somehow i have reached enlightenment where i am free of anger. all it took is for my mom to be so so mad at my dad and everyone and everything else in the world all the time to do it

at the docks

I think that's all, boarding* said Beta Luz* and be careful not to get lost in the crowd

they were silent as they climbed the bridge towards what should have been a more or less pleasant cruise.

wow this place is great! *exclaims Luz*

what elegant people! *wonders Gus*

I think dad would like it here again...*said Amity*

here? your father doesn't seem like the elegant type..*said Willow*

o no, he is not but I think he liked to see how this ship works *Amity said with a sad smile*

Ok listen here *said Beta Luz* these are the keys to your rooms boys with boys and girls with girls ok? can you walk around the ship but not draw attention , Me?

yeah?

take care of your ears

yeah..totally

good, the show is tonight on the main deck if you want to come there are some clothes waiting for you in the rooms. Normally the cruise lasts 2 weeks, but we will not stay that long, maximum 2-3 days, ok? so don't get too attached to this place*said Beta Hunter *

can we go to the pool *asks Gus excitedly*

or at the buffet? *Hunter asks*

in the engine room? father also liked to know how it works

where you want less in the engine room and avoid a blond man with a black hat, by the way half of here are assassins and spies or double agents ENJOY!

wait, WHAT? *Gus panics*

come on we need to go *said Beta Hunter*

yeah see ya guys! *said Beta Luz and left*

we need go stay together*said Luz* If anyone suspects us, they can question us and then it can be serious

*Amity and the others nodded*

but seriously, we can go to the buffet, I'm hungry! *asks Gus*

let's go *said Willow*

have you installed the tracking devices? *Hunter asked looking at the equipment*

when to mount them just got here!

*someone knocks on the door*

one minute! * shouted Beta Luz and she and Beta Hunter disguised themselves, Hunter had black hair and blue eyes now dressed in a very impeccable suit and Luz just snapped her fingers and her eyes turned green blonde hair in a black coat with an equally black hat *

Come in! *shouts Beta Hunter*

Hendric ! Lucy! what a pleasure! I didn't see you since your last concert, you look even better!

Grazie Sig. Maragosa, e sempre un piacere cantare per te *Beta Luz had said with a smile*

oh, the lady learned Italian, please call me Paulo *he said and kissed her hand*

Thank you again for the cameras, our cousins ​​had to come with us, especially in this dangerous world like this, we just can't leave them behind *said Beta Hunter a Little dramatic *

Of course! always a pleasure to help the Anderson family *said Paulo* Anyway I came here to inform you that tonight's show will be one of gez and tango

wonderful! *Beta Luz had said with a forced smile*

my kids will love the show *said Paulo with a smile*

ah little Mary and knight Reginald! very cute kids *said Beta Hunter*

indeed *his phone rings* well I need to go now, see you two tonight*said Paulo and Beta Luz closes the door with a sigh of relief and falls on the huge bed*

take care of the equipment! *screams Beta Hunter*

ughhhh how the boss expects us to finish this mission in less than 3 days! plus how do they expect ME to know tango! it's a disaster! *Beta Luz had complained*

I can teach you some moves if you want *Hunter offers himself*

can we take our suits off first? I don't like these tight clothes

no, you have to learn to dance in tight clothes

ughhhh

I didn't know you have to buy for the ice cream! *screams Gus nervously*

as long as you don't have money, you have nothing to do here little kid*said the ice cream man with a grin*

come Gus, I'll buy you ice cream later, sorry sir *said Willow and took his hand*

I can't understand this map, I don't see where the bedrooms are! *said Luz as she turned the map around*

yeah..me either *said Amity who was as confused as Luz*

because you hold the map upside down! *slaps Hunter*

oh yeahhhh....I KNEW THAT* Luz said* I'm right next to the elevator, we have to take it next to the pool, we pass through the ballroom and next to the buffet, we make 2 left turns into a hallway and we've arrived

sounds simple *Hunter said*

hey, guys, which one of you has the keys? *asks Willow*

wait, I thought you had the keys *said Luz*

What?! you should have the keys! *Hunter said desperately to Luz*

ok, ok no panic look good Luz I know you have *said Amity hopefully*

*after 2 minutes*

I think I missed them somewhere!

ok um we can find yourself to give us another key *said Gus* you know the camera right?

um...

O COME ON! *Hunter gets annoyed*

maybe you can make out key! *willow said*

magic doesn't work here *Hunter said*

worth a shot! *Luz said*

in the end they reached the hall where the bedrooms were they saw a door with 2 stars "Anderson Family"

I think that's it guys, we should knock on the door*said Luz*

Who is? *is heard from inside*

us *screams Gus*

Come in ! *a voice is heard from inside*

hey guys what's up? *said Beta Luz hanging upside down while Beta Hunter held her*

(Something like)

Um what are you two doing? *Ask Willow confused*

oh we're practicing to tango! *Beta Luz said and stood up and Beta Hunter let her go*

tango? *Amity asked confused*

yes... it's a human dance, I really hate it *Luz said*

RIGHT? *asked Beta Luz with a silly smile*

What happened? *asks Beta Hunter seeing them all flustered*

We lost the rooms keys! *screams Gus in panic*

YOU WHAT?! oh, no, wait, I didn't actually give it to you *said Beta Luz puts her hand in her pocket and takes out the keys*

wait, what about the keys you gave me? *asks Luz showing the keys*

they're made of sugar they're good for pranks anyway see you tonight, aren't you coming? *asks Beta Luz*

yeah! *said Gus*

yes i want to see you two do this human dance *willow said*

Yeah sure! *Luz said*

sure🙄 *said Amity*

well see you then!*said Beta Luz Happy*

The boy next door. (pt2.)

a/n: no one asked for more but im just gonna keep posting as i write bc its fun :)

(everything is made up including names, family members and text messages)

_________________________________________________________

you look at the message from vinnie and smile.

"what are you so smiley about y/n?" you mom says in a jokingly way

"she met a boy at the ice cream shop" jack says sounding annoyed

"soooo whats his name, is he cute, how old is he, where does he live, i wanna know everything"

your mom has always been a little nosey when it comes to boys, especially ones that make you smile.

"mommmmmm" you say

"oh come on i just wanna know"

"okay fine" you give in "his names vinnie and he lives next door, he came into the ice cream shop while we were waiting and he complimented me on my ice cream choice"

your mom laughs and says; "he seems like a very sweet boy, why dont you invite him and his family over for dinner tomorrow?"

"we arent moved in fully yet mom" jack interrupts

"oh vinnie offered to come over tomorrow and help move stuff in, you can invite him and his family over for dinner when hes here if you want to"

your mom sits and thinks about it for a second. she's never liked asking for help "you know we could use the extra hands, if you want to text him and see if hes willing to come over around 10 and help unload boxes that would be wonderful. i'll make lunch too depending on how long it takes"

"YES!" you scream in excitement, "i'll text him right now and see if he can. love you mom!"

you run upstairs and let out a squeal. you where so excited to see your dream boy again.

you text vinnie and throw your phone on your bed.

"oh shoot!" you yelled. "if he does come over i have to clean my room i can have it look like this." you look down at your floor and see all the laundry scattered everywhere.

"im such a mess"

you put on your favorite playlist and start dancing while you clean your room.

*BZZ*

"mom! he said hes coming over tomorrow!"

"sounds good!"

you keep cleaning your room but eventually fall asleep because you had a long day today.

when you woke up you checked the time.

"ITS 10:45??"

your alarm never went off causing you to over sleep.

"i havent showered, i havent gotten ready, i havent done anything! and my room still isnt clean UGHHHH!"

you quickly throw on a pair of pajama bottoms and a crop top you found in your closet, you put dry shampoo in and throw your hair into a bun.

you grabbed your glasses and run down stairs.

"well good morning sleeping beauty" vinnie says to you staring at you.

"OMG YOU'RE HERE!"

"yeah you told me to come over... your mom is an amazing lady i must say, i also didnt know you wore glasses"

"MY GLASSES NOOOO!" you panic realizing you didnt have time to put your contacts in

"calm down its okay y/n. i like them." vinnie smiles at you.

"his smile is so pretty, and his eyes, wow." you think to yourself.

"y/n?" your mom says

"huh?"

"you okay? you zoned out for a second"

"OH yeah no im great." you realize you zoned out while staring at vinnie who was in a white tank top and is wearing a baseball cap. you couldnt stop yourself from starring.

"hey mom.." jack says "i found this in with the books"

you look at jack and realize hes holding your old bra

"JACK THATS MINE STOP" you gasp. oh boy that's embarrassing.

vinnie starts laughing and looks at you.

"stop laughing"

you're so embarrassed that he just saw that.

"dont worry y/n its okay. my dog had my boxers on her head after she went snooping in my room."

you can't help but to laugh a little.

the thought of seeing his dog with his boxers on her head is something you would pay to see.

"alright so is there anything else you would like me to move Mrs. Anderson?" vinnie asks your mom

"i dont believe so unless y/n or jack has anything to move" your mom looks at you and your brother waiting for a response.

jack breaks the silence and goes "nope, i think everything is in my room already."

"y/n do you have anything you need help unpacking or anything?" he looks at you and his eyes are this beautiful chocolate brown color.

"yeah i do actually."

vinnie and you head up to your room

"im sorry its such a mess i was trying to clean it last night but i must have fell asleep."

"don't worry about it, my room is way worse than this"

he reaches for a magazine he sees and giggles

"whats so funny? HEY PUT THAT DOWN!"

he laughs and sets it back down

"you know i think its cute."

"whats cute?'

"you, everything about you."

you roll your eyes and smile

"you're dumb Mr. Hacker, but you're cute as well"

"thank you Ms. Hacker."

"what did you say?"

"huh? nothing, anyways is that all you wanted me to help with?"

"yeah thats it thank you."

vinnie walks downstairs and you follow.

your mom is in the kitchen with your brother.

"oh vinnie before you leave, would you and your family like to come over for dinner tonight?" vinnie looks at you and then at your mom.

"i think they would be delighted to come over for dinner tonight Mrs. Anderson, i'll text them right now."

you go into the living room to watch some tv. vinnie follows and sits next to you.

*BZZ*

vinnies phone goes off

"they said they would love to come over, do you have a time in mind on when they should come over?"

"does 7:30 work?"

"that will work just fine."

looking at the time you realize you and vinnie have spent 5 hours together already.

"i should probably get heading home, i have to shower and get ready for dinner tonight, see you then everyone!" he kisses your cheek and heads out the door.

"bye vinnie see you tonight!" your mom and brother exclaim

"what a sweet boy" mom says

*4 hours later, 7:00 PM*

"Vinnie and his family will be over in 30 mins please make sure everything is ready and make sure you guys are ready aswell"

your mom has always been one to make sure everything and everyone looks good before any guest come over.

the door bell rings.

"y/n!! can you please get the door?"

you rush downstairs and open the door.

"hey y/n, wow you look good"

you curled your hair, put makeup on, and are wearing your nice fancy dress.

"hey vin i could say the same thing about you."

both of you are dressed up very nicely. he's wearing his blue suit and has his shirt buttoned down showing chest tattoo.

something about his tattoos drive you insane. you love them.

he introduces his family to yours

"i never knew you had a twin brothers." you say as your brother and his run off to the backyard.

"yeah they are a real pain in the ass"

"i know what that's like"

the two of you laugh

"this is a beautiful house you have jackie and you have 2 beautiful children as well" vinnies mom says to yours

"well thank you sandy im very blessed with what i have gotten in life, your 3 boys are such angels especially vinnie here. hes been very helpful today and i really appreciate it."

he smiles at your mom and then at you

"dinner was amazing, thank you for inviting us over and introducing us to your family, we are going to have a bbq here this weekend if you guys want to join." vinnies dad offers

"we will be there"

"awesome, well we best get going its late and we both have work in the morning, thank you again."

"yeah anytime! thank you guys for coming."

you say goodnight to vinnie and his family and head upstairs.

*BZZ*

New Message from Vinnie <3: you looked absolutely stunning tonight

To Vinnie <3: thank you vin, you looked very handsome tonight as well i must say, you look handsome every night tho.

From Vinnie <3: you're cute, goodnight luv sleep well :)

you set your phone down and smile. hes truly the best guy you have ever met.

Smile

Mammon x gn!MC

Words - 3545

Content warnings - though nothing is actually depicted, there are quite a lot of references to, and implied, emotional/verbal abuse that happened while MC was a child. a decent amount of angst, but lots of comfort too, post Lesson 20

Prompt/Inspiration - none

Summary -  You and Mammon take a trip to the human realm to visit your family, where he soon learns why you prefer to keep your distance from them.

AO3

Mammon was excited. Nervous, but also excited. It had been awhile since you had arrived in the Devildom, and you had requested special permission from Lord Diavolo to go back to the human realm to visit your family for your mother’s birthday. And Mammon was getting to come with you.

This was his chance to make an amazing first impression with your parents. Humans that had no idea who he was, or his reputation. And he’d be with you and you alone - none of his obnoxious brothers hanging around to put ideas into your parents’ heads, or find ways to humiliate him.

You had been somewhat anxious about introducing Mammon to your family, but his enthusiasm was contagious and it was hard not to smile seeing him fidget nervously in the passenger seat of your car, as you were parking on the street in front of your parents house. You knew he was looking forward to this, and the thought warmed your heart. He could be doing anything else right now, but instead he was spending his time with you, wanting to become part of your family like you were a part of his.

Your father was who you had to truly worry about. He was...how could you describe it? Well, it wasn’t until relatively recently that your relationship with him had improved enough to begin to call it friendly. Growing up, he was strict, and critical, and it didn’t help that he was smarter than average and liked to think that made him somehow superior to the plebeians around him. As an adult, you were now able to put your foot down and enforce your own boundaries, and since you weren’t living at home anymore, he was forced to accept them. Which he did, albeit after much grumbling.

But now that you were coming back for a visit, and bringing Mammon with you, you were concerned about how exactly your father would behave. You saw this going one of two ways - either he loved Mammon and adored his quirkiness and sense of humor and infectious energy, or he absolutely detested him and would spend the entire visit reminding him of his “place”.

“Just reminding you again that if my father is an asshole, don’t take it personally. I’m pretty sure he’d self-destruct if he didn’t pick a fight with someone at least once a day,” you said, pausing on the front porch to your parents home.

“Ya got nothin’ to worry about. The Great Mammon’s got this. It’ll be cake,” Mammon replied, slipping his arm around your neck and pulling you to him so he could kiss your cheek.

“Well, The Great Mammon should probably not refer to himself in the third person while he’s here or my father will never let him live it down.”

“Alright, alright. Got it,” Mammon laughed. He was determined to show you just how easily he’d be able to impress your parents. By the time the day was over, you’d be so proud of him that you wouldn’t stop bragging about him to anyone that would listen. Yeah, today was going to be a good day. He just knew it.

DING DONG

Taking a deep breath, you slipped your hand into Mammon’s, waiting for someone to answer the door. When the door finally opened, your younger sister was who greeted you, immediately flinging her arms around your waist.

“Oh thank god you’re here! I thought it was going to be stuck with them, alone, all day.”

You returned your sister’s hug, relieved to see that she was already here and you’d have another person on your side.

“Oh Mammon, this is my sister,” you offered him a brief introduction after seeing the look of confusion on his face.

“Oh.my.god. I forgot you were bringing your boyfriend,” your sister said, releasing you and checking out Mammon, from head to toe, “He’s really hot isn’t he?” she whispered, though you were sure she intentionally said it just loud enough that Mammon was still able to hear. Mammon’s face flushed scarlet, sending your sister into a fit of giggles.

“Alright stop it. Leave him alone. Let’s get inside before someone comes looking for us.” You shoved your sister back inside the house, Mammon following behind you, your hand still securely in his own.

“She’s almost as bad as you,” he whispered, once he was sure she couldn’t hear.

“I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

You heard Mammon snicker behind you, and turned to smile at him. Things were going to be ok, you just had to believe that. You all would sit down, eat some cake, talk, and then leave and everything would be fine. There wouldn’t be any drama. No fighting. Just a nice, quiet afternoon with your family. That wasn’t too much to ask, was it?

————

Your mother fell in love with Mammon almost instantly. He was just too charming to resist, as far as she was concerned. And you had to admit the two of them got on pretty well. Seeing him all smiles while he talked with your mom gave you some relief and helped you relax a little more. So far, things were going well.

Mostly.

As expected, your father was a tougher nut to crack. He’d occasionally asked Mammon an oddly personal question, probing him and trying to get a feel for what he was like. But your mother was always swift to interject her own thoughts, which would lead to her and Mammon rambling on for a good while. There was never really much time for things to get more serious, the conversation staying light and carefree.

When your mother got up to get herself and your father another slice of birthday cake, you didn’t think anything of it. Mammon turned his attention towards you, beaming. Things were going way better than he had hoped. Talking with your mother, he could easily see where you got all your bright, cheerful energy from. You gave him a grin in return before resting your head on his shoulder.

“So son, I don’t think we’ve talked about what it is you do for a living yet,” your father said, breaking the peaceful silence. You sat up immediately, eyes laser focused on your father, whom you were sure was about to do something you wouldn’t like.

“Oh, um, I’m a model actually.” Mammon could feel you tense up beside him, and he wasn’t sure why. The question was innocent enough wasn’t it? It’s not like you were embarrassed by his job or anything, right? So why were you acting so bothered?

“A model? Is that so…”

“Dad…”

“What? I’m just getting to know your boyfriend. That’s why you brought him here isn't it?”

You glared at him. There wasn’t anything you could say to that, not yet. He was still playing innocent, and even though you had a horrible feeling in your gut about how this was going to play out, there was nothing else for you to do.

“I guess being a model you don’t have to be very bright, do you? It’s just one of those jobs where looks and effort matter more, huh?”

“Err...yeah, I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

“Heh, well you definitely have the looks, so I guess you don’t have to worry too much.”

“Uh, thank you.”

“Mammon, can you come help me with something in the kitchen?” you said, standing up suddenly, looking at him with pleading eyes. Please just come with me , you thought.

“Yeah sure, babe.”

Mammon didn’t understand why you would need his help with anything. Wasn’t your mother already in the kitchen anyways? He figured between the two of you, you could get whatever it was taken care of. So why did you interrupt him when he was finally getting a chance to talk to your father?

Instead of leading him to the kitchen, you pulled Mammon down the narrow hallway that led to the garage and the laundry room. You just needed a moment with him, that’s all. Just so you could explain yourself and warn him. Because as it stood, he was playing right into your fathers hands and you did not like the thought of that.

“Ok, here’s good,” you said, stopping and standing in front of Mammon before taking his hands, “Please listen to me. It might seem like it, but my father is not being nice right now.”

“What are you talkin’ about? He’s just askin’ about my work.”

“I’m telling you those are not friendly questions.”

“He’s just ribbing me a bit. It’s fine. You don’t need to worry about me,” Mammon replied, leaning forward to press a kiss to your forehead.

“No, I’m serious. You’ve got to listen to me. This isn’t going to end well.”

“C’mon, I know the difference between bein’ teased and being mocked.”

“With your brothers maybe, but I know my father.”

“What, you think I’m too stupid to be able to figure it out? Is that it?”

“Woah! I did not say that at all!”

Mammon was getting irritated now. Did you really think he couldn’t handle himself? He wasn’t a child. He had centuries more experience than you, especially when it came to dealing with people trying to insult him. Didn’t you have any faith in him? Or did you just not want him getting close to your father? Was this your way of keeping him out of your family? That thought stung.

“Then stop doubtin’ me. I ain’t a child.”

“Mammon...that’s...I just...ughhhh,” what were you even supposed to say to that? Of course you knew he wasn’t a child. But you still wanted to protect him. You loved him more than anything and didn’t want him to get hurt.

And you knew your father. You spent your whole childhood learning his ways, the keywords he’d use just before he’d turn on you, the trick questions he’d ask so that he could twist your responses. You had to learn these things, it was a matter of self preservation. Why couldn’t Mammon just trust you on this? What did he think he had to prove by going through so much trouble to befriend your father?

“Whatever. I’m goin’ back out there. Don’t come back until you’re ready to let me handle this,” he snapped, leaving you behind in the dim hallway as you fought back tears of frustration.

Why wouldn’t he listen to you? Did he really think that you saw him that way? Like he was some overgrown child you were stuck looking after that couldn’t be trusted to tie his own shoes? Nothing could be further from the truth. You believed in him more than he believed in himself. Did he not realize that?

Just as you had decided to stop feeling sorry for yourself and head back out to the family room to at least witness the conversation, even if he didn’t want you intervening, you heard raised voices and then a full belly laugh from your father. You hurried down the hall only to have to stop dead in your tracks to prevent yourself from colliding into Mammon, as he stomped past you to get to the front door. When you looked back from where he came, you saw your father wiping tears of glee from his eyes, while your mother and sister looked at you absolutely horrified.

“What did you do?!” you yelled, entering the family room once more.

Your father was too busy laughing to answer, so you turned your sights on your mother, who now was refusing to look you in the eye. Your sister finally spoke up, trying to explain what happened.

“Dad…”

“Shut up.” Your father had stopped laughing now and was glaring at your sister, who immediately snapped her mouth shut.

“Tell me what’s going on.”

“Nothing. I was just teasing your boyfriend and he couldn’t handle a joke. That’s all.”

“Whatever you did wasn’t teasing. I tease him. That was not what that looked like.”

“Well, I guess he’s just a bit of a pansy then isn’t he? If he can’t handle a good joke, that’s not my fault.”

“You know what? I don’t care. It doesn’t matter. You were an asshole. That’s all I need to know. Sorry for leaving early, Mom,” you said, holding your hands up in mock surrender as you left. Your father wasn’t worth your time. You knew this song and dance. It was one you were intimately familiar with. You had more important things to worry about now, like finding Mammon.

————

You hoped it wouldn’t be too hard to find him, seeing as your car keys were still in your pocket. And you were right. As soon as you opened the front door, there he was sitting on the step leading to the porch, elbows resting on his knees.

“Hey,” you said softly, sitting down beside him.

“Hey.”

“Why are you here?”

“...I was going to get in the car but then I remembered I didn’t have the keys. So…”

“Oh.”

“Bet you really want to say it now huh? ‘I told ya so!’”

“Mammon...no…” you gripped his arm closest to you, giving it a reassuring squeeze. There was so much you wanted to talk to him about, but this wasn’t the place for it, “Come on, let’s go sit in the car.”

He didn’t object as you tugged him to his feet and led the way, though he was a bit confused when you opened the back door and motioned for him to slide in beside you. He didn’t feel up to arguing about it though, and took his seat before closing the door.

No sooner had he closed the car door than you had wrapped your arms around his neck and slipped into his lap, all in one smooth motion. The only thing he could do was hug you back. He was so stupid. He yelled at you. And for what? So he could impress your father? It wasn't worth it.

“I’m sorry,” you said, burying your face into his neck, “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Yes it is. I should have been there. I should have made him stop the first time. I should…”

“You tried. This was me. I was stupid. I shouda listened. Shoulda known better than to think I could do this…”

“No, no, no, no, no,” you pulled away so you could hold Mammon’s face in your hands, “Please, please don’t say that. This had nothing to do with you. This is my father. He’s an awful, miserable person. Don’t you dare let him make you feel bad about yourself. Please.”

You were looking right into his eyes, begging him to believe you. How could you make him understand?

“You talked to my mom didn’t you? She really liked you, I could tell. That’s how it’s supposed to work when you talk to a normal person. My sister liked you too. YOU are not the problem here.”

Mammon offered you a weak smile. You were right in a way. Your mom and your sister did seem to like him. And he enjoyed talking to them too. But that didn’t change the fact that things had gone horribly with your father because he was too stupid to see what was right in front of him.

“Mammon, this is what he does. He makes you doubt yourself. And if you call him on it, he plays it off as a joke and implies it’s you that has the problem. But it’s not you at all. It’s never you. Please believe me.”

You pulled Mammon close to you again, kissing his cheek, before burying your head in your arms. Growing up, you had thought that being on the receiving end of your dad’s verbal abuse and manipulation was bad enough. But nothing could have prepared you for how excruciatingly painful it would be to watch someone you loved be subjected to the same treatment. All while you were powerless to stop it from happening.

“...is that what it was like for you…?” Mammon asked. He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of it before. He sorta figured that a father would treat their own child better. You had told him stories, sure, about what your childhood had been like. But saying “My father is an asshole” is still pretty vague and open to interpretation. He couldn’t have imagined that how he was treated today would have been normal for you.

“Yeah.”

“Oh.” He tightened his arms around your waist now, wanting to hold you as close as he could manage. You had to deal with that? Every day? For years? And all while you were still a child? He was used to his brothers giving him shit, but he was at least an “adult” by human standards, so he was able to defend himself if he wanted or ignore them altogether. But as a child, you wouldn’t have been able to do that. You would have been helpless but to listen and to take it.

“...’m sorry for yellin’ at ya and not listen’...”

“It’s ok,” you said, snuggling closer to him. Some very old wounds of yours had opened up again this afternoon, and you really couldn’t bring yourself to care about a small fight with Mammon right now. You just wanted to hold him and to be held. You needed that reminder that you weren’t trapped anymore.

As Mammon started to rub your back, you finally began to cry. You usually did a good job of compartmentalizing things, but watching how your father was with Mammon brought back too many vivid memories that you would have rather forgotten altogether. And you were surprised at just how much they still hurt too.

“I love you,” you sniffled, “So much. I’ve never once thought of you as a child. Please, please believe me…”

“I know babe, I know,” he replied, rubbing your back, “You were just lookin’ out for me right?”, you nodded in response, it was all you could manage right now, “Then it’s ok. I got ya.”

What had you done to deserve such an amazing partner? When you first arrived in the Devildom you were certain that it was just your bad luck acting out again. But after getting to know everyone, especially Mammon, you quickly realized it was the best thing to have ever happened to you. You felt like you had a family again. A real family. The sort of family you would want to see on holidays and would go out of your way to spend time with. Not like the toxic mess that was your childhood home.

It wasn’t that his family didn’t have problems of its own, but in the short time you had known them, they had all worked hard to improve their relationships with one another. What did it say about your father, you wondered, that a bunch of literal demons had better relationships with their siblings than he did with you? That they could make you feel more loved and more valued than he ever did?

As you cried into Mammon’s neck, he continued rubbing your back soothingly, occasionally turning to kiss your cheek or neck (whichever was easiest to get to). He had never seen you this upset. Even after everything with Belphegor and the times Lucifer literally tried to kill you. You handled those situations with grace he didn’t think possible. Though he guessed it's different when a family member intentionally attacks you on a daily basis than when a pissed off demon tries to retaliate. Not that it made those things any easier for him to deal with.

After awhile, your tears had finally dried and you tried to move off Mammon’s lap to the seat next to him, but he wouldn’t let you go. You smiled at him as you wiped at your eyes and dried off your face. And he just watched you, the softest look in his eyes. The sort of look that made your heart skip a beat.

“Sorry, I think I got snot all over your jacket.”

“Eh, it’ll wash. If not, I can just buy another,” he said, eliciting a small laugh from you.

“Are you ok? I came out here to check on you and I ended up being the one crying.”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I got someone more important ta worry about than a grumpy old man.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, so long as you’re ok, I’m ok.”

His response made you smile even more, and you pulled him into a quick hug before pressing a sweet, soft kiss to his lips, one he was all too happy to return. Just like you thought meeting him was the best thing to ever happen to you, he felt the same about meeting you. He couldn’t imagine his life without you, without your smile, in it now. And knowing what your family was like made that smile all the more precious to him. He might not be able to go back in time and prevent you from ever being hurt in the first place, but he could protect your smile now. And he would, for many, many years to come.

31 Days of Apex: Day 16 (Growth)

relationship: (romantic or platonic) octane & crypto

word count: 2.1k

tags: hair dyeing, humor

fic summary: Octavio dyes his hair to hide the fact that he’s going gray in his twenties.

ao3 link

OR

read below

Octavio found his first gray hairs at the age of nineteen. 

He’d been putting in his nose ring, having taken it out because he’d had a sore on the inside of his nostril and it was really fucking painful, when he suddenly noticed something. He’d combed his hair back out of his face, so he could clearly see a few silvery strands at his forehead, pale against the black of the rest of his hair.

Being a dramatic teenager, the first thing he’d done was call Ajay so that he could scream.

When he’d finished yelling in her ear, Ajay had responded in a very blasé way with, “Chill, brother. Gray hairs aren’t so rare in teens. You’ll get over it.”

“But what if I DON’T,” Octavio hissed, pacing back and forth in his large bathroom, the bright vanity lights seeming to highlight the gray hairs. He flinched when he caught sight of his reflection, and ran a hand through his hair in an effort to hide them by parting his hair differently.

“Well, you like doing everything fast,” Ajay said, and he did not like the humorous tinge to her voice. “You'll get old fast, too.”

Octavio hung up on her.

He had real reason to worry—his father was not an old man, one year away from forty, and yet his hair was currently almost entirely gray, with only faint streaks of black that looked like an even darker shade of gray. Even when he’d been a child, his father’s hair had had a lot of gray in it, so Octavio figured that he was genetically disposed to going gray at an early age—but he had hoped that those genes would skip him, or at least be polite and wait until he was a little older, but that was evidently not the case.

At least his father still had his hairline and a full head of hair. It meant that Octavio wasn’t going to go bald any time soon.

He squinted at his reflection again, moving his hair back to get a clear look at the gray. It was only noticeable because of the vanity lights and the fact that he was so close to the mirror, he told himself. And hey, maybe Che was right, and this was a normal teen thing, not a ‘my dad looks like Santa Claus at age thirty-nine’ thing!

He flinched once again at the thought of looking like his father once he was older. Octavio looked like a fair even mix of both of his parents (even if he’d only ever seen his mother in pictures) but people often told him that he looked just like his father, and this certainly wasn’t going to help matters.

When he left the bathroom with his nose ring back in, he told himself that he wasn’t going to worry about it. Worrying was for losers. He was gonna be fine! And if he wasn’t, well, that was just another thing to hate his father for.

Flash forward five years, and as it turns out, it had not been a fluke. 

Octavio had been ignoring the fact that his hair was getting steadily more gray as he got older, his only small comfort that it at least wasn’t at the same rate as his father’s—probably because he didn’t have a big company to run. But it had gotten significantly more gray since he’d blown off his legs, and when he took off his helmet for what felt like the first time in forever, he was chagrined to see several streaks of it in his otherwise pitch-black hair, mostly at his temples, but extremely noticeable. If he turned his head enough, he could see some at his nape too, and scowled.

“Don’t worry about it,” he remembered his second stepmother telling his father, several years ago. His father had silently ran his hand through his hair, giving himself a long look in the mirror, and she’d noticed. “I think it makes you look dignified. Mature.”

His father had always been more concerned with his appearance than his own son, so Octavio had rolled his eyes at that back then, and he rolled his eyes at it now. He didn’t want to look dignified or mature. He wanted to look like how Octane was supposed to look: bright and young, with endless energy to spare. Not like he was getting too old too fast. That was the one thing he didn’t want to do quickly.

The good news was, he had bought cheap box dye the other day, and brought it on the dropship with him, so he could do his hair before the off-season. It was blue, which wasn’t his favorite color, but he’d already gone through green, red, and pink, and he didn’t like repeating colors, so he resigned himself to it.

Octavio opened the bathroom door, helmet and mask tucked under his arm, and came face-to-face with Crypto, who’s hand was outstretched, like he was about to knock. Staring at the other with wide eyes, he could practically feel the other looking at the gray at his temples. They stared at one another in silence, waiting for the other to speak, and Crypto did it first.

“Excuse me,” he mumbled, side-stepping him, and Octavio pushed past him, eager to get away. “...Old man.”

Octavio didn’t have a comeback for that—just felt his face flush an embarrassing shade of red as he put his helmet back on to at least hide his hair from view. He wasn’t bothered by much—he usually let most insults bounce right off of him, and sometimes lobbed them back for fun, but this felt much more personal than usual, and he didn’t have it in him today to think of something clever.

He grabbed the box dye from his room, avoiding Che’s watchful eyes, knowing she’d say something along the lines of You’re going to fry your hair doing that. He’d have to bleach his hair first, and was supposed to bleach and dye it on different days, but he was impatient, so he would do them both today, damage be damned. 

("Oh, nice hair," she'd said when he first dyed it green. "Shame it's probably not gonna last."

"Say what you want, hermana, but damaged hair is better than gray hair."

"How about no hair at all?"

Octavio covered his ears with his hands. "Lalala, I can't hear you."

"C'mon, it ain't all bad. You should try growing it out. I hear girls are into old guys these days."

"Shut up.")

When he returned to the bathroom, Crypto was just stepping out, and he felt his face flush again when the other eyed the boxes in his hand. He expected another old man comment to come (which wasn’t fair because Crypto was seven years older than him but his hair was all black ughhhh), but instead, the other man asked,

“Do you need help with that?”

If Octavio didn’t know any better, he would almost think the other man felt bad for what he had said earlier. But he probably didn’t, because he was an asshole. 

“Why? So you can make fun of me again?” Octavio responded petulantly, before taking it a step further and sticking his tongue out at him. “No thanks, compadre.”

Crypto shoved his hands into his pockets, frowning. “Okay, I’m sorry.”

“Whatever.”

“Is it a medical condition?”

“Leave me alone,” Octavio said, pushing him out of the doorway, before slamming the bathroom door shut behind him, not wanting to talk about his father’s premature grays and how he was unfortunately suffering the same fate. 

He didn’t want to talk to Crypto after that comment he had made, but as he set both boxes down, he was reminded of how much he hated bleaching his hair. His hands were shaky and he often accidentally touched his skin, leaving it burning, so after a moment of consideration he turned around, swinging the door back open. Crypto was still standing there, but staring down at his phone.

“Okay, fine,” Octavio said, changing his tone from petulant to demanding. “Bleach my hair for me.”

Crypto raised his eyebrows at him, but made no move to enter the bathroom. Octavio grit his teeth, before adding, “Por favor.”

Crypto joined him in the bathroom then, which was much smaller and more dimly lit compared to his bathroom back at home. It felt cramped in here, but he'd rather do it away from the prying, teasing eyes of the other Legends. He sat on top of the toilet, removing his helmet once again as he watched Crypto open up both boxes, putting on the pair of clear gloves that had come with them. His leg bounced as he waited, and after a couple of moments of silence, he asked,

“You’ve done this before?”

Crypto glanced at him, as if debating whether he should answer or not, before returning his attention to taking everything out of the boxes. Finally, when everything was laid out before him, he mumbled, “My sister went gray in her early twenties, too. She used to dye her hair red to hide it.”

A million questions exploded into Octavio’s mind, then— you had a sister? just red? she didn’t get bored of red? you dyed her hair too? is she fully gray now? have you ever dyed your hair? —but he couldn’t figure out which one to ask first.

“Don’t ask questions,” Crypto said, as if reading his mind.

“I wasn’t gonna,” Octavio lied. “Why would I care about your stupid sister, anyway?”

Crypto scowled at him then, and fearing that the other would leave him behind, he blurted out, “Sorry. I’m not having a good day. This shit sucks.”

The other man did something he’d never seen him do before—he smiled.

“You sound just like her,” he mumbled to himself, and Octavio didn’t like these constant comparisons to other people—to his father and now to this random girl he didn’t know—but he kept his mouth shut, because this guy was going to bleach his hair for him, and he didn’t want to make him mad and leave.

The sharp smell of bleach filled the air, and his nose scrunched up at it, but he didn’t say anything as Crypto approached, and the next thing he knew, the cold feeling of it was burning his scalp.

"...Have you ever dyed your hair?" Octavio asked after two painful minutes of silence, and he swore he saw the taller man's nostrils flare in annoyance. Which was fair, considering he'd just said he wouldn't ask questions, but sitting here was so boring, and he'd always found Crypto to be rather interesting.

"I've always wanted to go blonde," Crypto finally said after a while, and Octavio perked up at that. "It'd probably look bad, but I always wanted to try."

"I think you'd look hot with blonde hair," Octavio said, because he didn't have a filter, and Crypto shot him a look, but didn't say anything as he continued lightening his hair. He was being truthful, but he was sure the other thought he was making fun of him.

When the silence continued, Octavio grew uncomfortable, before blurting out, "My dad's all gray."

Crypto hummed, and he took it as encouragement to continue.

"He's always had gray hair even when I was a kid, so I guess it's just a genetic thing, which fucking sucks, because I'm supposed to be all badass, you know?"

"Nobody thinks you're badass," Crypto said mildly, and Octavio scowled. "But I am sorry. For...making fun of you."

"...Whatever, man. You're lucky you're hot."

He caught sight of Crypto's face in the mirror, and felt smug when the other's brows furrowed and his cheeks darkened.

The whole process took a couple of hours, and when it was all over, his black was now a vibrant blue. The color was starting to grow on him, but he still preferred green over it, and he said as much when he had his head bent beneath the showerhead, staining the bottom of the tub blue.

"Thanks," Octavio said as he ran his fingers through his sopping wet hair, before turning the shower off. He'd gotten over the old man comment, and his voice sounded a lot brighter as he added, "For your help."

Crypto didn't respond for a while, and he almost thought the other man had left the room, before he heard him mumble out, "You should try pink."

"Huh?"

When Octavio turned around to look at him, the man looked like a deer caught in headlights, as though he hadn't meant to be heard.

"What'd you say?"

"Nothing," Crypto said, but the words caught up to Octavio then, and he smiled.

"I've done pink before, amigo. It's one of my favorite colors."

Crypto glanced away from him, seeming to debate something, before he smiled at Octavio. Just a slight upturn of his lips that quickly disappeared as he said, "You'll have to show me pictures one day."

Continued from here.

From: George Kirk <[email protected]>                                    To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                    Subject: You’ll Never Guess What Happened

I just got to spend the weekend with my dad! And your dad!

So, your dad is totally amazing. I’m sure you already knew this but I need to tell you what happened yesterday afternoon.

And I guess I should also say sorry your mom didn’t let you come to family weekend. I know you would have had an amazing time!

But anyway, your dad totally saved my dad’s life!

So my dad’s pretttty much allergic to everything. My mom says she’s grateful I didn’t take after my dad even though I am kinda allergic to a few things. Bones (I get to call him this too!) says that he should write a medical paper on my dad because they discover like a new thing he’s allergic to every day.

So, we were all at the camp cookout. And this guy Gary--who is a total asshole like your mom’s fiance--was making the food and your dad told him to please make a separate meal after he cleaned off the grill because he was making skewers with peppers and my dad’s allergic to peppers. (I just pretend I am because I think they’re gross).

But Gary--who, your dad said is a few peaches short of a pie--didn’t do that and some of the pepper juices got on my dad’s burger and he had an episode!

He started choking and his face swelled up and it was soooo scary.

Your dad jumped into action so quickly! He apparently always carries an epi-pen on him and he stabbed my dad in the leg with it. And then the paramedics came and dad and Bones and I got to ride in a transport.

He’s still in the hospital because they have to keep him under observation and he had to breathe with a tube overnight.

I’m kinda freaking out but your dad has been really nice. He made me a milkshake when we got back to their apartment and this morning before we went to go visit my dad, he made the best pancakes. He said he used to make you pancakes all the time. I’m sorry you couldn’t be there.

George Kirk

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: George Kirk <[email protected]>                               Subject: Re: You’ll never guess what happened

George,

Oh my god, is your dad okay? I’m so glad that my dad was there and that he acted quickly. My dad is amazing like that. He once gave the Heimlich to Mr. Gershwitz, who’s like a hundred years old, when he choked on a meatball at a town spaghetti dinner. He was so calm when everyone was freaking out. 

I hope this Gary guy gets reprimanded. He should have known better.

And yeah, I wish I was there too. I’m not talking to my mom right now. I’m so so mad at her. She’s impossible.

Sincerely,

Joanna Beth McCoy

Honor Society Vice President, Woodward Academy

First Chair Viola, Woodward Academy Orchestra

***

From: George Kirk <[email protected]>                                   To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                   Subject: Re: Re: You’ll never guess what happened

Oh, yeah. Your dad sent a bunch of angry comms to Captain Pike, who handles cadets, and a few other people. I think he’s getting whatever Starfleet’s version of a time out is.

And I hate to break it to you, but the way your dad was soooo worried about my dad? And the way he shoved Gary when he found out about the peppers? I think that means your dad really really likes my dad. A lot.

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: Doctor Leonard McCoy <[email protected]>       Subject: You’re the best

Dear Daddy,

I just wanted to write and tell you how proud I am of you. Thanks for being the best.

P.S. Did you really punch Gary Mitchell at the picnic? I hope you didn’t get in trouble even though he deserved it. I hope Jim’s okay too.

***

From: Doctor Leonard McCoy <[email protected]>            To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                   Subject: Re: You’re the best

Oh, darlin’ that’s the best thing a daddy could hear. Thank you. I’m so proud of you too, sweetheart. I’m sorry you didn’t get to come to family weekend but guess what? I get a little break in a few weeks and I’m planning on coming to Georgia to see you. Can’t wait to see you!

And yes, Jim’s okay. He’s got more lives than a cat. Thank you for checking in. Mitchell’s on probation. I have a feeling I won’t have to worry much about him anymore.

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: Doctor Leonard McCoy <[email protected]>       Subject: Re: Re: You’re the best

YOU’RE COMING HOME?! REALLY? FOR HOW LONG?

I’m so excited! I scared Juniper so bad that she fell off my bed, poor kitty. Will you be staying at Nan’s? Or maybe you can sleep in the guest room? Or if that’s too weird, can we get a fancy hotel room at the Forest? And we can have afternoon tea and shirley temples in the fancy room with the fireplaces?

Anyway, I CAN’T WAIT. Is Jim coming??

***

From: Doctor Leonard McCoy <[email protected]>            To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                 Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: You’re the best

Yes! I am! For a whole week. I’m so excited too! Can’t wait to see you, darlin’!

I think I’ll be staying at Nana’s for the time but I think we can definitely plan to go to Forest’s for afternoon tea.

Jim has a few mandatory seminars and tests to attend to over the break so he won’t be able to come visit. But you’ll get to meet him soon. I promise.

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: George Kirk <[email protected]>                               Subject: Re: Re: Re: You’ll never guess what happened

Guess what?! My dad’s coming home for a whole week next week! I think your dad is doing some stuff at the academy so he can’t visit. That’s really unfortunate because I wanted to meet him. 

Are you going to be able to spend any time with your dad during the break?

I’m also still not so sure about our dads getting together, though. I think they’re just really really good friends. My dad’s the best. Everyone likes him, even when he’s grumpy and all doctor-y. It would be nice, though. He deserves to be in love. 

***

From: George Kirk <[email protected]>                                   To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                             Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: You’ll never guess what happened

Ughhhh, lucky!

I won’t get to see my dad at all because I have to go back to Iowa with my mom. My grandparents still live there. But it’s really boring and they don’t even have a good vids system. I mostly just read A LOT. My grandma on my dad’s side doesn’t even live in Iowa anymore so it’s not like I get to see her either. She’s an engineer on a Starfleet base near the neutral zone. I talk to her a lot on comms. She’s funny and tells the best stories about dad as a kid. 

He worked a whole summer fixing everyone’s appliances--old Terran radios, replicators, air conditioners--but he always did something funny to them. Like the radio only played Romulan stations or the air conditioner talked or the replicator made everything a certain color (even if the food was still good). 

I wish I could do stuff like that. Dad’s good at everything, even if he won’t admit it and doesn’t like to show it. Mom said she was always trying to get dad to act smarter than he was. But that he was always such a doofus. I wonder if your dad thinks that?

What are you guys going to do next week??

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: George Kirk <[email protected]>                               Subject: Sorry!

Hi George!

I’m sorry i didn’t write. Daddy got to come early! It was like the best surprise in the world. Even mom was impressed!

So, we went to this amazing inn in town called Forest. It’s super old like before World War Three old. And they make the yummiest sandwiches and chocolate covered strawberries at afternoon tea. Have you ever had a scone with clotted cream and raspberry jam? They’re my favorite. 

We also went to a baseball game in Atlanta, which is like an hour away from our town. And we went shopping and went to a movie marathon at the hover car drive in. It was THE BEST. 

Annnnd, my dad couldn’t stop talking about your dad. “Jim said this...” “Jim did this...” “One time, Jim...”

And his eyes kinda get that bright, lit up look like my eyes do on Christmas or when I get my Viola solo music for the first time. 

Well, I have a few more days with my dad and I’m really looking forward to not spending it with mom and Clay, ugh. 

Talk soon!

***

From: George Kirk <[email protected]>                                   To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                             Subject: Re: Sorry

I comm’d with Dad yesterday. I think he misses your dad A LOT. He kinda looked sad and lonely. He said he was going to bed at TEN THIRTY. Kirks DO NOT go to bed early. It’s like against the law. 

He has a big test tomorrow. Some survival unit thing. Dad and I are kinda competitive so I know he’s going to do the best in his class. Kirks are the best at tests and games. Just so you know. 

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: George Kirk <[email protected]>                               Subject: Is everything okay??

George! I heard what happened. Dad left immediately on a direct shuttle back. I hope your dad’s okay. Dad was really worried. 

***

From: George Kirk <[email protected]>                                   To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                             Subject: Re: Is everything okay??

So I guess that thing about my dad having more lives than a cat is true?

And your dad saved my dad’s life AGAIN? I think we owe him big time. 

I’m in the hospital with dad. I fought two nurses before your dad told them to leave me alone and I can sleepover in the room. 

Your dad is now my best friend. 

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: George Kirk <[email protected]>                               Subject: Re: Re: Is everything okay??

I guess my dad’s just real good at saving lives and punching people who bother your dad. 

Mom actually gave dad a name of a lawyer she went to school with in San Francisco so that my dad and your dad can protect themselves if that paparazzi sues them or something. But Starfleet apparently also stepped in? I guess they didn’t react well when one of their cadets was harassed. 

I’m glad to hear your dad’s out of the hospital. Let me know if you need anything. 

My dad’s pretty great. I’ll let you be his best friend for like a day. But we’ll have to share him with your dad I guess. :D

***

From: George Kirk <[email protected]>                                   To: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                             Subject: Re: Re: Re:  Is everything okay??

Thanks for not asking about the obvious. Everyone else does. I’m sick of talking about it. People think I’m damaged because of it. But like...how could that have affected me? My dad was little when it happened. 

My mom’s letting me stay home for the week. I usually get to stay home around Remembrance Day too. I actually wish I was in school, though. I hate that everything can’t be normal. Stupid reporters. 

***

From: Joanna McCoy <[email protected]>                      To: George Kirk <[email protected]>                               Subject: Re: Re: Re: Is everything okay??

I’ve never seen my mom so upset! She went into full lawyer mode when the news broke. She’s been on the phone with her attorney friends for hours. 

I don’t understand why people want to keep talking about the tragedy. It happened over twenty years ago and it was awful. I hate that we even have to learn about it in history class. 

How did they even find out your dad was on Tarsus IV?

Let Em’ Know (Part 2)

Previously on Let Em’Know..... (click here for part 1) *click bolded words to see how characters look like*

  “That’s mine, y’all! Y/N Y/L/N belongs to Erik Stevens and y’all better remember that! I’m back!” You shook your head at his yelling traveling up the stairs and back to your room. Erik was still yelling and as much as you wanted to tell him to shut up, you didn’t. Let em’ know, baby. Let em’ know...... ************ “Ughhhh I’m gonna body myself!” You whined as you unravel one of the braids of your braid out. You were a whole dumbass for doing your braid out late last night when you had work in the morning. Because now, your hair is not even dry yet but you couldn’t find your scarf so you couldn’t wrap your head up and call it a day. To add insult to injury, if you didn’t hurry up, you were going to be late. It wouldn’t look good that the only black girl that works at Victoria’s Secret is running late. You decided to pick your hair out and wrapped it up in a high bun. You came to the top of the stairs and rushed down until you heard voices. It was your parents, JJ, and.....Erik? You had to eavesdrop. “Wow Erik. It must’ve been really terrifying. You are a very brave man.” Your mom spoke. “I learned a lot in the military and I would say I did it for my country but that would be a lie. It was for my dad. This country don’t care about my people.” You stifled back a laugh. Typical Erik. The nigga was a perfect mix of Huey and Riley Freeman. A black revolutionary hood nigga. You sure knew how to pick ‘em. You heard your dad chuckle. “You are completely right, my man.” JJ spoke up. “Mama, I wanna join the military.” “I will military whoop your butt if you do.”

You snickered at your mom’s response but ceased when you heard her talk again. “Erik, you should know that Y/N was really hurt when you left.” Your mother paused. “We are happy to see you but if you intend on leaving again, leave for good. I never want to see her like that again.” You choked up at your mother’s words and nodded. She was completely right and Erik knew it. “Ma’am, I’ve came back for good and I’m letting everyone know that. Your daughter still has my heart. She making me work for it but she’s worth it.” “That’s good!” JJ chirped with some attitude in his voice. “You had my sister crying in her room and eating all the cookies in the house. I got my eyes on you!” You finally made your way down the stairs with everyone turning their head towards you except JJ who was still mean mugging Erik. “JJ, why are you looking at Erik like he ate the last cookie in the house?” You sighed trying not to giggle at your little brother. “Because! He is the reason why you ate all of the cookies that one time!” JJ stepped closer in the older man’s face. “You owe me cookies, nigga!” “Jonathon!” Your mother gasped as your dad and Erik laughed in their hands. “Where’d you get that from?” “Alright guys! I’m leaving for work! Bye! I love y’all!” You ran out of the house and got into your car to prevent getting in trouble for JJ’s choice of words, which wasn’t your fault. The little negro needed to stop eavesdropping. As you practically sped to work, your phone rang and you groaned thinking it was your dad calling. You picked up without looking at the screen. “Dad, I never said nigga in front of JJ. It was one of those bad kids at his school!” “Girl, I ain’t your dad. But I am your daddy so you’re close.” You glanced at your phone seeing Erik’s name on the screen and made a sour face. “Yeah no. I only have two father figures. That’s God and my father. Hallelujah!” “Stop clowning.” Erik laughed causing you to smile a little bit. “Anyways, I was wondering where my princess is going.” “For the last motherfucking time, Stevens-“ “You prefer queen?” “Shut up.” You rolled your eyes pulling into a free parking spot and turned off the ignition. You exited your car grabbing your gold Michael Kors bag and locking your car doors. “So you just not gonna answer my question, princess?” Erik asked impatiently. “Ohhh look who has selective hearing now!” You cackled wickedly as you entered the Eastgate Mall passing the leaving customers. Erik sucked his teeth at your smartass remark. “You were too busy getting threatened by my little brother, I guess. I said I’m going to work.” “Oh shit! Look at you! Working and shit and you a college student. Ok my little Michelle Obama!” You couldn’t help but laugh at his antics. You could not stand this nigga, on God. “Where you work at, ma? Might come visit you.” “Nope. That info is only available to my nigga, sorry. Alright bye, I’m going to work now.” “Y/N-“ You cut him off by hanging up and smirked to yourself. Not only did you tell Erik he’s not your man, but you hung up the phone in his face. You were really teasing and testing the fuck out of him and it was fun. You deserved this after that little stunt he pulled. You clocked into work and began your shift by stocking perfume and folding panties. “Hey Y/N.” You turned to see Damien, one of your classmates from last semester walking into the store with a bouquet of flowers. You lowkey hoped those flowers weren’t for you. Damien was a nice boy who had a crush on you. He was Jamaican, 6’5, and captain of your college basketball team. He was cute with the nicest eyes. You started talking to him but realized you just wanted to stay friends with him. You turned him down nicely but he still flirted with you. You were a “persistent nigga” magnet. “Hi Damien!” You have him a side hug. “I’m surprised to see you here. How have you been?” “Ahh I’ve been alright and I was visiting my uncle who lives here in your city then I remembered you said you worked here. So I took my chances hoping you were working today.” He handed you the flowers. “These are for you.” You smiled nervously trying to cover up the fact that you were cringing inside. “Oh Damien, this is sweet but-“ “Hey princess!” Erik’s voice boomed throughout the store and you were wondering if you were relieved or annoyed he was here. Erik looked Damien up and down with his face scrunched up and pointed at him. “Who the fuck is this nigga?” You nodded to yourself. Yeah, you were annoyed. “Erik, this is Damien, my friend from college. Stop being rude, negro.” You glanced at Damien and gestured towards Erik. “Damien, this is Erik-“ “Her boyfriend! And I don’t appreciate you coming in my girl’s job trying to romance her and shit.” Erik glimpsed at the bouquet in the other man’s hands and chuckled. “You not even romancing her right, nigga. Y/N hates flowers. She finds them pointless and waste of money because those shits die.” Erik turned to you giving you a Wingstop container and you gasped, smiling wide as you opened it. Inside of the container was your favorite 6 piece Cajun wings with Cajun fries. “Peep how her eyes glowing at the food and not your raggedy ass flowers. I know her and you don’t so hang that shit up, b.” You snapped out of your lustful gaze and hit Erik’s chest. “Erik, apologize right now. That’s rude as hell.” Erik sighed turning to Damien. “I’m sorry you can’t have my girl.” You scoffed pushing Erik away. “Damien, I’m so sorry. Excuse him. He’s too much of a nigga to function.” Damien was visibly annoyed with Erik which was completely understandable. He wanted to fight but decided against it. Erik looked ready, not caring the man had 5 inches on him. Damien focused back on you, giving you a smirk and handing you the flowers. “It’s fine, Y/N. Please still take the flowers and when you realize this clown doesn’t deserve you, give me a call. I’ll be waiting.” He sent you a wink and left the store. You sighed deeply. You were not even gonna bother telling him that Erik technically wasn’t your boyfriend. Shit, maybe he’ll finally leave you alone. “I know this nigga did not just wink at you!” You turned to Erik seething. “Erik, what the hell was that? You embarrassed me!” “I’m sorry but not sorry, princess. I had to let him know what the deal is.” Erik explained himself causing you to groan. “Look, once we’re finally back together, I won’t have to do this because I know you got it but since you’re technically single, I gotta make sure these niggas back off of what’s mine.” You squinted your eyes. “You are full of shit. You are still going to fucking do it.” Erik sucked his teeth then began to laugh. “Yeah, I’m lying.” You shook your head holding back your smile. You lowkey wanted to laugh but you couldn’t let him know you were somewhat amused by his antics. “Whatever. How’d you remember that? My favorite wingstop combo and how I feel about flowers?” Erik touched your chin, lifting it up. “You’d think I’d forget that, shorty?” You raised an eyebrow backing away. “Wait, how’d you find out where I worked?” “You ask too many questions. I’ll see you later, princess.” Erik kissed your temple and walked his annoying ass out of the store. You turned on your heel making your way to the back to put down the food and flowers. On your way there, your white co-worker, Stephanie, grinned at you annoyingly. She was one of those wannabe black girls who was using slang and getting tans to resemble a lightskin woman. You would beat her ass but you liked working here. “Oooh I see you, girl. Is that your man?” “Don’t worry about it.” You answered with attitude and she put her hands up in defense. “I’m just saying. If you don’t want that fine milk chocolate man, I will gladly take him.” She smiled wickedly popping her gum. “Try it and I will gladly slit your throat.” You snapped smiling back sarcastically and continued to the back room. **************** Erik opened the passenger door to a black Volvo with heavily tinted windows and took a seat. The woman in the drivers seat side eyed him with her mouth twisted in irritation. “You stay having me wait long for your ass. What the fuck were you doing?” He groaned popping open the glove department to pull out a blunt and lighter. “Don’t worry about it. Just drive so we can do what we gotta do.” She glanced at his lap seeing your face as the lock screen of his phone. “Did it have something to with this girl you keep talking about?” When Erik didn’t reply, the woman snorted and continued. “You are a dumbass motherfucker. You are playing with fire and you are not the only one going to get burned. You know that, right? Keep it up and you on your own. I ain’t getting burned, Erik.” Erik took a drag of his blunt and blew out the smoke. “Ain’t shit getting burned but this blunt right here. My ex ain’t got nothing to do with anything, aight? If you were really with me, you would know that I got you. Stop bugging.” She put the car in drive. “Be careful. That’s all I’m saying.” Erik chuckled deeply taking another hit of the blunt. “When am I not?”

Tags:  @lifelover4u @dessianna1 @brattywriters-anonymous @marvelpotterlove @purple-apricots @blackpinup22 @ljstraightchaser @slimmiyagi @cancerianprincess @iamrheaspeaks @blowmymbackout @vibranium-chakra @nerd-lovely @chaneajoyyy @ohliyaxoxo @chefjessypooh @yourfavoritefavorite @airis-paris14 @ljstraightnochaser @quietstorm-73 @msincognito67 @sociallyawkward18 @mychemicalimagines @nerd-lovely @marvelpotterlove   @destinio1

Just a New Year’s Fling? ~ Han Jisung Ch. 1

genre: fluff, highschool au, angst?

pairings: jisung x reader

warnings: intense storms?

word count:2 602

a/n: first series time! (unless you count that chan fantasy au) also fun fact: totally not based on something that happened to me over new year.

AO3

The little shit. He really did it. He really pulled a Neville Longbottom on me. You hadn't seen Jisung since exactly a year ago on this very beach. How the hell does someone grow a head taller, lose all their baby fat and just majestically get really freaking good looking in the span of a fluffing year! I should talk to him, he may have been annoying last year but maybe Grade 11 changed him. Come on Y/N you have to spend all of this week including new years with him. JUST SPEAK FOR GOD’S SAKE! ”Y/N you remember Jisung and his parents right?” your mother nudged you and brought you out of your thoughts. ”Yes of course” you gave Mr. and Mrs. Han a hug but felt way too awkward to go up to Jisung so decided on the classic awkward hand wave as a small ”hi” escaped your lips. Sundowners were a must whenever you went down the coast (which was literally twice every year, to the same fluffing beach since you were literally a baby(do mothers not realize that some people don't like sand!)and so there you were stuck in a conversation about your older brother, Woojin’s, travels. Every so often you'd stare at him, just to make sure your eyes hadn't been messing with you and literally every time you tried to catch one look, he would lock eyes with you and you'd quickly look away, feeling your cheeks heat up.

And so your torture continued until the sunset and you went your separate ways. The minute you got home you opened your phone. Y/N: Seungmin help ㅠㅠㅠ Minnie: what did you do this time you idiot Y/N: hey I came for advice, not this sass young man! Minnie: you’re like six days older than I shush

Y/N: ok but like I actually need help, call?

Minnie: ugh ok but you owe me an hour of anime ~Hajima haji haji haji hajima~ “Goddammit, why is that still my ringtone, hello? Seungmin?” “Yes hello idiot, what’s wrong, I was watching my hero academia!” “It’s Jisung” “Omg what did that little shit do to you, I swear to all things holy l will hurt him if he did anything to you” “Calm your weeb ass down Minnie” “Ok ok, so what happened” “HE JUNGKOOKED ME, HE NEVILLE LONGBOTTOMED, HE BAMBAMED, HE GOT HOT” “Wait what, you can’t be serious” “I’m serious” “Ok so do you know what you’re gonna do about it” “I don’t know, I don’t even know if I’m over Hyunjin yet” “Well this is the perfect opportunity to forget about that douche and find yourself a New Year’s fling, it’s not like you’re going to see him again, it’s not as if any of your friends are gonna invite him to the matric dance” “Ok you’ve got a point and this beach is gonna get real boring real quick” That wasn’t the end of your conversation with Seungmin though, you guys went on for like 2 hours discussing how you were gonna play this. The plan was simple, you would sit next to him on the beach every day like your families usually did (thank god Minho, one of his friends, would be there otherwise you would have died of awkwardness). 

Well, that was the plan, a very good plan, A+. Well, clearly the gods didn’t want it like that! On the first day, your parents decided that they would sit on the opposite side of the beach! But all was not lost you still had a whole week.

“Y/N wake up you last ass!” Woojin hit you with a pillow, “Mom and Dad went out for a run and the power is out from the storm last night, we can’t even make coffee.” Good god, it was going to be a long day, power outages down here could last anyway from an hour to a whole day!

“Ughhhh why wake up if there’s no power!” You groaned and pulled your covers over you. Woojin just sat on your legs and started bouncing up and down like a toddler.

“Y/N get up so you can keep me company” he hit you with a pillow again.

“Woojin in what world do I come out of my room to talk to anyone, I have Got7 and data I don’t need your college student ass complaining about how expensive lettuce is!” You opened your phone, 18%. “WHY DO I NEVER CHARGE YOU! Looks like you have company, after all, come on let’s go set the table for when they get back.”

Once your parents got back you decided to go to the mall and get some coffee and do a quick grocery run. The power had come back at around 3 in the afternoon and you had spent the rest of the day playing cards as it had been to too cold to go down to the beach.

But the plan was not totally lost yet. Jisung’s parents had invited you and Minho’s families over for dinner that night, but of course, this was the day your stomach decided it was gonna be a little shit and feel terrible, probably dodgy mall coffee, so you decided to stay home. Home was boring. No WiFi. No board games. No data left (so you would’ve had to deal with Woojin either way) on your phone and nothing to watch on TV. You ended up just blasting G-Dragon in your room to try and block out the storm outside. You hated storms, no not hate, you were terrified of them, luckily it hadn’t gotten too hectic yet so you managed to relax and try and get some sleep. That was until you heard a tiny knock on your door. It scared the shit out of you and you quickly turned off the music.

“Y/N are you in there?” Oh, my Park Jinyoung, his voice broke, what do I do! “Y/N I know that’s you, no one else I know plays super star so loudly.” Omg, he remembered! How does this boy own all of my ouws in point two seconds?! “Y/N I’m coming in.” He opened the door slowly, luckily you hadn’t changed into comfortable clothes yet so you looked normal.

“Hi” wtf was that voice crack y/n!!!! “Ugh I’m sorry I sound like such shit, I’ve been screaming/singing for like the past few hours haha.” That is the most bullshit excuse I have ever heard you, idiot!

“Understandable, it’s really boring here isn’t it.” His voice aksjahaja I’m gonna die!

“Yeah I’ve had nothing to do since we got here, omg please come sit this feels awkward, also not to sound rude but why are you here?”

Ugh I’m so awkward

The Diary of the Lost Diggory [Part 3] - Chapter 24: The Hospital Wing is my Home!

I didn't feel like joining the feast in the Great Hall this year, I mean I'm just not feeling it so I just made my way to girl dormitory in the Ravenclaw House. Then I made it to my bed where I flopped on it only to have a vision take over me...oh god I wish these would just stop!

{Vision Fades in}

I'm in that library again reading, but mostly looking out the window when I heard his velvety soft voice say, "It's been three days, Astrid...you can't keep hiding very time you have a vision, I mean if you would just let Alice help you...." I glared at him before saying, "Eddie, I think you are overstepping again, so please mind your own business!” I heard growled before he pounced on me and pinned me to the chair before saying, "Listen here little girl, you are my business so like it or not but your stuck with me....because you are my life now...." I looked at him confused as I thought 'what did he mean by that?' Anyways we were interrupted by Luna when she stomped into the library looking very pissed, and said. "What is the point of me going to this Muggle school if you don't go? I mean I know you had a vision about that vampire with the stick up his....butt." Luna saw Edward had me pinned to the chair, so she said again, "Well you two look busy, so I'll go to La Push and do my homework with Jacob." I heard the door shut behind her as my eyes never left his as I said. "Luna, likes to blurt out random things that no one needs to know, you know?" As I was freaking out on the inside I heard him say with smirk on that gorgeous face of his, "So your vision was about me, huh?" Yes it was, but all I can think about is this vampire with a stick up his butt is going to kiss me....No, stop thinking about that, Astrid! I saw the amusement in his Topaz eyes before he said. "Oh, so you want me to kiss you, huh?" He smirked at me while continuing to look at me. I wanted to wipe that smirk off his face, but at the same time he wasn't wrong. And I hated that he was right so I bit my lip as I looked anywhere but into his eyes..."Astrid," he said, clicking his tongue three times. "Look at me." Nope, I didn't want to look at him I just wanted to run out of the room find Esme, I mean aunt Esme. "Come on, As you know you want too." I could still hear the smirk in his voice. Which made look at him then with a glare as I said. "Oh Eddie you think you can just come in here, and say 'You are my life now' which would make me swoon, right? Do the girls here fall for that? Well I'm gonna go find my aunt, so bye now!" Then moved out of his reach and walked away only to hear him growl now, and I thought to myself 'that was better'.

{Vision Fades out}

Whoa, I thought to myself once my vision ended. That's not going to really happen I can't allow it. But my visions are never wrong...I mean I saw my brother's death, so that would mean that I would fall for this Edward Cullen. That also mean that the dream I had about Harry and I won't come true. But I didn't sad about that...like I thought I would though...why was that? I don't know, but I knew one thing, everything was frustrating. I can't dwell on it now since I heard a very sad Luna say, "Astrid, you are worrying me as well as your brother...I don't know why your doing this?” *She looks at frustrated face and said.* “What is going on, huh?" Should I tell her? I thought. I mean I know we tell each other everything,  but if I tell her this, will she be more worried about me or think I'm crazy. Great more questions to think about. Luna interrupts my thoughts by saying, "Tell me, Astrid...because you are scaring me!" As I thought I'm scaring me too, but I can't stop having visions about a Vampire that I haven't met yet. "Okay, I'll tell you," I took a deep breath.”but you have to promise me that you won't tell my brother." Luna just nods as I continue by saying, "I had a vision about Edward and we were closer than before...Luna I wanted him to kiss me!" She asked."What? But what about Harry?" Yeah what about Harry? I mean he is kinda my boyfriend, right? So I'm kinda cheating on him, huh? Damn more questions as I just shrug at Luna. "Ughhhh, I don't want to think about this anymore!" I screamed, putting my head in my hands. I heard Luna move closer to me before she said. "You don't have to worry about it now...if you don't want to, you know?" She was right but I still was thinking about it! Anyways we got ready for bed since we had school in the morning.

The next morning came way too quickly for my liking, but it wasn't going anywhere so I got up and faced the morning. After getting ready, I walked into the great hall to meet Ced and Luna for breakfast. I sat down at the table with looking at them and quietly ate my breakfast, but I heard Cedric ask Luna, "What have a done this time to my dear sister?" I heard Luna chuckle before saying, "Ced, baby, you haven't done anything to Astrid...right Astrid?" I didn't look up from my plate but I did nod my head as Luna spoke again, "See, baby Astrid said so, so don't you feel better?" Then I heard him say, "No, I don't feel better and you know why that is, Luna? It's because my dear Ravenclaw sister can't look at me, and I don't know why that is...but I bet you do, right?" Cedric didn't wait for an answer because he just got up and left the table in a huff, which made me look up at an annoyed Luna. Then Luna said. "Why are you acting like this, Astrid?" I signed," I don't know. I just have a lot on my mind." Luna sighed as well before saying, "I know you do, but don't shut your brother out, Astrid..." How could I make her understand that I couldn't look at my brother because he looked like him...he looked like Edward, so I whispered. "Edward looks like Ced, Luna, so I can't look at him or I'll get confused...and I know that sounds stupid, right?" Luna said. "Oh," Then she spoke again by saying, "But I think you should tell him maybe he could figure out a solution to your problem." I doubt it but what did I have to lose? I got up from the table were Luna was still seated at, and walked out of the Great Hall to find my brother. I found him waiting for me by the door. I took a deep breath before saying,"I have something to tell  you, but before I do you have to keep an open mind," I told my brother. He replied by saying, "I promise to try, Ravenclaw, so tell me what's going on?"  I started to say, "Okay, so..." I trailed off. "Okay what, Ravenclaw? Spit it out," Cedric said. "I have been having more visions," I confessed. Cedric gave me a look of concern before saying, "What are these visions about, Astrid? And don't lie to me, okay?" I took another deep breath before saying, "Did you know Mom had a twin sister?" He just shook his head no before saying, "Please go on, Ravenclaw..." I didn't want to, but Cedric had to know as much as I would like to keep this from him, you know? I started to speak again by seeing, "Her name is Esme Cullen...and she is a Vampire...plus she has a husband and 5 adopted teens as well, and they are Vampires too." Cedric just nodded again before saying, "Is that all, Ravenclaw?" I wanted to say yes, but I shook my head no before I said. "I think I'm in love with one of the teens, Ced!  His name is Edward and he could be your twin, which is crazy right?" Cedric started to grin now like an idiot, so I said. "Why are you smiling?" I waited for him to answer me and then he did, "Oh little sis, I knew all of this, " he says, making my mouth drop. He knew and he didn't tell me? How did he know? Cedric spoke again by saying, "I found an old picture of mom with aunt Esme that dad tried to hide from us, and I asked Luna if you knew anything about this....but don't be mad at her, okay? Anyways after I die Astrid you have to leave and go to aunt Esme, okay? And please take Luna with you..." I crossed my arms. I couldn't believe this. First, I couldn't believe Luna told him, and second, I couldn't believe he wanted me to go to them. But I wanted to know my aunt though. So, after standing with my brother in silence, I finally said, "Okay, I'll go." But I added, "Just to know our aunt, Ced, okay?" He said, holding up his hands in defense. "Okay," He winks,"But who knows, you might like someone else too." I knew who he was talking about and I glared at him for it! "Shut up,"I said and walked past him. He laughed and then spoke again. "But seriously, what are you going to do about Harry?" I turned around and gave him a shrug because I honestly don't know, but I'm sure I'll think of something though. Honestly I feel so bad I have to break his heart. But as of right now I'm going to be the best girlfriend to him though. "Everything okay?" Luna asked as we got back to our table. I said nothing, but Cedric answered her by saying, "We are good now, Lun." I ignored them and looked over at the Gryffindor table where I saw Harry trying to eat his breakfast while Ron and Hermione have their usual morning fights, then I moved on to Ginny, Ron's little sister who was so focused on Harry and has no idea I was watching her watching Harry eat. How did I not notice that little Ginny Weasley had a thing for Harry, I mean when did this happen? I smiled to myself as I thought of a plan. I don't know if the plan will work since Harry is so into me, but I have to try, right? I mean next year my brother will die and I'll have to go into hiding or I'll die too... I smiled as I walked over to Ginny. "Hey Ginny, " I said as I set down beside her. She smiled at me before saying hello, which I returned her smile before saying, "Ginny, do you like Harry?" She blushed, looking down at her hands. "I-I-I guess, but don't tell him." I chuckled before saying, "Your secret is safe with me, but Ginny don't let love slip away from you, okay? So promise me you'll tell him when you're ready." After that I hugged her before getting up and going back to Cedric and Luna. Luna gave a 'are you ok' look as I sat back down. I just nodded but I heard Cedric say, "Hey Harry, it's been a while." I looked up at him as he said to Cedric, "I would like to talk to Astrid if you don't mind, Cedric." Cedric looked at me and I just stared back at him. I look back up at Harry before I said. "Why would Cedric mind if I talk to my boyfriend, right Ced?" Cedric said clearing his throat. "Yeah," I got up and followed Harry. I took him to an empty corridor before saying, "I'm truly sorry about the way I talked to you yesterday, I mean I was not myself so please forgive me." He stood there with his finger to his mouth and chin for a moment. Then after a minute he spoke by saying, "It's fine I was being a stupid git myself." Harry Potter was apologizing to me when it was my fault, and it makes me feel more guilty so I said. "No, don't apologize its okay." He smiled at me then before speaking again by saying, "So I'm your boyfriend now, huh?" I blushed a bit before saying, "Yes, I guess you are." He smiled and said, "That's okay with me." I tried to smile again, but this time I think I failed and I saw his smile fade...I need to go but I suddenly got dizzy...Oh god not now! I fell into Harry's arms before blacking out. The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the hospital wing. How many times I'm I going to end up here? I thought to myself. These damn visions need to stop, but if they stop you won't see Edward anymore and I thought to myself  'so?'  Anyways I was reliving the vision when a worried Luna walked in with an angry Cedric behind her. Why is he angry? I thought to myself. So I thought I'd be brave and say to Luna, "Why is he mad?" But Luna didn't get to answer me, because Cedric did. "I'm worried about you Astrid. You seem like you're trying to push everyone away." I was because I had to prepare and plan my fake death so I could disappear. But I couldn't tell him that because he would try and stop me. And I had to let him think that everything is okay, so I said. "I'll try not to do that, I promise, Ced." I looked at Luna then, and I knew she wasn't paying any of it because she said to Cedric, "I'd like a moment with Astrid alone." Cedric nodded before kissing Luna's cheek and leaving the room. "What's up?" I asked her once Cedric was out of the room. But I knew that she knew that I just lied to him, so she said. "You may have lied to him, but you are not going to lie to me...So what are you planning, Astrid?" So I said to her,"I don't know if I should tell you because you'll just try and stop me." She sighed before saying, "Tell me now, Astrid!" I sighed. I knew she was not going to let this go, so I said, "I'm planning to fake my own death." The look on Luna's face was the reaction I knew I'd get from her, before she said. "Fake your death? Are you out of your bloody mind, Astrid?!" I probably was but if I was dead already they wouldn't search for me, plus Amos Diggory would be left alone. "It's the only choice I have. I mean I'm dead already, so why not save everyone the trouble?" That made a tear fall from her eye then it made it's way down her face because she knew I was right, but I hated seeing my best friend cry so I said. "Luna, I'm just trying to be practical here, Okay? I mean it's like I'm going to really die, right?" She sighed, more tears coming down her face as she said, "I guess you're right, but I don't like it." I just nodded before saying, "Can you get George and Fred Weasley up to see me tomorrow without Cedric, or Harry knowing?" Luna looked at me confused as she said. "I guess I can try." I then told her to bring them up the the hospital wing after classes tomorrow. Luna just nodded before coming to my bedside to bid me goodnight then I watched her leave. That night, I thought about my plan and that plan was I had to find a way to get myself in the Triwizard Tournament, and the Weasley twins were going to help me...Well I hope they will tomorrow.

I woke up in late afternoon to George and Fred smirking down at me before they said. "Finally the sleeping Ravenclaw wakes up." I rolled my eyes at them before saying, "Did Luna tell you why I needed to see you?" They both nodded. "Okay, so can you guys help me?" George nodded again, but Fred hesitated before saying, "I'll do it but I think we should at least tell Cedric about your dangerous plan."  I snapped at Fred, "No, he'll try and stop me and I can't let that happen!" Before I let him speak again I said. "I need you to help me next year get into the Triwizard Tournament with Cedric and Harry....for my plan to work...please?!" Again George nodded, but Fred hesitated which makes me wanna....no I have to stay calm, so I said. "When my brother dies...they'll come after you if they know I'm alive....so I have to do this, but I'd like your help." That finally got Fred on board. After I could leave the hospital wing I met with the Weasley twins a lot to go over my plan, you know? Fred said my plan was too risky, but George talked him around that. But Cedric and Harry didn't seem to like me spending so much time with Fred & George Weasley. I knew that it was just jealousy with Harry, and he would just have to get over it since I've already let him go in my mind, and in my visions. But with my brother, Cedric it was different because I knew that he knew that I was planning something, something that put me in danger....maybe?! I hate to admit that at this point I'm avoiding my brother, and Harry as well. I hate that I have to do this but there is no other way my fate as been decided for me, and apparently I have some Vampire waiting for me. I was deep in thought when I was interrupted by my best friend, Luna when she said. "Your thinking about him again?" I rolled my eyes because she won't say his name, so I said. "His name is Edward, Luna, and not him." As soon as I say his name my brother appears and my boyfriend, Harry is with him so I was about to get up and leave but Luna grabbed my arm as she said. "Astrid, you can't run away every time you see them. Maybe you should just tell them both what you are planning, yeah?" I can't do that and she knew that plus it was better this way, you know? Well with Luna's firm grip still on my arm I couldn't run back to the West Wing like I wanted to, so I had to face my brother and boyfriend finally which is going to be pure torture for me, and I blame Luna for making me face them but I also get it at the same time I just don't like it. Cedric was the first to see me so he said. "Hey Ravenclaw, where have you been hiding yourself these days, huh?" I bit my lower lip as looked at Harry who was just watching me with a frown on his face, so I said weakly, "I've been studying, Hufflepuff....which I should get back too, so I'll see you around." I gave Luna a look before turning around and leaving. I'd like to say that I got back to the West Wing without talking to Harry, but I'd be lying again, and I don't lie. Anyways it went down like this by him saying, "Astrid, why are you avoiding me? I mean I'm your boyfriend aren't I? Tell me what is going on with you, please?" I want to tell him and maybe I should, but maybe leave Edward out of it? While I was still thinking about it Harry spoke again by saying, "Astrid?" I looked at him and said. "Harry, kiss me..." The moment I said it I regretted it but I couldn't take it back as he was closing the distance between us, and then his lips were on mine but his kiss wasn't the same, plus I was wishing that I was kissing Edward instead....I know I'm terrible but I can't help how I feel now, right? The kiss ended finally and Harry said the three words I didn't want to hear from him anymore, but he said. "I love you, Astrid!" I just smiled before saying, "I know, but I really need to study, so bye Harry." So I left him there watching me leave. I know I'm making myself sound like a bad person, but I'd like to point out that I'm not I'm just growing up just a bit too fast for my liking....

An English Blizzard- Part 1

Warnings: Swearing (what's new) Shameless flirting. A/N: Okay so this is the first part of my 'Thank you Fic' 😁 the reader (you) in this is 25 years old anywhooo I hope you all enjoy and I'll post the second part in a few hours then the third part after that. I'll post the other chapters tomorrow! Enjoy! —————————— Chapter 1 —————— "Will someone get the fucking door already?!" You screamed out from the couch. You let out a sigh hearing no movement in the apartment. You assumed everyone was out. You let out a huff of air and tugged down on the hem of your nightdress that your dad had gotten you last Christmas as a joke. It was surprisingly comfortable, even if it had the joke 'Come to the math side...we have pi' on it with little mathematical symbols floating around as if they were stars. Your feet hit against the cold surface of the wooden flooring making slight thudding noises "I swear to god if this is Sherlock forgetting his keys again!" You muttered to yourself. All you wanted was a nice relaxing day on the couch but the person on the other side of the door clearly had other ideas for you. "What?" You snapped slightly but were surprised "Uh can I help you?" You saw an unfamiliar silver haired man at the other side of your threshold. "Erm hello! Sorry to disturb you but," he held out a notebook "Mary left this in class today and I was told she lived here." He handed it over to you "Oh thank you for bringing it, I'll see she gets it." "Not a problem..." he trailed off, a silent indication he was asking for your name. "Y/N," you held out your hand with a smile. "Greg or more commonly known as Professor Lestrade." He sent you a small wink and you suddenly felt yourself using your hand to pull down on your nightdress more, as if that would help stop the blush that was beginning to creep up in your face. "Oh!" A sudden wave of realisation hit you "You teach law don't you?" Greg bashfully nodded with a smile. "That's handy to know," you leaned against the doorframe with crossed arms "If I'm ever in trouble I'll go to either you or Mary to get me off the hook!" You giggled. Greg playfully narrowed his eyes and stepped forward ever so slightly "You're not a bad girl...are you?" You forgot oxygen existed for a moment as your lungs failed from the slight purr in his playful tone. "I should be off," he announced, dragging you back into the real world "Nice to meet you Y/N." "Y-you too Greg," you managed to stutter out your words "I'm sure I'll see you again, Mary would forget her head if it wasn't screwed on!" You laughed to ease your nerves. "Well, I'm hoping she forgets something very soon." He left you by your doorframe. You were on the verge of melting into a puddle. You shut the door over slowly and pressed your back to the door, letting out the air that had been trapped in your lungs. You weren't entirely sure how long you had been holding it in. The door knocked again and you jumped feeling the vibrations on your back. You couldn't help but smile as you opened the door assuming it would be Greg...it wasn't. "I forgot my keys again." "I swear to god Sherlock! I'm going to tie those things to you!" You tossed him his keys "See you later." You returned to the couch and let out a sigh, you couldn't focus on your film. It was background noise as feelings whirled around inside you. New feelings. Feelings you hadn't felt before, well not as strong as this. Your mind had turned into mush in a matter of minutes over Greg. You knew you shouldn't be feeling like this, he was a professor at your university for crying out loud! You shook your head in attempts to shake away the feelings. You turned up your TV "Okay Tom Hiddleston, distract me from that gorgeous man who just came to my door...and I'm not talking about Sherlock!" --- "She's out for the count." "I wonder how long she's been sleeping." "She ate that entire tub of ice cream! Y/N ate a whole pint of ice cream!" "Bet it only took her ten minutes." "I'm saying twenty." "Fancy making a bet then, John?" "You're on, Sherlock." "You win then Sherlock." Everyone screamed hearing your voice. You opened your eyes to your four roommates "Ten whole minutes and just because my eyes are shut doesn't mean I can't hear you." You sat up and Molly sat down next to you "I take it you had a very relaxing day then?" She asked eyeing up the table laced with empty packets and tubs of junk food. "Ohh I really did," you contently sighed "Except I was disturbed when your professor popped round Mary. You forgot your notebook." You stood up and grabbed the book, handing it to a relieved looking Mary. "Thank god! I was looking for this everywhere! It's got all my research notes in it for my dissertation. Thanks Y/N." The blonde woman smiled. You held your hands up "Don't thank me thank Greg." "Ohh first name basis now are we?" Sherlock murmured as he texted. You rolled your eyes at his remark "I literally only met him today, had no idea who he was until he told me." "I'll make sure to thank him on Monday then!" Mary skipped off to the she shared bedroom with John, the trainee doctor hot on her heels. --- "I hate your dad!" Sherlock grumbled into a maths textbook "And I'm sure he hates me." "No he doesn't, if he really hated you he wouldn't let you stay here." You smiled and ruffled Sherlock's hair which he quickly fixed. You were fortunate enough to have a father that was high up in the university. He got the flat you're staying in near the campus at a discounted rate, one big enough for you and your friends to live in. Your dad was an incredible and a highly renowned mathematician, he taught it at the university. "Whatever you say Miss Moriarty but I don't quite believe you." "Believe what you want Mr Holmes..." you drawled out his name. "Speak of the devil," you sighed and saw a text from your dad "Ughhhh he wants me over for dinner next week." "Well it's not that difficult to get to his is it? He lives down the road and you see him almost every day on campus." Sherlock spoke while continuing on with his coursework. You rolled your eyes and accepted his invite. Your dad did live a few streets down with his now husband, Sebastian. You loved Sebastian as a step-father and you loved how happy he made your father. Your mother had separated from Jim a few years after you were born and soon after your dad found Sebastian. Your mother had moved on with someone new too but as long as they were both happy was the main thing for you. A knock at the door disturbed you from your thoughts and you went to answer it. "G-Greg! Hi!" You smiled and glanced behind your shoulder, Sherlock was narrowing his eyes in curiosity "Did Mary forget something?" "Uh no," he gulped. You furrowed your brow and walked out of the flat, shutting the door behind you for a little more privacy in the cove between the main hallway of the apartment building and your flat "I actually forgot something." You raised a brow in confusion "You did?" Greg reached for something in his pocket "Erm yeah, I f-forgot to give you this," he handed over a card with his name and work number on it "My mobile number is on the back, incase yanno you want to grab a coffee or something sometime?" He suggested. You took the card off him, biting your lip as you did and curtly nodding "T-thanks." He left with a shy smile on his face. You eventually got your legs to move and they took you back into the apartment and then your room. Sherlock didn't even notice you come in, his head was buried in a book. You tossed yourself on the bed and pulled out the card and your phone, staring at both items. They were taunting you. You put his number in and placed your phone down again, only to pick it up seconds later. 'Its Y/N, are you free tomorrow for a coffee? X' you mentally debated wether to put the kiss or not but decided to put it at the end of your text anyway. He text you back fairly quickly. Quicker than you would have expected 'I'll meet you at Lion coffee at 11. See you then. X' ——————— Tags: (Let me know if you'd like to be tagged/Untagged) @adorablebadger @damnitman-jamlocked-inthetardis @daynaan @rikkachloechan @holmes-maev @cutie1365 @wcsteland @theyre-my-divsion @gotham-s-lover @littlepostitnotes @chrissydarlingwrites @laterthantherabbit @annkli

Darling, Hold My Hand

Chapter 1: Go Weave A Basket

Rating: G

Ship: Poppy/Branch (Broppy, Boppy)

Fic Summary: Pre-movie AU where Poppy falls for Branch and decides to do something about it. An exploration of how Grey!Branch and Poppy would make a relationship work.

A03

Poppy didn't remember when she started having feelings for Branch. Honestly, he was the last person in the world she imagined falling for, but somewhere between chasing him around trying to cheer him up and watching him from a distance catching those rare glimpses into what she figured was his true nature, she fell. And she fell hard.

It was one of those fleeting moments that she realized it. She was nearly nineteen, laughing with her friends after another intricate song and dance number, when she spotted him. He was standing in the distance, almost hidden behind a mushroom, staring at them with that odd, cryptic look. She gave him a small smile and waved, and for once he waved back. Then, as if startled by his own actions, a blush bloomed across his face and he turned, trudging back into the woods.

It hit her all at once. The smiles, the hidden glances and hesitant waves and oh goodness--she liked him. She liked him a lot.

Trolls were very straightforward creatures. Concepts like lies and sarcasm were not unheard of, but certainly weren't normal. So when one person liked another they always admitted it outright. There was no point in hiding it, and sure it didn't always work out, but after a while the troll in question would get over it and not let awkwardness come between them and their former crush.

But Poppy wasn't so confident. Had it been anyone else she would have gone and just told them, but this was Branch. And Branch...was different. Very different. She had no idea how he would react. Would he feel the same? Would he get mad and yell? Tell her to stop being stupid and to leave him alone?

And what if he did feel the same...what then? How would her friends react? He surely wouldn't suddenly want to go to parties and sing, and she was mostly fine with that. Branch was Branch, she liked him and would try to respect what he wanted. But her friends, her dad, the village...what would they say?

She worried over it for a whole week before she decided that damn the consequences she just had to tell him. It was the right thing to do, and sitting on the feelings was driving her up a wall. So the next day she got up, squared her shoulders, and marched off into the forest to find him.

The walk was blessedly short, giving her no time to second guess herself, but when she found him sitting in the shade just outside his bunker she felt her heart give an involuntary leap. She swallowed and tried to calm herself before walking up to him.

“Hey Branch!” She called. He visibly tensed, before sighing and looking up at her.

“What do you want, Poppy?”

She froze, this was it. Just breathe, be honest, and tell him. Easy as pie. “I...” Suddenly the words grew heavy on her tongue and she felt the panic rise again. “I...um...”

“Well?” He asked, clearly annoyed.

“Um...nothing...” She deflated, all courage and hope leaving her. She fiddled with her hands, struggling to find an excuse, “I just wanted to say hi and uh...see what you were doing.”

He gave her a confused stare. “...really?”

“Yeah! Um,” she gazed down at the piles of long leaves and sticks he had gathered, “What are you doing?”

“If you must know, I'm making a basket.”

“Oh..um...will you teach me?” She asked, trying to find a reason to stay. If she couldn't confess at least she could spend some time with him.

“How to make a basket?”

“Yep!”

“...Why?”

“Well,” she said, sitting down in front of him, “I'm going to be queen one day, and uh...a queen should know how to do things...like making baskets.”

He furrowed his brow and turned his head slightly, clearly trying to discern if she was pulling a prank, “What's this really about?”

She shook her head, reaching down grabbing one of the sticks, “Come on, just show me.”

“...Alright fine. But no singing. Or dancing.”

She nodded, “Deal.”

“Ok,” He took the stick from her, “I'll start it for you but you're gonna have to do the rest yourself. It isn't as easy as it looks so pay attention.”

Poppy was true to her word, even going so far as to ignore her hug time bracelet, and they passed the afternoon in comfortable silence. Usually the reserved atmosphere would drive her up a wall before long, but today she found that she enjoyed it. Branch was there, and quiet fit him, and if she liked him then she figured she could learn to like the quiet too. Besides, without any of her usual theatrics she could hear the sounds of the forest around them, mixing with the relaxing noises of the grass sliding against itself as they worked on the baskets. It was nice. Really nice.

Of course the silence also left room for her mind to wander. She found herself stealing a glance at him from time to time, the deep, concentrated look on his face making her cheeks grow warm, and her heart fluttered every time he reached over to correct a mistake she had made.

In the end Branch made two baskets in the time it took her to finish one, and while her’s resembled a tumbleweed more than anything she was proud of it. She helped him gather the leftover supplies(and tried not to blush when their hands inevitably touched.)

“Well...thanks for the...” he said as he glanced at her basket, “...help, I guess.”

“Aw, Branch, that might be the nicest thing you've ever said to me.”

“Yeah, well don't get used to it.” He said with a poorly concealed blush, “Anyway, you should go. It’s going to be dark soon.”

“Right.” She paused, mulling over telling him now. She didn’t like keeping secrets, even small ones had always felt like lies to her, but she still couldn’t bring herself to utter the words.

“Thank you for teaching me.” She said instead, “I had fun.”

“Yeah, whatever.” He gathered the last of his things and walked back to his bunker.

“Wait!” She called.

He looked back, “What?”

She held out her basket, “Don’t you want it?”

“Uh....” He said, “No, that’s ok. You made it, you should keep it.”

She smiled, deciding that he was very cute when he was trying to be nice, “Ok! Well, thanks again.”

He nodded awkwardly and Poppy held her composure until she heard his door close and the last of his 16 locks and bolts click into place.

“Ughhhh....” She buried her face in her basket, stomping her foot weakly. ‘Dummy! Why didn’t you just tell him?’

She brought the basket away from her face. ‘At least I tried...’ she reasoned, ‘And there’s always tomorrow.’

That was it. She’d just try again tomorrow. And the next day, and the next. Eventually she could confess or Branch would get tired of her pointless visits and get the truth out of her. He was good at that. It was foolproof. Until then she would at least get to know him a little better. That couldn’t hurt.

She nodded, held her basket close and made her way back home.

And she returned, not just the next day, but every day that week, and that month. Each time Branch seemed more and more confused by her presence, but she always waved it off, insisting that whatever survival skill he was practising was important for her to know. He was hesitant, but in the end always gave her the same terms. No singing or hugging or dancing, and she could stay and learn. And she always agreed.

She did miss it, dancing and singing were part of her, but she made due, focusing instead on fire-making or trap building or rope spinning, hardly ever slipping up. She learned to scavenge for food and water, how to start a garden, the basics of navigation and even some hand to hand combat.

As the hours passed she found that she actually enjoyed learning. Sure, it wasn't her usual thing, but she couldn't deny that it was all important knowledge that could help her people when she became queen. Not that she imagined that anything bad would happen, she still believed that she and her people were as safe as safe could be, but she supposed it couldn't hurt to prepare, just like Branch did.

And yet, for all of the time she spent with him, she still lacked the courage to just tell him why she was there in the first place. She told herself that it would come when it came, but a month later she still hadn't come any closer to spilling the truth.

"Poppy..." Branch asked one day, a half eaten sandwich in his lap. She had spent the morning helping him dig a new room in his bunker, getting a crash-course in underground architecture in the process(She also ended up covered in mud, but that was fun in its own way, so she didn't mind.) They both sat in the light of a few bio-luminescent mushrooms eating the small lunch Branch had offered her.

"Yeah?" She replied.

"...Every single day this month you've come and helped me. You don't sing, you don't hug, you don't dance, and you haven't even complained about it."

"Yeah...?" She shrunk away from him slightly as her heart started pounding. She could tell where this was going, and she certainly didn't like it.

"So what's the deal? And don't pretend it's just 'cuz you want to learn because I know that's not true. You've never shown any kind of interest in this stuff before. Is it just some new ploy to try to get me to open up?"

"Well...no, not exactly..."

"Then what is it?"

"...um..."

"Poppy. Just tell me." He said, annoyed. She felt herself blush, lowering her food to her lap. She still felt so scared, her heart pounding away in her chest more fiercely than ever. But...she knew it was time to tell him. She had danced around the topic for too long. Sure, he probably didn't feel the same, and while she would lose all of the private moments and hesitant touches and smiles they had shared in the past days, she just couldn't keep lying to him.

"I...I like you."

"Well, yeah, that's obvious, you haven't left me alone for days." He said with a laugh, "What's the real reason?"

"No, Branch. I like you. Like...like-like you."

His eyes snapped to meet hers, his gaze deep and clouded with mistrust. He let the words hang in the air before speaking, his voice quiet, all traces of humor gone. "That's not funny, Poppy."

"What...no, I'm not kidding. I do!"

"Yeah, whatever. We're done for today." He got up, gathering what was left of his lunch and as she watched him she felt anger rise in her chest. He really didn't believe her! She stood as well and grabbed his hand. He stopped, but refused to look at her.

“I do.” She grasped his hand tighter, “I have for a while now actually...I was just too scared to tell you.”

He turned back to stare at her, still unsure.

“When have I ever lied to you?” She asked, trying not to sound hurt.

“Poppy..." He sighed, "Even if you do like me...I can’t be all the things you'd want me to be. I'm never going to...be like you."

“I just want you to be you, Branch.” She said honestly, giving him a shy smile. He didn’t speak, a slight blush coloring his cheeks as he gazed at their joined hands.

“Do...do you like me too?” She asked after a moment, and he nodded his head and blushed deeper.

“...Of course I do...”

“Really!?” She gasped.

“Yes, Poppy, I do.”

She felt dizzy suddenly, and her face glowed with a deep blush. She took her hand back and smacked herself on the arm, hissing at the pain. "I'm not dreaming..."

"I could have told you that." Branch said, grinning at her antics. "But by all means, continue."

She instead rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug. He was warm and solid, and she felt safe...for a moment. Her actions caught up to her almost instantly and she stepped back, sheepishly looking at the ground. "Sorry, I know you don't like hugs."

He seemed sad for a second, before reaching forward and pulling her back into the hug, "I don't...but for you...I guess I could make an exception." She wrapped her arms around him again, savoring the feeling. She never realised how much she wanted this. Just him and her, close and safe and maybe...happy. She could only hope he was enjoying it as much as she was.

"Poppy..." He whispered, not pulling away, "I really can't be everything you want me to be..."

"Branch, I told-" She tried to pull back but he held her fast, and so she leaned back in and kept quiet.

"Just hear me out, okay?" She nodded.

"I just don't...I don't want you to do this because you feel like you have to or something..."

"Why would I do something if I didn't want to?" She asked quiety, still shocked at his uncertainty.

"Because you’re a people pleaser, Poppy. You just want everyone to be happy."

"So...?"

"So...I just want to make sure you know what you're doing...and why."

"Branch..." She leaned back, and he let her look up at him. He was still blushing, but he looked more scared and vulnerable than she had ever seen him.

"I’m doing this because I do like you. A lot. It just...took me a while to figure it out.” She squeezed one of his hands, “Can you at least give me a chance?”

“What about...everyone else? Your dad? The village?”

“Who cares? It’s none of their business.” She said adamantly, as if she was trying to remind herself as well as him.

“But it will be.” He said, ever the voice of reason, “You’re gonna be queen one day.”

She shrugged, “So we’ll figure it out. Together.”

“Together...” He repeated.

“Yep. Together. What do ya say?”

He paused again, considering her words, “...Together...sounds nice.”

“I think so too.”

He gave her a soft, adoring look and she blushed before collapsing back into the hug.

“You know for someone who doesn’t like hugs,” She said with a smirk, “you’re pretty good at them.”

“Ok, that’s just rude.”

“More like true.”

“Nope, too late. I changed my mind.” He picked her up and she let out an involuntary gasp, breaking out into giggles as he carried her to the elevator, “Time to go, Poppy.”

“Branch, put me down!” She wiggled against his grip, still laughing, “As your future queen I command it!”

“As you wish, your majesty.” He deadpanned, dropping her onto the soft moss of the platform. She made an indignant noise and stubbornly grabbed him, pulling him down on top of her. The pair blushed furiously for a moment before dissolving into giggles.

“You’re awful.” She laughed.

“You know you love it.” He replied, taking her hand.

She hummed, entwining their fingers, “Yeah, I do.”