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wosoimagines · 1 year

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Traitor - Leah Williamson/Reader

part one | part two | part three | part four

prompt: Leah and R have started to pursue a relationship with each other. How long will it take for their fans and teammates who are unaware to catch on?

warnings: none

words: 2584

(Y/N) POV

“Do you have plans for this afternoon?”

I looked up at Leah who was standing in front of me. I checked my phone just to make sure that I was free.

“Totally free,” I said as I looked back up at her, “unless my beautiful girlfriend calls and just needs my attention for the rest of the day.”

“Yeah, in your dreams, (Y/L/N).”

“I don’t have plans, Leah,” I said as I stood up. I grabbed the hoodie from my locker. “What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you wanted to go mini golfing with me.”

I paused at that. I hadn’t been since i was a kid.

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah,” Leah said as she nodded at me, “There’s this course, Lost Jungle London. Well, I haven’t played it but I’ve been wanting to and no one wants to go with me. I was wondering you would.”

“Yeah, I’d love to.”

I smiled at Leah before I pulled my hoodie over my head. I grabbed my bag and phone from locker as well before turning to face Leah again.

“How about afterwards we go out for pizza?” I suggested. Leah raised an eyebrow at that. “Come on, I’ve been cooking for both of us for the past few weeks. I don’t think it’ll hurt if we have one cheat meal. Besides, you can pay for mini golf and I can pay for the pizza.”

“Okay, but if we get in trouble-”

“We won’t get in trouble. I promise.”

Leah rolled her eyes at me as she wrapped her arm around my shoulders. I grinned as I wrapped my own arm around her waist as the two of us headed out of the locker room.

“Have you always been a rule breaker?”

I tilted my head as I looked over at Leah. Did she really think having one cheat meal was really breaking the rules?

“Leah, one cheat meal isn’t breaking the rules,” I said, causing Leah to look over at me, “I promise it isn’t. But yeah, I do have a thing for ignoring rules sometimes.”

“So you have always been a rule breaker!”

“Maybe that’s why I always get roomed with an older player,” I mused. It definitely had made sense that I was always rooming with an older player on the national team when I first joined considering how young I was, but now that I was nearing my mid-20s? “I wonder if Vlatko will let me room with someone other than the vets.”

“You mean to tell me that the national team rooms you with the vets every camp and you never found that weird?”

“I got to room with Kristie last time! But yeah, usually I room with Alex, Alyssa, or Becky,” I admitted. It definitely did seem weird now that I thought about it. “I’ll have to call Vlatko and ask if he can room me with Rose or Sonny.”

“Oh? Why those two?”

“Sonnett is a prankster. While not completely safe when you stay in the same room with her, you are more safe than others after she roomed with Becky and tried to prank her.”

“What do you mean ‘tried’?”

“Becky came back into the room too early and Sonnett was still in the middle of setting her prank up. Becky set it off creating a mess. Sonnett not only got an earful, but Becky also made her clean it up and run extra.”

“Oof, hate extra running.”

“I know, that’s why I don’t ask you to come when I run in the mornings.”

“Is that what you do before I get up?”

“Sometimes, if I have the time.”

“Okay, so why Lavelle?”

“Oh! If you room with Rose then you get to see Wilma more.”

“Wilma?”

“Yeah, Rose’s dog.”

“That’s the only reason?”

“Well, I mean, Rose and I always have fun together,” I shrugged. I didn’t really know who I would want to room with other than the vets I normally stayed with. “Besides, Rose is a really good singer. I dunno if you saw any of the videos from the Player’s Ball, but she can sing.”

The two of us slowed down as we came to Leah’s car. It was honestly rarer to see the two of us arrive separately now then together. We both moved to the back of the car to put our bags in the trunk before we got into the car.

“So, mini golfing and then pizza?”

“Mini golfing and then pizza, for sure,” I nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I grinned as Leah sunk another ball into the hole. I definitely needed more practice at mini golf before we came back out.

“You know, for someone so competitive, you sure are sucking at this right now.”

“I don’t have to win everything I do,” I said as I rolled my eyes. “Life isn’t always just one huge game. Sometimes you just got to have fun.”

“Huh, I don’t recall you saying that on our first date,” Leah said as she looked over at me. “If I remember correctly it was something like ‘I’m the best in the world at everything and no one can beat me’?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I said as I nodded my head. I had gotten a little carried away after I had won my fourth game in a row. “I grew up playing arcade games. The arcade was in the back of the bowling alley. The closest putt-putt course was 4 hours away at least.”

“Mmm, I can already taste the victory,” Leah said as we moved onto the next hole.

“Pretty sure you could taste that after about 3 holes.”

“Well it’s only getting sweeter,” Leah grinned at me.

I shook my head but I enjoyed myself as we finished up our game. It was nice to just have fun with her. As we turned our clubs and balls back in, I waited until Leah had her back turned before I turned back to the worker behind the stand.

“You mind if I get her ball back?”

“You know you have to give the $15 for the game back, right?”

“Yeah, I know,” I nodded. I glanced over my shoulder to make sure that Leah wasn’t paying attention as I handed the worker the bills for the ball. “Thanks.”

I pocketed the red ball into the hoodie before I rushed to catch up with Leah. She glanced over her shoulder at me once she felt me lightly nudge her shoulder.

“What was that about?”

“They were just a fan,” I shrugged as Leah looked back at the stand. “Asked for a picture. How could I say no to that?”

“Yeah, sure,” Leah said as she ruffled my hair.

My phone buzzed in my pocket as we neared the car. I fished the phone from my pocket before rolling my eyes at the pictures that I had gotten. It was just pictures from Instagram of my afternoon with Leah. Sometimes I really hated being famous or being out in London with England’s captain.

I ignored the messages from my national teammates as Leah and I got into her car. I grinned as she held up the scorecard for a picture with me.

“You putting it on Instagram?” I asked her.

“Gotta make sure that everyone knows that I can at least beat you at mini golf,” Leah said as she turned to her phone.

I rolled my eyes at that as I shook my head. But I couldn’t help but stare at her as her nose scrunched up as she was focused on writing out her caption.

“You know, it’s creepy to stare.”

“Well, I can’t help it when I’m looking at a literal goddess.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere.”

I groaned at that as I tossed my head back against my seat. I stuck my bottom lip out as I looked over at her.

“Not even a slice of pizza with you?”

“Maybe, it will get you that.”

I grinned as Leah started up the car before I pulled up my own Instagram so I could go like the picture that Leah posted.

It didn’t take us long to get to the pizza parlor or to even get a seat since it was the middle of the afternoon. There were a few people around us, but most people didn’t even look at us as we sat at our table. The afternoon was honestly going great for us both.

At least, it was until we were getting our drinks. I was a bit faster to get up that Leah was once the server knocked the drink over as they were reaching for it from the tray. I winced as the water got all over Leah’s shirt before she could stand up. I immediately was pulling the items out of the pocket of the hoodie before I pulled it off as Leah got up.

Both of us pretty much ignored the server’s apologies as I looked over Leah. She looked down where I was holding the hoodie out to her.

“No broken glass, right?”

“There was no broken glass,” Leah assured.

“Here, take the hoodie. You can run to the restroom and put it on,” I said as Leah took the hoodie from my hands. “Bring your shirt back out and I’ll carry it around with me so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Leah sent me a soft smile before she pressed a kiss to my cheek and heading to the restroom. I turned back to the server who was still apologizing, but I only told them it was an accident and asked if we could move elsewhere. Which Leah found me easily enough when she came back out from the restroom.

“All better?” I asked as Leah handed over her wet shirt.

“Thank you.”

“Hey, it’s what I’m here for. Someone has to be your knight in a hoodie.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I laid in the bed as I was texting Leah. It definitely sucked that we didn’t get to see each other right now, but we both had different national team commitments. I didn’t pay attention as Sonnett came out of the bathroom. At least not until she started to dig through my bags. I furrowed my brow in confusion as she started with my practice bag, but it was entirely possible that Sonnett had just put something in it earlier.

“Where is it?” Sonnett asked as she looked back at me.

I scratched the top of my head as I looked at her. I had no idea what she was talking about.

“Hey!” I called out as Sonnett started going through my suitcase. “Sonnett, what are you doing?”

“I’m looking for the hoodie.”

“I already told you that you can’t wear it,” I said as I laid back down. I wasn’t worried about Sonnett finding the hoodie.

“Yeah, well, I have the perfect outfit that it would go with and I gotta look good in case we meet a cute girl,” Sonnett said.

I chuckled as I rolled my eyes at her. Sonnett wasn’t always the most observant. That’s problem why she hadn’t even realized that I didn’t have the hoodie with me.

“Well, you’re out of luck,” I said, causing Sonnett to pause as she turned to look at me. “It’s not here. I didn’t bring it.”

“You didn’t bring it?”

“Nope.”

“Well, why not? You’re always looking for new patches for it.”

“i still am.”

“If it’s not here, then where is it?”

I paused before looking through Instagram until I found the picture that Kierra had posted of her and Leah. I turned my phone so that Sonnett could see the picture.

“Leah Williamson has your jersey? But-But she’s England’s captain, and you’re our future captain!”

“And?”

“And? And that makes you a traitor!”

“Because I wouldn’t let you wear the hoodie but Leah can wear it?”

Sonnett was nodding her head as there was a knock on the door. Sonnett was muttering under her breath about how unbelievable it was as she answered the door. No surprise, Becky was the one to walk in.

“Are you two okay? I could hear you across the hall,” Becky said as she looked at where I was laying on my bed. “If we need to, we’ll have Sonnett switch so I can stay with you, (Y/N).”

“No, everything’s okay,” I assured Becky.

“No. No! Everything is not okay!” Sonnett said, causing me to roll my eyes again. I swear the more time I spent around Sonnett, the more time I was convinced my eyes would roll out of my head one day. “She is a traitor! Okay?”

“You mean the fact that she’s dating Williamson?” Becky asked.

“Yeah, and did you know- Wait, what?” Sonnett asked as she realized what Becky had said. Sonnett turned to look at me. “You’re dating Captain England?”

“Yeah,” I shrugged my shoulders as Sonnett started to pace around. “I mean, we do play for the same team.”

“Now is not the time for your double meanings, (Y/L/N)!”

I chuckled at Sonnett as Becky looked between the two of us. I mostly ignored Sonnett’s mutterings as my phone rang. I grinned at the Facetime coming through from Leah.

“Hi, love,” Leah greeted.

“Hey.”

“No! No, absolutely not! This is not happening,” Sonnett said. I looked up at her as Sonnett snatched my phone from me.

“Oi! That’s my phone!”

I immediately scrambled up from my spot on the bed to pull Sonnett back onto the bed to try to wrestle my phone away from her, but she only dropped it on the floor. The two of us stared at it for a moment before we tried to fight to get off the bed first, but it didn’t matter as Becky picked up my phone.

“You can’t let her have it! She’s the future Captain America! She can’t be dating Captain England!”

“Sonnett, (Y/N)’s a big girl. She can date who she wants,” Becky said as she held my phone out to me. I grinned as I took the phone from Becky before turning my attention to Leah. “With that being said, you do have to end the call because we’re having a team meeting.”

I pouted as I looked up at Becky.

“But-”

“No buts. You’re both required to be there.”

We watched as Becky headed out of the room before I turned to glare at Sonnett.

“Way to go. Now we’re both in trouble,” I muttered.

“Me? You’re the one dating the enemy!”

“Oi! I’m still here, mate,” Leah called out.

“I’m not your ‘mate,’“ Sonnett said as she got off my bed to leave the room.

I sighed as I turned to look at Leah. I ran a hand through my hair.

“I’ll text you when we get done? If you aren’t busy...”

“I’ll call you. How about that?” Leah asked.

I softly smiled at that. I really had been hoping to get to talk to Leah for longer. It was harder for us to talk considering we were in completely different time zones.

“Keep that hoodie safe for me, yeah?” I asked. I waited until Leah nodded before a grin broke out on my face. “Good. As long as you wear it when I’m not near, you’re still wrapped up in my love.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“I love you too, (Y/N).”

#leah williamson imagine #leah williamson x reader #leah williamson imagines #leah williamson #uswnt imagine #uswnt imagines #uswnt x reader #USWNT #arsenal wfc imagine #arsenal wfc imagines #arsenal wfc x reader #arsenal wfc

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m0chisenpai · 7 months

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May I request Miles 42 with a s/o with a great singing voice like Halle Bailey?

Spiderman Across the Spiderverse

42!Miles Morales x black!reader

Not gonna lie this made me reminisce on my old choir days. Thank you so much for sending this request and my apologies on its late arrival!

You were a choir girl and Miles automatically assumed you were like the other snotty nosed girls who chugged hot lemon tea by the gallon, sprayed those weird throat sprays in the halls, and refused any form of dairy because 'it messes with your mucus!'

Truth be told, you were nothing like them. Yes you had dreams of making it on broadway, but you knew a girl with your background had little chances of landing a main lead without facing public backlash. Miles met you through a friend of a friends girl. His homeboys girl was in the same section of you and so whenever his girl was with them you would show up. Miles had suspicions she was trying to hook you up with him.

And it worked.

He came to your concerts, dressed decent, large bouquet sat in his lap waiting for you that had some of your fellow chorus members eyeing you in jealousy as you walked past. He'd pick you up from the academy on the weekends after attending competitions to walk you home, helped you memorize lines for auditions and musicals.

But the irony of it was that Miles never once heard you sing on your own When he requested a solo from you, you would brush him off.

"Solos make me feel all...vulnerable I don't know" you huffed brushing his requests off.

And he knew you could sing. Your choir director knew it, that's why you were in the top row of your section. Your voice washed over the fellow altos of your section blending beautifully. But that's what you preferred to do.

Blend in and not stick out.

The rain came down outside setting the absolute perfect ambiance for this lazy weekend. No rehearsal, no competition, no extra lessons.

Your LED’s set to a soft blue to compliment the Disney movie playing on your cluttered desk. Surrounded by hair gel, black rubber bands, combs and among your other things.

Miles sat in front of your bed with his head resting on your lap, eyes fixed on your set up. Mac on the desk playing whatever Disney princess mermaid you liked. He took you three times to see the movie only loving how your eyes lit up seeing the beautiful black mermaid on the screen.

“It’s just healing my inner child is all” you whispered through glassy eyes as you watched her kiss the prince.

It took a dozen kisses, and a pack of munchies for him to agree to watch the movie again today.

You worked a comb carefully through Miles’ coils, gently detangling the hair and clicking your tongue as you separated to look at his scalp. The gentle scrap against his scalp, your nimble fingers massaging was enough to make his eyes droop.

“Keep doing that and I’m gon fall asleep” Miles mumbles through a handful of chips.

“Awww, poor baby” you coo as you continue to massage his scalp after taking the last braid out. You shook your hands out cracking your knuckles.

“Alright baby, go ahead and use my sink to wash your hair out. And make sure you wash it good. Your scalp is starting to get a little dry.” You gently ran your hands through his combed out hair huffing softly to yourself. The boy had good length.

“Mhm, massage it with that spiky thing right?”

“Yes because it-”

“Stimulates my scalp and helps the blood flow and grow it out I know, I saw them videos you sent me” he drops the chips down next to you and plants a fat, cheesy kiss on your cheek which makes you screech and throw punches at your cackling boyfriend.

“Miles you're CHILDISH” you grumble getting up and grabbing the gel and combs with the rubber ties till gentle music fills the room. And you start feeling the words and joy bubble up as your song's instrumentals flood the room.

Miles focused on scrubbing his scalp with Miguel, Mielle? Whatever the brown and green bottle was next to him that had your and now his hair smelling all earthy and minty.

And as the boy scrubs the shampoo and wrings his dripping curls off into the kitchen sink, he pauses. Because there's singing coming from your room.

He shrugs it off and goes back to getting rid of the stubborn suds and spots of his hair. Then the singings getting louder and sounds more present than just a laptop.

He doesn’t remember the movie having vocals like that. He picks the shirt up from next to him to dry and keep his dripping hair from getting your carpet wet. And he pauses a moment at your door leaning against it.

“....what’s a fire and why does it, what's the word? Burn?” And Mile can’t help but linger watching you stand, eyes fluttered shut as your voice crescendos with the computer.

“When’s it my turn? Wouldn’t love, love to explore that shore up above?” Damn. Miles raises a brow, now he sees why you were in the top seat in choir. Your breath never wavers till you take the breath following that note. Your voice hushed as you finish the song, “out of the sea, wish I could be,”

“Part of that world.” Your smile brightens and warms him up as you finish the song.

Miles almost doesn’t want to break the serene look on your face, maybe even wait out long enough for the next song to play. But the shirt is starting to soak his shoulders and you said something about moisture is important, so he reveals himself coming from around the corner. “How come you don't sing for ME like that?”

The way you yelp and jump is comical and makes Miles huff with laughter as he walks back in.

“MILES you can’t be sneaking up on women like that!” you smack his arm and he falls to the ground letting out a dramatic whine. But you can't fight the giddy feeling in your chest and the smile on your face as you take your seat on the bed and Miles is back with his body in front of you.

"You really think I sounded good?" you mumble as you begin to slowly run conditioner through his hair.

"Yes, mami" he tilts his head back to catch your gaze, and yiu take in how soft his eyes look matching his tone. And now he's paying attention to the movie, because he demands you sing the entire movie to him.

#requests #miles morales x reader #42!miles x reader #42!milesmorales x reader #atsv requests #spiderman across the spiderverse #miles morales x black!reader

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nerdieforpedro · 6 months

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A Night of Madness

Joel Miller x plus size female reader

Fanfiction 18+

Warnings: Awkward family dinner, smut, heavy Southern accent, Joel is a menace

Summary: Jane had a one night stand. She meets him a month later at the last place she expected him to be. Joel is well, Joel 'fucking' Miller.

Masterlist

Notes: I made Joel’s accent extra Southern, not sure why just wrote it and kept it. All mistakes are my own. I thought I had posted it last week and still saw it in my drafts. I was very confused. 😐

“Um…hello. Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, name’s Joel doll. So you’re Jane?”

“Yup. I’m Jane. I’m here.” The pair shook hands, Jane felt her face become warm along with her underarms, anxiety is a bitch.

“God, could you two be anymore awkward? You’re the damn godparents for goodness’ sake!” Tommy had his hands on his hips. His brother was a big teddy bear. A mean ass looking one, but still a teddy bear.

“Tommy, ya’ don’t need to yell. Hell, we just met. Since’s he’s not gonna tell ya, you can park right here.” Joel held out a chair for Jane who sat and pulled her pale-yellow sundress down. It was her favorite, made her feel confidant. And she needed to for this so called ‘family dinner.’ Maria had insisted on it, gathering those who she felt closest to. It was sweet but also meant Jane would have to meet new people, like Joel, though he wasn’t exactly new. Joel’s daughter Sarah was previously unknown to Jane as was the adopted Elle and her girlfriend Star. Jane knew Tommy and Maria of course and their two children, Maria was six months along again.

The teens were playing with children while the adults spoke, Maria asked for Tommy’s help in the kitchen, presumably to explain again why this was a good idea when maybe it wasn’t. Did they really need to meet? Joel didn’t think so, though he was shocked it was the same woman who last time he saw her she was in a royal blue dress one month prior.

He had seen her in a bar and she looked very out of place. Apparently she had gotten separated from her friends and was asking the bartender if he had her phone’s type of charger. He did not. Joel offers to buy her a drink and to use his car charger. He thinks he knows where it is in the truck. She was weary but did need to to be charged, so she agreed and set out to his truck, she laughed about her poor luck and was thankful he was not a creep as she put it. Joel laughed and put a hand over hers, telling her he wasn’t, she would be safe with him. Her fingers intertwined with his and she leaned over giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Be careful who you say that to handsome. You might get more than you bargained for.” Her sultry voice and made Joel shift in the driver’s seat.

“That right doll? I don’t ’suppose ya’ nothing I can’t handle. I might give ya’ sumtin’ ya’ll never forget.” Joel’s other hand cradled her head and pulled him to her, crashing their lips together. It wasn’t long before she had her panties off and Joel was being jerked off by her. She then rode him both in his truck and when he was able to drive, on his couch later. After napping, he insisted that they go to the bedroom where the elder Miller made sure to take his time, get her out of the dress so he could explore all of her curves. He expected her to be hesitant but she was bold and poked fun at him for bemoaning his back. She soon was made to swallow her words as well as Joel’s cock. He tasted her core and couldn’t get enough of her, but the time the sun rose in the morning, they were sprawled across the bed, tangled in each other. It was then that she nervously said she had to go. He didn’t get a name or a number. Turned out she gave him something he couldn’t forget too.

Now they were sitting, making small talk over pasta and garlic bread like none of that happened. She was giggling like everything was fine. When dinner finished, Tommy and Maria put the kids to bed while Elle drove Sarah and Star to a local concert, Joel had already agreed on account of Sarah’s excellent grades, now they were left in an uncomfortable silence. Jane spoke first, after five solid minutes of quiet. “It’s, I don’t think we should mention that we know each other at all. It will make it weirder than it already is.”

“That so doll? Houdya figure?” Joel leaned forward, he had rolled up the sleeves of his red flannel shirt, with a smirk on his face. Jane’s met them and then went back to his face. It was frozen right now, but she remembered the expressions, the sheer awe that it showed looking at her naked form. No one else had treated her with such reverence. It scared her and she didn’t know the man’s name. Her first one might stand. It was easier to do than she thought, but so hard to leave. She knew if she didn’t Jane would have never called an Uber and left. “I remember a hellova night and morning.” His accent sent shivers up her spine. She thought she had a night of madness but she knew she was wrong. It was everything about him, the accent, his hulking frame actually making her feel small. Those hands all over her body and the praises he gave her.

“Doll you sound fuckin’ beautiful right now.”

“Tightest pussy I’ve had, you took me all the way in.”

“Shit that tongue, make me drown ya’ throat.”

“Fuck Doll you’re so soft, lemme hold ya’ stay right there. Not pulling out ‘till I harden up ‘gain.”

Jane remembered all of it and he had given her something she’d never forget. She’d gone so far as to go back to that bar and ask the bartender if he know the man she had left with. He’d scoffed at her and told her it wasn’t his job to remember everyone she fucked. She may have through another person’s bourbon at him. A waste of good liquor.

“I can’t…I lost myself that night and became,” Jane whispered “a bit concerned about finding you. So we can’t…” Her train of thought was lost when Joel’s hand patted her thigh. His touch gentler than the smirk he had.

“Jane, you look pretty in that yellow dress. Damn near close to that blue one you had on.” Joel’s thumb pressed into her thick thigh before scooting closer to her and leaning into her ear. “Still prefer you out of it. I wanna grab ya’ and see ya’ dripping’ fer me.” He left a small kiss to her check and stood to meet the footsteps he heard coming down the stairs. Jane felt her thigh where Joel’s hand had been, missing the pressure.

“You two make things a bit more friendly? You can’t be stiff ‘round each other. For the kids’ sake.” Tommy chimed as he hugged Maria. Jane stood and nodded, hugging the happy couple before moving toward the door. Joel used his long legs to meet her there and open it for her. “Brother, walk her to the car. She parked on the street. Elle’s car was blocking the driveway earlier.” He suggested, Jane put her hands in front of her plush belly, she normally did that when she was anxious. A given since she felt she might fuck him in her car on the street outside of her friend’s house. Joel and Jane stepped out of the house in silence until they got to her car.

“What is it about you that makes me want to have you rail me? I feel insane…” Jane opened her car door and tossed her purse in, slipping her keys in one her dress pockets. Joel stepped to embrace her but she stopped him, putting her hands on his chest. “No. Give me your number Miller. Tell your girls you’re sleeping over at your brother’s house. You’re following me to my place. Now.” He commanded and hopped into her car. Joel put both hands up and walked around to her window.

“I showed ya’ what ya’ couldn’t handle Jane. Now you wanna keep handlin’ it until ya’ understand. I’m fine ridin’ ya out Doll. I’ll follow ya’ and show ya’ some good lovin’ darlin’.”

The Tag List:

@fhatbhabie @morallyinept @pedritapascal @pascalsanctuary @nissaimmortal @grogusmum @theywhowriteandknowthings @beefrobeefcal @goodwithcheese @iamasaddie @psychedelic-ink @modernperplexity @pamasaur @pedrodascal @marcus-is-my-muse @clawdee @mintypossum @trulybetty @perotovar @joelslegalwhre @josephquinnswhore @mandoisapunk @awilderi @deviinci @secretelephanttattoo @for-a-longlongtime @tessa-quayle @legendary-pink-dot @sin-djarin @maggiemayhemnj @rhoorl @magpiepillsjunior @intoanotherworld23 @beabliss @alwaysmicado @daddy-dins-girl

#pedro pascal characters #fanfiction #pedro pascal fanfiction #joel miller #joel miller x reader #joel miller imagine #joel miller x plus size reader #Joel miller is a manace #tlou

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angel-of-the-moons · 8 months

Text

Part of the same ask from 💐 anon: Link

Love, Your Biggest Fan

Pavitr Prabhakar x Super Fan!Fem!Reader

TW/CW: There is an attempted mugging, but mostly fluff

A/N: Tumblr was stupid and erased the whole fic I wrote the first time so I have to attempt to rewrite it from memory, now. Thanks, phone.

🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷

"I bet he's really handsome underneath that mask of his!" Your best friend sang as the two of you walked, eating your shaved ice as the sun began to set.

"Eh." You shrug noncommittally, eating the last scoop of your flavored ice.

"Oh, come on!" Your friend groaned. "I bet he's suuuuuuper handsome! What do you think he looks like?"

"I don't see why you're so hung up on him, he's just some guy." You scoff softly.

"Just some--" She shook her head and looked at you like you grew an extra set of eyeballs and a pair of antlers.

"He's Spider-Man!"

"Exactly. He's just some guy with superpowers. These days, they're a dime a dozen." You say, rolling your eyes, dumping the empty cup in a trashcan you passed, your friend doing the same as you come to a stop, a fork in your paths where you must separate.

"Ugh, you are the only person I've ever met that isn't interested in him!" She said, shaking her head. "You're probably the only woman I know who doesn't wanna see his face under that mask!"

"Like I said..."

"Just some guy in a costume, yeah yeah yeah." Your friend snorted, shoving at you playfully.

"See you at the lecture on Monday. Don't forget to bring your notes. You know that Pavitr guy is gonna forget his again, and ask you for yours."

"Yeah yeah." You grin as she walks away.

You couldn't tell her. How could you? What would she say? Would she make fun of you?

You did care. You cared about Spider-Man a lot.

You had an online forum on a website that you ran. You even did some amateur investigative journalism, writing columns on him and delving articles to quell the lies that the press tried to smear his reputation as a "potentially dangerous vigilante" with a "disregard for proper law".

You hope, if he'd ever seen your posts, that he considered you an ally in a sea of people who tried to dismiss him as reckless.

You cursed your absentmindedness when you realized just how late it had become. You watched as shops closed, and people filed into the safety of their homes for the night; streetlights buzzed to life, casting an eerie orange glow as the sun disappeared beyond the Mumbattan skyline.

You were still a good ways away from home.

There was an alley you could take, that cut a shorter path to your apartment building... You could take that. It would be faster.

🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷

Taking the alley was a stupid, stupid move.

You never take a dark alley when the sun went down. Especially not in this neighborhood.

That was how you found yourself in the situation you were currently in; pressed against the wall, a hand over your mouth and a large knife pressed to your gut.

"Shut up and give me your bag. Now." The man growled.

You felt panic rise in your stomach as the knife glimmered too brightly in the dimly lit alley.

You became frantic, and bit down hard on the man's hand, making a mad dash in an attempt to escape as he reeled away, cursing at you.

You let out a shriek as your feet pounded the pavement, and we're suddenly yanked back hard by the straps of your backpack, thrown to the ground so hard that it knocked the air out of your lungs.

"I was gonna let you go." The man growled. "I wasn't gonna hurt you. But now, I'm gonna teach you not to mess with me, missy!" He raised his hand, the knife poised to strike at you as you tried to desperately skitter away on your hands and feet.

But as you watched the knife swing down, it snagged on a string of silken white. It was suddenly ripped out of his hand and tossed back into the alley somewhere, clattering uselessly to the ground.

"Now didn't your mama ever teach you it's not nice to harass a nice lady minding her own business?"

Your jaw dropped when you saw him. Here he was. In the flesh. Up close.

Spider-Man.

He was hanging upside down, suspended by a web that appeared to be coming from one of the golden bracers on his wrist, his other hand pointed and ready to fire another wad at your attacker.

But frankly, the man looked like he pissed himself as he ran away, panicking.

"Ha! Talk about a coward! Not so big and scary without your knife, huh?" Spider-Man called out, jeering the man as he did a magnificent flip and landed on his feet.

He walked over to you, leaning down and he held his hand out for you to grab.

"Sorry that had to happen to you, but lucky for you I was here to stop that jerk!" He said, his voice bubbly and happy.

"Oh! I... Th-Thank you..." You peeped, taking his hand.

It was very warm. Or maybe it was just you. Was your hand sweating? Oh god, don't make an idiot of yourself, don't faint. Don't make an idiot of yourself--

"Anytime! I--heyyyyy! I know you! You're that girl who writes all that nice stuff about me online!"

Don't faint. Don't faint...

"I... You... You know who I am?" You balk.

"Yeah! Your writing is good! You should consider doing it professionally!" He giggled, his chocolate hair bouncing.

"Oh, I..."

"Hey, do you have a phone?"

Yeah. You were gonna faint.

"I... I do?" You say, fishing it from your bag and holding it out for him.

"Can you unlock it?" He hums.

You enter your pin and hand it over to him, blushing slightly when he sees that your home screen wallpaper is fanart of him, and he giggles softly.

He finds your camera app and opens the front-facing camera, hooking his arm around your shoulders and points the camera at you.

"Here! Say chaaaaaai!" He sings, smiling widely beneath his mask.

"Um, chai?" You say, grinning into the camera.

He snaps the selfie, and promptly hands your phone back to you.

"Here you go! A little thank you for being so nice online!" He chirps.

"Oh, um, it's no problem, I... You didn't have to..."

"Hey hey! Anything for my biggest fan!" He winks at you.

You stow your phone away in the confines of your bag.

"Do you want a lift home? I wouldn't feel right leaving you to walk by yourself at night, especially after what just happened to you!"

"Eh?"

You didn't have a moment to process before he scooped you up, princess-style and flung out his wrist, swinging you through the sky of Mumbattan.

🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷🪷

You laughed as Spider-Man set you down on your balcony, your legs almost like jelly as you wobbled.

Spider-Man was laughing too.

"Now, was that, or was that not way better than taking a taxi?" He joked, his hands on his hips as he bounced on his heels.

"Way, way better." You smile at him.

"Hah! Knew it! The Spider-Man express!" He winked.

You brushed your wind-touseled, untamed hair out of your face, tucking a strand behind your ear.

"Thank you." You say. "For everything. Not just saving me, but... Like, everything you do. I... I know not everyone thinks highly of you, but..."

"Oh! Uh..." He bounces on his heels, swinging his arms a bit awkwardly. Wait. Was he embarrassed?

"Anytime! It is my job after all!" He chuckled.

"Thank you." You say again.

"Well, uhm. I, uh... I should go!" He says, turning away.

"Wait! Will I... Will I see you again?" You ask, grabbing his arm.

His eyes go to where you gripped him.

"Without a doubt. Gotta pay the gal who says good things about me a visit from time to time, right?" He giggled.

"I... I'll hold you to it." You nod.

He winked and did a backflip off your balcony, swinging on a strand of silk with a loud whoop.

As he disappeared into the cityscape of Mumbattan, he reminded himself to forget his notes on Monday.

#💐 anon #answered #pavitr prabhakar x you #pavitr prabhakar x reader

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i-writes-things · 1 year

Text

Avenger Birthday Bash

Natasha x daughter!reader

Summary: Natasha's daughter isn't the fondest of her mom's new girlfriend. BIRTHDAY PARTY

Warnings: fluffy, remembering past.

Extra Pairings:

Bruce Banner x Platonic!reader

Natasha x Maria Hill

Not my gifs*

“I think I owe her that at least.”

“I’ll start planning!”

“No, no I am not letting you plan any part of this!”

“It’ll be lovely.” Maria kissed her girlfriend good bye and left Natasha speechless.

“Mom…?” You emphasized dramatically down the corridors of the Avengers compound. “Mom-” you turned a corner, almost bumping into, well, Maria Hill. Your mom’s girlfriend, who you liked and the relationship wasn’t new to you so it wasn’t as awkward as it use to be around her. “Hey, Miss Hill,” Except for that. That made things unnecessarily awkward. “Have you seen my mom?”

“Hello, Y/n, yes she is up in the kitchen.” The moment being stretched out by neither of you moving away to continue down your separate paths. You didn't have anything else to say, but the second you started to move she stuttered saying, “Hey- So- Y/n,” You turned back to her, “ You excited for your birthday?”

“Yeah I am, thanks.” And with that you were gone.

Before Maria and Natasha had become “a thing” you would joke around with the commander when going on mission or seeing her around the compound. So now that the demeanor between the both of you is very different, neither of you knows how to get back to normal. You hadn’t thought about it for too long at one time.

Her and mom might not even last, so what does it matter.

“Happy birthday, pretty girl!” Natasha kissed your cheek as you woke up to her voice. “Look whos awake,” You breathed in and rolled into her arms. “Hu- Hi my sweets, are you hungry. Wanda made your favorite.” Instantly smiling, you bring your mom into a hug.

“Thank you, thank you, mama.”

“Your welcome,” she kissed your forehead, “Tell your aunt the same.”

“Mhm.”

“I’ll see you down there?”

“Yes.”

“Happy birthday Y/n!” Wanda exclaimed as you walked in the kitchen, Sam and Bucky joining in, in wishing you a good birthday. Even Thor hoped your birthday would be godly. You ate and thanked your aunt for the food, then set out to find your mother for your birthday party. You walked down the halls in search of the distant music, or bumping into bruce racing to get to your party before you could find it. While all you found was Natasha comforting her girlfriend of your presence.

“Hasn’t been so long.”

“It’s been long enough.”

“She’ll come around.

“I don’t know, Nat. She-”

“Look at me, Maria. I will have a chat with my daughter about this. Y/n, likes you, I know she does. I guess this is just still new to her.” You had heard enough, and was walking away, trying to take extra long to “find” the party itself, as it seemed they needed a minute. Thus, when walking down halls feeling guilty and having an accused look on your face, of course it was Bruce to find you. He couldn’t really tell what you were feeling, but knew it had a sort of weight to it.

“You find the extravaganza, yet, kid?” He tried a smile and you returned it, softly.

“Not yet, but by the way your headed, it seems I’m going the wrong direction.”

“Maybe,” You knew you were, but Bruce didn’t, “maybe not.” A light beat passed before he went on. “Walk with me?” He started walking and you kept up with him at his right side.

“You make anything for the party?” You asked, as Bruce and Tony usually teamed up to make you a cool invention each year.

“You’ll have to wait and see.” You groaned, wanting him to just tell you.

“Come on-”

“I am not saying a word, Y/n.”

“Alright, fine. Bruce, can I ask your opinion.”

“Sure.”

“What do you think about mom and Maria?” Bruce’s eyes furrowed, as he walked on. He wasn’t sure. He hadn’t thought to much on the idea.

“Well, their dating.”

“Everyone knows that, fool. Do you think they are gonna last?” Contemplating your words, he turns to you.

“I can’t answer that, all I know is that they are a good couple right now, how am I supposed to know if they will be in a year, or 10 years. I am not sure if Natasha can even answer that one for you, kid.” He finished and saw the expression on your face, then putting am arm around your shoulders, forcing you to move with him. “Lets go have a great party, okay?’

“Yeah, okay.”

“It is your Birthday, after all!”

Walking into the party, where everyone and everything was setting up to look like an extravagant birthday card, you smiled at your family’s hard work..

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY Y/N!!” They all shouted at somewhat of the same time. You cut the cake, and opened presents, Natasha took your picture with all the family behind you, Thor picked you up in a tight but loving hug, Tony helped you blow out your candles, calling you old and Bruce showed you the invention he and Tony had worked on. A new suit, just for you.

“MOM! TONY AND BRUCE GOT ME A NEW SUIT.” You shouted across the room. Natasha saw how excited you were, and so decided she would yell at the men later, about the safety of her daughter. Right now was her birthday.

“That’s wonderful! You’ll have to wear it to training.”

Once the late afternoon had started, there was no stopping it or Avengers becoming tired from all the birthday happenings. And while laying on the couch with your mom, watching some show, you turned to her and asked about Maria and her, letting her know about the awkward situation that had gone on earlier.

“Maria isn’t going anywhere, sweetheart.” Your eyes wandered towards commander Hill.

“But what about me?

“What about you, baby?

“I don’t know, when are we gonna hang out? Ever?” Natasha’s eyes fluttered, not realizing what you had been feeling.

“We will hang out all the time. She could never take me away from you baby, okay?” You just nod, and go in for a hug. “Come on, babe, lets go celebrate my little widow.”

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shelbgrey · 9 months

Text

Bones Halloween Special

Paring: Lance Sweets x Hodgins!Reader x others(Platonic)

Summary: y/n Hodgins and her friends go to a haunted attraction for Halloween and they find something unexpected but not surprising for them.

A/n: this is a re-telling of an old greys anatomy fic I wrote, hopefully this one is better.

MasterList

Halloween was among us, I for one loved the holiday but with our job every day was Halloween. When I was a kid I loved dressing up and watching horror movies. None of my friends really cared for Halloween expect maybe my brother Jack and my fiance Lance.

But the last few years our group of friends started a tradition where we'd go to someone's house and watch a bunch of horror movies and eat junk food.

When we all got off work we headed to Temperance and Booth's house. While me, Cam and Angela were getting snacks, Jack and Lance were looking for movies.

While everything was getting set up we waited for the other guests while Booth and Aristoo watched the news for some reason.

“why are you watching the ne-”

“shh” Booth said cutting me off and turned the volume up. There was a lady standing infront of a haunted house on the TV.

“Tonight's is the opening night of DC's Great Balls of Fire, a haunted attraction that has caused some controversy in recent weeks drawing from local urben ledgends and actual serial killers... One maze is actually based on H. H Holmes, is this in poor taste, of just good old fashioned fun?”

Booth sighs and turns off the the TV. “sounds like just a bunch of over sensitive a-holes trying to shut down everyones Halloween fun”

“but if these are based off actual murders around here they could have families” Cam said. “hell, we probably solved a couple of them” I added.

“dude... What if it's haunted? Like haunted haunted” Jack said getting excited, Temperance was quick to rain on his parade. “actually, it's not possible for paranormal activity”

“well, we should still go” I said putting the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. Angela rolled her eyes and stood up as the air fryer dinged “I'm gonna get the pizza rolls”

“I'll go with you” Cam added

“Aw, common Ang” Jack called out.

Not a second later Angela’s screams erupted through the houses then a cash sound followed along with what sounded like Cam's cackles. We all looked over to where the sound came from, confused. Angela came racing in shaking while Wendell followed, rubbing his head. He had crumbs in his hair and red sause on his face from the pizza rolls.

“What happened to you?” I asked, chuckling.

Wendell turned around and looked at Angela. “You hit me in the head with an air fry basket” Angela whipped back around. “Well you snuck up on me, what do you expect?”

“Where's the pizza rolls?” Lance joked as Angela sat down next to Jack with her arms crossed, Jack chuckled and wrapped his arm around her. “Aw, come on babe, it's Halloween everyone's entitled to a good scare”

“so we going or what? It'll be alot more entertaining than y/n and sweets' horror movie collection” Booth joked. “hey..” me and Lance both said.

“going where?” Wendell asked. “The Halloween amusement park thing just outside of the city” Cam said.

Temperance rolled her eyes. “it's just a bunch of cheep rides and haunted houses that aren't even scary. It's a waist of time”

“you scared Bones?” Booth teased, she just rolled her eyes. “with the stuff we see everyday nothing should faze us now”

“soo...” me and Lance both said looking at everyone.

“Sure, why not” Jack said looking at everyone for confirmation. “you in Wendell?” he nodded.

“cam? Arastoo?” I asked turning to the couple. She nodded with a big smile. “I've been in for a while.”

“yeah, it should be fun” Arastoo nodded.

“Come on Bones, it'll be fun” I said. Temperance soon gave in with a smile. Shee nodded making everyone cheer.

After transportation planning and a few extra details we all separated into three cars and headed out.

~~~~~~~~(.......)~~~~~~~~

“we made it!” me and jack cheered as the the both of raced in leaving the group behind.

“wait up guys! We still need tickets!” Angela shouted making us sighed and walk back.

The line was long but thankful we were towards the front. “lot of weirdos” Cam mumbled. A guy in a clown costume that was behind her and Temperance in line tried to scare them, It didn't work. Temperance didn't even flinch and Cam rolled her eyes.

“boo, so scary” Cam said sarcastically, Arastoo put his arm on her shoulder turning her away from the clown. Booth wrinkled up his nose and subtly moved closer to me and Lance.

We all finally got in with our VIP passes and the place was a sight to see to say the least. Before we set off Lance came up to me with a creeped out expression as he took my hand.

“Sweets we just got here, what's the problem?” Booth asked. He looked around a shivered.

“please tell me the ticket guy licked his lips at all of you and not just me?” I scrunched my noise up in discussed and Booth started laughing.

“would it make you feel better if is said yes?” I asked sweetly, his looked slightly annoyed now. “no, because I don't want so random dude doing that to my fiance” I chuckled which made a smile creep on his face.

“come on, let's have some fun” I said as all of us set off to explore the place.

Booth looked over to Temperance who just looked around slightly board but still trying to look like she was having fun. “this really isn't your thing, is it?” I asked her.

She shrugged with a smile. “I'm just happy to do something with Booth and you guys” Booth was about to lean down and kiss her head, but a guy in a clown costume scared us. Booth jumped in to Temperance's arms and Lance flinched and held on to me, me and Temperance both laughed.

“okay, that was fun” Temperance laughed. I chuckled and pulled Lance along to catch up with the other.

“haunted house?” Wendell asked. We all agreed making our way in. Arastoo and Cam went in first cleaning to each other. The first guy that popped out was bloody, cannibal like doctor making Angela jump into Jack's arms with fear.

She pushed him away like nothing happened. “and... That's just insulting” Temperance said pointing at the doctor as she walked by with Booth.

Strob lights and blood surrounded us as we walked into a canbilist farm themed room. The place was based off. The text chain saw mascara movies obviously.

“ew, that looks so real” Cam said looking at a dummy that was gutted to piece. I looked at it and decided to screw with her.

“that's probably pig intestines, it's what they used in Day of the dead” I said pointing at the dummy. Arastoo wrapped his arm around Cam and looked at me disgust. “how do you know that?”

“same reason I know that I know they used corn syrup for pigs blood in Carrie” I shrugged and Lance wrapped his arm around my waist.

Next we walked into a pitch black room. “okay... Something is gonna pop out” Angela mumbled clinging to Jack.

“hello?” Temperance yelled.

“they aren't gonna respond” Booth said as he looked around.

Strob light suddenly turned on and a bloody clown, taller then Booth came charging at us with a ax. Booth screamed and ran for it while Temperance laughed.

The final room was a back room full of maquines with wolf masks. “one of you are real” Lance mumbled. We successfully made it to the other side without getting scared which made Angela feel confident to walk through. As she went one of them moved and grabbed her scream bloody murder.

She ran out with Jack and the rest of us chacing her.

“that was so badass!” Jack cheered as we made it out to the end. Me and jack high-five then turned to our friend group, everyone seemed shaken up except Temperance.

After that we hit the cheeply made games. Booth and I went up agint each other while Lance and Jack went to a ring toss booth. Surprisingly I won and I wasn't gonna let Booth forget it. “yes! Suck on that!” he laughed and gave me the win.

“here you go” Lance said from behind me. I turned around to find my fiance Holding a little fox plushie he won. I smiled and thanked him with a quick peck on the cheek.

Angela, Cam, and Arastoo then came back with giant preziles and funnel cakes. “What did we miss?” Arastoo asked handing me my funnel cake.

“y/n whipped Booth in a Shooting game” Jack laughed. “yes, that's my girl!” Angela said high-fiving me as Lance took the paper plate and ate some of the funnel cake.

The dude running the Booth gave me my prize, which was a panda bear plushie. I thanked him and gave it Lance.

“i saw another haunted house when I was getting drinks... Sounds pretty scary” Cam said. “i think there's alot of clown crap, so it's probably based off IT or something” Arastoo added.

Booth's eyes bugged out in fear from behind me and Lance. Cam noticed and chuckled. No one knew of his fear expect me and Temperance. He reluctantly agreed as we headed off.

“you alright?” Lance asked, Booth pushed his shoulder slightly. “it's your day off Shrink”

“God, I hate clowns” Booth mumbled. Temperance stopped and grabbed his hand. “We don't have to go in if you don't want to... I'll stay out here with you while the others go in” he shook his head and pulled her along.

“no, let's go” Temperance rolled her eyes and tired to stop him but no dice.

We all went to the entrance which was old, rugged door with very scary written on it. “how scary is 'very scary'?” Angela asked walking towards it. I shrugged when she stopped and looked at me for confirmation.

“it's a haunted house Angie” Wendell said opening the door. Cam, Arastoo, and Jack went through first. Angela sighed and walked in with Wendell.

“ladies first” Lance said to me and Temperance. Booth nodded and pushed me forward. “yup, we're gentleman around here”

Me and Temperance rolled our eyes and went in before our husbands. Lance garbed my hand as we walked through a room full of glowing mirrors. The light flashed on and off giving it an eary feeling.

It went pitch black for a few minutes then the blue lights came back on. A Pennywise actor jumped out and pounded on the window. “holy shit!” Booth said grabbing on to Temperance.

“I don't like it here!” Lance added, hiding behind me.

“Awsome” I said as we watched Pennywise run around.

We rounded a corner and ended up in a room full of clown statues and plushies. “oh you got be fucking kidding me” Booth mumbled as he watched every single clown making sure one of them wasn't gonna move. All the clown Dolls then started to shake and their eyes glew as we walked pasted.

As we exited we saw everyone was waiting. “that was very disappointing” Temperance said as we continued to walk around, Booth's eyes bugged out as he tried to recover from his 'trauma'.

“yeah I expected a bit more fear” I said. The others came out after words and Angela looked just as terrified as Booth.

Jack stuck his hands in his pockets and motioned to another attraction. “welp, there one more... Might as well get our money's worth” Angela sighed and followed him.

I tunred to my fiance and my best friend. “you two gonna be alright?” Lance nodded and so did Booth. “as long as there's no more freaking clowns.” he mumbled.

The four of us walked In the last building, it was The smallest one and looked like the haunted mansion from Scooby-Doo. We walked through a couple of hallway that made it feel like an actual Scooby-Doo themed attraction.

It wasn't really scary, meaning it didn't even bother Angela. “I think this is the end” Arastoo said.

As he said that the ceiling started cracking, something fell through making dust fill the area. “that smell is disgusting” Angela gasped as familiar stinch filled our noses.

“that's a rotting corps smell” I said covering my mouth and leaning into Lance.

“that looks really real” Arastoo said making us look down, it was clean skeleton that was stained red. Temperance knelt down and looked at the Skelton. “y/n, do you have your flashlight?”

I nodded and dug it out of my bag, Temperance shined it on the Skelton. “why would they put a real skeleton in a haunted house?” Angela asked.

"who knows, the 60s through the 80s were known to use real skeletons in horror movies” I said shrugging.

Jack took out his phone light and studied the now crime scene. “yup, look here sis” I looked and saw a couple of magets and a few termites.

“it looks like she's been here for almost four days” I said.

“call it in Booth it's real” Temperance said standing up. “looks like a female in her late 20s”

“thank God... Let's call it and get out of here” Booth mumbled and pulled out his phone and left the building, Lance followed pulling out his phone too. As they left a scare actor stopped them. Booth wasn't having it, getting into agent mode.

“Hey, this is a crime scene now” he barked and pulled out his badge. The scare actor's shoulders slumped and he pulled off his mask, he was just a teen.

“really man, I just got this job” the boys ignored him and called the Bureau.

“one normal night... That's all I ask” I sighed and stoped the other visitors before they could see the dead body.

“let's get her back to the lab before it catches too much attention” Temperance said.

The part of the park that we were at got shut down so the FBI could get through. Temperance and Jack left with them to get evidence.

“well that killed the mood” Angela said as we continued to walk after everyone was evacuated from the crim scene. “not really” I said.

“well, I'm beginning to believe this place is haunted” Cam added, I sighed. “well let's get to the lab, we're not going to bed anytime soon”

~~~~~~~~(.......)~~~~~~~~

We spent most of the night cleaning the Bones and checking for injuries. We found out the victim was strangled to death with one of those plastic chains that's used for decoration. The victim was killed and left about three day ago, three days before the Halloween park opened.

Lance came into my office about two hours later with tired eyes. I smiled softly as he plopped down on the couch that was in there. “did you get the killer”

Lance rubbed his face and nodded as I lyed down with him. “it was that kid me and Booth ran into when we were making calls”

“why did he do it?” I asked resting my head on his chest. “he wanted the part the victim had, apparently he worked at the attraction for years and the victim got the job right on the spot”

I shook my head. “the girl was so young”

“all her friends said she was so excited to get the job” Lance said.

We talked until we fell asleep, I don't know for how long but we were suddenly woken up by my brother. “What?”

“you guys should go home, the case is over” I sighed and looked at my watch and saw it was not only the next day but time for work too.

“no because our shift just started” I mumbled and sat up carefully. Lance ground and rolled over and fell back asleep. I let him sleep and went into the lab.

Everyone was setting around with energy drinks and coffee. “I'm starting to hate Halloween” Cam mumbled and downed her coffee.

Jack wordlessly handed me a monster and sat down next to him, as I sipped it the lights went out suddenly.

“son of a bitch!” I sighed and we just set there in the dark too tired to do anything.

#Bones #Lance Sweets x Hodgins!reader #Lance Sweets x reader #Lance Sweets imagines #Bones x reader #Bones imagines #Jack Hodgins x reader #Seeley Booth #Temperance Brennan #Camille Saroyan #arastoo vaziri #Angela Montenegro #Halloween imagines #Spooky season

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aliusworld · 2 months

Text

REL:LY / Magic Words / LSG ✶

Aqua Hoshino x Reader

This is PART THREE, check out other parts in the link below!

REQUIEM: Sixth New Genesis!

What's to come: [Reader likes both genders], [Aqua x Reader], [Akane x Reader]

[Songs of the chapter: "MANNEQUIN" by Deco*27, "Parasol Cider" by Nanahoshi Orchestra, "Nonsense Bungaku" by Eve]

[7,531 words]

It's been a few days since the video was posted. Multiple news websites were talking about it, people online were harassing others about it, even people in real life were talking about it. Even though Akane doesn't want to be the face of the news so soon, it's shining a better light on her. She is a victim of the internet and she'll never have that innocence back, but she's a lot better now.

Akane has been showing up on set more often now, you cling onto her like there's no tomorrow when she stays. Honestly, when she first came back, you swear you could feel your eyes watering, but that isn't important. What is: is that Aqua gave Akane an important suggestion. "Try acting, be someone who you aren't to protect yourself. Separate this show from your real self." It really wasn't something you agreed with, but if it would keep Akane happy and safe, you'd be okay with it.

"It's really all your choice, Akane." You perked up, leaning against Akane's shoulder glaring at Aqua, "Don't think about the audience when you make this decision. I know they're important or whatever, but you are too!"

"I think it's a pretty good idea and I am good at acting, but... what— who should I act as?" Akane asked, tilting her head to the side you were opposite to. Aqua stared out, not giving her a response. "Ahem. [name], what do you think?" Akane shifted her head to face you as you stopped leaning on her shoulder, before you could respond, Akane kept going. "What's your type?"

Your face turned red as your eyes widened under your mask. All eyes were on you, including the people filming. You choke on your words before letting them slip, "M-My ty-t... type..?" You bit your lip, did you even have a type? The only person you've ever fallen for was... Hanae. You caught yourself before you accidentally said her name. Roaming around your mind, you realized how similar Akane and Hanae really were. What differences did they even really have? Hanae was more conservative and less obsessive, then again, people had more of a life outside social media, didn't they? You shake your head after another minute of pondering, "This isn't helpful at all but... *I think you being yourself in all of your 'Akane-ness' is my type."

"You're lying..." Akane blushed, jolting her head to look at the floor, "How could you say that? Even after all I've put you through..— Hm! N-Nevermind..!" Akane took a deep breath in and put her arm around your shoulder, "A-Aqua! What about you? You did save me too after all, I think I can do this for you. As a thanks." You stared at Aqua, is Akane just going to ignore your super-extra-cute confession? You pout under your mask and lean closer into her. Aqua better have a good answer. "So... What's your type, Aqua?"

"Hm..? You're really serious with that question?" Aqua looked a little shocked, he sighed and looked out the window, "I never really thought of that, I guess." He rested his cheek to the palm of his hand and started thinking. "My type... I guess my type is someone who's pretty."

"Go to hell!" You mutter half jokingly.

"Keep going Aqua!" Akane said, pulling out her notepad and pen. Staring at him with her pretty blue eyes.

"Someone who can smile as bright as the sun, and performs without a fault. Assertive behavior and speech... Captivating eyes that can draw you in with one glance..."

"You're telling me you've never thought of your type before? Hah, what a stupid lie." You half-heartedly joke as you shake your head back and forth, "Come to think of it, a pretty girl who works hard... kind of sounds like Ai from B-Komachi, doesn't it?" Aqua's eyes widened for a split second before calming down quickly, his lips forming words, but you couldn't hear it at all.

"Ai? I've heard of her... I'll research her the best I can: I'll be your girl, Aqua!" Akane said with glee, writing down the name in her notepad while putting it back down on the table next to her. She turned back to you and smiled, "And what you said [name]... I.. Mm, thank you."

You leaned onto her shoulder as Aqua stared at the two of you. His eyes were dark. Did no one else notice that at all?

˚⋆୨ ✶ ୧⋆˚

You were back on set today, another week passed by without any progress on finding Hanae. You were inside a classroom, the sun was bright, Aqua sat directly next to you. Couldn't he have found another chair? You'd been sitting next to him the entire school week, your head plopped down into your arms as time passed by slower than usual.

Aqua didn't say anything when he sat next to you, the camera's were on, glaring onto your face. Still, you didn't feel the urge to act or put on a show. This was just life, for you at least.

...

When's Akane getting here?

Just as you thought that, footsteps could be heard from behind the doorway. You got excited, getting back up and impatiently staring in anticipation for Akane to enter.

It was just Mem and Yuki. Ah, well that's fine. Maybe you should go hang out with them? Before you could get up from your seat, the two girls had already come over. Not to you specifically, but towards your general direction. Their real target was Aqua.

"How's it going, Aqu-tan?" Memcho slyly asks, sitting on the desk in front of him, "I overheard that... you have a type??!"

"Yah, and I heard it was pretty basic too! All you care about is looks, am I right? All boys are the same! It's about time you morph into a man!" Yuki says, bursting out laughing after.

"Who told you that?" Aqua asks, deadpanned, he doesn't seem mad or concerned.

"How silly of you, Aqu-tan! I said we overheard!" Mem laughed, you forgot you told her about the 'conversation' you and Akane had with him. "I also heard that Akane was acting for you? That's so totally weird! Why would you do that to that poor girl?"

"Yeah Aqua! You totally suck! All you care about is looks!!" Yuki adds in, you nod your head to their conversation... When is Akane going to come back?

Begrudgingly you continue to watch everything unfold before you as you lean on your arm. All you could think about was Akane.

...When did the two of you get so close?

That's when the door slid open again: It was Akane!

The door was wide open, she didn't enter though. She patiently waited for the cameras to pan to her. Akane I bailed deeply before closing her eyes, when her eyes opened back up she was a completely different person. Her 'aura' changed.

She reminded you exactly of Ai.

You guessed that Aqua noticed too because he was just as shocked as you were, maybe even more. Akane's eyes were different, they looked just like Ai's too— no, they looked just like yours. Just a different color. Was this seriously all just acting? How could someone just change their entire vibe like that?

"What's wrong you all?" Akane asked, looking at everyone present, "It's almost like you've seen a ghost!"

"A-Akane? Is that really you?" Yuki asks, understandably a bit taken back, "You seem so... different...?"

"Do you dislike this part of me, Yuki?" Akane asked, tilting her head to the left. Yuki shook her head while she waddled back towards the two boys who just walked in. "So, how about we hang out all on our own today, Aqua?"

You felt a pang of sadness when Akane said that. Why Aqua? Why not you? You don't blame her though, Aqua is quite handsome, isn't he?

You shove your head back into your arms as the room fell silent. Aqua and Akane left the room together with a group of camera people following them. Was all your hard work for nothing? Did Akane not like you? Did she really like Aqua more than you? Aqua is just so... off putting. But she's never been under his stares for days on end has she?

Aqua totally likes her now, doesn't he?

Why does that make you a little sad?

˚⋆୨ ✶ ୧⋆˚

For the next few days of shooting, Aqua was all over Akane. Though, you weren't out of it the entire time. You and Akane still had moments together, and it was really enjoyable. It felt really familiar, but you couldn't really put your finger on it.

Then it came to the last day on set. Everyone knew that the last episode was all about the cast members confessing to each other. You didn't plan on doing anything, there was an uneven amount so it was bound to happen, a fail on the casting director honestly, but you aren't going to complain. You'd rather not have manic fans asking about your love life while streaming, and if you were going to confess to anyone: It'd be Akane, and she's currently preoccupied with Aqua.

The sky turned dark and the sun started to set, you sat down on a bench as the crew started to gather around. The contestants lined themselves up and discreetly discussed with each other on who picks who. It's usually the boys going for the ladies, isn't it? You could guess who would go with who.

"Alright, is everyone set?" The director asks, casting a glance towards the people working with the lights and cameras.

"Yes sir!" The higher up yelled back.

"Action!"

The air seemed tense, somehow. No one was up to the challenge of going first. You kept to yourself, watching through your mask. Was it figurative or real because it was getting a little harder to breathe as each minute went past.

Noboyuki bit the bullet and went over to Yuki. He got on his knee and poured out his feelings to her, it was honestly kind of cute. She said no though. You didn't actually understand it at all, Yuki said she liked him, so why'd she reject him?

Then it was Kenji, who knew he'd go next— not like there were a lot of options, but still. He went up to Memcho of all people, didn't expect that either. They were so different, so it was kind of a shock to no one when Mem rejected him.

Lastly, it was Aqua's turn. He was standing between you and Akane, his eyes glanced towards you for a split second before he slowly walked towards Akane. She was sitting underneath a tree on one of the other benches, his hand traveled up to her face and brushed a lock of her blue hair out of the way.

Their faces drew closer and closer together, lips barely an inch apart.

Aqua's eyes shut and Akane brought her hand up.

Right before their lips connected, Akane brought a hand up between the two of them.

"I'm sorry, Aqua. I just can't do... that." Her eyes didn't have stars in them, "We can still be boy-girl friends, my heart just... it's for someone else."

She quickly got up from her seat. Everyone seemed shocked, you and Aqua were no exception. What was she up to? Akane excused herself and bowed as an apology to Aqua, and also probably the camera, and marched towards you.

"[name]! Will you accept my confession of love?" Akane shouted out, her face was red and her hands were on her thighs.

"H-Huh? What?? Why me?- I mean I would love to and everything but I seriously don't uhm!!" You stutter, your face turned red. Everything was a blur in that moment, you don't really remember too well as to what happened but, Akane slipped your mask away and kissed you underneath it. Her eyes were shut with passion while your eyes were wide open, stars gleaming. You didn't stop it, a kiss takes two people after all.

You were definitely flustered, your eyes wandered to the people in the crowd watching the two of you. Aqua looked shocked, his mouth was wide open, a real sight to behold. The rest of the crew looked almost exactly as surprised as Aqua, was it really that bad?

Or in other words: Would it give this season of Lovenow higher ratings than the rest?

-End of Re_Love:Love_You

Lovenow was a hit with everyone, there weren't as many controversies surrounding you and Akane that you thought they'd be. Which is a good thing, but mildly strange. The two of you decided to make your relationship private, mostly for your sake, not stating whether the two of you were dating or not. On the inside though, Akane decided to stick to just being friends— Just kidding! The two of you are full on dating!

Just kissing again... it was more of a situationship.

On the other hand, a few days after Lovenow ended, it was released to the public that Akane and Aqua were dating! Which made you... jealous. Though honestly you couldn't really place why.

To your dismay, they didn't air the episode of you and Akane sharing a kiss. Instead, they begged Akane and Aqua to re-record the part and act like they were in love. The two agreed reluctantly while you threw a tantrum in your head.

...

Fuck.

You bite your lip as you throw your head onto your pillow, why was Akane so important to you? Not that it matters right now, you have a party to get to. What would look good on you?

It was the Lovenow after-celebration, not something you've ever been to before. You asked Aqua about it since he had one for a past drama he was in, apparently this one is supposed to be less fancy. Just a casual hangout with the cast, an unofficial party! How cute!

You tossed something on and went to meet your friends at the barbeque place you went to last time. It was the same old, same old, even the seating. You were squished in between both Akane and Aqua, even though the two of them were dating. It was awkward to say the least.

"So I heard that Akane and Aqua were dating!" Memcho stated, poking at the freshly cooked meat in front of her, "What made you change your mind, Akane? I thought that you and [alias] really had something special!"

"Huh? Oh! We do! We do, just for [alias]'s sake. They told me that their fans would freak out or something... and that it was for my safety? I don't really understand it all, but if [alias] wants it then I thought I'd do that."

"Oh I see... then what about you Aqua? What did you think?" Memcho asked, turning to look at him.

"I think that it's fine, me and Akane only started dating because so many people were betting on it on social media."

"Ah, so you're no fun. I see." Mem sighed, collecting some bell peppers from the plate in between her and Yuki, "Then what about you, [alias]?"

"...Akane can choose for herself, that's what I think." You were deadpan with your answer, you didn't want to come off as rude though. Is it too late for that? "☆Oh! But seriously, it's all for Akane's safety that we don't get together. As an internet celebrity, I expected you to understand." You said jokingly.

"Ahh! I do! I do! I'm professional in every aspect- not that I'd expect you to understand either! I am your senior after all, aha!" Memcho defensively shouted, laughing with you.

Kenji and *the other guy entered the room with a few more drinks, this hangout session was a lot less fun than the one you all had last time, for you at least. How could you change that though?

The night was coming to an end, everyone said their goodbyes and you tried your best to cling onto Akane as best as you could. She didn't seem any distant than she was in the beginning, but it still felt as if there was a barrier between the two of you. This is Aqua's fault. You groaned as thoughts wandered in and out of your head, you were surrounded by the two blonde's. You never knew Mem lived in your direction.

The walk was really peaceful, you didn't expect that much from Mem. However, the person to break the peace was Aqua.

"Memcho, what's your dream?" Aqua asked, his head poked out from your side to look at the girl beside you.

"My dream? My dream is to be somewhere, be someone. It was really fun being on stage with all you real celebrities. It was almost like being on a stage." Memcho sighed, she twirled her finger in her blonde locks. "I saw how you reacted when Akane acted like Ai, she really captivated you huh? I really miss that about her..."

"You know about B-Komachi?" Aqua asked

"How could people not know about B-Komachi?" You laugh as you put your arms on the back of your head, "Especially after the tragedy, it's a lesson well learned. Ai didn't deserve that at all, she was going to make it to the top of the world."

"Exactly, right? After that I couldn't believe what horrendous thoughts I had! Even after what happened and what was yet to come, I still wanted to become an idol." Mem looked at the ground before rising up with a smile, "That's all behind me now, I believe in myself, and I'm sure that I'm someone's idol— at least, I'm sure there are hundreds of people looking up to me."

"The two of you really like B-Komachi?" Aqua asked, putting a hand to his chin, "What about you [alias]? Have you ever thought about being an idol?"

"An idol?" You thought about your second life, you weren't even an idol yet. And in this life, you already had a plan set for yourself. You didn't need to go down that path, but you never were an idol before.. What are you even on about? "Oh? I guess I have, but who hasn't in this day and age?"

"Then what would you think about joining the second coming of B-Komachi? Strawberry Productions is trying out the whole idol thing again." Aqua said, putting on a soft smile. It looked weird. "We're friends, aren't we? I think that I know you two well enough to trust that you'll be great idols and won't tarnish the name of Ai." He's acting so strange.

"What?! Oh em gee! It would be an honor!!" Mem agreed happily, "Though, I would need to speak with someone who actually knows what they're doing, make sure it isn't too shady."

"Yeah, if the contract is okay I'll think about it."

"Right, you've been to my home before. Just follow me."

˚⋆୨ ✶ ୧⋆˚

You've been in Aqua's home before, but never this up close. You got to see his mother and sister again, they're really cute. Another thing to add was that his 'house' is a lot larger than yours. What was the word for it? It was a studio apartment while yours was a small crummy apartment your mom left you when she moved back to her home country. You really never realized how big it was.

"Ah, so you've brought another one for me. You're really good at this whole recruiting thing, aren't you?" The pink haired woman grumbled, "How'd you manage to snag this one? A YouTuber and full-time influencer?" She shifted her gaze to look at you, "And a faceless internet celebrity and singer. I'm surprised that either of you were interested in becoming idols."

"It was a dream of mine ever since I was a child, ma'am." A drop of sweat rolled off of Mem's face as she spoke to the director.

"Well the two of you are independent streamers so there aren't any managers I need to talk to?"

"I am independent in it of itself, but I do have a team working for me in the background surrounding legal advice and finances, so I believe that I would have to check in with them before I make any hasty decisions." You say, gripping at your lower forearm, you really didn't want to experience another death so soon. You haven't met Hanae yet... and everything regarding the industry is much more safe, isn't it? So no falling lights.

"Once you get a concrete answer, there won't be any problem regarding Internet personalities, we at Strawberry Productions work with them on a daily basis, but you Memcho. You look like you have something to say."

Memcho was lying about her age. By 7 whole years. You tried your best to suppress a few giggles to slip out from your mouth, but then she poured her heart out about what inspired her, made her keep pushing, and what blocked her from getting any farther. At that point, you felt bad for almost laughing.

"So by the time I was financially stable, I was already over the prime age from any idol to debut..." Mem sighed as she looked down at the ground, fiddling with her fingers. Before anyone else could and then Aqua's sister barged into the room.

"No one is too old to be an idol!" She shouted, jumping on top of Mem with a hug, "Every age is idol age, that's what Ai would say!! Are you really going to join me in B-Komachi?!!" She looked over to you and smiled as bright as the sun, "And you! The one that Aqua totally def-likes-because-why-else-would-he-invite-someone-as-cool-as-you to our house, are you going to join us too!?"

"I'm thinking about it, but I'm sure that you'd all do well without me!" You say, ignoring the parts that she said too quickly for you to understand.

"But you're just so talented!! You can sing so well and you'd be such an amazing addition to B-Komachi!" She shouted out, "Oh! My name is Ruby Hoshino, please remember my name even though you are so ultra-amazingly-famous-celebrity!"

"Th-Thank you, ☆I'm sure you'll be a great idol...!" You feel awkward saying that, did you even really mean it? Probably.

They talked more about it for a few minutes, but it came to an end. You texted your team about joining B-Komachi and they texted back in a meer seconds, it would affect your stream schedule greatly, but you'd still be able to live off of it for a while. You had enough money to sustain yourself and maybe one more person for at least a few years. It was really all up to you, did you want to try to become an idol again?

That was all you could think about, you tried to get sleep but the scene of getting crushed played over and over again. You even searched for any new articles about it, but not a lot showed up. At least, not on the internet. It was over 40 years ago, wasn't it?

God you sound old.

It's a lot safer now, so you wouldn't die from being an idol. With another bonus of being a part of the famed B-Komachi! That would most definitely get Hanae's attention, wouldn't it? It'd help you find her— or maybe Hanae will find you? You'd have to tell Aqua tomorrow at school. Yes.

Anything for Hanae.

˚⋆୨ ✶ ୧⋆˚

The sun rises and so do you, thinking about being an idol made you feel tense all of a sudden. Ruby goes to the same school as you, so it shouldn't be hard to tell her you accept her invitation, right? You could always just ask Aqua. You continue on with your daily routine as you shrug, your uniform looks as plain as it did the day before. Maybe you should add something on to it?

Eruru calls you over and Matsuyo over to her table and yaps on and on about how her weekend was. Being a loved daughter of an amusement park owner would be fun, wouldn't it? She shoves you and Matsuyo in her arms and suggests that you three should go out for fun, you agree with her. Matsuyo hisses at her touch, but doesn't move further.

"Ohh! Let's all take a photo together, it would look really cute for my Instagram!" Eruru says, pulling out her candy colored phone, "Say 'Cheese'!~♡' or how about 'Happy Third Month of School!!' That looks so so cyuute!~ Ah you guys are the best!"

"How does she have this much energy...?" Matsuyo grumbles, taking out his own phone, "But going to the park with the two of you doesn't sound that bad."

"It sounds amazing!☆ We could go on so many of those roller coasters until we vomit our guts out together!⭑" You say clinging onto his back, shaking him back and forth. You felt embarrassed, but he didn't flinch.

"Not you too" He complains, "But that sounds good too, maybe not the vomiting."

"Alright!! What about this Saturday? Or Sunday?" Eruru chimes in, "I posted it and it already has a few likes! We are totally going to be super duper famous!"

"Saturday is fine, we have to study on Sunday though. We have a test, remember?"

"Arghh!! No tests! Those are so boring." She whines.

Aqua walks into the classroom and sees you leaning on Matsuyo, he seems a little disappointed. You brush it off and roughhouse with your newly made friends. Though he was back at it again, staring at you from a distance. It didn't creep you out as much as it did before you officially got to know.

˚⋆୨ ✶ ୧⋆

"Aqua, take me to your sister."

He couldn't take your nerves sometimes, yet he found himself agreeing anyway, as you now walked next to him, hands on your hips. The way to the courtyard felt neither fast-paced or slow, you didn't say anything as you two made it to the destination of where Ruby Hoshino sat.

Neither of you noticed the red haired girl lurking close by.

When Ruby's magenta eyes spotted the two of you, she perked up expectantly.It was as if gears turned in her head until her face lit up and she proudly exclaimed "Oh, Aqua! Are you showing me your first friend?"

Aqua only looked at her with a deadpan expression, but you felt the need to squint your eyes together, the female twins' energy being way too bright. It was somehow higher than Eruru.

"Your sister is too bright, can you tell her that for me?",you stood behind Aqua, only daring to look at the personified sun over his shoulder. He ignored your comment though and gave a court 'No' to his sister, who immediately had the gears turning in her head, again until...

"Ah! Is she your girlfriend?"

Your jaw dropped to the floor. There was a shocked aura coming from one of the bushes nearby, as well as the sound of someone falling back a little, yet nobody bothered to notice. As your eyes went wide, Ruby continued on a rant, completely unbothered though, as she made fun of her brother.

"I can't believe you tried to get with that Akane girl, because like-"

"She is not", Aqua cut his sister off. He put his hand on the small of your back and you tried to not react, but you couldn't tell, was your face heating up? He pushed you forward towards Ruby and then pulled his hand away. "This is [alias]."

...

"Oh!" Ruby really needed to work on her volume control.

The aura coming from the bush changed, you couldn't tell if it was in a positive way or not, but the redhead used it as a hiding spot to claw at her hat.

Eyes blessed with one starry glow gazed into the ones holding two and the blonde girl stepped forward grabbing and holding your hands together. The serious look on her face surprised you, there were so many emotions in her eyes, like a deep galaxy and suddenly you saw an energy in Ruby that you've only ever seen in an idol long passed.

"So you've decided?", there was hope in her voice.

The close proximity was still startling you, as well as her suddenly turning serious, but you quickly tried to gather yourself. Small flashbacks of the long lost time where you've spoken similar words flood your mind, hands unconsciously gripping hers a bit tighter.

"Yeah, I've made up my mind. I'll take up your offer, I'll join B-Komachi as an idol."

-End of Magic Words

Even before you joined B-Komachi, you knew that training to be an idol would be hard work. However, you didn't expect it to be this hard. Maybe it's a lot more different in this body than your old one. You aren't an energetic 12 year old anymore. Was all this cardio really worth it?

You stop to catch your breath with your hand on the stone wall next to you. 'Why did I accept her offer' kept running in and out of your brain as your face turned red with adrenalin. Pieyon shouted for you to keep going as you were way behind the other three girls. Biting your tongue, you made it on top of the hill before flopping to the floor in front of Kana and Ruby. All this running puts way too much pressure on your little deformed rotten heart.

"Are you okay, [name- [alias]?" Ruby asked, putting a hand out for you to grab.

"Ruby! Why are you saying that? You're the one with asthma!!" Kana sighed, helping Ruby lift you back up from the ground. Ruby comments with a 'But I'm not the one dying!' as you stare at the sky above.

"Keep it up, [alias]! It's only been 30 minutes-ish!" Memcho laughed, patting your back and handing you a sticker covered water bottle. "Well actually it's closer to 25, but y'know~"

"What do you mean it's only been 30 minutes??!" You whine, pulling your mask off to the side of your head to breathe in fresh air for the first time. "I feel like I'm dying!! There's no fucking way I'm going to be able to do this on a stage.."

"Language!" Ruby shouted, "No idol would ever drop an f-bomb without getting criticized, we really need to work on that." She took a sip from her water bottle, it was glittery and pink. An Ai charm was attached to the lid. "And put your mask back on!!"

You groaned as you slapped the mask back on your face. *You had to go to the amusement park later with your friends... would they even let you go? You weren't even that good at dancing either. Idol work just isn't meant for you. You fall butt first onto the floor as you shut your eyes. B-Komachi II is already going downhill. Speaking of downhill, that was your next goal. Running downhill back to the studio with your new friends and Pieyon. Again, you were behind them, but it wasn't as bad as the run up.

When the apartment was reached, you felt the cool breeze of sweet air conditioning on your skin. You sat down on one of the brightly colored sofas Strawberry Studios owned.

"No sitting down just yet! We have to work on our muscles! And also learn choreography, some marketing stuff using videos, probably some more cardio, oh wait, not to mention editing the videos–" Ruby continued to go on for a few more minutes as you caught your breath, again.

The dancing sucked, especially learning it all from a not so high quality video. There wasn't anyone to train you besides Pieyon and the Ai fanatic: Ruby. She was a lot better than you were, so was Kana. Memcho was also better than you, but the gap between the two of you was a lot smaller than your gap with the two self proclaimed idols.

You wonder where Aqua is.

As hours went by, your training for day one was finished. You were with the girls, sitting in a room with walls made of mirrors as they packed up their stuff and made some small talk with each other.

"Here's what's funny: we did this whole work out thing with Pieyon to promote B-Komachi! It was sooo hard, we had to do, like, actual punches and stuff for a whole hour!" Ruby burst out laughing, but quickly stopped to think, "I just don't understand kids these days, why do they find buff guys working out so entertaining? Whatever, we'll have to make them fall in love with us!~"

"If they're all going to fall for us, then we're going to have to make a name for ourselves as idols. For example: Who's going to be the face of the new B-Komachi?!" Memcho says, putting her pointer finger to her lip.

"So a leader?" Kana asked, shifting her eyes to look at Mem.

"Yeah! A leader! I say that I should be the leader because I'm the one with the most experience using social media and with uh– nevermind that part. That's totally [alias]."

"No thanks, I'm not up for being the face of this whole group thing, I can't be the face. I don't even have one." You joke, "But I'm being serious, I don't think it would do us any good by having me be the leader. Plus, I don't think I'm really... marketable."

"I totally understand that." Ruby says, putting a hand on your shoulder and smiling, "We won't pressure you any further– but since we're on this topic... I nominate myself to be the leader of B-Komachi because I resemble Ai the most. Plus, I was the reason we made this whole group in the first place, y'know? So I think that the title should go to me."

"Well you aren't going down without a fight!" Memcho shouts, pouncing towards Ruby. They got in a cat fight as you look over to Kana.

"What about you? You haven't said anything yet. Any thoughts on who the leader should be?"

"Hm? Oh well... no comment." Kana sighs, "This is dumb, why don't we just get a random number generator online and just like... I don't know. Ruby is even and Memcho is odds, and whatever number gets chosen the person gets the win?"

"No Kana! That's a horrible idea!" Ruby shouts, "Being an idol is all about talent! Memcho, I challenge you to a singing contest in the karaoke bar down the street! Whoever gets the better score gets to becomes leader!"

"Oho, child? You dare challenge me? Respect your elders, Rubytan!" Mem laughs, you can't tell if it's at her self deprecating joke or at Ruby for challenging her. Mem pointed her finger at Ruby with a silly looking grin plastered across her lips.

"Yeah? You wanna go? Let's go!! C'mon!" Ruby runs out the door with Mem closely behind her.

"What about you Kana, are you gonna go with them?" You ask.

"No, probably not. I'm going to head home now. It's getting dark anyway. Bye [alias]." Kana left before you could say bye to her. From a distance you could hear her saying bye to Pieyon as well.

You're alone in the room as you sit in a corner and scroll through the apps on your phone. It's always the same thing again and again, art of you, food, videos of babies, art of the newest anime, true crime, the latest controversies, paparazzi photos of Akane, and school stuff on your separate account. It's all so much, maybe you should post something soon...

*Shit.

You run down stairs quickly only to find Pieyon taking his mask off. A pretty blonde head of hair popped out of the mask as he set it down. It was Aqua under there the whole time!

Oh.

Oh???

"Oh. Hi [name]." Aqua said, his face was sweaty and gross. That's what a mask does to someone, doesn't it? "I forgot you were still here."

"Eww!! I hate that, put your mask back on." You whine, covering Aqua's face with your hand from a distance, "I can't believe you did that stupid voice! You're such a loser!!" You laugh, "And I can't believe that you were the one to make me run all of that stupid shit!!!" You groan, flicking his forehead.

"You said you wanted to become an idol, this is how you do it." Aqua says softly, looking over at you. His hand was over his forehead. "Can I take your mask off?"

"Well if it's you then it's whatever." You sigh, his hand slipped your mask off carefully, grazing his fingers– barely touching your actual face before setting it down onto the table before you. You flinch at his touch and make a face before reverting back to your normal self. "I don't think I like this whole idol thing right now."

"Really? Why?"

"I want to say that I'm loving this whole setup, but I like it when group activities are like... how do I say this, I wish that I could be friends with all of them. And I know that the time will come, but as of now it just feels really uncomfortable. Like Ruby is obsessed with me for some reason, Kana just doesn't seem to like me that much, and Mem is– well actually nothing is wrong with Mem, she's cool."

"That's a lot." Aqua sighs, "Do you want me to talk to them about it or something?"

"No. That'll make me sound like a loser. Instead, I'll just... I'll just chill out or something, I'm sure that it'll be fine. Idol work is hard work, so I'll push through like the rest of them☆"

"Make sure that you take breaks though, you know it isn't going to be good for you if you don't." Aqua says, he puts his hand on your right arm in a gentle way. You backup a little with a smile across your lips.

"And how would you know that? ☆It's not like my heart's going to explode or something." You take your arm back from him as you say, giving him a look.

"Do you really know that?" Aqua asks, "It doesn't have a high chance of happening, but I'm sure someone like you with a genetic heart defect would take precautions, no?"

"..." You were taken aback that he remembered something so invaluable in everyday life about you, but you were grateful to some extent that he did, "What does it mean to you anyway? You aren't some sort of doctor or something! You're just a kid you like idols– and it's not like you're gonna give me a break from any exercises!!"

"True, maybe I'll need to train your heart more than the others, yeah? You and Ruby."

"That is so... stupid!! Aqua you aren't going to make me do anything."

"But that's how you can be a good idol, don't you want to make your fans happy?" He said menacingly, it's almost as if he was trying to test you.

"I already make my fans happy! In fact, just because I joined this group means that I can't stream or– or make any content for them all to consume!! [alias] is falling off right now!"

"Chill out, it's only been like one day." Aqua murmurs.

"One day is a lot!! But like... I guess it's fine. I can still try to make music and they'll eat it up..."

"I'm sure Matsuyo would be upset. He's a real big [alias] fan." He states sarcastically.

"And you aren't? Your sister seems to like me a lot!" You reply sarcastically to his comment as you cross your arms.

"I'm more of a [name] fan."

"..." Your face turned red as you bit your lip to not say anything else that he could counter and make you even more flustered- embarrassed. Yeah, embarrassed.

"...Weren't you supposed to go to the amusement park with Eruru today?"

"Oh shit! I totally forgot!! Okay, yeah. Thanks Aqua!!" You yell, running off to meet your friends. So that's why you came down here, you can't believe that you forgot about it so quickly. The time is 7:39 you're already 19 minutes late. You mentally beat yourself up as you call an uber your way to ride over to Wonderland, Eruru's place. You hurriedly type up a text to both Matsuyo and Eruru filled with apologies and lies on what you were doing before this.

You cover your face with your hands in the car ride as you think about what just happened. Did Aqua really need to say that? Did he even mean it or was he just trying to get high ground? Or was he just trying to catch your off guard? His words kept repeating in your head. That's it: you'll never let your guard drop around him. Hopefully.

˚⋆�� ✶ ୧⋆˚

On Sunday, you and the girls met back at the studio. The silence was somewhat awkward. Kana was on her phone, trying her best to not think of anything related to B-Komachi it seems, Ruby and Memcho were looking back and forth at each other, whispering in each others ears every now and then while giggling, and you were staring at all three of them with an awkward smile plastered across your face. At some point, you started staring out at space.

Thankfully it wasn't for long because Ruby quickly broke the silence with Memcho at her side. "Okay! We decided who the leader should be." She smiled while Mem gave her the thumbs up. "It's going to be..."

"Kana Arima!" Mem and Ruby both shout out, pointing their fingers at the surprised girl. Her jaw was dropped, and so was the phone she was previously holding.

"WHAT??" Kana shouted, "There is NO way I'm going to be a leader for this... rookie group! It would make me look bad! And it's not like I'm like Mem and [alias], they all have a backup plan! I'm just some... erm... I don't have an agency or- or a fanbase that I could crawl back to if this whole plan falls backwards! This is just totally not going to work out in my favor! There's no way! Nononono, everythingisgoingtofailandand... What happened to you wanting to be the leader, Ruby?!"

"Well while we were out at karaoke, we saw some songs that had your name in it!" Ruby said, pointing to a picture on her phone.

"And then we searched it up on YouTube! And we saw such cute videos of your singing songs and some of them were actually pretty recent. Kana, you have such a great voice! So much better than me and Ruby!" Memcho says, clicking on one of the videos on Ruby's phone. The song started playing and before it got to a part where you could get a good listen to Kana's voice, Kana jumped and slapped the phone off of Ruby's hand.

"No! D-Don't listen to crap like that!!!" Kana screamed, "I- I thought I told you guys that I didn't want to be the leader!! Didn't I?"

"You did? I don't remember you saying anything like that~~"

"Noo!! I can't be the leader, I know nothing about being an idol! I never even liked idols to begin with, I think they're all phony and fake for keeping up an act all the time!"

"Hey! Don't disrespect other idols, we could get canceled for that you know! And you put on acts all the time, you're an actor. That's your job!" Ruby shouted back, picking up her phone from the floor and dusting it off.

"If it means anything, I think you're the most experienced out of all of us, Kana." You say, putting your hand on Kana's shoulder, "And I know this is all unexpected, but we all believe in you. You can do this!☆ You've been on a stage before, we haven't! If anyone, I think that it should go to you. We're all learning how to be idols after all." Kana looks at you with a smile as she takes a deep breath.

"And if you mess up, we'll be right behind you to pick you back up!" Ruby said, her left eye shined brightly, it almost outshined you!

"That's so totally right!" Mem agreed, nodding her head back and forth, "You'll be a terrific leader, and if anyone disagrees they'll have to answer to my fists!"

"I... I guess I could try being a leader. If I'm good enough, I'll be able to push the spotlight on you guys. Th-Thanks." Kana's smile drops as she closes her eyes. She said something that only you could hear, "If I'm good enough, or... if I'm the best leader then he'll be cheering for me. I'll be a bright star that he can look up to."

Kana likes someone? You didn't expect that, but you internally agree with her. Even if you do hate most things about being an idol, you wouldn't let B-Komachi crumble down. Hanae wouldn't like that, so neither would you.

-End of Looking So Gentle

Check out the other parts here! {CLICK ME}

#aliusworld #aqua x reader #aquamarine hoshino x reader #aqua x you #aqua x y/n #oshi no ko x reader #onk x reader #oshi no ko #aquamarine hoshino #akane kurokawa #aqua hoshino #akane kurokawa x reader #akane x reader

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master-sass-blast · 1 year

Text

Step By Step -Old Dogs and New Toys, Part Two.

Part One

Summary:

“That’s the problem!” Vi interjects, throwing up her hands. “Cait’s mom already thinks I’m this big, nasty burden on her daughter. If –if Cait has to get me the right clothes, and teach me how to dance, and eat, and talk, and drink, and everything, that’s only going to prove Mrs. Kiramann right. Plus, Cait’s up to her eyeballs in casework. I don’t want her to have to take extra time just to teach me the ropes. I just want to be able to show up, have everything down, and… and surprise her a little. And, well, you’re the only other person up here who doesn’t look at me like I just crawled out of a sewer grate–”

“I understand why you came to me,” Grayson assures her. “Can you make weekends work?”

“I’ll make it fit.”

or, alternatively, Grayson helps Vi prepare for the Snowdown Gala and lowkey-highkey adopts Vi.

Pairing(s): Grayson x Reader, implied Vi x Caitlyn.

Rating: G for fluff and worldbuilding.

Word count: 9.6k.

You’ve always said her precinct office is something of an archaeological exhibition.

She agrees, but she thinks it’s because of the elaborate, gilded gold and blue trim everywhere –around the door frames, the windows, along the baseboards and crown molding, even along the built-in shelves that boast a scant few personal touches that she’s added over the years (a few potted plants that seem to live off spite alone, books, a couple pictures of you and her over the decades, and a couple trophies from shooting competitions). It’s regalia at its finest; a shrine to Piltover’s abundance and the institutions funded by it.

You maintain, however, that it’s because of the countless coffee mugs, case files, and old newspapers with half-finished crosswords scattered everywhere. “It’s like walking through history,” you joked the first time she’d shown you her office –though that had been a cubicle, way back in the day, when she was just a Sergeant. “Judging by the number of coffee cups and how dark the stains are, I’m going to guess the last time you slept was some time last year.”

She’d laughed then, and she laughs thinking about the memory now.

Grayson’s never been the tidiest person; she’s not terrible, but keeping up with menial cleaning when she’s knee deep in bureaucratic headaches and attempted coups by the Undercity just takes too much energy most days.

She has an assistant, now that she’s Sheriff. Lana keeps track of memos and calls, schedules her meetings, and clears coffee cups and old newspapers from her desk without complaint. Still, even with Lana’s help, her office still happens to be something of a disaster zone. Such are the hazards of often being hip deep in any variety of figurative shit.

So, when Lana opens one of the double doors that separate her office from the outside vestibule and announces that Grayson has a visitor, only for Vi to walk in, Grayson’s momentarily grateful that her office doesn’t look too disastrous. She doesn’t peg Vi as the type to mind clutter, but still. Standards, and all that.

The gratitude, however, fritters away to guilt when she catches Vi openly grimacing at all the filigree and expensive accoutrement. Can’t say I blame her. Grayson swallows, then offers Lana a smile and thanks before her assistant closes the door. “It’s good to see you, Vi. How can I help you?”

Vi jams her hands in her pockets and rocks back on the heels of her worn boots. “I need a favor.”

Grayson pauses, then pretends to glance over some paperwork Lana had laid out on her desk that morning. “Is it your sister?”

“No. It’s me.” At Grayson’s wary glances, Vi holds up her hands in a reassuring gesture. “It’s not anything illegal. It’s that–” Vi snaps her fingers until the words come to her. “That snowfall party.”

Grayson blinks, then nods when she connects the dots. “The Snowdown Gala.” She sets the paperwork back on her desk, then checks her calendar. “That’s… at the start of next month.” Shit. That’s sooner than I thought. I need to make sure my tux still fits. “What about it?”

“I…” Vi swallows, throat flexing, then looks away. “I –I don’t know what to do for it.”

“...It can be a lot to take in,” Grayson agrees, trying to reassure her, when Vi doesn’t offer any additional information. She studies Vi for a moment, then leans forward and crosses her hands against her desk. “Not that I’m unwilling to help you, but I’m certain that Caitlyn would–”

Grayson grimaces, but says nothing. Unfortunately, she’s not wrong.

“Plus, Cait’s up to her eyeballs in casework,” Vi continues without waiting for Grayson’s prompting. “I don’t want her to have to take extra time just to teach me the ropes. I just want to be able to show up, have everything down, and… and surprise her a little.” She takes a moment to catch her breath, then continues explaining. “And, well, you’re the only other person up here who doesn’t look at me like I just crawled out of a sewer grate–”

“I understand why you came to me,” Grayson assures her. She leans back in her leather desk chair, considering. It could work, she reasons as she checks her mental calendar. There’s enough time for fittings and some dance lessons, provided it can wait for the weekend. “Can you make weekends work?”

“I’ll make it fit.”

Grayson nods and smiles. “Then my wife and I would be happy to help you.”

Vi’s eyebrows spike upwards. “You have a wife?”

“I do.” Grayson grins and gestures to the picture frames on the bookshelves, then grabs a pad of paper and writes down her address while Vi examines them. “We’ve been married for… oh, nearly thirty years now. And we’ve known each other closer to forty.”

“Damn.” Vi nods, approving, then offers Grayson a crooked grin. “You scored.”

She laughs. “That I did.” She tears off the piece of paper and holds it out to Vi. “We’ll start with dance lessons, that way you can practice during the coming weeks. That is my personal address, so I appreciate your discretion.”

Vi nods, expression solemn, and tucks the paper into the pocket of her red jacket. “What about suits and shit?”

“I’ll have to schedule an appointment for a fitting consultation,” Grayson says as she makes a note to do just that. “But I should have something booked by next week.”

“‘Consultation?’” Vi’s face scrunches up. “What, we can’t just… I don’t know, go and buy one?”

Grayson suppresses a smile. “It’s not that simple, no. Shall I see you around one, on Saturday?”

“Sure.” Vi nods, then turns and walks towards the doors. She stops halfway and turns around again. “Uh, Grayson?” When she raises her eyebrows in question, the younger woman ducks her head, then nods. “Thank you.”

Grayson smiles and nods in return. “It’s my pleasure.”

…

There’s a knock on the door at a quarter past one on Saturday.

Vi grimaces when Grayson opens the door. “Sorry for being late. Got turned around a couple times.”

“No apology necessary.” Grayson ushers Vi inside, then closes and locks the door behind her. “I’m sorry for not giving you better directions.”

Her apology goes completely over Vi’s head; the younger woman is too distracted by the inside of Grayson’s home. Vi pivots slowly, staring at the decor, plush furniture, and various paintings decorating the walls. “You live here?”

“For nearly forty years.” She only got this place to make a life with you, after all. Grayson motions for Vi to follow her, then starts walking deeper into the house once she’s got Vi’s attention. “We wanted something small.”

Vi lets out a quiet, shocked laugh behind her. “‘Small.’”

Grayson grimaces, having caught her faux pas too late. “Relatively speaking.”

You’re in the back of the house, narrowing down record choices. You look up when Grayson walks into the room, then smile warmly when Vi follows. “Oh, good. I was worried you got lost.” You set the small stack of vinyls down, walk towards the two of them, then hold out your hand and introduce yourself. “You must be Violet. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Vi returns the handshake with a wary smile. “Everyone just calls me ‘Vi.’ And I’m sure the Sheriff has a few opinions about me.”

“Nothing negative, I promise.” You glance at Grayson, then wink teasingly before looking back at Vi. “Maybe a little exhausted at times, but that’s probably the caffeine withdrawals talking.”

“There’s the pot calling the kettle black,” Grayson fires back with a smirk.

You laugh, then go back to your collection of records. “So, Vi, how much experience do you have with dancing?”

“Uh…”

You bite back a smile when Vi’s voice trails off, then put a few records back on the shelf. “We’re starting from scratch, then.”

Vi’s shoulders hunch up. “Sorry.”

“Oh, no, not at all!” You wave one hand, then pull a record out of its protective paper covering and place it on the gramophone. “It’s not a problem. We’ll just start with learning how to pick out rhythm in a song.”

Grayson peers over your shoulder. “Oh, ‘River’s Waltz.’ Good choice.”

“Well, I figured a waltz would be best,” you explain as you move the gramophone arm and set the needle in place. “They always play one at the gala, and it’s an easier dance to pick up.” You turn the gramophone on, then turn to Vi once the sound of melodious strings and horns starts flowing from the speaker. “Alright, so what you’re listening for is the beat of the song. That’s the measure you’ll use to pace yourself during the dance. All waltzes are in three-four time counts.” You start clapping your hands along to the beat to illustrate your point. “Each measure in music has four counts, but a three-four count only uses three beats, then leaves the fourth as a rest –so, one, two, three, rest. One, two, three, rest.”

Vi nods, head bobbing in time with your counts. “I can kinda feel it with how the music flows.”

“Good! Very good!” You motion for her to step into the space and have her stand next to you on the rug. “So, right now, we’re just going to get you familiar with feeling that beat. Can you feel the emphasis on the first beat of every measure?”

“A little.”

Grayson watches you for a moment with a soft smile. Such a natural.

But then, that’s why you’re the Professor and she’s the Sheriff.

She picks up a book and settles in her arm chair after a couple minutes. The last thing she wants to do is make Vi uncomfortable with her staring. (Though, if she happens to steal a glance every now and then and smile at your enthusiasm, or Vi’s earnest attempts, that’s between herself and her novel.)

…

By the time the day’s lesson concludes, Vi’s advanced from finding the rhythm of a song to practicing a simple waltz.

“You’re doing well,” you assure her when Vi seems discouraged. “You’re already good on your feet. Just keep practicing and you’ll have it down handily before the gala.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.” You pluck a record from your extensive collection, then hand it over to Vi. “This is the Snowflake Waltz. It was one of the most popular pieces written at the height of the jazz movement. It’s played every year at the Snowdown Gala as part of tradition. The steps we worked on today will work fine with the song.”

“Right.” Vi nods, looking somewhat shell shocked. She stares down at the record case, eyes wide, then swallows hard and nods again. “Right.”

“You’re going to be fine.” You place one hand on her shoulder and smile warmly. “Look, between the two of us, if Gray could learn how to dance, then you’ll be a master by the time of the gala.”

“Slander,” Grayson fires back with a grin. “I was more than adequate at the start.”

You glance at her, then back to Vi and shake your head before laughing. “You’ll be just fine. I promise.”

“If you say so.”

“You will,” Grayson agrees with a reassuring smile. She sets her book on the coffee table, then stands with a grunt. “Come on. I’ll walk you to the trolley.”

Vi blinks rapidly. “Oh –no, it’s fine. I can –thank you, but I–”

“It’s alright. Call it safety in numbers.”

Understanding settles over Vi’s features, followed by exhausted frustration. “Yeah. Thanks, uh, Sherriff.”

She chuckles as she heads towards the front door to grab her coat. “Grayson is fine, dear.”

…

The walk down to the trolley is brisk. Even with the sun still hanging in the cloudless sky, the late Autumn wind cuts through everything in its path.

Grayson winces when a particularly biting breeze tries to snake under the collar of her coat. “How is your sister?”

“She’s… coping,” Vi answers with a pained twist of her lips. Despite wearing significantly fewer layers, the younger woman seems practically unaffected by the chill; the gifts of youth, perhaps, or just standard Zaunite hardiness. “She’s gotten good marks at the Academy this term.”

“Good. Give her my congratulations.”

“Yeah –sure. Thanks.” Vi sidesteps a Piltovan man in a light gray suit that nearly bowls her over. She scowls and jams her hands in her pockets. “Asshole.”

Grayson glares over her shoulder at the man –not that he notices, since his back is to them both–then carefully places one hand on Vi’s shoulder. “And how are you?”

“I’m fine,” Vi answers quickly, automatically.

She doesn’t buy that, but a frigid stroll to the trolley is hardly the time or place to dig into one’s psychological well-being. Grayson files the topic away for later, then moves on. “I’ve scheduled an appointment for a tuxedo fitting this coming Saturday at nine in the morning.” She nearly gives Vi the address, then reconsiders. “Perhaps I could meet you at the trolley station around half past eight?” She watches as Vi tenses, chafing against the notion of having an escort (an Enforcer escort), then squeeze’s Vi’s shoulder. “For what it’s worth, I trust you. But you know how things are up here. I’d rather you not get in trouble over nothing.”

Vi scowls, nostrils flaring in irritation and disgust. “Yeah.” She glares at the ground for a few moments, then cracks her neck before asking. “Half past eight?”

“I think that would be best, yes.”

Vi works her jaw, then nods once. “Alright. Half past eight on Saturday it is.”

…

Progress Haberdashery is nestled into a towering, multi-story, sandstone behemoth in Piltover’s fashion district. Located on the first floor on the building’s front face, the window that boasts the shop’s name in elegant, swirling gold script seems like every other shop alongside it. If you aren’t looking for it, it’s easy to pass by.

Grayson knows the shop’s location by heart; she’s been a patron of the haberdashery for decades now, after all.

Agatha Wainwright is just as Grayson remembers her –short, stocky, with large, thick, round-rimmed glasses that give her an owlish appearance. Her short, steel-colored hair is neatly styled and smoothed down with pommade, and she has a measuring tape draped over the back of her neck and a pencil tucked behind one ear. She’s scribbling on a notepad, hunched over the desk behind the front counter when Grayson ushers Vi inside, but she lifts her head and turns around when the bell for the front door rings. “Grayson!” She perks up and smiles, then bustles out from behind the front counter.

Grayson grins easily, then accepts Agatha’s hearty handshake. “It’s been too long, old friend.” She glances over at Vi –who’s distracted, unsubtly gawping at the displayed suits, accessories, and photos–then gestures at the younger woman. “This is Vi. She’ll be needing a tux fitting today for the Snowdown Gala. Vi, this is Agatha Wainwright.”

Vi starts at the mention of her name, then recovers and shakes Agatha’s hand. “Hey. Uh, nice to meet you.”

The corner of Agatha’s mouth ticks up as she nods in return. “Glad to have you. Come on back with me.” She motions for Vi and Grayson to follow her, then turns on one heel and motors towards the back of the shop. “Remind me, Gray, the Snowdown Gala is considered black tie?”

“Technically black tie creative,” Grayson replies, lengthening her stride to keep up with Agatha’s quick clip.

“Oh, good.” She half turns, still walking, and gestures loosely at Vi. “I wasn’t liking black for her. That gives us options!”

“I, uh–” Vi pauses to clear her throat. “I thought the rule was ‘black looks good on everyone.’”

“Yes and no.” Agatha turns on the light for one of her fitting rooms, then ushers Vi and Grayson inside. “Yes, black is a neutral color, which means you can pair it with any other color and it won’t clash. Yes, a lot of people wear it because that means it won’t clash with your hair, or eyes, or accessories. It’s an easy color to style with. But when you get into the chromatic value system–”

Grayson smirks teasingly when Vi shoots her a slow, wide-eyed look. “You just had to get her started.”

“Fuck off,” Agatha fires back with a grin. She rolls her eyes when Grayson chuckles, then returns her attention to Vi. “In fashion, there’s a whole system of color theory that relates to a person’s skin tone. It focuses on what colors look most flattering with which skin tones and undertones. And it’s not just about hue, but also the boldness of the color. Some people can wear really bright, bold colors, and they look absolutely wonderful in them. Some people, on the other hand, either wash out or get all shadowy in the face when they wear bolder colors.” She gestures to her own face to demonstrate. “Especially around the mouth and eyes, which ages them. And black, even though it is a neutral color, is a bold color. So, for people with such skin tones, more muted shades of gray are often more flattering.” She clasps her hands together, waits until Vi nods (albeit uncertainly), then continues. “So, in your case, just at a glance–” she gestures up and down Vi “–my immediate instinct is that black would probably look harsh on you, and that a dark gray would likely suit you better. Although…” She leans back on her heels, puts her hands on her hips, then glances at Grayson. “You said she was from the Fissure?”

“I grew up in the Lanes, yeah,” Vi answers, somewhat curt.

Agatha purses her lips, then sighs. “Black might be better, then. It’s more traditional.”

Vi frowns, upper lip curling in confusion and frustration. “I thought you just said black wasn’t a good choice.”

“If we’re working strictly off what colors best flatter you, then no, probably not,” Agatha agrees. “But it’s the most traditional choice; even though it’s black tie creative, a lot of people are still going to be in black tuxedos. A lot of people are still going to expect others to wear black tuxedos.”

“It might help deflect unwanted criticism,” Grayson adds when Vi scowls. “Think of it as a precautionary measure.”

“Do you really believe that?” Vi arches one eyebrow, then shakes her head and laughs bitterly when both Grayson and Agatha hesitate. “Let’s be realistic. The color of my damn suit isn’t going to do shit. They’ll just find something else to gossip about.” She smirks, frustrated, then gestures at herself. “I mean, it’s not like they’re lacking for choices.”

Grayson remains silent. There’s not much else to say.

“The only person I care about in all of this is my girlfriend,” Vi continues, facing Agatha. “The only reason I’m doing any of this is for her. All I care about is looking good for her and making her feel like she’s the only woman in the room that matters. Fuck tradition, pick the colors that look best.”

Agatha smiles slowly and nods. “I can respect that.” She directs Vi to stand on a wooden podium surrounded by mirrors. “First, let’s get your measurements.”

…

It starts off simply enough.

Granted, measurements aren’t generally the hard part (relatively speaking). Vi holds still, cooperates, even chats amiably with Agatha.

“Got a lot of bulk in the shoulders,” Agatha comments while scribbling on a yellow notepad. “That’ll make taking in the waist… interesting.”

“Is that a bad thing?” Vi asks, glancing between Grayson and Agatha.

Agatha shrugs. “Does your girlfriend think it’s a bad thing?”

Grayson smothers a chuckle when Vi smirks. “It just means the tailoring will be a more involved process.”

“But I am a professional,” Agatha assures Vi as she crouches to measure Vi’s inseam. “And it won’t be the hardest job I’ve ever done. You have very nice lines, by the way. Have you considered modeling?”

Vi goes wide-eyed, then looks over at Grayson. “Uh…”

Grayson merely smiles and waves one hand.

And then there’s choosing between tuxedos.

“They look the same,” Vi says with a shrug when Agatha lays out five different, dark gray sets of tuxedos, slacks, and vests.

“It might be easier to see the difference when you have them on,” Agatha assures the younger woman.

Vi, in fact, does not see the difference.

“They still look the same,” she declares after trying on the fourth suit. “I mean, they look fine, but they’re all just gray, right? I don’t know, why not…” She twists, then points at a mannequin dressed in a pinstripe gray suit. “Why not something like that? The stripes look cool.”

“Oh.” Agatha looks at the mannequin, then back at Vi. “Well, we can look at something with a faint pinstripe, if you want, but that particular one is a suit, not a tuxedo.”

Vi blinks, expression blank. “...Aren’t they the same thing?”

Agatha blinks, then turns on one heel and picks up the fifth tux. “I’m going to pretend she didn’t say that.”

“Don’t torture the poor kid,” Grayson admonishes the seamstress when Vi shoots her a panicked look. “The easiest difference to spot is the cut of the lapels. You see here, how the buttons come up higher?” She gestures to the suit on the mannequin and waits until Vi nods. “Now, look at what you’re wearing.” She traces the line of the left lapel with one finger. “This section is larger and angled differently from a standard suit, see?”

“There’s also a difference in the fabric,” Agatha adds as she takes the fifth option out of its protective plastic covering. “The lapels and pocket trim are made from satin, and the buttons are covered in satin as well.”

“And that… matters?” Vi asks, face scrunching up in confusion. She glances between Grayson and Agatha when the two older women nod, then sighs heavily and sets her shoulders resolutely. “Alright.”

Vi opts to let Grayson and Agatha pick the most flattering tuxedo (in terms of color, since Vi’s take is that all the tuxedos are “gray”). “Sweet.” Vi starts to shrug the tuxedo jacket off. “Is that it?”

“Uh–” Agatha goes a little wide-eyed and gets the jacket back on Vi’s shoulders. “Not quite. We need to do some pinning for alterations.”

Vi frowns, confused, and glances between her own reflection and Agatha. “It looks fine, I promise.”

“It will look much better tailored to you,” Grayson interjects. “Trust me.”

Vi sighs again, then straightens up and lifts her chin. “Okay.”

And then, part way through deciding what alterations need to be made, Agatha has a realization. “Ooh, it’s black tie creative! We can play with color!” She looks up from Vi where she’s adjusting the length of the slacks. “What color dress is your girlfriend wearing?”

“Uh…” Vi looks towards the ceiling, then shrugs. “I think she said blue?”

“...Okay.” Agatha waves one hand. “Powder blue? Royal blue? Progress blue?”

“...There’s a difference?”

“We’ll have a color sample the next time we come in,” Grayson interjects when Agatha pinches the bridge of her nose.

Eventually, the two of them leave in one piece, but Vi looks almost haggard.

Grayson takes one look at the younger woman, then smiles sympathetically and clasps Vi’s shoulder with one hand. “Would you like to get something to eat? It’d be my treat.”

Vi balks. “I wouldn’t have the money to pay you back, most likely.”

The response activates her mind’s eye; it’s a dim, but still visible memory of one of the first times she asked you out for coffee. She hums and slows her pace as she reflects. “You know, my wife said something similar to me the first time I asked her out for coffee.”

Vi glances up at Grayson –then, the penny drops and she does a double-take. “Is she from Zaun?”

“Yes,” Grayson says with a nod. “Her family lived on the Entresol level.” She stops and squeezes Vi’s shoulder. “I should clarify: I would like to spend some time with you outside of the fitting. That’s why I offered up lunch. If you’d rather not, you won’t hurt my feelings by saying so.”

Vi nods slowly, looking away while she mulls it over. After a bit, she looks back at Grayson and raises one eyebrow. “Nowhere too fancy?”

Grayson chuckles and grins. “I think I know a place you’ll like just fine.”

…

She takes the Vi out to the fringes of Piltover, where the City of Progress starts to blend into the Promenade levels of Zaun. Things aren’t near as modernized out here. The buildings are smaller, more humble establishments made out of white-washed bricks and granite. The roofs are still blue, but the edges and various trimmings aren’t capped in gold. The roads are rougher, not quite so neatly tended to as in the city’s main districts.

She takes Vi through a marketplace, stopping as Vi gets distracted to tell the young woman about what the various stalls boast. She buys a bag of dried mango for them to share, then guides Vi down a side street to a shop where the front door is painted green.

Cheriqui’s has been around since her parents were children. She can still remember her grandmother and mother bringing her here for traditional tea services and Farsi practice on Saturday afternoons.

Grayson inhales deeply as she sets foot inside the deli. She’s greeted by a veritable perfume of spices –saffron, cumin, garlic, ginger, cloves. She’s carried back to memories of home –of her family working in the kitchen–and she smiles.

“Wow.” Vi gawks, staring at the deli case of breads and pastries, the bins of bulk spices along the wall next to the deli case, and the shelves of various foreign goods not typically found at “traditional” Piltovan markets. She rolls up on the balls of her feet, then lets out a low whistle at the sight of meat roasting on vertical spits and the grills in the kitchen behind the deli case. “Damn.”

Grayson ushers her towards the deli case. “How’s your tolerance for spicy food?”

Vi shrugs. “Everyone blasts their food with hot sauce in the Lanes. It’s the only way it tastes like anything.”

Grayson nods, then straightens up when a portly man with tan skin and a thick, silvering mustache approaches the deli case.

“Grayson.” The man raises one bushy eyebrow teasingly. “And here I’d thought you’d forgotten us.”

“I’d be hard pressed to forget you and your family, Abdul,” she replies, slipping into easy Farsi. She introduces Vi and Abdul to one another, then returns her focus to Abdul. “We’re here for lunch. This is Vi’s first time trying Persian cuisine.”

Abdul nods, expression lifting in understanding before settling into serious contemplation. “How’s her tolerance for heat?”

“She says it’s good.”

Abdul shoots a wayward glance at Vi, clearly skeptical, then holds up one finger before bustling back into the kitchen. He returns a few moments later and sets a tray with little cups of soup and a plate with small pieces of meat and bread atop the deli case. “Try first,” he explains to Vi in heavily accented English, “and decide how well you tolerate it, okay?”

“Right.” Vi stares at the tray, then looks over at Grayson. “What am I working with here?”

“It’s traditional Persian food,” Grayson explains, gesturing to the tray. “It’s a bit of a melting pot; many countries fall into the fold of Persian culture, so there are many regional cuisines. These–” she gestures to two of the soup cups “–are adasi, or lentil soups. The yellow one is milder, and the red one will be spicier. This one–” she gestures to the third cup “–is aush, or a thick noodle soup.” She switches her attention to Abdul. “What’s today’s recipe?”

“Chicken and barley noodles with seasonal vegetables.”

“It’s good.” Vi nods along, already halfway through the cup of yellow adasi. “What’s the meat on the plate?”

“Lamb,” Grayson answers after checking with Abdul. “But they have goat and chicken as well, if you prefer.”

“Oh, I’m not picky.” Vi lifts the sample dish of red adasi and smiles at Abdul. “This is good!”

Abdul beams, then nods his head in appreciation. “Thank you.”

There’s a commotion in the kitchen –the sound of quiet chatter, followed by dishware clacking. Then, footsteps approach. One of Abdul’s sons-in-law, Badir, appears with a small dish of shawarma style chicken. He places the dish atop the deli case, on the tray with the other samples. “She should try shawarma.”

“One moment!” A few seconds later, Badir’s wife –a short woman named Shohreh—jogs out of the kitchen with a small plate of pickled and fresh vegetables. “You forgot the toppings, silly,” she admonishes her husband. She rolls onto the balls of her feet to set the plate on the crowded tray, then smiles at Vi. “You take the bread,” she explains in English, holding up her hand as an example, “and then you add the meat, and then the vegetables. There’s pickled onion and cucumber, sauteed spinach, and tomatoes.”

Vi nods along as she follows the instructions, then folds the flatbread around the meat and vegetables and crams a decent bite into her mouth. She chews, and then her eyes roll back in her head. She lets out a pleased groan. “Oh man.” She holds the back of her hand over her mouth, then continues once she’s swallowed. “I could eat this every day.”

Grayson finds herself smiling along when Abdul, Shohreh, and Badir all grin.

There’s more noise from the kitchen –and then Abdul’s youngest, a son named Hashem, pokes his head around the corner. “Do you want to try a goat eye?”

“For shame!” Shohreh hisses and swats at her younger brother while scolding him in Farsi. “Don’t gross her out. Have some sense!”

“Wait, like, actual goat eyes?” Vi’s eyebrows spike towards her hairline. She looks at Grayson. “They have those?”

“The practice is to use the whole animal –or as much as possible, at least,” Grayson explains. “So, when you have the head, you can roast it whole, then break it down afterwards. Jowl meat, tongue, and the brains are all fair game. The eyes are edible, but they’re not necessarily… common ingredients, as it were.”

“Huh.” Vi mulls it over, then nods and turns back to the counter. “Yeah, sure.”

Abdul, Badir, Shohreh, and Hashem all freeze.

Abdul recovers first; he blinks rapidly, then frowns cautiously. “Are –are you sure?”

Vi shrugs. “Yeah, sure. Why not?”

Hashem laughs and sticks his tongue out at his sister, only to get shooed and berated back into the kitchen. He returns a couple moments later, though, with a roasted, cloudy, glistening eye and still attached, cooked through ocular muscles on a small plate.

“It should have a meaty flavor,” Grayson says as Vi gives the eye a once over.

“Yeah, it's the same with fish,” Vi reasons. “Tastes like what it came from.” And, with that, she plucks the eye up with her fingers and pops it into her mouth. She chews, nods, and grunts with approval. “‘S pretty good!”

Grayson chuckles, then shares a shrug with a slightly stunned Abdul.

…

They wind up in the corner of the deli, sitting at a table clad in a fine, white linen tablecloth.

They start with some yellow lentil aush, taftun bread, finely sliced lamb seasoned with spices, and a side plate of fresh and pickled vegetables. Then, Badir comes out with shawarma style chicken and a small dish of borani for Vi to try. Another family member follows a few moments later with a dish of savory saffron rice. A few minutes later, Shohreh comes out with two cups of fragrant mint tea.

“You’re going to have to roll me out of here,” Vi jokes. She follows Grayson’s lead, loading up a piece of taftun with some shawarma chicken, greens, and borani as a sauce, then folds the bread around her fillings of choice and bites down. She groans, nods, then chews and swallows before saying, “Janna, this is fucking good. I gotta tell Cait about this place.”

Grayson swallows, then chuckles. “I’m glad you like it.”

“I’d eat this for the rest of my life, if I could,” Vi says, unabashedly earnest. She takes a sip of her tea, then asks, “You’ve brought your wife here, yeah?”

“Many times,” Grayson answers with a nod. “She met my mother and grandmother here, and we’ve been here on several dates.”

“Oh, shit.” Vi glances at the reversed lettering on the front window, then frowns, confused. “Is this your family’s place?”

“No, no.” Grayson waves one hand dismissively. “No, the Cheriquis are just old family friends. My mother and her mother used to bring me here for tea and lessons in Farsi every week –to keep me connected with our culture.”

“Oh, okay.” Vi nods, mulling the information over. Then, she laughs and smirks. “Did your lady ever take you to Jericho’s?”

Grayson laughs and nods. “That she did.” She leans back in her seat and shakes her head. “It was… quite illuminating.”

“I bet,” Vi laughs. “Did you get sick after?”

“Like a dog,” Grayson answers with a grin.

Vi cackles and shakes her head. “I bet. You gotta grow up with that shit, or it just goes right through you.”

“You aren’t kidding.” Grayson smirks ruefully, then shakes her head when Vi laughs again. “She took good care of me while I was sick. And it was a good experience, in sum. It was… eye-opening.”

“Yeah.” Vi leans back in her seat. She watches Grayson for a long moment, drumming her fingers against her thigh, then asks, “Was that your first time in the Lanes?”

“It was,” Grayson answers with a nod. This was bound to come up eventually. “It was my first time in Zaun, actually. I’d only been on patrol in the Piltovan shopping district before then.”

Vi’s jaw tightens. “Why’d you become an Enforcer?”

The venom dripping from the word “Enforcer” is palpable, but Grayson keeps her expression neutral. “To be honest, it was a way out.” She shifts her gaze to look out the window, towards the shoppers passing the deli by. “My family…” She grimaces, then lets out a tired laugh. “They were planning on having me marry well. Do all the things that daughters traditionally do.” She looks down at the table, gaze scanning the fine texture of the tablecloth. “My father hadn’t come around by the time I was eighteen, so I enrolled in the law enforcement academy.”

“...Did your father disown you?”

“No. However, things weren’t exactly happy for a long time.”

Vi nods, expression solemn. “Did you get what you wanted, in the end?”

“I did.” Grayson nods and smiles. “I met my wife, married her, had a life with her, a career… I don’t think I could ask for more.”

“So, your dad came around?”

She shrugs and chuckles faintly. “More like my mother put her foot down.” She grimaces, then sighs. “I don’t think their marriage ever really recovered.”

“Shit.” Vi shifts in her seat. “Sorry.”

“It’s old history,” Grayson assures her with a wave of her hand. She sits forward in her seat and starts filling her plate with rice and lamb. “And, once I was old enough to know better, I stopped worrying about what my father thought.” She meets Vi’s gaze and smiles ruefully. “Some people just aren’t worth the stress.”

Vi shrugs, then loads another piece of taftun with chicken and lamb. “What’d your mom think of your wife?”

“Oh, she adored her,” Grayson replies without hesitation. “I think my mother liked her more than she liked me.”

Vi laughs, but it trails off into a strained sigh. She spoons more borani onto her plate, then mutters, “I don’t think I’ll ever have that problem with Cait’s mom.”

Grayson goes still. She considers for a moment, then reaches across the table and places one hand over Vi’s. “For what it’s worth…” She waits until Vi looks at her, then smiles reassuringly. “Her father likes you.”

Vi’s face scrunches up. “How would you know?”

“Word gets around. Official functions, that sort of thing. And everyone on the council is a massive gossip.” She retracts her hand, but when Vi’s despondent, disbelieving expression doesn’t lift, she adds, “Besides, it’s clear that Caitlyn adores you.”

Vi’s face goes as pink as her hair. She ducks her head briefly, then grins, crooked and bright. “Yeah. Cupcake’s really something.”

‘Cupcake?’ She quickly bites back a grin, but still makes a mental note to tell you about it later. That is precious–

“How is everything?”

Grayson looks up, then bites back an amused smirk when she sees Abdul approaching the table with yet another plate in hand.

“It’s amazing,” Vi gushes. “At this rate, I might just move in.” She takes note of the plate, then leans forward and cranes her neck. “What’s that?”

“Goat kebabs.” Abdul lowers the plate so Vi can see. “Would you like to–”

Vi nods and starts moving plates and bowls to make room on the table. “Bring it on!”

Grayson helps make space, then waves to Abdul as he heads back to the counter. “Alright, so there’s an easy way to get the meat and vegetables off the skewer. Hold the kebab on one end–” She picks one up to demonstrate. “And then you take your fork and push from the base so everything falls on your plate.”

“Right.” Vi mimics her, then stabs a piece of meat and grilled squash with her fork before shoving the food into her mouth. She lets out a satisfied sigh and slumps back in her seat.

Grayson grins. “Good?” She chuckles when Vi lets out an enthusiastic groan, then adds some pickled vegetables and onions to her plate.

“I hope your wife knows you’re here, Grayson.”

Grayson turns in her seat, then smiles when she sees a squat, white haired woman clad in a flowing skirt and royal blue blouse with gold embroidery shuffling over to their table. “Aunt Roshie.” She stands, steps around the end of the table, and greets the elderly woman with a kiss on each cheek. “It’s so good to see you. How are you?”

Despite being nearly ninety, Roshanak Cheriqui’s dark eyes are still clear and bright. “It’s good to see you, too, kid. And I’d be a hell of a lot better if people stopped asking me how I am. It’s the only thing anyone asks you when you’re my age! It’s boring!”

Grayson chuckles, then turns and gestures to Vi. “This is Vi. I was helping her with a tux fitting for the Snowdown Gala today, and I thought it’d be nice to bring her here for lunch. Vi,” she says, switching to English, “this is Roshanak Cheriqui. She opened this place with her husband.”

Vi glances between them, then blinks a few times before standing. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Cheriqui,” she says, holding out one hand.

Roshanak shakes Vi’s hand, but scoffs all the same. “Everyone knows me as Aunt Roshie,” she insists in heavily accented English. She clasps Vi’s hand and pats the back of it warmly. “You are enjoying lunch, yes?”

“Oh –it’s amazing,” Vi confirms with an enthusiastic nod of her head. “Everything tastes incredible.”

Roshanak beams, eyes crinkling around the corners. “Good!” Then, she glances at Grayson before leaning towards Vi and smiling conspiratorially. “You know, I have known Grayson since she was this big.” She gestures to her knee. “She used to come here every Saturday with Mahshid and Nasrin for our traditional tea service.”

“Yeah.” Vi nods. “She told me about that.”

“Did she tell you that she hated the dresses her mother made her wear?”

Grayson sighs and places one hand on the back of her chair to steady herself. “Aunt Roshie, I don’t think we need to–”

“One time,” Roshanak continues, undeterred, “when she was three, Grayson decided that she had enough–”

“I don’t think Vi needs to–”

“–and she got halfway out of her dress at the table before her mother stopped her.”

Vi presses her lips together and nods, though she can’t quite stop the slight snort that escapes her.

“You didn’t stop there, either.” Roshanak grins, entirely amused, up at Grayson. “Once you were older, you kept trying to sneak your tights off and get rid of them in the bathroom trash.”

Grayson sighs, resigned, and grumbles under her breath in Farsi, “They were itchy and terrible.”

“So you kept saying.” Roshanak winks at Vi, then faces Grayson. “What is it about my deli that turned you into a stripper?”

Grayson stares down at the elderly woman (who looks like the cat that caught the canary). She can feel her eyes bugging out; if you were here, she knows you’d be falling over in gleeful laughter.

Vi, to her credit, is far better versed in stoicism. She coughs quickly and presses the back of her hand over her mouth. Her shoulders and chest jump in jerky movements, but otherwise she stays composed.

Apparently satisfied with the carnage she’s wrought, Roshanak turns back to Vi. “You come back anytime you want, okay?” Once Vi nods and promises that she’ll return, Roshanak turns to Grayson and pats her arm. “As for you, bring your wife here, soon. It’s been too long since I’ve seen her.”

Grayson briefly clasps the elderly woman’s shoulder as Roshanak starts to shuffle off. “Yes, Aunt Roshie.”

“And keep your clothes on!”

Grayson closes her eyes, inhales deeply, then lets out a ragged sigh. Decades of service to the city and devotion to my wife, but that’s going to be my legacy, isn’t it? She opens her eyes, then points at a red-faced, silently snickering Vi. “Not one word.”

Vi holds up her hands in a placating gesture, then sits when Grayson does. She giggles a little, takes a long drink of mint tea, then asks, “So… Butch from the start?”

“Decidedly.” Grayson shakes her head, then drinks some tea to soothe herself. “You couldn’t move in those damn dresses. I would’ve given my left eye for a pair of trousers.” She takes another sip of tea, then adds, “I cut my own hair when I was ten.”

“No shit.” Vi cocks her head to one side, like she’s trying to envision it. “Was it long?”

“It was down to my fucking ass. It took ages to brush and braid! It was completely impractical!”

“So, you just–” Vi mimes a pair of scissors with her fingers “–had at it?”

She nods. “I took my mother’s sewing scissors, snuck into the upstairs bathroom, and started cutting everything until it was above my ears.”

“Oh, I bet that looked great,” Vi teases with a grin.

“It looked terrible,” Grayson admits with a laugh. “I think I made my mother cry. She loved styling my hair when I was a young girl.”

Vi nods, then smirks. “I tried my first side shave when I was thirteen.”

“Oh, really? How’d that go?”

Vi laughs and shakes her head. “Well, I didn’t know to cut the part I wanted shaved first–”

“Uh-oh,” Grayson interjects with a grin.

“Yeah. And, to make things worse, the clippers I were using were real fucking old, so they kept dying, like, every five minutes!”

Grayson chuckles. “Oh, great.”

Vi snorts, then shakes her head. “Vander caught me halfway through. The entire left side of my head looked like it’d gotten caught in a blender, the sink was full of hair–” She cuts herself off with a laugh. “Vander helped me finish the job, in the end. It didn’t look half bad.”

Grayson nods and chuckles. Then, she lifts her cup and holds it towards Vi. “To unconventional style choices.”

Vi grins, then lifts her cup and lightly taps it against Grayson’s.

…

They finish lunch with saffron ice cream and bamie –deep fried dough soaked in sugar syrup. Once they’re done eating, Grayson leaves a semi-comatose Vi at the table and heads to the deli case to pay the tab.

“No, no.” Abdul holds up one hand and shakes his head. “I’m not going to charge you for what we brought out to you of our own accord. It’s dishonest business.”

“I appreciate the sentiment,” she argues back in Farsi, “but we nearly ate the whole menu. It’s not reasonable–”

“As the person in charge of the business, I think I get to decide what’s reasonable.”

Grayson levels him with a flat look. “We both know that your wife decides what’s reasonable. If she didn’t, you’d still have those ridiculous sideburns.”

“They were perfectly stylish! Besides, Esther isn’t here, so that leaves me.”

“Actually, I’m pretty sure that leaves your daughter.”

“Well, she isn’t part of this conversation.”

Grayson raises one eyebrow, then leans to the side so she can see into the kitchen. “Shohreh!” she shouts. “Come talk some sense into your father!”

“What?” Shohreh’s voice echoes out of the kitchen. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing!” Abdul shouts back. “Ignore this poor, senile old woman.” He grins when Grayson glares playfully at him. “She has dementia! She’s imagining things!”

“I’m not imagining those ugly-ass loafers you promised Esther you’d get rid of.”

Abdul purses his lips together, then shuffles closer to the deli case to better block any view of his feet. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She smirks. “If you don’t want your wife to know what I’m talking about, let me pay the tab.”

Abdul places one hand over his heart and feigns a gasp. “Blackmail? From the Sheriff?”

“If we’re talking misconduct, what you’re doing could technically be construed as a bribe–”

“Oh, enough, both of you.” Roshanak shuffles to the front and fixes both of them with a stern, matronly glare. “I could hear you two from the pantry. Aren’t you two too old to be bickering like children?”

“Sorry, mama.”

“Sorry, Aunt Roshie.”

Roshanak purses her thin lips as she looks between the two of them –apparently none too satisfied with their unrepentant expressions–then scoffs and waves one hand. “Brats, the both of you. And as the co-founder of this establishment–” she turns her focus to Grayson alone “–I say our hospitality is ours to give.”

Grayson relents with a sigh (and makes a mental note to put what’s left of the tab in the tips jar Hashem has out for his Academy fund). “Alright. If that’s what you want.”

Roshanak nods, then sets a pale yellow, square box on the counter with the family name in dark green on the side. “And these are for your wife.”

Grayson peeks through the cellophane window on top of the box –more bamie and baklava–and smiles. “Thank you. She’ll enjoy these.” She considers, then says, “But I am paying for these.”

Roshanak shakes her head. “No–”

“She would want me to,” Grayson insists –because you would. She smiles when Roshanak relents with a sigh and a wave of her hand, then turns back to Abdul. “Now, what does this leave us at?”

…

She walks Vi back to the trolley, then takes a longer route home. It does a world of good –if only because she’s less likely to pass out on the couch from the sheer volume of food she ate for lunch.

You’re in the back of the house, where the two of you keep the bulk of your books and the record player. You’re curled up in your arm chair –a plush, quilted emerald green seat–with a book in your lap and a cup of tea on the end table between your chair and hers. You smile and look up when she walks in –then your jaw drops when you see the box tucked under her arm. “You went to Cheriquis?”

“I took Vi there for lunch,” Grayson defends herself. “She was a bit overwhelmed after the initial tux fitting –speaking of, don’t let me forget to sleuth out the color of Caitlyn’s dress; Agatha needs a swatch to work with.” She walks over to your chair, bends to give you a kiss, then holds out the box to you. “Aunt Roshie sent these home for you.”

“Oh, bless her.” You slide your thumbnail through the sticker holding the box shut, then lift the lid. You select a perfectly round bamie, bite through half of it, then close your eyes and let out a blissful groan. “I haven’t been to Cheriqui’s in forever and a day. And, if we’re on the topic of reminders, don’t let me forget to book a reservation there for my senior’s final’s study group.”

“I’ll do my best.” She sits in her chair with a muted groan. “How has your day been?”

You wave one hand dismissively. “Literally nothing has happened. I’ve been utterly unproductive.” You grin when she chuckles, then finish off your bamie before holding the box out to her.

Grayson holds up one hand to turn you down. “Gods, no. We practically ate the whole damn menu.”

“Oh.” You blink, then smile. “Oh. Was it Vi’s first time trying Persian food?” When she nods, you laugh lightly. “That was a dangerous admission to make. I nearly passed out the first time you took me to Cheriqui’s.”

“Vi was in a similar state to you when we left,” Grayson says. “But she enjoyed herself –and the family enjoyed her, too.”

“I can’t fathom how she wouldn’t. I’m glad they liked her, though!”

“I’ll say.” She smirks. “I think they were all impressed when she ate a goat’s eye.”

Your eyes widen, and your brows spike towards your hairline. “Yeah, that’d do it.” You laugh. “How’d she handle it?”

“Apparently, she’s familiar with fish head stew, so it didn’t faze her.”

You nod. “The food in the Lanes is definitely rustic.”

“You don’t say!” She grins when you laugh, then shakes her head. “She met Aunt Roshie, too –she wants you to stop by soon, by the way.”

“Oh, twist my arm. What did Roshie think of Vi?”

“I think she liked Vi –but I think she liked telling Vi stories about me trying to get out of my dresses and tights as a kid.” She pauses when you snicker, then sighs and adds in a resigned tone, “And she definitely liked asking me ‘what about her deli turns me into a stripper’ in front of Vi.”

You burst into delighted cackles and clap your hands together. You rock back in your chair –hard enough that your chair scoots back slightly. “She did not!”

“Oh, she did.” Grayson grimaces. “In English.”

“Oh, Janna!” You clutch at your sides as tears of mirth stream down your face. “Bless that woman. I absolutely adore Roshie.” You wipe your cheeks, then your eyes, all while giggling. “Oh, I wish I could’ve been there for that!”

She can’t help but smile, exasperation aside. “I don’t doubt it.”

Once you regain some coherency, you shift so you’re sitting properly in your chair once more and look at her. “How’d the fitting go?”

“It went alright. I think Vi was overwhelmed, though.”

“By Agatha, or by the process?”

“By the process.” Grayson drums her fingers against the arm of her chair. “I mean –I know how things were for you, at the start. You certainly know how they were for you.”

“I do,” you agree while nodding slowly. Your expression is grim, lips pressed into a tight line. “I also know that they don’t always get better on a bigger scale.”

“I know.” She sighs, weary, and folds her hands in her lap. And Vi doesn’t seem like the type to take the route of “blending in.”

The first few years of your relationship had been a brutal, rude awakening. Not just in seeing the destitution of Zaun for the first time –and being lightly hazed with what Jericho thought was passable as food–but realizing just how much Piltovans hated anyone from the Undercity.

You’d had to scrape and fight your way through university; she hadn’t witnessed it personally, but you’d told her horror stories about professors docking points because you didn’t have a surname to list on your assignments. Or marking you down during presentations because your accent was different. Or refusing to let you attend office hours without security present because they were “concerned” for their “wellbeing.”

She’d heard stories about you getting harassed at work by colleagues and bosses, only for human resources to do nothing. She’d witnessed the harassment once –one of your male coworkers had slapped you on the ass–and she’d had to go up the chain of directors and presidents as a Captain in the ranks of the Enforcers before any recourse was afforded.

She’d had extended family members sit her down for countless interventions when she’d proposed to you. They’d cited rampant crime and drug abuse in the Undercity, how you’d bring unbearable baggage with you, how your reputation and “status” would harm her career and ability to climb the ladder. Hell, she’d had ex-girlfriends come crawling out of the woodwork and try to interfere with your relationship, only to later find out that several meddling aunts had orchestrated the whole nightmare. She’d married you anyway –and sent them all notices in the mail that they were not invited to the wedding or reception.

People used to nearly walk over you in the streets. Men would catcall you, or call you a “bitch in lady’s clothing.” Women would whisper to their companions and laugh at you, regardless of whether you were in earshot or not. People would come up and talk to her without once addressing you, or even looking in your direction.

There was one glorious incident, shortly after she’d been promoted to Lieutenant, when she’d gotten a call from her patrolmen about a drunk and disorderly complaint. She’d shown up at a local shop, only to find you in cuffs –and utterly sober, no less.

She doesn’t remember much of what she said while dressing down her patrolmen. She’s heard, however, that she made one man throw up afterwards, just from sheer terror.

It’s not as bad as it used to be. The people who remember you as an Undercity hopeful aren’t really around anymore. You’ve got the right clothes, a respectable career, and several awards and accreditations in journalism under your belt. People know you as a professor now. As her wife.

Somehow, I don’t think Vi wants to be known just as Caitlyn Kiramman’s wife, she thinks to herself.

“Gray.” You squeeze her hand. “Where’d you go?”

She inhales sharply as you drag her out of her reverie. “Nowhere, really.” She clears her throat. “I was thinking about how things were for you when we first got together. How… how hard it was.”

You smile reassuringly. “It wasn’t all bad. I had you.”

Grayson smiles back, then takes your hand in hers. “I’m flattered, but we both know it was terrible.” When you wince, but don’t say anything else, she continues. “I suppose I’m worried that Vi will have a harder time of it. You…” Her voice trails off, and then she grimaces. Shit. How do I say this without being insulting?

“I blended in better?” you surmise with an arched eyebrow and a smirk.

“I don’t see Vi adopting popular hairstyles or covering her tattoos,” Grayson allows in an attempt to be tactful. “Or attending university.”

“She shouldn’t have to,” you point out.

“I know,” she agrees. “I just…” She sighs, then squeezes your hand. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt powerless like this. I haven’t missed it.”

You coo softly and cock your head to one side. “You’ve become very fond of her.”

“She’s a good kid,” Grayson admits, emphatic. “She has a good heart. And I’d hoped this city had grown out of its prejudices over the past couple of decades, but…”

“But it hasn’t,” you finish, soft and sympathetic, when her voice trails off.

“But it hasn’t,” she echoes wearily. She rubs the bridge of her nose with her other hand. “I’m so tired of the fucking bureaucratic bullshit.”

“Easy, love.” You rub small circles against the back of her hand with your thumb. “Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t.”

I’m the Sheriff of Piltover. I should be able to do whatever I damn well like. She huffs, but sets aside the mental grousing for more productive lines of thinking. “I might get a new tux for the gala.”

You blink a few times, then frown. “...Okay?”

“Vi went with a charcoal colored tuxedo,” she explains. “In all due fairness, Agatha recommended it.”

“Ah.” Your confused expression settles into a small, melancholy smile. “A non-traditional color choice.”

“I think I’ll pick up something non-traditional, too. Just so Vi isn’t the single odd duck out.”

Your eyes crinkle around the corners as your smile grows. “That’s sweet of you. What color do you think you’ll get?”

She shrugs. “Maybe silver. It’d be a winter color, at least.”

“Ooh.” Your eyes light up. “You’d look good in silver. Very distinguished.”

She grins at you. “I’m glad you have your approval.”

You grin, then wink. “I bet you’ll look good out of it, too.”

Grayson laughs, heartfelt. Then, she leans over and kisses you.

#sass writes #grayson x reader #arcane grayson #grayson arcane #enforcer grayson #happy new year everybody!#finally a nice wholesome fic for the new year #odant #grayson lowkey highkey adopts vi as her gay butch baby #pls excuse the nebulous worldbuilding #i went with some middle eastern culture -iranian specficially #bc grayson's va is iranian #but a lot of the sources i used referenced persian food and culture #and i wasn't sure if there was a region in LoL that would square with the middle east let alone iran #so i used the term persian pls don't kill me #no smut in this one sorry lmao

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demo-wise · 2 years

Text

Angel

Summary: Finn sees one of the extras on for Stranger Things 3 and instantly needs to meet her.

Pairing: Finn Wolfhard x fem!Reader

Warnings: Weirdly descriptive? I tried to be poetic okay don’t @ me.

Word Count: 548 (she’s a short one)

A/N: Requested by the lovely @harry-bowie-mercury. Hi dearest, I’m so incredibly sorry it’s so late and it’s so short. I wanted to kind of take this one slow and not overdue it by explaining all of what will happen with their interactions and dates, but of course if you’d like me to make a separate part two I’d be more than happy to. Of course that also applies to anyone else who’s interested in another part. Thanks for reading and hopefully it’s at least a little cute.

He had never seen anyone so beautiful. He didn't know how he hadn't noticed her before, but now she was all he could see. It was like an angel had been placed on the set that day, to grace his presence and his gaze. She was an extra, he spotted her through the window of one of the makeup trailers being dolled up for one of the scenes taking place at the Starcourt Mall, her eyes being coated with dramatic neon eyeshadow and her lashes being curled. He was enthralled by her the moment he laid eyes on her, and he felt determined to strike up a conversation with her the next time the opportunity presented itself.

That opportunity happened to be that very day after they finished shooting. The Starcourt scene was the very last thing they did that day, much to Finn's delight, and after all was said and done, he approached her as she was gathering her belongings to go home.

"Hi," he called out awkwardly.

She turned at the sound of his voice behind her and gave him a small smile, "Hello."

"I don't think I've met you yet, I'm Finn," he stuck out his hand in greeting, anxiety bubbling up in his throat when she took his hand in hers and gave him her name. The sound of it rolled off her tongue like a symphony. Finn instantly fell in love with it.

"It's nice to make your acquaintance. I really love your performance so far, I've always wanted to be that talented of an actor," she complimented him, making his heart soar. Her voice was lovely, albeit a bit quiet, one might even suggest timid, and he refrained from reaching out to take her hand again.

"No, no, don't say that, you'll make me blush," he quipped, drawing a giggle from her that sounded to him like heaven.

"No really! You're so good at what you do, it's very admirable."

This time he did reach out to take her hand, thanking her graciously but keeping hold of it afterwards, which he hoped wasn't too forward, "Can I be completely honest with you?"

"Please."

"I just…" Finn paused, trying to find the words, "I don't know how I haven't noticed you before now. I mean - and I hope this isn't being too forward - but you're so compelling."

This time, it was her turn to blush, her skin flushing all the way to the tips of her ears, "Thank you," she dipped her head bashfully, "I attribute that at least in part to the makeup and costume department."

Finn laughed, and took this chance to completely put himself out there, "So, uh, I didn't just come up to you to make introductions. I was kind of wondering if… you'd maybe like to go out on a date with me sometime…" he trailed, looking down at her hopefully. Even her eyes were completely encapsulating him, "Maybe this weekend?"

You smiled at him then, and nodded, "I'd love to. I mean, I can't this weekend, but definitely soon."

And by the time Finn had retired to his bed for the night, he had a new contact in his phone and was already trading days for possible dates with the angel he met on set that day.

#angel #request #fic request #harry-bowie-mercury #wow i haven't done this in so long i kinda forget how to tag #finn wolfhard #finn wolfhard x reader #finn x reader #blurb #stranger things 3 extra

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jadedrrose · 2 years

Text

The Experiment - Chapter Three

You and Law finally get down to business.

Warnings: absolutely filthy smut. Even I felt embarrassed writing this, despite normally loving this sort of thing… (oral sex, female receiving, overstimulation, and obviously: breeding kink)

Day 2.

—

Your first full day on Punk Hazard was… well, uneventful. So far.

When you woke up, Law was gone. You figured he was exploring, figuring out the surroundings and layout of the laboratory.

It had been freezing when you woke up, and you foolishly wore a nightgown that had no sleeves and didn’t even reach your knees. The blanket provided was shitty and thin. You’d have to ask for extra.

After changing into more warm clothing, there was a knock on the metal door that led to your room. You’d opened it to find a person in an all yellow suit with an odd eye hole made of glass. They had brought you breakfast- which was surprisingly good, you found out moments later.

Law had returned around lunch time, quietly making his way into the room and to the desk, where he wrote some things down in a journal. You peeked over his shoulder to find he was making a map and labeling things, and on a separate sheet, making notes of where ‘useful’ or ‘suspicious’ things were.

When he finished, the two of you headed to the lounge at Caesar’s request. You didn’t want to go, but Law didn’t want to take chances, the man could kick both of you off the island at any time.

There was some food set up in the lounge, awaiting the both of you. Monet was drinking an oddly colored beverage and writing things in her own journal on one of the couches. She gave you another one of her odd looks, and you simply ignored her.

After eating, Caesar had crudely asked you and Law if the two of you had made any steps to start the “task”, as he called it. You had nearly spit out your drink, and Law had to hold back from killing the guy right there and then. The lunch meeting was quickly over after that.

So here you were now, sitting in the bed (which now had triple of the amount of blankets you had initially) reading a book. Law was once again out, and had been since dinner. You glanced at the little clock on the desk, seeing it was nearly midnight. He’d been gone for five hours now - since seven. You hoped he hadn’t gotten into trouble.

As you kept reading, the words in the book all blurred together, and you found yourself forgetting the sentences you had just read moments ago. You yawned, not realizing how tired you truly were. You decided to give into said tiredness, and fell asleep, without even closing the book or moving it.

—

The sound of shuffling and boots being kicked off woke you up from your deep slumber. But you didn’t open your eyes just yet, wanting to just go back to sleep.

You felt him climb into the bed, and you expected he’d see your current state and simply lay next to you, hoping he’d also get to sleep. But you were surprised to feel him against you,his head resting above yours on the same pillow, an arm over your torso.

“I know you’re awake, (Name)-ya.”

Your eyes fluttered open, looking beside you. Law was looking directly into your eyes, a barely noticeable smirk on his face. But you noticed.

“Mmm… What time is it?” You grumbled, still not entirely awake yet.

“Two in the morning,” Law informed you.

“Oh.”

You tried to move closer to him, welcoming the warmth he provided. “You gonna try to sleep?” You asked, giving him a small kiss as you did so.

“Maybe. But not now.”

“Why not? Surely whatever it is you want to work on can wait until tomorrow.”

“(Name),” he took your chin between his fingers, gently moving your face to look directly at him. “We have work to do.”

Your eyes widened, realizing what he meant. You could feel your cheeks beginning to burn, blush creeping up on you.

“I’ve been thinking about it,” he began to say. “About… shit, do you know how embarrassing this is?”

You stared at him in confusion. What could he possibly be embarrassed about? It’s not like he’d been scared to bring up something he wanted to try before.

“I… want to fill you, stuff you full of my cum. To breed you.”

If your eyes could get any wider, they surely did now. And that slight blush from before now had you looking as red as a strawberry.

“L-Law…”

You couldn’t look him in the eyes. Now you felt embarrassed. His words, as much as you didn’t want to admit it, sparked something inside you. You could feel a familiar sensation in your lower abdomen.

He could tell exactly what you were feeling, a smirk reforming on his face. His hand slid over to your stomach, holding you.

“And after I breed you, you’ll- fuck- look so beautiful, your stomach full with what I put in you.”

You sat up, throwing the book that was on your chest aside, moving yourself on top of Law. “Dammit, don’t say shit like that Law. I’m…”

You hid your face, feeling embarrassed again.

“Are you embarrassed? Ashamed that you’re turned on by this whole thing?”

You tried to form words, but they came out as muffled sounds as you tried to shove yourself further into his shoulder. His hands moved to your hips, running his tattooed fingers along your sides.

“Are you going to take it? Be a good girl and let me stuff you until you can’t take anymore, until my seed is dripping out of your cunt and onto your thighs?”

You hated how easily this man could turn you on.

“Yes, Law… I’ll be so good, take it all from you.”

“Good. Take off that nightgown and lay down.”

You obeyed his words, moving to stand on your knees and slip the gown over your head, throwing it to the edge of the bed and turning yourself to lay face up on the bed.

Before, you’d been so tired you didn’t even realize Law was already shirtless, only wearing some sweatpants he wore to bed. You admired the way his tattoos moved along with his muscles as he climbed over you. He lowered himself down, kissing you while one hand moved to cup your breast, squeezing it and running his thumb over the nipple.

“Once you're all filled up and pregnant,” he talked in between kisses. “These will grow with you, and I’ll absolutely take advantage of that,” he pinched the nipple suddenly, causing you to let out a moan.

“You’ll be so sensitive, so needy,” he kept telling you, “…so perfect.”

Your legs squirmed as he spoke, wanting him to touch you there. “Fuck, Law,” you moaned.

“What’s that? You need to tell me exactly what you want.”

“I want… ugh. I want you to take me already! Fuck!”

His other hand smacked the side of your upper thigh, as close to your ass as he could get without flipping you over.

“Okay,” he said. “But first I want to taste you.”

You closed your eyes as Law moved down, sliding your panties down and off your ankles. You sat there in anticipation, waiting for him to start.

And without any warning, he went straight in. You let out a rather loud moan, hands flying to his head, grabbing his raven hair between your fingers. You could feel him sucking on your clit, not even giving you a chance to breathe in between your desperate moans. One of his hands moved to finger you, him easily sliding two fingers in with how wet you were.

“Law! Fuck, I’m so close,” you warned him.

His lips pulled away, but his fingers only moved quicker. “Already? You’re just so sensitive already, aren’t you? So desperate to get bred.”

“Mmmph! Yes, yes, Law. Please, breed me already.”

He went back in one last time, licking at your sensitive bud and causing you to instantly cum around his fingers. Once he was satisfied, he pulled them out and you watched as his slick-covered tattooed fingers went to his mouth, Law licking up your cum.

“Shit! Don’t do that, it’s too hot,” you whined.

Then, he kissed you again, and you could feel his movements as he pulled his cock out, feeling the tip of it just barely making contact with your over sensitive pussy.

His left hand took your right one in his, moving up to rest both of your hands against the pillow. His other hands caressed your face, kissing you one last time. “Are you ready?”

You simply nodded.

His hand left your face and down to guide himself into you. You let out a sweet, long moan as he filled you entirely. Your hand that wasn’t being held in place flew up to his back, trying to get a grip on yourself.

He let out a hiss as he began thrusting his hips, feeling your sensitive walls squeezing his cock. “You’re so fucking tight, feels so good,” he began biting at your neck, beginning to mark you. But you knew that was just how Law tried to hide his own moans.

He began moving faster, becoming more relentless. He couldn’t help it, either. The thought of breeding you, putting a baby in you and seeing your belly swell up had him feral. His hand which was on your right hip squeezed at the soft flesh.

Law knew that he wouldn’t last much longer. Everything was so overwhelming, all the thoughts and desires he was thinking, seeing you below him. Hearing your disgustingly lewd moans, how you were nearly drooling.

“Fuck, I’m about to cum,” he told you, “fill you up…” His hand on your hip moved to the bottom of your stomach, and he pressed down. You screamed at the sensation, cumming for a second time.

Then you felt him unload his cum into your cunt, the warmth of it having you feeling like you could cum a third time. But he didn’t stop, Law kept thrusting into you, slamming his cock into your cunt, fucking his seed as deep as possible inside you.

“Fuck, Law! St-stop, I’m too sensitive!” You yelled out.

He began rubbing your clit with his thumb, and you screamed again, cumming for the third time now.

Not long after, he felt a second orgasm coming on, knowing he couldn’t last much longer, that he’d too be overstimulated when he finished. He let go of your hand and let out an animalistic groan as he grabbed your hips, fully slamming into you one last time, filling you up all over again.

His movements slowed, and eventually, Law collapsed on top of your body, too tired to even pull out. Your hands resumed their original positions, one on his back and the other holding his tightly.

“Fuck. Maybe I should breed you more,” he panted.

“But then we’d have more than just this one kid, and I don’t wanna deal with that.”

“We’ll find a way around it,” he assured you, resting his head on top of your breasts. You could feel his hot breath on the skin of them.

“Gonna sleep now?” You sweetly asked him, kissing his forehead.

“Yeah…”

He pulled the blanket up to cover at least both of your legs, and the two of you succumbed into a deep slumber.

#trafalgar d water law x reader #trafalgar law x reader #law x reader #one piece fanfiction #smut

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findmeontheisle · 2 years

Text

chasing the ocean: part 16

author's note: oh shit, i’m still writing this thing? the answer is yes, i am. just very slowly, but the past couple days during finals week, i’ve had tumblr open in one tab and whenever my brain feels extra fried, i come back and write a couple more sentences. i’m not promising that any of this is good, but it’s written and we’re getting closer to the end. (that’s a lie, we still got a little bit bc i meant it when i said slow burn and this is just a filler bc i wanted to bring back umas correlation to the story)

warnings: bad writing, cursing?? (idk i’m assuming i had some curses somewhere in here), mostly just fluff

masterlist

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the days after my incident with chad were fairly peaceful. fairy godmother had called harry and me into her office the next day where she attempted to issue an apology to me for not adequately punishing chad's behavior. i quickly corrected her and reminded her that she should have immediately apologized to harry since he's the one who was impacted by it. and through gritted teeth, she forced out an apology that only sounded partially feigned.

from then on, harry and i carried on with the routine that we had set for ourselves. we walked to classes together, ate lunch separately, met up in the attic for dinner and study sessions or naps, depending on how we felt that day.

all was going well and it had been weeks since harry and i had an actual argument that extended beyond debating on who would pick what we would eat.

until the day of the vk adjustment meetings.

due to my classes assigning an excessive amount of homework and constantly having to consult with my parents over phone calls about details for my upcoming coronation that loomed in the back of my brain, i had been unable to attend any meetings since the one that i had brought harry to when he first arrived.

now that i had found a way to properly schedule all of my study sessions and meetings with my parents, i could finally return to my duties to the group. which means that today, i am leading the meeting to give evie and carlos a reprieve from the stress.

harry huffs as he helps me rearrange the chairs in the empty classroom that was designated for clubs and meetings. he had spent twenty minutes this morning before we left the attic trying to convince me to bail on the meeting so that we could have our weekly movie marathon. each time we would find each other in the halls between classes, he would flash his blue eyes at me and pout his lip as he sighed dramatically about how excited he had been for tonight.

and each time, i would level him with an easy smile and a quick kiss to the cheek as i promised that we would watch the movies after the meeting. the promise had been tiding him over and keeping him content, but now i can see him shifting nervously and his eyes are darting around the empty room as if he's checking exits.

the action makes me pause and lower the notebook i had made notes on. i haven't seen him resort to that behavior since right after we came back from eroda.

setting the notebook down in my chair, i cross the room to stand in front of him. he notices me and gives me a playful pout, but his eyes are still frantic as he looks around, "lass, are you sure we can't skip this meeting?"

i take the chair from his grasp and gesture for him to take a seat in it. he sighs, but sits regardless. crouching in front of him, i take his hand in mine as i stare into his eyes, "okay, love, what's really going on?"

he attempts to feign confusion, but i continue to stare up at him before he finally cracks, "i don't know, i just-"

"hey, y/n, me and evie decided to come early to see if you needed any help."

carlos's voice can be heard before he's seen and by the time he's entered the room, harry is standing again and offering his hand out to help me up as well. i shoot harry a concerned look, but he doesn't glance my way.

carlos and evie pay no attention to us as they help move the last few chairs into the semi-circle harry had made. before i can excuse us so that i can talk to harry, evie is updating me on the members who have been attending frequently and issues that have been discussed lately.

from the corner of my eye, i can see harry sit down in the chair that's to the right of mine as he begins to mindlessly spin his hook in his hand.

all too soon, the room begins to fill with people and i'm forced to greet them and make small talk. i barely manage to take my seat next to harry as dizzy passionately tells me about her classes and who her most recent clients have been at her hair salon that she's running in the back of evie's shop.

nodding along with the biggest smile that i can manage, i pray that i look interested enough to keep from hurting her feelings as my eyes cut over to harry. the hand that isn't holding his hook is shaking and the sight breaks my heart. with no hesitation, i reach my hand over and take his in mine. interlocking our fingers, i gently squeeze to give him some comfort.

the action seems to suffice for him as he squeezes back without looking up, but my brow is still creased with worry.

the room continues to fill up and there are less empty seats now, but the only thing i can focus on is the emptiness in harry's eyes as he rubs circles on the back of my hand. the action is soothing, but it feels like he's just reminding himself that i'm still there.

carlos claps suddenly and gathers everyone's attention. the low buzz of conversation comes to a stop and celia takes the hint to take her seat, but she promises to finish explaining how her tarot reading business is going.

i force a smile and nod as a response, but as carlos begins welcoming everyone, i glance at harry.

when he first showed hesitance at coming to the meeting, i had assumed it was a distaste for meetings in general or the cheesiness. at one point, i even assumed that he just didn't feel like sitting and pretending to be interested, but now i can see that this was genuinely affecting him.

i'm seconds from leaning in close to his ear to whisper that he could leave early if he wants to when carlos turns and gestures for me to stand.

"and for tonight's meeting, our discussions will be led by y/n!"

all attention is shifted to me and i feel harry slowly release my hand as i stand up. pulling my notebook up to my chest, i smile to greet everyone and clear my throat nervously.

"well, it's been a little while, but i'm happy to see everyone again. evie and carlos have been keeping me up to date on everything that's happened the past couple meetings and i think we're all overdue for a check-in session."

murmurs of agreement are passed around the circle and i take that as my sign to continue speaking, "to start, how about we all go in a circle and share something good that happened this week? it can be anything, big or small. just something that made you happy."

i nod at carlos, who sits to my left, and he takes the hint as he turns to the group and shares, "i went on a date with this girl that i've had a crush on for a while."

the group gasps and evie blurts, "how'd it go?"

carlos chuckles at the enthusiasm and shrugs with a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "honestly, really good. she wants to go skip rocks together at the enchanted lake tomorrow because i told her that i never learned how."

evie awes and she's clearly about to continue questioning him when i speak, "that's great, carlos! evie, what's something good that happened to you this week?"

straightening up in her seat, she smiles brightly and announces, "i had a magazine reach out to me asking to do an article about what it's like to be a successful vk and any tips i have for others."

the group begins mumbling excitedly amongst themselves and i jot down a quick note in my journal to remember to ask which magazine and when it's coming out after the meeting.

we continue in the circle as everyone shares something. dizzy got a new pair of scissors, celia learned how to make beignets from nadia. even harry participated as he mumbled about passing his geography test yesterday, which is something that i had expected considering his insane amount of knowledge of maps from his father.

standing up, i nod and do my best to refrain from bouncing on my toes at all of the good news, "thank you to everyone for sharing. i can see a massive improvement from the last check-in session as you're all getting better at finding positives around you."

i glance down to my notebook and open my mouth to speak again when i'm cut off by the door bursting open.

everyone jumps in their seats, some scouring or patting their bodies for weapons that once were always strapped on them. harry's arm is pulling me back behind him before i can even register that he's standing.

uma is at the door, panting heavily as she huffs out, "sorry for... running late... debate team..."

no one is paying any attention to her words though.

one quick glance around the room tells me that the peaceful environment that carlos, evie, and i had worked so hard to create for the group is tainted. everyone is visibly shaken from the disturbance and my heart sinks to the floor at the sight of dizzy nervously braiding her hair or celia twisting her rings.

no one felt comfortable enough to share their vulnerabilities now that they had been thoroughly spooked.

frowning, i silence uma's apology with a quick glare and i nod at evie to pull her outside for a reminder on the policies of the group.

as they shuffle out the door quietly, i step from behind harry and place a reassuring hand on his arm as i speak up, "okay, i think for the next part we should break off into peace partners."

i watch as everyone glances around uncertainly and want to cry from how much progress was loss with the one breach of trust.

forcing a gentle smile, i continue, "it's been a while since we've done it so i'll re-explain how peace partners work. i want everyone to find at least one person to partner with. the groups should be no bigger than three."

i pause to give everyone a moment to glance around for potential partners before i continue speaking, "once you find a person, you go to a corner or find a spot to sit with them and i want you both to talk about things that you find most peaceful. it's no judgement, but if you don't feel comfortable doing that then it's okay to do breathing exercises with them or just sit in silence with them. okay? any questions?"

no one answers so i nod and announce for them to find their partners.

the room is a quiet buzz as everyone breaks into separate groups. i turn to partner with harry, but a hand on my shoulder stops me in my actions.

glancing back, i find uma waiting behind me and i barely contain my grimace of annoyance as i wait for her to speak first.

"hey, y/n, i'm sorry. i really wasn't thinking when i came running in here like that. i just didn't want to miss anything important in the meeting."

i look over her shoulder at evie, who is frowning and waiting to speak to me as well. with a quick nod, i gesture to carlos, "we're doing peace partners right now to calm everyone back down. you can partner up with carlos-"

"actually, i wanna partner with harry."

her words cause me to freeze in my place and a pit to form in my stomach. a subtle look back at harry shows that he isn't paying attention to the conversation as his blue eyes dart around the room. his face is locked into an unbothered expression, but i see through his façade.

"sorry, uma, but harry's my partner."

she frowns and argues, "he's your roommate. why can't he partner with someone else?"

the logic is sound, but i don't like the way she keeps looking back over at harry so i force myself to sound as detached as possible as i ask, "why can't you partner with carlos?"

shrugging a shoulder, uma reasons, "i want to hear about how harry's doing since he left the isle."

typically, i would agree that it's a good idea. i would smile and encourage for them to support each other and reminisce over their shared childhoods. i would let them huddle together in a corner of the room and whisper about their experiences.

but i remember how uma's rejection had hurt harry despite him never confessing that. i remember how she left him completely alone to adjust to his new surroundings. he was counting on her being there for him and she left him. deep down, i know it was for the better so she wouldn't be tempted to fall back into old habits, but part of me knows that she was strong enough to fight those temptations.

part of me knows that she chose to leave him and now that she can see improvements in his behavior, she wants to come back.

gritting my teeth, i step closer so harry can't hear me as i whisper, "uma, stop it. you're not being fair to him."

she arches a brow and shifts her feet as she asserts, "you're the one who's hiding him from everyone else. i was there for him on the isle while you were eating off a silver spoon. you don't know what fair is, y/n."

part of me is shocked that she's arguing over this, but i also knew deep down that she had a purpose behind trying to partner with harry and i refuse to let it happen.

staring into her brown eyes, i tilt my head up at her and hissed, "yeah, but i'm the one who was here for him when he came from the isle. you're the one who blew him off and acted like you were above associating with him. so i'm sorry, but i think i have a pretty good idea of what fair is."

uma blinks in surprise at the anger in my tone and the defensive stance i hold. she opens and closes her mouth for a few seconds, but i don't let her respond as i nod at carlos once more.

"carlos is your peace partner. go take a seat, uma."

with that, i turn on my heel and call harry's name. when his eyes stop darting around and land on me, i let myself smile at him and gesture towards the door, "let's go outside. there will be more space and it'll be quieter, captain."

admittedly, it was a little petty of me to emphasize his nickname, but seeing uma roll her eyes as she listens to carlos talk about his week was worth it.

harry's footsteps trail behind me and i shut the door behind us quietly once we've both entered the hallway. letting out a small sigh, my shoulders relax slowly and i rest my head against the door temporarily.

when i turn around to face harry, i can see the barely contained grin on his face as he stares at his boots. i breathe a small laugh and shake my head, "what are you smiling about over there?"

he lifts his head and his blue eyes are swimming with so many emotions that i can't decipher any of it as he shrugs, "i think it's cute that ye got possessive in there."

scoffing, i glance over my shoulder to check on the group and to hopefully distract harry from the warmth in my cheeks at his words.

“i wasn’t possessive. i just called dibs on being your partner and didn’t feel like sharing with someone who doesn’t deserve to be a part of your peace.”

harry hums and nods along with a teasing smile etched on his features. he steps closer to me and if i wasn’t already leaning against a doorframe, i would’ve been tempted to take a step back. i stare up at him and hold eye contact in an attempt to feign normalcy, despite the way it feels like my heart is trying to break free from my chest.

when harry lets his hook fall to the ground to gently cup my cheeks in his hands, i know that if my heart were to leave my body, i would give it to him.

i would place it in his hands and i know that it would be safe with him.

when harry places a small kiss to the top of my head, i realize that in some ways, i’ve already given it to him.

“i’m glad ye know how i feel.”

furrowing my brows, i tilt my head and wait for his explanation.

harry seems to hesitate, but he sighs and confesses, “between yer classes and kingdom and clubs, it just feels like sometimes i’m sharing ye with half the world.”

his words hit me in the chest and i frown, but he hurriedly continues to speak, “and that’s fine usually. i love seeing how happy ye get when ye accomplish something or watching ye be naturally good at leading yer kingdom.”

harry pauses and his thumb rubs small circles over my cheeks as his jaw clenches, “it’s just… sometimes i can see how stressed ye get and ye never do anything for yerself. that’s why i enjoy our movie nights because it’s one of the few times ye look calm.”

the quiet buzz of the meeting is gone and i feel waves of guilt wash across me as i stare into his blue eyes, thinking about how he had been acting all day.

“that’s why you didn’t want to come to the meeting?”

he gives me a grin that doesn’t quite reach his eyes as he jokes, “well, i mean, i mostly didn’t wanna come because ye said there wasn’t going to be snacks.”

when i don’t laugh at his attempt to distract me, he sighs before pressing our foreheads together. his hands fall from my cheeks and move to pull me closer by my waist. once he was satisfied with how close we were, he pulled back enough to make eye contact.

“lass, stop doing that.”

lips twitching down into a frown, i desperately wish that we weren’t making eye contact as it feels like his eyes are staring into my soul.

it’s a look i had grown used to while growing up in a royal position. to have my morals and thoughts pulled from my chest and laid out for strangers to pick apart mercilessly. before i met harry, my skin had thickened and my tongue was raw from how often i bit it to control the words i wished to say.

now that i’ve spent so long with him, everything’s shifted.

harry has let me move at my own pace. i have reached within and shown him the parts of me that i had managed to hide from everyone. the magnifying glass that once was terrified me as others held it up to my imperfections now felt like a telescope. harry looks at me in a similar fashion to how he looked at the stars when we were on the dock in eroda.

his blue eyes stare upon me as though he admired me. as though i was out of his reach.

“y/n, ever since the day i met ye, i’ve watched ye bend over backwards and run yerself to yer breaking point to take care of everyone around ye.”

my cheeks are warm at his words and i open my mouth to dismiss the notion, but he speaks before i can.

“how long has it been since ye let someone care for ya?”

the question has my breath catching in my throat. i blink and i’m trying to find an answer as quickly as possible, but the harder i try, the less answers i find.

harry’s smile is bittersweet as he gently squeezes my hips and kisses the tip of my nose. i close my eyes and let out a shaky breath, resting my head against his chest and letting the smell of his cologne soothe me.

“let me.”

he doesn’t need to say more for me to understand, but he begs regardless.

“lass, you’ve done so much for me and, despite how much of a bully ye were at first,” he’s momentarily cut off as i push his shoulder jokingly, “i’ve never felt like someone was there for me until i met ye. i’m not perfect and i’m not as good at this as ye are, but i promise i’ll do my best for ye if you just let me.”

my mouth feels dry and my hands shake at the sincerity in his eyes. as my heart hammers against my chest, i process the reality of his words.

i have spent my whole life focused on finding a purpose and unconsciously shutting out anyone’s attempt at getting closer to me. i’ve spent my life working to earn the love and to know that it’s something that i’ve come to deserve. and now that harry’s seen that and chosen to still offer me it without needing the confirmation that i believed to be essential, i still can’t find it within myself to accept it.

forcing a smile to my face, i joke, “if i didn’t know any better, i would think you were asking to be my boyfriend.”

“oh lass, i plan on doing that somewhere much better than this hallway.”

the squeak that escapes me makes my face heat up and my eyes widen in embarrassment from the noise. my hand covers my mouth as fast as possible and i half-expect harry to laugh, but his face remains serious aside from the corner of his lip tilted up in amusement.

shoving his shoulder, i roll my eyes and turn back to look through the door once more, “not funny, harry.”

he shrugs and steps back whilst crossing his arms over his chest, “not a joke, y/n.”

i freeze and close my eyes to enjoy the feeling that flutters through my chest. it’s rare for me to be able to just enjoy simple moments, but it’s been happening more and more often ever since harry had strolled into my life with his mischievous grin and twinkling blue eyes.

a smile pulls my lips up before i can stop it as i face him and poke his chest teasingly, “keep that energy when i’m in the middle of coronation preparations in a couple months and am a menace to be around.”

harry chuckles and shakes his head, “if its anything like ye studying for yer midterms, i’ll just wear a helmet for when i piss ye off and ye throw a book at me to shut me up.”

throwing my head back to laugh at the memory, i remind him, “to be fair, you decided to sing sea shanties for an hour straight while i studied.”

squinting his eyes at me, he leans in, “ye know ye loved it, lass.”

sticking my tongue out at him, i’m struggling to answer him when suddenly the door opens and carlos is poking his head out.

“y/n, you’re my best friend and i would die for you, but i refuse to sit in here and listen to uma rant about the weather.”

harry snorts beside me and i instantly whack the side of his arm to quiet him as i smile apologetically at carlos.

“sorry, i lost track of time, carlos. we’ll be right in there.”

at my words, i can see harry sigh to himself and the conversation that we had when we first left the room comes rushing back to me. guilt curls in my veins and i’m speaking before i’ve fully processed my words.

“actually, carlos, i feel a little overwhelmed with everything that’s been going on and i know i volunteered to lead the meeting, but would it be okay if you closed it out for me? i would feel a lot better if me and harry just went back to our room and had some more peace time.”

at this, carlos looks slightly shocked, but he conceals it quickly. i can see the concern in his eyes because i’ve never backed down from a task that i’ve signed up for before, no matter the circumstances.

carlos glances over my shoulder at harry and they share a look that i don’t understand before carlos nods to me. he gives me a reassuring smile and pats my back, “yeah, don’t even worry ‘bout it. i told you i’d do anything for you, especially if it means getting away from uma sooner.”

he gives me another nod before leaving me and harry standing alone in the hallway.

i turn to face harry and find him staring down at me with a giant grin. his excitement is contagious and my face hurts from the smile that covers my face.

rocking back and forth on my heels, i bite my bottom lip and wiggle my eyebrows, “well, captain, i do believe you owe me a movie marathon?”

nodding his head with a serious expression, he heaves a loud sigh, “aye, i believe i do.”

we sit in silence for a moment before i shove him backwards and call over my shoulder as i sprint down the hallway, “RACE YOU THERE.”

his laughter echoes down the hall, forming a harmony with my own giggles and our footsteps as we run through the halls and up the stairs. at certain points, i was sure that harry’s athleticism or long limbs would allow him to pass me, but by some miracle, i stayed in the lead.

when we finally burst through the door to the attic and collapsed on the nearest bed in a wheezing mess, i gather my breath and huff out, “i… win.”

harry doesn’t even lift his head to look at me as he airily laughs and waves me off, “this time.”

movie marathon night progresses as normal. i find himself in one of harry’s shirts that isn’t ripped and laying in his bed as we watch some action movie that he picked. the small television at the end of the bed provides the only light in the room. my head is resting on harry’s chest as his hand combs through my hair gently.

my body feels more relaxed in this moment than it has in years. the quiet thudding of harry’s heart is like a lullaby for me and my eyes keep slipping closed temporarily before i jerk myself awake to further enjoy the moment with him.

the movie is close to ending now. a quick glance up to harry tells me that he hasn’t been paying attention for a majority of it. his eyes are locked on me and he smiles when i make eye contact with him.

rolling my eyes, i shift upwards on the bed to lay my head on the pillow so we’re laying directly next to each other. the subtle glow of the tv illuminates his face enough that i can barely make out his features.

in this quiet, relaxed environment, i feel safe to ask the questions that have plagued my thoughts.

“harry, where are you gonna go when summer starts?”

he blinks in surprise at the question, but doesn’t hesitate to answer, “wherever ye go probably.”

shifting my eyes back to the tv, i hope it’s too dark for him to see the grin that’s overtaken my face.

“no, i’m being serious. like, where would you want to go?”

this time, he takes a moment to think over his answer before he finally confesses, “i really liked the pub back in yer kingdom. if ye didn’t let me follow ye around, i’d probably go there for a while. why, lass? already trying to get rid of me?”

his voice is teasing, but i can hear some underlying worry so i firmly shake my head, “no, you’re not lucky enough to be free of me yet.”

i don’t need to look at him to know that he’s smiling at that moment.

“but to answer your question, i don’t know. i was just thinking about how i still haven’t found my story and was trying to see if you’ve found yours.”

harry doesn’t answer me and when i glance over at him, i find him already looking at me.

from there, we carry on different conversations as the credits roll on the screen until we’re both lulled into sleep by the quiet static coming from the tv speakers at the end of the movie.

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