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yuus-sentient-teddy · 4 months

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Never Far From Wonderland

The reunion between Yuu and their family was a tearful one. Since the year they've been gone, a few things have changed. Mainly, their family was in the midst of moving to a different place and were actually about to go through Yuu's things. It saddened Yuu that they had to leave their home so soon when they had just returned, but it made the moments they spent catching up with friends and being with their family in their childhood home all the more precious. On moving day, they gave their bedroom wall a pat, like how one would pat a friend's shoulder. "See you later."

A library, a pretty big community center, a bakery--no, at least three bakeries, and a few restaurants that offered outdoor dining. These were some of the businesses Yuu spotted on the way to their family's new house. It was a Saturday afternoon, so there were many people out and about. Families going somewhere fun or entering a sweets shop, fashionistas checking out boutiques, couples on their date, elderly folk and their grandchildren on their way home from a shopping trip, teenagers doing whatever. Yuu wondered how well they'll get along with their peers. Hopefully, it would go more smoothly than--

Hang on, did they just see unusually bright ginger hair?

They couldn't make sure. The car was moving away and they were sure the person was hidden in the crowd now.

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It was. . . strange being in a normal school again. For one thing, their classmates didn't have unusual hair color like royal purple or neon yellow nor did any have animal ears sitting on their head. For another, their classmates were friendly and, just like them, ordinary. They caught themself more than thrice thinking a welcoming classmate had an ulterior motive and they constantly reminded themself that this wasn't Night Raven College. No, this was just a high school on Earth.

Plain and simple and magicless.

. . . Well, they thought it would be.

When history came around, who entered their room but an older man with a stern face and greying hair, who resembled none other than Mozus Trein? Yuu was in complete shock, but when he spoke, they almost fell to the floor. This look alike even sounded like Professor Trein!

It didn't end there.

Science class brought in a professor neatly dressed who made multiple girls in Yuu's class swoon. A Crewel look alike, though this one's hair was completely black. He did, however, sport white earrings and Yuu saw him use a white pen with black spots.

Gym class introduced them to a rather muscular teacher with blue eyes and boisterous personality. He watched the students like a hawk and encouraged them to push themselves, work on their muscles! Perhaps it was Vargas's gym lessons in Twisted Wonderland, but Yuu found themself able to keep up. It actually made the gym teacher pull them aside and ask if they were interested in joining a sports team. Yuu hoped they weren't acting weird when they politely declined.

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"Where is it. . . ?"

Yuu had just left the school gates when they heard the murmur. They turned their head, thinking it sounded awfully familiar, and gaped. A petite frame, lilac hair--"Epel?"

"Huh?" The boy looked up. Yuu blinked, and the boy's hair was blond.

"Oh, sorry, I thought you were someone I knew."

"It's okay." The boy smiled. Great Sevens, even his smile resembled Epel's! "Oh, actually, have you seen a bike key anywhere?"

"Sorry, I haven't. Need a hand looking for it?" For the next several minutes, the two of them searched the locker rooms, Epel's homeroom (turns out, yeah, his name is Epel), and the library. No key. They started making their way to the roof when, on the staircase, someone called for Epel.

Yuu looked up and felt as though they were falling backwards, which made them grip the railing tighter. Five familiar faces, two floors above. Bright ginger and cherry red, navy blue and peacock green, white and golden-brown, cyan and cerulean blue and yellow, key lime green and yellow-green.

"We have your bike key!" one of them shouted, waving it over the railing. Yuu blinked a couple of times and they were suddenly staring at normal classmates. Epel yelled his thanks and asked where they'd found it while jogging up the steps. Yuu meekly followed behind.

"Who's this?" the one who resembled Jack asked.

"This is Yuu. They've been helping me look for the key."

All Yuu could think about was how strange the Jack look-alike looked without wolf ears, but they smiled politely and said, "It's nice to meet you all."

"Yuu? Aren't you in our class? 2-B?" Deuce-doppelganger asked.

Their eyes widened. "Yeah! What was your name again?"

"Hey, could we talk about this while we walk? I could really go for a bun right about now," Ace-doppelganger said.

"Would you like to come with us to the store down the street?"

Their heartbeat quickened, excited to join these familiar faces while knowing that these classmates weren't their friends from Twisted Wonderland. "Yeah!"

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"Hey there, little imps!"

Oh my god.

His deep voice and showman-like way of speaking was unmistakable. He was without his top hat and skeleton makeup, but Yuu noticed he was wearing magenta eye contacts.

"Hey, Sam! Are the buns restocked?" His name is also Sam?!

"Came in an hour ago, still warm. There are plenty of the ones you all like." He met Yuu's eyes and smiled a little wider. "I see you all brought a new member to your squad!"

"Sort of. We actually just met them today."

"Who knows, though?" Ortho said, smiling. It was strange seeing him with a full face and not have some mouth covering or his eyes hidden. "They're pretty cool."

"I don't think I've seen you around before. You new to the area?" Sam asked.

"Yeah, I just moved in not that long ago," Yuu said.

Sam opened his arms. "Well, welcome to my shop! We got things ranging from trinkets to groceries. Maybe you'll find something new that you'd enjoy!"

They smiled. "Maybe! Thanks."

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It had been about a month since Yuu and their family moved into their new home. Yuu made quick friends with the ones who resembled their first year friends in Twisted Wonderland (well, they'd actually be second years now, since Yuu returned just before Night Raven College started its academic year again), and through them, they became acquainted with others who resembled their senpais.

The only ones they couldn't find were, of course Malleus, but also strangely Lilia. Sebek did talk about them, but not as excessively as his Twisted Wonderland counterpart, which Yuu found to be a little funny and a little weird. One of these days, they'll figure out how to ask about meeting the two of them without being awkward.

Aside from school life and their social circle, Yuu found that they enjoyed the new location. Turns out their room had a nice view of the sunset. It reminded them of the times they sat on the roof of Ramshackle Dorm and watched the sun set with Grim or the other First Years by their side. They wondered if their friends still met at Ramshackle Dorm to study or hung out on the roof. It would be nice to not leave the place empty like before, but whatever will happen will happen.

Yuu closed the lid of the trash bin. That should be it for their chores.

They were starting to turn around when they spotted something huddled against the fence separating their house from the neighbor's. Slowly, they approached it. They had an inkling of what it was and began making out a familiar, furry shape. Their heart began beating faster when they noticed its dark coat, perked up ears, and bright eyes.

They slowly lowered themself and quietly called to the cat. "Pspspspsps..."

The cat seemed wanting to approach. "Hey," Yuu gently said, "you want some tuna?"

After a couple of seconds, it slowly walked over to them and sniffed their closed hand. They stroked its head and it sat down, enjoying the affection. Soon, after some more petting, it showed its belly and Yuu happily pet the spot. They noticed it didn't have a collar and wondered where it went to sleep. It was too bad Yuu's dad was allergic to cats--something they forgot about until they embraced him after returning from Twisted Wonderland--they would have let the cat inside. Although, and Yuu noticed this with a small smile, the cat seemed well fed.

The cat got back to its feet and shook itself. It looked at Yuu with a little intensity, like it was expecting something. Then it hit them.

"Right! I'll be right back with some tuna."

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On the way to school, Yuu would pass a rather big two story house with a garden in the backyard. All they could spy through the chicken wire fence were tomatoes and sunflowers, but they could imagine many more vegetables growing in beds and other flowers sprouting against the fence. On the porch were various pots containing different types of flowers, and from what Yuu could see, they all looked healthy. The placement of the pots never seemed to change, so it wasn't hard to spot a new addition one day.

They couldn't stop staring at it. It resembled one of the plants in the botanical garden, one of the most difficult to cultivate and thus one of Twisted Wonderland's rare plants. The one that grew no problem behind Ramshackle Dorm and which caused Crewel, Crowley, and their schoolmates to lose their mind when they found out about it. They wondered if the name of this plant was the same as the one in Twisted Wonderland. At this point, they wouldn't be surprised.

Come to think of it, have they even seen the owner of this house--?

"Admiring the plants?" Someone had come from the garden. He was a tall, lanky old man wearing overalls and a. . . patchwork top hat? "You're free to get a better look, if you'd like."

"Oh! Thanks!"

Soon, Yuu and the owner of the house got into a conversation about plants and other things. He was an eccentric old man who laughed at seemingly inside jokes, but he spoke in a familiar way and with a familiar cadence that made Yuu wonder something. They were half tempted to ask in a roundabout way if he had been a star sports player, but decided to try another day.

In the middle of talking about Clover Bakery, the double doors behind the two of them--they had decided to take a seat on the porch steps--creaked open.

"So this was what you were doing."

"We thought you bit the dust on the way in!"

Two old men, one stout and the other tall and fat. Neither seemed all that worried or concerned. "If I did, I would've made sure you two also bit the dust," the lanky gentleman said, which made the three of them laugh.

At that instant, a familiar grey cat slipped past the older gentlemen and went to Yuu. "It's you!" they said, immediately petting him.

"You've met him?" the fat gentleman asked.

"Yeah, he comes around to my house sometimes for tuna and scritches. Does he live with you guys?"

"He comes and goes as he pleases," the lanky gentleman said. "He's a stray. Doesn't like being indoors for too long. Or he just likes being independent and spoiled."

Yuu laughed at that. "Sounds like him. Does he have a name?"

"We never gave him one, but you can. He seems to like you," the stout gentleman said.

The cat seemed very pleased when Yuu started scratching under his chin. They smiled as they remembered scratching Grim's head one day and him purring like an actual cat. They also remembered his indignation when they began scratching under his chin even though he was enjoying it. He insisted he wasn't a cat, but Yuu begged to differ. Now look at his Earth counterpart; it was so funny.

"How about Grim?" they said.

"Hmmm, not a bad idea! Grim it is."

Yuu's phone buzzed. Grim was disappointed with the interrupted scratches as they checked. "I gotta go."

"So soon?"

"Ah, can't be helped."

"You're free to come around again. It's not often youngsters like you talk to people as close to the grave as us."

Yuu smiled brightly. "I'll take you all up on the offer. Just don't bite the dust before I come back, okay?"

The gentlemen laughed. "No promises!"

They waved from the porch as Yuu walked down the sidewalk. "See you around, Yuu!" the three yelled.

They were almost home when they stopped in their tracks. Grim, who decided to accompany them on the walk, stopped as well and inquisitively stared. Yuu didn't pay any attention as they thought about the old folks' parting message.

They didn't tell them their name, so how. . . ?

Yuu shook their head and continued walking. A mystery for another day.

A/N: Yay first story of the New Year!

#yuu/mc (twisted wonderland)#twisted wonderland oneshot #🧸🖊writing #epel felmier #divus crewel #mozus trein #ashton vargas #sam (twisted wonderland)#ramshackle ghosts #grim (twisted wonderland)

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daydream-cement · 1 year

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Violet and Rose Ch. 28

Larissa Weems x OC (Fern Rogers)

Authors Note: Thank you all for coming on this journey with me. I love these two dorks so much and will always be thankful for the community and platform they led me to. I hope you all can enjoy the finale <3

This wasn’t how you planned it. Larissa was supposed to be here for this, but the next 24 hours were going to be hell without her.

The dull ache in your lower abdomen started around lunchtime, but you were sure it was just soreness. Larissa’s mother had spent a half hour detailing the woes of childbirth, leading you to the belief that you would simply wait to give birth for Larissa to return home from her work trip. You completely understood your irrational thought process, but you simply weren’t ready. Now, by the end of the school day, the dull ache had sharpened enough to make you hold your breath as they washed over you. From what the obstetrician told you, false labor wasn’t uncommon but these contractions were coming at regular intervals. These twins were coming whether you wanted it to happen or not.

The last of your students filed from the classroom when you pulled your phone from your desk drawer. There was a text from Larissa asking how your day was and instead of replying over text, you chose to call her.

She answered immediately, but her voice was hushed. She must have been in a meeting, “Is everything okay?”

“Define okay.” Your joke didn’t land with her. As your pregnancy progressed, Larissa always seemed to answer the phone with concern like you were calling with the worst news possible. When she doesn't respond to your quip, you reveal the news, “I think I’m going into labor.”

There was a pause on Larissa’s end, a door shut, and finally she spoke once more, “How far apart are the contractions?”

“Ten minutes or so... I stopped tracking the length. I was in class.” This was a small lie. They were about 7-8 minutes apart, but rounding up would put Larissa’s mind at ease. You knew to head to the hospital when they hit five minutes, “I have time, but not much.”

“You need to call my mom.” You could picture Larissa as she spoke. She was pacing already, her nondominant arm folded across her middle as her right held the phone against her ear. Larissa would be fretting until she was next to you once more, but she wouldn’t let you hear it in her voice.

“No. I can’t. Larissa she spent-” You cut your sentence short when a contraction tears through you. You choked down the groan of pain, not wanting Larissa to hear. Through deep breaths, you continue your thought, “She spent... all last night talking about... how miserable childbirth was... I don’t want her there. I want you.”

“Well, we don’t really have an option do we? Come on, Fern.” Larissa shook her head, knowing she couldn’t offer you the solution you so desperately wanted.

You think back on the past few days. Chris was more of a dragon queen than usual. There was a Facebook post about an impromptu class reunion and her mood had been bleak since reading about it, “You haven’t spent the last few days with her. She has been in this terrible mood since she found out about her class reunion.”

“Picture that and multiply it by eighteen years and you have my childhood. Now, call her. Call someone, anyone. You need to go to the hospital soon. I’m leaving now.” Larissa was entirely exasperated by your behavior. Her anxiety had been through the roof about you and your pregnancy for months, and it was just her luck that she would be out of town when you gave birth, “I need to get my things from the hotel and I’ll get home as quickly as I can. I can be there in a couple hours if I somehow find a flight, but otherwise I might not be there until late tonight.”

You knew it was wrong to whine, but all you wanted was her to be with you, “Larissa...”

“I know. I know, but it’s the best I can do.” Larissa’s fingers pinched the bridge of her nose. She was entirely helpless and she wanted to be with you as desperately as you wanted her. Nothing could ever go as planned for the two of you. Larissa’s next suggestion was possibly just as worse as Christine taking you to the hospital, “Call Rowan. She will take you.”

“I can’t-”

You begin to argue, but can’t get more than a couple words out before Larissa interrupts. Her tone was the same she used on stubborn, misbehaving students, “Don’t argue. You need to go to the hospital. Call Rowan and I’ll call my mother.”

“Larissa... I’m scared.” You wanted the impossible from her. In that moment, you wished she had teleportation powers rather than shapeshifting. Every cell in your being wanted to be irrational and stubborn, to sit in your desk chair until Larissa arrived home, but this wasn’t about you anymore. It was about the twins.

“I know. I am too, but we will get through this... together.”

“Okay... I love you.”

“I love you too. See you soon.”

You battled yourself as you navigated to Rowan’s contact. It had been months since you last saw her let alone spoken to her. Larissa had been keeping her updated on the pregnancy without your knowledge as she believed there was still the opportunity for reconciliation between the two of you. The phone rings twice before Rowan answers and before she can get a word out, you begin speaking, “Rowan... Rowan, are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here. What do you want?” You expected her tone to be colder and twinged with anger and resentment, but Rowan only sounded dejected.

Rather than dwell on her sadness, you jump into your reason for calling before she has time to reject you all together. You didn’t intend for your voice to sound so fearful, but there was no hiding the panic rising within you, “I-I need someone to take me to the hospital. Larissa is gone.”

“I’ll be right there!” You could hear her rising from wherever she was sitting, immediately jumping into action to come to your aid. The familiar jingle of her keys came from her end of the phone and you couldn’t help but smile in relief, “Are you at school or at home?”

“My classroom.”

“Okay, I’m coming down right now. Don’t move.” Rowan urged as she passed through her front door. You heard it slam behind her right before she hung up. Rowan had sprinted down to your classroom, sliding across the tile floors as she turned corners. When Rowan arrived in your classroom, she didn’t mention the fight nor did she attempt to make idle small talk. Like nothing had happened at all, she offered docile words of encouragement and ignored the pain from your vice-like grip on her hand.

The contractions grew closer together and in some ways you were grateful for the pain as it meant you wouldn’t have to talk to Rowan. What were you supposed to say to your former best friend? She had chosen Marilyn over your friendship. You found there was nothing left to say. Regardless of how you held a grudge, Rowan drove you to the hospital, her right hand gripping yours as she drove. Time moved by in a blur because you were so focused on the increasing pain of contractions.

By the time you made your way in the sliding doors of the hospital, Chris was wildly yelling at the front desk attendant about letting her in to see her daughter-in-law, “I don’t care. I don’t care! I want to see her immediately.”

In typical Christine fashion, she hadn’t been listening to a word of what was being said to her. The woman at the front desk was trying to tell her there was no Fern Rogers currently admitted. Mid rampage, Chris turns and sees you, beginning a new argument to why they weren’t helping you. She was thoroughly unembarrassed by her ridiculous behavior, but you were grateful to have someone who would advocate for you.

Rowan helped you until Chris moved to your side, from there the vampire waited awkwardly. Once they were ready to take you back to your hospital room, Rowan shifted to come with you, but Chris’s protective glare had the vampire bid you farewell, “You are in good hands. I’ll see you when it's all said and done.”

There seemed to be so much going on between the increasing frequency of contractions, Chris’s insane behavior, and nurses speaking to you. You felt it was in your best interest to block out most of it and just think of the words coming from the medical professionals. The contractions were longer and harsher and you longed for the experience to be over.

Once in the hospital bed, Christine loomed at your side, gripping your hand harder than you held hers. You were happy to have her there for you, but you would kill to have Larissa or your own mother there in her place. She had made a promise to Larissa that she would watch over you and care for you in her absence. While she was entirely overbearing at some points, she was determined not to fail her daughter in keeping this promise while you gave birth. Her voice was filled with a sweetness you had never experienced from her before, “You are doing wonderfully. I’m so proud of you.”

There was so much going on around you. After all the personal research and discussion with your obstetrician, you felt as though you had forgotten everything you had prepared yourself for. Your eyes were closed when you heard your doctor speaking to you, “Okay, Fern... It’s time for you to start pushing.”

“No, no, no, I can’t. Larissa isn’t here.” You weren’t pleading with your doctor. Instead, you were looking up to Chris, hoping she would have the power to pause this moment until Larissa could be here.

Chris brought a hand to your cheek, wiping the hair from your face, “You don’t have a choice, dear. It’s time.”

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Chris was gone when you had awoken from your short nap causing you to furrow your brow at the absence of anyone’s company. Soon, you heard her voice clearly through the hallway, accompanied by the most relieving voice of all: Larissa.

“I missed it? I missed everything?” The heartbreak in Larissa’s voice was evident. She had come straight to the hospital, still in the same clothes she had been wearing when she spoke to you on the phone. While she would never make it known, Larissa was dead on her feet. From the day she left, she had only been able to sleep a couple hours each night, her insomnia derived from being apart from you and the anxiety of you giving birth.

“It’s okay. The girls are fine, Fern is fine. You’re here now.” Christine enveloped her daughter into a hug, her typical critical tone was completely absent. Larissa was shocked by her mother’s tenderness, but accepted the hug readily.

You couldn’t make out Larissa’s words, but her voice rang out with a soft sob, “She’ll never forgive me for being gone. What kind of mother am I?”

Chris gave Larissa a final squeeze, rubbing her back in effort to have her calm down. Rarely did Chris ever offer Larissa physical affection and this would be a moment for Larissa to remember forever. Christine spoke quietly, “A wonderful one. Now go in there and be with her.”

You were wide awake and watching the doorway to your hospital room when Larissa finally appeared in the doorway. Holding out a hand to her, you beckoned for her to come to your bedside, beginning to speak before she could apologize profusely, “Two healthy babies. They say Vi is having some trouble breathing but it’s nothing they haven’t seen before and Thea is strong as an ox.”

“And you?” Larissa took a seat on the edge of the bed, taking your hand in hers. She pulled your hand to her lips and began pressing kisses to your fingers as her own form of silent apology. You looked her over, taking into account the winkles in her dress, fly aways in her typically perfect updo, and the absence of makeup on her face. You debated on urging her to go home and rest, but you knew that would be a fruitless argument.

“Tired.” You hum, grasping the fabric of her jacket in your free hand just to feel the fabric. Her absence over the past few days had been unbearable and you longed for her proximity. Larissa leaned in closer, resting her head on her shoulder to observe your current state.

Larissa released a breathy laugh, unable to help the tears in her eyes as she brushed some of the stray hairs from your forehead, “I bet.”

“I’m not mad at you. I promise.” You urge, wanting to premise this fact before Larissa could ruminate on it any longer. Giving her hand a squeeze, you begin to tease her a bit, just to lift the moment, “Just... don’t miss the big stuff like birthdays and Christmas.”

“I can do that.” Larissa laughed once more, leaning in to press a soft kiss to your lips.

You had begun to regale Larissa with the story of Rowan picking you up, her mother verbally assaulting hospital workers, and promptly informing her you weren’t interested in giving birth ever again. Larissa wore a teary eyed smile through the entire story, partially due to the sadness of not being there through it and partially due to the humor of it all. The moment was broken up by a nurse entering the room with the tiny, swaddled Althea. Already having the opportunity to have held Thea, you nodded at Larissa to take the child from the nurse. Your heart ached because it felt so full. Watching Larissa hold little Althea was the one thing you needed in that moment. After all you had been through in the past twelve hours, that sight made it all worth it.

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“Oh, mom, they are absolutely beautiful.” You smile at your mother through Facetime, filling her in on the past day of having both the twins finally at home. While you were exhausted, you couldn’t stop smiling and neither could your mother. Their flight leaves later today for them to finally meet their grandbabies.

“Larissa and I spoke and Violet is the spitting image of you as a baby.” Diane chimed in. Minutes before the Facetime with your mother, Diane had just gotten off the phone with Larissa, calling her first so she could get a peek at what she was really interested in: the girls. You wouldn’t have been surprised if she had taken screenshots and already had those pictures printed for herself and all of the other relatives.

“Christine says neither of them look like Larissa, but Stephen says Althea looks like her. I don’t know who to believe.” Your words make your mother laugh. In the nicest way possible, the dysfunctional nature of Larissa’s family had always amused Diane as she was unable to understand why they all fought so much.

“Send me some baby pictures of Larissa and I’ll settle the debate.”

“Oh, I know you will, mom. Larissa told me-” A gentle rapping came from the doorway to Larissa and your bedroom pulled you from your conversation. You glance up to see Rowan, hands nervously shoved into her pockets as she bites at the inside of her cheek. Without glancing at your phone, you speak quickly to your mother, ending the call, “I’m sorry, ma. Rowan is here. I have to go. Love you!”

“Sounds good, honey. Love you! I’ll see you tonight.” Diane makes kissing noises at the phone before hanging up, leaving you and Rowan alone together.

Before she could get a word out, you speak first, “Ready to talk about it?”

She nods and you gesture for her to join you in bed. After the events at the hospital and ample time apart, you were ready to put this issue to rest. You wanted your best friend back.

Rowan sits at the end of the bed, knees to her chest as she leans back against the bedpost. Her eyes remained downcast as she spoke mournfully, “I shouldn’t have gone behind your back. After everything happened, I- I couldn’t tell you... I didn’t know how. And- It’s over... Me and her...”

“Are you really? Or will this be an on-again off-again thing?” You were skeptical of her relationship ending with Marilyn. After all, they had ‘ended things’ after she ended her reign of terror on Nevermore. While your relationship with Rowan had always been no bars held, it was difficult confronting her about this. Rowan had been through enough loss and heartbreak in her life and you weren’t interested in adding to the pile.

“It’s over. You, Larissa, the girls... You’ll never have to worry about being hurt.” Rowan wouldn’t look at you and you could see the glimmer of tears as they ran down her cheek. Whatever had happened between the two of them, you felt guilty you hadn’t been there for Rowan. Regardless of how she held secrets from you, she was still one of your most treasured friends. As she continued speaking, it was harder for her to hide the incoming wave of sobs that shook her chest, “I- I think I tried fixing her, but there was nothing I-I could fix.”

“Oh, Ro... C’mere..” You tried to hold back the tears as you watched her fall apart. The only thing you could offer was your open arms which she accepted immediately. Rowan fell into your arms, resting her face on your chest as she allowed the tears to fall onto your pajama shirt.

“I’m s-sorry.” Rowan croaked.

“It’s.. It’s nothing time can’t fix.” You stopped yourself from telling her ‘it’s okay’. None of what happened was okay. With mutual effort and time, there was no doubt in your mind your friendship could strengthen and grow past this breach of trust. Rowan was remorseful, that you knew. When her cries finally died down, you offered her a pick-me-up, “Would you like to meet the girls?”

“Really?” Rowan perked up a bit, brushing the tears from her face.

“Yes of course. They need to meet Auntie Ro.” You brush some of Rowan’s hair behind her ear and put on a kind, teasing tone, hoping it can bring her from her despair, “Chris and Larissa are with them right now.”

You walk with Rowan down the hall and push open the door to the girl’s room. Chris sat in a rocking chair with Violet bound in her arms while Larissa paced back and forth holding Althea. Each time you observed Larissa with one of the girls, you felt as though you could die from the overwhelming amount of love within you. It wasn’t hard convincing Chris to hand over Violet to Rowan as she claimed she was plagued with ‘mom arm’ from holding her for too long. Once Rowan took a seat with the child, she was completely enamored.

“I love her. I’ve never loved something more. Besides this one right here of course. Oh, we are going to get into so much mischief, you girls and I.” The vampire cooed to Violet and gestured to Althea who rested in Larissa’s grasp. Rowan had never been a fan of young children, especially babies, but the way she cradled Violet let you know she had changed her opinion. She reached a finger to stroke the baby’s cheek, her gaze never leaving the infant's face.

Larissa was happy to have Rowan there, but she immediately reverted into Momma Bear mode at the thought of any troublesome activities with her children at any stage of their lives, “No mischief. I don’t need either of them getting hurt.”

“Oh, scraped knees and bruises build character... and make good stories.” Chris chimed, folding her arms over her chest and leaning back into her chair.

“Mother! Really? You of all people~” As Larissa laid into her mother, you tuned the both of them out, opting for nostalgic thoughts instead. As Chris started in on her own scolding of her daughter, Larissa shot you a look of annoyance that faded when she saw the adoration on your face. In this moment, you had it all. You raised your brows at her and offered a smile which she couldn’t help but return. A wonderful partner, your best friend back, lovely little twins. After all of the chaos and heartache from the past two years, it was finally time to settle down with your loved ones and live the life you deserved.

EVERYONE IS HAPPY. THE END. SUCK IT. GOODNIGHT.

#larissa weems x oc #larissa weems #principal larissa weems #principal weems #wednesday netflix #fanfic #fern rogers #ferissa #stately sequoia #cold dead heart #the cedars have eyes #violet and rose #gwendoline christie

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echos-girlfriend · 1 year

Text

Echo Works

All of my current echo fics.

Will update as I write more.

Master list

SFW

My Medic

Flower Crown

My one love

The greatest gift of all

New look - S2 fic

Snowstorms and lothcats

Recovery

I’ve got you

Training buddies - platonic- feat. Tech

It’s my time.. to go

Favorite beanie

Good soup

Come home soon- S2EP8 spoilers

More than a machine

A Full House 🏠

The Ideal Man- self insert

The Ideal Man- Reader ver.

Fire - writing challenge

It’s my Turn - two fics in one! Echo x sick!reader & echo x Amadea (my oc)

Communicating our love

The Best Girlfriends - ft. Crosshair

Scary Movies

Safe and Sound

Jealous

On Pabu with Echo

Reunion - EP 14 SPOILERS

The Way I Am.

Echo’s opinion on Frogs 🐸

NSFW

Gentle

Freaky

Series

My cadet

Ch. 1 - Ch. 2

High school years

Culinary class - school bully

#the bad batch #tbb echo #the bad batch x reader #clone force 99 x reader #clone force 99 #tbb echo x you #tbb echo x reader #tbb smut #the bad batch smut #clone trooper echo #corporal echo #arc trooper echo

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saiilorstars · 4 months

Text

Ch. 30: The Rogue BAU

[Story Masterlist] // [Aitana’s Masterlist]

Fandom: Criminal Minds // Pairing: Spencer Reid x OFC

Taglist: @ocappreciationtag @arrthurpendragon @anotherunreadblog @maaaaarveeeeel @stareyedplanet @averyhotchner @foxesandmagic @kmc1989 @midmourn

If you’d like to be a part of Aitana’s taglist, please let me know!

Also available on Fanfic ○ Ao3 ○ Wattpad

Aitana knew when she was being kept out of a loop. Being the youngest and with 2 brothers gave her a lot of experience. Growing up, Mateo and Angel always had little secret games that she wasn't included in for whatever stupid reason they had. But, she supposed that now it gave her an upper hand for these types of situations. She knew the signs perfectly.

Penelope was extra dodgy in the coming weeks. Lunches were cancelled suddenly and with a stammering ramble of an excuse. For Penelope's own sake, Aitana didn't push very much. Penelope didn't tend to keep secrets for fun. It was usually more out of need and because it wasn't her own.

Penelope Garcia was the worst at keeping secrets so whoever had trusted her with the secret in the first place had to know that no matter what, she wouldn't tell which meant that person had to be extremely close to her. They had to know her completely. That left Aitana with a very small list of suspects. She truly doubted Hotch and Rossi would entrust her with something big and personal knowing that she would eventually crack. That left Morgan, Spencer and JJ. Morgan was a little harder to be around with so she paid extra close attention to both Spencer and JJ whenever she came over to JJ's house for a study session. Neither really acted out of the ordinary.

"Hey, if you guys don't get a case, maybe we can do a little get together on Sunday?" She oh-so-casually suggested one evening after another successful tutoring session.

JJ was coming back to the table with a fresh round of coffee for the trio. "That sounds great. What are we thinking? Morning, evening?"

"How about lunch?" Aitana offered. That was right in the middle of the day. If they had Sunday off, they would be able to come unless they had some secret things to do. "We can have lunch at Angel's restaurant. Big discount for sure."

JJ agreed with a hum. "I like it! Spence?"

"Sounds good to me too," Spencer nodded. "A little reunion."

Aitana took notice of how easily the pair gave into the offer. She was very close to letting her suspicions go but she would need to wait until Sunday to be really sure. "Great, tell the others please. I would love to see them."

The plans were set that very night. Come Sunday, Aitana showed up at the restaurant near noon. Angel had already reserved them a large table to accommodate the entire team. Little by little, they started showing up.

Penelope was front and center, making herself known by complimenting practically every part of the restaurant. "It's just so lively and colorful!" she giggled.

Aitana chuckled. It was hard to believe that this was the woman who was holding a big secret. "I don't like to brag but I did help decorate."

"Right," Penelope said, her smile faltering slightly, "You and your—"

"Hey, hey," Morgan was the second to arrive, all smiles and full of hugs. "Been a while, Sprinkles."

"Yeah, I know," Aitana agreed. "You guys haven't fallen apart right?"

"Oh you know, not yet," Morgan said, pulling out seats for both her and Penelope. "But we are a little short-handed at the BAU. JJ still has to leave every once in a while for her classes."

"She's almost done though, that's what I heard," Aitana remarked. "I talk to her a little more."

Before Morgan could no doubt act dramatically offended, JJ herself and Spencer walked into the restaurant. They easily found the table and came to give hugs and greetings, including Spencer.

"I love this place," JJ said, still gazing about when she took a seat next to Morgan.

"Is that a mural?" Spencer noted the old style mural painted on the wall to their right. It had several people drawn in a ranch-like landscape, both men and women wearing traditional Mexican clothing.

Aitana nodded. "Yeah, Angel found professionals to do it. Thought it would give it a homey effect. I told him I would gladly draw a couple figures myself but apparently I wasn't talented enough with my stick figures."

"You know, Mexican muralism is a big predecessor of today's common art. The idea that anybody could create art on a simple wall of a public place helped liberate art from elitism and the art market's clutches. The murals were free to be seen by anyone!"

"Glad to have you around, Spencer," Aitana chuckled, patting his shoulder. She wanted to be funny and it went right over his head. At least she learned something new out of it. "It's good to have you guys all around again. Missed you all. It's hard staying in contact when you're all over the map."

"And because you're studying your little head off!" Penelope bopped the top of Aitana's head. "JJ's told me all the study sessions you've been having at her place."

"Yeah, and I will find a way to make up for that," Aitana promised JJ who merely waved a hand at it.

"Please, half the time it's Spencer doing all the talking," she said. "Actually, it's most of the time. Not surprising I'd be outdone by the genius."

Spencer smiled sheepishly, but a part of him wanted to wipe the curious glance off Morgan's face.

"So...you're doing the study sessions then, Pretty Boy?" He asked, gracing the group with what promised to be a wide teasing smirk.

"More like he's helping a hopeless case," Aitana stepped in without even knowing it. "I feel bad most of the time for wasting his time."

"Oh I'm sure he doesn't mind," Morgan remarked, barely holding it together when Spencer threw him a hard glare.

"Still," Aitana said, smiling lightly, "I'll feel better when I can manage on my own."

As much as Spencer didn't want to fuel more of Morgan's teasing, he couldn't let Aitana walk around with the idea that she was being a bother to him. He liked their study sessions, whether or not JJ was always present. The sole reason he was at JJ's in the first place was to cry his eyes out and Aitana, without even knowing it, had been helping him ease through his emotions of Emily's passing. He looked forward to meeting her sometimes, especially when it was unexpected.

"I'll always help if I can," he told Aitana, reassuring her with a friendly smile.

"Which means every time," JJ said, though whether it was to help solidify his intelligence or to simply aid Morgan in his teasing was unclear for Spencer.

"Oh, there's Rossi!" Aitana exclaimed when the older man walked in.

"Well hello," he greeted the group, "Fancy meeting you all here. Aitana." She received a special hug from him. "How are you?"

"Good, thanks for coming," she said, motioning him to the empty seats between JJ and Spencer. "Guessing Hotch is still out in Pakistan?"

"You would be right," Rossi pointed. "But of course he sends his hellos."

"So you guys really are shorthanded," Aitana said, truly realizing it at that moment. She was gone, Hotch was gone, Seaver was gone, Emily gone…

"Strauss is breathing down my neck thanks to Hotch's temporary leave," Rossi said, already perusing the menu in front of him. "What kind of wine do you guys have and which one is the strongest?"

Aitana snickered along with the others. "You know, Strauss kinda scares me. Last time we met she warned me my position was temporary. And she did get what she wanted in the end."

"She's kicking herself for it, I promise you," Rossi said, giving Aitana a meaningful look. "Don't think I won't talk you up if this keeps going."

Aitana flushed. "Well, nice to know I've been missed. So, what's been going on at the BAU then? When I say it's been hard to get in contact with some of you, I really mean it."

"We've just had some tough cases," Penelope was the first and by the far quickest to respond. Subtle was never her thing.

"Aren't they always tough?"

"Lately, every case...feels tough…" Morgan said, eyes focusing way too hard on the menu.

Aitana watched them as casually as possible. It was actually funny how hard they were trying to be casual. It was foolproof to anyone who wasn't a profiler and even though Aitana wasn't working as one, she still had the talent of one. "You guys are understaffed. Sorry about that."

"Nah, it's not your fault," Morgan flashed her a smile over the menu. "Just like Seaver, you felt like you had to do something important."

"Yeah, but, now you guys seem to be at your wits end with all the extra work. And if you say that the cases seem even worse than before than..."

"They're not," Spencer was quick to say. "We're just...taking some time to get used to our new dynamic."

Aitana silently looked between him and Morgan. The former was too casual and Morgan just seemed tensed the more the conversation progressed. "I mean...I can help," she started to say, "I'm not working so—"

"We're good, we're all good, sweets!" Penelope exclaimed. "You just focus on your schoolwork! We're all so proud of you for making the big decision!"

Aitana smiled at all the encouraging faces of her friends. "Thanks. It, um, hasn't been that easy, I'll be honest...though I guess some of you guys already know that. Sorry to JJ and Spencer."

"All good," JJ promised her. "I don't mind and I know Spencer doesn't mind helping either."

"I don't," agreed Spencer. "Besides, I spend a lot of time at JJ's place anyways. Might as well be more useful."

"You always are," chuckled Aitana. "Half the quizzes I've taken so far have been easy because of your help. I'm telling you that you need to have a service fee." She looked at the rest of the team with an incredulous face. "He does it all for free! He would make a fortune with a side hustle of tutoring."

Spencer couldn't help the flush on his face as she went on about him. It wasn't very often that someone complimented him without adding in a joke somewhere in-between. Sure most of the jokes weren't made with bad intentions but it was nice hearing one person be able to appreciate his talents without having to make fun of him for it.

He didn't mind at all helping Aitana out. She didn't realize it but she provided another means of distraction. He spent a lot of time at JJ's when they weren't working. He did whatever he could to help around and be as useful as possible. He wanted to feel happy again, not the kind of person who was in mourning all the time. JJ saw it and so she tended to treat him like a fragile thing. Aitana, bless her heart, wasn't anywhere near the BAU right now so she didn't know what was going on. She treated him like she normally would. She laughed with him, made him laugh too. Her schoolwork was the perfect distraction for him. He got the opportunity to teach and along the way spent time with someone really great.

~ 0 ~

It would be a couple more months until Aitana had concrete evidence that the team's secret actually existed. With the busy days between schoolwork and, surprisingly, dance classes she couldn't keep her eyes on the team as much as she would've wanted. After the dinner she had with them, she came to the conclusion that Penelope definitely knew something was going on and the only reason she hadn't told anyone was because the secret wasn't hers to tell. Morgan had to have told her at some point. It made absolute sense. Penelope would never tell a secret if it meant a lot to Morgan.

It was during one of her dance classes where Aitana discovered that she had a lot of missed calls from none other than Erin Strauss. She couldn't possibly answer or return any calls during class so that just made the remainder of the hour feel agonizingly long. She hadn't really spoken to Strauss since she quit the FBI and, truthfully, she was still wary of Strauss altogether.

"What's the matter, Aitana? You're usually focused." Her new partner, Diego, remarked after failing to make a synchronized turn. Aitana had come in too slowly.

"How would you know that?" she joked as they retook their positions. "You've only known me for 4 months."

Diego pushed his shaggy blonde hair from his forehead and smiled at Aitana. "I've heard loads of you from the others." They both glanced in their mutual friends' way. Layla, Franco, Valeria and Alex had gone through a lot of trouble setting them up for the class. "They swear you're the expert."

Aitana snorted. "I don't know about 'expert'..."

"Anything wrong?"

"I'm not sure, I have to wait for another twenty minutes," Aitana said after sparing a glance at the clock hanging on the wall.

She tried her best to focus on the dances and the teacher's advice but her mind kept wandering to Strauss and the BAU. What on earth could Strauss want her for? She was the one who gave her the ultimatum in the first place.

Maybe they're in trouble, Aitana thought for the next 20 minutes. She couldn't see the class ending any sooner. As soon as they were let go, she dashed to get changed and get the hell out of the studio.

She dialed Strauss back and to her surprise, the woman answered on the second ring. "Serrano?"

"Y-yes, this is her," Aitana made her way to her car parked outside the studio. "Is there something—"

"Report yourself to the BAU immediately if you still value the relationships you made with the team." Strauss gave no other clue as to what was happening before hanging up.

Aitana blinked at her phone, eyes wide in shock and possible fear. What the hell was that about?

She may have committed a few speeding violations after that, but she was in Quantico in record time. Dressed absolutely out of regulations, and with hair that couldn't possibly be more unruly, she entered the FBI building. She didn't even pay attention to the visitor's badge burning her chest, this time nothing mattered until she saw that everyone was okay.

Strauss was waiting in her office when Aitana arrived. "Close the door," she prompted the brunette.

Aitana did as told and walked further inside, albeit cautiously. "I don't understand why you would call me out of all people. Has something happened to the others?" Those left, anyways. "Are they alright?"

Strauss' face remained stoic, making it impossible for Aitana to deduce what the hell she could've been called for. Or maybe your profiling skills are out of practice right now, she chastised herself. No, it was the fact that it was about her friends that made it hard to keep focused. It was true what they said: never work a case that was too close to home.

"You could say they're in danger, alright," Strauss finally spoke but even then Aitana was holding her breath for fear of what was coming. "Not in physical danger, although that is part of the reason they are where they are now."

"I don't understand," Aitana said, "What...where are they now?"

"Hotchner and his entire team have been, until further notice, suspended."

Aitana's eyes widened slightly. "Hotch is back?" She was way behind on news. Then again, neither JJ nor Spencer mentioned anything of the sort.

Strauss, however, was studying the brunette, trying to decide whether or not Aitana was being honest. "Nobody mentioned anything?" she asked in the end, preferring to do it face to face.

"Mention what?"

"What they were doing for the past 6 months? Or what they did only a few days ago?"

"I...I don't understand, what did they do?" Aitana slowly slid into the open chair across Strauss.

Strauss' eyes looked Aitana over one more time, finally deciding. "You might not believe it, but you leaving the BAU was the best choice you could've made for yourself."

Aitana's eyebrows furrowed. That was a stark change in subjects. "Oh, well, kudos to me, I guess?"

Strauss smiled slightly. "Because I know for a fact that you are the only one out of the entire BAU team who wasn't an accomplice in the illegal manhunt for Ian Doyle, as well as his death."

Aitana's mouth could have hit the ground at that moment. "Excuse me?" Strauss gave a nod of her head, confirming that, yes, she really did just say that. "What do you...they...he's dead?"

"Very," Strauss said. "And your ex-team is responsible for it. They're currently facing possible expulsion from the FBI. I don't honestly know whether or not they'll make it out, clean free."

Aitana leaned against her chair, hand coming to rest over her chest. "I can't believe it. Nobody told me anything. I...I just saw them — well, I saw Spencer and JJ two days ago. They didn't tell me anything." For a moment, she felt a strike of anger. How could they not tell her something like this?

"Clearly," Strauss remarked. Aitana met the woman's eyes. "But, like I said, your timely departure from the BAU saved you. Because I have no doubt that you would've taken part in this fiasco."

Aitana chewed on the inside of her cheek. Yeah, she would've definitely helped to find Doyle. Which is why she was sure she was slightly angry with them for keeping it from her.

"Especially if Emily Prentiss was alive and practically helped lead the whole thing."

Aitana froze altogether. For a moment, she thought her ears had gone all weird on her. "Hold on — what!? Did you just say—?"

Strauss nodded. "Yes. Emily Prentiss is alive. She was put in an emergency specialized witness protection. She's alive and well, and also facing charges…"

Aitana had no idea what kind of noise she had let out but Strauss didn't make a comment about it. "She's...she's ali…" She couldn't string her words together. Even her mind was going too fast to think of anything coherently. All the tears, the funeral, the mourning —it wasn't real. "She's been alive this whole time..." she whispered. For some reason, her thoughts went to Spencer who seemed, in her opinion, to have taken Emily's death worse than everyone else. How had he felt when he learned the truth?

"Miss Serrano, given the circumstances, you can understand the BAU hasn't functioned in the past week. The cases are piling in what used to be your old office. For the time being, I myself am overseeing the team's upcoming hearing. I don't have the time, nor the skills as I learned in the past, to go through these cases."

Aitana nodded, so far she understood.

"Agent Rossi has spoken very highly of you these past months, and despite his terrible conduct in this manhunt, I do value his opinions on people. That, plus knowing that you are the only member who remained abstinent of the situation, makes it easier for me to offer you a position within the BAU."

Aitana's eyes widened to the brim. "You're wha—"

"This time, however, the position would be as a profiler. You will dabble in the liaison duties until the team is either reinstated and Hotchner can take over, or until I find new candidates to make up a new team."

"New team!?" Aitana exclaimed incredulously. "What do you mean 'new team'? You can't make a 'new' team! They're—"

"If the team is indeed fired, I will need to search for new employees," Strauss said sternly. "I would like to have at least one familiar face on board."

"I won't want to work with a whole new team," Aitana said too quickly for Strauss' patience.

"Serrano, you won't always expect to work with the same people, especially in the FBI. You know that!"

"Yes, but what I meant to say is this team, if they're disbanded, it wouldn't be fair. What they did, whatever they did, it was no doubt to help Emily. If they're fired, it would be unjust. How could I agree to work knowing that?"

"Because this is exactly what you were going back to school for, wasn't it?" Strauss remarked. "Given what I know of the team, they wouldn't be happy knowing you gave up a position you wanted so badly that you quit to go back to school for it."

Aitana scrunched her face. "Okay, maybe—"

"Serrano, like me, I know they would want somebody who knows the place working it until they get back."

"If they get back," Aitana reminded her.

"Either way, I need someone to work now," Strauss tapped a finger on her desk. "Profiler. Liaison. You'll have a mighty time getting through the files."

"And when the directors make their decision?"

"We can work it out, then," Strauss said, "Though the profiling position is permanent, if you're interested. We are severely short on staff."

Aitana drew in a breath to calm her nerves. She was sure her blood pressure was off the charts right now. There was way too much new information to process and she could feel her emotions getting in the way. She was astonished with the way the team kept this whole thing under wraps, even from her. But she was also over the moon to find out that Emily wasn't gone. She was still here — somewhere — breathing. And, she admitted only to herself, she was very happy to know that Ian Doyle wasn't breathing anymore. May God forgive her but that man deserved it.

"Serrano? I'm waiting," Strauss said.

"I'm going to school," Aitana said, sounding like she was just remembering that detail. It had only been the biggest thing going on in her life right now. Her eyes met Strauss. "I'm not quitting school," she warned.

"Yes, I kn—"

"I'm not stopping, which means that I am going to need, on occasion, time off to complete assignments and attend my hybrid classes." Strauss nodded but she failed to see that Aitana was not done. "It's a two year program, crash course, and when I graduate, because I will graduate, I want to officially put my papers for the original job I had here."

Strauss lifted an eyebrow at her, fairly bemused. "You want the split position? Permanently? That's double the tasks."

"I know, but I want it. Before coming to the BAU, I didn't know where I was going to fit. I had the profiling classes to back me up but I never really got to work it, you know? Now I know that I was born to do both. And that's what I want. That's my condition to work here again."

Strauss levelled Aitana's look with her own, evaluating the brunette until somebody was to crack. It was not Aitana.

"Alright," Strauss said in the end, never knowing that Aitana released her breath, "For now, I can only officially grant you the profiler's position and salary. You can work the liaison until the team's future is situated but afterwards, you will not be paid for it therefore you don't need to work it. Is that clear?"

Aitana gave an affirmative nod. Her lips curled into a big smile. "Yes."

"Very well. Welcome back to the BAU, Agent Serrano."

~ 0 ~

For a few days, Aitana kept to herself. She didn't even tell her family she was working in the FBI again and she certainly didn't tell the team either. She was angry. Once she allowed herself to admit it freely, she felt more capable of seeing them again. She had received a few texts from JJ asking if she was coming over like she usually did to have study sessions with Spencer. Ironically enough, Spencer had not messaged her at all. Once Aitana visited JJ, she found out why.

"He's angry at you for lying to us," Aitana let out a breath at the kitchen table. "Well, I can't say I blame him."

JJ lowered her head in shame. "I know," she sighed. "But I really couldn't say anything to anyone. It was for Emily's safety."

"We could have helped," Aitana said, unknowingly sounding like Morgan who had told JJ the same thing. "We would've done everything to keep her safe, even if it meant putting her on a plane to go a thousand miles from her."

"I know," JJ said again. "But we didn't do it. I can't change it and truthfully even if I wanted to, my bosses wouldn't have let it. They didn't even let Hotch do it and he's unit chief. Aitana, please, I'm sorry."

Aitana shook her head. "I'm still pissed," she muttered, "But I'm glad to know that Emily is alive. Strauss said that she's part of this whole manhunt thing too."

"She was, it's...it was complicated," JJ said. "We're all in the doghouse and I don't even technically work for the BAU again. Go figure."

"What'd you expect? A slap on the wrist?" Aitana raised an eyebrow at the woman. "This is serious. Strauss offered me a position again in the BAU because of how screwed you guys are. She's looking for replacements just in case you all do get fired."

JJ nodded. They had been warned about that on the day they were suspended. "We know."

"The cases are piling up," Aitana continued. "My office — your office — looks like an avalanche of files is about to come crashing down. You all need to make this right and come back. I told Strauss I wasn't going to stick around if the team didn't come back."

JJ half smiled at the gesture. She was sure it would make the others smile too. "You should work there if you want to, Aitana. Don't leave just because of our mistakes."

"But they weren't mistakes," Aitana sighed, "They weren't, no matter how screwed you guys are. Ian Doyle was a terrible man and if he was going to hurt others...then you guys did what you had to. I just don't appreciate having been kept out of it. I would have helped."

"I'm sorry," JJ reiterated.

Aitana thought the woman had suffered enough and assured her that it was going to be fine. "So," she looked back into the living room from her seat, "I take it Spencer hasn't been around anymore?"

"Mm..." JJ swayed her head, "He is currently not talking to me. In fact, he's currently hating my guts."

"He's angry," Aitana said with a light shrug of her shoulders, "He was having the worst time getting past it and now he finds out that—"

"His best friend was lying to his face," JJ let her head hang back. "I know. I'm horrible."

"You're not, JJ."

"He thinks that I am and that hurts. I've tried calling him, texting him, I even tried visiting him and he just shuts me out. I don't know what to do."

Aitana sympathized with JJ and for that reason she offered to try and talk to Spencer for her. At the end of the day, what JJ said was true. The choice had not been hers to keep Emily's secret. Her hands were tied.

"You don't have to do that, Aitana," JJ said, but Aitana was adamant to at least try.

So, the next day, Aitana did what she could and went over to Spencer's place. She knocked on the door several times but nobody answered.

"Spencer, it's me, open up!" she decided to call before knocking again. A few minutes passed by and she heard the shuffling of feet on the other side. She stepped back just as the door opened. "Hi!" She raised a pink box in her hand. "Breakfast?"

A short while later, she and Spencer were sitting on the couch together sharing a pink box of donuts.

"You did not have to come all the way over here, Aitana," Spencer said, barely side-glancing her. He couldn't really look at her at the moment and it was out of guilt and embarrassment.

"I had to," Aitana shrugged. "You canceled our study sessions."

"I'm so—"

"Chill, Spencer, it's a joke." Because Aitana knew that on a good day Spencer didn't understand sarcasm very well which meant that right now it was an even worse time to go for it. "I wanted to know how you were doing."

"You know," Spencer realized. He bowed his head.

"I got an interesting call from Strauss who, by the way, has offered me a position at the BAU again while the team is, um, suspended." Aitana flashed a him a smile. "Naturally, I had to find out from the source. I spoke to JJ."

At the mention of her name, Spencer took an even bigger bite of his donut. Aitana watched him try to chew his way through it.

"Spencer, you know it wasn't her fault, right?" she said gently. "Her hands were literally tied."

Spencer swallowed with a strain. "I'd rather not talk about her, if that's okay," he muttered. He wiped the corners of his mouth with one of the napkins from the box. "I think I owe you an apology instead."

"Me?" Aitana chuckled. "Thanks but I don't think I need one. I would rather you go see JJ—"

"No," Spencer said adamantly. "I don't want to see her."

"Spencer—"

"I would rather help you out with your work because I know that I just dropped it without even a warning—"

"No, Spencer, wait—" Aitana failed to sit him back down on the couch.

"I actually found a book that you might like..." He had gone to his bedroom. "It was published in 1936 but I think it's still pretty relevant in today's world..."

Aitana stood up from the couch and dusted off the donut crumbs from her blouse. "That's very nice of you but I believe we were talking about you and—"

But Spencer had come back with a book in his hand and a genuine smile that didn't let Aitana finish. "Here," he offered the book to her.

Aitana made sure her hands were clean by wiping them on her jeans. She didn't want to leave any kind of donut fingerprint on it. "Alright, let's see it..."

'How to Win Friends & Influence People' was written on the cover.

"Mm..." Aitana raised an eyebrow at Spencer, "Are you trying to tell me something here?"

For the first time in days, Spencer chuckled. "No, no, I swear...I...it's a good book for communication."

"If you say so," Aitana opened the book for a quick skim of the pages. "Well, thank you for this. I promise I'll take care of it and return it in tip-top condition."

"It's yours," Spencer told her, something that she didn't quite accept at first.

"You used your money on this, I can't just take—"

"Take it," Spencer reiterated. "Look at it as an apology for blowing you off these days."

"Spencer, I'm not mad at you," Aitana said, lowering the book to the coffee table. "I get it. I get it because I was angry too in the beginning. But trust me, you do not need to buy me books — or anything else for that matter — to get on my good side."

It seemed like Spencer was going to say something but someone knocked on the door. It didn't look like Spencer had any intention of opening, much less see who it was, until they heard Morgan's voice on the other side. Even then, Spencer was reluctant to answer right-away.

"I can do it," Aitana offered, inadvertently pushing him to go to the door.

When he opened up, Morgan walked right in. "It's about time you answered. What, you w—" He stopped at the sight of Aitana in the middle of the living room. "Well, hello there, Sprinkles. Been a while."

Aitana sheepishly smiled at him. "Guess so. How's suspension treating you?"

Morgan raised a brow at her. "Oh, so you're informed." His eyes shifted towards Spencer.

"It was Strauss," Aitana said. "I know everything which is why I'm here, checking up on you guys."

"Oh, so you were going to make house visits today?" Morgan eyed the pink box on the couch and recognized it immediately. "Ah, are we all getting donuts today, then?"

Aitana rolled her eyes playfully. "Take one, Morgan. But it's not a treat," she warned as he happily went for the box. "You and everyone else are in deep trouble for all this shit."

"Well, if I get donuts, I'll be just fine." Morgan took the time to flash a specific smirk at Spencer. The latter flushed and thanked God that Aitana had gone to grab the book off the coffee table.

"Lay low, will you?" she said to both. She came by the couch to grab her purse. "Meanwhile, I will read this book and get it back to you, Spencer, soon. Promise."

"Take your time," he said, "And thanks for stopping by. I'm happy to help you study again too."

"Uuh, you know what? Why don't we leave that for when you're feeling 110% again, hm?"

"I'm fine, I sw—"

"Nope," Aitana wagged a finger at him. "Can't have you running around if you're not working at full capacity. I mean, I know that even on your 60%, you're still gonna be working better than me at my 100% but that's beside the point." She smiled at him. "Laugh, Dr. Reid, that was another joke." She chuckled to herself and headed for the door, bidding goodbye.

Morgan simply waited to finish his donut before he started commenting on what he thought he saw. Spencer would have rather he stayed away like the rest of the team.

#ocapp #allaboutocs #ochub #criminal minds #spencer reid #spencer reid fics #spencer reid imagines #criminal minds fics #criminal minds imagines #cm #cm fics #cm imagines #spencer reid x oc #criminal minds ocs #oc: aitana serrano #fic: against all odds

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class1akids · 1 year

Note

sincerely smiling or dead stare smiling at fandom’s over the top enthusiasm for the last 2 chapters? idk what tone you’re using sorry

Just sort of a salty smile, but I'm in a salty mood.

I don't think the writing improved as drastically as people think - basically we only got a few things:

villains turning (which we knew would happen)

Shigaraki breaking free

old characters getting cameos, meaning there is chance for others.

I'm currently half-way checked out mentally from the manga, because it's been so long time since any of my faves got some proper screentime and focus. Shouto had only tiny crumbs since Ch 352, and I do have a lot of apprehension about his endgame. Bakugou has been dead since 362, and unlike Shouto's fight which at least was great, his stuff was already less satisfying. And I don't like the fake-out.

The Shoji-stuff, which I really really was looking forward to was overall pretty terrible apart from the Shoji flashbacks. But that mutant-arc was mishandled.

Twice-Hawks meeting was another moment I waited for, and it just fell so flat to me. Same with Shirakumo - Aizawa and Kurogiri - Shigaraki reunions.

These scenes had such high potential and so far, it just feels underwhelming to me.

Tbh, I won't be properly engaged until we see Class A with some good focus again.

#c1a asks #bnha critical #i have barely felt a single thing since bakugou went down tbh

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inevitably-johnlocked · 2 years

Note

hi! id really love the list for long fics, or a redirect if you already posted it!! ty 💜

Hey Lovely!

I'm SO sorry I initially missed this ask, especially since I had a long list post last week, erf.

So I'm going to use your ask as an excuse to post my OTHER list of long fics, which are the SHORTER long fics, lol. Because I am always for posting lists I've already got ready, LOL.

So I hope these and all the referenced lists will please you! :D

NOVELLA LENGTH FICS: 25-50K Pt. 2

See also:

Single Chapter Fics Over 20K

Novella Length Fics: 20 to 25K (Oct 2020)

Novella Length Fics: 25 to 50K (Aug. 2019)

Novel Length Fics: 50 to 100K (Nov. 2018)

Novel Length Fics: 50 to 100K Pt 2 (May 2020)

Novel Length Fics: 50 to 100K Pt 3 (Jul 2022)

Novel Length Fics: 100K+ w. (May 2019)

Novel Length Fics: 100K+ w. Pt 2 (Aug 2020)

Novel Length Fics: 100K+ w. Pt 3 [MFL’s] (Dec 2020)

Top 20 Fave 40K+ w. Fics (April 2017)

Smut-Free Fics Over 50K (Aug 2019)

Novel-Length, Not-So-Angsty Recs for Newbies

A Quiet Life by DiscordantWords (M, 25,176 w., 6 Ch. || Post S4, Retirement, POV Sherlock, Awkwardness, Established Relationship, Family Dynamics, Minor Character Death, Questionable Parenting Choices, Non-Linear Narrative, 20 Year Old Rosie, Meddling Mycroft, Pining Sherlock, First Kiss, Love Confessions, Angst, Sherlock Whump) – There had been three days of silence and a funeral. Sherlock had the terrible feeling that whatever happened next would depend, entirely, on him.

Rupert Street by WritingOutLoud (M, 27,262 w., 9 Ch. || Alternate First Meeting || Case Fic, Sexuality, Demisexual Sherlock, Drugging, Smart John, Sherlock Has Internalized Biphobia, Fluff, Angst with Happy Ending, Gay Bar, Flirting, John Manipulates Sherlock to Eat, John Deduces, Arguments, Kidnapping/Torture, Hospitalization, John Whump) – Discharged from the war with nothing but the clothes on his back and a realisation of his bisexuality, John Watson has to learn who he’s become. He can’t afford London on an army pension, but the city is the only friend he has. In an effort to understand his newfound queer identity, he heads to a bar one night, where he stumbles across a mysterious stranger who turns his life upside down. ‘I dug around inside myself, and I'm not quite sure what I found, but it was beautiful and terrifying all at the same time.’

Insanity in the Middle by DotyTakeThisDown (E, 28,010 w., 8 Ch. || Equestrian Sports AU || Alternate First Meeting, POV John, Pining John, Bottomlock, Clueless Sherlock, First Kiss/Time, Passionate Kisses, Hand Holding, Caught Making Out, Bed Sharing, Spooning, Blow Job) – John is a world-class eventing rider with a gold medal and several four-star wins to his credit, but he's never won at Rolex. Sherlock is an up-and-coming rider taking the sport by storm.

A Home for Us by sussexbound (M, 30,581 w., 12 Ch. || Scars, Bedsharing, Grief, Doctor John, Hurt/Comfort, Post-TRF, Implied/Referenced Torture, Sherlock POV, Pining Sherlock, Suicidal Ideation, Heavy Emotions, Clingy Sherlock, Hallucinations, Disassociation, Emotional Turmoil) – He has been on the road for two years, and he is exhausted. He’s almost accepted that he will never see London (John) again—almost. But then there are nights like tonight, where he is weak, and all he can think of is the warmth of the flat they once shared, the crackle of the fire in the hearth, the teasing smile playing at the corner of John’s lips, the boxes of half-eaten Chinese takeaway balanced precariously in their laps. He aches at the memory of it, at the realisation that it is something he may never experience again.

Sunday Evening 6 p.m. by Silvergirl (E, 30,712 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TRF / TEH Divergence, Grief / Mourning / Stages of Grief, Mutual Pining, Dreams, Reunion, Love Confessions, First Kiss / Time, Alternating First Person POV, Smart John, BAMF Boys, Emotional Love Making, Song Fic, Referenced Suicide, First Kiss / Time, Touching, Sleepy Sherlock, Blow Job, Villain Mary) – Six months after Sherlock jumped, he learns that John is dedicating songs to him on a requests-only radio programme. Is John just working through grief? Or is he—communicating? Fixes the hell out of S3 by pre-empting it altogether. Remember, as TAB told us, John is Pretty Damn Smart.

Deck the Halls by itsalwaysyou_jw (T, 31,018 w., 24 Ch. || Advent Fic / Multiple One-Shots, Assorted Tags) – One Johnlock ficlet for every day leading up to Christmas. Who is ready for pining, first kisses, established Johnlock, and everything in between? This collection of stand-alone ficlets will have it all.

The Winter Garden by Callie4180 (T, 31,213 w., 13 Ch. || Post-S4, Retirement, Christmas, Slow Burn, Grown-Up Rosie, Parenthood, Rosie’s Cat, Angst with Happy Ending, Holidays, Beekeeping, Magical Realism, Sherlock POV, Sherlock’s Violin, Future Fic, Sussex, Honey, Magical Healing Honey, Love Confessions, Sherlock’s Scar, First Kiss, Touching) – As Sherlock nears the end of his career, he's given the gift of a cottage in Sussex. The honey from the beehives out back is amazing.Almost...magical.

Lucifer's Gardens by ampersand_ch (E, 32,679 w., 12 Ch. || GERMAN VERSION|| Romance, Friendship, Friends to Lovers, Murder, Poison / Drugging, Mystery, John Undercover, Academic Club, Therapy, Rituals, Jungian Archetypes, Doctors & Physicians, Grief/Mourning, Esotericism, Hospitals, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions, John Falls In Love With Another Man, Jealous Sherlock, Crying, Doctor John, Hand Holding, First Kiss/Time, Mysticism, Hugging, Touching) – John goes undercover for an investigation as a favour to Lestrade in a village in Suffolk. The events surrounding the case awaken deep-seated fears in Sherlock. While John begins to come to a realisation of what he needs in Lucifer's Gardens, Sherlock tries to find a way to reach John – in more ways than one.

The Whore of Babylon Was a Perfectly Nice Girl by out_there (E, 32,897 w., 1 Ch. || Past Drug Use, Blowjobs, Toplock, Mentions of Switching, Rough Sex, Background Cases, Sherlock’s Past, Sherlock’s Sexual History, Experienced Sherlock, Past One Night Stands, Fingering, Cuddling, Possessive Sherlock, Paris Holiday, Bed Sharing, Naked Lie-Ins, Bathing Together, Confessions, Worried Sherlock, Laying in Bed All Day, Meddling Mycroft, Naked Lazy Day) – Sherlock walks into a room and takes all the space right out of it. He does the same inside John's head.

Inscrutable to the Last by DiscordantWords (M, 48,842 w., 6 Ch. || Post-TRF, Alternate S3, John’s Blog/S3 is a Story By John, Divorce, Marital Difficulties, John is a Mess, Emotional Reunion, Implied/Referenced Suicide, Grief / Mourning, Pining John, First Kiss, Adorably Clueless Sherlock, Nostalgia, Love Confessions, Eventual Happy Ending) – He wasn't Sherlock, he couldn't work miracles. All he'd ever been able to do was write about them.

Impossible to Feign by achray (M, 49,204 w., 12 Ch. || TRF Rewrite / Reverse Reichenbach, Suicidal Ideations / Discussions, Drug Use/Abuse, Mutual Pining, Friends With Benefits, John Accepts his Sexuality, Anxious Sherlock, Meddling Mycroft, Depression, Hallucinations, Secret Agent John, BAMF John, Reunion, Make-Up Sex, Ambiguous Ending) – Sherlock leant forward, his long fingers curving round to grip John’s. “I won’t let him win,” he said, eyes hard. “I will do whatever it takes to get you out.”

Anchor Point by trickybonmot (E, 49,856 w., 80 Ch. || Truman Show AU || Psychological Drama, Suspense, Slow Burn, Dark Characters / Fic, Alternating First/Third Person, Protective John, Anxious/Worried Sherlock, Tender Moments, Love Confessions, Hand/Blow Jobs, Cuddling, Jealous John, First Kiss/Time) – The world tunes in nightly for Sherlock, the ultimate in reality TV: Sherlock Holmes, a real person with a legendary name, unknowingly lives out his life in a staged setting contrived by his brother. Things get complicated when a retired army doctor joins the show to play the part of Sherlock's closest friend. This fic borrows its concept from the 1998 film, the Truman Show. However, you don't need to have any knowledge of the movie to enjoy this story.

#steph replies #johnlock fic recs #long fics #25 to 50k words #my fic recs

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sl-newsie · 6 months

Text

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter) Descendants 2- Ch. 10: Bunch of Hocus Pocus

The car ride back seems to go by twice as fast, and when we make it back to the dark alley I see Mal and Evie are awaiting our arrival.

“Good, you guys made it back ok! And… you brought Lonnie?”

“And Dude.”

We all turn and look at the opened trunk. Behold, the tan mutt is a stow away!

“I told you to stay!” Carlos scolds him.

Dude scoffs and jumps out. “I flunked obedience class.”

“And he still talks.”

“You’re lucky I love you.” Carlos scoops up the naughty pup and we head off to join Evie and Mal at a drain pipe.

“This is a shortcut to the harbor. Are we ready? Let’s go!”

I see Lonnie looking around with wide eyes, and I remember she’s new to the Isle too.

“Just keep your head down and lay low. We’re already in enough trouble.”

She nods and we make our way down the dark pipe. Mal’s right, it is a shortcut! When we reach the end I can already hear the pirate gang’s laughter. I get a good look around and see a giant pirate ship surrounded by Uma’s crew. I also spot Ben tied up at the mast. I know we’re here to save him, but aside from that the ship does look impressive. Maybe becoming a pirate wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Hey guys! They’re here!” Gil announces.

The crew lets out a hearty laugh and looks down at us with an appetite for battle.

“Welcome!” Harry brandishes his hook.

“Finally!” Uma laughs. “Thought I’d never see you again, Sparky! Before we get started, I brought someone I thought you might like to see…”

She points over at some crates and a cloaked woman steps out. When she lifts her purple hood, we all gasp. Looking at her, one might say it’s as if I looked in a mirror. Same pale fair skin, same slim figure, same white-blonde hair.

“M- Mother?” I ask, petrified.

The one and only Sarah Sanderson, standing mere feet apart from me.

“Hello, Magica.” Her voice is eerily familiar, as well as her gentle smile. She always did have a nice smile. But I know better. A siren’s magic is extremely powerful. My mother’s supposed love for me could just as well be a spell luring me into a trap.

“You- You promised!” I snarl at Uma. “You promised you wouldn’t tell her I was here! Thou shalt regret thy betrayal, daughter of Ursula!”

Uma frowns and seems to get upset. “Hey, it ain’t my fault you’re still too dumb to run around with these goody-goodies. I can’t risk you helping them try to stop me, so I thought I’d set up a little Sanderson family reunion.”

“You’ve grown up so beautifully!” Mother walks closer and cautiously brings her arms out for a hug, but I lean away. “It’s so dreadfully wonderful to see you spreading wickedness with these children! And, now that thou art here, Aunt Winnie’s been dying to see you!” She tries to grab my hand but I flinch away.

“Mother, please leave me be! It’s been years since we’ve seen each other, so do not pretend to believe we have anything that resembles a relationship. Just because you’re my mother does not mean my life is based off of you!”

“I am your mother, thou does love me even if thou denies it.” She sighs and puts her hands on her hips. “Since thou choses to talk in such a manner, I shalt have to make thee comply.”

My eyes widen and I whip around to face the others. “Cover your ears!” I see Carlos is distracted with Dude, so I run over and cover his ears myself. But this leaves me vulnerable to what’s coming next.

“Come, little children,

I'll take thee away,

Into a land of enchantment.

Come, little children,

The time's come to play,

Here in my garden of magic.”

I feel my head start to get hazy and lose control of my own actions. Lowering my hands from Carlos, I turn and start following Mother away down the street despite my head screaming at me to stop.

“Come, little children,

I'll take thee away,

Into a land of enchantment.

Come, little children,

The time's come to play,

Here in my garden of magic.”

Mother keeps singing and takes my hand, as if I’m a fragile little girl. She leads me to the other side of the island, which appears to be occupied by more powerful villains.

“Hello Madame Hearts!” She waves at a black and red-haired lady who I think is the Queen of Hearts. “Hello Lord Hades! Hello Mother Gothel! Hello Yzma!”

Each villain passes by with an annoyed scowl on their faces. They’re just as annoyed with mom as I am. They still think Mother’s just a dumb blonde. And if I’m honest, a part of me thinks that too.

“Um… Mother? Where are we going-?”

“We are here!” Mother twirls and gestures to an old cottage perched on a hill near a graveyard. They really kept up the witch ambiance. “Go in, go in! Everyone’s waiting for us!”

Her siren spell’s starting to wear off, but I fight my instincts and decide to venture further. Inside I can hear hideous cackling and chanting, leaving me to guess that Aunt Winnie’s brewing something. But what?

“Go ahead, dear!” Mother ushers me through the door, then someone grabs my hand and I’m pulled into a dark-lit room filled with over-stacked spellbooks, jars of who-knows-what heinous ingredients, and a black cauldron glowing bright green.

After I’ve gotten my bearings, I find the hand’s owner is none other than my other aunt, Mary Sanderson.

“My my, if it isn’t little Magica!” She leans down and gives me a look-over. “You’re not so little anymore! Right, Winnie?”

Now I see the head Sanderson witch, the all-feared Winifred Sanderson, scanning over a spellbook. She looks up and sees me, her eyes dark and calculating.

“Ah, yes… My pretty little niece. How big thou hast grown. And with a little luck, thy power hast grown as well! Mary, the rope!”

Before I can ask what’s happening I’m dragged to a back room and bound with a black rope.

“Wait- No! What are you doing? Aunt Mary, please! What’s going on?!” I try to use my magic to burn through the rope but find it’s enchanted. I can't use any extreme magic, they’d try to take it away-

But it seems as if Aunt Winnie’s already figured that out.

“Stay still, girly!” She hurries up with a spellbook and tsks. “Curses! None of these second-rate books can compare to my very own! If only I could find it- but no matter!” She gives me a wicked smile. “Soon thy power will be mine!”

The blood drains from my face and I struggle harder. “W- Why? Why must thou be so evil?!”

This gets me a slap to the face and Aunt Winnie’s seething mad. “How dare thou speak against family! Thou truly art a betraying white witch! Abandoning us here on this dreadful Isle while thou hides in the woods with a spineless father!”

My temper ignites and I feel my hands start to glow hot. “Don’t you dare speak out against my father, Winifred Sanderson!”

But my sudden outrage only seems to amuse her. “Yes, yes! Release your power!” She flips the book open and starts chanting: “My blood is thy blood, thy magic is mine. Drain to me and combine!”

It’s as if an invisible magnet is pulling my magic away and I see purple sparks floating away to where Aunt Winnie waits with a vial. Then the pain starts to grow… And grow! Even Maleficent's magic never contained this agony!

My legs give away and buckle, leaving me kneeling on the ground and grunting in pain. I lift my tired eyes to look at Mother, who’s standing in the corner with an uncertain expression.

“M- Mother, please!” I plea in a raspy voice. “If thou still holds any amount of love for me, please help me! I know you’re not just a dumb blonde! Don’t let her push you down- agh!”

And just like that, I feel all my magic drain away.

“Haha, yes! Just enough! Just enough magic to brew my potion!” My aunt squeals.

All my strength is gone and I’m left sprawled out on the wood floor. Potion?!

“W- What potion?” I ask weakly.

“Yes, one that will give me just enough power to break free from this outlandish prison!” She carefully sets the vile into a rack and runs off to fetch more ingredients.

“Wh- what’s going to happen to me?”

“Don’t sorry, dear!” Mother comes over and helps sit me up. “You’ll be staying with us!”

My eyes widen. “M- My friends! They need me!”

“No no, dear. Thou is better off without friends. They will only slow you down.”

Aunt Mary hoffs and starts digging through a nearby fridge. “Sister Sarah, how dost thou know of such things? Thou hast special siren magic to have lots of friends!”

This makes Mother’s smile falter and she ignores my aunt to help me settle on the couch. I have a theory…

“Mother, I know what it’s like to be assumed as a dumb blonde. But I know you’re much smarter. I’ve found that you don’t have to be an outcast to have friends. I truly am sorry you’ve had to be trapped here, and I promise I will try to find a way for you to leave. As long as you try to be good. I have a friend who can help. But right now he needs my help. I don’t have time to be caught up in all this hocus pocus.”

She bites her lip and looks back and forth between me and where Aunt Winnie disappeared. “Mmm… I know, I know. I- I’ve really missed you, Magica.” She helps me stand up and gives me a soft hug. “Winnie was mad with me when I sent thee away, but I am so glad your father raised you to be so courageous. But all your magic is gone. It will be dangerous to join a battle without your powers.”

“It doesn’t matter. Magic or no magic, my friends need me. You’d do the same for Aunt Mary and Winnie.”

Mother thinks another moment, then seems to make up her mind. After untying my hands she appears to get an idea. “Ok- be right back!” She dashes off and quickly comes back with a scrap of paper. “Here- it’s not much, but it’s a clue I found that leads to Winnie’s spellbook back in Auradon. It went missing just before we were banished here.”

I gingerly take the aged paper and frown. “But how will I-?”

“Shh! There’s no time!” Mother gets a worried look and frantically starts pushing me to the door. “One last thing: when you get back to the harbor, ask for Evangeline. Now go!”

She suits the door and I’m left only with a scrap of paper and a lead. Gotta scram before Aunt Winnie finds out I’m gone!

Using what little I remember from walking here, I make my way back to the harbor. Great, now where do I find this ‘Evangeline…?’

“Excuse me, you lost?”

I turn around and come to face an elderly lady huddling in a corner.

“Oh, yes ma’am. I’m trying to find someone called Evangeline?”

My outward manner surprises her and she smiles. “Normally people are appalled by my appearance. I thank you for your kindness. You do not seem like a villain descendant. Who are you?”

“Oh, um- just a stranger. In the end, aren’t we all? So where could I find her?”

“Right, right, let’s see… You’d find her over there.” The lady points to a multicolored building that appears to be a warehouse.

“Thank you, ma’am!”

Inside the warehouse it’s divided up into different rooms with curtains, almost like a pawn shop shopping mall. Now I just need to find-

“Magica?” A voice asks from behind a curtain.

A teen who looks about my age steps out, and the first thing I notice is her emerald-green skin. After seeing all the colorful fashion styles the Isle has to offer I don’t think much of it, but I must admit it is rather eye-catching. Aside from that she’s wearing a pointed, ebony-colored hat, a unique accessory that also makes her stand out. Almost like mine. On top of that she’s wearing a green and silver sequin corset top and skirt with a design that’s also similar to mine.

I give her a skeptical look. “Who are you, might I ask?”

She walks closer and squints as she gives me a look-over. “Hm… you’ve definitely got her looks…”

I raise my hand in caution and, with what little strength I have, toss some pathetic-looking sparks up to give a warning. “I’ll only ask one more time: who are you?”

The girl cackles. “You’ve got the temper too! Oh, that’s good!” She composes herself and looks me dead-on. “I’m Evangeline, daughter of Elphaba and Fiyero. I’m your distant cousin.”

My… My…?

“Cousin? I never knew I had a cousin,” I remark.

Evangeline chuckles. “Well you haven’t exactly been around to know, have you? Tell me, cousin, how’ve you enjoyed your little paradise in Auradon? Got to live in the lapse of luxury with fresh water, internet, and-” She looks hungrily at the pink sparks with a deadly stare. “Magic. How is it that you can do magic here?”

“I almost can’t. Good-old Aunt Winnie just drained my magic.” I grab her green wrist. “If you’re really my cousin, then we share the same blood. Sarah Sanderson’s magic runs through my veins, and as much as I try to be good I will always be a villain.”

Evangeline’s eyes soften. “You may be a Sanderson, but you still have heart. Let’s call a truce.”

“Thanks, cousin. So if you’re Elphaba’s daughter, where is she?”

The green-skinned VK gets a distant look. “She’s not here. Her and father are still in Oz. I got captured when I was running an errand and was brought to the Isle. Green skin doesn’t exactly blend in, so they knew immediately I was a VK. So why did you come looking for me?”

My mind snaps back to my current predicament. “Um, to sum it up: my best friend Ben’s been captured by Uma, I have to help save him, and my power’s gone. If push comes to shove I won’t be much help in a fight, and I need your help to get my magic back.”

My explanation leaves my cousin with a surprised look. “Ben? As in King Ben? How in Auradon did you get mixed up with him?”

“Long story. Can you please help?”

“Depends. What is it?”

I bite my lip. As much as it pains me, I need to stop my family. “I- I need you to help me trap the Sandersons in a book. That way they won’t try to escape. We need to finish this bunch of hocus pocus once and for all.”

Evangaline scoffs. “And why should I do that? I don’t owe you anything.”

“It’s not about owing anyone anything. It’s about family. And we both know our family ties aren’t the greatest. Please, you must help! I can’t do it alone.”

She thinks for a moment, then starts walking back to the exit.

“Wait- where are you going?”

“Well we can’t fight evil from here, can we?”

My spirits threaten to lift. “You mean-?”

She smirks. “Yup. I’m in.”

We sneak back to the cottage, and I can already hear the angry banter going on inside.

“You- you just let her go? How did I get cursed with such idiot sisters?!”

“She’s my daughter, Winnie! I love her! I can’t let you hurt her anymore.”

We peek in the window and find my mother being slapped by Aunt Winnie. God, what have I caused?

Evangeline gives me a pitiful look. “Guess you made her mad, huh?”

I can’t answer. All I can focus on is the guilt churning in my stomach. My very existence causes conflict. I’ve tried so hard to show how I can be good, then tried to impress people with my power. But all that did was make them hate me even more, and made Aunt Winnie think she could take it for herself. Maybe I shouldn’t be so arrogant and flaunting?

I shake my head clear and try to think of what to do, then remember: A circle of salt can protect from witches’ spells.

“I have an idea. When I snap thrice, jump out and throw salt on them. As much as you can!”

She nods, cuing me to walk around to the back and find the kitchen window. Peering inside, I see- yes! The vial’s still there! Now I just need to…

As careful as possible, I climb through the cramped window and lower myself to the ground. Thankfully the 3 witches are still arguing in the living room. Once I’m inside, I quickly take the vial’s cork out and pour the purple essence over my head. I mustn't forget how humbling being powerless can be. A tingling sensation begins in my fingertips, then starts to grow throughout my veins. I can feel my power returning, but unfortunately I have little time for celebration.

“Girl! I smell a girl!” Aunt Mary chants from the other room.

The 3 Sandersons barge in, and when Aunt Winnie sees I’ve emptied her vial she screeches.

“Thou is such a stupid, reckless girl! I’ll have your guts for garters, wicked niece-!”

Before she finishes I snap 3 times, signaling Evangeline to bust through the door and throw a container of salt on them.

“You! The green imp of a witch! How dare thou-!”

But she can’t continue, because I’ve already snatched a nearby book and have begun chanting.

“Ancient evil get thee hence, only good can recompense for the misdeeds that you have done, witch return from whence you’ve come!”

My magic surrounds the 3 witches, causing them to start panicking.

“No- No! What dost thou think-!?” Aunt Winnie shrieks.

“Magica, what are you doing?” Mother asks anxiously as more purple sparks fly around them.

��I’m doing what’s right. Keeping you locked in this spellbook until you’re no longer a threat.” I bite my lip and dare to meet my mother’s saddened eyes. “I’m sorry, Mother. But you know I’ll never be evil like you, and I cannot allow you to spread your evil again.”

I expect her to yell and scold me, but she just nods. “I know, dear. Somehow… I knew you’d be the white witch to stop us. I love you.” She smiles and gives one last wave before I slam the book shut and trap them in, tears already streaming down my face. Goodbye, Mother.

Evangeline walks over and pulls me in for a soft hug, and we stay in silence for what seems like forever.

“That was a brave thing you did. It’s a heavy toll, having to do what’s best for your family.”

I hastily wipe my face and try to ignore the fact that I just banished my own mother into a spellbook.

“There’s- there’s no time- I need to go save Ben!” I race out the door, but then rethink my actions and turn back to her. “You don’t need to come with me. Y- You’ve done more than enough, and I will do everything I can to repay you once I’ve gotten out of here.”

Evangeline shakes her head. “Magica, I might have just met you, but you’re still family. You don’t owe me anything. The only thing I ask is to see my parents again. When you save him, please ask Ben if I can leave.”

I give a sincere nod. “You will leave this place, I promise. After seeing how other VKs here are so unhappy, I’ll speak to Ben personally.”

Now I just need to save him.

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greenhappyseed · 2 years

Note

Where do you think all might and deku’s relationship will proceed from ch 326 onwards?

@dadmight-and-deku-lover Oh man, that is a billion dollar question for me, and I know there’s been discourse and meta recently on whether All Might and Izuku have evolved beyond mentor and successor roles. Because we are near the end of the story, I’m going to work backward, rather than forward: I think we will get a satisfying ending with Izuku, All Might, and Tenko alive and together in some form. (Horikoshi loves these goobers.) Shigaraki is Izuku’s villain to save, and I have a feeling All Might will apologize to Tenko as part of — or maybe just after — the save effort. All Might wasn’t there to save Tenko earlier because he rigidly followed his own mentor, Nana, and he’s been kicking himself since. We also know Izuku, All Might, and Tenko are going to be critical in destroying AFO in the vestige plane. Horikoshi’s emphasized in like 5 chapters that All Might is THISCLOSE to being able to tap into his vestige. (Oh, and Star’s arc had heavy references to the Two Heroes movie, which is the only time Izuku and All Might fight side by side.) As a result, I am certain Izuku and All Might will come together at some point in this battle. We WILL get there….but right now Izuku is zooming to UA, and All Might is in/near Central Hospital at the police command center. They’re apart. Sure, we had the reunion in Ch. 327, but it was weird and stilted. It feels like something is off between All Might and Izuku, and we aren’t sure if there’s enough time to fix it. Given where we are in the story, I think their distance is meant to add angst to the finale. However, I see some really positive signs! Despite their separation, All Might and Izuku are aligned on their goals, they fully believe the other can reach those goals, and they’re communicating as much as they ever have. They are going to reunite and it’s going to be okay. Here’s why:

All Might’s last conversation directly with Izuku (that we know of — there could be flashbacks coming) had Izuku apologizing for being a frightened teenager. Likewise, All Might apologized for being of “so little help” (meaning his inability to talk to Izuku and say the words he knew he needed to say). Nothing deep there, especially with half the class watching. But then they agreed to work together going forward — a shared promise with Class President Iida — and that’s exactly what’s happening. All Might worked with Aizawa, Tsukauchi, 1A, 1B, and the pros to create the battle plans….and he put Bakugo by Izuku’s side. Moreover, they worked with Shinso and Aoyama to pull off the initial surprise attack on AFO, and it worked. To think about it another way, Izuku wanted to reach out a hand and help Aoyama be a hero. All Might and Aizawa supported him in making it happen, and narratively they were rewarded with a win.

Unlike the war arc and the villain hunt arc, All Might and Izuku can communicate with each other in this fight. We found out in 353 that All Might knew Izuku was diverted with Toga, but was now on his way to UA. And All Might is the one announcing status updates to the group, so Izuku is hearing All Might in his ear. I’m sure the villains will cut off comms at some point, but it’s notable that as of right now they’re communicating during a battle, because that hasn’t happened since…USJ?

There is also a deep trust underlying the fact that they’re not physically together. To go forward in time for a second, remember when All Might wanted Izuku to have an “I am here” moment? Then, after the Sports Festival, he dropped that and wanted to help the kid be the best hero possible? And then, after the war, it became “I’m going with you, whether you like it or not!” because All Might was scared for Izuku? Well, now All Might trusts Izuku and 1A — Izuku knows the battle plans and he has his quirks and powerful friends by his side. Moreover, All Might understands Izuku doesn’t need or want All Might to put himself in danger, but Izuku does need All Might’s leadership on the heroes’ side. In 327, when All Might talks about how his body limits his ability, Izuku just cuts him off because he doesn’t need All Might to justify or explain that he can’t physically fight. Everyone playing their part and doing what they can is the important thing, and All Might is all in. I’m sure All Might’s safety will be challenged eventually, but at the moment he and Izuku trust the other is as safe as they can be while both are doing their best to stop AFO.

That brings me to the meta point: MHA is not, and has never been, about duos. Duos tend to be claustrophobic echo chambers. For example, Izuku needed more than Inko to make his dreams come true; he needed All Might. Bakugo and Izuku needed All Might to help them contextualize their relationship. All Might needed more than Izuku to learn to live without OFA — he needed adults like Inko, Aizawa, and Stain. He needed to see 1A fight for Izuku to know his boy didn’t need the former Symbol training or guiding him any more. The same is true right now for Hawks; he needs more than Endeavor, he needs the thoughtful seriousness and steady loyalty that Tokoyami brings to the table.

All Might and Izuku still very much need each other, but not the way they once did. They now need other people too, and that’s okay. I don’t see this as incompatible with Dadmight at all. Quite the opposite, actually. It’s a sign that their 2+ year relationship is maturing to one of adult parent and ADULT child. Full disclosure: I think I’m biased to see this because I’m a parent of teenagers myself. It’s a strange transition, wanting to hold your child close and keep them to yourself, but needing to let them go off into a big (sometimes scary!) world. Knowing that their friends are more important than you in their daily life when a year ago you were their everything. Hearing them say “buzz off” when you’re pretty sure they’re hurting and you’d give anything to help. You play your part, stepping back and guiding them when they ask, or stepping in when they are obviously drowning (this is where All Might flubbed, IMO), but all you can do is keep an open line of communication in the meantime. It’s a natural process that’s necessary for a teen, and the separation doesn’t indicate that either person loves the other any less.

So, where do our boys go from 326/327? I think, once we are through this final battle and we have Tenko in the mix, we’ll see Izuku and All Might reuniting, but their relationship will be different. Izuku no longer needs All Might to teach him the hero basics, but he’ll need the man to cheer him on and create a safe space for a chat. All Might will be proud of his boy and need to be there for him, even long after All Might is living for reasons other than raising Izuku right.

#all might #toshinori yagi #yagi toshinori #izuku midoriya #midoriya izuku #Deku #dadmight #dad might #bnha spoilers #mha spoilers #bnha 354 #mha 354 #bnha 327 #mha 327 #mha meta #bnha meta

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featheredoutrage · 5 months

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Serendipity (Ch 6)

Rating: K

FF.net | AO3

Preview:

Apprehension filled her gut as Hinata walked towards the bar. When Naruto had excitedly proposed that the former members of the student council organize a class reunion, Hinata had reluctantly agreed, mostly because none of the other former members were free to plan it. And also because, despite having gotten over her crush years ago, she still found it hard to say no to Naruto.

Summary: Sasuke thought he had (unwillingly) gotten to know every boring business person there was to know at these corporate parties, until one night he and a mysterious girl banter away the time. Now if he could only figure out who she is.

#oh look I finally updated #sasuhina #my fanfics:sasuhina #my writing

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heroes-in-the-dark · 1 year

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I usually don’t have any complaints about your story if at all but is the Tokoyami vigilante arc going to be shorter or longer than the Deku Vigilante arc cause it’s only been a day that he’s been with his classmates and he already made the decision to go through with saying he doesn’t belong as UA’s definition of a hero.

I personally thought he’d at least have a few days to consider the possibility, I think a cool scene could be him eating around the school cafeteria with some of his old classmates and even though it doesn’t start quickly, several random students from different classes would give him side eye, thinking about the controversy of Fumikage being amongst them as normal, similar to how there were chat boards having conversations about the topic according to Bakugou in Ch.98

Of course his classmates would 110% try and defend Tokoyami’s character but it’s not as easy and doesn’t bring an easy end to the topic either.

Time is weird in the bnha world. Even though this is my au, I still try to keep things in line with the canon timeline, just for the sake of consistency. In the manga (and soon to be anime), Deku starts his vigilante arc only like four days after the end of the war. For that reason, I wanted Tokoyami's own arc to run adjacent to it as a parallel.

Originally, Tokoyami probably would've had more time to think things through before setting out on his own path. But now, with the chance to create a narrative foil through Deku, there was more reason to speed up the process.

I could've taken more time for Tokoyami today consider his options, sure, but the post-war section was already running long in my mind and I was wanting to get to the next part of the story. I didn't see the merit of dragging out this section once I was done with the reunions I wanted to write.

If Tokoyami was to stay longer, than he can expect that he'd be met with apprehensive and suspicion from other students. Even with his own class, he's not entirely comfortable. And he doesn't want to feel this way, but it doesn't seem like he can do anything about it, hence his brief conversation with Aizawa last chapter. This might not be the best option for his credibility, but leaving before he can be hurt further is in his best interest. At least, that's the kind of mentality that he has after all this time.

#ask response #bnha #boku no hero academia #mha #my hero acedamia #fumikage tokoyami #heroes in the dark

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tokiro07 · 7 months

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Cipher Academy ch.41 thoughts

[You Have Chosen...Wisely]

Danny, you're doing...what I believe and hope to be a good job for the most part, but dude, what the hell? Is Yonakiuguisu's sister's name "Invicious" or "Amvicious"? As far as I can find, you don't have a twitter like David Evelyn, which would be really helpful for putting out statements to acknowledge things like that

God, this really is Medaka Box all over again...I still see people calling the nurse Aoiki instead of Aoki!

Last week, I didn't make any definitive statement on which choice that Iroha would make, but I did suggest that if he chose the dancer over his friend, he'd do it because that's what the friend would do. I was close, but not quite right: he chose the dancer because he wouldn't be able to face his friend if he'd abandoned someone else, and only wants to see his friend after achieving his dream of ending all wars

This is pretty typical shonen stuff, and definitely a Nisio move (see: Hitoyoshi not marrying Medaka for ten years until he proved he was her equal), but man it's a narrative choice that I eat up. That sort of conviction is always something that makes characters easy to get invested in since it gives more weight to their goals, and it provides a lot of opportunity for drama, like the two of them having a chance reunion before that time or otherwise being forced together at a low point for Iroha

It also helps recontextualize Iroha's original statement that he wants to end all wars. Originally, I thought it was something he just said to appease Oboro, or maybe that he was inspired by Kogoe, but now I'm thinking that Am/Invicious is actually the one who inspired him. What she said or did doesn't really matter right now, but whatever it was, I think that's what's shaped all of Iroha's actions up to this point. Protecting Kogoe, choosing not to use the Glasses Weapon, picking Kasuri during the Casse-Tete Quartet, all of that could well be an attempt to emulate [X]vicious, and our meeting her will make many of the pieces of Iroha's character fall into place (the rest of course will be put in place by meeting his dad)

Also, she's definitely First Girl. The Childhood Friend. The gold standard by which all other girls in the Cipher Acadaharem will be judged. Or they're too close for that to even be an option, who knows, but I'm willing to bet that at least Anonymity or Kasuri are gonna get competitive

Speaking of Anonymity, I'm sad to see that she's not in the starting lineup, but she's gotten so much shine lately that I can't complain. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, after all, so it's going to be fun to see her return, especially since I'm more than willing to bet that it'll be as a member of Class F's team to capitalize on that plot point

I also love that Hanagoromo is the one to join from Class E; she's easily been the one from that class with the most presence, both in that she's reappeared a number of times (seen when Iroha recruited Yugata to the Trilemma and during the Trilemma itself), AND was hiding during every major story beat prior to her introduction. Her gimmick is super fun, her sniper imagery is inventive, and gosh darnit, she's just really pretty. I think she's my 4th cutest (Anonymity, Yosaimura, Yugata), but that's subject to change

I enjoyed Oboro's deference to Kasuri before joining the team too, it's a nice little callback to their shared introductory story. That's all I really have to say on the subject for now, but I might revisit it later

It looks like we're going to be entering the metaverse next week, but honestly I won't be surprised if Nisio finds a way to stall for a few more chapters. We're so close to the 1-year anniversary, and that seems like a milestone he'd want to time a little better. Either he's going to stall, or he's going to use the anniversary for something specific within the metaverse. Since we don't know yet what the metaverse is going to be like, I can't really hazard a guess on how it will alter the dynamic of the story, but it really does feel a lot like how it felt waiting to get to the Grand Line in One Piece. It's only the starting line, but it feels like a huge payoff in and of itself

#cipher academy #fouryearsandananime #4y1a reviews

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storiesofsvu · 2 years

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Fortuitous Reunion Ch 8

Rita Calhoun x reader Warnings: language, mild awkwardness.

To be completely honest, your first coffee meeting with Olivia was pretty awkward, neither of you were sure about how exactly to go about the situation. The first at least twenty minutes were awkward small talk, weird laughs and the like until you managed to fall into a bit of a rhythm with each other. Subconsciously, something within the two of you said maybe it would be less weird if you weren’t cramped at a small table surrounded by people in a café and you ended up wandering through Central Park instead.

The fresh air and distraction of other sights had your awkwardness vanishing. You couldn’t help but smile and reminisce on the memory of one of the first dates Rita had brought you on in the park right before Christmas. You’d snuggled up with hot chocolate after a wonderful dinner, strolling through the park arm in arm while a very unexpected soft snowfall began. It may have been something like your fifth date, but you knew on that night that you loved her and wanted to spend your life with her. Olivia couldn’t help but smile at the way you told the story, the dreamy look in your eyes, the goofy smile on your face making her feel warm inside, you truly had found your perfect person.

You asked about the brother she’d tracked down, and gave your condolences when she admitted that he’d since passed away. She asked if you had any siblings and you shook your head, saying that one was all your parents ever wanted. You told her the embarrassing stories of your first date (with some weird junior high boy) and the panicked way you’d come out to your parents (though they’d obviously been more than supportive). She was incredibly happy to hear that your life had been what she’d hoped, happy, full of love and surrounded by good people and experiences. While the topic of family was on the table, you brought up that Rita had mentioned Olivia had been in the process of beginning to foster a baby boy, and she beamed at the topic. Ever so happy to finally have a baby that she knew she could provide for and your chest warmed for her, knowing she had been praying and hoping for it for decades.

You delved more than a little bit into each other’s careers, and you were more than surprised with the amount of risky situations she’d been through. Sure, you knew being a cop could be dangerous but Olivia seemed to have gone through more than you could’ve ever imagined for one person. You commended her for her strength and perservance. Olivia on the other hand was incredibly proud of how far you’d come, not only going to nursing school, but being the top of your class and securing such an important spot at a major hospital. She already knew you were good at what you did but now she knew why.

You indulged a little more into your relationship with Rita, knowing that she was curious and knowing which stories Rita wouldn’t mind being mentioned. As you talked about just how easy it was to fall in love with her, the way she treated you so incredibly soft, the way she always made you her first priority, it made Olivia realize how little she knew about the other woman. Sure, she knew that the two of you loved each other unconditionally, but now she knew just how much.

Before you knew it, you’d reached the other side of the park and half the afternoon was gone. Both of you were more than happy with the way the day had gone, and made sure you had plans to meet up for lunch a couple of weeks down the road before parting ways.

That night Rita slightly hesitantly asked you how it went and you burst into a grin, telling her all about it. She was more than thrilled, wrapping you in a deep hug as she kissed you. As much as she knew there were a million ways this could’ve gone, she was incredibly happy that things were moving in the right direction.

Olivia and you began to meet on a pretty regular basis and your relationship was forming quicker than you ever could have thought. There was still a slight awkwardness since she was your Mom, but wasn’t really your Mom. Like, should she really know the story about how you lost your virginity? Or any of your partying times in college. Not to mention the time you were stressed studying for finals and popped a couple of Adderalls, though…maybe that was because she was a cop. You still kept the channel open, and were pleasantly pleased when she did the same.

A month or so later you had more than enough of an excuse to swing by the squad room. Sofie had basically been transferred over to Bellevue. While her position at Mercy was still closed and waiting for her, Bellevue needed extra help and she was willing to go, honestly, you were next on the list, eager or a light change up. Because it had been so abrupt she’d texted you to grab a handful of things out of her locker that you packed up into a bag before making your way to the one six.

“Y/N! Didn’t expect to see you today.” Carisi greeted you with a warm hug.

“I’m here running errands…can you take this home to Soph?” You handed him the bag.

“‘Course.” He shot you a dopey grin, no likely proud that they’d just moved in together. He was adoringly cute every time their relationship hit a new milestone. Honestly, you wouldn’t even be surprised if they ended up married before you, Sonny loved Sophie more than you could ever imagine.

“Thanks Son.” You gave his arm a squeeze, moving from his desk.

“Hey wait, one of those is mine?!” He gesured to the tray of coffee in your hand that you simply laughed and shook your head at. You hand knocked briefly on Benson’s door before you heard her greeting, pushing the door open.

“Hey..what’re you doing here?” She smiled as you shut the door behind you.

“Had to drop some stuff off to Carisi, figured you could use the good caffeine boost.” You handed her the cup, “Rita’s mentioned how horrible precinct coffee can be.”

“Thanks.” Olivia laughed, “she’s not wrong on that one. Are you off today?”

“Yeah.” You sighed, “well, kinda. I worked overnight so I was done at ten a.m. But Sophie’s doing a stint at Bellevue, they’re short nurses right now and we just got a new influx, so…”

“Are you gonna head over there?”

“Probably. They’re offering us bonuses if we do, so why not?” You laughed. “A lot of it’s in the prison ward. I mean, transfers are the bottom of the totem pole, but it’s only temporary so why not?”

“Makes sense.”

“How’s lil Noah?” You smiled, knowing how much Oliva adored finally having a baby in her life, one that she actually got to raise.

“He’s…wonderful.” She smiled brightly, “everything I wish I could have had in the past.”

“I’m glad.” You smiled in return. “You ever need help babysitting or anything let me know.”

“You sure Calhoun’s okay with that?” You barked a laugh,

“Oh I mean at your apartment! Rita would never let a baby anywhere near her Prada collection.”

“I take it there’s no kids in your future then?”

“No.” You laughed, shaking your head, “I like them, but the idea of being responsible for one full time freaks me out.”

“Understandable.” Oliva smiled back at you. A brief knock at her door interrupted your conversation.

“Captain Benson?” Rita’s voice broke through your revere, both of your heads turning toward the door.

“I’ll get out of your hair.” You smiled at Oliva, picking yup your coffee.

“Oh what, you don’t bring me one?” Rita teased with a smile as she pecked your lips softy.

“If I’d known you were here I would.” You retorted, kissing the tip of her nose softly, “I’ll see you for dinner?”

“Of course darling.” She gave you a gentle smile as you shot a wave to Olivia, leaving the office. She turned to the Captain as she sat in the chair across from her desk, “what?” Olivia chuckled

“I’m just not this used to seeing you so soft Counsellor.” Rita rolled her eyes.

“Well you’re privileged to part of our life that no one else is now…I hope you respect that.”

“I do.” Oliva smiled “I don’t think I’ve ever seen or heard of two people more in love than the two of you.” Rita could barely help the burning of her cheeks.

“Thank you, I guess.”

“More importantly, what are you here for work wise?” Olivia cut to the chase, their personal relationship aside, this one was more important.

It was a couple of weeks later, Mercy was ever so swamped with nurses and interns from a merger between hospitals and you couldn’t wait to join your best friend over at Bellevue over the next couple of weeks while things calmed down.

In the meantime, you were settled into a booth at Forlini’s across from Olivia. The restaurant was no stranger to you, having met Rita there on many a lunch breaks from court before. You happily settled into your regular regime, exchanging stories of the past week and the like. If you had new wedding details, you’d always share them, though there normally wasn’t much, taking as much time as you’d like to plan.

You’d felt a little nervous all morning, and Oliva could sense your jitters as the meal went on, but didn’t press it. You asked a few things about work before the wedding came back into the circulation of the conversation. You took a shaky breath,

“I…uh…I wanted to ask you something.”

“Okay?” The brunette paused, looking up at you across the table, the hesitation splayed across your face.

“Uhm..it’s…always been the deal in my family that we kinda do things weird..instead of being walked down the aisle by our Dad’s..we go with out Mom’s.” You dared glance up at her with that information, “and I’d….like to ask if you’d accompany my and my Mom down the aisle…”

“Really?” Olivia’s breath caught in her through as she glanced up at you, the request coming totally out of left field.

“Yeah..” you nodded, “I’ve already asked Mom and she’s more than okay with it. She knows we’ve been getting to know each other and she’s thrilled. I already know I want you there on the most special day of my life, but to officially help give me away would be more than I could ever ask for.”

“I would be honoured.” Olivia’s hand reached out, squeezing yours across the table top. “You know, I have to say, despite the very unconventional way we came back into each other’s lives, I’m incredibly happy we did.”

“Me too.” You shot her a soft smile just as you heard the comment echo through the room, the sarcasm dripping against his words and both your eyes were brought up to Rafael Barba. He stalled slightly, greeting Oliva, and you were more than thrilled, a grin splitting you cheeks as you realized Rita was following him.

“How’s my darling girl doing?” She asked, greeting you with the worlds most gentle kiss.

“Always fantastic, but better now.” You murmured, kissing her again, not a care in the world at your audience.

“I don’t understand how you manage to sicken me with your love and destroy me with your arguments in the same sentence.” Rafael half joked, and Rita shot him a glare that could’ve killed him in that second. She cupped your cheek softly,

“I’ll see you for dinner?”

“Of course my love.” You sofly kissed her, holding on extra long just to annoy Barba, your lips curving at the sound of his scoff before she moved on with a quick nod.

“You two really just love torturing him don’t you?” Liv joked and you laughed, admitting that you were really just playing into Rita’s game when it came to that, but you did enjoy it.

You wrapped up lunch shortly after that, waving a goodbye to your other friends as you stepped onto the New York sidewalks. You were very pleasantly surprised that you and Olivia had been able to not only pursue a relationship like this, but that it had been able to become this strong over only a handful of months.

Olivia had loved you from the moment you were born, and despite the near thirty years that kept you apart, she had thought about you nearly every day since then. Now that you were back in her life she would do anything to keep it like that, she wanted to know everything about you. Over these past couple of months she’d learnt more than she could ever imagine and was so incredibly happy. You’d grown into such a wonderful and incredible young woman and she couldn’t wait to see where you went from there. The more she got to know you, the more she loved you, the more she wanted to make sure you were safe and protected no matter what. She knew you were an adult, and that shit happened, but part of her still wanted to make sure that you and Noah’s health and safety took priority over others. She knew she was being biased, but you were technically her kid, and her kid deserved the best.

She knew you had the best home, and relationship wise Rita was the greatest thing that could’ve ever happened to you. But she wanted to make sure that outside of that relationship you were safe and who knew what kind of gong shows were coming when it came to your professional life.

#rita calhoun #rita calhoun x reader #law and order svu #rita calhoun series #fortuitous reunion

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