#the words of the great adele herself

[miss-lovesick]

what happened to kobri

divorce, babe. divorce.

#the words of the great adele herself

[vecnawrites]

Jaune was doing NNN with little difficulty, save for a clear swelling in his balls, he was nonetheless able to do his daily tasks without any issues. But something he didn't think about, was that others would react to this, in ways he couldn't possibly expect, nor prepare for. Particularly, Velvet, as her enhanced nose could pick up the musk coming from his pent up balls, her own body reacting and driving her to act!

Jaune hummed to himself as he went about his daily business, only having a bit trouble of doing things like his morning stretches and the like. He didn’t know why all the guys were bitching and complaining about being incredibly uncomfortable. True, it had its issues, since stretching was a bitch and the threat of sitting on your own balls was a much bigger danger than when you were getting constant release.

But then, he had seven sisters, so he was perhaps more used to this type of discomfort due to the fact that he rarely got to masturbate, since his sisters had very little belief that he deserved the same amount of privacy they felt they deserved. And well, sharing a dorm room with two girls (despite Nora having absolutely no shame) didn’t lend much time for privacy either, as excessive bathroom time would be investigated.

But he wasn’t too bothered by it. When he got restless, he just trained until he was tired enough to sleep. So it wasn’t too much of an issue to him to go without release for prolonged periods of time...even though it was an utter pain in the ass with all the teasing that the girls did, whether unknowingly, like Pyrrha always did to him in the dorms, or knowingly, Coco Adel, a second year did top practically everyone.

But honestly? Beyond the slight discomfort, he couldn’t see why this “No Nut November Challenge” was so bad!

~

Velvet despised the eleventh month of the year, as did a great many faunus women. Why? Three words. No. Nut. November. That stupid challenge that boys liked to do for some reason or another, which only made them not empty their balls, but made their musk increase and potency! She spent all of November needing extra padding in her bra so her nipples didn’t bleed through her shirt, and doing at least one underwear change from how wet she got!

...at least she wasn’t as bad as some other faunus she knew. Blake thought she was being discreet at the hastily carved gloryholes and glorywalls that always cropped up during this month to tempt boys into losing, but she wasn’t.

Even if her ass wasn’t something that was well known to the boys and girls of Beacon (although Velvet knew her own was better) the texture of her tongue and the fact that she wasn’t quiet meant everyone knew how much of a slut she was during the month of November, and the boys with sense took advantage of it, several times a day sometimes.

She shook herself free of those thoughts. They didn’t matter to her, and she just needed to focus on getting through the day. Neither Yatsuhashi nor Fox bothered with it (Coco took her handling of her team’s health very seriously, and was incredibly “Hands On” in her methods involving things like this, meaning that she personally milked them of their cum throughout the month. Honestly, Velvet just thought she should admit she had the hots for being double stuffed and take both as lovers, but that was her opinion on the matter), and her currently tending to them was why she was out and about at this time.

She sighed, before freezing as the most tantalizing musk tickled her nose. Her pupils dilated, the fine hairs on the back of her neck standing on end, her skin getting goosebumps, her nipples becoming hard as diamonds in her bra, scraping the material and sending bolts of sensation to towards her clit, which itself had swollen and was rubbing against the rapidly slickening cloth, feeling every single thread brushing against the bundle of nerves, the sudden intensity threatening to take her down to her knees as she sniffed the air, her body following the enticing musk on autopilot.

If anyone had looked closely at her, they would see glistening lines slowly making their way down her inner thighs.

~

Jaune panted as he slowed down from his run, sweat falling down his face as he took deep breaths of fresh air and wiped his face as he got off the treadmill. He was alone and had the run of the place, which was odd, but then, he wasn’t complaining. At least he wasn’t being mocked.

But he needed a shower now before he headed back to the dorms to relax a bit before the bane of homework.

He headed into the locker room, ready to get clean.

~

On some level, Velvet knew that she was being a slave to her own body, taking the ‘back seat’ as it were, and that it was somewhat horrifying on a level that she didn’t want to think about, but there was no stopping her body at this point. She needed this, and she knew that there was no way she could stop it. Her panties were soaked through, and she was drooling from both sets of lips freely, her body driven by her repressed need and physical urges.

Following her nose, she walked into the gym, bare of anyone inside it, following the wonderful musk that was making her body rebel against her. It was more intense, more saturated in here, easily picked up over the other, more stale scents that were in the area, heading towards the showers.

Velvet found her body moving towards the showers, the men’s showers, her hands moving up and beginning to undo the buttons on her top. Velvet knew she wasn’t going to be able to stop herself, she just hoped that it wasn’t a member of Team CRDL…

Her eyes moved around on their own as she entered the showers, and internally she sighed in utter relief as she saw it was Jaune. Her body responded by her pussy flooding even more from need, as she stripped herself of anything that would block her getting what she wanted, and made her way silently towards the naked young man who was nearing the shower heads.

~

Jaune hissed as the warm water washed over him. Okay, maybe he was a little more effected by not getting off than he thought. But it would be okay, he didn’t have too much longer to deal with it. Only a few more days-

Squish.

Jaune froze as softness that could only be breasts pressed against his back, and hands that weren’t his pressed against his belly and slowly slid down his body, making his way down between his legs, one hand cupping his shaft and the other cupping his heavy balls. He made no sound, the words strangled in his throat.

“Hmm, so big...so full…” Juane swallowed as the hands gently fondled him, giving his cock a gentle stroke and hefting his balls up. “Allow me to help you with that~” Jaune found himself spun around to see-

“Velvet!?” he choked out as he saw the cute rabbit faunus completely naked save for oddly enough, her knee length socks, kneeling down and staring at his dick with a hunger in her eyes that startled him. He watched her ears twitch, before she leaned forwards and opened her mouth, extending her tongue and licking a stripe along the underside of his dick.

Jaune’s hips bucked and he bit his lower lip to contain the groan that filled him, his fingers rolling against the ceramic of the shower wall as the lusty bunny opened her mouth and swallowed him.

He couldn’t contain the sound of bliss that escaped him as she bobbed her head fiercely, loud and lewd sucks and slurps echoing through the practically empty shower as she rubbed his balls.

He shook in place as he tried to contain himself. He knew his loads were rather large, and despite the sudden ‘attack’ in the shower by a cute girl (that he would admit that he had fantasized about in the few times he had been able to get off), but he didn’t want to choke her.

But he knew he was going to fail No Nut November from how hard she was sucking on him…

As his eyes squeezed shut as his orgasm erupted through him, hearing and feeling Velvet’s excited, squeaking moan around his dick as she eagerly gulped down his cum, her hands working his balls for more…

...he found he didn’t care. Especially when Velvet stood and spun around and rubbed her bubbly ass against his still hard cock, before taking him inside her wet furnace of a pussy and beginning to bounce against him.

Jaune Arc:

Status: FAILED

Time Survived: Ten Days

Reason/Method For Failure: Velvet’s Mind Being Overcome By His Pheromones

#No Nut November #Jaune Arc #Velvet Scarlatina #Musk #Loss Of Control #After Workout #Ambush

[delunesnumberonefan]

SO

saskia and belialah. the empress and her shadow.

...im breaking my own rule of not posting any more original creations here but idgaf---i'll post some sketches and if there's interest i can throw this fic i'm working on up on ao3 for the monsterfuckers in the audience

so, backstory on THESE TWO:

i'm gonna go in real life order of events and talk about some of the inspos that went into some of these moments and where they were in our real life timeline of Experiencing these two

under the cut bc i must remain polite in the face of my hyperfixations

HELLO I MAY BE POLITE BUT IM RABID LETS GOOOOOOOOO

ok so, canonical order of events: saskia (matriarch) and belialah (demon lord) meet, they establish an alliance, belialah does stuff for saskia. at some point, saskia starts amassing her generals (we'll get there) and chooses belialah. somewhere in here as well, saskia splits from the empire and starts doing her Evil Deeds for her Evil Plans. I'm not sure which of the last two came first. in either case, lost later meets belialah, we haven't seen her (physically) since (but that's not a good thing i don't think)

irl order of events:

Saskia throws a Fit, kills her nephew, and withdraws from the empire at large. we make fun of her because though she's the big bad, she's also weirdly wet and pathetic. we hate her. she's so sucks. and also so sexy. its bad

time goes by, things happen, eventually there's a big party with all the matriarchs!!! yaaaaay

lost and gilt go because ofc we do, and there's a big dance where everyone keeps changing partners. at the end of the dance, lost gets belialah

...elven ish woman. obviously weird. too pale skin. black hair. disheveled appearance. ill-fitting dress. holds herself weird. talks with a tremble and a breathiness to her voice that immediately makes us uncomfortable (my mans can do some fuckin VOICES and don't get me started on the sound effects). belialah says she's a huge fan---of lost's father. the being from before creation whose whole thing is "immortal life but not in the good way" instead of "you won't die" it's "you can't die" there is no death to escape from life, no matter the suffering.

so--red flags.

she tells lost that she's one of saskia's generals, and that saskia sent her to give lost a message: saskia is so excited for her to come home, and that lost should bring her brothers (6 beings of various otherworldly heritage like lost--saskia has a type and it is monsters) when she comes home. Lost tells her to tell saskia, from her and gilt, to fuck off.

belialah goes...monstrous. red eyes start popping open all over her skin and she gets quiet and threatening about how lost is disrespectful and how--yeah, she will tell saskia that. and she leaves in a cloud of black vapor

i turn to chase. i say "oh they're fucking"

and he hits me with "...belialah would probably like to!"

and i hit the ground running. sprinting. i was off into the distance without another fucking word. little roselyn-shaped dust cloud left behind.

fic. art. works. stuff. so much. headcanons. throwing everything at the wall. attempts at first time. attempts at canon. saskia bitchiness. belialah wanting to smash despite the great danger to her personal health. weird fetish fic. modern!au. headcanons about modern!au. deep dives. analysis. narrative foils. sex. so much sex.

it's everything. they're everything

i want them to be terrible together. that's all i want. that's all i've ever wanted.

i set about creating for them in a frenzy--it's been love and war time for...since early may of last year?? some coming up on a year, now (again---150k words written in this time, with april's word count unknown but already above 10k. jan ALONE was 32k). love and war time means that it's always love and war--it's just different people inside the campaign. oh it's saskia oh it's freya it's gilt and lost let's bop over to adele what about gilt's parents-

FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR

it's been great.

Chase messaged summer and i a few weeks ago like "hey. i got a belialah meeting saskia inspo video, but i need to show you in person bc i need to get your reaction live."

he showed me this

we had a moment of "...oh my god its from a gacha game?" and then i made him play it three times in a row just Absorbing the vibes

chase: it's saskia and belialah when they first meet, with belialah thinking she has the upper hand and saskia proving that she is very, very wrong. but i don't know what a ball in the abyss looks like...

me: say no more

and i hit upon them meeting at an event where it's basically like---demons from all over gather, have a civil time---when bloodshed eventually happens (which it always does bc they're literal actual demons) it's a free for all and it's expected to be a bloodbath, that's part of the appeal

belialah's there, as you do, and saskia's there to talent scout from the pool of winners for her big evil plans. belialah's like "wtf is a stupid little mortal doing here why are you unaccosted where is your collar" kinda behavior and goes over there, they talk, they dance (also a ploy for power among demons, it's a sizing up thing instead of a fun thing), saskia reveals that she's got 1/8th of the power of a god in her soul and belialah's like "cool im fanatically devoted to you now i've never wanted to smash a mortal before can we make out"

and that's how they start their history

with me writing books about this campaign (again--pipe dream) i've been deciding on when and where i want these two to get highlighted, bc, again---we've never met saskia in person, she's spoken to lost and gilt directly once, and we've seen belialah once outside of saskia's bitchy announcement to the empire at large where she reveals she's got 12 generals and you better not try shit bc we're at WAR now (she's stupid i love her dearly)

and recently i've been working on their...first time? an epilogue for one of the books. the actual thing won't have sex in it if it gets to be part of the book for realsies, but im not stopping there bc IM ME

and i've been tinkering with like...ok how do we show in isolated little epilogues and snippet scenes that saskia and belialah have INSANE sexual tension so that when they do get together, its weird but satisfying bc again---belialah is a demon. she's got a human form. that is not her true form. i've drawn it, it's sexy to saskia, i'll post it soon.

but i need these two to snark at each other with saskia resisting belialah's advances bc "im trying to take over the world stop distracting me" while belialah's like "SASKIA LEMME SMASH. PLEASE" until eventually it happens because they're terrible and i love them and it needs to happen, frankly. im overruling my boyfriend. at the point we are at, they are fucking already. he does not have a choice. im overruling him.

chase, if you're reading this--the goal with this first time fic is to make it plausible enough that you accept it as canon. thank you.

bc like--they're terrible. they're perfect. they've both got bratty younger sibling/cocky hotshot who thinks they're invincible kinda energy and belialah has no doubt in her mind that saskia can achieve her goals and saskia is getting someone who will stroke her ego and is having the thought of "im being recognized for how amazing i am it's about time"

the generals have made deals with saskia---saskia is planning on following through with 0% of these deals. belialah is the only one who didn't--she's here by saskia's side of her own free will.

they're fucking. at this point, they are fucking. decades of sexual tension kept alive by distance and "hello old friend" energy is suddenly coming to head with Belialah Always Being Around and saskia having to plan out her evil deeds with her being nutso devoted 24/7 and listen, man. this woman has an ego the size of the planet. she's gonna smash someone who inflates her ego, it's just how she works

ok lore dump over. sketch time now.

#roselyn talks #love and war #saskia tag #belialah tag #the empress and her shadow #i am. Unwell. #these two make me Unwell

[authoralexharvey]

Find the Word Tag

Once again going through my old, old tags and responding to them way beyond the fact. Tagged for this one by @k--havok. Thanks! I'm using my new project for this one. My words were:

Face

She schooled her face into a mask, hoping she caught her excitement in time to keep it from being too evident. The Beaufort family were a lineage—nay, a dynasty—of accomplished scientists and high-ranking members of the Academic Coalition for Arcane Study. Though she had never seen photographs of Adelle or her husband, their research on monster development and extermination had been lauded during her time in college. Perhaps she had been mistaken to think this was a matchmaking arrangement, after all. Could it be she was finally being called to join the ranks of the A.C.A.S.?

Music

Don't have this one yet. Maybe later!

Hurt

It didn’t hurt her parents stood to benefit, either. No longer would they be subject to smitten fools who had found fascination in their youngest daughter. And, with the right pairing, the Kask family could see a boost in status as well, more than their lumber mill or their daughter’s beauty could ever provide.

Very

However old he had become, though, was incomparable to the figure sitting across from him. Thin, bird-like hands seized their skirts. Their blouse hung over their shoulders like a Perosh funeral shroud. At the sight of them, Rianne paused, clutching to the stair railing. Was this her parents’ version of a jest? All of the suitors before this one had been visions of youth—perhaps too young, in some cases. Did they think she would relent if they tipped the scales the other way? At the very least, this stranger was a woman. A step in the right direction. Though she was half a room away, Rianne’s heart seized as the stranger fixed piercing brown eyes on her. Her grasp on the railing tightened until she thought her fingers would go numb and atrophy.

Enough

It wasn’t until Rianne let herself be guided onto the first ship out of Perov her new reality sank in. Teleportation circles were too costly—let alone they bore too much risk—so Adelle had arranged for the both of them to take the longer route. For the first couple of days aboard the great The Regal Crest, she had kept herself confined to her quarter’s humble washroom, the contents of her stomach roiling violently enough to rival the waves outside her window. Though she had never been far from the shore before, she had never had need for plunging into the open waters–and, with as poor as her constitution was on this first part of her journey, she doubted she would ever do so ever again.

Tagging: @magic-is-something-we-create, @lettersandinkstains, @wingedcatastrophe, and @thosedizzystargazers. Your words are Rain, flash, soak, and pavement. Have fun!

#alex has the floor #tag games #my writing #writeblr #athd

[stickthisbig]

I had to externalize these thoughts, so I wrote a bunch of words about why Egbert is a trans person. I don’t think there are any content notes, really, unless “TW: Liliana” is a thing, which it probably should be. This is a happy meta.

So:

Egbert's backstory is both extremely vague and very specific. Egbert used to be a male human child. When he was small, he left his family and began training to join the paladins of the Dragon D'or. At some point in this process, he went through something, and he emerged as a dragonborn. We actually don't have a super clear idea of whether dragonborn is a fantasy species in Geth, like elves etc, or whether it's always something you have to turn into.

So… I dunno what to tell you. That's a transition. Egbert was one thing that is considered to exist as a static category, and he physically became something considered to be a separate category. And not for nothing, but the other party members are all productive with other species. There's no half-dragonborns. You are or you aren't. Egbert wasn't. Now he is.

Egbert's body is positioned repeatedly as Other. It happens all the time, but it's easiest to see with the two people outside the party who try to get close to him. Merilwen's friend Adele, like the other elves, is a fantasy racist, and her interest in Egbert is 100% played as wanting to taste the exotic. It's unimportant that Egbert's kind of an idiot and maybe destroyed a lot of property. He's a body that she wants. It has this weird racist undertone that I really don’t like, but it echoes how (shitty) people desire trans people.

Liliana is. Whoo lord, what isn't Liliana. Her obsession with Egbert is very much physical. She thinks Egbert is the perfect specimen, and she hasn't really attempted to build Egberts to match his personality. Liliana sees Egbert as a body she can control, and as a body that is unique. She herself isn't human, but it goes beyond that; she won't give Dob the time of day, and Dob's not human either. It isn't just that Egbert is special. 

In the way that he is situated in the main narrative, Egbert is a unique creation. Egbert's body is weird; it spouts flame and is too hot and is generally inconvenient. Egbert is huge and unwieldy and awkward. He's dealt with the same way that trans people often are- out of place in their bodies, inelegant, problematic.

Here's why I need you to go with me on this characterization:

Egbert fuckin loves it.

Egbert loves being a dragonborn! Egbert's story isn't about pain or sadness. It isn't about being cut off from his family or from his human body; the great problem in Egbert's life is being cut off from the people who made him a dragonborn. Egbert is joyful! He's a complete doof who fucks things up all the time, but Egbert's happy. Haven't we been sad enough? Is it not wonderful to see this seven foot scaly himbo be delighted that he can breathe fire?

Choose joy. Choose Egbert. He'd choose you.

--

Caveats: No one is saying the team gets a bunch of brownie points for creating a trans character. I am of the old school and I root in dumpsters for chunks of characterization. Also I'm nonbinary, if that matters. I don't ID as trans or cis and I'd like to see you try and make me.

#oxventure #oxventure meta #egbert the careless

[allkinds-oftrash]

The Crown S5E4 Commentary

Non-Spoiler Gist: I have been WAITING for this episode! It wasn’t as dramatic as I expected but I still enjoyed it! There was an unexpected plot with Margot I really enjoyed and it was a great introspective episode for Lizzie. I LOVED the self-awareness all of them had in this episode. 

Spoilers Under Cut: 

Oooh interesting choice starting at the end of the year and her getting ready to give the speech Lmaoo "She's not getting the sympathy she wants" I'M CACKLING

Aights let's go 1992 please deliver the drama

Oooh we're starting with Margaret also I forget how religious some of them are then they talk abt their faith Margot you keep smoking like that you're going to be dead in 10 years 🤡🤡 (Bad joke Ik I'll see myself out)

OHMYGOD IS THAT OLD TOWNSEND?? IT IS I'M SCREAMING! I loved them so much in S1

Ahahah Lizzie "I'm not sure it was love" She's funny when she wants to be "Why what's it to you" LMAO these sisters I swear

Ohmygod is that Andrew?? Ew it is WHY DID THEY MAKE HIM ATTRACTIVE NO STOP IT PETER MORGAN He does look like irl Andrew and Tom Byrne (young Andrew) props to the casting dept once again

He's so cavalier about Sarah's affairs I can't??? This is kinda funny ngl SHE SAID SHE DIDN'T WANNA KNOW AND THEN HE PROCCEEDED TO TELL HER DJLDJSK I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING Also don't you dare sneer at Sarah in Saint Topaz Andrew we all know you were probably at Epstein's Island He's okay with sexual harassment/assault and pedophila but putting someone's foot in his mouth is where he draws the line???

GOOD BE HUMILIATED you prick The D word LMAO Andrew you're a grown ass man, say Divorce Lizzie you damn well know those aren't the words Ahhahahah the way he said "Divorce, Mummy" he sounded like Adele I'm screaming

I take it back, THIS IS THE WORST PERSON I know who made a great point. Gotta applaud him for being self aware about destroying anyone who is different in this family

Lmaooo Margot's start to that letter, hilarious Oh there he is - Townsend. I'm too happy to see him back to complain too much abt how he doesn't really look like his predecessor

Awww Anne and Tim she's so in love with him. Honestly one of their redeeming qualities is their love for one another.

Margot is having the time of her life; good for her! Omg my hearttt I forgot the chokehold Margot and Townsend had on me zhksnsks

LMAO “FERGIE'S STOLEN” headline I'm cracking up Hsjshsj Lizzie is having a ball isn't she. Two children want divorces another one wants to get remarried when the Church forbids it 🤡🤡

Yessss Anne DROP THOSE ENGAGMENT NUMBERS,,, W&K could never 💀💀 I love how derisive she is. She really is a badass, pity that she's most likely a racist

Awww Margot and Townsend's Greatest Hits scenes 😭😭😭 I AM SOFT WELP THAT GOT ANGSTY It was nice to see the young versions again I missed Vanessa Kirby

HAHAHA DI'S BOOK IN CHARLES' FACE as she should be Prince Harming ahahhah Boy I can call you worse things Ew God's law is marriage for life 🤡🤡 God wants yall want to be happy, he told me himself  FREEE DIANA Damn Charles go off shskjs

Lmaooo this ep is Favourite's older sister dbdkkd it's all coming around Yes you were a neglectful mother Lizzie you gave them all several parental issues shskks

Who is this man?? Porchey?? Oh lmao no he's a priest

Okay this is the one thing I won't laugh at. I didn't know this year included a castle fire. No one deserved to have their house burnt down no matter how decadent it is.

Holy shit this looks the Baudelaires Mansion after their fire. This is so sad but also amazing set design Holy shit my heart hurts

Not Margo and Townsend taking stock of the paintings xhdkjejd God they're so cuteeeee ny hearttt

Not Margot accusing Di of burning down building LMAO SHE'S LISTING THEM ALL Fair enough Margot nskdksk

NOT HER SAYING HERSELF D a m n the regret and bitterness of having lost Townsend is STRONG Yesss Leslie what a speech!! Holy shit not the parallels between Anne/Tim and Margot/Townsend God I wanna hug Margo Ohmygod she said ittt she called Lizzie the fuck out

Annus Horriblis INDEED

Tbh I really wasn't expecting the Margot of it all but I am living for it (I wanted to see Anne/Mark and Andrew/Sarah's marriages break down further on screen and them announcing the divorces)

"I don't want to pull out" That's what (s)he said 🤡🤡 Not Queen Mother lecturing her on the speech like ma'am your daughter is 66 years old let her do what she wants Not her sneering at Lizzie being depressed God I hate this bitch

Phillip being THE Wife Guy this season is something I did not expect Like he has been since S3 but like it's dialled up even more this season which makes the upcoming affair with Penny even more sad

She said it!! Annus Horriblis! I will say I appreciate this speech from her it humanised her in the eye of the public after years of never saying anything

Girlies named their dogs after alcoholic drinks lmaoo love this for them

Living for the self awareness of being blamed for everything and for most things, it is true Lizzie

The way they said I love you and was like This is too middle class let's never do it again I'm screaming

#The Crown #The Crown Season 5 #The Crown Spoilers

[umbralsound-xiv]

Sleep did not come easy to me. It hadn’t for a while. Little use trying to sleep when no peace would come to take me.

I went to the Sanctum. At least there, i could find some... Clarity in my thoughts. I had already spent most of the sun searching. I needed to rest, but...

Well. Easier said than done.

Bexy Amalaryssia remains seated, head lowered to the floor, ears flat atop her head. She is silent; unmoving, at least until the door sounds and brings an ear aloft. But she doesn't move, no. A quiet, simple word leaves her lips, spoken hoarse, and broken.

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Greetings."

Sayuri Aoki's ears twitch slightly, gaze rising from the floor and towards Bexy's direction. She carefully shuts the door behind her and takes a few uneasy steps towards the first bench - reaching a hand out to settle it upon it for support. ".. Hello, Bexy." Sayuri's own voice carries a low tone, weariness evident in it.

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Sayuri." Bexy forces a smile. It is sincere; but certainly speaks of one attempted in misery. "I would ask how you are feeling. But i fear it's a stupid question to ask."

Sayuri Aoki offers a pained smile. ".. Still, I appreciate it.. But sadly the answer is not a good one." She shakes her head gently as she makes her way forwards unsteadily, sinking herself down into the seat next to Bexy. ".. There is no denying that the symptoms are getting worse, as much as I would've liked to be in denial." Her features contort to something between a forced smile and a frown. "..How are you holding up?"

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...As well as i can. Watching all those i hold dear crumble in one way or another. But i'm managing. Just about." She brings her gaze over Sayuri, knitted brows as the sense of helplessness stings anew. "...I wish i could help more. But the extent of my aid involves sticking arrows in people. And aside the woman in the basement, i have no ready targets."

Sayuri Aoki: "..Spider is still here, then..?" Sayuri's brows furrow a touch, a slight look of discomfort taking to her. ".. I.. can understand that. I don't exactly.. feel particularly helpful, myself. My abilities have always been a destructive one, and that's.. not quite what is needed at the moment, I assume."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Not here in the house. Not what i have seen, anyway. Adelle nor Mist have opted to call on me. I spend my suns searching; as safely as i can, anyway. I eat when i return home. And for the bells i cannot sleep... I am here."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...At least if she is here, she is not on the boat. I have not bothered speaking with her. I fear i would let my anger get the better of me, after all you have told me."

After everything that woman had done. To Sayuri, to the others... Gods. I was so close to killing her on the field. Had Adelle’s answer been any different, we would have no captive.

...No information, too.

But nothing stops me from killing her at a later date.

Sayuri Aoki offers a slow nod, her hands reaching over to grasp at each other while resting in her lap, fidgeting a touch. ".. As long as you take care of yourself, but I hardly believe you'd compromise yourself when searching." Her head tilts a touch, gaze drifting onto the floor. "My interactions with the others have been limited.. But I have given samples for Adelle's attempt of finding a cure for us.. And I can't blame you. She hasn't exactly been.. kind, to the captives."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I do my best to look after myself. Even if my best right now is... Not very good." She sighs quietly, shaking her head. "...I have not seen you out of... Your room? Much. I knocked, but there was no answer. I presumed you were out, or sleeping."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I cannot blame you for wanting solitude."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Your best is enough, you're still standing." Sayuri offers an encouraging smile. Her ears twitch, a slight red tint taking to her cheeks as she lowers her head, letting out a faint cough. "I--.. have not.. been in my room." She mumbles. "I.. am not great with being alone, as I've mentioned before.. But I could handle it, until all of this. I have.. stayed with Eir."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...So long as you have not been suffering alone. That is all that matters." A faint smile takes her lips, looking over Sayuri. It widens a little, but she says nothing more on the subject. "...It is good to have such close friends." ...A pause, as her head lowers an ilm. "...You'll be returning soon. Won't you?"

Sayuri Aoki's gaze returns to Bexy, a weak smile on her lips. ".. I.. didn't know he was alive, when I came back.. None on the ship had told me that his death was a ruse.." She frowned a touch, shaking her head to herself. "We have taken comfort in each other's company, so thankfully.. we haven't been entirely miserable." She pauses, letting her gaze return to the floor. ".. That.. was the plan.." Her words were more akin to a mumble, hesitation lingering in her tone.

Bexy Amalaryssia slowly tilts her head; concern and curiosity both in her expression. "...They staged his death? Gods, had i not been so... Horrified by all else you had told me on the night i had found you, i would have told you he yet lived. I am sorry it was not sooner." Bexy dipped her head in apology. "...I am glad you have found what little comfort you can in such times. I..." A pause. "...What... Was the plan?"

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Am i... Missing something?"

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Staged his death, made myself, Neoma and Lief watch it.. And made me believe it was because I refused to comply." She musters a weak smile. ".. Had you told me, I'm unsure I would've managed to remain in the spot to tell you all of it, and there was something.. bittersweet, about finding him." Her smile is quick to fade, her ears flattening against her skull as her head lowers, gaze now completely locked upon the floor. ".. I-.." She frowns, sighing out faintly. "..I don't know if I should."

Bexy Amalaryssia widens her eyes with horror. She'd heard it before, she was certain. But hearing it so fresh; seperated from all else Sayuri had told her... She sits a little straighter. Moves a little closer, to insistantly meet her gaze with Sayuri. "...Don't... Don't know if you should... What?" A thread of panic laces her tone. "...You... You do not plan to stay here and die, do you?"

Sayuri Aoki grits her teeth, releasing her hands from each other to instead grasp onto the fabric of her shirt, anxiously tugging at it. ".. Initially, I never intended to.. But after talking to Eir and Neoma I.. promised Eir I'd go with him.. I had.. accepted this." She shuts her eyes for a moment, exhaling a drawn-out sigh before letting her gaze rise to meet Bexy's. ".. I-.. A few suns ago I had it brought into question during a conversation, and I have.. doubted it, since then.."

The thought of her reconsidering was a harrowing one. Who would i be, to tell her to return to that hall of misery? I could not. I have walked in similar shoes not even a cycle ago and i would be hurt should anyone tell me i’d ever have to return to that.

...I couldn’t. It... Was not my place.

But i could not sit here and watch her die.

Sayuri Aoki: “.. I came in here a few times during it, to try to.. figure out what I should do.. But the doubt didn’t even fade as the worse symptoms began..”

Bexy Amalaryssia: "Why..." Bexy's voice wavers, as she clears her throat to steady it. "...Why... Do you think staying is a good idea?" She fights the tears in her eyes, stubbornly. "...I can not ask you to go back, Sayuri. Not to that place. Not if it was so terrible as you tell me."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I just want you to live."

Sayuri Aoki: "Stay here and die, or go back to that hellhole and live.. I don't think either of them are good ideas.." She lowers her gaze again, frowning. ".. He--.. Used you, in the-.. I don't know if I can call it argument.." She shakes her head slightly, sighing. ".. Said that returning to the ship, and possibly not returning, would.. hurt you. I.. asked if he'd rather you were to watch us die a slow death instead.. The response was pretty much that you'd rather watch us die than send us to our  deaths..” Sayuri’s frown fades, taken over by a blank expression instead. “.. That, alongside several ways of being called weak, and being reminded of the mindset I had when I was little where I’d rather die than bend the knee.. It.. made me doubt..” Bexy Amalaryssia: "Who would.... Who would say such things? Who did you talk..." Bexy's brow furrows deeply. "...Mattisaux." A short, sharp huff, as her aether laced the bench with frost. "...I would rather you fight! I would--- I do not -want- to watch you die. My last memories of the people i hold close wasting away into nothing! He is my friend, but he does not know me half as well as he aught to with such matters." She swallows her tears, her anger. "I want you to continue down a path of your own choosing..."

I will have words with Mattisaux when i next see him.

...Not angry ones. I... I can understand his reasoning. There is no good option, here. And there is a lingering thought in my chest that worries i am simply sending them off to their deaths.

Adelle is working on a cure. But... It will take time. Time we do not have.

If they will die here regardless, or die when they return, at least if they return, they can fight back before the... Inevitable.

What could be the inevitable.

I would want to die fighting. But my words are my own, and i do not speak for everyone.

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Even if it is not one i would wish for. I would die fighting. Even if my last breath is spent in retaliating against those bastards. "

Sayuri Aoki: ".. Mattisaux, indeed. Not one I thought I'd.. ever hold a conversation with, as my only interactions with him before were.. well." She grimaces slightly. ".. I threatened to break his neck the first time we met. I didn't really know who he was then, but I was made aware of it." Sayuri leans over, raising her arms and reaching her hands up to press them against her skull, groaning faintly. ".. I.. don't want to die. Had this been in the past I-.. would not have cared.. But now..? I.. actually have people to live for.." She frowns, rubbing her palms across her face. ".. Both options are utter crap."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I do not know the circumstances, but i can imagine it was not without reason. His words will get him into far greater trouble than he has landed himself in with me, one sun." She gives a quiet sigh. "...He means well. Probably. If he has any respect for me in that heart of his." Bexy gives a long pause, mulling over her thoughts. "...There are no good options in this. And you... Must choose between them, regardless."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...For what it is worth, Sayuri... I cannot imagine you simply accepting it.  Not when violence and retribution are both still options."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. He.. refered to me in the terms of-.. a.. small.. cat." Sayuri grimaces, desperately avoiding to utter the word herself. "..Grymahtyn called me that." She frowns, shaking her head slightly. ".. I've seen he has enough care towards you, at least. But he seems intent to be an ass to the rest." She straightens herself back up, settling her gaze upon Bexy. She spends a brief moment in silent thought. "..Sanguine Serpent and Familiar Face. I want to live long enough to kill them both.."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. And preferably longer."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...If he knows it upsets you, he will surely use it against you. Even if you tell him the reasoning, and why. He is not the most sensitive, or considerate with such matters." Bexy looks over Sayuri with a faint smile. "...If that is what drives you to live, let it. If they would see you die anyway, better to not go so quietly." Bexy's words come with a waver. An arm slowly reaches out towards Sayuri, for a hug. "...Though i would much rather you came back. With or without their heads in tow."

Sayuri Aoki: ".. He seemed more intent to use it because of my poor reaction to it.. He said it twice the last conversation we had, but it was.. before confirming who I was." She paused, frowning a little. ".. Serpent has had his hand in many of the things who have hurt all of us, he if anyone deserves death.. Face used Emiko against me.. that alone is something that makes me want to tear his head off. I.. do not want to be compliant with them, but they.. are very willing to use others to get to me, like hurting Eir, being the largest example.." She leans herself closer to Bexy, seeking to drape an arm around her to both accept and return the offered hug. "I would very much prefer to come home, too."

Bexy Amalaryssia pulls Sayuri into a firm embrace. "...There are no bad options. Just as there are no good ones. Only the options you choose, and none in their right minds will ever judge you for them. Give them the Hells, Sayuri... But please. Come home."

Sayuri Aoki's ears droop, her wrap around Bexy tightens as she swallows against the growing lump in her throat. The stinging of tears assault her eyes as she exhales a shaky breath. "..I-.. needed to hear that.. I think.." She offers a pained, but genuine smile. ".. I will. To both of those parts."

Bexy Amalaryssia tightens her grasp for a moment, before releasing her. "You will always have a place here. Always people waiting. That i promise you..." Tears finally fall down her cheeks with a small sob. "And i swear, if you do not come back, i will put them all in the ground. My revenge will be in your name."

...I... I know this tale well.

Aching for a place to belong. To have people to welcome you home when you set foot through the door.

Whether you have left for a moon, or a bell.

I swear, i will be that person; as so many others were before me.

Sayuri Aoki lets out a hoarse laugh, tightening her wrap slightly before straightening herself back up and releasing her. She raises her left hand to her face, wiping away the escaping tears with her sleeve. "I'd prefer to be a part of that fight.. So I will do my best to come back."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I will be waiting for you, Sayuri. Or out searching. There is ever a space at my side for you, on the battlefield."

Sayuri Aoki: "If you are not the one who brings me home again.. I will let you know as soon as I'm back. And that is a spot I intend to hold for much longer, they'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands." Her gaze shifts to her right hand which is still clad in ice despite that the most of it has thawed at this point. "..Emphasis on the dead part."

You smile weakly at Sayuri Aoki.

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Then, i will look forward to it, when you return to us." A small dip of her head, as she gives pause. "...When... Did you plan to leave...?"

Sayuri Aoki: ".. We made the decision that we were going to leave a sennight after that my symptoms began and Eir's worsened.." She lowers her head a little, reluctance lingering on her features. ".. That was a sennight ago. So.. soon. Very soon."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...Within the sun, i imagine." Bexy half-whispers. She stands, inclining her head. "...I will try my hand at sleeping once again. And you..." She trails, giving a quiet sigh. "...I will see you soon. Be safe, my sister. Show them not an onze of mercy."

Sayuri Aoki blinks, her reluctance replaced by a small amount of surprise which swiftly trails into a heartfelt smile. ".. I hope you manage to rest, Bexy. I will be home again before you know it, hopefully with a tale of how I stuck it to at least one of them." Her brows furrow, but her smile remains. ".. And thank you, for everything."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I look forward to hearing of it." Bexy smiles, even if her tears continue to fall. "...You have little to thank me for. But you are welcome for it, regardless." Bexy inclines her head with a small sigh. "...Best not dally, hm? You... You have places to be."

...I did not want her to leave.

Even if it was... Necessary.

It would be a long wait. Others, too, would be leaving to return. The wilder part of me would clutch them all close and lock the door.

But what good would that do?

I just needed to wait. Sun after agonising sun. Wait, watch, and pray they would return.

And find any lead i could to better our chances.

Sayuri Aoki: ".. You are a large part as to why this feels like a home to me, and you have done so much for me in the time we've known each other.. I consider that worthy of thanks." She smiles weakly, ears drooping a little further before she nods. "Best.. get it over with.. So we can return sooner."

Bexy Amalaryssia smiles faintly. "...I... Am glad. I only know the feeling too well." A hand is offered, to help Sayuri to her feet. "...So i can hear your tales of terror. Let me hear what they will have nightmares of."

You smirk confidently at Sayuri Aoki.

Sayuri Aoki extends her hand to grasp onto Bexy's, getting up to her feet with her aid, albeit a touch unsteadily. ".. If they dare place themselves in the same room as I this time, without a fence between us."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "It will be their last mistake." Bexy pulls Sayuri into a brief hug, before releasing her. "...Be as safe as you can. I'll be waiting."

Sayuri Aoki coils her arms around Bexy to return the hug, smiling faintly as they release each other. "You be safe, too. If I hear any of them have put their hands on you I will give them a few extra holes in their bodies." She huffed faintly, then nodded. "I will be back as soon as I can."

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...I'll do my best." Bexy smiles; clearly the weight of something leaving her shoulders. "...Be well, Sayuri."

Sayuri Aoki smiles faintly. ".. You too, Bexy."

You smile weakly at Sayuri Aoki.

Bexy Amalaryssia: "...We'll be here, when you get back."

Sayuri Aoki nods, reluctantly withdrawing herself. ".. That is a comfort." She smiles to herself as she opens the door and steps outside of the room.

#Muse: [Bexy] #Chapter: [Blood And Water] #[His Beloved Children] #FFXIV #IC #Screenshot #Writing #Textlog

[crearuru]

The Color of Affection, chapter 5

Pairing: Marthadelle

As Adelle and her friends made their way into the building placed upon the highest of Rimedhal's cliffs, they once again met the purple clad elder, Archbishop Domenic. Despite their rage, they bowed, to avoid a confrontation until they knew more. They were, after all, outnumbered.

"Welcome, friends, to this, the House of our Lord." The Archbishop spoke with a deceptively welcome tone to his worn voice.

"Yeah, thanks. Now, do you want to tell us about that execution back there?" Adelle hadn't seen such an angry expression from Seth since they had met Folie, the mad painter.

"This is how it appeared to you, who come to us from afar? No, friend! What you witnessed was the purest expression of belief."

Adelle's friends may have been trembling, but they could see Adelle contained a fury with no rival, a sea of rage with no banks or shores of respite in sight.

"Belief?" She could feel her mental blockades buckling, as she fought back the urge to strike this man here and now. "You guys worship the Lord of Dragons, right?"

"Ah, so you know a little of our customs?" The corners of Domenic's mouth turned upwards at Adelle, feigning patience, or perhaps ignorance, to her rage. "That we are able to dwell here, in the heart of the snows, amid the endless winter- all is thanks to His Draconic Majesty."

"Oh, and that woman jumping- that was thanks to him too?" The venom in Seth's voice could kill a Minotaur.

"No. That was an act of our sister's choosing. She wished to prove herself innocent of being that which offends our Lord more than all else- a member of the accursed race of fairies."

Yeah fucking right. Gwydion welcomed me years back despite sensing my true nature. You don't know anything about what you speak!

As Adelle stewed in her contemplative rage, Gloria continued the interrogation. "But how would throwing oneself to one's doom prove anything?"

"As those who know of fairykind will tell you, these devious creatures are wont to hide their wings. A fairy falling from a great height would have no choice but to utilise them in order to save itself... And in so doing, reveal its true nature."

Okay, maybe he knew a little bit of what he spoke. Adelle was, at that very moment, hiding her wings. But the idea she was doing it to trick people...? Even if she wasn't being entirely honest...

"And if the one jumping turns out not to be a fairy?", Seth spat, "No one could survive a fall like that!"

"Those whose faith is pure need not fear. Our Lord and Master shall see to it that they are saved."

"But that's... insane!"

Adelle was inclined to agree. Gwydion couldn't even leave his cave, when last she were here.

"I warn you young man. I will suffer you to speak ill of the Great One but once..."

The man beside Adelle growled with a force enough to rattle his armor, and it was upon hearing this sound that Adelle realized the other man she travelled with had been shaking with a force to jangle every one of the many keys adorning his outfit this entire time. As Elvis made to speak, "Look, maybe we should all calm down a little-"

Adelle would not be quieted.

"You really think that's what your Lord wants?!"

"Ach, don't you start!" Elvis knew not just how personal this was to her.

She would not. Be. Quieted.

"You think rooting out supposed fairies is what he wants you wasting your time on?!"

"...You doubt the truth of His Word, child? For that is what it is! The word of the Master. I and I alone hear Him. It is to His most trusted servant that He deigns to speak. And true faith is rewarded with miracles. Have my long years of prayer not seen the bitter cold of this land lifted at long last?"

Gloria's voice firm, she confronted the Archbishop as well. "Come, now. I think we all know that it was another power that thawed the frosts."

"And what do you mean by that?"

"Precisely what I say."

A moment of silence, from the elder. Then, a breath. "That will be enough for today, I think. You are encouraged to visit me here again whenever you so choose, of course. All are welcome in the House of the Lord."

With that, the Archbishop retreated up the stairs, into a room only the priests may enter.

As our heroes retreated to the main brudge overlooking the town, Elvis paused to question her, worry in his voice.

"What was that all about, Adelle? Talk about out of character!"

All Adelle could muster was a delayed "Sorry," as she crossed her right arm to her left, casting her gaze downward.

"But it helped us learn something useful, at least."

Adelle turned to the White Mage, surprised. "It did?"

Gloria elaborated, "He said that Rimedhal's warning was the result of his prayers. But he didn't say it was the Lord of Dragons who actually made it happen. Doesn't that seem a little strange?"

Raising her hand to her face in thought, she continued. "Given that, and the fact that he refused to give a straight answer to my other question... I'd say we may have found the Fire Crystal."

"Are you the travelers who dare call the Archbishop's words into question?" A voice, approaching from the direction of the Hall. Turning to face it, our heroes came to see a muscular woman, flowing red and brown cape flowing from her pauldron. Her hair was beeline honey in color, swirling up in a manner resembling an inverted whirlpool. Beside the butch woman stood a figure Adelle recognized. It was the man from the execution, the man who harassed Martha... Bishop Helio.

"Well, he might have let you get away with it, but Gladys of the Dragon Guard certainly isn't about to!" She shook her head, looking down at the party. "You're fairies, aren't you?"

First time I've been outright asked...

Luckily for Adelle, it was Seth who answered Gladys' question. "Huh? Why would you think that?"

Intimidatingly stepping closer, the woman's height advantage was all the more clear. "Well, the fact that you doubt the value orbthe Lord's judgement, for starters. I've got a good mind to make you take a little leap of faith yourselves."

"Enough, Gladys." The man beside her spoke up. "Allow me to introduce myself. Helio, chief inquisitor to the Archbishop, at your service."

Chief Inquisitor? Not just content with "Bishop" anymore, are you? You've certainly climbed the ladder well for it having been only 3 years...

"Please, you must forgive dear Gladys. She can be a little... overzealous, in the execution of her duties."

Wait... Didn't Martha mention her friend Gladys from her childhood? Was this the same one?

Gladys made to speak, but Gloria cut her off. "There is nothing to apologize for. But if you don't mind me asking- what are these duties?"

Helio's smile was... unsettling. "We are charged with seeking out the detestable agents of fairykind wheresoever they might lurk, and submitting them to holy judgement. In pursuit of which purpose, we make it our business to establish dialogue with the people of the town, and with visitors such as yourselves. We shall pray for your safety on your onward journey. Lord of Dragons, watch over us all."

Helio turned away. Before Gladys followed, she issued a grim warning: " I've got my eye on you lot. Put one foot out of line, and I'll come down on you like a ton of bricks."

Once the two had gone, Elvis let out a sigh. "Crikey. Between those two and the Archbishop, this place has got its fair share of unsavoury characters, eh?"

"Right, that's it. You're listening to me this time."

Adelle had almost forgotten she was carrying Gwylim in her sack. "Huh? What is it?"

"Dad asked me to come and find you. That's the reason I left home in the first place! Before I... smelt the smell."

Adelle's eyes widened. "Gwydion sent you? How come?"

"Who's Gwydion?" Seth inquired.

"He's Gwylim's father. You know the Lord of Dragons everyone keeps talking about? That's him."

"What!? He's real!? And your pals with him!?"

"I, I wouldn't say 'pals' exactly. But I know him, yeah." She couldn't blame Elvis for being surprised. Guess keeping an air of mystery about her worked, though. "So, what else did he say?"

"He wants you to come to the Serpent's Grotto."

Adelle's joy at the upcoming chance to see Martha was only slightly overshadowed by her irritation at Gwylim's not mentioning it sooner! "Why didn't you say so earlier!?"

"Becauseyouweretoobusy shovinme in your bag!"

"...Oh." Adelle sheepishly rubbed the back of her head, closing her eyes. Had she really cut him off every time? No wonder he felt the need to say that last sentence so fast.

"And... it's quite comfy in there, so I might have been... resting a bit in between trying to tell you."

The irritation Adelle had felt was short-lived. Grinning ear to ear, she bounced on the balls of her feet, standing straight up once more. I finally get to see Martha again! No one else had clicked with her in quite the same way, even after 3 years of wandering. Elvis was close, but it... it just... felt different?

"Well, I guess I'd better go pay him a visit. You guys are coming too, right?" Her friends nodded in affirmation.

"It's north of town. Can't miss it. Come on!"

The group made their way north, fighting a few monsters along the way. It was much less bothersome, now that Adelle had access to Asterisks. She could afford to take hits, and as long as they did not prove irrevocably fatal, Gloria could repair even the most wicked of blows. Contagion was also no longer an issue, as she discovered upon fighting another Goliath at the entrance to the Grotto. As they made their way inside, Adelle noticed the place was alive with monsters who could not handle the cold outside. A Lux Element she fought dropped a Speed Bun, and although normally such were reserved for Elvis, to power his strikes... She felt a compulsion to eat this one. She pocketed it until the others were next distracted by an approaching monster, then took a bite.

It was... buttery. It tasted of freshly baked bread, and despite giving off no warmth still provided the sensation of bread still hot from the oven. Its innards tasted of both gourmet meat and incredibly potent nectar, the meat within almost melting in her mouth. It tasted like prime rib, drowning in its own tender fat. By the time she realised she had finished the bun, she found herself to have instinctively dodged out of the way of a Turan's assault. Licking her lips as she made to counterstrike, she mused over feeling almost a kind of... kinship, with monsters of its type. They and fairies were both born of flowers. It was a shame they couldn't get along... Although she couldn't deny having felt a certain affection for a particularly powerful Leannan Sith she had fought back in Halcyonia. Charm magic users were dangerous. They draw on feelings you have for others, and project about them an air evoking the recipients of those feelings. Adelle had thought herself immune, having none that she knew of for whom she felt feelings of... that nature, for... but subconciously, even then, there was one for whom her heart burned.

The Oberon Gem dropped by that Leannan Sith was quite pretty, though. It sparkled with magical essence. Perhaps she could find a use for it later.

"Och, you know the Speed ones are my favorite, Adelle! Can't believe you'd just go and nick it without sharing like that!" Elvis took care of his own Turan, finishing their current fight. Seth and Gloria had taken care of theirs while Adelle was eating.

"Hey, I don't make a habit of it! I just felt a... a compulsion. Like I needed to be faster. I'm sorry."

Elvis shook his head, shrugging his shoulders and turning his hands upwards. "Ah, it's too late to go sweating the details now, I suppose. Anyway, are we almost to where we need to be? These blue glowing mushrooms are pretty an' all, but I'm starvin over here!"

"Yes... we're almost there. Just a bit longer to go." Gwilym sounded as though he had just risen from a nice nap. It was a little warm in here. Warmer than she remembered, at least.

The party took out a couple of Ice Golems, though why they had chosen to take up residence in a warm-ish cave as opposed to outside in the snow and ice, Adelle knew not. As our heroes came to the glowing red circles indicating safe respite from monsters, Adelle noticed her old friend. She barely restrained herself from running up and giving her a big- Hug. She must show restraint as to how she thought around her everyday companions. She had offered but a parting peck on the cheek as she left, which Martha may not have been awake enough to process. She can't go all mushy the second she sees an old friend, could she?

Gwilym, meanwhile, had ducked out of Adelle's bag. As he scurried towards Martha, the Dragoon crouched just for a moment, to scratch his head.

"Oh, well done Gwilym. You found her!

Martha looked to Adelle fondly, taking in her new outfit. It was certainly more... Blue, than last she had seen her. Was that a martial arts gi? Her new companions seemed to be unusually dressed, as well. A pleasant sigh escaping her lips, she felt her mood improve upon seeing that familiar face. She never forgot a visitor; they were too rare.

"Thank you so much for coming, Adelle."

Adelle, nodding with a grin, responded just as kindly. "It's been a while, huh, Martha? Glad to see you looking well." The hidden color in Martha's eyes was slowly coming into focus again. What a blessing, to meet once more with her first human friend, the one which had convinced her of the good of humanity in the first place.

"Oh, sorry, everyone. Allow me to introduce myself." As she took a step forward, she brought her hand to her chest, bowing slightly. "I am Martha, guardian of the Serpent's Grotto. It is an honour to make your acquaintance, Princess Gloria."

"How," the Princess hesitantly inquired, "do you know my name?"

"Master Gwydion told me all about you. And about your quests for the crystals!"

"Would it be possible to speak with him myself?" Striding ever on and on, as always, Gloria...

"Of course. I'll show you in. If you'll follow me...

And so they entered the Master's Chamber.

"Master Gwydion, Adelle's here to see you. And Princess Gloria is with her."

"Thank you, child." The Lord of Dragons' deep voice echoed throughout the cavern, both aloud and within the minds of the party.

"Long time no see, Gwydion." Adelle stepped to the front of the group. Oh how she longed for proximity to Martha.

"Not so long that my debt to you has been forgotten. Thanks, once again, for your aid." Wisps of smoke rose up from the mighty dragon's nostrils, towards the top of the Chamber, as he stretched his neck and continued. "I bid you welcome, children of men."

"We are humbled, Master Gwydion," Gloria issued from a respectful bow. "You do us a great honour in granting us an audience."

"So, I hear you were asking for me. Is this about what I think it is?"

Casting his gaze upon the Monk, Gwydion spoke. "If you speak of the so-called judgements being passed upon the people of Rimedhal in my name, then it is indeed. My words no longer reach the Archbishop. What drives him to such acts of folly, I know not." Another wisp of smoke, sputtering in the air. "I swore when first Rimedhal was founded never to interfere directly in affairs of state. Yet I cannot stand idly by while those who honour me with their worship suffer. I would ask therefore that you act in my place. Please, Adelle- put a stop to this ere the madness deepens."

Adelle turned to her companions, seeking their cooperation. She sat on a small pile of rocks, the atmosphere of the cavern bringing a sense of... groundedness. "Well, I don't mind offering a helping hand. What do you guys think?"

"I can hardly say no after you dropped everything to help me and mine out back in Wiswald, can I?" Elvis turned his palms skywards, with a jovial shrug. "I'm in!"

"The Fire Crystal is involved. I have an obligation to act." In Gloria's mind, the question was answered before it was even asked.

"You can count on me too!" Seth chimed in. Oh, how he enjoyed having a "crew" of such caring friends. He missed his cat. He missed his crewmates. He really needed to ask that old lady for another boat ride soon.

"We are in your debt, children of men. In return, I will do all I can to aid in the recovery of the crystal. Gwilym will go with you. I pray that he might be of use."

Adelle decided the proper direction to look at the moment was anywhere but at the dragon speaking to her right now.

"Uhhh..."

"What!? What are you makin that face for?" Gwilym barked from the altar atop which he and his father resided.

"No offence, but you can't even fly yet."

"Grr... I may be small, but I'm a dragon! A DRAGON! I'll make myself useful, you'll see!"

"Ahh, yeah... We'll see..."

"Less o' the bickering, you two. The more the marrier, I say." Elvis didn't much care for bickering. He wondered when he'd next get the treat of a nice drink.

"Would that I might offer more direct aid, but alas, my life nears its end. The next time I venture forth might be my last. My body... grows weak, with age. Even leaving this cave wherein I dwell might prove too much. And though the healing herbs Adelle did so kindly offer unto me when last she was here have helped delay the inevitable, I fear it can be held at bay only a little longer."

"Please Master Gwydion," Martha's voice hitched, "you mustn't..."

"Grieve not, child. None may escape the hand of fate. Not even I."

"Y-yes, Master Gwydion..." Oh how Adelle yearned to hold Martha tight. To ease her worries...

Martha set about preparing a meal, as she realized the time. "Oh, it's late. Why don't you all stay the night? As you can see," she gestured to the worn surface of some of the mossy rocks, "the place is quite comfortable." They did look rather comfortable, the way moss was layered atop them. She could sit, for a while. It had been an infuriating day. She had wine tucked away, although she had but a small flask of nectar remaining; maybe about 8 ounces? She'd meant to gather more on her way through the Wayward Woods, but all the best spots for the flowers she liked were either hidden behind Mag Mell's obfuscating wards or too high up to grab without alerting her friends.

"Come on, you have to stay! A sleepover! It'll be fun!"

Seth backed away, just a bit. "Uhh, something tells me 'no' might not be the right answer..."

Elvis brought a hand to his face, stifling a yawn. "Why would we refuse, anyway? The place looks alright. And besides, we're all shattered!"

"Oh please, there's no need to be polite. It's just..." Martha twirled a finger through her luxurious hair. "Well, I could do with the company, to be honest. We barely ever get any visitors-" she brought her fist to her face as one would while contemplating at a desk, supporting her elbow with her other crossed arm, "Especially not big, strong boys like you!" A wink. "Come on, stay and play!"

"Uhh... Come again?" Adelle was glad Seth spoke up; she had felt an itching in her arms at the thought of the coming fight.

"You just can't help yourself, can you, Martha?" Adelle firmly rested her hand upon her cocked left hip. She was itchin' to spar just as much as Martha was, if she was being honest. Something within her was straining to free itself... Come to think of it, her wings itched. How long had it been since she'd had the chance to spread them, and soar through the night? How long would it be until she could soar once more?

"What exactly is happening here...?" Seth's voice hitched. Martha clasped her hands together; Adelle had brought back some strong looking friends, for certain. It was time to put them all to-

Martha noticed a look in Adelle's eyes that she couldn't quite place. She didn't have as much social contact as most would over the years, but... Her friend seemed... preoccupied.

Her expression wavering only for a moment, Martha once more brought her focus to the group as a whole.

"THIS is happening!" Martha twirled around, drawing her spear with a flourish. "Come on! Fight me! Pleeease!"

"Crikey. I did not see that coming." Elvis was taken aback, and Seth seemed hesitant as well.

"You clearly all know one end of a weapon from the other!~" Martha winked once more, sowing the seeds of distraction in her soon-to-be-opponents. "And I don't often get the chance to keep my hand in. Don't want to get rusty, do I?"

Gloria seemed unfazed, and Adelle seemed transfixed, but the two gentlemen who accompanied them were pointedly looking anywhere but at Martha's... choice of attire. Martha was touched that Adelle at least had caught on to her f- er, that is, fallen for the ruse. Martha couldn't very well get... She couldn't let herself get too comfortable with the presence of one person specifically. Constrained to the Serpent's Grotto and the surrounding region every waking hour, Martha relished in company of (almost) all sorts. But Adelle had only just come back after years, and would likely set out again once her business in Rimedhal was finished. She could feel her ears burning,flushed with feelings of affection, but knew her hair would hide it. Martha just hoped Adelle remembered what it was like to leap through the mountains, together. Master Gwydion knows Martha remembered.

"Seriously- just go along with it. It'll be much quicker that way." Adelle reassured her friends that the sparring wouldn't be a hassle. Adelle longed to feel the heat radiating off of Martha once more, and in battle that heat only intensified, despite the cold winter air.

"Ooh! I'll give you a minute to get ready, shall I!" Martha slunk across the room, fetching her training spears. There was a White Mage present, so using real weapons was allowed, but Martha didn't want to pincushion anyone. Stab wounds could get messy, especially if the head of the spear got all the way in. Barbed shafts were for enemies... not opponents.

Adelle caught herself wandering over to Martha, then back. It had been so long! They had so much catching up to do! But they would have time for that in the evening. For now, Adelle watched her companions place wooden edges along their blades, Seth's axe getting a little unwieldy. He would have to downsize to the Francesca. It was a small axe, but it could still catch a spear.

As the time grew near, combatants came to the middle of the chamber (or at least, the middle of the open space in front of Gwydion's altar) to signal readiness to fight. As soon as everyone in Adelle's party had gathered, Martha made her way to the center of the room.

"Is everyone ready?" Martha had an eager look on her face; she was excited, flushed with the anticipatory heat of combat, ready to pounce at any moment.

"Aye, we're ready as we'll ever be. Why, I don't think I've been so prepared for a fight in-"

Before Elvis could finish patting himself on the back for his preparedness, Adelle leapt for Martha. Oh, the joy she would feel at testing her mettle, and with one she meant to catch up with in oh-so-many ways! But though Adelle was fast, and even faster for her recent Booster Bun, Martha had beaten her to the punch. Adelle's fist met the space where Martha had been just moments prior with no impact; Martha had made for the braggart. Before Elvis knew what hit him, he was on the floor, reeling.

"Can't I have a moment t-" Elvis' pleas for a moment to showboat fell upon deaf ears as Martha spun to face the disguised fairy who had made another lunge for her, raising her spear horizontally in defense. Adelle grabbed Martha's spear to redirect her own momentum, doing a frontward handspring off the spear and launching herself further past Martha; as she twisted in the air to turn and face Martha, Adelle overshot, and needed a moment to regain her footing. It'd be easier to control herself in the air if she were allowed to use her wings, Adelle lamented. But she'd created an opening.

Seth, taking advantage of Martha's preoccupation with Adelle, raised his axe skywards.

"Elemental Wheel!"

The sailor's Gambling wheel spun, and in an instant gave results. 3-Null. Three nonelemental blows connected with Martha, one after the other, from different directions.

Grunting in pain, Martha swung the end of her spear into Seth's side, and as she knocked the wind out of Seth, she grabbed him by the collar and jumped; up, up into the air she went, until she neared the very top of the cavern, and she broke her impact by smashing Seth into the ceiling. The CRUNCH that echoed throughout the cavern made Adelle's companions wince, but Martha wasn't done. She pulled Seth free from the segments of the wall within which he had been partially embedded... and shot like a rocket towards Elvis, adjusting course at the last moment by pushing off of Seth, throwing him into Elvis.

Elvis, for his part, had expected this fight to be easier for him than it had been. How would he have known Martha could lift a man in heavy armor and lift him to the heavens above? Who in blazes could've expected Seth to be used as a projectile?

Those have to be some damned powerful legs, were the last of Elvis' thoughts in the split-second before Seth collided with him.

As Martha heard the clatter of a kicked stone behind her and to her right, she thought she had the advantage at this point in the fight. Two of her three opponents were down and out, so Adelle must be-

Martha had fallen for Adelle's trick. Adelle, from Martha's 8-o'clock, had sent a rock skipping across the floor, the spin placed upon the stone taking it towards Martha from her 5-o'clock, misleading her sense of direction. Too late, Martha realized she had been tricked; Adelle launched herself towards Martha in the blink of an eye. Her fist connected with the sidepiece of Martha's armor just as Martha had tried to jump upwards to escape and re-evaluate the situation, the force of Adelle's punch launching Martha's ungrounded form into the stone wall clear across the cave. Martha noticed Adelle's force was directed in such a manner as to distribute the force of impact evenly across as wide an area as possible, and only directly upon her armor; the punch itself didn't hurt nearly as much as the back of her head hitting the wall.

I hope I didn't hurt Martha too bad, was all Adelle could think as Gloria started healing everyone up.

#marthadelle #bd2 martha #bd2 adelle #adelle ein #the color of affection #bd2 fanfic #i dont think im gonna finish this any time soon so i might as well post it. ignore the typos i didnt have a chance to finish the chapter #so i never did any editing

[frymalloy2]

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[hes-writer]

can you make a list of one shots based on songs?

im not sure if you meant from my writings but here you go!

+ = angst | * = fluff | • = smut

___

* CHANGES - Cam | 1.4k, the one where harry comes home

+ ALL TOO WELL - Taylor Swift | 4.5k, the one where it’s the right person but the timing is wrong

+ POV - Ariana Grande | 1.4k, the one where y/n wants to love herself like harry loves her (tw: body image)

+ IF I COULD FLY ® - One Direction | 3.5k, the one where y/n wants harry to come home

+ IF YOU THINK IT’S LOVE - King Princess | 884 words, the one where harry can’t give y/n what she wants

+ SOMEONE YOU LOVED - Lewis Capaldi | 588 words, the one where friendships fall apart [writer!Y/N]

+ HOLD ME WHILE YOU WAIT - Lewis Capaldi | 627 words, the one where harry believes in soul mates and y/n thinks he’s the one

+ ONE AND ONLY - Adele | 1.8k, the one where y/n breaks harry’s heart

* GOLDEN HOUR ® - Kacey Musgraves | 983 words, the one where y/n admires harry at the crack of dawn

* UNDER THE MOONLIGHT - Travis | 730 words, the one where harry confesses his feelings [friends to lovers!]

___

+*• FINE LINE SERIES (on hold): Harry Styles | based on the songs from the album

GOLDEN - 1.2k, in which y/n sees harry in a different light

WATERMELON SUGAR - 2.9k, in which harry loves the way she tastes

+* SOUR SERIES: Olivia Rodrigo | based on the songs from the album (not chronological so the best way to read it is 312 I think)

DRIVERS' LICENSE - 1.8k, in which harry teaches y/n how to drive

DÉJÀ VU - 1.6k, in which y/n reminisces about the past

ENOUGH FOR YOU - 1.7k, in which something's changed between them but y/n can't put her finger on it (patron exclusive!)

+• JUST A LITTLE BIT OF YOUR HEART (ii.) (iii.) (iv.) (v.) - Ariana Grande | 17.8k, the one where harry and y/n are in an open relationship

+* TWO OF US (ii.) - Louis Tomlinson | 2.7k, the one where harry and y/n have plans for the future

___

Patron Exclusive:

+ Champagne Problems - Taylor Swift | 4.7k, the one where y/n's proposal doesn't turn out very great (read the sneak peek here!)

+* All I Ask - Adele | 2.2k, the one where feelings aren't mutual and hearts are broken

+ From the Dining Table - Harry Styles | 749 words, the one where y/n reminisces and wonders if Harry is too

• (s) Around 1:32 - Harry Styles | 3.2k, the one where y/n has a wet dream

+ ghostin' - Arian Grande | 1.4k, the one where harry's feelings for his ex may not be fully extinguished

+• (s) Fine Line Series: Adore You - Harry Styles | 1.1k, in which harry and y/n are friends with benefits

#harry styles smut #harry styles imagine #harry styles one shot #harry styles fanfic #harry styles x reader #harry styles writing #harry styles angst #harry styles x you #harry styles

[shespeaksinsongs]

Leaked | Draco x Reader

A/N: My favorite fic yet. Flashbacks are bolded, and the lyrics are in italics. Enjoy! <3

Summary: After superstar Y/N's songs get leaked, the press has no choice but to assume the love songs are about Y/N's best friend Draco.

Warnings/content: Cursing, crying, kissing, invasion of privacy (paparazzi), slight angst w happy ending, fluff at the end, homophobic parents (not readers'), Fem!Reader, Astoria slander, Fem!Reader

Word count: 5.37k words

The songs used in this fic are I Love You by Billie Eilish, Spending My Time by Roxette, Better Off by Ariana Grande, We Belong Together by Mariah Carey, The Way I Feel Inside by the Zombies, and Make You Feel My Love by Adele.

masterlist | request form

"Thank you for the cookies, Astoria. I'm sure they would've been great if I could eat peanut butter." Y/N gracefully said, returning the small tin foil box the tall brunette had given her.

"No problem, Y/N. I had no idea you were allergic!" She replied in a screeching pitch. She resembled a vulture in that way. Her voice alone was enough to make Y/N want to shoot herself with an unforgivable curse.

Draco cleared his throat awkwardly, sensing hostility. "Y/N/N, where's the bathroom?" He asked, his hands in his pocket as he handed Astoria the leftovers Y/N had saran-wrapped for them to take home.

"Still the last door on the left, Draco. No matter how many times you come over, you always forget." Y/N laughed, returning the warm smile Draco had given her.

Draco ran down the hall and peeked his head through the door, and shouted a "thank you!" to Y/N before quickly shutting the door. The two women laughed until they heard Draco begin to pee.

"Listen here, you bitch." Astoria started, her face becoming that of an old and bothered hag. Y/N wasn't too surprised to see her fake personality falter when Draco was gone, but she didn't expect it to come out that night. She felt she'd handled Astoria's rude questions and condescending conversation topics well and with charm and fluency.

"You call me that, yet I'm not the one barking." Y/N said calmly, folding her arms over her chest.

"Draco is mine. You got that?" Astoria harshly poked Y/N's chest with her index finger. "I don't know how many times it'll take for me to explain it to you. He chose me. He didn't choose you; he chose me."

Y/N's heart broke a bit, but she debated whether it was worth getting herself and Astoria in more trouble with Draco. She could've easily told her she was a rebound. She could've told her that Draco still tells her that she's his safest place. She could've told him about the countless nights Y/N spent in Draco's bed because of some nightmare that Draco fixed into a dream with his strong, tender body and calm, gentle voice.

But that's not what made Y/N, Y/N.

Instead, she smiled and kept her head up, but not in a snobby way like Astoria. Rather, this way was touched with a certain elegance and poise that only Y/N could portray.

"It's been a long night, Astoria. I'll walk you to your doorstep." Y/N smiled, opening the door and embracing the warm summer night air.

Before Astoria could respond with an insult, Draco was out of the bathroom, walking towards the two. "Thank you so much for tonight, Y/N. As always, an incredible host." Draco smiled, pulling Y/N in for a much-needed hug.

"I love you." Y/N whispered against his bicep to not cause more panic to spread among Astoria's tired features. Truthfully, Y/N felt bad for the girl - constantly second-guessing herself, feeling so insecure that she isolates the man she "loves" from his best friend.

"Me, too." Draco whispered against Y/N's head, pressing a small kiss to her crown.

"Well, I think it's time we leave." Astoria said, closing her agape mouth to speak with yet another nasal tone. "We should do this again sometime." Y/N almost threw up at the mention of her having to endure the woman for yet another evening. Not even the four glasses of wine she drank that night helped.

As Y/N leaned against the door frame, arms crossed, she watched Astoria and Draco walk back to his mansion just next door. Astoria leaned up to kiss Draco on the lips, but he turned around to wave goodbye to Y/N one last time, and Astoria kissed the air instead.

Stifling a laugh, Y/N wiggled her fingers back and closed the door when she saw they (Draco) got home safe.

As she made her way to the kitchen, Y/N thought over Astoria's words. She was right. Draco would've chosen her if he wanted to. If he had feelings for her - if he loved her the way she loved him.

Maybe in another life. Y/N thought, smiling at the framed picture of Draco and her in Paris, their first vacation together. They were grinning like idiots that day. Y/N laughed softly at the memory before she felt a warm tear slide down her cheek.

I'll have you someday, my love - some cycle. Y/N thought before letting herself cry tears that had been forced to stay inside for years. It felt like she was high. How silly that something so sad can feel so euphoric when not given enough of it.

Y/N laid on the kitchen floor, crying for what felt like hours before sniffling and standing up. I need to sing. She thought, and with a quick swipe of her songwriting notebook, a pen, a hoodie, and her wand, she was gone to the one place she could be herself - the recording studio.

Y/N clicked the doorbell located on the first floor of the building, her hood up as if paparazzi would be roaming about at 10 in the night. "Y/N Y/L/N, here to record some songs in room 506, if you don't mind." Y/N sniffed, showing off her ID to the camera.

Y/N was buzzed in shortly after, and so her tread up to the fifth floor, her favorite floor, began.

She could hear the laughter of a rambunctious bunch, and she immediately recognized each voice.

"Hope I'm not interrupting." Y/N softly said, smiling at Blaise, her lifelong friend, and producer.

"Hey, Y/N/N, I wasn't expecting you for another two weeks!" Blaise smiled, approaching Y/N to give her a hug. "You're lucky your manager's here." Blaise said, pointing to Ricky Hayes, perhaps one of the most well-known managers in the wizarding world and muggle world.

"Hey, Ricky." Y/N said awkwardly, knowing what was coming.

"Uh, hey." Ricky said, looking surprised. "If I'd known you were going to be making an appearance, I would've sent your wardrobe team-"

"I'm here to make music, Rick. If you wanted someone in the supermodel industry, I wasn't the right choice." Y/N huffed, annoyed, heading to the recording booth and putting on her pair of headphones. "Let's make music, then?" Y/N asked, laying out her handwritten lyrics on a music stand.

"Sorry, Y/N, you were on mute. Could you repeat that?" Blaise asked, keeping his slender finger on the glowing red button.

"Never mind." Y/N shook it off. "The first song I wanna record is called Spending My Time." She said, taking off her jacket before chucking it on the ground. Y/N went through a few vocal warm-ups before she began, laughing when she saw Blaise trying to suppress a grin. Lip trills were always funny to him.

Y/N took a deep breath before singing, making sure to include the breath in the song. Then, when she was done with the first song, she moved on to the next one, ignoring the compliments her manager gave her and the pry to get it released as soon as possible.

"None of the songs I'm doing today will be getting released." Y/N said, eyeing Ricky, mostly. "I'll pay everyone in this room twice as much, but these songs are personal to me, and I don't know what I would do if they were let out."

Her manager rolled his eyes but urged Y/N to continue singing, which she did.

"This song will be called Make You Feel My Love. John, could you give me a B-flat major scale, please?" Waiting eagerly for a direction, the pianist nodded, rushed to the piano, and played up the ivory and black keys.

"Thank you." Y/N nodded her head, beginning to sing yet another song that blew her manager away. It was a raw, emotional piece. And everyone in that room knew who it was about. Towards the end, Y/N became so passionate, thinking about Draco and his perfect eyes and soft hair and his honey-like voice, that she began crying. She kept crying and directed Blaise to keep it for the end of the song.

The recording session continued for five more hours until Blaise was practically falling asleep in his mixing chair, only waking up whenever Y/N would belt a high note.

"Y/N, you've had a good run today, but it's late, and to be honest, we're all pissing in our seats to get home." Ricky grumbled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "How about you come back tomorrow? I'm sure Blaise can free up some slots for you."

"For sure!" Blaise said, eager to get home to his probably sleeping wife and kids.

"Alright." Y/N sighed, not even wanting to go back home anymore. She was finally pouring out her heart, and it felt good to sing how she felt. "I'll come back tomorrow." Y/N said, taking off her headphones and relishing the heightened hearing she had again. "Thank you for everything, guys. I really needed that. Now go home and sleep." Y/N said, lightly waking the pianist, who'd fallen asleep, piano keys indented into his skin. "Goodnight, Blaise. Send my love to Luna and the kids, please." Y/N beamed, turning her back to leave the room.

"I will. Goodnight, Y/N." Blaise smiled, waving at her dissipating figure.

Y/N woke up, on her off-day, nonetheless, to the most amount of notifications that she'd had since her last album had dropped. 73 missed calls, 485 Twitter notifications, and 135 texts. But before Y/N had the time to even process what was going on, there was a pounding at her door, beckoning her to get up out of her comfy bed and tend to it. Alarmed, she peeked through the peephole, sighing in relief when she saw it was just Pansy and Daphne.

Unlocking the door, Y/N smiled. "Hey, g-"

"Sh!" Pansy and Daphne exclaimed, both wearing dark sunglasses that covered the majority of their face.

"Are you crazy?" Daphne said, looking around paranoid, even though she was no longer outside.

"Only on the weekends?" Y/N joked. "What gives?" She asked, hanging their matching trench coats on a coat rack Y/N bought but never had enough company to use.

"Just here to mourn your sanity." Pansy said, kicking her shoes off before plopping herself down on the couch. "Do you know what's going on right now?" She asked nonchalantly, summoning a bottle of wine.

Y/N only shrugged, her eyebrows curving upwards as she inadvertently asked the two what their surprise appearance was about.

"Merlin, Y/N. You are as daft as you are talented." Daphne said, banging Y/N's head with a rolled-up newspaper before handing it to her.

"Ow! Wha-" Y/N's face went pale - not red, not pink, not blue, pale. She felt like she was going to die.

"Read it." Pansy said, swirling her glass with one hand, petting the top of Daphne's head with the other.

Y/N tried to audiate the words she read, but it was no use.

RICKY HAYES LEAKED SUPERSTAR Y/N Y/L/N'S LOVE SONGS - AND THERE'S NO ROOM TO WONDER WHO THEY'RE WRITTEN ABOUT. (See more on page 12)

"I-I-"

"Ricky screwed up, that's for sure. I'm gonna call that man-whore and give him a piece of my mind." Pansy said, reaching in her pocket for her phone.

Y/N stuttered. "No, don't do that. It'll make things messier. I think I, I just need to lay low, and, and... hide forever." Y/N said, burying her face into a pillow and letting out a muffled scream.

Pansy sat up and rubbed Y/N's shoulder, trembling from fear. "Sweetie, I know it feels bad now, but it will get better. I can talk to Draco if you-"

"No. Absolutely not. He does not want to hear from me. Merlin, I feel horrible. This is the last thing he needs right now." Y/N said, her eyes wide. Her breathing had accelerated tremendously since Pansy and Daphne had gotten there that morning. "Merlin, I think I'd rather my nudes have been leaked than this."

"The last thing he needs is for his best friend to have a panic attack, so let's calm down before you reach that point." Daphne interjected, reaching across her girlfriend to squeeze Y/N's hand. "Go get dressed, put on some makeup, do whatever you need to feel good, and then come back downstairs to eat breakfast. We'll make your favorite." She said in a sing-songy voice.

Y/N sighed, knowing arguing would be no use. So, she dragged her heavy feet all the way upstairs, over each stupid step until she got to her bathroom. She didn't even bother looking at her phone and kept it on the charger. At the rate it was blowing up, she'd be out of battery in an hour.

Y/N brushed her teeth, washed her face, and changed into tan and baggy loungewear since she wasn't planning on doing anything but lounging around and crying all day.

When she made her way downstairs, Pansy and Daphne were nervously peeking through the peephole, taking turns with one another.

"What's going on?" Y/N asked, heading over to the door.

"See for yourself." Pansy said, guiding Y/N to the door. "I swear, I'll kill him." She seethed, her face twisting in anger.

"Console first, kill later." Daphne whispered to Pansy, who nodded and had to pry Y/N off the door.

There must have been at least a hundred people on Y/N's front yard. They were trampling over each other, the landscaping, scratching bits of the metal fence that surrounded the house, you name it.

"All for a shot of you crying." Daphne said. "Low-lives."

There were flashes of lights seeping into the kitchen, which was located at the front of the house. Pansy rolled her eyes exaggeratedly and marched over.

"Stupid," Pansy shut all the blinds in the house closed. "nosy," She waved her wand, sealing the home with protective charms. "reporters!" The entire place was now as blocked as a dam. Stepping back, proud of her work, Pansy turned to Y/N. "Come eat breakfast, Y/N/N." Pansy urged, bringing a tray to Y/N, who had found her way to the couch.

"I'm not hungry anymore." Y/N said blankly, her eyes glistening with tears. She'd been able to handle the tabloids, the rumors, the gossip, but this was on a whole other level. She'd never been this stressed in her life.

"Don't cry, angel. We'll get this sorted out. Draco's cool about this sort of stuff, and honestly, he's a bit daft sometimes, so he might not even get it." Daphne said, shrugging her shoulders when Pansy mouthed, "really?" at her.

Y/N remained quiet, but it was challenging to maintain a calm mind when the cameras were shuttering and people were clambering on Y/N's front lawn every few seconds.

Nobody had mentioned what Astoria was going to do yet. But everyone was thinking about it.

"Let's go to the balcony." Pansy told Y/N softly. "Maybe it'll be better if she can see the reporters, but they can't see her." She said aside to Daphne. Daphne nodded and took Y/N's tray while the three scurried upstairs.

The balcony was a charming development. There was a round table with two chairs, fit for playing cards at sunset, a giant snake plant Y/N's friend Neville had gifted her as a housewarming gift, and a rack full of Draco and Y/N's favorite poetry books.

Y/N bought the house, keeping in mind that Draco would often be visiting. Not only could he not cook, but neither he nor Y/N was ready to live separately from each other. Before they bought the houses on Milby Court, Y/N and Draco had lived together practically their entire lives. Sure, they resided in different dorms at Hogwarts, but they were together so often that Draco's mail would be sent to Y/N instead of him when his parents tried to reach him.

Y/N sighed, watching Daphne fill the empty chair instead of the tall blond she was in love with. "It'll only get worse from here." She said, taking a sip of her warm mugwort tea.

"Don't think like that." Daphne scolded, slapping Y/N's arm gently. Y/N rolled her eyes and continued watching reporters stack on top of each other to get the latest scoop that was Y/N's utter misery.

"Merlin, this should be illegal." Pansy muttered, eyeing a reporter who kept trying to get a sneak peek in through the kitchen window.

"It is." Y/N folded her arms over her chest, flipping them off, despite them not being able to see her.

"Guys," Daphne said, her eyes widening to her left. "they're here."

Y/N felt herself grow weak as she watched Draco and Daphne's sister Astoria emerge from their suite to also watch the paparazzi from the balcony. Astoria was glued to his arm, only wearing a floaty nightgown in which Y/N swore she'd look better.

Astoria moved her nose in a way that made it look like she snorted before staring daggers at Y/N. Thankfully, the reporters were too loud for Y/N to hear her voice.

"Pig." Daphne muttered in an attempt to make Y/N feel more comfortable. She truly did hate her sister. Ever since Astoria outed Daphne, Daphne no longer benefit from her pureblood parents' wealth. Not to mention, her parents, who were once loving, completely shunned her. She hadn't spoken to her mother or father in five years.

Despite Daphne and Pansy's efforts, Y/N didn't feel the least bit less queasy. In fact, she only felt more uneasy. Draco turned his head to look at what Astoria was glaring at and was surprised to see all three of his friends out on the balcony.

He grinned and held up a high hand, waving it around frantically to get them to notice him. They pretended not to see him and kept speaking amongst themselves. "Is he still looking?" Y/N pretended to laugh at a joke Pansy had said, taking another anxious sip of her tea.

"I don't feel his eyes anymore, so I'd say no." Daphne said while smiling, her teeth pressed together to look more cheerful.

Astoria instructed Draco to do something, although the girls weren't sure what. He nodded and turned back around to Y/N's mansion. "Y/N! Pans! Daph!" Draco called out, causing the reporters to look up at the balcony they were perched on.

"There she is!" One photographer screamed, using the levitation charm to bring his camera up to Y/N's face. It snapped bright lights into her eyes until Y/N was sure she was developing a migraine, and just when Pansy and Daphne were ushering her inside, "Sectumsempra!" The man yelled, firing at Y/N.

And with that, she was gone.

Y/N awoke a few hours later in St. Mungo's Hospital, her least favorite place in the world. In his seventh year, Draco spent days recovering from a curse Harry Potter had sent his way. She thought he was going to die.

"Y/N/N, if I die..." Draco's hoarse and fatigued voice started.

"Please don't say that." Y/N sobbed, gripping onto his hand as if it was going to run away if she loosened her hold.

"Listen to me, darling." Draco said again, this time his voice raspy but more assertive. Y/N turned around, not wanting to look at him. He forced his hand up to her cheek but winced at the searing irritation it caused his shoulder. "Please." He said, causing Y/N to look him in the eyes. "If I die, please don't ever forget how much I love you. More than anyone else." He whispered.

"You won't die." Y/N shook her head profusely. "I won't let it happen, I promise." She placed a small kiss on his forehead, the only spot that hadn't been marked by the curse. "I'll die first." She said, lying down next to Draco, not touching him.

"You're too stubborn for your own good, you know that, right?" Draco laughed slightly, closing his eyes.

"Maybe that's why we're best friends - we're so alike." Y/N joked, letting her teardrops cascade freely down her cheek. "Please don't go. I need you." She said softly, watching as Draco shut his eyes.

"I won't. I'm just going to rest for a bit. You should, too." Draco said, faintly waving his wand and whispering, "nox."

Within the next few weeks, Draco was fully recovered, and Y/N hoped Draco would forget that she'd poured her heart out to him in those days she thought she was going to lose him.

Draco never forgot.

Y/N slowly woke up, smelling strong fumes of sterilizing alcohol and rubber gloves.

"Sh, sh, she's awake." Daphne said quietly, watching as Y/N's eyelids fluttered open.

"Hey, guys." Y/N said, confused, hoisting herself up. "I just had the worst dream. I recorded some songs and-"

"It wasn't a dream, darling." Pansy interrupted sadly. "Draco's out to get us some coffee, but he'll be back shortly." She said, pressing a kiss to Y/N's cheek before getting up and pressing the big red help button on the wall to call the room nurse.

Hearing commotion that Y/N was all-too-familiar with, Y/N groaned. "Are there paparazzi in the building?" She said, tipping her head back to land on the not-so-soft hospital pillow.

"Mr. Malfoy's in this room?" A pale nurse asked, popping her head into the room with a foot in between the door and frame as if a paparazzo was going to crawl underneath her to get a shot of Y/N in a hospital cot.

Pansy and Daphne nodded, and Y/N whispered curses.

"Alright, Mr. Malfoy, you can come with me-"

The nurse was interrupted by Draco sprinting to Y/N, his shoes squeaking against the slippery tile.

"Y/N, oh my, Merlin!" He said, wrapping his arms around Y/N so tight that it looked like he'd swallowed her from the nurse's angle. "Thank gods you're okay." He whispered into her hair as Y/N smiled sadly. Was he saying this out of pity? As a "sorry I don't love you, too, but I offer my sympathy for you"?

"I'm okay, Draco. No need to worry about me." Y/N rubbed his back with one hand and ran her fingers through Draco's blond locks with the other.

"I'm sorry to ruin the moment," The short and stout nurse interrupted. "but has her heart rate been this fast since she came to consciousness?"

Y/N, acknowledging her EKG going way above her average heart rate, turned a dark red as her head felt fuzzy again.

The beeping was getting faster, signifying that if someone didn't do something, Y/N would need an inhaler. "I... I'm gonna fai-"

The second time Y/N regained consciousness was different from the last. This time, Draco was right by her side, sitting up in a chair and promptly watching her heart slow down until she was finally awake.

"Hey, Y/N/N, I'm sorry for scaring you. I should've given you your space." Draco said. Y/N knew it was Draco speaking (who could mistake that voice for anyone else?). Still, her eyes took a moment to adjust to her surroundings.

The standby nurse tracked her vitals and recorded them on a slip of paper before heading off to the lab to "run some tests."

On the contrary... Y/N sighed. "It's okay, Draco."

"Hey, why don't we watch some TV?" Pansy offered, turning on the small television that was hooked up to the wall.

Before anyone had time to respond, the pop culture news channel was on.

"Rita Skeeter here with another juicy and scandalous story for you today. Y/N Y/L/N, known best friend to-" In a panic, Pansy switched off the TV, forcing a smile so wide it looked like her mouth would crack into two.

"No more TV!" Pansy said airily, laughing nervously and throwing the remote control behind the couch.

Y/N's eyes were wide when she looked at Draco, who looked just as confused as she was when she woke up that morning. Draco smiled at her softly with kind eyes. Then, a thought occurred to her. Did he even know what was going on? Surely if he did, he wouldn't be acting so sweet to her.

Y/N cleared her dry throat, realizing that she'd rather tell Draco herself than have the paparazzi say it to him like they always did when gossip about her spread. She looked at Daphne with a scared look, and Pansy nodded, both knowing what she was about to ask.

"Draco, do you know exactly why the paparazzi are going crazy today?" Y/N asked, twiddling with her thumbs and looking down at her laps worriedly.

"Not really, no. Although I imagine it has something to do with me." Draco smiled. "There were paparazzi at my door, too."

"Heh." Y/N half-laughed, trying to smile, but it ended up looking like a weird frown. "Do you have your phone with you?" Y/N asked Draco, every once in a while, looking to Pansy and Daphne for encouragement. Daphne gave her two thumbs up and Pansy, seeing her girlfriend, gave Y/N another two thumbs up, grinning.

"Yes, but it's out of battery." Draco answered. "Mum and Dad are outside in the waiting room since only three guests are allowed in here. They've been worried sick about you. So I've just been updating them and Ricky." He said.

"Pans, do you mind if I borrow your phone so I can show Draco the..." Y/N glanced over at Draco, who looked curious. "thing?" Y/N asked, grabbing her wand from the bedside table and casting an extension charm on the bed.

"No problem." Pansy smiled, pressing in her passcode and handing her phone to Y/N.

"Come sit down." Y/N pat the empty side of the bed next to her, smiling when Draco kicked his shoes off and got under the sheets with her.

Draco smiled at his best friend lovingly and inched closer, throwing his heavy arm around Y/N's shoulder.

Pansy and Daphne sighed, annoyed to themselves, watching the two simper without the other knowing.

"Well, yesterday, I went to the recording studio..." Y/N started, avoiding eye contact.

"Okay." Draco nodded, indicating that he was listening. His brilliant blue eyes stayed trained on Y/N's, even when she looked away.

"And I recorded a few songs." Y/N said, "One was called I Love You, the other was called Spending My Time, Better Off, We Belong Together, and..." Y/N struggled, trying to remember the last song she recorded.

"The Way I Feel Inside, and you missed one called Make You Feel My Love. That one was my favorite, by the way." Daphne said, looking down at her phone, reading from a list from Rita's gossip blog.

"Right." Y/N smiled, ashamed at what she was about to do. "Here they are." Y/N said, pressing play on a low-quality video she found on a channel called "ILoveY/N_321".

Draco smiled, occasionally raising his eyebrows in amazement from a note Y/N sang exceptionally well. When they'd gotten to Make You Feel My Love, a slow piano piece, Draco began looking more confused than amazed. This was a song she had written in college, back when she felt she had a shot with Draco.

"I could make you happy, make your dreams come true

Nothing that I wouldn't do

Go to the ends of the Earth for you

To make you feel my love

To make you feel my love"

Y/N listened, crying at the end, just like she did in the studio version. She felt so hopeless. Draco had had multiple near-death experiences, yet seeing his best friend cry would always hurt a thousand times more. He felt his heart break, knowing he was the one who, all these years with her, was making her feel this way.

"We'll give you two some space." Pansy and Daphne walked out, whispering, "we'll be in the waiting room" to Y/N, wiping tears from her cheeks.

Y/N nodded, wishing they didn't have to leave. Draco sighed, looking at Y/N differently than he was before - he pities me, she thought. "Draco-" Y/N tried, her breathing speeding up until she felt like she couldn't speak. "You make this so hard for me." She said, slightly laughing to herself while shaking her head.

"Well then, let me make it easier." Draco said, pulling her face towards his and giving her the most passionate kiss he had ever given anyone. Tears were still rolling down Y/N's cheeks, making it so that Draco could taste her sadness on the tip of his tongue. "I love you." He muttered in his intake of air, tangling his fingers in her hair.

"I love you, too." Y/N smiled, feeling as light as a feather. In fact, she felt like she was floating. She leaned in for another kiss, and just when she was about to start going for more-

"Just came to check your vitals." The nurse smirked, pushing her way through wired machinery. "Follow my finger." She sighed, moving her finger to the left, and then to the right. Y/N could feel Draco's eyes on her and laughed a bit at how bizarre this whole thing turned out to be. "Your heart rate's sped up a bit, hasn't it?" The nurse asked.

"I suppose it has." Y/N laughed, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

The nurse left them alone shortly after, and Y/N shifted on her side, facing Draco. "What are you going to do about Astoria?" She asked, lightly trailing her fingers from his hand up to his collarbone, watching how eagerly his body responded to hers.

"Well, seeing as she's in the hospital jail..." Pansy and Daphne said, bursting through the door.

"She's in jail?" Y/N asked, shocked. Surely, daddy's money would've gotten her out of this one.

Pansy nodded, smiling at the way Draco was holding Y/N like she was a present. "She hired a hitman on you. That's who the "photographer" was." Pansy said, rolling her eyes. "Merlin, Y/N, you have the luck of a saint. Not even a concussion." Pansy came to sit down next to Y/N on her opposite side, booping her nose and laughing when she scrunched it up cutely. "It's a good thing he had terrible aim and hit that plant Neville got you."

"Shit. He did?" Y/N said in a disappointed tone. "That was a good plant."

The four laughed, and Pansy and Daphne excused themselves again to chat Narcissa and Lucius up.

"Y/N, can you sing me the second-to-last song you showed me, please?" Draco asked, grabbing Y/N's hand and kissing her palm softly.

Y/N said no words and gently guided Draco's head to lay on her chest as she began singing for him.

"Should I try to hide

The way I feel inside

My heart for you?

Would you say that you

Would try to love me too?

In your mind

Could you ever be

Really close to me?

I can tell the way you smile

If I feel that I

Could be certain then

I would say the things I want to say tonight

But 'til I can see

That you'd really care for me

I will dream

That someday you'll be

Really close to me

I can tell the way you smile

If I feel that I

Could be certain then

I would say the things I want to say tonight

But 'til I can see

That you'd really care for me

I'll keep trying to hide

The way I feel inside"

Draco and Y/N woke up, together this time, to a banging coming from downstairs. Y/N quickly kissed Draco good morning and headed downstairs to the foyer where the pounding was coming from.

Y/N opened the door, smiling. "Hey, Ricky." She said, signaling for him to come inside.

"Y/N, please listen to me. I am so sorry. Yes, I leaked the songs, and yes, I screwed up, but please don't fire me, I have a fam-" Ricky was cut off by the sight of a shirtless Draco elegantly coming down the stairs.

"Don't worry about it, Rick." Y/N smiled, laughing as Draco slid his arms around her waist from behind. He set his chin in the crook of her neck and kissed her cheek. "Everything works out in the end."

Ricky's mouth was wide open in shock. "Holy shit."

PLEASE REBLOG, LIKE, OR COMMENT IF YOU LIKED THIS!

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#draco malfoy #draco malfoy fluff #draco malfoy x reader #draco malfoy x y/n #draco fanfiction #draco x y/n #draco x reader #draco blurb #draco malfoy blurb #draco fluff #draco malfoy one shot #draco one shot #draco lucius malfoy #soft draco #fanon draco #famous reader x draco #hlbutterflyoriginal

[fruitcoops]

hi <3 i hope you’re well and having a beautiful day so far. i was wondering if you could write a fic about sirius or logan’s brother like relationship to adele - for example, how they would approach her when she’s having a bad day or when she needs advice about something or maybe even after a disagreement with her parents. no worries if you can’t, i just thought it would be a wholesome interaction 💕

Oh, for sure! Katie and Logan get so much attention (for good reason--they're adorable), but I like to think of Sirius and Adele as the blueprint. Hope you enjoy! Combined with asks for Logan and Loops friendship, Papa Dumo (for @ jinxedjaz), Sirius coming back from visiting his parents while living with the Dumais, and Sirius-learning-to-people from this hc list. SW credit goes to @lumosinlove!

I

A little hand tugged on the hem of Dumo’s sweater. “Papa?”

He glanced up from his crossword and smiled, turning to lift Adele into his lap. “Bonjour, mon papillon. Do you want to help me?”

“Is Sirius okay?”

Dumo paused. His first instinct was to lie—how could he even begin to explain the complexity of the situation to a seven-year-old?—but the brightness in Adele’s big eyes told him she already knew the answer. She was a smart kid. She deserved to know at least some of the truth. “He’s having a tough day,” Dumo said quietly as dishes clinked in the other room. No matter what he and Celeste tried, Sirius insisted on washing up. “He’ll be alright.”

A little furrow appeared between Adele’s eyebrows. “Is it because of us? Because he misses his family now?”

“No, sweetheart, not at all. He just…” The words were impossible to find. “He just doesn’t like holidays very much.”

She worried her lower lip for a moment before wiggling free of his arms. “I’m going to make him feel better.”

“Adele—” Dumo made a grab for her, but she had already scampered out of reach and around the corner to the kitchen. In the three days since Sirius had come back from Thanksgiving, he had already reverted back to his shut-down ghost of a self.

“Excuse me, please,” Adele announced. The sink shut off. “Are you sad?”

That’s certainly one way to do it. Dumo craned his neck to watch their reflections in the glass of the back door without revealing his position. Sirius was always more comfortable around the kids than himself and Celeste. “Quoi?” Sirius asked, turning to face her.

“Are you sad? You’ve been frowny.”

Silence fell for a few seconds. “Ouais, a little,” he said at last. “But I’m not sad because of you.”

“That’s good. Papa said so, too. He says you don’t like holidays, but that’s so silly, because we were just talking about Christmas last week.”

“I like some holidays,” Sirius said haltingly. There was a rustling noise; Dumo saw him pick Adele up and settle her on his hip with a thoughtful tilt to his head. “I’m very excited to spend Christmas with you.”

“Pinky swear?”

“Pinky swear.”

“Good. I want you to spend all the holidays with us. Will you be frowny on Christmas, too?”

“I don’t think so.” Dumo could practically hear Sirius’ smile. “See? I’m already better.”

“Will you open presents with me? Marc and Louis always open theirs together, and Mama and Papa, but Katie’s too little to do it with me. I like playing Santa, but it means I hafta go last.”

In the glass, Dumo saw Sirius press a raspberry kiss to her cheek until she burst into giggles; his grin lit up the whole kitchen. “Of course I will.”

II

“You have to smile,” Adele groaned. “You’re scaring off all my customers.”

Sirius raised his eyebrows. “Pardon?”

She turned a big, sunshine grin on him, pressing her fingers into her dimples to exaggerate it. “Big smiles! You like being here! These are the best cookies you’ve ever had! Everyone should try them!”

“They should!” Sirius agreed. “I don’t know why you’re upset!”

She heaved a sigh and clonked her forehead on his stomach, knocking some of the air out of his lungs. “You look scary when you don’t smile.”

“I do not.”

“You do! You’re built like a brick wall and when you’re thinking, you get frowny!” She adjusted her Girl Scout vest and straightened up. “You have to be perky and fun and the cutest little kid on the block.”

“…I might have a problem with the last part.”

“Then I’ll be the cutest little kid on the block,” she said, exasperated.

Sirius narrowed his eyes at her. “Do you think I’m scary?”

“No,” she snorted. “But other people do.”

“No way.”

“Yes, way. Mama looks surprised when her face relaxes, but you’re, like, looming.”

“So…you’re upset with how my face looks?” he teased, dodging her attempt to poke his ribs.

“No, I just don’t need a bodyguard to sell cookies!”

“That’s literally what I’m here for,” he laughed, tugging one of her pigtails until she stuck her tongue out at him. “Alright, madame, I’ll try to be ‘perky’ and ‘fun’.”

“The air quotes weren’t necessary,” she informed him with great gravity, though she couldn’t hide the smile on her face as she turned back to the people walking across the street. “Hey, lady, do you want cookies?”

III

“So,” Logan began, then shoved another handful of pretzel sticks into his mouth. “Dating the captain. What’s that like?”

Sirius looked up from his phone and glared. “I am sitting right next to you.”

“Shush. Loops?”

Remus sighed and let his head fall toward Logan’s armchair; he was starting to get lightheaded from laying upside-down for so long, but it was doing wonders for his lower back and sore feet. “Dating the captain? Pretty cool, to be honest.”

Logan made a noise of disagreement. “I don’t believe that for a second. Does he make you run drills in the basement, or is it just a cuddle party all the time? ‘cause there’s no in-between.”

“Tabarnak,” Sirius muttered, flicking Logan’s ear as he headed out of the room. “You two gossip like middle-schoolers.”

“It’s really not bad,” Remus mused as he stretched one leg toward the curtains. “I’m the one who likes running drills, so he’ll usually watch tape while I do that for a bit. Cuddles aren’t as frequent as you might think. We’re boring.”

“Mmm, with some wild nights in there, eh?” Logan wiggled his eyebrows and Remus chucked a pillow at him, though it did not seem to deter him. “I seem to remember hearing a certain conversation about a new bedframe?”

“A headboard,” Remus corrected, pulling a face at him. “And it was already almost ten years old. You’re just jealous.”

“Ugh, for him? Nah. Peanut might have carried a torch—”

“You’re kidding. Did he really?”

“Oh, yeah,” Logan snorted, as if it was obvious. “But he has better taste now. Honestly, though, I’m glad you two are together. And that you’re happy in your boring domesticity, even if you’re breaking beds left and right.”

“Headboard, and it was one time.”

“Did I ever tell you about—”

The front door slammed open; both of them jumped as something heavy hit the ground with a thud. “Sweetheart?” Celeste asked from the living room, audibly concerned. Remus’ heart dropped and he shared a worried look with Logan, who was already on his feet. “Adele, what’s wrong?”

“Adele?” Logan called, his voice laced with worry. Remus’ heartbeat picked up as Adele appeared in the doorway to the living room with tears streaming down her cheeks, only to throw herself into Logan’s arms with a harsh sob. “Woah, hey, qu’est—”

“Boys are so stupid!” she half-shouted, half-wailed. “And I hate them!”

Remus stood there, useless, as she tore away and sprinted for the backyard, yanking the door shut with a bang before tearing across the grass. “Logan?” he asked after a moment. There was no protocol for this. He had absolutely zero experience with preteen breakdowns, and the Dumais kids always fell into Logan and Sirius’ territory. He could count on one hand the number of actual conversations he had had with Adele.

Logan’s nose twitched; he opened his mouth to speak, but the words died in his throat when Sirius came through the doorway and made a beeline for the yard without a single glance to either of them. “She’ll be okay,” Logan murmured as Sirius walked slowly to the swings, where Adele was sitting on the bench seat with her arms wrapped tight around herself.

“She seems pretty upset.”

Logan shook his head, not taking his eyes off the pair. “I’ve got Katie, he’s got Adele.”

“Yeah?” Remus asked, surprised. Logan and Katie were famous for their bond, two peas in a pod. As far as he knew, Sirius was equally close with all the Dumais kids.

“Apparently, they bonded from day one,” Logan said with the flicker of a smile. Outside, Adele laid her head on Sirius’ shoulder and pulled his arm around her back, burrowing into the softness of his hoodie as he gently rocked the swing with his foot and gave her a light squeeze. “They’re both quieter. Oldest children and all that. You really didn’t know?”

“I…” Remus trailed off and shook his head. “You and Katie are much louder about it, but that makes sense. He talks about all of you all the time., I guess I just assumed it was different since he was so closed off at first.”

Logan hummed. “Ask about it sometime. Dumo always likes talking about them.”

Sirius and Adele walked back after a few more minutes, still attached at the hip as Sirius jostled her lightly and pulled half a smile from her; they entered the house in relative quiet and Adele wrapped her arms around him one more time. “Love you,” she said, voice muffled in his sweater. Sirius rubbed her back in slow circles until she pulled away and padded down the hall to the bathroom

“Children are so mean,” he said as soon as the door closed.

“Then I’m glad she has you.” Remus curled his hand around Sirius’ shoulder and felt him relax beneath his touch. “Is she alright?”

“Some little asshole told her nobody would want to date her because she plays hockey.”

Remus’ heart panged. “How can we help?”

“Teach her how to throw a right hook,” Logan suggested. In a rare turn of events, Remus couldn’t tell whether he was joking or not; from the look on his face, it seemed to be the latter.

“She’ll be okay, baby,” Remus said. Sirius didn’t look away from the closed door. “Kids have always been mean, but the best thing you can do is be there for her, which you just did. It’s hard and it sucks but as long as she knows you love her, that’s enough.”

“Does she?” Sirius asked, almost too quiet for him to hear.

Remus looped an arm around his waist and kissed the top of his shoulder. “She does,” he promised. Without a doubt.

IV

Sirius drummed his hands on the steering wheel with a wide smile. “I’m so excited,” he said for the fourth time in twenty minutes.

“I can tell,” Remus said, still reading through his missed messages. The cell service in customs had been abysmal, and for some godforsaken reason his dad desperately needed to send paragraph updates on his hunt for the perfect holiday lights. Some days, Remus wondered whether he was happiest with his family or in Home Depot.

“I missed them.”

“Yep.”

“And I can’t let Logan get there first.”

“Sure thing, honey. Speed limit.”

“Three weeks is a long time, did you know that?”

“Mhmm. Sirius, speed limit.”

“How do you manage being away from Jules for that long?”

“Very poorly,” Remus said as he typed out a quick response to his dad’s latest text. His mother would end him if he allowed their house to be decorated with anything green—in all honesty, he was starting to think she had a personal rivalry with the Snakes. They turned onto Dumo’s street and he felt the excitement radiating off Sirius kick up several notches. “Deep breaths, love.”

“Ah, fuck me, the cubs are right behind us,” he muttered, pulling over to the curb and unbuckling his seatbelt.

“Sirius!” Remus spluttered.

“What?”

“Turn the fucking car off before you get out!”

Sirius heaved a sigh and pulled the key out, then took off toward the house at a jog; Logan went sprinting past the passenger window half a second later, and Remus heard Finn shouting after him from the still-running car to no avail. They reached the front steps at the exact same time, shouldering each other in an attempt to reach the doorbell first.

“—want to push it!” Logan insisted, kicking Sirius lightly on the shin as Remus headed up the walkway.

“You did it last time!” Sirius argued.

“I’m the youngest, so I get to do it!”

“That’s not how it works!”

The door swung open just as Logan tried to bodily shove Sirius out of the way, only to be put in a scrambling headlock. Dumo regarded them with an exhausted look on his face. “Bonjour, Loops.”

“Hey, Dumo,” Remus called from the base of the steps. “Nice night, eh?”

He shrugged, ignoring the two grown men roughhousing on his welcome mat. “Not bad.”

“Are les enfants here?” Logan panted, trying to heave Sirius into the nearest hedge.

Dumo rolled his eyes and opened the door the rest of the way. “Kids, we have visitors!”

Thundering footsteps echoed off the walls; Logan and Sirius tripped over each other in their haste to get inside. “Tremzy!” Katie shrieked, launching herself into his arms with a beaming smile.

Sirius hoisted Adele straight off her feet and shook her back and forth as she wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. “You were gone forever!” she laughed. “We missed you!”

“What am I, chopped liver?” Logan teased as he set Katie down and opened his arms for a hug of his own. Marc and Louis slammed into him, nearly toppling him in the entryway.

“No, no, no!” Katie giggled as Sirius blew a raspberry kiss on her stomach, only to mimic it on his cheek a moment later. “You’re all scratchy.”

“Tough for kisses,” Remus agreed. “You should tell him to shave, Katie-bird.”

Katie squished his cheeks in her hands with a solemn frown. “No more porcupines.”

“You got it,” Sirius confirmed. “What do you think, Adele?”

She pulled a face and they all dissolved into laughter, exhausted from the long roadie and unable to contain their happiness. It was a tradition Remus was coming to know as he spent more time with the team—Logan and Sirius just couldn’t resist swinging by the Dumais house after a long trip, no matter how drained and battered they were. It was a combination of a competition and a family reunion, and the kids loved it every time.

“Are you staying the night?” Marc asked, lazily tying Sirius’ shoelaces together.

“Not tonight, no.”

“But it would be fun,” Louis said from his place hoisted under Logan’s arm, legs dangling.

“They’re tired, boys, be nice.” Celeste winked at Sirius as he leaned down so she could kiss his cheek before moving to Logan to do the same. “We watched all your games. You were wonderful.”

“Merci, Celeste.” The corners of Logan’s eyes crinkled, and Remus saw Finn and Leo share a smile behind him.

Sirius craned his neck to look back. “Oh, she wasn’t talking to you.”

Logan stuck his tongue out as the kids laughed, still clinging to them both. Remus happily accepted a quick hug and a hair-ruffle from Celeste before she moved on to Finn and Leo, and settled in for a cozy evening at home.

#sirius black #remus lupin #adele dumais #logan tremblay #pascal dumais #celeste dumais #coops #katie dumais #friendship #siblings #sweater weather #vaincre #lumosinlove #my fic #fanfic

[imjustwritingg]

no doubt in my mind

Happy Valentine’s Day babes! Here’s a fun and sorta fluffy one shot with our favorite couple to celebrate the day. Based loosely on the song “Make You Feel My Love” by Adele. Enjoy and let me know what you think! 

Also here: AO3 and FanFic.Net

It’s been a month of them and their new thing, and as much as things had changed between Hailey and Jay, things had also remained just the same. Their dynamic in the field hadn’t faltered once since the first night they’d gotten together. If anything, their partnership had only grown stronger. The lingering looks, the way they could communicate with one silent glance, a simple placement of a hand on a shoulder to let the other know they were there.

They were sure no one had noticed a change in their relationship. So sure up until the point the door to their Sergeant’s office opens suddenly one afternoon and he stands in the doorway with a vacant, unreadable look on his face.  

“Upton, Halstead. My office for a sec.”

The pair share a quick glance before they stand from their desks and follow after their boss into his office. He nods at the door and Jay closes it behind them. Hank sits back down behind his desk while the partners stand on the other side of him, both of their arms crossed in front of them and waiting. They watch as Hank reaches into his desk, pulls out some paper, and then leans forward and hands them to Hailey and Jay. They glance down at the sheets as soon as they have them in their hands. It’s hard to miss the words printed in bold at the top of each sheet.

Chicago Police Department: Workplace Relationship Disclosure & Declaration

Hailey and Jay lock eyes again, both inhaling a deep breath, and then Jay looks back at the man behind his desk.

“Sarge, we - “

Hank holds up a hand and Jay goes silent. He’s been in this position before, he and Hailey both have, and he’s not so sure of how this will play out given the unreadable look on their boss’ face. To say it makes him nervous would be the biggest possible understatement.

“I’m only gonna say this once,” Hank starts, looking between the couple in front of him who nod once at their boss and wait for him to continue.

“You both might just be two of the best detectives I’ve ever worked with, the leading officers on our team aside from me. The job comes first and you don’t jeopardize this unit. Do you understand?”

Jay and Hailey share another look, but nod their heads regardless. Neither quite exactly sure as to what is happening or how it could be this easy.

“That’s it?” Hailey finds herself asking the older man a second later.

Voight sighs then, looking between the two again. There’s a fleeting smile that appears at the corners of the man’s face. He looks almost nostalgic for a moment before he speaks again.

“After everything this team has been through over the last few years, after everything we’ve lost,” Hank sighs again as he looks between the two.

“Look, anything outside of Intelligence and the job, relationships or whatever you guys do on your own time. I gotta tell ya, I just don’t care anymore. Fill these out. Give ‘em to Platt for the Ivory Tower. That’s it,” he tells them.

Hailey and Jay glance at each other again, both of them breathing a silent sigh of relief. This certainly was not what they’d expected happening when this conversation started. They turn and head for the door, but just as Jay is about to pull it open he turns back around to face his boss. He just can’t help himself.

“How’d you know?”

“I’ve got eyes Jay,” is all their Sergeant says.

Jay nods once, glances at Hailey, who just offers a small smile, but doesn’t say anything, and then he looks back at Voight.

“Thank you,” Jay tells him and Hailey nods her head, a silent thanks of her own.

It’s not lost on either of the three of them the weight those two simple words carry.

Thank you for not splitting us up. Thank you for not kicking one of us or both of us out. Thank you for understanding.

Hank leans back in his chair, a smirk on his face now, as he looks at his two detectives.

“Believe me, it’s not lost on me the number of partnerships that have crossed lines in this unit. I shoulda been a matchmaker instead of a cop. And send the other two lovebirds in on your way out, will ya?”

“Copy you,” Hailey tells him, and then her and Jay turn head for the door. Jay shakes his head in near disbelief at the outcome of the conversation as they re-enter the bullpen.

“Voight wants to see you two,” Jay calls out, nodding in Adam and Kim’s direction as he stands in the aisle next to his and Hailey’s desks.

The other couple shares a similar look of concern, but head for Voight’s office, closing the door behind them. The disturbance makes Kevin stand from his desk and walk up to Jay, noticing the sheet of paper in his hand.

“What’s that about bro? Y’all good?” He asks. He glances down at the paper in Jay’s hand and catches the words “workplace relationship” before Jay puts it away inside his desk.

Jay nods quickly. “Yeah, all good.”

The officer glances between Jay and Hailey, noticing the same sheet of paper on the blonde detective’s desk before she drops it in her drawer and closes it. He looks back at Jay.

“You and Upton? Like, you and Upton?” Kevin asks, his eyes widening.

Jay looks over at Hailey, notices her flushed cheeks and her bottom lip pulled between her teeth. The two lock eyes and the look doesn’t go unnoticed by Kevin, who shakes his head in disbelief, not thinking his suspicions of the pair over the last few weeks were in fact true.

“Well, alright then,” is all Kevin says. He picks up his coffee mug from his desk and makes his way to the break room, leaving the partners to themselves.

“That was not as bad as I thought it would be. Definitely expected worse,” Jay says a moment later as he sits on the edge of Hailey’s desk.

“Yeah,” she says as she exhaled a long breath. She’s still a bit caught off guard and the words of their Sergeant are playing on a loop in her head.

“Molly’s tonight?” Jay asks her a moment later, noticing her deep in thought.

Hailey’s being just a little too quiet for his liking, considering the confrontation they’ve just experienced, and that nervousness from Voight’s office is beginning to creep up on him again. He can’t help wondering if she’s starting to second guess this new thing between them. That maybe she’s having regrets and it scares him. He can’t lose another partner. He can’t lose her. Not now.

Hailey turns her head to look up at him, grateful for the distraction and momentary cease of Kevin’s gaze and the eyes of Voight, but soon scrunches her face in realization.

“You know what today is right? That place is gonna be a mad house tonight,” she tells him.

He does in fact know what today is; it’s Valentine’s Day, their first together, and potentially their last given the look on her face and the uneasy feeling he has rising in his chest.

Jay just shrugs, trying to play it off, with a smirk peeking out over his face. “It could be fun and the others are going.”

“Never would have pegged you for the type to wanna celebrate Valentine’s Day,” she tells him.

“Well, if it makes any difference, they’re doing half price pints and they even got a food truck catering from Offset BBQ tonight.”

“What about Offset BBQ?” Kevin asks as he walks out of the break room with a fresh mug of coffee.

“Food truck at Molly’s,” Jay says before standing from Hailey’s desk to sit back down at his own.

“Ah yes, and half price drinks. You can’t pass up half price drinks at Molly’s. Can’t pass up the opportunity to see Herrmann go off the rails over it either,” Kevin tells them as he returns to his desk.

Hailey smiles at Kevin, knowing he’s right, and feeling relieved over the fact that the man doesn’t look at her differently or ask any questions about her and Jay.

She turns around in her chair to look back at her partner. “Fine, but if it gets too crowded I’m bailing.”

Jay just smiles at her and nods his head, and they go back to their jobs and the seemingly never-ending piles of paperwork they have to do. He can’t seem to shake the uneasy feeling still bubbling inside of him at the way the woman across from him remains quiet and doesn’t look up at him again for the remainder of the afternoon.

By the time their shift is over and the last of the paperwork has been done for the day, Jay and Hailey are the last ones in the bullpen. The others had left a short while earlier, even Voight had already called it a night.

“You ready, Hails?” Jay calls out to her as she returns to the bullpen from the locker room.

“Yeah, just had to grab my bag,” she tells him, a duffel slung over her shoulder.

The pair shut down their computers and put on their coats, and then head down the stairs. They don’t say a word to each other as they make their way out to the parking lot to his truck. It’s just as quiet on the short drive over to Molly’s and by the time he finds a parking spot down the street from the bar, he can’t take the silence anymore.

“We gonna talk about it?” He asks her as soon as the truck is in park. He unbuckles his seatbelt and turns his head to look at the blonde, but she just quirks an eyebrow up at him.

“The conversation with Voight,” he answers her unspoken question.

“Do we need to?” She asks a moment later.

That’s not exactly the response he was expecting and it surely doesn’t help calm the nerves he’s been feeling all day.

“I just wanna make sure we’re on the same page. We’ve been doing our thing the last month or so and it’s been really great. At least I think it’s been really great, but we haven’t talked about what exactly that thing is either.”

“So you wanna put a label on it?” She asks, trying to hold back a smirk and failing to do so.

“I just don’t wanna assume anything,” Jay tells her, a shy smile appearing on his face.

“What exactly are you assuming?” She presses.

Jay can tell she’s pushing him by the look in her eyes and he’s nervous again. He knows there hasn’t been anyone else for her since that night in the bar when he first kissed her. There hasn’t been anyone else for him either. The fact that they’ve spent every night together at either of their apartments since that first night solidifies that for him. He’s also sure that what they have, this new thing between them, isn’t just some fling between co-workers out of convenience or opportunity. There’s no doubt in his mind about that.

Jay wants to believe it’s the real deal between them, that Hailey is it for him, despite her quiet behavior and the nerves he’s been feeling all day. He takes a deep breath and then he takes the plunge to hopefully solidify what they’ve been doing and make it official.

“You being my girlfriend,” Jay tells her. His eyes are on hers and his heart is pounding so loud in his chest that he’s sure she can hear it.

“Jay,” Hailey says, her voice soft and quiet and he suddenly feels like he can’t breathe. Maybe he had been wrong.

“I already filled out that form,” she tells him a second later.

“What?”

“When you and Kev took those boxes of CI files back down to the file room,” she explains as a smirk forms on Jay’s face.

“And what exactly did you write on the form?” He asks her.

“That you’re my boyfriend,” she says with a shrug as if her answer should be obvious.

Jay raises his eyebrows at her response and she gives him a playful roll of her eyes. She unbuckles her seatbelt and leans just slightly over the console between them. She grabs his arm to pull him towards her and they meet in the middle.

“I know I’ve been acting weird since we talked to Voight, but not for the reasons you think. I like you Jay, I really like being with you, and I’m pretty sure you feel the same way, and it seems pretty clear to me what we’re doing, so yeah. I declared you as my boyfriend on that form. Is that okay with you?”

Jay grins at her just before he closes the remaining space between them and captures her lips with his own. He brings his hand up to hold the side of her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek for a moment before he slides his hand to the back of her neck. He quickly deepens the kiss, earning a moan from his partner, and then feels her hands on the front of his jacket. She pulls him as close to her as she can considering the middle console that is wedged between them now.

“I’m gonna take that as a yes,” Hailey whispers against his lips a second later.

“You can take that as a hell yes,” he tells her before kissing her again.

When they separate again, they’re grinning, both of their dimples out on display.

“Gotta say, I was a little nervous there for a second,” he admits then.

She reaches a hand up to the back of his neck, the tips of her fingers brushing through his hair, as she looks him in the eyes.

“I’m sorry about that. It wasn’t because of you or because I was rethinking us. After we talked to Voight, all I could really think about was a conversation I had with Platt actually,” she tells him a small smile.

His eyebrows raise at that. “What conversation with Platt?”

He feels her fingers slip away from the back of his head and she leans back just slightly before taking a deep breath.

“It was a while ago, back when Adam and I were doing whatever we were doing. Platt said that if he was the one that we’d have to make it work. And that if we wanted to be together, one of us would have to leave Intelligence,” she tells him. He nods slowly at her in understanding and then she continues.

“And after what Voight said, I guess I just got lost in my own thoughts and feelings. I know I wouldn’t have given up Intelligence or the job for Adam, but for you? It wouldn’t have been a very hard decision for me and I was ready to make it today in Voight’s office. And I guess it kinda just scared the crap out of me.”

He’s smiling at her now. A wide grin taking over his face as he looks at her with so much admiration and happiness and love. She had chosen him over the FBI. She would have chosen him over her career today. She’s chosen his side countless times before.

“I love you,” he whispers to her then.

He says it so easily, like it’s not the first time he’s uttering those special words to her, and the look she wears on her face after he says them makes him smile like an idiot. He doesn’t care that they’ve only been together a month. He doesn’t care that to others he may be rushing things. He knows it’s been much longer than four weeks that he’s been feeling this way, and not just for himself, but for her too.

He leans towards her again, hanging back just enough to still look her in the eyes, and he brings a hand back up to the side of her face. She’s got tears in her eyes, but they’re shining bright blue, and she smiles back at him just the same.

“I love you too,” she whispers back before closing the space between them again and kissing him hard on the mouth.

When they separate moments later with shallow breaths, they’re still grinning at one another and his hand is still holding her head just centimeters away from his.

“Really wish we didn’t have to leave this truck right now,” he tells her remembering where they are. His voice is so deep and gruff that it sends a heatwave through her almost instantly. She nods in silent agreement before giving him another quick kiss, and then leans back into her seat.

“Let’s go. The sooner we get in there, the sooner we can leave,” she says with a wink and he just smirks at her.

They exit the truck and make their way up the sidewalk side by side and shoulders brushing. When they reach the door to the bar, Jay holds the door open for her, placing his hand on her lower back over her coat and guiding her inside.  

When they enter the bar, they’re not all that surprised to see a slight crowd inside just as expected. The twinkling string lights shine bright from the ceiling, and familiar faces from the district and firehouse scatter the bar and tables.

Jay uses his height to his advantage given the crowd and quickly spots the rest of their team at the back of the place. He drops his hand from Hailey’s back and reaches for her hand hanging at her side. He gives her fingers a quick squeeze to get her attention, letting go of them when she looks up at him. He nods off in the direction of their friends and Hailey follows him to the back wall.

“Tell me one of those is for me,” Hailey says in greeting when her and Jay arrive at the table.

They’re met with hello’s and smiles from Kim, Adam, and then Kevin, who grins back at the blonde. He nods down to two pint glasses full of beer and foaming at the top.

“Of course, help yourselves,” Kevin tells the pair.

Hailey and Jay each take a glass, and then take a seat next to one another on the remaining stools at the table. The group begins making small talk and when Adam starts in about the case they just wrapped, Kevin raises a hand to stop him mid-sentence.

“Hold up, the only shoptalk I wanna hear about is those lovely little forms y’all got from Voight today,” Kevin says as he brings his glass to his lips.

Hailey and Kim both shake their heads, amused smiles on their faces, while Jay nearly chokes on his beer as he’s mid-sip and Adam throws his head back and groans.

“Man, come on,” Adam says.

“You two? I get. Lot of history there,” Kevin starts pointing between Kim and Adam.

And then he turns and looks between Hailey and Jay. “But you two. Y’all have been in sneaky stealth mode and I don’t like it. I thought we were all friends here. I mean, I had suspicions, but how long has this been going on for exactly? Inquiring minds need to know.”

Jay just shakes his head, an amused smile on his face, and Hailey laughs.

“You really wanna know about our love life?” Jay asks before he takes another sip from his glass.

Hailey’s eyes dart to Jay at the mention of the word, thinking back to their exchange from minutes before outside. She moves her free hand from her lap to his knee, not caring about PDA – it’s not as if anyone can see the gesture anyway. Jay glances over at her at the contact and she just smiles at him before turning her attention back to the group.

“Ya know, Kev has a good point. I’d like to know that as well. I mean, Kim and I assumed, but we didn’t know for sure until today,” Adam chimes in while Kim just nods in agreement with a smirk on her face.

“The three of you are relentless,” Jay says before glancing at his partner.

“Yeah, there’s nothing really to tell,” Hailey says with another casual shrug hoping they’d back off, but knowing they won’t.

“No, no, no. There’s definitely something to tell. Come on, it’s us,” Adam pushes with a boyish grin.

“Exactly,” Jay teases, pointing in the officer’s direction.

“At least tell us who made the first move because my money is totally on Hails,” Kim says.

“Well, you’d be right about that,” Hailey tells her with a grin.

“Yes! Ladies for the win!” Kim yells out and the two share a high five across the table.

Adam shakes his head in mock disappointment and Kevin runs his hand over his face before looking back at Jay.

“Bro, you didn’t make the first move? What’s the matter with you?”

“Well, she’s my partner for one,” Jay says as if it’s obvious. All he gets in return are eye rolls and a shake of heads from all of them except Hailey, who just smiles at him and squeezes his knee under the table.

“Semantics,” Adam chimes with a wave of his hand.

“Ok, so I was a chicken. Happy now?” Jay says as he takes another drink from his glass.

“In his defense, he did kiss me first. I just had to give him a little push in the right direction,” Hailey tells them, bumping her shoulder against his and smiling coyly at the memory of that night in the bar.

“Alright, so hold up. I gotta ask, am I the only one here that hasn’t slept with their partner? Is that like some Intelligence initiation thing? Because if it is, I’m pretty sure I missed that in the employee handbook,” Kevin says glancing between the two couples who break out laughing.

Jay shakes his head, a grin still on his face. “Shut up, Kev.”

“I’m just saying. I’m the only one here not getting any. And it’s Valentine’s Day. That’s just a damn shame,” Kevin says as he surveys the bar. “Ya know what, y’all enjoy the rest of your evenings. I’m gonna go and find me a lady friend of my own.”

Kevin shoots them all a wink and a bright smile, and they say a quick goodbye before he stands up and heads off into the crowd.

“I’m assuming you guys got the same speech we did from Voight then,” Adam says a moment later looking over at Hailey and Jay. The pair glance at one another briefly before nodding.

“Man, the way things have changed. Voight’s getting soft on us,” Adam tells them, bringing his drink to his lips.

Jay shakes his head, his hand moving over top Hailey’s under the table and giving her fingers a squeeze. “Not sure if that’s it exactly. I think the unit, us, is all he has left. We’ve lost a lot over the years. I think he just doesn’t want us to lose anything else.”

Adam nods and Kim smiles back at him, and he feels Hailey’s fingers tighten against his.

“I’ll drink to that,” Adam says then, raising his glass. The other three nod and raise their own drinks. They clink their glasses together and then drink, and dive in about hockey and work and swap stories about their friends – their family that are no longer with them.

After another round, Kim and Adam make their way to the bar and get distracted with talking to some of the firefighters from 51. The crowd has only grown larger and the volume of chatter around them makes Hailey turn and lean into Jay so she’s leaning over his shoulder.

“Wanna get out of here?” She asks against his ear.

He gives her a nod and the pair stand from the table. They weave their way through the crowd and say a quick goodbye to their friends, and then head for the door.

As soon as they’re outside, Hailey leans into Jay as they head for the truck. He wraps an arm around her shoulders, holding her against him as her arm snakes around his waist.

“Ya know what I just realized?” He asks her as they walk down the sidewalk.

“Who knows,” she teases. He slides his hand down her arm just enough to poke his fingers into her side, tickling her ribs, and she squirms against him.

“What did you realize?” She asks him, giving his side a squeeze.

“We’re one of those cheesy cliché couples that say I love you and make things official on Valentine’s Day,” he tells her, a smirk spreading over his face as he looks down at her. Her eyes go wide and then she laughs, knowing he’s right.

“At least neither of us will ever forget our anniversary now,” Hailey tells him a moment later with a smirk of her own as they reach the truck.

Jay smiles at her again, taking a step towards her and pressing her against the passenger side door. His hands find her waist and his lips are on hers a second later and she’s kissing him back instantly.

It still feels like a dream to her that she can be like this with him. Kissing him, touching him, loving him. Like it’s not still some new thing for them despite the familiarity and the fact that they’ve been doing their thing for a month already. Kissing her partner, her boyfriend, has become one of her favorite things.

Sure, they’ve slept together. And while those times spent in bed with one another have been nothing short of amazing, it’s these moments where he’s pressed against her with his hands holding onto her, and his lips moving over hers that she’s come to enjoy the most. Because it’s all she’s wanted since falling for her best friend. It’s these little moments that she’s wanted and thought about and it’s what causes her to smile against his lips as he kisses her once more before pulling away to look her in the eyes.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Jay whispers to her.

Hailey nods, leaning back into him, and smirks up at him. “Might just be my new favorite holiday.”

And then she kisses him again just because she can.

#chicago pd #upstead #upstead fic #hailey upton #jay halstead #happy valentine’s day

[vintagedolan]

when koa gets in, is grayson rude to her ?? what’s his reaction upon seeing her ?

since this do be a concept train, I want to know what exactly Koa feels towards the twins. Does she know them? Des she know about them? I just know that initial meeting is going to be TENSE

(also angry Grayson is hot)

two: character profile

masterlist | request the next concept!

It only took Koa two days to unpack. She had 2 suitcases of clothes and personal belongings, and $300 worth of a haul from target down the street, which included only a few essentials. 

She was lucky enough to have found a three person apartment with one vacancy, which came with the advantage of it already being mostly furnished. The air mattress she bought would have to do in her room for now - she’d spent most her money on a desk.

Writers write, they don’t sleep anyways. 

She met her roommates, Harlow and Gabby. Harlow was from Kentucky, which Koa only knew from the KFC on the island back home. But she was sweet and friendly, and willing to help out wherever she could. She even gave Koa a ride to target, let her fill up the back of her honda with all of her purchases.

Gabby was born and raised in LA. And it was obvious. Her attitude, her superiority and her general lack of regard for anyone other than herself had Koa ready to call her out in the first day, but she held back, knowing she was in for the long haul. 

But that attitude made her even more nervous for her meeting at 11am the third day, in Encino California. Just the fact that she’d been given a gate code was enough to put a pit in her stomach. She wondered how stupid she would look, walking up to it instead of driving.

Harlow helped her find the right bus route, and it took a minute. And by a minute, she meant a fucking hour to plan it out, and a 30 minute bus ride to get close enough to the Dolan’s house to make the 20 minute walk the rest of the way. She missed the Hawaiian breeze, the trade winds coming in off the ocean to stave off the beating sun as she made the journey with her backpack hanging off one of her shoulders up all of the hills of the neighborhood.

By the time she made it to the house, there was sweat rolling down her back, soaking her shirt and making her question every life decision she’d made to get herself there. 

She typed in the code, and as soon as she walked through the gate her blood was boiling.

Five cars. There were five cars in the driveway, parked in two neat rows. The Tesla caught her eye first, plugged into its own charger in the garage.

She knew they had money. But fucking hell. The house itself was more subtle, didn’t scream rich in her face in twelve languages - from the outside anyways. 

It took her a moment to settle herself, to put a smile on her face. The Dolans, it seemed, where the type of people who showed up at the shave ice stand in Hawaii on vacation - not the ones who worked it.

But she’d known that. And she tried to remind herself of exactly how their wealth was going to work in her favor, for the sales of ‘their’ book, which would increase her cut. And so, she smoothed her frizzy hair as best she could and went up to the door.

She didn’t have to knock. Instead, the door swung open, a bright young woman standing there with a welcoming smile. 

“Koa?”

“That’s me.”

“Hi! I’m Adele, the twins assistant.”

Koa swallowed. Of course. Of course they had an assistant. Why wouldn’t they. 

“Nice to meet you.”

“Come on in, it’s hot out there.” Adele stepped to the side, revealing the interior of the house.

It was subtle. If Koa were to write it, she’d describe the warmth. It radiated from multiple centers - the neutral woods, the simple decorations, the dark appliances, the fireplace on the far wall, and the very tall, smiling man with a tattoo sleeve by the door. 

In the next paragraph, she’d talk about the cold. It came from one place, one specific spot in the living room. His back was half turned away, but his stiffness, his annoyance, radiated off his shoulders with less effort than it took him to breathe. 

Koa swallowed hard again.

“Hey, I’m Ethan. It’s nice to finally put a face with the writing.” His voice was as genuine as his smile, which he tried to make wide enough for the two of them it seemed. 

By process of elimination, she knew it was Grayson who stood up rather slowly and made his way over.

“I’m Grayson. Nice to meet you.” His voice was flatter than the mantle behind him. Koa smiled anyways.

They each held out a hand, and she prayed her palm wasn’t sweaty from her walk when she shook them one by one. 

Ethan pulled out a chair for her at the island, metal legs groaning against the hardwood.

“You want a drink?”

“Yeah, that’d be great actually. Thanks.” The formality tasted sour on her tongue. She told herself she wasn’t going to do this, wasn’t going to make herself out to be someone more professional than she really was.

But Grayson had her on edge. Even when Ethan sat down in the chair beside her with two glasses of water, Grayson stood tall on the other side of the island, arms crossed and strong brow furrowed. 

Silence filled the space with emptiness, and Koa drank her water, her rings tinkling against her glass. 

“So-” Ethan started, finally breaking the tension. “This meeting isn’t anything like crazy formal, we just kinda wanted to touch base with you, get to know you a bit and figure out exactly how we’re gonna do this.”

“Yeah, no that’s great. I’m down for that, that’s a good idea.”

“We’ve never even thought about writing a book really, so we’re kinda at your mercy.” Ethan’s laugh wasn’t loud enough to cover Grayson’s scoff. Koa watched him for a moment, analyzed him. He seemed tense, and angry, and sad all at once somehow. The tension in his jaw was sharp, but there was a fear in there somewhere that she could sense. He caught her eye, and she turned back to Ethan.

“Well, this is gonna be new for all of us I think. The thing about this is I’m not writing as me, I’m writing as you two. It’s from your perspective, it’s what you want to say. I’m just here to help you say it. So yeah, I’ll help guide you all in what you want in there and how to arrange it to get people hooked and into it, but-”

“Do you usually ghost write stuff for people?” Grayson leaned against the counter, shoulder broad and wide. Intimidating. The tattoos that peaked out from under the short sleeve of his shirt were delicate lines. Gentle. She looked at those instead when she spoke.

“Uh, no. This is my first time doing it formally.”

“So what do you write then.”

“My specialty is fiction. Novels.”

“Great. Fucking fantastic.” To Koa’s amazement, Grayson was laughing. Running his hands over his face and up through his long hair. Callous. 

“I’m sorry, is writing novels a bad thing?”

“No. But I’m not a character you get to make however you want.” He met her eyes then, the green of them so dark they looked brown as he stared at her. “I’m a person.”

“I figured that much out for myself. If you have an issue, I’m all ears.”

Even she was impressed with how steady her voice was. She clasped her hands lightly together and rested them on the island, the way white business men always did in movies, and stared him down. 

“Full disclosure, the book was more my idea, less Grayson’s,” Ethan chimed in.

“All Ethan’s, none of mine,” Grayson corrected. “Because I know how this shit goes. You’re gonna twist whatever you need to get a story together, make us tell shit we don’t want to tell and put it out for the world to read just to get your bag. And I don’t want any part of it.” 

It was Koa’s turn to laugh. “Well buddy, you’re giving me plenty of content to work with if I’m supposed to be building a character profile on you or whatever the fuck it is you think I’m here to do.”

“Uh-” Ethan barely got the syllable out.

“You know, most people would kill for this. This book will be everywhere, and you have a chance to tell the world something and actually have them hear it. Don’t throw that away so quick.”

Something in Grayson’s face changed, and it made her want to pull her words back out of the air. 

“Yeah, well I’m pretty fucking sure I’ve given the world enough of myself, but thanks for the offer.” 

With that, Grayson turned on his heel and walked out of the kitchen.

“Bro-” Ethan called out.

“It’s fine,” Koa muttered. 

“I’m sorry, really. He’s kinda going through it right now, there’s been a lot of stuff going on and he’s just worried. I’ll talk to him, we’ll figure out how to make this work.”

“Right.”

Ethan frowned. “Koa, I’m serious. I really liked your stuff, and I know you can write a kick ass book for us. I want you to, and he will too, I just gotta get him to get his head out of his ass.”

“Good luck with that one,” Koa chuckled, shaking her head. “I’m gonna go.”

“Okay. I’ll text you and we can figure out another time to figure out the details.”

“Sounds good. I’ll brainstorm some stuff.”

“Sick. Sorry, again, for all that. Drive safe.”

Koa put her backpack over her shoulder and climbed out of the chair, chugging the rest of the water in her glass, knowing she’d need it for her walk to the bus stop.

“Yeah. See you later Ethan. Like I said; good luck.”

#hydrograyson #ask #hiraeth

[some-days-we-get-sundays]

prompt request: Sophie is jealous

There is a knock on the door to Mary and Ryan’s place. 

Mary goes to open the door and Sophie is standing on the other side looking amazing in a red blouse and black jeans. She also looks kind of sad but not in an unhappy way, more somber if anything with a lot going on in her eyes and an expression that Mary can’t quite read. Sometimes she wishes she had Alice’s skill of deciphering people. 

“Hey, Sophie. I thought you’d be with Kate. Did you go and see her?” Mary opened the door wider and allowed Sophie to walk in. The two women made their way to the couch. 

Sophie sighed as she slipped her shoes off and sat down. “Kate’s gone.” Mary made a face because she knew Kate was leaving again, off to the next great adventure. She had made peace with it. She was just happy that she got Kate back - the real Kate, and that she wasn’t dead. Mary still wakes up crying and drenched in sweat when she has dreams of Kate and her funeral. She would love for Kate to stay and for them to catch up, but it’s enough right now knowing that she’s alive and safe. And that she remembers who Mary is again. 

“Kate came and met me at The Hold Up. She had her stupid motorcycle helmet in her hands and said she was leaving. Going to go find Bruce and your dad.” Sophie rolls her eyes and her voice sounds even more raspy than usual. 

“Yeah, Kate told us she was going.” Mary thought Kate would at least stick around a bit longer for Sophie. “I’m sorry Soph. I know she loved you so much. She’s been through a lot and, I know the feeling. She needs time to figure things out. She’ll be back.” Mary tried to be comforting and give Sophie what she needed in this moment, even though she wasn’t too sure exactly what it was Sophie needed. But she rubbed her back anyway and went to put on some water for tea. She felt like this was more of a tea moment than a let’s get hammered and solve clues under the direction of a mad man moment. 

Mary came back a few moments later with tea in hand. 

“You know, you should really start leaving some clothes over here to hang out in. If you weren’t so tall I’d say you could borrow something of mine. I feel a girls night coming on.” Mary said and laughed softly. Sophie brought her tea to her lips, blew on it, and then set it back down. “I might have shorts that would fit you, and Ryan has some oversized sleep shirts. You could borrow something.” Mary thought out loud.

“I don’t know if Ryan would want me over here getting that comfortable.” Sophie didn’t actually mean this, she knew her and Ryan were in a much better place. Sophie offered Ryan her couch to crash on. They were no longer Crowie and the Ex-Con with no future. They were really starting to just become Sophie and Ryan. Wildmoore. 

“Oh come on, you and Ryan are tight now. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you two being a lot nicer to each other.” Mary lightly bumped her shoulder into Sophie’s. 

“Where is Ryan anyway?” Sophie asked attempting to be nonchalant. She picked up her tea and blew on it some more as a distraction and to help with her façade of appearing uninterested. 

“Um, I think she went to go meet with Imani.” Sophie sputtered and almost spilled her tea. 

“Woah girl, you alright?” 

“Yeah, just, this was way hotter than I was expecting.” Sophie laughed awkwardly and tried to recover. “She’s with Imani?” Sophie pressed out her bottom lip in consideration before her next comment. “I thought they were over?” Sophie didn’t know for sure if Ryan and Imani were over but ever since Luke got shot, she and Ryan were spending a lot more time together and Imani was nowhere to be found. Ryan hadn’t even mentioned her. Unless Ryan and Imani just sexted and spent late nights together. Sophie found herself annoyed with the thought of Ryan and Imani spending late nights together and sexting.

“Um I don’t know actually now that you mention it. I mean you were there when I told Ryan I don’t want to be included in her little sexcapades so maybe that’s why we haven’t heard from the two of them as of late.” Mary offered. Sophie was quiet. So Mary kept talking to fill the silence. “But Imani is cool, you’d like her.” 

“I know Imani is cool Mary, she saved us from jail with her fancy lawyer knowledge. Besides, Ryan wouldn’t date somebody uncool. I mean except for Angelique.” Sophie said as an after thought.

“Ohhh you didn’t like her either!?” Mary exclaimed and put her hand on Sophie’s shoulder.” Mary laughed joyously. “Whew I thought I was the only one! Girl maybe we do need to get out the hard stuff from the cupboard!” She gave Sophie a look letting her know that she was down to turn up whenever she said the word.

“It’s not that I didn’t like her. She just wasn’t good enough for Ryan.” Sophie said matter-of-factly. Mary sat there in stunned silence at Sophie’s admission. But before she could say anything, Sophie tried to clarify. 

“I-I just meant like she’s Ryan Wilder, bad ass extraordinaire, Batwoman by night and day, bartending babe on the side. Angelique was just bringing Ryan down. I never saw it until I got to know Ryan and realized she was always covering for Angelique, and Angelique was taking advantage of Ryan’s kindness and the emotional attachment that was there from when they were kids. Ryan felt like she owed Angelique, when really it was the other way around. Ryan’s a good person. She deserves someone who knows that but doesn’t use it against her, someone like-”

“Someone like you?” Mary offered up slowly, testing the waters. 

“Are we singing Adele now?” Sophie went for a joke hoping that she was coming off as aloof. Mary just kept staring back at Sophie with a grin on her face. 

“Stop smiling Mary. Ok what? If you’re thinking I want to date Ryan, I don’t.” Sophie inwardly cringed as this sounded like such a lie even to her own ears. 

“Well it doesn’t sound like you want anyone else to have her.” Mary was feeling emboldened. Sophie didn’t seem mad, she just seemed either unaware or in denial. Mary continued, “you didn’t like Angelique, which I am with you on that one. And you sound jealous of Ryan spending time with Imani. So if all these girls that Ryan gets with upset you, then why don’t you just ask Ryan out? You just said she deserves better. You could be better.” 

Sophie took a long pause and stirred her tea. Seemingly gathering up courage to say what she was going to say. “Ryan and I are finally friends. It took so long for us to get to this place of genuine understanding and respect. I don’t want to throw dating her into the mix. And yes, ok, she’s gorgeous, like drop dead gorgeous- she is. But what if things go horribly wrong and then we’re back to square one. Or even worse, we don’t even talk anymore because we hate each other so much. I don’t want to take that risk. I care about her too much.” Mary sat there with her eyes wide and a shit eating grin on her face. She had no idea Sophie had all these feelings. She thought at the very most Sophie was just crushing. 

“Oh my gosh, you totally love her!” Mary squealed.  

“Shut up Mary. I don’t.” Sophie got up to bring their empty tea cups to the kitchen and to try and calm her nerves and distance herself for a second from Mary’s prying and absurd accusations. 

“You love her! You love her! You love her!” Mary repeated trying to get Sophie to admit it.

 At that moment the door suddenly opened and in walked Ryan. 

Mary froze and Sophie came out of the kitchen to see who it was. She had a fleeting thought that it would be Kate and that maybe she had changed her mind and decided to stick around. Sophie then had another fleeting thought that Ryan and Mary should possibly change the locks. Just incase Kate isn’t Kate again or something.  

“Um who loves who?” Ryan grinned as she came inside and closed the door. She kicked off her shoes and ran a hand through her loose curls. Sophie came back and sat on the couch. Her and Ryan gave each other quick smiles. The energy between them was so different than it had been only a few short months ago. Before, Ryan would have been demanding to know why there was a crow in her loft. 

“Kate loves Sophie.” Mary quickly covered. 

“Oh.” Ryan simply said and walked off to her room. Mary and Sophie looked at each other with nervous expressions. Not soon after Ryan left she was back in an oversized shirt and some sleep shorts. Sophie had to try hard not to slowly run her eyes up and down Ryan’s entire body. That girl was banging. 

“So how is Imani?” Sophie awkwardly and quickly tried to take the attention off of herself and change the subject. She was still curious where Imani came from and how long she was going to be staying. Ryan shot Mary a look, and Mary put her hands up in mock surrender. “Hey, I barely said anything. Sophie asked where you were and I said you were with Imani.” Now it was Sophie’s turn to shoot Mary another glare. Ryan was smiling wildly and looking between the two. She hadn’t realized that she was the topic of conversation while she was gone.

“So, you been asking about me huh Soph?” Ryan teased. 

“Girl please. It was just so peaceful and quiet over here so I was just making sure you weren’t getting yourself into trouble somewhere.” Sophie quipped. 

“Oh I was definitely getting into trouble.” Ryan shot back with a smug look on her face. “I was getting into a very sexy kind of trouble, I got into trouble maybe 3 of 4 times actuall-”

“Ok we get it Ryan.” Sophie snapped. “I mean, we get it.” Sophie said a little softer this time. Then without warning Sophie got up, hurriedly walked to the door, opened it, and rushed out, slamming it shut as she left. 

Inside the loft, Ryan and Mary gave each other puzzled looks and Ryan pointed to the door as if to say, what was all that about. “You should go after her.” Mary said simply and then retreated to her room. Ryan shook her head in confusion and then went to find Sophie.

Ryan didn’t have to go far as Sophie was sitting just outside the door against the wall. Ryan stood in front of her. Sophie didn’t look up so Ryan slid down next to Sophie against the wall. Ryan put her hand on Sophie’s knee and now the ball was in Sophie’s court. Ryan patiently waited and hoped that Sophie would share what was bothering her. Sophie had been there for Ryan this whole year, and Ryan wanted to return the favor. Sophie looked up with pools of water in her autumn colored eyes threatening to spill and Ryan’s heart broke just a bit. Sophie was always so strong but Ryan didn’t want or need her to be. Sophie was allowed to break and fall apart, and in that moment, Ryan vowed to always be there to catch her and help pick up the pieces when she did. 

“I’m sorry for running out like that.” Sophie said quietly and sniffled. 

“Soph, you do not need to apologize.” Ryan reassured her. They were quiet again for a few beats. 

“So, you really like Imani.” It wasn’t a question, more like an observation. 

Is that what this is about, Ryan thought. Is Sophie- is she jealous? That can’t be right. If she was jealous that would mean... Ryan looked over again slowly at Sophie. 

“Imani is great.” Ryan started. She watched as Sophie sunk into herself more at that statement. Ryan continued, “but it’s not serious. It’s just sex and comfort and the closeness of somebody. I know I talk a big game and don’t get me wrong, being Batwoman is amazing, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed, but it’s lonely. And whoever I’m with I can’t even share myself fully with them. I think I’m going to break it off with her anyway.” Ryan was thinking out loud at this point. Up until now she didn’t mind having a fling with Imani, it kept her company. But like her and Luke had discussed, it was hard dating and being a Superhero. And if Sophie was into her...

“Kate left.” Sophie said suddenly. Ryan sighed. She looked at Sophie, put a finger up to her cheek and caught a stray tear that was sliding down the side of her face. “I know.” Ryan said. She wiped her damp finger on her sleep shirt. 

“I think I’m... relieved.” Sophie finally said. This surprised Ryan. She thought Kate was the love of Sophie’s life. 

"She was the love of my life, but I think the key word is, was.” Sophie said as if reading Ryan’s mind. “I think I loved who she used to be. When she came back I was different and so was she. And when she took off again, I realized I wasn’t all that upset or hurt. It took losing her to realize that while I loved and cared deeply for her, she’s not my soul mate. She represents a time in my life that is special but it’s not where I am anymore. And then I met someone named Ryan Wilder.” Sophie smirked and looked into Ryan’s wide shocked eyes.

“Me?” Ryan said with the cutest look on her face that Sophie had ever witnessed. 

“Yes you. Ryan, you annoyed the hell out of me, you pissed me off, you irritated and enraged me-” 

“Ok girl, damn. We get it.” Ryan rolled her eyes. Sophie let out a raspy chuckle and continued. 

“You challenged me, you made me see things that I didn’t want to see within myself and within the Crows. You inspired me, you amazed me, and you thrilled me. I wanted to be a better me because of you Ryan. And then when I found out that you were Batwoman...I  knew I had it in me to fight the system in the way that you do. And I could no longer keep working with the same people who you were trying to take down. I had to pick a side. And I’m team Ryan.” Sophie smiled. 

Ryan laughed and lightly shoved her. “You’re team corny. But thank you. Thank you for choosing me.” Ryan said turning serious for a moment, but she couldn’t stop another grin from overtaking her features. 

“I’ll always choose you, Ryan.” 

Ryan visibly swallowed and then she looked at Sophie. “So, you really do have a thing for women in suits, huh.” Ryan teased. 

“I have a thing for you.” Sophie retorted. 

“Wow, just getting right to it huh?” Ryan flirted back. Sophie shrugged, “I want you Ryan. And I don’t want to step on Imani’s toes or anything but-”

Sophie felt warm, soft, wet lips press against her own. She instinctively flinched and then closed her eyes and sunk into the feeling of Ryan’s lips pressed against her own. Sophie immediately sucked and pecked at Ryan’s bottom lip and then she dipped her tongue into Ryan’s mouth, she let Ryan dip her own tongue out and she lightly sucked on it while Ryan sucked and kissed Sophie’s top lip. She felt Ryan’s hands in her hair and so she moved her hands to Ryan’s waist, and slipped them slightly under the oversized shirt Ryan was wearing. She had wanted to feel Ryan’s abs for quite some time now. Ryan smelled like shea butter, lavender, and eucalyptus. Sophie’s senses were shooting into overdrive. A cough interrupted them as someone walked by. They both realized they were still sitting out in the hall. 

“We should go inside.” Sophie said and then laughed. Her face was flushed and her blouse that was tucked into her jeans was now hanging loosely untucked. They got up and opened the loft door and saw Mary race to the couch. 

“Um hey guys.” Mary tried sounding as casual as possible. “You guys wanna stay up and chat?” Mary offered. She wanted all the tea and it was worth a shot. Ryan and Sophie knew they had been caught. 

“Goodnight Mary. Oh, and Sophie’s staying over.” Ryan said as she walked Sophie to her room. Mary noticed Ryan held Sophie’s fingers gently in her hand. Mary squealed. 

“Details! I want details in the morning! And pancakes.” Mary shouted as an after thought. 

“Deal.” Ryan said as her and Sophie giggled and Ryan closed her bedroom door behind them. 

#this is way longer than i intended it to be #sophie moore #ryan wilder #wildmoore

[magxit]

I’m not sure if I’m wording this correctly, but also it’s how Adele is marketed that has gotten her a free pass. Her team has always set her up as an underdog and people loved that she didn’t have a typical pop star look like Katy for example. She had a great voice and some great songs so she was likable. And the soccer moms loved that she wasn’t “selling sex like Katy” (there was literally an article comparing her to Katy when she first started and that���s what they said). And Adele herself even shaded Katy Perry when she first started. But since 2016 there was a shift in the media how Adele was marketed. She was considered the anti-Taylor or the “mature” version of Taylor. People made a big deal about how even though they both sang about their exes, Adele wasn’t malicious or annoying or whatever. I think the media just set Adele up on such a high pedestal that they don’t want to drag her now.

.