#sorry it took me so long to reply this I am... a little stinker

[lunapegasus]

Your Chaos Shadow gives me Snapcube Shadow vibes, and I don’t know how to feel about that

anon you are so fucking right and correct

#sorry it took me so long to reply this I am... a little stinker #blanswers #chaos shadow #chaos sonic #sonic prime #beepo #sth #my art <3

[babybluebex]

Hi, i was wondering if you could write something where Sebastian Stan is a dad to a little boy and the one who always reads to him before bed, but one night Seb is very tired after shooting, and reader is the one putting him to bed, but the little one refuses to go to sleep until Seb reads to him.

Sorry for my bad Engish, it's not my first languaje. Also, if you don't want to write this I totally understand. 🥰

no! i love the idea!! i tweaked it a bit to fit an idea i was already writing, so i hope you liked what i did with it :) and ur english is perfect my love

goodnight, sleep tight [sebastian stan x reader]

➽ pairing: dad!sebastian stan x fem!reader( y/n) ➽ word count: 2.2k ➽ summary: see above! ➽ warnings: mentions of postpartum depression, angst ➽ a/n: the image of seb in bucky’s costume, getting a little baby to fall asleep makes me go uwu

“Are you guys coming to set today?” Sebastian asked, pressing a kiss to my head. 

“I’ll see if Andy wants to,” I mumbled with a yawn. My husband’s call time was six AM, which was so much earlier than I ever wanted to be awake, so he usually woke me up with a goodbye kiss. “I think we can manage it, though.” 

“Ah, well,” Sebastian shrugged. “He’s barely a year old. I think he’ll like it.” 

“But he’s also your son,” I countered. 

“What does that mean?” Sebastian asked. Even in the dark of the room, I could see the happy glint in his blue eyes. 

“He’s stubborn,” I said. “Won’t do anything if he doesn’t want to.” 

“That’s not a ‘me’ thing,” Sebastian told me. “That’s a Romanian thing. We’re stubborn people.” 

“Regardless,” I sighed. “I think he might be scared of the costume. The mask and the arm and all; it might be a bit much.” 

“He’ll be able to tell it’s me,” Sebastian said. “Kids are like dogs, they can recognize people by smell. Right?” 

“Maybe your smell,” I chuckled, my throat dry from the night of sleep. “Mr. Bucket-Of-KY-Jelly.” 

“That was uncalled for,” Sebastian chuckled. He leaned over the bed, bracing his left hand next to me head, and I turned to fully look at him. “I smell great.” 

“When you shower, you do,” I said, scrunching my nose, and Sebastian laughed deep in his chest. He leaned down and brushed his lips against mine, giving me the gentlest of kisses. Sebastian wasn’t usually a gentle creature-- his kisses usually left me with bruised and puffy lips or marks littering my neck and breasts-- but, in the morning, he was so soft and sweet. 

“We’ll continue this later,” Sebastian said. His long hair fell into his face, and I tenderly pushed it behind his ear. Adjusting to the new everything that Seb required for this film was an experience; the long hair, the stubble, and the weight training was grueling for all three of us, especially little Andrei. He missed his daddy dearly, but Sebastian always made up for lost time with nightly tummy-time and stories. Andrei James Stan had loved his dad since before he was born-- the little bastard always kicked up a storm when Sebastian rubbed my belly or talked to me-- and, when he was gone filming something for a long time, Andy got a little upset and overly clingy. Call it separation anxiety or just plain missing his daddy, but Sebastian always made it up to Andy with a special Daddy/Andy night (which also gave me the opportunity to be by myself for a while). 

“I hope not too much later,” I whispered, pulling him down to kiss me again. “I miss you, Seb.” 

“I know, baby,” Sebastian whispered as he pressed his forehead to mine. “I miss you too. Maybe we can get a babysitter or something on Sunday.”

“Great idea,” I said. “Now, you gotta go or you’ll be late.” 

“Ugh,” Sebastian groaned. 

“Go!” I giggled. “My big super-soldier. You gotta show everyone what you’re made of.” 

Just as I spoke, from across the room, Andy made a squealing noise in his crib. The trailer we were living in while Sebastian shot Winter Soldier was a bit small, but it worked perfectly. “Oh, really?” Sebastian said, turning his head to look at Andy. “And what do you think I’m made of, mister?” 

Sebastian moved to his crib as I turned on the lamp, and I watched Sebastian, all muscles and beard and long hair, reach into the crib and pull his infant son into his arms. Andy was born premature, so he was still pretty small, and it made my heart melt. His fluffy hair was in-between a blond and a brown, sorta like how Sebastian’s hair was when he was little, and he had the most beautiful blue eyes. “Really?” Sebastian playfully grimaced, nuzzling his nose against Andy’s. “I think you’re made of yogurt and farts, young man.” 

“Seb!” I snorted. “Don’t say that to him!”

“He is, though!” Sebastian laughed, Andy’s little fist tightening around a lock of his hair. “I don’t see you denying it.” 

“Don’t say our son’s made of farts,” I protested, getting out of bed. “He’s made of wonderful things, like love and kindness--” 

“And yogurt,” Sebastian added. 

“And yogurt,” I acquiesced. Andy did eat a lot of yogurt. “Speaking of, is the little monster hungry? Is that why you’re up so early?” 

Andy nodded, patting his tummy, and Sebastian gave him to me. “Have a good day today, babies,” Sebastian told me, kissing my forehead, then brushing Andy’s hair back and kissing his soft head. “Just text me when you’re coming by.” 

“Sure thing.” 

“This is Sebastian’s baby?” 

Scarlet held Andy in a tender embrace, gazing at him with surprise. She was looking at him with a look of wonderment, like she couldn’t believe that Sebastian of all people could be capable of producing another human being. Nobody on the cast had properly met Andy yet, hence why Andy and I visiting set was such a big deal. “Looks just like him,” she added. 

“Acts like him too,” I chuckled. “Stubborn as hell and eats everything in sight.” 

“Damn, this really is his kid,” Scarlet laughed, and Andy thumped his head down onto her shoulder. “He’s so sweet.”

Andy smiled at Scarlet and gave a happy squeal, and Scarlet turned to face me. “Who’s that?” She asked in a gentle voice, and Andy’s smile turned to me. 

“Mama!” He exclaimed, reaching for me, and Scarlet and I laughed. 

“Smart as hell,” Scarlet added. 

“That comes from me,” I chuckled. Andy took a fistful of my shirt and started to chew on the fabric, but I was used to it. He was teething and chewed on everything; most of my shirts were a little frayed from him. 

“Mean,” said Sebastian from behind me, and I turned and gave a gasp of surprise. I hadn’t ever seen him in full costume before, and it was a shock at first. A leather vest and tight dark jeans, tactical gear everywhere, and a dark mask obscuring the bottom half of his face. And, of course, covering his left arm, a cast-like structure that looked like silver metal with a red star on his shoulder. The arm was covered in little orange dots-- I’m assuming to assist in mo-cap during editing-- and he wore a leather glove on his left hand. 

“Jesus God,” I laughed. “Scared the hell outta me. You look good, babes.” 

“I know,” Sebastian told me, and I knew that he was smirking at me under the mask. “You look beautiful too.” 

“Not really,” I said. “I’m not even wearing makeup.” 

“Still beautiful,” he said, and he reached up and tugged the mask off. He leaned down and, cradling my cheek in his gloved hand, gently kissed my lips. “And the little rascal?” 

“Mm,” I hummed, breaking the kiss. “He’s sleepy. Getting cranky and all.” 

“Has he eaten?” 

“Just did,” I told him. “Before you ask, yes, it was yogurt. But I also gave him some of those blueberry puffy crackers.” 

“Did you save any for me?” Sebastian asked, his eyebrows raising. 

“In my pocket,” I replied. Sebastian and I had quickly discovered that certain baby foods were delicious, especially the fruit-flavored puffy crackers that Andy favored, and I always ended up bringing some with me wherever I went. 

“I know that you’re not eating baby food,” Scarlet laughed as Sebastian reached into my pocket and extracted the plastic bag of star-shaped crackers. 

“They’re good as hell,” Sebastian said, popping a handful into his mouth. “Want one?” 

“I’ll pass,” Scarlet laughed. 

“Ask Mackie, I’m sure he’ll tell you the same,” Sebastian said. Then, he turned his attention back to me. “I could read him a quick story to get him down, if you want.” 

I shrugged. “If you really want to,” I said. 

“Alright, stinker,” Sebastian said, exchanging the crackers for Andy. “Did you bring a book?” 

“Shit, no,” I mumbled. 

“Shit!” 

“Oh, c’mon, man,” I sighed as Scarlet laughed. I frequently forgot that Andy was at the stage where he was repeating things that he heard, and usually Sebastian and I were good about not cussing, because Andy would repeat it for the rest of time. “Don’t expose me like this.” 

“I can come up with a story,” Sebastian said through stifled laughter. “Let’s find a place to get comfy, huh, mister? A nice chair, maybe? I bet Uncle Chris has a really nice chair we can settle in…” 

As he walked away, I felt a presence behind me. I had briefly met Chris at the First Avenger premiere a few years ago, when Sebastian and I weren’t even properly dating yet, but Sebastian and I had eloped, hence no wedding to see him at. “Hey, Evans,” I said and gave him a quick fist bump. 

“Where’re they going?” Chris asked, munching at an orange. 

“To steal your chair in the shade,” I said. “Andy’s getting sleepy and only sleeps when Seb reads him a story.” 

“Cute,” Chris said. “Ya know, Sebastian never shuts up about the two of you.”

“Really?” I asked. “Like, what does he say?”

“Just little stories,” Chris said. “Something you said, or something Andy did. Or just the quick little ‘we had this for dinner’ or ‘we watched this movie last night’. He adores you two.” 

“That’s nice,” I said softly. “I always worry if he’s getting sick of having these two lives. It must be a lot for him.” 

“I can’t read minds,” Chris said. “But I don’t think he could ever get sick of you.”

I nodded slowly. “I was diagnosed with postpartum depression after Andy was born,” I started quietly. “I was so anxious that I wasn’t sleeping, I couldn’t stop crying, I… I even thought about packing a bag and leaving and not coming back. It was so fucking hard, and I thought for sure that Sebastian would ask for a divorce or something. I guess I’m still a little worried about that. But that’s… That’s really helpful, Chris. Thanks.” 

I tried to contain my tears, but Chris must have seen through my crumbling facade, because he wrapped me in a tight hug. “You’re so strong, Y/N,” he whispered. “Know that I’m proud of you, and Scar, and Mackie, and all of us, but especially Sebastian. Man, he fucking loves you so much. There’s nothing that you could do that would make him hate you or want to divorce you. I don’t know much about your relationship, but I know that.” 

I was glad I wasn’t wearing makeup, because I knew that it would be smeared across my cheeks by now. It was one thing to hear it from Sebastian, but from an outsider like Chris, it meant the world. “Thanks,” I whispered. “That means so fucking much.” 

“And, hey, I kinda know how it goes with a baby,” Chris began. “My sisters have kids, and I’ve played babysitter plenty of times. And I’d say I’m pretty good at it. No complaints so far. So, if you ever need a babysitter to get a break for a night, I’d love to help.” 

“That would be so nice,” I sighed into his shoulder. “Not to be TMI…” I paused to let him stop me, but his hand comfortingly ran up my back. “It’s been a while since it was just… Me and Seb, ya know what I mean?”

“I do,” Chris said. “You have my number.” 

I nodded and detached myself from Chris, and I chuckled as I wiped my face dry. “I’m gonna go find my boys,” I said. “Thanks for that, man.”

“Anytime, Mrs. Stan,” Chris said with a smile. 

It wasn’t hard to find Sebastian and Andrei. They were settled in a canvas chair under a tarp shade, with Andy’s little head resting on his shoulder. He seemed like he was already out like a light. “... So Steve is like ‘Bucky?’ and Bucky looks at his friend and he says ‘Who the hell is Bucky?’, which is not that good. Because Bucky should know who Steve is, right?” 

“Are you telling him spoilers for the movie?” I asked, putting my hand on Sebastian’s shoulder. 

“It’s the only story I could come up with on the spot,” Sebastian said. “But he seems to like it… Or not like it. Does it mean he thinks it’s boring if he falls asleep during it?” 

“I think it means that he loves you,” I said. “And he finds comfort in you, even when you look like that.”

“Look like what?” Sebastian asked. When I didn’t answer and only gave him a playful smile, he said, “When I look like what, Y/N Stan?” 

“So different than usual,” I offered with a shrug, and Sebastian rolled his eyes. 

“You’ll pay for that,” he told me, patting Andy’s back gently. “What were you talking to Chris about?” 

“He was just telling me some nice things,” I said simply. “About how you’re always talking about me and Andy. And he said that he’d babysit whenever we need him to.” 

“Hmm,” Sebastian hummed softly. “Sounds promising. I really miss you, baby.” 

“I miss you too,” I told him. “Now, my love, you have work. Be good and kill Chris for me.” 

“Anything for you, my baby.” 

#sebastian stan #sebstan #seabass #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan x y./n #sebastian stan fanfiction #sebastian stan fluff #sebastian stan angst #sebastian stan x reader fluff #sebastian stan x reader angst

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars LXVII (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I’m here to say I’ll get you excited just to slap you in the face with yet another almost in every chapter of this book and I don’t regret it -Danny

Warnings: None!

Words: 3,549

Series’ masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Chapter Two: Warm Welcomings.

The month spent at her uncle's ended so fast that she was genuinely sad about leaving. 

Lupin assured her he'd be fine and hinted that maybe, just maybe, he'll seek a way to bring Sirius to live with him; that cheered her up a bit.

Emily and her drove for about two days before arriving at the burrow. Mel had cut her hair while staying with Lupin, and her mother had bought her new clothes (the old ones were starting to get tighter and shorter) so she was eager to use them, even if they were bigger than what she usually wore.

"Has Erick sent anything to you lately?" Emily asked after a while of driving in comfortable silence.

Her mother had grown fond of the boy without even knowing him, she'd ask about his letters and his progress with the books he'd borrowed from them. Emily found him adorable: A fifteen-year-old wizard pinning over a muggle girl and trying hard to get her attention. It reminded her to a certain someone who'd done the same for one of her classmates, a few years back.

"He was reading Pride and Prejudice, said 'it was interesting' which means he likes it but doesn't want to admit it," Mel chuckled.

"Ron knows about him?"

"Yeah," Mel looked at her. "Why?"

"Just making sure I don't mess it up," Her mother replied. "It's still a secret, right?"

"Well, Harry and Hermione know too... but that's it."

"I'll keep my mouth shut around the rest, then."

"He might send me a letter," The girl added. "He'd said he'd let me know if he's been made Prefect."

"From what you've told me, he sounds like a brilliant prospect. Dumbledore must give him the position."

The Burrow appeared on sight and Mel's heart jumped at the view.

"You'll come to the Quidditch Final, won't you?" She asked, suddenly realizing she didn't know if her mother was going to join them.

"I think so," Emily smiled absentmindedly. "Your father would've love to see one of those, he never got the chance to see one..."

"Did he like Quidditch?"

"He did," Emily smiled. "Though now that I think about it, it also could've been that he just liked to spend time with all of us, take a break from his schoolwork and all."

"He studied a lot?"

"As much as you," Emily glanced at her. "Which reminds me... Don't be too hard on yourself, alright? Learning is good, but Matthew missed a lot of adventures locked in his room, reading..."

"Oh, I'm not missing out those, believe me," She snorted.

"About that," Her mother raised a brow, "If I get one letter from the school telling me you did something like locking a boggart in the Slytherin common room, you'll be getting Howlers by the minute–"

"I'll try my best!" The young girl laughed.

"Get out of the car before I kill you," Emily said jokingly, parking the car outside the big house.

Mel rushed out and opened the back door, pulling out Grey's basket and two of her bags.

"Hullo!" Ron walked out of his house, followed by his mother.

"Hel– Oh, wow– You've grown," She huffed, handing a bag to him. "How come you're taller than before when I barely managed to grow about two inches?"

Ron laughed, grabbing the bag and taking two more from the back seat.

"I'm not a dwarf like you and Harry, that's all..."

"Watch your words, boy," Emily warned him. "I gave birth to this dwarf."

"Mum!" Mel complained over Ron's laughter. "One would think her mother is supposed to protect her, not team up with the bullies!"

"Who's a bully?" George was standing on the entrance of the house. "You mean Ronnie?"

"Hi," Mel gave him a sideway hug as she walked into the kitchen. "At least you're the same height as before... Look, I can almost reach your shoulder!"

"You can't reach my face yet, which is the important part," He wriggled his eyebrows.

Mel chortled as she heard Ron's complaints behind them.

"No flirting with my friends!" He whined. "She's out of boundaries!"

"Since when you pull the brother act with Mel?" Ginny walked into the kitchen then, eating a biscuit and holding a mug.

"He's not pulling an older-brother act," Mel chuckled. "He's just jealous about the attention I get. We're the same age, anyway."

"I'm not! And I am four months older!"

"Easy, little Ronnie," It was Fred's turn to appear at the top of the stairs. "We love you just as much! George's not flirting, he's well aware that Harry called dibs on the lady years before we even met."

"Shut up!" Mel, looked for her mother anxiously. "If my mum hears you, I won't hear the end of it for the rest of the summer! She's so convinced that I'm going to date him..."

"Wait," Ginny's smile suddenly dropped. "Harry likes you?"

"No!"

"Yes," Said the three boys at once.

Mel groaned, walking away so she could go upstairs and leave her bags on the room she usually shared with her mum.

"Wait!" George caught up with her. "You can't use Charlie's room..."

"Why?"

"Because it's occupied by the original owner."

A young man (around twenty years old, Mel would say) walked in through the front door, holding a basket with clean clothes. He was sort of short, but made up for it with muscle.

"You must be Charlie," Mel beamed. "I've heard so much about!"

"All about how he used to stop bludgers with his giant head, I assume," A second man, this one taller, older (and really, really handsome) entered behind Charlie. "I'm Bill, by the way."

"Hi!" Mel's smile grew. She set her things aside her and shook both of their hands. "You're way cooler in person."

"Sure you're looking at this stinker right?" Charlie asked, earning a slap on the back of his head.

Mel laughed, then, she felt a small hand close gently around her wrist.

"You'll be sleeping with me," Ginny told her happily. "Hermione too, once she gets here."

"What about my mum?"

"I can sleep on the couch," Emily walked into the room holding a bag.

"Don't be silly, dear," Mrs. Weasley said. "We'll make room for you... Charlie, Bill, you won't mind if she takes your place?"

"Not at all," Bill smiled. "We'll sleep with the twins, then."

"We'll share room then, I suppose," George sighed.

"How about you share room with Ron?"

"What about Percy?" Ron asked in outrage. "He's got plenty of space!"

"He has work to do! The twins would distract him."

"We'll clean a bit so you can leave your bags," Charlie told Emily. "Allow me to lead the way, Mrs. Sultens."

Mel rolled her eyes, picking up her things again and holding onto Ginny's arms.

"How can you stand all these boys at the same time?" She snickered. Ginny grinned, guiding her up to her bedroom.

Two weeks later, Mel had grown quite used to the lousy house. She'd gotten mail, one from Erick and one from Harry. The first one had her mother's book, and it said it was a great ending, and that he was now reading one of the ghost stories she'd sent his way. Harry let her know that the Dursleys had allowed him to come and he was arriving at the Burrow that Sunday; Hermione arrived a day before him, and she was staying with Ginny and her.

"Can I go with you?" Mel asked wistfully.

"What for?" Ron frowned. "You know his house already; Why don't you stay with Hermione and Ginny?"

"Come on!" Mel pleaded.

"We're too many, it's better if you stay here and distract Ginny– Bet she'll be all nervous when he gets here..."

"She's not talking about Harry with me since I arrived," Mel sighed. "She heard that nonsense about Harry and I... I don't know if she's mad at me, but she pretends Harry doesn't exist whenever we talk. It's weirder than having her rambling all day about his eyes."

"About time," Ron rolled his eyes. Mel didn't want to talk about her like that, so she gave up and instead wished him safe travel.

"Wait," She frowned, watching him grab a pinch of Floo powder. "What are you doing?"

"We're traveling through Floo," Ron explained. "It's easier."

Mel nibbled at her lip, she had the feeling something was missing, but couldn't tell exactly what. Maybe it was just the usual nerves reminding her she was indeed, quite eager to see Harry.

"Good luck. We'll be waiting."

'WHOOSH'

Mel ran towards the kitchen. Fred walked out of it looking disheveled, Bill and Charlie were there, and they watched in amusement as their younger brother walked up to her.

"You didn't tell us the fireplace was blocked," He said, pointing an accusing finger at her.

Mel hit her forehead with an open palm.

"I knew I was forgetting something!" She exclaimed. "I'm so sorry! It's been years since I've been there, I forgot!"

A second blast was heard and George walked out holding Harry's trunk.

"And well?" Fred asked him with a devilish smirk.

"Dunno," George chuckled. "I'm sure he took one, though."

Fred laughed, patting his brother on the shoulder and causing tiny clouds of dirt to fly off of him. Mel crossed her arms and stared at them, she knew them enough to know something was up.

"What did you do to Harry's relatives?"

"Wait and see, lady," Fred said with a smile. "Wait and see..."

"Oh, Merlin..." She sighed. "As long as it doesn't affect Harry."

A third blast and Ron was back in the Burrow, he walked in, looking content.

"You didn't tell us about the fireplace," He told her, though he wasn't angry.

"Yeah, sorry," Mel replied. "It's been decades since I... why so cheery?"

"His relatives are strange," Ron grinned. "You should've seen their faces– looked as if we were all boggarts in their living room."

"In a way you are their boggarts," Mel replied. "Your brothers left a present for the Dursleys and they won't tell me." Ron's eyebrows raised at this.

"What did you do?" He asked to the twins.

"Nothing!"

"Not directly, anyway–"

"We just..."

"...Left our most sincere regards."

"They've caused chaos, for sure," Bill concluded.

Ron and George sat down next to their older brothers, waiting for Harry to arrive with their dad.

Almost instantly the fireplace bursted, this time Harry fell out of it, nearly breaking his nose in the process.

"Did he eat it?" said Fred excitedly, holding out a hand to pull Harry to his feet.

"Yeah," said Harry, straightening up. "What was it?"

"Ton-Tongue Toffee," said Fred brightly. "George and I invented them, and we've been looking for someone to test them on all summer..."

The kitchen exploded in laughter, Mel tried to hold back, biting her lip and hiding her grin behind her hand. She knew about those, Fred and George told her all about their inventions. She could only assume that somehow they'd manage to lure Dudley into eating one of their sweets, it must have been easy, giving that Dudley was on a diet.

"How're you doing, Harry?" Charlie shook Harry's hand from his place on the table, only moving a little so Bill could stand up and introduce himself.

Harry looked at the older Weasleys probably with the same expression she'd had during their first meeting. She couldn't judge him, they were by far the coolest people she'd ever met. Then Harry's eyes landed on Mel, he stepped further to greet her when Mr. Weasley appeared abruptly, taking them by surprise.

"That wasn't funny, Fred! What on earth did you give that Muggle boy?" Mr. Weasley was furious.

"I didn't give him anything! I just dropped it... It was his fault he went and ate it, I never told him to."

"You dropped it on purpose! You knew he'd eat it, you knew he was on a diet —"

"How big did his tongue get?" George asked.

"It was four feet long before his parents would let me shrink it!" The room bursted with laughter again. "It isn't funny! That sort of behavior seriously undermines wizard–Muggle relations! I spend half my life campaigning against the mistreatment of Muggles, and my own sons —"

"We didn't give it to him because he's a Muggle!"

"No, we gave it to him because he's a great bullying git– Isn't he, Harry?"

"Yeah, he is, Mr. Weasley," said Harry.

"That's not the point! You wait until I tell your mother —"

"Tell me what?"

Mrs. Weasley and Emily entered the kitchen.

"Oh hello, Harry, dear," Mrs. Weasley said when she spotted the boy.

"Harry!" Emily walked past Mel and trapped Harry in a soul-crushing hug, kissing the top of his head. "Oh love, you look so skinny! Look at your clothes– Dudley's aren't they? Don't worry, I'll fix them..." Harry was blushing madly at the way Emily was greeting him, Mel had to stifle her giggles.

"Tell me what, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley insisted.

Hermione and Ginny arrived and they stood next to Mel. They smiled at Harry as a greeting (Ginny, though having improved with time, was still blushing furiously any time Harry looked at her) and stopped talking when they sensed the tense air in the room.

"Tell me what, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley repeated, losing her patience.

"It's nothing, Molly," said Mr. Weasley, "Fred and George just — but I've had words with them —"

"What have they done this time? If it's got anything to do with Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes —"

"Why don't you show Harry where he's sleeping, Ron?" said Hermione.

"He knows where he's sleeping," said Ron, "in my room, he slept there last —"

"We can all go," Hermione insisted.

"Oh... Right."

"Yeah, we'll come too," said George.

"You stay where you are!"

Mel caught her mother's eye and Emily nodded, urging her to leave the room. So Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny left the room, Mel leading the way.

"What are Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?" Harry asked once they started climbing up the stairs.

Ron, Mel, and Ginny laughed. Hermione didn't.

"Mum found this stack of order forms when she was cleaning Fred and George's room," Ron explained. "Great long price lists for stuff they've invented. Joke stuff, you know. Fake wands and trick sweets, loads of stuff. It was brilliant, I never knew they'd been inventing all that..."

"We've been hearing explosions out of their room for ages, but we never thought they were actually making things," Ginny added. "We thought they just liked the noise."

"I knew," Mel said proudly. "They told me about their plans about two years ago, they've been working hard for years– I'm happy for them, but I also think they'll get in trouble if they're not careful, some things look a bit dangerous..."

"Well, all of it, really — was a bit dangerous," said Ron, "and, you know, they were planning to sell it at Hogwarts to make some money, and Mum went mad at them. Told them they weren't allowed to make any more of it, and burned all the order forms... She's furious at them anyway. They didn't get as many O.W.L.s as she expected."

"And then there was this big row," Ginny said, "because Mum wants them to go into the Ministry of Magic like Dad, and they told her all they want to do is open a joke shop."

"If you ask me their plan is just as good as any other," Mel shrugged. "If you're good at it, that is..." A door opened abruptly on the landing of the second floor, a head peaked through it.

"Hi, Percy," said Harry.

"Oh hello, Harry. I was wondering who was making all the noise. I'm trying to work in here, you know — I've got a report to finish for the office — and it's rather difficult to concentrate when people keep thundering up and down the stairs."

"We're not thundering, we're walking. Sorry if we've disturbed the top-secret workings of the Ministry of Magic."

"What are you working on?" Harry asked politely.

"A report for the Department of International Magical Cooperation. We're trying to standardize cauldron thickness. Some of these foreign imports are just a shade too thin — leakages have been increasing at a rate of almost three percent a year —"

"That'll change the world, that report will," Ron snorted. "Front page of the Daily Prophet, I expect, cauldron leaks."

"You might sneer, Ron," Percy hissed, "but unless some sort of international law is imposed we might well find the market flooded with flimsy, shallow-bottomed products that seriously endanger —"

"Yeah, yeah, all right," said Ron.

Percy closed his bedroom door angrily. They continued their journey. At some point, shouts echoed all the way up to them. The fight was something Mel was glad she didn't have to witness. She opened the door to Ron's room and walked in, familiar with its surroundings, she threw herself on the nearest bed and immediately sat back up yelping.

"Oh, it's a pair of socks," She sighed as the rest of the group walked in. "For a moment I thought I had crushed poor Pig..."

"Poor Pig," Ron scoffed, pointing at the cage so she'd notice the little bird flying around in it. Then he looked down at the four beds that had been squeezed into the room. "Fred and George are in here with us, because Bill and Charlie are in their room," he told Harry. "Percy gets to keep his room all to himself because he's got to work. Emily's staying at Charlie's old bedroom..."

"Er — why are you calling that owl Pig?" Harry asked.

"Because he's being stupid," said Ginny. "Its proper name is Pigwidgeon."

"Yeah, and that's not a stupid name at all," Ron said sarcastically. "Ginny named him– She reckons it's sweet. And I tried to change it, but it was too late, he won't answer to anything else. So now he's Pig. I've got to keep him up here because he annoys Errol and Hermes. He annoys me too, come to that."

"The real question would be, what doesn't annoy you?" Mel teased.

"Where's Crookshanks?" Harry asked Hermione, then to her. "And Grey?"

"Out in the garden, I expect," Hermione replied. "They like chasing gnomes. Crookshanks' never seen any before."

"And Grey's a little demon. He loves to tease Crookshanks, jumping on his tail whenever he can..." Harry grinned at her comment.

"Percy's enjoying work, then?" He asked, sitting down next to her. Their legs were almost touching, and the proximity made her go insane. She was thankful that Harry couldn't hear the thumping of her heart, because it was getting ridiculous.

"Enjoying it? I don't reckon he'd come home if Dad didn't make him. He's obsessed. Just don't get him onto the subject of his boss. According to Mr. Crouch... as I was saying to Mr. Crouch... Mr. Crouch is of the opinion... Mr. Crouch was telling me... They'll be announcing their engagement any day now."

"Have you had a good summer, Harry? Did you get our food parcels and everything?" Hermione asked worryingly.

"Yeah, thanks a lot. They saved my life, those cakes."

"I helped my mum bake the one we sent."

"Are you practicing for when you have to bake your wedding cake?" Ron teased.

Before she could respond properly, he quickly changed the subject.

"Have you heard from — ?" Ron started, but Hermione glared at him so intensely that he didn't even finish the question.

"I think they've stopped arguing," Hermione added rapidly, trying to cover Ron's mistake. "Shall we go down and help your mum with dinner?"

"We just got here!" Mel whined, laying back on the mattress.

"Don't be lazy, Mellow," Harry nudged her leg playfully, causing a light tug in her stomach.

"Yeah, let's go," said Ron.

They got up, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny leaving the room first. Before she could walk out of the room, Mel felt a hand closing around her wrist and pulling her back.

"It just came to me," Harry told her as the others kept walking down the stairs, not noticing they were missing. "I didn't say hi."

"Oh–" She tried desperately to focus on what he was saying, and not on the warmth of his skin against hers. "Well, you didn't greet Hermione and Ginny either, should I call them back so we can, er– say hi?"

What the hell was wrong with her? What was that?

However, before she could even feel embarrassed, Harry laughed.

"I did say hi to them," He replied brightly.

"You did not?" She tilted her head in confusion.

"I did, you just weren't paying attention."

"No, you were standing there and we were–"

"Mel," Harry had a sort of mocking smile on his face, but his eyes were staring at her so softly, that it didn't feel like he was teasing. "I'm trying to say that I missed you."

"Oh," She breathed, feeling way too many things at the same time. "I... Yeah– I've missed you too."

Harry nodded, the strange smile never leaving his face as he walked past her.

'What the hell?' She mouthed, finally exiting the room.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@tiphareth2018​ @vampiregirl1797​​ @siriuslysirius1107​​ @stardusthigh​ @mikariell95​ @omiwashere​ @vernon-dursley​ @kylosleftbuttcheek​ @tomshollandz​ @thesuitelifeofafangirl​ @reverse-hxlland​ @bloodorangemoonlight​

#twoidiots writing #Harry Potter #harry potter fanfiction #harry potter xoc #Remus lupin #ron weasley #hermione granger #fred weasley #george weasley #charlie weasley #bill weasley #WITT fic

[sweetlittlegingy]

Just Chris

One-shot

|Dad!Chris Evans x pregnant reader|Dad!Chris Evans x Evans kids|

Summary:

You and Chris had been married for 4 years now, prior to that you had dated for 2. You had met on a vacation to Disneyworld, your little boy had disappeared from your sight and caused you to have a near mental breakdown. In the moment you didn't know it but he would become your whole world. Gaining not only his affection but also his unwavering commitment and love for the both of you. 6 years in and you couldn't be happier. With 3 wonderful kids and another on the way you had everything a girl could ask for. Together you made the choice to not make your relationship public, for the kids sake, your own and Chris as well. He had always wanted to have a family, a safe place where he could be known just as a husband and father. He made sure that you never felt lonely and tried to be there for every milestone. 

Word count: 3,900

6 years ago: Orlando Florida

It was a big step,  I knew that. Deciding to come to Disneyworld with just James and I. But he who shall not be named doesn't care about us anymore and James deserves some small amount of happiness in this dark time. Taking a deep breath I grabbed our park tickets, thanking the park member and head towards the entrance. 

     "Momma are we gonna see Mickey and his puppy." I hear James ask as he tugs me forward. 

     "Yes! Are you super excited? We can go on any ride you want bubba." We moved through the entrance line fairly quickly heading straight for fantasy land. 

4 hours later

I haven't seen him smile this big in forever. He might be little but he knows something is going on and a big change has happened in our lives. I can't wait to share the pictures with my parents that I got of James and Mickey and Minnie. 

     "James, buddy what do you wanna do now? More rides or are you hungry?" I ask as we walk towards Cinderella's castle. 

     "Momma can we go get a Mickey balloon pretty please? You said we could later and it's later." He replies like the sassy little stinker he is. It's kinda terrifying how much he is like me. He is definitely gonna be my karma for all the headaches a gave my parents. 

     "I guess I did say that. Come on let's go, I think there was someone selling them in front of Main Street." Together we walk hand in hand finding the cart easily. "Ok bubba what color do you want?" I ask patiently waiting for him to look over every color and choose. 

     "Can I have the blue one please momma?"  He asks after barely looking them over. I should have known, blue is our favourite color currently. Turning back to the man selling them I ask for a blue balloon and get cash out of my wallet to pay for it. 

     "Here you go ma'am, have a good day now." He tells me. Wishing him a good day as well I turn around ready to see the biggest smile on my munchkins face and he's gone. I look around quickly but there's so many people and I can't see him. Spinning around to see if he's with the balloon man, but he's not. I can feel my heart speeding up, I feel like I can't breathe. 

"James baby!" I call frantically. I feel tears welling up in my eyes. My baby's gone, I just had him here with me. How could he disappear that fast, what if someone took him. I feel a panic attack coming on, my world feels like it's caving in on me. Then I hear it. His little voice shouting about superheroes and Toy Story. Rushing forward I break through a group of people and see him in a man's arms.    

     "Momma!! You got my balloon" he yells launching himself into my arms. Catching him I hold on to him for dear life hold back the tears because I have him back in my arms. 

     "James you can't do that ok. Never walk away from mommy, I thought I lost you baby." I tell him while stroking his head. 

     "I made a friend though momma, he likes superheroes too!" He tells me not understanding that I almost just had a mental breakdown. 

      Looking up I see my  saviour staring back at me sheepishly, unsure of how to approach me. I probably look like an absolute mess right now, but completely overwhelmed I can't stop myself from hugging him. Holding James with one arm, I wrap my other around the man and rest against his chest. He must have been completely blown away because he doesn't react at all. Then all of the sudden he wraps his arms around the both of us and in that moment I couldn't handle life anymore. I completely break down in tears, while he just holds me tighter and whispers that it's ok now to me. Through everything that happened recently I've had no one. I was alone in this divorce, sure I hand my parents but they weren't there to hold me and make me feel safe. To tell me that every choice I had made was ok, that I wasn't wrong in wanting a better life for James and myself. But this angel of a man, that knows nothing about me at all. He knew somehow exactly what I needed. Pulling back after I've stopped the tears I can't help but to feel so embarrassed. 

     "I'm so sorry. I don't know what even came over me. I just… thank you. I don't know what I would have done if you didn't have him." I quickly speak trying not to look like a complete idiot but I can feel my cheeks heating up. 

     "Don't worry it's no problem at all. We were having a great time weren't we buddy." He replies winking at James. 

     "Yeah momma. Me and Chris were talking about heroes and Woody to! I told him you were getting me a balloon ." James replies like it's the most obvious thing on the planet. It's at that moment you realise I never told him my name. 

     "I'm y/n by the way. Though with his guy it seems my only name is mommy. Which I definitely can't complain about." I say in laugh while tickling James. 

     "Oh right yeah. I'm Chris, but he already told you that." He chuckles reaching to shake your hand. God he has an amazing smile. I can't remember the last time I had this many butterflies in my stomach just from someone smiling at me. 

     "You wouldn't wanna maybe come get a Mickey ice cream bar with us? That was our plan before everything happened." I ask hopefully but then realise he might be here with family and I don't want to interrupt. "Unless of course you're busy. In that case just thank you." 

     Chris laughs a little.  "Well I am here with family.." before he can even finish, another guy interrupts him.

     "Hi I'm Scott, Chris brother. He's got no plans, we were all just gonna head back to the hotel and rest for a bit. Chris would love to come with you." He smiles sweetly at me, then turns to Chris giving him the eyes that can only describe as don't fuck this up eyes. 

     "Yeah I would love that. Plus me and this little guy have lots to talk about. Especially the fact that he thinks Spiderman is the best superhero! I mean buddy what about Captain America?" Chris beams at James playfully. It's in that moment though I realise who exactly I've been talking to. But none of that matters because as far as I'm concerned he's just Chris. I don't want him to be anyone else because so far he's been absolutely perfect.

Present: Concord Massachusetts

     I think I've made it through the worst. I woke up feeling amazing with no nausea. It's a winning kinda day, it's been too long that I haven't had a day that I feel like dying and I'm just over 30 weeks. Thankfully Lisa took James and the girls today so I could have some time to rest. But like always I can't seem to relax so here I am cleaning. Bending down to pick up one of the girls barbies and her dream car I hear a low whistle come from behind me.

     "Now if that isn't the perfect view to come home to, I don't know what is." Spinning around I see him, my Chris. 

     "It's that view that got us in this situation in the first place Christopher." I say gesturing to my belly. 

     "The best situation baby. Now come here so I can kiss my favourite girl and tell my little princess hello." He tells me pulling me in for the sweetest kiss. I missed this so much, the feel of his lips on mine. Being able to feel his unconditional love from one kiss. As soon as he pulls away he gives me a quick peck on the nose making me giggle. Then he's down on his knees pulling my top up so he can see my belly. "And how are you doing my sweet angel? Have you been good for momma?" He asks my belly then presses his ear against me, because apparently they can talk to each other through the womb. Running my fingers through his hair I feel like I can officially relax now. He's been on the go so much after promoting Kives Out. Then going to award shows left and right, but now he's home for the rest of the pregnancy. 

     "She's missed you baby. So has James, Eleanor and Adeline."

     "Oh really, only the kids have missed me? You sure you haven't missed me even a little bit?" He says while standing up to look me in the eyes. "I hope you missed me baby, cuz I know I missed you too damn much. It was hell not having you in my arms everyday. Especially with you being pregnant. It killed me knowing I wasn't here to take care of you." 

     "I missed you more than anything. You should know that though from the amount of times I called you crying in the middle of the night." I whisper into his neck. I feel horrible that I called so many times and made him feel bad. But we made a promise that we would always share every single emotion we were feeling with each other. "I love you Christopher so much. I feel whole again with you back." 

     "I love you more baby. I'm home now ok and will be for as long as you need me. There's no way in hell that someone could pull me away from you and the kids now. Especially since little miss Everly will be showing up soon enough." He tells me while rubbing my belly. I look up at the clock on the wall and see that it's almost 2. Lisa was gonna bring the kids back around 3.

     "The kids should be home in an hour or so. Your mother, bless her heart for taking the kids this morning. She is truly a God sent." I pull away from him putting the barbie and her dream car in the girls toy box. 

      "You know she loves you and the kids so much. I think she might love you more than she loves me." He chuckles. "How are they doing anyway? Anything new that I need to be made aware of?" 

     "Why do you say it like that?" I ask with a hint of disbelief in my tone.

     "Because you my darling are always up to something? Are the girls still taking ballet or have we changed our minds to something else? What about James, baseball should be starting soon." 

     "Excuse you but I have been on my best behaviour thank you very much. Ell is loving ballet. Addie is still not sure. But then again her attention span is horrible, I'm gonna keep her in it though. They are both doing wonderfully when they want to, I'm sure you will get to have your own private show. Yes baseball starts next month, I've already got him signed up. He's gonna be so happy that you're gonna be home to practice with him." I pause then for a minute because I hate to bring it up when he's just home. "Babe. James asked again last night." 

     "What's he asking you about this time, that you can't handle." Chris asks, with an amusing smile on his face. He quickly understands though when I glare at him. "I'm sorry babe, all jokes aside. How'd he bring it up this time?"

     "Apparently he saw Robert and Susan promoting Dolittle. I guess they were talking about finally doing a film that all the kids could go to. I don't even know how to go about it anymore, he completely broke my heart hunny. He asked if you were ashamed of us baby. I of course told him no, that you love them more than anything. It's just getting really difficult now. I mean we are gonna be a pretty big family soon, it's getting harder to hide." 

    "I know. God I know, I've been thinking about it alot. I just love how with you guys I'm just Chris or daddy. Are you even ready for that baby? I don't even know if I'm ready, I love having you all to myself." He states while rubbing the back of his neck. "How would we even reveal that to the world? I don't want any backlash coming on you and the kids. Fucking hell." Walking over I wrap my arms around him. I can see how much this stresses him out and we just need to get it out of the way, face it head on. 

    "Hey look at me." I state lifting his face so he looks me in the eyes. "We will be fine as long as we stick together. I don't care about anything the press might say. So long as you and our babies are safe and happy. Nothings gonna scare me off babe, you're stuck with me forever." 

     "Ok I guess we're doing this. How do we wanna go about it? We could go live on Twitter or just make a video and share it on my page. I think making a video would be best though so we can make sure that we have it perfect." He states calmly. 

     "I think that's an absolutely perfect way to introduce our family to the world baby. I think we should do something silly though and not make it so much like 'Hey look I have a family' just an easy going playful video with a witty caption 'Quick catch up on the last 6 years' don't you think?" 

     Hearing a knock one the door, then the door opening. You hear little feet running down the hall giggling. "Momma we're home!" Both girls yell out to you.

     "Come here guys, I'm in the kitchen. I've got a surprise for you." You call back while quickly pushing Chris into the pantry. Just as the door closes you see the girls rounding the corner. Heading straight to hug your legs, with Lisa and James coming behind them. "Hello my babies. How are you both doing?" You say kisses each of the girls on the head. Looking up after they tell you that they're great you smile, having a hard time not telling them then that daddy's home. "How are you doing buddy, did you have a good time with grandma?" You ask James.

    "Yeah. Grandma and grandpa were great." He says softly while Lisa wraps her arms around him giving him a soft hug and kiss on the top of his head.

    "James, sweetheart what's wrong?" You question trying to figure out what could have happened in the short time he was gone.

    You see him turn more into Lisa. "He's just missing dad today, Scott was helping him practice throwing today." She tells you with a sad smile. 

     "Well it's a good thing I came home early then. Can't be missing baseball practice with my best bud." At the sound of Chris's voice James head pops up, letting go of Lisa he runs for Chris. Soon after the girls follow squealing, running right for his legs. 

     "Surprise!" You say with a laugh looking at Lisa then the kids and Chris. He's got the girls in one arm, both of them kissing his cheeks. James is tucked in his chest holding onto him tightly. You knew he missed Chris, being the only guy in the house was tough. They were inseparable from the beginning of your relationship and everytime Chris left it got a little harder for the pair. You saw him whispering something in each of their ears. Both girls giggling and James burying himself farther into Chris chest. Setting the girls down Chris wrapped both arms around James. 

     Knowing they needed this time together, you walked over to the girls. "Why don't we take grandma to the living room and show her your new barbie dolls we got yesterday?" You asked the girls who happily ran for Lisa, grabbing her hands and skipping to the living room. Looking back over your shoulder you wink at Chris as you see him mouth 'Thank you' to you. With a smile you mouth back 'I love you' and head in to be with Lisa and the girls. 

    Sometime later the boys come into the living room, both smiling. Lisa had left 10 minutes before saying she wanted you to have family time and that she would see Chris tomorrow to give him a proper hello. 

     "So what's everyone thinking for dinner? I was thinking instead of having momma cook, we order pizza. Hmm… how's that sound?" Chris says. 

     "Yes!" All three of the kids cheer. We don't get pizza too often, so I knew it was gonna be a unanimous decision. Deciding on a Meat Lovers and a Cheese pizza I get the phone to call it in. Hanging up the phone I go and tell everyone it should be here in about 45 minutes. Settling back on the couch to cuddle with Chris while the kids play with Dodger, I breathe a sigh of relief rubbing my bump. At this little miss Everly starts moving around. Stretching her little body out. Grabbing Chris's hands I place them on my tummy so he can feel her.

     "She's sure is active tonight. I'm so ready to meet her and to be a family of 6." He whispers softly into my ear before kissing my temple. Our relaxing cuddle is soon interrupted though. When the girls come bouncing on their toes over to us. 

     "Can we have a dance party before dinner? Pretty please?" They ask with the sweetest smiles. They already know that it's gonna be a yes. After giving that face to their daddy, he's so wrapped around their fingers.

     "Of course we can. Why don't you take mommy upstairs to get your tutus on. While you get ready, me and bubba will set up the speakers."  Chris tells the girls. With smiles they start up the stairs giggling while I follow after them making sure nobody falls. Picking out which tutu each of them was gonna wear was easy. Pink and purple with sparkles for Ell and rainbow for Addie. But they couldn't just have their tutus we had to get in their leotards too. As well as princess crowns had to be added, finally we were ready to go back downstairs. Chris of course didn't miss the fact that I have a crown on. If the girls could get my tummy in a tutu, I would be in one all the time. I'm just happy that they didn't make me try and put it in this time. They must have learned after I got stuck last time when I was just 25 weeks and momma's belly almost broke the tutu.

    "Don't you two just look beautiful." He says to them. "Don't think I forgot you. I love the crown babe." He says before giving me a quick peck on the lips. He walks away to press play on the speakers and all of the sudden I hear Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid coming through the speakers. Both girls happily jump and squeal at their father's choice. Excited because it's their favourite movie at the moment, completely oblivious to the fact that it's also their dads. Laughing at their wild moves I see them grab James making him dance as well. 

     "Momma come on dance. Everly loves this song!" Ell tells me point blank

     "How would you know that Ell? Everly isn't even here yet to know what music she loves." I tell her.

     "Because we are her sissies and she loves anything we love." Addie then says coming to her twins aid. Standing up I grab both girls hands twirling them while they hold my fingers. Looking up at Chris I see him laughing holding up his phone. 

     "Looking good momma!" He tells me with a laugh. 

     "Daddy look at us spin!" Addie says before they both grab hands spinning in circles. James comes to stand by me cuddling up to my side as we sway back and forth. With the song change I start laughing as Truth Hurts by Lizzo comes on. Only Chris would have those two songs on the same playlist. The girls don't mind the change and pull James to dance more with them. Walking over to Chris singing the song, doing a little dance. I gotta say mommas got moves still. Laughing at myself Chris calls at me to smile, facing the camera at me. Smiling sweetly at the most amazing man in the world, how did I get so lucky. 

     "Now let me see Everly babe!" He tells me while doing a spinning motion with his finger. Stepping back I give him a side view of my bump laughing at how cute he's being. He quickly pulls me to him. Flipping the camera to the front he gives me the biggest kiss, making my toes curl. "I love you Mrs. Evans." He says resting his forehead on mine.

     "I love you so much more Christopher." 

Later that night

    After finally getting done with dinner. I was able to get the girls in the bath and in jammies without much hassle. James was already in bed so I gave him a kiss goodnight as Chris read to the girls. Heading to our room I see Dodger already up on the bed with his lion. 

     "Hi bubba. I know you didn't like all the dancing tonight. Have you been up here sleeping the whole time? Such a good boy. Just let mom get changed and then we can cuddle. Sound good." I ask Dodg as I head to the bathroom. After washing my face and brushing my teeth I head out to get changed.    

     "Hey baby I'm just gonna get ready then I'll be in bed." Chris says as he kisses me on the cheek. Nodding my head I crawl in bed getting tucked under the covers. Not long later Chris comes back in getting under the covers with me. Pulling me to his chest I relax into him as we caress my bump. 

     "How did the girls like the story?" I ask

     "Oh they loved it, even added their own little bits to it." He tells me softly kissing my head. "You know the video I took of you all dancing?" He questions. Nodding in a response already drifting off. "I posted it baby." He says hesitantly.

     "Ok. Nothing will ever change how I feel about you Christopher. I love you and our family more than anything in the world." I tell him softly. 

     "How did I get so lucky? I love you baby." He says as he wraps me up tightly both of us falling asleep. The last thought I have before falling into the darkness is how I couldn't have asked for a better man to live this wonderful crazy experience we call life with.

Taglist: @icanfeelastormbrewing

A/N: I've never wrote for Chris. Let alone I have written in like a year and a half. I dont even know what my opinion on it is yet, so let me know what you think of it! Also if you have any requests inbox me or ask. Why not have some fun with this. Much love xx

#chris evans x reader #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans imagine #chris evans #chris evans one shot #dad!chris #dad!chris evans #domesticChris #chris evans smut #chris evans oneshot #daddy chris evans #dad chris evans #one shot Chris Evans #Chris Evans #chris evans fluff #chris evans fandom #chris evans fic #Chris Evans dad #chris evans drabble

[jamielea81]

Just a Simple Lie

Chapter 4

Description: Having worked on small independent films for the better part of a decade, your friend tells you about an opening for a script supervisor with a large studio. Wanting to advance your career, you apply and get an interview. The only downside, they prefer to hire crew who are married. It’s just a simple lie, right?

Pairing: Chris Evans x Reader

Warnings: Cursing and drinking

A/N: This fic is simply for fun. I know nothing about the personal lives of the two actors in this series and mean no harm. I am also totally guessing regarding the studio talk. Comments, reblogs, and likes are always welcome.

Catch up with Chapter 3

Tomorrow was the start of a short break before the whole production moved to Vancouver for filming. You had been to Canada for work before, but that had always fallen in the summer or early fall. This would be your first time there during the winter months, but you weren’t worried. You were from the Midwest. You even had your own winter coat since you often went home for the holidays. It was already in your suitcase ready to go. Not that anything else was packed, but technically, you had almost two weeks to get it done.

Chris hadn’t come by since the day of the love scene with Maggie. Or rather the day he practiced his moves on you. Okay, so it had been one day, but still, he didn’t come by with your afternoon treat yesterday and you were a tad disappointed. During treat time as you dubbed it, the two of you would talk. It was nice. You had to admit, he was smooth and you pretty much had a full fledge crush on him at this point. But nothing could happen there. You were “engaged” and would be for the foreseeable future. Besides, he has such a charming presence, there was no doubt in your mind that he didn’t come off as flirty to everyone else as well.

It was nearing four and most people had closed up shop at the studio. Offices were cleaned up and you were told the soundstage was a well. Everything that was needed was packed in large crates bound for Vancouver. You had spent the majority of your day going over notes and polaroids of costumes. Any costumes that were shot in the interior scenes that also were being shot outdoors had to be accounted for. That’s when your meticulous notes came in handy. It was always the accessories that got left behind, but you were on hand to make sure that didn’t happen.  

You had popped into your office to grab Mr. Fern, your laptop, and your bag because you were finally on your way home. Just as you were about to shut the lights off, your phone dings with a text. Setting everything back on your desk, you dig out your phone and see you have a text from Chris.

Chris: Are you still at the studio?

You sat down in your chair and quickly replied.

Y/N: Just leaving. What’s up?

Chris: I’m going to stop by. Don’t leave.

Y/N: That sounds like a threat Evans.

Chris: …

Your fired off a text to Joanna to let her know you might be a few minutes late. The two of you were having a good old fashion sleep over to kick off your “winter break” as she liked to call it. Ian would still be home, but apparently, he was banished to the basement for the evening.

“Knock. Knock,” Chris says as he actually knocks on your open door.

“Hey you,” you answer.

He’s got one hand behind his back as he enters, but doesn’t sit.

“I, uh, got you something special.”

He seems nervous because he’s not exactly making eye contact and he’s fidgety. This is a strange turn of events because generally you’re the one that’s nervous around him.

“Oh, yeah?” you ask, leaning back further in your chair, clearly enjoying this side of Chris.

His arm moves from behind his back. Resting on a napkin is a snowman shaped sugar cookie with white frosting, black dots for eyes, and a blue hat.

You break out in a huge grin as he places the cookie in your open palm, before taking a seat in your other chair.

“Took me three bakeries before I found that. Sure, everyone has sugar cookies, but not frosted ones.” He seems to relax a little, rubbing his hands on his thighs before taking in your grin.

“Thank you. Really. This is such a nice surprise.” You place the cookie on your desk and then look back at Chris. “Is it bad I want to eat it right now?” you ask.

Chris shakes his head and laughs. “Please do.” Crossing his arms and looks at you pointedly.

You take a large bite and set the remaining cookie back on the napkin. It’s surgery and sweet with just a little bit of crunch. Shutting your eyes appreciation.

“Right for the head I see,” he says with a smirk.

You throw him a wink and lick your lips. “This.” You gesture to the cookie. “Is perfect.”

“Glad I could finally follow through on your demands,” he jokes.

You sit forward in your chair and lightly slap his knee with the back of your hand. “Demands,” you mutter shaking your head.

He chuckles but then straightens up.

“Can I talk to you about something?” he asks. He’s all serious all of a sudden.

“Sure. What’s up?” you asked.

“I just wanted to apologize for the other day,” he started. Your brow furrowed; the confusion evident on your face. “When you were helping me with that scene. I think I crossed a line. I know I crossed a line.” He looks down at his hands for a moment before looking up to meet your eyes. “Shouldn’t of point my hands on you. You’re engaged and it wasn’t right for me to hold you like that. You’re not an actress, so it’s different. I’m sorry.”

Apparently being shocked into silence was a real thing. How do you respond to that? It doesn’t help that he’s looking at you with sad eyes.

“Chris, honestly I didn’t think anything of it. We were working and sometimes actor need that  hands on if you will, visual to understand what is needed. Travis works in the industry, it’s not a big deal,” you explained.

He gave you a soft smile but remained quiet. You slapped his knee again and then leaned back in your chair.

“Quit being weird,” you said.

He faked a scoff which had you rolling your eyes. “Not being weird,” he pouted.

“We’re friends, right? At least I like to think of us as friends.”

Chris grabbed your hand and squeezed it. “We are,” he nodded his head.

 Despite being told Ian would be banished to the basement, he spent most of the night with you and Jo. She was still in the very early stages of her pregnancy, but that didn’t stop Ian from waiting on her hand and foot. You also took advantage of this new found man servant by asking for a fresh drink and snacks anytime he got up.

“You’re a stinker. You know, he’s going to get you back for this when he realizes I can get my own water,” Joanna said.

“Oh, I’m sure. I’ll just buy him a beer and all will be forgiven.”

“You know him too well.”

Shrugging your shoulders, you grabbed the remote from her lap and changed the channel until you found the Food Network channel.

“If we keep watching crap like this, I’m going to be as big as a house before I even officially start showing,” Joanna snarked.

“It’s either this or Bravo and I know you hate that more. Pick your poison babe,” you said.

 The short winter break from filming included lots of sleeping in, cleaning, and shopping. It also found you with your hair back to its normal shade. Visiting the mall for the third time this week wasn’t part of the plan, but you needed a few cozy sweaters for those long days on set. Luckily you were able find plenty of options, even in California. Along with the sweaters, you purchased a pair of cute but warm winter boots and a few pairs of warm socks. Somehow it all fit in your suitcase and carryon bag. Nothing like waiting last minute to pack. Your flight was in the morning and you were feeling unprepared. All your bills were set to auto withdrawal from your account and Mr. Fern was dropped at Joanna and Ian’s yesterday. You just couldn’t shake that feeling that you were forgetting something.

 The studio set everyone up in a total of two hotels. Monica was your roommate which you were fine with. The two of you were kind of friends. Neither of you had hung out outside of the job but you got along and had similar working styles. Work friends. The two of you were work friends. You had heard but didn’t know for sure that Keanu and Chris had both elected to rent houses for the duration of filming.

Filming was expected to wrap in two months, maybe a bit more. You knew you’d be in Vancouver for a month and a half. David was convinced it would be two months. Those with families or extra cash flow would go home when there were three day breaks which was set to happen twice during your time there, but you would be sticking it out. Not that you couldn’t afford to fly home, but rather you wanted to enjoy a new city, even if it was covered in snow.

After dropping your bags in your room for the next six weeks or so, you took a shower, dug out your boots and gloves and decided to find somewhere to eat. Monica hadn’t arrived yet so you were heading out on your own. The first meeting wasn’t until the next afternoon, so she decided to fly out later in the day.

Stopping at the front desk, they handed you a map of the area and circled a few restaurants they recommended that were in walking distance. You decided on a coffee shop that served hot panini sandwiches as well as wine and beer.

The coffee shop was rather large, definitely larger than it looked from the outside. Several small two-seater tables sat side by side with a mix of chairs that did not go together, but somehow worked. The shop had rows of windows on two sides of the large room. Both sides were lined with bench seating littered with colorful throw pillows and a large bookcase next to the door. You would keep this place in mind for when you needed an escape from the confines of the hotel.

Deciding on a turkey with swiss along with a local brew, you waited by the pickup window for your name to be called. It only took a few minutes for your order to be up, so you didn’t have to wait too long. The sandwich was good as well as the beer, so you know you would be back. Your meal came with a bag of kettle chips that you stuck in your purse to snack on later. Waving goodbye to the staff you decided to head back to the hotel to unpack.

Opening the door to your room you were surprised to see Maggie rather than Monica.

“Crap. Did they give me the wrong room number?” you asked.

She stifled a laugh and shook her head, getting up from the wingback chair in the corner. “No, I’m just waiting for Monica to get out of the bathroom. We’re heading to dinner,” Maggie said.

Oh. Apparently, you’re not the only one to make friends with the talent.

A second later Monica came out of the bathroom with her makeup bag in hand.

“Oh hey,” she said.

“Welcome to Canada,” you said with a smile.

Yeah, this wasn’t awkward at all.

“We’re going to grab something for dinner. Do you want to come with?” she asked.

“I just ate. Thanks though. You two go have fun,” you replied.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Yeah, I’m totally stuffed.”

Maggie waved goodbye as she opened the door while her and Monica slipped out.

This is what you wanted though. It was part of your rules to get that fulltime contract with the studio. You’re not here to make friends. Chris didn’t count. It wasn’t like the two of you were hanging out outside of work. Your office didn’t count as a true hangout, so he totally got a pass. Besides, you wouldn’t see him again once filming wrapped. So, Monica and Maggie can be friends, that just takes the pressure off of you. Yep, you are totally okay with this.

 After the large meeting where everyone was required to attend, all you wanted to do was find your office, or cubical rather, and get organized. David had other plans. After setting your notebooks and pens on your desk, David was at your cubical wall. The not having an actual door was going to take getting used to. Technically it was nicer than an office cubical, it was twice the size and they were spaced out with large potted plants in between for “privacy”.

“Alright, grab your bag, we are out of here!” David says, arms crossed, leaning on your cubical wall.

You gave him a questioning look, not budging from your chair. “I’m sorry, what now?”

“We are going out for drinks. I suppose we’ll eat too.”

Now you were really intrigued.

“Does your wife know you’re taking me out?” you say with a raised brow.

He laughs nervously and then clears his throat. “Let me rephrase that. You and I will be joining others for drinks. Now, lets go,” he says clapping his hands together.

“David, I’m tired and I just want to get settled before tomorrow.”

“We all have a late call time, you’ll have plenty of time tomorrow to get set up and settled. We’re here for the long haul kid,” he said.

“Kid, pfft,” you echoed.

“The car’s waiting. Chop. Chop,” he says with a smile.

 Three drinks later, you were plenty relaxed. The group at the bar was larger than you anticipated. Besides you and David, there were couple of writers, a few from wardrobe, a couple of the camera operators, and Monica, who brought Maggie. The person you weren’t expecting to see when you were at the bar grabbing round four for you and David was Chris and his PA Tyler. He walked in with a hooded sweatshirt and Bruins ballcap down low, but he was still easy to spot.

You shuffled your way back to the table, two beers in hand.

“That for me?” Chris asked.

“Shouldn’t you be buying me a drink Evans?” you sassed.

He squeezed in across from you, others scooting down to make room. He takes off his hat, dropping it on the table and then runs his hands through his hair.

“How about I get next round?” he asked.

Nodding your head, you gave him a wink.

  Maybe you shouldn’t have taken Chris up on that fifth round because you were soundly very talkative. At least you weren’t a grumpy drunk, but learning to sit quietly and let others talk would probably aid you in the long wrong.

Monica was talking about the last guy she dated. Something about how he had to see her every single night. It appeared to be a funny story because everyone was laughing and she apparently had no shame about her love life. And at that point, you lost your damn mind.

“Ughhh,” you groaned. “I haven’t gotten laid in so long.”

Did you just die? Is that your body floating from above you right now? It has to be.

You look up from your drink to see all eyes are on you. Maggie giggles and David lets out a low whistle. Chris’ eyebrows are raised and his mouth is hanging open.

Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.

“Aren’t you engaged?” Monica questions. She says it quietly, but everyone is looking at you, so you know they heard.

“Yeahhhh,” your drunk self spits out. “I just meant that he was working when we were on break, so we never saw each other.” You shrug your shoulders and grab you glass taking a long drink. In reality it’s been more than eight months, so it does feel like forever.

Monica laughs and pushes on your shoulder. “Oh no, you haven’t had sex for two weeks. That’s such a long time,” she rolls her eyes.

You catch the giggles at that point but it seems to do the trick as conversations pick up. You can’t help but avoid Chris’ eyes for the remainder of the night.

Here you are on day two in Vancouver breaking all your rules. Drinking with co-workers and getting too personal. You really needed to rein it in.

Tag List: If you are crossed off, Tumblr won’t let me tag you @tanelle83 @pinknerdpanda @allaboutthebooz @estillion14 @panicfob @patzammit @heartislubbingdubbing @collinsstanharbour @twittytelly @thefandomzoneisdangerous @linki-locks11 @mywinterwolf @ab-baybay @rda1989 @impalaimages @jesseswartzwelder @rainbowkisses31 @chrisevansforever @southerngracela @chrisevansfanfic @zsuzstyina @peach-acid @grtchn @hista-girl @trynnabemultifandom @symonlyjen5 @mrshiddleston @tfandtws @xxloki81xx @heyyouwiththeassbutt @denisemarieangelina​ @evanlys19 @cheeseburgersstuff @linki-locks11 @evemej @whymalu​

#chris evans #chris evans x reader #chris evans x y/n #chris evans reader insert #chris evans x you #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans fan fiction #chris evans fan fic #chris evans au #chris evans imagine #just a simple lie

[redgillan]

Missed Chances -  Part 8

Steve Rogers x Reader ♀️ [// Bucky Barnes x Reader for now]

Summary: 13 Going on 30!AU - Steve Rogers is crazy about you, but he’s afraid his feelings are only one sided and being one of your best friends, he doesn’t want to ruin your friendship… On his 13th birthday, he makes a wish and wakes up in the body of his 30 year old self. The problem is, you’re no longer a part of his life.

Word Count: 3,225

Warnings: Angst, Reader has a small panic attack

A/N: sO I wasn’t sure I wanted to end this chapter like that but no one replied to my post so I guess we’re doing this. Anyway I hope you enjoy this chapter it’s a fluffy one for our boy Steve. Also here’s the song if you’ve never heard of it ;)

7:36 p.m.

Trying to calm yourself down, you took a deep breath. You could feel your anger bubbling up inside you. You had been waiting on your kitchen stool for over thirty minutes, and your patience was running thin.

You picked up your phone and sent a quick message to your father-in-law, telling him you were going to be late. He replied with a thumbs up emoji.

It didn’t surprise you that Bucky was late to his own engagement dinner, but you still wished he had made an effort.

You locked your phone when you heard him coming up the stairs. You watched as he dropped his bag near the coat rack and threw his keys on the kitchen table. They landed close to your phone.

“Sorry, I know I’m late,” Bucky said.

He grabbed the hem of his Henley and yanked it over his head, throwing it on the floor. You stayed quiet and kept your eyes trained on your phone. It annoyed you that this was all he had to say. A simple pathetic apology.

“You remember Sitwell, one of the head chefs? They fired him today, and now they’re looking for a new head chef. Doll, I think I have a real chance here. I mean, your magazine is basically promoting my restaurant for free. My bosses love that!” He toed off his shoes and quickly unbuttoned his jeans. “I’m gonna take a shower. You can order an Uber, I won’t be long.”

He disappeared into the bathroom and turned on the shower. You opened the app and ordered the car, fighting back tears. You were tired of coming second.

You arrived at the restaurant thirty minutes late. Bucky’s parents and sister were already seated, a pitcher of margaritas and some appetizers sat on the table. You apologized for being late and took a seat next to Bucky’s mother.

“I thought your parents were joining us,” Winnie said, sipping her drink.

“They’re on holidays,” you replied, shrugging off your jacket.

“Good for them!” she cheered as her husband filled up your empty glass.

You traded your full glass for Bucky’s empty one. “No alcohol for me,” you said, pouring water into your glass. Bucky’s younger sister looked at you with a funny expression. You mentally rolled your eyes. “I’m not pregnant, I just don’t want to drink.”

You were in a sour mood, which unfortunately happened quite frequently these days. Between work, planning the wedding –without Bucky because he always had too much work- and trying not to strangle Natasha who was your unofficial wedding planner, you really needed a goddamn break.

Bucky must have sensed something was wrong because he was suddenly a lot more attentive. He tried to reach across the table to touch you, but you quickly moved your hand away.

You weren’t looking at him, though you could feel his sad puppy dog eyes on you. You purposely focused on what his father was saying. Bucky’s eyes were your weakness, but you weren’t ready to forgive him. He had to realise he had hurt you.

Bucky cleared his throat. “So, um I’m sorry we’re late. It’s my fault.”

“Something happen at work?” Georges asked with furrowed brows.

“No, nothing important,” Bucky quickly replied, trying to meet your eyes. You relented and glanced at him. “Nothing important,” he repeated, his voice soft.

He extended his hand across the table and you barely hesitated before giving him your own. He smiled at you, mouthing the words ‘I love you’.

“How’s the wedding coming along?” Winnie asked with a bright smile. “You know, I read all the articles in your magazine. I really like them, it’s basically a how to plan your own wedding series. I wish it had been a thing when we got engaged.”

“It would have saved us a lot of headaches,” George agreed.

You and Bucky stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. They didn’t seem to notice the growing tension, and you didn’t want to be the one complaining that planning a wedding was hard work no matter who was there to help you.

Millions of people were waiting for your wedding. It was completely nerve-wracking.

Rebecca leaned across the table and grabbed a mozzarella stick. “I love awkward silences,” she said with a cocky smile.

You all laughed, diffusing the tension. “It’s coming along fine,” you answered Winnie’s question. “We’re not allowed to say much, we signed a confidentiality agreement.”

“But we’re the groom’s parents,” Winnie complained, “and the ceremony is happening in our backyard.” George threw her a glance, silently telling her to drop the subject. “Okay fine,” she mouthed, “but that’s not fair.”

Despite the lingering tension, dinner went rather smoothly. No one asked you any prying questions. You told Winnie and Rebecca that you had an appointment to try on the muslin dress Steve had made for you. Rebecca also had to try on her bridesmaid dress. They were both excited to share this moment with you.

You and Bucky were quiet on the drive home. When you finally got home, you undressed quietly and prepared for bed. You felt Bucky’s arms wrap around you from behind. He buried his face in the crook of your neck and breathed in deeply. You let yourself melt against his chest.

“Am I in trouble?” he mumbled against your neck, his lips finding the tender spot behind your ear.

You sighed. “It depends. I’m busting my ass planning this wedding, but it seems like you’re already married to your job.” You turned in his arms to face him. “Who is it going to be? Me or your job?”

“I want what’s best for you,” he said, holding you tight. “I need money to give yo-”

“Answer the question,” you pressed. “Me or your job?”

He looked at you with a pained expression. You wondered what was going on through his mind. Bucky was hard to read sometimes.

“It’s you,” he finally said, “always you.”

You breathed out a sigh of relief, the tension slowly draining from your body. Arching against him, you kissed him hard on the lips. “Then prove it,” you whispered against his mouth, “come with me to the party next week. Take a day off.”

Bucky craned his neck toward the ceiling and sighed. He stayed quiet, pondering your words.

If he wanted to be the new head chef, he had to keep working hard. But ironically, the only reason he had been working so hard was so he could give you a better life. It didn’t make sense to keep working himself to death if you weren’t with him anymore.

Unfortunately, Saturdays were the most hectic days at the restaurant.

“I’m not allowed to take my Saturday off,” he told you, smiling sadly when your face fell. “But I’ll ask someone to trade shifts with me. I’ll be there before eleven.” He looked you in the eye, making sure you knew this was not an empty promise. “We’ll dance and laugh and drink. All night long.”

Your face broke into a shy smile. This wasn’t perfect, but it was a fair compromise. You wrapped your arms around his neck and kissed him.

“It’s going to be the best party ever,” you said.

*

“This party sucks.”

Scott turned and leaned his back against the bar, surveying the deserted dance floor. He hummed in agreement as you blew out a frustrated breath.

People had started gathering at around eight but the music was garbage, and even the open bar wasn’t enough to make the guests stay. It was a Saturday night in New York, they still had time to find another party.

“It's 11 o’clock and I'm at a party.” Steve appeared out of nowhere. “It's so cool.”

“It’s 11 o’clock and people are leaving,” Scott said, cocking a brow. Steve’s enthusiasm was a little odd. He was celebrity after all, this shouldn’t faze him. “It’s a disaster.”

You spotted Nick and Natasha walking across the dance floor with scowls on their faces.

“Here comes trouble,” you mumbled to your friends as your bosses approached your corner.

“Where’s Barnes?” Natasha asked.

“He shouldn’t be long,” you replied after checking your phone. “He had to work tonight.”

Nick looked around the room and slowly shook his head. “It doesn’t really matter anymore. Most of the guests are gone.” He waved the bartender over and ordered a shot. “Is it me? Do I smell? Do I have bad breath?”

You, Scott and Natasha didn’t say anything. You all knew he wasn’t expecting an answer, he just needed to vent. The party must have been incredibly expensive and it was a complete disaster.

To your horror, Steve started leaning toward Nick, sniffing the air around him. Natasha looked at him as if he were crazy.

“No, you smell nice,” Steve said.

“Really,” Nick continued, his jaw ticking, “because people seem to be running for the exit like someone set off a stink bomb.”

“I don’t smell anything.” Steve looked at him with a confused puppy look on his face.

Scott bit back a laugh. “I think he means the party is a stinker. A dud. A flop. A zero on a scale of one to ten.”

“Thanks, Scott,” Natasha said, crossing her arms.

“Maybe if somebody played something else,” Steve said, nodding toward the DJ. “Something with a melody.”

Nick cut him off. “Play whatever you want. All I know is if those people don't start dancing really, really soon...” He promptly raised his shot glass. “Here's to early retirement.”

Nick grimaced as the amber liquid rolled down his throat. Steve cocked his head to one side as he observed the man digging in the record bin behind the turntables. An idea formed in his mind and, with a lopsided grin, he started making his way toward the dance floor.

“Steve,” you called after him. You remembered that smile too well. He was about to do something stupid.

The four of you watched as Steve neared the DJ. They spoke for a brief moment, though you were too far away to hear what they were saying. Then Steve turned around and, as he reached the middle of the dance floor, an upbeat music filled the room.

You frowned. The song was familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.

Steve addressed the small crowd with a shy wave, but all he got in return were blank stares. He took a deep, calming breath and started moving to the beat.

This is something new, the Casper slide part two Featuring the platinum band, and this time... We’re gonna get funky

Oh, no

Your eyes widened in horror as you recognized the song. The Cha Cha Slide. You hadn’t heard that song in years. It reminded you of your childhood, of the times in middle school when you had been going to slumber parties.

The dance in itself was really simple, you just had to follow the lyrics.

People were snickering as they watched Steve dance. He felt incredibly stupid, alone on the dance floor. He met your eyes and silently pleaded with you to join him.

You shook your head. “No, absolutely not!” you said in a loud whisper.

“Please,” Steve mouthed back.

Turn it out, to the left Take it back now y'all One hop this time

Steve took the lyrics as his cue to hop toward you like a bunny. You tried to hide behind Scott, but that idiot pushed you forward. Steve grabbed your hands and tried to pull you towards him.

“C’mon, please,” he begged.

“I haven't done this in over ten years.”

“It’s the Cha Cha Slide, he literally tells you what to do,” Steve shouted over the music.

He led you to the dance floor, and you found yourself paralysed. Everyone was staring at you. You tried to follow Steve’s lead, but you just felt too ridiculous. He encouraged you to keep dancing and you did your best not to bolt out of the room.

Slide to the left, slide to the right Crisscross, crisscross

In a synchronized movement, you both jumped and crossed your right foot over your left, then did it again. You looked at each other and laughed.

“All right, here we go!” you shouted, smiling brightly.

Despite your embarrassment, you were starting to really enjoy this. More people joined in. You saw Scott take Natasha’s hand and lead her to the dance floor. Natasha playfully rolled her eyes as she begrudgingly agreed to follow him.

The song ended too fast for your liking. You were feeling lighter than you had in a long time. Another song came on, a popular song from the 80s’, and everyone cheered.

“You’re a genius,” you shouted over the music, taking Steve’s hand and letting him twirl you into his arms. “That was so much fun! You have some great moves, Rogers! I didn’t know you could still do the limbo. That was impressive!”

Steve blushed and took a step away from you, running his hand through his hair with a sheepish grin. He looked at something over your shoulder, and grinned. The cheers of the crowd caught your attention.

You turned around and saw Nick doing the moonwalk. You were never going to be able to look him in the eye again.

It was after midnight when you finally stopped dancing and took a break. You ordered a drink and checked the time on your phone.

00:20 a.m.

No new messages.

You frowned, and looked around for Bucky. He should have been here by now. The room was absolutely crowded, and you thought that perhaps he was still looking for you.

You took your drink and moved to a quiet spot near the restroom where you called Bucky. He didn’t pick up. You left him a message, saying that you were at the bar waiting for him. You also sent him a text with the same information.

You waited another thirty minutes, frequently checking your phone, but Bucky hadn’t tried to contact you.

It was now 1 a.m. and you were getting a little worried. You tried not to panic, after all Bucky was always late so it was probably nothing.

You went outside and called the restaurant, thinking that maybe he was still working. The call went straight to voicemail, and you knew it was because the restaurant was closed and the team had left the building.

You remembered that Shuri was working with Bucky tonight, she had even agreed to trade shifts with him. You called her, but all she could tell you was that he had left just before eleven o’clock.

“There you are!” Steve’s voice made you jump. His smile dropped as he met your frightened eyes. “Something wrong?”

“I can’t find Bucky,” you said. “He’s not answering his phone. I don’t know what to do.”

Steve’s expression changed. He looked around, as if doing so would make Bucky appear out of nowhere. The lump in his throat dropped into his stomach like a lead ball.

Steve’s silence made you even more nervous.

“I don’t know where he is,” you cried. “What if something happened to him on the way here?”

Your legs buckled and Steve was at your side in an instant, holding you upright. You were panting, your eyes unfocused. He had had enough panic attacks to recognize the symptoms.

He held your gaze, and drew in a deep breath through his nose before releasing it slowly through his mouth. Calming breaths, you recognised the technique. You breathed in tandem until your heartbeat returned to normal.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, mustering up a half smile. “I’m going to drop you off at home. You’ll stay there in case Bucky comes home, and meanwhile I’ll look for him. Okay?”

You nodded, letting yourself smile a little.

*

You tried calling Bucky one last time while you climbed the stairs to your apartment. He didn’t answer and you left yet another voicemail. You begged him to call you back as soon he got your messages.

You fumbled with the lock, your nerves made your hands shake, and finally got it open. You leaned one hand against the wall for support as you bent down to remove your high heels.

“Did you have fun?”

Bucky’s deep voice startled you. You hurriedly searched for the nearby switch to turn on the lights. He was sitting at the kitchen counter with a half empty bottle of whiskey in front of him.

“You’re home,” you said, releasing a relieved breath. “I tried to call you like ten times.” You noticed that his phone was next to the bottle. “Why didn’t you answer? I was worried.”

Scoffing under his breath, Bucky reached for the bottle of whiskey. “You were worried? When? When Steve was twirling you around or when you were giggling against his chest?”

You frowned at him. Bucky had seen you dance with Steve, he’d seen the two of you laugh and have fun. It could only mean one thing.

“You came to the party,” you concluded out loud.

“Yeah, nice solve, Sherlock.”

“You’re drunk,” you chastised.

“And you’re cheating on me,” Bucky shouted, slamming the bottle on the counter.

You held his accusatory stare for as long as you could stand it, then bent your head and swallowed the lump in your throat. That was a low blow and completely unjustified. Sometimes his insecurities got the best of him. Especially when he was drunk.

It was pointless to argue with him right now. You swallowed your frustration and anger as best you could before you raised your head.

“You’re drunk, I’m not having this conversation tonight,” you said as you crossed the room. “You’re sleeping on the couch.”

At least he didn’t protest.

You grabbed the handle of the Murphy bed that leaned against the wall, and pulled it down. You took your phone and typed a quick text to Steve.

I found Bucky. He’s at home, drunk, but safe. Thank you for what you did tonight. You’re a good man.

His answer came a few seconds later. I’m relieved. Let me know if there’s anything I can do. Goodnight!

You were getting ready for bed, but your brain was rehearsing the upcoming argument you would soon have with Bucky.

You got even more upset because you couldn’t calm down. Bucky was still sitting at the counter, staring off into space. You didn’t want to be in the same room with him.

Your apartment was a tiny studio, you couldn’t isolate yourself. And even though you hated his guts, you didn’t want to throw Bucky out of the house. He wasn’t sober enough to take a cab or even walk. Besides, Sam would be upset if Bucky showed up drunk at his door in the middle of the night.

You stared at your trainers closely, calculating your next move. You felt as though you were suffocating, stuck between two men and a wedding, and unable to move forward because you wanted to please everyone.

You had to get out of the apartment.

You quickly slipped your feet into her trainers and headed for the front door. Bucky’s tired eyes were focused on you as you took your jacket and keys.

“Where you goin?” he slurred.

“Out,” you said before you closed the door behind you.

#steve rogers #bucky barnes #bucky x reader #steve x reader #bucky barnes x reader #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers rogers imagines #bucky barnes imagines #steve rogers fanfiction #bucky barnes fanfiction #marvel fanfiction #marvel imagine #redgillan #redgillanwrites #missed chances

[thelastspeecher]

King Stansort AU - Shermie

During a break from working on my thesis defense, I opened up my Stansort AU doc on a whim to reread some stuff, like I often do.  And I stumbled across something I had written but never finished, so never posted.  So, naturally, I finished off the thing (it was almost done anyways) and here it is: Shermie finally showing up in the AU where Stan marries a foreign princess and becomes a king consort.  Think of it as something to tide you all over until I update “Recoil” next week.

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              “Mr. Pines?”  Shermie looked up from the stack of homework he was currently sifting through.  He beamed at one of his favorite students, Devin.

              “What’s up, Devin?” he asked kindly.  Devin chewed on his lip.

              “I, um…”  Devin took a breath.  “Do you have a brother named Stanley?”

              “…Yes, I do,” Shermie said.  He leaned back in his chair.  “How did you know that?”

              “Well, for Social Studies, we have to bring in a current event every week and explain it,” Devin said, talking much faster than he usually did. Dread began to mount in Shermie’s chest.

              If Stan’s on the news, that can’t be good.

              “And my mom, she was helping me find a current event to bring in,” Devin continued.  “She likes following royal stuff, even royal stuff from places like Denmark or whatever. Not just England, like most people.” Shermie nodded silently.  “So she told me to- to use this.”  Devin dug a piece of paper out of his backpack and placed it on Shermie’s desk.  “I thought that the guy looked sorta like you, and then I read that he had the same last name and was from New Jersey like you are and is- is that your brother?” Shermie stared down at the piece of paper.  It was a printout of a news article from online, with a large image at the top of the page.  The image was a picture of two people dressed in fine clothes being showered with petals. And one of the people was unmistakably Stan.

              “Yes, that is my brother,” Shermie said in a thick voice.  He cleared his throat.  “Do you need this back or-”

              “No, I’ve- I’ve got two copies.  Just in case you wanted to keep that one,” Devin said.  Shermie nodded.  “Are you upset?”

              “What?  No! No, I’m not.  Just surprised.”  Shermie smiled in a reassuring manner.  “And thankful.  Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”  Devin nodded jerkily.  “You should probably go if you don’t want to be late for your next class.”

              “Right!  Okay, bye, Mr. Pines!”  Shermie waved at Devin as he raced out of the classroom.  He looked back at the article resting on his desk.

              “American Pauper Marries European Princess”?  That’s…how did Stan do that?  I doubt any of us would be able to marry royalty, but Stan seems the least likely.  He’s not refined at all.  Shermie picked the piece of paper up and stared intently at the picture.  There was no one else it could be, other than Stan. Stan seemed well-groomed, well-kempt, and euphoric as he beamed at his new wife.  Guilt trickled into Shermie.  Stan had been kicked out while Shermie was deployed and was long gone by the time his tour ended.  It was something that weighed on Shermie; the wondering of whether things might have gone differently if he’d been there or gotten home sooner or even tried just a bit harder to find Stan.  Clearly, I didn’t need to, if he married a princess.  But still…

              “Hi, Mr. Pines!”  A voice shocked Shermie from his thoughts.  He forced a smile at the flood of students entering his classroom.

              “Hello, Bethany,” he replied, unable to see her in the mass but recognizing her voice.  He shook off the guilt and regret.

              I have to focus.  My students don’t deserve to lose out on English class just because I found out where my brother is.  He managed a half-smile.  Even if they’d prefer to spend the whole period doing anything but learning.

----- 

              When he arrived home, Shermie dropped his bags by the front door, kissed his wife Amelia and their young son, Caleb, and made a beeline for the desktop computer.  A quick search on the internet for “Stanley Pines” resulted in dozens of hits about Shermie’s younger brother, almost all linked to his relationship with royalty. Specifically, the royal family of the small European country of Lirone.

              Lirone?  I’ve never heard of it.  Shermie clicked a few links, trying to get as much information as quickly as possible into Stan’s current circumstances.  Then again, I’m not a geography teacher.  He spent well over an hour diving into articles on Stan, Lirone, and the Lirone royal family, only stopping when his wife called him for dinner.

              “In a minute, love,” he said absent-mindedly, still focused intently on an article detailing Stan’s wedding.  Amelia walked into the living room and propped a hand on her hip.

              “What exactly are you doing?” she asked.  Shermie tore his gaze away from the computer screen.

              “I know where my brother is.”

              “Well, yeah, so do I.  He does research in Oregon.”

              “No, not that brother.  My other one. Stanley,” Shermie said.  Amelia frowned, confused.  “He made a big show of being allowed to drink champagne at our wedding.”

              “Oh!  And then, because he was talking about it so much, got told he couldn’t anymore?”

              “Yep.  That’s him.” Shermie looked back at the computer. “I don’t know if you remember, but he got kicked out while I was on tour.  I tried to track him down when I came back and- and I couldn’t.”

              “But now you know where he is.”

              “Yes.  One of my students gave me a news article today about him,” Shermie said.  Amelia sucked air between her teeth.

              “Oh, that can’t be good.”

              “No, it’s- honestly, it’s better than good.  It’s astounding.  Stan married a princess.”  Amelia’s jaw dropped.  “That was my reaction, too.”  Shermie clicked on another link, this one leading to contact information for the Lironian royal family.  “I need to talk to him.”

              “Honey, I don’t know if you should,” Amelia said gently.  Shermie froze in the middle of filling out a form. “He married a princess and never told you or Ford or your parents.  If he wanted to talk to you, he woulda sent an invite to the wedding, right?”

              “I…”  Shermie’s hands fell away from the keyboard.  “…You’re right.”  A weary weight settled on his shoulders.  “He has resources available to him.  If he wanted, he would have been more than able to contact me.  But he chose not to do that, even when he got married.” Shermie hung his head.  “I can’t- I can’t really blame Stan for not wanting to talk to me.  I shoulda tried harder to find him, I-”  Amelia walked over to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

              “Don’t blame yourself.  You did what you could.”

              “Yes, but-”

              “Maybe he just needs time.  I’m sure he’ll reach out when he’s good and ready.”

              “Maybe,” Shermie mumbled.  Crying began to emit from Caleb’s playpen, which was set up in the middle of the living room.  Shermie got up from the computer.  “I’ll take care of the little stinker if you want to serve up dinner?”

              “Sure thing,” Amelia said.  She kissed him on the cheek.  Shermie walked over to the playpen and picked his son up.  He glanced back at the computer.

              Amelia’s right.  I need to let Stan make the first move.  But that doesn’t mean I won’t keep an eye on him and what he gets up to.  I am still his big brother, after all.

----- 

              Shermie turned on the news.  For four years now, he’d been following the actions of the Lirone royal family. Perusing pictures of them at events, watching speeches translated into English, and being moved to tears by announcement of the princesses’ birth.  He was still heartbroken that Stan had yet to contact him, despite being a father now.

              But that’s not what’s important at the moment.  What’s important is that Stan’s wife was shot and they still haven’t caught the would-be assassin.  Shermie sat down on the couch to wait for any updates. The phone rang.

              “Amelia, would you mind?” he called.  The phone stopped ringing.  He could faintly make out Amelia asking who was on the phone.  The news segment changed.

              “In international news, we’re receiving word that the royal family of the small European country of Lirone had a visit this last month,” the newscaster said.  Shermie leaned forward.  “The news of the visit was public information in Lirone, but kept out of international news organizations, due to the country’s unique privacy laws.  However, now that the visit is over, we can retroactively inform an international audience that it occurred.”  A picture appeared on screen of Stan and his daughters walking in a garden.  Shermie smiled.  “Apparently, the visit was from none other than the king consort’s estranged twin, a Dr. Stanford Pines.”  The picture zoomed out, revealing Ford walking with Stan and his daughters. Shermie’s smile was wiped away.

              What?

              “Shermie,” Amelia said, walking into the living room.  She held out the phone.  “It’s for you.”

              “Sweetheart, I’m not sure I-” Shermie started, his eyes still glued to the television screen.

              “It’s Stan.”  Shermie’s head whipped around.  Amelia nodded.  “So are you gonna take it, or should I tell a literal king that you’re too busy watching TV to talk to him?”  Shermie held out his hand.  “That’s what I thought.”  Amelia handed him the phone.  Shermie swallowed and held the phone up to his ear.

              “…Stan?” he croaked.

              “Yeah.”  At the sound of his younger brother’s distinct voice, Shermie could feel tears welling up.  “Yeah, it’s- it’s me.  Look, I, uh-” Stan took a breath.  “I figured it’s about time you knew what I’ve been up to.”

              “I know.”

              “Wait, you do?” Stan asked.  There was a muffled commotion on his end of the call.  “Danny-”  Stan said something in a foreign language.  A high-pitched voice asked a question in the same tongue.  “Non.”

              “Apr-”

              “Non,” Stan said, more firmly.  He barked out an order, still not speaking English.  There was another muffled commotion.  “Sorry about that,” Stan said.  “It’s a little bit crazy over here.”

              “I know.  Being a father is difficult.”

              “You know about-”

              “Yes, Stanley,” Shermie said.  “I know you married a princess, who became a queen.  I know that you have twin daughters.  And I know that your wife was recently the subject of an assassination attempt.”  Stan was quiet for a moment.

              “How?” he finally asked.

              “One of my students stumbled across an article about you when you were married.  I’ve been keeping track of you since then.”

              “I…”  Stan seemed at a loss for words.  He finally let out a small laugh.  “Well, there goes the whole little speech I had planned.”  Shermie smiled.  “Ford had no clue.”

              “Stanford is brilliant.  But he tends to focus his observational skills on things other than human interactions.”

              “Yeah.  You’re right.”  Stan cleared his throat.  “So, uh, Ford, he- he actually visited us here in Lirone.”

              “The news just mentioned that.”  Shermie leaned against the back of the couch.  “I’m honestly surprised you invited him.”

              “I didn’t.  Turns out his research partner is my brother-in-law, Fiddleford.  Ford saw what happened to Angie on the news and convinced Fiddleford to let him visit.”

              “Really?  During such a tumultuous time?”

              “Yep.  It didn’t go well.  I, uh, I actually kicked him out.  But that’s not- that’s not why I’m calling.  I’m calling to…”  Stan took a breath.  “Invite you to the castle.”  Shermie sat up straight.

              “Wait, what?”

              “It’s- my kids, they deserve to know my side of the family.  I shouldn’t keep them from meeting you and Mom, just ‘cause I don’t know how to let go of a grudge.”

              “But you don’t want them know Pops?”

              “Oh, hell no.  If Pops shows up, he’s getting kicked outta the country right away.”

              “Smart move.”

              “But yeah, I- I want my kids to get to know their Uncle Shermie.  They really liked Ford and he’s not half as good with kids as you are, so I know they’d love you.”  Stan paused.  “And…I wanna see you, too.  It’s been a long time.”

              “It most definitely has.”

              “So you’ll visit?”

              “Of course!”

              “That’s- that’s great.”  Stan sounded relieved.  A muffled voice said something on Stan’s end of the call.  “I gotta go.  But, uh, I’ll have my people set it up, okay?”

              “You won’t be-”

              “I don’t really have the time to set it up myself,” Stan said.  Shermie’s heart sunk.

              Right.  He’s a king consort.  He has more important things to do.

              “We’ve got the best people working here, though, and they’ll call you to iron out the details.  I really- I really gotta go.  There’s a debriefing and-”  Stan cut himself off.  “You don’t need to know about it.  All right, bye.”

              “Bye,” Shermie said, barely getting it in before Stan hung up. Footsteps sounded.  Shermie looked up.  Amelia had joined him in the living room.  She raised an eyebrow.

              “Well?” she asked.  Shermie let out a long sigh.

              “It looks like I’m going to Europe.”

----- 

              Shermie nervously drummed his fingers on his lap as he stared out the window. His luggage was packed in the trunk of the town car that had come to pick him up from the airport.

              “I’ve never had a chauffer before,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. The driver glanced at him but didn’t say anything.  “Not a talker, then,” Shermie mumbled to himself.  He looked down at the bag sitting by his feet containing gifts for Danny and Daisy.  His mouth went dry.

              That was a mistake!  Why did I bother getting presents for literal princesses?  They can get anything they want.  He took a deep, calming breath.  Relax.  It’s going to be fine.  He resumed looking out the window.  While he’d been distracted, the car had turned down a long, winding driveway leading to a castle.  Shermie swallowed.

              The town car came to a stop.  Before Shermie could even reach for the handle, the driver jumped out of the car and opened the door for him.

              “Thank you,” Shermie said.  The driver merely nodded.  Shermie grabbed the bag with his nieces’ presents and stepped outside.  He turned to the driver.  “Do you know where Stan is?”

              “The king consort got caught up in a meeting,” a voice said.  Shermie turned around again.  A man strode over.  He was short and slender, wearing fine, tailored clothes.  The man stuck his hand out for Shermie to shake.  “The name’s Lute.”

              “Lute…you’re one of the princes?” Shermie asked.  Lute grinned.

              “Yep.”

              “I recognize the name.  As well as, to be honest, the nose.”  Lute laughed.

              “I’m not offended, don’t worry.  The royal nose is large and distinctive.”  He blew his dark bangs out of his face.  “It’s also one of the first things both your brothers mentioned when meeting me.”

              “That sounds like my brothers,” Shermie said.  Lute raised an eyebrow.

              “You mentioned it as well.”

              “Fair,” Shermie said lightly.  The driver set Shermie’s items on the ground next to him.  Lute looked down and caught sight of the bag containing Danny and Daisy’s gifts.

              “What’s in there?”

              “I-”  Shermie rubbed the back of his neck.  “This is stupid, but I brought Danny and Daisy some presents.”  Lute was silent.  “I just- I felt bad about missing their birthdays and- I’ll bring them back.”

              “Why?”

              “Well, Danny and Daisy are princesses.  They can get whatever they want.”

              “Pfft.”  Lute snorted. “Not quite.  Do they have access to more than the average child? Yes.  But Angie and Stan don’t want their daughters to be spoiled.  Not to mention, they rarely get American items.” Lute smiled reassuringly at Shermie. “Trust me, they’ll be happy just to meet you.  When you give them gifts?  They’ll be – ah, what’s the phrase – over the moon.”  Shermie smiled back hesitantly.  Over Lute’s shoulder, he saw the large main door open.  His mouth went dry.  A man exited the castle and walked over to Lute and Shermie.

              “Uh, heya, Sherm,” Stan said awkwardly, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his tailored slacks.  Acting on impulse, Shermie abruptly embraced Stan.  Stan stiffened in shock at first, but relaxed and returned the gesture. Shermie broke off the hug.

              “Hello, Stanley.  It’s good to see you again.”

              “Yeah, uh, you- you too,” Stan mumbled.  He cleared his throat.  “Um, come- come inside.  If the girls don’t see you in the next five minutes, they’re gonna riot.”

              “That’s the only reason you want me inside?” Shermie deadpanned.  “You’re not concerned that if I stay out all night I might freeze to death?  Or be attacked by bears?”  Stan rolled his eyes.  “You don’t want me to come in because you want to catch up with me?  No, it’s because your daughters will be upset? Sure.  Whatever you say.”  Stan punched Shermie on the shoulder playfully.

              “Shut up and get your ass inside the castle.”

              “Well, since you asked so nicely…” Shermie said slowly.  Stan let out a laugh.  Shermie beamed, glad that his tactic to make things less awkward had worked.  “Don’t worry, I’m as excited as your daughters are.”

              “That’s a high bar, Sherm.  They loved it when Ford was here.  I think they’re expecting someone that looks just like him.”  Stan looked Shermie up and down.  “They’re gonna be disappointed.”  Shermie rolled his eyes.  Stan turned around and began to walk back to the castle.  “No use delaying their disappointment!  C’mon, Sherm.”  Lute and Shermie exchanged an amused look.  Stan stopped at the door to look back.  “I’m a king, Shermie.  I can have you court-martialed.”

              “You may be a king,” Shermie said, picking up his luggage, “but you’re also my little brother.  If you court-martial me, I’ll have no choice but to tell the press all about Mr. Tummy.” Stan grimaced.

              “Fine.”  He sighed in an exaggerated manner.  “I won’t court-martial you.”

              Shaking his head to hide his smile, Shermie followed Stan and Lute inside.

#King Stansort is technically a variation of my main Stansort AU #they're basically the same but the timelines are slightly different #with Ford finding out where Stan is much earlier in main Stansort than in King Stansort #I highly encourage y'all to check out my King Stansort tag if you haven't heard of this AU of mine #it's one of my faves. lots of good stuff in it. #(btw if you're wondering why Stan seems not quite as rough around the edges and maybe slightly more polite #esp when he's on the phone with Shermie #it's bc of all those diplomacy things that were hammered into him when he married into a royal family) #King Stansort AU #Shermie Pines #Stanley Pines #Lute McGucket #my writing #ficlet #speecher speaks

[yumi-michiyo]

Tempo [2/?]

Rating: K+, may be subject to change later

Genre: Humour/Fluff/Slowburn

Pairing(s): Kristoff/Elsa (Kristelsa), some Kristoff/Anna (Kristanna)

Summary: Their pace varies; sometimes fast, sometimes slow, but always in harmony. Canon!AU, takes place immediately after the first movie.

Part 1 here

Two: Scherzando — playfully

Kristoff was orphaned at the age of six. 

The ice had given way when the harvesters were working, taking his parents and a few others. It was only a stroke of luck that he hadn’t been out there with them, because Sven had run off and he had given chase. The other ice harvesters had been sympathetic towards the new orphan, but life was hard, and they had their own families to care for.

No one had noticed when a small boy ran off and was adopted by trolls.

Kristoff’s life was upended one more at the age of twenty-one, when Princess Anna had marched into his world with her frozen-stiff ballgown and can-do attitude.

And now Kristoff found himself at the longest dining table he’d ever seen, having dinner with the Queen and Princess of Arendelle.

God, he hated how tense he was. Anna, bless her heart, certainly wasn’t thinking about the formalities of royal dining protocol (not to mention human table manners in general) when she invited him to dinner. Kristoff had realised he was in over his head the moment he’d been announced at the dining room.

The Queen – Elsa, he kept forgetting – was eating her soup like the highborn lady she was; her spoon made no sound as she swept it through her food and brought it to her lips. Anna’s table manners wasn’t the best, but at least she knew not to use her dinner knife on her bread and where the napkin should go. 

Kristoff decided his best bet was to follow Elsa’s lead. He tried to copy the sweeping motion she was making with her spoon, cringing inwardly whenever his spoon hit porcelain with a loud clink. It was hard not to be intimidated when there were servants standing around them, just waiting for them to finish eating.

He and his atrocious table manners were probably the most entertaining thing they’d seen all day. 

“– and then we turned a corner, and boom! Arendelle!” Anna was saying. “Then I said to Kristoff, boy was that a journey, amirite!”

He groaned. “Anna, getting lost in the woods, nearly getting killed by wolves, and going down a glacier is not just a journey. It’s a miracle we survived.”

Elsa smiled at them both. “All that and you two were in time for dinner. I’m impressed.”

“My survival skills have improved by tons since the Thaw,” said Anna. “But enough about us. How was your day, Elsa?”

“Much less life-threatening,” replied Elsa. She reached for a bread roll. “I had the usual letters from the Southern Isles and Weselton begging to be forgiven…”

It took Kristoff a while to realise that she had made a joke, because she made it so casually. Only Anna’s loud snort of laughter alerted him to the fact that he might have missed something.

Anna made a face. “If you ask me, I’d take wolves and deadly pillars of ice over Mister Sideburns any day.”

Elsa halved her bread roll with her knife and spread a little butter over each of the halves. Kristoff immediately used his knife to make the lumps of butter on his roll more presentable. He hated this. The food looked and smelled delicious, but he could barely taste it because of how nervous he was. Still, Kristoff soldiered on. 

Elsa finished her soup, laying her spoon down. Immediately, servants bustled around the table clearing away their bowls. Kristoff fumbled his spoon in surprise as his half-finished soup was taken away; he held his breath as soup stained the pristine white tablecloth.

A foot nudged his under the table. “Sorry I didn’t tell you this earlier, but...” whispered Anna, “royal dinnertime means we follow Elsa’s pace.”

“Oh.”

“Elsa doesn’t eat much. I had to eat really fast to make sure I cleaned my plate before the servants took it away.”

“You’re kidding.” 

“It’s okay! That’s what nighttime kitchen raids are for!” said Anna brightly. She pushed three bread rolls towards him. “Here, I snagged these for you, you still look hungry.” 

He blinked at her. “Thanks.” 

Anna raised her voice. “I hope we’re having something good next,” she said to Elsa. “Defying death sure works up an appetite.”

“Cook said we’re having lamb today,” replied Elsa. 

Kristoff’s mouth watered. He’d never had lamb before because it was too expensive. “Oh, wow,” he said as servants carried steaming plates into the room. 

He didn’t know which knife to use on the meat. When he glanced at Elsa for a cue, she wasn’t eating yet, but was talking to Kai.

Kristoff blinked in surprise when the servants filed out of the room. Kai was the last to leave, shutting the door behind him. 

“Elsa?” 

She shrugged, a very unqueenly gesture. “You two have had a long day. After hearing about your… near-misses, I thought it would be nice if we had a casual dinner tonight, just the three of us.” And deliberately, she lifted her bread to her mouth and took a large bite. 

Anna cheered. Kristoff gaped at the scandalous display before him; Her Majesty Queen Elsa of Arendelle, who had been a textbook example of dining etiquette all evening, eating with her hands.

While Anna was occupied with butchering her lamb, Elsa noticed him still gaping at her. She met his eye and gave him a wink and shy smile. Her gaze flicked downward; he followed, and watched her select the outermost knife on her right and use it to cut her lamb, her movements slow and exaggerated so he could mimic her.

Kristoff grinned. He understood what she had done now; Elsa had noticed him struggling, and she was doing all this for him. 

Then Elsa broke eye contact to tut disapprovingly at Anna. “Anna, please swallow before you put more food in your mouth.”

“You’re not the boss of me,” she mumbled through a mouthful of bread. 

“Technically, I am. I’m the boss of everyone and that includes you.”

Anna gasped in outrage. “Kristoff, did you hear that? She’s a tyrant and a stinker.”

“I’m staying out of this one,” he said, and winked at Elsa.

#fanfic #frozen #my writing #kristelsa #kristoff #elsa #anna #story: tempo #tempo: part 2

[catnip-smuggler-radio]

Have you ever made any characters that you really liked but never went anywhere?

You bet your sweet butt I have!Shoot.  So, I’ve been rping in Realm for like six years.  First time ever rping in really any medium actually.  My first character was a Garlean bomb maker but after about two years and major life events both IC and OOC, I lost my ability to headspace him well and tried to make a new ‘main’.  What followed was about a year of me flailing around as I tried to find a new character I wanted to play.  I made around half a dozen or so during this time.  Three are throw aways not worth mentioning now but I did make three good ones that sort of failed for different reasons.First major character I was considering sticking with was a Bounty and Void Hunter named Hojo’to Zuginoch.  He was alright but for some reason I just never clicked with him despite him being a solid character. However his creation lead to ultimately my most important creation:The Voidspawn Rhyme was created to be Hojo’s main antagonist.  Rhyme has been a staple of my plots for awhile now but since I couldn’t have Rhyme as a character in game, I had to make some that could wield him and thus we get our third character: the mad miqo’te necromancer named Crate.Here, we find my most important character during this transition.Crate became a linchpin between all my old characters as well as a sort of prototype for Tray.Crate was, is actually since he’s technically still alive, a short, blonde, egotistical maniac that partied hard and enjoyed creating chaos for the sheer sake of fun.  He was actually a delight to play and had some fairly serious play and even several player antagonists.  He even has one of my all time favorite posts I ever did on the RPC.  Ill post that below if anyone is interested.He was a stinker.And there in dwelt the problem.He had no balance.To play him properly meant, well, I had to be willing to literally find moments to cause chaos constantly. And a few times, when in the middle of a scene, Crate would de-rail the scene by acting in character and causing problems.  Like one time he started a bar brawl by harassing someone’s husband and basically ruining a bar night an FC was hosting as it devolved into like ten people fighting. Memorable and funny but impacted others RP and thus it was hard to establish connections with him outside of the antagonist sort of relations.  I stuck with Crate the longest during that year of transition but eventually realized I needed a more toned down version of his antics and eventually brought some of those -party boy- traits to Tray, but on a more balanced scaleSo, Crate was a very important experiment for me.  He taught me the need for balance in my characters, and that being true to a character is awesome but not always good for a -main- since you want a main you can get rp with. LOL.He hold a special place in my heart.Now, as promised, here is the copy/paste of that scene. BUT I’ll put it below a cut since this is long enough as is. ((Thank you very much for the ask!))

The restaurant had once been a high and well to do establishment, nestled comfortably between massive building that towered up to join the rest of the Limsa skyline. But that was no more. Now the renowned restaurant had fallen to the wayside and clung to its former glory as best it could. Few, if any one of any upper class status now came here and even fewer working class figures came here due to the still extraordinarily high prices the menu claimed the food was worth. But despite all this, a lone figure sat at a table; his mouth chewing veraciously on a mouthful of meat. On the table before him was a pile of dirty and used plates, cups, bowls, napkins and silverware; all crusted with food.

The young looking miqo'te that called himself 'Crate' tore another chunk off of his sandwich and chewed, his ears ringing with the loud music pumping through the two, custom built linkpearls that were inserted into his pointed ears.  He was small and sickly looking and dressed in robes that were several sizes too big for him.  For a Seeker, his flesh was a disturbingly pale and his blond hair was a puffy, tangled mess.  His twin, black eyes looked over the sea of food that awaited him and he kept eating. In truth it was amazing that a, well, boy whom looked like a strong wind might blow him over, could consume so much

For the past three and half hours Crate had been sitting at the table, eating and keeping the flames in the kitchen burning hot. The thin, young man was enjoying himself immensely, though the restaurant staff was growing tired. Crate swallowed a chunk of food, his throat bulging as the wad slid slowly down, his body shaking wildly to the instrumental beat that pulsed into his ears. He was about to take another large bite when a figure tapped his shoulder and he spun around quickly, his eyes gazing up at a tall man dressed in a fine suit. Crate beamed a smile at the newcomer. The waiter moved his mouth to say something but whatever he had said was lost as the music’s roar.

“What?”Crate yelled, forgetting that he was the only one hearing the loud noise that was coming through the pearl. The waiter, slightly startled by Crate’s outburst, took a moment to recompose himself before asking again. Again, Crate couldn’t hear any thing and shouted as he stuck the last piece of the sandwich into his mouth.

“Sorry!” Crate yelled. “Still can’t here you!” The waiter brushed the showering of crumbs off his suit and pulled the pearls out of Crate’s ears and handed them to the miqo'te.

“Hey now!” protested Crate, his mouth still full of food as he snatched up his linkpearls. “I was enjoying that.”

“I am well aware of that fact.” came the waiter, who was doing his best to hide the edge in his voice as he spoke to the young man.

“Then why’d ya go and pull it off like that?” whined Crate as he swallowed; his eyes bulging slightly and a smile covering his face. “Could have just asked.”

“I tried,” the waiter paused and decided best to just move to the matter at hand. “Anyway the cooks are taking a break, so I’m going to need to ask that you pay your tab now and leave.”

“And what if I’m still hungry?” Crate inquired, his eyes wide and pleading. The waiter looked at the mountain of plates stacked up before him and raised an eyebrow.

“If you are,” muttered the waiter. “I’ll need to send you down to med hall for examination.” Crate burst into hysterical laughter and leaned back in his chair, his left arm slapping the waiter good humoredly.

“Well I guess I can call it a day then. But I’ll be back later.  After all, I'm eating for more than just me!” Crate finished speaking and then calmly let himself fall backwards, his chair hitting the ground. As soon as the wooden chair hit the marble floor, Crate used the inertia created to roll backwards and rise to his feet. The waiter stood, staring at the spectacle. “Well thanks for the grub. Laters.”

Crate was already halfway towards the door when his field of vision suddenly became consumed by a small sheet of white paper with a very large number attached to the bottom. The waiter cleared his throat.           

“Your tab.” and after a moment, the Waiter added sarcastically. “Sir.” For a moment Crate could only stare at the number, his smile falling slightly.

“You sure that bill is mine?” chuckled Crate, his eyes twinkling suddenly as an idea crept into his blonde haired head.

“Without a doubt.” replied the Waiter and Crate didn’t miss the hint of triumph in the voice.

“Well then.”Crate paused and looked over at the bar. “Since I don’t think that’s my tab, I’m going to challenge you to a little drinking game.” The young man was already over at the bar and seating himself on a stool, his eyes running over the various liquids available. “Here’s the game. I bet that I can empty one glass of milk before you can drink two shots of any liquor you choose. I win, the tab isn’t mine, you win and I’ll do all the dishes for you, plus pay the tab.” Crate turned back and looked at the stupefied waiter. “Sound fine to you?”

For a moment, the man in the waiter’s suit could only wonder at the ridiculous statement the boy had made. This was absurd! But Crate gave a cough and the waiter thought. If he was too lose, his boss would take it out of his hid for losing all the money. On the plus side, it would be wonderful to see this boy put in his place for once. Besides, there was no way Crate could drink a large glass of milk before he could drink two shots. So, with a bit of a strut, the waiter climbed behind the counter and looked Crate right in the eyes.

“You’re on.”

“Excellent.” was Crates response and he watched with feigned interest as the waiter began to fumble with various cups. Crate was not surprised when the biggest glass he had ever seen was placed before him, the milk right up against the brim. The waiter then placed to shots of Brandy on the counter and the two glared at each other like a pair of gun slingers.

“I trust you’re ready?” sneered the waiter.

“I guess.” replied Crate, a yawn escaping his lips.

“Then, go!” the waiter had already seized the first shot and had thrown his head back, the brandy hot on his throat. His other hand was already fumbling for the second shot when he felt something cold and wet hit the flesh of his hand. He looked down and saw the tall glass upside down and the milk flowing all over the counter and dripping off the sides onto the floor. Crate had already left his seat and was heading out the door.

“Hey!”shrieked the waiter, his face a mask of utter outrage. “Just what are you doing?”

“Um,” came Crate, sticking his head back through the door. “I won the bet sooooo I’m leaving.”

“You did not! You didn’t even have a sip, you only spilt the glass. You lost” shouted the obstinate waiter.

“No,” came Crate again, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “I won, see the bet was I could empty a glass of milk before you could drink two shots of liquor and from where I’m standing, that glass looks pretty empty.” The waiter stared in shock, the realization of Crate’s words hitting him like a hammer. Crate shrugged and flashed the waiter a wink. “See you for dinner!” And with that the young man was gone, the door closing with a triumphant slam.   The waiter paused a minute, his brain still processing what had transpired. Suddenly he came to life and ran for the door after Crate to force him to pay. The waiter burst into the street but by then, Crate had disappeared in the crowd.

Among the throngs of people, the small miqo'te weaved, slipping his linkpearls back in, the music playing again as he grinned to himself.

"Crate."  the small male blinked as his master's voice spilled over the comm and he waved his hand.  The music stopped and he lowered his voice as he smiled.

"Ah, there you are, my dear master. Was wondering when you would be contacting me."

"I apologize for the delay." the sultry, female voice replied back.  "There have been some issues.  But things are progressing."

"So the prison is weakening?" Crate inquired as he ducked down a side alley.

"Slowly, but we need more help and William's coven was just butchered."  

Crate stopped to stand, stupidly, as he pulled out a toothpick and began to pick roast beef from between his teeth.

"Well, shit. That's a set back."

"Not entirely." the female voice answered.  "One of the voidspawn managed to find an old friend of mine from Kerhiem.

Crate blinked.

"Tornel?" Crate answered at last as he flicked the tooth pick away.   "He's in the asylum I...oh!" Crate nodded eagerly, his mop of hair shaking.  "You mean the sexy collection of metal and muscle. Mhmm I've missed that delicious morsel."

"For a creature over a hundred, you certainly have the drive of a young man." the female replied.  Crate laughed.

"Blame the hormones in this body.  Now then, I take it you didn't call to tease me with a good time."

"Not at all." the female chuckled.  "I need you to get to Tornel before Hojo'to does.  As much as it pains me to say this, I need Tornel removed from this world."

"Axing off an old lover and a useful pawn.  Man, this is urgent."  Crate twitched his tail.  "Can't you make him kill himself via the hex on him?"

"He's warded from me." the female replied. Crate grunted at that.

"Great, gotta do this in person. Alright, I'll start packing and have it done quick as a couerl takes a shit.  Or as quick as a virgin man comes"  Crate snickered impishly.

"Crate." the female voice added, ignoring the miqo'te's lewd statement. "You are not to tamper with his soul or reanimate his body.  A clean death."

"Excuse me..." Crate laughed. "Is that a soft side to you I'm seeing?   Never fear, it'll be clean, Master. Nice and clean. I'll be in touch once its complete."

"Expect to be checking in with Terbia's coven once done. Now that William is a splattered ruin, her organization remains the most efficient means at drawing out the voidspawn at a reasonable pace."

"Your will be done Master."  Crate heard the line go dead.  He waved his hand and the music resumed.  

"It's a good day." Crate grinned as he began to head back towards his hotel room, excited.

[the-beastslayers-queen]

Magic and Moonlight: Chapter 14

Chapter 14 is here darlings! Tagging @queenofthearchitect @wwepoppunkprincess @balorrollinsambrose @bethany99stuff-blog @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @sassyspacedust and @afauss2009 If you want to be tagged, hit my inbox. Enjoy!

Tonight I was dreamwalking. I was hoping to dreamwalk into Colby’s dream, and I really thought I did.

I was in a meadow, tall grass all around as I sat up on a boulder. I noticed that I wasn’t pregnant in the dream, making it seem pretty promising. But it was the man that approached me, that made me realize that I wasn’t in Colby’s dream.

The man wasn’t really a man, but a teenage boy, maybe nineteen-years-old at most. But this boy had Colby’s long hair, the wind blowing it out of his face. He had a very thin beard, like he was just starting to grow it. He had the same jawline as Colby too. But as he got closer, I saw he did not have the same nose or eyes as Colby. Instead I saw that he had my nose and my eyes. And seeing him up close I knew who was here with me.

It was my son. It was Tyler.

“Tyler,” I furrowed my brow at the boy, “This can’t be really happening right now.”

“Hi mom,” he smiled, just like his dad, and came to sit beside me on the boulder, “This is very real. But you’re not dreamwalking, I am.”

“But why,” I asked him.

“To tell you to not give up on Dad,” he replied, “Dad is so close to being back. It’s up to you to get him back the rest of the way. You already know the spell.”

I shot up awake from my dream only to find Colby on the edge of my bed. I stared at him, scared the hell out of my mind. Colby grabbed hold of my shoulders.

“Easy, Thea,” Colby stroked my hair calmingly, “It was just a dream, okay. You have to calm down for Tyler’s sake, okay.”

“I saw him, Colby,” I breathed, trying to catch my breath, “He was in my dream just now. I talked to him.”

“Well he is your son,” he chuckled a little, “He’s already using his magic. But did he have a lot to say?”

“Yeah,” I took a deep breath, “Just advice for me involving you.”

“Well it’s still early,” Colby got closer to me, “How about you try to get some more sleep and I’ll get my things settled for the weekend. I’ll bring you some breakfast later.”

When I woke up again, Colby was coming in with a tray of scrambled eggs, bacon, a mug of coffee, 2 forks, and a mug of tea. I smiled as I sat up, getting comfortable as Colby set the table over my lap.

“I brought us breakfast,” he greeted me, “I even fixed you some tea, just the way you like it.”

“Thank you,” I replied before I took a sip of my tea, humming at the fact he did it exactly how I like it, “You really remembered how to make it the way I like it.”

“How can I forget,” he smiled, trying to make the smile reach his eyes.

“Alright,” I moved the tray off my lap and placed my hands on his cheeks, holding him close to me, “I’m done letting this go on anymore.”

I stretched out my magic, going deep into Colby’s mind, trying to find the spell Morrigan placed on him to turn him against me. I found it and I began to untangle its barbs out of his mind. I was struggling so hard, I hadn’t noticed my nose was bleeding from the excessive energy I was expending to do this. But once the last piece of it was out, I released him from my hold and slumped back against my pillows, exhausted.

“Thea,” Colby got closer to me, “Thea, are you alright? Babe, come on answer me. Fuck.”

“Colby,” I looked at him through half-opened eyes, “Did it work?”

“Yeah it worked,” he was smiling down at me, happiness reflected back at me, “I’m back. I’m here, okay. I’m not going anywhere, okay.”

I just smiled and let my head fall back, trying to regain my energy as best as I could. My spell took a lot out of me. Morrigan’s original spell was very strong, making it that much harder to break, but I broke it. I got Colby back.

“You’re bleeding babe, hang tight okay,” Colby ran off to my bathroom and I could hear him getting a wash cloth wet to clean me up. Once he came back, he began to clean me up, “You can’t do that kind of magic again, you hear me. I don’t want you to hurt yourself or Tyler just for my sake. But thank you for bringing the real me back.”

“I needed you,” I told him, “I can’t raise this baby on my own. And he encouraged me to try this spell anyway.”

“Hey Tyler,” Colby had his face down at my belly, talking to Tyler, “Don’t tell your mom to be risky again, alright. She has to stay safe for you and me, okay.”

I just laughed before I started to feel hungry, damn it Tyler. I grabbed the tray and put it back on my lap and started to dig into the breakfast Colby made for me. Colby sat there and laughed as he watched me shovel the scrambled eggs into my mouth.

“Slow down or you’ll choke,” Colby berated me while he kept laughing.

“Why do they make it so hard to build a damn crib,” Colby grumbled as he sat on the floor of my bedroom, trying to build Tyler’s crib, “Like damn it the instructions make no sense.”

“I could have had this built two hours ago,” I bragged as I leaned against my door frame, “But no, someone insisted on building it by hand.”

“I don’t want you using magic and risk draining yourself out. So I’m building the crib,” he protested, “After this morning, I’m taking zero chances, missy.”

“Oh relax,” I handed him the cup of coffee I brought up for him, “Putting together a crib is child’s play compared to getting Morrigan’s spell out of your head.”

“Nope,” Colby grabbed his coffee and took a sip, “I’m not chancing it.”

“You know what,” I put my hands on my hips before I stretched out my magic and built the crib anyway, “I’m doing it anyway. So ha!”

“You little,” Colby put his cup down and got up, picking up quickly and gently dropped me on the bed, “You are such a stinker.”

“I try,” I giggled.

Colby hovered above me, his eyes staring deeply into mine. I hadn’t been this close to him in such a long time, and I missed being like this. Colby leaned down, closing the distance between us, and pressed his lips against mine, sharing our first kiss in six and a half months. I was in heaven. I had missed feeling his lips against mine, kissing me so tenderly.

“I’ve missed this,” Colby sighed as he pressed forehead against mine, “I’ve missed being like this with you.”

“Me too,” I replied. I suddenly gasped and Colby leapt up off of me.

“Hey are you okay,” he asked, worried he might have hurt me.

“No I’m fine,” I started to laugh, “Tyler just kicked. I think he likes mommy and daddy getting along at last.”

“Thea,” I smiled as I saw Dean and Roman came into view as Colby and I left the airport.

Colby had asked me to come to see Wrestlemania. I’m at eight months now and I look ready to pop, but I had another month left before then. But I knew if I’m not careful, Tyler could come early, so I was always on guard, and so was Colby.

But now that we were back around the Authority, we had to be careful to not let it slip that I got Colby back and he was madly in love with me again. So I had to make sure I was at the top of my game while Colby acted like a dick to hide that I fixed his mind.

“Hey Rome! Hi Dean,” I greeted my two other favorite wolf-boys, “Thanks for picking us up.”

“Damn dollface,” Dean took in my appearance, “Are you smuggling a watermelon under your dress?”

“Seriously, Ambrose,” Colby groaned, “She’s still having mood swings.”

“It’s okay,” I rubbed Colby’s shoulder, “I think it’s funny. But you need to come up with better jokes if you plan on being the fun uncle, Dean-o.”

“I’m for sure going to be the fun uncle,” Dean replied, looking offended I’d suggest otherwise, “Because I can’t be the push-over uncle because Roman has that on lock.”

“Sorry you can’t be as easy-going as me, Uce,” Roman smirked, “Besides, I have to be the push-over since I already have to be the tough parent with Jojo.”

I was hanging out in my hotel room, just watching a movie and eating my dinner in bed when the lights in the room went out. I looked around, but I had a feeling I knew why the lights went out. Because once the lights came back up, I saw my old nemesis standing at the foot of my bed.

Morrigan.

“I see you couldn’t stay away for the sake of your baby, Thea,” she sneered at me.

“I have a truce with your lackeys,” I warned her as I conjured a shield around me, prepared for her to try to cast any magic on me, “You hurt me, and I’m sure you’ll be in trouble.”

“I’m here because I know you broke my spell on Colby,” she smirked, “But don’t worry, I won’t put it back on him. I left it there to have fun with you. And I wanted to test your power.”

“So what do you want,” I asked her.

“I came to warn you,” she got closer to me, “If you even think of trying to end me, I will make sure to take out someone you love when I go. Maybe I’ll take your son. Or maybe your mom. Oh or better yet, I’ll take Colby.”

“You harm any of them I’ll bring you back just to kill you again,” I sneered at her.

“Don’t worry,” she smiled at me, “For now they’re safe. I’ll see you around, Thea.”

And like that she was gone.

I was out in the crowd, enjoying Wrestlemania. Colby had me sit with his mom and step-dad. He knew his mom and step-dad could keep you safe and look after you while he was working the show.

Right now, Roman was in his match, the main event for the WWE championship was well underway. Brock Lesnar, who is a were-bear, yes a were-bear is a thing and much more menacing than a werewolf, was giving Roman the fight of his life. I was so worried for Roman, when I saw a shock of blond running down the ramp, I gave out a shriek. Colby was coming in with his briefcase. He was cashing in on Roman and Brock tonight.

“Seth Rollins is cashing in his money in the bank contract,” Jillian Garcia called out to the audience, “This will now be a triple threat match.”

With that, Colby went ham and kicked Roman out of the ring before going for a stomp on Lesnar. Roman came back into the ring a moment later, just as Brock rolled out of the ring. Colby went for another stomp, this time on Roman. This time he went for the pin and got the win. He was losing his damn mind as he celebrated his huge win. I was screaming and crying, so proud of him. I hugged his mom, overjoyed that our Colby got to have the biggest Wrestlemania moment of his career so far.

Colby

Thea and I were in her hotel room. Just like when we were back in NXT, Thea was holding my new title, the big WWE championship title, in her lap. She was just tracing the jewels on the belt, completely in awe of the fact I won this tonight.

“I’m extremely proud of you,” she sighed happily, “I think Tyler is too. He’s been moving around like crazy since you won.”

“Well I’m glad I made our little man proud,” I beamed like a little kid, “Have you been okay, though. Nothing’s sore right?”

“I’m okay,” she smiled, “How are you though? You got caught mid-air by Orton into a RKO.”

“I’m good though,” I replied, “Now are you hungry, babe?”

“I am,” she replied.

I got out of our bed and went to go find the room service menu over by the couch. As I grabbed the menu, I heard Thea let out a whimper before she started to groan in pain. I immediately ran back to her side.

“What’s going on,” I asked her, “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”

“Colby,” she sucked in a painful breath, “I think Tyler’s coming early.”

“What,” I was dumbfounded, “He’s not due for another month. How is this possible?”

“I don’t know,” she was sobbing in agony, “Just get me to the hospital before I deliver him in this hotel room.”

#seth rollins x oc #seth rollins fic #seth rollins fanfic #seth rollins fanfiction #wwe fic #wwe fanfic #wwe fanfiction #werewolf!seth rollins #witch!oc #fluff #supernatural/occult!au #magic and moonlight

[inklingleesquidly]

YO-FEST

Chapter 4

Lee Squidly gets a special call by the headpriestess of Knifefish Shrine to take part in special preparations for one of the biggest holidays celebrated by Inkopolis’ ghostly neighbors, Yokai. Yo-Fest is only a week away and it’s up to Lee to make sure the fesitivies go off without a hitch.

He’s not alone though; joining him is his pals Guist, Juddinyan, and his many Yokai friends who are just a dial away via his Yokai Smartwatch.

Featuring the characters of @askvincent

Chapter 3 available here

Word count: 5,004 words

Less than one day left, it was Yo-Fest Eve. To honor the most important holiday to all Yokai a feast of blessed bamboo would be harvested and prepared for consumption by spectral beings and mortals alike. The success was due in big part to none other than Lee Squidly, the crop's reluctant protector.  

“Huff.” Lee let out an exhausted sigh as he wandered up and down the rows upon rows of bamboo that now stretched well over his head. The summer sun peeked out from behind a stray cloud, casting a powerful shine on the supernatural stalks as a passive wind bent them ever so slightly. The scene was so serene, so quiet—too quiet.  The sound of a gentle lapping of water from the nearby creek soon caught his ear, causing the young squid to break out into a cold sweat as he recalled why it was so quiet.

It was Leakina, of course. Her and her pranks on him. This one was the worst of all; it took place in the bath house and it was so fast that he wasn't even sure of what happened at all. One thing was for certain there was water, so much water.  

After it was over he was left stupefied; his breath came in short, desperate bursts, his eyes spun in his head, and his whole body shook in fear for his life but her ghostly laugh was a telltale sign this was her doing. “YA HA HA HA.” This time though, she took it too far. Somehow, some way, she broke an exquisite hand carved statue that adorned the inside of the thermal bath, and the head priestess, Lyra was there to bear witness.

As Lee was still reeling from it all he couldn't catch what happened but he could certainly feel Lyra's fury. She yelled until she was red in the face, culminating in what he could only describe as the most justifiable punishment. “I don't want to hear it,” he heard Lyra said, “You are banished from this shrine forever. Now leave.”

Leakina did leave, and without a single word to. Aside from hunks and pieces of the broken statue and traces of water where it wouldn’t be, there were no other traces of the liquidy Yokai to be found anywhere on the shrine's property.

“Mmmf.” Lee let out another heavy, conflicted grumble. He should have been overjoyed that she was gone but he wasn’t. That feeling was soured by what had happened after the incident.  

Drying himself and changing his clothes, Lee approached his ever-present companions in this weeklong endeavor, Guist and Juddinyan. “All right!” Lee was gleaming with excitement. “It's about time that stinker finally got out of here.” Neither seemed to acknowledge him so he tried to confirm, “Am I right? Am I right? C'mon, up high!” He raised his hand, seeking a high five from either of them. He figured Guist would be unable to resist so he waved to him. “Guist? Don't leave me hanging.”  

Then they finally looked his way; their faces were so questionably melancholic.  

Guist finally said, “Uh I’m not really feeling it Cus.”

“Huh?” Lee babbled unsurely.

“It’s just like, ya know, the vibe here ain’t the same.” The squid spirit tried to explain, “The mellow’s gone totally harsh and I can’t dig it.”

Lee still couldn’t grasp what he was trying to say but luckily Juddinyan was able to lay it all out for him. “We don't really like that you’re so happy about Meowkina getting the boot, meow.”

“Ar--are you kidding?” He wondered; Lee didn’t get mad often but he didn’t take kindly to how his supposed friends responded to his feelings. “After she’s been so mean and all the stuff she did this week alone to me?”

Guist quickly interrupted, “No no no Cus we’re with you there, totally there.” He floated in front of the agitated Inkling to hopefully explain more. “We got your back but like, I mean, she’s just doing what Yokai do, and to get punished for that like she did, it doesn’t feel right.”

“That’s no excuse!” Lee's voice crackled as it raised in volume. That was such a foreign action for him that it made the two Yokai flinch in surprise. “It's about time she finally got everything that was coming to her.” As he spoke, he tightened his fists and bared his teeth. His disdain and aggravation radiated so powerfully and it was that kind of anger that was too much for either of them to bear.

“Yah-huh, you got it Cus. Say if it’s cool with you, Imma head back n’ do my thing of looking out for dudes playing Turf Wars.” Guist slowly floated away from Lee.

Juddinyan said, “Meow, and I haven’t been doing any judging for about a week. If I’m gone too long I’ll get rusty so I’ll head back to Shee-Meowya too.”

With that, they both took their leave and Lee was left alone to stew in his feelings. I don’t believe this? Do they even care at all about what she did to me? Those thoughts made his blood boil even hotter. Do they even care?

He continued to replay the conversation as he absentmindedly wandered along the bamboo orchard. Brushing soil from side to side with his foot, he contemplated how he felt about their reaction. As confusing as they were, what ended up being worse in his eyes was how Lyra responded when he went to confront her soon after.  

Following the early afternoon prayers, Lee found Lyra sequestering herself in the main hall of the shrine looking as if she was in deep concentration.

Entering, Lee gave a stout greeting. “Hi Miss Lyra, I’m sorry if I’m interrupting something.”

“Hmm?” Peeking up, having barely noticed his presence she beckoned him to sit with her at the low table centered in the old-fashioned room. “Oh no please come in.”  The priestess questioned him genuinely, “Are you feeling all right? Would you like some tea?” Her hand grasped the piping hot kettle while she slid a ceramic cup across the table toward him.

Lee declined. “No thank you Miss Lyra, and I’m fine too.”

“Good! Good good good,” Lyra repeated, sipping from her own cup before she let out a breath. “Good.” It wasn’t one of satisfaction but of discontent and Lee picked up on it right away.

“What about you, Miss Lyra?” He sat forward with his hands on his knees. “Is something wrong?”

There was no hiding it, she admitted right away. “Yes.” Resting her elbows on the table and lacing the fingers of her hands together, the holy woman revealed what troubled her. “I think I was too harsh in banishing Leakina.”

“Huh?”  Maybe because he couldn’t stop thinking about his life flashing before his eyes during that prank he thought he wasn’t hearing her correctly. With what he knew about Lyra there was no way she was earnestly having second thoughts, so he believed. “B-but how? I mean she broke that statue! Wasn't it important to you?”

“Yes it was,” Lyra confirmed, “My father built it and my mother blessed it. It's been here since before I was born so it may as well had been the only connection I had to my parents.” That was the source of her anger as he vaguely recalled her fiercely hollering at Leakina.

Confused, Lee asked, “If that's the case than you have every right!”

She had quite the surprise in store for him as she explained. “Be that as it may I've been doing a lot of thinking and I feel like you deserve to know. Since we began preparing for Yo-Fest, my eyes have opened up to a lot of things.” She took a moment to take in a breath, as if readying what she had to say. “I've flelt fings—ahem, felt things, excuse me, that I can't explain, especially when it comes to Leakina.” Lee watched as Lyra closed her eyes and held her hands over her heart. “She did go too far this time but she's shown me that I shouldn't desperately hang onto my past as much as I do.”

“You do?” Lee said.

Nodding in reply, Lyra continued. “As far back as I can remember I've tried so hard to feel any kind of closeness to my parents. I thought that devoting myself entirely to my faith would make me feel like I could know them even just a little bit.” Her hands tightened against her chest. “But ever since she came I haven't really thought about that nat nall, ahem, at all, and that—that scares me a little.” Lee sat in silence, listening to everything she was saying to him. He watched as her hands worked their way up to cover her mouth, holding them there until she said, “But one thing’s for sure, I feel as though— as important as that statue was to me I can't keep waiting around forever hoping a connection to my mom and dad just falls in my lap. I have a future ahead of me and I just wish I wasn't so rash that I threw that future with her away.”

“Your future? With her?” Lee repeated unsurely. "Did she finally give you her Yokai card?" He dumbly said, not getting what she meant.

Lyra replied, “No she didn’t and you know, I don’t really care about that anymore.” She didn’t see Lee give her such a baffled look. The shrine maiden could only look into the pool of hot green tea in the cup she clutched so tightly. So much lament was in her voice as she spoke. “I don’t think I’ll ever know how she feels but for me, even dough, though she might be a handful and I know she'll cause trouble if I don't keep a constant watch on her— I was happy to have her here with me.” She inhaled deeply before finishing. “I shouldn’t really be thinking like that. It’s impossible for someone like me.”

He was asked to leave after that to check on the condition of the bamboo orchard and that’s where Lee currently found himself. There was one thing she said that stuck with him as he took his leave. “If only I did my job like I was supposed to. I’m supposed to talk to spirits, soothe them, not banish them outright.”

Talking’s great, he thought to himself, settling down on the bank of the creek. But there’s not much point in talking to somebody who’s probably not gonna listen. That musing came to him as he trepidaciously held onto his smartwatch. All of his thoughts were coming together in a way that made him grimace and aim an irate scowl in the direction of his timepiece. After all he had endured from Leakina since meeting her; the teasing, the laughing, the tricks... In his mind it was so egregious that people he called his friends were even entertaining the idea that her punishment was too severe.

So much for friends. He thought to himself, a rather dangerous thought that made his mind wander to even more alarming notions. It wasn’t just Lyra, Guist, and Juddinyan that he thought of but of all the Yokai he was supposedly friends with. Of all the calling cards he had in his possession, every friendship he made with a Yokai was established only on their terms rather than his own. Until now he didn’t mind that but the more he thought of his past encounters with Yokai and how each one made his life difficult, miserable, or shameful in some way. Biting the inside of his cheek, lowering his brow, and taking in long breaths that came out as equally long groans—he began to resent them all. That resentment ran deep

He unfastened his smartwatch, then held it out as arm’s length, dangerously dangling his only means of communicating with the spirits over the running water. With the seemingly unending amount of trouble these mischievous poltergeists brought to his life it was possible to rid himself of it all in an instant. Clenching the silicone strap in his hand hard enough to make his whole arm shake, all he had to do was let go, just let go and his subjugation to Yokai would be finished.

Just as he was about to make such a drastic change, the water mysteriously began to swell. Quickly, Lee secured the watch back onto his wrist as he watched the creek’s water behave strangely. It frothed and bubbled, collecting together until it took a form right before his eyes. Much to his dismay that form ended up being Leakina who casually greeted him with a wave as if nothing had happened. “Hiiiii,” she said.

“Wha--wup—y—you?” Lee blathered at coming face to face with her out of the blue. “What are you doing here, you’re banned from the shrine!”

Leakina lackadaisically replied, “I’m not AT the shrine, am I?” She dipped the tip of her tail in the gently rolling stream and continued with a mocking tone. “There’s nothing about me being banned from this river now is there?” An incredulous sneer warped Lee’s face. Logically, she was supposed to be banished from the entirety of the shrine’s property but Lyra only said ‘the shrine’ in her proclamation. It made him grumble to recollect that it was just like a Yokai to bend and twist things to their own liking. “You look dry, Leeker,” she pointed out, “Wet look suits you way better.”

Even now she was still being this way to him. She always had that voice and spoke that way; it made him bear his fangs, curl his cheek, and grind his teeth. This time he wasn’t going to take it. Taking in such a deep breath that his chest puffed out, Lee fired back with his voice firm. “You know If I was younger I'd normally let a bully like you walk all over me but now I-- well-- I'm glad you got banished!"

That took a lot of boldness for him to say, so much that he had to swallow a lump caught in his throat. Leakina wasn’t at all impressed by his fortitude. “Ooo,” she held up her hands, feigning defense and continuing to mock him. “Listen to you trying to be a raging monsoon when you're just a little trickle!" To punctuate her statement, she raised her tail out of the water and flicked the droplets that had collected on it at his face, taunting him and his moment of bravado.

That small act was the biggest insult to him yet. Lee let out an audible snarl, “Grrr,” and clawed his hands. He glared at her with so much disdain and contempt, and she had only the same intensity to offer him in return. With this being the final straw; the Inkling and Yokai rushed at each other, colliding by gripping each other by the face. It was a battle of strength and will as they both pinched, yanked, and pulled each other's cheeks.

“Lousy leak!”

“Stupid Squid!”

“Dumb drip!”

“Icky ink stain!”

“Rotten rain cloud!”

“Cruddy Cephalopod!”

“You- You-,” Lee struggled as his face’s elasticity was being stretched to its limit. “You Wet Blanket!” He finally managed to scream.

Letting out a gasp, Leakina’s eyes went wide and Lee could feel her grip loosening on his face. It seemed like such a feeble, ineffectual insult to make but looked straight at her, she gave him the most dumbfounded stare. The conundrum of her reaction made him loosen his grip on her, and his arms fall at his sides as he backed away from her. Leakina merely continued to hover there and though she was made of water, making it impossible to tell, Lee could swear he saw the corners of her eyes well up with tears.

“So that’s what you think, huh Leeker? Figures.”  Her voice was merely a murmur, one so full of defeated despair.

As much as he disliked her, there must’ve been something to that phrase that made her so overcome with dejection like that. “I’m sorry.” It just wasn’t in him to do that to somebody. “Leakina I—can we—please--?” Taking a step closer, he reached his hand out to her but the watery Yokai wasn’t having it.

She floated higher up into the air. “You don’t have to say anything Leeker, I know when to go so I’ll see you never.” Twirling around, it seemed like that was it, Leakina was ready to fly away when suddenly she felt herself stopped by something dragging her down.

“Wait, don’t go!” Lee pleaded with her as he was pulling on her tail.

Being that her tail was connected to her dress, Leakina felt it begin to sag down. Swiftly, she grasped the front of her dress and yanked it far up over her chest, complaining, “Ack! Leeker what the heck are you doing? Let go!”

“No,” Lee screeched back, “Come on, can’t we just talk?”

“We don’t have anything to talk about!” Leakina struggled to fly away, pulling on her dress and dragging Lee along the ground. The struggle between them persisted; Leakina demanding she be released between strings of insults and Lee imploring her to stay.

Neither would stop until suddenly Lee was sent clumsily stumbling backward. “Huh?” He gasped, only for his face to go bright red as he realized he was holding Leakina’s discarded dress in his hand. Fastly realizing exactly what it was, he bit his teeth and screeched, “Aiye!” He then desperately tried to reason, “I’m so sorry—I didn’t mean—I'm—mime—I'm not--.”

His gaze wandered to the Yokai  where he found that she managed to remain clothed as if nothing happened. “It’s just water, Leeker.” She explained with her arms crossed over her front, watching as her dress fell apart into drops of water in his hands. Letting out a sigh, Leakina questioned, “What do you even want to talk about?”

Thinking back to what Lyra said earlier conflicted with the thoughts he had about her. “Can’t we—mmm, can we just try to understand each other?” Despite his feelings there may just be a chance she had a reason other than just being a Yokai for doing everything she did.  

Leakina simply floated to his side. Though that glare didn’t leave her face and her arms remained crossed this seemed to signal that she was willing to actually talk to him.

“Well-- how are you?” He tried to begin.

She rolled her eyes. “What do you mean how am I?”

“How’s it going?” He attempted to continue.

“Well Lyra hates me now.” Leakina impatiently tapped her fingers against her arm. “How’s it going with you?” Her lip curled with cynical annoyance, wanting him to know how poorly this conversation was going.

However, Lee zeroed in on what she actually said. “Wait, you think Lyra hates you?”

“Don’t rub my nose in it, okay?!” Leakina seethed, making Lee jolt back in defense, “After what she said, I know it.” Lee had a number of questions; the most minor one being what she meant when she didn’t actually have a nose that he could see, and the most major being what did Lyra say when he was incapacitated? “All I wanted to do was drown you a little, that’s all, just a little, maybe even drop a wash tub on your head to make it extra funny.”

Doing his best to ignore that, Lee continued to listen.

“But then that statue fell over and just broke apart like it was made of glass! I don’t know why it happened, I didn’t mean to do it, and then Lyra—she said what she meant.” Her words were so disconnected as if she struggled to keep all her thoughts in order, but what she said next was somber though crystal clear. “Just when I thought I finally found a place to call my own.”

“You don’t have a home?”

“No,” Leakina explained, “Yokai don’t have homes unless it’s already theirs or they get invited to stay.” That was right; Lee recalled something of a similar sort with Guist and Juddinyan. They didn’t have homes either so they begged to board up at his apartment. Leakina threw her arms down and bared her teeth in frustration, “And Lyra has the best everything too! We get to come here every day and it’s-- it’s just the best. I can take a bath whenever I want, I can float on the creek, I can shake the morning dew off the trees, and I get to be with Lyra.”

Lyra, Lyra, Lyra; she wouldn’t stop talking about her. Lee pointed this out. “You think about her a lot don’t you?”

Hearing him say that caused that sense of gloom to return to Leakina. “Yes, and I shouldn’t be.”

“How come?” Lyra had said something similar and he didn't understand it there either.

She sighed. "You probably don't understand; do you even know what it's like to feel really strongly about somebody?"

Lee hesitated to answer that question. There was no way he could tell her about that. He hadn’t even talked to Guist or Juddinyan about it. He didn’t really talk to anybody about them. He didn’t have to be truthful at all, he really didn’t.“I do.” His answer came out in a hushed mumble. Was he really going to talk to Leakina about this? Something about the circumstances in which he found himself conversing with her told him he should.

Continuing, Lee revealed, "They were my best friend and they left a little while ago and well-- I miss her every day." As he thought about it he clutched the silver hoop earring that faithfully dangled from his ear.

"What happened between you two?" Leakina inquired.

He hesitated, struggling to cobble together a summation of easily one of the most traumatizing experiences in his life. "We had a fight." That was the best he could hope to muster up. “It was bad, really really bad,” he put it lightly, his voice weighty. “I haven't seen her since then. I don't think she ever wants to speak to me again.”

There was a moment where he thought back, back to that encounter. It made his breath go dry and his heartrate quicken; not helped by Leakina's rather dry, off-putting response. “Probably not,” she admitted, making him lower his head. As much as that hurt to hear she wasn't finished. “Probably might though but if not it's her loss.” That was rather shocking for him to hear coming out of her, and without some joke jabbing at him. “What are you even complaining about anyway? You've got about an ocean's more things going on than me, that's for sure.”

Curious, Lee asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“Well I don’t have any friends,” she admitted, “No place to haunt, and I'm no good at inspiriting people. I mean I’ve been trying to make you wet yourself since the day we met.” He ignored that as well as she continued, “And Lyra was the only one who ever welcomed me…” After what felt like an eternity she finally admitted what was deep in her heart. “Leeker, I really like Lyra, y’know?”

He naively said, “Well I like Lyra to.”

“Not like that,” she clarified, “As like, more than a friend, you see?”

Suddenly it all made perfect sense.

Within Lee's mind a number of metaphorical images flashed in his head; a phone's battery achieved 100% charge, the sun came up over the horizon, a mouse found a food reward at the end of a maze. His heart did a joyous leap in his chest when he finally realized just what was going on between Lyra and Leakina. It made him want to reveal everything he learned in his earlier conversation with the priestess but Leakina had more to add.

She shook her head and slapped her palms against her forehead. “No. Not a chance, a Yokai and a mortal as anything more than friends, it just--.”

“--Splat that!” Lee snapped back without delay. Leakina never expected someone like him to be capable of being so loud and fervent. Little did she know he had quite a bit to say. “Even if you’re not sure about something, sometimes you just gotta follow your heart. If you like her then you should tell her.”

With a shake of her head she quickly informed him otherwise. “Leeker stop being so dense, It doesn't work that way. Besides I'm already enough as a black sheep among Yokai as it is!”

That didn't deter him from replying, “What have you got to lose then?” With his spirit still high he declared with a strange ironic hilarity, “If you can try and drown me then you can tell her. Like my mom says; you should say how you feel or else no one knows how you feel.”

"I don't know about that, you don't understand." Leakina mumbled unsurely.

"Maybe I don't," Lee admitted, "But I do know we're gonna give it a shot!" It might've just been his soft, sentimental heart but Lee was so driven to get them to talk to each other that he swiftly took hold of Leakina's wrist and began leading her back to the shrine. "C'mon!" He beckoned.

"Acck! Leeker! Hey! Quit it!" Both knew with absolute certainty that she could go intangible or even dissolve her arm into water to escape his grasp but she didn't. Even though she protested, she didn't resist being brought back to the shrine, meaning Lee knew that in her heart she really did want to talk to Lyra.

Reaching the central courtyard, Leakina finally snatched her arm back, chiding, “Leeker I told you I don’t think Lyra even wants to speak to me.”

“You might be surprised,” Lee reasoned, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

The Inkling boy nearly jumped out of his skin and even Leakina jolted up, both startled by a chorus of screams coming from—the bathhouse?  

Without a moment to spare the two dashed over to the thermal bath, only for the double doors to burst open. They watched as a bevy of the shrine maidens poured out, yelling and screaming with one of them; a fairly young jellyfish girl bumping into Lee. “What’s going on?” He attempted to ask but she shrieked at him before running away with the rest, chanting a prayer in fear along the way.

Lee and Leakina worked their way in. Once inside, Lee first caught sight of, of all people; Guist and Juddinyan. The cat Yokai was huddled against the floor, covering his eyes with his paws, and Guist hiding behind him. Both were cowering and whimpering in fear and attempting to spin around to hide behind the other’s back. What of? Lee found out after hearing Leakina gasp, “Lyra!”  

“HELP! HELP ME!” He turned his attention to the center of the huge room where he found the head priestess suspended in midair, kicking her legs and struggling against some sort of mysterious force keeping her aloft. Whatever it was, it was invisible, but just barely; it exerted some sort of radical power that made its massive, frightful form indistinguishable. Lee still aimed the revealing light of his smartwatch, dispelling the cloak that shrouded the powerful entity.

Revealed, this Yokai clutching Lyra around her waist turned out to be more frightening than any they had already met. They were a huge, horned brute; an Oni with curved horns, and yet despite the menacing visage they were dressed in a cleaned, ironed, finely fitted suit begetting someone of importance. Unknown to them, the big bad Yokai was none other than Goredinator, the one responsible for all the attacks on the bamboo harvest. Now tangible, they slowly cocked their head in Lee's direction who only thought to reply by hiding his yokai smartwatch behind his back.

“Well, well, I should have guessed someone of amazing spiritual power like a high priestess was the one being a thorn in my side.” Goredinator mused with a reserved menace in his voice.

Lyra snarled, “Let me go!” She made an attempt to strike back by pinning a paper ward to the Yokai's arm, only to watch as it uselessly curled up and burned away into nothing.

He looked at the useless talisman and scoffed. “Maybe you aren't as powerful as I thought but I can't be too careful.” With that he turned on his heel. “We’ll be going now,” he threatened.

SPLASH!

He was stopped by a blast of water flung at the back of his head. “Hey! Where do you think you're going, put her down!” Leakina demanded, shaking her curled fist.

The big bad Yokai peeked over his shoulder, eyeing the spirit who wished to challenge him—only to turn his head back around and walk away. “Make an appointment after the holidays.”

“Get back here! Get back here!” Leakina commanded, zipping toward him in vain hope of rescuing the struggling Lyra. Goredinator vanished before she could make contact, leaving in a puff of black, ghostly smoke.  

With only the sound of flowing water from the spring of the thermal bath; Leakina sunk down to the ground on her hands and knees, and Lee stood in disbelief, frozen by the raw power given off by that Yokai. The silence was broken by Guist whose body trembled as he tried to speak. “That bull dude made off with the shrine babe, what are we gonna do Cus?”

Lee knew he was talking to him and fully expected him to come up with a plan but where was Lyra taken to? Who was that Yokai and what was he talking about? What could he do? What could any of them do? “I-- I don’t know,” was all Lee could think to say.

To be continued...

#splatoon #nintendo #yokai #fan fiction #inkling oc