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ynscrazylife · 2 years

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Waltz With Me | k.b fluff

Summary: Kate and Y/N were childhood friends. Years, they reconnect, and discover that they fit perfectly - like pieces to a puzzle.

Authors Note: First Kate Bishop fic! Hope you like.

Request to be on a taglist (or multiple) here! (Taglists are at the end of the fic)

Main Masterlist | MCU Masterlist #1 | MCU Masterlist #2

PSA: Do NOT copy, steal, translate, plagiarize, republish, etc any of my works on Tumblr or any other platform. Also, do NOT claim any of my works as your own.All of these works are either requests I’ve gotten that people have wanted me to write or original ideas I’ve had for works. If you happen to take inspiration from anything I’ve written and want to write something inspired by that, please a) ask me first and b) IF I say yes, credit me as inspo in your post by tagging me and link whatever work of mine that inspired you. Thanks.

This fic was nominated for the Best Fluff Fic category in The Tumbies 2022! ✨

header c @/imgothyzm

Kate sweared that she had never wanted to be in any other place other than this one more than at the moment — well, except for when the security caught her destroying an old bell tower. This moment, though, is a mighty rival.

She’d rather face her mother’s wrath 100 more times than be at the stupid gala. Where she only got a second’s break, like this, before she had to make small talk with rich snobs again.

“Excuse me—?”

“Sorry, I’m not a waitress,” Kate mumbled, shrinking into herself like a shell. She didn’t even look at the person at first, because she’d been mistaken as a waitress too many times tonight. But, when she did turn her head, she found someone that looked like she should know them but she couldn’t place them.

“Oh, aren’t you the little Bishop girl? I didn’t recognize you!” The man said. Once his voice sunk in, Kate recognized him. Armand the III.

“Yep,” she answered, barely able to refrain from snarling. Is that really all she was to this people? A child who shared her dead father’s surname?

“You used to come to my brunches!” The old man proclaimed, realizing dawning on him.

Kate nodded in confirmation. God how she hated those brunches. Fancy food that had fancy names and too many people sitting at the table to count. No one ever spoke to her yet they all expected her to attend with a smile.

Her gaze travelled back to the wall she had been staring at, but she caught sight of something far more interesting: her mother and her mother’s boyfriend looking like they were having the time of their lives, laughing together.

“That suit is great, dear. However I do hope that you wear something more ladylike for the wedding — otherwise you and I would match!” Armand’s voice came yet again, this time accompanied with his hearty laughter.

Kate’s eyebrows drew together and she turned to him. “Wedding?” She asked cluelessly. God, which one of these people were going to throw an over-the-top, expensive wedding?

Armand jutted his chin at the direction of Kate’s mother and Jack. “Your mother’s, of course!” He said.

Kate took an imaginary sucker punch to the gut when she looked back and saw the ring flashing on her mother’s hand. She had seen it earlier but hadn’t payed it too much mind — for how was she supposed to know what an engagement ring looked like? She had never been engaged before! But . . . Her mother was getting married? And didn’t tell her?

The look on her face must’ve conveyed her thoughts due to Armand’s next words. “Ah, looks like you need to have a talk with your mother . . . Well, just before you do—Y/N! Katherine, you remember Y/N, right? Her grandfather and I go way back.”

Kate blinked when she heard that name, the memories washing over her like a wave. She recalled running around her grandfather’s mansion-sized house when all the adults were at dinner, giggling and playing hide and seek where they weren’t supposed to. They had been childhood best friends and always stuck by each other — especially because the other kids their age that they knew developed the classic mean girls attitude with their money.

She wasn’t quite sure she had expected to see when she looked over, but she hadn’t prepared for this. Y/N was stunning and Kate’s jaw physically dropped (only for a split second until her cheeks reddened when she realized).

“Kate!” Y/N’s warm yet eccentric voice filled the air, making the archer forget her woes with her mother. That was one of the reasons that Kate had liked her so much as a friend when they were younger — Y/N was genuinely excited to see you, and it showed when she hadn’t spoken or seen Kate in years.

“Y/N,” Kate said, and hoped her attempt to hide her surprise had succeeded.

Within seconds, Y/N’s arms were wrapped around Kate and her honey-scented perfume sent the brunette into heaven. Kate found herself melting into her former friend’s arms and couldn’t help but not want Y/N to stop hugging her. Her embrace was so comforting and just what she needed after the hectics that consumed her life lately. (Plus, Kate had to admit that having a pretty girl’s arms around her sent butterflies to her stomach).

“Well, I’ll leave you two to catch up,” Armand excused himself before he slipped away, disappearing into the sea of gems and jewels.

“How have you been, Kate?” Y/N asked, her eyes lit up with a big smile.

A wave of refreshment fell over Kate. It felt so calming and even validating to talk to someone who you could tell was genuinely interested in hearing your answer. “I’m good! Attending uni and . . .” She started to say, but couldn’t keep her eyes from wandering back to her mother and her new fiancé. There was a pregnant pause before she remembered that she was in the middle of a sentence. “—I’m, I’m sorry. I’m just distracted. Armand just told me that my mother is engaged and I-I didn’t know.”

Y/N’s eyes widened. “Oh my god,” she said, sounding just as shocked as Kate felt. “I’m so sorry! You don’t deserve that. Do you want to maybe step outside and take a breather for a second?”

Kate thought for a moment. Would her mom be mad at her for leaving? Yeah. Did she care? Not really. She smiled and nodded and Y/N matched her grin, linking their arms together. Kate didn’t ignore the way those butterflies now pecked at the walls of her stomach from the touch, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to.

The moment they got outside and the doors to the main room closed, Kate let out a breath of relief. The cold tingled on her arms, giving her goosebumps, but she didn’t mind because alongside the cold came the calm. No more could she hear what felt like a million people talking and clinking their drinks. She wasn’t surrounded by a crowd, only with one person.

They walked silently. Kate was grateful that Y/N seemed to recognize that she needed time to be in her thoughts. They did a lap through the hallways before nearing back to the main room, where they could hear beautiful classical music, slightly muffled through the large doors.

“Do you think people are dancing in there?” Y/N asked quietly, mindful to not be too loud with the walls causing her to echo.

Kate looked at the doors and imagined her mother and Jack dancing. She shrugged.

With one glance at her friend, Y/N could tell that she wasn’t ready to go back inside. She quickly thought up a plan and unliked their arms. “Hey,” she said, smiling. “Do you want to, like, do the waltz out here?”

Kate looked at her, appreciating her eagerness but still hesitant. “I can’t dance,” she admitted through a chuckle, remembering the last time she tried to dance and how she stumbled over her own two feet.

Y/N shrugged nonchalantly. “I can’t either,” she said.

Kate thought and then decided, why not? What was the harm? She got into position like how she had seen people do in the movies. Y/N’s smile grew (if that was even possible) and seeing her smile just made Kate smile. It was contagious! She took got into position and let Kate lead.

They waited for the beat to come again in the song and then started their waltz. They were uncoordinated, going different ways, but they maintained smiles all throughout. Kate rushed out an apology when she accidentally stepped on Y/N’s feet, but was happily surprised when Y/N just laughed.

They fell into their own rhythm — definitely not on beat but that didn’t matter. Soon, their steps synced up and got quicker, and they matched each other perfectly. Kate and Y/N got lost in their dance, in each other. Someone could walk by and they probably wouldn’t notice.

It was only when Kate twirled Y/N and the latter stumbled that their daze broke. The brunette gasped and caught her, and they both got lost in each other’s eyes for a few seconds. Kate noticed that Y/N’s were as captivating and alluring as the deep water in the sea.

“You alright?” Kate asked, suddenly feeling more confident. Like she could do anything.

Y/N smirked and gave a small nod. “Nice catch, Bish—”

She was cut off by a sudden loud smashing sound and the floor physically shaking. Kate quickly but gently got Y/N to their feet and Y/N latched her arms to Kate’s in fear.

After a moment, the floor stopped shaking, but they were still both on high alert.

“What was that?” Y/N asked, looking around. Kate did the same.

“I don’t—” she said, before being interrupted by what sounded like shouting. “—know.”

Kate took a second to close her eyes and remember her way around this place. She considered visualizing the crayon map she had sloppily drawn as a kid to navigate, but that was useless. Her memory, combined with her use of determine where she was hearing these sounds, helped her form a path and, without a second thought, she set off for it. Y/N was close behind her, not wanting her to go alone.

They found a staircase and quickly and carefully pattered down if. Kate pushed open a door and both their eyes widened as they took in the sight. Masked men were all over the place, yelling to each other, and there was a large hole in the wall. Meanwhile, other people — people who had been attending the gala — were mostly on the floor, recovering in confusion.

Y/N’s grip on Kate’s arm suddenly tightened. “Oh my god,” she gasped. “There’s Armand and Jack!”

Kate’s eyes followed to where she was pointing and sure enough, she found the men. Her eyebrows crinkled in confusion — what were they doing here? But she didn’t have much time to dwell on it.

“I can help them,” she declared, turning to Y/N, who looked frightened beyond belief.

Y/N shakily nodded and, somehow able to think quickly, shrugged off the shall she had been wearing. She spotted a piece of broken glass on the ground and grabbed it, using it to cut two eye-holes in her shall. She then motioned for Kate to turn around and tied it around her head, tight enough so it wouldn’t fall off but loose enough so Kate could still see and breathe.

Kate murmured a thank you which she was sure Y/N didn’t hear and jumped into a fight.

Y/N found herself captivated by her friend’s moves, unable to stop watching how she kicked and hit and spun and jumped with ease, taking down every attacker she came into contact with.

It was only when a strong pair of arms grabbed her did her gaze break away from Kate. At first, she struggled, but stopped when she realized that she wasn’t being attacked. The person firmly, but also gently, moved her to the side and when Y/N looked back, she saw that that person had been none other than Hawkeye.

He swiftly entered the fight. “Get out of here!” He yelled to Kate as he took over. For a second, she froze at seeing her childhood hero, but responded when she heard Y/N calling her name. She turned around and ran, taking Y/N’s hand and pulling it along with her.

Neither of them knew where they were going or what they were going to do, but at least they were together.

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thiswasinevitableid · 3 years

Note

for the meet uglies, 55 indruck sfw? sorry apollo

Here you go! For those wondering, Apollo originates in my Amnesty Super Hero AU

“Okay sir, I’m gonna say this as nice as I can.”

Indrid looks up from his drawing of some mushrooms. The ranger, a man about his age whose little bronze name tag reads “D. Newton”, has the look of someone choosing his words very, very carefully.

“You are this close to me writin you up. And I mean this. Close.” He puts his thumb against his finger.

“I, is this not allowed?” The log he’s sitting on is technically on the trail, just next to it.

“This ain’t the problem. It’s everythin you done since this morning that’s the problem.”

“I-”

“First there was leavin your breakfast trash on the picnic table by the visitor center so chipmunks got into it--it’s real bad for them y’know, makes ‘em too bold--then there was the selfies on off-limits spots, then you had the fu, uh, freakin nerve to be rude to Juno when she asked you to stay in safe areas, you littered left and right, then you left a beer can in the reeds by the plover nestin’ grounds. I don’t even know where to start with that one; you know we don’t allow alcohol in the park. Campgrounds sure, but we don’t want fellas like you gettin drunk and then fallin off a rock. How can you be so careless, or not give a shit for a place people put time into protectin?

The smile that’s been spreading across Indrid’s face since the word “selfie” is wide enough that the ranger spots it.

“Man, if you think this is funny, you won’t when you’re too drunk to swim or run from a bear. Then I’m gonna have to bail your ass out, which I will, and you’re gonna eat a slice of humble pie big as that overinflated ego of yours.”

Indrid snickers. The ranger glares. Slowly, Indrid pulls back the hood of his sweatshirt and retrieves his glasses from the front of his shirt (he doesn’t wear them when drawing in color due to their red lenses). The other mans expression slides off confusion and tumbles into horror.

“Aw hell, I’m sorry sir. Thought you were your, uh, well, guessin you got a twin runnin around this park.” He pulls the brim of his hat down in a charming attempt to hide his face.

“I do, and this is far from the first time I’ve been scolded in his place. Less so since I dyed my hair” he indicates the artificial silver framing his face, “I’m mostly amused by how accurately you captured his orientation towards the world. It’s also bitterly funny to discover he made someone else's day as unpleasant as he made mine.”

The ranger studies him, seems to notice the creases by his eyes and mouth, “Seem a little old to be gettin forced into family time. Not that you look old. Just, uh, I mean, you might be younger than me, hard to tell with the hair, uh, yeah.”

Indrid points in the direction of the beachside campsites, “The Cold Family Reunion can only be begged off so long.” His phone dings, the reminder that it’s his turn to help his aunt with dinner, “speaking of which, I should pack up.” He quickly gathers his supplies, sends the other man a final smile, “thank you for the laugh, Ranger Newton.”

“You’re uh, you’re welcome. And tell your twin to throw his damn trash away.” He smiles as he says this, suggesting a joke, but Indrid resolves to remind Apollo of his manners anyway.

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The fog caresses the coastline, hiding the dawn entirely. Indrid pulls his hood up against the chill, the wooden bench and viewing deck damp from the weather. He’s not going back to camp until he’s captured the sight before him; dozens of fishing boats on the dark water, their lights beautiful and soft against the grey world.

Sandy gravel crunches to his right, and then Ranger Newton appears. He keeps glancing at Indrid as he writes something indecipherable on a clipboard.

“I’m the nice one.” Indrid says in response to the quick, searching, looks.

“Thank fuck.” He turns so they’re actually looking at each other, “guess we’re both on the early shift.”

“Normally I wouldn’t be, but the cold and quiet is preferable to my twin snoring. I brought my own one person tent, but then my aunt and uncle had their monthly argument and she needed a new place to sleep.”

“That was mighty kind of you.”

Indrid shrugs, “Not really. I just want to get through this reunion with as little conflict as possible.”

“How’d you end up on this thing? Said you couldn’t get out of it but-”

“I just moved to town a month ago. Turns out this is a place my parents have always wanted to visit. Not enough to see me, mind you, or refrain from criticizing my choice of towns, but enough to host the reunion here so I had no escape. And if I want to eat with the family, I have to spend the night in the camp and not at home. And since money is tight after moving, well..."

The ranger whistles, “Damn, that’s rough. But uh, since you live in town you’ll actually get to see this place in nice weather.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” He shivers, “though I enjoy the cold when I can be in my nice little apartment. In a tent, not so much.”

“If you get a good sleepin bag or good company, gets a lot better.” The ranger smiles, then looks at his notes, “sorry, that ain’t appropriate talk around a visitor.”

Indrid meets his green eyes, “If you have recommendations for either, I’m all ears.”

A gust of wind carries salt spray all the way to the platform, Indrid shivering as it mists his glasses.

“Here” the ranger holds out his hnd, “I gotta go open the visitor center; nice and warm in there.”

“...Could you possibly come back in ten minutes? I’d like to finish my sketch.”

“Sure, won’t kill me to check on the tide measures while I’m out here.” He tips his hat and soon Indrid sees him winding down a path to the beach. Eleven minutes later he’s back, telling Indrid about a huge starfish he saw.

On the walk to the visitor center, he learns the “D” on his nametag is for “Duck,” that he’s a transplant from West Virginia, and that they’re actually the same age. When Indrid explains that he’s a tattoo artist who sells his drawings on the side.

“You’ll appreciate this, then” Duck bends down to roll up his pant leg. Indrid appreciates the view and the well executed geometric tree tattoo on his ankle.

“Juno and I got ‘em together. Had to go with the ankle because I already got some on my arms. Can’t show those off right now though.”

“My, my, Ranger Newton, you’ll flash a scandalous ankle at a guest but not take him to the gun show?”

Duck laughs, the sound like the mating call of a strange tropical bird; absurd and enchanting.

“Glad you’re in town to stay, Indrid. Think you’re the kind of fella I’d like to get to know.”

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Maybe he’s being childish. It’s not wrong for Apollo to say he’s making their father proud, that he’s successful, that he’s a golden boy of his field.

It’s just obnoxious for him to do this the one time their extended family expressed Indrid’s professional accomplishments. With that smile, the one Indrid knows for a damn fact he had fixed, that tone, that, that….

That voice sounds familiar.

He reverses course, takes the path he passed by that points towards the amphitheater. What he gets is more a firepit with a small stage, but standing at the center and addressing fascinated families is Duck.

Indrid sits on the rickety bench furthest from the stage, lets Ducks explanations of night blooming plants and the creatures that pollinate them drown out the echoes of family dinner. When the program ends and the parents shepherd their children off with instructions for bedtime and brushing teeth Indrid stays, not ready to leave but not intending to attract Duck’s attention.

He gets it anyway.

“Enjoy the talk?” Duck stays two steps down from him, rests a foot up on the bench, “this one is always real popular; when it gets warm, the little animal rehab place south of town brings education animals in. Y’know, bats and owls, stuff like that.”

“I’ll have to come back to see them.” The thought of seeing bats up close excites him, but he’s too tired to sell the emotion.

Duck frowns, “You okay?”

Indrid shakes his head, tells him about the constant comments, the threat of living forever as the family disappointment, a threat he can deal with until he’s around them all. Then he’s right back to being seventeen and afraid of failing them.

“....Apollo’s always been the golden boy, ruthless and goal focused like our father. He always knows just what to say to get under my skin and dig out the scar tissue,” Indrid sighs, “All I wanted tonight was to roast marshmallows and go to bed early.”

The ranger moved from the steps to the bench beside him as he told his story. Now, Duck looks at him, smile more soothing than the thrum of the distant waves, “I got an idea. Guessin’ you don’t gotta tell your family where you’re goin, right?”

“No, most of them will assume I’m off sulking and Apollo will hope I’ve fallen off a cliff.”

“Then leave ‘em to be their shitty selves and come home with me. Uh, not, not-not like that, fuck, like what you’re thinkin, uh. Fuck. What I mean is; I got a fireplace and some marshmallows. You want in?”

Indrid watches the dying fire flicker of the curves of his face, thinks back on the last week. The ranger has been a frequent companion, brings him hot cocoa from the little cafe and tells him where he’ll be for chunks of the day in case Indrid needs a break from his family. Last night, all Indrid could think about was wanting Duck to be in the tent beside him.

“Absolutely.”

On the drive over, Indrid points out his apartment complex and Duck points out the best places to eat and the cheapest laundromats. His house is tiny, looks like it was built when the town was a logging hub and not a tourist destination.

“Make yourself at home, it’ll take me a sec to get the fire goin’--uhuh, Taco, stop tryin’ to open that cabinet.” He hoists a yowling, blonde ball of fur on the couch. The cat directs a suspicious look Indrid’s way and then settles on top of the pile of blankets.

“You a s’more man?” Duck calls from the kitchen.

“No, thank you. I prefer my sugar in a single bite.”

“You eat marshmallows in one bite? I’m always worried I’ll choke.”

“I have an accommodating mouth.” Indrid smirks when Duck audibly drops the bag. He’s not always the best with social cues, but if the way Duck kept brushing their hands together on the center armrest in his car is any indication, the ranger is trying to pick him up.

Once the fire is going Duck sits on the rug, patting the spot to his left. Indrid joins him. Caramelizing sugar and increasingly sleepy laughter soon fills the air. Neither of them keep their knees from touching, and Duck keeps dropping his head to Indrid’s shoulder when he giggles. The whole scene is so heavenly Indrid isn’t paying attention to their marshmellow consumption. He reaches into the empty bag and makes a disappointed noise.

“Damn, we really went through ‘em.” He catches Indrid’s eye with a playful grin, “you still cravin’ sugar?”

Indrid licks his lips, “Yes.”

Duck cups his cheek, guiding him into a sleepy, close-mouthed kiss, brushing their noses together when he pulls back to murmur, “That do the trick?”

“Hmmmmm?” Indrid cocks his head, “no.”

The other man guffaws as Indrid pulls him down on top of him, kissing him happily and wiggling his hips when Duck digs his fingers into his hair. His own hands migrate under Duck’s shirts, finding his body just as warm and wonderful as he hoped.

He nips Duck’s lower lip. The ranger growls and Indrid is no longer tired.

“Care to see just how accommodating my mouth can be?”

Duck rolls them twice so they’re a safe distance from the fire, “Hell yeah.”

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Indrid saunters into camp late in the morning, some of the Colds already packing up to depart. His twin is stuck on dish duty, grins like a barracuda when he spots Indrid.

“I don’t know why you’re here. You missed breakfast, and you weren’t in camp last night, so you don’t get lunch or dinner either. May as well skulk back into the shadows.”

“Mmm, yes, I was rather undutiful.” Indrid spots a figure checking campsite permits, who stealthily blows him a kiss, “but at this moment in time, I don’t particularly care.”

#indruck #meet ugly #indrid cold/ duck newton #taz amnesty #reader request

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katsukikitten · 3 years

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Warning : 18 plus AU, adult themes, collage au

Part one Part two

"Mina, I really don't see why I have to wear this Bikini, I prefer a cutout one piece." You say sipping your iced coffee as Mina packs her beach bag with sponges, rags, and tons of bottled water. You wait impatiently by the door of your shared, temporary dorm.

"Becauuuusssse, I already told you! That Instagram post I made of all of us blew up, even with my large following. Remember how many people we brought in last time?"

"Yes, we made 45% more profit…" You bite at the inside of your lip as you think, adjusting your white t-shirt so it sat nicely above the black bikini bottoms. You weren't one to argue with numbers.

"Well now with the combined efforts with the shirtless boys we can actually use that allowance you got us for unlimited kegs."

"No, Mina new windows and installation. They said the house was hot, which means winter will be brutal." You roll your eyes, "Unless you want to freeze this winter, personally I have no problem with freezing."

She giggles at your joke, pulling you along as if you were the reason for being late instead of her. Mina spies Uraraka and Jiro waving them towards the two of you before she whispers softly to you.

"Just, try to have fun today no matter what."

You wondered if that was an omen, a jinx or if she already knew what lied ahead. Either way you would not being having too much fun.

The four of you arrive just before the first customer's begin to line up and already you want to organize. Counting the heads until you see a certain ash blonde causing your normally cold blood to run hot. Too hot.

"Mina?" Your voice dips low, as ice dances in the air around you, "What is he doing here?"

"Who?" She plays dumb as the other two women greet the group of men. Harsh garnet cut to you as you steel your glare.

"Oi, Icy Brat. What are you fucking doing here?" His voice grates your nerves and for a moment you see red. Thinking of freezing him and going about your day. Instead you choose to give him the cold shoulder, averting your gaze.

"We're doing pairs for washing today. I'm glad you could make it" Kirishima beams, coming in for a hug, you take a step back offering him a polite smile. His smile doesn't lose an ounce of shine, it makes you respect him a bit more.

"I'll handle the cash and direct cars then." You say pointing to the box, ready to grab the fanny pack and head to the street. Denki grabs onto you gently, releasing you as if you were hot to the touch.

"No it has to be a boy girl ratio. I promise the outcome will be worth it, please!" This won't be the first or last time both Denki and Mina beg for your help. You look around at what must be their subconscious pairings. Jiro calls Denki over as the first car pulls up, Kirishima seems to wait patiently, his eyes lingering on bubble gum pink skin, while Sero is already guiding cars with Uraraka in tow.

That leaves you and Bakugou who has his arms crossed, sneering at the customers.

Your hope dwindles that today would be a good day.

Sero points to a blue car indicating that this was going to be yours to share with the hot head. Sighing you waltz over in your black wedge heels and begin your work. Bakugou looms over the wet car, sponge in hand. The two of you work in silence until the third car, a red coupe with a couple inside about to receive the show of their bi lives.

They comment on the tension they feel between the two of you right away, they notice the glares and lack of communication. Even making small jokes about how funny it would be to see one of those cliche water fights between the two of you.

"Icebrat, you're doing it fuckin wrong." Bakuogu barks, you ignore him, continuing to wash the car. Anger burns in his chest, never understanding why you acted so high and mighty.

"Gonna give me the cold shoulder are ya?" He growls, eyeing the dirty water before a thought crosses his mind, "Love to see you ignore this."

His voice is sadistic before he throws the dirty water across the car onto your frame, suds and water cling to your white t, showcasing the black bikini top underneath. Your temper spikes enough that your shirt collects frost at the seams before you slowly remove it. Glaring at the hot head when you're done.

"Fuck." The couple say aloud grabbing onto each other as they watch the scene unfold. Your powerful frame guiding you with a deadly clack of your heels. Your hands find the bucket of water Mina and Kirishima were using, your fingers tap the bucket and the water forms a film of ice at the top. Meanwhile Bakugou goes to "correct" whatever mistake you were making. The couple's eyes watch the unsuspecting Bakugou reach up their hood to clean a particular spot before water is dumped over his spiky blonde hair.

You tap the back of his shirt making it stiff with frost, when he moves to face you it shatters away from his body. Revealing the sculpted plans of his abs and the scars of untold stories.

If it weren't for all of that ice water Bakugou would have blown you sky high, he comes close to you. Huffing as his eyes become wild and wide. All you offer him is a deadly polite smile as you stare him in the face, unbothered and unphased by his towering presence.

"What? I was only getting the spot you missed." When he says nothing you allow yourself to relish the silence, placing your hand on his shoulder capping it in obvious ice.

"Are you giving me the cold shoulder now?" The question is nonchalant before you signal to Sero for another car as you walk to get more supplies. Sero whistles at a bristling Bakugou before leaning into the driver's side window to give directions. Before he can ask for a tip the driver is offering a twenty dollar bill while his eyes are flickering between yourself and Bakugou.

"Mark us down as a regular." He sighs as his girlfriend does too. Sero happily tucks the money into the fanny pack.

"Will do."

Somehow the two of you manage quips and water pranks back and forth without killing each other. Making it through the long day but earning a high amount of tips. Mina clings to you as you count cash, sweat on her brow as the sun settles into an unbearable afternoon heat.

"Uuugghhh how much longer mom?" She asks, sighing at your icy touch. You roll your eyes as you count the last stack.

"Not too much hush." You place the money into the lock box, wondering how the hell the eight of you made so much money in just seven hours.

"But I'm starving! Plus we still have to pick our rooms!"

"You're that excited to move all of our items into what was a male dominated space?" You ask coolly as Jiro and Uraraka lean against the collapsible table.

"I'm stoked." Jiro comments, her earjacks twirling themself as her eyes wander.

"It will be nice to be settled before the fall term." Uraraka sighs looking down at her phone, idly scrolling through her socials. The two women nod as the guys approach. You purposely ignore the hot head and allow your eyes to meet Denki's, although it takes him a few long seconds to meet your gaze. He was a little preoccupied with a black and white checkered bikini with matching Van's.

"Earth to space cadet." Sero nudges his ribs subtly pointing to you as you gaze at him as a teacher would a student caught daydreaming. He clears his throat.

"Well it seems your theory has paid off. We've made quite a bit of cash today." You lock the box before standing, reluctantly adding, "The pairing of female and male will be standard from here on out. Although we should only need a few more fundraising events depending on what the house needs. Which I trust won't be too much."

Three of the four boys shared a concerned look while the fourth knows how bitter your words were going to taste.

"We'll meet you at the house."

❄💥❄💥❄💥❄💥❄💥❄💥❄💥❄💥

The four of you cannot deny the excitement you feel as yall walk up to the historical home. The upper balcony seems to wrap around the back but only partially in the front while the porch below stretches across the front of the home. The siding had been repainted and the banisters above and below are wrapped in what will be sparkling lights at night. A stately set of double doors catch your eye before they yawn open by the hands of Denki Kaminari who is trying not to visibly sweat.

"Home sweet home!" Denki steps aside to let the four of you in with your belongings. Your eyes dissect the place as you press your tongue into your bottom lip, trying your best to keep your cool. This place needed a lot of what you deemed necessities. You notice the familiar dining room table as the foldable card table they had at the carwash surrounded by the cheap camping chairs you thought you had replaced.

The only decent looking room was the living room and even then it was only thanks to you. The leather arm chairs were placed haphazardly around the new sectional you had delivered as it circled around the TV you demanded from the dean.

Denki watches your manicured nails rap against your skin as you think.

"The window installation and insulation went smoothly?"

"Yes." Sero answers as your eyes wander around the room landing on your mattress and platform bed frame resting against the wall in the nook by the study turned bedroom.

"We didn't know where to put it since the bedrooms aren't sorted out for you lovely ladies just yet." Kirishima smiles but your mind isn't on why it is there. No, your mind is wondering why there is only one.

"Was I the only one to order my mattress?" You look towards your sorority who holds a guilty look before you glance at the three men who mirror the women.

"Well I guess that is for the better. We can spend extra on them now anyway."

"Are you sure? I thought the budget was tight." Denki asks, earning a rare boasting smile from you. You make your way into the kitchen and six ducklings follow. Your nail taps the stainless steel of a high end commercial fridge.

"It was tight before but not after I got this." Smile remaining on your lips as you speak, "It was 3,000 off due to some cosmetic dents but I got it as a donation. An alumni donation."

"Wow for free?!" Denki and Sero ask in unison, amazed by your skill.

"For free boys."

"Wow, Bakugou might love that fridge even more now. Every time he cooks he mentions how great it is." Kirishama laughs but a certain name causes you to freeze to the tiled floor.

"Bakugou…" You turn to Mina with a deadly glare as ice crystals form in your hair, "As in Bakugou lives here?!"

The silence echoes throughout the kitchen and all that can be heard is the hum of the fancy fridge. Just as you're about to snap, Denki intervenes.

"Uh. Did you want to talk bedrooms?"

"YES!" The girls yell pulling the boys back into the safety of the living room as you collect yourself for a moment.

God you hated the effect his name had on you but even more so how stupid you felt. As if this was some half baked plan to leave out the important detail that the man you loathed most would be under the same roof. Finally after a few deep breaths the ice in your hair melts and you step into the living room with a level head. Reminding yourself that this house was going to be rent free. You would have a full sized kitchen and your own bedroom, this was a much better option than the dorms even if it meant Bakugou came with it.

"There is one bedroom upstairs not claimed, the rest of us guys are up there too. Then that door next to the nook is the study, it's not huge but it has a lot of shelves and big enough to fit a queen. Um there are two bedrooms in the basement but it's not totally dark down there. Plus the second living room with the pong table is down there. What else?" Denki taps his finger to his lips, "Oh half bath is here. Full bathroom is upstairs and there is technically another full bath in the basement, it's just more 'open concept'."

"Open concept?" Jiro asks, earjacks perking with curiosity.

"He means no walls. Just a toilet and a shower head chilling next to the laundry sink and washer, dryer." Sero explains, again you tongue the inside of your bottom lip.

"Girl huddle!" Mina shouts, pulling the three of you into a small circle, "I personally really would like one of the bedrooms in the basement. I'm loud and I wouldn't mind the late hours that come with the pong table. I am the QUEEN after all."

"I want a bedroom in the basement too. You know my music gets super loud!" Jiro pipes in. Uraraka wants to say something but politely waits for you, instead you gesture for her to speak first.

"I...I would be much more comfortable in the study. I don't mind it being small." Her brown eyes bore holes into the floorboards as you read between the lines.

"I would be much more comfortable on a different level than all four men." Is what she means, you sigh internally, swearing this will be the last compromise you make for these women.

"Then I'll take the room upstairs." You state before telling the boys the arrangements. You look at your watch to check the time.

"If we leave now in the college van and trailer I borrowed we could get everyone else's mattresses tonight." You look around the room before asking, "So where is Bakugou anyway?"

The three boys glance at one another, Kirishima speaks up.

"He had a….previous obligation." He laughs, rubbing the back of his head. You narrow your eyes.

"Let me call him. This is more important than whatever he is doing. It clearly isn't school related." You hold out your hand for the red head's phone, he pulls it from his pocket reluctantly.

It rings before going to voicemail but that's never stopped you before. You call until he picks up screaming into the receiver.

"WHAT THE FUCK I TOLD YOU NOT TO FUCKING CALL SHITTY HAIR!!!"

"Enough with the dramatics, what could be more important than your other roommates deciding bedrooms in the house?"

"Is that?!" A female voice screeches your name once she figured out who you are, "Listen here slut, I'm in the middle of getting my back broken and…"

"Bakugou we are leaving in fifteen minutes. I advise that you get here on time. Otherwise we will leave without you." You interrupt the angry booty call.

"And if I fucking don't, Icebrat?" You roll your eyes at the nickname as you sigh.

"Then I'll spend your portion of the allowance on something else. Fifteen minutes."

"OI!" Bakugou shouts before a woman's voice comes across the speaker.

"Stop ignoring me bitch and stop talking to my man!"

"Oh sweetheart your 'man' is only going to your place cause he sleeps on a crusty ass futon not because he actually likes you." Your voice is honeyed in venom before dipping low, "Bakugou be home or you forfeit the fucking funding for your bed."

With that you hang up, passing Kirishima's phone back to him. Everyone shares a glance as they remember just how icy you can be, there was no threat in your voice. Only a promise to Bakugou.

"Sero be a dear and help me take my mattress up." You ask lifting the box with the unbuilt frame with ease. Suddenly skittish Sero takes a moment to grab your mattress as Denki helps him bring it up the stairs but abandons Sero by the bathroom at the top of the stairs, forcing the tape hero to face this challenge alone. Sero only hopes the room neighboring yours is shut and he sighs with relief when it is.

He helps you set the items into your room that is located in the front of the house. You take in the view of the perfectly sized yet small bedroom. Two large sets of sliding doors that meet in the corner force you to place your bed against what you assume is the shared wall of one of your roommates. Sero swallows thickly as he realizes just why Denki abandoned him. He can see it in your eyes, the curiosity sparkling as you turn to face him, you're going to inquire about the room next door.

Please Gods do not ask him.

Don't fucking asking him please.

"Who do I owe the pleasure?" You smile sweetly, praying it is Kirishima or Sero at the very least. Hell you'd even take Denki who sings loudly off key, as long as it wasn't Bakugou. You watch the raven hair man's face fall, his dark eyes avoiding yours as he answers and yet somehow you already knew.

"Ba-Bakugou's" The room drops twenty degrees as the floor freezes beneath your feet, snow floating gently to the floor as Sero's breath puffs in the new found tundra.

"SERO I NEED YOUR HELP MAN! JIRO'S DRUM SET AND AMPS ARE HEAVY!" Denki calls from downstairs, saving Sero's hide. The man rushes and catches himself from slipping before he practically jumps down the entire set of stairs.

"How did she take it?" Mina whispers before following Sero's eyes to where your bedroom should be. Urakaka comes from the study with snowflakes dusting her hair and a shiver.

"Well at least I'll never be hot in the summer."

#bakugo x reader #bakugou x reader #bnha x reader #bakugou katsuki #bnha au #bnha college au #bnha frathouse au #bnha wholesome frat house

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brainyxbat · 2 years

Text

Hisui- Proposal

Butch has an elaborate plan in his mind for popping the big question to Venus. Too bad an inattentive waiter screws it up!

At HQ, while Venus Wisteria was in her resting quarters, Butch Kosaburo turned to one of his trusty companions. “Hey, Mightyena? The time has come. Lookit.” He opened a black velvet box to show it a black ring resembling a tiara, accented with small, gorgeous white diamonds, and a teardrop opal in the center. “It’s for Venus. I’m gonna ask her to marry me.” He let a breath out, as he shook his head. “This is so crazy; I, I’m nervous.” Mightyena pawed at his knee, as if in reassurance. “Thanks, buddy. I just- AAH!” He nearly jumped out of his skin when the door was suddenly opened, the box almost snapping shut on his fingers.

Cassidy snickered at his reaction. “Did Mighty say yes?” She joked and giggled, as Butch rolled his eyes.

“Very funny, Cass.”

“So,” She sat on a comfy chair by the Bite Pokemon, “You’re finally popping the question to V, huh? About time.”

“Yeah. This is the ring I picked out.” Butch showed it to her like he did earlier with Mightyena.

“Wow, that’s beautiful! She’ll love it; it’s just her style.”

“Thanks; I knew it was a right decision.” He sighed deeply. “I’m nervous, though.”

Her hand rested on his shoulder in comfort. “Afraid she won’t say yes?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Don’t worry, she will. I just know it; she loves you too much to turn you down.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. It’s weird; you’re usually more confident than this.”

“Well, this is a big thing.”

“True. But everything will be okay, buddy; she’ll accept your proposal.” Her hands clapped together, before she stood up. “Now, what’re you wearing?”

Meanwhile, Venus changed from her uniform into a dark blue v-neck mini dress with a layered skirt, a black short-sleeve cardigan with ruffles, a silver moon headband, and black velvet lace-up boots with 6 inch heels, 3 inch platforms, and scales texture. Around her neck was a treasured birthday present from Butch shortly after they started dating: a pink and white rainbow pendant necklace with the clouds and chain in black. She wore it everyday since he gave it to her, even tucking it under her uniform.

“Okay uh, how’s this?” She showed her longtime partner Zubat, and newer friend, a young Bulbasaur named Bramble, nearing the ability to tag along on missions. She smiled when they both seemed to show approval. “Thanks, guys. What could Butch be planning?” They were as clueless as she was, as she fixed her makeup. “He hasn’t even said where we’re going; just to “dress nice”, in his words.” She slid her black manga mascara on her naturally green eyelashes, grabbed her Gothic designer purse, and sat on her bed. “Now I just gotta wait for him to come grab me.”

She didn’t have to wait for long. After hearing a knock on the door, she straightened up in her tall heels, and smiled when she opened. Butch was quite handsome in a black suit and shiny shoes, along with a black button-up t-shirt printed with blue flames. His hair was still the same M-shaped bangs as always. “Wow; you look amazing.”

“Thank you, so do you.” He kissed her cheek, as she blushed bashfully, “Ready to go?”

“Yep.” She turned to Zubat and Bramble. “See you guys later tonight.” After they gave out their respective calls, she closed the door, stashed the key in her purse, and headed out with her boyfriend. “Now, where are we going?”

“You’ll see,” He winked, receiving an eye roll in response.

“Butch-”

“You’ll find out shortly. It won’t be much longer; I promise. You trust me?”

She smirked, and nodded. “Yes, I trust you. But my patience is entirely different from my trust.”

“I know,” He chuckled, “But I want it to be a surprise. Okay?”

She sighed with a smile when he gave her a pleading face, and giggled. “Alright, I’ll give it a few more minutes.”

“Thanks, V-V.” He kissed her hair, and held her close as they trekked down the hallway, “It’ll be worth the wait.”

It was worth the wait! He smiled at how she brightened up at their destination upon arrival; an Italian restaurant, where they had their first date, not far from HQ. He linked arms with her, before they walked inside. They were soon seated, and he stifled a laugh when she practically stumbled in her chair. “Probably should’ve worn shorter shoes, huh?” He smirked. “Remember those demons you tried on while we and Cass were shopping?”

“Yeah,” She giggled, “But these are 6 inches, not 10.”

“Touché,” He snickered sarcastically, “Huge difference there.” After ordering their usual choices and washing up, they chatted and enjoyed each other’s company. “So, how’s my favorite little bulb?”

“Bramble’s doing great,” Venus replied, “I think he’s almost ready to join us on missions.” She sighed. “I’m still afraid of things getting dangerous for him.”

“He’ll be alright,” Butch assured, “With you as his trainer, he’ll be kicking twerp ass everywhere we go.”

She huffed out a little laugh. “Thanks. I know he will; he’s been making good progress.”

They talked some more about their respective Pokemon, Butch throwing in info about Cassidy’s as well, before their drinks arrived. Venus eagerly sipped her fizzy, dark brown soda before continuing her topic of conversation. “I think Bramble will be evolving into Ivysaur soon; I’m really proud of him.”

“As am I,” Butch nodded after a sip of seltzer water, “He’s come quite far since he came out of his egg.”

“Yep,” She agreed, “He has. Feels like only yesterday when he hatched, and I was able to carry him with one arm.”

He chuckled at the adorable memories of his normally tough girlfriend holding the young Mon like a baby. “Yeah. Little guy’s growing up.”

Before long, their food came. Venus smiled eagerly, as she helped set her plate on the table. “Thanks.” Butch left his tomato soup alone, as he eagerly watched her. But to his confusion, she didn’t seem to notice anything in her spaghetti. She saw him staring, and let out a giggle. “You okay?”

“Y-yeah,” He nodded, “Uh... so, your meal? Anything... unusual?”

She dug through the noodles, meatballs, and tomato sauce with a head tilt of curiosity. Butch hoped that the surprise was buried in the middle of her pasta, but her head shake told him otherwise. “Nope; nothing weird. Just normal spaghetti. Tastes incredible, like last time.”

His smile turned more and more fake by the second, before it disappeared completely, replaced by a thin line of stress. He saw their waiter at another table, and stood up. “Um... b-be right back. Go ahead and eat without me.” Without another word, he made a beeline for his target. Venus reluctantly obeyed, slowly slurping a saucy noodle. What was up with him?

Butch grabbed the waiter’s shoulder, and forcefully escorted him to the restrooms across the building, where she couldn’t hear them. “Where’s the ring?”

“Uhhh, I-”

“THE RING, I'm gonna propose to her with. It's supposed to be in its box, in her pasta, and it’s not there. Where. Is it?” He growled through clenched teeth, his maroon eyes furious.

“It uh... it, it might b-be in someone else’s p-pasta,” The terrified young man stuttered.

Butch was silent before letting him go, grumbling under his breath as he stomped away.

What a nightmare. This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be. It couldn’t be lost. He spent hours finding the perfect ring for her; he had to find it.

He scaled the whole restaurant, hastily digging through baffled strangers’ spaghettis. He apologized with each one, even looking in one ring box, but looked too light and girly to be for his hopefully future bride. Not to mention unintentionally ruined someone else’s surprise proposal. “Butch?’ He heard Venus’ voice call him from their table after a small bite of her food. “Everything okay? What’re you doing?” He didn’t answer, as he continued his quest.

Miraculously, he found the black crown ring, quickly cleared it up to, and left the confused family with a quick apology. He returned to his girlfriend, keeping the now sauce-covered box hidden, and groaned with his hand over his tears-filled eyes. His plan was wrecked; all because of some idiot who didn’t remember which spaghetti to serve with his soup. “It’s ruined,” He muttered, “It’s all ruined; this is a disaster.”

“Butch?” He was startled to see that Venus had moved her chair next to his, plate included on the table; she was facing him with concern. “What’s going on? Are you-” A small gasp escaped her lips when she saw the tarnished ring box. “Butch? I-is that...?”

“It wasn’t supposed to go this way,” He shook his head, his voice low, “That idiot wrecked my perfect plan. He’s not getting a tip; I wanted to-”

“Butch,” She stopped him, “Is that what I think it is?”

He sighed deeply, his hand now over his nose and mouth. He stayed quiet for a moment; he took a deep breath and knelt down to the floor on one knee, emptied the box, and presented the ring to her between two fingers. “Venus Sundance Wisteria, will you marry me?” He blurted out, his speech rapid almost to the point where it was indiscernible, ending it with a nervous grin.

She smiled widely, tears welling up in her forest green eyes, and nodded. “Yes! I will! I will marry you!” The applause from faculty and other restaurant patrons were unnoticed, as the now engaged couple shared a firm, loving embrace. Butch kissed her head, then helped slide the tiny crown on her left ring finger. She admired the diamonds, and the opal in the center, as they glistened under the light. “Wow, it’s beautiful.”

“Not as much as you, V-V.” He held her cheeks in both hands, and they shared a short, yet sweet kiss, her arms around his neck. She returned to her seat after scooting it even closer to him, and they enjoyed their meals.

He felt much better than he had earlier; yes, his original plan had gone into shambles, but he found the ring, he asked her, and she accepted. That was all that mattered.

Cassidy was happy to hear that her two best friends are now engaged, and they hung out in Venus’ resting quarters to celebrate.

The waiter got no tip; just an angry note regarding his carelessness on the back of the receipt, courtesy of Butch.

(A/N: She said yes! 🥳 I mean, we all knew she would, but it’s still happy! 😄 Bramble belongs to me and @auditect, Venus and the incompetent waiter belong to me, and everyone else belongs to Satoshi Tajiri, and everyone involved in the anime.)

Outfits (look on my pinned post for links):

Venus Engagement

Butch Engagement

#hisuishipping #pokemon #pokeani #anipoke #oc x canon #pokemon oc #team rocket #team rocket oc #pokemon butch #kosaburo #fanfiction #fanfic #bxb fanfics

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hitbythunder · 3 years

Text

The Roll of Thunder -1

A Thor x Reader and later some Loki x Reader story

Summary: After Frigga's and Loki's deaths, Thor struggles with his grief and blames himself for the loss. Barely able to manage his emotions, the god helps the other heros on Earth so that he can stay away from Asgard - a place which only reminds him of his pain. When the team acquires a golden sphere from a mission, however, Thor is forced to deal with his past. She has black hair, pale skin and a pair of emerald eyes which haunt the god in his dreams. Could she be Loki?

Warnings: non-con in later chapters

~º*º*º~

With a clank, Thor put his mighty hammer down beside his seat and walked over to the elongated box on the other side of the jet. A familiar blue light emitted from the box and Thor observed it's valuable content closely. Made of pure gold and a vibranium core, adorned with fine engravings and a sharp blade at it's end, crowned by the glistening blue stone embedded between, his brother's scepter lay proudly before him.

Loki... Thor pondered over the past and his heart grew heavy at the thought of his brother and all that had happened between them, all the pain the Trickster had caused him and others. Many matters were left unspoken between them and Thor often thought about what he would like to tell his brother if they met once more. But Loki was dead.

It had been a year since the fight against Malekith and his scum but whole New York was still recovering, most of the citizens trying to forget the horrors of the battle. Thor however could never forget how he held his dying brother in his arms, on the yellow dusty earth or Svartalfheim. And the scepter just reminded him of the fallen prince – his brother – who died a hero.

***

Smoothly the jet landed on the platform of Stark Tower and the hatch opened while Steve turned off the engine. Another important mission was complete, the dangerous scepter under the Avenger's custody and out of Hydra's hands, much to everyone's relief. Carefully, Thor grabbed the box while Steve carried some other artifacts they had seized from the Hydra base and they exited the jet.

"Good job everyone!" Steve cheered when they entered the living room of the new built top of the tower and Tony walked straight towards the bar. "Yes, let's celebrate it with a drink or two!" "Where shall I put this, Anthony?" Thor asked in a stern voice, did he not share the joy of his friends and Tony frowned silently at being called so formally by the god.

"Oh yeah, best we bring all of the artifacts over into my lab for some testing. I'll come with you!" he replied and washed the rest of his drink down.

“So how long are you planning to stay?” Tony asked casually when they were alone in his lab, knowing that the god will take the weapon with him to Asgard. “Do not fret, you shall have enough time to study the powers of the scepter as I shall dwell some more on Midgard. There is little that wiles me to return to Asgard.” Thor replied and Tony could tell that the big blonde had still some trouble dealing with his grief, had he not only lost his brother but his mother too.

“Great. I'm curious as to what Bruce and I are going to tease out of that thing!” Tony cheered, eager to lay hands on the golden weapon. “So what are your plans for the weekend? Going to visit Jane?” the scientist added while attaching some wires and sensors to the scepter. Thor hesitated to answer.

“No...I don't think so...” he finally said, attracting part of Tony's attention. “Sounds like there is trouble in paradise? I told you, wearing mother's drapes isn't en vogue any more.” Again the Thunderer didn't respond at once. “I fear she loves her science more than me and with each day we grow apart further. … “ Thor's face was stern as he looked outside the window but at nothing in particular. He loved Jane and admired her intelligence but the flame that burnt inside him when they met was dying out slowly. Tony had not a clue what to respond, had he always avoided such situations. “I shall retire for tonight. Good night, my friend.” Thor added and left the scientist alone, seeking the solitude of his room.

***

Tony had worked for three hours now but he still did not feel tired at all as he was too excited to discover the powers and secrets of the scepter. Bruce had joined him two hours ago and together they run several tests and analyzed the weapon from every possible angle. They were “science-bros”, as Natasha called them justifiably. “Hey, Tony, what's with that golden sphere over here?” Bruce asked all of a sudden and eyed the large metal ball – it's diameter were approximately four feet – in front of him while Tony walked over. “I found it near the scepter but I have no idea what it is.” Tony replied and they both shared a wicked grin. “Then let's find out!” Although they worked for another two hours, the mysterious golden ball kept them busy even the entire next day but no test would reveal it's secret or any relevant information at all. “Still playing with that over-sized football?” Natasha joked at dinner while Clint chuckled at the moody scientists. “It's definitely no football from what we do know.” Tony quipped and stabbed the steak on his plate with the fork harshly. “We've run every possible test and tried to open it but all in vain. We know it's most likely hollow inside and the shell is of vanadium and gold on top, preventing us to get through.” Bruce explained and looked hopefully to Thor when he added: “And you don't recognize it?” The blonde shook his head. “I have never laid eyes upon something like that. Maybe it is from another world but with only so little information it is hard to tell.” Bruce nodded and returned to the food on his plate, as did the rest of the team. Dinner continued in silence until it was interrupted by the familiar voice of the friendly AI.

“Excuse me, Sir, but my sensors report some stirring from the sphere.” “Thanks Jarvis!” Tony said and jumped off his stool to head towards the lab, followed by his friends.

Inside the dim-lit lab, the golden ball was not on the large table where they had left it before. Instead it was floating freely in the middle of the room, surrounded by the tables and screens, the wires that had been attached all strewn around the floor.

“That's interesting...” Tony muttered as he stepped closer to the ball. “Be careful.” Bruce said from behind but of course that did not stop a Stark. Slowly he reached forward to touch the slightly glowing ball and upon contact, Tony was surprised even more. “It's warm.” “What? But it was ice-cold before dinner.” Bruce assessed and stepped closer too, readjusting his glasses as he eyed the ball suspiciously.

I'm gonna crack you eventually... Tony thought, determined to run a few more tests.

***

After a long shower, Thor sat alone on the bed in his darkened room and stared once more outside the window, the thousands of tiny lights from the buildings illuminating the night sky. Midgard and the Stark Tower had become his second home and Thor did not regret his decision to decline his right to the throne. But what kept his mind restless was the fact that he had probably lost Jane to her work in exchange for his adventures with the Avengers. He couldn't blame her since they rarely saw each other but it pained him to admit that he had no true companion, no love in his life anymore. With his mother and brother dead, there was only his father left but they had never shared a loving bond. Of course there were plenty of pretty (and willing) women on Midgard, more enough to satisfy his every desire but Thor didn't make use of them. At least for now, his grieving heart was still smothering such needs. He was truly glad that they had secured the scepter but he was tired of the fighting, his whole body drained by the last weeks efforts and thus he put the phone which he held in his large hand back onto the nightstand.

No, I don't want to see Jane this weekend...or any other day, he thought and lay down, hoping that sleep would ease his tormented mind.

***

It was long after midnight when the AI woke the Thunderer from his slumber, informing him that his presence was requested in the lab. From the alarmed tone of Jarvis voice, Thor knew something was amiss and thus he quickly summoned Mjolnir into his hand, the splendid Asgardian armor appearing just upon contact with the hammer's hilt, and hurried towards the lab. “What's going on?” Steve called as he followed the Aesir but it was Natasha who answered him, running behind them. “I suppose Tony screwed it up!” Inside the lab, the lights were out and only the golden glow from the sphere illuminated the room. Bruce frantically typed something on the computer while Tony just got up from the floor in front of the sphere, wearing his right iron-man arm. “Tony, what happened?!” Steve yelled when the rest of the Avengers exited the elevator. “Maybe it's a bomb. We tried to drill it out but some sort of defensive mechanism fired back.” Bruce explained, hiding some more behind the table while Tony was about to try again. “Full power, Jarvis.” “Yes, Sir.”

“WHAT?!” Natasha and Clint said in unison. “Tony stop that!!” Steve yelled and walked over to drag him away from the perceived danger. “If it's a bomb you will kill us all!” “Oh, don't be so dramatic, Cap!” Tony retorted but had no chance when he was seized and carried away from the golden sphere. "Hey! Get me down, you groper!" “Can you disarm it?” Clint asked when he was at Bruce's side but the scientist only shook his head. “We have no idea how that thing works.” “Then we should get it out of here.” Steve suggested while he held Tony in place, denying him to get one step closer to the sphere. “Sorry, pal, the damned thing won't move an inch. We've tried.” Tony said and yanked himself free from the Captain's hold.

“Maybe it has some sort of connection to the scepter. It could be a secret weapon that Loki brought to earth when-” Bruce began but was interrupted by Thor abruptly. “You think this is another of my brother's schemes?” Thor was furious, had he wished never to speak ill of his sibling but that hope was destroyed by that damned golden ball. Admittedly, Thor wouldn't be surprised that his brother hid another deadly weapon for his conquer of Midgard and as he stepped closer to the sphere he realized that some of the engravings were an old dialect of Asgardian. His face became blank as his hurt turned into wild rage, storming inside him.

“Thor? What are you doing?” Natasha asked cautiously, had she sensed the chance of the god's mood and expression. “I recognize some of the engravings although I can not grasp their meaning. Nevertheless, weapon or bomb, it must be destroyed and I shall see to it now.” Thor replied sternly, his voice rumbling low in his chest and he lifted Mjolnir above his head, lightning surrounding the hammer's head instantly.

“Thor no!” Tony yelled and Steve just caught him in time to stop him from getting too close. “No, don't! THOR!”

But it was too late, his last words never reaching the god's ears as he brought the hammer down with one vigorous blow and unleashing a bolt of lightning upon the sphere. The whole lab was illuminated, the white light of the bolt glaring the others so that they had to avert their gaze and cover their eyes for protection. The gold and vibranium began to glow, first orange then red, as the energy washed over the metal ball and Thor continued for another few seconds before he withdrew his hammer. He watched the ball's color changed back to normal and the surface smoking slightly but not damaged – much to his dissatisfaction.

“Are you insane?! You could have get us all killed!” Tony yelled once he dared to open his eyes again. “So it's not a bomb...” Bruce assessed and readjusted his glasses. “Maybe if Thor and I try together -” “NO, Tony!” Steve and Natasha yelled at Tony who held up his arms in defense. “Just an idea..relax!” The Avengers started quarreling about what to do with the mysterious ball since it couldn't be moved nor opened, their voices drowning out the clicking sound coming from the sphere. “Sir, the surface of the sphere is moving, apparently it's opening up.” Jarvis informed them and they all turned in surprise to have a look, forgetting about their arguing.

The ball glowed once more and lowered itself down onto the ground. The golden surface peeled off like the petals of a rose opening for it to bloom, one by one and from the inside, a thick, silver liquid leaked onto the stone floor, forming a puddle around the ball.

“Eeewww...” Tony watched with disgust as his floor was spoiled but he fell silent when he saw that something else was inside the ball. And when the sphere was fully opened, the Avengers gasped in astonishment at what revealed itself before their eyes. Covered from head to toe in the silver liquid, a female sat on the golden petals, the fluid concealing the details of her naked body. From what they could see, she was quite small and slim, her lovely features accompanied by a sweet nose. Curiosity took them over and the team slowly walked closer to the strange woman. “Not all at once.” Bruce whispered and motioned for the others to stay behind and let him talk to her first. He knew pretty well how to handle wild creatures after all.

“Hello there...” he said calmly, kneeling down a few feet away from her and watched as she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, removing the silver liquid from her face and her shoulder-length black hair. Thor's mind tried frantically to recall some myth or tale from Asgard regarding a woman coming out of a golden ball but in vain. So he just stared at her but griped his hammer tightly, ready to strike if she should try to harm Bruce. It was then, that she opened her eyes the very first time, beholding her surroundings and the creatures in front of her and Thor's jaw almost dropped to the floor. Under thin strands of raven-black slick hair, a stark contras to her pale complexion, emerged a pair of sparkling emerald green orbs.

Loki?

#thor x reader #mystery fic #avengers #loki x reader #romance #the roll of thunder

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stanathanxoox · 4 years

Text

Choices November Challenge - Day 18

gif is mine

Thanks to the amazing @choicesnovemberchallenge for the prompt

Day 18: Marriage – Sawyer Oakley x MC

This is part two of the series. Read Part 1 here

It was total chaos when you woke the following morning. From the minute you opened your eyes you had people rushing around you, doing your hair and makeup, taking photos and helping you with your dress and bouquet. You couldn't help but smile throughout the morning, a few jitters coursing through your veins but you honestly could not wait to be walking down the aisle in just over two hours time to your future. There's a knock on the door and you look up in the mirror, your hands are running up and down the beautiful bodice of your dress. You squeal when you see who's standing in the room with you, running towards your mother and father throwing your arms around them.

“Oh my sweet angel” your mother whispers in your ear as she pulls back and looks you up and down.

“Hi mummy, hi daddy, you made it,” you say and your parents both beam at you. Your parents had said that they were unsure if they were going to be able to make it to the house before the wedding as their flight from Boston had been delayed but you were grateful that they were here now.

“We managed to get a flight with a different airline that was scheduled to leave on time” your father explains and you nod, smiling happily.

“I'm so glad your both here,” you say and they both nod, before your mum gasps and pulls out a jewellery box, as she explains what it is she hands it to you and you gasp when you see the intricate detail on the necklace and earrings, with the blue gemstones

“Oh its beautiful mum,” you say and she smiles, as tears fall down her cheeks

“It was your grandmothers and she would've wanted you to wear them” your mum tells you as tears begin to fall down both of your cheeks. Your father pulls you both into his arms as the two of you try to recompose yourselves. It was hard getting married without your grandmother here to experience this day with you, it had always been her wish to be witness to her only grandbabies wedding day, but she had lost her battle with her long term illness just weeks ago. It was going to be a hard day all around for both you and Sawyer, knowing that Cliff is watching down on you on this day as well.

Once you and your mother calm yourselves she helps you with the necklace before she rushes out of the room to get the makeup artist, leaving you alone with your father for the first time since they arrived. He takes a small step towards you, unsure of what to say, but you give him time, a smile never leaving your face. When he finally has the words he wants to say, he reaches out and grabs your hands, giving them a gentle squeeze before he says

“My dearest Y/N, my special little princess. I can't believe we're here right now, and I'm about to give you a way to the man who has claimed your heart so completely. I can see how much you love each other and I honestly couldn't ask for a better man for you to be marrying. I remember the day I got to hold you in my arms for the first time, you were only a couple of minutes old and you looked up at me with those unseeing eyes, and a little smile on your face, as your little fingers wrapped themselves around my finger and I knew that you were going to be the most precious thing in my life, that you were going to be my greatest achievement” he pauses and you can see tears threatening to fall, as he pulls you close to him, careful of your hair and makeup as he holds you close to him

“I love you forever my princess” he whispers in your ear and you swallow around the massive lump in your throat as you whisper

“I love you too daddy, so very much”.

Photos are taken with your mum and dad, with your bridesmaids, with your maid of honour and by yourself, and before you know it the cars have arrived and you're being whisked away to the church. When you arrive at the small church in the middle of Sweetridge, you take a few calming breaths. Your mother places a kiss on your forehead before she goes to enter the church, leaving you in the foyer of the church with your bridal party and your father. You slowly pacing as you wait for the first bars of the music to start for the girls to walk down the aisle. Curly is paired off with Juliette and Dallas is paired off with Asha, whilst Duke waits by his brothers' side in front of the crowd gathered inside the church. You take a deep calming breath as Brooklynne makes her way over to you, she reaches out for your hand and you take it, feeling the gentle squeeze she gives your hand as she leans her forehead against your own,

“Just take a couple of deep breaths, Aunty, you've got this. Uncle Sawyer is probably just as nervous, if not more so, but he will always be there to catch you when you fall. You know he loves you with every single star in the sky and every breath he takes” she whispers and you nod, leaning over to place a kiss on her cheek.

“I'm so lucky to have someone like you in my life Brookie” you say and she beams

“I am too, now we've got less than a minute until the music starts and we start walking down the aisle. Are you okay?” she asks and you close your eyes, imagining Sawyer on the other side of the closed doors, taking a deep breath and you nod, opening your eyes to see Brooklyne beaming at you.

“Alright, let's do this then,” she says, getting in line behind the others. You can't help but smile as you hear the music begin to swell throughout the church and the doors open before you watch as the others glide down the aisle.

When you see Brooklyne walk through the door, your father holds out his arm for you to take and you look up at him and ask

“Make sure I don't fall okay daddy?”, he looks down and gives your hand a gentle squeeze

“Of course princess,” he says as the music changes to the wedding march and you make your way through the doors. As soon as you walk through the doors, your eyes land on Sawyer dressed in his beautifully tailored tux, looking absolutely ravishing in the white material. Your father's gentle hand secured on your arm is the only thing that stops you from barrelling down the aisle towards him and placing a searing kiss on his lips. Your eyes are glued together, you barely notice the guests in the aisles as you walk passed them and you don't even care, you only have eyes for the man standing at the end of the aisle. As you reach Sawyer's side, your father stops and gently lifts his hands to his mouth, placing a soft kiss on them before he turns back to Saywer and places your hands in his, a smile on his face as he says

“You look after my princess Sawyer” and Sawyer nods

“Of course, with everything I have,” he vows and you smile as you see the approval shining bright in your fathers eyes before he turns around and makes his way over to sit next to your mother, whilst Sawyer leads you up to the small platform where you stand in front of the priest, who begins the ceremony. You listen to the words, but you barely register what is happening, well you do but the way Sawyer is looking at you is enough to distract you during this time. When its time for you to say your vows you speak from the heart, letting him know your true feelings and you watch as he wipes a tear from his eyes.

“Sawyer, when you entered my life I never thought I was being introduced to my soul mate but one look at your charming smile and I knew that you were going to be someone very special to me. You helped me learn the ropes of the ranch and loved me so wholeheartedly whilst doing so. You always know exactly what to say and are always there for me when I need you, no matter what. You are my everything, my heart and soul are your forever” you vow and he beams at you before he clears his throat and says

“I love you so much Y/N. When you entered my life I knew you were a force to be reckoned with, you helped fix my family and brought an end to an age-old feud that became one of the best things to happen in Sweetridge. You have stood by my side through every up and down held me and cherished me in ways I never even thought were possible, it was like the day before you came into my life I was seeing the world in nothing but black and white, but you came into my life and opened my eyes, made me see the world for the first time and I loved it. You are my everything Y/N, I vow to take care of you and treasure every moment of our lives together, for eternity” he vows and you feel the tears streaming down your face at his words. He wipes them away and gives your hands a gentle squeeze as the priest gets you to exchange the proper vows. ��And then its the moment you've longed to hear all day, the moment the words leave the priests mouth announcing you as husband and wife, Sawyer drops your hands and cups your cheeks as he pulls you into his arms and places a kiss on your lips, it's full of all the love and passion you both share but its infinitely too brief and you sigh when the kiss is broken, leaning your forehead against his as you whisper

“Hello Husband” you hear his deep chuckle as he runs his thumb along your jaw as he whispers

“Hello Wife” before he places a brief kiss on your lips, before you turn out to those who are gathered around you in the church and raise your hands in the air, to raucous cheers and many wolf whistles. Honestly, today was the best of days and you were so ready to start celebrating life with your husband.

Tag List: @tiva-jenry-caskett-rizzles-densi, @jimmybpride, @dressed-up-just-like-z1ggy, @nikkiwierden, @samchelforever007, @kirkspockbones, @xoncisxncislaxncisnolaox, @lasalle-pride-sebastian-love, @haliannej, @brooklyn-99-amyxjake, @mizzezm, @genius2050, @twilight-twihard, @cullencoven2019, @captainxholmes, @luciferxchloeislove, @drethanramsey-ismybabe, @sawyer-oakley-is-mighty-fine

Tag List for Pixelberry fics: @cordoniaqueensworld, @aworldoffandoms, @desiree-0816

#choices november challenge #playchoices #pixelberry #pixelberry big sky country #big sky country #big sky country fic #big sky country imagine #big sky country x reader #big sky country reader insert #sawyer oakley #sawyer oakley imagine #sawyer oakley x reader

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incorrectsmashbrosquotes · 5 years

Text

Tough Love, Part One

Banjo couldn’t have received a warmer welcome when arriving at the Smash Mansion, getting lost while finding his room and accidentally making the math teacher’s head explode not withstanding. Once he was settled back in, a welcome party was held in the parlor. Banjo and Kazooie mingled with the crowd, reuniting with old friends and making new ones as well. Elated didn’t even begin to describe how Banjo felt.

“I gotta say,” Banjo said with a cold drink in his hand and a smile on his fuzzy face. “It’s been too long. I haven’t even officially made it into the game yet, and already this feels more like home than Microsoft ever did. Honestly, I can’t thank y'all enough.”

“Hey, forget about it,” Mario said cheerfully as he padded Banjo on the back. “You’re more than a guest here. Since you helped make the Nintendo 64 a household name, you’re practically family.”

“Not what you said when you sold us off, tubby!” Kazooie spat. “You were soakin’ up rays on Isle Delfino while we were stuck in a wall in Grabbed by the Ghoulies!”

“Kazooie, we’ve been over this a hundred times…” Banjo said wistfully. “Mario had nothing to do with the Rare acquisition. That was a decision made by powers upon high way out of his control.” Banjo then looked back at his old platformer pal. “Sorry about that.”

“No worries,” Mario said with a laugh. “That cockney accented bird may be salty, but she’s got nothing on Waluigi fans.”

“Or people still asking for Gogo guy from Dragonwhatsits…” Daisy added, shrugging it off. “Anyway, how did the people at Rare and Microsoft react to your invitation? Bet they threw you one heck of a party!”

“Not really…” Banjo shrugged. “I mean, yeah, they threw me a party and they wished me well, but…well…” Banjo thought long and hard about the right words to say, scratching his head. “How can I put this delicately…you know that expression about one bad apple spoilin’ the whole barrel? Well, in this case, it was an bad acorn.”

While some of the younger smashers didn’t know what he meant by that, the older ones immediately put the pieces together. From Mario to Snake, and especially the Kongs, almost the entire cast of Brawl said in unison.

“Conker?” they all asked, to which Banjo and Kazooie both nodded.

“Conker,” they both said.

“That reminds me…” Samus said as she produced her built in bounty log, making a recording. “Reminder; renew that restraining order against raging alcoholic squirrel.”

“And man, what a mess that was…” Banjo said, dejected, as the event came back to him.

>FLASHBACK<

Banjo and Kazooie mingled at the congratulatory party that Rare and Microsoft threw for him. Nearly everyone from the Rare Replay collection were there, save for the Great Mighty Poo for obvious and sanitary reasons, and the Who’s Who of the X Box showed up to pay their respects as well.

“Congratulations, furball,” Marcus Fenix said with a friendly jab. “Give ‘em hell.”

“Thanks, Marcus,” said Banjo, turning his attention toward the crowd. “And thank all of you too. I was expecting cold drinks and maybe a couple pizzas, but y'all went all out when you didn’t have to. I appreciate it.”

“No worries,” said Master Chief. “Just make sure you smash that Doom Goon around.”

“No promises,” said Kazooie. “He’s not even officially part of the roster. Also, we don’t have a death wish.”

“Besides, you guys deserve this,” said Joanna Dark. “You two certainly did more for Nintendo than any two of us put together.”

“Exactly,” Jago chimed in. “It’s not like we’re seeing Blast Corps II anytime soon, are we?”

“Or a second Jet Force Gemini,” said, funnily enough, Juno. “And honestly, that’s fine by us.”

“Indeed,” his sister Vela said. “You have any idea how hard it is to get the smell of insectoid entrails off of you?”

Sadly, the friendly and chatty atmosphere was soon broken. It started with a smell, which Banjo caught and caused him to wear a sour look.

“What smells like stale peanuts, cheap whiskey, and urine?” he asked, which was answered in bitter, drunken sarcasm.

“Oh, yeah, the bear and bird made it to Smash Bros, la dee FUCKING da!”

“Take a wild guess…” Kazooie said in spite.

Banjo turned and the crowd parted, and sure enough there stood Conker with a look so bitter even a lemon would be sweet in comparison. He was a complete wreck, his clothes unkempt and his eyes bloodshot, his mouth wrapped around a half emptied bottle of whiskey. He was so drunk he could barely keep his feet under him.

“Conker?” Banjo said as he took in the sight. “Jeez, you’re a mess. What happened to you?”

“What happened to me?” Conker said as he fumbled toward Banjo. “I’ll tell you what happened to me! You were invited to be a fighter in Super Smash Bros, and I wasn’t! I’m an icon just as much as you are, and people still love my game! I was the Nintendo 64! What the hell did you idiots do for Nintendo that I didn’t, huh!?”

“Besides stay sober?” said Kazooie.

“Screw you!” Conker spat, pointing at Kazooie while still holding his bottle of whiskey. “I can quit whenever I want!”

“Okay, okay, settle down…” said Banjo, sensing a fight about to erupt. “Look, Conker, your game was a lot of fun, and you have a cult following for a reason. But icon? Come on, man. Even when we was at the height of our popularity, at the best of times guys like you and me were second fiddle to folks like Mario and Sonic.”

“Hey, I’m still a star!” Conker shot right back. “People still talk about my game and want a new one! You think they want a new game about that pop culture popping loser Gex!? Where’s his HD remake, huh!? People love me!”

“They love your game’s absurd premise and raunchy humor,” Kazooie said. “They tolerate you, Fuzz Nuts.”

“You’re not helping!” Banjo said sternly.

“I’m not trying to help!” Kazooie shot back.

“And yet you got an invitation, and I didn’t!” Conker slurred, nearly falling over. “Why!? Why’d they invite you, and not me!?”

At this point, the entire room was silent with everyone watching. Banjo exchanged a knowing look with Kazooie, the biting breagul nodding, then looked back at Conker with a pained but honest expression.

“Do you really want to know?”

To be concluded…

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arianaofimladris · 5 years

Note

I love your writing style! Do you take prompts? If so, and if you like my idea, could you write a fic about an elf escaping from Morgoth and, as it says in the Silm, being mistrusted and driven away by his people. So he instead goes to Himring and joins Maedhros. I headcanon that this is how Maedhros had such a loyal following up to as late as and after the third kinslaying. Although his later actions were evil, he had given these elves a home and the trust that they couldn't find elsewhere.

Thank you so much! It is a new experience for me to get anons and I was thrilled to see yours!

I like prompts, though I admit they don’t always work for me. Yours, however, hit right into my muses, so here’s the fic. I hope it fits the prompt more or less.

The first time time Mistoron sees an elven village, he weeps. His bare feet are bleeding and the rugs he wears no longer provide any shelter save for the sorry excuse of preserving of what is left of his dignity. He stumbles time after time and the fair, clean faces blur in his bleary eyes.

It takes a lot to come to the smithy. The noise makes his blood freeze and everything screams in him to run away, to run and hide before the lash falls on his back once again. But the shackle rubs against his ever raw wrist and the chain he has to carry is heavy; heavier now that he finally sees free elves around him. His other wrist is still swollen, though it has probably started to heal already; that he cannot tell. He pulled and pulled until he managed to pull his hand through the shackle. The damage was a small price to pay for freedom.

The smith is a sturdy elf. He speaks little and asks no questions, but he agrees to remove the shackle. Mistoron shivers and sinks down on a bench, suddenly too weary to move, but then anxiety strikes once again. He has no means to pay him and he utters as much, afraid that he will be send away, but the smith just shrugs.

“I will not see any elf suffer these,” he answers simply and prepares his tools.

Mistoron does not remember the moment the chains fall on the floor. He’s too petrified to look and awaits the pain that will surely follow, and the next thing he recalls is the smith helping him sit; he has fallen from the bench. Mistoron obeys blindly, still half expecting the pain to come, but none of this happens. Finally he looks down at his hands and sees only abused skin. No chains, no shackles. He’s free. Really, truly free. He’s weak and hurt, but that matters not; the ache will fade, he knows it will.

The smith (Mistoron never learns his name) feeds and cloths him, but then he is firm as he points at the door.

“You cannot stay here. I trust you not.”

“Wha-,“ words die in his throat and Mistoron stares blankly, the warmth in his belly that the real meal provided suddenly turning into a sickening heaviness. He cannot bear the thought of going back alone into the wilderness, not when, not....

“I know not what evil will come after you or what calamity will fall upon as all because of you. Leave. Now.” There is steel in his voice and Mistoron backs away until he feels a wall behind his back. He knows the tone too well.

The smith realises how terrified his unwanted guest is and he softens a bit. He leaves for a moment, and when he returns, there is a sack in his arms.

“Leave,” he repeats and throws the pack to Mistoron. Petrified as he is, he fails to catch it and it falls on the floor. “It’s just some food. You can take it,” the smith explains and picks the package. He offers it again and this time Mistoron takes it with his shaking hands.

“Now leave.”

Mistoron flees.

Every village he passes reacts in a similar manner. Those who take pity on him offer him some food, but more often than not he is just chased away. Even when he hides his wrists in his sleeves and cuts his matted hair short, they always recognise a prisoner and shut their doors. Mistoron goes on, wondering what kind of Morgoth’s curse is following him, one that prevents him from finding rest and safety among his people. He wanted to go home; now he fears he will be treated the same way by people he knows and he doesn’t think he can bear it.

“The only one crazy enough to take in someone like you is the Noldorin Prince Maedhros, if you’ve heard about him,” someone calls after Mistoron when he turns to leave yet another village.

He has heard about him; of course he has. Those who dwelt in the Pits of Angband whispered stories of those like him; the Noldorin king who had been rescued and who lived high up North. Of those who managed to escape the misery and returned to the world of living. What they never spoke of was the fact that their own kin refused to know them once they were lucky enough to escape.

It s a long journey, but Mistoron has already learned that his own kin would not have him back, no matter where, so he turns north. He travels mostly at nights. After having spent so much time in the dungeons, his eyes cannot accustom to light easily. He was born under the sun and he loved the warm glow it provided, yet now too much of that light makes his eyes tear and hurt. It is slowly getting better as he carries on with his journey, but it is just one more pain to add to his misery.

There is one more reason he chooses to travel at night. The warm hours of the day and the sun that pains his eyes, provide also some illusion of safety, allow him to find a place to hide and rest before journeying on, if these moments of vigilant napping can even be called so. Mistoron knows the foul servants of Morgoth dread the sun, so he shuts his eyes, covers his head and sleeps in the brightest spots he can find.

Finally the fortress at the top of Himring hill appears before his eyes. It looks strong and mighty, if a bit grim. But it is not dark-grim Mistoron is used to. The fortress screams defiance and as he climbs up the hill, he wishes he was already within its strong walls.

He asks a guard by the gate to see Lord Maedhros and his heart warms in hope as the soldier nods instead of telling him off. He calls someone to take his place and leads Mistoron up without asking any questions. They reach the walls and head to the nearest post.

“My lord,” the guard calls and the elf keeping watch turns around. He’s incredibly tall, with long, copper braid falling down his back. The silver circlet on his forehead glimmers in the sun, as does the eight-pointed star with crimson jewel holding his cloak. His face wears echo of old scars; they are almost invisible, nevertheless for someone like Mistoron they are hard to miss. And his eyes... Mistoron almost looks away.

The elf casts one long look at him and nods slightly to the guard. “What is your name?” He asks, his voice is calm and inviting.

“Mistoron.” It is the first time someone cares enough to ask him that question.

“I’m Maedhros Feanorion.”The Lord needs not to introduce himself, yet he does. He looks at the guard and waves his hand dismissively. “Thank you, Tuilindondil. Leave us.” The elf makes himself scarce and Maedhros points at the narrow platform running along the walls. “Walk with me, Mistoron.”

So far no one wished to deal with him, alone nor in a group. Mistoron fights down the hope that has been rising in him with each step he took to climb those walls. It can still go wrong. He follows the Noldorin Prince along the walls. No one wished to leave him unguarded, yet Maedhros does not even turn around to see if his guest is following. Mistoron envies him. He cannot stand anyone behind his back.

“I know why you sought me,” Maedhros says suddenly and he stops. He looks north and as Mistoron follows his gaze, he sees the cruel tops of mountains encircling Angband. “I want to hear your story.”

At first he finds no words, but once he starts talking, he cannot stop. The tight knot in his chest seem to loosen with each word he spits out. The lord listens as Mistoron recalls the dread of captivity, then the escape and the bitter disappointment that awaited him among his kin. He leaves out a lot, but he feels like Maedhros can see right through his story and easily fill in the untold details.

“I was hoping you could find my service useful somehow, my lord,” Mistoron utters finally and the knot tightens again. There. He has said it. Now it’s all up to the Noldorin Prince.

Maedhros watches him for a long time and his weird, blazing eyes seem to see pierce him. Mistoron waits, his heart racing in his chest.

Finally, the lord speaks. “It is a hard post, Mistoron. It’s cold in here and the Enemy is close. You’re welcome to stay, though it may not be easy. But I can promise you one thing,” his eyes suddenly glow with cold fury. “I will never allow any of you to return there.” The blazing eyes turn north towards the grim walls of Thangorodrim. “The Enemy will never lay his hands again on any of us.”

This ‘us’ is all Mistoron needs. He sinks on his knees and binds his fate to that strange Noldorin prince. And for the first time in what seems like eternity, he feels safe.

Lord Maedhros offers him a hand and helps him up. The smile he gives is astonishingly gentle for one so scarred and with such a reputation.

“Welcome home,” he says softly. I’ll show you the fortress and have someone explain you our customs, but this can wait. Now, I want you to go to the healers and ask for Alcarino*. Tell him I sent you. He will know how to help you.”

Mistoron nods and bows. Here, at this secluded hill, he’s finally home.

*Alcarino is my OC healer who took care of Maedhros after Thangorodrim and then remained as his personal healer.

#Maedhros #anon ask fic #The Silmarillion fanfic #thralls of Morgoth

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poorvioletdraws · 4 years

Text

Tom vs. The Underworld

8. Sound System

“Following our top story, the mystery behind the massive earthquake that rocked the Underworld a week ago has been linked to a merging of both the planet Earth and our planet Mewni. Representatives of Lucitor Castle state that our Lord and Lady have met with the new leadership of Earth-ni and are discussing plans to continue the same alliance we had with the former Butterfly Kingdom. They have also assured us that the merging of both worlds has presented no effect on the livelihood of the Underworld but are still working on ways to contact the universal mobile service provider of Pixtopia to restore interdimensional communications. All global communications within our planet have not been disrupted.

In other news, there have been growing reports of resident demons and monsters going missing throughout the city. The Furies are urging citizens to remain calm as they investigate the situation further. More on this tonight at--”

“Mom, I’m leaving now.” I called to her in our den. She was watching the news and forging her latest weapons request for a client.

“Okay, my little cobblestone. Don’t be out too late.” She replied as she placed the sword in the quench tank.

“I should be back before dinner.” I told her as I was about to shut the door behind me.

Suddenly my older sisters Kivi and Shaila came down the hallway.

“Going out again? Weren’t you out with your friends all day yesterday?” Kivi questioned while pushing her glasses back up on her nose.

I shrugged my shoulders in annoyance. “Well today we are going over band stuff…”

Kivi gave a disapproving sigh. “You know, Raya, you can’t keep putting off your duties to your family for music. Having a hobby is great and all but you can’t let that consume you. One day you may be taking over for Mom or Dad. When will you see how important that is?”

“Yea, well this is important to me too, but thanks for your concern...” I said not meeting her gaze. My grip was tightening on the door handle as if for some form of security.

“Are you sure that’s all it is, or are you really meeting up with your secret boyfriend.” Shaila teased while trying to cover her devious smirk with one of her hands.

I jumped at her accusation and could feel myself turning red. “N-no!”

“Ooooh you’re blushing! It’s true!” Shaila began to giggle mischievously as Kivi shook her head in irritation.

“Y-you’re silly, g-grow up.” I huffed under my breath.

She then began to call towards the den, “Mom, guess what--”

“Bye!” I quickly shouted as I ran out the front door.

I felt like I could hear Shaila’s laughter all the way to the end of our property. She always makes fun of me like that… But she isn’t too far off the mark…

My friends and I were all going to meet at Tom’s place--THE Lucitor Castle. First of all, I was already nervous for that. I can’t believe he invited us there as if it weren’t a big deal. We might even meet the King and Queen of the Underworld! I felt myself get lightheaded just thinking about it.

Secondly, I was nervous because of what I started feeling yesterday at the arcade. It was a strange coincidence that Tom chose the same song I had listened to that morning, and even stranger still was that he appeared exactly how he did in my dream. But was this just mere happenstance? Or is there a reason behind it all and why I’m starting to develop a crush on him...

“Wait, what am I saying?! A crush?! I must be going crazy!” I babbled aloud while momentarily hiding my blushing face by pulling my hoodie over it.

Sure we had a lot of great memories in Yomi Town for that short time; he helped me shop for my friends, we watched all those setting suns in that beautiful dimension, and we made that necklace from the temple together that he still wears… He even came all the way to Lava Shores and helped me during all that horrible stuff with the Madame… We have been doing fun things together more frequently… He met my friends and somewhat became friends with them in the process… And he wants to be apart of our band … He has a wonderful voice and a kind heart… and a sincere smile…

I pushed the hood of my sweatshirt back in its previous position as my red bangs were free to poof up again. Now within the city, I stopped in front of a shop window and examined myself--more so my insecurities. My body is nowhere near as slender as Indigo, and I’m top-heavy so I try to hide behind layers or oversized clothes. Unlike everyone else, my horns are under-developed so I always wear something over my head to cover them up. And being a Stone Demon, the rough patches of rock on parts of my skin are hard to miss. How could anyone find such imperfections attractive…

Yet Tom still looks at me as if none of that matters. Others get annoyed with how clumsy or clueless I can be sometimes, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. And even though he is a prince, he treats me like I’m equal to him. I remember when I first met him, he had this happiness about him that seemed like he were invincible. I wanted to be apart of that happiness. But then, when we met again, when he must have been fighting with his girlfriend at the time, that happiness was waning. She must have been so important to him to cause such a change in him… Can I be that important for him? I can’t deny that when I see him he does make me happy, but could I really have the same affect on him? Could he one day find that invincible kind of happiness because of me?

I slowly started to walk away from the shop window as I folded my arms across my chest. I hung my head and remained deep in thought.

Who am I kidding? Why would such a great caring guy like Tom want to be with a slacker like me? Instead of planning my future as a Belmonte, I’m consumed by music and games like my sister said. What use could I be to the future of the Underworld? I’m not adventurous or wild. I’m content with the simple pleasures in life and am comfortable doing things or going to places I’m familiar with or have been thousands of times. And I’ve never even had a boyfriend before, I have no experience in that department. But despite all of that, he’s still a prince and I’m just a city girl.

However, he’s more than just a prince to me now. He’s my friend. I care about him just as much as I care about all my other friends and my family. But is it wrong I’m starting to think of him more than just a friend? Unlike them, I get a different feeling around him. I love spending time with him. I love that he tolerates my unconventional family and that he gets along with my wild friends. I even dream about him. He is literally the first thought I wake up to most days. Is this what falling in love with someone is like? Maybe I should tell him how I’m starting to feel...

“And the last to arrive like always is…” Indigo announced.

Blair did a drum roll with zir hands on zir thigh and added energetically, “Ta-Da! Raya!”

“Sorry, guys.” I apologized as Blair hopped over to me and wrapped zir arm around my shoulder.

We were all gathered in Inferno Park which was situated at the heart of Chernabog City. It was a chasm filled area with lava deposits flowing sluggishly from its various orifices beneath long bridges built above. The urban park was often a place for more active demons to exercise being a hub for various forms of recreation such as Ultimate Ouija, molten rock climbing, and Casketball just to name a few.

“Hey, you may be the last to arrive but at least you’re on time today.” Blair spoke positively but then grew a mischievous expression that rivaled Shaila as ze said, “You must be excited for where we are going.”

I felt myself beginning to blush again as I gasped, “W-what? Uhm--”

“I think we all are pretty excited, to say the least.” Tiras corrected/saved me. He had been sitting on a boulder with his arms folded while Kraven sat below on the ground munching away at some elote. George had his typical stance next to Indigo and was reading a book as Blair and I rejoined the formed circle.

Tiras jumped down from his seated position and approached me. Instead of his usual air of arrogance, he seemed to have a burning resolve within. He asked me, “You ready? This may be it. We finally might be able to reach your dream.”

Upon hearing Tiras’s words, he stirred a different emotion from within me. Although many dreams were becoming reality lately, this one was an aspiration of mine all of my friends knew too well. I had always envisioned being apart of a band. And the day I suggested we started are own, I was surprised how everyone agreed without hesitation. This was indeed very important to me not just because it was just some hobby. Music was something that brought all of us together. It was our escape from the stresses of our home life, our passion we created to share with all who dare listen, and our symbolism of our friendship.

But no matter how good we become, our voices didn’t have the strength or uniqueness of that of a lead singer. I’m not one to fully believe in destiny, but it almost felt like fate for Tom and I to meet. He was the piece we were possibly missing all along. Maybe that is where my infatuation with him grew… Was it because of his singing that started all this? I’m not fully sure…

I gazed at everyone--all of my friends. They stood encircling me and shared the same look as Tiras. I smiled contently and said, “Let's sail away then.”

Everyone agreed with a nod.

I placed my hands to the ground below and pulsed my energy through it as it began to fissure around us instantly. Tiras brought his hands up, creating a mighty gust of wind that hurled down within the cracks. Suddenly, we began to rise as the ground that divided us was unearthed to create a floating platform.

Tiras pointed his hands forward as his squall of wind moved us along. He valiantly announced, “Next stop, Lucitor Castle!”

“Reporting live from the Musty Mountain, there has been a recent influx of tourism to our nation of the Underworld. Behind me you can see that construction is underway for our new border patrol organization to properly vet out travellers to the area and maintain our homeland security. So far, businesses of Lava Lake Beach have reported a steady boost in consumerism and an increase in real estate property sales in the area. Furies have also been branched out to maintain the peace between current inhabitants and newcomers-- ”

I walked into my Dad’s study to see he was working on a few things at his desk with the news report broadcasting in the background on his overhead monitor.

“Hey Dad, would I be able to use the cellar today? Some friends are coming over and I don’t want to disturb you while we practice some music.” I asked him.

My Dad glanced up from whatever he was writing and smiled as he said, “Friends? Coming over here? Well, that’s great to hear, son, it’s been a while since you brought friends--or anyone for that matter--over.” He stood up from his desk and approached me. While giving me a very fatherly stare, he rested his hands on my shoulders and questioned me, “And do any of these friends happen to be that special girl you mentioned before?”

“Daaaad.” I drew out the word with a groan.

“Heh, I know, I know, no overbearing-parent-stuff... ” He chuckled to himself and stepped away from me. He placed his hands behind his back as he gazed out the floor length window of his office. “I just want you to know that your Mother and I just worry about you, son. Especially after what happened…”

“Dad, I promised I wouldn’t use my life energy again--”

“Not that, son.” He interrupted while turning to face me with a very concerned look. “I mean your breakup with Star.”

I was a little taken aback by this topic he wanted to discuss. Usually these kinds of subjects are left to Mom. And I told him already that I was over it. But he is my Dad, and he often times presents a different perspective that I’ve never realized before, so maybe it was best to hear what he had to say. Therefore, I decided to sit down in the chair in front of his desk and give him my full attention.

He proceeded to sit back down in his own chair behind the desk and explained himself further. “Your Mother and I were away on business during all of this… change going on. It’s a brand new kind of world up above now. And it is still hard to grasp that you, Star, and--Marco was it-- played a huge part in this whole merging of dimensions. You must’ve been going through so much at the time to have that AND a fresh breakup on your plate…”

“Yea… It was rough at first…” I began to say with a sullen expression but then gave my Dad a reassuring smile. “But I was able to find someone to help me along through the rough parts.”

He returned my smile with one of his own and leaned forward on his desk with his elbows. “I’m glad, son. And I’m sorry your Mother and I couldn’t be there for you. Heartbreak can be a very hard thing to fully overcome. Star was special to you, being your first girlfriend and all. Although, I’m glad you both worked it out and remained friends. I just hope that kind of pain doesn’t happen again for you because what if next time the closure isn’t so healthy. Just know, if it were to happen again, your Mother and I are here for you and want you to be safe. So whatever you plan to do, just really think it over and make sure it is something you’ve set your mind and your heart on.”

My Dad then reached over and placed one of his hands on one of mine lying on his desk. “You’re important to us. You are our legacy not because you are a prince, but because you are our son.”

Upon hearing his words, I smiled to myself as I gazed at his hand on mine. How could I be so lucky to have such loving parents? I understand where he is coming from and how much he cares about the choices I make. Star and I breaking up WAS painful. I loved her so much and for so long. I could’ve handled the situation in a way that could've been harmful for not only myself but for those around me too. However, I know now what all I can lose by letting my anger or depression take control of me. I didn’t want to let any of the ones I care about down ever again.

“Ahem, anyway…” He leaned back in his chair again and cleared his throat as our sentimental conversation came to a close. “Back to what you asked earlier. I’ll have the maids clean up the cellar for you and your friends, just give them time to do so. About an hour or two. So maybe have your friends hang out in your room for a bit.”

I gave him a toothy grin and replied, “Thanks, Dad!”

“When are they coming?” He asked.

I glanced over at the sundial near the window and told him, “Any minute now.”

“And did you remember to bring in and feed Lord Fool-leroy?”

I stared blankly at my dad and gasped, “Crap…”

The platform the arriving guests had been travelling on descended a few yards away from Lucitor Castle. It pounded down into the earth and became one with it so each passenger could dismount.

“This is wicked cool! It’s my first time seeing it so close!” gasped Blair.

“Well, if you had been invited to the Blood Moon Ball like I was, you could’ve seen it a long time ago and not be so easily impressed.” Indigo lightly goaded.

“Alas, you and I only grazed the surface of the many secrets held within. The ballroom was our only venture so speaking as if you attained some vast knowledge from our first encounter is nothing more than a mere untruth.” George corrected her.

Indigo folded her arms and rolled her eyes at the boy’s statement.

Tiras walked in between the two and brought their attention back to the situation at hand. “You both can argue later, let’s quit wasting time and head in!”

The pair nodded and began to walk toward the entrance with the others. However, they were soon stopped in their tracks as the ground began to tremble systematically in intervals around them.

“What’s going on!? Another earthquake!?” Blair blurted out.

Raya tried to say as she flopped into the air from the tremors, “Earthquake vibrations are irregular and constant, this is as if it were a--”

And as if on cue, a huge orange spotted beast came bounding from around the castle and was heading right for them.

“Uh, What is that!?” Indigo shouted.

“A guard dog maybe?” Raya answered.

The orange creature loomed over them and began to growl ferociously while showing his sharp teeth.

“He doesn’t look so happy to see us…” Blair commented while helping Raya up from the ground.

“What do we do?” Indigo cowered behind George.

“Fight or flight?” George asked, looking to Tiras.

Tiras had dropped into a fighting stance and was waiting for an opportunity to present itself.

But suddenly, Kraven stepped forward and approached the beast.

“What are you doing, are you crazy?!” Indigo screamed.

Kraven stared up at the beast with a very serious expression but then began to grin. He reached from behind him and presented a bag full of some type of jerky he had stashed for later. He slowly pulled out a thick chunk of it and waved it to the creature.

The beast was puzzled but began to sniff at the piece Kraven held up to it. Instead of a snarl, a joyous bark escaped the beast as his long tail wagged happily. It proceeded to gobble up the jerky and lick at the generous boy.

The others stood with their mouths agape.

“Of course Kraven knows when another being is hungry.” Tiras remarked.

Raya smiled and added, “Food is the universal language after all.”

“Little Lord Fool-leroy!” Tom shouted in a very disciplinary tone. He levitated down from a balcony overhead and joined the group below. The creature leaped over to Tom and rubbed his head against his body in a cuddle. “Okay, okay, down boy.”

“That’s your pet?” Tiras asked him.

“Yea, he can get cranky when he hasn’t eaten by now--” Tom replied but then focused his attention back on his orange companion as he rubbed his belly and said in a playful tone, “--but really you’re just a little ole softie aren’t you, boy.”

“Little is an understatement, don’t ya think?” Indigo questioned.

Raya giggled at the sight and walked over to both of them. She brought her hand to Little Lord Fool-leroy and he accepted her to pet him. “He’s so cute.” She said as she smiled sweetly over at Tom, causing him to blush slightly.

“Yea, when he doesn’t want to eat us.” Indigo mentioned with her hands on her hips. She was watching the exchange very closely.

Tom decided to give his guests a tour of his castle home while they waited for the maids to finish cleaning the cellar. They had all been enthralled with everything he showed them since this was the first time any of them could get an exclusive look inside Lucitor Castle. This was also his first time showing anyone around his home as well so he was quite excited about that.

“There’s the great hall, and the theater, oh and that leads out to the boneyard.” Tom pointed out various highlights as they walked down the hallway with many paintings hanging on the walls of past Lucitor royalty.

“This is wicked cool!” Blair commented giddily.

“And here we’ve reached the best part of the whole place… My room!” Tom announced while swinging the door to his chamber open.

Each one of the teenagers walked through and were now standing atop a flight of narrow stairs that led down to his inner sanctum. Tom’s room was bigger than any of theirs and fitting for the demon prince. The first thing to catch their eye was the glowing fire flowing down from the mouth of a huge skull display on his wall and into a small jacuzzi-like pit beside his bed. A pair of arcade machines aligned the wall and a casketball hoop hung on the wall by the entrance of his walk-in closet. There was a spinning torture wheel with a tub of water below it and a diabolical ping-pong table centered in the room. Skeletons of horned animals adorned parts of his walls and stalagmites protruded from several areas on the floor. If any of them weren’t impressed before with the other parts of the castle, they definitely would be now.

“Whoa…” Blair and Raya gasped.

“Okay, now THIS is room.” Indigo exclaimed.

“Très cryptique.” George applauded.

“...” Kraven’s mouth hung open in awe.

“Is there anything you don’t have?” Tiras added completely mystified.

Tom’s guests wandered down the steps and began to look around his room.

Blair picked up a trophy sitting on one of his night stands and read the plaque. “Oh! Raya look, he is a ping-pong champion.” Ze showed zir friend.

“You may have someone to give you a challenge then with such a title.” Tiras commented.

“Oh? You’re good at it too?” Tom asked her.

“Good? She rocks it!” Blair answered for her with a grin as ze placed zir arm around her shoulders. Raya blushed slightly embarrassed from the praise.

“You wanna play?” Tom asked her while picking up one of his paddles and blushing a little himself. Raya looked up at him still unsure but with a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Suddenly, Indigo intervened. “Hey, we played games yesterday, let's talk about the band.”

“Oh that’s right.” Tom went along with the change of subject but then smiled at Raya. “Next time?”

Raya nodded in agreement and smiled back at him. “Sure.”

All of the teenagers proceeded to sit on the floor in a circle to converse further.

“So, your band is called the Seven Undeadly Sins?” Tom remembered from towards the end of their time at the arcade.

“Yep! Seven members and we aren’t dead sooo yea! Hehe.” Blair answered.

“Great name and all...” Tom rubbed the back of his head, unsure how to go about his next comment. “But you guys don’t get a lot of flack for it being an acronym for... sus?”

“What’s sus?” Indigo asked.

“N-nevermind.” Tom brushed it off. ‘That’s right, they don’t do social media.’

“Still sounds cool to me.” Blair beamed.

Raya piped up, “We haven’t really performed in front of an audience yet…”

“Oh, I see…” Tom replied.

It was Tiras’s turn to speak, “Well, we all decided on the name because it sounded cool AND fits all of our personalities...”

“The sins do?” Tom blinked puzzled.

“Alas, the only true sin is that of mediocrity.” George theorized.

“O.. Kay…” Tom was still confused.

“Alright, bud. Check this out.” Tiras explained further by pointing at each one of his friends as he described them.

“Blair is Pride.”

“Hehe!” Blair giggled.

“George is Greed.”

“More so for knowledge instead of monetary needs.” George theorized.

“Indigo is Envy, no surprise there.”

Indigo stuck her tongue at Tiras playfully.

“Kraven is obviously Gluttony.”

Kraven didn’t respond as he munched on his jerky from earlier.

“Raya is Sloth.”

Raya shrugged with a smile, “Can’t deny that one I guess, heh.”

“I am Lust, of course.” Tiras announced full of haughtiness while pointing to himself.

Tom caught the group sarcastically roll their eyes. He chuckled to himself but stopped immediately once Tiras pointed to him.

“And you… You’re Wrath.”

“W-Wrath?” Tom repeated his position a bit hesitantly “… Oh but I can’t be—“

Tiras leaned over and patted Tom on the shoulder lightly as he spoke, “Tom, buddy! You are Prince of the Underworld. Wrath IS meant for you.”

Tom furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed the side of his sore arm where the other teenager attacked it.

Raya noticed Tom’s change in expression so she shared her opinion. “Tom… Our sins can sometimes be considered our strengths more than our weaknesses. You were probably taught how negative your wrath can be… But in some cases it may be what’s perfect for the situation.”

The demon prince focused on the Stone Demon girl’s words but he was still uncertain.

Indigo decided to also add, “Alone we may seem… insufficient. But when we are all together and form our bond, each one of our sins is what makes us strong. What one person lacks, the other picks up the slack.”

“Quite poetic.” George remarked.

“I’m not sure if you’re teasing but I’ll take that as a compliment.” Indigo replied.

Tom glanced down at his hands remembering what happened back in the Musty Mountain. Could such power really be considered his strength?

“Do you kind of get where we are coming from?” Raya asked him concerned with his silence.

“I think I understand…” He looked up to Raya again and they both shared smiles of reassurance.

Indigo stared at their interaction with keen interest and meant to cut in when suddenly Petey knocked at Tom’s bedroom door and entered.

“Master Tom, your Mother has prepared refreshments for you and your guests.” He announced.

“Oh, awesome. Thanks.” Tom responded as he stood up.

The rest of the group joined him.

“Your Mother… as in the Queen?” Blair asked.

“Well, yea… That’s my Mom.”

“Eeeee!!” Blair shrieked with glee. “We’re going to meet THE Queen?”

“If you all want…” Tom said calmly.

“Yay! Let’s go, let’s go!” Blair cheered while holding on to Raya.

And with that, the group moved on towards the kitchen of Lucitor Castle to meet Tom’s mother. As the demon prince led the way, Indigo trailed behind pondering over a plan.

George slowed his pace to match hers as the rest of their friends moved on. He asked, “What do you dare do?”

“W-what do you mean?!” Indigo snapped out of her conscience.

George stepped in front of the girl and blocked her path. His monotone voice had a hint of caution peppered over it and his expression was much more gloomy than usual as he forewarned, “When Envy breeds unkind division: there comes the ruin, there begins confusion.”

“Are you reading my emotions again? I told you not to use your powers on me!” Indigo fumed with red cheeks as she pushed passed him.

But suddenly, George grabbed onto Indigo’s hand to keep her from fleeing.

This was definitely out of the ordinary for him to do so she slowly looked back at him with an obedient carefulness. George wasn’t one to engage in confrontation, and he oftentimes watched events play out without any type of intervention. But, having known him the longest from when they were young, Indigo held her tongue because she knew he was being serious with what he had to say next.

George released his grip on her once he knew she understood his intentions. He did not break his gaze as he spoke, “Your rivalry, although silent and unknowing to her, needs to cease. These are souls you want to meddle with now, not a contest or a game. You dare birth pure suffering?”

“You’re talking as if I mean to purposefully get in the way of something, which doesn’t exist for all you know. It definitely isn’t because Raya likes him is why I’m after him either.” Indigo noticed George arch his eyebrow while giving her a look of disbelief. She began to laugh anxiously and continued, “You forget I’m a girl and have feelings too, it ain't my fault we ended up liking the same guy. And what’s wrong with a little competition anyway?”

Indigo began to walk away from the other teen with the discussion settled in her eyes.

“Even if the result is risking friendship on both ends?” George advised.

Indigo halted her pace and seemed troubled from what he had said. But instead of having a comeback, she surprisingly continued her departure down the hallway again without saying a word.

“How grateful I am to not be cursed with such dangerous sensations that are emotions…” George sighed as he followed after her.

“There you are. Did you two get lost?” Raya asked the pair that came walking up to the group from down a long hallway. They had been standing in front of these enormous double doors crevassed into the wall and didn’t notice until they reached their destination that they had some stragglers.

“Or maybe you both wanted some alone time together.” Blair smirked impishly.

“Blair! Cut it out with your joking.” Indigo shouted rather flustered at the snickering teen’s comment.

“Lavatory.” George rused.

“Whoa, there’s a lab here too? Like the kind for a mad scientist?” Tiras asked bemused.

George slapped his hand to his forehead and groaned.

Tom chuckled at the exchange and told them, “Well, we waited for you both but here it is---” He placed his hands on the great doors and pushed them open, “--our kitchen!”

The group entered another breathtaking part of the castle. Stalactites pierced every inch of the ceiling with its central focal point being a huge flaming chandelier that made the stone of the counters glisten exquisitely from the light of the fire overhead. There were enough cutlery and pots and pans hanging on the walls to arm an army. It was humongous, bigger than his friends’ own homes even, and rightfully so. It had to accommodate the large red demon that was stationed at the counter. And from the looks of the golden crown atop her salmon-colored hair that matched Tom’s, the group knew this was in fact his mother. She was pouring a smoothie-like concoction from a pitcher into seven glasses waiting at a long island with stools for which Tom and his friends could sit upon.

“Oh… my…” Indigo murmured enchanted.

“It’s…” Raya squeaked, equally enchanted.

“The Queen!” Blair announced in a cheer and was about to take off for her when Indigo grabbed zir by the shoulders to stop zir.

“Are you crazy, that is THE Queen of the Underworld! Where’s your manners?!” Indigo scolded.

“Hey it’s alright, my Mom is totally cool with it.” Tom told them.

“Oh! Sorry, I should’ve known, silly me! You ARE the prince after all and know best, hehe.” Indigo laughed in embarrassment and released her hold on the teen. And the minute ze was free, Blair popped over to the other side of the Queen in an instant and was asking her all sorts of questions amid zir gushing. Kraven hustled over to take his seat so he could start partaking in the spread of refreshments decorating the tabletop.

As the rest of the group headed over, Tiras quickly latched onto Tom and brought him in close. “Tom, buddy! Why didn’t you tell us how gorgeous your Mom is!”

“What?!” Tom gasped as he turned red. “Dude, that’s my Mom.”

“Just saying, bro, now I see where you get your looks from.” Tiras gazed at her completely enthralled.

“Her features are that of what many demons aspire to have actually.” George added.

“You too?” Tom whined.

They all were now hanging out at the counter and relishing in the atmosphere of being such welcomed guests in Lucitor Castle. Kraven was on one side of the counter to himself and wolfing down as much as he could of the plentiful portions demon servants were constantly bringing to him. George was keeping Indigo in close proximity as he stood beside her with Tiras on the other side of her--who was ranting to Tom next to him. And Raya was on the corner with Blair by the Queen.

Although Blair had been delighting zirself in chattering away, Raya stood nervously with her hands to her chest just admiring being in the presence of such royalty. But she quickly darted her head away when she noticed the Queen look down toward her. “H-hello, erm, g-good afternoon, Your Majesty…” Raya stammered shyly with a blush.

The Queen had a very interested stare fixated on Raya.

“T-thank you for having us in your home.” the young girl bowed her head.

Tom’s mother smiled sweetly and brought her hand to Raya’s hooded head and patted it as she trilled. Raya’s heart practically skipped a beat from such a gesture.

Tom glanced over momentarily to see his Mom and Raya meeting each other and attempted to join them to give them a proper introduction but Indigo tugged on his arm.

“Oh, Tom! This is really good, have you tried it?.” Indigo stalled as she held the glass full of the smoothie up to the demon prince.

“Huh? Oh, yea, it’s demonade made from forbidden fruit.” He told her. Tiras peered over at Indigo suspiciously.

“It’s so delicious! I’ve never had it before, mmm, hehe!” Indigo praised rather excessively.

“What are you talking about, we’ve had that plenty of times at Tartarus. They make it practically everywhere.” Tiras contested. Indigo shot slits for eyes his way.

Indigo gave a shallow laugh and tried to gain Tom’s attention--which wasn’t really focused on their conversation anyway. “Oh silly me, how could I forget, well--”

“Excuse me for a second, Indigo, I’ll be right back.” Tom pardoned his way around her and headed toward his Mom and Raya. Indigo had a furious glare in her eyes as she slammed the glass down on the table. Tiras and George both shared glances with each other.

Tom came up to his Mom to introduce each other. He blushed as he said, “Raya, this is my Mom, Wrathmelior. Mom, this is… Raya.”

The Queen smiled sweetly at her son and cooed while giving his head a pat as well. She then reached down and pointed at a plate in front of the two teenagers.

“Ah, that’s rights. I remember when we went back to your sister’s shop you said you like eating the Ember Berries she didn’t sell that day and would mix them with lime and salt so…” Tom said eagerly as he reached for the plate and presented it to Raya. “I made sure to ask my Mom to make it for you.”

“Aww thank you!” Raya had that dreamlike expression fill her face, causing Tom’s cheeks to turn redder.

Blair and Kraven both seemed to smile in a way as if they knew all too well what was unfolding before their eyes. But not wanting to ruin the mood, Blair made sure to keep zir mouth shut this time.

The Queen began to chatter to Tom as if suggesting something to him.

Tom thought over what she said and then nervously looked back at Raya. He picked up one slice of the Ember Berry and asked her, “W-would you like to try it and see what you think?”

“Sure.” She said softly and, without thinking, opened her mouth and Tom went to feed it to her but then--

“Gyaggh!” Indigo yelped as she accidentally bumped into Tom’s back hard enough to make him drop the plate from his hand and spill it to the floor, shattering it instantly. The Queen gasped worriedly while Blair and the others rushed to their side.

Raya had caught Tom by the shoulder and helped him maintain his balance. “Are you alright, Tom?” She asked.

Tom straightened himself up again and replied, “I’m fine, I’m fine…” He saw the mess on the floor and became very upset, “Ugh, seriously. Look at this, they’re all ruined!”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry! I can’t believe that happened, and to one of Raya’s favorite snacks too! I’m so clumsy, I must’ve slipped on a wet spot on the floor.” Indigo rambled as she held her hands to her face in feigned horror.

“Wet spot? I don’t see a wet spot?” Blair was crouched down on the floor and trying to look for the culprit.

The Queen and Raya booth kneeled down to begin cleaning up the litter of fruit and broken porcelain. But in her haste, Raya misguidedly grabbed for a sharp sliver and seemingly nicked her finger.

Instinctively, an overly concerned Tom bent down and clasped his own hands around her injured one, “Are you alright, did you cut your hand!”

Indigo’s heart stopped at the very sight.

Raya took a second to respond as she admired his worry for her. She explained while gazing intently at their joined hands. “No harm done… I’m a Stone Demon after all, that type of material isn’t strong enough to cut my skin…”

Indigo was about to take it upon herself to intrude again but suddenly she felt a hand clamp over her mouth to quiet her.

“Oh look at that,” Tiras spoke his objective loudly, “Some of that food spilled on you too, Indigo! Let me help you clean that up in the laboratory.”

“Lavatory.” George corrected him.

“Yea that place!” He acknowledged as he dragged Indigo out of the kitchen and into the hallway.

Tiras let the double doors shut behind him before he finally released his hold on the girl.

“What are you doing?!” Indigo raged.

“Me?! What’s gotten into you?” Tiras pointed at her, angry himself.

“I think it is rather obvious.” Indigo snapped.

“George told me what you’ve been up to. What a coincidence you just so happened to bump into them.” He confronted her.

“It was an accident.” She lied.

“And every time they have a moment between each other, were those accidents too when you interrupted them?” Tiras questioned.

“Ha! Like whatever. What are you even talking about, I don’t see how this involves you.” Indigo fumed but she soon changed her tone and asked him, “What’s with the sentiment anyway? That’s not like you…”

“You’d have to be blind if you don’t see what’s going on between those two…” Tiras glanced away from the girl’s gaze as he spoke with some dejection in his voice.

Indigo became interested in Tiras’s change in behavior and grew a mischievous smirk. “Are you the same Tiras? You of all people are giving up? I thought you had a crush on Raya for the longest time?”

Tiras blushed as he explained, “Y-yea, I may have liked her before… I mean, I still like her but now I realize it’s more of a protective brother-sister kind of like… Tom is pretty awesome… And if both of them can make each other happy, who are we to come in between that…”

Indigo’s eyes softened at the boy’s words. Knowing him for how long she has, this kind of mindset would never have been expected from him. It was almost endearing.

“Besides, I now have an eye for a new type of woman. One just like the Queen.” He proudly declared with an arrogant grin.

Never mind, this is definitely the same Tiras. Indigo sighed.

“Hey you two!” Blair popped zir head from a shadow ze formed on the door.

“Eeeghh!” Tiras and Indigo shrieked in unison from their friend’s sudden appearance.

“Haha, sooooo the servants are cleaning up that mess but that red flying demon from earlier just came to tell us the cellar is ready for us to practice in!” Blair announced excitedly.

Both Tiras and Indigo looked to each other and seemed to get their head back into why they were at Lucitor Castle in the first place. No more playing around. They both nodded and told Blair, “Well, what are we waiting for!”

The cellar of Lucitor Castle was just as big as its structure upstairs with an atmosphere that was dark, dank, and dreary. The lighting was minimal from the torches hanging from the walls and it had a spooky echo to accompany those who spoke. It was the perfect place for the budding band to let loose.

“‘Kay, I digs it.” Tiras remarked while scanning over the area.

“Ghastly prepossessing indeed.” George commented.

“Ohhh where does that hallway lead?” Blair wondered ready to venture off but Indigo grabbed on to zir to keep zir with the group.

Tom had his hands on his hips and looked proudly at the space that would become a place they would all hang out at a lot after today. But there was still one other problem…

“Um, Tom.” Raya piped up from his side. “We didn’t think we would practice today. We totally forgot our instruments.”

Tom grinned her way and seemed to already have a solution. “You aren’t the only ones that are into music, you know. Look over there.”

The demon prince pointed over to a wall to reveal every instrument imaginable hanging there! From the smallest drum kit to the largest Tuba, there was enough to outfit multiple marching bands if they wanted to. Everyone ran over to the wall completely thrilled.

“And, that’s not it.” Tom declared as he gathered their attention. He further revealed a spot set up like a makeshift stage with surround speakers, amps, and even lights. The group of teenagers were definitely blown away.

“Totally wicked!” Blair was fired up as ze chose an electric guitar from the wall.

Tiras was strumming away at different bass guitars to figure out which one felt the best for him to use. Indigo was blowing on a trombone while George fingered a trumpet. Kraven was coming back to the wall to attain another drum to combine with the set he was assembling nearby.

Tom was enjoying the scene. He couldn’t help but smile knowing that he had finally had friends of his own down here in the Underworld. But being so engrossed in the commotion he didn’t notice Raya had come to his side.

She looked up at the boy with such adoration while she placed the strap of a saxophone around her. “This is incredible, Tom…” She murmured softly. “You’re incredible… Everything I’ve ever dreamed about… You’re the one...”

Tom took a minute to register what she just said to him. Time stood still as the noise of their surroundings seemed to quiet for only the two of them to exist in this very moment. He slowly turned his stare toward her to see her smiling at him with half-lidded eyes and in a way he hadn’t seen before. Smiling in a way that someone who loves another deeply would smile longingly at them. A way he always wished Star would have smiled at him.

Envy was watchful but silent in this moment, caving to the realization that was not that of a defeated competitor, but that of an understanding friend.

#TomVSTheUnderworldFanfic #TVTU #svtfoe #oc fanfiction #oc #starvstheforcesofevil #star vs the forces of evil #tom lucitor #The Underworld

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idontcaretbh · 5 years

Text

Secret for the Mad

(kinda) slow burn Ironstrange fanfic. Originally posted on AO3 by my account Toxictimefanfics. Please come bug me on Discord! https://discord.gg/dNrb37M

Chapter 1: Magic (Mystery Skulls)

Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is broken. He’s done his fair share of healing though it’s becoming far too much for him to do alone. He is among the newest Avengers, as such he’s staying with all the others in the Avengers tower. It’s hard to get used to, given that he’s constantly surrounded by the most dangerous people on Earth. Something he can’t seem to comprehend is Stark. Anthony Edward Stark is quite the character. He’s arrogant, egotistical, vain, and worst of all he’s self centered and narcissistic. He’s all of these things that annoy Stephen to his very bones, then why does he also have to be kind, caring, affectionate, and charitable, not to mention down right gorgeous?

Stephen is awoken one night due to the constant pain in his hands. With a sigh he gets up and exits his room. It’s late, four in the morning to be exact. Once in the hall he proceeds to the living room balcony wearing exactly what he wore to bed in the first place, horrible bright pink sweatpants and an old gray sweatshirt. He’s surprised to find someone else on the balcony by the time he gets there. Not wanting to scare whoever it is too bad Stephen decides to knock on the edge of the open sliding glass door, the mystery person whirls around to reveal a disheveled Tony Stark.

“Stark.” Stephen says joining Tony at the railing, looking out at the beautiful view they have of New York.

“Strange.” Tony says in reply turning back to the view.

“You look like shit, couldn’t sleep?” Stephen asks the other with a playful grin. In return Tony only laughs and punches the taller man in the arm.

“What about you all high and mighty? Certainly the ‘Sorcerer Supreme’ needs his sleep?” Tony asks in his all too common childish voice.

Stephen chuckled then responded, “I asked you first asshole.” To which Tony sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.

“It’s just we’ve all been through a lot lately. Sure the whole Thanos thing left everyone rattled but everyone’s seemed to have bounced back from either literally dying or seeing their best friends die.” He paused for a moment letting the other respond.

“You haven’t ‘bounced back’ though, have you?”

“Isn’t that obvious? The kid literally died in my arms while begging me to make it stop. I couldn’t stop it. And you know what? I blamed you for part of that.”

“Oh really? And why’s that?”

“You literally gave Thanos the fucking time stone after telling me and Peter that you wouldn’t mind sacrificing us if it meant protecting the damn thing. So I blamed you for giving the madman the power he wanted.”

“Truth be told I did have a plan, doing something stupid just happened to be part of the plan.” Strange shrugged with the end of his sentence.

“It was such a fucking stupid plan, Strange. You all died and left me and Nebula alone on Titan. We literally had no idea what to do. She’s actually great company once you get to know her.”

“I’ll have to talk to her then, probably even thank her for helping you save everyone.”

“Hell yeah, you’ll probably like her, she’s actually super funny once she’s comfortable around you.”

“Noted, but Stark you were always part of the winning plan.”

“I was?”

“You were the one who killed the titan were you not?”

“Well yeah but anyone in my position would have done the same.”

“But it wouldn’t have worked Tony!” Stephen nearly yelled in his frustration. “If it were anyone else it wouldn’t have worked. It had to be you.” He said quietly, returning the silence, only this time it’s extremely uncomfortable.

“I literally thought I was going to die so many times Strange. You scared the hell out of me, you know?” Tony sighed. “I was so damn scared Stephen.” The conversation took an odd turn when the scientist moved his hand to rest on the doctor’s making the other hiss in pain. “Oh sorry! I didn’t realize that would hurt you.”

“I thought you were more observant than that Anthony.” The sorcerer sighed and looked down at his hands. “Terrible car accident, crushed my hands.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“It’s alright it’s not your fault, I suppose I should wear those gloves less?”

“Oh my GOD yes! Those things are hideous! They don’t go with the rest of your usual outfit at all! Yellow doesn’t go with red or blue!” Tony defended much to Stephen’s amusement.

“I won’t argue with you. I assume nobody knows just how mangled my hands are since I hide them all the time?”

“Damn straight. And here I thought I had you all figured out Strange.”

“Is that so?”

“Well, other than literally all the fucking wizard shit I don’t understand. You’re an ass.”

Stephen chuckled a bit at Tony’s response but thought of a simple solution to him not understanding: Show him.

“Well, I could show you some things if you’d like.” The sorcerer said, turning to the other with a grin.

“That sounds real cool doc, but I can’t have you destroying the place. Not that I’m accusing you of wanting to, You just can’t be too careful with all the Avengers in one building.” Tony rambled and was surprised to hear the taller man start laughing at what he had to say about the situation.

“I have a solution for that.” Stephen said matter-of-factly, raising his hands and performing a spell in one fluid motion, instantly what looked and sounded like shattered glass surrounded them, “this is the mirror dimension, what happens in here doesn’t have any effect on the real world, what happens here, stays here. Oh! And nobody can see us.” He rambles with a grin.

“Alright then Dumbledore, let's see what you've got.” Tony responds, amusement evident in his tone.

“First off, never call me that again, secondly, you're going to want to hold on to that railing.”

“What are you talking about Stra-” Tony starts before the part of the balcony he was standing on shot into the air Stephen following soon after. “What the hell was that Strange?!” Said man stepped onto the platform Tony was standing on and made his own shrink back down.

“Easy, I'm simply showing off.” He said with a wave of his hand, in a split second the platform both men were standing on broke off and began lazily drifting over the city.

“I don't usually have the luxury of seeing the city from this height without something needing to be saved.” Tony breathed out. “It's amazing, you know, despite the glass shards.”

“I'd rather not even attempt bringing us out of the Mirror Dimension, manipulation of the world is practically impossible unless we're here.” Stephen explains, moving his hands to bend and distort the multitude of buildings in the city below.

Tony watched it happen with a look of astonishment and pure wonder. Stephen thinks it's adorable, even if he knows the other man is trying to explain everything he sees with every form of science he can think of.

“What else can you do?” Tony asked out of the blue after roughly ten minutes of watching the distorted buildings.

“Well, you've seen a lot of what I can do when we're in a fight. But here.” Stephen says, conjuring a small shield. “This thing can actually block a lot more than you'd think.”

“Do you think it'd be able to take on both of the repulsors of my newest suit?”

“Probably.” Stephen chuckles and gets rid of the shield.

“You never answered my question by the way.” Stephen turns to the engineer with a questioning look.

Tony sighs before explaining. “ I asked why you're up this late.”

“It's my hands actually. I've gone through so many surgeries that the pain is unavoidable at times.” Stephen explains, holding up his shaking, heavily scarred hands for the other to examine.

“I might be able to help with that.” The engineer replied with a yawn. “We should probably head back though, people will be wondering where we disappeared to.”

Confused, the sorcerer asked for the time, they had been talking for almost two hours meaning some of the early risers would be getting up soon.

“You're right.” He relented, setting everything in their surroundings back to normal and opening a portal out of the Mirror Dimension. They parted ways promising they'd talk more once they'd had some sleep.

#ironstrange fanfiction #iron man #doctor strange #fandom #fantasy #fanfic #ao3 fanfic

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riseandshinelittleblossom · 5 years

Text

Hoping for Home Ch 5(Part 1) ~ “Rise Up”

Summary: Sixteen years ago Libby Scott was supposed to become Queen of Cordonia, but Fate had other plans. Catch up here (ya know ya wanna). Big thanks to @ritachacha and @ao719 for helping me out with this one.

Song for this chapter: “Rise Up” - Andra Day

Disclaimer: I don’t own the TRR characters, they own me

Tags: @fullbeaumonty @ritachacha@speedyoperarascalparty@cocomaxley@leelee10898@itsstillnotwhatyouthink@choiceswreckedme @indiacater@drakesensworld @carabeth@daniv2278 @cosigottahavefaith @gibbles82 @innerpostmentality @blackcoffee85@perfectprofessorherokid @darley1101 @jovialyouthmusic@liamxs-world@thequeenofcronuts @blznbaby@stopforamoment @zilch3382@wannabemc2 @jlouise88 @lodberg

“This would look stunning on you.” Hana mused, plucking a dress from the boutique rack to show to Emma. It was a white chiffon, a-line dress; floor length with a lace overlay and long,lace sleeves.

“They're all so beautiful. I never imagined I'd have so many to choose from.” Emma beamed. She took the hanger from her surrogate aunt and disappeared into the dressing stall.

“You're going to need one too, Mack.” The countess said softly.

“I know, but I want Emma to choose hers first. I don't wanna pick something to clash with hers on her big debut.”

Just then Libby stepped out of her stall wearing the signature Duchess's dress. It had been almost seventeen years since she'd worn the frock, but the local dressmaker had done a little bit of fitting a few days prior and the work was exquisite.

“It fits you like a glove.” Hana told her grinning from ear to ear.

“You look fabulous! I've always wanted to see the Valtorian Duchess's house dress. I love the bold colors.” McKenzie lamented taking in the bright red and orange garment. There was gold trimming everywhere and elaborate gold embroidery along the bodice. Just below that was a blue ombre pattern that complimented the vibrant colors surrounding it perfectly. The gown boasted a sweetheart bust with a sheer illusion neckline, a shimmery Phoenix emblazoned across it.

“The matching cape is very lovely, your Grace.” the young brunette said sincerely.

Libby gave her a brief curtsy just as Emma stepped back into the room.

The Duchess's lips parted to remark, but no words escaped her. Instead she reached up and covered her mouth with her hands, in awe of the young lady that had taken the place of her little girl.

“Em! You look amazing!!” McKenzie squealed launching herself towards her new friend and grasping her hands. The two teens bounced with excitement.

Wordlessly Libby crossed the room to the accessory counter reaching into one of the drawers and then another. She stepped over to her daughter and held up a long, wide crimson ribbon, adding it as a sash just below the breast of Emma's dress.

“Crimson is our house color.” she explained, her voice all but broken. “And our sigil is the Phoenix. A mighty bird that is always reborn, no matter what happens to it.”

She wrapped a gold chain with a jeweled phoenix charm around her daughter's neck and clasped it.

“'Ever rising,’ right?” Emma asked as she fingered the trinket.

“You’ve got it, kiddo.” Libby said with a sigh, placing her hands on Emma's shoulder and turning her to face the mirror. “You are a vision, Emmy-Lou.”

After McKenzie had changed, the women headed to Will's estate room.

“We're just about done here.” Mark said as he opened the door. He placed a hand at Hana's hip, kissing her gently before he stepped aside to let the ladies in.

In the center of the room stood the young Lord of Valtoria in a black tailored suit. He cast his eyes over his shoulder to look at his mother who was once again stunned into silence.

“Drake and Uncle Mark said I had to wear the red. What do you think?” He asked smoothing his hands over the deep crimson vest he wore.

“I think...Will you are the most handsome young man I have ever seen.” Libby told him reaching out to adjust his tie.

“Well, are you two ready?” Abel asked his eyes darting between the twins.

Will buttoned his blazer and grabbed his sister's hand, giving it a squeeze which she returned.

“I am now.” he smiled at her.

Just outside the ballroom doors Libby turned to Drake, brushing off his suit jacket.

“I wanted to ask you if you would escort me in. After all these years, I'm a little embarrassed to be announced alone in my own estate.” she admitted without meeting his eyes. She was still brushing imaginary lint from his suit, so Drake reached down capturing her nervous hands in his, holding them still as he caught her gaze.

“I've stood by you so far, you think I'd let you do the hardest part alone?”

She shook her head with a smile.

“You know Maxwell and Li are-”

“Inside.” She exhaled slowly. “I know.”

Drake nodded, placing one of her hands in the crook of his arm. “Let's knock em dead then.”

Libby squared her shoulders and held her head high offering a gentle nod to the herald as she and Drake stepped through the doors.

“Elizabeth Scott, Duchess of Valtoria, escorted by Sir Drake Walker, Guardian of the Realm.”

Liam whipped his head around, his jaw dropping as he watched his best friend enter the room with Libby on his arm.

“I guess Libby has more than one secret up her sleeve, doesn't she?” Olivia remarked leaning into her husband.

“I, I don't understand. Drake is escorting her? How did he…?Why wouldn't he tell me he'd been in contact with her?” The King tried and Liv patted his arm.

“Darling I'm sure Drake had his reasons. Let's not jump the gun.” She ran her polished nails against his fists that he hadn't even realized were tightening.

“They're all staring.” Libby whispered through her toothy grin.

“Uh huh, so just wave.” Drake told her.

The room began to spin. Even back when balls like this were a more normal occurrence in her life, Libby had never quite gotten used to having all eyes on her.

She and her friend made their way to the dais, Drake taking her hand and guiding her as she stepped onto the raised platform. The room was a sea of people and the duchess felt as if she were drowning, her heart racing in her chest; but she never faltered, her head was still raised high and outwardly she was grace personified.

The waters of the room seemed to part as she stared out into them and there, across the room, she saw him.

Maxwell stood near the back with one hand jammed in the pocket of his heather gray trousers, the other held a champagne flute. Libby couldn't tear her gaze from him, though she tried. As if by some sort of prompting he looked up at her, and even at such a distance she could see the spark behind his eyes, the one she'd fallen in love with over a decade ago. Solemnly, he raised his glass to her, bowing his head before tipping the fine crystal to his lips.

Libby's breath caught, but she managed to return the gesture, the room continuing to spin as all eyes focused once again on the doors.

“Lady Emma Louise Scott and Lord William James Scott, heirs to Valtoria.” the herald announced.

The double doors swung open once more revealing Emma and Will as they strode, arm in arm, into the room.

Liam's jaw hit the floor as he immediately began scanning the room. He finally found Maxwell and they locked eyes, both men in a state of perplexity.

“Well they aren't babies at all. They're-.”

“Not now, Liv.” Liam interrupted. He watched Maxwell swallow the rest of his champagne and slam the flute down so hard he could scarcely believe it didn't shatter. Maxwell turned quickly and in no more than two long strides he exited the ballroom.

“Excuse me, dear. I need to find Max.” He told his wife, who nodded still trying to hide her own shock.

Liam found Maxwell in the hallway, headed for the front door.

“Maxwell, wait. Stop! Let's talk about this.” He set his pace to a slow jog until he caught up to his old friend, grabbing the man by his elbow.

“What is there to talk about, Liam? Clearly they're your kids! That's the only way their age can make any sense. They're teenagers. Not babies. Libby was your girl all those years ago, so unless they're younger than they appear…. Congratulations, Your Majesty. Looks like you finally have your heir...and a spare.”

“You don't know that. It only takes one time, Maxwell. One night in a hotel in Las Vegas. Don't you think we owe her a chance to explain?” Liam tried to reason.

“Owe her?! I'm sorry, Li, but neither of us owe her shit. That's the way I feel about it. I'm sorry but I can't be here.” He ripped his arm from the King's grasp still headed for the door. His steps were slower this time and Liam knew he had planted the seeds of doubt.

“Wait just a goddamned minute, Beaumont. Both of you should really hear her out.” Drake's voice came, as smooth and as even as ever. Liam's eyes narrowed and both he and Maxwell whirled around to face him.

“HA!” Maxwell exclaimed. “Oh yeah. That's rich coming from you, Walker. You disappear to the States for two years and come home with Libby on your arm! Are you screwing her now too?”

“That's outta line, Max, and you know it.” Drake barked.

“Actually, he makes a good point, Drake. Sex lives aside, you knew about this. Whatever is going on here, you knew.” Liam piped up.

“Look, I found Libby totally by happenstance. I walked into a coffee shop a month and a half ago and there she was. I was just as surprised as you two are now when I saw her twins.”

“Definitely not something that Liam or Olivia or I would want to know.” Maxwell seethed.

“Indeed. Did the idea of calling any of us to let us know you'd found her even occur to you? Drake, why would you keep this hidden from us?” Liam asked.

Drake looked Maxwell square in the eye as he repeated words the Lord of Ramsford had once said to him.

“It wasn't my secret to tell.”

Maxwell ran a hand down his face.

“Yeah, fuck you, Walker.” He spat.

“Maxwell, please. I know you must be reeling right now, but try and calm down.”

“It isn't what you guys think, okay? She was...she was scared. She didn't wanna end up like one of those women on the Maury show.” Drake explained.

“The Maury show?” Liam inquired and Drake sighed.

“It's an American talk sh- look it's not important. She was worried about making you two jackasses look bad, alright? She didn't know what else to do so she just….stayed gone.”

Liam crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought.

“Well it's my belief that gone is where she should have stayed. I'm out of here.”

Once more Maxwell turned towards the door, and again Liam grabbed him.

“Let's not barrel out of here without thinking. Max, I know how you must feel but-.”

“Stop saying that to me! You keep saying you know how I feel but you're full of shit, Liam! I was IN love with her, alright? You were in love with the idea of her. Of what she represented.” Maxwell shouted, every vein in his next poking out as his face reddened to a shade that neither of the other men present had ever seen on him before. There were tears welled in the corners of his eyes, although Liam wasn't sure if they were from anger or sadness.

Drake closed the distance between himself and his friends, pulling Maxwell into a tight embrace. The broken man tried to resist the gesture at first, but Drake held fast and finally Maxwell relented. He wrapped his arms around Drake and allowed his heart rate to slow down, matching his friend's steady rhythm.

“I can't. I just can't. After everything…”

“You won't be alone, brother. Drake and I will be with you.” Liam reassured him.

Maxwell pulled away from Drake and licked his lips, reluctantly nodding as his friends ushered him back into the ballroom.

Liam scanned the room for his wife while Drake and Maxwell wandered towards the bar. Finally his eyes landed on the queen, his heart stopping when he found her engrossed in conversation with the Duke and Duchess of Ramsford and Libby. He swallowed hard and made his way over to them.

“Your Majesty.” Libby greeted him dipping into a low, graceful curtsey.

“Oh I'm so glad you've found us, My King.” Olivia smirked, noticing Liam's clandestinely sweaty palms right away.

“I was just reminding the Duchess that it is tradition that the Head of the house share the opening waltz with her monarch.”

He knew she was playing games now. Olivia loved to press buttons and her hand resting on her now popped hip told him that she was enjoying the idea of he and Libby being forced together just a little too much.

“Of course, My Queen. Duchess, may I have this dance?”

Libby took Liam's outstretched hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. The musicians took notice that the Lady of the House was on the floor and began to play.

“It's so nice to see you in good health, Libby.” He said through slightly gritted teeth.

“And you as well my King.”

He could tell that she was beyond nervous, her voice cracking slightly just as it had when she had first come to court for his social season. However Liam wanted answers so he cut straight to the point.

“Your children are beautiful, by the way. They're how old exactly?”

Libby beamed, unable to hide the pride she felt for her children despite the circumstances.

“They will be sixteen next week.” She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth as she finished.

“I see. Tell me, do you think that Maxwell and I do not know how to calculate birth dates? Or were you simply hoping we wouldn't show up?”

“You need to talk to her!” Bertrand whispered harshly his lips barely moving so as not to cause a scene.

“You don't think I know that, B? I'm... I'm trying.” Maxwell told his brother.

“If you were trying you would be over there waiting for their waltz to finish. How is she to know from across the room that you wish to speak with her?”

Maxwell rolled his eyes. He knew that Bertrand was right, as usual, but he couldn't get his feet to move from the spot in which he'd planted them. He knocked back the bottom of the whiskey Drake had gotten him, then reached for the older Beaumont's gin and tonic which sat on the table beside them. He finished that too, sucking his teeth as he winced at the harsh taste.

“That was mine.” Bertrand said, as if that meant anything at all to Maxwell.

“Take one for the team, B.” He said clapping his brother on the shoulder and walking towards Libby and Liam.

He pushed past other dancers with little to no regard, finally coming to the perfect place beside the couple he was looking for.

As the music swelled Liam twirled his partner, but instead of finding the arms of a waiting dancer Libby crashed into Maxwell's broad chest.

“Oh, I'm sorry! Forgive me it's been a long time since I've-Maxwell?”

He raised his brows at her rocking on his feet, hands jammed into his pockets. They stood awkwardly a moment, Libby gawking at the man as if he were a Martian. Finally, Maxwell grabbed her hand, his other arm finding its place at her hip and he began the waltz.

They danced in silence for a few measures. He lifted his arm and twirled her elegantly beneath it and when she returned to him, he leaned into her ear.

“Mighty brave of you to show back up here like this.”

“Maxwell, I'm so sorry….”

He threw his head back as he let out a hollow laugh.

“You're sorry? Oh, well that makes up for everything! Why didn't you lead with that, Little Blossom?”

Libby looked up into Maxwell's eyes as she tucked her lips into her mouth, her cheeks flushing. Her mind was racing, stomach in her throat. Even after all the years that had passed she was still finding it hard to breathe standing so close to him.

“This is the part where I ask you if they're mine or not, right? Ask you if they're Liam's? Maybe they belong to some other guy completely.-the one you ran to when you left?”

“There was no other guy.” Libby's face contorted in a mix of shock and confusion. “Maxwell, come on. You know me better than that. I would nev-.”

“If there's one thing I am certain of, it's that I don't know you at all, Libby.”

Maxwell stepped back, turning away from her and disappearing back into the crowd.

Libby twisted her fingers together as she watched him walk away, biting her bottom lip to stop it from quivering.

#trr fan fic #the royal romance fanfic #trr au #hoping for home au #the royal romance au #maxwell beaumont #trr maxwell #trr liam rhys #liam x mc #maxwell x mc #trr drake walker #twinsies

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mezzopurrloin · 5 years

Text

Mezzo Plays Final Fantasy X-2: Part 18

The fateful hour has arrived.

We're going in through the hole in Besaid Temple.

Onward!

Uh, what are they even called now?

Good enough.

Last mission? Apparently it will be, for Shinra at least. What's he have planned afterward?

He gets a hug from Yuna too.

"Go, go, go, Gullwings!"

Into the hole we go.

We arrive on the Road to the Farplane. There are many different paths here depending on where you enter from, but all lead to the same place.

Some of the platforms move when you land on them, usually sending you backwards. This area is pretty narrow and has a very high random encounter rate.

This devilish-looking fiend has a special called Thanatos Emblem, which is very pretty.

But also very dangerous. I thought I could learn it for Rikku's Gun Mage, but no such luck.

Ah, yes. We still have some more aeons to deal with.

I came prepared for this one. Yuna still has the grid that absorbs ice damage, Rikku has Fire Breath as a Blue Bullet, and Paine knows Firaga as Black Mage. Shiva is extremely fast and agile, able to hit multiple times in a row and cast Blizzaga on you.

Heavenly Strike now reduces HP and MP by half, and can inflict Stop. That's pretty mean.

And she still has an Overdrive.

Snap.

Not even Yuna's ice absorption ability could weather that storm.

Still, she is defeatable. I kept bringing the heat and she melted.

A save point appears after defeating her, thankfully, else I'd have never finished this.

Yuna: "Not you, too..."

This is the boss fight that makes me want to tear my hair out every time I play it, much like Seymour Flux in X-1. Much like Shiva, the Magus Sisters are extremely fast and each seems to get three actions to your one. Most of their attacks don't do that much damage, but it adds up quickly.

Mindy is easily the greatest threat, as her Passado deals out 15 hits of pain. The damage is a portion of your current HP, so it won't kill, but it whittles your HP down to so little that it makes you easy prey for a follow-up from the other sisters. Sometimes she uses it twice in a row, just for extra agony. While that's going on, Sandy will use standard attacks and Razzias to wear the party down. Cindy mainly takes a support role, using Not-So-Mighty-Guard to grant Protect, Shell, and Regen to her team.

It's a nightmare. Time to break out the special dresspheres.

The high HP of the special dresspheres isn't much insurance, thanks to the way Passado works. And it's not the only trick they have up their sleeves.

Oh hey, remember this move?

Delta Attack reduces all party members' HP to 1, essentially making it a more powerful version of Passado. It's very possible for them to finish the team off before you get a chance to recover, and survival generally depends on their AI doing something stupid. Just about the only mercy of this fight is that once you take out one sister, it gets much easier. They need all three to use Delta Attack, and Sandy falls soon after Mindy. Cindy takes longer to beat, but she can't really do much without her sisters' support.

Full Throttle's Sword Dance came in quite handy, as it could hit all three at once. Even with that, it was a close fight that took many retries.

At the bottom of the path, we find one last aeon. Poor Anima. She really doesn't deserve this after all she's been through.

Pain now causes a host of debilitating status conditions, plus lowers all stats. That's not fun to suffer through.

And of course, we end up being hit by Oblivion as well.

Much like in X-1, this deals 12 hits total. Their individual damage is small, but they add up quick.

Special dresspheres come in handy again here, thanks to their status immunity. It's a long fight, but eventually she can be put to rest.

After defeating Anima, the fayth child appears to apologize for the aeons' behavior.

They were overcome by Shuyin's hatred and misery, and became no better than fiends. Yuna asks what Shuyin is.

The real Shuyin died long ago, and all that's left is his malice.

Yuna: "I'll banish shadow with light."

Paine: "Lenne's feelings."

Yuna: "That's right. Call it... love."

We find Leblanc waiting as we enter the Farplane Abyss.

She found a sphere from Nooj telling her "Don't follow me. Turn back now and wait for my return."

It's rare for her to be following orders, but she was willing to for Noojie-Woojie.

There's one thing to pick up before heading further in. If we go back to the airship and then walk the Road to the Farplane from all five entrances, we're rewarded with something good.

Now this is the kind of firepower we need for the final battle. Black Mage can't learn Flare or Ultima naturally, making this grid one of the only ways to get them. I equipped it to Yuna as soon as I could.

With that settled, it's on to the Heart of the Farplane.

It's kind of an intimidating sight.

To proceed further, we need to solve a musical puzzle. Some panels on the floor will light up and play notes when stepped on.

Then we replicate the sequence on the keyboard to dispel impeding barriers.

Here's something you'd never want to meet in a dark alley. Omega Weapon was an optional superboss in X-1, but has been degraded to a random encounter in X-2.

It even still has the fancy death animation it had as a boss.

Behold, the ultimate power.

Ultima causes a supreme explosion that hits all enemies on the field. It usually deals more damage than that, but this thing happened to have really good defenses. Its 90 MP cost means you can't really use it more than once or twice without some serious MP restoration.

The Azi Dahaka isn't really meant to be fought. You encounter it if you try to cross one of the barriers without playing the song. It has more HP than pretty much anything else in the game, massive attack power, and drains HP when it attacks. Good thing running is still an option.

There's Gippal. He looks to be in rough shape.

Nooj is up ahead.

And Leblanc is right behind us. Yuna tells her to look after Gippal while she waits.

Gippal has another gift for Paine too.

You should. I don't want to have to go all the way back to Shinra to see what's on it. And also, Paine should keep a clear head for the upcoming battle, rather than worry about what's on the sphere.

The Crimson Squad is together on a boat. Paine muses on how she'd like to fly an airship someday. She could be pilot, Baralai would be the navigator, Gippal would join as the engineer, and they say they'll make Nooj captain.

It's the perfect job for him.

They laugh and pose for the camera together.

Yuna: "She's still inside you, sleeping."

There's one last puzzle to conquer before reaching Vegnagun. We need to remember the order of notes shown here, then jump between the floating platforms in the same order. Thankfully there's a drone from which to survey the area.

Once the melody is played, the barrier is down.

It's the point of no return. We head onward from here to the final battle.

#mezzo's screenshot lps #final fantasy x-2

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authordiaries · 5 years

Text

A Twin-Twin Situation

[written by special request. Takes place in my “Celcia Navigator” universe, using characters the requester created.]

There are a couple twin girls at my school who we think are some kind of witches.

And it’s not because of their personalities, though I can see how you might arrive at that conclusion if you’d ever met them. I mean, Luna Comett actually calls herself a master of the dark arts, and Hayley Comett has inhuman strength and is a bit of a snob. Everyone thinks they’re a little eccentric. Something must be off about them, they say.

And I, personally, am proud to be friends with them.

The name’s Emily, by the way. I’m one of the goth kids Luna took under her wing.

The year is 3075. The place is Venus. Luna, our friend Rachel, and I got off the spacebus and walked up to the front steps to Venasia Heights High School--a tall, corkscrew-shaped, platinum-plated tower near the outskirts of the city.

“Hayley not coming today?” I asked Luna, adjusting my gray knit cap on my shoulder-length black waves.

“Hayley never ditches,” Luna said simply. She took her magic wand--which was simply an elegant cigarette holder, and I doubted it had any actual magic in it at all--and held the tip to her shoulder so that her pet spider could climb on. The spider waved in thanks before running down a thread of spider silk to dangle happily from Luna’s wand.

Many times, I wondered if the spider was actually Erdin Widow, the famous model and pilot. She could turn into a spider, so I heard. Erdin was currently serving on the Celcia Navigator, but there was no other way to explain how weirdly human Luna’s spider acted.

“Besides,” said Rachel, pushing up her tinted glasses, “today’s the big game. Hayley can’t miss that. Her cheerleading team is performing.”

Big game? Big deal. All I cared about was seeing Hayley’s show. Yeah, Hayley was a snob, but that just made it more entertaining

In the distance, there was a low rumble, like thunder. It wasn’t thunder. We all knew that.

“Aaaand that must be her,” I said.

Sure enough, a gold and green speck appeared in the sky. It grew bigger and bigger, and with a mighty whoosh and a thud, Hayley Comett, the Shooting Star herself, landed perfectly on her feet in front of us.

“You took the cannon today,” Luna noted. “Overslept?”

“Nah, I just didn’t want to take the spacebus with the rest of you commoners,” Hayley said. She took off her crash helmet, freeing her long, blonde hair, and tucked it under her arm. With her other hand, she pulled her signature emerald and gold cigar from her matching jacket pocket and stuck it between her lips.

“F-for the last time, smoking isn’t allowed at school,” Rachel said nervously. She had a cupcake in her hand, and she took a tiny bite out of it.

Hayley took out her lighter and lit her cigar staring Rachel down, and Luna, too, faced Rachel, purple wisps of smoke curling up from her cigarette. Everyone knew that smoking wasn’t allowed, but nobody bothered telling the twins that anymore. They were their own people.

In fact, Rachel was the only one in our group that steadfastly refused to smoke. Luna had gotten me into it. Smirking, I took a cigarette of my own out of my black jacket pocket and lit it on the candle on Rachel’s cupcake. Rachel just sighed heavily.

“You better come to the game tonight,” Hayley said, breathing out a puff of smoke. It smelled like freshly-cut grass. “I have a big finale planned.”

“We’re coming,” I promised. I stuck my cigarette in my mouth and pulled out my phone, trying to appear as bored as possible. I didn’t care about the game, and I wanted to make sure everyone knew it.

“Good. I’d have punched your destitute behind all the way to Saturn if you said no.”

Luna snorted. “My magic will stop you.”

Hayley arched an eyebrow. “You think?”

With that, she picked up her twin and tossed her high into the air until Luna was no more than a yelling speck in the sky, before she vanished in a twinkle. All that was left was her witch’s hat, which floated lazily to the ground.

“See ya!” Hayley chirped, and jogged up the front steps and into the school.

Rachel sighed again. I picked up Luna’s hat and offered it to her.

“Hold on to this until she gets back,” I said. “I’m already wearing my cap.”

Rachel put the hat on, and the two of us followed Hayley into the tower.

___________________

The football stadium was on the flat roof of the school. It was the last game of the season, and the stands were packed. So packed, in fact, that the faculty was running around directing hoverdrones to drop new rows of seats above the existing ones.

Luna was back from her unplanned trip to Mercury. Rachel had given Luna her hat back, and it sat askew on her amethyst-purple hair as she sat, elbows propped on her knees, waiting for the game to start. Smoke swirled lazily from her cigarette. Even her pet spider looked bored.

“This would go a lot faster if I could use magic to speed up time,” she commented.

I just shrugged, scrolling through social feeds on my phone. I took my cigarette out of my mouth to say, “Probably, but you’d mess up the spell and get sent flying again and miss the halftime show.”

Luna glared at me with her one eye unobscured by her hair, but I could tell she knew I was teasing. Also, that I was right. “Thanks for the ever-unfailing confidence, Em.”

“Always happy to help.”

Rachel giggled, sucking purple Mars-mallow frosting off her finger. She had yet another cupcake in her hand. Her parents owned this cute little bakery downtown, and they were always supplying her with her favorite treat. Luna, Hayley, and I had our smoke, Rachel had her cupcakes. Rachel liked to keep a lit candle on her cupcakes, too, despite the obvious fire hazard. She claimed it kept the cupcake fresh-out-of-the-oven warm. More than that, it looked witchy and cool.

Drums, off-key guitars, and kazoos--the official instrument of Earth--signalled the start of the football game. The players ran out on the field, decked in hot pink and gray. The students in the stands erupted into cheers and started chanting the players’ names. Luna, Rachel, and I just sat still. Football games were way too cheerful. And boring. And there were no creepy potions or bats involved.

So instead of watching, I said to my friends, “Hey, check out these sneak peek photos of next week’s Madame Venus competition! Think the producers got our letter about creating zombies to take the models’ places?”

“I hope so,” said Rachel. She and Luna leaned in to see my phone.

We spent the first half of the game browsing the social and news feeds on my phone while everyone else in the school shouted, cheered, and booed all around us. Someone had won a court case by having a better song and dance number than his opponent. Red gummy candies had finally won the right to go to law school. Same old news, but way more interesting than the game nonetheless.

Then the drums, off-key guitars, and kazoos returned, and we finally perked up.

“It’s time!” Rachel squealed. She had frosting all around her mouth.

The announcer boomed over the speakers, “Please welcome the cheerleading squad from Venasia Heights, Hayley’s Comets, performing a brand-new, extra-extravagant, super-special routine titled ‘The Comett Shot!’”

Upbeat band music played as Hayley led her cheerleading team out onto the field, smiling like a supermodel before sticking her expensive cigar in her mouth. Even from our distant seats, we could see the spark as she clicked her lighter.

All the other cheerleaders wore the school colors of hot pink and gray, but Hayley was bedecked in gold and emerald-green sparkles. She waved to the crowd, and the crowd roared.

Four more cheerleaders came out wheeling a large, round cannon. It was painted green, and trimmed with gold. Hayley used this cannon at every game, so I figured she was proud of it. I bet it was made with real gold. I wanted to roll my eyes. Luna was right next to me, though, so I restrained myself.

Her teammates gathered around her and laced their hands together, creating a stable platform that Hayley climbed onto. She grabbed one gold-sneakered foot and straightened her leg all the way up into the air, next to her face. I was impressed. Her flexibility and balance were incredible.

Then, it got even better. The other cheerleaders launched her high into the air, so high I had to crane my neck to see her. The audience gasped an applauded as she flipped over and over like a gymnast as she descended. Part of me hoped she might land flat on her face in the dirt. But nope, she landed perfectly right into her cannon. Marching to the beat of the music, the cheerleaders spun the cannon around once and aimed it straight up into the starry sky. One of them lit the fuse with a match.

“Ten!” the cheerleading team shouted. “Nine, eight…”

The crowd joined in. “Seven, six, five, four…”

Luna, Rachel and I shouted along, “THREE! TWO! ONE! FIRE!!!”

BOOM! Hayley rocketed into the sky. Up, up, up, leaving a trail of hazy cigar smoke behind her. He disappeared in a twinkle as bright as the stars.

For a long while, the crowd watched the spot where she’d disappeared in stunned silence. Then they began to cheer wildly. The cheerleaders danced around and began to form a pyramid. Only one spot was empty: the very top. That would be Hayley’s spot. Figures.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. So did Luna’s and Rachel’s.

I frowned, looking at the notification. “It’s from...Hayley?”

Luna and Rachel didn’t bother to take out their own phones, as mine was laying in my lap and more convenient to look at. I opened the message and showed it to them.

It was a selfie. Hayley floated nonchalantly among the stars, her blonde hair floating in the zero gravity out from beneath her crash helmet, which she must have put on while she was in the cannon. Her face shield was clear, so I could see her wide smile and her wink. She pointed with her cigar like an excited tourist down at a far-awayVenus. Her cheerleading uniform glittered in the light of the stars.

“Show-off,” I muttered. Rachel nodded in agreement. Luna just shrugged. Hayley was her twin. She was used to it.

The crowd drew a collective gasp, bringing our attention back to the field. In the sky above, there came a bright streak like a shooting star. It came closer. It was aiming for the field. It was Hayley, flipping and spinning and doing cartwheels, and then...she landed right on the top of the human pyramid. The music stopped with a dramatic, loud note.

The crowd went wild, jumping and screaming and chanting Hayley’s name. Hayley bowed, oblivious to how her underlings were trembling trying to keep the pyramid from collapsing. Hayley was really much to tall to be at the top.

Hayley hopped down, tumbling into a somersault when she hit the ground for good measure, and she and her cheerleading team left the field, taking the cannon with them.

Luna huffed, sending an extra-large puff of purple smoke billowing from her cigarette and nearly blowing her spider away. “The whole school loves her now,” she said, “but they’ll love me, too, at the afterparty.”

“Why?” I asked. “Gonna show them some of your dark arts?”

“Actually…” Luna’s dark eyes glimmered. “Yes, in fact.”

“Um,” Rachel spoke up, waving to get Luna’s attention with a pudgy hand. It was dark enough that I could hardly see her eyes behind her purple-tinted glasses. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Yes.” Luna readjusted her witch’s hat, which had been crooked all evening. “I am a master of all dark magicks. And if I do get blasted to kingdom come, it’s going to be much more spectacular than the cannon, just you wait and see.”

________________

The afterparty was held on the lakeshore in front of the school. It was nine in the evening, and moonlight glistened on the water. I smiled. This was going to be fun.

Colorful, floating lantern drones drifted above the heads of the students. Buffet tables full of food were set up around the edges of the party area. Close by, Rachel danced happily in circles, a cupcake in each hand. Loud music thrummed in the air. I wasn’t big about parties, and I scrolled through my phone, the screen hazy through my cigarette smoke.

Louder than the music was the sound of explosives being set off. Hayley was at it again, blasting fish out of the water. Luna had told me that this was one of Hayley’s hobbies. Normally, Hayley caught the fish, but right now, she just let them splash back down into the lake. Everyone laughed at the flopping fishes.

In between explosions, many of our classmates went up to her and gushed about her performance at the halftime show. Others waved amiably.

“Hey, Bobo!” Hayley waved back to one of them, completely ignoring one of the poorer, less popular students who was squealing excitedly at her. “See you in baseball practice next week. And, hey, Jocelyn, we still on for that boxing rematch?”

What a snob.

Luna tapped my arm with her cigarette holder, leaving a spot of ash. “Emily, watch this.”

She raised her “wand” and pointed it at the lake. The next time an explosive went off, sending dozens of fish flying into the air, Luna spoke a word in some strange language--so strange, my universal translator couldn’t decipher it. The water fell back into the lake, but the fish remained in the air, floating eerily in halos of purple light. Their eyes glowed yellow.

In Venesian language, Luna murmured, “Spirits, arrive.”

The fish began to whisper: “Beware, humankind!” “Please, rescue me...please!” “Run…” “Look behind you…”

Some of the students shrieked and jumped away from the lake, and away from Luna. Once they got over their shock, though, they began to cheer.

Rachel grinned. “Awesome!”

Then, Luna’s wand began to spark. She faltered. “Uh-oh.”

One of the buffet tables exploded, sending appetizers flying. An unfortunate drone flying above Luna’s head malfunctioned and began speaking robotic nonsense. Worst of all, all the fish she’d enchanted charged her, knocking her to the grass, leaving her flat on the ground, covered in flopping, wriggling fishes. Luna’s mouth was half-open in surprise, and a tiny fish landed right in her mouth. Reflexively, she swallowed it whole. Everyone stifled giggles, but it wasn’t mean-spirited laughter. It really was an amusing sight.

Then she burped from the fish, and a spark from her cigarette caused an explosion, blowing her purple hair out of her face and left her face covered in ash and soot, prompting another wave of affectionate giggles.

“There goes my outfit,” Luna grumbled, brushing the ash away. She shook a fish off of her hat and brushing more of them from her black, frilly, gothic-style dress.

“I’ve seen you fail worse,” I teased her. “You didn’t end up on Mercury again.”

Rachel stuffed the rest of one of her cupcakes in her mouth and helped Luna to her feet. Luna picked up her cigarette holder and stuck it back in her mouth. Her cigarette had gone out, so she took a match from a fold in her skirt and lit it on Rachel’s cupcake, and re-lit the cigarette. The tip glowed purple.

A crowd of students approached, alight with fascination.

“That was so cool, Luna!” one cried.

“Creepy,” another added, “but cool.”

Luna sent a triumphant smile at Hayley. But Hayley seemed just as pleased with her sister as all of Luna’s new admirers. She approached and gave Luna a hug. Luna hated hugs. She grimaced and pushed Hayley away.

“Good job,” said Hayley. Her cigar bobbed between her lips as she spoke. She let out a puff of lawn-scented smoke before adding. “That was the best spell I’ve ever seen you do.”

Hayley was a snob, but she was a nice snob for the most part. I found it a little irritating. I couldn’t help but like her, even though she considered me as much of a commoner as the girl she’d snubbed a minute ago.

“I keep telling you I’m a master at magic,” Luna said, exasperated. She moved her cigarette holder to her arm, where her spider was crawling. The spider settled onto the elaborate silver and onyx surface. “But...thanks.”

“Just remember,” Hayley called to the students gathered around, “I helped with that trick using my dynamite.”

Hayley gave Luna one last genuine hug and left before Luna could smack her for it. Unfortunately, she took many of Luna’s fans with her.

Luna got a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. She pulled me and Rachel close.

“That was satisfying, but she took half the credit,” she said.

“I saw,” I said, and turned to blow a mouthful of smoke away from my friends’ faces.

“I have a plan. One last way to get her to finally believe that my magic isn’t fake,” she whispered. “Come over for a sleepover tonight. I have a brilliant, brilliant idea for a prank.”

I raised an eyebrow skeptically. “If it’s anything like the spider mech fight…”

Luna had once built a giant spider mech and challenged her twin to a good-natured fight. Hayley had one that fight by a landslide. She’d blown up the mech sent Luna hurtling to Neptune.

“It won’t be,” Luna promised. “This time, my plan will actually work.”

__________________

That night, Rachel couldn’t stop giggling as the three of us crept into Hayley’s room in the twins’ house on Earth. We were all barefoot and dressed in our pajamas--me in a black band t-shirt and plaid, gray and black pants; Luna in a frilly, black and white nightgown; and Rachel in mismatched fuzzy, purple pants and shirt. Luna held a thick spellbook and flipped through it, searching for a suitable spell.

“I can’t wait!” Rachel whispered.

Even I couldn’t keep up my typical nonchalant reputation. I was smiling with anticipation around my cigarette.

Rachel leaned in and giggled to me, “I dare you to take one of Hayley’s cigars.”

She pointed to an open pack sitting on Hayley’s dresser. They shone green and gold in the moonlight. Hayley would be so mad at me if I took one. But then again, she was going to be mad at us anyway, and besides, I deserved a fancy, expensive luxury item on occasion, right? So I took one, making Rachel clamp her hands over her mouth to keep her increasingly loud giggles back.

I put the cigar under my cap for safekeeping (since I had no pockets) and tiptoed back toward Luna. I flipped a lock of black hair behind my shoulder and peeked at the spellbook.

“Need any help?” I asked Luna.

“No, I got it.” She jabbed a finger at a spell in the book. The page was decorated with illustrations of ravens and feathers. “This one will be perfect.”

“What’s it supposed to do?” asked Rachel. Her tinted glasses were perched atop her auburn-haired head, as it was too dark for her to have them on.

Luna smirked evilly. “You’ll see.”

She stepped a little closer to her sister’s bedside. Hayley was sleeping peacefully, her blonde hair messy and falling into her face. Satisfied that Hayley hadn’t woken up at the sound of their whispers, Luna held the book in one hand and waved the other hand around, and she began to recite the spell in a low voice. It was the same, odd language she’d spoken in when commanding the spirits to possess the fish--eerie and ancient. Rachel and I watched, looking between Luna and Hayley, waiting for something to happen.

Something did happen. Luna’s eyes began to glow purple. The glowing tip of her cigarette grew brighter and burst into a flame that exactly matched the shade of her eyes. Her pet spider jumped awake and crawled up her cigarette holder to nestle in her hair, terrified.

Rachel and I raised our eyebrows at each other. This wasn’t Luna’s usual weak magic. This spell, whatever it was, was going to succeed. And it was going to be powerful.

We turned back to Luna to watch. The smoke rising from her cigarette formed all sorts of odd shapes and symbols, like runes on a cult hideout’s wall. Sparks fell from the flame and exploded into stars, like fireworks. Her purple hair billowed around her face in a wind that whipped through the room. I slapped my hands onto my head to keep my knit cap from blowing away. Then Luna started to cackle, not seeming to care if it woke her sleeping twin. Hayley’s form began to glow subtly with violet light.

A smoky symbol wandered too close to Luna’s nose, and she accidentally breathed it in.

“O foqq cua hu…” Her breath hitched. “Cua hu…” Her breach hitched again. “Ah, ahh...ACHOO!”

The fire on her cigarette sputtered out, the glow in her eyes faded, and the smoke symbols disappeared with a puff of smoke. And Hayley awoke.

“What--huh…?” she muttered in confusion, sitting up.

Rachel and I ducked, hoping she wouldn’t see us. It was too late. She saw Luna standing over her with a spellbook, a hand half-raised. Then she looked down and saw me and Rachel.

Hayley rubbed her eyes groggily and slid out of bed. “Luna? What are you doing in my room?”

Luna took on a space-monster-in-the-spaceship-lights look. “I--uh, I was just, uh...trying to cast a spell to...to...make sure you have nice dreams!”

Hayley shook her head. “Yeah, right.”

She picked up her twin and drop-kicked her out her open window. Luna flew up into the stars and disappeared in a twinkle.

“Ohh, crud,” I cursed, and went to run, but I tripped over Rachel’s foot, and we went tumbling to the carpeted bedroom floor.

Hayley picked Rachel up first and punted her out the window, too. Before I could get up, I, too, was being hoisted into the air.

“Have a nice flight, commoner,” she said sweetly. She had a dreamy smile as though she were still half asleep. Her foot connected with my behind, and I went flying out her window. I heard her mumble something about how pretty the night sky was before she crawled back into bed and fell asleep.

Stars flew past me in a blur of silver as I flew up and up out of the atmosphere. The city lights seemed to shrink as I left them farther and farther behind me. I soon caught up with Luna and Rachel. We were laughing. We grabbed each other’s hands to keep from drifting away in the zero-gravity of space. The planets spun, carefree, below us, and the stars glittered. The sun was a beautiful shade of yellow and orange. With such a beautiful view, I didn’t really care that we’d just been drop-kicked into space. The only thing that would make it better was the fancy cigar I remembered I had under my cap. I took it out and lit it with the burning end of my cigarette. I threw the old cigarette away and stuck the cigar between my lips instead. Smoke dissipated into the dark sky as the three of us admired the beauty of the solar system.

And that’s why I’m glad to be friend with the school “witches.” When the Comett twins are around, there’s never a dull moment.

#writing #my writing #special request #Celcia Navigator

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teenager-probs · 6 years

Text

The Styles Effect Pt. 3

Part One Part Two

Requests Open

Warnings: Cursing, fluffy prince!harry, Slight Kidnapping, Nudity (according to Harry #3), hella gifs

Pairing: Reader x Harry(s)

Summary:

Y/n finds a notification on her phone asking to make a wish.

She thought nothing of it when she decided her wish, a wish for all the fanfiction Harry's she’s read, to become real.

Sure she thought nothing of it- until it came true.

"Are you fucking kidding me here! Do you know how many fucking psycho daddy demon fanfics I've read in my lifetime?!"

*Y/N = your name

A/N: This story was originally posted on wattpad by chingyonce. I give her full credit for this. I have changed some things and I’ve taken some things out. But overall this is her original idea and content. I wanted to have this story on this platform so if you don't have wattpad you can read the story here.

Also, none of these images/gifs are mine- full credit to the owners

"By God, it doesn't even work on horsepower. What do you call this magnificent creature?" I looked over at Prince Harry, my face scrunched with distress as I watched him repeatedly stroke the leather seats with wide amazed eyes, trying to move closer to the passenger window only for his body to be restrained back by his seat belt which I could tell was annoying him even though he tried to hide it.

"A car..." I answered, looking away as I blew out a small breath, hearing Teacher Harry in the back groan silently in his sleep.

It was actually Teacher Harry's car, I found his car keys in the pocket of his jeans and just kept clicking the button on it until I found his car lighting up and beeping in the parking lot.

And I did that swiftly after I ran into Prince Harry and hastily dragged him along with me in my desperate escapade in rounding up all these Harry’s I’m slowly running into.

Anyways, back to now.

So, all I have to do is find the rest of them, all the Harry’s. Which might not be too hard, if it wasn’t for the fact that I am a slightly obsessive fangirl who just can’t get her fix on all the AU Harry’s that she can read about.

I’ve already gotten three including the new addition -Prince Harry- who was aimlessly wandering around my school for no apparent reason.

"So, what were you doing at my school again?" I asked, looking down since Prince Harry was laying flat in his passenger seat, playing with the recline button on the side.

"Funny you say that I was lounging about in the marble-floored living room of my castle with a handful of beautiful maidens in silk waiting at my feet... and then, I find myself looking for you." He began, his British accent much stronger than the other two Harry's, as he placed his hands behind the back of his head and sighed, staring intently at the ceiling of the car.

He seriously sounded like some rich multi-millionaire tycoon who laughed at different varieties of soft cheese and owned his own grape vineyard in the countryside.

"Me?" I asked, flickering my gaze between him and the road.

"Yes," He confirmed, his chair still back as he shifted, resting on his elbow to study my face.

"I awoke in the strangest place, with minuscule blue doors everywhere-"

"Lockers."

"And then this vision appeared in my head. Of you." He said in a slow voice as if trying to piece all the parts together in his head while he spoke as I felt his intense gaze on me before a long silence fell upon us.

"Maiden, are you my father's whore?"

I swerved the car at his words, my eyes wide as I gripped onto the wheel, my heart racing as the tires screeched, hearing Teacher Harry slide and hit the side of the car making him let out another groan before I regained control as Prince Harry watched me with wide eyes.

"My lady-"

"No, I am not your father's whore and ya know what, and I may not know what Narnia medieval world you come from but here, in this land, you don't call women whores, not here, not there, not anywhere. You, ‘Sam I Am’ asshole." I snapped at him, shaking my head at Harry.

“My lady I apologize, my intention was not to offend you, but to address the fact you indeed are not the mistress of my father is jolly blinding." He said, clasping his hands together as I scrunch my face while he grinned.

"Blinding?"

"It means excellent, superb, great- oh bloody hell woman! Your ankles!" He suddenly exclaimed, looking down at my legs in my seat with wide eyes as I leaned away from him in surprise.

"My ankles yes! They're there!" I yelled back at him, trying to control my driving as I looked at Prince Harry who was blushing furiously.

"My lady, your bare legs, your skin is showing for god's sake you're practically naked!" He flailed in his now upright seat, averting his gaze from the skirt I was still wearing as he tried to cover his blushing face.

"Did you not notice that when we first saw each other at school?" I asked, rolling the car to a halt at a stop light.

"I might have possibly missed that detail when I noticed the body of a man you were dragging who, I do say, is quite devilishly handsome." He said in a haughty voice, looking over his shoulder at unconscious Teacher Harry before he looked back at me and flashed me a flawless cocky smile that almost made my heart stop.

I swear on my life I saw a sparkling gleam on one of his pearly white teeth.

Prince Harry suddenly began to take his large gold embroidered expensive looking coat off, leaving him in an off creme baggy -sort of see-through- shirt before he politely placed it on my lap to cover the exposed skin of my legs, adjusting and smoothing the fabric before retracting his hands back.

"Uh, you didn't have to-"

"No, I insist, please. I must admit it's more for my sake rather than yours and I regret to inform you that the mere sight of your exposed skin distracts me more than I'm comfortable with." He explained, rubbing his jawline and clearing his throat awkwardly as he looked out the window, the tips of his ears a light shade of pink from his blushing.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Do I amuse you, madam?" He smiled, a playful look on his face as he turned to meet my gaze.

"Yeah, you could say that. Every time you talk it's like you're always quoting some smart person’s essay, oh, and you can stop with the whole ‘madam’ thing. My name's Y/n." I explained, driving forward before Harry took one of my hands off the wheel, the cold metals of his gold and silver rings on a few of his fingers brushing against my skin before he brought my hand to his soft lips.

"Y/n hm? What a pleasure it is to be in the presence of such a fair maiden." He said, his voice held such a rich timber and a small smile spread across his lips. Still holding my hand, he ran his thumb gently over the back of my hand.

I then belched out a loud burp, making Harry let go of my hand and retract back in his seat in surprise.

"Oh, you definitely my fav so far," I commented, putting my hand back on the wheel with a smile on my face.

"Wait! Take me there!" Prince Harry suddenly exclaimed, leaning forward in his seat as he pointed out the window.

"Burger King?" I asked, hesitant as I followed his request and drove over to the fast food place, parking the car as I looked over at him while he fumbled with his seatbelt.

I guess fanfiction characters do eat.

This pussy...

As Prince Harry got out of the car, I looked behind my seat at unconscious Teacher Harry, his body splayed across the back seats.

"You want a burger?" I asked him, trying to see if he’s at least a little conscious.

I heard him let out a little groan, his brows creased before I nodded.

"Burger it is then," I said, surprised when I spotted Prince Harry outside my side of the car, trying to keep his composure while opening my door for as he nodded his head for me to exit the car, and then took my hand to lead me out while I held onto his jacket.

"Thanks", I said, trying not to freak out that Harry Styles -excuse me- Prince Harry Styles just opened the door for me.

“Oh this is yours”, I added, handing him his jacket back as he swallowed, giving me a quick, but polite nod and smile while he tried to avoid looking at my legs.

Find a man who can appreciate naturally hairy legs I thought to myself, smiling at Prince Harry as he dramatically entered Burger King, pushing both glass doors open abruptly as he strode in.

"Peasants, you may stay seated!" Harry announced to all the customers at their tables making everyone in the room, including the people waiting in line for their orders, all stop to stare at him in bewilderment.

"Oh my god," I mumbled under my breath, standing behind him as he stood in the front of the restaurant, chin high and arms outstretched as if preparing himself for a speech.

"I only beseech you to lead me to your ruler, King Burger." He said in a loud tone, his voice carrying out and echoing through the room mixing with the sound of thick potato slices being fried in the back.

"No Harry this isn't-"

"Ah, you must be him." Harry smiled when a chubby little boy wearing a cardboard Burger King crown approached him, slurping on his large coke as he looked up at Harry with wide eyes.

"I must say, the Kings are a bit... younger here," Harry whispered, leaning back for only me to hear before he went down on one knee, bowing his head down in front of the little boy who was shaking his drink, trying to slurp more coke.

"King Burger, my name is Prince Harold the fourth and I come in peace. I have journeyed from a far-off land-"

The boy suddenly threw his cup of coke onto Harry, splashing him with the sticky liquid.

Harry sputtered out in surprise, standing to his feet drenched in coke, his long darkened hair a bit wet as he stumbled back in surprise before I caught him from behind and stabled him.

"Is this not a declaration of war! By all that is high and mighty, your kingdom will fall and I will behead you from which you stand King of Burger!" Harry bellowed through gritted teeth, his jaw locked as he pointed at the little chubby boy before Harry started to retrieve something from his waist, my eyes widening when I spotted the sheathed sword at his side.

"Okay! That's enough! That is really enough!" I nervously laughed out, grabbing his wrists and stopping him from taking out his weapon as he continued to glare at the kid with narrowed furious green eyes while everyone stared at us in shock.

"Come on Timmy, get away from the weird man." A woman who had just come out of the bathroom said, fast walking to her son before she dragged him away as he stuck his tongue at Harry who began to charge at him again until I intervened.

"Woah, Woah, Woah, let's just go get you some food dude," I said, placing my hands on his broad chest, slightly pushing him back as he calmed down, still gritting his teeth before I brought him to the front register, the people in line, backing away eyeing us as I sent all of them an uneasy smile.

"What can I get you." A lanky pale teenager said in a blank tone, blinking at me with an expressionless face as I helped dry Prince Harry with a bunch of napkins from the front counter as he mumbled curses under his breath.

"Uh, two burgers please and a-"

I felt a tug on my shirt, turning to find Harry looking at a little girl skipping with her dad wearing an identical cardboard Burger King crown on her curly-haired head.

"I say, is there more than one ruler in this kingdom?" He asked me with a confused expression that was absolutely adorable before I just smiled and pointed behind the cashier at the array of cardboard crowns stacked in the back causing Harry's eyes to go wide in amazement.

"May I have a crown?" He asked me with a childish grin before I nodded.

"Yeah and one king junior please."

••

Prince Harry stayed in the passenger side, sucking on the straw of his own cup of coke, looking through his kid's meal with the cardboard crown on his head falling slightly.

"When Teacher Harry wakes up just hand him the burger and calm him down, make sure you explain that I'll be taking care of you guys," I said, nodding my head towards the other Harry who was still knocked out which was kind of worrying me but I honestly had other stuff to take care of at the moment.

"You're like a noble knight my fair lady." Prince Harry said in awe, looking at me with wide green eyes as I stepped outside and closed the door, locking everything.

"Or a pimp, anyways I'm taking the keys but the windows are open alright, I'll be quick," I told him, making him nod before I turned and headed toward Target that was in the same parking lot as the Burger King.

I immediately looked for the whistles in the dollar section, wanting to find one loud enough like a rape whistle.

So far the Harry's I've come across weren’t as bad as I was expecting. I mean the one I've read a while ago were pretty, bad, so I was going to prepare myself.

My advantage here was that I knew their stories, although I've read so many that I might have forgotten some of them, but I’m pretty sure I still remember the gist of most of them.

I walked out of the store, a whistle, and pepper spray in my hand that I had purchased before I heard the crash of a stand of items and products fall to the floor along with a loud curse from that same British voice that's been haunting me all day.

I turned the corner, finding a different Harry this time by the look of his attire, this one was wearing a dark oversized sweater and his brown hair was a little past his shoulders in soft cascading subtle curls as he mumbled to himself, trying to pick up the groceries he had spilled from his brown bags.

According to Prince Harry he had a vision of me and tried finding me, so maybe it was natural for all Harry's to come to me eventually... I just had to find out which one this one was.

"Here, let me help you." I approached him, crouching down in front of him as I collected his things on the ground making him snap his gaze up to meet mine.

"Thank you, sorry I'm just- I'm a tad clumsy." He smiled, chuckling to himself a bit averting his eyes back down to the floor as we gathered everything.

"It's fine." I politely said, studying him as I placed my whistle and pepper spray in the pocket of my jacket before picking up the stand that was on the ground as this Harry stood to his feet, holding his brown bag of groceries in his arms again.

"I really do appreciate it, I've been flustered lately trying to get this Greek recipe I'm currently working on and I was worried I got my spices mixed." He said in a shy tone, sending me a grateful smile as I blinked at him.

Recipe... okay, this was definitely Chef Harry in that one fanfiction I read.

This one was the culinary perfectionist, alright, not bad.

"Uh, that seems like a lot of stuff you're carrying. Would you like me to help you take it to your car?" I asked, wondering how the hell I was going to get him in my car.

Prince Harry went with me willingly so that was easy, maybe I could just knock this one out just like I did with the teacher.

"Oh I actually walked here, my place is like right across the street from here, yeah it's pretty convenient but uh- I would actually appreciate some help." He said, blowing out a breath of relief and nodding as I took one of the bags from his arms.

"I'm Harry by the way." He said, trying to maneuver the other bags in his arms to outstretch his free hand out for mine with a friendly smile.

"Y/n." I introduced, shaking his hand while trying to come up with a plan on how I was going to kidnap him.

We walked away from the store, me holding a few of his bags of food and vegetables as we talked and he leads me to his house across the street.

He wasn't bad, he was actually pretty normal especially compared to the other Harry's.

"Uh- you can just place the bags on the kitchen counter," He said, biting his lip as he walked inside his house first, trying to keep the door open for me with one of his long legs as I went inside, checking the room.

Wonder if I could just tie him to a chair and then drag him outside to the parking lot where I parked the car.

Where can I get rope though... I placed the bags down on his kitchen counter, my eyes wandering around the cozy welcoming neatly kept living space as Chef Harry started to straighten out all his spices.

"Make yourself at home, I just need to look for- oh god did I break the eggs." He murmured the last part to himself, a worried expression on his face as he peered down at one of the grocery bags while I made my way into his living room, taking in every detail.

This place looked familiar, the white furniture, the gray and black pillows. I took in a deep breath, smelling the scent of fall leaves and pumpkin making my eyes flicker to the candle on the mantle of the fireplace.

Why did this all seem so familiar?

"Hey pumpkin, you think you could try out the new recipe I'm using? I could use some good constructive criticism." I heard his voice call from the kitchen, the sound of a knife dicing food in the other room echoing through his place as goosebumps formed on my skin.

My body stiffened, my palms immediately sweating when a quote from a fanfiction I had read a long long time ago popped into my head.

He called me pumpkin.

The quote in my head began to expand and everything became that much clearer.

He called me pumpkin because he loved to carve, he loved to hear the screams I would make when he pushed me down to the floor of his plush carpet, gently running the tip of his knife against the bare skin of my back.

I gulped, looking down to find myself standing on that same dark rug that was mentioned in that one fanfiction.

Oh god.

No, anything but that fanfiction story.

This wasn't Chef Harry at all.

I walked back out into the hall, breathing heavily as I peeked my head and watched Harry in his kitchen, smirking to himself as he sharpened two large knives together, the metal scraping against one another before his dark green eyes flickered up, connecting with mine before he placed the knives downs with a mischievous smile on his face.

"So pumpkin, how about you stay for dinner".

I’m trapped in the house with fucking Psycho Harry.

Fuck.

#harry styles imagine #harry styles #harry styles au #Prince Harry #au harry #one direction #one direction imagine #daddy #harry styles daddy #burger king #psycho #psycho harry #smut #the styles effect #au meme #harry styles fanfiction #fanfiction #harry styles preferences

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ao3bronte · 6 years

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ML Fluff Month

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Read it on A03

Sommeil - Chapter 3 Bed Sharing

Art by: @shaniartist

et si je compte et je compterai pour toi / je te conterai mes histoire/ et je compterai les moutons, pour toi

Marinette is so done.

Slumped over on her mattress and turned away from her mannequin purely out of spite, Marinette wallows in her defeat by binge watching Laura Rossignol’s new reality TV show for a second time on Netflix because suits suck . She hates them, she hates everything about them and they’re stupid and awful and they need to all go away.

Grumbling death threats under her breath, Marinette mashes her fingers against the keyboard of her laptop much harder than necessary and goes to start the next episode.

knock knock knock

Startled, Marinette freezes and looks up at her ceiling, her ears perking up as she recognises the telltale pitter patter of paws over her head. She checks the time and gapes at the numbers on her bedside table with betrayal for several moments before scrambling to her feet and pushing open the trapdoor above her head with a mighty shove, “Chat?”

“Hey,” he greets her, his soft smile belying the absolute exhaustion sagging beneath his eyes, “A little late to be watching trashy television isn’t it?”

Marinette opens her mouth to argue but can’t quite find it in herself to say otherwise, the 01:13 on her bedside alarm clock blinking up at her innocently.

“I hope I’m not bothering you,” Chat amends quickly, taking her silence as something other than what it is and Marinette quickly vies to amend the situation, snatching his wrist without thinking in the hopes of dragging him down.

“No no, Chat, come in,” she tugs twice more and flops back down onto her mattress, watching quietly as Chat follows her through the entrance and latches it back up against the November chill, “I was just trying to de-stress before I went to bed.”

“De-stress?” Chat asks, holding her gaze. They’d usually have travelled down to the main floor of her bedroom by now but Marinette hardly has the energy, let alone the tenacity to face her abject failure, “I could use a little bit of that too.”

“Rough trip?”

“The roughest,” Chat scooches and promptly drops back, stretching his lanky limbs down passed the length of her bed frame, “After ten days, I’m just glad to be home.”

Marinette closes her laptop and tucks it beneath her pillow, “Want to tell me about it?”

“Maybe later,” Chat rolls onto his side to face her, “I’d rather hear about you.”

“Not much to talk about really,” she shrugs and there’s no lie in her words. There hadn’t been a single akuma attack in his ten day absence and the only action she’d gotten was a break-in at the Louis Vuitton store on les Champs-Elysées , “It’s been pretty quiet here. I’ve been working on my courses mostly as well as my advanced track design project.”

“And how’s that coming along?”

Marinette sticks out her lower lip, “Terribly. I hate suits.”

Chat’s eyes light up instantly, “Are these the same suits you used my measurements for?”

“Mmhmm,” she sulks, crossing her arms across her chest, “I can’t get the inner lining right.”

“Want me to take a look at it?”

Marinette’s eyebrows disappear beneath her bangs, “What?”

“Remember when I said I knew some things about fashion?” he says, referencing one of the many conversations they’d shared via Snapchat while he was away, “Well, I happen to know a few things about men’s fashion specifically, so I might be able to help. What do you say?”

“It’s okay,” she responds automatically, “I’ll figure it out eventually, there’s no need to—”

“No really,” Chat interrupts, launching himself off the bed platform soundlessly before she can so much as protest, “I want to help. All you do is help me all the time, so it’s only fair.”

“Wait!” she scrambles down the ladder after him, “Stop! Don’t—it’s not done! It’s not good and it needs so much work and—”

But Chat’s already got his claws beneath the white notch lapels, “This is actually really well done Marinette.”

Sputtering, she skids to a stop, “ Whaa? ”

“No really, look,” Chat peels open the unfinished white floral jacquard suit jacket and peers beneath, “This woven-in tapestry-style design is incredibly on trend right now, I mean, this is a pre-summer line right? This could show up on a Chanel runway right now and even Anna Wintour wouldn’t know the difference.”

If Marinette wasn’t short circuiting already, she certainly is now.

“But I see where the issue is. It looks like you’re off by a few centimetres on the lining, which is why the internal pockets are bunching. If you cut off a little here,” Chat points up towards the lapels again, “and here, you should be able to fix the issue. Want me to take it out for you?”

There’s a haze of pink and sparkles flooding her bedroom as Chat holds up his index finger, his claw as sharp as his smile, “Built in seam ripper. I’ll have this out in a jiff. Man, this is so 18th century chic, I can’t believe you made this, except I can because you’re awesome but still, this is on par with some of the things I’ve seen which is like, haute haute couture…”

Chat is still talking but Marinette is already gone, slack jawed and dazzled and horrified all at the same time as Chat works meticulously, expertly slicing through the thread she’d used to adhere the silk lining to the floral linen fabric that made the garment so unique. The silk loostens and Chat plucks it from the air just as it’s about to hit the floor, handing it over to her with a flourish, “See this part? When you fold it, you can see where your measurements are off. Cons of hand cutting fabrics but hey, could be worse right?”

“Uh…” Marinette blinks down at the proffered fabric and back up at him, repeating the gesture several times before scooping her jaw off the hardwood, “T-thanks.”

“No worries,” Chat replies but he’s looking a little unhinged himself, “I’d cataclysme it for you but I think you’d have better luck with scissors.”

“Y-yeah uh,” she stutters, taking the fabric from his fingers. Her bare hands brush against his glove just for a moment and she can feel the heat of him through his suit in a way she’s never paid attention to before, “Let me uh, let me just get my scissors.”

“Sure,” he says as she turns towards her desk, “It really is an awesome jacket. I kind of wish I had one myself.”

Marinette tries to quell the blush flooding her cheeks at the compliment and fails miserably, “You can have it when I’m done with it if you want.”

“Really?” she squeezes her eyes shut at the brightness in his voice and with a quick mental check, she turns herself back around to face him, “I would love that. I have the perfect white trousers for it.”

“You do?” Marinette desperately tries to recover, the weight of her fabric scissors comforting in her hands, “What do they look like?”

“Well, they’re slim fit so they’ll go with the way this jacket is cut so close to the body,” Chat rubs his thumb along the flowers at the bottom of the jacket, tracing them upwards until they thin to white near the breast pockets, “I love that, by the way. Last year was nothing but chunky, oversized silhouettes.”

“Oh, I remember,” Marinette still can’t believe she’s having an actual conversation about fashion with Chat (of all people!) , “Everyone looked like they were wearing empty sacks of flour. They were nicely adorned, but they were still kind of...well, ugly .”

“Right?” Chat snickers as he fetches her pin cushion, “Anyway, these trousers have a fleur de lys pattern on them, kind of like an overlay, but it’s so subtle that it won’t distract from this awesome flower pattern on the jacket. Oh, and shoes! I picked up these loafers recently, they’re black and white and have these fun little shark teeth tassels at the front. They’d be totally unexpected, or I could just go with the plain black ones, or the steel gray…”

Again, Marinette finds herself somewhat lost in the surrealism of it all as Chat continues to prattle on about haute couture, the latest designs and what have you. She’s watching him more often than not, enraptured with the way his arms move as he speaks, the way his eyes, although tired, light up with an unusual passion that has nothing to do with the typical flirting and carrying on. It’s bizarre and amazing all at the same time, watching Chat talk about fashion and move and act like an actual human being, not just some casanova wrapped in leather that she’s become so used to as Ladybug.

Finishing the last cut, Marinette brings the silk lining back over to the mannequin and chatters back and forth with him about the other finished pieces in her collection, content to work together as he hands her the pins one by one to put the lining back in place. Within only a few minutes, the jacket is finished and the two of them step back together in tandem, their arms brushing as they take in the fruits of their labour.

“I’ll sew it in tomorrow and make all the finishing touches,” Marinette says, beaming at the jacket before turning her attentions to Chat, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Chat replies and his smile inspires that addictive feeling again, that familiar aura of pink and sparkles conspiring to steal her breath away, “What do you say to a little celebration for a job well done?”

Marinette sucks in a breath and tries to focus, “What exactly do you have in mind?”

He shrugs, “I don’t know. We could watch a movie? Relax? I’m kind of beat.”

“I can tell,” Marinette just barely resists the urge to brush her thumb across the bags beneath his eyes, “Come on, my laptop’s up there.”

“On your bed?” he asks, his voice just barely cracking and Marinette wonders for a moment if he too is finding this all a little surreal, “Are you sure?”

“Of course,” Marinette responds, staunchly ignoring the flutter in her abdomen as she scales the ladder, “We’re friends right? Chez moi, c’est chez toi, but only if you’re comfortable.”

“No no,” Chat immediately recovers, leaping up to where he’d been sprawled out on her mattress only a half hour before, “It’s good. I just...I don’t think I’ve ever...um, try not to take this weirdly.”

“I already am,” she says, peering at him strangely. It’s his turn to blush now, his glance pointedly fixed at her window across the way.

“I’ve just...you know, before all of this,” he gestures between them, still looking away, “I’ve never actually done the whole sleepover thing and...yeah.”

Marinette blinks several times and tries to get her tired brain to piece together whatever the hell he’s trying to say, “Wait, you’ve never had a sleepover before?”

“I guess?” Chat fidgets nervously, “I mean, I do all the time with you so not anymore but before that...no.”

“No sleepovers as a kid?”

“Wasn’t allowed.”

“And you never crawled in with your parents at night when you were little?”

“I tried once,” he leans back, propping himself on her pink kitten pillow, “That’s when they started locking my door at night.”

Outraged, Marinette barrels through myriad of emotions, none of them good, “Your parents locked you in your room at night?!”

“It’s not so bad,” he shrugs nonchalantly, still staring a hole into the opposite wall, “I got really good at ignoring thunderstorms after a while. Now I can sleep right through them.”

“But what if there was a fire or something?!”

“Good thing I’m Chat Noir then,” he taps the surface of his ring, “I can just jump out the window whenever I like.”

“I’m…” Marinette shakes her head, “I’m kind of mad at your parents right now.”

“Don’t be. I grew up purrrfectly fine, right Purrincess?”

Marinette knows a deflection when she sees one and let’s it slide, if only to avoid the unsettling truth he’d been laying out for her, “I don’t know about that. I’d say you could use another trip to the vet.”

“Meow-ch,” Chat brings a hand to his chest in mock offense, finally turning towards her, “Do you and Ladybug just sit around and come up with ways to insult me?”

“Nooooo” Marinette flounders for a second, overcompensating with a wild wave of her hand, “Ladybug and I? No no, you’re just a really easy target.”

“Am I?” he looks almost contemplative for a moment, “I’ll have to try and up my game then.”

“Good luck with that,” Marinette brings up her family’s Netflix account on her laptop and turns the screen towards him, “Any preferences?”

“What’s in the new releases?”

“Let’s look,” she clicks on it and brings up the list, “I haven’t seen any of these before.”

“Me neither. I don’t really have time to watch movies anymore.”

“It just takes so long,” Marinette replies emphatically, settling down beside him and she can practically feel his body heat coming off of him in waves, “I’ve got way too much to do so I mostly just play TV shows and listen to what’s happening.”

“I do the same thing!” Chat exclaims, thumping his fist against the mattress for emphasis, “We have a lot more in common that I realised.”

“We do,” she murmurs back just as Chat yawns, his sharp but still subtle fangs glinting off the light of her lamp, “You sure you can stay up to watch a movie?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he nods his head, his eyes dropping just a little as he rolls towards her, “I actually didn’t sleep that badly while I was away thanks to all the gifts you gave me.”

“I’m glad you liked them,” she turns to smile at him only to find his nose just a few centimetres away, “I uhh...I mean, I’m just happy I could help.”

“Those bath bombs were the best,” he continues, seemingly impervious to the sudden closeness and Chat yawns again, stretching his limbs in a move so catlike that Marinette almost has to pinch herself to keep from commenting, “Everything was the best. You’re the best.”

His eyes begin to drift shut and Marinette’s mouth opens and closes a few times, trying to fight for the right response but it’s already too late, his breaths leveling, his lips parting ever so slightly as he sinks deeper into sleep against her pillow. Marinette has to bring her hands to her mouth just to keep herself from wheezing, or crying, or doing whatever it is her throat is doing because holy hell, has he always looked like this? She’s seen him fall asleep in front of her dozens of times, his eyes closing, his body going slack against her chaise, his head lolling over to one side. She’s used to that Chat, the puddle of grown up boy wrapped in magic leather Chat, the charity case all tucked in beneath her pink flannel blanket Chat.

But now?

He’s snuffling.

Ohhh, he’s being so damn adorable and she just wants to touch him so she does, finally giving into those god awful desires that seemed to have literally sprung up out of nowhere. Since when did she think he was cute ? And how did that happen? Yeah, she’d been indulging herself with the purring and the petting most nights, which hopefully he’d never find out about, but…??? It’s all just coming up question marks in her head, these feelings, these urges to just reach out and brush her fingers through his hair and yes here comes the purr, the one she's so fond of, the one that turns them both to goo if she’s going to be honest with herself. She loves the way it seems to vibrate through her mattress, making her entire body seem to thrum like lemon sherbets, the feeling effervescent on her skin and through her senses. She closes her eyes and revels in it, loses herself in it and suddenly she’s out like a light within minutes, her fingers still buried in his hair.

It’s just barely dawn outside when she begins to feel herself stir, roused from a cocoon of warmth so comfortable she’s loathe to part from it. She curls closer, burrowing deeper and there's a breeze on her cheek as humid as a July evening by the Seine, and for a moment, Marinette imagines herself being back there, her legs swinging freely from the flying buttresses of Notre Dame de Paris, not a care in the world as her partner sits beside her, lays beside her, their thoughts and voices intertwined—

There's a sudden, startling sensation, the slightest pressure gentle and featherlight against her skin. It's on her brow, pressing there like a promise, returning once more on the tip of her nose. It feels good, she thinks, and she leans into it, soft and warm and safe and comfortable in an embrace she can't quite decipher yet but god , does it ever feel good.

She fades out again as the pressures cease only to be roused again by a weight, this time against her lips, dry and warm and barely moving. It's over before she knows it, the light rush of breath against her cheek fleeting and she chases it instinctively, curling into it, hopelessly tangled in bedsheets and warmth as she loses herself to the throes of sleep once again.

“A plus, princesse.”

There’s a shift in her mattress and the warmth and weight is suddenly gone to the tune of her trapdoor’s latch closing shut, a quiet sound that’s just enough to wake her. She opens her eyes just as her sleep addled brain catches up with the rest of her body, her fingers finding their way to her lips.

Did he just...kiss me?

#mlfluffmonth #brontewrites #marichat #mlfic #miraculous ladybug

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