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uomo-accattivante · 3 years

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Excellent article about bringing a re-make of Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage to fruition, and the twenty-year friendship that Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain share:

There were days on the shoot for “Scenes From a Marriage,” a five-episode limited series that premieres Sept. 12 on HBO, when Oscar Isaac resented the crew.

The problem wasn’t the crew members themselves, he told me on a video call in March. But the work required of him and his co-star, Jessica Chastain, was so unsparingly intimate — “And difficult!” Chastain added from a neighboring Zoom window — that every time a camera operator or a makeup artist appeared, it felt like an intrusion.

On his other projects, Isaac had felt comfortably distant from the characters and their circumstances — interplanetary intrigue, rogue A.I. But “Scenes” surveys monogamy and parenthood, familiar territory. Sometimes Isaac would film a bedtime scene with his onscreen child (Lily Jane) and then go home and tuck his own child into the same model of bed as the one used onset, accessorized with the same bunny lamp, and not know exactly where art ended and life began.

“It was just a lot,” he said.

Chastain agreed, though she put it more strongly. “I mean, I cried every day for four months,” she said.

Isaac, 42, and Chastain, 44, have known each other since their days at the Juilliard School. And they have channeled two decades of friendship, admiration and a shared and obsessional devotion to craft into what Michael Ellenberg, one of the series’s executive producers, called “five hours of naked, raw performance.” (That nudity is metaphorical, mostly.)

“For me it definitely felt incredibly personal,” Chastain said on the call in the spring, about a month after filming had ended. “That’s why I don’t know if I have another one like this in me. Yeah, I can’t decide that. I can’t even talk about it without. …” She turned away from the screen. (It was one of several times during the call that I felt as if I were intruding, too.)

The original “Scenes From a Marriage,” created by Ingmar Bergman, debuted on Swedish television in 1973. Bergman’s first television series, its six episodes trace the dissolution of a middle-class marriage. Starring Liv Ullmann, Bergman’s ex, it drew on his own past relationships, though not always directly.

“When it comes to Bergman, the relationship between autobiography and fiction is extremely complicated,” said Jan Holmberg, the chief executive of the Ingmar Bergman Foundation.

A sensation in Sweden, it was seen by most of the adult population. And yes, sure, correlation does not imply causation, but after its debut, Swedish divorce were rumored to have doubled. Holmberg remembers watching a rerun as a 10-year-old.

“It was a rude awakening to adult life,” he said.

The writer and director Hagai Levi saw it as a teenager, on Israeli public television, during a stint on a kibbutz. “I was shocked,” he said. The series taught him that a television series could be radical, that it could be art. When he created “BeTipul,” the Israeli precursor to “In Treatment,” he used “Scenes” as proof of the concept “that two people can talk for an hour and it can work,” Levi said. (Strangely, “Scenes” also inspired the prime-time soap “Dallas.”)

So when Daniel Bergman, Ingmar Bergman’s youngest son, approached Levi about a remake, he was immediately interested.

But the project languished, in part because loving a show isn’t reason enough to adapt it. Divorce is common now — in Sweden, and elsewhere — and the relationship politics of the original series, in which the male character deserts his wife and young children for an academic post, haven’t aged particularly well.

Then about two years ago, Levi had a revelation. He would swap the gender roles. A woman who leaves her marriage and child in pursuit of freedom (with a very hot Israeli entrepreneur in place of a visiting professorship) might still provoke conversation and interest.

So the Marianne and Johan of the original became Mira and Jonathan, with a Boston suburb (re-created in a warehouse just north of New York City), stepping in for the Stockholm of the original. Jonathan remains an academic though Mira, a lawyer in the original, is now a businesswoman who out-earns him.

Casting began in early 2020. After Isaac met with Levi, he wrote to Chastain to tell her about the project. She wasn’t available. The producers cast Michelle Williams. But the pandemic reshuffled everyone’s schedules. When production was ready to resume, Williams was no longer free. Chastain was. “That was for me the most amazing miracle,” Levi said.

Isaac and Chastain met in the early 2000s at Juilliard. He was in his first year; she, in her third. He first saw her in a scene from a classical tragedy, slapping men in the face as Helen of Troy. He was friendly with her then-boyfriend, and they soon became friends themselves, bonding through the shared trauma of an acting curriculum designed to break its students down and then build them back up again. Isaac remembered her as “a real force of nature and solid, completely solid, with an incredible amount of integrity,” he said.

In the next window, Chastain blushed. “He was super talented,” she said. “But talented in a way that wasn’t expected, that’s challenging and pushing against constructs and ideas.” She introduced him to her manager, and they celebrated each other’s early successes and went to each other’s premieres. (A few of those photos are used in “Scenes From a Marriage” as set dressing.)

In 2013, Chastain was cast in J.C. Chandor’s “A Most Violent Year,”opposite Javier Bardem. When Bardem dropped out, Chastain campaigned for Isaac to have the role. Weeks before shooting, they began to meet, fleshing out the back story of their characters — a husband and wife trying to corner the heating oil market in 1981 New York — the details of the marriage, business, life.

It was their first time working together, and each felt a bond that went deeper than a parallel education and approach. “Something connects us that’s stronger than any ideas of character or story or any of that,” Isaac said. “There’s something else that’s more about like, a shared existence.”

Chandor noticed how they would support each other on set, and challenge each other, too, giving each other the freedom to take the characters’ relationship to dark and dangerous places. “They have this innate trust with each other,” Chandor said.

That trust eliminated the need for actorly tricks or shortcuts, in part because they know each other’s tricks too well. Their motto, Isaac said, was, “Let’s figure this [expletive] out together and see what’s the most honest thing we can do.”

Moni Yakim, Juilliard’s celebrated movement instructor, has followed their careers closely and he noted what he called the “magnetism and spiritual connection” that they suggested onscreen in the film.

“It’s a kind of chemistry,” Yakim said. “They can read each other’s mind and you as an audience, you can sense it.”

Telepathy takes work. When they knew that shooting “Scenes From a Marriage” could begin, Chastain bought a copy of “All About Us,” a guided journal for couples, and filled in her sections in character as Mira. Isaac brought it home and showed it to his wife, the filmmaker Elvira Lind.

“She was like, ‘You finally found your match,’” Isaac recalled. “’Someone that is as big of a nerd as you are.’”

The actors rehearsed, with Levi and on their own, talking their way through each long scene, helping each other through the anguished parts. When production had to halt for two weeks, they rehearsed then, too.

Watching these actors work reminded Amy Herzog, a writer and executive producer on the series, of race horses in full gallop. “These are two people who have so much training and skill,” she said. “Because it’s an athletic feat, what they were being asked to do.”

But training and skill and the “All About Us” book hadn’t really prepared them for the emotional impact of actually shooting “Scenes From a Marriage.” Both actors normally compartmentalize when they work, putting up psychic partitions between their roles and themselves. But this time, the partitions weren’t up to code.

“I knew I was in trouble the very first week,” Chastain said.

She couldn’t hide how the scripts affected her, especially from someone who knows her as well as Isaac does. “I just felt so exposed,” she said. “This to me, more than anything I’ve ever worked on, was definitely the most open I’ve ever been.”

“It felt so dangerous,” she said.

I visited the set in February (after multiple Covid-19 tests and health screenings) during a final day of filming. It was the quietest set I had ever seen: The atmosphere was subdued, reverent almost, a crew and a studio space stripped down to only what two actors would need to do the most passionate and demanding work of their careers.

Isaac didn’t know if he would watch the completed series. “It really is the first time ever, where I’ve done something where I’m totally fine never seeing this thing,” he said. “Because I’ve really lived through it. And in some ways I don’t want whatever they decide to put together to change my experience of it, which was just so intense.”

The cameras captured that intensity. Though Chastain isn’t Mira and Isaac isn’t Jonathan, each drew on personal experience — their parents’ marriages, past relationships — in ways they never had. Sometimes work on the show felt like acting, and sometimes the work wasn’t even conscious. There’s a scene in the harrowing fourth episode in which they both lie crumpled on the floor, an identical stress vein bulging in each forehead.

“It’s my go-to move, the throbbing forehead vein,” Isaac said on a follow-up video call last month. Chastain riffed on the joke: “That was our third year at Juilliard, the throb.”

By then, it had been five months since the shoot wrapped. Life had returned to something like normal. Jokes were possible again. Both of them seemed looser, more relaxed. (Isaac had already poured himself one tequila shot and was ready for another.) No one cried.

Chastain had watched the show with her husband. And Isaac, despite his initial reluctance, had watched it, too. It didn’t seem to have changed his experience.

“I’ve never done anything like it,” he said. “And I can’t imagine doing anything like it again.”

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#oscar isaac #jessica chastain #scenes from a marriage #hagai levi #michelle williams #elvira lind #behind the scenes #article

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dolliedarlin · 3 years

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Hi I’m one of the anons who’s obsessing over the P.A series!!!!! For some reason my brain has been full w diff things that could happen IDKKK! Hope u don’t mind if I dump a few....

TW: this is A bunch of rambling and some grammar errors LMAO sorry

Idk y I c y/n having a stalker💀 this prob sounds rlly weird but hear me out. (To add drama, also I Lowkey wanna c Mina,Sero and kiri get mad idk y-)

Since we all know y/n is the baddest most sophisticated b*tch (sorry idk if I’m allowed to cuss or not LMAO) her Ex lover is still obsessed w her and thinks that they are soulmate even tho they obv aren’t. I feel like y/n knows he stalks her but she ignores it until it gets worst. Like he found out where she lives. (He finds out where she lives while she’s sick which is now loll)

Anyways I feel like Mina would be over at y/ns place and since she’s getting better they are In her living room talking abt who knows what and y/n gets a knock on her door she goes to open it and admittedly closes it looking shocked. Mina being a pro hero is supposed to be able to read body language. Mina ask her if everything is Alr and y/n OFC (stupid a**) says yes. Mina didn’t want to keep pressing the issue so she dropped it until it became a reoccurring thing with y/n and it’s not just her that noticed. She (y/n) is extremely hesitant to open the door and when she does she opens it a little bit. (And then idk her EX does crazy like breaks into her apt and scares the sh** outa y/n) THIS IS WHERE MY BIG IDEA STOPS 😭😭😭😭😭😭 that was a lotta rambling my apologies

Have a great day dollie!

oh no! please don’t feel bad, it’s always fun for me seeing what you dolls would want to happen next

although i don’t plan on bringing any psycho exes into ‘the p.a’ series, as a writer and an avid daydreamer, i can’t help but play around with this idea

warning: there are brief mentions of violence ; this is not a part of ‘the p.a’ series but is just a little thought that i just couldn’t help but try my own hand at also ; i didn’t edit this either 😂 so kindly forgive any grammatical/spelling mistakes

continuing on from your idea...

⏤mina, having the sneaking suspicion that something bad might happen to you that night, notifies the rest of the group later on that day

⏤usually, bakugou was in charge of you during the night and always sat in a chair beside your bed on high alert, ready to serve your every need...

⏤BUT!

⏤now that mina told them about your suspicious behaviour, all of them were put on high alert.

⏤they all agreed to keep you unaware of their intentions by having bakugou take care of you like usual but they made sure that when on the night patrol, they were close by with their radios on and constantly being hyper aware of the shortest route to your residence from wherever they were situated - just in case of an emergency

⏤naturally, they trusted bakugou with keeping you safe but that didn’t mean that they had no worries for you at all

⏤seeing as you usually feel asleep before bakugou switched with the sero, who took care of you in the late evening, you were under the impression that you were alone at home

⏤your current condition disallowed you from comfortably staying awake so you were constantly tossing and turning in bed, brows furrowed and sweating more than usual

⏤”what is she dreaming about?” bakugou utters in frustration as he continues to wipe away the vastly accumulating sweat rom your wrinkled brows

⏤he wasn’t frustrated at you no no, he was annoyed at the fact that he couldn’t make you comfortable no matter how many wet towels he uses to cook your forehead or wipe your sweat clean off your skin

⏤as the night progresses, you eventually fall into a dreamless sleep, far too exhausted to continue stressing over your ex with the added burden of your fever on your body

⏤nevertheless, bakugou continues being on high alert at all times except for when he momentarily leaves to room so as to go to the toilet

⏤this was the perfect opportunity for your crazy ex to sneak into your room via the window bakugou left ajar so as to help cool you down better

⏤your ex was a creepy and disgusting man - someone that you had grown to dislike the more you got to know him and naturally left as quickly as you were able to

⏤what followed was harassment to the highest degree, thankfully you were able to protect yourself due to your self defence training and quirk, however, it didn’t take away the shuddering feeling of being watched constantly

⏤you grew paranoid and extremely fidgety over time and eventually filled for a restraining order. unfortunately, that didn’t work and left you to deal with the situation yourself

⏤you were naive enough to think that you had shaken him after a particularly horrible beating he took from you in self defence. he had come at you with a knife but you were able to disarm him and send him limping home with a dislocated arm, a black eye and a bruised ribcage

⏤over time, you got busy with work and slowly forgot about him, it wasn’t until today that you were reminded of his crazy obsession with you and were thrown into a panic

⏤believing that you were alone at night and in your most vulnerable state, you didn’t feel safe and sought to deal with the situation however you could, even in your dreams

⏤all attempts were in vain, however

⏤bakugou, returning from his momentary break to the toilet came back just in time to see your creepy ex hovering over your sleeping figure. as if you sensed the unpleasant existence stalking you, your body stiffened under the blankets and you began to breathe uncomfortably, beginning to sweat bucket-fulls once more

⏤not wanting to disturb your sleep as rest was the top priority for you, bakugou crept up from behind the unknown figure and instantly went for his neck, choking him into silence as he dragged his thrashing figure outside, far away from you all the while sending a emergency signal to the rest of the squad

⏤in no time at all, the rest of the squad arrived and had your crazy ex cornered. at this time he had already been tied up by bakugou and was ready for a quick chat

⏤”what the hell were you doing with our yn?” kirishima began, sharp teeth grinding together as he clenched his jaw

⏤silence

⏤”speak up, we can’t fucking hear you,” bakugou spat as the others glared on from beside him, their eyes piercing through the moonlight and darkness of the night

⏤”y-yn isn’t yours - that’s the first thing,” your ex finally cracked, giggling creepily in between

⏤”you’re right,” sero began, “yn doesn’t belong to anyone so why were did you break into her house,” it took everything in sero not to lash out but they needed answers

⏤”wrong again!” your ex sang, “she doesn’t belong to you, she belongs to me! i’m her boyfriend!”

⏤”yn doesn’t have a boyfriend,” kaminari spoke up

⏤”that’s right! and if she did, we would have known,” mina agreed

⏤“that’s because she doesn’t know it yet, we broke up but we’ll get back together again soon” the tied up man giggled to himself, “it’s only a matter of time before she realises her mistake and she comes back to me,”

⏤the team of heroes didn’t know what to say, they were so shocked and appalled at what they were seeing and hearing that they couldn’t bring themselves to utter a single word of response, they only listened further

⏤”i hoped she’d come back soon, anyway...but i was getting impatient so i had to try and convince her a little more. she’s been ignoring my love for her all this time, she can’t continue rejecting me for long...” he laughs, “i bet she misses it”

⏤“miss what...?” bakugou didn’t want to know but it had to be said

⏤”i bet she misses being with me. she’s so beautiful and so soft to the touch, she always smells good too and she has such a lovely voice - i want her all to myself, she doesn’t deserve to be anybody else’s”

⏤it was then that the team of heroes just about lost their minds. the creep before them didn’t say anything explicit but the madness in his eyes and the harrowing smile he was displaying was off putting. they dread to imagine what a lowlife nasty sob like him put you through but they saw flashes of unforgivable scenes that sent all of them into insanity

⏤someone so precious to them didn’t deserve any such treatment. you may not have disclosed anything to them strict on being professional but if this man was willing to break into your house...they were fearful to think about what else he was capable of

⏤he deserved a beating from that act alone, actually, and a beating he got

⏤they could’ve killed the guy - they were more than tempted to and it would have been so easy...but he deserved to suffer in jail for his crimes against you so they held back no matter how painful that was for them

⏤the very next day, under their authority and recommendation, the man was locked up for as many years as they could tally up and seeing as they were heroes, they were able to look into his past documentations and found you had filed a restraining order for him under harassment, assault and a number of other things they grew all the more furious at the more the read

⏤they would prefer it if you didn’t realise what they did that night but the media couldn’t let the story of 5 high class pro heroes sending a singular, beaten man to jail for life

⏤your creepy ex’s battered photos were all over the news and you were so incredibly grateful

#love; dollie #precious anon #not part of the pa series #just a little imagining #this was fun

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charming-charlie · 4 years

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Like Father, Unlike Son

Title // Like Father, Unlike Son

Pairing // Evan Buckley x Reader

Warnings // Mentions of absentee parents. Mentions of sex. Maybe some other little triggers, especially toward our man ☹

Summary // Buck’s parents are in town. Are you sure you want to meet them?

Word Count // 2.7k

Prompt // Hey! Hope you're doing good! I don't know if you ccurrently do requests or not or if this is where to ask for them but I have one in case you do take them. Evan Buckley x reader where his parents come to town and they are really passive agressive towards him, complaining about his work and that he's "not as nice of a boy as he used to be" but he doesn't tell them to stop. Eventually they remark on his birthmark, hitting an old insecurity and reader comforts him? Thank you for your time! <33

Author’s Note // Okay listen writing this broke my heart. Someone fix it by sending me cute little Buck gifs <3

“What are you doing?” you asked your boyfriend, firefighter Evan Buckley, as he pranced around his loft apartment. Armed with a duster in one hand and a broom in the other, you would’ve made a bet with Maddie that he was dressing as Cinderella for Halloween. It was a weird sight to see because he was cleaning. The man was actually cleaning and you could not get over it.

You took your phone out and secretly snapped a few photos of Buck. He was dusting the top of the fridge and it just occurred to you… is that an area people are supposed to clean?

This was getting more and more strange.

You sent the photo to Maddie, who instantly replied, ‘all he is missing is an apron!’ with a few laughing-crying emojis. You smiled at her response, letting your brain picture the sight of Buck prancing around in an apron, holding various cleaning tools, like some 1950s housewife. You would’ve hung onto that ridiculous thought if Buck didn’t decide to speak up just then.

“I told you. My parents are coming. This place needs to be spotless,” Buck started dusting the undersides of the kitchen cabinets and you continued watching him. Your face was scrunched up as you followed his hand movements. Did Buck ever clean like this before?

For as long as you’ve known him, he never really mentioned his parents and that was not something you wanted to ask about unless he brought it up. Maddie mentioned a few things to you, in order to prepare you for the day, but it wasn’t much. Both Buckley parents were absent in their children’s’ lives, forcing Maddie and Buck to rely on each other while growing up. This would be the first time you’ve met them, and the first time Buck has seen them in who knows how long. This was a big deal. You thought you should be the one who is nervous. This would be the first time meeting the boyfriend’s parents and you needed to make a good impression. But Buck… he was acting like the world was going to end if the spout of the kitchen sink wasn’t properly polished. He was nervous enough for the both of you. Your job, which you were trying to settle into without overthinking, was to be calm and level-headed enough for the both of you.

That still didn’t stop the butterflies from moving full speed in your stomach.

When Buck started to pull out all the Tupperware containers and begin rearranging them in a new, organized, and super unnecessary way, you decided to intervene. Standing up, you made your way to your boyfriend and you slipped your arms around him, essentially hugging him from behind. Your head rested between his shoulder blades as you just held him in a comforting way.

Buck froze for a second and you could feel how tense and stiff he was. However, he instantly relaxed in your arms, like a weight had been lifted and you could sense a grin that splashed onto his face. He turned around in your arms, facing you while you hugged him at the waist.

He was taller than you by a good foot. Even if you stood on your tippy toes, you would not reach his lips, and damn did you want to right now. It was a good thing he knew you well enough to read your mind because he was thinking the same thing. He leaned down, much to your happiness, and placed the sweetest, softest kiss upon your lips. It was perfect, the way he dangled himself in front of you, leaving you wanting more and knowing you couldn’t reach him. He teased you in a way that made you both frustrated and excited.

“I know I’m acting crazy. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you,” Buck said as he captured your lips with his one more time.

The second kiss caught you by surprised, but you welcomed it. You leaned into him and your fingers instantly tightened and gripped his white shirt. You tried to let go, knowing his pressed white shirt and black blazer were for show and he wanted to make a good impression on his parents, but if you didn’t hold onto him, you were going to melt into a puddle of goo.

Imagine Buck trying to clean that up.

You grinned into the kiss as the new image that popped into your head, but it was short-lived. There was a knock on the door, five concise raps in a row. Buck instantly pulled away, and you caught a small, tiny look of fear in his eyes. He masked it by putting on a brave face but you knew him better than that.

“Go get the door, I’ll clean this up,” you told him with a gentle smile. You firmly nudged him toward the door and Buck reluctantly went to open it. You hurriedly put all the Tupperware containers back in their original cabinet, with organization going out the window. The door opened just as you shut the cabinet door, and you turned around on your heels and leaned against the counter, trying to act calm and casual.

You could hear the greetings and see the hugs before you saw the people. Buck’s parents appeared into view, smiling at their son, who you would’ve guessed they haven’t seen in such a long, long time.

First, you saw a woman. Her hair was tightly pulled back into an updo and she dressed in a business suit, paralleling her son in a semi-formal way. Following her was an older gentleman, dressed nearly identical as Buck. Apparently, looking proper was part of the Buckley charm. You must have missed that memo, since you were wearing jeans and a nice shirt, more casual than the Buckley family.

“You must be the one my son is so smitten with,” the woman replied with a smile. She made her way across the living area and into the kitchen, pulling you into a weird and awkward one-armed hug.

“I didn’t know firefighters could afford places like this,” the older gentleman said as he looked around.

You looked at Buck, who’s smile seemed to twitch with slight offensiveness. You knew he was proud of his job and you remember telling him that he loved his job more than you. Naturally, Buck denied that but played along and said his job kept him satisfied in ways that you couldn’t. You took it as a challenge and the two of you had mind-blowingly incredible sex that night. However, you were now cursing at your brain to abandon this train of thought at the station. You didn’t need to think about your sexual life with Buck while his parents were right there.

“I’m doing well for myself,” Buck said with a proud smile.

You nodded in agreement. Buck was doing good. He had a semi-stable job, he was healthy (especially after those blood clots in his leg that gave everybody a scare), and he was happy. Life was pretty good for him, and you could see how he was taking things all in stride.

“I thought you would have made something of yourself by now, Evan.” His mother spoke up. She was standing right next to you and it took every ounce of your strength to pull yourself together and not flash her a ‘what the hell did you just say????’ look. Instead, you kept your eyes on Buck, showing an obvious emotion of confusion.

Buck was certainly caught off guard by his mother’s words and seemed to be rendered speechless when his father chimed in with agreements.

“Firefighting is not a career, you know. I thought we raised you better than that,” his father said so casually, like he was making normal conversation and not offending his son by his choice of employment.

You felt a sense of dread swirling inside. You were longing to meet Buck’s parents and now you could not wait for them to leave.

“He does a very good job as a first responder. He saved countless people. Maddie also helps. It’s pretty great seeing the two Buck siblings take on the world together,” you said, trying not to cringe at how pathetic you sounded. Buck wasn’t speaking up, which meant that you had to take the reins and defend him. He deserves to be treated better than that.

“And to go so long without a phone call, or a letter, or even an email!” Buck’s dad was rambling as he walked around the apartment, staring at how immaculate Buck tried to make it, “would it have killed you to let us know what you’ve been up to? Seems like you just dropped off the face of the earth!”

If that wasn’t disgusting enough, the laugh that Buck’s dad gave shortly after sent your blood boiling. Was he finding this funny, calling his son out like this?

“You used to be such a nice boy,” Buck’s mother said as she approached her son, “but now it just feels like you and your sister enjoy ignoring us.”

How Buck was still standing was impressive to you. If it were you, some deep-rooted anger would have shot out right now and slapped his parents across the face. Buck told you bits and pieces about his parents. They were never there growing up. Their careers were more important than their children, leaving Buck and Maddie to sort of raise each other and look out for one another. It was not an ideal situation, and it broke your heart when Buck told you. He was visibly upset when it came to sharing details about his parents and you didn’t ask further questions.

But when Buck received a phone call from his mom, saying that both mom and dad will be in Los Angeles for a conference, you saw how excited he was. Hell, he was waltzing around the apartment, cleaning and tidying things up all week, after his mom mentioned that she would stop by for a visit with his dad. What was it all for? To be continuously kicked while he was already down?

“And this thing,” Buck’s mother said as her face scrunched in disgust, “you should get this removed. You would look much more handsome.” Her hand brushed against the birthmark on Buck’s face, and Buck instantly pulled back at the touch.

If you weren’t paying attention, you would have missed the part where Buck’s father actually nodded in agreement without having said anything. Your hands were shaking, and you stuffed them into the back pockets of your jeans, trying to keep your nerves in check. These people were Buck’s parents? This is how parents act toward their children?

Buck’s jaw clenched as he inhaled deeply, sending the worst disguised smile in his mother’s direction. “I wonder what’s keeping the food. I’m gonna check, be right back.”

He left the apartment, and you immediately felt like you were swimming in awkwardness. With Buck gone, they might pick on you next, and you were not going to let that happen. Racking your brain for an excuse, you settled with a simple one.

“Shoot, he forgot to grab the money to pay for lunch. I’ll be right back,” you flashed a friendly yet passive-aggressive smile in their direction and took off after your man, who was outside in the fresh air and taking deep breaths with his eyes closed, like he needed to practice meditation in order to calm down.

“Hey,” you said, grabbing him by the arm gingerly. He pulled back quickly, and his eyes popped open, but once he saw it was just you, he relaxed. “Sorry.”

He shook his head at your little apology. “Don’t be. Are you glad to have met them now?”

There was anger laced in his voice and, while you knew it wasn’t directed at you, it still stung a bit to be talked to like that. He could see it on your face and his features melted into pure apology as he reached for your hand. You let him take it, and he slowly tangled his fingers through your own. You let silence wash over the two of you, because that was what was needed right now. Sitting through lunch with those two people was going to be hell, and you wanted no part of it, but you needed to be there for him.

“You know,” you said, leaning into him a little. You couldn’t help it; he was like a magnet that always pulled you in. “You don’t need them. You have a loving, supportive family at the firehouse. Bobby and Athena can be your new parents. They already act the part.”

Buck let out a soft, sweet laugh. The fact that he found your little quip to be entertaining was music to your ears. “You don’t regret dating me, do you?”

You stared at him, unsure if he was being sarcastic or not. The look on his face told you everything you needed to know. He was really asking. Apparently, his parents verbally beating him up made him question a lot of things. You frowned, thinking at how just a fifteen-minute conversation with Buck’s mom and dad could change almost everything about him, you, and your relationship.

“Of course not,” you responded evenly, without even having to think about it, “I love you for you. You can sometimes be dumb, you know this, but you have a true heart of gold. And honestly, Buck, you are hot as hell.”

He laughed again, this time deeper and genuine. He let go of your hand and pulled you into a sweet hug, holding you tightly against his chiseled physique. “I needed that, thank you.”

You pulled away from him just enough to look at his handsome face. “I mean it. You are perfect. Your parents haven’t seen you in years, they haven’t seen how much you’ve changed. I see you every day. I’ve seen the progression. I’ve seen the pain you went through to be who you are today, and I love you so much for it. Let’s just get through this lunch and send your parents on their way, and you never have to think about them again.”

It wasn’t the greatest speech, but it comforted him. His smile never wavered as he looked at you, soaking in the words as they left your mouth. He nodded in response, feeling a newfound sense of bravery seeping inside. “I’ll do it if you are by my side.”

“There’s no place I’d rather be,” you said, knowing exactly how cheesy that sounded. But you didn’t care.

Buck leaned in, claiming your lips against his own in a welcomed surprise. You went back to leaning on him, his arms snaking themselves around you as he kissed you. Your heart was beating erratically as adrenaline pumped through. Your head was slowly filling up with fog and you were losing all sense of direction. If he wasn’t holding you like he was now, you would have no way of knowing which direction was up. Everything was blurry and out of focus, and it was a state of euphoria that you loved being in.

“Excuse me, I’m looking for the Buckley residence? I have eighty dollars’ worth of Chinese food here,” someone’s voice squeaked into your thoughts, taking root much to your annoyance.

You pulled away from Buck’s lips, looking surprised. “Eighty dollars’ worth of food?” you couldn’t help but ask in shock.

“Okay listen, I was planning ahead,” Buck retorted with a smile. He shrugged like he did nothing wrong, like he was not guilty of spending so much money on a Chinese feast.

“Planning for what?’

“You and I aren’t going to leave the apartment for a couple days. The food is to help us replenish our strength.” He winked at you. Since when did he start winking at you?

“Are we working out or something?”

“Yeah, in bed.”

You slapped his arm with a gasp as he laughed and went to the deliver driver to collect the food. God, he was so good to you, and you had to smile at how happy he made you. The two of you could do this. You could both get through one afternoon with the Buckley’s because afterwards, it would be just the two of you again. No worries, no stress, no fear. You wanted that more than anything.

Despite a rocky start, you had a newer outlook on his parents. After all of this, there was one thing you knew for certain. Evan Buckley was not like his parents and you have never been prouder of him.

#Buck #evan buckley #evan buckley x reader #buck x reader #evan buckley x you #9-1-1 #911 #oliver stark #writing request

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enkelimagnus · 3 years

Text

A Castle in the Forest

Percy x Vex’ahlia, Chapter 6, 3943 words,

A Modern AU, in which Vex is a park ranger taking over the Alabaster Sierras post, and finds much more than she bargained for

Read on AO3

Back to Vex, on her path to hunt a fiend...

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

“It’s fine, thank you anyway.”

Vex slams the red button on her phone, as if clicking on it harder will make her frustration known to the world. She wishes she had an older phone so she could slam down the handset onto the base. It would be like slamming a door at the end of an argument; a physical show of her feelings.

She’s been on the phone all morning, trying desperately to get some answers on what she’s supposed to do with the fiend now that it has killed at least one person. Not anyone, at that, someone trained to take things down and keep parks protected. If Regae was anything like her, he had put up a fight before dying. But the creature had prevailed.

The one thing she was told about was the Grey Hunt. Not only did the Pale Guard officer tell her about it on the crime scene, but pretty much everyone she’s tried calling told her to ask them. Except they don’t exist anymore. They haven’t in years.

There are no records of previous members either. Vex wants to scream in frustration. For the first time since she’s arrived, she realizes how alone she is. She wasn’t so alone before. In Shademurk, she could ask Saundor and if he was in a good mood and if she played her cards right, he would use his amazing influence to help her. Here she has no one. She almost misses him.

What? No. She doesn’t miss him. She can’t miss him, she won’t. The fact that he was supposed to love her and that she had to bargain with him, the very sovereign of Shademurk Bog, to get him to do anything for her, from dishes to actually working with her to make Shademurk better.

She doesn’t miss him. At all. Her new home is completely clear of him, empty of memories of him. She’s not going to choke on his presence every time she looks somewhere. It’s better here. She’s better now than she ever was before.

If Saundor was here, he would take credit for her strength, for her work. He would say he made her, shaped her into the ranger he is today. He always used to say that. She used to believe him.

Vex stands from her chair and paces a little into the cabin. No Grey Hunt. No Pale Guard. As far as she knows, Pike Trickfoot and Grog Strongjaw are still willing to go hunt a fiend with her. That’s all she has. Her own limited abilities, a cleric and a goliath. And no Vax.

She told him to stay in Westrunn a little. She was hoping to have the fiend problem sorted before he arrived, to be honest, so she wouldn’t have to ask for his help. He’s helped her way too much already.

Besides, she’d rather know he’s with Gilmore, enjoying himself and his boyfriend. They don’t see each other enough. She can manage without him. She should be able to. She’s a strong, capable person.

In the bathroom, she splashes cold water onto her face, forcefully clearing her thoughts. When she looks up from the sink to look into the mirror, she swallows, hard. She looks tired. There are dark circles in the brown skin below her eyes. Her lips are cracked, from the cold. She’s forgotten to put on lip balm. Her hair is dirty, greasy.

It’s been three days. Three days since she’s received that call on the forgotten radio. Three days and she’s already forgotten to take care of herself. She’s really holding on by a thread, isn’t she?

Her nails dig painfully into her palm and only then does she stop staring at her own tired face.

She walks away and slams the door behind herself. The force makes the wall shudder and it feels right. Vex smiles a little. That was the first hint of satisfaction she’s felt since her arrow shot through Donovan Clarence’s hand.

The cub at her feet whines a little, turning over from where he’d been napping.

“I’m sorry,” she says softly and crouches to pet the dark brown fur. “Slamming the door woke you up, huh?” She asks softly.

The cub leans into her hand like he’s starving for touch. He’s always going to forgive her for these things, isn’t he? Her smile widens slightly, growing more relaxed and genuine.

Her phone buzzes and she reaches for it, before sitting on the floor next to the cub. It’s a text from Vax, with an image attached. She opens the image first.

It’s a photo of the inside of a shop, large and filled with glass-covered shelves. She can see the shine of gold and silver and precious gems behind the glass. Her eyebrow raises. The fact they’re still behind glass and not in Vax’s sneaky hand is surprising. She looks over at the caption of the image.

Exercise in restraint: Gilmore’s shop. Many trinkets, none for me.

About five different dirty remarks come to Vex’s mind but she pushes them back. Vax is a bit uncomfortable with discussions of his sex life, joking unfactual remarks or not. She’s not going to make him uncomfortable now.

She takes a picture of the cub snuggled in the space between her crossed legs.

I saw this one and couldn’t help myself… Trinket addiction running in the family?

She sends the picture but looks down at the cub with a thought. Trinket is a good name. She likes it. Loves it, actually.

“May I call you Trinket, darling?” She asks. Giving him a name means keeping him, but she’s far past that point now. She’s known it, deep down for a while.

The cub doesn’t seem to mind it. Vex presses a kiss to the furry head with a smile, the biggest in a long time.

They say rangers often find companions. Vex has just found hers.

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

They meet at the mouth of the trail, the way they’d originally planned. It’s a few days later than expected, yes, but Vex has been busy desperately trying to get some sort of official help. She was hoping not to have to ask Pike and Grog.

She sees the goliath before the gnome, the giant axe hanging heavy over the man’s shoulder. By his side, the cleric looks way less aggressive. Vex doesn’t know which one will be more useful. Divine healing or brute force. Either way, she’s incredibly glad to have someone by her side right now.

“So,” she smiles nervously. “Thank you for coming. I apologize for pushing back the date of meeting. I was hoping to get some sort of professional help, but it seems like Whitestone doesn’t have the infrastructure.”

The cleric, Pike, nods. “The city has seen a lot of things.”

Vex doesn’t know what that means, really. She doesn’t ask. Not right now. She’ll ask later, once they have a dead fiend and a victory under their belt. People were much more likely to spill secrets if adrenaline and serotonin were flowing through their veins.

Sometimes, she’s almost ashamed of the many tricks she’s learned throughout the years. And then she remembers it was people like the Syngornian Elves and Saundor who made her learn these things,and she stops feeling like she should have somehow stayed innocent through all the shit they put her through.

They start on their way, not to where she initially sensed the fiend, but to where the body was found. It’s more likely that they’ll find usable traces there.

The winter cold bites at her cheeks, but the goliath is shirtless. She raises an eyebrow, both respectful and thinking him mad to be out there like this. They start climbing up the trail in relative silence, with the crunching of their boots and the jingling of the cleric’s chainmail.

Vex doesn’t know what kind of small talk to do now. This is not a light-hearted situation, and she just wants the creature out of her woods.

“Have you killed fiends before?” The goliath asks after a moment.

Vex looks over at him over her shoulder. “Not a fiend, no. I’ve killed other things. Fey, mostly.”

Pike raises an eyebrow. “Fey? Were you around the doors to the Feywild before you came to the Alabaster Sierras?”

Vex hesitates for a moment. It’s a lot of information to give to complete strangers. She shrugged the paranoia off however. “I was. I was tasked with keeping an eye on a part of the Verdant Expanse, that, just like Syngorn, can switch between the Feywild and our plane. I lived in the Feywild for a part of my time there.”

“That’s so cool!” Pike grins and Vex can’t help the smile that tugs at the corner of her lips.

It is pretty cool.

The Feywild is somewhere most people have barely heard of, let alone visited. And Vex, though in pretty horrible circumstances, has been able to call it home for a moment of her life. On the way up the trail, her two companions manage to coax her into recounting the Feywild.

She tells them of the permanent dusk, of the sun that’s always at its most beautiful, its most reddening and purpling state duskward of Shademurk. She tells them of the dark of the night on the other side, of looking at the sky and never knowing exactly the time. She tells them of age-old trees that hold secrets they only tell the worthy.

She tells them of dryads and naiads and the howling of lycans. She doesn’t tell them of Saundor but she tells them of Fenthras.

One day, she’ll reach under her bed, take it out and shoot. It’s still the most beautiful thing she’s ever seen, the wood alive and the power tangible. She still dreams of wielding it, as she runs free through ever shifting woods, laughter on her lips.

When they make it to the campsite where the body was found, she feels lighter than she has in a long time. Both the cleric and the goliath are smiling lightly. They exchange a look, and then get to work.

Vex sits on a stone and starts expanding her consciousness as Pike runs identifying and tracking spells on whatever magic trace they can find. It’s hard to tune out her kind babbling or Grog’s regular deep-toned comments, but Vex finally manages and exhales.

With her breath goes her mind and soon she finds herself floating, drifting, one with the wind and with nature. She barely has to wait to find the fiendish presence. It pings on her mental radar loud and clear and close.

Way too close. They’re close to its lair.

Vex’s eyes open wide and she comes back crashing into herself. She barely gives herself time to come back into her body before she shoots to her feet and shares her findings. Grog takes his giant axe out. Pike unclasps a mace the size of her body from Grog’s back.

Vex takes her bow in hand and notches an arrow, ready to draw and shoot. They start walking in the direction where she can still feel the echoing presence of the creature. It rests heavy on her back of her neck, a pressure she can’t shake.

They walk into higher grass off of beaten paths. Vex slips into the underbrush with ease, but it’s far from the case for the two accompanying her. Pike in particular makes great noise and gets caught in almost every weed she can possibly get caught on. Vex huffs. Here goes the effect of surprise.

They find the lair empty, and her heart tightens in her chest. Fuck. It knows they are there.

A shape moves from the shadows overhead and Vex immediately reacts. Her body moves without her thinking anything through. Her arrow shoots through the air and hits right in the middle of the creature’s chest. It screams in pain. Vex smirks. She’s good at this.

The creature has stopped long enough for all of them to see what it is. It’s tall, Vex’s size. Its skin is spiky, barbed, horns sprouting from its skull. Its scream makes the air around it shiver with heat.

The scream is immediately answered by one from Grog. The goliath steps forward with bloodshot eyes and angry determination. He swings his axe forward and pounces on the creature. Maybe his rage has distracted him, because his axe swings wide, the creature too fast to be hit by the massive weapon.

The cleric immediately jumps into action, hands shining with divine light as she reaches up with her holy symbol. Vex can see the wings of Sarenrae carved onto the metal before they disappear behind the burning white light. It shoots out of the symbol and hits the creature.

It screams again as the radiant light engulfs it, lighting it up and burning it with divine power. If they were in darkness, it would be obvious to all of them now. There’s no way any of them are going to miss their next hit against it.

Grog has gotten too close to the creature however, and though it’s still burning with light, it takes no time to attack the giant target the goliath makes. It swipes at the grey-skinned man, one hand missing before the second catches the goliath in the chest, dragging into the skin. Vex winces, but the goliath seems more okay than expected.

The creature tries to hit him with his tail but Grog dodges it with a shiver-inducing grin. “Come on, devil devil!” He taunts. “Is that all you can do?”

Vex’s eyes cross with the creature’s and she takes the opportunity to Hunter’s Mark it. She reaches for another arrow, but her fingers rip against her quiver, shaking lightly now that she’s realized what they were facing. She curses. Pike sends her a slightly worried look.

Grog retaliates against the clawing he’s just received. The axe cleaves a giant gash into the shoulder of the fiend. The goliath immediately reiterates, hacking at the shoulder. The arm of the fiend is now hanging by tendons. It seems to be in incredible pain.

Reaching up with its good arm, the creature screams, warmth radiating from it. Flames erupt from the hand of the creature. Both tries miss the massive target of Grog. The creature seems confused. That’s what pain like the one being inflicted to it does.

Vex notches in another arrow. It grazes the creature but is deflected by its spikes. She groans in annoyance. None of this is working. Why is she so useless right now?

Grog’s axe finally cuts off the creature’s arm, but it doesn’t seem to slow it down that much. Another ray of blinding light hits the devil, however. Pike is breathing hard, but her spells are finding purchase and Vex is incredibly thankful for that, even if they do not do a lot of damage.

The goliath keeps taking a great amount of injury from the furious and in pain devil. Fire burns onto the grey skin, scorching it and a sickening smell permeates the air around them. Vex wants this to end, but she knows it won’t be that easy.

Vex’s next arrow finds purchase right as the great axe slashes through the devil’s chest. A handaxe flies by Vex and hits it square in the thigh. The wounded creature turns around, tail whipping at Grog, before pouncing in with one undamaged arm, missing the goliath entirely with the last two.

They keep hammering at the creature, arrows and great axe wounds and additional mace wounds from a determined Pike hacking at its defenses and crushing its bones. Vex is sweating, she’s a little unfocused, and the screams of the goliath’s rage resounds in her head.

When it finally falls down, it’s one of Vex’s arrows that lodges itself in its eyeball, deeply. It gurgles as it falls, twitching for a few seconds until it stops moving entirely. Vex exhales. She feels like the combat has lasted hours when it’s probably only been minutes.

Pike rushes to her friend and heals him immediately, the burn and other wounds healing and disappearing from the grey flesh as Vex watches. A little unsteady, she finds somewhere to sit and to search.

She waits for a while, searches for something she could have missed, but all fiendish presence is gone from the perimeter of her searching abilities. Relief floods through her system and she finally smiles. It was hard, but they did it. They killed the fiend. The Alabaster Sierras are safer now than they were before.

Vex’s entire body unravels suddenly, her shoulder slumping. They’re fine. She’s fine. They’re all alive and safe and the fiend is gone and she didn’t die killing it. She looks at Pike and Grog. They both look messy and fight-tousled. Vex imagines she looks like that too.

“Thank you,” she says. She means it.

Grog smiles at her, a warm smile. He’s nice. Big and scary, but nice. “It was really fun.” He probably means it too.

Pike nods. “It was!”

Vex is a little more surprised at that, but she can’t help the grin that stretches over her mouth. They start walking again. Vex invites them for tea or coffee. They both ask for alcohol and she chuckles.

They settle around Vex’s table. The cabin feels a little cramped with the two of them. Vex manages to find three containers for the strong old whiskey that Regae left behind. They cheer and drink.

“I’m from Westrunn. The Everlight brought me here,” Pike says when Vex asks if she’s from Whitestone.

“I’m from Westrunn too,” Grog smiles. “And I follow her.” There is unbridled affection in the way he looks over at Pike.

“My brother’s currently in Westrunn,” she points out. “Spending some time with his boyfriend.”

Pike nods. “That’s sweet! I hope he enjoys the city. It’s a little quiet, but it’s a nice place.”

Vex doesn’t say that she doesn’t expect Vax to do a lot of sight-seeing while with Gilmore. The three of them share some food, the rations they’d taken for a possible camping in the mountains, had the fiend evaded them for much longer.

The camaraderie wraps around her like a warm blanket and she finds herself laughing more than she has in years. When she herself starts to feel a light buzz from the alcohol she’s been very careful not to drink too much of, she shifts and prepares herself to start asking questions.

“Have you spent a lot of time here in Whitestone?” She asks after a moment.

“It’s our first time here, actually,” Pike smiles. “We usually stay in Westrunn, or travel south, not north. There is not much for us here.”

Vex raises an eyebrow. “What changed?”

Pike shrugs. “As I said, the Everlight. I’m a cleric, and when my deity calls, I always answer.”

Vex tries to figure out if that’s true, if Pike always answers to Sarenrae but the gnome is hard to read, her blue eyes staring right back into Vex’s as she speaks. There is a steadiness about her though. Something Vex usually senses in the druids and clerics and acolytes of this world, and also in some arcanists, who have faith in their studies the way others have faith in their gods.

Vex wonders how she feels to people. Is she steady with faith? Or is she chaotic and unstable? She wishes, in this moment, that she could see herself through someone else’s eyes. She wants to know what she is to others, so badly.

“What did the Everlight tell you to do here?” She continues.

Pike’s eyes grow a little sharper for a moment, before she smiles again. “There is something for me to heal here. A soul yearning desperately for redemption. My goddess is the patron of healing and redemption, of second chances. This is what I am here for.”

Vex swallows. “Would that be related to the De Rolo Massacre?”

“Maybe,” the gnome shrugs. “Or maybe not. If we had all the details of what exactly our deities want us to do, all these divine quests wouldn’t be quite the challenges they are supposed to be.”

That’s true, she guesses. Vex is definitely not faithful enough for this. She smiles anyway, leaning back against her chair.

The gnome keeps talking. “Maybe the fiend we killed was that soul. Maybe someone we’ve crossed paths with in the street. Maybe it’s you.”

Vex freezes.

“Many people would ask questions about someone like you deciding to live alone this way, in a cabin in the forest,” Pike shrugs. “It’s none of my business, of course. And I will never fault anyone for unconventional life choices.” She hums. “But you ask many questions.”

Kind, warm, but very perceptive. Vex holds up her hands. “You got me,” she huffs. “Just trying to get answers about what’s going on in this city. No one will answer my questions.” She’s tired of it now. So fucking tired. “It was incredibly difficult to find people to help me with this fiend business because no one will talk to me about anything.”

Pike reaches for her hand. “You are a stranger to these people, Vex’ahlia. Give them time to get to know you. For all they know, you have bad intentions. I come with the symbol of my goddess, and that opens some doors to me, and to Grog.” The goliath nods at the mention of his name. “You don’t have that. Unless you’re some deity’s chosen or champion… But you don’t seem like it.”

Vex almost gets offended by that. But the gnome is right. Vex came into town with suspicious eyes. That’s not something people can trust.

“I’m sorry,” Vex sighs. “For the questions I’ve asked. You didn’t have to answer them.”

Pike shrugs. “I didn’t really mind. I’m here because I need to be. And Grog’s with me because he always is, and always will be.” She smiles at that. “You’re here for a reason too.”

Vex huffs. “Right,” she shakes her head. “Did Sarenrae tell you that?” She asks sarcastically.

“You’re not a believer,” Pike chuckles. “It kinda comes off of you like waves. That you don’t believe in anything.”

Vex lost her reason to believe when a dragon burnt her home village to the ground, taking her mother with it. Every snide remark from Syngornian elves, every time she had to fight for Saundor to do anything for her, those were all nails in the coffin of her faith, in gods or in people.

“I think… I think you should start the way back to Whitestone. The road is long, and I don’t want you to get caught by the night. There are creatures.”

Grog huffs. “We can take them on. You fought by our side, you have seen our power.”

Vex doesn’t reply. Pike gets the memo. She gently pushes Grog into getting up. Vex walks them to the door and to the trail and bids them goodbye.

She sits back down at the table. The cabin is small but it feels huge now that she’s alone. Sounds seem to reverberate now that it’s only her breathing, only her body. She wants to run off and tells those two kind people to come back, to stay, to not leave her alone like this. She doesn’t though. She exhales and she starts preparing for more work, and for a good night of sleep.

Did she get any answer? No she didn’t. But at least she’s killed a fiend. The Alabaster Sierras are a bit safer than they were when she arrived.

#perc'ahlia #vex'ahlia #mine #fic #critical role #pike trickfoot #grog strongjaw #vox machina

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ohhipstaplease · 3 years

Text

Strawberry Sugar | NaruHina

Chapter 2

chapter 1 | Read all chapters: Ao3 / FFN

That next morning, as the sun rose and let its rays unfurl across picturesque Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki, woke with a start.

“Naruto Nii-chan!!”

He felt the wind knocked out of him as his incredibly annoying, but equally as endearing, protege jumped upon him full force.

“For the love of-”

“Good morning.”

Naruto glared at Konohamaru, trying to catch his breath, “What did I tell you about using the spare key?”

“Don’t.”

“So why are you here then?”

“You said we were going to train today.”

Naruto rubbed his eyes and turned his alarm clock around to look at it, “It’s eight in the morning, Konohamaru!”

“Early bird gets the worm, and all that stupid stuff everyone else says. I want to be like you big brother Naruto! Saving the village, fighting in wars!” Konohamaru said, animatedly jumping up onto Naruto’s bed and kicking the air.

Naruto shook his head as he watched Konohamaru pace from corner to corner, excitedly chattering away. He could barely process what the now long-haired boy was saying, much less reciprocate. But still, Konohamaru expected Naruto to be 100%, even after he just woke up, “Snap out of it!” He yelled, “You’re a war hero! You can’t be sleeping the day away!”

Naruto sighed, “Can you at least let me get dressed?”

Konohamaru turned around and shook his hand out twice, “Get to it.”

Naruto rolled his eyes but smiled nonetheless. He walked over to the chair next to the small dresser that he had designated for his clothing from the previous day. He slipped on his pants, and had gotten better at it considering the circumstances.

“Are you done yet?” Konohamaru asked impatiently.

“Yeah, yeah,” Naruto said, slipping his shirt over his broad chest. He wondered how even on Saturday he found himself up at 8 AM.

As the tensions surrounding the village had finally dissipated, Naruto hoped to find himself completely free of any responsibilities for at least a while. But lo and behold, Konohamaru knew exactly when to show up. Although to be fair, he wasn’t without things to do this particular weekend. In fact, he was going to see Hinata later that afternoon about something she just had to talk about.

He hadn’t really thought about it either, you know, the fact that one of the most beautiful kunoichis in the village had called him up, nervously asked him if he was free, and emphasized the importance of their meeting. Didn’t realize that over a year ago she had professed her undying love for him. Was he oblivious? Yes. Stupid? Oh, without a doubt. But that was just the way that Naruto Uzumaki rolled.

He had always been free-spirited and tried to not think about the past. It was said and done anyway. What mattered was the here and now. And right here and now, well, his stomach was growling, so really he couldn’t manage to think about anything other than old man Teuchi’s ramen from Ichiraku.

“Alright, food first. We’re going to get some ramen, and then we’ll do a short lesson, okay? I have to meet up with someone later.”

“Who?”

“Hinata.”

“Oh,” Konohamaru said wiggling his eyebrows, “So it’s that kind of meeting.”

“What?” Naruto responded as he made his bed, “She said she just wanted to talk about something.”

“Like what she said during the war?”

Naruto blushed, “You don’t know what you’re talking about, pipsqueak.”

“Yes I do, everyone’s been talking about it.”

“About what?”

“How you both are totally in love with each other.”

“What!?”

“What? Like you two aren’t...” He brushed against Naruto’s shoulder as he whispered “boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“Eh!?” Naruto exclaimed as he stepped back, “No! We’re friends.”

“What a waste, man.” Konohamaru said, shaking his head, “Now that’s a girl that has it bad for you. But then again, ever since you came back that’s been half the world.”

“Stop talking out of your ass.”

“Oh, please, like you haven’t noticed.” Konohamaru paused.

Naruto shrugged, “Not that kind of guy. And you shouldn’t be either,” he said as he ruffled Konohamaru’s hair.

Konohamaru feigned annoyance and quickly smoothed over his ruffled tresses, “Save the lecture nii-chan. I get it. But you should too.”

“And what is it that I should be getting?”

Konohamaru shrugged, “No wonder oneesan complains about you so much.”

“What!? What did Sakura say?”

“I mean, I just heard...”

“Heard?”

“-Overheard her and Hinata talking.”

“About?”

Konohamaru lifted his brow, “Really?”

“Me?”

“Yes! You!”

“Why?” Naruto said, scratching his head.

“For the love of-” Konohamaru reached over Naruto’s head and grabbed a picture that had been snapped at the dinner that was held a few weeks ago. In it Naruto, unsurprisingly, was front and center, eyes closed in a cat-like smile, his thumb up in the air. Sakura hung around his shoulders, her small tongue out and her fingers up in a peace sign. Shikamaru cooly smirked as he held court across from him, Choji smiled bashfully as he looked up from his plate. Kiba, Ino, Shino, and Sai looked at each other as if they were in a heated debate only moments before, they hadn’t even realized a picture was being taken.

Naruto studied each one and saw nothing more than what he had first seen when he tended to glance at the photo. But then his eyes landed on Hinata, and he saw it. There was a look upon her face, a sparkle in her eye, something. He didn’t know quite what to make of it. He thought it was just a weird angle, a mistake made by Iruka when he snapped the picture. Then he realized it wasn’t, she was looking at something.

“What’s she looking at?” Naruto asked, tilting his head.

“You!”

“Me?”

Konohamaru’s fingers landed upon Hinata’s face, and he glided it from her moonstone-like eyes to the object she had been tenderly admiring, “You,” He said, without missing a beat, “She’s looking at you.”

“Yeah,” Naruto said, gripping the nape of his neck, “I guess she is.”

“Do you know why?”

“Why?”

It took everything within Konohamaru not to slam the frame into Naruto’s face. For all his merits, he couldn’t believe the person he looked up to was really that dense.

“If you really don’t know, nii-chan, then you’re going to have to spend some time thinking about it, aren’t you?”

Naruto looked at him blankly, clearly not knowing what to respond to. He had never pondered it, really. And now that the thought was implanted into his mind by Konohamaru, he wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do to remedy it.

After training with Konohamaru, Naruto swung by the apartment of his teammate and friend, Sasuke Uchiha. Since the war, the pair had an unspoken agreement that their doors would always be open for each other, and Naruto had more than taken advantage of the fact. Although Sasuke acted as if Naruto’s constant presence bothered him, Naruto knew nothing could be further from the truth.

Except perhaps on this day. On this particular day Naruto threw open the door to Sasuke’s apartment and exclaimed “Sasuke, buddy, I need to talk to you—”

“Naruto!” Sasuke exclaimed angrily as he jumped up from his couch in the front room. Beside him was a flushed Sakura, sighing and covering her eyes with a small hand.

Naruto’s eyes darted from Sasuke’s reddened lips to Sakura’s who matched his. As soon as he saw the scene before him he yelped, “Oh shit! I’m so sorry I—I didn’t know. I—How long has this been going on?”

Sasuke fixed his shirt and cooly shrugged, “None of your business, Naruto.”

“Oh, come on. Sakura! How could you not tell me, you’ve only been in love with him forever. I would think you’d have told the entire world by now.”

“Shut up, Naruto!”

“You said you wanted to talk to me?” Sasuke said as he took his seat once more, wrapping an arm around Sakura’s shoulders. The kunoichi quickly simmered down and leaned into his embrace.

Naruto nodded, sitting down in the armchair that was placed before his two teammates. “Just like, give me one second. I need to process—” He signaled the lack of space between the pair and shook his head, “whatever this is.”

“You have 5 seconds to start talking or you’re out of here,” Sasuke said firmly.

“Okay, alright. Well, you know Konohamaru’s just a kid and sometimes he has some really crazy ideas, right? Yeah, so, I told him today that I was meeting Hinata later and he just made a face and implied that we were going to fool around.”

Sakura giggled and Sasuke smirked, making Naruto a little apprehensive.

“Yeah, that’s the look he gave me,” He said, pointing at Sasuke.

“I can’t imagine why.”

“We’re just friends! Konohamaru kept going on and on that she loved me and that she confessed to me...but she didn’t! I would know if she had confessed to me, right?

“Idiot.” Sasuke said, rolling his eyes.

“Hey! I came here for advice!”

“I’m giving it to you. You’re an idiot, now think about why that may be...other than the obvious reasons.”

“You’d think having a girlfriend would’ve made him a little nicer,” Naruto said under his breath.

Sakura narrowed her eyes, “You have something to say?”

“No.”

“Well, I do.”

“What’s that?”

“You’re an idiot, Naruto!!!”

“Oh come on!”

Sasuke laughed, but Sakura continued, “You’re really going to tell us that she didn’t confess to you? Rewind to the war, idiot! She was about to die for you!”

“Sakura, you know my memory of that day is a little hazy.” He muttered pathetically.

“We all heard it, Naruto! She confessed to you!”

Naruto put his head in his hands and breathed in deeply, trying to calm himself. He kept trying to tell himself that he couldn’t possibly be that dense, but he figured if everyone is telling him the opposite maybe it was time to face facts.

“You think she still likes me?” Naruto asked quietly.

Sakura’s lips formed a soft smile, “You have no idea how much, Naruto.”

“Do you even like her?” Sasuke asked bluntly.

“I...”

“Don’t go getting her hopes up if you don’t even know what you’re feeling, Naruto,” Sakura warned.

“Yeah...I just....” He glanced at the clock on the wall in Sasuke’s kitchen and started getting up from the armchair, “I’m running late.”

“Alright, well, let us know how it goes,” Sakura said with a furrowed brow.

“And next time, knock!” Sasuke said as Naruto reached for the doorknob.

Naruto shook his head, “Yeah, yeah. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, love birds.”

Naruto closed the door behind him and began making his way towards the Hyuga compound. His stomach was buzzing, his head spinning. He had never thought of Hinata in that way.

Well, that was a lie. There was a time or two he had thought of her, particularly when he was taking a shower or lying in bed at night. He wasn’t proud to admit it, but when Hinata filled out in all the right places he was the first to notice. That didn’t mean he thought he stood a chance with her.

He recalled the photo Konohamaru showed him and realized that the glimmer he had seen etched in her eyes there, was the same adoration she had always had in regards to him. But was it fair to her to say something? He didn’t even know what he felt, he was a jumble of confusion.

Naruto sighed and continued walking down the stone path, Hinata had been vague on the phone when asking him if they could meet. It wasn’t unusual for them to hang out, but for her to call first? For her to do the asking?

He picked up the pace and started walking faster. He had to look into her eyes once more. He knew that if he saw that same look, the one that was upon her face in the picture, he still had a chance with Hinata.

#naruhina #naruhina fanfiction #naruto shippuden #naruto uzumaki #hinata hyuga #ao3 #fanfic #naruhina fanfiction rec

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mlqcconfessions · 4 years

Note

Hi! I wonder what happen if Lucien's sister dating Gavin. Are they can going date freely?

This is already the 4th installment in this series (surprised no one’s mentioned Kiro yet)

WOWOWOWOW you guys must really like them

somebody give poor Birdcop a break here

MLQC Headcanon - MC dating Gavin as Lucien’s sister

Lucien

You two were very close as siblings (even at an early age)

You only had each other, after all

Ever since your parents died in the crash, he’s been much more protective of you

But that doesn’t mean he’s forbidding boyfriends!

He figured it would be better to have someone else you can rely on (especially because he won’t be next to you always)

He wasn’t the type to follow you on dates

He knew you would be uncomfortable if he did that (I’m looking at you Victor)

But he did want to know what you would be doing that day (just so he doesn’t have to constantly worry)

Plus, you would occasionally update him throughout the date

He was curious when he found out that your boyfriend was your high school senior

“Gavin Bai?”

“Yeah! He’s a Loveland police officer!”

“Hmm. And an agent for STF, I see” (he’s looking at his phone)

“…..how did you know that?”

“I have my ways”

“Would you like to know anything else about him, little sister?”

——————–

He’s in his office waiting for you to come home from your date

He’s busy preparing for next week’s lecture

But he wants to greet you when you come home

So he finishes extra early (even the other professors are scared of him sometimes)

“Professor Xu, the rest of us (there’s 5 others in the room) are going for some drinks. Would you like to join us?”

He smiles politely before gathering his things to leave

“I apologize, but I’ll have to pass up on your offer. My little sister should be getting home anytime soon. She often forgets to carry her keys”

He nods slightly and exits the room

“He really cares for his sister, doesn’t he?”

“Tell me about it! Didn’t you see that photo frame on his desk? He absolutely adores her!”

“How old did you say she was?”

“22. A prime age for a boyfriend, don’t you think?”

“Would Professor Xu allow something like that?”

“Don’t be silly! He’s not old-fashioned like us”

“You’re right. He wouldn’t do such childish things”

——————–

He’s waiting and waiting (but you still haven’t come home)

He’s worried, especially since you haven’t called him

He’s about to call you himself, when he hears a clatter from upstairs

Of course, being the demon brother he is, he immediately locates where the sound is coming from

He walks up to the balcony when he sees you and Gavin together (he was amused at you on the floor, clutching your belly while laughing)

He’s about to open the door when you initiate a kiss on Gavin

The smile doesn’t leave Lucien’s face as he retracts his hand on the door handle

After a while, he decides he’s given you enough time and taps on the windows (he intentionally gathers some currents for the momentum)

“Lu-Lucien!”

“It’s quite late, you should be getting home now”

“Ah, yes….”

“Goodnight Gavin! I’ll see you tomorrow!” (he’s not even using much force, but you still can’t make him budge)

He thinks that you need to train your muscles more

You gently close the door, but can’t seem to look up

It’s not like he was trying to seem intimidating (he doesn’t realize how dangerous his silence is)

“Did you have fun today?” (he wants to break this tension)

“Ah! Yes! I did! Lots of fun!”

“Well, I’m glad you did” (and this was the truth)

But he wanted a little bit of revenge for making him so worried tonight

“I’m just curious, do you do that with Gavin often?”

He’s laughing as he’s being pushed out of your room (again, you’re not able to make him budge)

Gavin

He’s only met Lucien once (when he dropped you off at his office rather than at home)

Minor had warned him about the brothers of girlfriends

“You have to be careful, bro! Don’t chicken out in front of him! You’re gonna get yourself tested for your capabilities as a boyfriend, so just watch out for that. OH! Also! Don’t show too much affection while he’s nearby. You’re gonna get yourself killed. Oh yeah! I almost forgot!…..”

He goes on for nearly 20 minutes

Gavin’s just getting ready at this point

“Yeah, okay. Whatever you say” (Minor reads too many shoujo mangas)

But he recalls the time where he actually saw your brother

He wasn’t threatened in any way whatsoever

He was actually quite amiable

He was even offered tea because it was drizzling outside (to which Gavin politely declined)

Just…..a little intimidating (a smile that wasn’t a smile, if you can picture it)

——————–

Today’s date is to the movies (simple and sweet)

It was actually unplanned, so he had you pick whatever

He was relieved it was a good movie (he was worried that you would feel bad, since you were the one who chose it)

Towards the end he starts sniffling unintentionally

He’s hoping that you can’t hear it (of course you can hear it everyone can hear it)

“…I’m not crying” (he’s whispering into the popcorn)

“Gavin…..I didn’t say anything”

“……”

“……..pfft. Gavin, you’re so adorable”

He’s getting so red right now, he looks purple under the blue light from the movie screen

“…..please stop”

——————–

He’s dropped you off at the front door, waiting while you fumble for your keys

He always insists on watching you walk through the door into your house (something about having to stay alert at all times)

“Huh, I swear I grabbed them this time”

“Forgot your keys?”

“…….yeah…..” (he thinks you look so cute flustered like this)

He grabs onto your waist, pulls you close, and takes off with the wind blowing below you two

“Woah, Gavin!”

“Hold on tight!”

He takes you to your balcony (Birdcop can’t think properly, apparently)

“…Gavin….”

“Yeah?”

“The balcony doors are locked, too”

“……..oh right” (he feels like such a dork right now)

He has to listen to you laughing your butt off for a few minutes before you finally calm down

He’s about to take off when he’s stopped by your surprise kiss

He always gets shy like it’s his first kiss or something

And then becomes an entire EXPERT afterwards

He notices you’ve begun to give in (just what he wanted)

He hears the lights knock over and was about to pick them up (but you re-focus him)

As he was about to start his ultimate move, he heard taps from behind

“Lu-Lucien!”

What.

Oh.

oh.

He’s screwed (and he knows it well)

The doors open with a powerful gust that almost knocks him back

Did….did he just….. (copy your evol, Birdcop? Yes. Yes, he did)

“It’s quite late, you should be getting home now”

“Ah, yes….”

“Goodnight Gavin! I’ll see you tomorrow!” (he’s looking at your small figure trying so hard to make that mountain of a brother move)

He hears the doors close and jumps down to where Sparky is parked

He had just experienced the most terrifying 5 minutes of his life

Those were the eyes of a killer (and the cross hairs were aimed at him)

But the last thing he remembers is the flurry of kisses he shared with you

He’s ready for round 2 tomorrow

You were never scared to tell Lucien that you were dating someone

The two of you have been close for as long as you can remember

There was always a sense of telepathy between you and him

He knew what you were thinking about, and sometimes you did too

Emphasis on the sometimes

So there wasn’t much secrecy in this household

You didn’t want to keep any secrets from him anyways

“Gavin Bai?” (this was one of those rare moments where his interests were actually piqued)

“Yeah! He’s a Loveland police officer!”

“Hmm. And an agent for STF, I see”

What.

“…..how did you know that?” (you’re narrowing your eyes at him)

You’re kinda baffled, here

You have an incredible brother (not that you just realized it today)

“I have my ways….would you like to know anything else about him, little sister?”

Correction.

You have an incredible DEVIL as a brother (not that you just realized it today)

You quickly leave the room to get dressed

……you didn’t want to know his ways

——————–

The movie date went really well

You weren’t expecting much, and neither was Gavin

You were kinda proud for picking such a good movie (randomly, at that!)

But he just starts crying? (it was the part where the dog died)

“…I’m not crying” (why is he whispering to the popcorn?)

“Gavin…..I didn’t say anything”

He buries his face in the popcorn container

“……..pfft” (you lean your head on his shoulder)

“Gavin, you’re so adorable”

“…..please stop”

——————–

You walk side-by-side with Gavin, until you reach the steps of the front door

“I had fun today, thank you”

“Me too” (he’s smiling at you so sweetly)

You’re looking for your keys in your bag, but you can’t find them

“Huh, I swear I grabbed them this time”

You can’t raise your head (this is so embarrassing….)

Suddenly you find yourself in the air with his body pressed close to you

“Woah, Gavin!”

“Hold on tight!” (you’re not complaining)

In no time, you’re at your balcony

“…Gavin….”

“Yeah?”

“The balcony doors are locked, too”

“……..oh right” (you can’t contain your laughter)

After you calm down, you give him a kiss (for being so cute)

He’s definitely startled, but soon responds with his own

You lose yourself in his affection, drowning under the starry night

You accidentally knock over some lights (but you’re too engrossed to care)

As things were becoming more heated, you hear light taps on the balcony windows

“Lu-Lucien!”

He’s smiling, but he’s not smiling

Lucien opens the doors, and a strong gust of wind nearly sends Gavin flying

“It’s quite late, you should be getting home now”

“Ah, yes….”

You sense the tension in the air, and quickly pull Lucien away from the balcony

“Goodnight Gavin! I’ll see you tomorrow!” (you’re basically using all your strength as you close the doors)

There’s silence in the room as Lucien’s just smiling at you

“Did you have fun today?”

“Ah! Yes! I did! Lots of fun!”

“Well, I’m glad you did”

You sigh of relief (I guess he’s not going to ask about what he just saw)

“I’m just curious, do you do that with Gavin often?”

He’s smiling, but HE’S NOT SMILING

This might have been the longest headcanon I’ve written so far

This series is always fun to write (but Kiro is missing out on the fun)

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somarsword · 4 years

Text

Sleep on the Floor - Part 1

ROGER TAYLOR X READER

Hiii! This is my first fanfic (that I’m posting) so please have mercy on me hahaha. Anyways, feedback is very much appreciated. Enjoy! :>

Big disclaimer, I am neither American nor British.

oh also photo credits to @hoopdiddydo_ taken from her post on twitter and pinterest.

Warnings: cursing? TRIGGER WARNING!!! Domestic abuse. Panic attack.

Word Count: 1.8k words

February 6, 1976 - New York

"Well, what do you say Y/n?" he asks, one knee still planted on the ground and holding out the small box containing the ring. This was not something you had ever expected to happen so soon.

The once lively and buzzing restaurant was now engulfed in silence, only the occasional whispers remained. All eyes were now trained on you, anticipating your response in silent excitement.

You watch the smile on his face falter slightly as he waits for your response, worry ebbing his features, reminding you that you have yet to respond.

Simon, a sweet guy, helps out at the homeless shelter during Saturdays, goes to church on Sundays, and someone you've been with for a little over 3 years now. Sure, you liked him, but this all seemed to happen too soon. Try as you may to properly assess your feelings all you could think of was, 𝐼'𝑑 ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒. So reluctantly you nod, forcing a smile onto your face, albeit one that doesn't reach your eyes.

Cheers and claps surround you as he slips the ring onto your finger but all the noise is drowned out by the deafening ringing in your ears. Your heart begins to beat rapidly against your chest as you suddenly feel an overwhelming feeling of dread wash over you. Leaving only one word to remain on your mind.

Soon enough, everyone resumes their meals, leaving you to listen to Simon's rambling, something you used to see as adorable but now just made you feel icky. "So I was thinking of it and maybe for the wedding we could-", but his words pass through one ear and out the other.

You stare at the plate set in front of you, absentmindedly pushing the food back and forth with the fork beginning to feel incredibly light headed. I can't do this. I need to think.

"I'll just use the restroom. Be right back" is all you say before rushing to the toilet. You push the door open quickly, not making it much further inside before your breathing completely picks up. Grasping the edge of the counter you choke out weak sobs as your throat constricts.

Just as you're sure you'll pass out, a man enters. His movements pause when he sees you, both surprise and confusion written on his face. He's quickly brought out of his daze, however, once he processes the state you're in.

In one swift motion, he's by your side, holding onto your other free hand in an attempt to comfort you.

"Can you try to match my breathing love? Think you can handle that?" He speaks slowly, watching you closely, making sure you understand him. You nod.

"Okay. Breathe in" he takes a deep breath in. You do your best to copy it.

"And out" he exhales.

••• -•- •• •--•

He repeats this for a couple minutes before your breathing returns to normal. You finally loosen your grip on his hands, pulling away.

"Uh thanks for the help. I really appreciate it." You finally say to the blonde man. He nods in response.

"What are you doing in the lady's comfort room though?" at your question the man gives a quick chuckle. With a questioning gaze, you look at him.

"Lady, this is the men's room" and sure enough, as you look around, you see the urinals lining the wall.

"Oh" is all you manage to say, your face flushing a deeper shade of red than you thought possible. Apparently, in your haste to escape, you managed to enter the wrong room.

Leaning back against the counter you stare down at your hands, your fingers grazing over the ring set on it. It gleams brightly, definitely not cheap.

Daring to break the silence you finally speak. "Sorry for keeping you here so long. Your date must be waiting" you say, dropping your hands to your sides.

You look up only to see the man's gaze on your ring as well, recognition in his eyes, as if finally realizing why you looked so familiar. He says nothing of the ring as he looks back at you.

"Oh, it's no worries love, I'm just here with my mates. I don't think those 3 wankers are worried anyway" He offers you a comforting smile, going to lean against the wall directly in front of you.

"The Ritz is a bit pricey for a night out with the boys, don't you think?" you ask, letting out a small laugh.

"I guess it is, huh?" He agrees, letting out a small chuckle of his own, shaking his head. "Kinda lucky it's paid for by the record label"

"Record label?" You ask, confusion laced in your tone and eyebrows furrowed.

"Yeah. We're uhm-" he scratches the back of his head, realizing he's said something he wasn't supposed to, "Well we're touring at the moment so all our meals are paid for." You nod in acknowledgement, choosing not to pry into it much further.

Your gaze falls back to the ring on your finger, half expecting it to suddenly vanish and for you to wake up from this monstrosity of a night.

"Hey look, I know you're going through something, and you don't have to talk about it." the man speaks up again, "But if you ever feel like you need someone to talk to just feel free to call me"

Looking up, you finally see him holding out what seems to be a business card. You reach for it, nodding meekly.

"Thanks-" you start, before realizing you hadn't actually caught his name.

"Roger" he says.

"Right. Thanks Roger." You turn to your side a bit, stuffing his business card into your bra (a habit you had to stop doing when in front of people) right as the door opens. A man pauses by the entrance, and before you can look at him he starts speaking.

"What the hell is going on?" Simon growls, his voice an octave lower than usual. You snap your head up, immediately looking at him.

Everything happens so quickly that if you had blinked you would have missed it. He approaches both of you in quick strides before attaching his fist to the jaw of Roger. Your eyes shoot open in horror as Roger hunches over coughing, a bit of blood seeping out his mouth.

Before you could properly react or make an apology to him you're roughly dragged away by Simon, leaving a surprised Roger behind.

••• -•- •• •--•

Simon drives all the way home, silently seething as he grips the steering wheel to the point where his knuckles go white. You cower slightly at the sight. In all your time together you've never known him to be violent, well physically at least, so this was new.

All the way up to the driveway he says nothing, only gritting his teeth and breathing heavily as he replays the image he just saw. Once you were behind closed doors, however, it was a different story.

"WHAT WERE YOU DOING WITH THAT GUY IN THE TOILET?" He yells, causing you to flinch back at the sheer aggressiveness of his voice.

"Nothing. We weren't doi-" You begin but are cut of by his dark chuckle.

"Then what the 𝒇𝒖𝒄𝒌 were you doing in the men's comfort room?" His voice is deeper and threatening. You say nothing opting instead to stare at the floor. His stance was frightening. 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑤𝑓𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚?

"Answer me" He growls, voice dripping with rage. When he receives no response from you he gets more fueled up, grabbing a glass cup that was left on the dining table before hurling it towards you. It hits your shoulder with an aggressive 𝐭𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐜𝐤 before falling and shattering on the ground.

He approaches you causing you to backup into the wall. Trying to make yourself disappear you slide down, covering your face in fear. He scoffs at your poor attempt to escape his wrath and pulls you up roughly by the hair, picking up a shard of glass as he does so.

"𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐓" you're too encapsulated by fear to register the giant gash he was painting into your stomach, slicing the dress that clung to your body in the process. After a few moments with still no response, he releases his grip on your hair, causing you to collapse on the ground, blood beginning to pool under you.

"Should've known you were a fucking slut. Clean yourself up" is all he says before walking out the front door, slamming it behind him.

Scrambling to gather your breath, you force yourself to sit up. Your hand flies down to the cuts on your belly, applying pressure on it in hopes of stopping it from bleeding any.

••• -•- •• •--•

You don't know how long you stay there on the floor, but it feels like hours. With as much strength as you can gather you trudge towards the kitchen, wetting a hand towel to clean up the cut.

The wind howls outside, causing the front door to rattle. The rattling suddenly snaps you back to the reality that Simon could be back any moment. With shaky hands you quickly press a cut up piece of cloth towards the wound, taping it down haphazardly. Once done, you rush towards the bedroom to pack.

You grab a duffel bag that was hung next to the door, zipping it open before crouching under the bed to retrieve the shoe box you've hidden under it. Drawing it out, you discard the lid and reach inside to pull out the small amount of money you had managed to save, along with the folder containing your birth certificate and other important documents. You stuff it all into the bag, changing your (now ripped up) dress and grabbing a few articles of clothing on the way out.

You make a beeline towards the front door, only stopping once your hand lay on the doorknob.

𝐴𝑚 𝐼 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠?

You glance behind you. Everything you thought you ever wanted to have stares right back at you. A house, a (supposedly) loving boyfriend turned fiancé, and a stable job. So why did it feel wrong when he proposed last night?

Shaking your head at your own thoughts, you rip the ring off your finger and toss it on the floor before storming out into the dark and empty streets.

••• -•- •• •--•

February 7, 1976 - New York

The sky is now a deep shade of blue, sun beginning to rise from a night's slumber. You've been walking for hours, figuring out what to do. With barely any money on you, you had nowhere to go, so unless you could manage to walk all the way to the next state, you were dead. You could barely afford to eat. Why had you ever agreed to share a bank account with him? How could you have been so stupid as to not have kept more for yourself? Without Simon's signature on the withdrawal slip they wouldn't give you even a penny of your hard work.

𝑊𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘. 𝐼'𝑚 𝑟𝑜𝑦𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑤𝑒𝑑.

#roger taylor #roger taylor x you #roger taylor x reader #ben hardy #ben hardy!roger taylor #ben hardy!roger x reader #roger #queen #ben!roger #roger taylor fanfic

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slash-em-up · 4 years

Text

A Meeting of the Minds pt. 4: The Collector x Reader x ChromeSkull

This one carries a heavy TW for mentions of suicide and infant death - nothing that should come as a surprise if you’ve seen the after-credits scene in L2R2; but better safe than sorry....

———————————————————————

It was a well-known, but rarely addressed fact that of the three of you, Jesse - oddly enough - was the one with the best track record in relationships.

You’d pried it out of Asa one night when Jesse was off dealing with business of a more… bloody nature.

“You know he was married, and now he’s not. Why are you digging?”

You scowled at Asa. Finding it highly annoying that he was so casual about something that seemed like such a big deal to you.

He didn’t even look up from the laundry he was folding as you stomped up to his side.

“Aren’t you at least a little bit interested? Who were they? Why did it end? Does he want to get married again some day?”

Asa snapped one of his button-down shirts out with a flick. The side-eye he sent your way was communicating ‘you’re an idiot’ in THX.

“I’m not interested because I already know –“

You opened your mouth.

“- and before you ask, no, I will not tell you. It’s Jesse’s private business.”

“You are no fun at all.”

Your statement was met with a small smirk and a shrug.

On your way out of the room you swiped Asa’s glasses off of the dresser in retaliation.

Enjoy reading ‘Bugs Quarterly’ or whatever without these, nerd.

———————————————————————

The car ride over to Jesse’s ‘company headquarters’ was pleasant enough. You were incredibly grateful you’d let your men talk you into letting them buy you a new car because the convertible top was really working wonders on your mood.

You pulled up to the nondescript factory building and punched in the gate code Jesse had given Asa and yourself. A black-clad security duo met you as you parked in front of the entrance, each offering you a tight nod and a crisp ‘Ma’am’.

Smiling, you let yourself into the lobby - if you could call it that. If anyone walked in off the street, they might think they had just entered the worlds dingiest janitorial company… or maybe a chop-shop. But one swipe of your thumb on the scanner took you back to the actual office space, which was all gleaming black floors and matte metals. Very industrial-chic.

The first person you stopped in the hall and asked to direct you to ‘Mr. Cromeans office’ looked at you like you were either a corporate spy or someone with more than a few screws loose…. Maybe a combo of the two; but gamely pointed you towards a large pair of ebony wood doors.

There was barely a sound from the door as you opened it just wide enough to poke your head through and scan the room, looking for your boyfriend.

Jesse was the farthest thing from a small, unobtrusive man; but even he could have been dwarfed by the sheer size of his office. You don’t know why you were surprised. Leave it to Jesse to have an office larger than your last apartment…

Speaking of… the man of the office was apparently still taking care of business, because unless he was hiding underneath the desk (could happen, it was big enough), the room was completely empty.

What an excellent opportunity to do a little snooping…

You sidled up to the highbacked leather chair that sat imposingly behind Jesse’s desk and took a seat. The leather felt like butter underneath your fingers and you couldn’t help but wriggle around a bit, enjoying the plush padding and broad seat which had clearly been custom made for a man of Jesse’s stature.

Giggling lightly, you tucked your feet up underneath yourself and ran your hands over the dark wood of the desk, tugging gently at several drawers, hoping one or two would pop open and share their treasures with you. Happily, several were unlocked, and with great glee you began to rifle through Jesse’s knickknacks and paperwork.

You weren’t really sure if he’d have any kind of information on his ex-wife just chilling in his desk but hey, you were already pretty infamous among your guys as a busybody – much to Asa’s ire and Jesse’s amusement – so every little detail was of interest.

Snorting in amusement, you pushed a drawer containing a chrome-cased Switch and three different boxes of condoms closed, and smiled as your questing located an old digital photo frame in the lowest drawer– because heaven forbid Jesse would ever have something so pedestrian as a physical photo…

You plugged the frames power cord into a port by the lamp and waited a moment as the screen came to life.

The first image that popped up was the overview screen – it looked like there were only three pictures saved on the tiny card inserted into the back. Oh well, better than nothing.

It took you a moment to recognize the person staring back at you from the small image as Jesse. The height should have been a dead giveaway; but the wide, toothy grin on the unscarred lips of the man threw you for a loop. You still thought Jesse was very attractive; but before his accident? An absolutely stunning man. The kind you would have lusted over from a distance in college.

Moving your focus, you turned your attention to the woman Jesse had one of his long arms wrapped around. This must be the former Mrs. Cromeans.

She was gorgeous. No two ways about it. Every bit of her looked perfectly put together, from the roots of her stylishly cut blonde hair to the tips of the soft-looking manicured hands she had delicately placed on the table in front of her. They both looked so happy…

You swiped to the next image.

Mrs. Cromeans stared up from the picture – her smiling face trained on something above the camera. She was outside, and clearly in the middle of saying something as her mouth was slightly open as if forming words – looking no less pretty for it – while the sun shone down on her at a fetching angle. You’d bet anything that this was one of Jesse’s photos. He had an eye for that sort of thing.

Another swipe.

A sharp gasp broke from your lips as soon as you realized what you were seeing in the next picture.

Black, white, and grey morphed together in the ultrasound picture, giving you the vague, but unmistakable image of a tiny head, legs, feet, and hands.

The text of the photo read ‘Crom, M. GA: 12w6d’.

“Oh my god…” you could hardly believe what the image was telling you. Jesse was a father? What the fuck had happened?

Shutting off the power with a quick flick, you lowered the frame back to where you’d found it – halting all movement as a file folder loudly proclaiming ‘Federal Bureau of Investigations’ on the front with a white label reading ‘Cromeans, M. 31/10/2011’ caught your attention.

Pulling it out from underneath the pile of random papers, you held it for a moment. The sinking feeling in your stomach telling you that you wouldn’t like what you found inside.

You were right.

Blood spattered walls of what looked like a police interrogation room were the first thing you saw when you peeled back the front of the folder – blood, gore, and in the next photo, the nearly unrecognizable body of Mrs. Cromeans. Skimming the contents of the report you gagged at the unemotional tone the writer took as they described springing the news of her husbands status as a wanted man, including pictures from one of Jesse’s murders, to the very pregnant woman. Tears began to fall from your eyes as you read further – her shocked denial… grabbing a gun from the agent… a single shot… unable to save the baby…

A sob broke from your lips as you tossed the file and it’s horrific contents back into the drawer. You had enough forethought left to re-cover it with papers, hiding the fact that it had been disturbed in the first place; before you stood on shaky legs and ran from the office.

——————————————————————

The trip back to Asa’s house was a blur. Nothing registered until the door slammed behind you, and you slowly lowered yourself to the floor, tears still rolling down your cheeks.

You felt, more than saw Asa approach you from the living room. He crouched down in front of you, gently grasping your face in one large hand and raising your eyes to meet his. The stoic man was hard to read on the best days; but right now his pursed lips and furrowed brow clearly showed a mixture of concern and annoyance.

He sighed deeply as he wrapped an arm under your knees and one behind your back, gently hoisting you into the air and carrying you up the stairs towards the bedroom.

You buried your face into his broad shoulder, and for once he didn’t complain about you staining the fabric with your tears.

“I told you to leave it alone.” He murmured quietly.

Nodding in agreement, you promised yourself that next time Asa told you that you didn’t want to know something, you’d listen.

The bed squeaked as you were gently set on it, feeling numb and tired as your shoes were removed and a quilt was draped over you.

“Sleep now. I’ll wait up for Jesse.”

Humming out your assent, your sore eyes closed, and exhaustion took over in minutes. The door closed quietly as the horrors and sadness of the day drove you into an uneasy slumber.

———————————————————————

Pale blue light woke you from your dreams of blood, and it took you a moment to focus on the numbers being projected onto the white ceiling.

2:15 AM Tuesday

You knew Asa preferred his analogue alarm clock, so that must mean Jesse was home…

Turning slightly, you found yourself spooned up against the large man. Asa was nowhere to be seen; but you often found yourself missing a partner when the urge to indulge in their ‘hobbies’ struck.

Deep, even breathing into your hair told you that Jesse was fast asleep – his trips always took a lot of energy out of him – even though you knew from experience that his mood and libido would be high for the next few days.

Reaching back, you pulled one of his large arms across your waist, bringing his hand up and pressing a soft kiss to the back of it before settling it lightly next to your heart.

You didn’t know if you wanted to talk to him about his wife anymore. You were afraid, you were nervous, and you didn’t want to hurt Jesse by re-opening old wounds.

Asa probably hadn’t said anything to Jesse -more out of his own desire to avoid any emotional upheavals than any protective action over your own mis-step; but you would be thankful for his silence at any rate.

You’d heard somewhere that what’s dead should stay buried; and right now the words of the phrase rang truer than they ever had.

If Jesse wanted to talk to someone about his dead wife and child… you were here for him. But the more you thought about it the less appealing having that conversation became. It was as simple as that.

Eyes closing once more, you drifted back into slumber. Determined to keep the ghosts of your lovers past exactly where they were.

#jesse cromeans x reader x asa emory #asa emory #jesse cromeans #chromeskull: laid to rest 2 #laid to rest #chromeskull #the collection (2012)#the collector (2009)#horror movies #slasher fiction #jessica writes

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ubernoxa · 4 years

Text

The Sip: A modern GNR FanFic

Chapter 1: A Boring Party

Our limo stopped and the two of us immediately made eye contact. At least we were here, one step closer to getting this night over with. Out of the two of us neither had wanted to be her here. Mark wanted to be at home with his actual girlfriend, and I would much rather be home watching Netflix.

Mark opened the door for me and helped me out of the limo, another part of our little show we were putting on for the press or whoever the hall was watching.

As we walked in, I immediately made eye contact with a face I had seen countless times in the tabloids and magazines, Duff McKagan. He stood no more than 100 feet from me smiling and laughing with his band mates as some people took photos of them. It was clear they were having a good time. I felt butterflies grow in my stomach the longer we kept eye contact. Jesus he was hot.

“Earth to Alanah,” Mark jerked me forward as we posed for a quick set of photos before going inside. If there weren’t people around us I would have made a comment about how surprised I was that he could fit through the doorway with such a big ego, but I didn’t want to start something. I was in no mood to deal with the backlash from my publicist who recommended that I ‘play nice’ tonight. Jesus Christ, my eyes hurt from how hard I rolled them when I read her text.

I felt like I was having the same conversation over and over again. It was like we were all rehearsing for a play. Don’t get me wrong, people were being very nice. It was just...repetitive.

Ohh I love your dress.

Are you working on any new projects?

How are you two doing?

Wow you’ve been dating for nine months?

Congratulations!

Are there wedding bells in your future?

“Excuse me, I am a bit thirsty. I need to get something to drink,” I smiled as a exited the conversation with one of Mark’s friends. He either played football or soccer, I honestly couldn’t remember. I also didn’t care.

“Hi,” I said to the bartender as I sat at one of the chairs. God it felt amazing to sit down. I regretted wearing my heals the second I left my apartment.

“What can I get ya?” He cleaned a glass as he spoke. To be honest I wasn’t a drinker. I probably drank once every couple months, if that at all.

“Vodka cranberry please,” I replied as the man nodded as he went to make my drink. Hopefully a drink would take the edge off, maybe even make the night enjoyable.

“How has your night been?”

“Would I sound like a bitch if I said it was boring,” I couldn’t help but laugh when I spoke.

“Not a huge fan of these parties?” The bartender handed me my drink.

“I used to like than a lot more. I don’t know anyone here, so I feel incredibly awkward. When I agreed to come I thought I knew others who would be here...but now...now if I have to talk about sports for 10 more minutes my head is going to explode,” I replied while placing some cash in his tips jar.

“Well if you need a break, some people are in the basement. Maybe a change of scenery would help?” I offered the bartender a smile as he spoke and pointed me in the direction of the basement.

Part of me felt bad for heading downstairs, but I didn’t care. The basement was probably half the size of the room upstairs, but I felt less claustrophobic as I walked around.

“Alanah,” I smiled as I saw an old friend at the pool table.

“Adam, long time no see! How are you?” I now stood next to him joining the small circle of people.

“I’m good. It feels good to be in the states again,” I smiled back to him. While the Netherlands were beautiful, there was nothing quite like home.

“Hey Adam, you down for pool? Alanah? When did you get here? Where is Mark?” Mira asked as she pulled Adam and I into the second room for pool.

I had met Mira twice before tonight. Long story short she was Adam’s girlfriend and an absolute sweetheart.

“Fuck Mark, he is busy bragging about how he is the greatest athlete on the planet,” it came out more blunt than I hoped, but there was no taking my words back.

“Great you found some people,” I looked over to see a the room full of recognizable faces. Mira quickly explained to me that they were going to play a game of pool something I have never played.

“You ready to lose,” I looked to my left to see a definitely not sober Duff McKagan. Was he actually talking to me? Did he notice me staring earlier?

fuck

Fuck

FUCK.

I took a quick second to collect myself by taking a sip of my drink. Dear god of alcohol, whoever you are, Please please please keep me from making a complete and utter fool of myself.

“I’d be worried if you weren’t drunk,” I smiled back finishing off my drink. I could feel his eyes on me as I finished it. He must have been wondering what I was drinking. I didn’t take him as the judge type, but who cared.

“Well I am worried that you are sober. Here have some of mine,” he offered me his glass and I quickly declined it.

“Why not a vodka fan?”

“No I got a vodka crab here,” I shook my empty cup as I spoke.

“I don’t like the idea of it mixed with sprite. Kinda sounds nasty...no offense,” I immediately regretted not only speaking but existing once I finished talking.

I could tell he was trying to hide a smirk. At least he was being nice?

“This is just straight vodka,” I froze in place as he spoke. I must have sounded like such a child.

“Oh, I’ve just never drank it straight,” I feel like a child admitting it. I wanted to kick myself as I spoke. I expected him to wander off and go find someone else to talk to, but he stayed. Maybe he was curious about what train wreck I would lead myself to.

“Well there is a first time for everything,” he shrugged as he passed me his glass. I looked over towards Adam who was already preoccupied with his girlfriend and her friends.

I felt a sharp burn shoot down my throat as I took a sip. I tried to conceal my cough, but I failed.

“Trust me it gets better the more you drink it. Come on let’s get you a glass,” he motioned for me to follow him, and I did like a lost puppy. The way I saw it was that I had three options.

1. Decline his offer and go talk with Adam

2. Decline his offer and go find Mark

3. Accept it and see what would happen.

I gave Adam a quick goodby wave as I followed Duff towards wherever he was going.

“Isn’t the bar upstairs?” I asked as we wondered through the halls.

“Yeah, but there is another one down her. No bartender, but we can make our own drinks. Plus we don’t have to deal with the annoying shits upstairs,” I was shocked at how clear his thoughts were after drinking straight vodka. Was this a regular night for him?

I handed him my cup and he filled it with vodka.

“Is vodka your go to?” I watched as he effortlessly drank the rest of his cup and poured himself another glass.

“Yep, and she hasn’t betrayed me yet. Come on let’s go upstairs,” He grabbed the bottle and the two of us snuck to the second floor of the venue. I don’t know why, but I felt a rush of excitement flow through my veins.

“How did you know this was up here?” I spun around looking at the small room we walked into. The soft carpet was begging for me to take off my heals and throw them in the trash. There was a table with chairs in one corner and a couch with a TV across from it.

“I was at another party here a few months back and I needed to get some air. Too many people,” I couldn’t have said it better myself.

As he went to open a window I sent Mark a quick text saying that I didn’t feel well and went home. He wouldn’t mind, he would actually prefer it. He would get to spend the rest of the night with a girl he actually likes.

“Understandable, sometimes it’s all too much,” I replied taking a seat on the couch.

“I’m assuming you know how to play go fish?” I turned my head towards his direction as he spoke.

“The children’s game?” I hadn’t meant for my tone to sound harsh, but it was. This was Duff McKagan the bassist of Guns N’ Roses, go fish was the last game I expected him to suggest.

“Judge all you want, but it’s a fast and fun way to get drunk,” I almost cringed as he spoke. Maybe this wasn’t a good idea. Could I really trust him?

I felt my phone vibrate and read the text from Mark, “absolute shocker”. God I wanted to slap him. At least I will have a better night now. I sneered, what a pair Mark and I were. An absolute match made in heaven.

“Alright, Duff explain the rules,” I threw my hands up in defense as I spoke.

I was beyond thankful that the rules were simple. If the other person doesn’t have the card, you drink. This, this was a game I could play.

“So where is your boyfriend?”

His question pulled me from my thoughts of trying to think of what cars to ask for.

“Gloating about himself downstairs, will probably be fucking some other chick tonight. where’s your girlfriend?” I quickly asked back. I wanted to kick myself as I spoke. I probably sounded like a complete bitch.

“Nonexistent,” why was I happy about that?

“Well between you and me, the same could be said about my soon to be ex,” I added in hopes to make him feel better.

He offered me a soft smile before taking a sip.

#guns and roses #gnr #gunsandroses #guns n’ roses fanfic #the sip

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camillemontespan · 5 years

Text

gossip girl: cordonia’s elite [part one]

Teaser was posted earlier but under the keep reading line, there’s more newness :)

I have no idea if this will even be a thing. I’ve got so many fics on the go…

For those who don’t watch Gossip Girl, you won’t get this. But you might enjoy? For those who do watch Gossip Girl, laugh at my attempt for an AU. I think you’ll find that TRR fits so well into the GG universe - trust me.

****************************************************************************************

Hey Cordonians, Gossip Girl here, your one and only source into the glamorous lives of Cordonia’s elite. Now that summer is over, I can return to my role as bearer of good news, bad news and everything else in between.

Now that we are all at university, you would assume that we are over the drama and gossip of school days past. Well, you assume wrong.

‘Do you think Dad will be okay?’ Savannah asked, lugging her suitcase behind her. ‘I mean, we’ve both been busy this summer. I’ve been with mom, you’ve been.. Doing whatever it is that you do.’

Drake shrugged and took Savannah’s suitcase, waving away her grateful smile. ‘He’ll be fine, Sav. Don’t worry yourself.’

Savannah bit her lip and looked around Cordonia’s train station, trying to locate their father. ‘I just hope he’s not mad at me.’

‘You were visiting mom,’ Drake told her, unable to hide his frustration. Sometimes, his sister worried too much. ‘You were being a good daughter. Seriously, the sooner mom and dad work out their situation, the better.’

The situation being that their mother, Bianca, was currently shacked up in Texas with her new boyfriend, while her actual husband, Jackson, filled the empty void at home by burning smores. Since Drake and Savannah went off to university and gained independence, they worried about Jackson, but in different ways. Savannah tried to make up for it by calling him every few days; Drake drank whiskey to block out any guilty thoughts.

Now, they were back in Cordonia, somewhat ready for the new semester at university. Savannah was eager to make more friends this year and sign up to every social club going, while Drake was content to just stay in the shadows at lectures and try not to fail his degree.

‘There he is!’ Savannah cried, running through the station, her dark hair billowing behind her. Drake sighed and stopped to adjust her suitcase and his backpack. He moved to follow his sister, ready for the embarrassing ‘Walker Family’ hug that Jackson always insisted on greeting his kids with, even though Drake was 22 and Savannah was 21.

He barrelled straight into someone.

‘Fuck, I’m sorry!’ he said, cursing his clumsiness. He ran a hand through his hair and stopped when he saw the girl in front of him was picking up a book she had dropped. ‘It’s okay, honestly!’ she was saying. Her voice was familiar and when she stood up, his heart began to hammer against his chest.

Camille Montespan.

The girl of his dreams was back.

She placed her book inside her bag and gave him a warm smile; her brown eyes with gold flecks sparkled. ‘Just watch where you’re going next time, you might run over an old person and they’ll press charges!’ she laughed. All Drake could do was make a strangled noise that sounded something like ‘nggggggghhhh…’

Camille turned and walked away towards the exit. She didn’t see a teenage girl nearby take a photo of her on her mobile. Drake’s heart stopped pounding and he exhaled.

Drake’s phone buzzed with a notification but he ignored it.

Camille Montespan was back.

The biggest tip to hit my inbox? Camille Montespan is back in Cordonia. That’s right my little gossipers. The Queen is back. I wonder what Olivia will think?

I am starving for some drama.. But I think we’ve got just the dish.

*************************************************************************************

Drake shook his head, trying to forget all thoughts about Camille, and went to the far end of the waiting hall where his dad was hugging his sister.

Jackson Walker gave Drake a beaming smile and pulled him in for a hug. 'Dad, I just saw you this morning..' Drake mumbled.

'Yeah but now both my kids are back with me!' Jackson hollered, his voice echoing around the vast room. 'This calls for celebratory smores!'

'Surely you're sick of them now?' Drake asked. 'You've burned so many.'

Jackson chuckled and threw his arms around his children's shoulders, guiding them out the waiting hall to the train station exit. 'You guys can show your old dad where I'm going wrong.'

When they got into the car, Drake looked out the window, already tuning out his dad's loud voice. Why was Camille back? She had gone to a university in another country and everyone assumed that she wouldn't come back.

That was the thing about Camille. She always surprised Drake, which was one reason why he really liked her. He didn't know what to expect from her, which was also one reason why he never dared tell her his name.

***************************************************************************************

There was currently a drinks reception being held at Olivia’s townhouse but she wasn’t exactly concerned about that. Her aunt was hosting and the occasion was that the students of The Cordonia Institute were going back to the university on Monday; this was the last hurrah for the parents, their excitement at having freedom again. Their children were actually going to a Beaumont Bash the following night.

Instead of mingling with her aunt’s important friends, Olivia had other important matters to attend to. Such as Liam, who she was straddling right now.

‘Fuck, Olivia, your lips taste of strawberries..’ Liam breathed, kissing her deeply. ‘I want to taste all of you.’

Olivia drew back. ‘All of me, you say?’ she asked, raising an eyebrow. Liam chuckled and his arms went around her back so he could flip her over so she was now underneath him.

‘All of you,’ he murmured. ‘You always taste incredible.’

Olivia closed her eyes as his fingers grazed up her thighs, tantalisingly close to her underwear. Liam had been her boyfriend since they were ten years old. They were inseparable. On paper, they shouldn’t work; Liam was kind, warm and gentle, while Olivia was mean, cold and harsh. But she was intensely loyal and had softness under that hard exterior, which only Liam knew. She trusted him.

Liam was about to taste her when his phone buzzed. He sighed and sat up to check the screen. Olivia bit her tongue, trying her best not to get pissed that he was so easily distracted.

‘Camille’s back..’ he whispered, his voice croaking. ‘Liv, she’s back..’

Olivia bolted up and grabbed his phone from him. Sure enough, the Gossip Girl blast announced that her ex-best friend, Camille Montespan, was back in town.

Fury and dread mixed together, creating a confusing cocktail in Olivia’s heart. She was the Queen Bee in Cordonian society now, not Camille. She was the one who had the world at her feet, not Camille. She was the popular one, the more intelligent one, the more beautiful one. Olivia was finally out of Camille’s shadow and had shone brightly the past three years.

Like all of Olivia’s relationships, she and Camille shouldn’t have worked. But they had known each other since they were four. They had met when Camille had been pushed over in the playground by their classmate, Neville. Camille had cried, blood covering her knees, while Neville laughed.

Olivia had punched him in the face, shouting that boys weren’t allowed to hurt girls.

Had they stayed friends all those years because Camille felt she owed Olivia?

Had they stayed friends all those years because Olivia felt like Camille made her more.. Human?

It didn’t matter now. They parted ways when they graduated high school; Camille was sent to an exclusive university/boarding school in Switzerland, while Olivia went with their friends to the highest ranking university in Cordonia, The Cordonian Institute.

Despite their strong friendship, the two girls had often been like unspoken rivals. Whenever Camille had attention, Olivia fought to have it back. When Olivia took control, Camille battled to come out on top. And Camille always won.

Olivia would watch whenever Liam and Camille were together. Her boyfriend and best friend had inside jokes; they insulted each other for fun; they bingewatched TV shows together. They acted more like boyfriend and girlfriend than Olivia and Liam did, but without the kissing. Olivia hoped.

Camille was popular. She was also beautiful and genuinely nice, which was irritating because how was that fair?

But with Camille gone, Olivia finally felt at ease. Like she could be herself without feeling like the shadow to Camille’s sun. She could enjoy her relationship with Liam without worrying that he would break up with her. She could hang out with her friends without worrying that they found her boring and wanted a second option.

Now, Camille was back and everything Olivia had worked for felt under threat. The threat only increased when she saw Liam’s eyes scanning his phone, checking all of Gossip Girl for further updates, his eyes watching for the name Camille Montespan.

*******************************************************************************************

‘Oh my God, you guys, Camille is back!’ Penelope squealed, scrolling through her phone.

‘Someone saw her getting off the train at Cordonia Station!’ Kiara joined in, her eyes huge.

‘Finally..’ Leo droaned, swirling an olive around in his martini. ‘It was getting a little dull around here.’

The three of them were lounging on a green velvet chaise lounge in the drawing room and looked up as Liam entered with Olivia hot on his heels. ‘Liam, your second girlfriend’s back home!’ Leo hollered, patting him on the back. ‘Maybe you can get that menage a trois going?’

Olivia hit Leo on the arm. ‘Menage a twat, more like.’

She was trying to act cool, but really, her heart was pounding. Keep calm, keep calm, you’re Olivia Nevrakis.

‘Is she coming here?’ Liam asked. The others shrugged then looked expectantly at Olivia.

‘What?’ she asked.

‘Why didn’t you tell us?’ Kiara asked. ‘We could have planned something nice for her.’

Olivia threw her shoulders back and adopted a haughty pose. ‘It was a surprise.’

They didn’t have to know that she didn’t know.

Quickly, she walked away to the kitchen. She was in need of vodka.

*******************************************************************************************

Camille clambered out of the taxi. She tipped the driver and strode with purpose up the stone steps to the concrete building that stood in front of her, imposing and intimidating.

She had been told he was on the reception area floor, room 10. Quickly, she rushed inside, ignoring the receptionist who called, ‘Miss, visiting hours are over, you aren’t supposed to be here!’

Camille stopped outside Room 10 and looked through the glass pane of the window at the sleeping figure in the room. She could see his pale face and her heart broke for him.

‘I know. But he’s my best friend.’

Maxwell Beaumont slept peacefully, unaware of the quiet and complicated chaos standing outside his door.

#trr fanfic #trr #drake walker #trr au

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blazerina · 5 years

Text

Road Trip Ready (Ethan x MC)

Road Trip Ready (Ethan x Allie – Open Heart MC)

Word Count: 1638

Summary: Another regular day in the life of Ethan & Allie – Allie begging Ethan for something he doesn’t want to give in to…will she get her way in the end? Read on to find out.

Author’s Note: I did another one of these a while ago just for fun and was so pleasantly surprised by the response I received. This is in response to a prompt request from @mrswalkerwritesagain about Ethan & Allie going on a road trip but I spiced it up a little bit. Hope you enjoy! I love these two. xoxo Also tagging @parkerattano because I know she’d want to see this and she’s my biggest supporter - love you girl!

Allie glanced at her watch and sighed as she looked out the window of the moving train. She yawned and closed her eyes for a few minutes, leaning forward and resting her head on the back of the seat in front of her. Her last shift had turned into a very late night and she had contemplated sleeping at Edenbrook. But instead, she tried to get home to see maybe she’d be able to catch Ethan for a few minutes. She was unsuccessful in her attempt to spend a few moments alone in person with him.

Suddenly, she felt her phone vibrate in the cross-body bag she wore. Through heavy eyelids, she glanced at the text. It was from Ethan:

Allie smiled and placed her phone back in her bag when she realized this was her stop. Another day was starting. Another day full of people to heal, co-workers to encourage, and another day NOT see her boyfriend. It felt weird calling him that. He had first been her mentor, then her teacher, also her boss and then…it just happened. He seemed too dignified and too mature to be considered her boyfriend - but that’s what he was.

She missed him. Being a doctor herself, she knew all too well the realities of their hectic schedules and the very real issues that kept them both apart. After all they had been through and overcome together as a couple, there was no way they would let a little lack of quality time, drive them apart. They’d been there, done that.

However, she knew that both of them were in desperate need of time away. They needed a vacation. Together. And a few moments to relax and unwind from the stress they were each under every single day. She asked him earlier if they could have a little getaway and that text on the train was Ethan’s reply.

She picked up the pace as she entered the hospital, realizing she was a little later than she thought. Since their only way of really communicating throughout the day was text, she tried her best to keep him up to date on her day and he did the same with her. She always sent long and elaborate messages, his were short and sweet, but he had made comments on more than one occasion about how much he appreciated them, so she knew they made a difference. Allie stopped at the entrance of the locker room and snapped a pic – immediately sending it on to Ethan:

He was always incredibly slow to respond but Allie was especially proud of herself for being so darn punny this early in the morning.

She almost forgot the most important news from her morning and quickly typed out another update for him, this time getting a reply pretty quick:

Allie laughed out loud and said hello to a few fellow doctors changing clothes, while she made her way out of the locker room in search for her first patient of the day. She checked in at the nurses’ station and was making her way to room 604 when another text came through for her.

Finding a supply closet to suffice for a brief photo session, Allie replied by sending Ethan this picture:

Update – decision made. This is what I went with…photo creds - Belinda in pediatric oncology. She says hello.

Still pleased with herself, Allie walked quickly toward her patient’s room as the ache for her partner grew more and more heavy within her.

A few hours had passed since Ethan heard from Allie. The past few days he was living more and more for these texts from her. It felt as though they were in a long distance relationship as of late with both of their commitments at the hospital piling up more and more, keeping them apart longer than either one of them wanted.

“Damn.” He thought to himself as he realized it was his turn to respond to Allie. He had forgotten.

Seeing her dressed in scrubs would forever be his weakness. He had decided that long ago. Smiling as he frantically typed, he loved teasing her and realized with every message, just how far he had fallen for her.

“Saw you for 5 secs in the cafeteria but got called away…filling up the big one again?” He asked, and then followed up with:

Ethan sighed as he remembered he had a few dozen case files to review in his office. He had about an hour between appointments and meetings so he rushed to his desk to see how much he could get done. His eyes were burning from the sting of the screen when the familiar hum of his cell phone shifted his focus from one electronic to another.

“hi.” The text from Allie read.

“this is what I look like…in case you forgot…😊”

“Took this the other day before going out with the girls. Miss you.”

Ethan felt his heart leap within his chest upon the sight of her and he quickly replied once again:

Shaking his head but not at all surprised by her response, he continued to focus on his work for a few more minutes before being distracted by an idea; a way to surprise her, that she would never see coming.

“Jeanine – could I have a post it note please?” Allie asked, hanging half her body over the front of the nurses station on floor 5.

Allie wrote on the note for a few seconds before placing it inside the folder that held all the charts on Mr. Flores in 543, one of Ethan’s most difficult patients – one she knew he had been struggling with for a while.

She caught a glimpse of Dr. Ramsey chatting with another doctor a few moments earlier. Her heart stopped seeing him right in front of her, but she could quickly see just how tired he was and could tell by his posture alone, that he was exhausted.

Being nosy, Jeanine opened the file and read the note:

“Honey, you two are so sweet. What is it the kids say these days? Couple goals? You’re it.” She patted Allie’s hand and winked at her before Allie said thank you and went about her business.

Later in the day, it was getting close to the end of Ethan’s shift and surprisingly enough, Bryce (who never texted let along communicated at all) sent Allie a message:

“U on floor 4? Get here now its going dwn”

Curious, Allie raced to the 4th floor just in time to see and hear Ethan chewing out a new intern. Even though Allie had experienced it for herself and knew it was for the betterment of the student, his patient and the overall experience for all involved, it was still hard to see Ethan act this way.

She bit her lip and winced a few times when Ethan made point after point about using your head and thinking through the details, railing the intern about how people’s lives were at stake. When the worst was over, Allie text Ethan again:

Stealing away in the same supply closet where Belinda took Allie’s scrub picture earlier that morning, Ethan sighed and decided to give in to Allie’s wishes. But today had been longer than he anticipated and he still had so much work to do. He was grateful for her and the ways she helped him focus on what really mattered in his life. He adored Allie’s sense of humor and tried to match her in his response:

“You’re so full of it.” Allie responded with the eye roll emoji.

Ethan snickered as he sauntered back to his office, praying he could have some peace and quiet in order to get his work done.

Not even a few minutes into more work on case files, Ethan’s phone was blowing up – message after message pinged, driving him crazy. He suspected a group message but was wrong.

Girl. Everyone knows my man Ethan is (fire emoji) but check this guy out. Yum. (eyes emoji) (drool emoji) He can train me anytime…know what I mean?! (heart eyes emoji)

Another message:

Shit. Ethan!! That was for Jackie. And Sienna. Oh God. I AM SO SORRY. Love you?

Another message:

OMG NO QUESTION> FORGET THE MARK. I meant: LOVE YOU. Mean it!!!!!

Ethan replied.

Pausing to think just a few more minutes, he then typed out his plan and sent it, knowing Allie would be stunned but also happy.

Also, we are going on vacation. Just you and me. Not sure where, but after your shift, come back to pick me up. We’ll swing by the apartment to pack and then we’ll hit the road.

Allie sent back a “happy dance” gif and Ethan knew he had made the right decision. He needed time with her. She needed time with him. They needed time together and far, far away from the hospital.

A few hours later, Allie was in the parking lot of Edenbrook, waiting on Ethan.

She was beyond excited about spending some time with him. She didn’t know how long they’d have but even just a few hours would feel like an eternity compared to what they’d been given the last month.

She snapped a selfie in car and captioned it Road Trip Ready!! Jenner’s here too.

Ethan practically ran out of his office, down the stairs and out to her car, smiling more than Allie had seen in quite some time.

He threw open the passenger side door, slammed his body into the seat and quickly kissed her, tenderly at first with the kiss turning into one of longing and desire.

“Hey.” Allie whispered, breathless at the sight of him.

“Let’s go.” Ethan responded, holding her hand and kissing the back of it as his fingers laced with hers.

Later that evening, Allie posted this on social media for all the world to see:

Trapped alone in a car for hours on end with Dr. Ethan Ramsey. Some may say it’s torture but for me -- this is my happy place. Don’t be jealous. #bouttime #roadtrippin #lovehim

THE END.

#dr. ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey #ethan x mc #blazerina babbles #ethan x allie

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artificialqueens · 5 years

Text

Five People’s Thoughts on Adore and Bianca: Raven & Raja (3-4/5) (Biadore) - doctor bitchcraftt

A series of conversations between Raja and Raven, with appearances from Shangela and Mariah. Dialogue-driven rather than a narrative, because I live for Raja and Raven’s interactions. Also? Raja is a legitimate witch.

1. Courtney Act

2. Laganja Estranja

3 & 4. Raja & Raven

5. Trixie Mattel (WIP)

A/N: One of the more fun perspectives I’ve written from, particularly since Fashion Photo Review was one of the things that got me hooked on Drag Race. Raven & Raja are goddesses. Xoxoxoxo, bitchcraftt

********

Raven leaned forward far enough to see past the shimmering curtains out to the audience.

Shangela was tearing up the runway, to everyone’s obvious delight. As she watched along with them, movement in the first row caught her attention.

Sitting pressed together from shoulder to knee, Bianca and Adore out of drag looked like any other couple enjoying an evening at Micky’s. Adore’s head dipped briefly onto Bianca’s shoulder, receiving an indulgent smile in response. Moments later and completely unprompted, Bianca casually reached over to squeeze Adore’s knee.

”Sure you want to stay back here all night?”

”Yeah,” Raja sighed, “too many people wanting the full Raja experience and it’s been forever since I saw you.”

Raven pressed a kiss to her cheek, and they fell back into comfortable silence.

“What are you looking at?”

Raja’s voice interrupted Raven’s voyeurism, and she turned to find her lounging lazily against the wall, wineglass held precariously in hand. Partial drag was a good look on her (any look was a good look for Raja, honestly), the natural grey of her hair setting off her painted eyes.

She gestured vaguely towards the stage with her drink.

“Bianca needs to wear more color. All of that black makes her look small.”

Raja breathed out a mellow laugh.

”She is small. How many of those have you had if you’re forgetting that?”

”Do you think-“ Raven started then paused, trying to get her thoughts in order while simultaneously checking the set list and blotting her forehead with a powder puff.

”Hmmm?” Raja handed her a napkin for the sweaty cocktail balanced on her knee.

They both applauded as Shangela finished her set, and Raven headed back on stage to introduce the next performer.

********

Half an hour later, she picked up the thread of conversation as if they hadn’t been interrupted.

“Ever think the two of them are together?”

”Who?”

Raven raised an elegant eyebrow, but Raja was too busy peering out into the audience again to appreciate the look.

”Bianca and her little drag baby.”

”Oh.” She didn’t sound surprised. At all. Actually…Raven thought she seemed more contemplative than anything else.

”Yes? Or no.”

”Depending on how you look at it, yes and no.”

Turning to face Raja fully, she waited for an explanation, keeping an ear out for the change in music.

“Well?”

“Bianca told me once that she didn’t do boyfriends because she didn’t have enough time to commit properly.”

Raven blinked at what appeared to be a tangential statement, but probably would end up being relevant.

“That bitch, out of everyone we know, could make time for anything.”

She waited patiently for a response as Raja took another sip of wine and waved at a local queen passing through.

”It’s complicated between them.”

”Obviously.”

”Bianca is almost as old as I am.”

Raven snorted.

”Don’t tell me it’s an age gap.”

Lifting her glass to punctuate the previous statement, Raja continued.

“There’s almost…It’s easy to forget that Adore is almost thirty. She’s still figuring out how to be completely comfortable in her skin. She’s so young in a lot of ways. In some ways, that makes the difference even more obvious. And Bianca has been at this for half of her life - and way more than half of Adore’s.”

“Well, she’s practically her drag daughter at this point. But,” Raven checked the stage again, “they’re way too comfortable for that to be a problem.”

“I wasn’t finished.”

A sweaty Shangela came off stage and ushered the local girl on before heading over.

”What’s the tea?”

Raven smiled and patted the bench next to her. “Sit down. We’re trying to decide if Bianca and Adore are fucking.”

”Raven thinks they’re fucking. I,” Raja deliberately flicked her hair over her shoulder, “was trying to explain that it’s more complicated.”

They both waited expectantly while she drained a bottle of water.

“My opinion?” Shangela dabbed at her forehead delicately. “Miss Bianca is too direct to not go for it if she wanted to. And Adore, well, god bless that horny little thing. She’d have jumped her if she wanted.”

Standing up, she air kissed them both and left in a cloud of neon fringe for her next costume change. Raven headed back on stage, and somehow they didn’t manage to finish the conversation before the night was over.

********

Another Monday at Micky’s. Adore and Bianca were once again seated in the corner near the beginning of the stage, clearly a few drinks in each.

”She’s got to be in total control, or else gets so drunk she doesn’t have to be,” Raja announced.

”What?” Raven’s glass was empty and she signaled a server for a refill.

“You know who. Bianca.”

“She’s a drag queen, drinking is part of the job. Fuck, no one I know can function as well as Bianca does when she’s drunk.”

Raja nodded slowly. Tonight she was completely her boy self, lending an air of casual chic to a slouchy deconstructed sweater and jeans.

"We were talking about Bianca and Adore.”

“Rave, you’ve known Adore for what, over a decade? Since she was a baby queen. And what’s her defining energy?”

“Messy slut?”

“I was going to say disorder, but that’s close enough. Mix that with Bianca’s control and you’ve either got the worst combination of opposites or two people that complement each other perfectly.”

“So opposites attract. It’s hardly news. We’ve seen how they look at each other on and off stage. And it sounds like most of the internet has too.”

“Half the net thinks we’re fucking, or haven’t you read the comments out there?”

Raven ignored the question entirely, watching as Bianca draped an arm around Adore’s shoulders without even looking as they carried on two separate conversations between sets.

"Bianca and Adore. Practically on each other’s laps. And that weird no-talking-but-I-know-right-where-you-are thing that they do.”

“We do that.” Raja drained her glass and set it carefully aside.

"You didn’t pay for me to fix this hairline. Or hang all over me all of the time when you’re sober.“

"That’s Martin’s job - ”

“You know,” Mariah’s voice cut in, “Adore made a whole video post about borrowing Bianca’s running shoes in Australia.”

Raven raised a sculpted eyebrow. “Couples share clothes,” she pointed out.

Raja gave them both a look over the rim of her now-full wineglass.

"Bianca loaned Manila two whole outfits for All Stars that she hasn’t given back yet. And I don’t think anyone thinks they’re fucking.”

"That’s drag. We’ve all done it,” Raven pointed out. “This is boy clothes.”

“Awww, you wouldn’t let me borrow your shoes?”

“Your raptor toes wouldn’t fit.”

“Ha ha. Whose side are you on anyway?” Raja demanded when Mariah snickered helplessly at Raven’s jab.

“Oh, most definitely theirs.”

“Gonna tell us what you know?”

Mariah grinned wickedly.

“Nope.”

********

“There’s more sexual tension between them than people who are actually fucking, then. Look,” Raven tugged Raja over until she could see. As they watched, Adore and Bianca laughed along with the rest of the audience at something the queen had done on the runway. Mid-laugh, Adore twisted in her seat to look at Bianca, head tilted and a soft look in her eyes.

“And?”

“Adore practically looks like one of those heart eyes emojis.”

Raja shook her head with that enigmatic half-smile that made Raven want to simultaneously hug her and shake her until she answered.

********

“It’s better than sex though, isn’t it?”

“…suuuuuuure." Raven didn’t sound convinced.

"Think about it.” Raja gestured eloquently with her free hand before settling back on the chair. “Can you see Bianca putting minimal effort into anything? She doesn’t let herself have the time to meet someone and direct her energy into a relationship, and you know how many race chasers are out there.”

”Bitch needs to get her dick sucked more often. Unless you finally agree that she and Adore are hooking up?”

Predictably, Raja continued down her original train of thought.

“Other than sex, she’s got all of the best parts in Adore already - best friend, someone to take care of, someone who understands what we do. And Bianca is exactly what Adore needs to stay grounded and let loose together.”

“You’re not convincing me that they aren’t fucking out their frustrations together.”

“It’s safe for them to love each other, because they’re never going to hurt each other like you do in a relationship. Sex is simple, but having the kind of bond they do? Worth way more, and I don’t care what you say, I’m sticking to that.”

Raven sighed, not sure why they hadn’t just asked the two of them rather than wading through Raja’s musings.

“Oh go ahead, I’ll just watch Bianca shade you into next week.”

She was positive she hadn’t voiced that thought aloud.

”I hate it when you do that.”

“No you don’t.”

”Raja,” she sighed again, “not everything is always profoundly spiritual.”

Raja set down the now-empty glass and fixed her with a look that said she was being incredibly dense. From anyone else, Raven would have bristled, but over the years she’d learned to trust Raja’s instincts.

Mostly.

“Give me your hands.”

With a bland expression, Raja folded her fingers around Raven’s, not squeezing but gently holding.

“…what-“

”Shhh, just concentrate.”

”On?”

A tingling buzz started to grow where their palms made contact. Raja’s energy manipulation was hardly surprising anymore, but she closed her eyes without being asked.

“This is what Adore feels like when you touch her.” The buzz grew sharper, brightness mixed with playful nudges of static.

“And this,” she murmured with a squeeze of their fingers, “is Bianca.” Immediately, the erratic frissons of energy subsided in her left hand. As Raja breathed out, the flow became regimented, controlled and steady with the impression of overwhelming power behind it.

Opening her eyes, Raven nodded and the buzz dwindled down to nothing. Not that she would be able to describe the feelings, but they nonetheless made sense.

“This,” Raja sounded mischievous, “is how it feels when you’re in lust.”

Heat filled her entire body and Raven was suddenly acutely aware of all of the sounds and smells surrounding them. A spark of pure fire raced up both palms, through her corsetted midsection, and settled just above her tuck.

”Very funny,” she muttered, shaking her hands free.

Raja didn’t look the least bit sorry. Recapturing her fingers, she continued.

”The kind of love they have? It’s like this.”

This time, the playful buzz in one hand and solid strength in the other met each other in the middle of her body, melting together. The sensation was warm instead of raging hot, gliding up her arms and settling in her chest. Her own heartbeat fluttered briefly before slowing into a hypnotically steady beat. Raven felt the tension in her shoulders relax as an undefined feeling of rightness descended. It was how she felt falling asleep cradling Martin, lazy afternoons watching tv while working on a new outfit, laughing with Raja in the basement at WOW Presents.

Raja gently released her hands, but the sense of safety and calm affection remained.

”Adore needs that kind of stabilizing energy. And Bianca needs to feel it’s safe to be loved, that she has permission to be vulnerable.”

Oh.

********

Later on, after Raja had recharged her witchy batteries with hugs and being social, Raven pulled her aside and smirked. "Think they just couldn’t figure out how to both be tops?”

“Bitch, like you’d know anything about it."

#rpdr fanfiction #bianca del rio #adore delano #biadore #raja gemini #raven #humor #fluff #five thoughts #canon compliant #doctor bitchcraftt

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teampandawang · 5 years

Text

SEVENTEEN Reaction: confessing to you

HIP HOP TEAM | VOCAL TEAM | PERFORMANCE TEAM

By: Aria

Genre: Fluff

WOOZI

You couldn’t believe how lucky you were having the job of your dreams, chasing everything one day you asked for. And your determined outlook kept you focused on those goals making you obtain them. You were working at Pledis as a singer for a year now and your life became better, even more with the blooming relationship you had wit one of your co-workers.

Jihoon was your producer and working with him was, certainly, your favorite part of being there. You knew him before you entered the company because you stanned his group and found him really cute. But when you started working with him you figured out why the members teased him about his temper.

Yes, he seemed to be a bogeyman at the beginning. You never saw his smile when you got started. But when the time passed by he started treating you better, even being funny about your gestures while singing. He loved teasing you about what you do while recording a new song. He also attended your MV’s recordings to ‘support you’.

And you were not regretting having a friend like him.

But some days you noticed his look on you changed. It got warmer like he felt something undiscovered when he saw you. You caught his glance a couple times and he just responded at you with a shy smile trying to hide his face turning his back to you and scratching his neck.

“Jihoon, what are you thinking about?” You asked someday starting your new album when you caught his mind out of the room. He was acting really thoughtful, like he turned when he was thinking about writing a new song.

“Nothing. I’m just…” He hesitated leaving a sigh. “I’m just distracted.”

“So, something might be surrounding your mind.” You asked curiously.

“It’s not something…” He looked at you trying to prompt you to guess. “It’s...someone.” He pondered.

“OMG! I CAN´T BELIEVE IT” You shouted excitedly about the new in his life. “Lee Jihoon is in love. That’s neeeew!”

“Y/N, calm down.” He smacked his forehead. “I think it could be better if I didn’t tell you. Anyways, I have to go. See you tomorrow at…”

“4 p.m.” You answered quickly as he walked out of the studio, leaving you confused about his sudden leave.

Next day you were kinda bored so you decided to go to the studio earlier knowing that Jihoon would be there, ‘cause that was his cave, practically. You walked quickly as soon as you get to the building. And when you were about to step on Jihoon’s studio you stopped at the sound of his harmonious voice singing a song, a love song, that you never heard before.

When you got in you saw him practicing something, basically whispering while talking to himself. You caught up something he was saying and you realized he was practicing his confession to the unknown significant other he was hiding.

“Y/N, You’re the one. It may sound weird ‘cause I’m not that kind of romantic guy, but I felt for you.” He said while turning to face you and getting shocked at your presence. “W- What? You were supposed to be here at 4.” He said embarrassed.

“But, I’m here…” You said dying of cuteness at his confession. “And I think that you’re not the only one who has those feelings.” You let out timidly sliding the tip of your foot on the floor.

JEONGHAN

Your day was running as usual. Your boss yelling at you during your shift, your co-worker being the asshole he always behaves like and your clients being incredibly impatient. It was driving you crazy, getting you out of your mind. Tired you decided to take some air, walking to the backyard and ‘throwing the trash’.

As soon as you stepped outside of the cafe your phone rang. You instantly withdrew it off your apron pocket. You looked for the contact ID and felt how your heart jumped against your chest. You tried to catch your threatened breath before talking to him, your sunshine. The only one that was able to fix your mood.

“Jeonghanie, how are you?” You said hiding your displeasure.

“I'm fine. Are you good, Y/N? ” He said identifying the suspicious tone of your voice. “I feel you strange.” He trembled due to your attitude.

He knew you pretty good, enough to find out you weren't feeling good. It was impressive for you how someone could go through you and discover all the enigmas your inner being could keep.

“It's just my work. Things are getting worse day by day and you know… I feel kinda tired.” You explained while walking towards the trash containers and resting your back on it.

“I got an idea.” Jeonghan muttered. “You can quit. It's the only thing that will relieve you.” He added enthusiastically as nothing will happen.

“But, Hanie. I have lots of bills to pay.” You passed your fingers across your hair desperate. “I can’t find another job to save enough money for paying my apartment.”

“You’re so stubborn, babe.” He emphasized on the last word giving you shivers. “I would help you with that. We'll search together and if it's necessary you can move to my dorm ‘til we figure out something.”

First of all, your best friend whom you had a crush on was calling you ‘babe’ for the first time. And second, he was basically asking you to move with him. God dam! The slowest run for it, but the fastest…

“I'm picking you right now there. And I hope that when I see you your apron will be taken off.” He said making you came back to reality and hanging out.

You ran to the cafe and looked for your boss who mysteriously wasn't yelling at everyone that passed by his glance. You bursted into his office encouraged but were stopped at the sight of your friend talking politely to him.

“Oh, Y/N.” Jeonghan greeted cordially without leaving his sit. “I was talking with Mr. Wen, teaching him how a knight has to treat people.” He stood up and pecked your cheek painting it red of embarrassment.

“Mr. Wen I wanted to talk to you.” You opened your mouth to keep when you got shocked at the feeling of Jeonghan’s hand tangling his fingers with yours.

“I already told him everything. My girlfriend can't be used like that.” He smirked looking at your eyes and training you outside the office, outside the cafe, to the street where his car was parked.

“Your girlfriend?” You said surprised and excited.

“Yes… Uhm.” He whispered scratching his nape. “I wanted to ask you in a fancier way, but the situation needed some pressure.” He recovered his composure and continued. “Y/N, I'm crazy about you and I don't want any bad in your life. I want to share my all with you. Let us be.”

“We have being us for a while, but today I'm pretty sure I became your girl, Jeonghanie.” You answered hugging his waist. “Thank you for everything.” You added while he kissed your forehead.

JOSHUA

You didn't see the hour to come back home after the hardest day you have faced at college. You had millions of tasks that didn’t seem to end, but you needed some rest urgently. Your classmates told you that they could stay longer working on their part and will help you with yours so you could take some time for chill at your place.

You arrived late at night to your dorm. Your roommate was at his boyfriend’s house so all the lights were turned off and the door was locked down. You were so worried that the fact of having to look for the keys to get in stressed you out. But that was the only way.

You slipped in and walked towards your bedroom with your zombie mood on, without even turning the lights on. You knew your space very well and you didn't need them, apparently, until you shocked something.

You were kinda confused, trying to mind what was it and why the hell was hindering your way to your precious, and urgently, needed bed.

Grunting you walked toward the switch. You freezed at the sight of the biggest gift box you have ever seen. It was beautiful. It has heart-shaped balloons tied at the top. It left you highly confused.

You wanted to call your roommate to ask if it was hers, but something told you to look for its postcard. And you find it hanging off a red thread. You opened it delicately and your eyes shut open when you read it.

Your heart wanted to explode. Was it real? You were rushing trying to unbox it. You were shaking, your hands didn’t answer. It was unbelievable.

You were dating Joshua just for a month, and you couldn't deny that the thing between you two was growing quickly and strong. But it stills a surprise, a mystery, about why he was doing this move so quickly.

The box contained a beautiful roses’ bouquet, a little chocolate box (your faves), and a sign where a big ‘Do you want to be my girlfriend?’ can be read perfectly in a golden ink. It made you tremble leaving your eyes watery.

“What can I say, Y/N?” Joshua stepped out of your bedroom meeting you at your shocked expression. “You got me and I'm not letting you go. I don't want to waste time.” He said holding your waist.

“Josh, I'm…I'm just…” You hesitated before he cupped your chin with his hands making you look at his eyes. “I'm so into you. And I don't want to wait neither.”

He smiled seconds before collapsing his lips over you leaving a sweet taste over them.

“Then, we don’t have to, babygirl.” He said intertwining your hands. “I have something prepared for us tonight, but… you look so tired.”

“I am.” You bended your head embarrassed for ruining his plans for you two.

He suddenly carried you and laid you on the couch. “Don’t worry. We can have our date indoors.” He coed kissing your sleepy eyelids.

DK Flashes lighting, haute couture clothes and lots of image consultants. It was the summary of your daily routine since you became a top model. You always kept busy with photo shoots and interviews, but nothing really fun or interesting at all, just like the superficial things about being in the fashion industry.

You arrived at the studio early, without makeup and wearing baggy clothes that looked like pajamas, looked trashy and tired. You didn’t want to do that photo shoot, it was becoming for you boring, without having enough time to interact with more people unless they were your managers.

And you thought today wasn't going to be the exception but resigned you stayed focused because it was the job you choose on your own.

“Y/N, come here, please.” Your manager spotted your lazy mood and started grinning in disappointment. Your knowledge about his behavior told you that he was getting angry about your attitude, making you notice the ass you were acting like.

“Sorry, Soonhyuck-nim.” You bowed apologizing.

“Don't worry, Y/N.” He forced a smile while turning his head to the two men standing in front of you. He extended a hand presenting you to them.

“Y/N, they're Seokmin and his manager, Huedong-nim.” You bowed at them noticing how the good-looking boy smiled with a pretty warm grin. His look reminded you about someone you have seen before but your memories weren’t answering you the throbbing question.

“You and DK are going to collaborate for the magazine’s cover.” Your manager added talking about the guy. And you absolutely recalled his face. He was an idol for a group you used just to listen to.

You started working hard. And you didn’t have a single second without the feeling of DK’s gaze over you. He was lost on you. You didn’t know how much he admired you. Your beauty was something that always had caught his attention since you became a famous fashion icon in Korea. He practically had a crush on you, and he was not letting this opportunity to pass.

Having you by his side, even if it was working, was driving him crazy. Millions of thoughts traveled his mind nonstop. The jitter feeling rushing around his body tried to control his decisions, but he was blown by a confidence vibe and decided to make a step.

“Y/N, you don’t know how glad I am working with a model like you.” He approached you at the vanity while your stylist was retouching your makeup. His sudden chat took you in surprise, but his words made you blush and smile.

“That’s a pleasure for me to work with a talented boy as you, Dokyeom-nim.” You stood up bowing slightly showing him all your respect and admiration. You faced him and noticed his beautiful smile, and it was because of you. Your eyes lightened up at the sight of his attitude about you. He was really handsome, and a gentleman, without doubts.

“I was wondering…” He started shyly lowering his gaze while scratching the back of his neck. “I was wondering if exists the possibility of taking you into a date.”

He suddenly looked confident smiling.“Oh!” You exclaimed in surprise. “I will be glad if you do.” The warm painted red your cheeks at the thought of him being interested in you.

He was such a gentleman and you appreciate it.“Really?” He brightened. “I can believe it.” He said laughing and calling his manager desperately.

SEUNGKWAN

“How many times do I have to tell you that you’re slaying with that dress?” Seungkwan rolled his eyes. He had spent the whole evening accompanying you while shopping. His role carrying your bags wasn’t hard for him since he loved this plan with you, he said it fed his fashion sense, and you weren’t refusing to be helped.

“I don’t know…” You said taking a look again at the full wall mirror next to you. “I think that we might go to the next store. I heard that the new collection has arrived and that’s amazing.”

He hummed at your wish and waited patiently while you put on your clothes. You stepped outside of the dressing room handing the seller a couple of blouses you wanted to purchase. You went to the line and when you faced the cashier suddenly Seungkwan stood by your side and give her his credit card. Your mouth opened in awe.

“Don’t look me like that, Y/N.” He spoke without even looking at you.

“But, why you did it?” You asked. “I can pay for it. Don’t worry.”

“No, no. I just wanted to spoil my girl.” He said receiving the bags and hanging them on his arms without changing his detached expression.

You walked in silence to the store you wanted to go trying to understand why he started acting like that at the drop of a hat. He always had been so cheesy with you and today he started behaving different, distant like he didn’t want to be there.

You ignored his attitude and started looking excited about the pretty long shiny dresses. They were so cute that you didn’t know which one to choose. You took around four of them and walked to the dresser quickly. You proof every one of them and stood up to let Seungkwan told you his opinion about them always mocking a runway and acting like a model to make him laugh, and he started changing his mood.

It lasted just one dress. It has dark blue sequins, back cleavage, and side-opened skirt. It was your favorite. You walked outside the room with a big smile on our face being amazed at the way the dress made you look.

You looked for Seungkwan who was scrolling on his phone and started walking towards him hoping you caught his attention. When you were literally in front of him the shining of the sequin raised his eyes over your shape. His jaw hit the floor. His eyes shut opened. You looked gorgeous and he didn’t want to keep hiding it.

“Definitely, I’m in love with a goddess.” He threw his hand over his forehead mocking a faint. His reaction was cute and made you nervous at his sudden confession that you decided just to hug him and kiss his cheek while hiding your embarrassed face.

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niftynifflerfics · 5 years

Text

They’re Not Really Gone

I was wondering if you could do a Teddy Lupin x male reader where Teddy is struggling with a cloud of depression about not growing up with his actual father and reader helps him through it. If it isn't a problem, could you make it a little angsty and fluffy. Thank you so much!

(A/N: Of course I can! I hope you like it.)

Warnings: None

Word count: 3,150

The Hufflepuff common room was a comfortable place for all of it's members. Sunlight streamed through circular windows, the air of light chatter and the crackling of logs in the fire made the atmosphere warm and cozy, not to mention the kitchen wasn't far so it was the perfect place to meet up for studies and snacking. The portrait of Helga Hufflepuff above the barrel shaped fireplace smiled at them all as they passed, throwing an occasional wave or concerned 'are you alright there,' when one student was looking particularly stressed or rushed. If you were up too late, seconds away from sleep with your head down in a book, she'd wake you and convince you to get to sleep. During the holiday seasons, she would hold her mug of hot butterbeer up to anyone who passed in attempts to get someone to cheers with her. Today was one such holiday or close enough to it (she was currently trying to cheers with a third year that was much too short to reach), there were only three days left of your sixth year and while that terrified you to no end, you knew that you weren't going to be doing your final year at Hogwarts alone. Teddy shifted, attempting to get comfortable on the opposite side of the couch. He had his face down in a book, trying to study for a test that had been sprung on you mere days before your holidays, but he kept eyeing you, something else was on his mind. Strands of turquoise hair fell to block his view and each time it did, he would reach up and move it out of his face. It would stay there for a moment before it would move once again. You watched for a while, finding yourself distracted from your own studies and eventually growing tired of seeing it happen again and again, you reached forward and brushed the hair out of his face for him. He looked up, slightly startled and nervous before murmuring a thank you when you moved away, but his gaze lingered.

He'd been acting kind of strange for a few weeks now so the look he was giving you was nothing new. There was a mix of emotions swarming in his eyes - a kind of fear and melancholy, but he wouldn't tell you what it was about, no matter how many times you tried to pry it out of him. None of your shared friends had managed to get anything out of him either - you even wrote to Harry when he started shutting himself away from everyone but he had no clue as to what could be bothering him either. This was the first time in weeks that he'd tried to start a conversation with you. 'What's up,' you asked, shifting to sit closer to him. You waited, watching to see if you'd pushed it too far, but he didn't move away and didn't leave and rather took in a couple of nervous breaths. 'Well, my godfather - Harry, you know the one you met last summer holidays? Well, he's invited me to Christmas at the Burrow and well you know how big my family is so it's okay if you say no but if you want to, maybe you'd like to come over for the holidays too? My uh... My cousins are dying to meet you, they won't ever stop asking about when they get to meet my boyfriend.' Without hesitation, you nodded and smiled softly, reaching your hand out to hold his. He tensed and his eyes met yours at last before he smiled too. When you'd owled your parents and received their response, you knew you'd have a hell of a ride trying to buy Christmas presents for everyone in his family. He'd insisted you didn't need to buy anyone anything but you had to make a good impression. You used the approaching Hogsmede weekend to gather miscellaneous gifts. You knew his godfather Harry was big on Quidditch and managed to snatch him up a set of tiny Quidditch gear to play tiny Quidditch with, Hermione read more often than she breathed so you looked for some new releases at a book shop, Ron was and still is a giant supporter of the Chudley Cannons, so you found him an entire book of collectable cards that displayed each team's member and their best moves and moments. You weren't sure what Teddy's cousin's and other aunts and uncles would like so you played it safe with different types of treats from Hogsmede and vouchers for various stores in Diagon Alley. On the last day of school, there was a giant goodbye feast for everyone who was leaving for the holidays - plump turkeys and golden roast potatoes, just as they did every year, the house elves had out done themselves. It was the perfect way to end the year, along with your outstanding marks in your end of year "preparing you for seventh year" test. It was finally over, no more exams until after the Christmas holidays, except Teddy hadn't shown up for it. He'd spent most of the day hauled up in the dorm and none of the others entered it. One of the boys had approached you to ask if you could make sure the coast was clear before he got his pyjamas, but you were way ahead of him. Teddy looked as if he had been asleep for hours, ruffled turquoise hair glimmering in the moonlight as he flicked through something, sitting on the edge of his four poster yellow bed with his legs dangling off of it. His head snapped up when he saw your face through a crack in the door but made no move to approach you and rather shut what looked like a photo album and slid it under his bed before you could see it. When you had reassured him that you were here for him and asked what was up, he'd told you it was nothing and that he just wasn't feeling well but it didn't seem like the Teddy you knew at all, this wasn't just any dinner this was the end of year feast. The ride back to platform nine and three quarters had been alright, especially once the trolley lady came past and you, Teddy and two other Hufflepuff boys stuffed yourselves with cauldron cakes. The weather was clear and sunny, warm enough to leave the house without a jacket but cold enough to wear long sleeved shirts and as the view passed by as blurs of green, you found yourself falling asleep and remaining that way until Teddy reluctantly shook you awake and the two of you left the train together. Teddy's godfather Harry was incredibly noticeable. He stuck out like a sore thumb, even with the thick steam of the Hogwarts Express shrouding the platform. You felt bad for staring considering he got enough unwanted attention as is, but it was too late to feel bad because he noticed you and Teddy, waving and calling you over to join him where he was with his two sons, a daughter and his wife. Teddy smiled, slipping his hand in yours and wheeling his trunk behind him as the two of you approached. 'Nice to see you again Teddy,' Harry's hand moved to ruffle Teddy's bright blue hair. He grunted and laughed a little before Harry's attention moved to you. 'Hello again (Y/N), I'm glad you could join us.' 'So am I.' You could feel the nerves creep in as the curious stares of all three Potter children bore into your back. When Hermione, Ron and their children had approached, five pairs of eyes were on you. You squeezed Teddy's hand and felt him squeeze back. Knowing he was there was the most reassuring feeling in the world. Harry signalled for everyone to follow and you all made your way through crowds of reunited families to a very old looking muggle car. You questioned how in Merlin's name the group of you would ever fit in there, but the engorgement charm made it nearly big enough for you to move in and use it as an apartment. You and Teddy moved to the back of the car beside the Potter's middle child Albus. Albus was the most reserved of all of the Potter siblings, he was the only one who wasn’t still ogling you and instead threw you and Teddy a smile as you moved to sit next to him. When Harry had decided that everyone was "ready to rock and roll," you set off on your way to the Burrow where Molly and Arthur Weasley lived. More paddocks filled with cows, horses, sheep and the like passed by - albeit slower than they did during the ride back to King's Cross, but again you felt a familiar type of sleepiness and serenity despite the loud chatter. When you'd arrived at the Burrow, you apprehensively grabbed your trunk and caught up to Teddy who was lagging behind Rose, Hugo, Hermione and Ron. The whole house was so... Homey. It felt more like home than your actual house had. Maybe it was how many lives this house had housed, how much love it had seen or maybe it was the fact that there were so many people inside that it was alive with conversation - the kind of conversation you'd expect to hear in a packed theatre. The inside was much bigger than you would've expected it to have been and when you walked in you were wrapped in the arms of a very excited looking old woman who was moving from person to person with a bright, wide smile that stretched so far beyond her eyes, she looked as if she'd just won the lottery. Her embrace wasn't expected but definitely wasn't unappreciated, she was a great hugger. 'You must be Teddy's boyfriend,' she stepped back, holding your face between her hands. Your eyes darted to Teddy, who's cheeks had grown red. Molly smiled, observing you before she nodded at Teddy. 'You've found yourself a real handsome one.' Teddy seemed to want to scold her when he noticed the frazzled expression on your face but rather his disapproval was muffled by the material of Molly's shirt. She was too busy hugging him to hear him out. Once everyone had been all hugged out and Molly had finished carrying out everything for lunch, you settled down in the seat next to Teddy's with an unfamiliar girl at your side. She looked the same age as you with bright platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. She seemed very refined and smiled politely at you when she noticed you. You could've sworn you knew her from somewhere, maybe she was a Hufflepuff too? There were a couple of seconds that passed before she realised she hadn't introduced herself and quickly turned to you, sticking out her hand. ''ello, I'm sorry, I didn't introduce myself, I'm Victorie, Victorie Weasley.' You could immediately pin point her slight accent, she must be Bill and Fleur Delacour's eldest daughter. Teddy had made sure to let you know who everyone who was going to be there would be and you seemed to be doing pretty good so far. You introduced yourself too and shook hands with her. She smiled and giggled before she turned back to her plate and started working on the roast chicken in front of her. Molly had done an incredible job with everything she made, the very smell made your mouth water violently and everything down to the roast carrots was cooked so well she could rival the Hogwarts annual Christmas feast, and that was saying a lot. It seemed that everyone was enjoying the meal just as much as you were, everyone except Teddy. Teddy seemed uncomfortable, nudging a roasted potato with the edge of his fork and staring down at it blankly. He was distracted, so much so that when his name was called by Harry who was the head at the opposite end of the table, he didn't notice. To his credit, it was a fairly long table, but nevertheless, Harry tried to get his attention enough times for it to be concerning. You nudged him softly with your elbow, which made his head snap towards you, eyes widening. You tilted your head in the direction of Harry and Harry asked him how his last few days at Hogwarts were again - for the fourth time. Only a few minutes passed of him talking to Harry before he suddenly stood, claiming he wasn't feeling well and making his way up to the room that had been set up for all of the boys to sleep in. It was going to be incredibly awkward now that you thought about it, you barely knew Albus, Hugo, Lewis, Fred or James - you didn't really know them well enough to feel comfortable starting a conversation with them, yet alone sharing a room with them. You thought about the smell of the apple pie coming from the kitchen, the rich scent of apples and cinnamon was enough to fill your dreams for the next one hundred years, but there were more important things than apple pie and one of those things was Teddy. You excused yourself and thanked Molly for dinner, insisting on cleaning up after yourself and rushing up the stairs to the boys room when you were done. You knocked on the door but there was no response. Just when you were about to knock again, a quiet voice broke the silence. 'Who is it?' It was enough for you to worry. Teddy sounded upset, more than upset - he sounded the same way he did when he had told you about his parents. The very tone of voice made your stomach lurch. 'It's (Y/N), can I come in?' There was shuffling and a pause before the door was unlocked and Teddy opened it just a crack. He'd definitely been crying, his eyes were red and puffy, as if in the time it took you to get here, he'd sobbed enough for his tear ducts to give up. You felt guilt coarse through you, you should've been on your feet as soon as he was. 'Are you alright love?' He pulled the door open and let it swing on it's hinges, closing it behind you as you moved into the room. He said nothing, moving to the opposite side of the room and staring out of the window and into the street bellow it. 'You know you can talk to me about anything right? You've been off for weeks and I just don't know how much longer I can take it without knowing whats up. I won't judge you for whatever it is, I promise.' You coaxed, moving to sit on the end of his bed. Teddy nodded, still avoiding your gaze and watching passing cars go by. A few more minutes passed before he sighed and sat down next to you, head falling onto your shoulder. 'Why did you choose to come with me,' Teddy started, voice scratchy and hoarse. 'You know, instead of spending Christmas with your family.' You threw an arm around Teddy's shoulder and sighed, pushing your cheek into his thick, messy hair. 'Because I love you and I love your family.' Teddy mumbled something under his breath. 'Sorry handsome I didn't catch that.' 'They're not my family.' You drew away from Teddy to look at him. He didn't meet your eyes, instead facing the wall his bed was pressed up against. You moved your hands to hold his cheeks. 'What do you mean?' 'They're not my family - not really. I'm just the kid they pity who doesn't have a real family to spend Christmas with.' Teddy choked on a sob and you felt your heart twist violently in your chest. You moved his face so that he was forced to look at you and ran your finger over his cheeks where fresh tears had fallen. 'Teddy, they are your family-' 'No they're not.' 'Teddy-' 'They aren't my real family, Harry isn't my dad - not my real dad and-' 'Teddy!' Teddy paused, eyes darting to yours at your outburst. 'I'm sorry, but they don't pity you, you are their family. They may not be your parents or cousins by blood, but they care about you and that's what really matters.' You sat in silence. Teddy choked on another sob, tears welling in the corners of his eyes. He stayed like that for a while, crying and leaning into the palm of your hands. It was hard not to cry with him, the whole two years you'd been together - he'd never talked about his parents like this. You realise now that he wasn't over it, he was just holding it all in. 'I just wish I had of m-met them you know, my mum and dad.' You nodded, moving to pull him towards your chest, he didn't fight you, instead nuzzling into you. You moved your hand to sit on the top of his head. 'They were amazing people - you remember, Harry told us about all of the stuff your dad did when he was at Hogwarts? About the map? And your mum, she used to turn into teachers for fun.' Teddy nodded, snickering slightly though it came out as more of a sniffle. 'You know, they're proud of you, I'm sure of it. I'm sure they miss you just as much as you miss them.' Teddy nodded, hiccuping again as fresh tears spilled. 'Here's the cheesy part - they're not really gone. As long as you remember them, they're never really gone. They're here in little things like your hair, your eyes and the map. They were brave and strong and you are too Teddy, you are them and they are with you every step of the way - just like I am, just like all of your family is and always will be.' Teddy lifted his eyes to meet yours, pulling away from your neck. 'So I guess you're my family too?' You nodded, smiling and lifting your hand to brush away tears from his face again. 'That's weird.' Your Teddy was finally coming back. You laughed, punching him softly on the arm. Just as he had collected himself again and practically fallen onto you for cuddles, several Potters, Weasleys and a Granger-Weasley burst into the room, laughing and talking between one and other. James winked at the two of you, Albus smiling softly while Hugo, Lewis and Fred were still caught up in their strange chant that you could hear from here since it had started. Teddy smiled fondly at them, they were his family and he hoped that one day you'd become a part of it too - for real.

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wishingforatypewriter · 5 years

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A Tale of Two Friend Groups (Part 1)

Summary: Souma and Megumi arrive at the first rough patch in their relationship (Note: This is also chapter 6 of Between Us)

It was the end of the work week for Tadokoro Megumi. After five days of manning the kitchen at the Ritz Carlton on Central Park, she could finally attend to the tasks that meant the most to her—watering the fire-escape vegetable garden, writing letters to her family back in Tohoku.

But the most important item on Megumi’s to-do list was planning Fumio-san’s 85th birthday celebration. For weeks now, she had spent her days off phoning and emailing Polar Star alums from over thirty Totsuki generations. She had even gotten the likes of Doujima Gin and Ebisawa Reiko to RSVP yes.

Upon entering her apartment, Megumi noticed two things amiss. The leaves of her pepper plant needed trimming, and there was a stranger helping herself to tea on the living room couch.

“U-um, excuse me,” Megumi said as she approached the woman, torn between calling the police and offering her some dorayaki to go with her tea. “Who are you?”

“Oh.” The woman, dressed in a smart business suit, looked startled. She fumbled through her purse for an ornate looking envelope. “Pardon my intrusion! My name is Michelle. I work at the WGO office here in Manhattan.”

“I see,” Megumi said, nodding warily. “I wasn’t aware your organization was here as well.”

“How naive, Miss Tadokoro,” Michelle said with an airy laugh. “It’s natural that the WGO would have a firm presence in any place where magnificent food is being served.”

Off the top of her head, Megumi could think about a thousand places―starting with her hometown—that served happy customers beyond the WGO’s sphere of influence, but decided to save her retorts for more pressing matters. “May I ask what you’re doing in my home?”

“Ah, right. My supervisor is on the selection committee for the World Culinary Conference, and he asked me to deliver this invitation to Chef Yukihira.”

Megumi did all she could to keep her mouth from hanging ajar. The World Culinary Conference was a networking opportunity meant to connect rising stars to the gourmet world’s super elite. Less than ten percent of Totsuki graduates ever earned an invitation, and even fewer did so as young alumni.

“That’s amazing!” she said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. “He’ll be so excited.”

“Excellent. I’ll entrust this to you, then,” the WGO underling said before handing Megumi the envelope and standing to take her leave. “Thanks for the tea.”

“Um, before you go...how exactly did you get in here?” Megumi asked.

The woman smirked at the question. “The WGO knows no barriers,” she explained before letting herself out.

When Souma came home from work that evening, just as Megumi was putting the finishing touches on dinner, the first thing he did was come over and start kissing her. Megumi smiled into it, almost forgetting the monkfish stew on the stove and the WGO envelope resting on the coffee table.

“Mail came for you today,” she said once they parted, trying her best to sound neutral. She didn’t want to risk ruining the surprise.

He didn’t end up opening it until close to midnight, after they had eaten dinner and made love and traded stories about the day’s kitchen mishaps and hard to please customers. It was one of those lazy, chilling-in-pjs evenings that she’d become protective of, given their increasingly demanding work schedules.

When he finally got around to pulling out the invitation letter, Megumi’s chest began to ache with a breath she didn’t quite notice she’d been holding. She admonished herself silently as she sat on her side of the bed, watching him.

“This is insane!” He turned towards her with those bright eyes, that full grin. “I got into the WCC.” Then he must have read something in her expression, or lack thereof. “Did you already know?”

Megumi smiled sheepishly. “A WGO agent came to hand deliver it earlier this evening,” she explained, before leaning over to peck his cheek. “Congratulations. I know how hard you’ve worked for this.”

“Thanks, Megumi.” Souma scratched the back of his head in that shy way he did whenever she praised him like this.

She kissed his neck a few times before glancing down at the letter. “So what are the details?”

“It’s going to be in Amsterdam this year,” he said. “Next month, on the weekend of the fourth.”

“Oh.” Megumi’s brow furrowed when she heard the date.

“What’s the matter?”

“Oh, nothing,” she said. Well, it wasn’t nothing. “It’s just...that’s the weekend of Fumio-san’s party.” She knew the dorm mother and all their friends from the Polar Star were excited to see them. It would have been the first time all of them got together since graduation. “But this is more important. You should definitely go.”

In the weeks leading up to the conference, Megumi would wish that she hadn’t seen the relief on his face as she excused him—that he hadn’t agreed to abandon their joint commitment quite so quickly.

She hated herself for the twinge of frustration that rose within her whenever he brought it up in conversation—I wonder who the speaker is? You think Nakiri and Hayama are gonna be there too?— as the act of resenting her significant other for doing something she literally told him to do smacked of a type of pettiness she hadn’t thought herself capable of.

The morning they rode the rickety A train out to JFK, prepared to fly out of different terminals, Megumi still nursed a belief that he would change his mind and return to Japan with her. He had always been able to read her mind before, to know what she wanted.

But after he walked her to her airline’s check-in, he didn’t buy another ticket. He just kissed the top of her head and asked her to call when she landed.

Then, Megumi speculated as she boarded her economy class flight, he probably went up to the first class lounge all WCC attendees enjoyed and drank top shelf bourbon and reviewed the restaurant proposal he’d been crafting after hours.

He probably didn’t think twice.

The conference hotel in Amsterdam was right on the water, and just as he was checking in, Souma saw none other than Nakiri Alice stepping down from a luxury yacht.

She marched into the lobby wearing oversized sunglasses and an all white pantsuit. In the past several months, Deconstruct Denmark had become a runaway success, and it definitely showed in the way the Nakiri heiress carried herself.

Alice gave a small wave when she noticed Souma. “There you are, Yukihira! I was hoping I’d be able to give you the itinerary.”

Souma gestured to the packet of conference materials he’d picked up at the reception desk. “You mean these?”

Alice laughed a bit. “Oh, no. I mean the social itinerary. It wasn’t easy, but I was able to find out who from Totsuki got invited to this thing. The whole squad is coming.”

“Wait, which squad?” While they were in school, there had been an incredibly large friend group that fissioned off into subgroups as needed.

“Labcoat Trio, plus you, Erina, and Hisako,” she explained. “That’s it from our year, but Isshiki, Kinokuni, Tsukasa, Kobayashi, Saito, and Momo all got invites too. Anyway, we’re all going out tonight after the opening ceremonies. It’s been way too long since we’ve had a rager.”

Souma considered this for a minute. Something about treating this trip too much like a vacation made him uneasy. “I don’t know. I mostly came here to pitch my restaurant idea.”

Alice chuckled a bit. “I see that Erina’s gotten to you. But where do you think you’re really going to get to know potential investors? In this world, you gotta work hard and play hard.”

Souma smirked a bit. “I’ll think about it.”

“Nothing to think about,” Alice replied. “I’ll see you tonight.”

A nostalgic feeling came over Megumi as she stood in the kitchen of the Polar Star dorm and cooked alongside Yuki and Ryoko. They had come downstairs early, before six, so all the food would be ready by the time guests started to arrive.

“I’m surprised you’re up so early, Yuki,” Ryoko teased, and Megumi laughed. Back in high school, Yoshino Yuki could always be counted on to sleep until noon.

The brown haired woman merely shrugged. “My sleep schedule has been all over the place since I started working on the cruise ship. Besides, Alice has been posting about the WCC and I literally can’t stop watching.”

“Isn’t it just a bunch of talks and business deals?” Ryoko asked with a shrug.

“Um, no!” Yuki turned her phone so her friends could see the Instagram photos herself. “At least not at night, anyway.”

“Oh wow,” Ryoko said. “They’re basically just club hopping at this point.”

“Right! I’m so jealous!” Yuki whined.

Megumi didn’t exactly want to look, but she did anyway. And when she saw the pictures of her boyfriend popping champagne in a smoky nightclub with Alice and company, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

Lovely priorities.

“What’s the matter, Megumi?” Ryoko asked.

“Nothing.” But she kept scrolling, and the more she saw, the more this new frustration mounted. She stopped at an image of the six of them clustered around a table lined end to end with tequila shots—Souma next to Erina, probably daring her to take another.

She sighed, handed the phone back to Yuki, and resumed making her onigiri, squeezing the rice a bit more tightly than necessary.

“It’s okay if you’re a little angry with him,” Ryoko said with a knowing smile. “It’s perfectly normal.”

“Why would I be mad?” Megumi asked. “It’s a great opportunity.”

“But he already had plans with you.”

The executive chef shrugged, noting how much tension in her shoulders she had to push through in order to do so. “No one gets invited to that kind of event and doesn’t go.”

“Well, Isshiki-senpai didn’t go,” Yuki chimed in. “Personally, I think he’s insane for passing up the invite, but he said Fumio-san will only turn 85 once.”

“So it is possible, then,” Megumi said, mostly to herself. That was something. “We should probably get started on the cake.”

#shokugeki no soma #soumegu #sorina #soueri #between us #on casual commitments #love is complicated

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