that she cannot be here physically, you remember Ezra’s kind words and let them ease you. The comfort you feel wash over you leaves you pondering if it’s a sign of acceptance from above, from Ma, that she welcomes Ezra’s presence amongst you and Pa.

“Can I be of any assistance, Sunflower?” Ezra turns and asks quietly, out of earshot of Pa and addressing you by his personal endearment he has bestowed upon you.

“Thank you for offering, Ezra,” you reply just as softly. His given name had nearly slipped from your lips on more than one occasion tonight, but you felt it best to remain coy in front of your father. “I’m nearly finished now.”

“Perhaps tomorrow night. I will not miss my chance then to be of service,” he smiles and the inside of your cheek stings from the bite you dealt to keep from grinning widely. “I will take my leave for the night. The lovely beasts I room with will be missing my presence, I fear,” he says, loud enough for Pa to hear as well and Pa chuckles at his statement.

“Always a pleasure to have you for dinner, Mr. Prospect,” Pa says and stands to shake Ezra’s hand. “Daughter, would you be so kind as to walk Mr. Prospect to the door?”

“Yes Pa,” you nod, abandoning the soapy dishes for the time being and you wipe your hands to dry on your apron as you head towards the door with Ezra.

Pa smiles again in Ezra’s direction as he walks past and takes his seat once again, watching the flames dance and flicker. Ezra opens the door, allowing you to walk through and step on the porch and he follows suit, shutting the door behind him.

“Shall I walk you to the barn?” You offer.

“No, Sunflower, I would prefer you to stay. The dark of night may carry with it many dangers lurking around the corner.”

“All the more reason I should walk with you,” you grin, wrapping your arms around the wooden support post as you watch him step down into the dirt.

“Then I would intend on escorting you back here and we will only find ourselves repeating the action for one another until daybreak,” he chuckles. “Until tomorrow, dear Sunflower.”

“Tomorrow,” you smile and nod. “Good night, Ezra.”

“Good night,” he bows his head in farewell and turns on his heels to head toward the barn. You linger a moment longer to assure he is well on his way, waving when he turns back to steal another glance at you.

You take a deep breath to calm your galloping heart and turn to walk back inside, Pa sitting quietly as he continues smoking. You head back to the wash basin to finish the chore, rinsing, drying, and putting away the dishes before heading over to sit next to Pa, grabbing a new book from your small collection.

You decided to leave Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland to read with Ezra under the tree and the image of the two of you lying in the grass as you read to him brings a contented smile to your face. After quite a bit of comfortable silence, you feel the curiosity inching through your brain like an insect and decide to give in to the itch.

“H-how are the crops faring, Pa?” You ask while picking at the corner of your book.

“They grow fine,” Pa replies simply. “Each and every week another inch to their lives added.”

“And… Mr. Prospect has been much help?” You continue carefully.

“Oh yes, he has taken on the majority of the labor. We are blessed that he sought to help us.”

“Yes,” you smile softly as you lower your head slightly, gathering the courage to continue the conversation. “And… How do you feel about… Mr. Prospect?”

“What do you mean, child?”

“The townspeople think him...odd.”

“They must reflect on themselves before passing that judgement onto an innocent man. Especially the four hens, as you like to call them,” you giggle and look up at Pa, a slight smirk hidden beneath his thick, grey beard as he lets out a deep chuckle.

“Yes, but… What do you think of Mr. Prospect?”

“Why the curiosity, daughter?” He asks, though no irritation is found in his voice; instead, a light-hearted tone, one of knowing. Knowing why you insist on finding out his opinion.

“Merely curious, Pa,” you say quietly, just loud enough for him to hear over the crackle of the fire.

“Hm,” he hums as he inhales smoke through his pipe, taking his time to retrieve an forthright answer from his mind while you gaze at him in anticipation.

“He is an honest man. Good and kind. A hard worker. I believe he is fit to be a lawful husband to any girl who seeks his affection,” he finally says, looking deep into your eyes and his words go straight to your fast beating heart.

You catch the smile on your face growing, evident in the strain you feel across your cheeks and you put your head down to face the book in your lap.

“That's nice,” you reply once you've cleared your throat and regained control of the muscles on your face.

“Yes. Yes it is,” Pa smirks as he inhales another puff from his pipe.

~MAY TENTH OF EIGHTEEN SIXTY-SEVEN~

Today is as exhilarating as the rest; you attempt to sort through the inventory of the shop, taking note of which supplies are dwindling while also marking down new items the townspeople have requested, such as candles and playing cards for the children. As you walk toward the back of the shop, beginning your count of products there, the shop bell dings and you hear boots stomping from whoever has stepped through the door.

“Just a moment, please,” you call out to the customer from over your shoulder, hoping not to lose track of the count in your head.

“Please, do not rush, Sunflower,” a gentle, familiar voice replies and you feel your heart thumping faster in your chest now as you turn quickly, inventory be damned.

“Ezra,” you greet the man standing meekly at the front of the shop. He takes a few steps forward to meet you beside the counter. “What brings you to town? Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Oh, no thank you, Sunflower. I needed to send a letter off at the post and thought that my day would be much brighter were I able to visit you as well,” he says with a soft grin and you lower your head to hide the bashful expression on your face.

“Well, my day has brightened now, too,” you reply, gaining the courage to look up at him again, the apples of his cheeks reddening. “I trust you were promptly taken care of then?”

“Yes, Mr. Williams is a kind man,” he nods. “The elderly woman who works there as well – she is quite the conversationalist,” he releases a soft laugh.

“Ah, yes. Mrs. Williams,” you shake your head. “She actually does not work there, just adores to be in the center of it all,” you jest and Ezra chuckles. “I do hope she was not too overbearing.”

“Only slightly,” he shrugs. “After you and your Pa, her and Mr. Williams have treated me the kindest since my arrival.”

“Oh Ezra,” you share a perturbed look. “I am truly sorry for the way the town has behaved.”

“Sunflower, you have no reason whatsoever to apologize for the actions of others. Unfortunately, this town has not been the most unpleasant I’ve come across. I was very lucky to have found you. And your Pa,” he rushes the last phrase and you smile knowingly, his mouth curving slightly as well.

You open your mouth to continue the conversation, the innocent coquetry between you, yet no sounds are released from your mouth before the shop bell dings again and you sigh at the interruption. You turn your head and your racing heart, caused by Ezra’s presence, races faster, only in anger now.

“And what do we have here?” Silas’s booming, uninvited voice resonates through the shop. “What business could a queer like you have to conduct in town?” He looks at Ezra and you step in front of him.

“I told you not to call him that, Silas.”

“It does not seem he’s made any purchase,” he says, making a show of looking in Ezra’s hands for any paper bag. “Yet he is allowed to stay and converse while you toss me in the dirt.”

“Go away, Silas.”

“Sunflower-” Ezra calls gently from behind you, unable to finish his thought.

“‘Sunflower’?!” Silas laughs. “She does not need a freak to endear her, not when she has a real man. Like me.”

“Silas, he is more of a man than you could ever hope to be,” you spit out.

Of all the times you had the opportunity to speak your mind to Silas, you held back. Though, now that it is directed to Ezra, you feel that innate protectiveness for him wash over you again, no matter the cost or consequence.

“You dare say such a thing to me, girl?” Silas takes a menacing step forward.

“She is not a girl and you will not speak to her as one,” Ezra moves to stand in front of you now. “And I do believe she has requested for you to take your leave.”

“And exactly who will force me out? You?” Silas puffs out his chest, as if he were attempting to assert his role as an alpha, and frustration grows on his face at Ezra’s lack of response to the tactic.

“If I must.” Ezra replies simply and calmly, the tone of his voice even, though underneath lies a hidden message that he would not back down from a brawl, if it were to come to that.

“Ezra, please, he isn’t worth it,” you say softly, reaching out to hold his forearm.

“Oh, aren’t I?” Silas scoffs.

“I will summon Sheriff Wilson here to collect you himself if you do not leave my shop right this instant,” you hold your unyielding gaze to Silas’s, raising your chin slightly so as to challenge him to defy your wishes.

Silas hmph’s, his thick brows arching menacingly as he glances down at where your hand rests firmly on Ezra’s arm, clearly displeased at the contact. You feel Ezra’s form tense next to you, and you use your free hand to lightly press against his back in an effort to calm him.

“Fine,” Silas finally says harshly as he turns his back to you and Ezra and stomps to the door.

He looks over his shoulder one more time at the two of you and something about his animalistic eyes sends a nasty shiver down your spine. Before he can see you falter, he rips the door open, walks through, and slams it shut, rattling the frame as he leaves. You exhale shakily and Ezra turns his body to face yours, his hands gripping onto your upper arms as his eyes rake over your face in concern.

“Are you alright, Sunflower?”

“Oh Ezra,” you gaze at him thoughtfully. “It should be me asking you that same question.”

“Please, don’t worry about me. My only concern is you,” he continues, his eyes trying to follow yours as you look away from him. “Does he come here unannounced often? Has he bothered you before?”

“Ezra, he has always been a thorn in my side, but it is nothing for you to concern yourself with. I promise,” you look in his eyes, hoping to convince him, but you suspect it does not work and his hands fall from your arms.

“Sunflower… I did not appreciate the way he looked at you and spoke to you.”

“It’s alright Ezra, it is not anything I can’t handle,” you smile and grasp one of his hands in both of yours, squeezing it gently as reassurance.

You’re unsure of what to say. What could you say? That up until now you have been cowardly when it came to Silas Taylor? That it was not until Ezra’s arrival to town that you have come to know a stronger side of yourself, willing to risk your already frail reputation to defend this man’s name?

Ezra sighs heavily, staring into your eyes a moment longer before looking away. You watch his eyebrows crinkle together, the worry wrinkles along his forehead becoming more prominent as he reflects on the situation that just passed.

“Are you alright? Please… Do not take anything he says to heart,” you say softly and your kind voice pulls him back from his thoughts and to this moment with you. He smirks and huffs a chuckle through his nose.

“No fear, Sunflower. It is not a trial I cannot handle,” he cocoons your hands in both of his and squeezes lightly, as if to reassure you he is alright. “I will go now, Sunflower.”

“I understand,” you nod. “Then… I will see you back at the farm for supper.”

He smiles to acknowledge your words, releasing your hands and heading to the door. He turns once more to nod his goodbye, places his hat back on his head, and walks out the door. You walk to the front of the shop to watch him through the window, his hands in his pockets and his shoulders slumped forward as he walks swiftly to leave the area.

Your head feels on fire, ready to blow steam at any moment as you watch the townspeople around staring at him. They turn to each other, presumably whispering gossip amongst themselves about him. Unfortunately, as you have come to know Silas, you know he will be spreading word of the ‘threat’ he felt from Ezra, which you surmise will only result in the townspeople turning their backs on Ezra even further.

~MAY TWELFTH OF EIGHTEEN SIXTY-SEVEN~

Ezra had not shown up for supper that night or the night that followed. You had wanted to take supper to him, but Pa advised against it. He had heard on his last trip to town what transpired between you, Ezra, and Silas. You prepared yourself to, once again, defend Ezra, however, Pa’s unabated rancor of Silas all but guaranteed Pa would not believe a word from his mouth.

Pa informed you that when he returned and asked Ezra about the situation, he assured the man that he was not at risk of losing the job at the farm, and while he was grateful, he did not wish to speak on it further. Pa told you to leave him to gather his bearings and you complied.

On your way to the oak tree, you pick two apples as you had done the Sunday prior, and to your earnest disappointment, you do not see Ezra as the tree comes into view. You look left, then right, hoping it was possible he had just walked along the riverbank, but you were alone.

Heaving a sigh, you turn to face the way you came as you debate on heading back. Your weekly tradition almost seemed silly to continue alone, after having been in Ezra’s company the past few weeks. It almost felt...incorrect to spend time here without Ezra now. You take a few steps forward, now under the shade of the tree, sparing another moment in case you missed him.

“Sunflower,” his elated voice from above frightens you and you quickly turn your head to follow the sound, seeing his bright smile from where he sits on a thick branch.

“Ezra! You startled me!” You chuckle as you take a few breaths, covering your racing heart with your hand.

“My apologies,” he chuckles. “I did not hear you walk up otherwise I would have made my presence known sooner.”

“I did not expect to see you in the tree today,” you smile up at him.

“Come, join me,” he smiles, patting the bark to the side of him.

“I have not climbed a tree since I was a child, Ezra. I will fall,” you shake your head.

“I will never let you fall, Sunflower,” he smiles and your now settled heart begins to race again. “It’s simple, really. Nothing to it. I will guide your steps.”

You take a deep breath, pondering for a moment if the risk was truly worth it, but there’s an excitement in this small adventure that you feel your soul reaching for. You smile at Ezra and nod, removing your bag and placing it at the base of the tree.

You follow Ezra’s voice commands as he tells you where to step up and you use more muscles in your body than you have in so long. You heave yourself upwards, careful that your boots do not miss any section of the tree that will have you flying all the way back down.

Finally, you make it far enough for Ezra to take hold of your arm, using his strength now to help pull you up until you’re close enough to attempt to sit. He scoots over, keeping his hand tightly grasped on your arm to make sure you don’t fall. Though, at this point, if you were to fall, Ezra would certainly fall with you.

You plant your bottom firmly onto the branch, breathing heavily and smiling widely at the accomplishment and Ezra chuckles along with you. You try to settle yourself further and suddenly get the sense of falling, reaching out instinctively to hold onto Ezra’s arm and you practically glue yourself to his side for support.

“You will not fall, Sunflower,” he reassures and you feel him lean closer into you to comfort you.

“Pardon me,” you giggle, feeling steady enough now to remove yourself from him. You take a deep breath and look out ahead at the river and the grassland, spotting the other farms in the distance. “Wow,” you say breathlessly. “It’s a beautiful sight.”

“Yes, it is,” Ezra responds softly. You turn your head to him where you already meet his gaze and turn away again as you smile.

“Oh no,” you gasp as your eyes meet your bag down below. “I left the book… And the apples,” you turn to frown at Ezra.

“Do not fret, Sunflower,” he smiles. “I enjoy your company regardless.”

“Maybe...you could read me more of your prose?” You prod gently, hoping he will be willing.

“Yes,” he says wistfully as he glances down at his journal. “I do like when you read to me, however.”

You smile as he passes his journal to you and you cradle it with care in your hands. You move to open it and the binding opens automatically to one page, clearly still stiff from where he had it open, this addition to the pages only written just recently. You clear your throat and let your eyes dance as they pick up the words in his neat handwriting.

“‘A being from a different universe desires to live amongst the men in peace on Earth, for his purpose to be written in the stars. A nomad, an outcast on the run, desperate for a residence more suitable than his dreams. Soon, he will find home, and soon, he will find life’,” your voice trails towards the end of the passage, your heart wrenching at the meaning behind it.

“Ezra…” You call softly once you notice his head has lowered.

The silence stretches and you can almost visualize it expanding across the lands in front of your view, any helpful or comforting words escaping from your reach. The only conclusion your mind seems to come to is just to place a hand softly on his thigh. You feel his muscle twitch at the contact and he glances over at you, a light tint of pink beginning to spread across his cheeks.

You suddenly feel embarrassed to have placed your hand there and you immediately think to yourself that perhaps it was not welcomed, though before you can remove your hand, Ezra places his own, large and warm, over yours. Your mind settles while your heart beats rapidly. You still do not know what to say, but it does not seem Ezra is expecting for you to say anything at all.

“I’ve missed you at supper, Ezra,” you whisper and grin softly.

“Forgive me for my absence, I was not… I did not feel…” You sense him struggling as he lowers his head again and you place your other hand on top of your intertwined ones.

“I understand; you have no need to apologize.”

He looks at you again and you give him a reassuring smile and he returns the gesture. You two say nothing and let the comfortable silence blanket the air around you while you gaze out to your surroundings again, your hands not leaving each other’s grasp.

“Sunflower?” He calls and you turn to face him again.

“Yes, Ezra?”

“I’ve missed you as well.”

Chapter Four || Chapter Six

Series || Main || Taglist || AO3

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Ezra Prospect Tags: @quietpainter @grogusmum @tenderwhat

#ezra x f!reader #ezra x reader #ezra x you #ezra prospect x f!reader #ezra prospect x reader #ezra prospect x you #ezra au #ezra prospect au #ezra prospect fanfiction #ezra prospect fanfic #pedro pascal character fic #pedro pascal fanfiction #pedro pascal fanfic #prospect #prospect fanfiction

[safaia-47]

Gojo Satoru Diaries - Food tastes better with friends

I didn't start teaching Safaia-chan and Ryuuga-kun right away. I had been occupied for two weeks straight because curses have been flooding in since spring started. I'm just glad I cleared most of them before their party. Another reason I didn't start right away was that I wanted them to get used to their new classes. It's their senior year I want them to be able to enjoy their last year of high school.

I even had time for Megumi and Tsumiki-chan entrance ceremony pictures. I was kind of late showing up for their ceremony, Tsumiki-chan was so excited when I showed up. I think she thought I wasn't going to come, I have barely been able to come home early for them lately. Megumi just put up an act like he didn't care that I showed up, but when we took pictures I saw his face get red. Little man can't even express his feelings for me. When we took the pictures with Megumi I made bunny ears behind his head. He got so angry that he nearly took my head off. Ehehehe

I decided to mail her asking when is a good time for both of them to start learning about curse energy. She told me this weekend should be good. That's when I made up my mind to teleport to Fuji city, instead of driving there. It's better to show them some of my abilities instead of hiding them if I'm going to be their teacher. Ehehehe I should scare her by teleporting behind her. I smirked to myself and got dressed in a grey-blue jacket, white undershirt, jeans, and white sneakers, and got ready to leave the apartment that I share with the kids.

"You're the man of the house while I'm gone Megumi-chan." I ruffle his hair as tell him. He tries to push my hand awhile from his already messy hair.

"Where are you going, Mr. Gojo?" Tsumiki-chan asked me as she turned around from watching her Saturday cartoons.

"Yes, I'm going to help train some new students that I discovered just recently. They show great promise, just like Megumi-chan!" I answered her and tried pulling on the poor boy's cheek.

"That's so cool! Are taking Megumi-chan too?!" She asked again completely ignoring the yellow electric creature on screen. I guess it wouldn't be a problem taking Megumi. I'll be killing two birds with one stone. Safaia-chan will be bringing the cake that I asked for, I'm sure she wouldn't mind sharing. I hope she would love to meet them as well.

"That's a great idea! You guys can meet the children of the pâtissière that made those tasty macarons. Oh, remember pâtissière is a feminine version of pastry chefs. And her daughter is making a cake for me since I graduated from Jujutsu technical college. I guess I can share with you guys." I bend down to her level. "Would you like to come Tsumiki-chan?"

Her eyes lit up and grinned "Yes!" She yelled.

"Kay now let's get ready, I'll teleport us there," I explain as I ruffle her hair and stand back up. As they were getting dressed, I mailed her asking if she didn't mind if Megumi-chan and Tsumiki-chan could come. She mails back that it was perfect, the more the merrier. I felt so relieved that she said it was okay. I'm glad she wants to meet them.

"We're done, Mr. Gojo." I look down at her from mailing Safaia-chan and noticed her cute soiled white sunflower pattern dress and white open-toe sandals. This is one of the many dresses and shoes that I bought her since I took them under my wing. I noticed she was growing out of her clothes or they were looking worse for wear.

"You look really pretty Tsumiki-chan. I'm happy you like the dress." She blushed as I picked her up.

"Thank you, Mr. Gojo." She tries to hide her blush away from me. I turn to see Megumi dressed in a dark blue shirt with a big Gabumon design on the front, black shorts, and dark blue shoes.

"Don't you look pretty Megumi-chan." I mocked him as I tried to kiss his cheek.

"Stay away from me old man and stop calling me Megumi-chan. I'm not pretty." He looks up at me and glares.

"Of course your pretty Megumi-chan. Boys can be called pretty too. Look at me I'm pretty" I ignore him correcting me and bend down to pick him up. "Remember to be nice," I told them as I teleport us to Fuji city.

I teleport to us close to the beach where Safaia-chan and I talked. "We're here everyone!" I said as I put them down because Megumi was fighting me to climb down. "So mean." He didn't care it was written all over his face.

"Where are your students, Mr. Gojo? I don't see them. She questioned as she looked around walking towards the beach.

"We're early since I teleported here. They're still preparing the cake so they can safely deliver it to us." I answered. "We're having red velvet cake. It's going to be fantastically delicious, I can't wait to eat it." I demonstrate by rubbing my belly.

"You said the pâtissières daughter is making the cake. Are you sure she can bake? We only taste her mother baking then, so how do you know she can bake?" He negatively asked.

"Hey hey now we haven't even eaten it yet. Be nice if you don't like it, tell her nicely. Who knows she might be an amazing pâtissière." I corrected him.

"Yeah be nice Megumi-chan, she made us a cake. We should be very grateful." She says with drool dripping down her mouth and her stomach growling.

"You're just answering with your noisy stomach." He said with a smirk. She blushed as she held her stomach in embarrassment.

"I'm sure they'll be here with the cake soon. Hey, there's the beach! The last one there is a mean Megumi-chan!" I started to run away from them to the beach. Followed by feet running behind me.

"I don't want to be mean Megumi-chan!" Tsumiki-chan yelled, running away from him.

"Hey, I'm not being mean, I'm being realistic!" He hollered out. Ehehehe I beat them there obviously followed by Tsumiki then Megumi.

"Better luck next time buddy." I ruffle his hair and give Tsumiki her second-place prize, a seashell.

"It's so pretty thank you, Mr. Gojo." She thanked me as she admired the new shell she got.

"You're welcome Tsumiki-chan." We did get there a lot early so we played on the beach waiting for them to show up. In between playing with them in the sand, I mail her that we're here. She sounded surprised since we got here so fast and I told her I'll tell you guys my secret when they come.

Fifteen minutes go by, and here they are holding two baskets. Ryuuga-kun wore a lightweight light blue hoodie, black shorts, and black sneakers with blue shoelaces. Next to him was Safaia-chan dressed in a purple seashell star pearl pattern spaghetti strap dress with a dainty belt, and it ended at calf-length. On her shoulders sat a light pink lightweight button sweater. And wore white sneakers with pink accents. Her curly hair was styled in a half-up ponytail with a purple scrunchie. Going throughout her ponytail were sea stars and shell's shape barrettes. Her curly fringe hair was a frame to the left side of her face, with the rest pulled back leaving her forehead showing.

'She's beautiful' was the only thing running through my mind. I like how she always dresses for herself and how unapologetic she is. Her stunning hair could pull off any hairstyle. When I ruffle her hair to tease her, I get the chance to feel her lovely soft scarlet hair. I wonder what it would feel like if I run my fingers through that gorgeous hair.

'What the hell am I thinking about! She's a friend, don't be weird, Satoru!' I scream at myself.

"Yo Ryuuga-kun, Yo Safaia-chan, glad you could come to my very first class and you're already tardy. For shame." I cross my arms pretending to be upset.

Ryuuga-kun laughed and said, "Awww we're sorry Gojo-sensei we were coming as fast as we can."

"Gojo-sensei came too early for class. I thought you take longer to show up. I'm sorry for keeping you guys waiting. But I bought food and cake so I hope you'll please forgive me." She showed the basket filled with food. "Oh, is this Tsumiki-chan and Megumi-chan I heard so much about?" She peeks behind me to see the kids looking behind my legs.

"Yep, this is Fushiguro Tsumiki and Fushiguro Megumi. Funny name for a boy right?" Megumi pinched my leg as I said that. "Owwww Megumi-chan. Well, kids, these guys are my new students Amagi Ryuuga and Amagi Safaia." I introduced everyone.

"It's nice to meet you Amagi Ryuuga and Safaia. Amagi-chan is very beautiful and Amagi-san is very handsome." Tsumiki complimented the twins.

"Hello, Amagi-chan and Amagi-san. It's nice to meet you." Megumi greeted them.

"Hey, guys it's nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to working together. Thank you and you looked pretty too." Ryuuga-kun says and shakes hands their hands.

"Hi, it's so nice to finally meet you guys. Thank you Tsumiki-chan, you guys are just so adorable. Don't worry about him Megumi-chan, you have a magnificent name. Blessing or grace whoever gave you that name wishes your life would be a blessing for you. I think that's a lovely name to have, boy or girl." She gave him that gentle smile that I know too well. My chest tightens a little.

"See Megumi-chan I told you, your name is pretty." Tsumiki wholeheartedly agrees with her.

He looked off to the side so he didn't meet her eye but he mumbled: "Thank You Amagi-san." His ear turns red.

"Hey, little man there's nothing to be worried about. Your name is fine." Ryuuga bend down and gave him a thumbs up.

"Awww I didn't mean to hurt your feelings Megumi. I was just teasing you, sea urchin. See like that." I teased him again while playing with his hair.

"Cut it out Gojo-kun you big bully." She pouted at me. So cute.

Ehehehe "Me bully never." I defend myself and they all looked at me like I grew a second head.

"Hey don't gang up on me. If we're going gang up on anybody let's gang up on that cake. It needs to be eaten. Gimme gimme." I reach out my hands.

"Oh please, can we eat the cake now Amagi-chan? Tsumiki asked with big pleading eyes.

"Why of course but I also brought food since it's lunchtime. I made kara-age, tamagoyaki, korokke, onigiri, edamame, sunomono, and rice. I wasn't sure what you guys like but I hope you like it. I'm glad you mailed me before coming so I made more for everyone to enjoy." She looked at me. I was afraid she would break her neck looking up at me so I sat down with the kids helping roll out the blanket.

"Safaia prepared everything last night minus the cake which already had been done. She was darting this way that way in the kitchen. What I'm trying to say is that she worked hard on this. I hope you guys like it." Ryuuga-kun says as he helps her lay out the food, cake, and drinks.

"Everything smells delicious and I see your hard work." I smile at her.

"This smells good." Tsumiki is drooling again and Megumi nods agreeing.

"Thank you. I hope it tastes good now." She thanked us while finishing up setting out the food. "Okie dokie everything ready."

We join our hands together in front of our chests and say "Itadakimasu!"

I ate everything given to me; it was so good. It was way better than the food from my family home. "This is mouthwatering good Safaia-chan. Be my housewife."

"Nooooo she can't be a housewife yet. She is still too young. You can't take her away, she has to feed me." Her brother whined.

"So are you protecting me or just trying to get free food for the rest of your life?" She questioned him.

"Both," He said while reaching for the cake.

Megumi tugged on her dress "It was excellent Amagi-chan. I like the korokke."

"Yes, it was perfect Amagi-chan." Tsumiki said rubbing her new pot belly.

"Thank you all so much." She grins with her eyes becoming crescents moons eyes.

"Now onto the main part," Ryuuga handed out the cake to everyone and the milk that goes with it. "Red velvet cake and sheep milk."

"Sheep milk?" Tsumiki-chan questioned when she got her bottle of sheep milk.

"Yes, it's really good for you, and I didn't know if you guys were lactose intolerant. Sheep milk doesn't cause people to get sick. Also, sheep milk has way more nutrients compared to cow milk. Sheep are made from an A2 variant that's good for the digestive system. While cows have A1. But they're some cows that are good for your digestive don't get more wrong. You can make an informed choice when you get older. Plus, I like the taste of sheep milk.

"Oh, really is that the reason why people don't like milk. I didn't know that. Thanks for telling me. I feel smarter." I praise her.

"I'm glad you listen to my rambling about sheep milk." She smiled but this was a weaker smile compared to before.

"It's not rambling, it was very helpful. I got to learn something that I didn't know today. What's wrong with you talking about something you are passionate about. Don't worry about it, we didn't mind."

"Amagi-chan seems a whole lot smarter than Gojo." Megumi tries to comfort you and everyone laughs at me.

"Hey! That's Gojo-sensei to you!" I yelled as a fake cry. "No respect for your sensei."

She giggles and a brighter smile appears on her face. "I'm sure you feel better if you eat your cake Gojo-kun. Eating something sweet helps fuel your brain."

"You're so right Safaia-chan!" I cried out as I ate my slice of red velvet cake.

"This cake reminds me of Amagi-chan hair." Tsumiki humm to herself as she eats.

We talked as we finished eating the cake I found out Safaia-chan innate technique is (Stellar) Plasma Manipulation. Ryuuga-kun innate technique is Lunar Manipulation. I found out he has a shikigami, named Ryūjin. I told them I got here so fast because my abilities allow me to be able to use teleportation. I explained that when I got home from their party, I drove some and then teleported the rest of the way back home.

"That's incredible you can teleport that far of distance. Don't you get tired?" She asked me. I told her no because my eyes help refresh curse energy. Then the conversation changed to kids going to school. Safaia-chan asked them if they are making any friends or what subjects they are interested in. The cake was delightful both soft and moist.

"Eating with new friends tastes better," Safaia-chan says in a sing-song voice as I got my third slice of cake. I looked up at her listening to the kids talk. It's been a while since I heard those words. I miss eating with him.

#gojo satoru #gojo satoru x oc #jujutsu kaisen #writing #gojo satoru diary #gojo satoru fluff #gojo fluff #gojo satoru x amagi safaia #amagi safaia

[hanibalistic]

#FFC844 | LEE FELIX.

genre | angst, hanahaki au, unrequited love au

word count | 1454

warning | mentions of blood, mentions of choking, body injuries, death

note | hello! thank you so much for requesting ＼(^-^ ) unfortunately, i am not the best at writing angst, but i hope this piece suits your liking anyway!

request | unable to tag

sunflowers are not supposed to kill.

the fluttering of their yellow petals against your fingers have always been smooth and velvety, and the golden gleam they shone when you shakily held them up against the sun has always shielded your naked eyes.

it reminded you of felix. not just because sunflower was his favorite flower, but because it resembled him—light and free, pretty and golden, welcoming and refreshing; a freckled beauty with his very own sunny circle around him.

oh, he made you fall in love with so many things. starting with himself, the only person you felt could touch the depths of you nobody ever has, then the blazing sun you have always shown your dislike through staying in the shades, and also the sunflowers you never took notice of by the roads in the park.

especially the sunflowers, though. out of all the things, you felt most attached to the sunflower, as felix once claimed to love so much because he thought it resembled him, he told you as he held the flower up to his face and giggled at you.

however, just because you felt attached to it didn't mean you wanted to cough them up from your lungs.

it started with two to three petals, then five to seven petals, then a flower and a few yellow petals, then two flowers with broken and bloodied petals that you had to choke out through a coughing fit.

you ignored it. you told no one of this disease and you hid it from everyone else by going on unexpected restroom runs a couple of times a day.

part of you thought you did it just so nobody would get worried, and you have faith that maybe it could cure itself somehow. but you knew, deep down where the stubborn part of you that was smarter than yourself sat alone in the hollow hole of your chest with its leg dangling off the edge, that you didn't tell anybody just to deny the fact that you contracted hanahaki.

if you admitted it, you admit that felix wasn't in love with you and likely would never fall in love with you. you would rather die than acknowledge that. it was a ridiculous idea, but you deemed it well because it was made for love.

and what was love if not the willingness to become the devil himself? what was love, if not the strength and bravery to allow yourself be destroyed by it? what was love, if the tears of the pretty boy sitting beside your fallen body, his hands pressed against your broken chest in hopes to seal the wound shut and to stop the sunflower from emerging, didn't make you smile?

"somebody help! somebody please, please, i need help!" felix screamed into the school, where a faint trace of disco lights glowed from the school hall where the prom roared away.

the white shirt of his tuxedo was stained with water and blood after he caught you chucking water to soothe the aching burn in your chest. he had not known what to do, hanahaki was a foreign concept to him, but he knew you were coughing up flowers and you were dying, as well as that this pretty disease was caused by unrequited love.

he had panicked when you fell onto the ground, your chest pulsating and growing. he had to rip your undershirt open, exposing your naked skin, to see that a sunflower—only a petal—was threatening to burst through your delicacy, ending your life entirely. and now he sat, crying and screaming, desperately pressing his hands against your chest to keep the flower from emerging.

"just hang in there, i'll–fuck!" he cursed when he felt the petal poke against his palm. he shivered, pressing harder against your chest, and turned his head to the prom, screaming again, although his voice began to croak into a hopeless halt nearing the end. "somebody help! please! my best friend is dying, please help me, please!"

your blurry sight caught his movement perfectly, but you could barely see him. he kept looking around to find people, his body shivering in the eerie cold while he debated whether he should make a run for it and find help or stay by your side just in case the flower tear through your chest.

you hated seeing him this way, just hearing his whimpers made your heart church and you wanted to get up to tell him you would be fine. but his hands were so warm against your chest and you somehow forgot how else you should feel.

the vines of the flower have threaded across your bones already. you could feel the harness and the leaves brushing against your insides. you wouldn't have much time left. you just knew you felt warm and tingly, and you thought you could close your eyes forever with this protruding feeling beneath your ribs.

"somebody! why is this happening? why is this–this isn't supposed to be happening–" his voice hitched in his throat when he felt a hand against his palm.

he slowly turned his head back to you, his eyes already wide but made even staggeringly bright when he saw the embracing smile on your face. it was all acceptance and... affection... the affection he ceased to see before, the affection he thought was not meant for him.

"my sunflower..." you rasped out quietly, your voice so small the wavering of the grass field could overwhelm you, but the dead of the night decided that your love should be heard once, so it carried your voice to his ears.

it was at that moment he realized.

he loved sunflower, and you loved him.

your very own sunflower.

"no... no, no, no. no," he gritted his teeth and pressed down on your chest, "you're not dying because of me! stop it! stop loving me, right now!"

"you're crazy! why would you do this to yourself! i'm not worth dying for, [name], stop it! stop making the flower grow!" he begged, tears dripping down the back of his palms as he gave your chest one last shove.

then he stopped, realizing his attempts were futile.

he should have seen it earlier. the way you always smile at him, the way you always stare at him, the way you loved those yellow petals against the sun as much as he did. he should have realized that you loved him earlier so he could take precautions against it.

not that those would guarantee him success, but at least he could have tried to save you. he could have at least tried to keep you alive.

"stop loving me, please," he croaked out, his head lowered between his arms as he leaned his body weight against you. "because i don't know how to love you now."

you exhaled. “lixie–”

“no! no! i’m sorry, i’m sorry, please don’t go, don’t–” he growled under his breath and pushed against the flower, his eyes glowing a shade of red anger you have never witnessed before, “stop this, please, please. i’m sorry–i can’t help, please!”

even in the face of your death, he was unable to love you the way you wanted. even in the face of your death, you could not allow yourself to unlove him. and that was the only truth. that was nothing but the truth, which you thought was okay.

you have always been willing to die for love, you have always been willing to die with passion, to let felix be the person to devour your soul whole until the end. he cared about you until the end. he didn't love you, but he cared about you.

and you were leaving with so many things—your love for the sun, for the sunflowers, for him—and dying in his arms. even though you couldn't breathe, it was still the best passing you could ask for.

you would open your mouth to console him again, but you were so tired, you could barely move anymore. the hand that once grazed his cheek has fallen to your side, and you turned your eyes up at the sky where the stars faded with your consciousness.

felix had no other choice but to let go when he felt the yellow petal seep through the gaps of his fingers, fluttering with its velvet lace. he watched as your chest tore open in the middle, a small space to allow a bloodied sunflower to spring through, and with its blossoming, you took your last breath before his eyes. and all he did was cry.

love is not supposed to hurt, sunflowers are not supposed to kill.

felix wasn't supposed to kill you, but he did, and it was beautiful.

#stayhavennet #inkidz #felix imagines #stray kids imagines #skz imagines #felix x reader #felix x mc #felix x y/n #stray kids x you #stray kids x y/n #stray kids x reader #skz x you #skz x y/n #skz x reader #felix scenarios #stray kids scenarios #skz scenarios #felix blurbs #skz blurbs #stray kids blurbs #felix angst #stray kids angst #skz angst #felix fanfic #skz fanfic #stray kids fanfic

[missorgana]

you shine, i'll shine for you

pairing: alina starkov/genya safin, background nina zenik/matthias helvar

fandom: shadow and bone (tv)

rating: general

word count: 5163

warning: referenced cheating, swearing

summary: Genya thought she’d seen it all, until today, where a young person her age rushes through the door and approaches her with a strange question, “What sort of flowers do you get to tell someone to go fuck themselves?” (flower shop au)

(a fluffy au that’s been loooong underway !! inspired by this post, naturally. had a bit too much fun searching up flower meanings as well so... hope you enjoy!)

read on ao3

Genya believes flowers speak their own language.

They show love, adoration, and everything in between, and there’s a reason they’re used for most special occasions, she thinks; although a staple gift when you barely know someone, they’re also an invitation to get to know someone better.

Like Nina and Matthias. It didn’t surprise her in the least that he wanted to ask Nina out, alas, he asked Genya for help on the bouquet, since he just started. The look on her friend’s face when she told her about their fast date was too precious.

And naturally, this is why she opened her little flower shop in the first place. She loved the area, homely and cozy, the atmosphere and the residents.

She’s helped their clients with gifts for any situation you could think of; a last minute anniversary gift, flower arrangements for that big fairytale wedding, the perfect Mother’s Day bouquet, and the businessman getting flowers for his beloved sister’s grave touched her deeply.

Genya thought she’d seen it all, until today, where a young person her age rushes through the door and approaches her with a strange question, “What sort of flowers do you get to tell someone to go fuck themselves?”

She’s simply baffled by the request.

The client’s got restless hands and fire in their eyes, dark hair in a braided bun and wearing a baby blue dress, neck and ears dressed with gold jewelry and a matching septum piercing. They’re almost glowing in the late autumn sun, to be completely honest.

In fact, they’re already reaching for their purse, while Genya tries to work through her confusion and do her best - this is an assignment like any other, she reminds herself, this is her job.

“Oh, uh, depends on the occasion, really…” she starts, and since the customer in front of her curses themself as they find their wallet, the clear anger on their face intensifying, she figures she’ll need to keep her cool, “If I may ask?”

In customer service you’ll have to deal with rude clientele, God knows Genya has, and although this person in no way seems like  that type of person, she still keeps it a priority to not upset them anymore than someone else already has.

She smiles, giving them less of her staple customer service smile, more a hesitant smile because the client also sniffs, and wipes their eyes rather stubbornly before looking back at her.

They’re also more beautiful than sunflowers in bloom, that much is obvious. But someone’s hurt them, and it makes Genya’s heart ache for them with a stinging kind of certainty.

“Sure,” they reply, sniffling again, “My boyfriend’s cheated on me for the second time.”

Second time? Dear God.

Genya doesn’t even know this man, but she does know he’s an asshole, mind the language. She’s sure she must look shocked, because the client chuckles bitterly, clutching their wallet a bit tighter.

“I just need him to fuck off for good. It’s long overdue, really.”

She decides to smile again, nodding, hoping she’s conveying her sympathy right, “I understand.”

And since she gets a timid smile back, albeit still with clenched fists down their side, it makes Genya a little more sure of herself again. If the person wasn’t pretty before, they’re even prettier now. She mentally curses whoever this man is for making them this angry, and making them cry. No one deserves that, but especially not them, Genya thinks.

Luckily it’s a Monday, a slow day for flower sales, and they’re the only customer inside, so she’s reaching for her encyclopedia immediately.

“I do know a bit about flower meanings,” she explains to them, “It’s not common knowledge, but I got a few ideas.”

The client nods, satisfied, and their eyes turn a little less angry and more curious.

“What’s your budget?” she asks while flickering through the pages, and the person in front of her takes less than a second to answer, “The biggest you got, he- We were supposed to go to Paris, so I’ve been saving up. Got some money to blow.”

What a fucking douchebag. Again, excuse the language, but this really sounds like the sort of person who’s drink she would gladly spit in. She might be really excited for this bouquet, now. Serves him right.

Everything that jumps to her mind should be in stock, actually. Genya’s never had to look up negative meanings to the flowers before, admittedly, but she does find some scribbled notes in what appears to be Nina’s handwriting next to the black roses.  Revenge roses. Okay, maybe a bit too sinister, but she’ll keep them in mind.

She finds herself moving out behind the counter before she knows it, and when she picks up the first bunch she notices her client looking over her shoulder in an adorable kind of confusion, so Genya speaks up, “These are yellow carnations, they signal disappointment.”

They nod again, the small smile on their lips growing just an inch brighter. Their hands seem more relaxed, she finds herself noticing.

“Perfect,” they approve, “Is there a hate flower, you think?”

The bluntness no longer surprises her, and since the client huffs at themselves, Genya returns the smile with more certainty. Fair enough, she decides.

“Yes, surprisingly enough,” she chuckles, “Orange lilies. I also have foxglove for insincerity?”

“Oh, definitely.”

“I thought so,” Genya likes this person, she decides, probably way more than she should for a complete stranger, but… can you blame her? 

She likes the guts it takes to make a bouquet like this, to be honest. And it’s like they keep getting prettier and prettier the more Genya looks at them, is that crazy? Probably. Matthias would roll his eyes at her, but she and Nina both know how cheesy he actually is, so whatever.

This client is also getting a hate bouquet for a soon-to-be-ex, though, so she’s real with herself, she can’t allow herself to get attached or anything. Would be unprofessional, regardless, but she can admire them anyway, right?

“What else, what else…” Genya wanders a bit more, her client following in tow, she’s got the centerpieces, but the white of this flower would add nicely to the overall look, “Meadowsweet! It, uh, it stands for uselessness.”

The person in front of her lights even more up at the suggestion. She’s thrilled, because honestly, not only helping them but also maybe, possibly impressing this client is suddenly very important to her.

“Alright, I think that’ll do nicely,” she finally tells them, writing the names and price ranges down on her notepad. “Unless you want to add some geraniums, too?” The customer looks at the sample she shows them, biting their lip in contemplation.

“It’s beautiful,” they confess.

“It is,” she agrees, “But it also signals stupidity.”

They laugh at that, a ringing sound like bells or… butterfly wings, maybe. This is just about making Genya’s whole week right now.

“Yeah, I need those.”

And so it’s decided, and she returns to her counter with the notes and shows the client the different bouquet sizes. She figures they might need a card, too, “I don’t have any ‘Fuck you’ cards, unfortunately. Will a blank one be alright?”

They nod, more eager than ever.

“Actually,” they’re running their finger over the sheet with the sizes before looking back at Genya again, “I know this is a big ask, but I was gonna leave the bouquet at his office. Do you think… we could, maybe, cover his desk in these flowers?”

Yet another suggestion that has her standing wide-eyed.

The client chuckles at themself again and fumbles a strand of hair behind their ear, “I’ll pay whatever it costs, I promise. If it’s even possible, that is.”

Genya considers this, and well, it’s definitely possible, they’ve got enough stock for it. The same thing as decorating a chapel for a wedding, sort of, but on a smaller scale. It’s doable.

“I do think my delivery guy can carry it, actually,” she replies, hoping Matthias won’t ask too many questions, but oh well, “We would need entry to the building, though-”

“I have the keys.”

“Oh.”

This person is well prepared. Genya loves it.

“It’s just really a matter of how many bouquets will be needed…” she’s thinking hard, an office cubicle is what she imagines the client is talking about, not too hard to fill up, realistically, “20? Will that be plenty?”

They full-on grin, “God, yes. Make it 22. I, uh, I got cash.”

And so it’s sorted, and a promise of scheduling the delivery for Wednesday, said soon-to-be-ex’s next work day, is settled. Matthias delivers the flowers a little before 8, the customer lets him in and they carry the load together, foolproof plan, Genya’s sure. “This is his number, Matthias Helvar, if you have any trouble, running late or getting into the building, whatever it may be.”

“Thank you so much for this, seriously,” they’re smiling almost from ear to ear, and honestly, she’s a little embarrassed that making this particular person as happy as they appear to be is making her feel so… warm? “This is perfect. I cannot wait to see his face. And walk away.”

It’s a funny sort of bonding experience, or feels like it, less than a transaction. 

Before the client leaves, Genya gets their contact information in return, and an excited wave as the doorbell rings them out. Alina Starkov, the card says, and she/they pronouns right underneath.

She wonders if she’ll ever see them again. She doubts it. But she hopes she’s wrong.

*

Genya does, in fact, see a particular client again, one that for some reason stays on her mind after the delivery is done and in the five weeks till she sees them again, embarrassingly enough.

Matthias didn’t ask a lot of questions, besides the wide eyes and then looking the happiest she’s seen him since Nina kissed him for the first time. He didn’t need convincing, to put it simply.

“Whoever this Alina is, they got some guts,” he laughed to her while they were packaging all those flowers for him, “Practically covered our expenses for the month.”

That’s true, it’s lovely, that pure luck that sometimes hits them like a flood.

She’s over the moon, but of course, she doesn’t mention the part of it being because of that person’s bright smile replacing dried tear stains, and how the change made Genya feel like she’s never done anything more important than making her happy. God, Safin, Nina is rubbing off on you.

The boy lets her know the delivery went smoothly, and that Alina thanked him profusely, but that’s as much as she knows before the bell rings on a late Thursday and Nina’s voice calls from the front of house and reaches to the back where Genya is currently cutting stems.

She dries off her hands in their signature lavender apron - credit to Nina for that, as well - you’d be surprised how dirty a day’s work can get, and Genya takes care not to ruin any of her many, many floral dresses. Yes, she wears florals only to work. Once again, sue her.

She’s not sure why her friend would need assistance, she rarely asks for it, yet, there she stands.

Alina Starkov gives her a smile once again, but it’s less timid today, in no way tearful, instead calm and curious. Like they’re happy to see her, almost.

“Genya! Hi!” she says, and she’s more than a little surprised, much like their first meeting. Did she ever introduce herself? “Sorry, I hope I’m not disturbing, I, uh, I told Nina how grateful I am for your help with you-know-who. Wanted to thank you in person.”

That’s just way too adorable, isn’t it?

She feels her smile growing without even controlling it, and the brunette next to her is definitely looking like she wants to ask some questions ( many  questions), but she’ll have to wait, geez, Genya cannot be having a romance novel moment in her store of all places.

Realising she also has to collect herself while being in front of the client and her best friend, and not zone out because her inner hopeless romantic is firing up inside her, she decides to brush it off and try to act casual, somehow, “I’m just happy to help. I assume it went as planned, then?” “Better than planned, even. He’ll be regretting it for the rest of his life, I hope.”

Alina laughs, and Genya gets that warm flush inside her chest again. And out of the corner of her eye, Nina looks less curious and more just straight up smug. Damn her.

“I think Matthias is calling me,” is actually how Nina first speaks up, and while the client nods, like they’re away in thought, Genya sees right through her.

“I didn’t hear anything.”

“You didn’t?” her friend questions, tilting her head, already moving towards the door Genya just came through, “Oh, I did. Can’t leave him hanging, might be urgent.”

“Nina-”

“Back in a jiffy!”

She’s left alone with Alina. Which is fine, you know, they were alone when they first met, right- but listen, Genya is still very much thinking about the person saying her name and the realization that she is, of course, wearing a name tag hits simultaneously with another shock: she  remembered her name.

Logically, that’s not out of the ordinary at all. Gosh.

But she knows it’s not because it’s a shocking experience and more that a person who’s as beautiful as them is smiling at her and that they might just be the prettiest person she’s ever seen and that the thought of making her happy is making Genya happy, believe it or not. She doesn’t understand why this is different from any of her other experiences, but it is.

She hasn’t seen a smile like theirs before, that she knows. It makes her feel all strange and bubbly, like drinking champagne.

However, Alina is speaking up again, so Genya desperately needs to get out of her head.

“I was actually… uh, wondering if you’re maybe able to help me out again?” she starts, looking a tiny bit nervous, “If you’re not busy, that is, oh my God.”

And maybe Genya shakes her head way too quickly, but sue her, “Not at all!”

The client grins, the blush in their cheeks surely must be from the cold wind outside, and it just makes them prettier, if that’s even possible. “You’re a lifesaver.”

Now, she’s gotten this nickname before. Of course those times weren’t from Alina, and she makes sure to hide just how flustered she’s becoming, shaking her head and swinging her hand, “Stop it. I’ll try my best, heh.”

Alina clears her throat before continuing, “My best friend’s coming home, I haven’t seen him in over a year, and… Do you have, like, friendship flowers? I wanna surprise him at the airport.”

Once again, the person in front of her is just downright adorable. It’s almost frustrating.

Genya chuckles, because she doesn’t need the encyclopedia for this request, and easily makes her way over to the roses.

The client looks over the bouquet she picks up with the very same joy as their first meeting. “Yellow rose is  the friendship flower, actually! Usually put together with violets, but I can change it up if you want…?”

“No no no!” they hastily reply, already taking the offer of grabbing the bundle, looking down upon it with visible dimples and eyes shimmering with excitement, “They’re perfect. Mal’s gonna love them, I know it!”

“Ah, I hope so.”

She feels almost shy with all this flattery coming her way, especially from Alina, of course, and once more she thanks her just about five hundred times before hurrying out the shop, phone chiming in the distance.

Even after they’ve left, Genya still cannot believe they came back. And remembered her. Or like, specifically sought out her help, again. Huh.

Nina immediately peeks her head around the corner when the front door has shut, her face lit up like it’s Christmas Eve, “They seemed nice. And pretty.”

“Nina,” is all she can come up with, giving her best glare, while her best friend feigns innocence.

“Yes, Genya?”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

She sighs, “Just don’t.”

*

If Genya’s second encounter with Alina Starkov wasn’t surprising enough already, imagine her shock when she finds exactly this person entering her shop two months later. Events requiring flowers aren’t constant, which, again, is why she didn’t expect to see her ever again, but she’s not complaining, of course.

She’s working the counter when the door opening reveals Alina, their golden earrings present as always and her hair in two buns, wearing a cropped rainbow sweater and dungarees. Looking just as pretty as last time she saw them, oh God, that fluster’s coming right back.

Except she’s not alone this time. Alina’s got a taller stranger in tow, with curly hair, lip ring and pink floral shirt layered over possibly the most ridiculous graphic tee Genya’s ever laid her eyes upon.

Her recurring client waves when they spot her, heading straight to her, while their friend is almost spinning around in awe.

“Hello again,” Genya greets her, because fuck, she might just get excited over the mere sight of them. Meeting again. Is the universe trying to tell her something?

It’s an absurd thought that shouldn’t matter at all, get yourself together, she tells herself.

“Hi!” They seem even more excited than last time she saw them, and Genya wonders what the occasion could be before Alina continues, “How’ve you been?”

There’s that funny feeling again.

It’s kind of like a lump in her throat, this time, but still as bubbly and warm as before. It’s also just endearing for many different reasons, one being that she rarely gets customers twice, or thrice, and casual conversation is never as easy as theirs. She’s overthinking it, definitely.

“Busy, but good,” Genya tells her, and is about to return it, while remembering their companion, “You? And sorry, ah, I’m Genya.”

Alina’s eyes are like fireworks, almost, and she waves over her friend who’s entranced by the lilies. They’ve got a spring in their step as they make it over to them.

“This is Jesper,” they introduce them, and the tall stranger winks in greeting, “Jesper, this is Genya. I told him all about the shop, cause you’re like… the queen of flowers.”

Oh my God, why is she so sweet? It almost makes her feel embarrassed, the two of them looking at her as she imagines a blush rising just from the client’s words.

“Pleasure to meet you.”

“Right back at ya!” he replies, one hand in his pocket and another gesturing wildly in the air, “This is amazing, by the way. I see why Alina goes to you for stuff like this.”

Genya laughs, feeling strangely more comfortable and less nervous now. Still, she figures she should probably get to business, they wouldn’t have come here if they didn’t have a purchase in mind, right? As much as the compliments are much appreciated, Alina being the source of them is yet again making her slightly incapable of functioning normally. 

She can only hope she’s improved at hiding crushes since high school, because, well… that is what this is. Genya can’t really lie to herself anymore, or pretend it’s nothing.

It’s making her slightly breathless, this person appearing and reappearing in her life.

But she does need to get over it, because as she tells herself every time, Alina is a customer and she is a salesperson. Her life isn’t a rom-com, as tragic as that may be.

“I hope your friend liked the flowers,” she said, not even needing to wait for a response as they lit up again and confirmed, dimpled smile and all, “Can I help you with anything today?”

Alina nods and hooks her arm with Jesper, “You know it. Friends of ours just got engaged, we wanna have a, uh… tiny celebration for them.”

“By that we mean surprise the shit out of them,” he follows with no hesitation, and Genya and Alina laugh, in syncron. Alright, that’s also totally fine.

“I’m sure we can figure something out for that,” she tells them. She figures flower meanings are less necessary this time around, and when she spots the bottle of champagne and heart shaped box in the client’s tote bag, she decides on a simple question, “Well, red roses are the classic. Most romantic. Do they have any favorite flowers or colors, and such?”

Jesper seems to be squinting in concentration, and Alina bites their lip. It’s quite endearing.

But the client’s eyes widen, then, and they blurt out with only a beat difference, “Pink!”

It comes out as a half-yell, actually, judging by the sweet elderly woman from down the block jumping in the other end of the shop, and Matthias nearly dropping the bunch of tulips he’s carrying onto the back of his bike wagon. The two look awfully apologetic during it all.

“Inej’s favorite color,” Alina explains with an embarrassed giggle, ducking their head, “It’s pink.”

Genya nods, “I see. How about… pink and white lilies, then?”

Jesper seems to smile in approval. “I like that. See, I would’ve just gone with pink roses.”

She gives them a sample, which they both seem pleased with, she hopes so at least, while chuckling once more at his statement, “Could work as well. But these are popular for gifts, they symbolise admiration.”

Her (favorite) client scrunches her nose with as big a grin as hers, already made up their mind, “I think she’ll love them.” And Genya, of course, feels a massive honor in helping them. Again. She can’t believe Alina’s come back two times. Gosh, she’s thinking too much.

“I’ll write these up for you, then,” she tells them while they’re already following her to the counter. At the same time, Jesper’s got furrowed brows in a thinkful sort of face, and Genya doesn’t really know if this is directed to Alina or herself, nevertheless he wonders aloud, “Not sure what my favorite flower is. You got one, Alina?”

“Duh,” the shorter person answers, without hesitation, “Sunflower. Everyone’s got one, right?

Sunflower .

In her mind, nothing else has made as much sense as this. This was the flower she first associated her client with, what their beauty could only be compared with. They shine, so much it’s near blinding Genya, at this point. Yes, she knows it’s cheesy, but it’s only in her head, after all.

Genya realises this question, however, is very much meant for her, and so she answers while typing in their total, bouquet already wrapped up to go, “I think so, yeah. I think your favorite means a lot for you, as a person.”

The taller man seems to consider this.

Then, “I like daffodils.”

“They mean rebirth,” she tells him, “Good choice.”

He looks pleased by her explanation. Alina seems to be the one deep in thought now, though, in fact, they’ve already paid and got the bunch in hand, Jesper saluting Genya in goodbye when the client asks, “What’s your favorite?”

As many times before, they never cease to surprise her, do they?

“My favorite flowers?”

She nods.

“Magnolias,” Genya needs no time to consider this, it’s easy, “Perseverance.”

Alina’s got her wide grin again, but… it changes, a little bit. It’s almost secretive. Promising. Regardless, Genya doesn’t know what to do with her thoughts about it, or the client bidding them their own farewell with, “Till next time!”

She’s quite sure this person will be the death of her, sooner or later.

And as if they could read her mind, Nina and Matthias appear at her side, the man’s arms crossed and her best friend’s arm around his waist, both looking at Genya like they could somehow dig into her brain and know all her secrets. They’re so annoying sometimes. When they’re not adorable. Mostly annoying, though.

“What are you two looking at?” she asks them, and the couple exchange a look before Nina grins.

“They asked for your favorite flower,” she says, her boyfriend nodding in agreement. Genya doesn’t know what to say.

“I know.”

Matthias cocks a brow, “You do?”

She scoffs in disbelief at whatever game they have going on, “Yes?”

Her best friend sighs and puts her free on her shoulder. She tilts her head, “Matthias asked for my favorite before our first date.”

Genya frowns. “I know.”

Nina then chuckles, because they’re both weird and wonderful at the same time, apparently, “You’re impossible.”

“I know what you’re suggesting, Nin,” she then says, because come on, it’s obvious what they’re implying. And it’s bullshit. It was just a question, you know? It must’ve been. Curiosity, that’s all. “But  that  is impossible.”

And because Nina’s looking at her in disbelief, she tilts her head in return, and her friend gives up on the staring contest soon enough. “Whatever you say, babe.”

*

As Genya expected, although much to her disappointment, it seems she won’t see anymore of her beautiful client with raven hair and smile like the sun itself, tragically.

It’s her own fault, really, getting… a bit too attached. She’s fine!

Of course Nina and Matthias are right about her crush, she already knew this. And a month after their last meeting, she admitted defeat just so they could get off her ass about it. Now, though, her best friend looks at her with a sad smile sometimes, like she can sense the disappointment that Alina’s presence is missing entirely from the shop.

They don’t have anything requiring flowers, she didn’t expect them to, all the time. And like, asking for Genya’s favorite flower didn’t mean anything, as her friends kept insisting. They were having a conversation. Customer and shop owner.

Why does she miss her? God, Genya needs to get a grip. It’s just a bit annoying, because she doesn’t feel bubbly and light anymore without Alina Starkov, and she still loves her job,  of course , but maybe she does find herself a little bit jealous when the wedding season kicks in and the boutique is full of couples day in and day out, young and old, all looking at each other like no flower can compare to their love. It’s making her a little nauseous, not that she’ll ever admit it out loud.

Strangely enough, she does get a visit from a couple, a grumpy fellow and a woman with a soft smile, who never let go of each other’s hands while Genya sketched out ideas for the flower arrangement. They wanted geraniums. She somehow recalled her name: Inej Ghafa. And Kaz Brekker. Huh.

Matthias’ birthday passes, where Nina gets him cornflowers (of course), and a month later yet, a familiar face returns when Jesper stumbles in the door in excitement, eagerly purchasing a bouquet of irises for his boyfriend.

Even her mom’s in love, she tells her over the phone, and God, she’s happy for them all. Maybe Genya’s just been lonely too long.

She hadn’t even thought of dating in forever. Hadn’t thought of being single could possibly bore her, or tire her. Until, you know. Alina.

Whatever, whatever!

She’ll get over her stupid infatuation, eventually, she just needs to focus on her work, it was just a string of coindences, and once wedding season is over she’ll forget all about her favorite client who got away. Hopefully.

The universe has way, way different plans for her, though, apparently, because as she and Nina lock up for the evening, Matthias helping them carry the last load of a busy day even though this is technically his off-day (probably an excuse to be with his girlfriend even more, she suspects, but hey), Genya stops in her tracks in the parking lot.

The couple a few steps in front of her appear totally unfazed. They must know what’s going on.

And her suspicion is right, because Nina’s grinning from ear to ear when she looks back at her, “You okay, Gen?”

Genya blinks in disbelief.

Her car. It’s completely covered in… in  magnolias.  She can barely see any trace of her car, in fact, if it wasn’t for the lights blinking when she unlocked it.

What the hell is going on?

She’d had a rather normal day, busy but normal, and scheduled to drive back home to her mom for her birthday early tomorrow. But this is strange. Unreal. Not necessarily in a bad way, the flowers’ smell reaches her all the way over here, but just strange.

Matthias cocks his head and grabs Nina’s hand, “Aren’t you gonna look at your gift?”

“My… my gift?” she asks him, not sure what to say anymore. They definitely had a hand in this. “You already gave me gifts yesterday,” she tells them, dumbfounded.

Her best friend rolls her eyes, “It’s not from us, dummy.” “Who’s it from, then?”

“Shh! That’s a surprise.”

“Nina,” she warns, feeling the exhaustion take over her ever so quickly.

The brunette kisses her cheek and then tugs at her boyfriend’s arm towards her own car. Matthias winks. Screw them.

“Take a look!” they yell to her.

Well… okay then. Genya approaches her car slowly, only a little scared someone’ll jump out from the mountain of pink flowers and scare her half to death. Of course, this isn’t a prank, because her friends are bad at pranks, and the magnolias are so gorgeous she may be getting a little teary eyed.

These little ones reminded her to keep going, when she was at her lowest. It’s stupid, but she felt like she could overcome anything, learning the flower’s meaning and finding a blossom outside of her window back then, like a little reminder from the universe. That’s why they're her favorite. Perseverance.

Bugger, she should probably get started on digging her vehicle out from somewhere in there. Except… her eyes fall upon a little pink card, secured on the wiper. And on it, her name is written, in cursive, gold letters.

Her curiosity takes over, of course it bloody does, and she picks up the card immediately, and when she flips it over…

Is this a fever dream?

Happy early birthday, Genya Safin. Call me? Sincerest wishes (and apologies for the car, grand gesture), Alina Starkov.

This is most definitely a fever dream. Except the card is very real in her hands, and the smell of the magnolias embrace her like a warm hug, and her friends honk as they leave the lot, laughing audible even with the windows all the way up.

Alina’s phone number is written at the bottom, underlined and everything, with a tiny heart next to it.

A grand gesture. A grand romantic gesture, at that. Genya cannot for the life of her stop smiling, big and in shock and flushed and excitement flowing through her veins.

They remembered.

#mine #my writing #s&bedit #genyalina #fanfiction #shadow and bone #grisha fic #general rating #tw: swearing #tw: cheating #genya x alina #fluff #pining #flower shop au #sabrinasfamily #meghansfamily #eloquencenet #marisasfamily #meet cute #love at first sight #nonbinary character #nonbinary alina #genya safin pov #grishaverse #the grisha trilogy #writersociety #netflixedit #dailynetflixs

[karlajoyner]

Edge of Great (Luke Patterson x Reader)

A/n: Hey guys so this is my first imagine on tumblr. I know it’s pretty long but my fingers just kept typing.🙃 Definitely let me know if I should make shorter ones or longer ones or even a series! Also let me know if you guys have any requests or plots that I could write and for who! Finally finally let me know if you like it in a first reader POV or if i should try a third person POV! Oh and if I should post them in a book on wattpad or keep the content strictly on tumblr!!!😁 (Ps. I’ll most likely be adding a song to every chapter whether it goes with the chapter or not!) Check out my last post for more information on my writing.

Warnings: None

————

I sat in the studio along with my bandmates tuning my guitar. We were currently waiting on Julie to return from school so we could begin to practice for tonight. Her dad got us a gig playing for a couple of her friends to start a following. Which made a lot of sense when Julie explained it to me. Right after Luke sent me into a frenzie of confusion.

"Hey y/n/n you think you could help me with these lyrics for tonight?" Luke called from the couch. I stood up from my comfortable spot on the chair under the loft and flashed myself onto the spot right next to him.

"Sure Lukey" I said taking his writing journal in my own hands and sitting back to scan over the words.

Y/n- I believe, I believe that we're just one dream

I mumbled hearing Luke start to strum on his six string the melody of the song.

Away from who were mean to be that were standing on the edge of

Y/n, L- Something big something crazy our best days are yet unknown that this moment is ours to own

He joined in.

Y/n- Cause we're standing on the edge of great

L- (On the edge of great)

Y/n- Great

L- (On the edge of great)

Y/n- Great

L- (On the edge of great)

Y/n- Cause we're standing on the edge of

We sang to each other back and forth with smiles plastered on our faces.

Y/n, L- Shout shout. C'mon and let it out, out. C'mon and let it out, out. Don't gotta hide it. Let your colors blind their eyes. Be who you are no compromise. Just shout, shout. C'mon and let it out

We paused running out of lyrics. My mind racing searching for the next line.

Y/n- What doesn't kill you makes you feel alive

I sang softly as he leaned in closer with a smirk plastered on his face.

Y/n, L- Ooh-oh. I believe, I believe that we're just one dream. Away from who we're meant to be. That we're standing on the edge of great

We finished out of breath. My smile grew as Alex and Reggie began to clap.

"That was great"

"Yeah we’re gonna rock Julie's garage tonight" Reggie said making it sound less cool than it actually was.

"Definitely" Luke said standing up.

"Thanks for the help boss" He said sending me a smile.

"Anytime" I grinned before turning around to go take my previous seat to finish tuning my guitar.

"I'm gonna go find Julie and let her know we've got the song ready for tonight thanks to our amazing rhythm guitarist"

"Sounds like a plan" Alex said.

"Don't forget to mention how beautiful I am as well" I teased earning a smirk from Luke.

"I never do baby" He winked at me before disappearing. A small laugh escaped my lips before going back to my guitar.

"So" Alex said catching my attention.

"So?" I repeated looking up at the drummer boy.

"So you and Luke?"

"Me and Luke what?"

"You and Luke are like in love each other"

"We are not. Well I'm not. Can't say the same about pretty boy" I said teasingly.

"Yeah sure you're not. Reggie back me up here. Please tell your best friend that she's totally in love with Luke"

"You're totally in love Luke"

"I am not. Reggie your supposed to have my back"

"And I will. Once you admit you have a thing for Luke" He said smirking at me. I glared at the two boys in front of me who weren't as oblivious as I had thought they were.

"Okay so I have a thing for Luke. So what?"

"So you should tell him"

"Why on earth would I do that?"

"So he can admit he's in love with you too"

"And why would he do that when he's clearly not"

"Seriously? Didn't you see the way he was looking at you when you were singing? It looked like Reggie when he sees pizza"

"Pizza?" Reggie perked up excitedly. "There no pizza" Alex said a frown appearing on the bassist face.

"Just because looks at me a certain way does not mean he loves me"

"Really because last time I checked constantly touching each other means you like each other, constantly flirting means you like each other, and when was the last time you wore one of your own shirts" Alex said pointing at my outfit. I sunk back into my seat. He was right about everything down to one of the many shirts Luke had let me have.

"Come on y/n just admit it after we died something more changed with you two. We all see it. Even Reggie sees it and that's saying something"

"Yeah. So it's not like he's ever gonna say anything. So why should I put myself out there to possibly get rejected and heartbroken by my best friend? I mean how do we even know for sure if he's in love with me. Or even likes me for that matter?"

"We don't. Yet" Alex said smirking.

"Oh that's his thinking face. I haven't seen that since 94" Reggie said backing up slightly.

"I think we're in trouble"

It had been a couple hours after Julie had gotten out of school. Yet her or Luke were nowhere to be found. I groaned walking out of the bathroom in the back of the studio.

"Seriously Alex. This is your great idea"

"No my great idea is to have you and Reggie flirt like there's no tomorrow. This is just small details" He said fixing the fit of the flannel on my body. It was Reggie's lucky flannel that took a lot of convincing to get off his body.

"Okay but why'd I have to change my shirt" I said looking down at my own crop top that I hadn't worn in a very long time.

"Because it was Luke's. We need him to think that you don't need his clothes anymore"

"Why did I let you drag me into this?"

"Because deep down you want him to say something about it don't you?"

"Well yeah but-"

"Hey guys!" A familiar voice popped into the garage.

"Luke" I spoke pushing Alex away from me.

"Hey man what happened to practice?" Alex asked casually.

"Julie had some stuff to do after school so I went along. But she's on her way so we should get a few runs in-" His words slowly came to a halt sending me a strange look.

"Isn't that Reggies lucky flannel?"

"Uh yeah. He let me barrow it. For good luck. Here's your shirt back by the way. I don't think I'll need it anymore" I said trying to hand him back the shirt I was wearing previously.

"You know you don't have to give it back. It's yours" His lips simpered.

"I know but Reggie said if I needed to I could just barrow his"

"Oh" was all Luke before taking the shirt out of my hands.

Suddenly the garage door opened and in walked Julie.

"Hey guys" She smiled.

"Ready for tonight?"

"Definitely"

"Flynn's coming over before to help me get ready. Girl time?" Julie asked looking at me.

"I'll be there" I smiled.

"So are we ready to rehearse?"

"Where's Reggie?"

"He went out said he would be back in a bit"

As if on cue the other ghost popped in with a smile on his face.

"Luke" He said his eyes going wide.

"Your back"

"Yeah I am. Who are the flowers for?" Luke asked eyeing the bouquet of roses in his hand.

"They’re for y/n. You know she deserves the best" Reggie said nervously sticking his hand out for me.

"Thanks Reggie" I smiled lightly.

"She also deserves her favorite flowers. Sunflowers in case you were wondering"

"Luke" I scolded him taking the bouquet.

"I think it's a sweet gesture Reggie. Seriously thank you"

"Your welcome" He smiled pulling me into a light hug.

"I think we should rehearse before it gets any later" Alex suggested trying to ease the now very notable tension in the room.

"Sounds good" Julie said awkwardly stepping past Reggie and Luke who were standing a few feet apart. I looked at Alex who gave me a small nod.

"Uh Reggie can you come here for a sec I need your help" I said pulling him away to my guitar stand. I placed strap around my body waiting for the brunette to turn his attention to me.

"Uh sure. Cutie?" He spoke in a questionable tone before looking down at me.

"You need his help with guitar?" Luke asked clearly confused.

"Well yeah"

"But I always help you with guitar" "He offered earlier if I needed help to come to him"

"Yeah. I did that" Reggie said trying to act tough.

"Whatever" Luke scoffed.

I watched as he swung his guitar around his shoulder aggressively. I glanced at Julie who was sending me a confused look so I quickly shrugged my shoulder not knowing what else to do.

It was mere minutes before we were heading out to perform. The tension in the air was now overpowered by excitement.

"I'm so nervous" I said bouncing my leg up and down anxiously.

Suddenly I felt a hand land on it stopping my movements. I looked up to see Luke smiling down at me.

"Don't be nervous your gonna do amazing out there"

"Thanks" I smiled back.

"Yeah. Your always amazing. Did I mention you look beautiful tonight? Wearing my flannel. My lucky flannel" Reggie said with a pestering smile as he swung an arm around my shoulder.

"We get it. It's your flannel" Luke interrupted immediately removing his hand from my leg. I looked at Alex who was stifling a laugh.

"Uh thanks Reg. You look good too"

"Oh I know. And I'm gonna look better singing up there with you. It'll be like old times. You and me. And a microphone"

"You and me. And a microphone" Luke mimicked him. I almost laughed only to be startled by someone walking in.

"Hey guys are you ready?"

"Ready as we'll ever be" I spoke. Julie simply nodded her head walking out.

I stood up pacing around as I heard Julie begin the opening notes on the piano outside.

"Hey your gonna do great out there" Luke said stopping me from walking anymore.

"Thanks. You are too. You and Julie have great chemistry"

"Well yeah. But I think we have great chemistry too" He said taking my hands in his.

I finally looked into his eyes see him staring into mine in. A small smile forming on my face.

"Guys!" Alex called knocking us out of our trance. I panicked immediately flashing outside with Luke. Landing beside Reggie with my guitar at hand. Luke only a few feet away in his own place.

J- I believe

I believe that we're just one dream

Away from who we're meant to be

That we're standing on the edge of

Y/n- Something big, something crazy

Our best days are yet unknown

That this moment is ours to own

I joined in singing into Reggies microphone beaming with excitement. I scanned the crowd seeing smiles on people faces. This is all we ever wanted.

J- Cause we're standing on the edge of great

All- (On the edge of great)

J- Great

All- (On the edge of great)

J- Great

All- (On the edge of great)

J- 'Cause we're standing on the edge of great

L- We all make mistakes

But they're just stepping stones

To take us where we wanna go

It's never straight, no

Luke sang sending me a wink before continuing to sing with Julie.

L,J- Sometimes we gotta lean

Lean on someone else

To get a little help

I giggled as Reggie leaned on me. Back to back. Both of us playing our guitars to the same beat.

J- Until we find our way

I believe

I believe that we're just one dream

Away from who we're meant to be

That we're standing on the edge of

Y/n- Something big, something crazy

Our best days are yet unknown

That this moment is ours to own

J- Cause we're standing on the edge of great

All- (On the edge of great)

J- Great

All- (On the edge of great)

J- Great

All- (On the edge of great)

J- 'Cause we're standing on the edge of...

J- Shout, shout

C'mon and let it out, out

Don't gotta hide it

Let your colors blind their eyes

Be who you are no compromise

My heart rate picked up. The scene from earlier replaying in my head as Julie sang the next lines. Taking a chance I looked in Luke's direction to see him already looking at me with a grin on his face. I smirked walking over to the piano.

J- And Just shout, shout

C'mon and let it out, out

J, Y/n- What doesn't kill you makes you feel alive

Ooh-oh

J- I believe

Julie sang as Luke and I let off a similar guitar riff making me laugh.

I believe that we're just one dream

Away from who we're meant to be

That we're standing on the edge of great

Making my way over to Luke I let out a giggle as I pulled his beanie down slightly messing up his look. Before making my over back to Reggie. I looked back at the brunette to see him grinning from ear to ear.

All- Something big, something crazy

Our best days are yet unknown

That this moment is ours to own

Cause we're standing on the edge of great

(On the edge of great)

J- On the edge of great

All- (Great, on the edge of great) On the edge

All- (Great, on the edge of great)

J- 'Cause we're standing on the edge of...

L- Running from the past

Y/n- Tripping on the now

J- What is lost can be found

It's obvious

Luke, Julie, and I finished singing towards the audience.

Making eye contact with a few kids before flashing out myself back into the garage where Alex and Reggie were already waiting. Adrenaline coursing through our veins as another presence poofed into the room.

"That was amazing!" Luke shouted excitedly.

"I can't believe we just did that. Did you see how pumped they were?" I asked falling back onto the couch besides Reggie.

"Yeah. They loved us!" "Remind me to thank Julie for playing our CD later"

"Tonight it's her garage tomorrow it's- it's clubs, dances, and worldwide tours" Luke said eagerly. Taking the free spot to my left.

"God I wish we could feel like this all the time" I said leaning into Luke.

"Me too y/n/n" He said placing an arm around me. A sudden fake cough erupting from Alex's lips. I looked over to see him staring at me with a look.

"Oh uh- Reggie you were great out there" I complimented the boy sitting up.

"Thanks. You uh- you looked hot" He tried to sound cool but failed miserably.

"You think?"

"Oh yeah- I mean the sweat on your forehead and like the heat and-"

"What are you going on about?" Luke asked confusion plastering itself on his face.

"I think what he means is y/n is attractive. Right Reggie?" Alex asked.

"No, no don't answer for him. Reggie be straight with me do you like y/n or not?" Luke asked standing up.

"Why does it matter if I do or don't?" Reggie questioned standing up as well.

"Because you out of everyone know that I like her so why are you letting her wear your clothes, buying her flowers, and calling her hot. I thought I made it clear she was off limits" Luke said my mouth widening in shock.

"I'm off limits?" I asked looking at him.

"How many people did you make it clear to that I was off limits?" I asked not really wanting an answer I was expecting.

"A few"

"A few? Micheal Brookes?" I asked remembering a guy I began to talk to at the beginning of our senior year who randomly stopped talking to me one day. I watched as his head dipped in a short nod.

"Jacob Miller?" I continued watching his nod once again.

"Grant Dean?" Nod.

"Nick Harper?" Nod.

"Derek Johnson?" Nod.

"Seriously Luke? Your the reason I never had a boyfriend my senior year. To make it worse I died a virgin. You asshole" I shouted standing up. I was fuming at this point. He had no right. And he still did it. My head whipped towards the garage door heading it creak open.

"Hey guys" Julie and Flynn smiled walking it.

"You guys did great out there" Flynn said happily. Julie immediately noticing the tension in the room and the frown upon my lips.

"Are you okay y/n?"

"I don't know why don't you ask Luke?" I spoke before flashing out.

I landed in the only place I could think of. A single tear escaped my eye as I sat on the marquee of the Orpheum. Our dream. His dream. I stared out onto the lit up street of Sunset Boulevard. If he didn't want me seeing anyone he could've said something. For the longest time I wondered why guys were such assholes. It wasn't them. It was Luke. It was always Luke.

"I know your mad" I heard his voice speak from behind me.

"I think I'm beyond mad Luke. How could you?" I asked standing up and turning towards him.

"I came crying to you all those times wondering why guys didn't want me. And-and you made me think that it was all me when it was really you. Telling them to back off. Why? Why would you do this to me?"

"Because-" He was at a loss for words. Looking like a kicked puppy.

"I-I wanted you" He finally spoke up.

"You what?"

"I wanted you" He spoke more confidently.

"I wanted you to myself. I- I every time you came and told me you were talking to someone new it hurt because I know it should've been me who asked you out. Who got the courage to just tell you that I-" He went silent the anger in me evaporating in a matter of seconds.

"That you what?" I asked quietly.

"That I love you. I know I'm late but I can't hold it in anymore. After seeing you and Reggie today I got jealous just like I used to back in high school. I know this'll probably ruin our friendship but I don't want to lose you so I really need you to say something right now before I go insane not hearing your beautiful voice" He finished off finally looking at me. The look in his eyes was as hurt. And I wanted to be mad. But I couldn't be. Not when he just admitted what I had been wanting to hear for so long.

"Your 25 years late. But I think we have an eternity to make up for that" I said his eyebrows flying up in surprise.

"Really?"

"You really think I wanted to wear my own shirt today Patterson? Alex told me that if I kept wearing your clothes I'd only fall deeper in love you" I spoke a smile reaching both our face.

He quickly made his way towards me. Leaning forward until his lips attached themselves onto mine. I giggled as he lifted me in his arms holding me close. Our lips molding perfectly like they were made for each other.

"This isn't real" He whispered putting me down.

"Your mine. God your mine" He mumbled pressing open mouth kisses down my neck before connecting his lips back to mine.

"It's definitely real Lukey"

"I love it when you call me that" He mumbled into my lips.

"Don't get all soft on me now Patterson" I laughed pulling away.

"I'm sorry for what I did before I really am. For making you upset and I'm gonna spend an eternity making it up to you"

"It's okay Luke. It's in the past now. I just would've preferred if you would've not scared away every guy that tried to talk to me"

"I promise I'll never hurt you like that again" He said holding me close by the waist. As I began to suck on his neck to begin leaving a hickey.

"And I promise you won't be a virgin for much longer" He whispered reattaching our lips again.

#Spotify #Luke Patterson #julie and the phantoms #Owen Joyner #Jeremy shada #Charlie Gillespie #Madison Reyes #Alex JATP #Reggie JATP #Luke JATP #sunset curve

[drethanramslay]

Without You

Pairing: Logan x MC (Lexi Cahill)

Masterlist

Word count: 2.5 K words

Warning: Just a little cursing, here and there and Angst

MC is actually not present in this fic, this is Logan's POV, four months after he had to leave LA

Author's note: I decided to take part in @rodappreciationweek so here is my submission :)) 

Thanks to @choicesarehard @brightpinkpeppercorn and @client-327 for hosting this 💙

Thanks to @mvalentine for pre-reading it❤️❤️

Title inspiration: Without You by Avicii (ft. Sandro Cavazza)

Song: Gone by Blake Rose

Forgive me if I make any mistakes.

The rays of the sun spilled through the crack in my curtains, making the white walls a yellow hue. My eyes were bleary and red rimmed. It had just been moments since I woke up and my hangover struck me like a train wreck, a familiar electric pain behind my eyes.

I shouldn't have drank so much.

I moved my head to only see an an empty bed side. Of course she left. Who would want to stick around after a one night stand?

The hazy memories of last night filtered through my head, making me wince. Another night, another rave, another tray of shots and another chick to bang.

You could call it saturday shenanigans but, this was different.

Everything was different since I left her.

All my days just seem to melt away into a haze of alcohol and drugs... Today, tomorrow, yesterday seems to fuse into this neverending torture, an ache which no matter how much I drink or how many girls I fuck, never fucking ceases to hurt. The only thing which can fix this gaping wound in my heart is Lexi.

But she is not here.

And never will be.

So this is how it has been for the past weeks. Me getting inebriated to new extremes just to numb the pain and to temporarily erase the loneliness before I become sober again.

Because when I'm in those intoxicated wastelands, I'm so out of it that I can almost hallucinate her dancing with me. I can almost smell her strawberry shampoo, tickling my nose. I can almost hear her tinkling laugh.

And in my alcohol induced sleep, I dream of her in my arms the both of us fitting together, like two jigsaw puzzles.

I despise being sober. Because when I am In my senses, the entire load of loss weighs down on me, crushing me and suffocating me. The 'could have been's' and the regret are all a heavy burden on my shoulders.

A small part of me is often wishing, praying and hoping that things could just go back to normal but, deep in my gut I know, that nothing is ever going to be the same again.

Nothing is ever going to be the same, now that she was gone...

How much time does it take to get over people?

It may be a day, a week, a month or a year. There is no definitive time span for getting over someone you loved, someone you cherished or someone who was close to your heart.

I think it depends on how much of an impact the said person had on you or how much of a void that person left in you.

I was the wild and carefree guy, with no strings attached and never saw myself being the one to fall in love because... Let's admit it, love is a vulnerability, a weakness which people don't hesitate to exploit.

But fast forward to four months later, I am in the same category as those emotional pussies crying over a breakup.

Being brought up in foster homes made me grow up quickly. Some houses were good and caring whilst some were harsh. And knowing that I am the most cursed person to walk the earth, I was always was stuck with the shitty households.

Don't believe me? I still have those scars from the fights and the beatings.

Growing up in such a hostile environment, taught me that there is no room for weakness or error and that love and feelings are just some fairy tale myth which is made by philosophical fools to give you a sense of hope.

But, hope is a dangerous thing, two side of the same coin. It can make you and break you.

I don't think I would have survived my childhood but... That's when I fell in love with cars.

It holds a special place in my heart.

The way my adrenaline spikes as the pointer on my speedometer achieves unattainable speeds, the way I feel the purr of my engine resound through my entire body and they way it's just me, my car and the open road... Nobody could ever compare to that sensation of freedom.

Well, that was before I met her.

Lexi Cahill.

I admit it started off as a way to recruit her as an informant, a tool to stay out of prison, another heart to break.

But little did I know that life would pull the fucking reverse uno card on me. But, I'm low-key glad it did.

It's been 4 months since that scum bag was thrown into the jail.

Four months since the crew went its separate ways.

Four months since I walked away from her.

I don't want to let you go...

Those words were on a repeat in his head, like a broken tape recorder and her teary eyes and broken expression is forever burnt into his brain. It was so hard to let her go. The one time I found a reason to stay, a reason to fight for, a reason to stop running, life just fucked it all up.

It was a tussle, a war between what my heart wanted and the logical side of me which just left me exhausted.

In conclusion, heartbreak sucks.

I reach for my phone and switch it on to check the time. But my eyes fall on our prom photo which I had made as my wallpaper. It's really stupid how head over heels I'm in love with her.

But it's the truth.

There is a saying that life gives you only one great love and that many people go for years without that.

I was one of the few lucky people to get that at 18.

But life is not sunflowers and unicorns shitting rainbows. It's rough, it's hard with its a mix of ups and downs. But it seems like mine is set to be on the all time low.

Staggering to the bathroom, I heavily leaned against the counter, my muscles flexing as I gripped the edge. My eyes lifted to see my reflection staring back at me.

I look like a hot mess.

This isn't you Logan... My inner conscience said, which eerily sounded like her.

God, I really must be losing it, huh?

Slowly and painfully I started my morning chores, my body on auto pilot. My mind kept on wandering to Lexi. She would be in Langston by now.

Would she be in that off shoulder sweater of hers, her feather tattoo peaking from underneath the sleeve? Would she be highlighting and colour coordinating her notes like she always did?

Would she have made new friends? Or dare I say a new boyfriend?

Logan stop hurting yourself. I said to myself as I visibly cringed at the thought of someone else having their arms around her.

The idea of someone else kissing her soft lips or someone else holding her hands or someone else running his hands along the curvature of her naked back made me equal parts angry and sad.

Angry for you know, obvious reasons but sad for the life I had to leave behind in LA.

God I hate this existential crisis shit... It's to early to question life.

I dragged myself in the direction of the kitchen, the smell of bacon waking me up. I was shirtless and wearing a pair of sweatpants because I was too fucking tired to wear anything else.

"Look who has decided to grace us with their presence."

"Shut up Carl, it's too early for your bullshit." Raven said as she slapped the top of his head.

I shot her a look of gratitude as I sank into my seat and reached for the plate of pancakes.

Carl and Raven were the closest thing to parents for me. Carl was a tough man with huge muscles, around six feet tall but, he was as goofy as a child. Raven was his girlfriend who was hella intimidating. The kohl lined eyes and the floral tattoo on the side of her shaven head made her look fierce. Both of them were in their early thirties and ran the Detroit Central crew.

We three were in a different crew when I was 15 and they really took a liking for me. They taught me everything I know and they are the family that I always came back too.

I dug into my breakfast, eating slowly and savouring the sweetness of the maple syrup.

"Thank god you are atleast eating now." Raven said as she ruffled my hair and turned towards the sink.

I shrugged and Carl picked up the newspaper to read, settling into his seat. Suddenly, the bell rang which had all of our backs becoming as stiff as a rod.

"Were you expecting someone, darlin'?" Raven asked, trying to peak through the windows.

"Don't get up, I'll do it." Carl said as he picked up the gun on the counter and pushed it into the back pocket of his cargo pants.

I was frozen, terrified. I had been very careful in escaping but me being the reckless fool and getting drunk seven ways to Sunday may have tipped them off.

I'm such a colossal dumbass.

I could hear Carl's gruff voice talking but I couldn't peek at the person on the other side of the door. I just sank further into my seat, hoping that it was some lost person and not the FBI.

"Boy this one's for you." He moved aside and the person I least expected to see walked in.

"You look like shit."

"Good morning to you too, asshole." I rolled my eyes.

Colt walked into the kitchen, wearing his trademark leather jackets and dark jeans. His combat boots made a thud sound with each step which made my headache worse.

"Will you be okay, Lo-lo?" Raven asked, her eyes flitting to the jerk standing in her kitchen.

Colt snorted at the nickname but luckily kept his mouth shut.

"Yep Ra. Meet Colt Kaneko. Colt meet Raven and Carl." I spoke at I stood up and put my dirty dishes in the sink.

"Oh you are Kaneko's boy, aren't you?"

"Yes."

"We heard about what went down in LA. Our condolences. He was a great man."

He gave a nod. It was a sore subject for me as well. That night in the alley, I wished I could take it back. I usually am not one to regret what I spew but whatever I said to Kaneko is another burden I'm gonna carry all my life.

"Also heard about your crew busted the Brotherhood? You were the mastermind behind it right?" Carl said as he crossed his arms.

"As much as I would love to take the credit, it was Lexi who came up with the plan." Colt said his eyes darted towards me, gauging my reaction.

"The newbie? Heard she drives like the wind-"

Hearing her name felt like an iron fist clenching my heart. That name will always be the source of my happiness, my cherished memories and my melancholy.

"Colt let's take this to the backyard, shall we?" Logan spoke up, interrupting them.

He walked to the back door and Colt followed him wordlessly. It a sunny day but a cool breeze blew which provided some kind of relief.

I reached to take out two beers from the cooler and handed him one. Colt raised an eyebrow.

"Beer... At ten in the morning?"

I shrugged as I popped the bottle cap off mine. "It's 5pm somewhere else."

"That's true too. Cheers." We clinked the necks of our bottles and took a sip as we sat down on the patio chairs.

I turned towards him. "So what brings you to Detroit?"

"To see your pretty face?" Colt said sarcastically as he rolled his eyes.

I snorted. "Always knew you had a thing for me, pretty boy."

"Always knew that you had an ego the size of Jupiter, dickhead. Some things just don't change."

I sighed. "Can't say the same for me through. Everything is different now."

Surprisingly, Colt didn't mock him. He stared down at the bottle in his hands. "Yeah... I can understand. How are you holding up?" He asked as he turned to face me.

I took a huge gulp of my beer before responding, my eyes staring at the mango tree in my neighbor's back yard.

"Not too good. It's been hard for the last couple of months. Kaneko's death, leaving LA and maintaining a low profile... It's been tough."

Life without Lexi is tough.

"Yeah I can understand. I still imagine pops opening the door to wake me up. And don't get me started on the FBI... bunch of bloodsuckers." He muttered the last part.

I snorted. "I'll drink to that."

"Good thing they are off our backs now." Colt spoke eyeing him from the corner of his eyes.

I scoffed. "Bitch please. They are anything but lazy. They are gonna continue hunting us down till the end of time."

"I meant that we are not the top priorities at the moment. Sure Mona was sent to jail but, a little birdie told me that they are after this 'world class' thief at the moment."

"That's a relief I guess."

"Do you know what this means?" He asked taking another sip of beer.

"It's too early for my brain to function. Come to the point, asshole."

"We are rebuilding the crew, dickhead."

My eyes widened. "No way."

"Yup." He said popping the 'p'. He downed the remainder of his beer before standing up. "I'm done repairing the garage. We have a job in two months and I need a crew for that. I already have Ximena on board and now I'm gonna go over to Toby's."

My mind was swimming. Mercy Park Crew was coming back for good.

I looked up at him, suddenly nervous. "What about Lexi?"

He rolled his eyes. "When I said I'm rebuilding the crew, I also meant recruiting Lexi, dumbass."

Oh god.

She is going to come back.

I was frozen in my place once again. I had often asked myself how I would react if I got the chance to meet her again. I always imagined that I would let out the loudest cheer and dance like a mad man.

But this is reality and my thundering heart was a reminder of that.

"Why are you sitting there with your mouth open like a fish? Go! Get your girl."

And that was it. I rushed to my room, put on some decent clothes and haphazardly stuffed my things into my satchel. Grabbing my keys and yelling a quick good bye to Raven and Carl, I was out and in my 2005 Devore GT.

Reving the engine I took off on the roads of Detroit, heading for the highway.

The window was open and the breeze threaded through my unruly hair, making me feel alive. My hands clutched the wheel and my foot pressed down on the accelerator, speeding through the empty streets.

For the first time, in a very long, the roads which felt like a never ending maze for me, were the very ones which were the path to my freedom.

The path to my happiness.

The path to my Lexi.

I hope you liked it 😊

Logan x mc: @kaavyaethanramsey @openheart @skylarklyon @shadowycreatorpaperopera @pixelberryownsme @magicalshepherdtreeprofessor @anotherbeingsworld​

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#anushka writes #logan x mc #logan rod #ride or die #ride or die: a bad boy romance #choices rod #rod choices #rodaw #rod appreciation week #colt kaneko #rod colt #choices stories you play #choices stories we play #choices #pixelberry #playchoices #rodappreaciationweek

[lunnamars]

prompt for luffy/nami: maps

Am I super late? Yes, of course. I think I received this ask in...June? May? I don't remember, so I apologize from the bottom of my heart, dear anon, but I was going mad with deadlines and I'm still going through a writing block, so I really hope you like it! I swear I did my best. <3 

You can read this on AO3 too!

map of the problematique

The day was almost ending, the sky burning with the sunset, and Nami still had a pencil in her hand, scribbling lines and forms on a once empty paper. Other supplies scattered across the table, along with the quietness of the library, helped her finish another map successfully.

Being able to see the piece of work coming to life filled Nami's chest with pride and joy; there wasn't a clear explanation to what she felt every time.

She took a deep breath and tried to rest her sight — looking intently at one thing for an extended period always gave her a headache, even if it was her beloved maps or tangerines. Robin was there with her too, but her silence was welcoming and contrasted so much with the usual ruckus of the ship. Nami rested her face on her right hand, admiring the neatly drawn shapes and lines, how her scale was correctly measured, she double-checked, and the vivid colors on the paper. She ran her free hand over the map with fondness, a soft smile on her face while thanking the heavens for being free to do what she liked; what she was meant to do.

Sometimes, Nami wondered how her life would have been like if she had never met Luffy. Where would she be now? Still with shackles on her feet, bound to Arlong? Stealing, risking her life, suffocating more and more?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a loud knock on the door and the voice of her captain, "Oi, Nami, are you there? Can I come in?"

Robin chuckled and stood up, walking in the direction of the door to let the firecracker of a man get in. She opened the door and smiled at him, saying with the calm voice of usual, "Hello, Luffy. Can we help you with anything?"

"Hey, Robin, didn't know you were here. Can I stay here with you two?" he asked with his never-ending energy. 

Hmph, always brighter than the sun, Nami thought.

"Why, of course. But I was already on my way out. Nami is still staying for a while. Want to keep her company?" Robin asked and looked over her shoulder to the navigator, winking at her.. Nami narrowed her eyes and pouted, catching on the implicit invitation behind her words. 

Why must Robin be so damn smart? For fuck's sake. 

Luffy had no idea of what had just transpired between the girls and happily added, "Sure! Bye, Robin!"

The archeologist softly grinned and sprouted two hands, patting their heads and bidding them goodbye. Nami heard Luffy's chuckle before the door clicking shut and right after, the sound of his flip-flops across the floor. She felt his breathing on her neck and couldn't help the shiver that ran down her spine, her heart starting to beat at an alarming pace in the blink of an eye.

He rested his head on hers and asked, cheerful and beaming as a goddamn sunflower, "Hey Nami! Can I see your maps?"

She knew she couldn't be the sun like him, especially not after the trick he played on her the day before so she grunted, "No."

"C'mon, Nami! Lemme!" Luffy whined like a spoiled brat, entangling his rubber arms around her neck. Took a shower and smelling nice, aren't you?

Nami sighed and crossed her arms, fighting the urge to look in his direction and forcing her heartbeat to stabilize. Damn him and his damned carefree laugh. She snorted, "Luffy, what are you doing here? Don't you have anything else to do?"

"Sheesh, Nami! You're mean! If you don't want me here then just tell me." He let a deep breath and she could feel him pouting. Luffy was still holding her when he spoke again, voice low, "You have been away for almost the whole day, Nami. I was just worried."

"Of course I was, you moron! Have you forgotten what you did yesterday? You almost fucked up the maps that took me almost two weeks to finish!" How easy it was for him to stir her up and make her angry. Luffy was amazing but sometimes he acted like a child, something that always drove her mad.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry!" He held her tight so she wouldn't escape but careful enough to not strangle her. A great show of controlled strength. She tried to disentangle herself from his embrace, but that only made him encircle his legs around her torso now. Acting like a child again, wanting the adult to forgive him at all costs. "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to! I swear I'll… I swear I'll… I swear I'll eat vegetables for a week, and I won't complain!"

His plea seemed sincere, but the idea that he was bargaining a thing that should be on his menu on a daily basis, instead of the huge chunks of meat he thinks is the only necessary thing to make him survive, baffled her. Then, it came in fits and bursts. One snort, then a second, the third was already mixed with laughter, and in the end, Nami was laughing at her heart's content.

He followed her, chuckling slowly and grinning warmly, then his candy-coated laugh that always melted her heart finally reached her ears. They laughed until their ribs hurt. Luffy's occasional child behavior would always provoke two reactions in her: complete anger or complete amusement. Sometimes both.

"Okay, okay. I'm fine, you silly goose. Thanks for apologizing." Nami patted his head, finally having the courage to look into his owlish eyes. His grin became bashful when their eyes met, but he stayed wrapped around her. She pinched his nose lightly and said in a loving voice, "C'mon, let me go. You must be feeling uncomfortable holding me like that, with the chair between us."

Luffy instantly released her, the characteristic sound of his arms and legs retracting echoing in her ears before grabbing another chair and sitting beside her. Her anger towards him long forgotten Nami decided to get back to work. Sometimes it was complicated to get things done when the captain was around but there were times where Luffy would seek her for silence.

The boy from two years ago wasn't like that. But the man he was now valued quiet and peaceful times as well. He was often watching the sunset, humming some song sitting on top of the Sunny's figurehead. Sometimes he was even lost in thought.

He rested his head on her shoulder, watching her pencil carefully slide across a new blank paper, firm and precise black lines appearing. Luffy's silence and steady breathing allowed Nami to enter her focused mode once again.

“Whaddya wanna do after you finish the map of the world?” Her captain spoke again after a while, voice a bit rough from disuse and a bit husky, something she hasn’t gotten used to yet and still has no idea how to deal with. It made her hand falter, the perfect line broken now, and a vein popped on her forehead. 

Nami took a deep breath, picking up the pencil and sharpening it before answering him, "I… Don't know?"

"Wanna go back to your village?" Luffy asked, apparently not paying attention to the way her concentration was interrupted. 

She looked down at his face resting on her shoulder, meeting his eyes and responding warily, "I still haven’t thought about it, Luffy. We still have a long way to go before all of our goals are achieved."

Nami heard his agreement in the form of an "Mm-hmm,” and they both fell silent again. It was completely dark outside now, and the lights of the library had turned on automatically. The navigator decided to call it a day and give some attention to her friend, waiting patiently for her. Waiting was not precisely the right word since she could hear soft snores, but he stayed there, by her side trying not to bother her, but wanting a bit of her presence.

She put away the new map with the others, organized her drawing supplies and putting them away in the drawer below her dedicated desk in the library. Nami rested her hand on her now empty desk, drumming her fingers following the rhythm of the happy-go-lucky songs coming to life through Brook’s violin and thinking about what she could do right now with the moron glued to her side. 

A stolen glance at his peaceful face was all she needed to make her forget any of her worries. The face of someone who's half  boy and half  man, who has kindness in every movement and was able to see right through people. A beautiful soul able to connect with anyone's soul. Her best friend and the boyish man she loves, a person who lived his life to its fullest. Always wanting people around to do the same.

Nami scooped him in her arms — he always became a bit lighter when sleeping — and nestled him to her chest when she settled them down on the couch next to the window. The motion woke him up, but he only curled more against her. The red head rested her chin on his head and mumbled softly, "And you? What do you wanna do after becoming the Pirate King, Luffy?"

"Keep traveling, I guess." He answered and shrugged, voice still hoarse, now from sleeping. 

Nami knew that was an answer that suited him. The freest man in the world would like to keep traveling, learning new things, and meeting new people. She just nodded as he started to play with a thread of her hair before asking, absentminded, "Do you think you'll finish the map of the world before I become Pirate King, Nami?"

"Honestly, I don't think so. The world is huge, and the sea is vast. It will take me a long while, I guess."

It was true. Nami would probably be one of the last to achieve her dream. Not that she minded, no. If the Pirate King wanted to keep traveling then she would continue being his navigator for however long he needed. Eventually she'd finish her map, and his promises to her would be fulfilled.

"Good. That means you'll stay," Luffy replied quietly.

She chuckled and watched him wrap a thread of her hair around his finger, "Are you still so dependent on your navigator, Captain? I can make you a copy of my maps."

"It's not that!" Luffy turned around fast, almost headbutting her, his face closer than before. She meant to scold him, she really did. But the way he was looking at her, with pleading eyes and some emotion behind it she couldn't quite put her finger on it forced her to shut up. Was he truly afraid of being left alone? Did he think they'd separate again?

But there it was once more, the fuzzy feeling every time she was the focus of his undivided attention. The mysterious warmth that enveloped her when he was that close, when she was caught off guard. Although she knew there was no mystery there, she knew the reason behind the phenomenon, definitely knew how to spell the word that explained it all. 

It had been easy falling for that mess of a man, there was no one in the word that was immune to Luffy's charm. The man had the whole world in his hands, always captivating people everywhere he went with his simplicity. But admitting that… Admitting that had been hard.

And there wasn't a time where Nami didn't have to fight the urge of finally reaching, of finally closing the gap. Maybe I can do it today?

"Then what is it, Captain?" she leaned in, her lips almost brushing against his and let herself hope he wouldn't push her away.

Luffy stared at her lips, her eyes, and then her lips again. 

She wondered if Luffy had ever kissed anyone. And if he did, how would he kiss? How would it feel— her lips on his? Would it be like kissing a rubber? That’d definitely be weird. Would she find out today? Why couldn’t she close the gap? 

Afraid. You’re afraid this would change everything.

And losing Luffy would be like a nightmare. It would be suffocating the same way she felt when working on her maps for Arlong in that lonely room.

But Luffy had another idea in mind. There was almost no one as straightforward as him and he made the decision for her. 

Oh.

It felt like rubber and she finally satiated her curiosity, but for some reason it wasn’t weird. It was a simple peck on her lips, gentle and chaste. Maybe that answered her question, maybe he hasn’t kissed anyone yet and her heart soared as she thought she might be the first one, feeling like a little girl again. 

He indeed had the world and her heart in his hands.

Luffy moved away a bit, his owlish eyes piercing hers, studying her reaction. It had been so quick, so fleeting, but her lips tingled. And that was so unfair because she wanted more but had no idea if she could ask for it. She was a greedy witch, but this was way more dangerous than money and bets. 

But then he dived in again, this time with a hand on her neck and the other on her hip, squeezing and making her open her mouth in protest. She felt the tip of his tongue and felt his hesitation. He was unsure of what to do despite his initiative. It was sweet and endearing, but she remembered how greedy she was. And Luffy was her treasure much like her gold and maps.

Hands tangling in the hair on the back of his neck, the growl he let out making her pull him closer, as much closer they could be. Her tongue brushed against his and it’s really all downhill from there. 

When she broke the kiss, who knows how much time later, she looked at him, trying to make him see that she wanted to know the answer to her question.

His big toothy smile told her he was about to assure her everything was okay, but he actually didn’t need to. Everything was always okay when he was around, even with his shenanigans, even after he almost destroyed two weeks’ worth of work.

""It's not about the maps! I just don't wanna sail without you, Nami!"

#lunami #luffy x nami #monkey d. luffy #cat burglar nami #one piece #opfanfic #fic prompts #lunamars writes

[mysticaltigersorceress]

A Crown for Sunny

I wrote a little something for the One Piece of Summer Challenge!!! @laws-yellow-submarine​ @doctorgerth​

Prompt: Flower

Characters: Straw-hats and OC

Words: 1.2k

Also find it here on AO3

“Robin, want to lend us a hand?” Robin glanced up from her book to be greeted by a very curious sight. Haven was resting on a blanket while behind her stood three massive piles of wildflowers which sounded oddly like Luffy, Usopp and Chopper.

“My, what are you planning to do with so many flowers?” She smiled and rested her book in her lap. Luffy’s head poked around his ginormous pile with a cheek splitting grin.

“We’re going to make a flower castle!”

“FLOWER CROWNS, NOT A CASTLE!” Usopp corrected and dropped his armful on the grass.

"I told them if they picked a few flowers we could make crowns," Haven chuckled, "but it appears they got a little excited."

“How many hands would you like?” She cheekily grew several arms near Usopp and picked out some flowers.

“However many you feel like lending!” Haven laughed and willed several flowers to herself to begin her first crown.  

Luffy dropped his pile on top of Haven’s legs and started to tangle the stems together, while Chopper listened intently to Usopp as he demonstrated how to braid the stems and told tales of his time in the Boin Archipelago.

Robin used her extra hands to gather her supplies and after observing Usopp with an extra eye (followed by a scream of terror from Chopper), she began to carefully braid the stems in the pattern he demonstrated.

“What are you idiots up to?” Sanji peered over Luffy’s shoulder to examine his work. Luffy held up a… slightly depressing chain of flowers, wilted and crinkled but somehow staying together in a circle of sorts.

“Good start, Luffy!” Haven giggled at the sight and used a bit of her touch to help him out. She then took his crown and added to it a crown of sunflowers she made and set both on top of his hat. Luffy yelled in excitement and began tangling even more flowers together. 

“Oh, come here Sanji!” Haven beamed at their cook and motioned for him to kneel next to her. As he crouched over, she lifted a crown of pale blue and pink flowers and set it atop his head. Robin was quite sure she heard the cooks heart skip a beat as he processed the gift.

“Thank you, Haven-chan! What a lovely gift!” He positively glowed from Haven’s attention. “You have such a wonderful touch! I’m bringing out tea, would you like anything to eat too?”

“Just tea is fine, thank you!”

“Would you like anything, Robin-chan?”  

“No, thank you.” Their doting cook twirled away, and Robin lifted her finished crown to show Haven. “How’s this?”

“It's beautiful, I love the colors!” The younger woman beamed. Robin smiled and set the orange and pink crown on her head and watched as the others continued to work. Haven had a smile as bright and infectious as Luffy's which made everything around her so luminous. It made much sense that her devil fruit allowed her to grow plants; it was as if she were the sun itself.

“YAOOOOOOW! This looks like a SUUUUUPER time!” Franky greeted. “Mind if I join in?”

“Of course!” Haven plucked a particular crown from her pile. “I made this one for you, Franky!”

Franky posed along with another SUUUPER and pressed his nose to adjust his hairstyle from a large spiky hairdo to two long braids so Haven could place the crown of large red flowers on his head.

“That is quite a lot of flowers.” Jinbe strolled up with Brook, the two having been visiting all morning. “What do you plan to do with the rest?”

“Eh, I'll figure it out! And I have a crown for you two, come here!” Haven pulled another two circlets from her pile. Large yellow and purple flowers for Brook, and orange, red, and yellow flowers for Jinbe. Both combinations looked striking against their black hair and complemented their outfits nicely.

“Yohoho, Haven, you made me blush! But alas! I am only bones, and can't blush!”

“What is all of this?” Nami came down off the Sunny accompanied by Sanji carrying two large trays of food and drinks.

“Flower crowns. I have one for you too, Nami!” Haven gently set a crown of white blossoms on Nami’s orange hair and the cat burglar hugged and thanked her.

“Haven, look at my crown!” Chopper excitedly twirled, a crown of green adorned with white berries hung from his antlers. Usopp showed off his own crown, orange and white and green, and chastised Luffy for the very long chain that he had made.

“It’s beautiful! You did such a good job making it just how you like!” She smiled and Chopper did his little not-at-all-happy-to-be-praised dance. “By the way, where is Zoro?”

“Marimo’s sleeping on Sunny.” Sanji snipped a bit grumpily as he handed a tray to the beasts before serving everyone else. “But where is your crown, Haven-chan?” He switched back to his sweeter voice. Haven lifted the crown she just finished and rested it on her auburn curls: tiny white flowers with a few larger blue blossoms and large green leaves.

“I’ve got one for him too, but now the question is…” She glanced at the still massive pile of flowers. “What do we do with the rest of them?”

“FLOWER CASTLE!” Luffy nominated, lifting his near three-meter chain of flowers.

“You can’t make a castle out of flowers!” Usopp yelled, but Haven eyed his chain then glanced at the ship.

“Hmm, I have an idea! Everyone, make the biggest chain you can, okay!”

Haven started directing her crewmates in making their own chains, laughing and encouraging them, and occasionally helping them when a flower was being particularly stubborn. Robin added in several more hands this time as she wove separate pieces of flower ropes into one. After nearly an hour of braiding, the piles of flowers were gone, all turned into a massive chain of flowers except for one last crown resting next to Haven.

“Sanji, would you hand me my crutches?” Haven thanked him as he brought them over and helped her up. She set the extra crown on her own head and slipped her arms into the elbow crutches and found a spot dead center in front of the Thousand Sunny. “Ready girl?” She carefully balanced on her left leg and lifted her hands. The chain shifted, then moved toward the Sunny in an almost reptilian manner, sliding up the side of the ship and winding itself through the ‘rays’, until the figurehead had a wonderfully colorful crown, just like the crew.

Luffy and Chopper were yelling “SO COOL!!” with stars in their eyes and everyone admired her handiwork. (Usopp claimed most of the credit, since he of course showed Haven how to braid flowers). Haven smiled and thanked everyone for helping her, then excused herself and headed toward the Thousand Sunny.

Robin watched curiously as Haven boarded the Sunny Go. She blossomed an eye on the mast, just in time to see Haven gently set a crown on Zoro’s head. He remained asleep, oblivious to the white and red flowers now adorning his green hair. Haven watched him for a quiet moment, before she quietly slipped away so as not to disturb his slumber. Robin smiled as she saw something Haven didn’t. A tiny corner of Zoro’s lips seemed to twitch up before he started snoring again. Perhaps it wasn’t just plants that Haven could make bloom.

#my writing #mvwriting #one piece #one piece fanfic #fanfic #one piece oc #strawhats #luffy #usopp #chopper #robin #haven #sanji #franky #brook #jinbe #zoro #nami #thousand sunny #one piece of summer

[etlunainmorte]

🌙 EtLunaInMorte's 🌙

🎻 Fanfiction Music Masterlist 🎻

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1. Franz Shubert's Ave Maria

V could hear, as clear as day, the solemn music that was coming from the other side of the portal. He walked, reaching the end of the dark tunnel, until light enveloped his entire body, giving him warmth. He finally arrived to his destination. But, all of a sudden, he was met with a violent slash of light that almost ripped him in two. If it weren’t for Griffon, who grabbed the collar of his dark, leather vest just in time, he would probably be as good as dead.

“What the hell?!” Griffon screeched, looking around for any sign of Demons.

V looked around, as well, but saw nothing, except for a pastel pink, fur blanket on the grass beneath his feet, an empty basket, and the radio which played the song, “Ave Maria”. He picked up the blanket and immediately noticed that it was still warm, not to mention very fragrant, like the smell of fresh flowers blooming in the morning.

~ III. The Strange Mission

2. Postmodern Jukebox's Sunflower, as sung by Leah Zeger

Your head held high, your posture as perfect as it can be, you were prepared for the challenge ahead. Everything will go according to your plan. The entity didn’t show you anything bad that might happen, what could go wrong?

You suddenly felt eyes directed towards your being, making the hairs on your nape stand. Your (E/C) eyes widened a bit. You looked down to your left and saw, leaning on one of the walls, the man who almost landed on top of you that Thursday afternoon. The man with the markings on his skin.

The man in your visions.

~ VII. The Unexpected Occurrence

3. Tashaki Miyaki's I Only Have Eyes For You

“D - don’t,… leave,…” He leaned in a bit closer, if that was even possible, that he was already feeling your warm breath against his face. “S - stay, please. Stay w - with me,…

… V.”

His eyes widened, his jaw dropped. V could not quite believe that you just uttered his name! And, what’s even more alarming was the fact that his chest almost brushed against yours. His hands were on either side of your head, and your intoxicating scent sent signals down to his very core.

Signals,…

… that were very hard to ignore.

~ XII. The Suspicious Advice

4. Skeeter Davis' End Of The World

“Do you know Titanic, V?” You asked the man.

“I,… ” V began but, then, realized that he didn’t know what you were talking about. “No.”

You were actually surprised by his answer. Who knew he was one of those very few people who didn’t know about the infamous Jack and Rose’s love story?

“Really?” You said in disbelief, then decided to change the movie. “How about Moulin Rouge?”

“No.”

Hmm! Not even a classic! Something modern, perhaps?“The Fault In Our Stars?”

“No.”

What in the - ?! “The Time Traveler’s Wife?”

V sighed in both annoyance and disappointment. As much as he wanted to answer your questions, he really had no idea what’s going on in the modern world.

He was stuck too long in the Underworld. For Heaven’s sake, how could he know such things as those?!

“I’m sorry, no.” He simply said.

You crossed your arms, unable to believe that a poor, innocent man such as V still existed in today’s society.

“Have you seen Hachiko?” Okay, no one could resist dogs, or Akitas, that I know for sure,…

To your delight, V’s eyes actually widened as he remembered something very fond, he just couldn’t pinpoint what exactly.

“That,…” he said, feeling proud for once that he had an answer to at least one of your questions. “… I’ve actually heard of.”

~ XIII. Dates And Movies

5. Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody

Griffon was about to join in the apple pie banter when he heard someone calling him. He turned and saw you as you were about to enter the van, drowsily looking at him with one finger held up on your lips.

“Sshh,…”

~ XV. The Diabolical Amalgam

6. Jimmie Davis' You Are My Sunshine

“Ugh, are you really my friend?” You shook your head as you sat up straight and rubbed your temples. “Stabbed, burned, skewered. You name it, I went through it. If it weren’t for this entity inside me, I wouldn’t even be talking to you right now. But, nowadays,…” you sighed, still feeling a bit worn out from the events that took place the last time you were awake. “… I feel,… completely drained. Like, I’m running out of lives to spare.”

“Is that even possible?” Nico asked as she stood and made her way to the back of the trailer to make you a decent meal. “I mean, you’ve been with that entity for ten years, and you never complained about getting tired.”

“Yes but, lately, I’ve been feeling, I don’t know, worn out? Like I’ve been running an endless marathon with hardly any breaks.”

“I can tell.” Your friend answered with a knowing smile.

~ XVI. The Unacceptable Truth

7. Sitti Navarro's Invisible War

“In four days time, two hearts would be ripped open, blood shall be spilled, and emotions will clash upon uneven ground. A Prince will awaken and a King shall rise. The Pale Ones would make their move and engulf the whole world in darkness. Only then would the third and final heart, the one who would regret the most, be stabbed by their own doing.”

“That sounds,… cheerful,…” Nico added sarcastically to somehow lighten the mood. She might have poked fun at you for changing into that light being who can disintegrate your clothes but, she just couldn’t make fun of this particular entity who made unfunny prophecies.

~ XVIII. Aspect Of Future

8. Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah

”(Y/N), WHAT DO YA REALLY FEEL ABOUT V?!“

"I LOVE HIM! OH, GOD, FORGIVE ME! I DO!”

“THEN, TELL HIM!”

“WHAT?!”

“SLOW DUMBASS! IF HE CHICKENED OUT ON YA LAST NIGHT, THEN IT’S UP TO YA TO DRAG HIS ASS BACK HERE AND MAKE HIM STAY FOR GOOD!”

“I DON’T GET IT!”

“SLOW! DUMB! ASS! CONFESS TO HIM!”

~ XIX. Tears And Sadness

9. Casey And Ali Edwards' Devil Trigger

“Could you play something more upbeat for a change?!” You asked bravely, ready to face your own death. “Like, with no heartbreaks, or rejections, or douchebags, or what the fucking ever?!”

Nico gasped in fright. “Wow! Sailor - mouth Nero sure made an impact to you, huh, hon?”

“Just fucking do it!”

“Alright! Alright!” The freckled woman said and slammed the jukebox button on. “How about this?!”

Nico nodded. You have become angsty and mad, and at least that’s better than you moping around, tending to your broken heart.

~ XX. Rejection And Heartbreak

10. Rin Oikawa's I'll Be Your Home

Dante cupped your face with his huge hands and made you look up at him.

“If you must, then I will let you go. Once more.” He replied, every drop of your tears painfully driving a nail through his already beaten heart. “But, swear to me that after all this, you will go back home. Back to me, where you really belong.”

~ XXI. He Who Loves

TO BE CONTINUED

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🌙🎻

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#etlunainmorte's fanfiction music masterlist #volume 1 #i see my future before me #part 1

[dumbledearme]

child of sea and shore

read Child of Land and Sea here 

Tale I — The Death of Fear

Andy was in a science class when she heard these noises outside.

SCRAWK! OW! SCREECH!

Like somebody was getting attacked by possessed poultry. Nobody else seemed to notice the commotion. In the lab, everybody was talking loudly. It wasn't hard for Andy to go look out the window without calling attention for herself. There was a girl in the alley outside with her sword drawn. She was tall and muscular like a basketball player. She was hacking at a flock of black birds the size of ravens. A cut was bleeding over her left eye. One of the birds shot a feather like an arrow, and it lodged in her shoulder. She cursed and sliced at the bird, but it flew away.

Andy had no idea what Clarisse, of all people, was doing on the Upper East Side in the middle of a school day, but she was obviously in trouble. And she wouldn't last much longer.

"Mrs White," Andy said, "can I go to the restroom? I feel like I'm going to puke.''

"Go!" Mrs White answered fast.

Andy ran out the door with her ballpoint pen already in hand. Nobody stopped her in the halls. She exited by the gym and got to the alley just in time to see Clarisse smack a devil bird with the flat of her sword. The bird squawked and spiraled away, slamming against the brick wall and sliding into a trashcan. That still left a dozen more swarming around her.

"La Rue!"

The girl glared at Andy in disbelief. "Jackson? What are you doing-" she was cut short by a volley of feather arrows that zipped over her head and impaled themselves in the wall.

"I got to school here."

"Just my luck," Clarisse grumbled, but she was too busy fighting to complain much.

Andy uncapped the pen, which grew into a metre-long bronze sword, and joined the battle, slashing at the birds and deflecting their feathers off her blade. Together, Clarisse and Andy sliced and hacked until all the birds were reduced to piles of feathers on the ground.

They were both breathing hard. Andy had a few scratches, but nothing major. She pulled a feather arrow out of her arm. It hadn't gone in very deep. As long as it wasn't tipped with poison, she'd be okay. She took a bag of ambrosia out of her jacket, where she always kept it for emergencies, broke a piece in half and offered some to Clarisse.

"I don't need your help," she muttered, but she took the ambrosia. Clarisse sheathed her sword and brushed off her jacket. "Well… see ya."

'"Hold up!" Andy said. "You can't just leave."

"Watch me."

"What's going on? What are you doing away from camp? Why were those birds after you?"

Clarisse stumbled past Andy.

"Come on," Andy said. "You just about got killed at my school. That makes it my business."

"It does not!"

"Let me help."

Clarisse took a shaky breath like she really wanted to punch Andy out, but at the same time there was a desperate look in her eyes, like she was in serious trouble. "It's my brothers," she admitted. "They're playing a prank on me."

"Oh," Andy said, not really surprised. "Which brothers? Sherman? Mark? The one with the goatee?"

"No," she answered, sounding afraid. "My immortal brothers. Phobos and Deimos."

They sat on a bench at the park while Clarisse told Andy the story. "So let me get this straight," Andy said. "You took your dad's car for a joyride and now it's missing."

"It's not a car," Clarisse growled. "It's a war chariot! And he told me to take it out. It's like… a test. I'm supposed to bring it back at sunset. But-"

"Your brothers carjacked you."

"Chariot-jacked me," she corrected. "They're his regular charioteers, see. And they don't like anybody else getting to drive. So they stole the chariot from me and chased me off with those stupid arrow-throwing birds."

"Your dad's pets?"

She nodded miserably. "They guard his temple. Anyway, if I don't find the chariot…" She looked like she was about to lose it. Andy didn't blame her. Andy had seen Ares get mad before and it was not a pretty sight.

"I know there's no way you'll ask, so I'll make this easy for you. I'll help," Andy decided.

"Why would you? I'm not your friend," she said irritated.

The two girls faced each other. Suddenly, a guy's voice said: "Aw, look at that. I think she's been crying!" A teenage dude was leaning against a telephone pole. He was dressed in ratty jeans, a black T-shirt and a leather jacket, with a bandanna over his hair. A knife was stuck in his belt. He had eyes the color of flames.

"Phobos." Clarisse balled her fists. "Where's the chariot, you jerk?"

"You lost it," he teased. "Don't ask me."

"You little-" Clarisse drew her sword and charged, but Phobos disappeared as she swung, and her blade bit into the telephone pole. He appeared on the bench next to Andy. He was laughing, but he stopped when she stuck Riptide's point against his throat.

"You'd better return that chariot," Andy told him, "before I get mad."

Phobos gave her that look that said women were only good for one thing. "And who might you be, sunflower? Does Clarisse needs help fighting her battles now?"

"I don't need help!" Clarisse tugged her sword, pulling it out of the telephone pole. "She's nobody, alright? Just... Andy Jackson."

Something changed in Phobos's expression. He looked surprised, maybe even nervous. "The child of sea and shore? The one who made Dad angry? Oh, this is too good, Clarisse. You're hanging out with a sworn enemy?"

"I'm not hanging out with her!"

Phobos's eyes glowed bright red.

"Please, no!" Clarisse screamed. She swatted the air as if she were being attacked by invisible bugs.

"What are you doing to her?" Andy demanded. Clarisse backed up into the street, swinging her sword wildly. "Stop it!" Andy told Phobos. She dug her sword a little deeper against his throat, but he simply vanished, reappearing back at the telephone pole.

"Don't get your panties in a bunch, Jackson," Phobos said. "I'm just showing her what she fears most."

The glow faded from his eyes. Clarisse collapsed, breathing hard. "You son of a bitch," she gasped. "I'll… I'll get you."

Phobos turned toward Andy. "How about you, Andy Jackson? What do you fear? I'll find out, you know. I always do."

"Give the chariot back," Andy tried to keep her voice even. "I took on your dad once. You don't scare me."

"Nothing to fear but fear itself. Isn't that what they say?" Phobos laughed. "Well, let me tell you a little secret, half-blood. I am fear. If you want to find the chariot, come and get it. It's across the water. You'll find it where the little wild animals live - just the sort of place you belong." He snapped his fingers and disappeared in a cloud of yellow smoke.

Andy helped Clarisse up. Her face was still beaded with sweat.

"How about some help now?" Andy asked.

They took the subway, keeping a lookout for more attacks, but no one bothered them. As they rode, Clarisse told Andy about Phobos and Deimos. "They're minor gods," she explained. "Phobos is fear. Deimos is terror."

"What's the difference?"

She shrugged. "Deimos is bigger and uglier, I guess. He's good at freaking out entire crowds. Phobos is more, like, personal. He can get inside your head."

"Why don't they want you driving the chariot?"

"It's usually a ritual just for Ares's sons when they turn eighteen. I'm the first daughter to get a shot in a long time."

"Good for you. Girl power, dude."

"Tell that to Phobos and Deimos. They hate me. I've got to get the chariot back to the temple."

"Where is the temple?"

"Pier 86. The Intrepid."

"Oh. Well, we've got maybe four hours before sunset," Andy guessed. "That should be enough time if we can find the chariot."

"But what did Phobos mean, over the water? We're on an island, for Zeus's sake. That could be any direction!"

"He said something about wild animals," Andy remembered.

"A zoo?"

"Could be. A zoo over the water could be the one in Brooklyn, or maybe… someplace harder to get to, with little wild animals. Someplace nobody would ever think to look for a war chariot..." Something clicked inside Andy's mind. "Staten Island!" she said. "They've got a small zoo."

"Maybe," Clarisse said. "That sounds like the kind of out-of-the-way place Phobos and Deimos would stash something. But if we're wrong-"

"We don't have time to be wrong."

They hopped off the train at Times Square and caught a line downtown, towards the ferry terminal. They boarded the Staten Island Ferry at three thirty, along with a bunch of tourists, who crowded the railings of the top deck, snapping pictures of the Statue of Liberty.

"He modeled that on his mom," Andy said, looking up at the statue.

"Who?" Clarisse glared at her uninterested.

"Bartholdi," she said. "The dude who made the Statue of Liberty. He was a son of Athena, and he designed it to look like his mom. That's what Anthony told me, anyway. And he thinks I never listen."

"The things he can get you to say..." Clarisse rolled her eyes. "Useless. If it doesn't help you fight, it's useless information."

Andy would've argued with her, but just then the ferry lurched like it had hit a rock. Tourists spilled forward, tumbling into each other. Clarisse and Andy ran to the front of the boat. The water below them started to boil. Then the head of a sea serpent erupted from the bay. The monster was at least as big as the boat. It was grey and green with a head like a crocodile and razor-sharp teeth. Riding on its neck was a bulky guy in black Greek armor. His face was covered with ugly scars, and he held a javelin in his hand.

"Deimos!" Clarisse yelled.

"Hello, sister! Care to play a game?"

The monster roared. Tourists screamed and scattered. Whatever they saw terrified them.

"Leave them alone!" Andy ordered.

"Or what, child of sea and shore?" Deimos sneered. "My brother warned me you were just a little girl. Oh, but I love terror. I live on terror!" He spurred the sea serpent into head-butting the ferry, which sloshed backwards. Alarms blared. Passengers fell over each other trying to get away. Deimos laughed with delight.

"That's it," Andy grumbled. "Clarisse, grab on."

"What?" she looked appalled.

"Then don't, but we're going for a ride."

Clarisse grabbed onto Andy. The two girls leaped off the top deck and straight into the bay, but they were only underwater for a moment. Andy felt the power of the ocean surging through her. She willed the water to swirl around them, building force until they burst out of the bay on top of a ten-metre-high waterspout that steered them straight towards the monster.

"You think you can tackle Deimos?" Andy yelled to Clarisse.

"I'm on it!" she said. "Just get me within three metres."

They barreled toward the serpent. Just as it bared its fangs, Andy swerved the waterspout to one side, and Clarisse jumped. She crashed into Deimos, and both of them toppled into the sea. The sea serpent came after Andy. Quickly, Andy turned the waterspout to face it, then summoned all her power and willed the water to even greater heights.

Fifty thousand litres of salt water crashed into the monster. Andy leaped over its head, uncapped Riptide, and slashed with all her might at the creature's neck. The monster roared. Green blood spouted from the wound, and the serpent sank beneath the waves. Andy dived underwater and watched as it retreated to the open sea. Clarisse surfaced near her, spluttering and coughing. Andy grabbed her. "Did you get Deimos?"

Clarisse shook her head. "The coward disappeared as we were wrestling. But I'm sure we'll see him again. Phobos, too."

Tourists were still running around the ferry in a panic, but it didn't look like anybody was hurt. The boat didn't seem damaged. Andy held onto Clarisse's arm and willed the waves to carry them towards Staten Island.

In the west, the sun was going down over the Jersey shore. Time was running out. Staten Island was a lot bigger than Andy thought.

"We'll never make it in time," Clarisse noted.

"Happy thoughts, man. Good vibes. Flowers. Summer. Water. Chocolate that melts in your tongue-"

"If you don't shut up, I'm going slap you until you can't stand."

"That was a happy thought, wasn't it?"

Clarisse shrugged. "Oh yeah."

After dragging themselves halfway down the island, they finally saw a sign that said ZOO. They turned a corner and followed this curvy street with some woods on one side until they came to the entrance. Thank the gods, Andy had enough cash to get them inside.

Around the reptile house, Clarisse stopped in her tracks. "There it is." A large golden and red chariot tethered to four black horses was sitting at a crossroads between the petting zoo and the sea otter pond. "Where are Phobos and Deimos?" Clarisse muttered, drawing her sword.

Andy concentrated on the horses. "Hey, pretty horses. Looking good, uh? Nice, shiny fur and-"

One of horses whinnied disdainfully calling Andy some names that were too rude even for an animal.

"I'll try to get the reins," Clarisse said. "The horses know me. Cover me."

"Right."

Andy kept her eyes peeled as Clarisse approached the chariot. Her hand had almost reached the rail when the horses reared up, whinnying and breathing flames. Phobos and Deimos appeared in the chariot.

"The hunt is on!" Phobos yelled.

Clarisse stumbled back as he lashed the horses and charged the chariot straight toward Andy. She jumped over a trashcan and an exhibit fence, but there was no way she could outrun the chariot. It crashed through the fence right behind Andy, ploughing down everything in its path.

"Jackson, look out!" Clarisse yelled.

Andy jumped and landed on a rock island in the middle of the otter exhibit. She willed a column of water out of the pond and doused the horses, temporarily extinguishing their flames and sending them into confusion. Andy ran as Phobos cursed and tried to get his horses under control. Clarisse took the opportunity to jump on Deimos's back just as he was lifting his javelin. Both of them went tumbling out of the chariot as it lurched forward. Andy could hear Deimos and Clarisse starting to fight, sword on sword. But Phobos was riding after her again. Andy sprinted towards the aquarium.

"Hey, sunflower!" Phobos taunted. "I've got something for you!"

Andy glanced back and saw the chariot melting, the horses turning to steel and folding into each other like clay figures being crumpled. The chariot refashioned itself into a black metal box with caterpillar tracks, a turret and a long gun barrel. A tank. Andy rolled to one side as the gun fired.

KA-BOOOOM!

A souvenir kiosk exploded in every direction. As Phobos re-aimed his gun, Andy got to her feet and dived into the aquarium. She ran through the rooms washed in weird blue light from the fish tank exhibits. Andy stopped at the back of the aquarium and listened. She heard nothing. And then… Vroom, Vroom. Phobos came riding on a Harley-Davidson.

"Hey, pretty lady," Phobos said pulling a huge sword out of its sheath. "Time to be scared."

Andy raised her own sword, determined to face him. Then Phobos's eyes glowed brighter, and she made the mistake of looking into them.

Suddenly Andy was in a different place. It was Camp Half-Blood. But it was empty. There was nobody there. Andy glanced around, her heart racing. "Anthony?" she called. "Grover? Chiron?"

"No one's here," a voice said from nowhere. "You're alone, Andy Jackson."

"What?" Andy tried to find where the voice was coming from but couldn't. "Where are they? What happened to them?"

"They died. Or they're just gone. Whatever you prefer. The important thing is they aren't here. You're alone, Andy Jackson."

"I..." Andy felt the cold, heavy fear taking over her.

"They've moved on without you. And why would they stay? What have you got to offer them? You are nothing. And now you're alone, Andy Jackson."

Andy's hands trembled. Breathing heavily, she called again: "Anthony?"

"He can't hear you," the voice answered.

"No."

"He can't see you."

"Anthony?"

"He doesn't even know you. You're alone, Andy Jackson."

"No. Stop! Please, I-"

Andy stood paralyzed but somewhere in her brain she had the vague notion this was happening inside her head. It's not real, she told herself. I'm not at camp. She could feel the power of the ocean in her veins. It's just an illusion. This wasn't happening. She wasn't alone. She couldn't be...

Andy blinked and saw Phobos's blade coming down towards her head. She raised Riptide and blocked the blow just before it cut her in two. Andy counterattacked and stabbed Phobos in the arm. Golden ichor soaked through his shirt. Phobos growled and slashed at her. Andy parried easily. Fear still threatened to froze her legs, but Andy kept herself strong. She pressed him back, swiped at his face, and gave him a cut across the cheek. The angrier he was, the clumsier he got and less fear Andy felt.

Finally she kicked him backwards against the water fountain. His sword skittered into the ladies room. Andy sucker-punched him in the nose. "You're going to disappear now," she told him. "You're going to stay out of Clarisse's way. And if I see you again, I'll break something bigger."

He gulped. "There will be a next time, Jackson! I know what you fear the most!" and he dissolved into yellow smoke.

Andy found Deimos and Clarisse in the goat area. Clarisse was on her knees. Andy ran forward but stopped suddenly when she saw how Deimos had changed form. He was Ares now: the tall god of war, raising his fist over Clarisse. "You failed me again! I told you what would happen!"

He tried to strike her, but Clarisse scrambled away. "No! Please!"

In those small words, Andy could still hear her own voice begging Phobos. The feeling of seeing it happen to someone else made everything that much worse. Andy knew she couldn't help. Clarisse had to do this alone. This was her worst fear and she had to overcome it for herself.

"Foolish girl!"

"Clarisse!" Andy yelled. "It's an illusion. It's not real. Stand up to him!"

Deimos's form flickered. "I am Ares!" he insisted. "I knew you would fail me. Now you will suffer my wrath."

"La Rue!" Andy called. "Stand up to him! Girl power, remember? Now get up!"

"I… I can't."

"Yes, you can. Because you're a girl! Because you're a warrior! Any boy in your place wouldn't be strong enough, but you are getting up now!"

She hesitated. Then Clarisse began to stand.

"What are you doing?" Ares bellowed. "Grovel for mercy!"

Clarisse took a shaky breath. "No," she said calmly. "I'm tired of being scared of you." She raised her sword. Deimos struck, but Clarisse deflected the blow. She staggered but didn't fall. "You're not Ares," she said. "You're not even a good fighter."

Deimos growled in frustration. When he struck again, Clarisse was ready. She disarmed him and stabbed him in the shoulder. He yowled in pain and began to glow. Both Clarisse and Andy averted their eyes as Deimos exploded into golden light and disappeared. They were left there beside a horse-drawn chariot.

Clarisse looked at Andy cautiously. "You didn't see that. You didn't see any of that."

Andy held her eyes. "Any of what?"

Clarisse grinned. She glanced at the sky, which was turning red behind the trees. "Get in the chariot, Jackson. We've still got a long ride to make."

Only problem was: they were on an island.

"Great," Clarisse mumbled. "What do we do now? Ride this thing across the Verrazano Bridge?"

Andy had an idea. "We'll take the direct route."

Clarisse frowned. "What do you mean?"

Andy closed her eyes and began to concentrate. "Drive straight ahead. Go!"

Clarisse was so desperate she didn't hesitate. She lashed the horses. They charged straight towards the water. Andy imagined the sea turning solid, the waves becoming a firm surface all the way to Manhattan. The war chariot hit the surf. They rode the tops of the waves straight across New York Harbor.

They arrived at Pier 86 just as the sunset was fading to purple. They parked the chariot on the ramp and jumped out. Andy almost passed out of exhaustion. Concentrating on keeping the chariot above the waves had been one of the hardest things she'd ever done.

"I'd better get out of here before Ares arrives," she decided.

Clarisse nodded. "He'd probably kill you on sight." She wrapped the reins around her hand. "About what you didn't see, Jackson... What I'm afraid of..."

"I won't tell anybody."

Clarisse looked at her uncomfortably. "Did Phobos scare you too?"

"Oh, yeah. Apparently, I'm monophobic. I didn't... I didn't know that. I guess I never thought about it."

Clarisse made a face like she thought Andy was lying. "What, you're afraid of being alone?"

"Not alone like everyone's-too-busy-to-talk-to-me. More like... everyone I love is gone? And there's nobody, just... just me." Andy pushed the thought away. "What I'm trying to say is... I know how you felt."

Clarisse lowered her eyes. "I, uh… I guess I should say…" The words seemed to stick in her throat.

"You don't have to say anything."

Andy started to walk away, but Clarisse called out, "Jackson?"

"La Rue?"

"Just to make things clear... I'd vote for you as less likely to ever be alone. You've got a lot of friends. A lot of people who... who care. It just won't happen, alright?" A faint smile crossed her face and all of her certainty flooded Andy's heart.

The End

#andromeda #andy jackson #child of sea and shore #child of land and sea #fanfic #genderbend #anthony chase #andony #fem percy jackson #male annabeth chase #the death of fear #dfcrosas