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queeniewriteshockey · 4 years

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With Your Head or Your Heart || Matthew Tkachuk + Reader

A/N: This story was written with the song This Feeling by The Chainsmokers as inspo. It felt like a very matty song. Or, perhaps it’s more a reaction from people to a relationship with Matty. Please let me know what you think. I love hearing your thoughts. Requested: Y/N this is all my own mind refusing to let this rat go. It’s because of this that it was written in one day. Word Count: 8,194

A chill runs through your body, making you groan as you chase the warmth again. You bury yourself deeper in the cocoon you’ve made for yourself out of blankets and squeeze your eyes shut even tighter. Perhaps if you try really hard, you won’t have to wake up and face the day. You already know the day is going to suck. You can feel the slight pounding in your head growing. It sounds like a drum section of an orchestra. The rhythm is steady; each pump of blood through your heart makes your head pound. The pulsing needs to stop.

The blankets pull away from you without your say, and your response is nothing intelligible. A tiny whine escapes your lips as you reach to stop them from going anywhere. You don’t want to get up. You want to stay where you are warm and comfortable. You want to stay surrounded by the warm scent of vanilla and sandalwood. You want…

Your mind stops whining for a second as you turn your face into the pillow and inhale deeply. The scent is warm and woodsy, not feminine at all. It’s not yours, either, your pillows smell like lavender and chamomile. You know this because you spray them nightly to help you sleep. A large part of you loves the smell of these pillows, but the logical part of you is screaming at your stupidity.

“Babe, come on, we gotta get up,” Matt says from somewhere, you’re guessing the end of the bed because the blankets are still being tugged away from you. He’s not trying very hard, though. If Matt wanted to, the sheets could pull them from your grasp without effort. He was strong enough.

“I don’t wanna,” you mumble into the pillow. Your reasons for not wanting to get up are two parts comfort and one part an unwillingness to face Matt and then your friends.

“I was going to make breakfast.”

You snort. Matt, make breakfast? Funny.

“Okay, I was going to order breakfast. Maybe you could stay and we could-”

“No,” you say, suddenly rolling over to the edge of the bed and sitting up. The room is bright, far brighter than you would like it to be, and the pounding in your head grows with the sudden movement. The evening before comes back to you effortlessly.

You’d gone out with a few of your friends and met up with Matt and a few of his friends. It was supposed to be relaxed and carefree. It was supposed to be fun. It was all of those things. When it came to Matt, you had a hard time saying no to him when he was so sweet and affectionate, which was always.

They tell me think with my head, not that thing in my chest.

“I can’t.” You can, but you can’t. It’s always the same response, and Matt knows it. You don’t look back at him when you stand to collect your clothing for the simple fact that if you see that dumb pout on his dumb face, you may finally cave and actually stay. It wasn’t because you didn’t want to stay. It was the exact opposite, truthfully.

You’ve known Matt for over a year now, and he’s never been anything but the nicest guy. He’s always there when you need a hand, and he’s fun to talk with. He makes you laugh, but more than that, he makes you happy. If only things were that easy, though.

“Yeah,” he says from behind you. “I figured.”

You shut the door to the bathroom on his words and close your eyes. You didn’t have enough to drink to feel sick to your stomach, but you feel sick nonetheless.

They got their hands at my neck this time.

Everyone and you do mean everyone has warned you about Matthew Tkachuk. You couldn't count how often you had been told by your friends and even some of his teammates, that he’s not a good guy to date. They all said the same thing; don’t get attached. He won’t stick around. So you keep your guard up and do exactly what they say. You don’t let yourself get attached. If only it weren’t also breaking your heart, that would be awesome.

In the bathroom, you busy yourself with cleaning yourself up and getting dressed. There’s a toothbrush in the cup that’s reserved just for you, and you do your best not to consider what that means. It’s purple - your favorite color. He went out of his way to get it for you. Though, when he gave it to you, you to told yourself not to overthink it. It was just a toothbrush. You’d made mention of wishing you had one once, and he’d remembered. You didn’t think he’d keep it, though. It sat next to his as though it belonged there.

You throw yourself together as best you can. You wash your face with a bit of water, trying to clear the smudging of your eyeliner so that you don’t look like a raccoon. The water helps to wake you up and clear your head. You run your fingers through your hair, catching a few of the knots created by sleep and Matt’s fingers before you pull it up into a messy bun and call it good.

You could take a shower, but truthfully getting out of there was the better option. The farther away from Matt, you were, the better you were able to think with your head, which is what you need to keep doing when it comes to Matt.

“All good?” Matt asks when you step out of the bathroom.

You nod. “Bit of a headache, but,” you shrug. That was the least of your worries. You wander out of the bedroom and into the living room in an effort to distance yourself from Matt and also to find your purse. Your phone is in there, which is how you call for a ride.

“Do you want a cup of coffee before you go?” Matt asks. He’s standing in the kitchen holding a kcup in his hand. “I can make you one.”

It’s such a tempting offer but again you shake your head. You’ve located the purse and the phone, thankfully. “I’m just going to call a Lyft and head home. Emma is probably worried about me.”

“Okay, well, I guess I’ll see ya when I get back, maybe?” It’s a question more than a statement. You feel bad for making him question you, but at the same time, it’s for the best.

“Yeah, of course,” you tell him while you call for your ride. He was leaving for a road trip in a few days, which was the reason for the night out last night. The first road trip of the year, after all. “Good luck, Matt. I hope you guys kill it.”

You place a kiss to his cheek before you leave, you can’t help it. You need that little bit of contact with him. When you slip out the door, you sigh softly and shake your head. He makes it so hard to keep a logical mind.

I'll tell you a story before it tells itself. I'll lay out all my reasons; you'll say that I need help.

“This is a bad idea,” Emma says from your bedroom. “I’m telling you Y/N; you should have said no.”

You’re standing in your bathroom, putting in a pair of earrings while making sure your makeup looks okay for the evening ahead of you.

“You’ve made your opinion perfectly clear, Em,” you remind her.

She’d been telling you for days to back out of the invitation to a team party Matt bestowed upon you. He’d been very clear that it was just as friends, but he needed a date so… You’d agreed. He was a friend, after all. You did like spending time with him. Plus, you liked his teammates. They were fun and entertaining. His reasons for asking you and not someone else made sense to you. He didn’t have a date, and he couldn’t go alone, plus he didn’t want to go with just anyone. What if they were boring? What if he didn’t like them? At least he knew he’d have fun with you. He's a real smooth talker. But he sold you on the logic, and you shrugged off all the naysayers. Which, when it came to Matt, were many.

“It’s just a party, Em, a work party, no less. It’s fine. We’re friends, remember?” The statement seemed more like a place holder than actual information. It was something you’d uttered so many times, to yourself and your friends, that it didn’t even feel like a real statement. One of these days, you’d stop trying to explain yourself to everyone, but today was not that day.

She mutters something you can’t make out from a distance between you, but you hardly need to hear her descent. She’s been one of the biggest opponents of yours and Matt’s friendship from day one. You didn’t understand why and anytime you asked, she seemed to think “because” was a good enough reason. As far as you knew, there had never been an issue between Matt and Emma. He was always very kind to her, which was more than you could say for her. She made her dislike for him very clear.

She was part of the reason you held him at bay, truthfully. You valued your friends and their opinions. If they had a reason to dislike a guy, it was almost always valid. You held on to that knowledge every time you pulled away from him, but it was getting harder to remember.

“How do I look?” You ask, stepping out of the bathroom. Your dress is dark blue and silky; it sits off the shoulders with cuffed sleeves. It tapers to the waist and flairs at the hips to flow gently to the floor. You should pair it with heels, you know, but you decided to go with a pair of silver flats because you preferred to preserve your feet. You didn’t really like heels anyway.

“Too good for him,” she says as she hurries off the bed to inspect you. Your hair is pinned up in some complicated do that Emma had created. It's some sort of french twist with a sweep of your bangs across the forehead and wisps of hair curled around your hairline. It was an important party, so you had to look elegant.

“Well, thank you,” you tell her with a smile. You’re excited and nervous about the party, but you try not to let that show.

“I like these,” she says as she reaches for the earrings you’d been messing with. “Where did you get them?”

“Uh,” you hesitate, “Matt gave them to me.” The silver teardrop earrings had been a gift from him as had the delicate necklace that matched. He’d gifted them to you before you’d agreed to go to the party with him. It had been his way of asking, which was incredibly sweet of him and power move you told no one about. You may have picked the dress out specifically to go with the earrings, but you weren’t going to admit that to Emma. She’d likely die from her eye roll.

“Well, how about that,” she says softly, “he has a little bit of taste.”

“Rude,” you tell her. You know she doesn’t care about insulting Matt, but that statement wasn’t exactly friendly to you either. What did it say about you if she thought he had no taste? He seemed to like you well enough, at least.

There’s a knock on the door of your apartment, making the two of you turn in the direction of the sound. You both know who it is, but you don’t move to get the door. He’s annoyingly on time.

“I’ll get it,” Emma says. She grabs a silver shawl from the corner of your bed before she heads out, “Here put this on. Give me a few minutes and then come out. He needs to wait.”

“Why?” You ask, but she waves the question off and heads out of the room. The shawl is beautiful and utterly impractical for Calgary in the wintertime, but beauty didn’t listen to the temperature, plus you were going to be indoors, so it hardly mattered.

You heard Emma answer the door, and Matt great her. She’s as civil as you’ve ever heard her, but it’s his voice that causes you to suck in a deep breath. He’s the kindest he can be to her, never anything but, despite the fact that she makes it hard for him.

“She’ll be out in a minute. Don’t get comfortable.” Again, rude. One of these days, you’ll need to find out just why she doesn’t like Matt.

From your spot in your room, you slide the shawl over your shoulders and retake a deep breath. You smooth down your dress to give yourself something to do before fixing your smile on your gently painted lips and walking out. Matt’s standing by the door in a beautiful grey tux and a white shirt; his bowtie matches your dress almost perfectly. The two of you are practically reversed in colors. He’s silver with blue accents, and you’re blue with silver.

The smile that spreads across his lips when he sees you is almost blinding, and it makes you blush. “You look beautiful,” he tells you. The honesty in his voice makes your heart skip.

You could curse him for the way he makes you feel. Little butterflies tickle your nerves, and all you can do is smile. “You don’t look so bad yourself,” you tell him, trying to play off the nerves. He looks better than not so bad. He’s the most handsome you’ve ever seen. Perhaps this was a bad idea.

He laughs at the backhanded compliment and shrugs, “I had help,” he admits. “Johnny’s girlfriend is responsible for this.”

“Of course, she is.” You should thank her next time you see her. Or maybe you should kill her. “You’d be a mess without the women in your life.”

“Don’t I know it.” The fact that he doesn’t even argue with the statement makes you laugh. One of the biggest reasons you liked Matt was because of how he treated the women in his life. Everyone was always cautioning you with him, but from what you’d seen, he was extremely loving and kind to the women he loved. It wasn’t just any man that would gush about his baby sister the way Matt did.

“Shall we go?” He holds out an elbow to you like a perfect gentleman, and you take it willingly.

“Yes, we shall.” You turn to Emma to say something, but she doesn’t let you.

“Have fun,” she says before you can say anything.

“We will. Don’t wait up.” Matt says with a big grin on his face. Okay, he’s doing that to annoy her now. That, he was very good at. It wasn’t just Emma he annoyed, either. All of your friends thought he was a pest.

You tut at him and push him out the door before Emma can respond. “You like seeing her get pissed, don’t you?” You ask as the two of you walk to his car. He wasn’t mean to her, never mean. But he did know how to poke a sleeping bear without getting bitten. It was a talent of his, both on and off the ice.

“It gives me great pleasure to see her eyes get wide and her nostrils flare.” He laughs. “I’ve never done anything to her; she hates me for no reason.”

“You’re hopeless.”

He opens the passenger side door for you, a grin on his face. “Yes, but you love me anyway.” He places a kiss on your cheek and stands back to let you take your seat.

“You think mighty highly of yourself, mister,” you say instead of debating his statement. You’re not sure what the truth is where your feelings for him are concerned, and you don’t want to figure it out. It’s best to leave that on the ground and kicked under something.

The drive to the party is filled with the two of you ‘discussing’ read arguing over the music in the car. Matt takes the very mature stance that the driver picks the music, but you maintain that as the passenger, you control the radio while he focuses on not killing the two of you. Neither of you wins the argument, though. The whole drive is spent skipping each other's choices of songs and stations. It always goes like that, though.

We all got expectations, and sometimes they go wrong. But no one listens to me, so I put it in this song.

As it turns out, the party is more of a charity event than a real party, but it’s interesting to see the big to-do the Flames turned it into. The event itself is as beautiful as you expected. It’s elegant and understated. The decore is blacks and whites and golds, and the music flows like the alcohol. Probably to loosen donors’ wallets. Neither of you is drinking, which means both of you get to remember the chaos the rest of the team causes during the party. That was, in your opinion, the best part of going.

Noah slides up to you about an hour into the party, after Matt’s wandered away for a second because he has to rub hands with some remarkable people. Such was the life of the future face of the Calgary Flames, you suppose.

“Enjoying yourself?” Noah asks. His smile is loose, and his eyes heavy-lidded. He has been drinking; that is clear.

“Yes, actually.” You’d already been out on the dance floor a few times with Matt. He’d shocked you the first time he’d asked you to dance. Honestly, you’d laughed at him and questioned his ability to dance, but he was decent, and it was easy to forget where you were when the two of you were pressed together, moving as one on a dance floor. It was easy to lose yourself in him anyway.

“Saw you on the dance floor. You looked like you were having fun. So did Chucky.” You hate that nickname, but it was one you’d gotten used to hearing. Chucky was a killer doll. Matt was not Chucky. Not to you.

“Well, I’m glad he’s not regretting bringing me.”

Noah scoffs. “Like that’s ever possible. He’s been talking about this for weeks.”

A blush creeps up your neck at Noah’s words. You wish you could blame it on alcohol, but you’re stonecold sober, so it wasn’t that. No, it pleased you that he was excited to take you to the party. He was excited to have you as his date.

“Hey,” Matt says beside you, suddenly making you jump. “You trying to steal my date?” He askes Noah as he puts an arm around your waist.

“Of course,” he says, “she’s too good for you, anyway.”

“He has a point,” Matt says, looking down at you. “You’re way too good for me. But, this chump has no room to talk.”

“Do I get a say in this?” You ask as the two ping pong chirps back and forth over you. “Because I think I’m going to go find Johnny. I like him better than both of you.”

Matt laughs and places a kiss on your cheek. “I think I saw him over by the bar.”

You slip from his hold, give him a mock salute, and head in the bar's direction. You weren’t joking when you said you wanted to find Johnny. Noah and Matt were joking around, of course, but it still felt weird to have both of them arguing over who you were too good for. Were you too good for Matt? Or was he just bad for you like Emma always said?

“Hey, you,” Johnny says when you finally find him. “I thought I saw you around.” Johnny hugs you as a greeting, and you return it warmly. “Where’s your menace?”

“He’s not mine,” you say quickly. “He’s over talking to Noah.” He wasn’t yours. You had to keep it that way. You don’t argue with the fact that he is a menace. You do know Matt, after all.

“Are you having fun?”

“Of course.” You’d be having more fun if you could drink, but you needed a clear head about you. It was a resolution you’d picked up before the holidays because when it came to Matt, a clear head was necessary. You often found yourself in trouble because of him if you didn’t keep a clear head. “Matt’s a perfect gentleman, and this place is gorgeous.”

“It’s a bit stuffy for my liking,” he says with a shrug, “but it seems to have the effect the organization is looking for. Are you going to the after-party?”

“After-party?” You ask because no one’s mentioned an after-party.

“Chucky, didn’t tell you?” Johnny asks, his brow furrowing. “Maybe he’s not going either.”

“Maybe,” you say. Or maybe he just didn’t want you to go with him.

The sick feeling you’ve learned comes with your feelings for Matt come back but this time it’s a little different. Disappointment, maybe? Or was it more? Was this what Emma was trying to warn you about? It doesn’t matter, you tell yourself. Both of you made it clear that this was just a friend’s date. Nothing more.

Matt finds you shortly after Johnny vanishes into the crowd, leaving you to your thoughts. “Hey,” he says with a smile. It faulters when he sees you, though. “Are you okay?” He asks. The concern in his voice does nothing to make you feel better.

“Uh,” you say with a shake of your head. “I don’t feel well.” It wasn’t a lie, but you didn’t know how to tell him why you didn’t feel well. “Maybe dinner didn’t agree with me.”

“Do you want me to take you home?” His hand rubs your back, comforting you.

“Yeah. I think I want to lay down.”

He doesn’t even bother to make his rounds to say goodbye. He waves to Noah and that’s it. Before you know it, the two of you are outside and headed toward the car.

“Do you want to go home or back to my place? I’ll let you have the bed. I’ll take the couch.”

If you went back to his house, it meant he couldn’t go to the after-party, but you didn’t really want to be around him at the moment, either, so you shook your head. “I want my bed,” you tell him. You just wanted to lay down and forget the evening happened at this point.

You can hear Emma’s I told you so, and it doesn’t help matters at all. You want to scream. This was why you kept him at arm’s length. This was why everyone warned you about him.

“Let me walk you up,” he says when he pulls up to your building.

“No, it’s okay. Go back to the party, Matt. I’ll be fine.” You open the door and step out of the car before leaning down. “Thanks for taking me,” you say politely because you aren’t rude, and you don’t want him to know that anything is wrong.

“Thanks for coming with me. We should do it again.”

“The party?” You ask, confused.

“No,” he says with a laugh. “The date. But like, maybe a real one.”

His statement throws you off-kilter. You can’t help but blink at him. Confusion must show on your face because suddenly, he’s backtracking.

“Or, not,” he offers. “Obviously, if you don’t want to…”

“I don’t feel well,” you tell him again. “Good night Matt.” You close the door without answering him about a real date. You’re more confused now than you were before.

When you get into your apartment, Emma is waiting for you. She’s shocked to see you home so early. You tell her the same thing you told Matt and escape into your room to wash the evening off.

When you finally settle into bed, you grab your phone to dig through the notifications you missed. You’re shocked to find a text from Matt.

[[Feel better, angel]] is all it says. It leaves you more confused than before and maybe feeling a little guilty.

I'll tell them a story; they'll sit and nod their heads. I tell you all my secrets, and you tell all your friends.

You thought things with Matt would be a little strained after the party, but as it turned out, he didn’t go back to the party. He didn’t go to the after-party, either. He went home and did exactly what you did. He watched TV and relaxed. You know this because he kept texting you during the night, making it difficult for you to rest, which you pointed out. Of course, that led to his “well if you’d just stayed here…” Comment. He really was hopeless.

You let Johnny’s comment about the after-party fade into nothingness. It took a minute to do so because the running commentary by Emma fueled the doubt that plagued your mind. She never failed to tell you just how much she didn’t think Matt was good enough for you.

“He’s going to break your heart,” she says one day while the two of you sit in a cafe. “He’s notorious for it, and you’re just gonna end up being another notch in his bedpost.” She doesn’t seem to care that it’s your feelings, not his, that she’s hurting.

“He doesn’t have my heart to break, Emma,” you remind her for the millionth time. If you say it enough, maybe it won’t be true. Lately, he’s done nothing to make you question him, but you’ve also made sure to keep your distance with him. No more fake dates or dubious evenings that end up in his bed.

“Yeah, okay,” she says with a roll of her eyes. “You’re not fooling anyone with these lies, Y/N. I know you. I can see it in your face.”

You don’t like it when she contradicts you or points out your lies. If you say them enough, maybe they won’t be lies. Possibly, you’ll believe that you aren’t at least getting attached to Matt. Maybe.

Your phone chimes beside you, and you glance down to see the message that just came in. It’s not exactly rare to get a message from Matt anymore. Since the party, he’s been a permanent fixture in your messages. The two of you seem to talk more now than you have in the year plus that you’ve known each other. He even facetimes you sometimes when he’s on the road.

Text messages and even facetime are safe. You don’t have to guard yourself against him or your feelings when you’re not physically face to face with him. It’s easier to keep the barriers up. Arm’s length can be a country or two long.

“Is that Matt?” Emma asks before you reach for the phone.

“Yeah,” you tell her. “We’re supposed to exchange holiday gifts today before he flys home for the all-star game.” You were over the moon happy for him and so proud when you’d heard he’d been picked for the games. It was a huge accomplishment and one he rightfully deserved.

“I hope you got him a lump of coal,” Emma says bitterly.

“Emma,” you scold. “I didn’t get him a lump of coal.” You’d spent the better part of two months racking your brain for a suitable gift for the idiot. His birthday and Christmas were in the same month. Annoying. But you’d had time because the two of you had decided to do gift-giving in January. Partially because of his schedule and partly because you’d gone home for the holidays to see your parents.

“What did you get him?” She asks, her eyes narrowing skeptically.

“I’m not telling you!” You’re defensive of the way she questions you. Matt was stupidly hard to shop for, honestly. What do you get a hockey player who can afford to buy whatever he wanted? It was unfair, really.

“Fine, whatever. I don’t see what the big deal is. It’s not like he’s anything special. I’m sure by this time next year; he won’t even be a part of the conversation.”

Hold on to your opinions, and stand by what you said.

You stand, suddenly, tired of this conversation. You’ve been tired of it for months. “Stop it.” Your anger boils beneath the surface, which makes keeping your tone level difficult. “I know you hate him; I know this. You’ve made that very clear, but he’s my friend. Why can’t you just respect that?”

It was your mistake to make; it was your life to mess up. He was your friend, not hers. She holds her hands up in surrender but doesn’t say anything. You were tired of everyone hating him. You just wanted to be able to make your own choices when it came to him. No one was willing to let you, though.

“Sorry,” she finally says, “I just don’t want to see you get hurt. I’m worried.”

“You’ve made that very clear, and I’ll keep it under advisement, but please, keep your opinions to yourself.”

She nods in agreement. It’s probably the best you’re going to get from her.

“I have to go. I’ll see you tonight.”

“I hope he likes the gift,” she says as her goodbye.

You do too, but you can’t focus on that. You’re too angry to be positive at the moment, and her comment just bugs you even more. He probably won’t, you think. That’s probably what she meant. It’s fine. If he doesn’t like it, he can return it or give it to goodwill. It’s his choice.

In the end, it's my decision, so it's my fault when it ends.

The two of you meet up at an outdoor ice rink to enjoy a little recreational skating and a bit of hot cocoa before exchanging the gifts. You had wanted to keep it informal because it was safer that way. Outside and around people was always safer when Matt was involved.

It was so easy to forget everything everyone warned you about when it was just the two of you. He was so loving and sweet with you. He never made you feel like you weren’t exactly who he wanted to be with when he was there. He never made you feel like you were an afterthought or a chore. He always made you feel special.

“Hey, Angel,” he says with a grin when he sees you. He’s got a toque over his curls, and his skates hanging from his shoulders.

“Hey Matty,” you say, matching his grin. Your little gift bag is swinging from your finger, and your skates mirror his.

“You okay?” He asks because somehow, he can always tell when you’re not in the best mood.

“I will be,” you tell him honestly, “Emma just irritated me today.”

“Of course, she did. I’m tellin’ ya. That girl has issues.”

You sigh. Between the two of them, you can’t handle it. Matt had become more vocal about his issues with Emma lately, and you just didn’t have the energy to battle either of them. “Please,” you ask softly, “can we not talk about her?”

“Sure. This is an Emma free zone starting. Now.” He sits down and pulls you with him so that you can put your skates on.

“Thank you,” you tell him before focusing on getting the skates on and out onto the ice.

The moment the two of you are out on the ice, all the annoyance with Emma fades away. You find yourself lost in the crowd of people doing the same thing you’re doing. There are a few kids that recognize Matt, which means you're dragged into being a photographer so they can have a picture with him, you don’t mind, though. It’s hard to care when the smile on his face is so genuine. He doesn’t turn a single kid down for a photo or an autograph.

A couple of the parents have to usher their kids away so that “he and his girlfriend can spend time together”. You correct a few of them, but your protest falls on deaf ears.

“Would it be so bad,” he asks, wrapping an arm around you as the two of you make a loop around the rink.

“Would what be so bad?” You ask because you’re not sure what he’s referring to.

“Being my girlfriend.”

You laugh at the question but stop when he doesn’t join in on the joke. “Matt, I can’t be your girlfriend.”

His brow furrows, and his lips press into a thin line, “why’s that?” He asks as though he doesn’t know. As though he actually thinks its a good idea.

“It wouldn’t work. You’re… And I’m…” You didn’t know how to finish either of those sentences, so you let the statements fall where they were.

“I’m what?” He asks, turning to look at you while he skates backward. “I’m what, Y/N?”

“You’re just…” Emma’s words run through your head. Player. Heart breaker. Womanizer. Anything and everything bad that she could think of to describe Matt ran through your head. She never listened when you told her he wasn’t like that.

“You can’t tell me there isn’t something between us,” he says more forcefully.

“Can we not do this here?” You ask. There are people around. It’s public, and he’s a public figure. “Matt, let’s talk about this somewhere else.” You slide into the wall of the rink, hoping to coax him off the ice, but he doesn’t exit.

“Naw,” he says suddenly. “I don’t think I want to. I don’t need a change of scenery for the “it’s not you, it’s me” conversation. It’s cool. Message received.” When he does exit the rink, it’s without you. No matter how much pleading you do, he doesn’t listen.

You don’t follow him off the ice. You don’t know how to make this better. You don’t know what to say or do. This isn’t how the day was supposed to go. You were supposed to exchange gifts and get cocoa and have fun with your… He was never just a friend. You both knew that.

By the time you drag yourself off the ice, Matt is long gone. You change out of the skates and pull your bag and shoes out of the little locker you’d bought to keep everything in. His gift is in there, mocking you, but worse than that is the little card that Matt must have put in there when you weren’t looking. It wasn’t torn up or anything, so he must have done it before you wrecked everything.

Do you open it? Or do you just throw it away?

You glance around the rink, wondering if Matt is still there, but you don’t see him. The card taps on your fingers as you walk out of the rink, your gift to him hangs from your wrist, and it burns you where it sits. Guilt wells up inside you, but you try not to let it eat you alive. You never expected this, honestly. Every time you considered the possibility of being Matt’s girlfriend, you were reminded of all the reasons you shouldn’t let yourself fall for him.

Maybe… Maybe those reasons didn’t exist.

In your car, you sit silently, debating a few things. You could text him and apologize. You could go home and forget all of this and let it end where it is. Wouldn’t it be better for both of you if you did? He was mad, obviously, and truthfully you felt like maybe he had a reason to be. The two of you were more than friends; you always had been. You wanted to be his girlfriend. You did. You had from almost the moment you met him.

Out of habit and curiosity more than anything, you slid the envelope to the card Matt had left open and pulled the card out. It was a simple card, solid of color with little gold filigree on it. Happy Holidays is scrawled on it. When you opened it, a ticket fell out which forced you to abandon the card and open the other envelope. A plane ticket to St. Louis sat nestled in the fold, your name on the boarding pass.

The card itself simply reads, “Come see me, Love Matt.” It is more than you can take. Tears fall from your eyes, and you scream in anger. You’d let everyone around you make your choices for you, and you’d ruined probably the best thing you’d ever had without even knowing it.

The drive home dries the tears, but it does nothing to change your mood. Heartbroken isn’t even the right word for how you feel. You feel like utter shit. They’d told you he’d break your heart. They didn’t tell you you’d break his; they didn’t prepare you for the fact that you were the one not good enough for him. Did any of them even know him?

Walking through the door of the apartment takes all the strength you can muster. You don’t want to see Emma right now. You don’t want to deal with her, but it doesn’t matter. The moment she sees you, she’s out of her seat and wrapping you in a comforting hug.

“What happened?” She asks. “What did he do?”

“Nothing,” you tell her. “He did nothing. He… Asked me to be his girlfriend, and then,” you handed her the ticket and walked away.

She looks at the card, and the ticket you’d just handed her in confusion before turning around to talk to you. You were already on your way to your room, hardly paying attention to anything.

“Wait… I’m confused. Are you going?” She follows you into your room where you face plant into the pillow.

“No,” you tell her. Your words are muffled, and you make no effort to change that. If you look at her, you’ll cry. Or yell at her. She’s one of the voices in your head, cautioning you where Matt is concerned.

“What happened?” She asks again, this time more gently. Her hand rubs your back. It’s meant to comfort, but all it does is make you cry.

“He wanted me to go to St. Louis with him, but he never got to tell me. I ruined everything, Emma. Everyone kept telling me he was going to hurt me, but” You turn your head to look at her, “you didn’t see his face, Emma. I’m the one that hurt him.”

She sucks in a deep breath through her teeth and falls silent. Her hands rub circles into your back while you lay there and cry. You’re thankful that she doesn’t have anything to say this time. You don’t need her condescension or her help. You just want to lay there and hate yourself in peace. The migraine you’ll end up with will be well deserved after all of this.

At some point, sleep takes you, but it’s fitful. It’s been a long time since you’ve cried yourself to sleep, but you can’t help it. You loved him, even if you didn’t allow yourself to say it out loud, or in thought for that matter. You never considered your life without him. You never thought that was an actual possibility. He was always there for you, and you thought he always would be. You wanted him to be there for you.

“Okay,” Emma says loudly, pulling you from your sleep if that’s what it was. “I know how to fix this.”

“Fix what?” You ask. Your voice is raw from all the crying and the screaming you’d done in the car. It hadn’t been very mature, but it had made you feel better in the moment.

“This thing with Matt.” She lovingly flicks you. Almost as if to say get with the program.

“There’s no fixing this,” you tell her sadly. You didn’t see any way of making this right. He was gone, and he wasn’t going to come back. Not to you, anyway.

“No, you’re wrong. You still have the ticket, so…”

You sit up slowly, needing to be upright for this conversation because you were having a hard time following her at the moment. It wasn’t just because you had a headache, either. Was Emma trying to help fix things? She hates Matt. Why would she try to help?

“Guilt,” she says. “This is my fault.”

You didn’t even realize you’d spoken, let alone asked her a question.

“Look, I’m not a big fan of his, but you clearly like him, and I can’t really deny that he liked you, either. So… We fix this. Maybe…”

“Are you suggesting I fly to St. Louis?” You ask.

“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m suggesting. You have the ticket. Unless he’s canceled it, the flight leaves tomorrow afternoon. You could…”

“What if he’s canceled it?”

“He hasn’t.” She’s so damn sure of it it’s hard to argue with her.

“What do you say? Should we get you packed?”

“What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if I get there and he won’t see me and I’m just… there?” The idea of him rejecting you in a completely different city is worse than any nightmare you’ve ever been subjected to. You’ve already broken your own heart, did you want to let him do it too? Perhaps you deserved it.

“Y/N,” Emma says with a sigh, “stop it. You listened to me before, listen to me now.”

“But, you were WRONG before!” You remind her.

She waves her hand at you as though your argument means nothing. “But I’m not now. Go to St. Louis. Find him. I’ll text Noah and ask what Matt’s room number is and everything. It’ll be okay. We’ll fix this.”

You’re skeptical about this plan, but you have nothing to lose, so… why the hell not. “Okay. Okay, sure. Yeah. I’ll go to St. Louis.”

-- They tell me think with my head, not that thing in my chest. They got their hands at my neck this time.

He didn’t cancel the ticket, though why you have no idea. If it had been you, you would have canceled it right away. You would have tried to get some of your money back. Perhaps Matt didn’t care about the money. He was rich, after all. A plane ticket probably didn’t even register to him. For whatever the reason, you’re grateful to him for not canceling it. It would have made getting to St. Louis a lot more complicated.

While you nursed your lovely headache, Emma had packed your bag, but you’d given her a few instructions on what to pack. Once you are packed, the rest of the evening is spent listening to Emma apologize for being so awful about Matt. You want so badly to be mad at her, to hold onto that anger and blame her for all of this. She was trying so hard to fix it, though. You could see that.

She’d even taken you to the airport and made sure your boarding pass was still working. At the security gate, she hugged you and apologized one last time before sending you on your way through.

Once you’re seated on the plane, it sets in that there is no going back. You’re actually going to St. Louis to what? Confess your love for Matt? This sounds so ridiculous, but it’s precisely what you’re going to do. Music keeps your mind occupied on the flight and through the connection. It’s a playlist that Matt put together for times when the two of you couldn’t agree on the station in the car. It had a bit of both your favorites. The thoughtfulness tugged at heartstrings you didn’t know existed. A few times you felt the tears prickle at the corners of your eyes, but you’d cried enough already. You didn’t want to do it again.

Landing in St. Louis was both exciting and terrifying. You had no idea where you were going, but you made it work by asking for directions and finding the little maps all over the airport. Finding a cab was an adventure. The place was a madhouse; it was the all-star weekend, though, so that explained everything. Your taxi driver was a very nice man, friendly and communicative. You told him where you needed to go, and he got you there without any trouble. You tipped him very well and hoped against hope that you wouldn’t need another one in a few hours.

Noah had come through for you with the name of Matt’s hotel and his room number. He was a good friend. You should set him up with Emma. Maybe it would soften her heart to Matt a little… if this whole thing turns out alright, that is. Which, it very well might blow up in your face more spectacularly than the skate rink incident. Yes, that’s what you’re calling it now.

You bypass the check-in counters and go right for the elevators to get to the floor you need. The hotel is chaotic, and it’s easy for you to slip through everything. You knew from Noah that a bunch of the hockey players were staying in the same place. You’d thought, maybe, that Matt would stay with his family, but Noah had assured you that he would be at the hotel.

The hall that led to Matt’s room was deserted when you arrived, which was a blessing, honestly. If it had been swimming with players, you might have lost your nerve. As it was, your hands shook when you stopped in front of his door. You didn’t know if he was in there or out with the guys or doing something with his family. Honestly, you could be standing there for hours and never see him, but you needed to knock, or you’d never know.

The sound of the knock echoed through the empty hall, and you held your breath, waiting for the door to open. Or not. It felt like you stood there for an eternity before the lock on the other side clicked, and the door pulled open. Matt stood there in a pair of shorts and hoodie, his eyebrow raised in your direction.

But you're the one that I want if that's so wrong Then they don't know what this feeling is like

Confusion glosses over his features before his face turns to stone. “Y/N?”

“I’m so sorry, Matt.” You say instantly. “For everything. I didn’t. I’m so sorry.” You were going to cry again, which you told yourself you wouldn’t do, but it’s so hard when he’s standing there looking at you.

He reaches for you, and you let yourself be pulled into his room. His arms wrap around you, and he holds onto you while you cry. It doesn’t seem fair that he’s comforting you after how you’d treated him. He shushes you and presses his cheek to the top of your head. “It’s okay,” he says softly. “I’m sorry I got mad and stormed out. I shouldn’t have… You’re allowed to say no to being my girlfriend.”

You pull back from him and shake your head. “I don’t want to say no, Matt. Really. I never wanted to say no. I just. I was scared because people keep telling me that you’re no good for me.”

“Emma people?” He asks.

You can’t lie to him, so you just nod. “But she’s the reason I’m here. She told me to fix it, so I’m trying. That’s why I’m here. Matt, I love you, and that scares me bc I don’t want to get hurt.”

“I don’t want to hurt you,” he says softly. “I’ll try my best not to. It’s as good as I can give you.” Very few people set out to hurt the other in a relationship. His offer is as good as it gets. “If, that’s what you’re saying.”

You laugh through the tears and nod. “Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. I want to be your girlfriend, okay? I love you.”

He pulls you close and pressed his lips to yours. It’s forceful and firm, but it softens as you wrap your arms around his neck. “Thank fuck,” he says against your lips. “It’s about time we made this official.”

You laugh at his words before pulling him back into a kiss. You choose to focus on that rather than the rest of the relationship. That will come in time. The two of you need to discuss things, you’re sure, but the time for talk is later. Right now, you want to get lost in him. You want to put the hotel bed to use, and you want him to show you around the city he grew up in.

All in good time, though. You have plenty of it, after all.

#matthew tkachuck #matthew tkachuk imagine #calgary flames imagine #NHL Imagine #hockey imagines

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honesthammie · 3 years

Text

4th prompt part 2

The silence was appreciated as your mind wrapped up today's event. You had met your soulmate in a goddess of a woman. Everything you had discovered so far was perfect. You watched as she pulled a metal disk and metal stick from her pockets. The metal stick made a strange buzzing sound and glowed a faint orange at the tip as she hovered over the disk.

"What are you doing?" You asked after watching her in curiosity for a few moments. You would've let her continue as her face was quite the sight. Her eyes were sparkling with intent and her nose had the most adorable scrunch.

She stopped for a moment as you spoke as if thinking on what to say before continuing. "I'm scanning for any spider eggs in the building so we can take them with the other spiders to a planet of their own. A planet without civilisation but full to the brim with creatures they can eat. I think, the fam got them all. No, fam still doesn't seem right. The team does sound better!"

"A planet? What, are you some kind of alien?"

"Yes. Would that be a problem?" She asked. From the way her eyes sparkled, I believed her. Great, no wonder why she seemed so ethereal! So when I say, she's out of this world, it'd be a fact and not a flirtatious comment! For fuck sake, that's one of my best lines as well! Maybe I could use it when the time is right?

"Nope. After the discoveries of my life recently, that's actually the most believable thing. Please don't ask yet. However, those spider babies trust me. You aren't going to get them to listen without me. I spent at least a full 5 hours with them, they trust me more than you. Come on little Miss Sunshine, hop to it, the spiders won't wait forever." I spoke with confidence. I knew she knew, she needed me. That's why she followed me. "I'm (y/n) by the way"

"Great name! Love that name, was always one of my favourites. I've always fancied myself as a (y/n) but the faces never seem to fit it. I'm normally a John but I can't be now I'm a woman. Why don't you give me an alias for when I'm undercover?"

"Hmmm. I quite liked the name Alice and you certainly suit that name. Is there a name people call you when you aren't undercover. What do family call you?"

"Alice. I love that! I'm keeping Smith. Alice Smith. Perfect! Knew you'd be the one to help me. People tend to call me the Doctor. So do I for some reason. Wish I knew why."

This cute blonde alien was more mysterious the more we talked. She told me of how her ship goes in time as well as in space. She told me of the time of when she met Robin Hood with an older face and a companion named Clara. All this talk and I wasn't bothered once by it. I could listen and watch her all day as she talks about adventures she's been on. She puts all the theatrics on and waves her arms about with so much passion and her eyes show her emotions so clearly. But I also saw age. If she's older than she looks, just how old is she? Not that it bothers me, it's just, if she's like hundreds of years old, she's probably had other lovers and I don't know if plain old me can compete with that.

Sooner than we realised, we came towards a blue Police box. She clicked her fingers and waltzed right in. This must be her TARDIS. I walked inside with awe. The ship was beautiful inside. Like a gem hidden as an ore. The golden and blue lights perfectly reflected her personality.

"It's fucking massive Sunshine! Ya didn't warn me about walking into a football field! No wonder why thousands of spiders seemed no problem! Fucking hell!" I stated as my eyes scanned the room in front of me. Then I felt a little tug on my right trouser leg. I looked down and saw a little spider wanting my attention. I bent down and picked him up. He seemed happy to be held like that so I kept him in that position as I wondered towards the Doctor.

I had so many questions I wanted to know and I'm sure she has too. But now was not the time for that. We needed to get these spiders to their new home. I continued to watch the Doctor as she danced around something she called a console. She was pressing buttons and pulling levers and many more things until the ship made a strange wheezing noise and I was thrown off my feet. Thankfully I was caught by someone. I looked up and saw an oldish man.

"Hello Love! I can tell this your first time here. We all fell down when she first did that with us. You learn to find something to grab onto. I'm Graham by the way." Graham spoke gently but loudly over the noise of the ship. I couldn't help but giggle, my grandad used to call me Love too.

Then as quick as the ship started, it came to a gentle stop. I looked around and notice the same 2 people from earlier. The girl was smiling and laughing to something the boy mentioned. They must be old friends. I then noticed the Doctor walk towards the doors and open them just enough for her to check outside.

"Right (n/n). I'm calling you that as we are friends now. Go on, it's your first new planet and you care about these spiders more than we do so I think it's best if you check everything it perfect for them!" The Doctor spoke with excitement. She even clapped her hands for a moment, obviously not being able to control the surge of energy running through her.

I held the spider in my arms and the doors opened in front of me. I closed my eyes for a moment as the light blinded me temporarily. I could feel the warmth of a sun and the cool breeze the gently whipped past your face giving you the perfect cooling needed. The planet smelled sweet yet sour like Toxic waste sweets. I could hear many creatures making strange noises, some were doing a high pitched growl and some others were doing deep scream. Then there were nicer sounds like birds tweeting but in a lower key and something sounded like a piano, specifically an old ragtime piano.

I slowly opened my eyes and noticed the silver sky and its 4 suns in each direction. I noticed that the high pitched growl was from a small flying frog like creature and the deep scream was from a big rabbit- horse like creature that was just chewing the purple leaves off the metal looking trees. The bird like sound belonged to a small Robin like creature, but instead of a red chest it was a beautiful blue hue and it had silver eyes that sparkled just right. The Ragtime piano sound belonged to a dog-raccoon like creature that scampered away with its mouth full of the fallen berries that the rabbit-horse dropped from the leaves. The grass beneath was as black as ink and the pond to the right of me was a strange red colour.

"Well what do ya think? I personally think it's perfect but you seem to know these arachnids better than me so, I could be wrong, although, I'm not often" The Doctor spoke with eagerness. I noticed her looking at me as I took in the world around me. Why does this feel all too familiar to me? Why do I like the escapism of Earth? Why is this so, freeing?

I took a deep breath in. "Its perfect Doc. The spiders will love it here! They'll adapt pretty quickly I believe. The creatures are big enough to satisfy them. Although the sounds are a little off putting." I put the spider in my arms in the oddly cotton soft grass and watched as the thousands of others followed in its footsteps. Some carried the baby spiders and others carried the eggs. They had already found a cave to lay the eggs and started weaving some webs within 10 minutes.

Once I was happy with everything, I said my goodbyes and entered the strange ship once more. I could feel fresh tears sting my eyes like tiny hot needles. I get so attached so quickly and I noticed the string warm up and I checked on my soulmate, she was looking at me with an all too familiar look, the look of complete adoration. So the string tells me when her love for me evolves until we kiss? I mean, that's when it disappears for everyone else.

"This was great Sunshine! I had a ride of a lifetime, I really did. So I guess, you can drop me off home, I'm probably not wanted and I don't wanna ruin your team dynamic here."

"Why on Earth would you think that? I was actually wondering if you'd like to join us. Those spiders trusted you and having someone like you would really make the adventures more thrilling. Besides, I really like you and there's something special about you and I can't place my finger on it. I don't like not knowing things. If I drop these off home for a bit, would you mind if I ran some tests on you?"

"Really? Sure. I don't mind. I actually wanna know aswell. You see, I know what's special but I don't want to tell you in front of the others, its a bit embarrassing." I asked whilst blushing. She nodded her head and set the TARDIS coordinates to Sheffield. The Doctor promised she'd be back in a week and set the TARDIS to float in our solar system whilst she got to work on me.

We walked into what I can assume is some sort of med Bay. The walk had conversations about the last planet and how we thought the spiders would adjust. Eventually she sat me down on a white bed.

"So, you said you knew why you were special. I don't like cliffhangers so I'll give you a custard cream if you tell me." She said as she got a paper document and waited for me to speak.

"I don't know how or why but have you ever heard of the red string of fate story?" I asked, wondering how to word this without sounding weird. She nodded her head in understanding. "Well, when I turned 16, I could see everyone's red strings. The world was covered in red. I was confused at first until I read that story."

"Hmm. That is interesting because all stories have some truth to them. Some are exaggerated and some are exactly as said. Well that story is a good example of that. Thousands of years ago, there were 2 species of human, homo sapiens and homo spectrians. Spectrians were low on numbers in population as they'd spend almost all their life playing match maker. You'd know Spectrians as Cupids. However when battles and wars happened, Cupids were out of a job as everyone had to focus on the country and not themselves. This is where arranged marriages started happening and Cupids were becoming depressed. Eventually the Cupids decided to blend in with the humans and became virtually extinct. You might be the only Cupid left in the universe, other than Valentine himself." She explained it so well.

"Can Cupids see their own string?" I asked. She paused for a moment. Her eyes flickered between heartbroken and hopeful. I felt the string flicker between cold and toasty warm just like her eyes.

"No. Cupids weren't supposed to have soulmates. But I guess you are technically half human so maybe that makes sense. Do you know who your soulmate is?"

"She's amazing. She's like a Goddess. When I first saw her I immediately thought, She's too fucking perfect for someone like me. She incredibly smart too but, can be oblivious. I mean, I only met her a few hours ago and I'm fucking smitten with her. She reminds me of sunshines and rainbows. I'm just waiting for her to make a move." I told her. She looked at me for a moment, processing this new information. She smirked for a moment once she figured it out.

"Well my soulmate had me wrapped around her finger the second she jumped in front of a spider to save her life. A bold move like that normally makes me mad but, she did it so well. I haven't known her long but I can see me being by her side forever, travelling the stars. She reminds me of those stars actually. The way she sparkles in the light. I love you (y/n) with both of my hearts." She spoke softly as we slowly leaned in. When she finished, she planted her soft lips on mine and the red string was gone. Not that I noticed until an hour later when we picked the team up and held hands to announce our relationship.

Maybe dating a sunshine is exactly who I needed.

#13th doctor #thirteenth doctor x reader #female reader #13th doctor x reader #soulmate

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nimmy22 · 3 years

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A Mistake: Chapter 4

Cara missed her first two classes, having been knocked out into the late morning hours, courtesy of her dad. No parents were rushing to wake her up, no breakfast waiting for her, no offer for a ride to school. She woke up with a gash on her head, an abdomen that was an artwork of black and blue. The cause of it all was a dealer who had no stock to sell. His suppliers suddenly cut all contact leaving her parents without their fix.

Last night her dad came home seconds from exploding. He almost broke down the door as he struggled to open it in his drunken stupor, nose flaring and teeth grinding into dust even before his eyes locked on her. While these beatings were nothing new to Cara, she will admit that his hand was extra heavy yesterday, evidenced by the deeper shades on her skin. Her mother didn't even have to add anything into the mix, satisfied by her husband's handiwork.

Cara just couldn't wait to leave, but money was a dilemma. She tried her best to get the odd job here and there, whatever she could find, really. Things were even more difficult since her parent recently took to stealing her hard-earned money, ransacking her bedroom for anything worth selling. Not even the mattress stuffing or the soles of her shoes were a safe place.

Adding to her troubles was the potential loss of a job. She could no longer babysit Sherry and hasn't been contacted by the Birkins. Still, perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing. After all, these people were beyond dangerous, and she would do just about anything to never meet that man again. It still broke her heart to be cut away from such a sweet little girl, the separation was sudden, and god knows how hard that must've hit Sherry, losing one of the few people she trusted.

As expected, both her parents were gone. They were likely fishing for another dealer, and if they did not find what they were looking for, she knew what will be waiting for her tonight. It was better to stay away from home for now, and it didn't matter where.

While the other bruises were easier to hide, the limp in her walk was too obvious. She had just finished formulating a story by the time she made it to her third class, auto-mechanics. Usually, people ate up her stories without a problem, curbing their questions as their concern lacked genuinely. The real issue was Claire. She'll spit the story right out without even tasting it.

Claire was already waiting in their usual spot. Despite the pain, Cara tried her best to be as subtle as possible but attempting the once flawless movement of her legs took a considerable amount of control.

"Hey, you," Claire cracked a smile as soon as she spotted her friend. "Missed you at lunch. Actually, missed you for like half the day. Where've you been off to? Could've invited me too."

" Stayed up too long watching reruns and then ended up sleeping in. I scared my mom this morning when I came out of my room. She thought I was a burglar." Cara giggled over her lies, struggling to fight the grimace as she took a seat. Thankfully, Claire didn't seem to notice, leaning back in her chair to put up her red hair into a high ponytail. Care relaxed inwardly, feeling safe from the questions.... for now.

Half an hour later, Claire slid beneath the car donated to the school while Cara sat next to her on the floor leaning against the door. Cara was glad. This way, she could finally slouch over and breathe, gladly keeping the weight off her bad leg. The radio played a series of pointless advertisements adding nothing valuable to the background noise. Mr. Crawford liked the radio host, but Cara thought he simply lived to promote Michael Warren or was paid handsomely to do so. Sure, the mayor had done much for the city. Still, she found all this prosperity odd, especially under such a short period of time. Something smelled fishy.

"This shit can't be fixed," Claire grumbled, sliding out from below the hunk of metal, tossing the greasy gloves next to her on the floor. The car was so weathered the paint came off in large chips as she peeled whatever was left of it on the door.

"Something Claire Redfield can't fix? Well, that's a surprise." Cara giggled, raising an eyebrow.

"I can't fix what's not there. Half the parts are missing. The idiot who donated the car must've stolen it, took whatever was worth shit, and donated the rest to get rid of the evidence."

"Looks like you've been hanging around the station too long. What, are you going to start an investigation now?"

"If I wanted that bike upgrade, then I obviously need money, and you know I don't like asking my brother for money. But what I don't mind asking for is a job around the station. Pretty much everyone knows me by now. It's like a foot in the door. I'll just annoy them until it's official."

"Once they hire you as a janitor, don't forget about me. Then we can break into the records room where they keep all those juicy storybooks."

"Okay, that's a fun idea. But here's another idea! How about we not get my brother fired along with us. Plus, you forget where we live. Nothing major happens around here."

"That's where you're wrong," Cara whispered before mentally slapping herself. She tensed, begging higher entities that Claire heard nothing.

"What do you mean?" Claire perked up, reminding her of a puppy who heard the sound of the treat bag opening.

"Oh, nothing," Cara tried to play it off, not want her friend to dig deeper. If there was one thing she learned last Friday, it was to keep her mouth effectively shut. She was already screwing herself over and placing a friend in danger. Her pulse began racing with the prospect that she already said too much.

"Cara," Claire crawled towards her friend, a threat in he voice. "You heard something or...saw something? You can tell me, I'm your friend. Chris and I will always be there for you."

"I know. You remind me of that every day. It's not a big deal. I'm just worried about the level of stupidity in this town. I've heard about the three seniors who got caught breaking into Kendo's gun shop last night. He had them lined up on their knees with their hands behind their head by the time the cops came. The whole street watched them."

"Ugh, I've never seen someone do something as stupid in my life. Had to hear all about it from Chris. In fact, that's all he talked about last night and this morning. Don't get in the wrong crowds, bluh bluh. Guns are bad bluh bluh." As claire grumbled through her rant, Cara knew she had successfully steered the boat to safety.

"Well, it's nice to have a brother. I wouldn't mind a lecture or two."

"Oh honey, I can help with that," Claire cocked her head to the side with a gleam in her eyes.

"No, yours are excluded."

"Oh, ha ha, you'll be begging for it one day. Now be a good girl and be on the watch out. I'm taking a nap." Claire said, sliding back below the car before getting into a comfortable position. "Oh, and give me a foot massage while you're at it,"

"It'll cost you."

"Wait till I hear back about a job, and then we'll talk,"

They stayed like that, Claire breathing softly while Cara listened absentmindedly at the radio. Her thoughts were yet again plagued by the events of last Friday. It was suffocating having to mentally recover from something so scarring and no one around her knowing a thing. She had no one to talk to. The words of the host were starting to become much more appealing than her thoughts.

"Michael Warren did so much for Raccoon decades before he was mayor, but with him in power, we're doing so much better, growing faster than ever before. We all gotta thank him for that, you know? Everyone was skeptical about big pharma moving in, but he made a good partnership with them, and the jobs came raining down. Have you seen the homeless folk on the streets? No, cause they all got help, been offered good jobs, their lives are turned for the better. Y'all look at the jails. They are pretty much empty. Nobody needs to turn to stealing for a living when good-paying work is right in front of them." The host trailed on, with Cara barely listening to the shameless paid promotion. The supposed decrease in crime seems a bit far-fetched to Cara. Maybe the robbers, murders, fraudsters, and rapists just moved their activity to the next town over for whatever reason, much like her dad and his dealings? But if there were so many work opportunities, why couldn't someone come 'help' her parents? Uproot them out of the dark pit they dug?

"Hey, you coming?"

"What?" Cara snapped back to reality, realizing Claire was already on her feet, stretching her back.

"The assembly?"

"Oh...?" Cara frowned, forcing a straight face as she pulled her aching body up.

"I guess I can't blame you. You did miss half the day. Come on, I want to get a seat in the very back, makes for a speedy getaway." Claire was already out the door, staring back at her friend with her hands on her hips, impatiently tapping her foot.

"You go ahead and reserve me a seat. I just need to go to the washroom." Cara said, hoping to walk to the gym at a slower, less painful pace.

"Fine, but don't be too long," Claire said before jogging away.

Taking her sweet time, Cara turned a 5-minute walk to the gym into 10 minutes, but even then, that was still an exhausting mission. Soon she was seated next to Claire with the rest of the students as they waited for the presenter.

The gym was in a state of chaos. Everyone talked over the other. But this was not a surprising thing considering it was the last period of the day and the events of last night.

When Cara looked over the stage, she was surprised, seeing a banner with the Racoon police department STARS name on it. Great, it was another talk with the cops, most likely about drugs and whatnot.

"Hey, maybe your brother is here,"

"Chris? He would've told me,"

A throat clearing next to the speaker's podium failed to get the attention of the kids. It was followed by a very authoritative "Attention,"

Cara never experienced so much power put into a single word, but it was loaded, and it succeeded in forcing everyone to smack their lips shut.

For a few seconds, she was staring but unable to focus, her muscles tensed, ready to make a break for it. She held her breath, slid down her seat, covered her face with a curtain of hair, and for added measure, she put her head down. She hoped to stay hidden in the crowds of students.

It was Albert Wesker at the podium, hands resting on the edges. His eyes didn't have to scan the crowds for long, finding her easily. Her attempt to hid was adorable but in vain. He could track down men in another country given extraordinarily little info, and the foolish little thing thought she could hide in a measly crowd of 1200 hormone-riddled teens.

"I am Captain Albert Wesker of STARS, and five days ago, there had been an unfortunate, unfortunate accident. Maxwell Robford was barely five years older than many of you. Driving while drunk, he ended up wrapped around a tree and was incinerated along with his car. That road wasn't popular, and it would take days for someone to stumble across the wreck and give us a call. We could only recover a pile of ashes and bones to return to his family. Our hearts go to them. I'm here on behalf of STARS to urge you to stop drinking and driving because the next incident may not only result in us digging out your corpses but those of others. The morgue is no place for people so...young. That's all from me, and now my partner will add a few more words." Wesker stepped away from the podium, nodding as the other uniformed officer took over. The next speaker struggled to calm the students, who all at once started talking about the accident.

"That’s so terrible. I feel so bad for his family," Claire said, leaning her head back.

"Yeah..." Cara answered absentmindedly, unable to take away her eyes from the crooked officer. She was angry that he could come to her school and pretend to be an officer of the law concerned for the futures of the kids in the room. If anything, she could bet all the money she had that the kid died because of a foul. Maybe, Wesker himself arranged the scene before it was supposedly...discovered. Perhaps that poor kid saw something he shouldn't have and paid the price. And maybe she'll also end up in an unfortunate accident sooner or later. The thought of that sent the bile straight up. She rocked herself, mind reeling with the possibility.

"I'm going to the washroom," Cara said quietly, her voice unusually thick as she could not push the lump down. Raising from her seat, she rushed out of the gym, feeling the world closing in on her. She was barely aware of Claire calling out to her and the man on the stage who followed her with his eyes.

Completely bypassing the washroom, Cara burst through the school's back doors before throwing her back against the garbage bins, sliding to the floor. The stench didn't register as her brain tricked her into thinking she could smell burning flesh. Thinking about what the kid must have felt while burning up, she shut her eyes tightly, unable to handle such imagery. She didn't try to control her sobs, letting them overpower her without caring about who was watching.

Someone was watching, and they were amused.

"You know, it's rude to walk out while a speaker is presenting. We take the time out of our boorish days to speak to a bunch of idiots who won't hang onto a single word we say. A complete and utter waste of time." Wesker spoke, walking around the garbage can to look down at Cara. The silence came sharply as she noticed his presence. It was hard to believe the girl cowering in the corner was the same person who risked her life to protect his little Sherry.

"Did you kill him?" Cara whispered, her puffy eyes finding his.

"Who?" standing in front of her, Wesker squatted down to her level.

"You know who I am talking about."

"Still in the mood for asking questions? Do you think he will be more alive having that knowledge?" Wesker reached over with a gloved hand to push the hair away from her face, enjoying the complete mess she was. The girl was like this because of him, and he loved having that power. He didn't have to do a thing to get to her. Merely show up.

" I didn't say anything to anyone, I swear. Please just leave me alone." Her voice was octaves higher, uncaring when it fragmented at the end. Even if someone heard her, she doubted they would help. The decorated officer can make up a story more likely believable than a word out of her mouth. She was alone and wholly regretted leaving the gym. Cornering herself, she practically led him to her.

"Our encounters will only end once I say so. Now, answer this. Why were you limping?" Wesker watched as she flinched when his hand came to rest on her injured leg. He found this development displeasing. Someone trespassed on his right to be the only one to hurt her, to use her, to kill her. And correction was in order.

#resident evil #albert wesker #Albert Wesker X OC #albert wesker x oc

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zoocross0vers · 4 years

Photo

HERE WE…GOOO!!!!🦔💨

Sorry for not posting this sooner, I had some problems with scanning and lighting but I’m glad that is finally done. Here are some doodles of Sonic/Zootopia crossover from my 2 favourite movies. Those two movies are complimenting each other. Remember when I told you how Tom👦 and Maddie👩🏾 (these are names of those characters from Sonic movie) remind me a lot of Nick🦊 and Judy🐰? Well, after I watched the movie (10 times in cinema, 15 times at home after pandemy, don’t judge me!), it turns out that they have lot in common indeed that I thought. Those are my favourite moments from movie with Nick and Judy as Tom and Maddie and so does other characters from Zootopia (I really enjoy also that scene akward conversation about shooting Sonic with tranq-gun, that is hilarious for me). Wish I could include more but unfortunately after I drew I realized that my paper is not big enough, dang it! Thankfully I was able for example including at least 3 important moments like Sonic looking at happy couple behind window wishing been part of company, because of fear of him all alone forever, which it saddening him (😢 „sniff“ can someone please give that kid a hug?!😭), Ozzy licking Sonic’s face (awwwwww :3) and of course “THE FINAL BATTLE WITH ROBOTNIK” (at least the confrontation). The only thing I didn’t include was Longclaw and echidna tribe, since they had small screen and I small space (dang it!). Which is bummer because I really like Longclaw, she is really interesting character and wish we could see more. There were only two scenes of her, the one from begging of the movie and the deleted where she end up in earth with Sonic for some time but died from s-sicknes-ss “sniff”😢 (I’m sorry for that but this moment always makes cry every-time I watching it😭, it’s just really personal for me for certain reasons.). I guess you questioning the Ozzy licking Sonic’s face scene considering there are no domestic animal, including dogs and Zootopia is world of anthromorphic mammals, so I thought I would use Yoshi as Ozzy as a cameo from Mario (you know because of friendly rivalry between Sonic and Mario) and also as a gift for Yoshifan, especially after seen many pictures of Nick and Yoshi who’s calling him “Mama Nick” and I found it pretty funny. After I started drawing I realized there are some obstacles that would be problem like (aside from Ozzy) raccoons, bear-head from Piston Pit, chilli-dogs (considering what meat they put on these things if, IF it is a meat), the Sonic’s shoes (the old and new ones) and of course Robotnik himself considering I don’t want to change him into some mammal. Like I said before Robotnik works better as human and he doesn’t need to change to an animal considering he put animals from Sonic’s world, anthromorphic and normal, always in danger or abuse (like making them into badniks, or robotized them). So, how are gonna fix it you ask? Well I have some idea. Like I said before for Ozzy I choose Yoshi for that role (and honestly I don’t have any other options, heheh. BUT you must admit that it is adorable 🥰), raccoons were a challenge so I came multiple ideas for example:

Instead of raccoons we use gerbil jerks from Zistopia concept art

Raccoons will be anthromorphic teens who like mess with Nick while eating from trashcans (like Mr. Big said, evolved but deep down still animals)

Since mammals are sentient how about use non-mammal “trash pandas”(lol, I like that nickname) like birds as ravens, crows or pigeons (pigeons are also known as “flying rats” – thank you Spies in Disguise)

Those are mine options, if you have other in mind I’m listening.

Then there’s taxidermy bear-head. Considering that pouching would classified as not just illegal but also as psycho (still not get over that taxidermy Moose-head from Sly 2. Yeah I know that was part of mission to blend in to not rise a suspicion but seriously, WHY those Moose have that head, did they just-…you know what let’s not think about it😖) I came up with idea instead of taxidermy bear-head how about some mask of unusual mascot like the manticore from Onward, eh eehh? (Or it can some dino but I rather prefer manticore). As for those motorbike gang at first I want to suggest those Ranger Scouts. That would be delightful punishing them that way (evil chuckle😈). But then I remembered the trash gang from Zootopia comic “A hard day’s work” and to be honest those characters are ideal for those roles: wildebeest could the black cowboy, elephant as the belly guy (oh come on, like you didn’t think same nickname after seen Sonic sprung out of his belly) and hyena with green Mohawk as of course the Bear-head jerk. But if you want combine them be my guest.😁

As for chilli-dogs since are Sonic’s favourite we cannot left them behind. Thankfully I was watching on YouTube where there mentioned Tails been vegetarian and one comment that said “Chilli-dog: Am I joke to you?” that made conversation about mobians been vegetarians. So in that case since Zootopia is filled birds (and sometimes bugs), and synthetic meat, proteins, probably tofu, we can assume that there are Chilli-dogs made especially in Zootopia universe (and honestly we do not really know, what exactly hot-dogs are truly made of).🌭

👟The shoes were honestly a very hard obstacle for me considering mammals don’t wear shoes since they are still animals, like our directors said, BUT that doesn’t mean they don’t exist in Zootopia.

Evidence 1: Gazelle – she’s wearing high heels from Preyda

Evidence 2: Poster of (parody) movie Cinderellephant, with elephant-size glass slipper

Evidence 3: Judy Hopps – she wears half-sockets in her police uniform (that still does count as a foot-wear)

So I came with headcanon that only celebrities and patients with sensitive feet wear shoes as a luxury or medical protection (I mean we have a lot of animals that can’t live on different area with their conditions, come on have someone of you seen a polar bear live in Sahara Square?) and in this case it’s the latter (plus there is in this story a human character that needs his own footwear) since Sonic is wearing his running shoes considering that his speed is high enough to burn his feet (ouch🤕).

And finally with Robotnik, we use that orphan idea and certain headcanon from Sonic X about planets that once were one until they divided and made their own time and space alterations, prof. Gerald Robotnik (Eggman’s grand-father) could study Mobius for finding cure for Maria, creating Shadow, G.U.N. etc. It could be three worlds (Sonic’s world/Mobius, Robotnik’s world/our world, and Zootopian’s world) or just two (Mobius and Zootopia), what works better.

As you can see there are some characters I included in in certain scene (aside from Yoshi), I present to you Judy’s niece named Cotton and one of Judy’s (many) sisters Violet Hopps. No, those are not an OC from any fandom, those are official characters from Zootopia universe. You already actually know Cotton but for those who don’t know who is Violet, she was introduced in Zootopia Graphic Novel in comic named “Brothers & Sisters” and considering how she is very overprotective of Judy (like any other Hopps) I thought she would fit perfectly for Rachel role (I don’t think she’s Cotton’s mother so don’t ask), and also she’s the only official Hopps sibling with name we know. I wanted also include another characters into this doodles but I like I said before I didn’t have enough space on one paper. So here are my character ideas: Clawhauser as Wade, Bogo as Major Bennington, Mayor Lionheart as Commander Walters (no surprise). For others like Crazy Carl and Agent Stone I had some problems.

For Crazy Carl I first thought about who would fit perfectly and I came up with a lot of ideas: first I thought about Duke Weaselton, since he has face for that crazyness but then I declined since he doesn’t fit on the character, then I thought about Pop-Pop Hopps but that was questionable considering in movie he had a huge aversion of foxes (red as devil) and comic he’s not biased but then I thought who could describe Crazy Carl better than well-known concept crazy theorist Honey Badger am I right?

As for agent Stone I had no idea what to do with him. I could let him stay as but that would make questions of humans and I didn’t want to put Bellwether into this position. If she was unhappy of been unappreciated and humiliated by predators then I don’t think she would really want to work with someone who is full of himself more than her and only see humanity as an excuse of stupidity and “herd of useless sheep (get it?)” and only relay on machines. And characters from Zootopia Crimes was not an option and Jack Savage was out of question no in my point. Not saying that Jack Savage could be a great option but I don’t think fans would appreciate another bad guy role for Jack and I already have something different for him in my mind. Then it came another that would fit for Stone and that is a certain platypus Dr. Starline from Sonic The Hedgehog IDW comics. He admires Eggman and his evil genius (questionable) and in comics he’s working as partner/assistant for him. But since he is mobian as Sonic we could use idea that government knows about it (partially) but does not tell and he thinks that he is an unusual zootopian platypus (after all he does wear clothes and looks “more” normal unlike Sonic) and we could do the same with Robotnik considering his past about grand-father and project Shadow if Jeff Fowler would follow some headcanons (I wouldn’t surprised if some government keeping some secrets even from employers). But then again we could use also Tony, a bunny from Zootopia Crime Files since he is shady and bland at once and already wear a suit, like agent Stone (great, now I don’t know which one to choose again).

You know what, I’ll give you an option who would fit for role of Agent Stone:

1. Dr. Starline, a platypus from Sonic The Hedgehog IDW comics

2. Tony, a bunny from Zootopia Crime Files

3. Jack Savage, a jackrabbit from Zootopia concept art/Savage Seas (you don’t have to take that third one too seriously, but just in case)

DONE (pass out from exhaustion). Haahhh so much work, editing fixing hands, oohh boyyy. You have no idea how hard this was for me to finally made it. I wish I could do more. But for now I’m so glad that I was able to draw at least some of my favourite moments because I feel they’re important for storytelling: first the introduction of main characters, their struggles, interactions and how they greatly compliment to each other (both Sonic and Zootopia). I mean you can’t just see Judy call Nick and Sonic cute and not imagine that, or there was also moment where Sonic dry like dog so his fur and quills(?) go puffy and Nick would look mesmerized by fluffiness. Come to think of it Sonic has lot in common with Nick and Judy that he would actually fit for the role as their son. You’re not believe? Well here are some examples.

Similarities between Sonic and-

-Judy🐰:

1. heroes in blue (get it?)🌀

2. pretty fast (Sonic more faster than Judy but still…)

3. impatient😤

4. first act then think (always put themselves into danger)

5. thing for get into trouble

6. sense for justice

7. never give up

8. preys but not rodents (that’s right hedgehogs are not rodents)

9. became a friend with fox (their natural predator, that was bullied in past, huh strange, just as strange as hedgehog be taken care of by owl that is also his natural predator)

-Nick🦊:

1. sly smile😏

2. mischievous trickster

3. green eyes

4. omnivores (hedgehogs eat melons, watermelons(what’s the difference?), berries (blueberries headcanon!) and insects, snails, frogs snakes🤢- uhhh I think chilli-dogs works better thank you)

5. cringy sense of humor😒

6. thing for nicknames (by Nick: Carrots, Buffalo Butt, Yakity yak, Flash Hundred Yard Dash, by Sonic: Donut Lord, Pretzel Lady, Eggman, Knucklehead, Super Observant Carl)

7. loyalty (they never left their friends behind)

8. never let them see they get to you (despite suffering a lot of emotional damage, thanks a lot SEGA)

9. smooth talker with heart of gold

-both🐰 🦊:

1. traumatic past

2. sacrifices for others

3. fight for what is right

See they had a lot in common. Anyway I am still glad I was finally able to finish this. It wasn’t easy but it was worth it.

But I guess, that I made it hard for you with those moments so how about this we use the final moments like in your fanfic Carcass Bride: FINAL BOSS BATTLE SONIC VS. ROBOTNIK because honestly this moment is epic (wish I could make it bigger), it would start Sonic running from Robotnik, like we’ve seen in beginning of the movie, get shot retelling in short whole story, like in movie only less detailed and faster the confrontation between Nick and Robotnik (Sonic would unconscious but still hear them and had a self-doubt like Naruto in first chapter/episode if you what mean until he hear the important words that’ll give him boost), the final battle and then epilogue (Sonic with his new family) with open ending (you know the Eggman in Mushroom planet and then Tails’s introuction). As for what kind of universe all of them would be I have another suggestions:

1. Sonic movie universe in Zootopia (but still happening in Green Hills only Zootopia would be San Francisco and Transamerica could be Palm Hotel like in Zistopia storyboard) and Night Howler Case never happened.

2. Night Howler case happened Nick and Judy are still cops, but later decided to live in Green Hills

3. Night Howler case happened but was solved instead of Judy and Nick by Jack and Skye who later became agents and don’t like Robotnik for his ego:

a) Nick come from Green Hills (Wachowskis live as police in GH for 50 years), but suffered from Ranger Scouts move to Zootopia became “shifty fox” until he’s saved by childhood friend Judy from Bunnyburrow (from wrong decision and targeting to become savage) and the return to Green Hills become sheriff along with his new wife.

b) Both Nick and Judy just heard about it in Green Hills.

I guess the first and third are more interesting.

Okaayy now I realized that this became more ambitious that I planned but I guess that happens when you try balancing two franchises so it can make sense (enough for headcanons). But I’m not saying that I’m proud of myself. So I’ll leave you the rest (the options and writing) so I can’t wait for one-shot fanfic good luck. And also (even though it’s late but still better than never) Happy birthday Sonic, this is for you! GOTTA GO FAST!🐰🦊🦔💨

#GottaGoFast🦔💨

#LongLiveWildeHopps🦊🐰

#StaySafe😷

#AlwaysRemember (this is for late actreesses that they will alway be remembered and in our hearts❤️)

....

Oh wow! This is really great! You put a lot of scenes from the film, this is awesome!I also see that you gave Yoshi a cameo, lol! @yoshifan30 will definitely love that, lol! I like the collage look you gave the whole thing. Also, I just realized, is that supposed to be Cotton? Judy’s niece? Thank you so much for this! I will reblog this soon so I can read it more thoroughly and discuss anything I may have missed :) And once again, this...is...INCREDIBLE!!! <3 Fantastic Job Guest! You’re really talented! :D

#zootopia #sonic #sonic film #crossover #wildehopps #awesome mini comics #comic collage #submission

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ohshit-itsyagorl · 3 years

Text

Four Dipshits and a Michelle

Part 5!

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Read the story on AO3 HERE!

Writing Masterlist

Summary: Michelle never believed in soulmates. But what happens when she turns seventeen and gets her mark? What happens when she inevitably finds the person with the matching tattoo? And what is she supposed to do with Peter Parker. Her best friend in the whole world. Her crush. Someone she feels drawn to for some inexplicable reason.

May answered the door when MJ arrived at Peter’s apartment. She smiled and gave a graceful little nod, moving to the side and motioning her in.

Michelle basically ran to Peter’s room. He turned as she entered, but not fast enough to stop her from tackling him to the ground. She rolled off him quickly and looked over at Ned, who was trying to hold in his laughter.

“Was that really necessary?” Peter complained.

“Yes,” MJ replied. “Happy Birthday, Loser.” She took off her bag and set it down at the foot of the bed. “Hey, Ned. Nice hat”

“Thanks, MJ,” Ned said, tipping said hat at her. She rolled her eyes. Typical.

“So, are we going to play Cards Against Humanity, or what?” Peter said excitedly. “You did bring it, right?”

“Yes, Peter, I brought it,” Michelle said, kneeling down to dig through her bag. She found the box and pulled it out, tossing it onto the floor by her friends, and moved to sit down next to them, forming a small circle around the playing cards. “Ten bucks that Ned wins.” She removed two fives from her wallet and put them in the middle of their circle.

“Hold on,” Peter said, moving to grab his wallet and pull out a ten.

“Do I have to bet against myself?” Ned whined.

“Yes,” She and Peter said at the same time, though MJ’s version was much more aggressive.

Ned sighed and dropped a ten onto the floor in front of him.

———————————————————————————

They played for four hours, scream-laughing the whole time. So much so that MJ’s voice started to get a little raspy after hour two.

Michelle walked away with the thirty dollars because Ned did, in fact, win. No one really knew how he had gotten so good a Cards Against Humanity, but he was brilliant at it.

Peter yawned loudly. “Alright, bedtime,” Ned announced.

“But we haven’t watched a movie yet,” MJ argued.

“Yeah, Ned. It’s only 10:30.” Peter’s point was somewhat undermined by the second large yawn escaping his body, his arms flexing as he leaned back. Michelle tried to pretend she didn’t follow the movement with her eyes. God, his arms looked so lick-able.

Wait, what?

Ned leveled a look at Peter. “Michelle looks like a raccoon that just walked out of a dumpster, and you fell asleep standing up on the subway when we were headed to the mall this morning. I don’t know what you two were doing last night, but you both look like the walking dead.” Ned smiled innocently. “Oh, and since I’m just the best-est friend ever, I’ll take the couch.”

“Ned, you don’t ha—” Peter started.

“No cuts, no butts, no coconuts,” Ned said. “You two are taking the bed.”

Peter opened his mouth. Closed it. Turned to MJ with pleading eyes. She just shrugged, if Ned wanted to take the couch, then he could take the damn couch. She’d rather sleep in the same bed as Peter than next to Ned anyway.

Peter sighed and looked back at Ned. “Fine, you win. This time,” he said.

Ned gave an excited giggle that had MJ’s eyebrows furrowing, and picked up his bag and waddled out into the sitting room, giving them a wave over his shoulder and a rather conspicuous wink in Peter’s direction that only worked to confuse her further.

“Alright, do you want to shower first or should I?” Peter asked nervously. The lights in the room glinted off his hair. Michelle, once again, wanted to run her fingers through it, but she couldn’t.

Best friend.

“I can go first,” Michelle answered. Peter nodded so she grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom.

Thankfully, her shower went off without a hitch, and she had plopped her hair and slid on her oversized t-shirt and sweats in a little under twenty minutes. She looked at herself in the mirror, the white t-shirt on her head stark against her dark skin. She was attractive enough, she supposed. All sharp cheekbones and clear, brown eyes—nothing like Peter’s, though. Her eyes were cold where his were warm and practically melted her insides every time she looked at him.

She sighed, picking up a hand towel to try and wipe some of the condensation off the mirror, and bent down to grab her bag before walking out of the bathroom.

Peter looked up from the book he was reading and smiled. It made his eyes crinkle in a way that made MJ’s knees weak. She wobbled a little as she made her way over to the bed.

Peter’s eyes dropped down her body, then came back up to meet her gaze. “Nice PJs,” he said. “You look delicious.”

Michelle blushed furiously. She thought that was a weird choice of words, but she shrugged it off, looking down at her bare, dark feet. She knew if she read too much into it she would drive herself insane, and she was already half-insane around Peter to begin with.

The creak from the mattress brought her back to reality as Peter unwound fluidly from his seated position on the bed.

Michelle saw red. He had no right—no right to be so attractive doing the simplest things. She bit her lip, brought her wandering eyes back to his face. He was looking at her strangely. She couldn’t figure out what it meant, so she just trudged over to to the left side of the bed—Peter’s side, she remembered—and set her stuff on the floor.

Normally, getting out of the shower was refreshing, but not today. It was too hot and muggy outside; Michelle wished she had brought shorts instead of pants, she was starting to sweat.

The whole night; She had to wear this the whole night and she couldn’t take anything off because she was sleeping in the same bed as Peter, her best friend and—

And she was getting too worked up. She couldn’t do anything about the clothes, so she leaned down and rolled the sweats up her legs as far as she could and grabbed A Tale of Two Cities from her bag, leaning back and setting the bookmark next to her on the bed.

Peter was out in record time. Michelle was surprised he barely had the water on at all.

Minutes later, he was stumbling out of the bathroom in his boxers, water droplets still clinging to tan skin stretched over tight muscles.

Michelle looked up. And froze.

Her eyes zeroed in on his left pec. Her skin felt too tight, and when she tried to breathe, all she could smell was that damned Pantene. All she could smell was him. And it was too much—that urge to be closer.

Because sitting there, just over his heart… a goddamn spider. His soulmark. Her soulmark.

Her soulmate.

Peter was her soulmate.

“M?” His hair fell onto his forehead and she just wanted to push it out of the way—to run her hands through it and never, ever stop. Her heart squeezed in her chest, and she knew she would combust if she didn’t touch him in that instant.

Her feet moved of their own accord and then she was throwing her arms around him, residual water be damned. “Beautiful?” She quipped. “A fucking spider is beautiful?” She buried her face in his neck. She tried to restrain herself—she really did—from breathing him in. That smell that was fresh and clean and so very Peter that smelling it made her unable to function. “You’re such an idiot, Pete.”

She felt him shrug underneath her arms, felt him smile against her hair, felt his muscles shift underneath her as he brought his arms up to wrap around her too.

But then she remembered what was on his chest, what was on her chest. What that meant. She pulled back, arms slipping over his smooth skin as she brought her hands back to fold across her chest.

What did this mean? This thing between them—this living, breathing bond they shared. What was she supposed to do with this—this mess that was her life.

She took a deep breath and looked back at Peter, meeting his gaze, then dropped her eyes back to that tattoo. She had studied hers enough in the mirror to know they were identical.

She reached out. She wanted to touch it…

Peter gripped her wrist when her hands got a hair’s breadth away. She looked up at him.

“Can’t do that, M. You know what’ll happen.” He dropped her hand, and she let it fall back to her side.

Oh. Oh.

Right. How could she have forgotten? She had been living with the same side-effects for months, she just hadn’t been thinking…

No. She hadn’t been thinking, and that was the problem, wasn’t it? She needed to keep a clear head on her shoulders. She had seen Peter’s tattoo but he hadn’t seen the matching one that lived on her chest, dark ink spilling over her chocolate skin. She had to keep it that way. She might like Peter like that—want Peter like that—but he didn’t feel the same way. And once he saw her mark…

Then it would be too late, and she couldn’t do that to him. Couldn’t stomach the idea of forcing something like that on him, not when less than an hour ago she didn’t want anything to do with her soulmate. But now… she had to admit that she didn’t mind it being Peter. Stupid, dorky, intelligent, witty, geeky Peter. It didn’t hurt that he was like walking teenage eye candy, either. God, she needed to stop that train of thought before it got too far. “Yeah, right. Sorry. I—I forgot,” she let out in a strained chuckle.

He just smiled shyly at her, gave her a small shrug, color rising in his cheeks. “Never tell Ned I said this, but he was right—I’m absolutely spent. I, uh, I couldn’t sleep last night, so…” He gestured to the bed with his hands.

MJ nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.” Then, just because she felt bad, “I didn’t sleep well, either.”

Peter started moving toward the bed. “Uh-uh, that’s still my side, Spider-Boy,” Michelle said, reaching up to take the t-shirt off her head, curls falling into loose ringlets over her shoulders.

Peter spluttered. “Spider-Boy? Who said anything about—about spiders.” MJ raised her eyebrows, gaze dropping to his chest. He glanced down, “Oh, right. The tattoo.” Then, almost too quietly to hear, “Stupid. Of course she meant the tattoo, idiot.”

MJ scrunched up her face at that. She realized her sweats had fallen down where she had rolled them up, and she reached down to tug them up her legs again. Peter’s eyes followed the movement.

“Are you hot? I know the AC in here isn’t the best.”

“Yeah. You have horrible AC and I have faulty heating,” she said, rolling her eyes. Honestly, what a mother hen—

“Here,” Peter said, getting up and pulling open one of his drawers. He riffled through it and threw a piece of fabric at her. She looked down at it. Boxers. She shrugged and stalked to the bathroom, quickly closing the door behind her, shedding her too-hot sweatpants and donning the boxers. Now was not the time to get embarrassed. She was hot, it was hot out, he was offering her a solution. She felt her face heating anyway. The loose fabric offered a breeze her sweatpants couldn’t, and she thanked the heavens Peter was as observant as he was.

She stepped back into the room, shoving her wadded-up pants into her bag on the way back to the bed. Peter had shoved the comforter down to the foot of the bed, leaving only the sheet covering him. He was already asleep, mouth parted slightly, breathing deep, even breaths.

Watching him sleep, Michelle realized just how tired she really was. She pulled back the sheets, and was out before her head even hit the pillow.

And maybe it was seeing his tattoo, maybe it was that the pillow smelled like him, but Michelle dreamed of Peter. Well, maybe “dreamed” was a strong word... It was more along the lines of critical thinking.

Peter was her soulmate—her true mate. He had showered last night, that she was sure of; even if he had told her he’d already showered—maybe he got curious? And… oh, god. Had he felt very time she had…? That was embarrassing.

She was so warm—not too hot, but… warm. Comfortable. Everything smelled like him, and she thought she might drown in it, that feeling of being surrounded by him.

She opened her eyes. It was still dark out. A look at the clock in front of her told her it was two thirty in the morning. She shifted, only to realize she couldn’t. There were arms around her: one draped over her, the other wrapped underneath her around her waist, and her back was pressed up against a hard body. Peter’s body. She knew she should move, maybe even wake him up, but it just felt so right, so instead she closed her eyes again and snuggled back up against him.

She felt him tense behind her and give a small groan into her ear. She stopped moving. When he relaxed she realized he was still asleep. She breathed a sigh of relief. Then, because she was curious, she started wiggling around in his arms. She wanted to see him.

MJ managed to rotate in his arms, to look at his sleeping face. He looked so peaceful, and even though they were only seventeen, he looked younger somehow—less worried.

Michelle looked down. She was eye-level with his chest, with his tattoo. Her mouth watered. She wanted to kiss it, to lick it—she knew how good it would make him feel, to have that pressure in just the right place. She wanted to do that for him, be that person for him, but she held herself back. It was the tattoo—it was calling to her but she couldn’t. She didn’t have his consent. She settled for leaning her head against his chest. She figured her forehead would be more manageable on his mark than her mouth—but god did she want to use her mouth, to suck on that spider until he was writhing underneath her…

And that was why she couldn’t let him see her matching tattoo. They were young and reckless. Besides, he didn’t want her like that, and once he saw the tattoo, she knew he would feel the same urges—probably even stronger since they would both know then.

He tensed again, hips bucking a bit, but MJ didn’t notice. It was still the ass-crack of dawn and she was already drifting off again, burying her face in his skin, nose scraping across his mark, warm and comfortable and safe.

Part 6

#peter parker #peter x michelle #Peter Parker fanfiction #Peter Parker soulmate #michelle jones #soulmate #soulmarks #au #best friends

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whitecatindisguise · 4 years

Text

Let Me Make You Proud 25

Reminder: This story has a happy ending! Onwards!

------

Chapter 25: ‘Cause I Long For That Look Of Surprise

Rapunzel was stunned. She couldn’t move from her spot, eyes wide in shock. Her mind was both blank and spinning at the same time, not really comprehending the situation in front of her.

Just moments ago it was a normal battle, Corona versus Saporia. Until that point it still made some sense. But that changed the moment Andrew attacked Quirin.

Suddenly, Varian was rushing in their direction, only to be intercepted by Cassandra’s black rocks and pinned to the ground. Then, Ruddiger attacked the Saporian leader, saving Quirin. He was injured and Varian rushed to his side, screaming murder to Andrew. The next thing she knew was the full moon showing from behind the clouds, a piece of blue crystal embedding in the boy’s chest, his deadly screams, light and powerful wind.

Then, everything stopped and she was terrified to see Varian encased in the black rocks, frozen in painful cry. But before her mind could catch up, there was another explosion. When the smoke cleared, Varian was standing free right where his rock prison was just moments ago. But there was something wrong about him. His eyes were hollow, shining like the moon, his hair flying over his head, luminescent blue.

Andrew seemed to know what was going on and told the boy to attack. But, instead, the alchemist attacked him, encasing the man in the black rocks. Then the crazy Saporian woman came and tried to attack Varian, only to meet the same fate as her leader. After that, was the chaos.

People started screaming and running wildly, terrified of the boy’s powers. And Varian… he smiled (but not the normal smile, his smile was evil, impossible to happen, taking half of his face) and shot after them.

She felt her head hurt as she stood petrified, trying to make sense of the situation. But no matter how much she tried, she just couldn’t.

“Rapunzel, watch out!” Eugene shouted and barrelled into her, sending both of them rolling to the ground.

She looked back to where she stood, noticing with horror a trail of black rocks, ending with another encased victim. She scrambled up, terrified.

“What’s going on?” She heard Pete scream, as he jumped away from another barrage of rocks, chasing a person.

“Sunshine, we have to hide.” Eugene’s voice was urgent. She nodded and let herself be led away, running to find some cover.

They barged into the most stable-looking house, meeting startled gazes of the villagers.

“Princess Rapunzel!” Someone gasped and her eyes found a large figure standing protectively in front of the villagers. At her sight, he relaxed and dropped his sword.

“Quirin…” She breathed, only now noticing they’ve taken refugee in the village leader’s house. “I am so sorry for intruding, but…”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness.” He shook his head, the sword hanging by his side. “It’s… it’s not safe outside.”

There was more shouting from behind the door, and more people poured in, flanked by the guards. Rapunzel was thankful Quirin had a big house and most of them could fit in.

Captain walked in last, taking a watchful look outside, before closing the door and looking around.

“Can someone explain to me, what’s going on?” He ordered, his voice angered. His eyes landed on Quirin and he frowned.

“Well, obviously the kid has got some weird Cassandra-like powers now.” Eugene spoke, trying to ease the atmosphere. He failed.

“I always knew the boy was trouble.” One of the villagers huffed, others expressing their agreement. Quirin looked truly pained, hearing how they spoke of his son, and knowing they were mostly right.

His gaze landed on the small grey form, cuddled on one of the armchairs. Ruddiger, bless the Sun, was alive, only badly injured. The raccoon was unconscious, one of the villagers thankfully had enough good will to bandag the injury.

“Quirin…” Rapunzel approached the man and put a hand on his large shoulder. “Do you know what’s happening to Varian?”

The man looked uncertain for a moment, before sighing.

“It’s my fault.” He finally said, head dropping. “I was there when King Edmund tried to destroy the Moonstone. I thought the explosion of power didn’t affect me, but somehow it must have been moved to Varian when he was born. His blue streak… it’s the symbol of those powers. We didn’t want him to hurt anyone, so we managed to lock his powers away.” He brushed a hand through his hair, unsure how to continue. “I… don’t really have an idea, how he managed to get them back. He wasn’t supposed to.”

“I might have the answer to that.” A sudden voice spoke up and everyone turned to see Cassandra sitting on the windowsill.

The guards reacted immediately, surrounding her and drawing their swords. She sighed and lifted her hands in a ‘I give up’ motion.

“Look, I don’t want to fight you… Any of you.” Her eyes landed on Rapunzel for a single second, but she looked away quickly. “You can deal with me later, I won’t run away. But I believe we all have a bigger problem to handle right now.”

For a few moments it was silent, everyone holding their breaths. Then, Captain let out a deep sigh and motioned for his soldiers to stand down.

“What do you know, Cass?” Rapunzel stepped closer, cautious of the other’s every move.

“It’s Zhan Tiri. She somehow found a way to release his powers.” The woman replied, shrugging. “I know it might sound crazy, but that demon is real. She’s the reason I…” Her voice subsided mid-sentence and she looked away. Rapunzel understood.

“If he has the same powers as you do, can’t you do something about it?” Stan questioned, some of the people nodding. “Like, control the rocks or something?”

“Don’t you think I’ve tried?” She grit her teeth in irritation. “Look, his powers are inborn. Which means he’s much more powerful than I am. I can’t do anything to stop him.”

“So what? Are we supposed to wait here until he gets to all of us?” One of the village women snarled and Cass cocked her eyebrow.

“I don’t know if any of you noticed, but none of Coronans was attacked or injured.” She pointed out. “Last time I checked, he only went after the Saporians.”

“So you mean… he’s on our side?” Another villager asked, unconvinced. Oh boy, no wonder the kid had it bad. With that kind of neighbours?

“I don’t mean anything. I just said what I saw.” She stated and looked around. “But I also believe he doesn’t really know what he’s doing. So it might be a good idea to stop him.”

“I… I can try talking to him…?” Rapunzel suggested, tugging on her hair nervously. “It’s worth a shot.”

“Let me come with you, Princess.” Quirin offered, his face stern. “Varian is my son and my responsibility.”

The blonde smiled and nodded. She could use all help she can get. She turned, facing the door, a resolve in her heart. She will bring him back. She has to.

#tts #varian #let me make you proud #moon!varian #cassandra #rapunzel #quirin

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thewritewolf · 4 years

Text

Two Cursed Detectives in Paris: Landing

Chasing down their suspect has lead Connor and Eerie, two detectives cursed with animal-like qualities, to France. There they find two kids madly in love with each other, even if they don't realize it yet. But with the help of two American detectives, love might just find a way...

Based on the Chouette! story and artwork that can be found here.

(If you haven't seen Chouette! before, then don't worry - I explain everything that matters for the plot.)

Hello and welcome to this fic that I have been very much looking forward to for the past month! I've been obsessed with Chouette since I first saw it in April of last year, so combining my two favorite obsessions into one gloriously fluffy fic felt only natural. And if I can get you to join me in this fledgling fandom, then I'll be absolutely thrilled!

Enjoy!

Read on Ao3

Broadly speaking, she was cursed.

Although not in the sense that most people thought of when they heard the word “Cursed.” ‘Oh, my hair just won’t cooperate! I must be cursed!’ ‘My TV is flickering, it must be cursed!’

No, she really was cursed. If the talon-like nails, the head that swiveled three hundred and sixty degrees, and a host of other little abnormalities were anything to go off of, then probably cursed by the spirit of an owl. Or maybe she was possessed by an owl spirit? Honestly she had never been too clear on how it all worked despite living with it since middle school. It’s not like she’d been given a handbook or introductory pamphlet to help her through those first few rough months. Or the rough years that followed.

The ‘owl horns’ in her hair could be held down by her bow and the talons just looked like well manicured nails, but the red eyes and orange marking around her eyes like a mask were a dead give away. Not to mention the mossy green hair. At twenty two years old, it hadn’t been a long life so far, but it had certainly been full of struggle.

But that was who she was to the people who just saw her curse and decided not to look any further.

More specifically, she was Eerie. Eerie Escamilla, top of her class out of law school, junior detective and intern at the Cursed Special Unit, filled with people with a similar… background to her. A snore drew her attention to her left, toward one such person.

Connor MacThomas was cursed, like her, but with a raccoon rather than an owl. They hadn’t let him bring his favorite pillow with him into their first class seating, but he managed with his soft and bushy tail. She had to bite her lip to keep from aw’ing at the way his little raccoon ears twitched ever so slightly in his sleep. It wouldn’t do to be cooing at someone who was debatably her boss but unquestionably the more experienced detective between them.

Evidently, he could feel her eyes on him since he chose that moment to wake up. He yawned and stretched, his gloved hands grasping at the roof of the airplane. His hands were his greatest strength and his glaring weakness - so sensitive he could read the mood of a person by touch, which also made them so vulnerable he kept them in sturdy leather gloves worn thin by constant use.

His eyes, with their light blue sclera, opened up as he blinked at her, a bleary smile on his lips. Those eyes stood out all the more for the black mask, so similar to her own orange one, surrounding them. Another person might have thought that his crumbled, messy appearance was because he’d just spent the last five hours sleeping curled up on himself. But Eerie knew that was just how he always looked.

He adjusted himself, pulling down his shirt since it had ridden up a little. Her eyes followed the movement and she felt her cheeks heat up. Her heart fluttered and she quickly looked away, towards the window. A bad idea, given her fear of heights and suddenly her heart was fluttering for a different reason entirely. Her eyes widened and her breathing started to come in short bursts.

“Eerie?” Connor seemed to pick up on her panic quickly, if the concern in his voice was any indication. “Eerie. Boss. Look at me.” With a force of effort, she tore her eyes away from the window. “I didn’t pay much attention to the briefing. Why don’t you tell me about this mission?”

That was a blatant lie, but she was too grateful to call him out on it. She took a deep breath and gladly switched into lecture mode.

“We’ve been on this guy’s tail for the last couple months, picking apart his forgery operation back home.”

Connor grinned and stretched his hands. “Most of which was spent convincing rich people to let me get my paws all over their fancy but fake statues and busts.”

“And the rest of it was me doing meticulous art research,” Eerie said, rolling her eyes with a smirk.

“Of course, boss.” Connor didn’t break eye contact as he reached behind him to close the window with one hand. “And then what?”

“Well, I noticed that all the pieces had one thing in common - all the authentic ones are currently housed in the Louvre. And considering a lot of them aren’t even on display for the public-”

“Explaining why the fancy art people didn’t know they were being had.”

“-that means that the guy we’ve been after is in Paris, France and likely works at the Louvre. The local authorities have it up to their necks just trying to handle some crazy stuff happening in the French capital, so when the Chief offered to send the detectives already on the case...”

“...They were more than happy to accept,” Connor finished. “And luckily, we both know French, so this works out à la perfection.”

Eerie made a disapproving sound. “About that last part…”

“Yeah, boss?” A stewardess handed him a package of peanuts which he quickly tore into.

“I learned French because it was the only foreign language they offered in high school and I thought being bilingual would be good for a resume.” Eerie propped her elbow up on their armrest and put her chin on her hand, staring at Connor. “But you never seemed the type to care about stuff like that. Why did you learn French?”

To her surprise, he blushed. “It’s, uh… it’s not important.”

“Really?” Eerie blinked innocently at him. “So you wouldn’t mind telling me then. Right?”

Connor stuck out his tongue at her. “Nosey.”

“Comes with the detective territory, boss. Spill.”

After watching her for a long moment, he slumped his shoulders and groaned. “I did it to impress a girl, alright?”

Eerie’s eyebrows flew up. “Wow, really?”

“It was middle school okay?” Connor crossed his arms as his tail twitched in irritation behind him. “It didn’t work either, obviously. That was, uh, just before the whole curse thing happened. But I stuck with it!” Connor paused. “Well, mostly.”

“What do you mean, ‘mostly’?”

“Well, I’m conversational at least…”

“Connor! You said you were fluent!”

“No,” he replied. “I said I can speak it.”

“That-” Eerie stopped herself and pinched the bridge of her nose. It was a complication, but if anyone could manage to get by without knowing the native language, it was Connor. He was more resourceful than he looked. “Okay, fine.”

Their conversation was cut short as the pilot announced that they would be landing soon. They glanced at each other, Eerie locked eyes with him as he began eating the package the peanuts came in. Both of them reached the same conclusion. With more people waking up around them, it wasn’t as safe to talk about their assignment. It would have to wait until the hotel.

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

Connor's hand hesitated at the door to their shared hotel room. Knowing their mission designer, he’d half expected her to get them a room with only one bed. Jemina was great and all, but sometimes she was even more pushy about his relationship with Eerie than his own mother was. He opened the door and breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, this room did have two beds. With some big business event happening in Paris at the moment, two rooms was out of the question.

“As much as I appreciate being stuck staring at your fluffy butt, can you get a move on?” Eerie’s voice brought him back into the moment. “This stuff is heavy.”

“Right, sorry.” He stood still for another moment and looked behind him. “...So you like what you see back there, huh?” His tail swished back and forth happily.

She rolled her eyes and pushed him with her foot. Snickering, he stepped forward set to work turning the bed into something almost like home. Before long, he heard her speak up again.

“...How did you manage to pack your giant banana pillow?”

“Very carefully,” Connor said in what he hoped was a cool and mysterious way. “I figured you wouldn’t let me build a nest of pillows and blankets-”

“Accurate. I don’t want to get the house keepers annoyed with us. We’ll be here for the next few weeks after all.”

“-so this is the next best thing. Thankfully for me, Nanners here is a cuddlebug.” To prove his point, Connor laid down on his bed and spooned the person-sized banana. He opened one eye to see Eerie hiding a smile with her hand. His heart melted at how cute she was in this moment.

His eyes widened at the thought. She’s your intern, he mentally chastised himself, get ahold of yourself. He quickly sat up and put his legs over the side of his bed, facing Eerie.

“So now we’re in Paris. You remember the next part?”

“Yup, some of us pay attention to the mission briefing.” Eerie rolled her eyes, but a smirk still played at her lips. “Tomorrow, we’ll be setting up our covers. Chief managed to get us some part time jobs. Apparently I’m going to be doing deliveries for a local bakery.”

Connor frowned. “That sounds delicious. Is it too late to switch?” He asked with a hopeful lilt to his voice.

“Way too late. But hey,” she said, squeezing his shoulder. “You’re going to be an English tutor for some rich kid, I’m sure they’ll keep you well fed.” She pursed her lips. “With actual people food. So no digging around in the garbage.”

Connor feigned a gasp. “Boss, this is Paris! They have the finest, most gourmet trash in the whole world. How can you ask me not to try the local cuisine?”

“It’s not- No! We’re going to actual restaurants, I’m not letting you dumpster dive while we’re here. We’re supposed to be undercover, remember? And that’s exactly the sort of thing that will draw unwanted attention.”

“You’re just using that as an excuse ‘cuz you don’t want me eating garbage.” He waggled his finger right below her nose. She gently pushed it aside, but even with that brief touch he could a vague feeling of her emotions - a mix of exasperation and amusement.

“You’re exactly right. Is it working?”

His tail flicked back and forth irritatedly behind him. “...Maybe,” he grumbled.

“Good,” she said with far too much pep for his liking. “Now, it’s been a long day and we don’t start our new jobs until tomorrow. I’m going to take a nap.”

Connor yawned. “I think I’ll do the same.”

“You slept for most of the trip here!”

“And that was very exhausting!”

Eerie stared at the ceiling for a few long moments before laughing and soon enough he joined her.

“Good night, boss.”

“Night, boss.”

#Chouette Fanfic #Miraculous Ladybug #Connor MacThomas #Eerie Escamilla #ml fanfiction #my writing #Two Cursed Detectives in Paris

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nightmaretyrantvantas · 4 years

Text

Ok so guys i finally got part of it done(like three or four days later buuuut

I drew two sets of the families for my anxceit au!

Please meet virgil's family the Ravenwoods!

And as curtesy some info about them

Daneil Ravenwood

Hes been raising Virgil and Andy on his own since virge was about 8 and a half and andy was 6 months old

Hes a english and literature professor at the local college(that logan's parents also work at)

Hes in his late 50s early 60s current time( where virgil is 21 and andy is 13)

Hes also a published and well established fiction writer, but he writes under an alias

Hes a super supportive dad and teacher, even if he doesnt understand it he'll 100% support the decisions his kids make (ex: "oh your wiccan now? Cool virgy! Im glad you found a religion that makes you happy, though...can you explain it to me again?" "Oh andy you want to be switched to the art program? No problem! I'll call your counsellors tomorrow ok?" "Oh boyfriend huh? Thats great buddy, when do i get to meet him??")

Hes got a deep hearty laugh that makes you smile

Dad jokes to virgils mortification

Hes a skeptic but loves listening to and talking to virgil about his beliefs

had the philosophy of "the punishment should fit the crime, but you should be allowed to stumble and learn with it" raising the boys and wasnt too strict with them. Also never threatened punishments, only threatened playful embarrassment

The boys got their sass from somewhere, but he does remind them to mind their manners and watch their timing

Gentle giant as he is 6'3

Black hair peppered with grey and white and usually forgets tonshave his stubble

Passionate about his jobs, can get lost in his work

Andy Ravenwood

Virgil's baby brother, and he fucking adores his brother( even sometimes babbles about him to his friends at school and proudly talks about his "youtuber big brother"

This does not stop him from poking fun at virgil of course

Art boi!! Hes the top of his art classes!!

He is the one art kid that always has like three sketchbooks on him at all times

Loves the color purple

Look ok he knows he KNOWS his hair looks like his brothers it wasnt supposed to ok the original plan baCKFIRED AND HE COULDNT TURN BACK

Unlike virgil he doesnt cover his freckles

He has the same color eyes as their dad(grey-blue)

Andy loves animals! Especially raccoons!! Those are his favorite.( he happily took on the responsiblility of taking care of virgils cat when he moved out)

Hes a pretty cheerful kid if hes comfortable around you, but shy if he doesnt know you

Hes got an anxiety disorder but hes still living his best life

Virgil Ravenwood

Our main Cryptid goth( he dialed it down for the family photo)

Hes twenty one and lives on his own in an apartment complex close to downtown, which is a good 15 to 20 minutes from his childhood home so he visits regularly( like three times every other week)

Boi loves his family to bits, and has so SOOOO many good stories he’ll happily talk about

Has both his own paranormal youtube channel and a joint youtube channel with his boyfriend Ethen where they explore and investigate haunted places(both well known and stumbled across)

He has the same eye color as their mother, blue violet, which stands out a little more than his dad’s or brother’s

He covers his freckles with foundation because hes insecure about them

Did a year of junior college before deciding school wasnt exactly for him anymore, but still goes to events for his best friend Logan

Works at a cafe downtown that stays open pretty late( they do dinner its almost a diner but not) part time, and the other half does youtube for a living

Has a cat that had to stay in his childhood home named Sally that Andy takes care of for him

Has been considering getting another cat for his apartment

Big firm believer in the unknown and the paranormal/supernatural

Hes wiccan and has an alter in his bedroom thats apart of his facecam background

He has a tarot deck but doesnt really do readings other than little ones for himself, as divination isnt his strong suit

Has a big crystal collection hes been adding to since high school

He can sing but doesnt have alot of confidence in his voice so he just doesnt

And also introducing~

The picani-sanders family! Aka ethen's big ol family

From left to right

Patton Picani

Ethen's older brother(by two years)

Him and ethen are emile's foster kids, but he adopted him when they were like nine and seven.

Patton is 23 and happily works at the library downtown as a librarian and a reader to the kids

He loves music and musicals and all things disney (partially thanks to his boyfriend roman)

He and Ethen come off as complete opposites and they have a very playful relationship, always teasing each other

He loves his family alot and loves babysitting his little brother Thomas whenever his schedule allows it, especially during times of year Emile and Remy get swamped with work

He loves to knit and sew and make things!!! He makes sweaters and jackets and dresses and customizes clothes!! He could make a living on it if he really wanted!! (but he just does it for friends and loved ones instead- Andy has a hoodie that Patton sew wool on the inside to keep him warm and Andy adores it)

Hes really outgoing and friendly and seems to make friends wherever he goes!

He’s known Roman since they were kids and was crushing on him all through school until they got together senior year

He loves to bake and cook and help his dad make dinner whenever hes at home

Hes a sappy romantic and loves cliches

He has a huge collection of stuffed animals that hes been slowly transferring to his and roman’s apartment since he moved out(theres ALOT)

Emile Picani

The dad!! Hes in his mid 50s

He works as a singular and couples therapist and can have a bit of a wacky schedule

Hes been raising Patton and Ethen since they were little and loves his kids so damn much

So goddamn supportive of what they do, sometimes to the point its embarrassing(for Ethen)

Hes engaged to Remy Sanders and once their married their just going to combine their last names

He loves cartoons and gardening! And has his own collection of stuffed animals and toys(which hes been sharing with Thomas)

He loves making dad jokes and him and Patton make them all the time at Ethen

Hes a damn great cook and has been teaching his boys to cook for years now, and loves making big meals

Not really a strict parent, more of a sit down and talk it out kinda parent

Is part of the PTA of Thomas’s school

Actually used to be a punk in school

Thomas Sanders-Picani

The youngest! Hes 8 years old!

Our boy loves to read and write! He writes tons and tons of stories!

Hes got a huge imagination and likes to daydream

Hes bubbly even though he isnt the most social he still has a good group of friends!

Our lil boi is an actor of course! He loves getting parts in the school plays and in class assignments.

Hes in his schools choir and gets vocal lessons from Roman’s mama

His room is filled with toys and books and notebooks and pencils, and even though he tries his best to keep it clean it gets messy every week.(cleaning it is his weekly chore)

He has two best friends named Joan and Talyn that hes been friends with now since kindergarden and theyve been nearly inseperable ever since, its not uncommon for one of both of them to be at each others house on any given weekend

Hes Remy’s kid but has started calling himself by Emile’s last name too since they moved in with the Picani’s

Doesnt have too many memories of his mother but the ones he does have are all happy and pleasant(thankfully)

Calls Emile baba and Remy dada to distinguish them better

Loves his older brothers especially when they play with him, He also loves watching the old videos of Ethen’s theater performances and sometimes pesters him to reenact scenes from them( his favorite is the middle school production of ‘Alice in Wonderland’)

Ethen Picani

Our other main boy, hes also twenty one

He lives with his best and childhood friend Remus Prince in two bedroom apartment across town near the college

Does youtube full time for a living

the “black sheep” of the family as he and Remus call him

He majored in theater in his two years of college

Loves reptiles but doesnt have any because their apartment complex doesnt allow pets and he doesnt want to get him and remus kicked out since their apartment is close to Remus’s work

Has a car he loving refers to as his “hand me down junk heap” Because he got Patton’s first car when patton got a new one

He loves the old thing though

Has a good relationship with his parents. He loves his dad Emile and he likes Remy well enough

Him and remy have a very casual, relaxed relationship.( Ex: “ Dad you need to stop letting sleepless bums into the house” “ He’ll stop doing that when he stops letting punk wannabes into his kitchen, now get over here kid.” )

Loves his boyfriend Virgil to death and likes to spoil him when he can(even though virgil tells him to save his money for rent)

Hes more of a open skeptic but he’ll happily debate things with Virgil, and enjoys making videos for their joint youtube channel and being proven otherwise

He also has his own solo youtube channel where he does abandon urban exploration( sometimes with Remus tagging along for the thrill)

Remus has been calling him by the nickname “Dee” since middle school when they played Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Remus called him Dee so often he made it stick as a nickname years and years later. He refuses to let it die and Ethen has just accepted his fate

Remy Sanders

Hes around Emile’s age( mid 50′s) and looks the tallest in the family at 6′3

He came into the family later, when the boys were about 20 and 18( when thomas was about 5 or so)

Hes pretty laid back but surprising good at being strict, so he balances out Emile’s parenting style

Hes a divorcee and got guardianship of Thomas, though hes on a friendly and civil relationship with thomas’s mother and takes him to visit her three times a month( theyre currently working out more visitations and possibly thomas staying with his mother a couple weeks every months but thats still in the works)

Hes an insomiac and (usually) works night shifts as a security guard for a security renting business so his working hours can be a little unpredicitble, but he almost always works at least two night shifts and graveyard shifts a week. Hes paid both a salary plus an additional commissions by employers so its well worth it

He spends as much time with his kid and the boys as he can regardless of his wonky sleep schedule

Hes a bit of a tough love kinda person, and hes snarky and mouthy and doesnt hesitate to speak his mind

Loves Emile soooo goddamn much he talks about him alot at work to his fellow security guards. Theyre the ones who helped him pick a ring when he proposed actually

Oh yeah the two are engaged did I mention that?

He fuels Emile’s plushie collecting, even if he knows he probably shouldnt( But oh well, it makes him smile and thats all he wants to see)

Looks punk now but he was the biggest straight laced prep in highschool that comparing him now to him in highschool gives you whiplash

Would fucking die for his family. No one messes with his fiance or his kids, he doesnt care if two of them are fully capable adults

And its done!! Two of the four main families is finished!

And watch out because im also coloring these digitally(its just taking awhile :/) but those will be getting posted soon...I hope...Im trying

But here you go Virgil’s and Ethen’s families in two cute family photos!

Let me just add im so fucking proud of The Picani-Sanders photo because it was a struggle to fit them all in the picture and get the heights right and the entire side of my arm was grey with pencil lead by the time I was done but it turned out great!

Up next is Roman and Remus’s family the Princes and Logan’s family the Daniels!!

Art references are credited to @the-pastel-peach @aimasup and @underdog-arts , especially @aimasup and @underdog-arts for getting 8 year old thomas to look like a kid because im not normally good at drawing little kids but after practicing with some of their art as my reference and inspiration he turned out really well!!

I hope you guys enjoy!!

Taglist

@phantommoonpeople

@sweetsweetemo

@leesacrakon

@amazable01

@starbucks-remy

@jemthebookworm

@max-is-tired

@seriously-a-dragon

@sar-kasstic

@soupspam

@aimasup

@sugarglider9603

@underdog-arts

@strawberryjellystuff

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cantgetoutofmyheda · 5 years

Text

Clextober 2019 - Scary Stories

Anon Prompt: “Just… hold my hand for a bit.”

---

It wasn’t that Clarke didn’t like camping, it was the fact that the weather had changed over—the warm summer sun was now replaced with a cold breeze and crisp air. She wasn’t thrilled about this weekend adventure, but she felt compelled to come for the sake of Octavia. The brunette and her boyfriend, on the other hand, were both very outdoorsy—the couple had just become serious and wanted to bring their set of friends out for a little weekend fun.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Clarke huffed, carrying the bulky air mattress to the tent that Raven had set up for them, “it’s supposed to be nearly freezing tonight.

Raven couldn’t help but laugh, “Aw, come on, Griff. It’ll be fine. We’ll get toasty by the fire and get a little toasted with some tequila.”

Clarke shook her head, “I’m going to need a few drinks to keep me warm tonight, I’ll probably be sleeping in my coat.”

“Don’t worry,” Raven smirked, “I brought a double sleeping bag. I’m sure Lexa’s going to keep you nice and warm.”

“Lex– what?” Clarke shot her eyes away from the air pump, up to Raven’s, “What? You and I are sharing a tent, Rae.”

“I don’t know,” the brunette shrugged, “Anya’s been giving me eyes and we’ve been a little flirty over text. Might make a swap later on.”

“I’ll kill you,” Clarke rolled her eyes.

“Come on, Griff, be a team player,” Raven said as she walked away, making her way to the group setting up chairs by the fire pit.

---

The sun had set, and bellies were full from dinner. Raven was right about what she had said earlier, it was clear that there was definitely something between her and Anya—Lexa was thankfully aware also, the chestnut-haired girl was making an effort to get to know Clarke a little better, likely to avoid an awkward tent-sharing moment later in the night.

She had just returned to her seat, handing Clarke a drink she had mixed for her, before Lincoln spoke up, “Okay, now that we’re all back, how about we go around and tell some scary stories.”

“What is this,” Anya scoffed, “like some ‘Are You Afraid of the Dark’ shit?”

Lexa shrugged, “I think it could be fun. ‘Tis the season, right?”

“Ha,” Raven let out, “watch what you say, Lexa. Clarke over here spooks easily. You might be the one dealing with that later.”

The blonde rolled her eyes, “I’ll be fine, it’ll all be a bunch of made up stories, anyway.”

The group went around the circle, telling stories of “a friend that knew somebody’s cousin who went to college with a girl who’s boyfriend’s sister” swore that she saw a ghost, or witch, or anything else of the sort. The few stories they went through left the group in laughter—it wasn’t the vibe Lincoln was going for.

“Hey,” Anya turned her attention to man—it was his turn next, “Have you told Octavia about what happened to Echo?”

Clarke’s ears perked up, “Your guys’ friend Echo that we met at happy hour that one time?”

“Yeah,” Lexa softly let out before turning her attention to Anya, “Is this really the time or place for that story, Ahn?”

“We’re telling scary stories—it’s perfectly appropriate,” Anya shrugged, before looking at Lincoln.

“Are you going to tell the story, or are you three just going to sit around and go back and forth about it?” Octavia rolled her eyes, taking a sip of her drink.

Raven looked to Anya, “I want to hear it.”

Lexa looked to Clarke, the blonde didn’t seem to be fazed by the conversation, but she couldn’t help but recall what Raven had said earlier, “It’s pretty creepy, actually. We can go take a walk or something if you want.”

“How chivalrous of you,” Raven laughed at her attempt.

Clarke shot her friend a grimace before softening her expression and turning to look at Lexa, “It’s okay, I’m fine. But thank you.”

Lincoln looked around the circle, putting another piece of wood on the fire to keep the flames blazing. He rubbed his hands together and started to recount the story, “You guys know, Echo—she’s a freelance photographer for a few blogs and magazines. She was on assignment for some nature photography site and decided to take a solo trip to get the shots she needed.”

He looked around the circle again, all eyes were on him. He received a few nods, signaling for him to continue, “She was in the national park an hour or so from here, doing a short backpacking trail. She only brought her camera, what she needed to sleep in, and enough food and water for the trip. She’d hike a few miles every day, making the stops she needed to get the photos she was supposed to, set up camp somewhere different every night, sleep for a few hours, and repeat.”

“Sounds like a blast,” Raven said dryly.

Anya rolled her eyes, “Let him finish.”

Lincoln laughed before he continued, “Just wait. So for this particular project, she decided to shoot with her film camera—something about the authenticity of film versus digital, I think she was trying to be one with nature or something. Anyway, the trip was over and she was feeling really good about it all. She holed herself up in her studio to develop it all—that’s when she called the three of us and said we needed to come over immediately.”

He took a breath, “Lex, you want to tell the rest?”

The brunette looked at Clarke, the blonde didn’t seem to be scared. If anything, she was on the edge of her seat at the cliffhanger, “Sure.” Her eyes wandered to Octavia and Raven, both sharing the eagerness of the blonde’s, “So I was the first to get there—these two were stuck at work still. I opened the door and she was sitting outside the entrance to her dark room, holding her knees to her chest, taking the biggest breathes I’d ever seen anyone take. I asked her what was wrong, tried to see if she needed anything, but she just kept saying ‘The pictures, the pictures,” over and over.”

Raven’s mouth was agape, “What the fuck was in the pictures?”

“Oh my God, I bet there were ghosts in the background of them,” Octavia chimed in.

“She finally scooted over so I could make my way into the dark room,” Lexa started again, “and when I walked in, I saw all the photos that were hanging—there were photos of Echo sleeping at every stop she made. Some from the outside of the tent, some up close to her face, but there were pictures of her from every single night of her trip.”

“What?” Clarke’s jaw had dropped, leaving her mouth agape.

“I came back out of the room to where she was sitting and she said that she was alone, that there was no one else out there with her. She grew up camping, spent a lot of time in the woods, even in that national park. She said there were no signs of anyone around her those few days.”

“What the actual fuck,” Raven let out.

Anya nodded, “By the time I got there, Lex had managed to calm her down a little. She said that she hadn’t shot with film in a while, and each day it felt like she was getting less and less content with each roll of film—now she knew why.”

Clarke looked between the three friends that shared the story, “I think I need another drink.”

---

It was cold, but at least that hadn’t come as a surprise. Another thing that hadn’t come as a surprise was that Raven ended up in Anya’s tent, and Lexa ended up with Clarke. The brunette laughed, watching Clarke put on nearly four layers of clothes before she crawled into the large sleeping bag.

“You know,” Lexa laughed, climbing in right after her, “all you really need is one dry insulating layer, and then something thicker on top to keep the warmth in, and you’d be fine.”

“Huh?” Clarke asked, clasping her hands together to keep them warm.

Lexa reached over and zipped up Clarke’s side of the sleeping bag all the way up, before doing the same on her side and settling into the bed, “Think of it like a sleeping bag. As long as your body is warm and you’re closed up in something to keep the outside air from, the material will keep in your body heat and surround you with that temperature.”

“Oh. Yeah, that makes sense,” Clarke replied.

Lexa turned over, “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Clarke nodded, “just cold and kind of creeped out.”

Lexa raised a brow and joked, “Creeped out that you have to share a sleeping bag with someone you hardly know?”

“No,” Clarke smiled, “I’m glad you’re in here. I need you for your warmth and protection.”

“If you don’t mind,” Lexa started, “we can get a little closer. It’ll warm you up faster, I’m like an oven when I sleep—you’ll probably end up outside of the sleeping bag from overheating.”

The invitation from Lexa was all Clarke needed to hear. The blonde immediately moved her body closer to Lexa’s, pressing her back against the girl’s side, “Jesus, you are warm,” she let out as she shifted once more to get comfortable, “Night, Lexa.”

---

She wasn’t sure how long she had slept for, but it couldn’t have been very long—from what she could tell, it was still dark outside and the brunette next to her was still soundly asleep. The sounds of crickets and leaves rustling were soothing earlier, but other than that, she found the silence to be irksome. She closed her eyes, trying to get her body to relax, but the sounds of twigs snapping around the tent sent a jolt through heer body and she was immediately sitting upright.

“Lexa,” she said in a loud whisper, “Lexa, wake up.”

The brunette next to her stirred awake, grogginess was apparent in her voice, “What? What’s wrong? Are you okay?”

“There’s something outside,” Clarke managed to get out.

Lexa slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes, “It’s probably just a small animal. Raccoons romp around the sites at night looking for food that was left behind, don’t worry.”

The brunette laid back down, “Lay down and try and sleep, there’s nothing to be worried about.”

“Okay,” Clarke said in a defeated voice as she followed the brunette’s instruction.

“Here,” Lexa turned so that her front was against Clarke’s back, draping her arm over the other girl’s waist, “Better?”

“Yeah,” said, relaxing into the other girl’s embrace. She brought her hand up to where Lexa’s laid resting on her side, taking a finger to trace the other girl’s, “Could you maybe… Could you just hold my hand for a bit?”

Lexa nuzzled her head into the back of Clarke’s neck before gently grabbing the blonde’s hand, “Of course. This okay?”

“More than.”

#clexa #clextober #clextober19 #clextober2019 #clexa au #clexa modern au #clexa prompt #clexa ficlet #clexa drabble #send me the prompts #send me the asks #send me the headcanons #ask #asks #anon #Clexa fic rec #clexa fic #13daysofclexa #day 11: scary stories

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creepichan · 3 years

Text

El Capitano

Don’t ask, I dreamed of this last night XD But it was way too cute to not write it

Words: 1800

Characters: Roman, Logan, Patton, Some random Girls

Pairing: Logicality, mentioned Roman x unknown, (I leave it to you tho if you want to read it as additional Logincecality)

TW: Mentions of Alcohol, Curse, mentions of car accident ao3 link -----

“Go over the fire ladder! I’ll catch up to you” ,He whisper-shouted over to the pair that already made it half through the window, as they heard the headmaster approaching from the hall. There wouldn’t be enough time for Roman to follow them, he needed to hide and that fast if he didn’t want to get caught in the girls commons and risk to fly from the school. Logan and Patton were already on their way, and Roman ran out of options. Why did they think taking this shortcut was a good idea? Oh yeah, they didn't. Roman did all alone and now that’s what he would get from it. But, the deus ex machina decided to be merciful to him, and made him see that one of the room doors was ajar. So he quickly took the chance and sneaked into the girls room to hide. Thankfully it was empty so he could stay here for a bit. A sigh of relief flooted him, as he took a few steps back, running a hand through his reddish hair.

“Fuck that was close”

Tho he wished to have just climbed after Pat and Lo. Would have been easier and maybe fast enough on second thought. Oh well… too late now. He only prayed he didn’t have to wait too long here. The girls who this room belonged to could come back any minute and they already were lucky enough no one saw them. Plus: He REALLY wanted to be with the two right now. This day has already been stressful enough and today the deadline would end. Which meant Patton would be finally safe… In the past month Patton had to live with a curse. Roman and Logan had been on edge this whole time to keep him safe from all sorts of things that the universe threw at them. Don’t ask how it came to that, just don’t. It was already enough stress to calm his racing heart and get his breathing under control to not make too much noise. He put his ear to the door and- DAMMIT- she was still outside. And not only that, she talked with other teachers and a few students now.

“Good fuck, what are they even doing here anyways?!” ,Roman cursed. He couldn’t stay here. What would they think of him? Standing all dirty and with a ragged jacket in a girls room he didn’t even know? So he began to look around. Nothing. No Vents, no side doors, only a window. Wait… a window. On silent soles he stepped closer and carefully opened the window, looking out. Perfect. Just above was their room, but with no ladder. He would have to pray that the ivy on the wall could hold him. Slowly he climbed on the desk, ready to climb out of the- “Ah, so El Capitano honors us again with his visit”

If Roman had already put a leg outside the window, he might as well would have fallen out. But fortunately he was still enough inside to just let out a startled squee. Welp… there they were. Four girls that this room belonged to. Great… “uh…. ‘El Capitano’?” ,Roman asked perplex while lifting a brow. The girls didn’t seem hostile as they got in and went about their things as if Roman wasn’t even there. Like this was something normal. The redhead came closer with a confused grin. “Wait, seriously? Are you sneaking through so many windows that you already forgot?” His brows knitted together as he tried to recall. When realization hit him, a red flush filled his cheeks. “oh- oh god, yes.”

The girl let out a small chuckle, her friends joined in. “You were so drunk that you mistook our room for yours and wanted to climb up to yours through the window. And you kept throwing spanish word in while you wanted us to call you ‘El Capitano’” As embarrassing as this was, it was also kinda funny thinking back. He didn’t remember much from that night, only that he woke up with a bottle of tequila in a girls dorm with a pink shirt on. He was so paranoid that he slept with one of them, that his mind tried desperately to forget that hungover.

“From that on, always when one of us was about to do something stupid on alcohol, we call it “Don’t do a capitano”” Roman grinned a bit honored. “Well in my defense: If I hadn’t been this wasted I would have nailed that climb!”

“Suuuure” ,a girl sitting on her bed chuckled. The redhead walked to her cabinet, where they hoarded most of their food and pulled out a nearly finished bottle of tequila. “Ever since we were waiting for you to come back and finally get your trash” “You kept it? Couldn’t you have just thrown it out?”

“Is it our job to clean after the man, after he vanished that morning from our bathtub? Without even a thank you for hiding him or saving his stupid ass?” ,she smirked back. “Okay fair.” ,he rubbed his neck, “Thanks for that, but i cannot climb with a bottle in my hand”

“Well guess you’ll have to come back another time then. Now if you allow the question El Capitano-” “Actually my name is-”

“Nope.” ,she interrupted back, “El Capitano suits you. Besides, if anyone asks us whose bottle this is, it’s better if no one of us knows your name. But I’m Ella” ,she shook his hand with a smirk, which he returned. “Now then, Cap. Why are you here?” “Oh well… it’s a long story” That statement didn’t seem to bother the girls much, they leaned forward interest and Roman quickly noticed: They’d be an attentive audience. So he sat back on the table and began to tell them from the most deathly month of his life.

One and a half hours later, Roman said in a braid train that the girls spontaneously decided to form while listening to Roman’s tale. He didn’t know if they REALLY believed anything he said, but at least they were nice enough to act like it and not mock him. Outside the sun slowly came closer to the horizon and the hot summer air warmed the room together with the red light of the oncoming sunset. With Roman’s soft, yet melodic voice, it was really nice to listen to him, while he caught up to the events from today. Where they left the town library and were so close to getting hit by several cars, while trying to escort Patton back to the campus. Dodging a wild raccoon and a bicyclist who just HAD to run him over and ruin his favorite jacket.

“It was like the universe was against us. Well… it had been this whole month, but as we checked the dates again and knew we were close to the end, it was like it was giving us all it had on the home stretch. So we needed to run to the last safe place to wait out the last few hours of the curse. But we couldn’t walk over the campus-” “Why not?” ,asked Edna. Turning around, her braid finally finished by Roman, to face him. Roman’s face lit up a bit red for the second time that evening. “Because my crush was there and I embarrassed myself last thursday in front of him. So he clearly didn’t need to see me all dirty and raggedy. The group let out some soft chuckles and exchanged a few gentle grins. “You are such a himbo, I’m sure he would have found it cute.” “Well ladies, not taking that chance. YET. In this moment all that mattered was getting Patton home safe and- … oh CRAP! I totally forgot-” ,he exclaimed, getting on his feet. “Oh right where are your friends right now?” ,Helia asked. “They went to our room, I need to check on them” ,he said more quiet, putting an ear against the door and fuck- there were now multiple girls in the hallway. He had no chance. Unless… “Hey what are you doing?” ,Ella asked as Roman climbed on the desk once again. “I’m going to prove to you that I can nail this climb” ,a confident grin crept up on his face. “Well then, El Capitano must say farewell now, myladies! But we will see each other again” He received playfull eyerolls from Edna and Mina, enthusiastic clapping from Helia and even a Salut from Ella. “Yes oh Captain my Captain” ,she grinned, having learned about Roman’s love for theater in their conversation. Roman saluted back with a proud grin before he grabbed hard on the thick ivy and other plants that grew on the wall. Slowly climbing up he thanked the stars that their window was slightly opened, but the curtains were closed. Didn’t matter, because with some sweat he made it to the window without too much scratches. Shifting caruffly through the blue curtains that painted the room in calm blue light. He climbed in very carefully, as he saw that Patton and Logan were both in their separate beds, holding hands across. They didn’t seem to be asleep yet tho, since they both peaked their heads up as he climbed in. “Oh there you are, we were already getting worried” ,said Patton, as he carefully put his glasses on. “Sorry, dearest puffball. I caught up with a few… old friends” ,he smiled. Turning to Logan, who mirrored Patton with putting on his glasses, he asked: “How long?” For the first time this month Logan could manage to smile calm while looking at his clock. “It’s still two hours until the sun rises in Azerbaijan”

A bit unsure if he understood the whole concept Roman carefully fully asked “So… we did it?” And he would lie, if he said that Logan nodding smiling, whispering a small “Yes”, didn’t fill him with the biggest joy he has felt in this whole time. A bright grin planted itself on his face as he looked to Patton, who smiled back just as bright.

“What even is your arrangement here? Sleeping across like that! Come here!” ,he exclaimed, picking Patton up, who squeed and tightly grabbed around his neck. “Roman!”

He walked across and put Patton gently down next to Logan, who quickly pulled his arms around the smaller man. Just like Roman who joined on the other side. Finally having their victory cuddle after all these hardships and the fear of losing one another. Holding each other warm and comfortable, even through the summer heat. They didn’t mind. All what counted that they were finally here and finally safe.

Patton sniffed, smiling soft. “Thank you so much, you two… you saved me”

“Anytime” ,they replied in unison. ------ Again, please don’t ask what this curse is and why it’s connected to Azerbaijan. Dreams are WEIRD. But the scene in which Roman climbs back in and sees how they are holding hands across was too cute to not eternalize this moment X3

#sanders sides #fanfiction #my fic #roman sanders #patton sanders #logan sanders #logicality #logincecality #Roman is awesome

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sebthesnipe · 4 years

Text

Damocles

First // Previously // Next

My Dearest Procyon

Masterpost

MDP Discord Server

Chapter 36

Original story based on this wonderful post by @underdog-arts

TW: Major Character Death, blood and cursing.

Logan shoved another cracked brick out of the way. His hands hurt, his back was screaming, everything was agony!

“Lo,” Patton sighed softly from behind him.

Logan ignored him, tossing another stone aside in his haste. He could feel the dragon’s pity. He could feel the sadness the other felt for him. He paid no mind.

“Logan,” Patton repeated a bit more firmly, moving forward towards the frantic witch.

“No!” Logan snapped, pulling away from his touch. He continued to dig through the rubble, desperate to get through the crumbled door way.

“Logan, listen to me!” Patton finally demanded, pulling his partner back with just enough force that the lanky man was unable to resist.

“No, Patton!” Logan growled. “I have to get through! What if they’re stuck under the rubble?! What if they’re found?! What if-”

“Logan…” Patton breathed, his tone softening once more as he moved to cup the taller man’s cheeks. “What happens when we find them? At this rate you’ll be too tired to protect them,” the dragon pointed out.

Logan’s shoulders slumped. Patton was right. Patton was always right. How had he let his emotions get so away from-

He felt Patton’s panic underlying his affection for the witch. Patton was worried too. Just as much, if not more, than the witch. Logan was feeding off his emotions again. Damn their bond! It was going to be the death of him if he wasn’t careful.

“S-sorry,” the dragon mumbled, hurt obvious in his gaze as he pulled back. He wasn’t quite sure why Logan was upset, but had a pretty good idea of who was responsible. Patton just couldn’t keep from messing up.

Logan paused, realizing what he had done, becoming more frustrated with their connection. Still, he reached for the smaller man’s hand, taking it in his.

“Don’t be,” he tried to reassure. “I will grow accustomed to our bond. It will just take time.” He offered the dragon a small smile, leaning in to press a kiss against his forehead. The action seemed to warm Patton enough that even Logan calmed a bit.

“There has to be another way around,” Patton offered after a moment, glancing at the rubble once more.

Logan paused. Once again, Patton was correct. Still, getting around without being seen would be even more difficult, not to mention they couldn’t be sure which paths were collapsed and which were safe. A wrong turn could set them back far too much if Roman’s condition worsened any more than it already had.

“I need to think,” Logan huffed, sinking down onto a large piece of crumbled wall.

Patton nodded, moving to glance over the edge of the outer wall. This had gotten out of hand far too quickly. Everything was a mess!

The smaller man breathed deeply.

A large inhale.

Exhale.

A thin spiral of smoke escaped from him as he sighed. The sound had Logan glancing up to him.

“Patton!” Logan gasped making the other jump.

“What?! What is it?!” Patton rushed, glancing about for the immediate danger he must be in.

“You’re a dragon!” Logan pointed out causing Patton to hesitate in his confusion.

“Well, yeah,” He chuckled, as he tried to figure out what the witch was getting out. “Last time I checked anyways.”

Logan pushed to his feet, hurrying over to the smaller man and pulling him into his arms. He hoisted Patton’s tiny form off the ground spinning them in a circle. The dragon couldn’t help but giggle as the world around them blurred.

“A beautiful, fantastic, insanely strong dragon!” Logan cheered excitedly.

“Lo! Stop!” Patton laughed, giving him a smack on the chest as he was lowered back onto the stone floor.

“You are about to solve all of our problems!” Logan praised, leaning to taking Patton’s hand in his and bringing it to his lips.

………………………………………………………………………………….

“Wow,” Remus breathed as they entered the large courtyard. Carved pillars lay toppled and crushed, the large tree that had been towering over the expansive green now lay smoldering on the ground, trunk splintered into pieces. Remus’ gaze finally landed on the tall scarred man currently speaking with one of his soldiers.

“Aw,” Remus sighed in disappointment as he made his way down the steps, pulling Noname’s attention. “You’re already calmed down? But Angry Daddy is always the best Daddy,” he pouted.

“Remus, I don’t have time fo-” the villain hissed, cutting himself off as the group of soldiers behind the twin entered, dragging a still unconscious Roman.

“Oh,” Noname breathed, a smile playing on his pale lips as he shoved the soldier he was speaking to out of the way. “Oh, my love! You found him!”

“I did,” Remus announced proudly, earning a nip in the side from the raccoon still stuffed in his baggy shirt. The foul-smelling man squeaked in surprise before quickly composing himself, elbowing the small bulge under his arm in reprisal.

Thankfully, Noname didn’t seem to catch the interaction, attention far too focused on the prince as he climbed the stairs in his approach.

“Is he-”

“He’s alive,” Remus reassured his lover with a nod.

“Good. Very good,” Noname breathed, moving to brush back the prince’s damp locks. “He’s becoming more trouble than he’s worth and I’m growing tired of it all.”

Noname waved away his men, the group splitting in two as he turned back to Roman’s twin.

“Y-you’re not going to send for the healer?” Remus asked, tensing slightly

“No, dear,” Noname cooed, reaching out to cup his face. “At this rate, it would be more beneficial to simply leave him like this and try to syphon his power while he’s weak than to try and save him,” the vile man explained, thumb lifting to brush against Remus’ bottom lip. “Remind me to reward you properly later. We can-”

“Noname!” Logan’s voice cried.

The man in question tensened, pulling his attention away from Remus and towards the sky as the wind began to pick up with the sound of large beating wings. The smoldering tree ignited once more, sending long flickering shadows across the courtyard as the enormous dragon above began to lower itself slowly.

Patton’s feet struck the ground one by one, sending rippling quakes outwards as he landed, in spite of obviously attempting to add as little as possible to the destruction already present.

Noname’s slitted gaze lifted towards the witch currently sliding off the giant beast’s back and sighed.

“Well, you certainly know how to make an entrance, I’ll give you that,” the scarred man sighed, as he pulled away from Remus and approached.

“Let Roman go!” the witch demanded.

“Or what?” Noname scoffed. “You’re going to breathe fire at me?”

“We might!” Logan warned. “Give him up or we will destroy everything, you included!”

Noname paused, arms crossing over his chest. “Oh, no,” he mocked. “Please don’t destroy everything, me included!” He gave a roll of his eyes before pinning Patton with a flat stare.

“You didn’t tell him, did you?” he asked the dragon, causing Logan to pause.

Logan could feel Patton’s unease grow, shifting to anxiety quickly as Logan glanced at the dragon.

“That you knew each other?” Logan asked, trying to reassure the beast as he turned back toward Noname. “Yes he told me. I don’t see-”

“Oh, Logan…” Noname chuckled. “Patton and I know are more than just acquaintances-”

“Don’t.” Patton’s voice came, the dragon already starting to shift back into his usual human sized self.

“Oh, I see!” Noname laughed at the realization, “You two are bonded! How cute!” he teased, “I always knew you were too soft hearted, Brother.”

Logan tensed. “Brother?” he repeated, trying to process what was happening. He could feel Patton’s shame and pain washing through to him.

Everything fell into place.

Patton and Noname were brothers! That’s why Patton knew him! That’s how he knew Remus! Everything he kept from them... Everything that he lied about...

Shock washed through him.

“Logan I-”

Logan raised a hand, silencing Patton’s pleas. The dragon could feel the witch's emotional turmoil, only adding to his own.

“You of all people know the danger of providing information that can change the outcome of a premonition.” The memory of Patton’s words came rushing back to Logan. “Sometimes it’s not worth the risk.”

Was this what he had really meant then? Was keeping his relationship with Noname from Logan an attempt to avoid their fates?

Or was it an attempt to protect himself?

If the group had known who he was, would they have so willingly accepted his companionship or his help?

Logan’s anger only grew at the thoughts, the feeling of betrayal bubbling up uncontrollably.

“Logan, please!” Patton cried, “It’s not like that!”

“It doesn’t matter!” Logan demanded. “We’re here now and if you’re not going to help then get out of the way!”

………………………………………………………………………………….

“Noname!” Logan’s voice had come, causing Virgil to tense. How had he managed to get there so quickly?

It didn’t matter. Remus had been wrong! He should have never trusted the trash rat in the first place!

Virgil needed to get to Roman.

Noname shifted away, his attention preoccupied as Patton and Logan descended above them. Now was Virgil’s chance!

The raccoon quickly scampered up Remus’ side, poking his head out of his collar to take stock of his surrounding.

“What are you doing?!” the rat-man in question whispered harshly, already trying to shove Virgil back down.

Thankfully, Virgil was too quick for him. The raccoon scrambled from the confines of the fabric and jumped down, scurrying across the small space between the man and a fallen pillar and ducking behind it.

He paused, waiting to see if anyone had noticed.

Nothing.

No cries of attention, no heavy foot falls, just the sound of crackling wood and Logan and Noname’s heated conversation.

He was in the clear.

The procyon hurried onwards, keeping to the shadows of the fallen stone columns, pausing when the damage was severe enough to expose him.

He glanced about taking stock of his surroundings. Patton, Logan, and Noname to his right; Remus behind him. There! Roman and three homunculi to his left!

The prince was slumped against a crumbling wall, as the three soldiers stood in front of him, watching the exchange between the newcomers and their boss. Virgil had to get around them somehow. If only he could get behind…

Yes! There!

Another column across from him had fallen into the wall on the other side of the soldiers. If he was quick enough, he could make it up the pillar and onto the wall behind Roman. If he was lucky, he could make it into the opening behind him and drag him through without the guards noticing until it was too late.

That was a lot of ifs. Still, what other choice did he have...

……………………………………………………………………..

“Now that's no way to speak to the one you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with, Logan,” Noname teased lightly.

“Be quiet!” Logan spat, brows furrowing as he attempted to pull on Patton’s power, fumbling with the thick weaves. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!”

“Oh really?” Noname asked, arching a brow. He watched as Logan worked, not bothering to try and stop him. “Maybe I don’t. After all, you were the one that bonded with me in search of power. Then when I wasn’t enough, you chose Virgil as a sacrifice and bonded with him.”

“Shut up!” Logan spat.

“And now you have my poor pitiful pink haired Patton,” the scarred man pointed out. “I for one never lied about our arrangement. You knew exactly what you were getting into. Can you say the same for the others?”

The weave in his hand exploded into a large cloud of smoke, sending the witch into a wheezing fit as he scrambled to get away from it.

“That’s enough!” Patton snapped at his brother, moving to try and help Logan stand. “I’m tired of this! You’re being cruel, Kiddo!”

Hearing Patton use that nickname for his foe caused Logan to jerk away from Patton’s hold on his arm. The action sent him sprawling onto the grass beneath him, hurt washing through the bond. Logan was rejecting Patton again and it pained the dragon to no end.

“I’m just being honest,” the black and yellow clad “kiddo” in question shrugged.

……………………………………………………………………..

“Roman,” Virgil whispered harshly, the energy from shifting to and from his animal form taking its toll on what was left of his metaphysical source. “Roman, please wake up.”

Roman gave no response.

Virgil hesitated. He needed to get the man on his feet and quickly, but…

He could do this. It would be fine. Virgil took a deep breath, the action causing a piercing tinge in his chest. It had him doubling over as he went into another coughing fit. His hand lifted to stifle the sound until it subsided.

Okay, no preparations then…

He just needed to do it.

He shook out his hands, trying to gather his courage.

He pressed a palm against the wound at the prince’s shoulder, the worst of them, and began to weave his tiny frayed magic, the action sending wave upon wave through his body as he tried to heal it.

It wasn’t long before he couldn’t take it anymore, the power eating away at his soul taking its toll. His hand dropped from the other man’s shoulder, falling limply to his lap as the last bit of strength ebbed from him.

This was it…

This was how he was going to die….

As useless as ever…

He couldn’t even save-

“V-Virgil?” Roman breathed in confusion, eyes cracking open. “W-what- Am I dreaming?” he mumbled softly.

Virgil hesitated, chest heaving in relief at the sound of the other man’s voice.

“No…” he answered softly. “You’re not.”

Roman’s brows furrowed as he moved to sit up a bit more, the action causing pain to shoot through him.

“But your eyes are-” he shifted again, breath hitching, “both purple!” he finally managed, reaching out for the other man.

Virgil didn’t hesitate to take his hand, pulling it up to nuzzle against the prince’s palm. “It’s a long story,” he admitted looking exhausted. “I’m just glad I found you. I was so worried.”

“Virgil…” Roman breathed, trying to find the words. “I’m so sor-”

“It doesn’t matter,” Virgil reassured. “All that matters is that you’re alright. Remy told me you were-”

“Remy?” Roman asked as it all came flooding back to him. “The baku! They told me you were dying! Are you alright?! What’s going on?!” Roman demanded, sliding his knees under him so he could move closer, ignoring the throbbing pain in his head.

“Ro,” Virgil whispered, “I’m fine for now, but-”

“For now?!” Roman boomed.

“Keep your voice down, you idiot!” the witch hissed, giving him a weak smack. “The guards will-”

It was too late. Before Virgil could muster the energy to react, the soldiers were on top of them once more.

………………………………………………………………………….

“Logan isn’t like that!” Patton yelled at the other man. “He doesn’t use people like you do!”

“Doesn’t he though?” Noname asked. He considered his next course of action. He could kill the witch fairly easily judging by the man’s poor talents, but then he would have to deal with his irate older brother, and that was never fun. “He used naive little Virgil for his own gain,convinced him to bond even though it would kill them both, and then when it was time to jump ship, he found you.”

“It’s not the same!” Patton protested as Logan pushed himself up.

“He’s right,” Logan admitted as he straightened, his resolve flooding through the bond.

“Logan, no…” Patton argued, already aware that it wouldn’t work.

“I used Virgil and all of us know it,” Logan nodded. “I’m the reason he is in the state he is in, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t make it right! My past mistakes do not define who I am, and neither do you!” the witch roared at the well dressed man across from him. “Not anymore! You don’t think I see what you’re doing? Using that silver tongue of yours to turn us against one another isn’t going to wor-”

“My Lord!” A soldier called, as he and another man pulled a struggling Roman further into the courtyard.

“Roman!” Patton cried, taking a few steps before hesitating.

The last guard dragged a weak looking Virgil towards the others, the witch limp, eyes barely open.

“These two were trying to escape,” the soldier continued.

Noname sighed, glancing at the two of them.

“Virgil,” he greeted. “I was wondering where you were. I had assumed if Logan was here you weren’t too far off. Still, I expected better from you.”

Virgil didn’t respond, head hanging low as the soldier supported him.

“Then again, I’m surprised you made it this far,” the villain admitted. “Look at you, you’ve got one foot in the coffin. Honestly, you really should just give in.”

Virgil grunted, feeling the tendrils of Noname’s words pressing against his thoughts. The soothing tone of his voice coaxing his eyes closed. He was right. Virgil should just give in. Let it all go. No more pain… No more wor-

“Fuck you!” Roman spat, fighting against his captures’ hold.

The words pulled the witch from his drowning thoughts, his eyes shooting open.

Noname tisked in annoyance.

“You really are more trouble than you’re worth,” the vile man sighed. “Kill them both.”

“D, please,” Remus pleaded, suddenly at his side, hand on his lover’s arm. “There’s no need for that. I’m sure we can-”

“You consider me a fool, don’t you?” Noname asked his companion.

“What?! No! I-”

“You think I don’t know that you helped him escape?” Noname continued, “I know Roman couldn’t have turned himself human without your help.That he couldn’t have made it as far as he did. You’re lucky I value you so greatly or you’d be joining him!”

“D!” Remus pleaded again.

“That’s enough! Kill them!” He ordered again.

The soldier to Roman’s right pulled away, drawing his sword to give the final blow.

“No!” Virgil cried, suddenly shoving against his capture, throwing him off balance and sending them both sprawling to the ground.

The small witch lifting his hands, fingers dancing across the air as he drew the symbol needed.

He could feel his life force draining once again.

He voice cried out, igniting the rune and sending a large blast of wind rushing towards the prince.

Virgil collapsed against the ground, not even having the strength to catch himself, as Roman and his two captures went flying.

“Virgil!” Logan cried, already sprinting towards the motionless witch.

“Don’t even think about it!” Noname spat, lifting a hand.

Logan froze midstep, an invisible force making him unable to move as Noname began to squeeze the breath from his lungs.

Roman scrambled to his feet, catching sight of the soldier’s discarded sword. He scooped it up as he rushed forwards.

Now was his chance!

The distance closed between himself and the Villain.

Noname was distracted!

He was so close!

All he had to do was to strike him down!

He felt his sword slid against flesh and bone, a sickening squish as the blade embedded into a body.

Horror struck the prince.

The world around him seemed to fade into the background.

……………………………………….

Logan felt his vision blur as his head fogged from lack of oxygen. He needed to stop this. He needed to get to Vir-

Air rushed into him as he was released, bringing a new kind of pain.

His chest screamed in agony, the pain of the wounds on his back nothing in comparison

Sadness filled him, hot tears beginning to stream down his face.

What was happening?

Something was very wrong.

Why did he feel-

“Nooo!” Noname cried, bringing Logan’s attention up as he tried to remember how his lungs were supposed to work.

The yellow and black clad man turned, back now facing the seer, his own stunned attention on the two men now before him.

Roman stood, shock etched onto his feature, hands still gripped tightly around the hilt of the sword before him, its blade reflecting the flames from the nearby tree illuminating the face of it’s victim.

Logan’s newly found breath hitched, catching in his throat. Whether it was from the immeasurable pain or the shock of what he was seeing he couldn't tell, but the cry that escaped him, meant to rise about it all, to break past the heavens to express the agony that was coursing through his soul, came out in nothing but a soft broken whisper.

“...Patton.”

To be continued…

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@hiddendreamer67 @nightashes @aequinoctiale @sumersnowlilly

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she-is-tim · 5 years

Text

I love hating you | Elu enemies to lovers AU | Ch. 4

Previous Chapters: 1, 2, 3

Lucas is an angry, closeted and frustrated gay teenager, while Eliott is the handsome, smart and popular guy in school. They hate each other… but not forever.

I don’t think I deserve this

Saturday morning was cloudy and cold, but Lucas couldn’t be happier. He started the day by doing his chores that was listed on their chalkboard Mika hanged in the living room. They kept switching the tasks, so no one gets bored of it. Later the day he joined Lisa on the couch, she was watching some weird documentary, but Lucas couldn’t care less, he was on his phone basically all afternoon, chatting with Eliott. Thankfully Mika was working, so he wasn’t asking questions about his happy behavior.

srodulv Idriss and Sofiane keep trying to peek over when I’m texting you They are being annoying

lucallemant I kinda get them, you should be focused on studying, not texting me Not like I want you to leave

srodulv You would be missing me, and I can’t stand a sad hedgehog

lucallemant Too much confidence you got there, Demaury

srodulv I think I have good reasons to be sure about some things ;)

lucallemant How do you know the boys, btw? Idriss is older than us for sure

srodulv I am older than you too I had to repeat first year of high school

lucallemant What? I had no idea

srodulv Things happened in my life, so... It’s not important, but I was going to their school in first year But we are friends since middle school

lucallemant Well, at least now we’re in the same year

srodulv Haha That’s true Okay, I gotta go now, these two are driving me crazy

lucallemant You can do it! Saturday is almost over

srodulv And I’m missing you so damn much

lucallemant Stop being so cheesy We spent hours together yesterday

srodulv It’s never enough time with you

lucallemant G O T O S T U D Y E L I O T T

srodulv Yes, ma’am

Lucas smirked at his phone for a few more minutes and put it in his pocket after Eliott didn’t say anything else. He loved to talk to him all day long, but he was with friends and he had to study too, so he couldn’t be selfish, asking him to keep texting. He might not be the smartest kid in school, but he knew that Eliott didn't do much studying all day, since he kept replying to him within seconds.

Monday came way too slow, Lucas spent his sunday with studying and doing homework. He wasn’t on his phone much, but Eliott was also busy, so it wasn’t a big deal. In the morning he packed up his bag and left for school with Manon. They were planning to meet up in the common room before classes, just to chill and eat breakfast. The girl spent almost an hour in the kitchen this morning to make sandwiches for them, she was carrying it in a basket, while Lucas had two bottles of soda in his hands.

“Seriously, Manon, It’s just monday, why are we having an indoor picnic?” He asked, his hands were numb from holding the bottles.

“We are halfway done with the common room, this is a little celebration.” she said excitedly and walked into the room, holding the door open for the boy.

They joined the others at the table, it seemed like they had some serious topic to talk about. Lucas put down the bottles and went to the shelves to get plastic cups for everyone. Meanwhile Manon put down paper plates and the basket full of sandwiches. The girls seemed to be really happy and continued their talk while eating. Lucas sat down next to Manon, chewing on a sandwich. Since friday he could only think about Eliott. He kept seeing him when he closed his eyes, he could clearly remember his smell and the feeling of his fingers on his skin.

When his phone started buzzing, he felt his heart beating faster. Eliott haven’t texted him since sunday and he missed him so much. He was right back then, Lucas was one really sad hedgehog without him. All those feelings he had for this boy were overwhelming. He unlocked his phone, checking the message he got, but it wasn’t from Eliott, it was his mother.

From Mom For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; [2 Peter 2:4]

Lucas took a deep breath and inhaled slowly. The girls were too busy talking about some sports event that will be on this friday, so they didn’t notice his reaction. He haven’t recieved a bible verse from his mom since a while now, it usually meant that she is doing bad. He knew that the nurse his father was paying took good care of his mother, but it was still frustrating to think about her feeling bad. He also haven’t seen her since months. Son of the year, clearly.

He excused himself and walked out of the common room. Students were already walking on the halls, so he decided to go to the bathroom and tried to call his mother. He spent there 10 minutes, but she wasn’t answering. Lucas got really worried now. He quickly looked for the number of his mom’s nurse and called her. He was walking around in the bathroom until she picked it up.

“Hello?” her voice was soft, calm. It didn’t seem like anything was wrong.

“Good morning! I am Lucas Lallemant, I wanted to ask about my mom.” he explained, talking a bit too fast, but hoped that the lady understood his words.

“Oh, Lucas! I haven’t heard from you in a while.” she said softly, this was still not convincing the boy that things were okay. “Your mother is reading right now, we just had breakfast and she took her medications. But why is the sudden call?”

“Nothing...” Lucas mumbled, feeling bad because panicing over such little stuff, but also because he haven’t met his mother in a while now. “Nothing, I just wanted to know if I can visit her after school.”

“That is a wonderful idea, I think she would like that. She’s feeling much better lately, we talk a lot and she told me a lot of stories about you.” she answered softly, which made Lucas’ heart feel warm. Knowing that his mother was able to talk and tell stories of his childhood meant that she was really doing better.

“That’s great, I’ll go there around 17:00 after classes.”

“We will be waiting.”

“See you then.” he said and hung up, letting out a relieved sigh.

He leant to the wall next to the bathroom stalls and looked out the window. Everyone was slowly coming inside from the yard as their classes were about to start. He was looking for one face, one messy hair in the crowd, but he couldn’t find him. Eliott might have already gone to his class. He closed his eyes, leaning his head back. Stop thinking of him, Lucas.

He walked out of the restroom now, ready to start his day. On his way to the lockers, he met Imane, she seemed to be looking for someone. Lucas stepped to her, smiling softly. Imane was a great friend for him and they always studied together for biology. She was sassy and confident, almost the exact opposite of Lucas.

“Hey! Are you looking for someone?” he asked softly. The girl looked at him, a small smile playing on her face. Okay, this seems suspicious.

“Yeah, I was looking for you actually.” she said and handed him a carefully folded paper. “My brother gave this to me. Eliott asked him to get this to you.” she explained with now a wide smirk. Lucas felt his face burning, stomach turning. He couldn’t find the right words to say both because he didn’t wanted Imane to suspect anything and because he was deeply worried why was Eliott sending him a letter, not a message.

“It’s not what...”

“Don’t bother.” she said raising her hands. “It’s not my business, I just didn’t know that you are friends with Eliott now.” she said crossing her arms, looking curious. “I mean you were talking shit about him like a month ago.”

“We were just assigned for a school project.” he mumbled, lies coming out of his mouth without thinking about it. It was so natural for him to cover things in his life to make situations easier. “It’s probably just a note I left at his place.” he shrugged, trying to play cool.

“Okay then, I was just asking.” she said.

“Why didn’t you gave it to me earlier?” Lucas asked now curiously. They were all in the common room, she could have handed it to him there so she wouldn’t need to look for him.

“I figured it’s something that the girls shouldn’t know.” she said seriously. “I mean... Daphné is still a bit gone for that guy, they wouldn’t let you breathe if they would know that you are close with Eliott.” she said.

“And you also don’t wanna let them know that your brother and him are friends, right?” the boy asked now with a half smirk, while Imane rolled her eyes. “I totally understand. Say thank you to Idriss for me.” he said and walked to his locker now.

He slowly unfolded the paper, it was a drawing and a note under it, well actually two drawings. One of them was a sad hedgehog, looking at his black phone screen, the other one was a sad raccoon with a suitcase in his hand, waiting at the train station. Lucas felt his stomach turning, looking at the letters under the drawings, slowly reading the sentences.

“Dear Lucas

I am so sorry I haven’t texted you for a whole day, but something happened with my family and I had to leave Paris. Hopefully I won’t be away for long, but I am not gonna be able to use my phone. I’ll let you know when I get back. Damn, I wish I could have say goodbye to you in person, but I really had to leave quickly, I barely had time to make this letter, but I feel like this is what you deserve. Don’t worry too much, okay? I can’t stand a sad hedgehog, you know that. And maybe you can surprise me with something when I come back. I am going to miss you... I am already missing you

Sincerely A very sad raccoon”

His handwriting was beutiful, that is the first thing that got to Lucas’ mind, then he kept re-reading the sentences, trying to take in all that information. So Eliott had to leave urgently, that’s fine. He had no time to contact Lucas, which is also fine. Then he fucking decided to draw and write a letter to him. This guy was far too much into romantic stuff and Lucas was there for it. He put the paper in a safe place inside his bag, making sure he won’t lost it. He smiled as he walked to his first class. Eliott cares about me.

After his last class, he was packing his stuff from his locker into his backpack. He wanted to reach the first bus to visit his mother. He was preparing himself for that all day. His mind was filled with imagined conversations, fearing that his mother will question him for not visiting her. He was really nervous, but also excited. He wasn’t in a good relationship with his father, but he always loved his mother even when she couldn’t be the mom Lucas wanted.

As he stepped out of the building, he almost bumped into his friends. Arthur and Yann had to listen to some stupid story Basile was rambling about. He stopped speaking when they saw Lucas. The short boy smiled at them, being frustrated on the inside, because he knew he wont make it to the first bus now, not like he had to wait much for the next. He just really wanted to see his mother.

“Hey, Lulu! Haven’t seen you all day.” Yann said, pulling his friend into a quick hug. Lucas sighed, enjoying the moment of his best friends kindness.

“Yeah, I was pretty busy with classes and helping the girls in the common room.” he explained, hugging back his friend before he pulled away, Arthur gave him a fist bump.

“You were with the girls?” Basile asked with sudden enthusiasm. “Were Daphné talking about me?” his eyes were wide open, hoping for a positive answer. Lucas totally forgot that his idiot friend is now having a crush on his sweet Daphy. Of course he liked and supported Basile with all heart, but he also wanted the best for his blonde, overexcited friend, which wasn’t being Basile’s girlfriend.

“About you? No, I don’t think so.” he said honestly.

“See, Daphné doesn’t give a fuck about you, dude.” Arthur said, he was always there to tell the truth to Basile. “You gotta find yourself a girl that can appreciate you.” he said, squeezing his friend’s shoulder. The short boy smiled fondly at them, it was nice to hang out with the boys like this. He haven’t had much time to do this before because he was too afraid they will notice he’s different.

“We were actually planning to go to my place and order pizza.” Yann said now, looking at his best friend. “You should join us.”

“I would love to, but I am actually going to visit my mom.” he said softly. “I am already a bit late.”

“Oh, did something happen?” Yann asked with a worrying tone in his voice. He was always there when Lucas needed help because of his mother and the boy couldn’t be more grateful for that.

“Nothing in particular. I just haven’t seen her in a while.” he said honestly. “But you guys have fun.” He smiled and fistbumped with them, then walking to the bus stop.

The afternoon with his mom was really nice, she wasn’t lost in her thoughts like she used to. Lucas told her about school, how classes going. He was talking about the common room and how she made friends with the girl group. It was nice to tell all this to someone who had no idea about them, he noticed how much he adores the girls and their friendship. Of course his mom asked if she like liked any of the group, but he said no confidently. They are like my sisters. And his mother seemed to be satisfied with that answer and didn’t ask more questions about her son’s love life. Lucas had no idea how much he needed this mother in his life. A caring, understanding and nice person who he can tell about his days, his friends, his classes. He wished he had the strength to tell her about his sexuality... or more likely his thing with Eliott. Is there actually a thing between us, though?

It was late, almost 20:30 when he left his mom’s house, getting on the bus. He read Eliott’s letter again, staring at the drawings for long minutes. This heavy feeling in his chest didn’t wanted to go away, he was really worried and missed this handsome guy, his stupid texts, his soft words. He remembered how they almost kissed twice. He got goosebumps just by thinking about it.

Days went on so slow Lucas felt like he was suffocating. He spent most of his time with studying or helping out the girls, anything that could keep him occupied to not think of Eliott. But when the nights came, everything rushed him at once. It was killing him slowly. He felt like he’s never going to come back.

Somewhere around wednesday the boys started to talk about a party, then the girls were talking about it too, because Emma was hosting it. Lucas felt like it will be a good way to drink and forget his emotions, so of course he agreed to go with them. Since he haven’t heard from Eliott since 4 days now, all he wanted is to get drunk and not feel anything. He hoped that Arthur brings weed to the party, he was his savior all the time, even if he didn’t know that.

He tried to put on some nice clothes, dark blue jeans, grey t-shirt and a denim jacket. Usually he would just put on a hoodie or his favorite blue jacket, but he kinda wanted to look good today, no specific reason. He tried to get his hair in some sort of shape, with very less success, so he just dropped the case within ten minutes. When he was ready, he texted the boys and left the flat. Manon was already there, helping Emma all afternoon to set things up.

Lucas was on the bus, checking the group chat with the boys. They were going crazy, because Yann told them that the girl he likes accepted his invitation to the party and they probably gonna meet up tonight. The boy smiled at his phone, congratulating to his best friend. He looked out the window, he was almost at the stop that was the closes to Emma’s house, when he got a message, it wasn’t from the boys, it was an instagram DM. His heart skipped a beat, his lips were dry, his stomach turned in that few seconds when he opened the app to see the message.

srodulv I got off the train, waiting for the bus. Do you wanna meet up? I need you

Lucas was struggling for only a few seconds. Eliott was so direct, no teasing, no playing around, he straight up said he needs Lucas. He got off the bus as soon as it stopped and thankfully could catch the ride to the other direction before it left the stop. He felt so many things at once, not knowing what to think. His hands were shaking, but he had to text back to Eliott, so he won’t be thinking that he left him on read.

lucallemant On my way

He wanted to scream at the driver to go faster. He didn’t know what was going on, but Eliott wasn’t feeling good, he could tell even through text. When he got to the right place, he jumped off the bus, he didn’t see Eliott anywhere, so he checked the time. It usually takes 20-25 minutes with bus to get to the train station from this part of the city. Eliott only texted him 14 minutes ago. The waiting was pure agony, he walked in a few meter radius up and down. His hands were sweating and shaking. He jumped when his phone started buzzing, but it was only the group chat with the boys.

Arthur Hey, Lucas, you should be here by now. Where are you, dude?

Yann Is everything okay, bro?

Basile Don’t fuck this up, man! There are hot chicks!

Arthur Lulu?

Yann Can’t you just answer? I see that you read the messages

Arthur What is wrong with you?

He sighed and closed the chat for now, he couldn’t deal with his friends, not now when he was about to see Eliott. His stomach felt so tiny, he barely could breathe, he kept licking his lips, because they were so dry. He should have sit down, but he couldn’t stop his legs, if he settles, all the emotions will rush at him at once and he either cries or throw up. Not a good way to welcome his handsome... what is Eliott to him exactly? He shook his head.

He was so deep in his thoughts that he only noticed the bus when it left. He stopped his moves and looked at the boy standing in front of him, just a few meters away. Eliott put down his suitcase, he seemed exhausted, so tiny. He was hunched, pale, even more than usual. His eyes were red and the circles around them looked much darker, like he haven’t slept for days. He was looking at Lucas, hands in his pockets, like a scared animal. He opened his mouth, trying to say something, but then closed it, looking down.

Lucas was feeling so many things at once. He felt joy, because he missed this boy so damn much and it was good to have him back. He was worried, since Eliott looked like he have been through hell. He also felt insecure, because he didn’t know what was going on his head. When the tall boy looked at the ground, Lucas made his decision. He looked around, making sure no one was on the streets. It was getting late, friday night and this was a really calm part of the city anyways. He then started walking, almost running, jumping on Eliott, wrapping his arms around the slim body.

Eliott was shocked first, but then he pulled his hands out of his pockets, sliding them on the short boy’s back, burying his face into his neck. Lucas stroked him gently, enjoying the smell of Eliott he missed so much. They were standing like this for long minutes, then Eliott pulled back just a little, still keeping the small one in his arms. He touched his forehead to Lucas’, looking into those deep blue eyes.

“I missed you so damn much.” he whispered, voice sounded harsh, like he haven’t drank anything for a long time. Lucas slowly put his hands on his face, caressing his cheeks with his thumbs.

“I’m here now. No more sad raccoon or sad hedgehog, okay?” he said softly. Deep inside he felt like Eliott needed soft, reassuring words right now.

“Okay.”

“I’ll stay with you.” he whispered, stil stroking the other one’s face.

Eliott looked at him, deep into his eyes. He looked like he was crying not too long ago and that was breaking Lucas’ heart. He couldn’t bare seeing him like this. He looked so small and volunerable now, almost like a lost raccoon. He took a deep breath, slowly reducing the distance between their lips. Eliott noticed this and closed his eyes, holding the boy closer by his waist.

Their kiss was slow at first, tasting each other, making sure it’s okay for the other to do a bit more. Then they got out of hands, tongues dancing between opened lips, hands going everywhere, not knowing where to grab. It was strong and passionate, full of deep feelings. This long time apart made them crave for the other, wanting more and more. For long minutes it was just them, no one else existed on this world. Everything around them ceased to exist, the buildings, the street, the bus stop, all of it. They were in their little bubble of happiness. Then suddenly rain started pouring, getting them wet.

They both pulled back, just a little bit to look into each other’s eyes, laugh like kids. Eliott seemed to be better now, his eyes were glowing with excitement. He gave a soft kiss on Lucas’ wet lips. Their hair was dripping, their clothes started to get soaked as the rain was going on more wildly. The tall boy grabbed his suitcase with one hand and Lucas’ wrist with the other, starting to run towards his apartment building. The small boy laughed , trying to keep up with the speed of Eliott.

The door slammed behind them loudly, Eliott let go of his suitcase, wrapping both of his arms around Lucas, kissing him wildly. The boy giggled into the other’s lips, sliding his fingers into his wet hair, pulling him even closer. Their clothes were sticking to their body, making them feel each other more. They started to slowly dance towards the bedroom, trying not to stumble while still kissing and holding onto each other. Their kisses were sloppy, full of giggles, teeth bumping into teeth.

Somehow they managed to get into the room, falling on Eliott’s bed after taking off their wet clothes, only leaving on their underwear. Lucas was laying down, Eliott above him, kissing his neck now while his hands were stroking his sides. The boy shivered, letting out a little moan. He had never felt so good with anyone, not like he ever tried this with boys, but he knew that this was special, that Eliott was special.

Hours passed, now they were just laying in bed, Eliott was resting his head on Lucas’ chest, tracing little circles on his skin with his fingers. They haven’t talked, though the short boy had a lot of questions, he knew that he can’t force him to talk. It was nice to just lay like this, quietly, peacefully. Forgetting about the stupid party, about his friends, focusing himself on this gorgeous man in his arms. He played with Eliott’s hair a little. It was still a bit wet.

“I thought you are not gonna come.” Eliott mumbled into the silence after a while, Lucas opened his eyes, fingers still playing with the other’s wet hair.

“I wasn’t thinking... I was worried, you were so serious in that text.” he said slowly, kissing the top of Eliott’s head softly.

“I don’t think I deserve this...”

“What do you mean?” he asked now concerned. He didn’t like how the tall boy was talking about himself. Usually he was the most confident person Lucas has ever known. He can’t be saying things like this.

“Laying here, in your arms.” he said, raising his head to look into the boys’ eyes. “I am not good enough for this.”

Lucas sighed, he put his hand on Eliott’s face, stroking it gently, rubbing his red, puffy lips with his thumb. He had so much to say, but couldn’t really put it into words, so instead he just gave a slow, lustful kiss to him, making sure that he gets what he’s trying to say. You deserve this. We both deserve this. We need each other.

Eliott gave in after thirty seconds, leaning on Lucas like a hungry predator, grabbing his waist as he deepened the kiss with him. His tongue asked for permission and when he got that, he spent long minutes exploring the other one’s mouth, pressing their body together, skin touching skin. Their bodies fit so well like they were made for each other and in that moment Lucas felt like that was the truth.

They fell asleep like this, legs and arms entangled, Eliott resting on Lucas, wearing only boxers. Both of them were happy and they didn’t wake up until 11:00. Lucas slowly opened his eyes, not being sure first where he was, then he felt the heavy body on himself and started smiling. He buried his face into the messy locks, taking in the smell slowly. It was so unbelieveable that he was waking up in bed with Eliott Demaury. A few weeks ago he didn’t even wanted to hear his name and now he was holding him, smelling him.

“You really like sniffing me, huh?” Eliott said suddenly, scaring the small boy a little. He looked up, smirking at him. “You are such a curious hedgehog.”

“And you are one really annoying raccoon.” the boy said, making an angry face that got the other one to laugh.

“You are so adorable.” he said, kissing his lips softly. “I never wanna leave this bed. I wanna stay here with you forever.” he mumbled, caressing Lucas’ cheek gently.

“We can stay here... I don’t wanna leave either.” he said smiling, kissing Eliott’s palm. “I haven’t had such a good sleep in a really long time, actually.”

“Oh yeah?” the tall boy smirked, kissing his neck gently, biting it even. “So only the sleeping part was good?” he asked playfully. Lucas chuckled and run his fingers through Eliott’s hair.

“You know that is not what I meant.” he said softly, kissing his forehead, then his nose.

“What did you mean then?”

“I feel good with you. I can’t really explain this... this week was absolute hell without you... I know that it’s stupid and I tried everything to get over my feelings, but...”

“No, don’t say that.” Eliott said, suddenly leaning over the small boy, hands resting on the bed, looking at him with those stormy blue eyes. “I don’t want you to get over this. I wanna plunge into it... I don’t care if it’s a bad idea... I don’t care how, I just wanna be with you.” he said seriously, even shaking a little. Lucas wrapped his arms around his neck, pulling him down for a lazy, gentle kiss.

“I want this too. I’m not sure if I am ready for it... especially not in public... but as long as you kiss me, touch me or look at me like this... I don’t want anything else in this world.” Lucas whispered into his lips, looking into his eyes. A bright smile appeared on Eliott’s face, making his dark circles disappear, he looked so young, carefree and happy. The small boy totally loved that smile, he would do anything just to see it again. He pulled him back for a soft kiss. I could get used to this.

#Skam France #Elu enemies to lovers AU #I love hating you #Eliott Demaury #Lucas Lallemant #Elu #Eliott x Lucas

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aelaer · 5 years

Note

So I have a request: A Stephen who, in the Canon compliant universe, returns to the Sanctum for the first time in 5 years, breaks down and is completely devastated and exhausted from everything that happened. And then a time skip, to Stephen now having moved on, in acceptance. He may still feel a little guilty, but is immensly thankful for intimately knowing the beautiful souls who sacrificed themselves and resolved to cherish and celebrate their lives with their friends and family.

So my goal for this was to keep it under 1500 words. I completely failed that goal.

But that is what I am going to attempt to do with my ask prompts (should I get any more in the future), mostly because I have three multi-chapter stories completely spiraling out of control (and a fourth that needs its last chapter completed) and I will never get my Stephen Strange bingo card done by November if I keep on writing these super long things for every square XD

I’m not terribly pleased with the ending but oh well. Nothing was coming for days and I figured I sat on this for long enough.

Fill for @stephenstrangebingo square ‘It’s not your fault’. Warning for canon compliance and my obsessive need to explain away plot-holes with magic-science for a few paragraphs before actually addressing the prompt :P

Title: Black TagRating: GenPairings: NoneWord count: About 3k

The sun was setting over a celebratory New York City when Stephen came again to the New York Sanctum after five years gone. The powers that surrounded the building muffled the cheers and shouts and crying out on Bleecker Street from all the locals, unaware that the man who had helped instigate all their suffering was within the neighborhood.

It had been well over thirty hours since he had come back with the rest of the Disappeared. He was done with giving his report to the other Masters of Kamar-Taj and done with his part in what immediate reorganization was needed for their order. They had finally let him go to rest; he was alone. Wong, for instance, was still settling things as one of those who had survived the Decimation, and still helping others come to terms with what had passed.

And now, now all Stephen could think of was bed. He had washed up a bit in Kamar-Taj, thankfully, for he did not know if he would have had the stamina to do it now. The Cloak more-or-less carried him to his room as his body trembled, complete exhaustion overwhelming his entire being. He fell asleep near instantly.

It wasn’t until twelve hours later, as the dawn broke through his (unnatural) window to an untarnished view of the eastern coastline, that his exhaustion had dimmed to weariness and his mind had time to sort through everything that had happened.

Stephen had not spent his five years gone idle; unlike most other souls that were caught within the Soul Stone due to Thanos, he had an awareness of consciousness due to his connection to the Mystic Arts that made him able to utilize his time, even if time was not something he could feel passing. In those five years he had drawn power from the Soul Stone, a continuous draw into his own spirit to prepare for what he had to do upon his return.

(He knew, of course, that the Stone’s housing was disintegrated into atoms back in 2018. However, its raw energy was not actually gone, just scattered like the rest of the Infinity Stones. The first rule of thermodynamics was something Thanos did not consider, or maybe he did not care so long as that power was not easily obtainable for some time to come. In the end, he supposed it really didn’t matter.)

When he came to on Titan once more, he spared a minute briefly explaining the situation to the others, then asked for complete silence as he got them back to Earth, and more; for he had taken his borrowed energy to send a mental message to all warriors across the universe that he had found within the Soul Stone: The one who sent you away for five years must be defeated. Prepare for battle.

And then he made portals. So many fucking portals, portals he had no business having the ability to create, portals connected to the locations of those warriors across the universe, portals created with the power of the Soul Stone accumulated over five years and fully spent over the course of five minutes.

It was a damned miracle he had anything left in him for battle, but the Soul Stone was unlike any power source he had ever used before, including the Time Stone. Channeling the energy of Infinity Stones was unique to the standard rules of magic already, but the Soul Stone’s power was— indescribable.

So he had been able to battle. To hold himself up. And to watch as people from all over the universe, both the newly resurrected and those that had lived in a broken world, were slaughtered by Thanos’s armies. Slaughtered and with no way to return, not this time; he had used the Time Stone once to reverse death, and he had paid the price with several (hundreds, thousands) of his own deaths.

But the fabric of reality surrounding the battlefield was already torn by the combined actions of both the Avengers and Thanos, and it would tear even further with the final sacrifice; to use the Stones again at that moment, even one, was to rip the threads of the universe to pieces.

And so the dead remained dead.

Even though Stephen knew this, knew the logic behind his actions, knew that in triage situations, some people got the black tag— it did not stop his stomach from twisting into a knot as he lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling and weighed down by the consequences of his actions.

In the silence and loneliness of the Sanctum, even while logic echoed in his head, guilt settled in the depths of Stephen’s core and began to make a home there.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Despite pretending everything was okay and despite going through the motions of his duties, the guilt grew into a beast that swiftly consumed Stephen’s being. He felt little need to eat and his sleep was plagued with new nightmares that caused him to work himself into exhaustion (and thus dreamless nights).

By the time Tony’s funeral arrived, he had lost several pounds and the raccoon eyes were becoming more prominent. A small glamour spell helped conceal that, but still Wong looked at him with thinly-veiled concern.

“Are you sure that the invitation was not just for you?” Stephen asked as he found a suit, miraculously still intact after years (literally years) of no wear.

“Of course I’m sure,” Wong said slowly, his voice carefully even. “You were mentioned by name.”

“Ah.” He cleared his throat. “I’ll be ready in time, then.”

Wong was still looking at him with that expressionless and yet all-knowing look, so Stephen turned away and went to the ensuite bathroom to avoid uncomfortable questions. They didn’t have time to prod into that right now.

After all, it would be rather rude of him to be late to the funeral of a man he had black tagged.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

His lack of regular meals and general lack of care for eating was a new thing for him in this post-Thanos world (but he just didn’t have time for such trivial pursuits as food, not when he had five years to catch up on and a very damaged border between realities to monitor, to attempt to repair). Stephen got away with not really eating anything substantial for two weeks after Tony’s funeral.

Apparently someone (probably Wong) noticed this and the trend came to an abrupt halt.

It started with the steward of the New York Sanctum. The steward’s role fulfilled the very real need of seeing to the general care and maintenance of the very magical and rather finicky building; it could only be fully overseen by a fully-trained disciple while its Master was dealing with the mystical threats in their part of the world. Stephen’s steward had been snapped into oblivion at the same time as he and was replaced with someone who spoke very little English. He remained at the post after the return of the Disappeared and generally avoided him, which was all well and good for Stephen. However, two weeks after the funeral, his steward was suddenly transferred to London (with no input asked from him either, the nerve) and the London steward came to New York.

His new steward was a woman: Italian, about sixty years old, five feet tall, and potentially the scariest woman he had ever met.

If anyone ever discovered his thoughts on the matter, they might wonder how that was possible when Stephen had been under the tutelage of the Ancient One. To him, she was the most powerful woman he had ever known, but he did not equivocate power with terror.

Ludovica Guerriero, on the other hand, was downright frightening. She seemed nice on first meeting; he learned she had come to be a part of the order a year after the Decimation, for all her children and grandchildren had been lost in that event (and with that story his guilt buried itself deeper into his soul). Unlike some of the new recruits who left for their families once they returned, Ludovica stayed on; she liked keeping busy and could ‘go visit the family whenever I want to, anyway’.

At first it was fine. Her first day there, she rearranged things her way while Stephen beat back some inter-dimensional boggarts and sealed a rip between dimensions in Guatemala. When he portaled back to the Sanctum, something that could only be called Italian was permeating the halls that led to the kitchen with a rich mix of smells. Unwittingly, his stomach growled.

He stepped towards the kitchen, then paused. He did not have time to sit down and eat if he wanted to finish his research before his body ultimately gave out on him. But as he started towards the stairs, Ludovica’s voice came to him with, “Doctor Strange? Is that you?”

Stephen sighed quietly and then called, “It’s me.” He took the few remaining steps towards the kitchen and halted at the doorway. “Smells good, Mrs Guerriero.”

“I’m glad you think so. I thought I’d do something special for my first night in New York for our dinner.”

Best to tell her immediately of his plans. “Actually, I—”

She continued on as if he hadn’t said a thing. “This was my nonna’s recipe. Parmigiana di melanzane with tomato, aubergine, the freshest mozzarella cheese; all ingredients picked up in my home town today.”

He blinked, momentarily sidetracked. “Sorry, uh, aubergine?”

Her brow furrowed. “Is that not the right word? It is melanzane, you know—” She cut herself off and pulled a stem with only part of the purple fruit remaining upon it. “This plant.”

“Oh! Oh, yeah, that’s an eggplant.”

“Eggplant? What a strange name.” She started dishing out the bake. “Would you mind setting the table, doctor?”

“I…” he started in protest, but the look she gave him was so sweet and imploring and kind. It reminded him of his grandmother from when he was young. He exhaled slowly; so much for his plans. “Sure.”

And that parmigiana di melanzane was really fucking delicious. It had no right to be that good.

About a week later, when he realized he had somehow been corralled to the dinner table every night since her arrival (and was a couple pounds heavier because of it), Stephen Strange realized that, underneath that sweet exterior, Ludovica Guerriero was an emotionally manipulative mastermind that knew exactly what to say to get him to do exactly what she wanted. This was absolutely terrifying.

Stephen was going to kill Wong.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Despite the terrible emotional manipulation being forced upon his person regarding (incredibly delicious) food, Stephen somehow maintained the status quo with his duties for five weeks after the funeral. He would work himself to utter exhaustion and only then find some rest (though even with this method the nightmares came on occasion, when he was just not exhausted enough, in his opinion).

(The part of his mind well-versed in psychology laughed incredulously at that line of thinking. He told that part of his mind to shut up and mind its own business, then threw himself in his work again.)

But eventually it all came crashing down. Of course it did; that was his life the last… however many years. Two or seven depending on how one counted.

The most embarrassing part was the situation that ended up being the straw that broke the camel’s back. It was stupid, completely irrelevant, and shouldn’t have even happened, but here he was.

It went like this:

Ludovica was out for the day with her family in Italy, Wong was over to discuss things, and they were both hungry. Neither of them felt like cooking, so.

“What do you want to eat?” Stephen asked as his glamour spell transformed his robes to something more normal for New York. “Pizza? Sandwiches? Thai? Something else?”

Wong thought for a moment. “I wouldn’t say no to a tuna melt.”

Stephen stilled his steps; that sounded familiar. Why did that sound familiar? It was just a sandwich—

‘I’ll tell the guys at the deli. Maybe they’ll make you a metaphysical ham on rye.’

Stephen blinked and placed a hand against the wall to steady himself. He heard Wong say, “Stephen?” but it sounded muffled and distant.

‘A… buck and a half,’ Wong admitted.

He sighed. ‘What do you want?’

Wong clapped his hands together and followed him down the rest of the stairs. ‘I wouldn’t say no to a tuna melt.’

The crash of breaking glass and wood, emitting a sound loud enough to almost contest the car accident.

Bruce Banner. Tony Stark. Thanos is coming. Ebony Maw. We swore an oath to protect the Time Stone with our lives. Fourteen million, six hundred and five.

One.

“…en. Look at me, Stephen. You’re in the New York Sanctum Sanctorum. You’re safe. The cloak wants to reach out to you, Stephen, but I batted it away until you can look at me. You’re safe.”

Wong’s words managed to break through the cacophony of madness splitting his mind and he gasped as he focused his eyes on Wong. At some point he had ended up on the floor. His heart attempted to beat itself out of his chest.

When they made eye contact, Wong said without breaking it, “You can rest on him, but get back if his heart rate increases.” Then he continued, as the cloak gently settled itself on Stephen’s shoulders, “Copy my breathing, Stephen. Inhale… and exhale. Good, just like that. Again, inhale… and exhale. Again.”

His breathing evened out and his heart rate eventually slowed to something approaching normal, and Stephen was finally able to manage words. “Where— where did you— learn how to do— do that?”

Wong didn’t answer. Rather, he asked, “Can I help you off the floor?”

Still in a daze he nodded his acquiescence, and Wong took an elbow and forearm and hoisted him up with the assistance of the cloak. He led Stephen to one of the smaller, quieter parlours within the Sanctum and sat him down in a comfortable chair. “I’ll be right back.”

'Right back’ was certainly not immediate, but Stephen lost track of time and Wong seemed to return nearly instantly, this time with a couple fresh cups of tea. He did not attempt to give it to Stephen, but rather set it down beside him. Clearly he saw just how badly his hands were trembling.

Wong took a seat across from him and brought his own cup to his lips. He said nothing as Stephen further calmed his heart rate and the tremors in his hands became less prominent.

Several minutes of silence later, Stephen murmured, “Sorry.”

“I knew it would happen sooner or later,” was Wong’s answer. Stephen swallowed and said nothing. “You cannot continue going on like this.”

Stephen’s instinctive reaction was denial, but he could feel Wong’s eyes on him and his retort fell before it could even begin. “There’s too much to do,” he said instead.

“There always is,” was Wong’s reply.

The silence sat between them again when Wong did not expound further and Stephen battled against a myriad of emotions within his own mind. He tried to distract himself with tea, but the shaking in his hand was too prominent, too debilitating, so he withdrew it.

Another two minutes passed. “I have been given another chance in this world,” he tried instead. “All my efforts should go to protecting it.”

Wong eyed him expressionlessly. “Your efforts have gone above and beyond most. They have seen the resurrection of all life that was unjustly taken five years ago.”

“Those were not my efforts,” Stephen argued. “That was the Avengers.”

“And you set them on that path.”

The tremors increased. He swallowed heavily. “My efforts caused the entire universe to suffer for years. My efforts brought an intergalactic war to Earth’s soil. My efforts brought chaos and despair that led to so much death.” His voice broke on that last word and he turned his head away from Wong.

Wong permitted him a moment before speaking again. “I was told it was over fourteen million futures you saw.” A shudder ran through Stephen in reply. “At what point did you see this future?”

He swallowed. “Somewhere around four million.”

“And you searched another ten million after.”

His hands would not stop their violent shaking. He loosely gripped at the cloak and it curled around his hand. “I’m not— I’ve done triage before,” he started. “Battle of New York. We didn’t have the resources to— to save everyone. We had to pick our cases. Before the accident, it was one of the most difficult moments of my life.

“But this reality was— it was too much to ask. There were too many black tags. I knew there… there were hundreds of millions of permutations. Maybe billions. But I could not sustain the strength needed to search further. I was not… not strong enough.” And to his horror, he felt tears falling from his eyes. He could not look at Wong.

“Stephen. Stephen, look at me.” Reluctantly, after a brief moment, he turned his face towards him. Wong’s steadfast look was blurred by the unwanted tears. “You are the strongest man I have ever known. What you did no other human being could have accomplished.” Stephen’s gaze lowered. “And you must remember: you saw the paths of the future, but you did not control its course. Everyone had their own free will to make the choices they made; they knew death was a real possibility, but they chose to fight.”

Another shudder ran through his entire body and he felt the cloak increase its pressure against him ever so slightly. He placed his face in his trembling hands and just tried to get a grip.

He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder. “It’s not your fault, Stephen,” Wong muttered.

His tenuous grasp on his emotions completely broke. Another full body shudder ran through him before an ugly sob broke past his lips. Once it started, it was as if a dam had been broken; all his grief and guilt released itself then, the all-encompassing pain overwhelming his entire being. Even as he wept and mourned everything that had been lost, the cloak carefully curled about him and Wong remained a silent, steadfast presence at his side. His hand never left his shoulder.

And with the brick wall he had put about his heart finally breaking down, Stephen began to take his first steps towards recovery.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

“Oh, Doctor, you have mail.”

Stephen looked up from the tome to stare at Ludovica. “Mail? As in… from the mailbox?”

“Where else does mail come from?” she answered with a soft tut. He took the envelope from her and she left the study.

He frowned at the address. Upstate New York. What was in upstate New York? He carefully opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

Oh. They finished rebuilding the Avengers compound. And… a celebration. A memorial, for Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff, and all those who gave their lives over a year ago.

And he, Wong, and any sorcerer who wished to attend were invited to celebrate their lives.

Stephen’s eyes grew distant for a moment as his mind went back to that day. The ache was still there, but it did not consume him anymore. It had joined the other poignant, bittersweet reminders of days past, of those gone but still within living memory.

He softly exhaled before standing to head down the hall to Kamar-Taj. He was sure there were many who would be interested in attending, and to remember those gone so that they would not be forgotten.

——

A/N: Someone with the dedicated duty of basically babysitting Sanctums while their Masters fight off things was lovingly borrowed from keshwyn on AO3. Her series of one-shots around this figure are super super super gorgeous, go read them. Wonderful character development (I’ll write a proper fic rec soon)

(had to save it as jpg because for some reason it’s not letting me save as a png on photoshop atm? ugh)(and formatting should be fixed double ugh)

#doctor strange fanfic #stephen strange #doctor strange #wong #avengers: endgame #avengers fanfiction #my fanfiction #my writing #fanfic #ask #answered #long post #apparently the damn read more tag isnt working on the app #wtf tumblr #see reblog

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beyondyourshadows-blog · 4 years

Text

Big-Face

(Because Mark and Jack mentioned a creature with a large face and tiny legs while playing Bigfoot, I wrote a creepypasta for it like Mark suggested. Enjoy!)

It’s been two years since this incident happened, and I’m still not sure what to make of it. It has scarred me for life, ripping away my love for the outdoors like a starving coyote tears flesh from bone. I’ve never told anyone this story before, but I guess now is as good a time as any. Maybe getting my experience out there will help my broken mind cope some. Or, maybe, it just might save somebody else from the same fate.

Ever since I was a kid, I loved to hunt. It wasn’t just a sport for me, though. My family has always been poor, so getting a large buck during hunting season meant we could eat well for weeks. Even after I moved out, this tradition stuck with me. Every year, I’d go out hunting for the biggest buck I could find. Being only me at my tiny house, that meat would help prepare many, many meals. And I could never get over the thrill of the hunt. But everything changed on the first day of hunting season, two years ago.

I went out into the nearby woods, like usual. I had my rifle with me and a backpack full of snacks and supplies I may need. You never really knew. The woods I entered were the same trees I had known all my life, so I felt no unease as I crept in deeper.

I’ll admit that I’d gone in further this time than ever before, but I figured it would be a good idea to find the best deer. Besides, other hunters were occupying the edges of the forest, so I didn’t have much choice but to go in deeper just to get away from them all. Eventually, the area I found myself in was one I had never been to before, but, as long as I kept track of where I’d come from, I could find my way back with ease.

As the sun rose, cracking dawn light through the autumn trees, I finally set up my little area. It was a simple yet effective set-up. Just me at the base of a large poplar tree with my camo gear on, spray to mask my scent, and a few bushes around me to act as cover. The natural blinds were always the best, in my opinion.

For hours, I stayed there. Every now and again, I called out the sound of a doe in heat. It was the best way to attract large bucks, after all. However, it seemed that my day was going to be an unlucky one, as I never saw or heard a thing back. Even as noon came and went, I was still sitting there, waiting. If I hadn’t had been so stubborn, I would have found a new area to hunt, but I just kept telling myself that a deer could be on its way and to wait for it, just in case.

Eventually, I did have to call it quits on that spot, as nothing was happening. I hadn’t even seen a fox or squirrel. Maybe the place was just bad for hunting overall. As such, I moved locations, going even further yet into the trees.

I walked for maybe a good twenty minutes when I started to notice a dreadful type of feeling. Eyes were on me. Yet, when I scanned the surrounding trees myself, I saw nothing out of the ordinary. Perhaps it was simply my imagination, or maybe there was an animal finally, and it was just taking cover to observe me. Either way, I decided to stop where I was and set up my site again. If I went too much further into the forest anyway, I feared possibly not finding my way back out by the time it got dark.

Again, at this new spot, I waited and sat and called. And, again, no deer came, and no other animals appeared to me. Eventually, I had to call it quits for the day, as I had been out literally the entire day. Night would soon fall, and I had to, at least, get back to the patch of forest I knew before dark.

Heavily disappointed in my unlucky time, I packed up my water bottle and deer call and shouldered my rifle. It sucked to not even see a deer in all of that time, making it feel like a wasted effort. But, at the very least, I had spent my time in the outdoors that I so greatly loved.

However, that feeling of being watched came back as I trudged my way through the leaf litter. Hope flared up as I looked around to find the source, yet I still could not locate it. Probably just a raccoon then, high in a tree maybe.

Five minutes passed, and this feeling persisted. Last time, it had gone away within maybe two minutes of it arriving. But, this time, it lingered. Ten minutes, still there. Fifteen and still present. By twenty minutes of this feeling as I walked back the way I’d come, my heart was racing. Fear had started to sink in. If this was a normal animal then it wouldn’t be following me this long, unless it was a mountain lion.

Mountain lions were apex predators that could silently stalk prey for as long as it took to catch it off guard. I had my rifle, which provided me some comfort, but the problem was I still had no idea where the source of this dread was. These big cats were extremely stealthy, so much so that the only time you saw or heard one was because it had already decided not to eat you. The fact I only had the sixth sense sensation of eyes on me meant I was still on the menu, if it was a cat.

I walked a bit faster with a hand on the strap of my gun, ready to sling it around at a moment’s notice if need be. Every now and then, I would glance back over my shoulder to ensure nothing was directly behind me. Above, the sun was setting.

Unfortunately, I had gone too deep and waited too long before moving back. At the rate I was going, I would never make it back to my familiar woods before darkness fell. I had a flashlight with me, but the advantage of night would give whatever was stalking me a better opportunity for the kill. Yet I couldn’t go any quicker than my speed walk already, or I may trigger the predatory instinct of the beast and have it only pounce more swiftly.

As dusk fell around me, I had to finally bring out my light just to not trip on roots at my feet. Of course, this added another layer of the already cultivating fear within my soul. Now, I had only one, small area in which I could really keep an eye on at any given time. And, beyond that light’s edges, my mind conjured up shadows and demons dancing among the dying foliage.

Suddenly, a loud ‘snap’ sounded beside me. Something had broken a twig. Abruptly, I whipped my field of vision around towards the noise. At first, as I scanned the trees and ground, I saw nothing. But then, my light caught something horrifying. About twenty yards away, a creature not of nature was peering out from around a tree. Thinking back to describe it give me chills, but I’ll do my best to recall every detail possible.

The most easily pronounced feature was its head, so huge and bulbous that it couldn’t have been any sort of person or animal. Maybe it was an alien, but, even then, the skull was much larger than any depiction of alien grays or others. The best thing I can compare the size to would be a tractor tire. It had to be at least seven feet tall and six feet wide in a sort of egg shape, and that was only the head.

Pale, sand-colored skin covered its face, wrinkled in many places. I saw no ears, but its eyes glimmered black in my flashlight’s beam. They were beady, little things compared to its skull but also probably still a good foot in diameter. No iris or whites showed, only a soulless pupil. No nose adorned its face, but it did appear to have a tiny slit for a mouth that stretched into a child-like grin as it stared at me with those obsidian eyes.

Of course, I screamed at the sight of its grotesque form, nearly dropping my flashlight in the process. Thankfully, I managed to keep it within my shaking hand, and I ran. I bolted through that forest as fast as I could, adrenaline lending me extra strength. However, I could hear leaves and branches snapping behind me. It was giving chase.

When I glanced back, fighting the urge not to but failing, I saw its massive head smacking into overhanging branches and breaking through them like they were nothing twenty yards away. But what got me the most upon seeing its full form was its body.

Unlike the head, its naked body was small in proportion, tiny even. It gave the thing maybe an extra three feet of height with stumpy legs and a short torso. Although small, its skinny frame boasted bulging muscles from its legs and neck to keep its enormous head erect. In front of it, slender stumps for arms with bony fingers stretched out in my direction, ready to grab hold of me once near.

Again, I let out a shriek, to which the thing let out a shrill giggle. A demented child’s laughter escaped its smiling lips, lips that revealed human teeth. My legs screamed at me as I pushed them to run faster, until I tripped.

In my effort to look over my shoulder, I had neglected to watch where I was going. Thus, my foot caught onto an extended root, and I was sent down, plowing into the ground on my shoulder. Pain radiated from my arm and shoulder, probably from hitting it on a leaf-buried rock. But the adrenaline and terror numbed that feeling.

Quickly, I scrambled to get my gun off my other shoulder. My flashlight, having landed a few feet away, pointed towards the charging monstrosity. It giggled again, seemingly having me in its clutches finally, but I readied my gun and fired.

In an instant, the beast stopped in its tracks and wailed. Its short arms tried desperately to reach up for its now bleeding face as its head flailed. More tree branches were broken and sent falling from its painful rampage as its screams pierced my ears.

I didn’t waste any time taking the opportunity, and I scrambled to my feet. After grabbing my flashlight again, I booked it once more. This time, the thing didn’t follow me, and its cries eventually faded into the background.

Thankfully, I had been going in the right direction the whole time, and I eventually made it out of the woods and to my truck. Without a moment’s hesitation, I jumped in and peeled out of there. I wanted to tell somebody that night what had happened, to call my father or uncle or mother, but I never could bring myself to do it. Who would believe me anyway? Instead, I just ended up drinking until I passed out.

Ever since that night, I haven’t been able to bring myself to go back into the forest again. And I get worried each time my father and uncle go on hunting trips in the very same woods. I always tell them to be extremely careful and to not go too deep, but they always look at me with confusion when I never go with them, always giving a different excuse as to why I can’t. Hell, I can’t even be around children that much anymore, because each time one of them laughs, it just reminds me of that thing’s demented giggle. It’s horrible.

Now that I wrote this story down, though, I’m hoping that it’ll provide my mind with some sort of closure or ease. I’ve spent too long cooped up in my house or in populated towns. As terrifying as that experience was, I miss the fresh air and peace of the forest. Maybe, one day, I’ll be able to go back into the trees without wanting to vomit. But, until then, I want this tale to also serve as a warning for anyone who may want to go into unfamiliar forest. Don’t. Just save yourself the trouble and fear and don’t. Please. You don’t wan to meet Big-Face.

#markipler #jacksepticeye #horror #creepypasta

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