#The question marks are supposed to be Constantine but I wanted to leave it up to interpretation

[catthestampede]

Danny Phantom, Billy Batson and Jason Todd are all the same age

In a kind or better world, they would’ve formed a new superhero team, the three of them 

But instead, Jason died at 15

Danny Fenton never went to the basement 14

And Billy Batson‘s best friend died at 15

Which led to none of the meeting each other and not forming a team that would’ve stopped the world from ending 

Now ???? Has been sent 40 years into the past to ensure

one voice survival

one boy death

and one boys reason

can ???? They do it? 

[silverheartlugia2000]

Lets go for some shenanigans~

Bruce 'question everything' Wayne was having a time. Jason had been more avoidant than usual for the last week. the only ones in the family he had been willing to talk to were Barbara and Alfred.

So when Oracle tapped into not only the Bat coms but the JL ones asking for help extracting Hood plus one unknown from Ilinois as they were both currently under fire? Yeah Bruce has questions he wants answered now!

the strange entity Jason had been talking to and their conversation raised several flags alone. Barbara had been informing him on how the boy(?) Jason was currently holding had apparently been cloned from Jason back when he was still robin and he wants to read that file Oracle pull it up now!

When three voices approached the crater where the house had once been, two girls and a boy. The red head girl sees Jason, slides down into the crater the goth following after the former who is snarling and raising a bat while the boy shrieks "Don't creepstick the super heroes!!"

Bruce can see Jason tense, see his arms curl around the creature turning to take the blow while guarding his cargo while a feral growl erupts from his chest.

And it seems like that action more than anything causes the girl to pause. She stops mid swing looking Jason straight in the eye for a long moment, then drops her stance, "You're protecting him..?"

"Yes."

"Why?" the girl asks suspiciously.

"Birds of a feather and all that.." Jason shrugs, loosening his arms enough so the teens can see the sleeping glow worm.

"Holy Ancents.." the boy says. "You really did come back didn't you?"

"Revenant." Jason admits rubbing his chin over the white hair, almost like a cat scent marking, "or so I've been told at least."

Bruce is getting a headache, there are so many things he needs context for.. "I believe we should continue this somewhere more secure.."

All three of the teens tense up again.

"If it helps." Dick interjects, hands held up placatingly, one holding the backpacks "The guy that was here earlier told us to say 'Clockpa' if that means anything to you? That and something about the glow noodle here needing a leash before we leave?"

-

Jason was glad for the leash. They had been at the watchtower for a little over an hour. Surprisingly the kids had allowed Jason to continue holding Danny, which with how much dirt they were throwing around to keep Bats busy (not only had they found the Fentons files on their capture of Jason but also unleashed a metaphoric bomb of different things that had been kept from the Leagues notice. Constantine, when he had shown up, had actually put his serious face on instead of noping out) anyway they were clearly protective of Danny, giving big time Superheroes a stare down challenge like they were.

Danny had woken up from his stress nap no less than five minutes ago and after stopping long enough to check each of his fraid had seen the window and pressed up against it like a bug on a windshield. Tried to phase through it at least fifteen times now. Only getting his head through before the leash stops him, whines, wiggles, pulls back, looks at him with sad eyes, catches sight of the stars again and repeats.

Jason can't hold back the chuckle, Danny pouts at him again with a few little chirp sounds that he thinks are supposed to mean something but honestly feel like baby babble so he cant be sure.

"Spunky little punk isn't he?"

Jason turns to see Constantine smiling at Danny. Danny ignores them again purring while he watches a couple of Lanturns fly by.

"You know him?"

"We've met a couple of times." John shuffles in his pockets pulling out some of the ectoplasm candies that he had been supplying to Jason, putting a few in Jason's hand while unwrapping one for Danny. The gremlin snatches it from the mage crunching on the treat with a happy squeel "Likes to go by Phantom when he's heroing, helped me track down a living storm as well as break up a few cults that tried to summon the new high king of the Realms. I honestly didn't even know about half the shit that's been brought up tonight.. Kid likes to focus on other people's problems rather than himself. if I did you can bet I would have intervined sooner.."

Jason hums popping his own candy in his mouth. "I'm surprised they've let me look after him this long. Figured the sister at least would have been fussing over him."

"You protected him. that goes a long way to the fraid of a protection spirit. Not that he's going to do much protecting like this. He does have a doctor in the realms according to her, but I'll need some time to set up a way to get to him."

"Right, the clock guy said something about that.."

Constantine whips around in surprise "He met you in person?"

"Is he that big a deal?"

"From what I've seen, the Keeper of Time itself and Phantom's ghostly parent dosent make house calls lightly. What did he tell you?"

Wow Clockpa was a big deal then.. More headaches for Bruce yay! "Said Danny was a banshee, which by the way I have questions on how that differs between us in how to feed him, and needed a new anchor? Also wants you to teach him how to use a portal gate thing."

Constantine sighs kneeding at a knot in his neck. He already had a lot to go through with what the kids brought to the table, but he also wouldn't dare dismiss a request from Clockwork, let alone one involving the kid who dethroned Pariah Dark.

Jason and Constantine talk for a while longer, when Danny then decides that he's had his fill of stargazing, pulling against the leash to get back to his friends. Jason follows along offering the end of the leash to Jazz when Danny rubs under her chin and around her neck sleepily. Sam is still ranting although it seems like she's moved onto something completely unrelated. Tucker is sitting with Tim, half fanboying over their tech while helping sort through all the files that were saved on drives found in the go bags.

Then Superman comes back in, a glowing blur zooming over to Jazz, Jason's reflexes almost brain the twelve year old girl crowding on his kid if she hadn't phased through the attack. "Holy crap template! I didn't know he could do that! Can I do that? I want to be a little creature!!"

Template? Oh shit.. she gives off the same vibe Danny gives him.. something of Me and Mine, except a bit muddled and watered down. His clone has a clone. Jason's brain can't think of anything helpful to do other than silently offer the girl a piece of ecto candy and slump into the chair on Jazz's other side.

Danny lands at the feet of his cloning template, and in a desperate bid to not get murdered by said template, he gave a wry smile before saying, "HI, dad." He then used the moment of stunned silence to escape.

A week later, he regrets his decision as he walks down the stairs to find his template in his living room, interrogating his tied up parents.

[cypherscript]

The Ole Switcheroo.

The Justice League and the Justice League Dark are in need of some questions answered about the alarming numbers of tears in reality coming from this small nowhere town in Illinois and don’t seem to be stopping any time soon. So using every bit of summoning and containment magic the JLD have and the most prominent source of energy they could find in the city they decide to summon the owner of the energy. *** “And you’re sure this containment spell will hold whatever comes through,” Superman asks as he observes Zatanna and Constantine marking out the circle.

“Should, most beings from that dimension have very specific powersets but all of them include basic flight, invisibility and intangibility. Hence why the civilians of the city refer to them as ghosts.” Zatanna says as she finished her marking with a flourish. 

Batman grunts in response as he’s looking over data, J'onn focuses on Zatanna after she lists the powers, “I assume that is why I am here? Those powers are remarkably similar to Martian abilities.”

“Yes, should the being somehow escape we will need you to retrieve them if they become intangible.”

“Understood.”

“Ready John?”

“Let’s get this shiteshow started, luv.” John Constantine picks up a book and begins speaking in a voice of white noise and screams, the circle lights up an eerie green and wisping into the air before a flashing light reveals a white haired teen in a a jumpsuit floating in the air.

“What? How did I- Where am I?”

Batman steps forward, “That’s not important right, we just want to ask you a couple of questions about Amity Park.”

“Then I can leave?”

Several of the League Members share some looks before Batman answers, “If you aren’t a threat to this dimension.”

“Awesome, I can leave then.”

“That remains to be seen.” Zatanna cuts in, “First lets start with your name, can we have your name?”

“No, sorry but you can call me Phantom.” the teen chuckles at a joke he only knows.

“You can call me Zatanna then, the others are Superman, Batman, Constantine, and Martian Manhunter.”

Phantom perks up at the last name, “Wait, like a real Martian? I thought they died out a long time ago.”

“You know of us,” J’onn asks, perplexed.

“Yeah, there’s a few of you guys floating around the Zone,” Phantom shrugs before resuming looking at the circle, “Is this like a question circle? I couldn’t stop myself from saying that.”

“It shouldn’t be, it is merely a summoning and containment spell. Constantine?”

“Mighta slip some truth spellwork into it, had to be sure it was telling the truth. Pan dimensional beings aren’t really know for being trustworthy, Zatanna.”

“Constantine,” Zatanna shouts at the man in outrage.

“First of all,” Phantom interrupts, “Not an it, I’m a he and second I don’t exactly have a problem with the spell. Just be aware that it’s reduced your any number of questions down to three and then I get a turn asking the questions. Deal?”

“Deal,” Batman says before the two magic users can speak. “I’ve already thought of the most prominent question we needed answers for.”

“Alright, shoot.”

“We have been noticing an alarming number of dimensional tears in a small town on our planet and your energy reading is almost always in that town. Why?”

Phantom tilts his head stroking an imaginary beard, “Hmm, I’ll allow that as a single question I suppose. The dimensional tearing is a combination of a couple of reasons; the city is in a thin spot between your world and the Ghost Zone or the Infinite Realms as some of the older ghosts call it. The other reason is because there are a couple of human scientists who have punched a permanent hole into the Zone, usually natural portals appear and disappear at random and usually only for a few seconds at most. Honestly I surprised you’re worried about the portals now when the Bermuda Triangle has existed forever.”

“What does the- No, nevermind.” Phantom smirks at the Batman’s almost slip of a question. “You still haven’t answered my question; why is your energy signature always in that town?”

“Because it’s m̷̢̨̛̰͍̮̝̪̞͉̩̬͕̣̮̱̻̎͋̉͘ͅį̵͍̫̭̱̝̮̯̞̝̺̤̺̦̝͖̜̅̉̂̊́̑̿̆̈́̕͝n��̫͎̼͇̭̾ẽ̵̱̭̗̥̱͕̒̋͛͂͆̑͝͠ͅ, I protect it by sending the other ghosts back to the Zone.”

“Who are the most dangerous beings from that dimension and are they a threat to this world?”

“That depends on who you- Me and Clocky. Wait really? Huh, I mean I guess I could see it; Space and Time. I guess this circle means like, the Truth and not what I believe to be true. That’s good to know. Anyways that’s your second question, best make the last one count.”

Batman thinks for a moment, looking over Phantom with a new eye at the revelation that he was the most dangerous, him and this Clocky being at any rate, “If there is an Incursion of beings from this Ghost Zone, how do we protect the earth.”

“You don’t. I do. That’s three questions,” Phantom snaps his fingers and the world blurs as it spins, coming back into focus as Phantom is now outside of the circle and the League is in it. Phantom takes on a sharp tooth grin as he pulls a notebook from inside his body, “Now my first question is for Martian Manhunter; what was Mars like when the Martians were alive?”

[bonniebird]

The Lust Demon Familiar

John x Demon / Familiar!Reader

“Wait. So you’re saying it wasn’t the warlock?” Ava asked Nate and Charlie as they explained what had happened during their recon mission.

“Look, I’m telling you it was the warlock’s magic. But it wasn’t him. Nate was there with him the whole time!” Charlie insisted. Nate agreed and explained when he’d seen happen, which really wasn’t very much.

“So there is something using the warlock’s powers to summon demons and other creatures to this town?” Sara asked slowly, throwing the idea out. She cocked her head before turning to look at Constantine who was looking unnervingly thoughtful.

“There is only one creature I know that can do that.” He said after a while.

“What is it?” Ray asked quickly.

“That’s a difficult question to answer, mate.” Constantine said as he pulled a cigarette from behind his ear and twirled it between his fingers as he turned to face Sara. “I do have a friend I could ask though.”

“When did you get friends?” Sara joked as she walked past him.

“In fairness she isn’t exactly a friend. Haven't seen each other in a while.” John admitted.

“Oh well I’m sure this will go great!” Ava exclaimed.

Constantine raised his eyebrows as if he agreed with Ava and glanced over at Gary. “Think I could borrow you for some magic assistance.” “Oh I would assist you with anything.” Gary said before blushing as the Legends gave him an odd look.

“Grand. I’ll be needing your help too. The beast we’re summoning tends to ignore me till she wants a favour. Poor thing is a sucker for authority.” John said as he looked over at Ava.

“Well I suppose someone should be supervising.” Ava agreed. John led the way, Gary following him out of the room, close at his heels.

“Good luck babe.” Sara said with a light chuckle to her tone. She kissed Ava’s cheek before Ava left the room. “The rest of us can start looking into what's happening more closely.”

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

“So why are we at your mansion and what are you summoning?” Ava asked as John finished up the magic drawings and runes on the floor. Gary had directed each one and they’d talked for at least twenty minutes about positioning of runes. It had gone over Ava’s head but she appreciated how difficult getting it exactly right must have been.

“There are very few things that can use a warlock's powers in the way our Nate and Ava described. I’d bet my last cigarette that it’s a kind of familier.”

“A familiar! Like black cats and toads!” Gary asked with an excited expression on his face.

“Not always. Any animal will do for a powerful warlock. Sometimes they’re a specific type of demon that you can summon to serve you in exchange for the life of… well a pet that is spoiled rotten.”

“So you’re going to summon this, demon… familiar?” Ava asked reluctantly as she watched John lead Gary into the circle and sit, both holding hands.

“No. We’re going to summon mine.”

“You have a familiar! What’re they like?” Gary asked, cutting off Constantine who had started chanting.

“She was the runt of her family, so to speak, took her in so she wouldn’t die off. Something she doesn’t like to be reminded of. Small sweet little thing in a good mood. But you mark my words mate. You piss her off; she'll have your throat in her teeth before you realise her mood has changed. Had to lock her away the last time she lost it. Might have left her for too long.”

Ava wanted to question if this was a good idea. But she recalled the people being attacked and kept quiet as Gary and Constantine chanted. There was a glowing between the two of them and the smaller circle in the center became so bright she looked away. When they were done there was a loud hiss and something small and black shot out of the room.

“Do excuse me. I need to go and grovel to my cat.” Constantine said when it didn’t come back in.

Ava rolled her eyes as he left and shook her head. “I hope this works.”

“(Y/N)?” Constantine called as he started looking through the rooms of his home. A low hiss drew him to the room you were in. Seeing you perched on the fireplace, glowering at him. “Alright love, no need to be snippy.”

He stepped back when you hopped off the fireplace with a gentle thud and shifted into your human form.

“Wow!” Constantine turned to see Gary and Ava looking into the room, curiously staring at you. “She changed! Did you see that. Incredible.”

“Well finally someone who appreciates me.” You almost purred, smiling at Gary who started sputtering and backing away when he realised you were completly naked.

“Alright now! No need to scare him off.” Constantine scolded.

“Oh! Of course. How could anyone pay me a compliment. I forgot I’m some awful demon monster that needs to be locked up!” You spat out at Constantine, squaring up to him.

“Hey now! You brought that upon yourself when you started attacking people.”

“You blabbed about my being a familiar to a bunch of wanna be warlocks! They didn’t even know about familiers.”

“That doesn’t sound like her fault, if anything it sounds like you started it.” Ava said. She looked alarmingly nervous when you actually purred and stroked a finger up her arm, across her shoulders and down the other as you circled her.

“I like this one.” You muttered smiling when she tried to maintain eye contact and not look as nervous as she felt.

“Alright, enough of this.” Constantine said as he shrugged off his coat and draped it over your shoulders. “I need you to help me find another familiar.”

“No.” You said and started to leave. Constantine muttered a few words and the next thing you knew you’d walked into a brightly lit metal room. Turning slightly you could see a group staring at you.

“(Y/N) this is Sara Lance, and the Legends.” Constantine said as he, Ava and Gary followed you through.

“Hi!” Ray said as he went to shake your hand. You purred batting your eyes as you used his outstretched hand to pull him close. His eyes went wide and he glanced at Constantine.

“Careful with this one, half lust demon.” Constantine warned Ray who backed away quickly while you giggled at his reaction.

“I’m not helping you.”

“Not right now you’re not. However as you master you’re going to help me because I command it.”

“I thought you were the one that liked to get bossed around.” You said casually as you stepped close enough to Constantine that he leant back and smirked down at you. “At least that's what Lucy told his demons.” Sara spat out a laugh she tried to hold back and turned away from the two of you.

Constantine frowned at you as you spotted Charlie and smiled, swaying your way to her. She grinned at the attention and watched you curiously. “Well hello there. Where’ve you been hiding?”

“Johnny locked me away and I’ve been so bored.” You said with a flirty breathless tone.

“Well that seems just awful.”

“Alright, you can play when you’re done. I need your help.” John said as he snapped his fingers. The Legends, except Charlie, and Ava all hopped back in surprise when you returned to your cat form. You hissed at John as he picked you up, smacking him in the face with your thrashing tail for good measure.

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

“I’m only helping you if you let me go!” You snapped. Constantine had managed to lock you to a spot in the library and convinced you at the very least to wear one of his shirts. Back in your human form, all you needed was to be let go so you could stretch your legs and explore.

“I can let you go if you really want love, but you won't be around long enough to appreciate it.” He warned as he flipped through a book that had the names of all familiars that were sworn to warlocks.

“If you lock me back up in that horrid house again I’ll eat that nervous one. I bet he’d let me go.” You said to yourself, lounging as best you could in the small spot on the floor.

“You harm a hair on Gary’s head I’ll be sending you to hell.”

“Hey, Sara found some more information that might help you.” Nate said as he stepped into the room. He tried handing Constantine the papers he had in his hand but missed when you rolled over, biting your lip and swinging your legs as you batted your eyes.

“Easy there mate. She’ll rock your world but leave you with some pretty nasty scratches.” Constantine said as he held his hand out.

“Oh! No. I wasn’t. I didn’t. I um.” Nate spluttered as he shoved the papers in Constantine’s outstretched hand and almost ran out of the room.

“These people are fun to play with Johnny. Can’t you just let me out for a little while.” You tried pouting and batting your eyes. It would have worked. But he gave you a casual look and shook his head.

“Sorry sweetheart but it’s work before pleasure here.”

“Oh I don’t need your permission to have pleasure.” You purred and ran your hand down your body as you rolled to your back. Constantine snapped his fingers and walked over to you, seeming to have found the spell he was looking for.

“Look sweetheart. This bastard is hurting people. I know deep down you want to help. Besides. Help me and I will be your magical wingman. We can have a rager. Charlie, the shifter can come, whoever you want but you have to help me first.” As he spoke he’d picked you up and scooped you into his arms, you rubbed against his chin, enjoying the feeling of his stubble. He found just the right spot to itch.

“This is… weird. You need a moment?” Sara asked from the doorway.

“Just a little sweet talking.” He said as he set you down on his chair, changing you back. Sara’s eyes went wide and she spun around when you were suddenly, human shaped and naked again.

“It’s this one.” You huffed and pouted at him. Sara slowly glanced back when he snatched up the shirt you’d been using, tossed it your way and Constantine took the book to show it to her.

“You’re sure. She doesn’t seem to like you.”

“Covered myself in catnip. Poor thing can’t resist it. Now, let's get going. I need to get back to my cat before she gets mad at me.”

Sara glanced at you, seeing you curled up in Constantine’s chair, napping under his shirt. “She’ll be ok like that?” She asked and he nodded, fumbling in his pocket for his cigarettes.

“Oh yeah, nap for a couple hours. Although I’ll need to be back before she does wake up. Lust demons get a little frisky when it comes to large doses of catnip. Everyone is her type and I did promise her some fun and unless everyone here wants to get some, we’re probably best dropping her for some time at the peak of the sexual revolution so she can calm herself down.” Constantine winked at Sara as he passed her on the way to the brig.

“Good for her.” Sara muttered, recalling Ava saying how awful she felt for you, being locked up by Constantine for defending yourself.

[jovialyouthmusic]

Silver Service

Has Bastien finally run Anton to ground? Drake returns to Applewood to find his mentor absent.

Word Count 3289

A/N  warnings - a little implied smut. Not suitable for under 18s

11 Making Plans

Anton scowled as he looked out over the ground far below the airplane.

‘Why the hell are we travelling by this beat up old piece of shit? Why aren’t we in a jet – what happened to the helicopter?’ Claudius cleared his throat

‘Funds are low, Sir’ he said ‘We had counted on everything coming together after the coronation, but the gunman put paid to it all’

‘I’d like to know who hired that amateur – he should have hit his mark instead of botching the job’ he snarled

‘We’re still trying to find out, Sir’ he answered ‘and that’s not easy considering the King’s guard have him under lock and key’

‘Why the fuck don’t we have surveillance?’ he raged ‘What do I pay you for?’

‘I’m sorry Sir, since the botched assassination the Guard are on high alert. They’ve had staff at all the significant houses re vetted. We’ve still got one or two operatives but they daren’t make a move until they need to’

‘How about that bitch Lucretia?’ he asked

‘She’s at Applewood, where the King and Olivia retreated when the Palace was evacuated. That seems to be the base of operations right now, the head of the guard and his woman are there – and Walker and the American woman too. Apparently the whole court are touring Cordonia, attending charity events at any Duchy that cares to host one’ Anton rose an eyebrow

‘That could be turned to our advantage. We need to pay close attention to the itinerary’

-------

Damien hit the tarmac running. They had decided landing at the same airfield as Claudius would be too risky, so an SUV waited to take himself and James there as fast as possible. The fact that they had travelled by jet and the others had been in an ordinary prop plane meant that they had some time in hand. A second vehicle tailed them, and they set off at breakneck speed, calling Bastien to keep him up to date.

The roads they had to travel were narrow and little used. They needed to get close to the airfield and wait for them to leave. Their luggage had tracking devices, so unless they got wind of that, all they had to do was to follow at a distance and maintain surveillance of their destination. Simply arresting them straight away would mean that they would miss out on discovering his power base. From the location of the airfield there were a number of possibilities – they may be based in Valtoria, Portaviera or the Commery Isles, presuming that they didn’t travel any further afield.

They had the advantage of the Charity tour under their belt. They had locations set but the itinerary was still fluid. Bastien planned for the tour to go as close and as soon as possible to Anton’s location so that they could either force him to act and make himself vulnerable, or make their own move to take him out.

Damien had little idea of the terrain and geography of Cordonia, so was relying on James to keep him informed. They parked the SUV in a field entrance half a mile from the airfield, out of sight of the only road that serviced the tiny runway. That road lead to a wider main road, where the other SUV waited to cover the least likely direction that Anton was likely to take. They expected him to make for the road to Valtoria, where another road junction would determine whether he was aiming to go further to the coast at Portaviera, or further still to the Commery Isles.

James told him that the duchy of Valtoria currently had no Duke or Duchess, as the childless Duchess had passed away a few weeks ago. She was reclusive and little was known of her affiliation for or against Constantine, so there was a possibility that Anton might be making for that location. The nobility at Portaviera was known to be sympathetic to Liam, so the last prospect of someone sympathetic to the Sons of the Earth was Lord Neville Delacouer in the Commery Isles. He had been a staunch supporter of Constantine, and appeared to pay allegiance to the new King, but he was an unpleasant character. He often said one thing to the new King’s face and another to other members of the council of nobles when discussing Liam’s ideas of admitting commoners to the Council.

He breathed a sigh of relief when his phone pinged at the presence of the tracking devices planted at the Monaco border. Half an hour later, a car passed the road end, and James eased out to follow at a discrete distance - out of sight but within signal range.

Half an hour later, the car bearing Anton Severus made the turn toward Valtoria.

-------

‘Valtoria, you say?’ Liam said thoughtfully. ‘I was considering who to award the Duchy to now that Duchess Van Hausen has passed away without an heir. The manor is still occupied by her staff and they’re maintaining it until it has a new owner. I suppose if she sympathised with Anton, he might make use of the estate.’ He turned to Bastien ‘Has the staff been vetted recently?’

‘We’ve made our best efforts, but with the recent funeral arrangements it’s been difficult, and she was so reclusive that we didn’t even have a list available. I’m uncertain as to whether to back off or go ahead with the checks. If we don’t do the same as we are with the other duchies, it might make him suspicious.’

‘At your discretion, Bastien’ Liam replied ‘I trust your judgement. Just let me know what you’re doing and I’ll give you whatever funding you need’

‘Thankyou Sir. I had planned to send the charity tour where Anton was going, but it’s a bit tricky as there’s nobody available to arrange an event for Valtoria’

‘Don’t they have the annual lantern event coming up?’ Liam said ‘We could contact the majordomo at the Manor and suggest we use that to raise money for their chosen cause’

‘Excellent Idea, your Grace’ Bastien said ‘I’m sure I can involve Nazario. I’ll contact him and we can start making plans’

------

‘So our first stop is Valtoria?’ Sophia asked Bastien as she stacked the plates from their dinner to go back to the kitchens. ‘It all seems rather last minute’

‘It is, the date of the festival is fixed and it’s fortuitous that it’s only two days away’ answered Bastien ‘That gives us time to reconnoitre the manor before the Court arrives.’ Sophia stopped and looked at him intently.

‘Us?’ she questioned ‘You said you’d step back from active duty’ He sighed.

‘I have to be nearby’ he said ‘I can’t do everything remotely from here, if communications break down it could be catastrophic, no matter how much I trust my men’ Sophia crossed her arms and glared at him. He shrugged ‘I’ll be in a surveillance van away from the action, but close enough to follow in when the coast is clear’

‘And when do you judge that the coast is clear?’ she asked tartly. He got up and stood in front of her, taking her hands in his and looking intently into her eyes.

‘Sophia, you have to trust me. I’ve been doing this for a long time. You’ll be safe here, I’ll assign you your own guard – James is with Damien right now’ She looked down in defeat.

‘I’m sorry Bas, it just makes me feel nervous. I can’t lose you now’ He let go of her hands and rubbed her upper arms before drawing her to him.

‘I promise I’ll come back to you’ he said as she nestled into his broad chest and her scent rose to him. ‘This is my job, and when Anton has been neutralised I can rest easy – and so can you, and Liam and Olivia as well.’ He squeezed her tight ‘Believe me, I don’t want to lose you either, and this is the best I can do to protect you as well as my King and my country.’ She drew back and looked up at him

‘That’s what you said before’ she said in a small voice.

‘I have Damien to help me this time, as well as all my men.’ Bastien went on reassuringly ‘He’s got a good reputation – he’s the best man for the job. We have the advantage this time too. We know where Anton is and if we move fast enough he won’t be ready for us’ She smiled wanly

‘When are you going?’ she asked

‘Soon, Lewis will call when we’re ready to go’ he said, and took her over to the couch, sitting and drawing her down next to him, wrapping her in his embrace. She rested her head on his chest again, and this time he inclined his head so that his chin rested on hers and her hair tickled his nose. He took a deep calming breath which she subconsciously copied. He felt her warmth and closed his eyes to commit every sense of her to memory so he could recall it when he needed the strength to remember his purpose. He felt the vibration of the phone in his pocket. Lewis was calling him away.

------

Riley held on to the door handle of the SUV grimly as Drake barrelled down the track toward the tarmacked road. She knew rebuking him for rattling her around like an egg in a carton would do no good – in fact he might show off his driving skills more, so she gritted her teeth and endured. He chatted amiably as if his driving was the most natural normal thing in the world.

‘You really showed some skill catching fish for dinner’ he said ‘Next time I’ll leave you by the lake and I’ll go off after bigger game’ A vision of him coming back down the track with a deer across his shoulders briefly flashed through her imagination, and she shook her head to get rid of the image. She wondered whether it would be better not to tell him outright that roughing it had been a little harder than she had imagined.

It wasn’t that she liked her creature comforts – a decent bathroom for one – but a little more concession to modern life would have been nice. At least the bed had been comfortable, she told herself.

Ah, the bed. A smile flickered across her face and fixed itself as she remembered the times between the fishing and cooking and hiking. Their limbs entangled, lips grazing over bare skin, fingertips caressing, stroking and pressing. Waves of pleasure that seemed to go on forever before ebbing away leaving the glow of satiation, only to begin again just as she thought they were done. Those times were incredible – she could forgive him anything in return for what he gave to her without holding back anything. She gave her all in return, and the memory of former lovers faded into insignificance.

At last they turned onto the main road, and she breathed a sigh of relief. He turned up the music and started to sing at the top of his lungs. She laughed at his choice and couldn’t help but sing along with him.

‘Country roads, take me hooooome to the plaaaace I belooooooong’ but even as she sang, laughter bubbling up under the words, she couldn’t help but wonder where ‘home’ was – for her, for Drake…did they belong together? It hadn’t been long since they had admitted their feelings for each other but she felt as if she’d met her soulmate. Could she make her home here in this odd little country? Would he follow her back to New York if she asked? Would he want to go back to where he was born, in Texas? What would they do to make a living? She looked over at him and he grinned back at her before paying attention to the road again. She resolved to put her thoughts aside for now and go with the flow.

They drew into the courtyard at Applewood, and Drake frowned.

‘There’s not many vehicles here’ he mused, looking at the row of parked cars, noting that the limos were still there, but all but one of the SUVs were missing. That meant Liam was still there, but a good portion of Bastien’s men were elsewhere. He couldn’t make sense of it, and went straight to the security suite. He found Phillipo there, widely recognised as Lewis’s right hand man, just as Lewis was to Bastien.

‘What the hell’s going on – where’s Bastien?’ he questioned him as he looked up from his desk.

‘Walker’ he acknowledged ‘Mr Lykel is out in the field’

‘I thought he wasn’t on active duty anymore’ he quizzed him ‘Didn’t he send James and Damien out to do that?’

‘Captain Lykel said to give you this’ he said, handing him an envelope. He tapped the side of his nose in a gesture he knew the Guard used in situations where it was possible that others could overhear them. He frowned and opened his mouth, but the other man shook his head to caution him to silence. He nodded and took the envelope, going back out into the courtyard to Riley. She raised her eyebrows in query and he took her hand.

‘Let’s go for a walk’ he said ‘I need to think’ he showed her the envelope, pressing his finger to his lips, and they set off toward the orchard. Once there, he leaned against the trunk of a tree and opened it, Riley watching but saying nothing, aware that he needed to concentrate. The note was handwritten, and he recognised Bastien’s neat square letters.

Walker

I still cannot be certain that I have discovered all of Constantine’s covert surveillance devices so send this to you in the strictest confidence. Look to see if the seal has been tampered with. There is a small possibility that others may know of any remaining devices and have use of them. Use the utmost discretion as to who to discuss the contents of this letter with and destroy it as soon as you can. I have faith that you know who you can trust, but be cautious.

Nazario and James have tracked Severus and two other men to Valtoria. You know the state of affairs there. In two days’ time the Lantern festival will be held, and Liam and Olivia will attend with the rest of the court. Before then, I go with the Guard to flush Anton out and neutralise him. I plan not to take an active part, but you know these things sometimes change.

If I know you as well as I might, I know your first thought will be to follow me. I urge you to stay where you are and protect Riley and Sophia, and help if you can to observe and protect Liam and Olivia. Take note of anything and anyone that appear suspicious. I trust you to do the right thing to protect those you and I hold dear. If by any chance you do not see me again, do what you can for Sophia. If all goes well, by the time the lantern ceremony takes place, Anton will no longer be a threat.

Take care son

Bastien

He sat and stared at the letter before handing it to Riley to read. He stood and paced while she read it and when she had finished, he took it back and tucked it inside his shirt.

‘We need to find Sophia and talk to her’ he said.

------

There was a note of panic in the voice of the person on the other end of the phone.

‘The lantern festival, your Majesty? We haven’t held that for years. The Duchess didn’t like strangers in the grounds after the Duke passed on’

‘I thought it would be appropriate to revive it in celebration of the change of monarch. You know, letting go of the old and making a wish for the future.’ Liam explained levelly. ‘I know it’s asking a lot, but all the other Duchies are arranging charity events. Surely as a loyal Valtorian you’d wish to raise money for a worthy cause in your area? I’d heard the orphanage needs some renovation’

‘Of course your Majesty, it’s just that it’s such short notice’ The woman, Gladys, claimed to be head of staff at Valtoria Manor. She had submitted a list of all those on staff, and Bastien had put one of his men on to vetting them properly. So far nothing suspicious had come up. All were from families who had been born in the Duchy. There were no examples of criminal records and none of the names cropped up as sympathisers of anti Monarchy groups.

‘Are you able to offer accommodation?’ he asked ‘I know the Duchess was rather – reclusive in her latter years, but I remember visiting it as a child and staying in the state rooms’

‘I – of course all the rooms were maintained properly even after we closed the gates to guests, but I’m not sure if we have the linen or bedclothes…’

‘Send a list of what you need to my head of household. Now the Palace is closed for renovations we have plenty to spare, or we can provide funds to buy new. If staffing is a problem, I can send a team to help with the organisation of the festival. Some of the other venues are taking advantage of their expertise.’ He drew himself up into his regal posture, even though she could not see him. It changed the timbre of his voice as he continued – deeper and more commanding but with an air of sympathy. ‘Gladys, I’m sure you understand that after the attack at the coronation, Cordonia needs some positive news and goals. I sincerely hope I can count on you to help your duchy make a contribution’ There was a short silence at the other end of the line.

‘Of course your Majesty, I’ll do my best’

‘Excellent, I’ll send someone over to help you’ He ended the call, smiling in triumph.

--------

Damien took control of his breath, steady and even as he approached the driveway of Valtoria Manor. It was well that he was a good mimic, and ever since he had landed in Cordonia he had listened carefully to the people around him. It helped that he had Bastien as an example of the accent in the preceding years. He didn’t expect to pass as native to the country, but explain that his Cordonian parents had moved to America when he was young, hence the faint accent and sketchy knowledge of their culture and customs. He hope it would be enough to make anyone he encountered comfortable with his manner of speaking. The gates were closed and he drew the car level with the intercom, getting out and pressing the call button.

After a short while it crackled into life, and a woman answered curtly

‘Hello – state your business please’

‘Hi, you’re expecting me I hope. King Liam asked me to come and help you organise the lantern festival. He’s recently taken me on staff to assist with all the forthcoming events.’ There was a short silence before the gates swung open and he got back into the car to drive in. Bastien had suggested he wear a wire, but he refused, saying it was too risky. He did however have a listening device in the car, and he spoke quietly as he swung the vehicle into the courtyard to see a woman stepping forward to meet him.

‘Nazario to Lykel. I’m in’

Next Chapter 12 Just Desserts?

[sun-summoning]

@serafina-constantine​ -- re tinder au:  Aww I was hoping to get team sasuke’s reactions to them finally getting together 💖

ok here you go. everyone (not just team sasuke) is answering the same question: how do you feel about sasuke and sakura getting together?

i. karin and suigetsu

“wait, so why are we doing this?”

behind his video camera, naruto scowls at his cousin. his instructions were very simple and very clear and yet karin still needed to be a pain in the ass.

“because naruto wants to use this footage when sasuke marries sakura,” suigetsu replies instead.

“what the hell?” karin frowns. “is he...is sasuke going to propose to her? they’ve been dating for, like, five months!”

“the heart knows what it wants, karin.”

“the heart is illogical and--”

“sasuke isn’t going to propose!” naruto interrupts. “why would he do that?”

karin laughs. “the real question is why would sakura even accept?”

“true love?”

“tch.”

“anyway--” naruto clears his throat and nods to his camera. “answer my question.”

“answer mine!” karin snaps back. “tell the truth.” her smile turns devious. “are you actually going to try using this as retroactive footage at a wedding they’d have ten years from now? are you planning that far ahead? you loser.”

“of course not!” naruto denies. “and you’re definitely not giving me ideas!”

“what if you’re not his best man?”

“obviously i’d be his best man.”

“but he has a brother.”

“sasuke and itachi don’t have the same relationship that we do--you know what? just answer my question!”

finally, karin just sighs and looks at suigetsu. they both actually face the camera, now wearing looks of contemplation.

suigetsu goes first: “i didn’t really think he’d succeed.”

“really?”

“yeah, he’s so awkward, you know?”

“he is,” karin agrees with a wince.

“also, i assumed she’d just slap him? or get a restraining order?” suigetsu scratches his head. “i don’t know man--the whole thing was just a bit...weird. ya know?”

“but it was true love,” naruto says.

“maybe to sasuke. but maybe to a sensible girl that was just creepy.”

“maybe you’re wrong.”

“do you want my opinion or not?!”

karin shoves suigetsu and sends naruto a glare to stop him from fighting for sasuke’s honour as a stalker.

-

ii. hinata

hinata’s hands, previously stuffed into her pockets if naruto recalled correctly, were currently in front of her. she was in the process of trying to dislocate her fingers or something as she took quick nervous breaths.

“um.” naruto smiles at her and she turns red. “we can just, like, not do this if you’d prefer?”

“i--it’s okay!” she replies. “how do i feel about sasuke getting together with the girl he liked?” she grins, but it’s shaky and so clearly uncomfortable. “i’m glad.”

“that’s it?”

she blinks. “were you...expecting more?”

naruto grunts a goodbye and goes off to find someone shadier.

-

iii. shikamaru

shikamaru actually laughs in naruto’s face.

when he settles down, he shakes his head. “naruto, you wildly overestimate how much i care about sasuke’s love life.”

-

iv. juugo

“sasuke’s dating our bio tutor?” juugo scratches his head. “aw man! do you think she gives him a discount?”

“you make her sound like a prostitute, juugo.”

-

v. itachi and mikoto

naruto manages to get reactions from sasuke’s brother and mother when they find each other outside sasuke’s graduation ceremony. he’s off somewhere with fugaku taking photos of him like the proud father he is. and, if naruto saw correctly, sakura even stopped by briefly to leave a nice dusty rose mark on sasuke’s cheek.

“i’m pleased that he found his way to his tinder girl,” itachi tells naruto. “sakura makes sasuke very happy.”

“tinder?” mikoto echoes. “is that a game?”

itachi, the biggest whore naruto’s ever met, smiles softly. “something like that, mother.”

naruto makes a face of disgust. “have you met sakura yet, mrs. sasuke’s mom?”

mikoto raises an eyebrow at them. “naruto, i met sakura before all of you.”

“you did?”

“the work ethic in that girl is astounding. and she’s positively brilliant. she’s worked with some of the best researchers in our field--”

“this is boring,” naruto interrupts. he lowers his camera. “are you taking us out for dinner to celebrate that sasuke actually succeeded?”

mikoto shakes her head fondly. naruto’s been part of their family since he met naruto in primary school, so of course he’s invited.

-

vi. ino

“look at this bullshit.”

ino holds up her phone to show naruto sakura’s instagram page. among photos of various landscapes and meals and selfies, naruto notices a few with sasuke. quite a few with sasuke.

“aww.” he enlarges one of them and coos at the image of sakura smiling in a field of sunflowers with sasuke standing beside her looking as constipated as ever. “they’re so cute!”

“i know right!” but ino’s grin soon morphs into a scowl. “but he’s always around!”

“i mean he mostly just sits there on his phone looking at neko atsume. he’s actually really forgettable.”

“can i live?!” ino snaps. then she stops, her jaw dropping and her eyes widening. “fuck my life,” she whispers. “i’ve been spending so much time with sasuke through his stalking and then when sakura actually deigned to date him that i’m...picking up his habits.”

naruto pats her on the shoulder. “remember when we were younger and i used to say ‘believe it’ a lot?”

“yeah, i wanted to rip your tongue out.”

“okay, rude.”

“it was annoying--”

“let me get to the point!” naruto clears his throat. “anyway, one time sasuke said it too and it was basically the highlight of my adolescence.”

“that’s sad.”

“don’t be a bitch because you’re turning into sasuke.”

“i guess he’s alright,” ino concedes as she looks at her nails. “he’s a total loser and he’s so awkward, but...” she shrugs. “he makes sakura smile.”

-

vii. neji and tenten

“to be clear, we were never on this ‘team sasuke’ or whatever insipid name you’ve chosen as of two minutes ago.” neji hyuuga takes a sip of his tea for good measure. “but, i suppose, sasuke is an acceptable choice.”

beside him, tenten wears a tense smile. “what neji means to say is that we’re happy for them.”

naruto nods, uncomfortable in the presence of sakura’s friends. they were never really part of the tinder-turned-stalking phase of sasusaku beyond their comments on sakura’s instagram (to naruto’s knowledge, at least).

“are you though?”

neji opens his mouth to reply, but immediately grunts, and judging by the way he’s wincing, naruto can only imagine tenten attacked him under the tale.

“yes,” neji replies curtly. “so, so happy.”

-

viii. sakura

“how do i feel about sasuke and i getting together?” sakura echos, staring at him as though he’s the one who’s weird. “he makes me--” sakura shrugs. she looks down. “i’m happy?”

“why do you sound unsure?”

“i’m not unsure. i’m just uncomfortable.” she gestures to his phone. “you’re literally recording this.”

“i’m--” 

technically, footage of sakura wouldn’t be totally necessary to have in whatever video he might make ten years from now when sasusaku get married. sure, sakura saying how she’s super in love with sasuke (or whatever) would actually be a pretty cool ending to that potential video, ino had a pretty good line he could use there. 

sighing, naruto turns off his camera and puts his phone down the table. 

sakura nods in approval. “for the record, i know how the whole story went.”

“oh?”

“yes, from the tinder swiping to itachi’s little bet to him being afraid that i’m the type of girl who says i’m not like most girls.”

“yeah, he was scared of that.” naruto clears his throat. “also, i don’t know what you’re talking about.”

sakura rolls her eyes. 

“wait, so you know about all the stalking?”

she winces. “i hate that word.”

“sorry? i’m not the one who invented language though?”

“let’s go with recon.”

naruto waves a hand. “fine. so you know about all the recon?”

she nods and takes a sip of her drink. “sasuke told me. i think he figured it’d be better to tell me himself than let anyone else tell me instead.”

“controlling the narrative. smart boy.”

“hm?”

“nothing. scandal. anyway--” he taps his chin. “how come you aren’t, well, upset?”

that makes sakura laugh. she throws her head back and when the giggles peter down, the grin she wears is downright devious. “because then i’d be a hypocrite.” she winks at him. “do you really think i didn’t do my own research on sasuke when i finally got more information about him at ino’s party?” she leans in closer. “or that after we actually started dating, i didn’t do my research on his friends and family, naruto?”

naruto fights down a shudder. “what. the hell.”

“social media is a terrifying thing.”

-

ix. sasuke and naruto

naruto has already burrowed himself on the other side of sasuke’s bed, too scared to sleep on his own after a full day of reading creepy stories on r/nosleep. 

“i’m going to die.”

“you’re being an idiot.”

“no, i think there’s a ghost girl who’s going to come for me!”

sasuke makes the usual show of demanding naruto leave, but naruto just swaddles himself even more until sasuke goes to retrieve another blanket for himself. he throws that on the bed and laughs a little when it hits naruto.

naruto watches as sasuke goes about his evening routine from plugging in his phone to watering the succulent on his desk to putting it on his window sill so it can watch the sunrise. when he settles on the bed, he takes his phone back out like a classic millennial and opens his chat with sakura.

“i’m right here,” naruto tells him.

“but if i ignore you hard enough, you might disappear.”

“your life would be the worst without me.”

“it’d definitely be quieter.”

“and more boring!” naruto pokes him. “you should be more grateful, asshole. i’m the one who helped you find your tinder girl.”

“tch, no you didn’t.”

“you whored me out!”

“you would have whored yourself out either way.”

“you take that back!”

sasuke easily ignores him to message his ~*~girlfriend~*~. naruto wants to be insulted, but he can’t really blame sasuke. sasuke has always been terrible -- terrible -- at building and maintaining relationships. the fact that he now has a girlfriend who thinks he’s slightly more than passable as a human being is a wonderful thing. 

when sasuke finally turns off the screen of his phone, the room goes dark. naruto presses his head against sasuke’s shoulder partly because he’s feeling affectionate but mostly because he’s scared of the dark after all those creepy stories on reddit. 

he ignores the way his best friend grunts. “hey sasuke?”

“hm?”

naruto pauses. they don’t do mushy, but naruto wants to tell him, “i’m really happy that you found sakura.”

“oh.” he hears sasuke shift as he nods. “me too.”

“she’s a good match for you. and she’s...nice. she really likes you.”

“yeah.” sasuke clears his throat. “i. um. i really like her too.”

“good.”

“naruto?”

“hm?”

“thank you,” while normal people might go in for a hug in this moment, sasuke shoves naruto back to the other side of the bed, “for helping me find sakura.”

“of course.” he’ll always have sasuke’s back, and he knows sasuke will always have his. 

naruto grins up at the darkened ceiling, unafraid of the potential of ghost girls looming down on him -- not with his best friend by his side. 

[pb1138]

The Silence

Emmy shares a snippet of the life she’s always dreamed of with Vasco. 

Silence. It permeates the night air like freshly fallen snow silences footfalls in winter. Only the gentle, distant lapping of waves against the hull dares break it. No servants here, no whispered conversations passing by doors in the dead of night, no distant clamoring of kitchens preparing for the next morn, no wailing infants of servants. Not even in this early hour remain the sounds of drunken laughter from the crew, and any snores given by them are kept tucked quietly in their bunks like private operas of discord.

This night marks the seventh that Emmy has sought this mystic silence, has pulled herself from her restless sleep to greet the salty sea air and let it cleanse away the nightmarish visage of the unseeing blank eyes, of the pock-marked and rotten flesh, of the blackened finger nails that haunt her since her departure. For it is in these silent moments, sat atop the base of the bowsprit, her eyes closed as she breathes in the chilly morning air that those thoughts are behind her. The malichor and its victims a far distant memory washed away by the tides, the weight of responsibility lifted from her shoulders for there is no one to remind her of her promise, to muse about the existence of a cure on the new world. No, here in the silence, she is not Lady Emmalia De Sardet, Legate of the Congregation of Merchants, cousin to the Governor of New Sérène. Here, she is Emmy and only Emmy. And here, she’s can imagine what her life might have been like if she’d not been born the niece of a prince. A life of adventure, she likes to imagine. She’d not have been satisfied to be raised to become a baker’s wife, to be a mother to countless children. No, far from it. As now with her assignment as Legate, she would’ve felt the pull of the unknown. And in all eventuality, she’d have likely chosen a life with the Nauts.

“You know it’s quite dangerous up there. Bowsprits aren’t meant for lounging, milady.”

She does not start at the intrusion, but her eyes do snap open of their own accord. She’d not heard him approach, lost in her thoughts as she was. Without turning, she addresses him. “I suppose as ship’s captain you must see to it that I climb back down.”

There’s a slight moment of pause in which she can imagine him shrugging. “I’ve given my warning. That’s due diligence enough to satisfy.” And then a rustling of fabric and a slight grunt as he pulls himself up just behind her, taking a seat himself. “You seem far away, milady, if it’s not too bold for me to say.”

She smiles slightly, looks up at the nearly full moon hanging high overhead. “Just imagining a different life.”

He doesn’t sound surprised when he postulates, “A life of regency, wealth, and an amorous prince, you mean?”

Emmy snorts, casts a look over her shoulder at him but pauses just the slightest. He’s dressed down, not wearing his usual captain’s hat or coat. Instead he sits before her in a simple white shirt that reveals his form with the wind pressing back on it, his ghostly pale hair let down to flutter about his comely face. She fears she’s looked too long because he raises a sharp brow at her, and she turns away to look out over the pitch expanse before them. “Quite the opposite, actually.”

“Oh? Might I request an indulgence, my lady?”

“Emmy.” She blinks at herself, at her boldness at offering such a private name to this man whom she’d known all of a week. Only Kurt and Constantin call her thus, not even her mother or the professor.

“Emmy then,” he agrees, and her cheeks grow warm. “Was that a declination?”

“I… erm, well, no.” Clearing her throat, she sits up straighter, pulls her hair into her hands to begin to try to braid it. “I was just… That is… You see, Captain—”

“Just Vasco, if we’re to be familiar.”

Her blush spreads to her ears, and she’s thankful he can’t see, but his voice and the warmth of his body reminds her how close he is and does nothing to abate her nerves. Still, a lifetime in Society has provided her the means to hold her nerves in check, and she steels herself against them. “You see, Vasco, I have never been one to seek out luxuries in life. I know this may sound as though I’m just another noble who has never realized how good she has it, but I’ve hated many aspects of my life since I was very young.”

“In what way?” His question is genuine, but she can still hear the faint undertone beneath it, the one that tells her that that is precisely what he’s seeing in her now.

“I’ve… I’ve always wanted more. Or, less, as it were. Less supervision, fewer rules, fewer expectations. It has always been ‘Emmalia, a lady does not go round in stockings.’ ‘Emmalia, a lady does not scale the bannister.’ ‘Emmalia, a lady—’ just rules, rules, rules. Etiquette and manners and stuffy dresses and painful corsets.” She takes a breath to steel herself, to slow her whining, and her hands give up the pursuit of taming her locks. She’s never been very good at such things. “I’ve never wanted it. I recognize that to have so much and not want it is nothing short of privileged, and that my life is the dream of many others, but for me it has always been on par with a nightmare.”

He’s quiet for a moment, the silence stretching between them as vast as this ocean. She can only imagine the way he’s judging her now, what he’s thinking. The silver spoon in her mouth tastes more tarnished than ever, especially given that she’s tossing it aside in the presence of a man who, judging by his tattoos and callouses and station alone, has lived nothing short of a difficult life. And for a moment, she worries that perhaps she should not have told him, that whatever comradery that there might have developed between them was now forever dashed. But surely, a man as young as he should understand. Has he never wondered at the life he could have had?

“What is it you dream of then?”

It surprises her, his question. Part of her thought he would never respond, that he’d just walk away to leave the spoiled noble to her dramatic daydreams, but she’d not expected him to care enough to ask. “I…” She blinks, concentrates on the wealth of dreams stored in her mind. Which one was the one she sought the most? “Truth be told, Ca—Vasco, I um… It’s rather embarrassing actually.”

He chuckles, a dark, smooth sound that rumbles across her skin in a uniquely surprising way. Her hair which has fallen over her shoulder and been shifting in the wind, is taken into a hand, not roughly by any means, and the other hand accompanies it. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours,” he purrs.

Emmy blushes furiously, even worse when she realizes his hands are moving, pulling her hair into the braid she’d been trying for. Against her better instincts, she leans into his touch, tilting her head up to assist his efforts. “I… Truthfully?” He grunts in affirmation. “I’ve always dreamt of… a life at sea.”

“You… want to be a Naut?” He sounds incredulous, and his hands falter for just a moment.

“I… I don’t know. I just… Look, I’m no child. I understand that it’s not all dashing swordfights and swashbuckling and jaunty sea shanties. Those are just stories we tell children. But… Nauts aren’t… Tied down. There’s very few expectations from them beyond reaching destinations in a timely manner. There’s no dinner versus dessert forks, no seasonal colors, no excellencies vs highnesses. It just… sounds so free. And the ocean, gods’ breath, I’ve always loved the ocean. I’d get into all sorts of trouble climbing to the top of the palace to look out at it or I’d sneak down to the docks to try to stow away on ships leaving for other worlds. No home but the ship, no mistress but the sea… It’s…” She swallows suddenly, realizing how carried away she’d gotten. Clearing her throat in embarrassment, she looks down at the hands clasped in her lap. “I told you it was embarrassing.”

He’s silent again, but his hands are back to work. A while later, her hair is draped across her shoulder, deftly braided and secured with a bit of string. “Not at all.”

The warmth leaves her back suddenly with a rustling of fabric before the sound of boots hitting the ground draws her attention. He is walking away from her, hands stuffed in his pockets, head down. “H-Hey!” She stands, frowning after him. “What about yours?”

He lifts his hand over his shoulder in a wave and keeps on his way. “Another time, milady.” And, with a flourish, he disappears below deck, leaving her alone in the silence once more.

Her fists clench a few times as she reels over what just happened before she finally turns back to the ocean and sits once more. Shaking her head, she admires the way he tied her hair and sighs mournfully.

The silence is far too empty now.

[shirtlesssammy]

9x22: Stairway to Heaven

Then:

Metatron!!!!

Now:

Dixon, MIssouri

A very particular mom orders ice cream for herself and then asks her son what he would like. He points to a girl eating a Ziggy Piggy all alone and wants that! She goes over to the girl to berate her not for eating something with a symbol of racism as decoration but for eating diabetes in a bowl. The girl says she’s an angel though and can do as she pleases. A man walks into the store--and pulls out an angel blade. The girl tells the woman to run as her eyes flash blue. Too late, the place disintegrates in a flash of white. 

Sam WInchester sleeps with his gun under his pillow in his own room. That breaks me a little. Dean, the Mark of Cain in full jerk mode, wakes him and even though they’ve only slept for two hours, wants to get going. 

Sam joins Dean in the library and Dean tells him that he talked to Cas and there’s something happening in Missouri. He couldn’t give details over the phone because (And mind you, Dean says this while looking wistfully upwards) “He’s a weird, dorky little guy.” smh. 

Dean grabs the First Blade and Sam questions whether it’s necessary. Dean insists they need it with them all the time if they’re going to take down Metatron. Sam thinks he should leave it in the bunker for this trip. Dean agrees. 

Once at the ice cream shop, the brothers learn their FBI covers are Agents Spears and Agulera. #BlessAndrewDabb. (Sidenote: I just LOVE Dean’s little plaid tie.) Cas is already inside. They meet up and Cas shows them a victim, eyes burned out. He doesn’t know what happened but six people died and one angel. Whatever Metatron is doing is abhorrent. 

Cut to Metatron trying on a trench coat in his headquarters. Someone knocks at the door and he quickly scrambles to take the coat off. 

Gadreel walks in. He wants to talk about their plans. Cas’s side of the war is winning. Metatron doesn’t understand why angels are choosing Cas over him when he can get them home. The Metatron admits THE TRUTH: He’s cute and he’s got charm. He counters that he --Metatron-- is lovable and funny, which gets an eyebrow lift from Gadreel. Oh Metatron, you’re the worst. Gadreel tells Metatron that they’re meeting with the last large faction of angels left. Metatron isn’t stressed, he has a plan! (It’s not the trench coat, no, nope)

At Trench Coat Headquarters, Cas introduces Dean and Sam to Hannah. There’s some light ‘he likes me better’ banter between Dean and Hannah. 

Hannah tells Cas an angel is missing. Josiah was a mole and now he’s gone. Dean and Sam set to tracking him. (Hannah’s little unimpressed attitude towards Dean is entertaining.) Two seconds later, Sam finds that his credit card was used at a Gas ‘n Sip in Colorado. Dean turns to Hannah and gets his ruler out to measure. 

Another angel has video of the ice cream shop attack. Just before the megasmiting, the angel, Orin, announced, “I do this for Castiel!” and stabs himself in the chest. Dean wants answers but Cas has no clue what that was. “I’m going to be sick.” Oh, bby. (Also, how is this not a reaction gif for fandom wank all the time?) In any event, Dean doesn’t seem to want to believe Cas, accusing him of running a cult and dredging up his little attempt at playing God back in the day. 

For I know Dean is Mad but This Sure Makes a Pretty Shot Science:

Interrupting Moose uses his powers for good and drags them into a private room to continue the conversation. 

Cas explains the Enochian sigil on the angel’s torso was something to draw energy and the stabbing unleashed that energy, atomizing the other angel. Dean tells Cas that he needs to stay back while the brothers investigate. Cas responds with a flat, defiant “No.” And let us never forget this dorky little guy is a BAMF. That prompts the plan of Cas and Sam heading to Colorado to find Josiah. 

On the road, Sam fills Cas in on what’s really been happening this season because Dean and Cas apparently only whisper sweet nothings and giggle on the phone.

Sam and Cas talk about how the Mark is changing Dean. Cas’s admission that Dean is “always a little angry” breaks me a little. 

Metatron is busy wooing angels at a bowling alley. They don’t want to go back to heaven. Life’s too good on earth. The smell of the bowling alley is enough to keep them here. (OMG and LOL) 

Metatron pulls out his blade. The angel laughs and tells him that if he dies, all his angels will side with Castiel. He’ll talk if Metatron out bowls him though. 

On the road, Sam and Cas have a lead on Josiah. 

Dean interviews other angels that knew Orin. One decides to poke the bear a bit, telling Dean that he doesn’t save lives. He forces her at the end of an angel blade to name names. One of them is Tessa. Yep, the reaper Tessa. 

Cas and Sam track Josiah’s car to a place that Cas can sense is radiating power. They try entering a door to a warehouse but Sam’s lock picking skills fail. Cas, ancient angel of infinite strength informs Sam that he’s “got this.” He slams the door a couple of times and tries the door, to no avail. “I don’t got this.” <Insert jensen with camera you’re doing amazing pic> 

Dean tracks down Tessa. And we learn that Dean Winchester likes Fiddler on the Roof. But really he’s wants to know what she thinks she’s doing. She tries walking away from him when he grabs her and sees something carved on her chest. He handcuffs her and demands she tell him where the other rogue angel, Constantine, is. 

Cut to the bowling alley, as Metatron huffs away from losing his game of bowling, an angel calls his name. It’s Constantine. “I do this for Castiel,” he announces and stabs himself. The world goes white. 

It’s now night and Sam and Cas are still trying to get into the warehouse. Cas reveals there’s a riddle in Enochian warding the place.

“Why is 6 afraid of 7? I assume because 7 is a prime number and prime numbers can be intimidating.” “It’s because 7 ate (8) 9,” Sam corrects, and the door opens. GOLD. Even more GOLD: Cas references Lord of the Rings. Yeah, Cas knows a thing about things now. 

Cas and Sam finally enter the building, walking through a shadowy concrete tunnel. Sam happens upon a message inscribed on the wall: “Only the penitent man shall pass.” Holy Indiana Jones, Batman! He shouts a warning to Cas, but Cas has already crouched below the whirling blades. (Thank god he’s pop culture saavy now. Pop culture saved his life! #Relatable)

Dean interrogates Tessa with Hannah lurking in the background. Tessa is adamant that she turned herself into a suicide bomber for Castiel - he assigned her that task, personally. Hannah is SHOOK.

Hannah wants to fight and Dean shoos her out the door to get her in line. They agree that Tessa believes what she’s saying. Yikes.

In the Raiders of the Lost Heaven, Cas strides towards a lit door at the end of the hallway and something in him seems to lighten and lift as he approaches it. It’s the door to Heaven! It’s calling him in. Cas approaches, ready to seize control of the door to Heaven. He opens the door and--

Soft music and valentine-hued rotating lights play across poor Castiel’s astonished face. The room is a total joke, set up like a party with little paper cupids and angels strung up alongside balloons and gold streamers. Fred Astaire croons “Cheek to Cheek” in the otherwise empty room. Sam finds a card addressed to Cas that reads: "Welcome to your own personal heaven, Castiel. Good luck finding the real one."

They discover a terribly burned body lying on the floor - an angel burned by holy oil. Sam looks up and spots a Home-Alone-style door mounted flame torch. Suddenly the body jumps and grabs Cas. He’s not dead yet! He says that Metatron promised that he could return home. But he’s not going with Cas now. He looks at Cas, and he doesn’t see an angel anymore. (Cas bby!)

Dean heads back in to talk to Tessa. He begs her for a reason for her actions. “I guess I just can’t take the screaming,” she says at last, her voice breaking. There are tons of lost souls wandering the Earth now who can’t get into Heaven since it’s been closed. She hears all of their torment and suffers, to the point where death is preferable. But now that Cas gave her a reason to die…

Dean, bless him (finally!) doesn’t believe her - not fully. It doesn’t sound like the Cas he knows. Tessa counters with the fact that he also didn’t know that Cas leading a super secret army and….fair, I suppose. Dean asks for names and then threatens her, pulling out the first blade. Tessa immediately freaks out over it. “What have you done?” she asks. “What I had to,” he responds. Dean. Bean. She grips him then and pulls herself onto the first blade, dying in his arms. 

Dean falls into a kind of lull after the kill, just barely snapping out of it as Hannah and another angel rushes in. 

Cut to Dean, handcuffed to a chair and his mouth duct-taped. “He put up a fight,” Hannah says testily as Cas and Sam rush in to him. Sam immediately lays into Dean about bringing the first blade. 

Cas interrupts their squabble, only to be interrupted by Hannah. Metatron’s calling…

On screen, Metatron talks about Castiel’s henchman’s attack in the bowling alley. Poor dead Titus’ followers have all joined Metatron’s team in retaliation. Cas protests that he sent nobody to kill Metatron. 

Metatron laughs at him, and then delivers his elevator speech. He’s only doing what’s best for the angels. 

Metatron delivers his offer: amnesty to any angel crossing to his side. Angels need to follow someone - so they might as well follow him. He tells them that Cas isn’t the bold leader they think. He’s sending angels out to die AND he’s sporting stolen grace that is fading quickly. (Some half truths and a lie!) 

Metatron goes a step further: Cas only cares about himself and the Winchesters. Cas tries for some damage control with a pissed off host of angels. He admits to the stolen grace and they assume the worst based on that. Cas’s defense is going...poorly. 

Hannah asks for proof. Cas has to punish Dean for killing Tessa. “You gave us order, Castiel, and we gave you our trust. Don't lose it over one man.” She holds up on angel blade while angels hold Dean and Sam fast.

Cas takes the blade, contemplating his choices, his army. He looks at Dean...and then looks down. “No, I can’t,” he says. He lets the blade fall to his side and just like that, his army leaves. Cas, Dean, and Sam watch them file out of the room. (Don’t mind me while I gabble on about all that wasted infrastructure they’re leaving behind.) 

In Heaven, Metatron gleefully chats on the phone to the first defector from Castiel’s army before chortling to Gadreel about how his plan is working. Gadreel is pissed, though. The “elite unit” (Tessa, etcetera) he helped recruit for Metatron’s team weren’t supposed to blow themselves up - but Metatron brainwashed them as soon as they came over. Metatron’s dismissive of Gadreel’s ire. “You start by building up a seemingly unbeatable enemy, like the death star, or a rival angel with a bigger army. That way, I look like the underdog. But then, oh, no! The competition gets greedy. He starts pushing things too much. With the help of my combustible double agents. And then, after a rousing speech, his true weakness is revealed. He's in love...with humanity.”

Boris and I are going to take a moment to burn in the fires of that last sentence. We’re FINE. 

Gadreel asks after Josiah and Metatron blithely describes him as a loose end, cleaned up by his booby-traps. 

Driving back, the Impala is silent. Cas sits in the back seat stoically and HOW symbolic is THAT? When they get back to the bunker, Sam confronts Dean again about the first blade. Dean snaps a little bit and says he’s the only one who can kill Metatron, armed with the blade. He’s in charge now. (UGH I really do dislike Mark of Cain Dean.) Sam heads off in a huff and Dean corners Cas, asking about his grace. Cas tries to deflect but Dean’s done with bullshit. He asks how long Cas has to live. “Long enough to destroy Metatron, I hope.” Cas bby ;_;

Cas asks again if Dean believes he would have ordered those angels to kill themselves. Dean finally, unequivocally says that he believes Cas would never do that - he just gave up his “whole army for one guy,” after all. 

Cas wonders if the three of them can prevail. Dean believes in Team Free Will. And then... Gadreel walks in. He tells them that Metatron is a problem and he’s willing to work with them. Gadreel begs for them to give him a chance. For a moment, everybody’s chill and I think...hey they’re gonna sit down, have a nice cup of tea, come up with a civilized battle plan. 

Instead, Dean approaches Gadreel slowly. Holds out his hand. And...hauls up the first blade to slice him across the chest. Dean snarls like a raging beast at Gadreel and the episode fades away.

______________________________

In Love with Quote-manity:

“They like to hear me say their names.” “I know a couple women like that.”

Yeah, I heard he had a real explosive personality.

Honey, there ain’t no other men like me.

I’m very pop culture savvy now.

He’s a weird, dorky little guy

I've noticed your aliases are usually the names of popular musicians

You’re such an...angel sometimes

I don’t got this

Why is six afraid of seven?" Now, I assume it's because seven is a prime number, and prime numbers can be intimidating

You’re Mother Theresa with neckbeard!

______________________________

Want to read more? Check out our Recap Archive! 

[iwannawritepls]

Le Morte d’Arthur Thoughts P1

I’m lending Les Mis to a friend so here’s the first 10 chapters of Le Morte:

Book One

Chapter One

thats a really long chapter title wowzer

Cornwall has some really good folklore 

i should mention that i kinda knows what happens in these chapeters because i read teh first 7 about two years ago 

Boo come ‘round for dinner. Bring your wife :)

He wants to have sex with another mans wife oh nonono

Igraine is a good wife. Loyal wife. Guinevere’s foil…?

What is this logic? ‘If he doesn’t come round for dinner go to war with him?’ Whattt

The castle he’s in is…terrible…(the castle was called Terrabil)

He loves her so much that he’s sick

Or…or you’re just sick because this is medieval England and you drank some bad water?

‘You’re looking for Merlin? I’m Merlin!!’

Chapter Two

Another long title. I love that.

Gat Arthur. I love old English Oml

He didn’t ask what he wanted in return before he swore to give him anything he wanted? Rookie move.

What are you a fairy-tale witch?

Casual murder

…that’s kinda…ultra-violence...

3 hours after his death man Wowzer

Get thee to a nunnery!!!

Necromancy? Like...bringing the dead back? or necromancy like just magic?

Chapter Three

Toxic man

No hun you don’t have to sleep with him because he’s your husband

X to doubt

He’ll put his own kid aside and have his wife feed Arthur leaving Kay to be ignored…this is why Edmund was all bitter in King Lear

At least he didn’t say no to handing the kid over. It could’ve been worse

Chapter Four

Good. Get sick. I hate you.

And then and then and then and then

Good get sick again.

Let him dieeeee

His ghost just yeeted out of his body

Uther is dead at lasttttttt

Chapter Five

The archbishop of Canterbury (current) looks like that once science teacher who we all know was bullied in school and tried to be hip and down with the kids, but you just end up kinda hating him.

Was the sword was sent by god? Or by Merlin? Or what? Where did the sword come from? Did it just fall out of the sky like a meteor? The sword is actually a parasitic alien life form

God damn it Kay

Did nobody tell Arthur what this alien sword is?

That’s just bad planning. No knights guarding the sword when you said 10 would at all times? Really?

Parasite sword has found its host

‘He handled the sword by the handles’ good! Don’t handle a sword by the blade that’s how you lose fingers

Tom! New line for new speaker! At least use some damn speech marks I’m so confused

Oof imagine failing. I could pull the parasite sword out of the stone you just need to put salt on it. It’ll shrivel up like a leech

Chapter Six

Did Ector never figure out this Arthur was Uthers son? He got loads of stuff from uther right around the time that he got the baby and the baby was brought in a golden cloth and Oml like surely he knew!

Nobody: Ector: You’re adopted

Make my son one of the most important and influential positions in your court is all I ask

There’s a mix of Celtic and Christian holidays here. Candlemas and Christmas which is super interesting from a studying point of view because they’re coexisting and not clashing

Chapter six the chapter where Arthur pulls the sword out the anvil twelve thousand times

Ulfus lived!!

Chapter Seven

Even the poor are bored of watching Arthur pull the sword form the anvil

I’m glad to know that the rich have been self-serving throughout history. Like bacteria they scarcely evolve over time

What reason do you have to invade Scotland Arthur? What did the Scottish ever do to you?

What did Wales ever do to you. Next thing it’s gonna be Ireland.

Chapter Eight

The king of England lives in Wales nowwww (that’s just where he lives) this isn’t the Byzantine empire Arthur! Who do you think you are? Constantine?

That’s a threat

This reminds me of that scene from brave where they’re all racing each other on the boats to be the  first ones to land

Oof man rude. We won’t accept your gifts because you don’t have a beard!

what did Ireland do to you? Also was Tom a magician because he somehow knew England had all of them under their control for a hot minute

Whether they will or nill

Chapter Nine

Lot asks a question and Merlin Yeets out. Same tho

4 took on 300…Wowzer

Oh no. Not the horse. Whoops. I am so so very sad

His bling was so bright it blinded people

Skedadled

Chapter Ten

Oh he moved back to London cool cool

Wait I thought there were only 3 kings at war with him not 6

They’re bad barons then they can’t do the one thing they’re supposed to do

What are the rules for asking Merlin what to do? Why doesn’t everyone just ask Merlin? Like Arthur just asks him whenever so what are the rules?

Wow they’re getting help from the French???????? William the conqueror would be…not pleased tbh cus Normandy and France were not good friends for a hot minute

Did they just not know that there were kings outside of England?

What the fuck why are they about to get killed????

Oh that’s why

Smote what a great word

We want you to declare war on like 6 kings ‘that sounds like a reason to partyyyy’

Archbishops of Canterbury makes his return

Wow what a great time they must have had before going to war

[nonbinary-androids]

christmas gift fics - previews

You read the title of this post. You know what’s happening. What more do I have to say?

Format is:

Title, for gift-reciever (fandom) Summary

Notes: What I have to say.

Quick note before we start: The summaries on these are NOT final. Chances are that the fics themselves won’t change much, but I am a big fan of turning around and completely revamping my summaries. And now, onto sneak peeks!

to be alone with you, for @enbyboiwonder​ (macgyver) After a mission goes wrong, Mac and Jack end up snowed into a cabin in the middle of a freezing Canadian winter. To make matters worse, there’s only three days left until Christmas

Notes: My thoughts around this fic alternated rapidly between “Does it snow in California? No? Well, fuck it. Im bringing them up here. ThERE’S GOTTA BE SNOW” “Pining... jaskdjfh they’re in lOVE” and “oh my god, why are there so many words, there weren’t supposed to be this many words-”. It was still an absolute blast to write! Not quite finished yet, but I’m pretty sure there’s 2k left at max. (Although, now that I’ve said that, it’s going to go on for another 10k and consume my soul.) Also, T R O P E S.

you, me, and the state of california, for the magisterium discord (magisterium) It’s Copper Year and Aaron is doing fine, thank you very much. He’s totally chill about Call’s enormous, life-threatening secret, the stupid amounts of attention directed at them, the fact that he as nowhere to go for Christmas, and the stupid, embarrasing, overwhelming crush he has on his counterweight, of all people. Very, very chill.

At least Call offering to let him stay over at the Hunt house will solve one of of those problems, right?

Notes: There are too many people in the Magisterium discord for me to write them all fics, (which I am very sad about) so this is my way of giving everyone something!

to make one someone happy, for @imthesurvivorcatherineparr​ (good omens) This was it. This was the year that, come hell, high water, angelic intervention or the end of the goddamn world, the Rainbow Alliance of Elliot Adams High School was going to get Mr. Fell and Mr. Crowley together.

Notes: I’m sucking at actually writing this, but gosh golly do I have so many Ideas™

sister winter, for @a-small-fangirl​ (it movie) (IF YOU AREN’T MANAR, I’M SORRY FOR @’ing YOU RANDOM STRANGER!! And also to actual Manar for not knowing your URL rip) It only takes a heartbeat.

Ritchie looks at Eddie mid-laugh. It’s a real laugh, his head thrown back, mouth open wide, shoulders heaving, leaving the column of his neck exposed to Ritchie’s gaze.

The image hits him like a truck, like a revelation, like a condemnation, which it is. Eddie is laughing, and he wants to kiss him.

-

Five times Ritchie wanted to kiss Eddie and one time Eddie did.

Notes: Hi I have no idea how my characterization is on this bc I’ve never seen this movie, haven’t read the wiki page and have read one (1) fic for this pairing, but damn if I’m not doing it anyways!

little brother, for @linaseraphina13​ (magisterium) The person- boy- in question looked about six or seven years old, with light brown skin, black hair and piercing grey eyes. Alex thought Anastasia had mentioned him vaguely- he hadn’t been paying attention. His name might have started with a C; Calvin, maybe, or Cameron, or possibly even Kevin. Something like that.

“Move over,” the boy said firmly. In his hand, he clutched a book so tightly his fingers were turning white and red. Alex couldn’t make out the title from the distortion.

“Why?”

“Because,” the boy said, his voice strong. “This is my house. I live here. And now I want to read here.”

-

Call is raised by Anastasia. He meets Alex. Everything promptly goes to hell from there.

Notes: I know I didn’t ask you about the prompt for this one, but you highkey intimidate the hell out of me, and you did mention wanting to see this, so, uh you’ll be recieving it? Yay?

put your trust in me, for @gray-mark​ (magisterium) Yes, Constantine had been a little... different since Jericho’s death, but then they all had been. This was still Constantine, wasn’t it? Still the boyfriend Alastair knew and loved?

Something about the slightly crazed look in Constantine’s eyes told him differently.

OR

How Alastair got Constantine’s wristband.

Notes: As IF I’m not writing our local angst goddess angst for Christmas.

BONUS ROUND: Christmas Fics I Might/Am Writing But That Aren’t Gifts:

all i want for christmas (magisterium) Three Christmases William Rufus spent with people that he loved.

in sickness and in health (rent the musical) It was a not-so minor miracle that Angel had survived a full year. Her health deteriorated a little more every day, even with her fighting spirit and relentless optimism. Still, sitting with her was the highlight of every one of Collins’ days, for better or for worse.

Today however, she seemed as bright and beautiful as the day he’d met her, eyes twinkling even under the harsh hospital lights.

“Well now, who’s this handsome stranger?” Angel asked teasingly, pushing herself upright. He embraced her thin frame and felt her skinny arms wrap around him in return. “God, I feel like waiting for today’s taken forever.”

OR

The Schunard-Collins have a Christmas wedding.

[hereticpriest]

Decadence Part 2

Shorter chapter this time, sorry lovelies! Next one will be longer.

Warnings: Blasphemy, NSFW

@lvngdvns

Clariel is stronger, faster, and more agile than John can ever hope to be, but she lays sprawled beneath him regardless as he secures her hands to his bedframe.

“You look good like this, angel. Maybe this is why God didn’t want you anymore – too sinful for heaven, too pure for hell.” John traces his fingers down her bare chest, pausing to circle and tease her nipples into hardened buds before he moves on. Clariel arches beautifully into the gentle touch tracing down her belly, then yelps in surprise as John gives her inner thigh a sharp smack. He soothes it with a gentle touch, then steps away from the bed a bit to light a cigarette, inhaling deeply and holding it to get the full hit. Before breathing out, he leans over the bed and grips Clariel’s chin, blowing smoke in her face, sealing the act with a soft kiss.

“Dear Lord, I thank You for the power of forgiveness, and I choose to forgive everyone who has hurt me. Help me set your son, John Constantine, free and release him to You. Help me bless those who have hurt me. Help me walk in righteousness, peace, and joy, demonstrating Your life here on earth. I choose to be kind and compassionate, forgiving others, just as You forgave me. In Jesus’ name, amen.” Clariel prays, even as John trails his free hand down to cup her cunt, sliding his fingers down to dip into her wetness. Merciless, he presses one thick finger into her, his thumb flicking over her clit. He fingers her through her prayer, adding another when she seems to have adjusted.

“I don’t think you want God watching what I’m going to do to you, Clariel.” John hums after taking another puff of his cigarette, smirking when she clenches around his fingers. But John is not a good man, not always, so once he’s built her up to soft whimpers and moans, he pulls his fingers free and licks her essence off of them. Curious, endlessly curious, John sits on the edge of the bed and touches Clariel’s wing. She jerks it away from him, but he follows relentlessly, stroking his hands over her lesser coverts and down into her down feathers. Each touch has her twitching beside him, face contorted in rapturous torture.

“How delicate are these?” John asks, leaving his cigarette hanging from his lips, stroking his fingers down to where her wings fuse into her back and watching her face twist into a silent scream. She thrashes, and he drops his free hand to shove two fingers back into her just to feel her shatter around him. Now oversensitive, Clariel protests weakly as he brutally works her open, thumb on her clit to ensure she’s on the razor’s edge between pleasure and pain.

“Stop, stop, John, please, it’s too much!” Clariel begs, yelping when he slaps her cunt.

“Answer my question.”

“If you pull to hard, you’ll hurt them, but you wouldn’t be able to break them or anything.” Clariel answers in a rush, attempting to close her legs to avoid further torture. John simply smirks, moving between her thighs to avoid her closing herself off and slowly unbuttoning his shirt. His pants follow, revealing his lack of underwear, and Clariel wiggles when he rubs himself through the wetness of her orgasm to slick himself up. He strokes himself, taking a long drag off of his cigarette, then stubbing it out on the delicate skin of her stomach. Clariel struggles, but John lines himself up and enters her in a sharp thrust, causing her back to arch again.

“Oh, John, please!” Clariel tugs at the belt and tie restraining her hands, and John grins, leaning over her to brace himself and get leverage to thrust into her. He pins her wings, which causes her to howl, her shaking legs squeezing tightly around him. John wrenches the tie and belt loose, hissing as her nails instantly latch onto and dig into his back. Each thrust slams the bedframe into the wall, and plaster rains down on the floor around them when John lifts her hips and slams in hard.

“Oh God, oh God!” Clariel screams as John runs his fingers in tight circles around her clit.

“Aww, baby. God isn’t here, Clariel. God can’t save you from me.” John leans down to bite her neck, sucking purple bruises into her skin. His pace is brutal. He watches as tears well up in her eyes, and when they begin to run down her cheeks, he licks them from her skin.

“You were made for me, my wicked little angel. Made for me to fuck, made to help me, made to purify me while I fill you with my sin. God made you for me. He has sacrificed you to me.’ John growls, biting her nipples, her throat, even the bone of her wing, “God can’t make you cum like I can.”

Clariel rakes her nails up his back, and her wings curl around them as she reaches her peak, egged on by John’s insistent touch. He follows her no more than a couple of thrusts later, filling her to the brim. The human collapses atop her, burying his face in her hair and pressing soft kisses to her temple and cheekbone. The halfbreed takes his weight easily, nuzzling her nose behind his ear and curling her wings tightly around him as if to protect him. She can feel his spend leaking down between her ass cheeks, but she says nothing, simply traces her fingers affectionately over the tattoos marking his skin. John hums, pulling out of her and leaning up on his elbows.

“You alright, babe?” John asks, “Didn’t hurt you too badly, did I?”

Clariel snorts, pulling him down into a soft, languid kiss.

“You are a very unique man, John. You haven’t hurt me.” The angel purrs, and John hums noncommittally, indulging in the kiss instead of conversation.

“Do I have to worry about creating quarter-breeds?” John asks, and Clariel laughs, full and loud.

“No, John, you haven’t put a baby in me.” She says, still laughing. John’s eyes had returned to their normal chocolate colour, but his pupils blew when she mentioned a baby.

“Could I?” John asks, and Clariel chokes on her laugh, giving him a gentle shove. John smirks, rubbing his stubbly chin against her shoulder.

“What? I meant… is it possible?” John rephrases, and Clariel ponders a moment.

“It could be, were the intent in place.” She finally answers.

“I meant what I said earlier, babe.” John finally says, pushing her wing out of the way and laying back beside her, lighting another cigarette. Clariel curls into his side, resting her head on his chest, pressing kisses over the tattoo on his right arm.

“Which part?” She asks, tracing his tattoo with lips and tongue. John lets her, smoking and relaxing back into the mattress.

“That you were made for me. You were. You’re mine. Should carve my name into your skin just to make sure everyone else knows it.” John muses.

“I’d let you, if you truly wanted to.” Clariel replies after a short pause for consideration. John shudders, pulling her closer.

“Stop trying to kill me, angel. You’re supposed to be making sure I don’t blaspheme and die.”

“There’s only so much I can do to stop you, Johnathan.” Clariel retorts.

“Tell me I can fuck your sweet cunt again and I’ll do anything you tell me to, angel.”

“Johnathan Constantine!”

[bobasheebaby]

City of Silence- Crimson Rain chapter 12

Pairing: Bastien x Liza; Liam x Raven

Word count: 2,725

Warnings: angst, mentions of pregnancy loss, slight self blame

Summary: Liza came clean about her losses, and now returns home. Raven woman’s up and tells Liam about her concerns, only to receive some startling news of her own. (This chapter is heavy and deep, hopefully the last pregnancy loss chapter.)

A/N: @katurrade and @zaffrenotes kept pushing me to do a Mobster AU. Beta’d by my patient husband who is completely hooked.

Series warnings: Mobster AU, there will be violence, and death. NSFW content possibly to come. Possibly dark. If you ask to be tagged you acknowledge you are at least 18 years of age. 

Let me know if you want to be added or removed from the taglist.

Disclaimer: I own my OC’s, the rest I’m simply borrowing from PB for a bit.

One and a half years ago; Trenton, New Jersey- Raven: 

It had been six months since Raven returned to Trenton, leaving her chance of getting out behind her. She would do anything for Liam, even pretend to simply be his friend. She had been pleasantly surprised when a not so drunken confession of feelings was not only well received but answered with a kiss. Raven would be over the moon with happiness that she had a chance with her closest friend that she had fallen in love with if it weren’t for one person standing in their way, Madeline. 

Madeline, the woman who refused to let go and insisted on making Raven’s life a living nightmare. She could still remember Madeline’s face when Liam told her that he would not be marrying her.

Madeline’s face twisted with displeasure. “You have got to be kidding me Liam! We belong together! You’ll see. She will ruin you, destroy you.” She screamed, her face turning as red tomato. “Why can’t you just follow the plan? Why can’t you just do what you are supposed to do?” Her hands curled into tightly clenched fists by her sides. “You will live to regret getting in bed with that family Liam!” She stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her. 

Raven’s stomach twisted in knots every time Madeline’s words repeated in her head. She will destroy you. You will live to regret getting in bed with that family Liam! What was wrong with her family? What made Madeline’s any better than her own? Surely Madeline couldn’t think that since her aunt married Constantine that it ensured she’d be with Liam. Why can’t you just follow the plan? What plan? The engagement that Liam had been pressured into or something else? 

Raven detested Madeline and the way she still walked around like she had won. Why can’t she just admit defeat and move the hell on?! Her dirty looks and little digs were starting to get on Raven’s last nerve. She wasn’t one for violence, but if Madeline didn’t back the fuck off she would gladly make an exception. 

Raven tried to take her own thoughts under advisement and move on. Every time she thought she had put it behind her she would get a nagging feeling that Madeline’s words would come back to haunt them. She only hoped that Madeline was wrong and that she didn’t mark Liam’s undoing.

Present day; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

For the first time in she wasn’t sure how many years Liza felt lighter, freer. While she was still struggling to piece herself back together she no longer carried the secret that slowly destroyed her from the inside out. She never realized how much hiding the truth from Bastien truly affected her until she relinquished the burden that she alone carried. She had always kept the number of losses from him to protect him from the pain he had felt with the first one but she didn’t realize how hard on her it was to carry that pain on her own. It was a pain she knew she would always carry with her, but knowing that he wanted her even if having a child together was completely off of the table she suddenly felt less afraid of what the future held for them.

Even with the weight off her shoulders Liza was exhausted, ready to drop. Hours spent talking and crying with Bastien holding her and reassuring her had left her feeling completely drained. The flight across the country only added to the physical and mental exhaustion she felt. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep.

Liza had to bite back a sigh when Olivia ran up to greet her. She loved Liv dearly but she was too drained to do anything other than sleep. 

“Thank god you’re back.” Olivia said pulling Liza into a tight embrace. She broke the hug smoothing down her dress.

Liza had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. Liv always did have trouble with displays of affection. 

“You ever run off like that again and I will hunt you down myself and bring you back in pieces.”

Liza bit back a chuckle. “I’m not going anywhere again I promise.”

“Good.” Olivia replied, hands on her hips, one perfectly sculpted eyebrow arched. “Now care to explain exactly why you went running off and to Percy of all people?”

Liza’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. “You knew?”

“Of course I knew! You only trusted one other person enough, it was easy to figure out. Now spill.”

“Later Liv, all I want to do now is sleep for a week.”

“Fine. I’m glad you’re back.”

“I missed you too Liv.” Liza replied a soft smile on her lips. 

Liza walked the rest of the way to their shared room. She quickly changed and climbed under the covers. She knew she would be required to explain to Liv, and she would, she was done carrying the burden on her own. Maybe if she allowed those she loved to help her she could finally truly heal. 

Eight and a half years ago; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- Liza:

Liza was slowly pulling herself back together, she was starting to feel more like who she had been before she lost their child. She still had her moments when she felt the dull ache and thought about what she should be doing to get ready for the life that she would never meet. Her beautiful angel, gone before they even had a chance to live. 

As the days turned to weeks, and the weeks to months since their devastating loss she found herself slowly returning to normal. She spent less time wondering who their child would resemble, less time counting the days until when they should have been arriving. She felt less jealous pangs when she saw a pregnant woman or new mother. Yet fate was cruel, a week before she should have been welcoming their child into the world she found herself staring once again at two dark lines. Her heart clenched in her chest, she couldn’t allow herself to hope, not when they should have been free of this pain that she knew would never truly go away. She wanted to tell Bastien, she wanted to believe that this one would be different, but she couldn’t allow herself to dream. I was twelve weeks, they were supposed to be safe. I should wait, be perfectly sure. 

Liza was plagued with guilt as she went to the doctors by herself. She knew Bastien would be overjoyed with the news, but she couldn’t dare to hope, to dream. She needed to be sure, know this one would be safe before she told him. She refused to drag him through the pain again if he could be spared. 

Two weeks later Liza knew she had been right in her decision to keep Bastien in the dark. The pain hit her with the force of a Mack truck, her only saving grace that kept Bastien from wondering why her tears were suddenly falling harder once again was all due to timing. Had it not be right around when their angel should have been born she knew he would have questions as to why her pain seemed to grow once more. 

Liza found herself lying awake at night wondering if she would ever move past this fear that had since taken hold of her. She wanted to believe that she would one day be blessed with a child, yet she couldn’t allow herself to hope only to be knocked back to the ground once more. She needed to be strong, tough, like she always had been, the way she needed to be to keep from destroying him. 

That was Liza’s only saving grace, knowing that she had managed to spare him the same pain all over again. She wanted to yell and scream and curse the universe, but she knew she needed to bury it deep inside. She could carry this pain alone, she could remain strong so she didn’t have to watch his hopes be dashed once more. As much as she was hurting, seeing the devastation on his face had been a million times worse. No she could keep this pain and bury it deep within. She alone would carry this burden, anything to spare him.  

Present day; Trenton, New Jersey:

Raven was unsure how to broach the subject with Liam without upsetting him. She knew how he felt about Bastien, his feelings only becoming worse with the addition of Hope. She could only imagine how he might feel about her speaking to Hope without him. She had yet to uncover much, no solid proof, but maybe it would be enough to make him dig for the truth himself. 

The fact that Emmaline wasn’t wearing her wedding band when found at the hospital was an unsettling discovery. It was as if someone was trying to erase all traces of Constantine from her. The fact that Constantine knew where she was and paid for her care but went on to remarry made Raven start to question how much of what they had been told growing up was true. She knew Liam wouldn’t want to hear any of it, he would instantly become defensive as soon as she suggested that his father might have been involved. 

Raven needed to follow her gut and bring what small facts she did uncover to Liam, hopefully they would be enough to convince him to do some digging of his own. She needed to find some proof and quickly incase he still refused to believe any other option. She couldn’t allow him to do something drastic that he may later regret. 

Raven walked into Liam’s open office, closing the door behind her. Liam looked up from his desk, smiling when he saw her. “What did I do to deserve the pleasure of your presence?” 

Raven smiled tentatively, knowing his entire mood was about to take a drastic shift. “Hey Li, I wanted to talk to you about Bastien. I was talking to Hope and I really don’t think he had anything to do with what happened to your mom.” She stated softly, her voice wavering slightly as worry settled in her stomach.

Liam drew his lips into a thin line, all happiness at her presence disappearing with her words. “You spoke to Hope?”

“Yes, she said that your mother wasn’t wearing her rings when she was found. Bastien would have no reason to remove them, your father however—”

“Enough!” Liam exclaimed cutting her off.

Tap tap tap

“Come in!” Liam called. “All conversation about my father’s involvement in my mother’s attempted murder are tabled.”

“But Liam—”

Mara stepped into the room, her face paling. Attempted murder? No— that’s not possible, she was dead… Constantine said… 

“No, you want to know why he hid her? He hid her because of Hope, nothing else.”

“Emmaline is alive?” Mara gasped, eyes going wide in shock. Her body tensed as if the weight of the world crashed down upon her. “No. It’s not possible!” Her eyes darted around the room like it held the answer within. How much does she remember? What does this mean? Her calm demeanor vanished as fear settled upon her. How much does he know? “I knew he acted too fast!” She muttered in a barely audible whisper.

“Mara, what do you know?” Liam questioned, anger coursing through his veins at the implications of her words. The pieces slowly started to fall together. She knows something.

Mara’s cold brown eyes locked on Liam’s, fear covering her face as she realized her mistake too late. “I knew he should have waited if he wanted her gone. But no! When he saw her bleeding he broke, he couldn’t go through with it, he said it was done, handled.” The words spilled from her mouth as if on their own accord. Her gaze raked over Liam, his jaw and fists clenching and unclenching in anger. She stepped back in fear, her body shaking, she glanced at Raven who stared at her slack jawed unable to move or speak, tears welling in her eyes. 

“Who told you it was handled Mara?!” Liam growled. All his life he had been told the one who took his mother from him was Bastien Lykel, had that all been a lie? Had the real culprit been closer than he thought? 

“C—Constantine, he ordered the hit to keep her from leaving.” Mara stuttered in fear, she looked to her daughter, mentally praying for her to come to her aid. “He never expected Bastien to refuse, I had her trust, I was the one who even told him of her plans to leave, so he gave it to me instead.” She spilled the truth, hoping to earn their, his forgiveness in return.

Raven turned from her mother, unable to face her. How could she? How could Constantine do that to his own son? As betrayed as she felt she could only imagine how Liam felt learning that his father was behind everything. 

“You befriended her, betrayed her, and then tried to kill her? So what if she wanted to leave!” 

“She was going to take you! Constantine refused to lose another child, so he ordered her dead before she could leave with you. When he found out about her indiscretion with Bastien he about flipped his lid, but decided to use it to his advantage, get rid of them both. But Bastien refused, your father was furious, and when he left he decided if he pinned it all on him, make him a pariah it would be better than killing him.” 

“So what if she wanted to take me, how could you kill her?! She trusted you! I trusted you!” Liam bellowed, advancing towards the woman responsible for him growing up without a mother. 

“He threatened Raven! After Bastien refused Constantine threatened Raven, he wouldn’t take anymore chances. I had no choice!” Mara screamed, backing up until her back hit the wall. Her eyes flitted around the room, looking for any way out, anything to defend herself with.

“You had a choice! You made your choice when you told my father her plans. You made it again when you agreed to help him instead of helping her. You could have gone with her, protected Raven and my mom, instead you made the selfish choice and made me grow up without my mother!” Liam shouted, his fist hitting the wall by Mara’s head, saw dust raining on the floor.

Mara squeezed her eyes shut in fear. Liam has every right to be angry with her, she deserved whatever she got. She betrayed his mother, took the selfish choice to destroy his family to protect her own. 

“Liam, please!” Raven pleaded, her hand resting on his shoulder. “What she did was horrible, but she’s still my mom.” Tears streamed down her face, she couldn’t even look at the woman that raised her, but she couldn’t allow Liam to act rashly out of anger again and end up regretting his actions. She hated her mother in that moment, knowing she was the reason for all of Liam’s pain, that she was the reason for everything that had happened. She caused so much hurt and pain, but Raven knew she needed Liam to think calmly and rationally or he could end up beating himself up for another two weeks. She was just thankful that in his haste for revenge he hadn’t killed Liza. 

“I think you should go.” Liam said through gritted teeth. The only reason he was able to hold back his rage was the woman he loved by his side. The woman he grew up with and fell for when she went away to college. The woman who dropped everything for him because he was in need of a friend. The woman who surprised him by returning his feelings. The woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. If it weren’t for Raven he wasn’t sure what he would be capable of in that moment. 

Mara flinched at Liam’s words. She shot a remorseful and thankful look at her daughter who still refused to meet her gaze. She ducked out of the room, fearful of what was to become her now. 

A/N: So who did you think it was? Are you surprised? Next chapter will just be dealing with Liam, Raven and the truth. It will all be in Trenton, no Philadelphia.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.

Tags:  @speedyoperarascalparty @liamxs-world @annekebbphotography @syphaxs @hopefulmoonobject @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @riseandshinelittleblossom @cocomaxley @ao719 @blackwidow2721 @katurrade @leelee10898 @stopforamoment  @akrenich @gardeningourmet @bella-ca @carabeth @bobbersb  @endlessflame @kadencantarella @innerpostmentality @imma-winchester-addict @tornbetween2loves @cora-nova @indiacater @traeumerinwitzhelden @blackcatkita @darley1101 @choiceslife @alexpottrechoices  @lolablackwrites @daniv2278 @sleepwalkingelite @gibbles82  @zilch3 @sirbeepsalot

[riseandshinelittleblossom]

Hoping for Home Ch 5.2~Head Above Water

Summary: Sixteen years ago Libby Scott was supposed to become Queen of Cordonia, but Fate had other plans. Catch up here (ya know ya wanna). 

Song for this chapter: “Head Above Water” by Avril Levigne

Disclaimer: I don’t own the TRR characters, they own me. Also this chapter includes smatters of canon dialogue which also belong to PB.

Tags:@fullbeaumonty @ritachacha@speedyoperarascalparty@cocomaxley@leelee10898@itsstillnotwhatyouthink@choiceswreckedme@indiacater@drakesensworld @carabeth@daniv2278@cosigottahavefaith @gibbles82 @innerpostmentality@blackcoffee85@perfectprofessorherokid @darley1101@jovialyouthmusic@liamxs-world@thequeenofcronuts@blznbaby@stopforamoment @zilch3382@wannabemc2@jlouise88  @lodberg @jasieschoices

Outskirts of the Capital, Cordonia-safehouse - 16 years ago

    “Did...did that work?” Libby asked, flabbergasted.

   “I dunno. Sounds like it did.” Maxwell said. “Look at us. First detectives, now electricians!”

   “We're almost as multi- talented  as Hana.”

  “Whoa, don't let a couple of successes go to your head.”

  Libby watched as he plucked a twig from a nearby bush, turning it over in his fingers. A light breeze kicked up, rustling his careless brown hair.

   She allowed herself to believe - just a fleeting thought - that they could always be as perfect as they were in that moment.

    Everything inside of her was screaming  to kiss him and she found herself involuntarily leaning closer to his slouched figure.

  “Listen, Libby…” he broke the silence between them.

 “What's up?” She shook her head, her fantasy from a moment ago falling out of focus.

  “I was so scared last night.”

  “With assassins in the palace... I think everyone was.”

  “No,” he began. He focused his gaze off into the forest surrounding the tiny cabin.

  “not for my own safety. Well, I mean, partly for my own safety. But mostly, I was scared for you.”

   Maxwell trained his eyes on her then, squinting against the sunlight. Libby took a step closer to him, only then did she notice the subtle sheen in his eyes.

   “I laid awake all night wondering if you were okay. If you'd made it out of there alive. I tried to go back for you, but they wouldn't let me back into the ballroom.

   I don't.. I don't know what I would've done if I'd lost you, Blossom.”

    Libby reached for his hand, gripping it as if she were holding on for dear life.

   “But you didn't lose me, Maxwell.”

   He gave her a weak, lopsided smile.

  “I never want to spend another night wondering if I'm going to see you in the morning. Not knowing was awful. Libby, I lov- I can't lose you. If we left all of this...together...do you understand what I'm saying?”

   She chewed over his words, unsure how to respond.

   Her mind told her that he was speaking fairy tales. They could never run off into the sunset together, away from the fight that was no doubt brewing in Cordonia. Liam would need every ally he could rally by his side, and after everything he'd done for her- for both of them- her mind knew that staying was the right thing to do.

  But her heart- her heart was soaring, thumping wildly in her chest at the thought of Maxwell being hers forever. They'd buy a small house somewhere with a white picket fence. She'd make him coffee while he cooked breakfast. They'd kiss each other sweetly as they left to began their day. He'd come home after work and they'd snuggle by the fireplace and…

   Her face fell as she licked her lips.

   “We can't.” She said flatly.

    Maxwell pressed his lips to her temple.

   “I know.” He whispered.

   They stood in silence for a long time, both knowing that their friends were likely wondering where they were, but neither willing to let go of the other just yet.

  “You know, Maxwell, I'm not going anywhere. Not ever. You'll never lose me.” Libby finally said.

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

Valtoria, Cordonia - present day

   “Penny for your thoughts?” Hana asked sliding into the stool beside her best friend  at the bar. Libby blinked away her memory, giving Hana and her husband a warm smile.

   “The kids are actually having fun, I think.” Mark commented with a laugh.

   “That's good. I'm glad Hana let me get away with a slightly more modern playlist.” The redhead chuckled.

   “It was a compromise. I keep the string quartet for traditional songs, and you have your jazzy, retro whatever it is..”

   “You two make a good team. I hope now that you've returned you'll stick around for awhile, Libby. Seeing you really makes Hana smile. Also, although I thoroughly enjoy our time at Valtoria, our estate in Whipstaff is...well empty.” Mark told her.

   “I can't promise forever, but for a while at least. It don't really have much of a choice. I came back to do the right thing, Mark. The twins will need to be in Cordonia.”

     Libby caught sight of Liam, Maxwell and Drake across the room. She watched them, deep in conversation.

   Liam wore his characteristic “lost in thought” look, his forehead creasing as tapped his lips with his index finger. Drake was gesturing between Maxwell and the king, and Maxwell popped his neck flippantly. Whatever they were discussing, he obviously wanted no part in it.

   “Where are the kids, anyway?” Libby asked. The three friends scanned the room before Mark pointed out. “There. At the table.” He said.

    “Well hello there, cousin. Abel. Either of you care to introduce me to the new Lord and Lady?”

    “Hey, Bartie. Sure thing. This is Emma,” McKenzie began gesturing to her friend. “And Will Scott, Lord and Lady of Valtoria. Guys this is my cousin, Barthelemy Beaumont, Lord of Ramsford. We call him Bartie.”

   The youngest Beaumont male held out his hand to Will, giving it a firm shake before grasping Emma's hand and placing a brief kiss to the back of it.

   “I'm surprised we've not met before as close as I've heard our parents once were. In fact, if I eavesdropped properly, your mother was once heralded as a Lady of House Beaumont. During King Liam's social season.”

     Emma nodded enthusiastically. She remembered her mother's recount of her past in Cordonia word for word and to say she was excited to be starting her own adventure in the small Mediterranean country was an understatement.

   “You can cut the shit, Bartie. These two are far from the pretentious assholes you're used to interacting with at these things.” Mack rolled her eyes.

   Bartie's shoulders visibly slumped, almost like a balloon slowly deflating, and he flopped down in a chair next to Abel, slouching.

   “Thank God. You never really know,do you?” He breathed a sigh of relief.

  “No, you don't, and it's exhausting.” Abel agreed, elbows on his knees.

  “Wait, so you're telling me that you always have to put on a show? Like with everyone you meet?” Emma questioned.

   “They do. Ya know gotta make the House look good. Luckily, I'm not noble and my dad could give a shit less what this court thinks of him.” McKenzie remarked.

   Will shot his sister a pained expression.

   “I don't get it though. Why does anyone care?”

   “That's this life, man. Everyone is constantly pretending to be something that they're not. Constantly trying to appear perfect. But it's all just a facade. Take a look around you. Everyone is smiling, sure, but how many are smizing?” Bartie spoke up.

  “Smizing?” Mack asked.

  “Smiling so that it reaches your eyes. My mom says that all the time.” Will chimed in picking at the linen tablecloth.

  “So don't you ever just want to leave? Like sneak away from these things? I'm sure no one would miss us.” Emma suggested and the others all perked up.

  “Okay, Lady Valtoria. We're listening.” Abel told her as her cheeks flashed crimson.

   Before Emma could respond, Libby approached the teenagers followed closely by King Liam and a brunette man that the blonde girl didn't recognize.

   “Hello, kids. Could you excuse us a moment?” Libby asked. Abel, McKenzie, and Bartie nodded, each rising from their seats.

    Maxwell planted his feet, slipping his hands in his pockets, fingering the pack of gum in one of them. He appraised the twins thoughtfully for the first time as they rose from the table at their mother's prompting.

   His jaw went slack as he soaked in their features, noticing now how much Will looked just like himself at that age; and Emma strongly favored his treasured photos of his mother on her wedding day.

   His eyes darted over each of them, thoughts racing as he swallowed hard. ‘Still,’ he thought to himself. ‘it doesn't mean much.’  Taking a deep breath he reminded himself that his mother, Claudia, had always been mistaken for Liam's mother, the late Queen Antonia. There was also the fact that Will's wide blue eyes were set on his face almost exactly like Liam's and the late King Constantine's.

     Maxwell shifted his weight uncomfortably as he tried to calm his thoughts.

   “Emma, Will, there are some people I'd like you to meet. This is King Liam of Cordonia.” Libby began. The broad shouldered young man dipped into a deep bow, his sister a delicate curtsy. Liam nodded to both of them, surveying each child for some kind of sign of parentage.

    Emma's features we're graceful, but defined. Her one sided dimple reminded Liam of the identical one his father had had. Will, on the other hand, had the brightest “Rhys blue” eyes he had ever seen.

    “A pleasure to meet you both.” He told them, his jaw tensing to try and hide his astonishment.

    “And this is Lord Maxwell Beaumont of Ramsford.” Libby continued. The twins repeated the courtesies they'd shown to the king and Maxwell nodded.

    “I'm sorry to stare,” he started, his tongue flicking out to nervously wet his lips. “It's just that you both look so much like your mother.”

    Liam stared hard at Maxwell. He had known the man for all of their lives, but he couldn't recall the last time he'd truly looked at him. Immediately he noticed that Maxwell and the young man before him shared the same chiseled jawline. He also found himself transfixed by the obvious “Cupid's bow” shape of his old friend's upper lip, which both of Libby's twins shared.

   Liam exhaled sharply, his analytical mind already beginning to prepare him for the very real possibility that he was, in fact, not the father of the children before him. Although only hours ago he had not even known of their existence, Liam found himself slightly disappointed by the thought.

   “So one of you-I guess-is our dad, huh?” Will asked awkwardly, unable to stifle the urge.

   Libby's eyes shot daggers into her son who immediately stared at his feet.

   “It looks that way.” Maxwell said shooting a sideways glare at his former flame.

   The tension was already thick, and growing thicker by the minute as Liam clapped Will playfully on the shoulder.

   “Obviously we all have a lot to discuss in the coming days, but for tonight...perhaps I can interest you in a dance, young Emma?”

     Emma batted her eyes bashfully as she nodded in agreement allowing the monarch to lead her to the floor.

      A few hours later  Bartie sidled up next to Will and Abel. The ball was winding down now, but there was still a sizeable crowd.

    “Hey Will, I was thinking about what your sister said earlier. Was wondering if you guys were really serious.”

   “About sneaking out? Hell yeah. I can't wait to get out of here.”

   Abel rested a hand on his friend's shoulder.

   “This whole party must be kinda heavy for you and Emma.” He empathized and Will nodded.

    “Well I had an idea.” Bartie smirked reaching into his pocket. “I managed to sneak into the estate car park and I found these. There's a Rolls Royce in there with our names on it...that is is you guys aren't chicken.”

    “I'm game. Let's find Mack and Emma and get outta here.” Will agreed.

       Before long the teenagers were barreling down a dark and winding road. Bartie was behind the wheel, as Will and Abel hung out if the back seat windows whooping and hollering. McKenzie and Emma had dialed the radio as loud as it would go shouting gleefully.

    “Oh I've been shaken/ I love it when you go crazy/ you take all my inhibitions/ baby there's nothing holding me back!” They sang along with Shawn Mendez as they rounded yet another curve.

     “Why have we never thought of doing this before, Mack? Good friends and old school music….this is the best!” Bartie shouted taking his eyes off of the tree-lined road for only a moment to glance at the girls both jammed into the front seat.

    “I don't know, but I think it's a new tradition, Bart!” McKenzie beamed.

     “Bartie! Bartie, watch out!” Will shouted just as a deer hopped into the road.

     Bartie whipped his head back noticing the animal just in time to pull the wheel. The car flipped on two wheels as they skidded into a hard swerve and in the mayhem Bartie lost control entirely. The car careened off the road smashing head on into an old, thick tree.

     Smoke billowed from the hood, the sickening sound of crunching metal and shattering glass echoing all around.

    Will looked around in a daze, his eyes meeting Abel's. “Is everyone okay?” Bartie called.

    “I- I can't feel my arm. Em? Em, I can't feel my arm.” Will began to panic, noticing now that the extremity was pinched between the newly mangled seats.

   “Emma! Oh my God, Emma!!” McKenzie squealed. Will craned his neck trying desperately to find his sister. Peering between the seats he saw her crumpled, lifeless body in the front floorboard, head lolling against McKenzie's knees.

    His eyes widened to the size of sand dollars as he shouted, “Fuck! Emma? Emma! Please wake up!”

[kclenhartnovels]

Wings at the Gates, Pt 1

[Because somehow @lux-scriptum conned me into doing an angel/demon AU with the Wolf at the Gates kids. Also, this is pure fluff and very little plot, but it lets the boys be cute so here you go. Very minimal editing.]

“Delgos! Delgos, where are you?”

Delgos pulled the blanket over his head at the sound of Constantine's voice, knowing full well the Prince would be flouncing through the door. Five more minutes of sleep—was that so much to ask for? He tucked his wings against his back, using the tips of them to cover his head and listening to the trip of Constantine's boots on the old stones.

“Delgos!” The door banged open.

Delgos feigned a snore.

Constantine wanted to scowl, but even with his head buried Delgos could hear the smile on his lips. “We've got an assignment. Come on, get up.”

“You've worn me out, my Prince,” he muttered against the pillows, lifting the edge of the blanket just enough to look at him with one eye and a hidden smile. “Last night did me in. I think you're turning into part incubus.”

Constantine's cheeks flushed, almost rivaling the deep purple and red hues of his wings. “Father wants us to go topside.”

“To Earth?” Delgos snaked one arm out from under the blankets, catching Constantine's belt and dragging him closer by it. “Why?”

Constantine shrieked as his feet slid, and he tumbled onto the bed with his guard. Delgos immediately curled both arms and wings around him, tugging him closer. “Stop it,” the Prince scowled, even as he tucked his wings in and pressed his cheek to his guard's chest. “I'm supposed to be getting you up.”

“You didn't answer my question.”

He huffed, closing his eyes a moment and getting comfortable beside Delgos. “We're to secure an invitation.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

He shrugged, sliding one hand into Delgos' hair. “There's some big neutral ground gala going on soon. Father wants to make sure I go and shake hands and get information about the angels and what their next moves are.”

“So he wants you to be a spy.” He smiled, looking down at him fondly. “Sire, with all due respect and affection, are you certain that you're cut out for that?”

He scowled. “I could spy if I wanted to. It's not like I'd be creeping around the estate anyway—it would all be laying on the charm and seeing what they say.”

“As I said, sire, are you certain that your father is sending you for that?”

Constantine smacked his chest. “Well, you and Alastair both are coming with me, so one of us had better figure it out.”

“Alastair is coming too?” He hummed thoughtfully, pressing his lips to Constantine's ear just to feel the Prince shiver. “He doesn't like to go topside, from what I understand.”

“He's a soldier,” Constantine scoffed, “he'll do as he's asked. I could use a Knight of Hell there with me, anyway, in case one of Heaven's dogs decides to try an assassination attempt against the future King.”

“I think if your father was worried about that, he would never have suggested you go.”

He shrugged. “Maybe someone will find his frown charming. I don't know. Come on, get up.” He stole a kiss before Delgos could protest further, and finally stood again. With a groan of protest, the guard followed, stretching his wings slowly.

“So whose gala are we crashing?”

“We're not crashing,” he insisted, handing Delgos a shirt. “We're accepting the invitation. That dragon that lives in the middle of the city—Valerian. It's some sort of masquerade shit, as if our wings aren't a giveaway.”

“Dragons have different magic than we do. He might be able to mask all of us.”

“They'll still know who I am,” Constantine insisted, tipping up his chin to look Delgos in the eye. “They all know who the Prince is.”

Delgos couldn't help his smile. “I don't know, sire. Not all of them know to look down to find you.”

Constantine tackled him, and they landed on the soft grass of the city park, Delgos shielding his face with his arms and laughing. Constantine straddled his waist to hold him down, thumping against his arms with an exaggerated scowl. “I'm going to cut your legs off at the knees and see how you like your short jokes then!” he threatened, buffeting his guard with his wings. “I'm going to tie you to a tree and leave you here for some angel to hack into bits! I'm going to feed you to that dragon!”

Delgos laughed, catching him by the wrists to get him to stop, grinning knowingly. “You can tie me to the bed when we get back home instead.”

He smacked him with his wings again. “I'm going to put you in a chastity belt is what I'm gonna do.”

Off to the side, Alastair cleared his throat politely, though he had the decency to blush, unlike the other two demons. “Sire, whenever you are ready,” he greeted.

Constantine scrambled to his feet, brushing the dirt from his knees. “Of course, Sir Alastair. You know where we're going?”

Alastair carefully folded his stone-gray wings, the tips white like they had been dusted with snow. Unlike the other two, they were covered in thick feathers, marking him as a knight. “It is not far from here.”

Delgos picked himself up, his smile unbreakable. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go meet a dragon. What's the worst that could possibly happen?”

[cassandra-rp]

Fairy Tales I

Fairy tales I

> Beauty and the Beast <

"Honestly..." Intella's eyes practically rolled back into her brain as she walked down the street as she spat the sarcastic whisper out of her lips.

She was considered, odd.

The baggy men's shirt hung off her shoulder a little bit and the belt around her waist just barely kept it from just looking like a giant burlap sack over her torso. She wore pants unlike almost all of the women in the city at the time... And most importantly she enjoyed to read but not just romance novels or books aimed at women about parenting or cooking. She read everything... Action and adventure, mystery, supernatural. It was all fascinating to her...

"That scowl isn't helping your cause, Intella." The soft voice followed behind her and her glare softened as she looked back at the short girl who trailed behind her... Valentina Constantine of the Constantine family was the youngest and despite her long fancy hairstyles and elaborately elegant dresses she was a similar soul to Intella although unlike her she kept it quite private... 'borrowing' Intella's books on the side and smuggling them into her home and past her mother.  

"Oh... It was simply that, Castiel. Honestly, He is repulsive. It wasn't just how he spoke of me but as he speaks of all the women around here. I'd love to give him a taste of what a women really can do."

"Oh... Well. He is quite the character..."  'quite the character' was Valentina for 'asshole' as she'd never would downright insult someone but always find a more polite way to do it... Intella felt a smirk slipping to her lips as she awaited what Valentina would come up with this time... "His words regarding me were quite degrading but you cannot expect more from one whom lives in a barn." she stated, implying subtly that he was a pig without actually using the word. A smile on her lips of kindness despite everything.

The harsh snort left Intella as she reached her steps, laughing faintly. unlocking the door and stepping inside. Valentina following without invite if only because Intella found the entire 'invitation' thing exhausting usually and she figured Intella would ask her to leave if she so wished her to...  but as Intella grabbed the teapot she clearly was invited to stay for awhile.

There conversation mainly centered on books after that as Valentina questioned some words she didn't understand or things about the ones she read she didn't comprehend. She was a little less educated then Intella if only due to her mother's insistence that she was meant to be a trophy bride for one of the princes or a king not a scholar.  But as there conversation was coming to and end Valentina recalled something. "Oh. I heard the strangest rumor the other day... I highly doubt it's true but the ladies at the parlor were talking about the abandoned castle in the woods? They claimed it was still filled with riches and 'a library that would fill several homes.' - Can you imagine such a thing?"

Intella couldn't fathom what it'd be like to have access to that many books and furthermore how someone could abandon them... Though, perhaps it was just a rumor...   Intella packed up 'a desert' for Valentina also known as two books she'd found that she felt Valentina would enjoy. It was there secret way of moving them around without question.  Intella pondering over the comment as she got ready to curl up for the evening with a good, brand new book... But the curiosity was what tended to get Intella into the most trouble.

----

The rain fell in buckets and kept most people inside aside from those who had no choice like the city guard and a few souls like herself as she glimpsed the Thief and his daughter sneaking down a back alleyway - using the rainy gloomy day to there advantage... She tugged her cloak around her as she walked down the hill to the stable to rent a horse before riding it into the forest...

The forest was thick and deep that surrounded the city...It was fairly hard not to get lost but Intella was one of the few people who knew the maps quite well so she knew where to head... Once she got on the trail it was fairly easy to follow the blue flowers towards the castle as they were planted by the last noble who lived there... According to the legend.

Long ago, a demon king had bought the palace as he looked for a beautiful human girl he was sure was to be his bride... Of course, many came but never the one he was looking for.  And then the birthday ball he held on her birthday every year came - And so did she.  The excitement short lived however as his 'glamor' faded away at midnight and everyone found out that there king was a monster. The only person who didn't run was the beautiful girl whom he decided to run away with and the two disappeared into the night.

Some books stated that the actual story involved much more violence but it wasn't the popular version.  The flowers were supposedly her favorites hence why he had them planted to attempt to attract her but like everything else on the trail it'd overgrown quite severely but she and especially the horse managed through until she reached the remains of the castle that were...surprisingly not as bad. There was overgrowth but the garden still seemed rather, fine. As did the castle it's self...why did nobody want to live here? She questioned as she road up to the massive building.

Intella hitched the horse and gathered her things from the side bag, a lantern and a small knife, she doubted anyone was there but she thought she might need it depending on the state of the building or the animals that lurked in the forests, walking up the stairs... Her eyes darted behind her glasses up and down at the door as she hesitantly pressed her hand against it, pushing it. The loud creaking sound echoing through the empty front hall as the light seemed to cut through the dust in the air.

The front hall was as massive as the building was and so open that it seemed even her breath echo'd back at her... Dust coated things with only small disturbances here and there but she figured it was as much likely of a stray cat as a person.  

She'd found a couple old sketches of the layout of the castle so she had a general idea where to go as she walked inside...granted, she kinda just wanted to explore the brilliant building as she lit the lantern and could take in the intricate carvings in the wood...

Her boots echoing as she stepped forward and the floorboards creaking as the door caught the wind and slammed shut... She jumped only a little before shrugging her shoulders and taking in a breath as she examined several rooms on her way towards what was supposed to be the library. Most of them were gorgeous and still furnished and that brought her hope for the books in the library...  It would've been in the east hall so the side of the castle connected on the other side of the ballroom. Perfect. She wanted to see the said ballroom as it was a big factor in the 'legend' 'story' etc.

And it lived up to her expectations... It just looked as if a party ceased entirely. Tables still set up and covered in dust. The remains of food that the animals had taken care of aside from the bones still on plates.  What she found the most interesting was the dull red mark across the floor... The dots that matched on the windows practically confirmed the 'violent' version of the story...She didn't feel any unease about it - It was forever ago. And perhaps he wasn't a demon but something else. Skeptical as always...

Her excitement grew as she picked up her pace towards the library and grasped the door handle only to suddenly, finally, hear a voice. It jumped her more then she'd ever admit to but it wasn't angry - just...Sad.  

"Please, leave..." It said loudly but meekly from the shadows of the hallway...

"E-excuse me..? Who's there?"  She stared into the darkness, peering past her glasses...

"Please, Leave."  He repeated.

Intella frowned a little bit as she placed one of her hands on her hip. "No." She stated firmly and it seemed the dark figure hadn't expected that reaction.

"W-What?"

"It's pouring out. I came here to see the library and I intend to see the library!" She had to be difficult, it was her nature. Her fingers grasping the door as she firmly yanked it open and the light of the fireplace in the library filled the entire hallway - The man stepping back quickly.

"No - No, Please don't..."

At first she thought he was talking of the library but in the warm light she realized he was trying to hold and arm in front of his face...He looked normal enough from what she could see... He was tall and lanky though she noted one of his hands looked injured and the other one - It didn't even look human.   Her fingers hovering over her pocket with the knife for a moment before he began to lower his arm futilely... His red hair falling in his face - his face. One eye was a bright glowing purple and the other one a deep dark black... Half his face was deformed - demonically. It looked like what she'd read about in books.  She was still skeptical about the supernatural aspect however but she slowly walked forward as she lifted up the lantern to get a better look at him and letting out a faint noise as she seemed to decide something. "Do you live here..?"

He seemed hesitant to answer but slowly nodded as he trembled a little. The smile on her lips was soft and simple as she looked up at him. "May I please see the library..?" She asked, avoiding comments on his appearance since it was clear he was sensitive.  He nodded slowly as she turned on her heel and walked back to the library and practically dropped her lantern as she finally focused on it.  Just like the main hall the ceilings were as high as the building...The books lined the walls from top to bottom and in the middle of the room there was a large gap and then a deep wood fire that was burning ever so slowly... Two large sofas with coffee tables and end tables around them  and judging by the mug and book on the coffee table it was where the strange man spent his time.  

The look on her face seemed to soften the man as he spoke ever so quietly. "I've been here since last winter...I have only managed to read that section..." he pointed to one of the sections top and bottom - but there was almost 30 sections like that and probably over 100+ books per shelf let alone the entire case.  

Intella smiled brightly as she looked at him. "What's your name..?"

"Jonathan...?"

"Do you mind some company for awhile...?" She asked with almost a pleading look in her eyes and a small smile slipped onto the sad demon's face.

"Not at all..."

[kiss-my-freckle]

Scottie scarred Liz

And likely set Rederina’s back on fire. And if that’s the case, Alexander Kirk’s desire to kill our Rederina then becomes the desire to kill Scottie. Perhaps waiting in the background for Red to contact him when he’s ready

Tom’s mark, Liz’s scar. 

I believe Scottie was the one who scarred Liz at the fire. I believe that’s why we’ve yet to see Red’s true reason for hiring Fagen. Despite the S5 finale confirming the shooting that killed Liz’s father, they’ve yet to prove he’s the one who actually scarred her. 

“Someone tried to hurt you.”

Because the real Red stole (or was given) the Fulcrum, and a dead man can’t scar a living child. Constantin Rostov wasn’t at the fire. After his arc, I have no reason to believe that he was. Leaving Kate at a motel, Katarina would’ve arrived with “someone” else. Her only purpose was to get Masha. She told Red, “I’m not leaving without Masha.” Her only dialogue regarding the Fulcrum, was in warning the real Red that he’d be killed if he didn’t give it back. She never demanded to know where it was, never actually appeared to be looking for it. Her concern was for her daughter. 

This leads to “the others” who arrived at the house and the switching of roles. Because Katarina would’ve arrived with “someone” else. Shown through dialogues during the fire recall as well as the fire argument. The switching of roles affects the way in which Liz sees things. For her to know Red and see Red as he is now, that would affect the way she views him in the past. I do believe Red is Katarina, so that makes the view in the recall harder yet. 

Liz: There were people with the woman, looking for it. The Fulcrum. You were one of them. Red: It’s not that simple.

If Red is Katarina, and she came with a woman looking for it, that puts a second woman in the house. This was shown in the fire argument, since we hear Katarina already arguing with the real Red as another woman enters. “It’s not that simple” because Red is not Red, he is Katarina. So Katarina arrived at the house with a woman. 

Katarina: Where is she?! Red: Okay. You’re not here for her.

Katarina is demanding to know where Masha is, she wouldn’t be looking for the Fulcrum. So the second woman, the one that Katarina arrived with, she’d be the one looking for the Fulcrum. Two different women after two different things. 

The second woman then brings “her people” in. I believe this is Scottie. 

Woman 2:  Split up. Let’s cover the basement; the attic. Take it apart, comb every inch.

Perhaps that’s why they took us in the attic at the farmhouse. This woman would also be the one Katarina told about the Fulcrum. 

Katarina: Listen, you’re in trouble. Like Tom with the bones He’s in trouble, he’s desperate. 

Red: Because of you. Katarina: Yes. Like Liz - who was supposed to have the bones. She was in trouble because Tom kept that secret from her. If the real Red were part of the Cabal, he’d have stolen the Fulcrum from Katarina to give it back to them. He didn’t. So we reverse the bones. Options: Either the real Red stole the Fulcrum from Katarina, she handed it to him - trusting he’d use it to help her take down the Cabal, or he took the Fulcrum bunny when he kidnapped Masha - not realizing the Fulcrum was in it.  

Liz didn’t know about the bones. That was something Tom hid himself in Agnes’ room. Until Liz got to the house, she had no idea that Tom had them. 

Fitch created the Fulcrum as somewhat of an insurance policy, Caul created the cipher for Fitch to protect that insurance policy, then Katarina stole the Fulcrum and cipher from Fitch after a chance viewing of its contents. Caul was left without a single piece as he created the cipher for Fitch, so they weren’t hidden by him. So I’m thinking Katarina hid the Fulcrum in Masha’s bunny, then the real Red kidnapped Masha - taking the Fulcrum bunny with them. Red dies, Katarina disappears, and Fitch is left to believe that our Rederina has it. So the cipher and the key would’ve been hidden by Rederina. On the off-chance it was a shared plan to take down the Cabal, I’m thinking all three pieces were hidden by all three of their chosen places. The real Red chose to hide the cipher in the limo, Rederina chose to hide the key with Pepper, and Masha chose to hide her bubble module in her bunny. 

Red: You told them. Katarina: Yes, I did. I told them.

So the real Reddington destroyed Kirk’s family, while Katarina was looking to destroy the organization she stumbled across. Katarina’s short answers, like our Red answers. She had no reason to tell them about the Fulcrum, not if she was looking to destroy them. The only reason I imagine she would, is in using it to get Masha back - and trusting the wrong person to tell. Insert Ressler’s storyline with Hitchin, and the mistake he made in trusting her. A person who’d “threaten Masha” - as spoken of during the argument. This leaves even fewer possibilities. So, a look at Red’s dialogue to Jennifer in S5, as well as the connections we already know. 

Red: In 1990, the KGB and the CIA had almost nothing in common except the mutual determination to hunt down one individual.

Liz: You were investigated by the CIA. Dom: Yes, I was investigated by the CIA, and I was cleared. Katarina and the Fulcrum. A colossal mess.

The Director. 

I think you’re bluffing. I don’t think you have it. I don’t think you ever did.

He didn’t believe Red had it, he believed Masha did. He hired Braxton to enter The Factory to seek information about the location of the Fulcrum. He had yet to know Liz’s identity at that point, which means it’s possible he wasn’t looking for information on the Fulcrum so much as the new identity of Masha Rostova. From what was shown, Braxton never handed The Director Liz’s true identity. 

Someone who Kirk would hire, who would inform Peter of Masha at the fire, who would know about the Fulcrum, and also have some kind of connection to the CIA. This leads me to Panabaker, who has connections to the CIA. The very person who wouldn’t allow the task force to investigate Elizabeth’s faked death. 

Isn’t it interesting that the CIA was looking for Oleander and Katarina, spoken of in S5 - at a time when Ian Garvey, a crooked US Marshal was looking for the truth for Jennifer? Cynthia Panabaker is a United States Marshal with known ties to both the CIA and Scottie Hargrave. 

So, let’s look at this from the perspective of Katarina arriving at the house with Scottie. Someone she could have trusted to know about the Fulcrum. That connection to the CIA in which Katarina herself was likely an asset. 

Scottie would know enough without knowing our Red is an imposter. Rederina would know how much Scottie knew without revealing his identity. That’s how they’d be able to have this conversation -

Red: Who hired you? Scottie: You know exactly who hired me. Red: I’d like to be sure. Scottie: Alexander Kirk. 

The real Red and Katarina were at the fire. The real Red kidnapped Masha and changed her name to Elizabeth. Katarina was married to Constantin/Kirk. So if Katarina trusted Scottie with information about the Fulcrum, as well as her child’s kidnapping, it would fit in with this conversation. Even furthered by this statement. 

Scottie: I didn’t kill Masha. Elizabeth Keen, whatever you want to call her.

That would also explain how Scottie’s story of Howard doesn’t jive with our Red’s dialogue. Because our Red is Katarina, and Rederina claimed to only have a short business relationship with Howard. 

Scottie: Howard would be so happy to see you. He still tells that story at dinner parties about the night you two were jumped in Kuala Lumpur. Each time I hear it, there are five more machetes you two had to fight off.

Like Rederina to Tom ... “You make her happy"

Red: My fondness for your husband holds no currency here.

The real Red and Howard were close. Rederina and Howard, not so much. From a friendship as close as that one, to a brief professional relationship. 

Red: I had a brief professional relationship with your father, a man who wrestled with significant demons. I know his wife, your mother, is a manipulative creature whose own husband didn’t trust her, whose answers to the questions you want to answer could never be trusted. All that really matters, is that you vanished off the face of the earth nearly 30 years ago, and yet - here you are. 

Like Liz to Tom .... “Wait a minute. You’re here.”

And this is where their stories collide. 

Red: Leave the past in the past, Tom. Nothing good will come from digging up secrets.

Rederina knew Scottie more than Howard because Scottie was the person Katarina trusted to help get her child from the real Red. She trusted the wrong person to reveal the truth of the Fulcrum, which is why our Red wanted Tom to leave it alone. So all should reverse back to Scottie and Panabaker, Oleander and Katarina, and the CIA. 

From one dirty US Marshal - Ian Garvey with Katarina-turned-Raymond and the episode for Ilyas Surkov. Back to US Marshal - Cynthia Panabaker with Scottie Hargrave and the episode for Esteban. 

Add in Oleander. Jennifer and Naomi. Liz and Agnes. and Agent Ressler. 

Traitor or moron. Tom’s mother vs Liz’s mother. 

Because a dead man can’t set a house on fire or scar a child. Hell, a dead man can’t even move in an attempt to get off the floor. And if the real Red were face down in the flames, everyone would know that our Red is an imposter. So who scarred our Rederina? Perhaps the same person who scarred Liz. Scottie Hargrave. 

Liz: There were people with the woman, looking for it. The Fulcrum. You were one of them. Red: It’s not that simple. Liz: But that’s why you were there. That’s why you came into my life then. And that’s why you’re here now. Not because of me or who I am to you, whatever connection we might have, but because of some object. Some thing. Red: Whatever you remember -

That’s why Scottie Hargrave came into her life then, and that’s why she’s here now. Katarina was there to get Masha, that’s why Rederina’s there now. And Tom would have the mark because Scottie would’ve handed it to Katarina’s husband. A man searching for who he and Scottie were led to believe was his daughter. Alexander Kirk hires Tom 30 years later, but uses his born identity “Constantin Rostov.” Because the DNA report is for Constantin and Masha, not Liz and Kirk. 

And why would Katarina trust Scottie? She lost her son the year before. One mother trusting another mother just as Liz trusts Scottie with Agnes. And because I believe it was Scottie at the fire with Katarina, I have to question if the dark-haired woman shown fighting with the real Red was Scottie. I also question if Scottie was the one who brought the gun. The woman in the hallway, blocking Liz from seeing the shooting, I question if that’s Katarina herself, trying to stop Liz from going in there - just as Rederina is begging her to go back to the closet. Because Katarina and Liz are one and the same, so it’d be like Liz looking at an older version of herself.