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bohemianrhvps · 3 years

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Mon amour, puisque tu m'aimes. - G.W.

Summary: George and Fred barely fight but when it happens they might not talk to each other’s for days. After a big fight, George stormed out of the shop and went to muggle London for a walk to calm his nerves. He found himself in one of those old vintage cafes and as he was sitting outside he spot a little flower shop across the street, playing some vintage french songs then he saw her and his heart started trembling.

warnings: swearing, mentions of alcohol, fluff, modern!George and muggle!reader.

note: I love Edith Piaf and vintage songs with all my heart and lately I can’t stop to listen “Hymn à l’amour” by Edith Piaf. Physically the reader is based on me (hope that’s not a big deal). I had this idea because I think that George would definitely fall for a muggle, he finds them fascinating just like his father.

‘How dare he say something like that? How dare Fred tell me that my job is not enough and I need to focus more?’

George was furious, he and his brother Fred just had one of their biggest fight ever. He stormed of the shop that he and his brother owned leaving a furious Fred and a confused Ron behind him. He went straight to the Leaky Cauldron and entered muggle London crowded streets. It was early evening and almost everyone was going home after a long day at work.

He decided to calm down his nerves and take a walk around London’s little alleys. His mind was full of thoughts, he was thinking about the words he and his twin brother said to each other’s, angry words that it doesn’t matter that they were said impulsively they still hurt.

After a while he found himself in a little street, less crowded, one of those roads that seemed like those roads in small country villages. A little vintage cafes caught his eyes and he decided that he needed a coffee, even if he didn’t enjoyed his flavour. After ordering, paying and picked up his coffee, he went out to sit in one of those two-seater tables outside the cafes.

Vintage french musics draw his attention, making him stand up and look around trying to figure out where it came from. His eyes landed on this little flower shop on the street corner so he crossed the street and walk towards it. He was never a big fan of Herbology at Hogwarts or plants in general but he was fascinated by these plants, he also saw lemon trees and they were so yellow and so beautiful and their smell was magnificent and he wondered how could they be so beautiful, they were simple and common plants but they were the most beautiful he had ever seen.

Y/n was watering the tulips inside her little shop, humming that old french song that she put in her “oldies” playlist when she spotted this tall red haired man outside her shop, looking at her plants almost suspiciously and she wondered what he was thinking about.

“Did you know that talking to plants makes them grow better?” she calmly said leaning on the front door, still holding the watering can with both hands.

“Is that the secret to having such beautiful plants?” George said turning fully around.

When they met each other’s eyes they remained silent for a couple of minutes. She was mesmerised by his features, he was indeed handsome and his hair was a fiery shade of orange. On the other hand he was mesmerised by her looks, he found her particular, almost weird but she was absolutely dazzling. She had short brown hair, her haircut right under the ear, that perfectly framed her round face. She was wearing a white flannel shirt and a pair of beige flannel pants and the first buttons of her shirt were open. She was at least one foot lower than George, she wasn’t skinny, her waist was slightly narrower than her hips that widened, highlighting her fleshy thighs. And George, being the thighs man he is, had to refrain from staring too long. She was so simple yet so particular and captivating.

“So you like my plants, ay?” she said smiling and putting the watering can on the side.

“I’m not a big fan of flowers and plants but I have to admit that your plants look very tempting.”

‘You are very temping. No wait- George what the heck. Calm down your hormones, mate’ he mentally cursed himself for thinking such things about her.

“If my plants are tempting let me show you something then.” She laughed and went inside her shop, shouting a muffled “Come in” waiting for him to follow her. After having rummaged among the various plants she came back to George with a little succulent in her hands.

“This is a little Echeveria elegans, which is a succulent plant.” she smiled placing the plant on the counter.

George found himself entering the shop and looking around it, it was much smaller than his but it was lovely, full of colours and aromas. He looked at the plant she brought with her and raised his eyebrows, wondering why she took that plant.

“I want to give you this plant.” Her smile was so big that he sweared her skin was going to break. He panicked because he didn’t know how to pay that plant sure he had money with him but muggle money is different from Galleons. He opened his jacket to get his wallet but her hand stopped him.

“No, it’s a gift.” her hand was still on his forearm and he couldn’t help but smile at the contact.

“Forgive my rudeness for not introducing myself sooner but I’m (y/n).” her hand stretched out waiting for George to hold it.

“I’m George and it’s very nice meeting you.” he smiled softly at her, making her blush. She couldn’t help but think about how handsome and charming he was.

“You’re new around here, right? I’ve never seen your face before.” and what a beautiful face she may add.

“No actually I found myself in this street after a long walk and had a coffee in that lovely cafes I want to add that I think I’m going back because that coffe was amazing and I usually don’t drink or like coffe. Anyway I own a shop with my twin brother.” he was babbling but Oh Merlin she made him so nervous.

“Oh yeah? And where is this shop?” the way her brow frowned over in curiosity was adorable.

“Oh it’s across town actually, yeah” his initial enthusiasm had now disappeared.

George looked at his watch and realised that it was almost dinner time and tonight he was supposed to cook for him and Fred.

“I’m sorry but I really need to go now, I guess I’ll see you around then.” he said making his way out of the shop.

“I’ll wait for you to come back here again then.” she smiled at him. The sunset made the whole situation looking like one of those romantic muggle movies his parents made him watch.

He waved his hand at her and walked towards the Leaky Cauldron with the biggest smile on his face and this little plant on his huge hands, he felt like Neville back in Hogwarts.

*The next day*

“Good morning Dear (Y/n)”

“Good morning Margaret”

“Oh you’re wearing a dress and you’re in a good mood today. The usual, love?” (Y/n) simply laughed at the old and lovely woman that owned the cafe and nodded at her question.

“Can I ask you something?” she said sipping her hot cappuccino.

“Anything dear” Margaret smiled at her.

“Did a tall red-haired guy come in here yesterday?” she tried not to look very hopeful.

“How could I forget him? He had this fiery red hair, this purple suit and he was so tall. Is he your boyfriend?” same old nosey Margaret.

“What? No no” she blushed laughing nervously.

“Oh, okay then.” Margaret simply shrugged.

“If he comes again I offer everything he orders.” she smiled and hurried to open her flower shop.

“I don’t know why but she was capable of making me nervous. Me? George Fabian Weasley nervous in front of a girl? She’s beautiful though, very particular may I add. Anyway I’ll probably visit her again tod-“

“George who the fuck are you talking to?” Fred came out of his room hearing George talking to a plant?

“Oh Fred ehm nothing, I mean no one” he laughed nervously scratching his neck.

“Do you remember that we have lunch at the Burrow right? Ron and Hermione wants to tell us something.” Fred began to have breakfast as if nothing had happened.

“Alright but I have to go now” George rushed down the stairs, making his way to (Y/n)’s flower shop.

He stopped at the cafes and just as he was about to pay, Margaret stopped him.

“(Y/n) offers” she winked at him. His brows furred but he cracked a smile.

“What’s your name, dear?”

“George” he said before leaving the cafes and run towards her shop.

While he was sipping his coffe, he stayed outside waiting for her clients to leave but admiring her. She was radiant today, she was wearing a yellow long flower dress, with long sleeves balloon and she curled her hair a bit. ‘How cool, they seem shorter’ he thought.

“You know you didn’t have to, right?” he said raising his coffee as soon she was alone in the shop.

“I know, but I wanted to.” everything about her was simply adorable.

He looked around and he found these beautiful and aromatic lilies.

“Just her favourites.” he whispered to himself but (Y/n) heard that and she felt her heart clenched a bit and she didn’t know why.

“Can I have a few of these?” he turned her way.

She took the lilies and made a lovely bouquet, she didn’t want to be nosey but..

“Are these for your girlfriend?” she said tying the boquet with a pink ribbon.

“My girlfr- no no, these are for my mom.” he answered almost too quickly. “We have a family lunch, my brother and his wife want to tell us something. I’m wondering what it is.” again he was babbling and tell her things that she probably didn’t want to hear.

“Maybe she’s pregnant, I don’t know.” she answered giggling. He was going to pay but again she stopped him, shaking her head with a simple smile.

“Let me know if your mum liked them.” she waved her hand and again George found himself with the biggest smile of his face.

“Merlin’s beard George, they’re beautiful.” Molly was thrilled when she saw the lilies. “(Y/n)’s flawless flowers.. never saw it in Diagon Alley, is it a new shop?”

“Actually mom it’s a shop in muggle London, yeah.” he scratched the back of his neck, blushing a little.

“And tell me, what's she like? Big tits? Big ass?” Fred whispered pushing his shoulder a bit.

“Big tit- Fred what the hell?” he scolded at his twin brother.

“Boys behave we have an announcement!” Ron said clapping his hands drawing everybody’s attention on him and Hermione.

“I’m pregnant.” Hermione said with a big smile on her face.

“(Y/n), how did you know..” George whispered to himself while clapping his hands at the happy couple.

“Were you talking to me?” asked Fred smirking, acting like he didn’t heard George’s exact words.

It was Monday morning and it was also (Y/n)’s day off so she decided to walk around London and look for George’s shop, she wanted to surprise him. It took her almost the whole morning but she hadn’t seen his shop, he told her that outside his shop there were a huge statue that looked like him so it was impossible to miss. It was around noon and she decided to go visit her grandmother and her flower shop. The only thing was that her grandmother was a witch and her flower shop was in Diagon Alley so she made her way through the Leaky Cauldron and entered Diagon Alley. It has been a while since she was in the wizard world but she knew exactly how to act. Just around the corner she spotted an unfamiliar shop.

Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.

The moment she saw the statue she instantly froze. She recognised it and the shop was exactly like George described it. She decided to enter and look around.

The inside of the shop was simply beautiful, so full of colours and people and she was simply enchanted. She spotted a familiar tall ginger man and she made her way to him.

“George?” she tapped his shoulder.

“Wrong one, love. I’m Fred.” he said turning around to greet her. She smiled at him as she instantly recognised him as George’s twin brother.

“And you are?” he raised his eyebrows.

“(Y/n), I’m (Y/n).” she reached out to him.

“Oooh” Fred said with a cheeky grin. “(Y/n)’s flawless flowers, right?” he squeezed her hand.

“Oì, stop flirting with our costumers and come to h-“ he froze. He was panicking when he saw her. And now what? What is he supposed to do? What is he supposed to say?

“(Y/n) hi, w-what are you doing here?” his palms were sweating so hard he hoped you wouldn’t notice.

“Your shop is literally magical.” she ignored his questions as she giggled looking around George’s shop. “My grandmother is a witch, she owns a flower shop here in Diagon Alley, so here I am.” she said raising her hands.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you” he was really sorry because he really like her, he didn’t know if he liked her as a friend or more but he sure enjoyed her company.

“Oh it’s okay, I can imagine it’s not easy telling someone you’re a wizard” her laugh was lovely.

“So, can I have the honor of showing you around the store?” he asked her extending his arm which she gladly accepted.

“Y/n guess what... Hermione’s pregnant.” he said super excited.

“I told you!” she said jumping a little making George smile like a five years old.

George turned around to his brother who was looking at them smiling. Fred knew his brother and he knew that George fell for her, even before George himself knew that.

note: I’m thinking of making this a mini series, divide it into three maybe four parts (reader meeting the Weasleys and maybe add some smut lol). Let me know if you liked it and if you want me to continue it.

#george weasley #george weasley imagine #george weasley smut #harry potter imagine #hermione granger #hogwarts #ron weasley #draco malfoy #george and fred #fred weasley #fred and george #the weasleys #the weasleys twins #george weasley x reader #george weasley headcanon #fanfiction

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rebeccccccaaa · 3 years

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ι’м нєяє ƒσя уσυ

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вυ¢ку вαяηєѕ χ яєα∂єя

Rєqυєѕт: (ANON) hi! i absolutely love your work!! i’m not sure if you’re doing requests but if you’re up for it can you please write a fluffy bucky x reader fic? maybe something along the lines of the reader kinda going through a rough patch and bucky and the team notice, bucky talks to you and helps you feel better and then later the team has a movie night and just some real tooth rotting fluff lol. it definitely does not need to be exact to my request !!! thank you so much <333

ωαяηιηgѕ: mentions of anxiety (possible attack), depressive episode, and insomnia; major angst but tooth rotting fluff!

αυтнσя'ѕ ησтє: i freaking love this request so much. i’m doing so much smut in my stories it’s nice to just sit back and cuddle bucky lol [as per usual timeline has everyone alive and well because i reject *nf*n*ty w*r and *ndg*m* ;)]

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You sat alone in the dark just as the day before; and the day before that, and the day before that.

Recently, there’s been a higher demand for the Avengers help and truthfully it’d been extremely draining for everyone. Thankfully thought, this entire week nobody had called an avengers level threat. Unfortunately for you, you haven’t been able to get any shut eye.

Now here you were again wide awake in the early hours of the day. It was dead silent in your room; you could hear the blood rushing in your ears and the soft thumps of your heart beat. Your breathing was irregular since you were so aware of everything little thing your body was doing and feeling.

The clothes you wore felt gross moving along your skin with each breath you took. The blankets overheating your legs. Everything was becoming overwhelming and your anxiety spiked.

You practically jumped out of bed and turned your light on. You went to open the curtains to let some source of light in; the moon was bright that night. But when you did so your eyes shut involuntarily from the brightness of the morning sun you weren’t aware of.

“It’s morning?” you said to yourself.

“What the fuck,” you mumbled, tears brimming your eyes.

You breathed out heavily, sighing, and went to your dresser to grab some day appropriate clothes. You went into the bathroom and fixed your appearance applying an extra amount of concealer and blush to hide that desperate tiredness in your face.

When you felt you were approachable you put on a happy face just like the day before, before heading to the kitchen to grab some food. At least you were still feeding yourself and had somewhat of an appetite left.

When you came practically the entire team was down there.

“Good morning!” you said cheerfully.

“Morning!” everyone said back matching your enthusiasm.

“How did everyone sleep?” you asked. You usually ask this almost to vicariously live through them; wishing for the restful nights everyone described.

“Great.”

“Like a baby.”

“Pretty good, you?” Bucky said.

You paused because usually no one asked you the same question, which was why you kept asking. You supposed that of course some day, someone was bound to ask about your night.

“Oh, um… could've been better,” technically that wasn’t a lie.

“Sorry to hear, doll.”

“Oh, it's fine,” you smiled and waved off.

“Anybody got plans for today?” Nat asked everyone; no one answered except for a couple of shrugs and head shakes.

“You guys up for a movie night?”

“Yeah, sure,” everyone said.

Everyone stayed almost the entire day in the common room watching movies, eating snacks, and talking about funny stories from missions. You stayed quiet not having any energy to converse with everyone. You felt like you were running on fumes.

You were so out of it you hadn’t realized the looks exchanged throughout everyone that knew something was off for you. Although you weren’t the loudest or most enthusiastic person on the team, you also weren’t one to not engage in conversations.

Every question or involvement of some sort in each conversation was always quickly dismissed or validated by you. Eventually you checked out entirely, holding what was possibly your seventh cup of coffee of the day.

“Huh?” you didn’t hear the question asked by Nat.

“Y/n, you doing ok? You look sleepy,” Nat said, smiling softly.

“Uh, yeah I’m a bit tired. I think I’ll head to bed.”

Everyone looked at you strangely as you got up.

“Is there a problem?” you asked, feeling slightly more insecure.

“It’s six p.m.,” Steve said, “Pretty early for bed, don’t you think?”

“Isn’t that like your tenth cup of coffee?” Nat started.

“Are you alright, Y/n?”

“What’s going on?”

“You look pale.”

Everything was getting too overwhelming, voices echoed in your head. Tears started to form in your eyes as you stared down at your coffee before setting it down; your hands were trembling. You wanted to run away, so that’s what you did.

“Sorry, I-” you ran off hearing your name being called by some of the team.

You got to your room and slammed the door behind you. You felt humiliated and embarrassed. Your body was still shaking and you breathed heavily trying to calm down before you have an anxiety attack.

Suddenly, a knock at your door scared the hell out of breaking you momentarily from your trance. You swung the door open to find Bucky standing at your door, worrisome written all over his face.

“Can I come in?”

You couldn’t say anything. You wanted to but just stood there frustrated with yourself.

“It’s ok, doll. I’m here,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around your shoulders to pull you in a warm hug.

“I don’t know why I feel like this. I hate it. I can’t sleep, I barely eat, I’m so tired,” you cried to him.

“I know,” he said.

“I just wanna- I just wanna disappear for a bit you know? Like go somewhere where I don’t have to worry about everything bad.”

“Me too,” he comforted.

“I’m sorry,” you said after a moment of silence.

“For what? You don’t have to be sorry.”

“For this,” you sniffled, “For getting boogers and tears on your shirt.”

“It’s ok,” he chuckled.

“Y/n, I know exactly how it feels. And I know that bottling all that up just makes it worse; makes you feel horrible and gross. I don’t like seeing you like this. Not sleeping, you hardly talk anymore; and it’s not just this past week we noticed your shift. I know things are hard and you feel like telling people is just gonna make them think you’re weird or a burden, but I promise you you’re not. We’re here to talk, be there for you because we know you’d do the same for us. We’re family, and we love you. We all do. I love you. So talk to me ok?”

You were a mess. Thinking about it again, you hadn’t had a restful night in a very long time; you couldn’t remember. You weren’t taking care of yourself as you normally would and it was true you spent more time alone afraid that you’d be a bother if the team noticed your upset attitude.

Tears were falling heavily down your cheeks to your neck; some dripped to the floor. Your hands were practically gripping Bucky’s forearms pulling close to you. You wiped away the tears quickly and sniffled.

“Thank you Bucky,” you whispered, and he hugged you tightly.

“Can you sleep with me tonight?” you asked him.

“Ok,” he walked over to the bed with you and climbed under the sheets.

He was already wearing sweatpants but you weren’t. Without any care, you pulled your bottoms off for they would’ve been uncomfortable to wear to sleep and crawled beside Bucky to fall asleep.

There was no tension between you, it was quite domestic almost. You curled up to Bucky’s side cuddling his warm body before closing your eyes. Bucky’s fingers traced along your arm that laid across his stomach while the other rubbed your head delicately.

You opened your eyes once more and looked up at Bucky and leaned in to kiss him softly. You rested your forehead against his own and gingerly bumped your noses.

“I love you too Buck,” you whispered.

Bucky smiled and kissed you again. You closed your eyes and for the first time in too long you had a restful night; limbs tangled with Bucky’s, someone you love and trust more than anyone in the whole world. And thankfully, he felt the same way for you.

The next morning, you actually woke up. You felt rested. You stretched your limbs out before remembering about last night and Bucky. You looked around the room and didn’t see him.

You looked at your clock on your bedside table and noticed it was already eleven in morning; almost noon. You got change quickly and went downstairs to find everyone laughing and eating breakfast.

When you got down and joined the team Bucky looked at you and got up to hug you and kiss you gently. He smiled and sat with you at the kitchen counter where there was a plate of breakfast waiting just for you.

“Morning, how’d you sleep?” Nat asked, cheerfully just like you do to them.

“I slept,” you ended your sentence making everyone chuckled and smile.

“Seriously though, I slept very well,” you looked to Bucky and gave him a little kiss before digging into your food.

“Oh, you guys?” you asked after a couple of bites.

“Sorry about yesterday.”

“Don’t be, we talked about this,” Bucky rubbed your thigh softly.

“I know but I still feel kinda bad for kinda ruining movie night. Can we try again tonight?” you asked.

Everyone smiled and looked to each other as if to see who had plans and eventually nodded. They came forward and huddled around you to give you a big group hug making you laugh as their cheesy antic.

“You guys are so cheesy,” you laughed.

“We love you, Y/n!” Nat shouted.

“We love you!” everyone followed.

“I love you guys too. Very much.”

#bucky barnes #bucky fluff #buckybarnes x reader #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes angst #bucky x reader #bucky x y/n #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #james buchanan barnes #james bucky barnes #fluff #bucky barnes smut

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kiri-ah · 3 years

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With A Bow Tie s.jn

(click header for high quality)

I am so sorry about this but this is a female/non-binary reader insert, I can't think of a way to make this work for a male reader, it's too self indulgent. I'm so sorry, really. You can still read it of course, but there are some details that might be a wee bit off.

taglist because i think my friends will like this: @danishmiilk @lebrookestore @leejunini @allegxdly @hannie-dul-set @alicanta77 @multifandomcoffeebean @batshitcrazyauthor @bluejaem @mingiswow and if I forgot you please send me an angry message lol

You've never understood how a bow tie works. Any male figures in your life used full-on ties or the little clip-on bow ties that you don't actually have to, well, tie. Then you started dating Johnny Suh and discovered that bow ties were relatively common, most of his (humongous) friend group used them more often than a long tie.

The morning of his friend Taeyong's wedding, the two of you are getting ready in your shared hotel room, him in his suit and you in your best clothes. Johnny looks absolutely stunning and you find yourself wondering how he would look if you were to walk down the aisle towards him. You nearly melt from the image; even in your head, he has the prettiest smile. You snap out of your thoughts when he asks you to help decide which of the two ties he brought looks best. You raise your eyebrow in amusement.

"You brought two ties to the hotel?"

He goes to run a hand through his hair before remembering the gel in it and freezing his hand mid-air. "I couldn't decide yesterday, I thought maybe I'd be more sure today," he tells you, and you can see he's just as exasperated with himself as you are.

"Okay," you say with a laugh. "I'll help, but you have to teach me how to tie a bow tie, and not laugh at me."

He doesn't hesitate even a moment before saying, "deal."

You tell him that you think the red tie goes better with the occasion and he nods, ready to take your word for it. In exchange, Johnny shows you exactly how the oddly shaped fabric turns into a bow.

"Okay so you start a little bit like tying shoes," he says, showing you. "Then this bottom piece gets folded in half, making one half of the bow. Then you wrap this other side up and around, securing it." You watch with something akin to awe as he twists the fabric with nimble fingers and makes half a bow. "Now this other side gets folded in half as well and you tuck it through the back to make the other half of the bow. Then if we just tug a little it straightens out into a nice bow!"

"You make it look so easy," you breathe out. "Can I try on your other one?" He looks down at his watch, smiling at your enthusiasm.

"When we get home, I'll let you practice until you can make a million perfect bows," he tells you, "but we're going to be late for the wedding if we take much longer, and I'm a Best Man. I can't be late."

You huff out a breath but follow him out the door after grabbing your things. You're more eager than you'd like to admit to see the mystery fiancee of Taeyong's. He's kept her to himself for too long.

When you arrive at the wedding there are people streaming into the church, Johnny's whole enormous group of friends is here, some with their significant others, and so are older adults and- is that Xing-Yi?!

You gasp, looking at Johnny. "I think I know those girls! I'm gonna go see if they know who the bride is." You kiss him on the cheek and before he's even answered you're speeding off towards the group of surprisingly familiar faces.

"XING-YI!" you call. She turns all the way around and it is her, and around her are Krystal, Nini, Storm, Felix, Allex, Bruna, Bean, Taytem, Aditi and other friends from your high school years.

"Y/N!" she exclaims delightedly, and opens her arms for a tight hug of welcome. "I didn't know Brooke invited you!"

"Brooke?" you echo, confused. "I'm here for Taeyong, I'm dating his friend Johnny." You barely have a moment to consider the fact that Brooke forgot to invite you. Then again, Taeyong did, and they couldn't invite you twice. Brooke is the bride?

"Taeyong?" says Allex. "Skinny kid, always dancing, all the girls and the gays wanted to have sex with him?"

"Yeah, he got more attractive, and he's also the groom," you tell the group.

"And Brooke is the bride?" Nini is all out squealing. You wince at the shrillness. "Dude, I can't believe they kept this a secret for so long!"

"I can't either," remarks Sicheng, coming up and putting his arms around Xing-Yi's waist. You roll your eyes. They're ones to talk. It took ages to get Xing-Yi's name out of Sicheng's mouth and even longer for you to meet her and realize that it was your Xing-Yi. Allex seems to have the same thought and her mouth is halfway open before she appears to think better of it and closes it again. She's been dating Jaemin for years, a fact you were very jealous of until you met Johnny. They're rather… flamboyant about their love for each other.

Then finally everyone is sitting down and of course you sit with the girls because Johnny is up with Taeyong, who looks gorgeous as ever in his suit and (actual) tie. Allex wasn't kidding; all the girls and a surprising amount of guys wanted him back then, and probably still do. Now he'll be Brooke's to hold and to cherish forever. You desperately hope that she's not the jealous type.

All of a sudden music starts playing and Brooke walks through the doors to the chapel in all her glory; her dress swishes around her legs as she walks, train falling gracefully to the floor, thin veil over her face and she looks amazing, and you find yourself beating back jealousy. You will not ruin this beautiful occasion with envy. Her smile is visible even though the veil and she just looks so happy.

After the service everyone is socializing and most of the chatter, from what you can tell, is about how ‘it was Brooke all along’ or ‘can you believe she's married to Taeyong?!’ Apparently they kept it a secret from everyone except their parents. Eventually the bride and groom come in themselves and people are swarming them; your group stays back. You have all the time in the world. Johnny comes to find you in the crowd and then finally it's your turn to go congratulate the couple and tell them how fantastic they looked. They're a great match.

When you get home the next morning after sleeping in and driving from the hotel, Johnny lets you practice how to tie a bow tie on him, patiently instructing you.

Life is good.

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quicksilversquared · 4 years

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The Wavering Peahen: Chapter 5

When Nathalie started feeling oddly ill again, both she and Gabriel were worried that the Peacock Miraculous might somehow (impossibly) be to blame again.

So naturally, they pick someone else to be the Peacock for a bit. You know, as a test subject. Except the new Peacock… doesn’t exactly know that.

links in the reblog

"Oh my god, you guys, you'll never guess what my mom did for me!" Lila announced as she arrived at the picnic just a little bit on the late side and, other than her phone and a hastily-made Thermos of tea, completely empty-handed. If anyone asked, she would just claim that she had meant to make something, but she had overslept and not been able to start early enough to pull off what she had intended. "It was so sweet of her!"

Heads turned her way, and several of the other girls stepped closer like they were being drawn by a string. Rose was the first to speak up.

"What did she do, Lila?"

"She brought my old phone to a specialist so they could recover some of my old photos off of it- it got destroyed during one of my mission trips to South America and I lost all sorts of data!" Lila practically wilted at the 'memory'. "Thankfully my contacts were backed up in the cloud, but I lost all of my photos! All of those memories, gone! I thought that there was no way to get them back!"

Rose gasped in excitement. "But she got them recovered! That's so great!"

"Some were lost for good- most of them, actually. But I got some back and now they're on my phone and on the cloud, just in case." Lila glanced around. "I don't know if- would anyone like to see them, maybe?"

Rose nodded at once, practically teleporting to Lila's side in her eagerness to see. Alya wasn't far behind, and then Mylène and Nino came behind her. Lila beamed, pulling out her phone and swiping to open up her photos. She had stuck in some landscape photos that she had snagged online to mix it up so that not all of her photos were shots of her and famous people, but obviously the celeb shots were the star of the show.

"Oh, that's Prince Ali!" Rose said happily, half-hanging over Lila's arm to see the phone screen better. "You two definitely look close!"

"Yes, well, we've worked with each other several times," Lila told her. "So of course we're close! I took this picture maybe a year and a half ago? I was at his castle for two weeks while discussing all of the different types of charity work we were doing and ideas for going forward. It was lovely there, really. The beds were so comfortable, and the food was amazing!"

There was a chorus of 'that's so cool!'s and 'you're so lucky!'s. Lila beamed, happy with the attention, and dove into her prepared story, tying in a few of the few of stories that she had told before. More of their classmates gathered around, trying to get a glimpse of her phone. Lila held it up to show the photos off as she went, ever-thoughtful. One story turned into two, then ten, then a dozen as she flipped through the photos. It was a lot- normally she just did one story at a time, peppering them in where they were relevant- but she had been too sick to come up with many stories recently and of course the photos provided a perfect opportunity do a bit of talking.

(Maybe it was a bit too much talking, considering that she was still recovering from her illness and her throat was already sore and she was still feeling a bit faint every so often, but she was on a roll and needed to press her advantage while she had it. These photos were gold, and she needed to milk them for all they were worth.)

"Oh, those shots of you and Ladybug are great!" Alya exclaimed once Lila swiped to the first of the Ladybug pictures. Even though it was just a Ladybug look-alike, Lila had found herself gritting her teeth as she forced herself to cozy up to the sentimonster's side. She hadn't given in to the urge to punch the sentimonster in the face, just as a bit of stress relief, but that had less to do with being nice and more to do with her being worried that she was going to lose control of the sentimonster and have it turn on her. "Those must have been pretty recent, right? Were they on your old phone, too?"

"Ah- no, those were just from yesterday afternoon," Lila fibbed quickly, trying not to cringe. She probably should have held off of putting the Ladybug pictures on her phone- those would always be relevant, she could show them off some other time if she ever hit a lull in attention- but it was too late for that now. Maybe she could get a couple more posters and do another sentimonster session before Hawkmoth took the Miraculous back so that she would have more photo evidence in the future. "She was out on a run and saw me when I was on a walk to try to brainstorm ideas to help the global anti-pollution initiative with Prince Ali. Since we're friends, she decided to drop down and say hi! It was so nice of her."

"She must have been keeping a low profile," Alya commented, leaning in closer. "I didn't get any reports of superhero spottings yesterday, but I know they've been out before without people noticing! Did she help come up with any ideas?"

"No, she wanted to get going again before she got noticed and mobbed," Lila told her. "Which is understandable! She said she would think it over and get back to me if she came up with anything."

Alya nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense. I'm sure she'll come up with something, though! Considering how creative she is with Lucky Charms, I bet that she'll think up something cool."

Lila tried not to let her smile get too strained as she faked her enthusiasm. "Yeah! I mean, if it's anything too out there, it might be hard to get people on board, but some out of the box ideas might just be what the world needs!"

"Would you mind sharing those photos on the Ladyblog?" Alya asked eagerly. "I always love adding good pictures of the superheroes, and those are fantastic."

Trying not to smile too obviously, Lila nodded. "Of course! That's fine." Honestly, the more people who saw it, the better. That way, if Ladybug decided to be a brat again and tried to call Lila out, it would be far easier for Lila to claim that they had had a falling out and Ladybug was being an asshole about it and for that to actually be believed. "I'll send the photos to you right away, actually, before I forget."

Alya grinned, whipping out her phone eagerly. "Great! Lemme just- ah, I should probably think of an actual article or something to go along with the photos, huh? Uh- maybe something about how Ladybug isn't just saving the world from evil, but also from pollution? Obviously I'd say that you're the one doing most of the pollution work," she added hastily to Lila. "Or two superheroines- one saving the world from supervillains, the other saving the world from pollution? I like that better! And then I'll just mention the crossover, her helping you come up with ideas and you helping her behind the scenes with akuma attacks sometimes!"

Lila nodded, attaching the photos to an email and sending it off to Alya. "That sounds good! And if you want any more details, just ask!"

"I will, trust me!"

Ten minutes later, Lila's audience started getting restless, clearly done with story time. She wrapped up quickly, claiming that she didn't want to take up everyone's time and monopolize the attention and promising to show off the remainder of the photos at school. Some people stuck around to ask a few questions, but others wandered off. Lila wasn't bothered. After all, the stories would get around eventually.

Eventually, Lila got to step away to peruse the picnic table. She didn't pick anything up since she still wasn't feeling 100% after her earlier dizzy spell, and getting nauseous and barfing would bring her a sort of attention that she didn't want, but it was a nice break from remembering all of her stories and playing her part.

The food spread looked pretty good- though Lila wrinkled her nose at an array of baked goods that had clearly come from Marinette's family's bakery- and she made a note of a few things that she wanted to try later, when she felt better. With one more glance around, Lila stepped away from the table and back towards the rest of her classmates. As she did, she nearly bumped into Marinette. The other girl's eyes narrowed at her but she didn't say anything, opting to simply walk past Lila instead.

Well. That wouldn't do.

"You missed out on seeing my pictures earlier," Lila said, raising her voice just enough that Marinette wouldn't be able to miss it. "Which is a pity, really. There were some really nice ones that my mom recovered off of my old phone. If you wanted, I could still show you a couple."

Marinette snorted. "So you've taken up Photoshop as a hobby, I take it?" she asked dryly. "And I think I'll pass on looking at the photos. If I wanted to see something that wasn't real, I'd go watch an action hero movie. That would at least be enjoyable."

Lila sniffed. "You're just so certain that they're doctored. Do you know how jealous that makes you sound? It's not a very attractive look on you at all."

"Puh-leeze. There was a photo of me and Jagged Stone on the cover of Metal Lord not even a year ago, and I've got actual selfies of me and Clara Nightingale on my phone from when she was doing her music video. I don't need Photoshop." Marinette rolled her eyes, stepping further away from Lila. "Some of us actually have the connections that you pretend to have. If anyone is jealous, it's you."

With that, she turned and left, heading across the park to join Alya and Nino and Adrien. Alya was still hunched over her phone- no doubt hastily getting a rough draft of her article done- but the others were just chatting and relaxing. The fact that Adrien was still clearly on Marinette's side was really annoying, but soon enough he wouldn't be. Not once Lila took some video of the senti-Marinette being a brat. Because it would take video to persuade him, she knew that. Photos wouldn't be enough, not when he was already suspicious of her. She would probably have to wait a week or so to actually show anyone the video, space things out to make them more believable-

Lila's breath caught in her throat as another dizzy spell washed over her. All of a sudden, she wasn't so positive that it was a good idea to come out today. She had just been recovering from a decently long sickness, and then she got up super early and had been pushing herself all day. Yeah, it had been nice to show off her photos right away, but maybe it would have been smarter to wait until Monday. Lila could have ridden out her dizzy spells at home, both the major ones and the smaller ones that had been plaguing her while she showed off her photos.

...maybe she could just sit down and she would be fine?

"Lila! Over here!" Rose called, almost as though she was reading Lila's mind. She waved and patted the bench next to her. "Max was about to start telling us about the changes he made to his game!"

Lila nearly groaned at the thought. Listening to Max meant listening to stats and graphics and coding nonsense that she really couldn't care less about. She avoided it when she could. But it also meant that she wouldn't have to talk, and if she tuned out and missed something and got asked about it, she could just claim that she had gotten lost on all of the technical details.

So really, it was practically perfect.

"What kinds of changes?" Lila asked, walking over and sitting on the fee bit of bench. "New villains?"

Max nodded, pushing his glasses back up on his nose. "That is some of it, yes. Having an ever-expanding cast of characters keeps it interesting and a challenge for those who have already played a lot and know how to defeat their opponents. There were some complaints that there were then too many rounds between the start and the boss villain, so I now have an option for people to select the number of akumas that they want to battle and which akumas they get is randomized. I also have added difficulty levels, for those wanting to deviate from the standard game. After examining the akuma stats, I have identified some that are more or less challenging than average and so the non-normal difficulty selections have a more limited pool of opponents to choose from. I also added Mayura to the game. I considered putting in Pavona, too, but..."

"She could be the boss villain for easy mode," Rose suggested. "Since she's not as good of a fighter as Hawkmoth!"

Max considered that, nodding absently. "Yes, I could see that. I have different coding for different fight levels already, so I could use the one I developed for the lowest akumas."

"The lowest akumas?" Lila asked, incredulous. "She- surely she's better than the lowest akumas, right? When she was out, she wasn't exactly just getting tossed to the side."

There was a long pause. Lila blinked, looking around.

Surely everyone could admit that Pavona wasn't completely useless on the battlefield, right? They had eyes, even if they were ridiculously biased towards the superheroes. There had been times when Pavona had been more than holding her own.

(Well. Times when she hadn't been failing spectacularly, at least, and mostly because the heroes were outnumbered, but she was choosing to ignore that.)

"I mean, I guess she's a better fighter than that giant baby," Alix offered after a long moment. "Not that that's hard, exactly. But as far as game context goes, it doesn't really make sense for the final boss to be as easy or easier than the akumas that came before it."

Max nodded, jotting that down. "That's a good point! I might make her a slight bit more of a threat than she actually is in real life, just for the game's sake. Though she does have the sentimonster thing going for her- maybe I can keep her fight level the same, but just have a couple different sentimonsters that she'll get paired with. That'll be the bit making the boss battle harder."

"That was a good point about how Pavona shouldn't be easier than the akumas in the game, Lila!" Rose chirped, beaming at her. "That'll definitely help improve the game!"

"Yeah, no problem," Lila managed, hoping that she didn't sound like she was talking through gritted teeth. She steadied herself against the table as her vision blurred out again for a moment, her mind going dizzy with it. "I'm always happy to help!"

"I think the problem that I'm facing then is coding so that Pavona and the sentimonster work together," Max said, tapping his pencil against the spine of his notebook. "And the same for the challenge mode, I think. It would have Hawkmoth and Mayura as the final boss, and they would work together. For that, some of the later levels could have randomized akuma-sentimonster pairings!"

"Ooh, good idea!"

"Nice!"

Lila tuned out as the conversation wandered off into more details of the game, improvements that could be made to the akuma powers to make them more flexible and not so fixed. Max eventually wandered off into a discussion- or a monologue, really, even while checked out Lila couldn't help but note that no one else was contributing much anything to the discussion- about coding specifics, and Lila tried not to sigh.

Boring. Boring, boring, boring.

Even after sitting and relaxing for nearly half an hour, Lila still had absolutely no appetite. In fact, the mere thought of eating much anything was making her feel a bit ill, which was a bit concerning.

And yet she found herself staring down at a full plate of food in her lap.

To her own credit, she had tried to get out of eating anything, claiming that she had woken up late and eaten breakfast late and therefore didn't have an appetite, and besides her mom hadn't remembered to buy the things she needed to make something to bring and she would feel bad about taking food when she hadn't brought any. But her classmates had insisted that it was fine, that no one blamed her for not being able to bring anything, and that really, couldn't she eat just a little? So Lila had been pretty much forced to relent and load up her plate.

Maybe she could have let on that she had a bit of lingering nausea from her illness, but she had (for once) not wanted any more attention on her. She had been completely in charge of the narrative earlier, keeping the focus and gossip on what she wanted her classmates to pay attention to, and having the talk about her turn from her celebrity connections to her mysterious illness would be not exactly ideal. An illness could push the focus on her proof to the backs of their minds, easily forgotten about given some time, and she was not about to let a little cold do that.

Lila was made of stronger stuff than that, she knew she was. After all, she was a supervillain. Things weren't going to be easy.

But it was still frustrating that the challenge was coming from something as everyday as a stupid cold.

(She should have just left it at I ate breakfast late and so I'm not very hungry and then maybe she could have gotten away with just taking a little fruit and nothing else. The comment about not having brought anything, in retrospect, made the breakfast thing sound like a flimsy excuse for not eating.)

Hopefully she would feel better again soon. It was just so stupid that she had been feeling so great, and then all of a sudden, she was feeling worse than she had before. Sure, she had been able to milk her cold for all it was worth as far as homework went, but much longer and the teachers wouldn't turn a blind eye to that anymore. And sure, she had gotten out of actually doing anything in gym while she was sick, but she could do that just as easily with a claim that her arthritis was acting up or that she had rolled her ankle the previous day.

(There was also the issue of what she could possibly do if someone brought concerns to their teachers and they insisted on calling Lila's mom. She couldn't let that happen, or else all of her hard work would be for nothing.

Maybe she could spread the lie that her mom was already on top of it and taking her in to the doctor's office for a checkup. If the teachers knew that Mrs. Rossi was already aware of Lila's health problem, then perhaps they would be less inclined to reach out as well.)

"Aren't you hungry, Lila?" Rose asked anxiously, and Lila startled out of her thoughts. She had been staring at her plate without eating anything for too long, clearly. "You've just been pushing your food around and not eating anything."

"Ah, well, I did have a late breakfast," Lila managed, doing her best to make her excuses sound confident, even as another wave of dizziness passed over her. Was it just her imagination, or were they getting more frequent? "I must have eaten more than I thought then, so I'm not very hungry yet. I- maybe I'll just set my plate away to eat later. I just couldn't resist taking some food, it all looked so good."

"Oh, okay," Rose agreed after a moment's pause. "It's too bad we don't have a heating lamp or something to keep the food warm and fresh for you! Some of it won't be as good cold."

Lila flashed her a smile. "Thanks for the concern, but I'm sure it will still be good! And if not- well, the next time we have a picnic, I'll be sure to wake up earlier or not eat as much breakfast."

"We'll have to do this again soon, then!"

Lila smiled and nodded. "That sounds fun! It'll be a good way to keep up with everyone over the summer- well, at least if I'm still in the country and not traveling. I don't know what my mom's plans are yet."

Everyone nodded, letting out little murmurs of understanding.

"Hopefully you'll get to go some cool places!" Mylène piped up. "I mean, I hope you'll be around for part of the summer so that you can go on all of the group activities like picnics and pool trips, but I know how important it is for you to get to travel and meet people who can help out with your charities and environmental work and everything!"

Lila forced another smile in the direction where- well, she could mostly see Mylène between the spots that had momentarily taken over her vision. She blinked, and her vision cleared. "Yeah, it would be nice to get to hang out and be a normal kid for a bit, but I also want to see some of my friends from other places in person again! I've been keeping in touch by email and video call, of course, but it's just not the same."

"The downside to traveling," Mylène agreed. "I've made friends while traveling before- average people, not princes and whatnot- but I never end up staying in touch with them for that long once I leave. Our emails just end up tapering off."

Several of the others nodded in agreement. Lila almost did, too- after all, she always let communications with her former classmates taper off and end after a few months after she had to move or switch schools- before she caught herself.

Right. No talking about her real life experiences, or else people would start picking up on the inconsistencies and the ways that Lila's real life didn't line up with the other stories that she had told.

The conversation slowly turned to the kinds of friendships other people had made while on vacation with their families and how long they kept communicating once they had left, and Lila tuned it out in favor of trying to force down a few bites of food. There were a couple things that weren't overly sweet or spicy that didn't make her stomach want to completely turn itself inside out, so Lila nibbled on them while she pretended to listen to her classmates blather on about completely non-impressive people who they had met.

"Lila, if you aren't hungry yet, you don't have to eat," Rose said suddenly, cutting herself off mid-sentence. She glanced over at the picnic table, then perked up. "Hey, the container I brought my salad in is empty! You could just put your food in that and bring it home to eat later if you wanted!"

"That's so kind of you, Rose!" Lila managed. Ugh, forcing herself to eat anything had clearly been a bad choice. She had thought that she would be able to handle a few bites, but she was feeling more nauseous than ever. She didn't want to let that on, though. She wouldn't. She couldn't distract from her own stories and photos by being ill. "That sounds like a great idea. I don't want the food I took to have to go to waste. I-" she cut herself off as her stomach rolled again.

Maybe talking right now wasn't the best idea.

"Let's go get it, then!" Rose chirped, popping up out of her seat. "And you can grab anything you want to eat later from the table, too, while we're doing that. I know no one's going to mind if you take stuff to go!"

Lila pushed herself to her feet to follow Rose, doing her best to act as though everything was normal as she swung her legs over the bench and started walking. Her vision had almost completely fuzzed out as soon as she got up, but she couldn't let that stop her. It would clear up soon enough, after all. It always had before.

She took one step, then another, then a third, forcing them even and casual. On the fourth, Lila felt herself wobble, suddenly both dizzy and weak.

And on the fifth step, everything went black.

#Miraculous Ladybug #My writing #The Wavering Peahen

34 notes · View notes

cxptain-carol · 5 years

Text

𝐜𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐞 | 𝐦𝐲𝐠

☼ summary: min yoongi may seem a little scary, but it’s nothing that a forbidden trip to the lake and some hufflepuff cheer can’t fix.

☼ pairing: slytherin!min yoongi x hufflepuff!reader (ft. ravenclaw!jungkook)

☼ word count: 2.6k

☼ warnings: none

☼ genre: tureens of fluff and a hint of crack

☼ gender neutral + racially inclusive reader

☼ hogwarts!au

☼ a/n: this was a lot of fun to write! please leave some feedback or drop a like if you enjoyed because more fics will gladly be written with your appreciation!

Hufflepuffs don’t do this.

Hufflepuffs don’t sneak through secret corridors, hiding behind walls when the teachers go looking around. Hufflepuffs don’t lie when they get asked a question, wiping their sweaty palms on the backs of their sweaters. Hufflepuffs don’t break the rules.

Hufflepuffs don’t act like Y/N.

Heeled boots clicked against the cold tile of the castle floor.

One.

Two.

Three.

From behind the wall, you turned around to look at Yoongi, holding one finger in front of your lips. He nodded and slowly extended his knees to look over the ledge.

“She’s leaving,” He mouthed to you with a smile.

You could hear the footsteps fading away and as soon as they became fully nonexistent, you let out a long-held breath. You couldn’t savor the moment for too long as Yoongi’s hand was soon wrapped around yours—an inconsiderate move of his, it always made your heart beat a little too fast for your liking. You felt your face heat up but chose to ignore it as Yoongi pulled you through a secret passage lit only by eerie orange lamps. Halfway through the tunnel he let go of your hand, the lack of warmth disorienting enough to make you bump into one, narrowly avoiding setting your shoulder on fire.

“We’re almost there,” Yoongi stated quietly, you following close behind. After a few steps, the route you were taking started to look familiar…

“You’re taking me to that little nook!” You whispered-yelled. “When did you find it?”

“Yesterday. I was trying to avoid a Greengrass. Unbelievably irritating, that one. Always trying to copy my homework. What about you?” Yoongi looked over at you, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. You always noticed the little things like that.

“Two weeks ago. I got bored of my Potions essay and went exploring.” Yoongi nodded, his gaze pointed towards the floor. Soon enough, you two made it to the end of the path.

“Wow,” you exclaimed quietly, taking a seat on the little bench. “It’s beautiful.”

The dusty window of the secluded nook showcased the most magical view of the Great Lake; the shining sun gleaming on its rippling blue surface, the tall trees scattered across the lively green lawn and tiny purple flowers that sprinkled almost every inch of the ground at this time of the year.

“I wish we could go outside,” Yoongi huffed, taking a seat next to you. A thought crossed your mind at his disappointed pout.

“Who says we can’t?” You smirked.

You firmly placed your knees on the faded red cushions and swiped away the stray cobwebs decorating the glass (before wiping them on Yoongi’s sweater, much to his dismay). There was a rusty black latch in the center of the window, but it looked older than dirt and insanely complicated. The situation seemed only winnable with the presence of brute force, something you, a geeky book lover and Yoongi, a skinny vampire-like intellectual, did not possess. After tugging on it a few times, you sighed and sat back down.

“I tried, sorry,” you mumbled.

In the distance, someone was talking loudly, most likely at the end of the corridor. You and Yoongi huddled closer together and looked worriedly at each other. Getting caught would be out of the ordinary for both of you.

The voice got both closer and louder, and by that time you assumed it was a boy from one of the younger years. His words suddenly became much clearer and you felt Yoongi relax beside you, his head dropping into his hands.

You leaned toward him, your voice a whisper. “Do you know who-”

“If it isn’t the man of the hour, Min Yoongi! With who, though? Only the best Hufflepuff has to offer, Y/N Y/L/N, of course- wait, Hufflepuff?”

Yoongi groaned and peeked at the brown-haired Ravenclaw through a gap between his fingers.

“I swear to Merlin, could you be any louder, Jungkook?”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’ve met Jungkook before?”

With that, the boy held out his hand to you.“Jeon Jungkook at your service! I know everything about everyone who roams these very halls. From the tiniest first year to the groundskeeper, I’ve shaken everyone’s hand and am willing to give up information in exchange for payment-”

“Oh, you forgot your personality traits! I have a few for you—morbidly annoying, a literal shadow to anyone you deem interesting enough-” Yoongi started before Jungkook stole the spotlight back.

“Ignore him. As I was saying, I’m happy to share information but my current fascination is held by the Slytherin prince himself, Mr. Min over here. I’ve been tracking him for weeks.”

You nodded, taken aback by the third year’s overwhelming enthusiasm.

“Well, we have no idea how to get this window open so maybe you could give it a try?” You offered.

“Wow, the Slytherin prince and his new romantic partner are rule-breakers! Not the type of behavior I would have expected of Y/N Y/L/N, but nonetheless, I will assist you both with mangling a latched window. Good thing I always carry my lucky rock!” Jungkook produced a large grey stone from inside the folds of his robes and held it up in front of your face.

“Where did you find this kid?” You mouthed to Yoongi. He shrugged and shook his head.

“Stand back, sweetheart,” Jungkook added with a wink in your direction before swinging his arm above his head and bringing it down forcefully on the latch, sending the rusty pieces crashing to the ground. Calmly, he tucked the rock back inside his pocket and patted it affectionately.

“Thank you.” You nodded politely at Jungkook.

“After you,” Jungkook replied, motioning towards the now open window, its two glass sides swinging back and forth on their rusty hinges. You quickly climbed out and jumped onto the green grass below. After a few seconds of quiet bickering between the boys that you could barely hear, Yoongi jumped out of the window, Jungkook joining you two shortly after.

“Why are you still here?” Yoongi threw his hands up in defeat at the sight of Jungkook’s triumphant smile.

“I assisted you and Y/N Y/L/N in your rebellious schemes; I think it’s only fair that I get to spend some time here as well,” Jungkook told Yoongi with a youthful smirk on his face. The Slytherin sighed.

“Well, we just went through all that trouble for this, so why don’t we make the most of it?” You offered, shrugging. Jungkook nodded eagerly.

“I really want to check out the lake—I overheard some fourth year Gryffindors talking about Giant Squid sightings.” He happily ran over to the water, leaving you and Yoongi alone.

“If I’m gonna be so rebellious I might as well go all the way,” you mumbled, pulling your thick sweater over your head and tying it around your waist. You unbuttoned your crisp white sleeves and rolled them up before loosening your yellow and black striped tie, briefly lifting your gaze to meet Yoongi’s. He blushed, but looked down at his shoes and then at the Ravenclaw that stood by the lake.

“He seems like a pain, but he’s growing on me,” Yoongi admitted, walking closer to you.

“Oh, really?” You teased, bumping Yoongi’s shoulder. Noticing a quaint little tree that provided an ideal amount of shade, you grabbed his arm and ran over. You were seconds away when you tripped over a tree root and tumbled down, Yoongi beside you.

“Dammit.” You groaned, propping your torso up on your elbows. Taking a nervous glance at Yoongi, your eyes bugged.

His sweater was covered in dirt marks and grass stains.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry. I-I’ll buy you a new one. I understand if you’re mad-”

“Merlin, Y/N calm down; I’m not mad,” Yoongi, calmly replied. You stared at him, speechless.

For years, you felt embarrassingly threatened by Min “Slytherin Prince” Yoongi and his fancy watches, neatly styled hair and the aura of wealth that he emitted. You were careful not to cross him, for fear that his unbelievably rich parents would obliterate you and get away with it (and Yoongi’s cold demeanor did little to disprove this).

It was always eye-opening to see him so casual. You two had become friends at the start of the year when you went to the owlery to retrieve a letter from your friend’s great grey and ran into Yoongi—literally. Owls were quite unsettling to you and in your haste to get out of there as quickly as possible, you ran straight into him and hurt your head. You two made polite conversation in the following minutes and went your separate ways. It truly shocked you when you snuck out to the kitchens that night for a snack and found Yoongi outside the Hufflepuff common room, drenched in vinegar. You later learned that he was trying to make sure you were feeling better.

“You’re not? But I’m sure that was super expensive or whatever and now it’s ruined,” You looked down, running your fingers through the grass below you. Yoongi sat up and tugged off his sweater, folding it and laying it down on the lawn.

You two sat in awkward silence under the tree, staring out at the lake for what felt like so long, you were scared that Jungkook would come running back with a groundbreaking magical discovery and seven new toad friends. It was getting a little too quiet for your liking.

“I don’t usually do things like this,” you blurted out, breaking the silence.

“Neither do I.” Yoongi scooted over next to you, rolling up his sleeves. He was so close that you could feel his body heat and it was making you freak out internally.

“Is that persona you have in the hallways—rich boy, nice clothes, top of the class—is that really who you are?” You realized too late that asking that was definitely intrusive.

“Not really, no.” Yoongi looked up from his lap and into your eyes; you were sweating profusely.

“I love music,” he sighed out, “but my parents would never let me pursue it.” You could hear the pain in his voice.

“That must suck.” You nodded awkwardly, not sure of what to say. “Forget them, if you really want to make music, I’ll suport you.”

Yoongi’s eyes lit up. “Thanks.”

You smiled, playing with the blades of grass underneath you.

The two of you stayed liked that for a bit, breathing calmly, gazing into each other’s eyes. It was scary how much you two liked each other, and even scarier that neither of you could see that.

“You know, I’ve been quite the rebel this year. My parents wouldn’t be too thrilled.” Yoongi chuckled—it was a beautiful sound. You bit your lip as you watched him look out to the lake, giving you the chance to admire his side profile.

“But I thought being ‘bad’ was on the Slytherin agenda,” you joked. Yoongi chuckled.

“Let’s just say, I’m not like most Slytherins.”

You almost choked from laughing.

“You’re pulling the ‘not like other girls’ card on me right now! Come on,” you said with a grin.

“Well, most Slytherins don’t run around with cute little Hufflepuffs like you.” Yoongi smirked before his eyes grew wide. “Did I really just say that?”

“Yup. Thank you, by the way. You’re cute too.” This time you were smirking.

The most adorable blush coated Yoongi’s squishable cheeks, making you melt a little inside. Everything about him seemed so perfect—his soft black hair, the shy smile on his pink lips, his warm brown eyes—you could’ve sworn he was an angel. It was crazy to you that just last year you were scared of the precious cutie in front of you.

You snapped out of your thoughts and quickly looked into your lap.

“I-I like you Yoongi, like, a lot more than I thought I would.”

You didn’t look up but could feel him staring at you.

“I always thought you were so cold and honestly, scary, but now that I know you, I know that you’re not like that at all. You’re funny and nice and from the way you and Jungkook talk to each other, it’s obvious that you bottle up your feelings and stuff, but I’m totally cool with you not liking me if that’s how it is and well… yeah.”

You looked up at the black haired boy beside you, the expression behind his eyes unreadable. You were sweating (somehow even more than you already had been), awaiting his response when he finally parted his lips.

“I like you too, Y/N.”

You lifted your head once more and even though you couldn’t see yourself, you were sure your entire face had just lit up.

“This is so damn cheesy, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone else before. The only two people I feel like I can be myself around are Jungkook and you. Mostly you, but anyways, I-I like you a lot more than you probably know, well, I’ve liked you for a while but that’s not important and-” You silenced him by bringing a finger up to his lips.

Now was the moment. You could feel it. Your heart was beating like a stampede as you now held one of Yoongi’s hands in yours. He was so close that you could feel his breath fanning across your face. He smelled of something sweet and fresh; like clean laundry or crisp autumn apples. The black hair that you were so obsessed with was softly swaying in the afternoon breeze that lightly chilled your now sweater-less form and turned your cheeks cold. Your gaze moved down to his lips, but quickly shot back up due to your nervousness. Yoongi was watching you just as intently, wondering if you were going to go for it.

From the scared look in your eyes, it became clear that you weren’t.

With a small smile on his lips, Yoongi reached out, his fingers guiding your chin back in his direction.

“May I kiss you, Y/N Y/L/N?”

Shyly, you nodded.

With Yoongi’s hand holding the side of your face, your lips were soon captured by his. Caught off guard, but expecting it, you easily melted into the kiss, pressing yourself against him. You had been waiting for this moment for what felt like ages, thinking about each little detail and to have it finally happen was overwhelming. You were relishing in the warm and inviting taste of his lips and the feather-light touches that he traced up and down your arm. To be honest, you didn’t want it to end.

Much to your dismay, Yoongi broke the kiss suddenly, staring into your eyes briefly before pressing his lips to yours again. You could feel him smile against your lips and you found yourself beaming too before reaching up and placing your hand over the one that rested against your cheek. You felt so free and so young, wrapped up in Yoongi’s embrace—it was liberating to finally be one of those love-struck teenagers that you used to despise so much before you realized it was all just jealousy.

This time you pulled away, burying your head in the crook of Yoongi’s neck, a shy yet enormous grin stretching across your face. You two didn’t have to say a single word; you both knew how the other felt. Yoongi’s right hand rested on the top of your head, the other softly stroking your arm. When you finally lifted your head, Jungkook was sitting on the grass about ten feet away. He held his face between his two hands, pouting at the both of you.

“That. Was. Adorable!”

You chuckled, your face heating up. Yoongi was unamused, but his displeasure soon became joy as he laughed along with you two, an arm still wrapped tightly around your waist.

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fallenfurther · 4 years

Text

A drop into silence - Part 3

I decided not to leave this without a little hope for you all. I go a little into the science at the end, I hope I have kept it at the right level. I did have some fun researching stem cells. Part 1 and Part 2. Enjoy

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

The next few days were spent lying in a hospital bed, a smile plastered on his face, keeping up appearances for his little brothers. He laughed at Gordon’s jokes, smiled as Alan relayed his latest adventure on Cavern Quest and tried to reflect the air of positivity that the doctors seemed to have. His fingers stayed pink and healthy, his wounds were healing nicely, and his bones had been repositioned correctly first time. He was considered lucky. Yet deep down, beneath it all, Scott felt despair. The support of his family kept him there, kept him present and he would have drowned without them. But part of him wanted to drown. With every passing day the neurologist looked less satisfied with his progress. A week after the rescue and he was discharged with physiotherapy booked for when the cast they sent him home in was removed. The joy on everyone’s face kept him going. They were like a storm, spinning around him with such force it carried him along. Yet that night, after he’d thrown his nightshirt across the room in frustration, he let the façade fall. Scott lay on bed shirtless, placed his head on his pillow and stared at the ceiling. Only then could he let the thoughts surface. The tears silently fell, dampening his pillow. When the sound of someone entering his room came, he couldn’t stop them, couldn’t pull on the façade he’d discarded. He was thankful when it was Virgil who pulled a chair up to his bed.

“I can’t feel anything, Virgil.”

The soft brown eyes met his, a sadness in them that showed the truth.

“The doctors say the feeling could still come back; your nerves just need time to heal.”

“Screw the doctors!” Scott growled, anger filling him as tears continued to fall. “What do you believe, Virgil? You’ve seen the scans; you know the medical facts. I know you’ve spoken with Grandma, gotten her opinion. Do you think I’ll regain enough feeling, enough movement?”

Scott watched as Virgil broke eye contact. His brother was bent over in the chair, and guilt spread through him. He should take it out on Virgil. It wasn’t his fault. The tear that Virgil shed made Scott want to reach out. He did reach out, except he didn’t. His left arm didn’t move, didn’t follow the command Scott gave it. Instead, Virgil met his eyes and held his gaze. Those hazel eyes were strong and held, ready to speak the truth.

“I believe you’ll regain some feeling, just not enough for you to use the arm. You would only be allowed to fly a specially adapted plane and your days as an International Rescue operative are over. Brains is already planning on a way to allow you to fly Thunderbird One but…”

“I won’t be able to do rescues. I’ll be a liability.”

Scott’s heart broke and he knew Virgil’s was shattering beside him. International Rescue would never be the same. It would go on, because it had to, but without him at the helm of Thunderbird One, it wouldn’t feel right.

“I’m sorry, Scott.”

Scott pushed himself up awkwardly, still not used to the dead weight of his arm and twisted so he sat facing Virgil. His gaze fell on his fingers, again he tried to wiggle them, every thought projecting down the arm. Nothing. Virgil picked up the hand and shifted so it lay on his knee. Silently, he started massaging the muscles and flexing the fingers. These were some of Scott’s assigned exercises, all of which were easier done by someone else. Virgil went through every finger, bending it and flexing it, being careful of the cast that stopped at his knuckles. The tender care of his brother’s touch was lost to Scott. Closing his eyes, his body felt still. None of the movement could be felt. He had felt the tug when Virgil had pulled his arm, up in his shoulder, above where the main nerve had been severed.

“Grandma is reaching out to all her friends, asking if there is any research that has evaded her that might help.”

Scott fought the sob. Of course, she wouldn’t give up. She was a Tracy too, stubborn as they come. It brought a smile to his face, despite the tear that escaped. He felt his hand being placed on his leg and returned his gaze to Virgil. The artist’s hands fell on his bare shoulders, an act that gave Scott the strength he currently lacked.

“We’ll get through this.”

Scott gave Virgil a resigned nodded. He still struggled to believe it could get better. Virgil got up, leaving Scott’s shoulders to feel cold, only to return with the nightshirt he’d discarded.

“How about we get this on?”

*****

Scott stood in front of the mirror in just his suit trousers. The skin on his left arm clearly displayed the scars, a fresh pink colour, that reminded him that even though he looked okay, he wasn’t complete. It’d been almost three months and there was no change in the arm. It just hung there, limp. The rest of Scott’s body was still toned due his continued use the island gym. Even though he couldn’t be a member of International Rescue, the need to maintain his fitness remained. Yet as Scott stared at his redundant arm, he could see the signs of wastage. The bicep had less definition and his forearm was looking slimmer. Signing, he turned and slipped the shirt from its hanger. He’d gotten the technique now, on how to slip his dead arm into the sleeve, though he knew it would create creases in the crisp ironed material. Pulling it up at the shoulder, he pulled it round and slipped his right arm in. Again, his fingers had mastered the one handed fasten, and soon the shirt was done up. The suit jacket followed in the same manner. Sitting he pulled on his socks and shoes. He had yet to buy any new dress shoes, not wanting another reminder of what he couldn’t do. Slipping on the shoes, laces left untied, he grabbed his tie and room key. Outside Grandma was waiting. She’d flown him over and insisted on staying to help him. He regretted that he needed help, but the tie slipped from his hand and was thrown over his head. Scott smiled at his Grandmother as she tightened the knot round his neck before bending down and tying his shoes tightly. These shoes hadn’t let him down yet, but his secretary was aware of his difficulties and she was good at discreetly helping him.

“All ready. Go get them, Scott.”

Scott couldn’t help the small chuckle at his Grandma’s enthusiasm. He’d taken to doing more Tracy Industries work, so he didn’t just spend his time watching, worrying, and envying his brothers when they were out on rescues. They were all being careful, his arm a subtle reminder of why they must be cautious. Yet at the same time, when in the heat of the moment, they could forget it and they had started to push themselves again. They had just returned from a rescue before he had left last night, so goodness knows what could happen to them while he was away.

“Thanks Grandma. Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself in New York?”

“Oh, don’t go worrying about me. I’ve plenty to keep me occupied. Anyway, we need to get you to your meeting, can’t be late now.”

“I’m the CEO, they can’t start without me!”

Grandma looped her arm in his good one and started guiding him towards the exit. She was one of the strongest women he knew and as he peered down at the top of her head, he absorbed some of that strength. It was his family that got him out of bed each morning, his family that got him through the pain that rose when he found himself staring up at Thunderbird One, or when he went to the supply cupboard and saw his spare uniform. His family kept this grounded pilot going.

*****

The previous day had been tough, and all Scott had wanted was to be flown home so he could sleep in his own bed. However, Grandma had insisted that they stay another night and spend the day in New York. One gaze into his Grandmother’s hopeful blue eyes, her hands clasped together, and he relented. Maybe he needed some time away from the island.

“So, where are you planning to take me today?”

Scott smiled down at the older woman, who had her arm in his and was pulling him towards the exit. There was an energy in her that reminded him of Alan.

“Actually, I was hoping you’d agree to meet a friend of a friend I met yesterday. She’s currently doing some research you might be interested in.”

Scott’s heart stuttered in his chest. He knew what she was referring to and he tried to stay calm. There had been so many false leads, so much promising research that was still in the earliest of stages. They had even investigated bionics, though Scott wasn’t too keen as some of the early work was less than successful in the long run. He also had Brains working on an exosuit-like device that would be able to move his arm for him, but the prototypes were still bulky and hard to control. If Grandma thought it was worth his time then he would go, he just wouldn’t get his hopes up. The car out front took them to a skyscraper, and they were met in the lobby by a smartly dressed woman who embraced Grandma.

“It’s good to see you again Sally, and you must be Mr Scott Tracy. My name is Charlene Russell, I’m a neuroscientist and it’s my research that might be of interest to you.”

Scott shook her outstretched hand, noting the glance to his useless one. They were then led up to an office where they were subjected to a presentation. Scott didn’t miss the eagerness radiating from his Grandma.

“…so, as you can see, the rats regained full use of their legs after the treatment. When it comes to the same in humans, we have been given permission to start some trials in extremely specific patients, mainly in smaller less complex neurological deficiencies. We harvest the stem cells from the bone marrow, as well as the testis in men. Unlike earlier therapies we plan to harvest multipotent stem cells, so they still obtain the ability to become most cell lines. We have managed to find a combination of signalling proteins, hormones, and growth factors, which push human stem cells to become neuroectodermal cells, which is the first stage in the development of the nervous system in a foetus. We also have the right combination to produce neural stem cells. Our treatment involves injecting these cells into the area around the damaged nerves to allow the cells to trigger repair and in some cases, even bridge the broken strands allowing signals to pass along the nerves. It can take a few treatments to get the best results, but in our trials so far, patients have regained more function than expected from normal treatment alone.”

Scott sat straight, trying to take in all the science that was being thrown at him. The take home message seemed that they could repair damaged nerves in some patients. But would it work for him? He dared not hope for full movement but even some. If he could just feed himself and tie his shoes. To not have to rely on someone else for the simplest of things. It would ease the worry he saw in Virgil’s eyes.

“Do you think it could help me?”

“Well, Sally kindly shared with me your medical scans, and considering the nerve damage is limited to a few small areas, with the main break being at the top of your arm, this type of therapy has the potential to help. This therapy is very individualistic, and outcomes can vary, but if we could get even a few stem cells to bridge the gap at the top of your arm then that could restore some function, even if it’s just sensations of touch or pain.”

Even the feeling of touch would be an improvement. Currently he often bruised or cut the skin on his left arm because he couldn’t feel it. He had once left a trail of blood through the house when he’d cut his finger on something and hadn’t noticed.

“You said only a few selected cases could undergo the treatment, would I fall into this category?”

“Currently you don’t, however we have just been granted permission to try the therapy on a person with a similar injury in their leg. I believe we could apply to allow you on a trial as we could use your data in conjunction with theirs to assess the therapies potential in humans. We would have to apply straight away as the sooner after injury the treatment is preformed the better the success and you are already close to three months post injury.”

“Do you think we could get permission?”

“Yes. I believe the fact that you are Scott Tracy will help with your case too.”

“Then let’s do it. I have nothing to lose.”

Charlene smiled at him and Scott couldn’t help but mirror it.

“I’ll go fetch all the appropriate paperwork. I’ve had one of the medical teams on standby ready to do the required examinations and tests on your arm. These will have to be repeated at a late date for confirmation. Also, if you consent, they are also able to do the tissue harvest to start the process of extracting and culturing your multipotent stem cells. This would mean we could move quickly into starting treatment once permission is obtained.”

“So, I’m going to have a bone marrow harvest and you said something about testis in men, what does that involve?”

Charlene looked a little sheepish.

“Yes, the doctors will take a small slither of testicular tissue. They have assured me that it won’t affect your ability to have children and involves making a small incision with minimal scaring. The doctors will explain all the risks later, though from what I’ve heard most men don’t complain, especially if the bone marrow harvest is done first or at the same time.”

Scott swallowed, but nodded. There were always risks with new procedures, but this might be his best shot. There was a chance, a glimmer of hope if bureaucracy didn’t get in his way. Then he was Scott Tracy, CEO of Tracy industries and still considered Commander of International Rescue to most of the world. When had a bit of paperwork ever stopped him from getting what he wanted?

#sensorysunday #thunderbirds are go #Scott Tracy #Virgil Tracy #grandma tracy #sensorysunday2020 #whump #aftermath #recovery #numb #hope #medical trial #his family keep him going

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mobius-prime · 4 years

Text

241. Sonic the Hedgehog #173

Round Up!

Writer: Ian Flynn Pencils: Tracy Yardley! Colors: Jason Jensen

So! What is this mysterious thing that Antoine is so determined to do? What is so intimidating to him that he needs Sonic and Amy to back him up? Well, the first page of today's issue tells us quite plainly…

Compared to the constantly-in-flux love life of most of the other characters in this comic, it's so nice to see two characters who (aside from the hiccup caused by Evil Antoine) have remained pretty steady with each other throughout most of the story so far. And now they're about to get hitched! Especially considering how many other plot points have revolved around marriage and potential marriages, this is incredibly sweet and heartwarming to see - an actual marriage based on love and respect. With his main goal completed, Antoine's nerves finally crack though and Sonic has to steady him as he admits that he's been trying to work up the courage to do this for weeks, while Amy excitedly discusses girly things such as dress fittings for the wedding. Bunnie then takes everyone in search of Sally so they can tell her the good news as well. Sally is currently taking a call from Knuckles with Rotor in the brain trust lab, discussing Mina's current world tour and how the Chaotix are acting as her bodyguards in case of any other assassination attempts. Knuckles then mentions he's heard a rumor that Rouge has stolen the Master Emerald from Angel Island and is offering to sell it to the highest bidder, and apparently the only strange thing about this according to everyone present is that normally Rouge would likely want to keep the gem for herself instead of selling it. Really, guys? No mention of how the theft of such an important gem would likely be nearly impossible to pull of at this point with so much security, or how doing such a thing would cause the entire island to plummet violently to earth? Sally prepares to arrange a mission to go after Rouge at the same time that the happy couple and Sonic arrive in the room, and thus, that night finds the four of them split into two groups on watch for any sign of the emerald. Sonic and Antoine, while on watch, discuss their situation.

I feel like Antoine here has kind of summed up what I had said before regarding The Slap - namely, that Sally's erratic and uncharacteristic behavior was a result of severe stress and trauma stemming from what happened during the year that Sonic was in space. Furthermore, those two aren't the only ones discussing Sally's current involvement with this mission - Sally herself has something to admit to Bunnie.

I think in lieu of Karl making it clear before he left that Sally is self-aware about her behavior, Ian has made a point of clearing things up right here. Sally was once a core member of the Freedom Fighters, leading them all personally and participating in nearly every mission with enthusiasm. I still firmly hold to the idea that her parents, particularly her father, are who influenced her so strongly to give a lot of that up and transition to being a more distant, princess-like ruler instead, staying within the safe boundaries of the village. It's taken her a long time to work through her trauma and begin to get back to where she was before, but she's closer than she has been in a long time. Both conversations are interrupted by the abrupt arrival of several familiar faces - Bunnie and Sally find themselves facing a vengeful Nack, while Sonic and Antoine are up against Bean and Bark, the former of whom is as insane as ever.

Nack alone isn't much of a match for the two girls, and quickly finds himself subdued, while Bean and Bark take Sonic and Antoine a little longer, though in the end they too end up defeated. Bunnie and Sally go about tying up their new set of captives while Sonic and Antoine head out to find Rouge, who is nearby, lying on top of the emerald which is covered in a sheet. She's very unnerved to find herself suddenly faced by none other than Mammoth Mogul and Naugus, who have naturally been lured here by the promise of a powerful magical artifact. However, there's something… different about Naugus now…

Mogul sends Naugus to try to take out his two new challengers with a new technique he's developed called a "shadow-meld," but they easily guess that he's trying to sneak up on them from behind and knock him out. A furious Mogul threatens them with his Ixis abilities, until a rapidly-growing engine revving sound reveals itself to be Sally on Nack's bike, dropping in from above to knock him out cold. With the most obvious threats out of the way, the heroes turn their attention to Rouge, but she quickly points out that she's on their side, pulling the sheet away to reveal the "Master Emerald" is nothing more than a table with a green lantern (no, not that one) underneath it. She then says that she did all this, helping them capture various baddies, for Knuckles and Knuckles alone, wanting to show him that she could "be a good girl and play by the rules," in perhaps the most stunning misunderstanding of what Rouge is actually like in the comics so far. Seriously, normally I appreciate Ian's take on most characters, but I think it took him a while to actually figure out Rouge's whole deal, because not once in the games does she pull anything like this solely for Knuckles' sake. Her interactions with Knuckles in the games mostly seem to amount to a lot of flirting, flustering, and teasing purely to make him angry and mess with his head - I believe there's even a line somewhere where she outright admits that he's "not her type" and she only does all that for fun. I mean, she is known for being a flirt after all, but that doesn't mean she's actually interested in everyone she flirts with - she's a manipulator. Now, of course that's not something that will ever stop fans shipping, and I'm certainly not one to judge people for shipping whatever the hell they want, but if we're talking canon, her actions here don't really make a lot of sense.

Anyway, Rouge does consent to help transport their haul of prisoners back home, and before they all head out, Bunnie and Antoine ask Sally and Sonic to be their maid of honor and best man respectively, to which they both say of course. As they get ready to head on back to Knothole, we zoom out to find that Eggman and Snively have been watching the proceedings the entire time from their cameras, with Eggman having hired Nack, Bean and Bark to attack just to be certain that the Master Emerald offered up by Rouge was fake. They then smirk as they discuss a new plan of theirs being right on schedule - something to do with the production of a "new fleet," which seems to have just been launched…

See Ya' Later Chao! (Part One)

Writer: Ian Flynn Pencils: Tracy Yardley Colors: Jason Jensen

On that ominous note, it's time for something much more lighthearted! Bernie comes out of her room one morning to find Jules and Sonic doting on a chao that's causing a bit of chaos in their home. She has no idea what it is or how it got in their house, so Sonic explains what he was up to yesterday, beginning with Rotor picking up a strong energy signature from the old, dried-up Lake of Rings that Robotnik sucked dry all the way back in the Sonic Quest miniseries. Thinking it might be a Chaos Emerald, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles all set out to investigate, only to be surprised by the sight of a chao garden thriving where the lake once sat.

The three basically just played in the chao garden all afternoon and discovered what every young Sonic fan did back in '99 - the chao life cycle and how the way you interact with them affects their appearance, stats, and ability to reincarnate. Unfortunately, in the middle of their delightful chao-filled afternoon, Eggman showed up in a big mech with a drill on it, ready to mess up their day… Wow, guess both stories in today's issue end on a cliffhanger!

#nala reads archie sonic preboot #archie sonic #archie sonic preboot #sonic the hedgehog #sth 173 #writer: ian flynn #pencils: tracy yardley #colors: jason jensen

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writingsofmyimagination · 5 years

Text

Instinct |4|

An unwelcome blast from the Captain’s trainee days comes back to the Scouting Regiment and old habits die hard

Levi x Reader

Warnings:SMUT (fingering, penetration, BDSM, Dom Levi), swearing.

Instinct: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

Words:3379

Want to be tagged? let me know.

Not 100% happy with this chapter but I’ve been staring at it for long enough now.

Happy Reading :)

You’d be lying to yourself if you denied the small smirk etching onto your face as you dressed and felt the pangs of soreness from last night. You ventured down passed the full food hall buzzing with noise; it was easy to forget there was nearly a whole regiment here and not just the Special Op’s Squad and the newbies. There was a slight breeze in the air which toyed joyously with your hair, the new recruits should be joining you in a few minutes. You took a moment to look up at the sky high enough to ignore the walls, it was a false comfort but in the current situation it was as good as it could be.

“Ah, Corporal Y/N glad I caught you” you turned and waited a few moments for Erwin to join you.

“Are you off somewhere exciting Commander?”

“I have a meeting with Commander Pixis, I’m just about to head off. I heard about your altercation yesterday and just wanted to check in” He waited and looked at you expectantly.

“Oh, I’m sorry Commander, it won’t happen again. We’ve spoken and sorted things out”

“Well I’m glad to hear it, I would be lying if I said I didn’t expect any minor bumps with you two. But I cannot the stress the importance of us all being united at such a crucial time”

“I understand that Sir” You expected him to carry on and prepared to be scolded but it never came.

“Besides, I dare say your actions will cement your authority and strength among the regiment” a slight smile crept onto his face.

“What do you mean?”

“Well taking Levi out like that” he chuckled lightly before continuing “I guarantee no one else here or ever will have the courage or even dare to raise a hand to him, I’m sure your actions will be remembered” Before responding you had to have a light chuckle to yourself

“To be honest Commander I think I’m the only one he’ll ever let get away with such things” you stated.

“What tortures are you exposing them too today?” Erwin enquired strategically changing the topic of conversation.

“Fitness, I don’t want them to use the ODM gear as a crutch as many in the Garrison tend to do.”

“Ah, very good. Hope all goes well, I will see you later Corporal” Relieved Erwin approved of your methods you saluted him as he took his leave.

“Morning Cadets, hope you rested and ate well” You scanned all the faces trying to get a sense of their moods today.

“Ready as ever” Eren blurted out enthusiasm high. You repressed a smile as you glimpsed all the others rolling their eyes. Levi finally made it over to you still putting his jacket on.

“So today you will be doing fitness circuits so you can leave your ODM gear here” the unanimous groan indicating you’d considerably deflated their moods was heavy in the air.

“I know, I know, no one likes fitness but you must learn that while ODM gear is great you must also have good physical fitness. If you look just beside the trees” you gave them all a few seconds to follow your gaze. “That’s the start point, every 200m there will be alternating coloured markers. Red markers you will sprint at 70%, orange 50%, yellow 20% and at green you can walk”

“For how long do you expect us to do that for” Mikasa asked bluntly.

“10 laps”

“What but the laps are huge” the young Connie Springer whined.

“Look you can have me set the fitness out or Levi who’d you rather?” The recruits stripped off their gear and made their way to the start marker.

“Using me as a threat now?” Levi looking ahead at the course you’d set.

“Well it worked didn’t it, whether out of fear or respect I’m not sure but it works” you chuckled.

“I don’t care as long as the brats do what’s asked of them” Levi folded his arms maintaining his strong stance.

“Can’t argue with that logic, you do command well, they all listen to you” His eyebrow raised slightly as he gave you a sideways glance

“Ugh, I’d much rather you go back to attacking my face” he never could take compliments.

“You’d enjoy that too much, just take a compliment for Christ’s sake”

You both observed the suffering recruits in silence and for once you felt like you needed to get some things off your chest that had been clawing at you ever since you arrived.

“You know I never blamed you for what happened right? It was my choice to ignore orders and save you” His head dropped, a reluctant sigh left his lips. He contemplated for a moment and your stomach turned to knots waiting for a response.

“The worst thing was that you thought my life was more valuable than mine” The response kneed you in the stomach, you’d never expect him to reply so solemnly and with such sadness in his tone. You forgot how equally Levi valued all life and how deeply he hated innocent, fruitless deaths.

“Well considering how you turned out to be ‘Humanity’s Strongest’ I don’t see it as a bad choice” you neglected your feelings and responded more light heartedly than you wanted to. He knew you well enough to know your defence mechanisms. You watched as the frown grew deep on his forehead

“Enough of that bullshit!” he growled “I’d happily fuck that attitude right out of you”

Your lips twitched upwards at his words.

“Not a bad idea Captain” his expression rushed to mirror yours

“Is the old cabin area still there?” you inquired

“Not been touched for years” Levi responded with a hint of excitement he couldn’t contain.

“Well I guess you’ll be keeping me awake tonight then”

The day dragged, each minute longer than the last. You waited constantly for the sun to go down, you were agitated and everyone around you knew it. The lethal looks you shot to Levi at the dinner table as his hands kept wandering up your thigh never reaching where you needed them. You made little conversation, all your energies focused on not smacking him in the jaw and trying to maintain some control over your aching core. The HQ once again sipped into stillness, you avoided the creaky floorboards with expert precision. Your hands suppressing any movement of your ODM gear, Levi was waiting for you outside holding a torch and the reigns of his horse in the other. You didn’t speak as you collected your horse from the stable. The mouth of the forest was dead in front of you when you finally broke the silence.

“Race ya” you exclaimed, kicking in your stirrups and racing ahead through the trees. The heavy snorts of Levi’s stallion approaching on your left shoulder spurred you on further. The air rushing passed your ears in cold whooshes. You reached a small clearing amongst the trees and yanked at the reigns halting your horse with a loud neigh.

“Still a better rider than you Captain” you bragged, dismounting from your steed and Levi from his.

“I know you secretly hate losing” you spoke in his ear pushing him up against a tree, he tangled his hand in your hair and tugged.

“Get into that watchtower”

You separated from him and released your gear and flew up in to the tower. The wooden planks had grown dark and patchy with moss, as Levi joined you with the torch the misuse of the watchtower was even more apparent. You unhooked your gear and it clattered to the floor. You took the bag Levi had brought up and pulled out the thick blanket and flung it over the floor.

His fingers hooked through your belt loops and pulled you crashing into him, your heavy breathing seemed amplified from the silence around you as your lips battled and danced on his. He pushed you back

“Now, you will do as I say no exceptions, understand?” you responded biting your lip arched in a devilish grin.

“Turn around and take off your shirt” he ordered, that tone wreaked havoc in between your legs. You complied teasing the buttons one by one, Levi gently swept your shirt from your shoulders and it dropped to the floor. Although it wasn’t particularly cold your nipples were stood to fierce attention. You looked down to your left shoulder and followed his fingers ghosting along your shoulder delicately before crossing over to your stomach, his other hand was clamped at the back of your neck

“Don’t you move your hands” he warned, his hand sinking below your waistband. You gasped, rolled your head into his chest obediently keeping your hands at your sides.

“Good girl, now lose the rest” His hand leaving your core throbbing and untied his cravat. You stripped down to just your briefs, you felt your own eyes flash as he took off his clothes. He paused for a moment absorbing the view until the bubbling desire within him spilled over and he pounced on you. One hand firmly gripped at the sides of your throat, the other digging into your hip. The intensity of the kiss funnelled so much heat through your system your lungs could not capacitate the air you needed.

“On the floor princess!” he scowled. Levi fished out two lengths of rope from the bag.

“Hands to ankles! I know how much it frustrated you when you couldn’t have your hands on me” You wriggled subtly as he pulled of your underwear before tying your left wrist to you left ankle and the same with your right wrist, there was a small amount of length he’d given you to move but not much.

“I can’t believe I get to do this to you again” He climbed on top of you pressing his knee against you

“Levi” you breathed

“Oh you need to be louder than that brat!” his words rolled of your neck. You almost squealed as he thrust two fingers inside you. You pulled at the rope, the roughness already making work of grating on your skin.

“That’s better” he praised “You always feels so good for me”. His palm pressed onto your clit, his fingers angled up in a come hither motion but tortuously slow.

“Faster, please” you begged through your heavy breathing.

“You’re not in a position to make demands princess” He pushed in even harder dragging your back off the floor into an arch as your muscles tightened.

“Tell me how good it feels” he fished. You smiled up at his stern face, his hair had fallen across the front of his face.

“Feels like you’re out of practice” you lied, pushing into him.

“Is that so? Well I’ll guess I just have to keep you on edge a bit longer then so I can practice some more” Regret swamped you instantly, his fingers sped up inside you, consistently stroking your sweet spot, his mouth clamped onto your neck; his teeth biting at your skin. Your wrists were sore, you twisted what rope you could in your hand to bring some relief to your sore skin. His fingers left you, teetering dangerously on the edge. His tongue wrapped around your clit and you pleasantly suffered with each lick and circle, he slowed his pace. An exasperated sigh left you, you felt his mouth twist into a smile.

Bastard

He removed all contact, gripped your arm tightly and pushed you onto your side.

“You ready for me beautiful?”

The slight undertone of his affection sent you back reimagining the rare moments when you were training and he’d look at you with a certain fondness or he’d tuck your hair behind your ear with delicate fingers slyly in hallways.

“Fuck, yes!” He untied the ropes and allowed you to get comfortable, you completely ignored the ache in you limbs. He swept you hair away from your back and kissed you with soft lips. You twisted to see him lay down behind you, he swept your hair over the front of your shoulder and kissed the back of your neck before re-tying your hands behind your back. Fingertips danced eloquently down your outline ghosting over your sex before he pushed you more onto your chest and spread your spread legs just enough for him to run his cock through your arousal before slowly pushing into you.

“Fuck!” you exclaimed under your breath.

“I’ve missed hearing you say that” You was way too absorbed in how he felt to respond, his thrusts were slow and back to being torturous. He remembered your body, how your body writhed against his, how your leg muscles started to twitch as the coils wound tighter and tighter, how you clenched around him when he yanked your hair back.

He halted all movements earning nothing but protested whines and whimpers from your lips. The cool air around you didn’t affect you anymore, your own rising body heat keeping you insulated.

“You’re going to ride me until you cum, I want to see your face, I want to see you come undone and lose yourself on me” Levi was never one for much detailed pillow talk but when it happened it certainly did things.

“You must be feeling generous” you teased with a slight tinge of suspicion climbing onto his waist; a perfect willing partner, he normally played with you until the point of tears.

“I’m not as selfish as I was” he offered as an underhanded apology. Your wrists were red raw and burning you didn’t even dare try and soothe them, holding his hands you lowered yourself onto him and savoured the sensation before your hips started rocking. Levi hummed a moan, both of your movements fell into perfect sync, the sound of your moans escalating amplified by the silence flooding the area; neither of you had the capacity to care at this point. You could feel his thighs begin to tense spurring your hips into a faster rhythm racing him to the edge. His eyes were determined, focused on you despite the pleasure trying to drag them closed and roll them back

His body began quivering shortly followed by a deep groan as his cock twitched inside you. The small contractions were enough to send you tumbling of the edge into your own powerful climax.

You both redressed in silence with the occasional smirk at each other, you couldn’t deny sneaking around heated the situation.

Arriving back at the base the flicker of candles illuminating the large meeting hall was the only light remaining, you stole a glance at one another

Okay lets be quiet you thought

“I don’t think so” boomed Erwin’s deep voice as you both tried to play stealth past the meeting room door.

“Oh shit!” Levi exclaimed, rolling his eyes.

You quickly scurried into a chair opposite where Levi had flung himself with Erwin stone faced at the head of the table.

“Get the lecture over with Commander” Levi requested

“As you wish Captain” Your eyes burnt shame through the table, not once could you look up.

“This explains a lot” he stated “Why you were at each other throats so much and also why you clicked so well in the field. Also why you both nearly got each other killed, not to mention contributing to the breakdown and deaths of that expedition” Your mood sky dived further heavy with shame, Levi casually leant back in his chair and his casualness grated on your quickly souring mood.

“Convince me to allow something that has already proved fatal” he asked not really expecting an answer. The bright glow of the candles now seemed dimmer around, darkness closing around suffocating the atmosphere.

“With all due respect Commander It’s not any of your business” Levi stated. Even Erwin couldn’t suppress his eyes widening at the response.

“That was the past and we both have to live with those consequences every god damn day, we’re adults now and so what if we like to fuck to find some solace in this shit storm of a world then so be it”

Blood rushed to your cheeks at Levi’s bluntness, you could be pretty blunt but when it came to your superiors you was a model subordinate.

“Well Levi” Erwin cleared his throat “That wasn’t a response I was expecting” He looked uncomfortable and coughed and readjusted himself in his chair.

“This is the reason I requested not to go on the mission Sir” You affirmed finally speaking up even though you’d rather be crawling under a rock or throwing a punch at Levi.

Levi’s knitted brows and glare now refocused onto you

“What? You’re not coming? You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, those kids …” His tone had faded dark and hearing it spoken to you released the gates holding back the guilt you’d tried so hard to suppress. Guilt, anger and embarrassment was not a healthy concoction.

“Enough!” Erwin boomed immediately silencing the room. “Right, there’s a bigger picture at hand here, if we can lure another titan shifter to capture it will be an invaluable victory to humanity. Only Levi’s squad will be in the main firing line with Eren as bait. Y/N the others are all going to have trust in the survey corps and wait, they will be blind to the plan and well those kids will need a authority to figure to keep them from questioning too much and someone to help increase their survival chances dramatically and that needs to be you” Erwin visibly released a lot of tension as he exhaled and gathered some more thoughts and stood.

“No more is to be spoken of this, if you two can remain professional and private then I can see no problem. Y/N I appreciate your reasons for not wanting to be present on this mission, our past haunts us all from time to time but we have to overcome our fears otherwise we will remain behind the walls of our mind. Think about it” With a salute he left, leaving a silent screaming silence.

“What were you thinking being so blunt with him like that, do you have any idea how embarrassing that was for me” You threw your chair back as you stood.

He replied with a forced chuckle and his gaze did not move from the floor. “I need some bloody tea” his lack of reply heated the already boiling anger, you glared at him with nothing but lava as he poured himself a cup of tea from the small desk pushed against the wall.

“For fucks sake Levi at least once acknowledge I have emotions we’re not all gifted with the emotional range of a teaspoon like you! And just maybe, just maybe consider that at times I need more from you than just a fuck”

He still said nothing,

Bastard

As soon as his lips touched the rim of his cup to take a sip you were done. You left him refusing to let him see your eyes flood themselves, every move you made was heavier. You made no attempt to sneak back to your room, your clothes were rushed off, your equipment was launched on the floor; you even ignited your lamp still with a frown across your face.

You slowly allowed the silence to consume you and steadily began slipping into a more peaceful state. A light knock at your door followed by a small creaking caused your eyes roll as you purposely rolled over facing away from him.

“Seriously Levi I’m in no mood” you warned

“Don’t be such a brat, move over!” he demanded, you responded with an exaggerated sigh but obeyed begrudgingly. Levi slipped under the duvet and pushed himself flush against you wrapping his top arm over you and resting it in between your chest. He even kissed the back of your neck triggering a single tear to fall and soak into the pillow beneath you.

“I’m sorry” he whispered.

“Sorry I didn’t quite catch that?” He gently kneed you, you felt his lips curve up against your skin.

“I seriously think you need to come on this mission, those kids will need you”

“I know” you breathed.

#attack on titan #Captain Levi #levi x reader #levi ackerman #attack on titan smut #attack on titan fanfiction #instinct #shingeki no kyojin

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desbianherstory · 4 years

Text

I was born on 22nd of Asar, 2057 at Bageshwori, Kathmandu to my parents, father Ajay Shrestha and mother Geeta Shrestha. We were my mom, dad, elder sister, younger brother and me; altogether we were 5 members in our family. Our middle classed life style would be working well. Simple labour would provide us with food and shelter. We had a fulfilled and happy family.

Even though I took birth as a girl, the way I dressed up, my behaviors, walking and talking style, everything about me ended up being different from the other girls. I started feeling that I related my behaviors to boys rather than girls. I would feel like a boy. I got to feel the difference in everything. I had that confidence to carry out all the tasks that a boy could do. I only had boys as friends as well. Due to my behavior my family began to have problems. Our society has that deep impression in mind that if you are a boy then you should hang out and be friend with boys only and if you are a girl then you should hang out and be friends with girls only.

We already have the sense of what should be done and what should not be done according to our sexual identification, so I could not escape from this thing that had direct effect on every one of us. Along with the growing age my sexual preferences also started changing. Being a girl myself, I started liking girls only but my dress up was just like the common boys. What am I? How am I like this? These matters were out of my knowledge but the society recognized and called me a third gender. Even my own family members looked at me in the same way. I would cry and scream a lot. What do I do? How do I move ahead? This started pinching me. There was no one to help me and boost up my confidence. I had no idea where to go and what to do. And because of these matters I was attacked by depression day by day.

I always had the enthusiasm to watch “Thai” movies, while watching those movies I came to know that I was a Trans-man. That was really hard for me to realize and accept. I was already not so good in the eyes of everyone but when I came to discover myself, it only added the question of what I was. As I fell under depression from class 5 itself, I could not study. During my schooling as I always would wear the boy’s uniform I got beaten up at class 7.

The concerned authority of the school started pressurizing me to put on the girl’s uniform being a girl myself and not to break the rules of the school. When I told the school authority that I cannot put on the girl’s uniform instead I would prefer wearing the boy’s uniform, they accused me of breaking and disobeying the school rules and regulations, they scolded me badly and closed the doors of the school forever for me after handing out the certificate of school as a passed out student. Due to my sex orientation I already had enough problems going on in my life and this event added new problem to my life and so the condition of my depression\ started worsening. I was in no condition to do anything. I started losing consciousness of what I did and how I did it.

I did not realize that I took drastic step of trying to kill my family members many times. And this fear inside me made me far from my family. I wanted to live far away from my family and society and live my life with my own so I made up my mind and left my home.

I lived at the house of my friend. I started doing whatever work I could do. There was nobody to help me and understand my situation. I began to cry, scream and getting scared at that time. I began to like the darkness. Those days were not easy for me as I spent so many nights with an empty stomach by tying my stomach with a scarf. I had no helping hands and nobody to share my pain with. My eyes still gets filled with tears while remembering those days that I spent in struggle after getting out of my home, family and society, I still can’t get over that pain. In the phase of living alone, those who came to know that I was a girl tried to rape me. I was successful to run and save myself. The bitter phase of my life, those who were born in the name of social people were actually hyenas who were waiting for the time to attack and did not care about somebody’s feelings. It started getting difficult for me to walk around and work in that society. It was difficult for me to survive.

These problems would wander around my eyes everyday and this made me lose the confidence to live my life, so getting tired of it I took the decision to commit suicide and end my life. But as the saying goes that one does not die until the correct time comes, the people saved me from taking my life and compelled me to struggle again in the cruel society.

Many painful events would always occupy my heart and mind. I would be scared of walking alone and go to work as well. These circumstances made me more and more tired and pushed me more towards depression. As I felt sick most often my family came to check upon me at my friend’s home and took me for further treatment. The doctor would say different disease. I could not get proper treatment at the right time. Due to the poor condition of our financial status as well I could not get good treatment. This illness was what the society called and gave me for having different sexual preferences. I felt more uncomfortable and insecure when the doctor made fun of me and tried touched the vital parts of my body. I was compelled to endure everything and get treated by the doctor. I had nobody hear me out and understand me. I was helpless and got treated as much as I could afford with my family conditions.

After staying at hospital for several days, my health got a little better so I got discharged and went home but due to my sexual identity my family asked me to hide being different and told me to live at my relative’s home at Pokhara. May be that was a good decision for me from my parents that my health condition got better with the fresh environment and healthy life. My life there was easier as the society did not know about me. After knowing that my health got better there my family decided to take me back to Kathmandu. As the others said that I was fine, my family thought so. The repression in my heart suffocating me was understood by nobody. I was not completely well, my agitation in my heart had lots of questions due to various reasons and I had no answer to any of those aroused questions. As I remained lost into my own thoughts, I had no idea that fell into loneliness all over again. The days and nights were similar for me, this way being helpless and half dead person as I lived my life.

As the days were passing this way, one of my friend’s sisters told me about Mitini Nepal, I was overwhelmed to know that they work for people like us to solve our problems. Realizing that now finally I got the way to solve my problem did not allow me to fall asleep that entire night. I kept on thinking for the sunrise next day so that I could go there. As this kept on moving in my heart I did not know when the night fell down and the sun had risen up. I got ready in a hurry and came over. I was amazed to see others like me there and got to know what it was and also got introduced to everyone.

I also got the complete orientation about my sexuality and identity and getting to see the witness the others like me getting the help from Mitini Nepal to protect them, provide them with all the help and basic needs, getting the various developmental trainings made me realize that now the difficult phase of my life are coming towards the end. And I got to know in detail about myself and my sexual orientation. I became capable and confident to tell my family and society aboout myself.

Though the society did not accept me but my family accepted me the way I was. I had those victorious feelings in me as if I had won a long fought war. That day it made me realize that it was my own fault. If i had that courage to understand myself then I would not have faced so many hurdles in my life. But I was still satisfied to understand and make others aware about these cases as it was still not too late. I forgot all the pains I had been through and I walked hand in hand with my family. As I got the welcomed arms of my family, the pains before felt like nothing and I started living happily with my family.

My days now were finally filled with happiness and joys. One day I had been to Dharan with some of my friends from Kathmandu. I was more than happy to meet my friend after a very long time. We talked for the entire night sharing about the happenings of each other. We did not even realize when the night ended. Early in the morning, we made a plan to visit Ithari so we went toward a place called Tarara. During this visit I got to meet Neelam. We had the lunch together and moved in our own direction. The next day I had to go to Jhapa for certain work, so I went to Jhapa but during the evening time I came back to Dharan.

Neelam happened to be the local resident of Tarara. My friend knew her really well. We had the fate to meet again and that aroused a strange feeling in my heart. Because just having heard that I was meeting her again made my heart flutter and I was also surprised to realize that. Though I did not know her well but we kept on meeting from time to time. I don’t know if it was our regular meeting or due to other reasons but I started getting attracted to her. I was scared to tell her as I did not know anything about her. When I came to know that she was a Bisexual I geared up all my confidence and purposed to her, she said yes, this happiness was out of my imagination and I felt like I could go crazy.

Yesterday, I was living far from everybody but today I had the support and love of everybody in my life, my happiness had no limit. Our days were passing by. We were both very happy. We spent happy times together. We talked to Neelam’s parents but they did not accept us due to the fear of the society. But they had no problem with our relationship. I told my parents about us as well. I called my mother and confessed that I was bringing a daughter in law for her, she was really happy. She told me to bring her daughter in law to Kathmandu so we both headed to my home at Kathmandu.

Everyone in my family was happy to see her. She was also very happy. We are happy to spend our life together. One day her family shall also accept us and invite us over in a good environment is a positive wish that we have and along with this positivity inside me I am working at Mitini Nepal right now for those who are like me; those who is not able to reveal their identity. I help in providing them the orientation, awareness, various trainings, positive knowledge and support them to fight for their rights in a family and society.

Due to the family, society and my own lack of awareness, I had to go through many problems but there shall be a little less problem for those in the upcoming generation. I wish n pray that nobody like me has to go through the hyenas in the future for having a different sexual orientation. Before it is too late, the people working in various authorities in the higher administration should raise voice strictly abiding the laws for the protection of LGBTI community or it might not be practiced properly in any areas. The words written in the constitution of our country should be implemented in real as well for the government to be successful. It would be easier if there were vacancies for the LGBTI community people in every sector. I wish if the potentiality within us to go in vain along with our death.

#nepali trans men #nepali bisexual women #mitini nepal #nepali lesbians #people #transition

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dammitadolfnomorecake · 5 years

Text

Caramel Skin Under A Purple Rain prt 9 full draft

Waking up with a soft yawn, Lance nuzzled into the warm body holding him tight, not being able to remember the last time he felt so well rested, or has slept through the night entirely. Feeling the lips, of who could only be Keith, peppering the top of his head with kisses, Lance stretched with another soft yawn as he wiggled up to lay face to face with his husband. Behind him, there was a nasally snore, causing him to nearly giggle when Shiro followed it up with one twice as loud. Brushing his hair back from his forehead, Keith's smile was filled with love. Far too much love to be waking up to. He'd acted so deplorably the day before

"I was betting he'd wake before you did"

"He's been really good to me"

"I know. How are you feeling?"

All limbs were attached. Keith's smell was drowning out Shiro's. He was still drowsy, but Keith was home so that made everything alright... plus, he only felt slightly nauseous

"I don't remember how we ended up in bed"

Keith's expression turned pained. Doing that thing where he bit the inside of his cheek as he drew his brow, yet his scent eyes gave away the pain... The last thing he remembered...

"We were sitting in... the kitchen... and... Hunk made me drink that tea... it gets kind of foggy"

"You were falling asleep in the kitchen so we went to the secondary entertainment room..."

"And Pidge was there..."

Lance could definitely remember hearing Pidge's voice recently...

"When everyone else came in, you went to get up. Before that you said you were feeling funny. You ended up having a seizure"

"In front of everyone?"

"We told them it was because you've been sick..."

Everyone saw. Everyone saw him having a seizure...

"Babe, it's ok"

"It's not ok"

There were things he wasn't ready to talk to everyone about yet. He still needed time... He didn't want to admit to Hunk and Pidge that his torture had resulted in seizures due to a serious brain injury

"Look, Shiro and I told them it was because you were sick. We told Daehra it was because you pushed yourself too far. We covered for you"

They shouldn't have to cover for him. He was a grown arse adult

"Stop giving me that look. You can make it up to everyone at breakfast this morning"

"I had a seizure in front of everyone"

"And all everyone wanted to go know was if you were ok. No one was laughing. No one was judging you. Do you really think Shiro or I would have let them keep their teeth if they had?"

"I haven't seen anyone today... how am I supposed to know if they all have teeth still"

Nuzzling into his face, Keith rolled him away from Shiro so he was forced to lay on top of his husband. His stomach and his bladder protesting laying front down

"That's my man. God, Lance. You're so quiznakkingly beautiful"

Feeling himself blush, Lance dropped his head next to Keith's so he didn't have to meet his husband's eyes

"Shut up..."

Sliding his hands down Lance's back, Keith massaged at his lower back with his fingertips

"Don't tell me to shut up. I know you're smiling"

"Who's fault is that? It's too early in the morning... and it's the first morning I haven't woken up feeling worse than when I went to sleep"

"That's good... hey, lift your face for me. I want to look at you"

"That sounds like the perfect reason not to"

"Why? You're beautiful. Waking up with you still feels like a dream"

"Keeeith"

Whining his husband's name, Lance mouthed at his husband's neck. If Keith was going to tease him so soon after waking up, then his husband was going to have to face the consequences

"Mmm... I won't say no this kind of wake up when we're on Daibazaal"

Parting his lips, Lance sucked hard, Keith jerking under him as he tried to push his face off the place Lance was sucking a hickey. Stopping when he tasted blood, the Cuban let his husband finally have his wish of seeing his face. He hope he was showing the right emotions... as he wasn't exactly sure what he was feeling emotionally. His head felt better for having slept, and for having fluids in his system, but everything else was frustratingly muddled. He was embarrassed over having a seizure. Scared to face everyone after collapsing in front of them. He didn't want to lie to everyone, but he also didn't want them disgusted over his body... buuuut, with the way Keith was looking at him so softy, he wanted to throw everything away and cling to Keith. Have Keith keep him calm in their bed. Their space he'd opened up to Shiro without asking Keith's permission. Then there were all those thoughts. He felt like absolutely quiznak for not being able to come out of his own head for Shiro. It'd been hard to reach out, and now he didn't know how to apologise for Keith being the only one to fix this broken side of him. Leaning up, Keith was lucky Lance was flexible as nuzzled into his face. Apparently he hadn't been enough of a shit to get his revenge for Keith being stupidly perfect

"You scared the shit out of me last night. When you fell like that. I couldn't breathe. I couldn't get your mouth open and you kept throwing up. I was scared you were going to drown... and I was scared for our babies..."

"I'm sorry... I wanted to see everyone last night..."

Lance was absolutely terrified at the idea of seeing everyone all at once. All their scents. All their voices and things he needed to keep up with. But yesterday felt like if he didn't man up and do it then, he'd only run when the time came. It's kind of been nice to listen to Keith and Hunk talk, but he had no idea what he'd talked to Pidge about. He hoped it wasn't about the fact he was still yet to use the finger she'd gone to all that effort to make him.

"I know. You were too sick and I should have pushed harder at you to rest. You're not disappointing any of us by being ill. You're pregnant with our babies, and... that's some kind of miracle"

"Your babies are making me sick... I can tell they're going to be trouble"

Not that he was attached to them... He was... but he was trying to be realistic. Keith was still not the "enthusiasm" stage of things. Not the... Oh fuck...

"Babe. How do we get them out!?"

All of a sudden the "real" stage of things popped its ugly head up and smacked him a dose of reality he did not need. Watching Keith's eyes widen like his, his husband's scent shifted so dramatically with fear that he was sent running to the bathroom.

Following Lance into the bathroom, Keith sat behind him. Rubbing his back as he reacquainted himself with the toilet bowl, tears streamed down his face as he panicked over how he was supposed to give birth. He didn't want them coming out the same way they'd come in. That would hurt!

"Babe! How do I give birth? I don't want to give birth out my buuutt..."

Wailing at his husband, Keith laughed softly

"We woke Shiro up. He reminded me that c-sections are a thing..."

He wasn't sure he wanted a caesarean either...

"My stomach's going to be sooo fat and then they're going to cut it!"

Throwing up, the sound blocked out Keith's reply. Shuffling up further behind him, Keith pulled his hair back from his face before tying the longer bits into a ponytail much like the one Bob had made his husband wear. He really needed a hair cut, but his self care and pampering had gone to shit as he now appreciated practicality over everything

"You're not going to be fat. You're going to be all round from our babies"

"But my butt... what if they can't take them out?"

Nearly hyperventilating, he choked on the vomity spit in his throaty. Moving up from rubbing his back, Keith rubbed his shoulder

"Shhhh... we've got phoebs to work it out"

"I don't want to give birth! I like my arse! You like my arse! What if you don't love me when I'm fat!"

"Baby, I'm always going to love you. Always. Even if we fight or something, we'll make up"

"I don't know how to have a baby"

He imagined it was going to hurt a lot. Miscarrying hurt so bad... but that wasn't a fully formed baby... babies don't have small heads...

"I don't know either. But we're going to get through this and have our beautiful twins"

"My butt has to hurt twice"

Yes. He was concerned about his butt.. His butt. Hips. Stomach... breasts... was he going to get breasts? Keith loved him because he was a boy. With boy bits... Now his husband was fucking laughing

"When you get further along we can explore your options"

His options? What?! With wide eyes, he continued his freak out

"My options!? Where are you going to be!? If I have to go through this, you have to be there too! I'm not going through this without you!"

Gagging, Lance wanted it to stop already as he turned back to the toilet to vomit. Keith nuzzling into his hair line like all of this wasn't gross

"I mean how you feel most comfortable giving birth. I'm going to be there"

"You don't know that. Mum's having a baby too... she needs you! What if you're on a mission"

"I won't be"

"Keith!"

His husband was acting far too relaxed about this... and now he was laughing again

"Babe. I'm going to be there. I promise you this. If I'm not, you can castrate me"

Scrunching his nose up, Lance didn't find the humour in it. He'd cut off Klearo's dick, then slit his throat. He was trying not to think of him... and trying not compare the difference in morning sickness as it was

"Not funny"

"Sorry. Are you done here? I have no idea what the time is but breakfast should be ready. Or there's some vegetable soup in the fridge that Hunk dropped off last night"

Oh Keith. Poor sweet Keith. Lance almost pitied his husband's naivety... Morning sickness had a mind of its own... something that was proven when they were both stuck there for the next 2 vargas.

Joining everyone in the secondary entertainment room for a late breakfast, Lance had an armful of Pidge almost immediately after he and Keith walked into the room. Shiro had been on a call to Curtis who'd decided to bring the Atlas out to the outpost sooner, so had left to greet his boyfriend. Patting Pidge on the head, he'd never really committed her scent to memory, most probably because he hadn't had the chance. As weird as it was, she smelt like the oil you used on creaking hinge mixed with something floral... When he thought about it, it made sense given her love of robotics and her former status as the Green Paladin

"Don't you ever do that to me again! I was scared you dumb arsehole"

"I'm sorry, Pidgeon. I'm feeling much better than I did yesterday"

"What was that, even? You said you felt funny... then you were... I don't think I've been that scared since I returned home and had to face my mother"

"I'm ok. I'll be ok..."

He didn't want to talk about the seizure, yet before he knew what was happening, Keith's team was also hugging him. It was weird... their smells not sitting well with his delicate nose, and it left him uncomfortable knowing they'd never have hugged him if he hadn't made a fool out of himself. Growling at the group, Keith pulled him backwards so his back hit his husband's broad chest

"That's enough pawing at my husband. He's fine"

Zethrid and Ezor didn't say anything, shrugging at each other and returning to where they'd been playing cards with two soldiers that must have been recruits. One looked like a smaller version of Zethrid, like if one was to cut her off at her knees, while the other... for a split tick looked so much like Lotor that he found himself staring. Not quite smiling at him, Acxa hesitated before asking

"We were just learning how to play UNO with Katie. Would you like to join us?"

Pidge hissed at the name Katie, Lance dropped his head back onto Keith's shoulder. His husband's scent was filled with annoyance and possessiveness. Lance swore he could taste Keith's warning to others on the tip of his tongue

"He needs to eat breakfast first"

"He needs to explain last night too"

Lance gut rolled. Pidge was too smart for her own good. There was no way he couldn't tell them... despite how embarrassing he found it

"I... I'm not going to get out of this, am I?"

"Not as long as your sick"

Kissing the side of his head and rubbing his hands up and down Lance's upper arms, Keith tried to buy him more time

"It's a good thing he's not sick"

"Babe..."

"You're not sick anymore. And it's not like you're contagious"

"I don't know... there seems to be something in the air. If I pinky promise that I'm ok, will you believe me?"

Pidge sighed dramatically at the pair of them

"Pinky promising on the finger you refuse to wear doesn't count"

"I don't need it"

"All that hard work! I even put in a vibration setting for you and Keith"

Lance wasn't sure whether to laugh or be mortified... As it stood, option b seemed the way to go

"Pidge!"

"What? I was trying to make it practical"

"Alright you two, no more arguing. Lance, come sit down babe. Maybe if we get lucky, we can watch Pidge lose at UNO"

"Pffft. See if I worry about you in the future. As for losing at UNO, these poor losers are about to make me rich"

Guided to sit a few chairs down, Keith moved his chair up behind him so Lance could sit sideways and watch the game. Pidge was ruthless. He almost felt bad for the two Galra

"Babe, who are they?"

"Just recruits"

Mentally rolling his eyes, Lance sighed

"I know that. I wanted to know their names. That tall one looks like he's the son of Lotor and Acxa... He's actually kind of cute"

Growling, Lance found himself man handled into Keith's lap

"You're my husband"

"I know that. I was simply making the observation. Plus... he keeps looking at us and I don't know what to do"

It was true. Each time the Galra's pinky-purple eyes were cast their way, Lance felt a chill run down his spine. He hadn't even met the stranger, so wasn't sure how he could have insulted him

"You don't have to do anything. They're probably shocked from how cuddly I am with you"

"You're as bad as Kosmo when it comes to pats and love"

"Only from you. We need to make plans after this. We're both going to need to pack"

Lance wasn't looking forward to packing or to moving. He was all for being with Keith constantly, because he found it nearly impossible to truly be mad with the man, but they'd only need back together and Keith was acting seriously possessive, especially with the way he was pressing against his stomach like he was trying to shield their twins. His husband knew his stomach hurt, yet had lifted him out of his chair like it was nothing. Taking Keith's hands off of his stomach, he interlaced their fingers, leaning back to whisper

"Can you not move me like that?"

"What? Why? Is something wrong?"

Now Lance felt bad... Keith didn't seem to realise that they were going to adjust their actions to accomodate his new "condition", his husband merely wanted to hold him. Kissing Keith's jaw, he hoped he'd softened the harshness of his whispered request

"No... no, you're pressing on my stomach, and... I'm a bit nervy with everyone here"

"Quiznak... I'm sorry, babe. I should have..."

"Keith, don't. I didn't mean to imply anything, or to upset you..."

"I should have thought... you were just sick..."

Fuck... He'd really upset Keith, or rather because of him Keith was upset with himself. Turning in Keith's hold, he gave Keith a soft smile

"And I'm not going to break. My nerves are being stupid and my stomach still feels tense. I don't know about you, but I don't want to wind up back in the bathroom so soon"

"I don't either... is... has it been that bad?"

"It wasn't too bad this morning. It's more annoying than anything"

"I'm sorry..."

How was he supposed to try and be happy about the pregnancy if Keith was apologising?

"Please stop apologising. I don't want you to treat me like I'm made of glass. I don't want your pity or your sympathy. You said you were happy about this, so I want you to be happy"

"I don't want to see you suffer"

"I'm not. We just need to find a new rhythm now it's not just us to think about. I love you, and I love your cuddles, but I'm not up for suddenly being picked up or manhandled right now. It's a new situation for us, so of course things are going to happen... but we can talk about it, right?"

"Yeah. Yeah, baby. I want you to be able to talk to me about anything. I'm... mad for not thinking about it"

"You didn't have to think about it because it's been a long time since your touch caused us any major issues. I'm still getting better, and I... feel shitty for telling you that I can't do this long distance thing anymore. I feel like I failed you because I can't cope without you"

"No. No you haven't. You're so fucking strong"

"I haven't felt that strong lately"

"That's not your fault. You didn't ask for these panic attacks, or for this... sickness..."

Dropping his gaze to his lap, Lance's heart felt heavy

"Still. I should be better by now"

"You are doing so much better"

"I had a seizure in front of everyone... I feel like shit lying to them"

"If you don't want to lie, I'll support you. I've got your back, no matter what"

Sighing to himself, Lance wished he could see in himself what Keith seemed to see. Pidge had been so shaken by his seizure. He'd scared Keith and Shiro... and poor Curtis... he'd basically stolen the man's boyfriend away with no explanation. He wasn't particularly close to Curtis, yet he respected the man and knew Shiro loved him deeply. He also didn't want to be the cause of further complications between them

"Um... babe... do you know when the Atlas will be arriving?"

"Probably about now. Why? What is it?"

"I want to apologise to Curtis... and I want to explain things to him"

"You don't need to do that. He'll understand"

"He shouldn't have to understand. He adores Shiro. Shiro... he talked to me about how Curtis helps him through his nightmares and panic attacks. I... thanks to you, I know I'm not going to get better without being honest and Shiro said much the same thing. I want to explain to him, maybe not that I'm pregnant yet, but that I had a major episode and that nothing happened"

"You don't need to explain, but we can if you really want to"

He wanted to for Shiro's sake. He wanted to help preserve Shiro's happiness

"I think I need to. Can we go before we eat? While there aren't that many people around and before Veronica finds me?"

"You're scared of what she'll say, aren't you?"

"A bit... I haven't even explained things to mami. She worries so much with me being out here and the time thing makes it really hard... It's been several phoebs for me. She get confused with the time, then I get confused..."

"I know I've had issues with Veronica in the past, but I think she'd understand if we, if you, wanted to tell her"

"I don't want to make her worry. Do you know how much she'll nag about all the missions and supply runs I've done alone? I want to feel normal"

In other words he mentally couldn't handle being pregnant and everyone constantly keeping an eye on his every move because they thought he was going to have a sudden seizure. Kissing his hair, Keith nodded

"We can go find Shiro and Curtis right now. I can message Shiro, that's probably going to be easier"

"Yeah... um... do you think he can meet us near the staff door around the side? I don't want anyone overhearing us"

"Sure. I'm proud of you, babe"

"Don't be too proud, I still have time to chicken out"

"You won't. You're so much stronger than you know"

Heading back through the outpost, Shiro and Curtis were waiting for them when they arrived. Despite standing close to each other, Lance was sure there was some kind of lingering tension there. Feeling Keith's hand on his shoulder tighten, it seemed his husband had noticed it too. Raising his hand to greet them, Shiro's smile seemed slightly faked

"Hey, Lance. Keith. I got your message, you said you wanted to talk?"

"Lance wants to talk to Curtis, if that's alright?"

Curtis looked mildly surprised, as Lance nodded at Keith's words

"You want to talk to me? Are you sure?"

Curtis's tone rubbed his instincts the wrong way, despite there being no malice in it

"Yeah. Umm... if that's ok. It won't take very long, I promise"

Shiro seemed as confused as Curtis was

"Lance, is something the matter? Did something happen?"

"No. No, it's ok. I just need to borrow your boyfriend for a tick. I thought maybe we could talk on the other side of the door?"

Originally he'd intended to explain things in front of Shiro and Keith, but with both of them being overly concerned about him, he didn't want them interrupting

"Sure. I don't see why not. Keith and I will wait here for you"

"Thanks, Shiro"

Leaning into him, Keith softly whispered

"I thought we were going to talk in a group"

"I know... but... I really want to do this right. I'll be on the other side of the door, just there. Ok?"

"I don't know..."

"Babe. If something happens, you are literally two ticks away. Let me do this for myself"

"Alright..."

Kissing Keith's cheek, his husband released him. Walking forward, Lance used his hand to open the door, grateful that his biometrics could be read through the glove.

Following him outside, Curtis leaned back against the outpost wall, while Lance wrapped his arms around himself in a self hug of support. Now they were alone, he needed a moment to figure out his words

"Lance, what did you want to talk about?"

Nearly flinching, once again Curtis had done nothing wrong

"I want to explain why Shiro came to pick me up"

"Oh, is that all? He already explained it"

"I know he did. But I wanted to talk to you myself about it..."

"You don't need to"

"I do!"

Yelling at Curtis, Curtis raised an eyebrow

"Sorry. Sorry. Dios. I'm so bad at this. Last movement when I was on Altea, I had a major appointment scheduled. I don't know if Shiro explained to you, or you know what I went through, but this appointment was really important to me. Keith was supposed to be there for it, and I ended up having a full blown panic attack because he wasn't... I... something bad happened to me, and it's left me not able to trust a lot of people, even people I see as friends..."

"Shiro explained that you were tortured..."

That was pretty much common knowledge despite how he wished it wasn't

"Yeah... I have... I have permanent brain damage from it. Not everyone knows and I don't like talking about it. But Shiro... he's so stupidly "Space Dad" like. I hated him... for a while there I really hated him. His clone Kuron..."

Shaking his head, he didn't want to go there even if his mouth did

"Basically I was hurt and hating everyone. Keith came along and forced so much love down my throat that it still scares me. He encouraged me to try and open up... and to trust. Shiro was... well, he's in that circle of trust. And I feel really bad that he had to come to help me. I wasn't in a good mental space. It was like being in a panic attack days... I um... I also get seizures, especially when I'm stressing. You're the first person outside of this circle that I wanted to tell because I know how much you love Shiro and Shiro adores you. Hunk told me about that article, so I wanted to explain what really happened that day. Shiro found me in the bushes at the hospital. He helped calm me down from my appointment. That attack was so bad I couldn't walk without help... I guess what I really wanted to say was that there's nothing going on there. I panicked and didn't know who else to call when I couldn't get through to Keith. Shiro stayed in my room while he was here because I... I sometimes hurt myself during an attack... and... I just don't want to hurt Shiro or ruin his happiness. He's so in love with you, and he's done so much for me... and for Keith..."

Wiping his eyes, he hoped Curtis didn't think he was aiming for a sympathy vote. He was simply so nervous that his body defaulted to tears

"And he deserves to be happy. I wanted to explain things to you myself, because I felt you deserved to understand. It's not easy being on the outside... it really kind of quiznakking sucks. I want Shiro to be able to talk to you and not feel he has to hide everything... I haven't told my friends about my seizures... I don't want any kind of pity. I don't want them to feel they have to babysit me... I'm sorry... Keith says I ramble"

Curtis took a few ticks before pinching the bridge of his nose in a very Shiro manner

"Shiro did explain things. But I appreciate how hard it had to have been for you to approach me. And I thank you for doing it face to face. Can I ask you something?"

Slowly Lance nodded, not sure where this was going

"Are you getting help for this?"

Brushing off the slightly insulted feeling, Lance nodded again

"I have a counsellor I talk to regularly and I'm going to be moving to Daibazaal with Keith until my health improves. Everything is really complicated and it just got even more complicated. I haven't melted down that bad since... in a long while and I only panicked more when I couldn't calm down. I didn't even know about the article until Hunk told me. I don't follow news from that side of the universe. Shiro really loves you. He talked about how good you are too him, and how you work through his PTS... That's why I wanted to tell you everything myself without him or Keith interrupting and doing that thing where they assure it's ok, and don't let you talk properly"

"Shiro's "space dad" role?"

Curtis gave him a smile, loosening the tendrils of dread around his stomach

"Yeah... He's worse than my own dad half the time"

"He cares a lot for all of you"

"I know he does. That's part of what made it so hard to let him back in. I want him to... I guess I want him to be there as a friend, but at the same time, I want him to be selfish and to pursue the things he loves, and wants, like a future with him. We all lost so much... so I never want to get in the way of his happiness"

"I wasn't impressed that he dropped everything the way he did, but I'm glad he could be here for you. I knew nothing would have happened between the two of you, but with how evasive he was..."

Curtis trailed off, so Lance finished his sentence for him

"It really fucking sucked?"

"Yeah. That"

"I might... not be able to let you in... to trust you. But I don't want to disclude you either. I want to try and be friends. So I really need to apologise if I fuck things up before hand, because I don't realise sometimes that I have... I really hope this is making more sense to you than it sounds like it's making me to me"

"You're a good guy Lance. Not everyone would admit things like this for the sake of their friend. I hope we can be good friends too, not just for Shiro's sake"

"I'd like that"

Feeling somewhat self conscious and annoyed at himself, Lance nodded again

"Good. That's good... and can I ask you not tell anyone about my seizures being caused by brain damage"

"I won't, but can I ask why? They're not something you can control"

"I know they're not... I just... I know they care, yet when people know they start acting like I'm not me. I can't stand them watching me, like they're waiting for something to go wrong"

"I don't think they'll judge you, or treat you any differently"

"But they do. I had a seizure last night in front of everyone. Pidge was hysterical, so was Hunk from what Keith told me in the bathroom this morning. Plus, they've already made a fuss over it this morning. It makes it hard to focus on everything else"

"I still think it's in your best interests to tell everyone, or at least those you're close to"

"If you mean Veronica, she scares me. She scared everyone. That's why I wanted to talk to you away from her, or I'd never hear the end of it"

Curtis gave a sigh

"She certainly is headstrong"

"I know... Anyway, we should head back in before Keith and Shiro worry any further. All your meals and stuff here are on the house, just let the staff know I said as much. I don't know how long you guys want to be on land"

With its size the Atlas had to currently orbiting the planet, as there was no way it'd fit in the parking area without walking up to the outpost being one hell of a trek. It was the only logical conclusion Lance could make.

"We intend to leave once you've had time to talk to your staff. Shiro explained that the decision was reached last night, so I'm assuming you'll need time to pack"

"You don't mind?"

"No. If something happens, we have wormhole capabilities"

"This is true. Right now I'd give my right arm for a generator. It's a movement long flight to Erathus, or a movement and a bit flight to Daibazaal"

"I expected it'd be much longer"

"The Telula, my ship, is pretty fast for her class size. A smaller ship would probably take about two movements either way, maybe longer if it was something small like a pod"

"You seem to know your ships"

Shrugging, Lance dropped his self hug

"You get to learn a thing or two out here or you'd never survive"

"I suppose not..."

Letting the conversation run dry, Lance let them back into the outposts. Shiro was leaning against one side of the hallway with Keith leaning against the other

"Lance. How'd it go?"

Rolling his eyes at his husband, Keith didn't need to say his name

"I think it went good... Curtis?"

Curtis laughed softly, before smiling at Shiro. Shiro reaching out his hand, with Curtis moving to take it it in his

"Lance was telling me how you came to his rescue. He's a good guy. We talked about some things, and he's given us permission to talk about his seizures and what you've been helping him through with his panic attacks"

Glancing past his boyfriend, Lance shook his head as Shiro silently asked if he knew about the pregnancy. The poor man probably would have... actually, no. He didn't know how Curtis would react. He might have tried to take the first step with Curtis, but that was as far as he could go right now

"I am sorry that I left like that"

"I know you are. Lance wanted to make sure that I wasn't mad at you, is misunderstood anything. It seems like you've helped him through a lot"

"He has. He's done so much for both of us"

Kissing his hairline, Lance wasn't sure why Keith had agreed with Curtis when he was clearly talking to Shiro

"You're both family to me. As your "Space Dad", I'm putting my foot down and we're all going to have breakfast now that is out of the way. Lance, you need to keep eating"

Stupid "Space Dad" mode had been activated. When Shiro married Curtis, would that make both of them "Space Dad"? Or did he need to find a name for Curtis? "Space Dad" kind of felt like a special name between them all. He didn't know Curtis well enough to give him a nickname. Maybe he could think of something during breakfast?

"I know I do. I was going to, but you know what it's like"

"I do. Now it's time to eat, then time to pack"

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artificialqueens · 6 years

Text

Twist Of Fate - Ch03- (Trixya) - katyahzamo

A/N: The second part of the flashback is here! Next chapter will bring us back to the present. Until then, a reminder:Trixie is a hairdresser and Katya is a struggling photographer slash yoga instructor. Lesbian AU. Read the chapters on AO3 and/or come hang out on my tumblr katyahzamo!

Chapter summary: She knows it’s irrational to feel sad, or bad, or selfish, and should feel happy for Trixie and congratulate her on chasing her dreams instead. That’s what friends do, right?

September 2016

I’m moving to Europe next Wednesday.

There are several things that happen in Katya’s head then, her heart too, as she watches Trixie’s face fall a little. With horror, she realizes it’s because her own facial expression sagged as if she received the worst news ever, and tries to react quickly.

“Trixie, that’s- that’s great!”

Her voice is something between a whisper and a croak, though her hand reaches out to squeeze Trixie’s wrist with enthusiasm, trying to make up for the lack thereof in her voice. “That’s really great! Why?”

It works, or at least it seems to to Katya, since the twinkle in Trixie’s eye is back and her smile too, and Katya doesn’t know what to do with herself.

“You think so? I got this job offer in Berlin, not sure how long I’ll be staying there, maybe permanently if I like it. Don’t get me wrong, I love Honey but I’ve been wanting to go to Europe for a long time and this is a great opportunity to learn new things, save some money, even open my own salon down the line.”

Katya nods along, still trying to show that she’s excited for her, since Trixie is practically bouncing in her seat again, but the thoughts in her head are begging for her attention. Now is definitely not the time to unpack the feelings that are bubbling in her chest, but she can never stop her train of thoughts, no matter how inappropriate the moment is.

One part of her stubbornly focuses on the fact that this is probably because she’s losing her favorite hairdresser, since she never trusted anyone with her hair until she met Trixie more than a year ago. It’s a thought that she marks as both selfish and illogical, as there a million of hairdressers out there and it will be no trouble finding another one.

Another part of her, a more rational one, recognizes it might be because Trixie is the first (potential) friend she’s had in ages, Sharon, Ginger and Violet excluded. Losing that would bring her back to square one, and Katya is really not the type to go out and make random friends. Not anymore.

The largest part of her, however, berates herself for not getting courage to ask Trixie out for drinks earlier, any time in the past year and a half when she got her hair cut, to befriend her properly, which would probably mean that Katya would have known Trixie was leaving, or planning to leave earlier than tonight. They would have more time to get to know each other better, even maybe stay in touch after Trixie moved across the pond. She knows it’s irrational to feel sad, or bad, or selfish, and should feel happy for Trixie and congratulate her on chasing her dreams instead. That’s what friends do, right?

“I’m really happy for you, Trixie. Germany’s about to be one fabulous haircut capital of Europe.”

It’s all Trixie needs to grab the hand on her wrist and squeeze back.

“Thanks, Katya! I promise you’ll still be the number one customer in my heart.”

“I better be, bitch!”

The ride to Trixie’s building is mostly quiet. Katya offered to drive her home little after they paid for their drinks (Trixie getting to the bill before Katya could even protest it), and now the only sound is coming from the radio, an old 70s song that always kept Katya in high spirits but now knows it’s tainted because it will always remind her of tonight. This semi-silence is comfortable enough despite the circumstances, with Trixie humming to the melody and Katya tapping her fingers on the steering wheel.

“Are you going alone? To Germany, I mean.”

Trixie turns her gaze away from the street lights they are passing by to look at Katya. The streets are oddly deserted and they don’t have to stop at intersections that often, leading today to an inevitable end, despite Katya’s wishing it wouldn’t.

“Yeah. The boss of the salon that offered me the job was nice enough to find accommodation close to my work. Apparently Berlin is huge and I already found couple of gay bars there, so I should be fine.”

The corners of Katya’s lips twitch upward in a smile, even though she doesn’t take her eyes off the road.

“That’s good.”

“Mmm yeah. I guess that’s better, right? If I had anything tying me to this city, I would have a hard time leaving it. I mean, I’m kinda sad now, but also excited to see and experience new places, y’know?”

Katya feels Trixie’s eyes on her, but she can’t find it in her to meet her glance. She turns right on the intersection, per GPS’ instructions, and nods thoughtfully.

“I agree. It’s more difficult to start over if you have deep roots somewhere.”

“Yeah. Or if you’re old, like you.”

That makes Katya laugh and eases the tension in her chest. She finally looks over to see Trixie grinning cheekily at her.

“You really are a cunt, Tracy. Germany will be lucky to have you.”

“Thanks, Old. I think so, too.”

The car comes to a stop in a dimly lit parking lot, illuminated only by the light shining through windows of the building towering over them. Katya thinks it’s ironic how this is the first and last time she’ll see where Trixie lives, and the old feeling of regret returns to punch her fully in the gut as she turns off the ignition.

“You good to go inside al–?”

“Thanks for today I had a l—“

They speak at the same time, and the car erupts with the sound of them laughing loudly.

“You go first.”

“No, you go, I insist on hearing how delightful you think I am.”

Trixie shakes her head and rolls her eyes, though Katya can swear she sees her cheeks flush a little.

“Oh my god, fine. Thanks for today, Katya, I had a lot of fun.”

Each word is pointed and a bit sing-songy, and despite the sarcasm, Katya knows it’s genuine.

“I had a lot of fun too.” We should have done this a long time ago, she wants to say, but bites it back.

“And thank you for the ride.”

“Anytime.”

Several more moments of silence, and Katya wants to ask for her phone number. Email. Skype. Anything. She could even ask for the address so she can send her letters. Anything at all would be better than sitting there in silence, waiting for Trixie to say something. Maybe ask for her address in return.

“I better go inside, it’s getting late and I have a lot of packing to do.”

“Okay.”

“I’ll see you around, Katya.”

Before she knows what’s happening, Trixie’s arms are around Katya’s shoulders, squeezing tightly, long blonde hair tickling her nose. She smells of flowers and summer evenings. Katya holds on for a second longer than she should, and then the passenger’s door is opening, and Trixie gives her one last wave before closing them shut and walking towards the building.

“See you.” She says to the empty car, staring after her form before she’s swallowed by the darkness.

Katya stays sitting in the parked car for some time before she remembers she has an early yoga class in the morning. She can still feel Trixie’s arms around her neck and her scent even when she’s unlocking the door of her and Sharon’s apartment some time later. She can feel it even after she smokes and showers and gets into loose shorts and Sharon’s old tanktop. Still feels it when she lies down next to her girlfriend’s sleeping form, and even when Sharon wraps an arm around her torso instinctively.

Katya dreams of pink flowers and street lights all night.

Katya wakes with a start Sunday morning, realizing that the earthquake she just experienced in her nightmare was her phone buzzing under her pillow. The bed is empty, and she recalls Sharon telling her the night before she’d be gone all day. Her band is preparing to go on a tour around the state and Katya had told her she’s really proud of her. Everyone is chasing their dreams aside from her lately, it seems. This early in the morning, she’s completely fine with that.

The room is still dark, since Sharon pulled them together so Katya can sleep in, and she squints at her surroundings before finding her incessantly buzzing phone.

“Alright, god, shut up.”

One look at her phone and she sees it’s past 10am. Talk about sleeping in. With a groan, she unlocks it to see three missed calls from Violet and a string of text messages. First one is from Sharon.

Shakes: Left u waffles in the microwave

Shakes: I hope they’re still warm by the time u wake up

Shakes: Might sleep over at Lasky’s if we’re 2 late

Shakes: Tell Vi I said hi and that I’m sorry I won’t be able to hang with all of u tonight

Shakes: Love you

Katya leaves it on read for now, having no idea what plans Sharon is talking about, thinking it must be why Violet has been blowing up her phone the entire morning. Rubbing her eyes, she sits up, suddenly feeling hungry and her limbs still stiff and a bit sticky with sweat.

The weather has been too warm for September, and she spent the entirety of yesterday inside her own apartment, save for the yoga class in the morning. The first part of her Saturday passed in the state of slight sulking, though she was definitely feeling better than the night before. As soon as her yoga class was over, Katya convinced herself she overreacted to the news of her hairdresser moving to another continent. It’s not like she would miss her, she thought as she watched Sharon adjust her bass guitar’s strings in their small living room, and Trixie would probably forget about her as soon as she found another blonde with flawless cheekbones. Knowing Germany, Berlin is probably full of those.

Sharon has stayed with her the entire day too, teasing her slightly about the bangs but telling her she looks good – and considering the fact it has been a while since Sharon has given her that much attention Katya was reveling in it. By the time the evening rolled around and Sharon was eating her out on their dining table, their dinner forgotten, Katya has pushed Trixie to the back of her mind completely.

She is now sitting down by that same dining table, a cup of coffee in her hand and waffles on the plate before she can deal with Violet’s 43 unread messages; she opens the app and starts reading.

Violetta: …so I told them ud be coming too

Violetta: don’t u dare not come, bitch

Violetta: I won’t see u for 3 wks, u can’t say no

Violetta: just wrote an entire essay and ur not even awake yet

Violetta: gr8

Violetta: lmk when u wake up

Violetta: party starts at 4pm so Ginger n I will pick u up at 5

Katya laughs with her mouth full of cold waffles and whipped cream as she re-reads Violet’s stream of consciousness pouring in the string of text messages, filtering out threats of what would happen to her if she flakes out of the party the way Sharon did. The gist of it all is that there is a party that this guy Bob invited them all to, and he is a stand-up comedian that Violet knows from the shows they performed at together, and there will be a lot of people there because it’s someone’s birthday, Bar Mitzvah or something else entirely, Violet is not sure and does not care. What she cares about is getting Katya out of the house and them having a last hurrah of the summer before Violet goes on the road.

Katya: You drained my battery, cunt

Katya: Wheres this party @ and why is it on a Sunday

Katya: Don’t they know people have work on Mondays?

Katya barely has time to take another bite before her phone buzzes a reply.

Violetta: thought u died, finally

Violetta: why do u care, u don’t work til late tmrw

Violetta: are u in or not

Katya: I didn’t say me, I said people

Katya: Sure, not like I have anything to do

Violetta: gr8, see u at 5 bitch

Violetta: wear smth sexy, don’t embarrass me

Katya: Fuck off

She opens her message thread with Sharon, then, and types a quick reply before finishing her breakfast and going out on the balcony for a smoke.

Katya: Waffles were cold, but good, thx babe

Katya: Will go to the party or Violet will murder me

Katya: Tell the girls I said hi, love you, cya tomorrow

Katya spends the rest of her morning doing some of the yoga poses to stretch her tired muscles, figuring she should probably go out for a run too, but decides she’s too lazy to. Instead, she showers and does some chores around the house, watches half of a movie, chain smokes on the balcony periodically, and digs through her closet to find something decent to wear for the party, knowing she’d hear it from Violet otherwise.

By the time 4pm rolls around, Katya is mostly ready, finding her new haircut much easier to maintain, letting it easily fall to her shoulders. Adjusting her bangs takes a bit longer, but Trixie has done a good job and they don’t give her a lot of trouble. Katya expertly ignores the tug at her stomach when thoughts about Trixie creep up on her, and works on her smoky eye and blood red lips instead.

When Violet knocks on her door, Katya is already fully dressed, sporting a flowy, black button-up with polka dots on her sleeves and a layered skirt that falls somewhere to her mid-thighs, revealing tights with straps on them underneath, topping the look off with ankle boots with heels. Katya objectively thinks she looks great, and judging by the look on Violet’s face when she looks her up and down, she has achieved the sexy she was aiming for.

Violet, on the other hand, is wearing a tight black dress that reaches just above her knees, her dark curls falling down her bare shoulders, her heels making her look at least an inch taller than Katya, causing the blonde to whistle as she looks her over.

“Damn, mama, you look sexy as hell.”

Violet laughs once they pull away from a hug.

“You sound surprised, bitch. I love your bangs, they look even better in person. And I bought this dress for the road but I had to see if I looked any good in it.”

“Thanks, I think I like them too. If I didn’t know how much of a crazy bitch you are in bed, I’d totally try to seduce you, that’s how good you look.”

“Fuck off, you know you never got over this.”

Katya laughs when Violet runs hands down her own torso and hips seductively, and smacks her on the shoulder making Violet laugh too, then turns around to get her purse.

“Wait, where’s Ginger?”

“She had an issue with her babysitter, so she’s waiting for another one to come through. She said she’ll be at Bob’s by seven or eight.”

“Oh, okay, cool. Let’s go?”

The ride to Bob’s takes a little over half an hour, as his house is just outside of the city, and by the time Katya and Violet get there, they can already see a handful of cars parked in the driveway.

“How big is this party, Vi?”

“Big enough to make people party on a Sunday. Come on, I’m starving.”

The party is as huge as Katya anticipated. She assumes that someone as successful as Bob would have a lot of acquaintances, but it turns out that not all are there for Bob.

“It’s a farewell party,” a girl named Farrah tells them when she greets them at the door. “One of Bob’s closest friends is moving so he organized all of this for her.”

“Wow, the girl’s popular.” Katya says, looking at the people chatting along the hallway, some even dancing in one of the rooms to her right.

“Yeah, she’s had a lot of clients throughout the years and you know that people never miss a party, even on a Sunday.”

“Why is it on a Sunday, anyway?” Katya asks conversationally, watching Violet already being pulled away by a number of girls as tall and as good-looking as her. She recognizes some of them from her instagram, burlesque dancers from the company she’s a part of.

“Scheduling. Bob figured if he promised booze and a barbecue people would show up anyway.”

“Guess he was right. Who is the girl, anyway? Where is she? Should we have brought a farewell gift?”

“No, that’s fine,” Farah says, reaching the end of the hallway and leading her out on the backyard patio. The sign catches Katya’s eye immediately and her mouth falls open before Farrah can finish “- she’s a hairdresser, Trixie Mattel. The salon she works at became really popular when Latrice bought it from their previous owners. I don’t know why they don’t branch out-“

Katya barely listens to Farrah going on about profit and how good all the girls there are. Katya doesn’t need to be told that, she already knows. Honey has always been full with all kinds of people going in and out, artists, middle-aged mothers, young suburban soccer moms, models and drag queens (and kings) and everyone in between.

A big GOODBYE TRIXIE sign is hung across the backyard and decorated with small lights that would surely look lovely when the day is done. This was a party for Trixie.

She can’t believe it.

“Anyway, I have more guests to greet, are you going to be okay here?”

“Yeah Farrah, thanks.”

“Drinks are over there, and dinner will be over soon. If you want to say hi to Bob, he’s that guy with the shawl over there.”

“Thank you. I think I’ll do that.”

“See you around, Kate!”

Katya laughs but doesn’t correct her as she waves her off and goes over to get a drink. She’s disappointed that Georgia Peach is not one of the non-alcoholic choices, and settles for a regular Coke instead, feeling more nervous than she has in a while.

The party is a pretty mellow affair while the sun is still out, and Katya enjoys being by herself at first, smoking in the corner and sipping on her Coca Cola. Violet has come to her at some point, bringing Bob with her to meet Katya, and Katya instantly likes him. While she never saw his show live before, she vaguely remembers Violet talking about him and seeing him in her pictures, and immediately swears she’d see him first time she gets the chance. He’s gay, loud, charming and absolutely hilarious, and by the time he waves and goes to greet more guests Katya has relaxed enough to stop looking and wincing every time a curvy woman with blonde hair walks out of the house.

Despite it being Trixie’s party, Trixie is nowhere to be seen yet.

At first Katya wonders why Violet didn’t tell her that it was a party for one of the girls from the Honey Salon, considering Violet is the person who recommended it to her in the first place, but then remembers Violet didn’t even know what the party was about when she invited her to come with. After all, Katya doesn’t remember ever talking about Trixie to Violet or anyone really, since she found it weird to talk too much about her hairdresser who laughs at all her jokes and massages her scalp like no one did in her life before. It’s stupid, because Trixie probably does that with everyone.

She can still feel an irrational pang of jealousy at the thought when her phone buzzes in her back pocket and Katya unlocks it, smiling around her cigarette.

Shakes sent you a photo

Shakes: Alaska made the best cocktails ever

Shakes: how’s the party going?

With a sigh, she stares at the photo of her girlfriend and Sharon’s best friend holding up cocktails that look like Bloody Marys, knowing that Sharon is probably having more fun than her. She’s come to the stupid party only to spend some time with Violet, but every time her friend would come to her, she’d be called to the side by one of the many people Katya has never seen or met in her life. They are a part of Violet’s life Katya knows nothing about, the one she started when she got a spot in this company several months before. With that lonely feeling in her gut, combined with anxiety of Trixie coming any moment, she is happy for a little distraction in form of her girlfriend’s texts. At least Ginger would be here soon, since it’s almost eight.

Katya: Boring

Katya: They don’t even have the Georgia peach

Katya: Let alone virgin Bloody Marys

Katya: Miss you

The messages are read within moments but the reply doesn’t come. So much for that distraction. She stubs out her cigarette, puts another in her mouth, and then there’s a voice so close behind that she nearly drops her lighter.

“You know, if you want to smoke yourself into a young human corpse, you’re on the right path.”

She turns around and there’s Trixie, out of her decent work clothes, a pink dress clinging so tightly to her big thighs Katya thinks it might be illegal in at least three states. The dress is buttoned up at Trixie’s neck the same way Katya’s shirt is, and they match like an odd Goth meets Barbie yin yang fantasy. Blonde hair is tied up in a high ponytail and is resting down the front of Trixie’s right shoulder, straightened to perfection.

Katya’s staring, she knows she is, and can’t seem to form words immediately. Her throat unclenches long enough for her to cough and she grins, pulling out the still-unlit cigarette and dropping it on the small table she’s claimed when Bob and Violet left.

“Who are you again?”

Katya’s semi-quick response makes Trixie shriek with laughter, turning several heads their way, making Katya proud of herself and grinning like an idiot.

“I could ask you the same question. Who invited you to my party?”

The look on Trixie’s face makes Katya think that she’s also thinking about the best way to greet the other, so neither of them don’t do anything but smile widely at each other.

“No one. I was passing by and jumped that fence just for the fun of it. I like to live dangerously.”

Katya says the last sentence in the hardest Russian accent she can muster, which is awarded by another loud laugh and causes warm feeling spreading from Katya’s stomach and into her limbs. She’s going to miss this.

“Well we have enough food even for law breakers, you wanna join me? I’ve been packing all weekend and I’m going to die if I don’t put food in my mouth soon.”

Katya’s forgotten all about her cigarettes and Sharon not responding when she nods and follows her to the table.

“How do you know so many people? Are you cutting hair of the entire Boston, Tracy?”

“No, just the crazy ones.” She deadpans, and Katya is shaking with soundless laughter so hard she can barely grab the chicken wings from the platter. “Honestly I don’t know half the people here, I assume they’re Bob’s friends and he just invited everyone so he can pull the ‘I’m the best friend you’ve ever had’ card when I piss him off.”

“How do you know Bob, anyway?”

“We grew up on the same street, and I think we were the only two gay people in the seventy miles radius. So naturally, we had no other choice but to become best friends in middle and high school.”

Katya laughs again, watching Trixie put only grilled vegetables on her plate. She realizes she has no idea if Trixie is vegetarian and wonders what other things she doesn’t know about her.

“It must have been difficult growing up in the South, huh?”

Trixie shrugs, chewing on a carrot she’s snagged from the salad table. “It was okay. My mom still pretends it’s just a phase, you know how it goes, and my dad was out of the picture since I was seven. Bob and I are like family in that way, he’s been my biggest support growing up.”

“That’s amazing. That you had each other, not- not your family situation.”

“No, it’s really fine. It’s been more than ten years since I left that hellhole. What about Russia?”

“Oh I was only eight when I moved to the US. Mom and dad had a hard time accepting I’d never give them grandchildren at first, but I think they understood that they wouldn’t get those even if I got married to a dude.”

“You don’t want to have kids?”

“I mean, I don’t know. My ovaries don’t squeeze when I see a baby and I definitely don’t have the hips to give birth to a kid. Imagine the issues my kid would have, with all the smoking I put my lungs through? No mama. Maybe if I get married and my wife wants them, I wouldn’t be against it. I think I’d be a good dad.”

“Oh you’d definitely be a great dad.”

They laugh and move back to Katya’s table, and it seems both like hours and only minutes pass before Bob comes over and insists for Trixie to come with him on the patio, where he gives a long speech that starts off with jokes and ends with the two of them hugging and tearing up.

Katya has an intrusive thought that Trixie looks beautiful when she cries and feels the same old tightness in her chest return and she welcomes the distraction in the form of Ginger and Violet who bring her another Coca Cola and two glasses of wine for each of them.

Katya doesn’t get another chance to talk to Trixie until after midnight, since people have been hugging her, saying goodbye and even giving her gifts (should have brought a gift, Katya thought before she realized she had no idea this party was happening until several hours ago), and giving her tips about living in Europe and things that are a must-see in Berlin and Germany in general.

They talk again when Trixie sits next to Katya on a bench when most of the guests are already gone and Violet is collecting her own things to leave, giving Katya a big hug and telling her she’d come for coffee in the morning before her own tour bus leaves the city tomorrow night.

Katya feels sad every time Violet leaves. It usually means not going out to bars as much and hanging out mostly with Ginger and her two-year-old on work days, since Sharon will be gone this time around too. If Trixie wasn’t leaving, Katya would probably spend more time with her, but things rarely go the way Katya wants them to. Violet hugs Trixie next, and Katya thinks it’s weird seeing the two interact, only to remember that Trixie has been Violet’s acquaintance far longer than Katya’s. When Violet goes back to the house to leave through the front door, Trixie has to nudge Katya’s shoulder with her own to bring her back from her spiraling mind.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

The question makes her recall those same words from several evenings ago, and Katya can’t believe that she’s losing the only friend she’s made in ages. Because that is what Trixie is, a friend to Katya, even if it’s only one-sided.

Tonight Trixie doesn’t seem as tipsy as she was that night, Katya doesn’t even remember seeing her drink tonight.

“You keep promising me pennies, Tracy Martel, but I don’t see that money anywhere.”

Trixie laughs out loud again.

“It’s because you never tell me anything you’re thinking, Katie Zamolochichidova!”

Katya laughs too and nudges Trixie’s shoulder in return.

“I like to keep the mystery alive.”

“I can see that.”

That odd sparkle in Trixie’s eye is back and it makes it hard for Katya to drop her intense gaze, so she doesn’t.

“Who is going to cut my hair when you’re gone?” She chooses the safest question among many that cross her mind.

“Any of the girls are as good as I am, Katya, just choose one. I only selfishly stopped them from cutting your hair before.”

“Why?”

“Because I like your hair, and it’s easy to make you look good with whatever I do.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“It means that I think you’re gorgeous, stupid.”

Katya feels her cheeks go fully crimson, and she swallows heavily, thinking how she can deflect it with a joke. Before she can, Trixie speaks again.

“So don’t worry about looking horrible whoever does your hair. I’d stay away from Tammie, but otherwise you’re good.”

“Thanks, Trix.”

“Don’t mention it.”

Only when Katya returns home to her empty apartment and lies down in her empty bed, thinking about how tightly Trixie hugged her three times, once while they were still sitting, once when they said goodbye, and one last time when Trixie runs to Katya’s car to give her the phone she’d forgotten on the patio, and how good and right it felt, does she remember she forgot to ask about her phone number so they could stay in touch.

A feeling of guilt that hits her when she turns to the side and feels Sharon’s scent on her pillow makes her think that it’s better that way.

#trixya #trixie mattel #katya zamolodchikova #twist of fate #trixya fanfic #lesbian au #mutual pining #slow burn #cisgirl au #tw alcohol #tw drugs #tw cigarettes #rpdr fanfiction #katyahzamo

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cyberpiratestarlight · 6 years

Text

A mother just like mine

~Motherhood Azula struggles with the question if bad parenting skills are hereditary

'Do you still want to wait?' Sokka asked.

Zuko frowned in annoyance as he scanned the room. They all were present… but his right hand seat was empty.

Where was Azula?

'I'd like to go and check on her,' Sokka said, but Zuko dismissed his proposal with a wave of his hand. 'No. Everyone here's present but here… we'll begin.'

He was slightly worried - Azula was never late. On the other hand, yesterday she seemed perfectly fine. No, Zuko argued, she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself and the palace was packed with servants and guards.

'You sure you're fine?' Ty Lee asked.

'I said so, didn't I?' Azula snapped, brushing away a lost tear. Ty Lee didn't seem bothered by her harsh tone and looked worried instead.

'Stop looking at me like that,' Azula said with gritted teeth. 'I am not sick.'

'No, of course not,' Ty Lee said. She placed a hand on Azula's shoulder. 'It's understandable that you're afraid.'

'I am not…' Afraid, Azula wanted to say, but that would be an outright lie. She buried her head in her hands. 'What am I going to do?'

'Well, first, nothing's sure yet,' Ty Lee said. 'We need to go to the doctor first.'

Azula lowered her hands. 'Will you come with me?' she asked timidly.

Ty Lee nodded. 'Of course,' she said, calmly rubbing Azula's shoulder.

The doctor confirmed Azula's suspicion.

'It won't be long before a new prince or princess will be born,' he said, smiling brightly. 'What wonderful news! The people will be ecstatic! The last time we could celebrate a royal birth was your own, Princess.'

Azula tried very hard to keep her face calm, but she couldn't.

'You said it wouldn't be long. How far is she?' Ty Lee asked.

'It's hard to say in the early months, but I think a month or two.' The waterbender placed his hand on Azula's stomach again. 'You won't be showing for at least another two months.'

Azula nodded.

'It's very healthy, as far as I can tell.'

'Good,' Azula said blandly.

0o0o0o0o0

'There she is,' Zuko said, crossing his arms and raising his eyebrows as he saw his sister. They were standing outside of the throne room, the meeting having ended five minutes ago.

'She doesn't look too well,' Katara whispered into Sokka's ear. He nodded, trying to hide his worry, since he knew how much Azula hated it when people looked at her that way. He assumed it had to do with her time in the insane asylum. She hated it when people pitied her, she hated when they worried about her.

'Did you forget the meeting?' Zuko asked. 'I'm not used to you being late…'

Azula raised one hand, indicating him to stop talking. 'Sokka, we need to talk,' she said, both her face and voice grave.

Aang and Katara exchanged a worried look. Even Sokka felt a pang of fear at those words - it were the same words he had used before breaking up with Suki.

'Sure,' he said, telling himself there was no way Azula would break up with him. She nodded and turned around, expecting him to follow her. Sokka gulped and looked at Katara, who seemed worried.

Great.

'What is it?' Sokka asked, not being able to wait any longer. 'You're scaring me.' He added a small smile to soften his words.

Azula absentmindedly placed a hand on her stomach. 'I told you to leave early - because I wasn't feeling too good. I haven't been feeling too good for a while,' she started. She bit her lip. It was more difficult than she had expected it to be. 'Ty Lee found me throwing up - again. We went to the doctor together and he told me…'

Azula had to stop speaking. Her whole body was tense.

Sokka was looking at her in absolute horror. What did the doctor tell her? He grabbed her hands. 'Azula, if you're sick… I'll help you. I'll do anything to make you better. I…'

'What? No.' Azula shook her head. 'I am not sick, Sokka.'

He was surprised, but he figured out what that meant half a second before she said it. 'I am pregnant.'

Sokka wasn't able to stop a big grin from spreading over his face. Without thinking, he grabbed the princess and spun her around, happily clutching her body against his. 'I'm going to be a dad?' he said a little too enthusiastically in her ear.

Then he suddenly remembered her worried expression. 'Wait. You're not happy?' he asked, putting her on her feet again.

Azula didn't confirm nor deny his statement. Instead, she sighed. 'I don't know.'

Sokka felt his enthusiasm fade away. 'But… we're going to be parents. That's great.'

He didn't understand. He truly didn't. Azula sighed again. 'Sokka… I don't know if me being a mom is such a good idea.'

'What?' Sokka sputtered. 'I…' He frowned. 'Just because you had problems with your mom, doesn't mean…'

'Not just my mom,' Azula said softly. 'And not just problems. My parents drove me to madness, Sokka.'

She had to take a few deep breaths, but she couldn't stop her voice from breaking. 'What if I… what if I'm just like them?'

Sokka was completely shocked. Azula almost never cried - she looked so vulnerable, so scared.

He pulled her in a hug, placing his chin on top of her head. 'Shh…' he said, because he didn't know what she wanted to hear. He placed a kiss on her hair and caressed her back. 'You'll be nothing like your parents, Azula.'

'How do you know?' she asked, her head resting against his chest. She desperately wanted to believe him, but how could she?

'Because I know you,' Sokka said. He softly placed his hands on Azula's arms and forced her to look at him. 'You can do anything you want, and more. You've went through hell and came out stronger. If you want to be a good mom, you'll be a good mom.'

She was still crying, but at least she didn't contradict them.

'And I'll be there to help you, of course,' Sokka said, smiling tenderly. 'I'll always be there. We will be nothing like your parents.'

Azula nodded. 'You're right,' she said, trying to swallow her tears away.

'Of course I am,' Sokka said proudly, earning himself a glare from the princess. 'I know you, Azula. It won't be easy, being parents, but we can pull it off.'

Azula nodded as well. She wasn't sure if she completely believed in what he had said, but she had at least calmed down a beat. Sokka wiped away the last tears from her cheek. 'You'll be so beautifully pregnant,' he said, grinning at her.

'I'll become fat,' Azula said.

'You'll look lovely,' Sokka said. 'Azula?'

'Yes?'

'I think we should redo this conversation.'

Azula blinked, not understanding what Sokka was meaning.

'You had something to tell me, didn't you?' Sokka asked, smiling encouragingly. Azula rolled her eyes, finally getting where he was going.

'I did,' she said. She wanted to tease him, make a joke on how he had something stuck between his teeth or how he had forgotten to lace his shoes… but he seemed so happy. His blue eyes were beaming.

'Sokka, I am pregnant,' she said, deciding to play along with his little came.

Sokka grabbed her and kissed her. 'I am so happy,' he whispered.

'Yes, me too,' Azula said. 'So I guess that means I'll have to tell Zuko, right?'

They were still standing outside of the room. Katara looked at her brother, but it didn't seem as something serious had happened. On the contrary - Sokka was beaming, grinning from ear to ear.

They stopped in front of the small group and the all looked at them, expecting them to make a statement. Azula took a deep breath and looked over her shoulder and Sokka, who was grinning at her and softly squeezed her hand.

'I…' Azula started, her eyes falling on Zuko. '... am pregnant.'

There were a few short seconds of silence, before they all jumped towards her. Zuko was the first to be able to hug his sister. 'Congratulations,' he said. 'It'll be a beautiful prince or princess.'

'Bumi will finally have a niece or nephew to play with,' Katara said at them. Azula smiled, happy with all the joy her news had brought everyone around her.

Inside, she was still worried.

'We'll make a big announcement,' Zuko said. 'The nation can use a party - and we'll give them one.'

'Let's not make it too big,' Sokka said, as if he was reading Azula's mind.

'Nonsense,' Zuko said. 'This child could be heir to the throne - and he or she'll be part of the royal family! It calls for a big celebration.'

He smiled.

'Zuko?' Azula asked.

They all looked at her now.

'I want to talk to father.'

Zuko's grin was wiped of his face as he looked at her in shock. He completely trusted her again, but he hadn't forgotten what kind of grip their father had once held over her.

'No way,' he said.

'I need to talk to him,' Azula repeated. 'I have some questions for him.' About parenting.

0o0o0o0o0

Azula was used to looks of admiration. Looks of fear, even.

She wasn't used to people smiling at her as if she was a cute animal.

'Smile, Azula,' Zuko said, walking beside her.

'I'm trying to,' she said. 'They're looking at me as if I'm a child.'

'You mean they don't look as if they're afraid of you?' Zuko asked in amusement. 'That's a good sign, 'Zula.'

'Don't call me that.'

She was seven months pregnant now, which meant she didn't fit in her armor anymore. She still trained every day though, but Sokka insisted doctors were present at all times.

She felt the baby kicking and carefully placed a hand on her stomach.

'The people are excited,' Zuko said. 'And I have to admit, you do look less scary with… oef!'

'I am still scary and very capable of killing you,' Azula grunted. 'Do not forget that.'

'Noted,' Zuko said. 'Are you tired?'

Azula rolled her eyes.

'We can go back if you want to.'

'I am fine, Zuzu.'

Their little walk around town - to make sure the people saw their 'Firelords' every now and then.

Eventually, they reached the palace again. 'The baby won't stop kicking me,' Azula complained.

Zuko smiled. 'He or she will be a little troublemaker, just like you.'

'Just like Sokka, you'll mean.'

Azula was silent for a few seconds. 'Do you want to feel the baby kick?' she asked.

Zuko's eyes widened. 'Of course,' he said.

Azula carefully took his hand and placed it on her stomach. Zuko's mouth fell open. 'I can really feel it!' he said. 'Doesn't it hurt?'

Azula shook her head. 'It does keep me awake at night,' she said with a small smile.

As they walked through the garden, Azula saw Sokka and Katara, playing with Bumi. She suddenly felt warm inside.

0o0o0o0o0

'So Republik City will be open to all citizens,' Aang said.

Sokka noticed that Azula frowned.

'It's supposed to be a place where there are no nations.'

She bit her lip.

'All people will have a new chance there…'

'Are you alright?' Zuko asked his sister.

They suddenly all looked at the princess, who nodded. Katara eyed her. 'Since when do you have pain?' she asked.

'Only a few… hours,' Azula said.

'Hours?' Katara exclaimed.

'What does that mean?' Zuko asked as Sokka yelled: 'the baby is coming!'

'Everyone keep calm,' Katara said.

'I am calm,' Azula muttered.

The same couldn't be said about Zuko and Sokka.

'You need to lie down,' Katara said. 'Let me help you to your room.' Excited glances were exchanged. They all knew what it meant - before his day was over, the new royal baby would have been born. Tonight, there would be celebrations in the street.

'Do you need help?' Sokka asked, standing up to help his wife.

Katara shook her head. 'This is woman's business, Sokka,' she said. 'Let me help her. I'll let you know how she's doing.'

'But I want to be with her,' Sokka said.

'No,' Azula said. 'I'll be fine. Just… continue the meeting.'

Sokka wanted to protest, but his sister glared at him, indicating him to shut up

0o0o0o0o0o0o0.

'God, that hurts,' Azula said.

Katara chuckled. 'I know you don't believe me right now, but when you hold your child, you'll forget it all.'

'I doubt that,' Azula said. 'I'm quite fond of vengeance.'

Katara smiled at her silly joke.

Azula was silent as she another contraction kept her mind from forming coherent thoughts. 'Katara?' she asked when it was over.

'Yes?'

'I am scared.'

'I know you are,' Katara said, taking her hand. 'You'll be fine. Within a few hours, the pain will be over and you'll be a mom…'

'I'm not afraid of the pain,' Azula said. 'I am afraid of what's coming next.'

Katara frowned, but eventually she understand. 'Azula,' she said, sitting down on her bed and squeezing her hand. 'You'll be a great mom. I promise.'

'But what if I'm not?' Azula asked.

'Then I'll help you,' she said. 'So will Sokka and Aang.'

'Promise me… that if I'm a terrible mom, you'll take care of the child,' Azula said.

Katara hesitated.

Azula squeezed her hand as another wave of pain came.

'I promise,' Katara said. 'But I also promise that'll do anything to help you. You'll be fine. All mother's are scared at first.'

'Were you scared?' Azula asked.

'Terrified,' Katara said. 'But I had Aang to help me, Sokka and you. It turned out to be fine.'

Azula nodded.

'Thank you,' she said.

'Don't thank me just yet,' Katara said with a small grin. 'You're not done.'

0o0o0o0o0

'It's a girl,' Katara said.

'I want to hold her.'.

'Of course.'

Katara carefully placed Azula's daughter in her arms.

Azula teared up. She was perfect, she thought, carefully stroking her daughter's fingers. 'Don't cry,' she said, stroking her daughter's cheek. 'You'll be fine.'

0o0o0o0o0

Sokka and Zuko had been waiting for six hours outside of Azula's bedroom. Sokka had never been so nervous.

Even Zuko paced around, looking up every time he heard his sister wimper.

'This is hell,' Sokka eventually said. 'I wish I could do something.'

They heard Katara's instructions and, eventually, they heard a baby crying. Sokka's eyes widened.

His child.

He wanted to barge in, but Zuko stopped him. 'You've waited for hours, you can wait for five more minutes,' he said.

When Katara opened the door, Sokka almost yanked it out of her hand. 'Is she alright?' he asked her.

Katara smiled. 'Come and look for yourself,' he said.

Sokka hurried inside, followed by Zuko, who stayed with Katara as Sokka walked towards Azula. She looked tired, her hair sticking to her sweaty forehead. It didn't matter though - she had the most tender smile Sokka had ever seen.

In her arms she held a small bundle.

'He,' Sokka said, smiling insecurely as he sat down on her bed, softly caressing Azula's skin.

'He,' Azula said, raising her gaze to meet his eyes. 'Do you want to meet your daughter?'

'A girl,' Sokka softly said.

He looked down upon the small bundle and saw the most beautiful creature he had ever laid his eyes on. 'She looks like you,' he said.

Azula smiled.

'How are you?' Sokka asked. 'Will you be okay?'

'I am fine,' Azula said. 'And we'll be fine.'

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