#if it wasn't for my fear that the game would go right back to pestering me about making Victor Paranoid again

[victorluvsalice]

-->While Smiler was bopping away, Victor had finished his upgrading, so I had him transportalate down to the greenhouse, change into more appropriate clothes, and start tending all the plants (a process made a little bit harder today by his bees being angry about life and stinging him occasionally). Alice, meanwhile, was stopped from going out to shower in the rain (Erratic Sims…) and forced to finish her breakfast and take a quick wolf nap to calm her instincts before I sent her out to feed Toothy the cowplant and the poor starving chickens. Fortunately going out in the thunderstorm didn’t make her scared (one of the few perks of a Sim being Erratic) – though it did break her umbrella, so that wasn’t great. Despite this, though, she got everybody fed, cleaned out the coop, and got all five eggs waiting in said coop without incident. Feeling both proud of her for staying on task and bad that I'd made her work in the rain, I then directed her to head inside and up to her and Victor’s bedroom, before having her change into her outfit with the Delicate “bad mood calming” bracelet and start working on her latest book again (the mystery “Who Stole The Tarts?” in case you need a reminder – I did!). She plugged away at that for a bit while I checked in on Victor – he’d finished all his tending, so I decided to have him super-sell his garden –

After he’d bonded with his bees to stop them being so angry. And after he’d evolved his taro root. And after he’d gathered soy wax off his soy plant. And after he’d gotten a pee – which involved him magically fixing the downstairs toilet because at some point it broke (I think the moment he tried to sit down on it, in fact). And after he’d given Surprise a lecture on scratching the furniture. I’m saying it took a WHILE to get to super-selling all that produce. XD But he did get there eventually, poor guy!

-->And then I looked at Alice again and noticed her Fury was getting really high because, despite her bracelet’s best efforts, her “gotta be outside” werewolf instincts were giving her lip. I quickly sent her out into the backyard (fortunately the rain had calmed down to a drizzle at this point, AND her umbrella was back in good repair) and had her somber howl to lower her Fury – then, deciding I wanted to be extra safe on a party day, sent her back up to the séance room to meditate the rest of it away. Smiler, meanwhile, was finally allowed to stop dancing for the camera (I’d left them like that for a while because, uh, it was just easier ^^;) and upload the video to their production station so they could start editing it and adding effects and transitions and all that jazz. Victor, for his part, finished his super-selling at last – I immediately made him Repairio the wind farm (those things break SOOO MUCH) and smash up a twisted tendril growing outside Moory’s pen before having him harvest the prairie grass in said pen. XD No rest for the wicked – or the magical! Though he got a pretty good harvest out of the prairie grass – not only did he bundle up plenty of hay, he also found a bottle of potato nectar – and a bottle of VITALITY nectar. AKA the nectar that can deage Sims and bring ghosts back to life. O.o So yeah, that right there? That is the GOOD stuff. Have to remember to get him to store it in the aging racks later!

-->Anyway – while Victor was getting that done, Smiler uploaded and hyped their finished video (just in time for it to be included in the royalty money for the day, nice), then ran downstairs to lecture Shock for scratching furniture and drinking from puddles. I couldn’t get a good picture of either as Shock kept running away from Smiler to do something else as they tried to lecture her (like going to drink from puddle in the bathroom while Smiler was trying to tell her no scratching the living room chairs), but the lessons DID take, and Shock has learned not to do either thing anymore. Hooray! I then had Smiler mop up all the puddles around the place and take a quick shower as I checked in on Alice – to my delight, she was completely Fury-less! Yay! :D And even better, I quickly discovered an activity to keep her busy while I tried to wrangle Smiler and Victor (Smiler, finished with their shower, was trying to mold the clay blob in the bathroom from last episode while Victor wanted to chat with them) – the laundry! The hamper was starting to look a biiit full, so I had her search everyone’s pockets, then load up the washer with the clothes and a chrysanthemum and set them tumbling. Victor and Smiler had headed back up to Smiler’s room to dance to the tunes coming out of their radio at this point, so I just had Alice head up and join them for a little dance party –

[and-i-will-kiss]

I'm of no use. In my road to get into that wedding, I've decided to take odd jobs here and there and one of them was desperately requested by Zlata, the wife of Von Bergrow's Huntsman.

I tracked him until I found the man hanging from a tree, just like a precious fruit for some wolves that madly spun around. They almost made a snack out of me, I'm still stiff as a plank. After 10 or so minutes of struggle, I killed the whole pack, bitten all over. Vostatek was unscathed until he wasn't, injuring himself when he came off the tree. Jolly drunkard he is, enough to forget that he's not in the best shape, pestering me to carry him around looking for a Pepik... Pepik here! Pepik there! And how my shoulder is too pointy? My patience will be pointy enough for this man if we don't get to his refuge as soon as possible!..

So once I dropped the huntsman somewhere safe, and under the coat of the night, I followed his instructions to track the bandits that stole his horse (Pepik strikes me more as a name for a lapdog, not a horse that's supposed to be as dark as the night). I went in the forest, no torch to alight my way, fearing both being seen or breaking my legs along the way. But the poachers shone a light bright enough to help me place myself somewhere safe in the bushes. Four of them, alright. The crossbow is new for me, my hands, still not stable enough, shake with every heartbeat. I'm still scared, for some reason I'm not feeling like myself. I don't think I can go head on with them like when I trekked on the forests of Talmberg. This is another kettle of fish if you ask me; bandits here jump at any flash of coin or metal and they will go straight to the neck like any vicious dog would. So I make a thousand plans in my head, what-ifs and nots, and suddenly one of them separates from the camp. Slowly and holding my breath, I press a bolt on his back from a safe distance, safe enough to run and hide, seeing that the bolt just pierces but doesn't kill. The bandits instantly jump, flashes of fire against the pitch black of the night. I wait and wait until one brave enough comes my way. It's hard. I'm a newborn foal, clumsy and scared. I only hit him on the shoulder hard enough to make him plead mercy. I disarm him, the poor wretch sprints off barefooted.

I repeat the process, I'm feeling the grind. I'm hurt but victorious. But, from the torches running around in circles, I counted four. Two more are in the camp. If I keep going like this I might not see the daylight. This is a bit of a game of attrition, and soon enough, the camp goes dark. This is my chance! Knocking them out and stabbing them right on their sleeping tents. I feel miserable, but a win is a win even if I never gave them a chance, and I don't want to place things on scales now. The horse is there, alright. And one member of the group had some notions of armor, which I pilfer instantly. Although I miss my cuirass, I'm broke and this will be certainly be of help. I pass the night there after raiding the bandits' haul.

During the morning I ride to the huntsman, still lying down, but I'm not completely sure if it's because of his sprained leg or because he's still nursing a hangover from the day before. We ride back to his place and his entire family comes to greet the old man, but it's not a fully welcoming one, especially from his son, from which I detect a grudge and a half, so I decide not to stick my nose from where's not welcome.

Finally after a much needed wash and recalling the advice of a good woman from Troskowitz, I began my trek to the nomads' camp, with the promise of a swordsman that seems to be made of legends. I trail around rocks and forest until I'm there. Tomcat, the man says. I need his help so I can get above this curse that's making my sword hand retreat in fear, so I remain polite. He has been raised by a bear! In a cave! Well, if the Bearman brothers drank beer instead of mothers' milk, who I am to question. He's nonetheless amusing, but very, very optimistic and it's hard not to be charmed by him. He also looks strong, so I became a believer. Master Bernard would have had fun with this man, his technique is impeccable! Of course, I lack everything he has. I'm slow, stiff, doubtful. But he keeps on advising me; he must have seen something. So I'm at it for some hours until I feel myself again and manage to complete the movements he has been trying to drill on me. Then we talk again. He tempts me on the mention of Master Strikes, thing that saved my head many, many times in the past, but can't perform anymore. Seeing this the man beamed - he warned that he won't be teaching this to anyone, only a duel would tell if I'm ready. So we jump in. I play it safe, as I'm starting to believe all his stories of bears and caves and carts rolling on him. I want this but I'm still worried, worried about upsetting him. Worried about not being not good enough for this. After a good chunk of time I manage to best him, not after being on the receiving end thrice. The last hit felt like relief.

I expended the rest of the day getting back to old myself. Tomcat can obviously go beyond that, but I'm exhausted. But at least I can rest here and meet his crowd. Just looking forward for more outrageous tales until the sun comes down.

(Went a little overboard with this one, I died so many times yesterday and I didn't play much because of that. I desperately needed to GIT GUD OR DIE, a feeling I got while playing KCD1... Tomcat is KCD2's Bernard, so I ran to him. I'm still not fully into the new layout, especially the annoying free camera mode, it just breaks my fighting experience, i wish they mapped it to another button, or remove it completely. Surely but steady, can't rush in)

[thepartingglassofthorin]

of Introductions

I'm so sorry this hasn't been updated, but I got the mojo juice back, and awayyy we go!

Snow had fallen much more than it had previously, delaying their departure by more than a few days, but allowing all injuries received to heal enough to travel. But with the sun no longer hidden behind the grey winter clouds, and the bright spring ahead of them, Thrain and his party began to take their leave.

Unlike many different parties that had come to the humble farm, this party lingered, more than apprehensive to leave. The family of the farm had grown quite fond of the royals and their escorts as well.

Bragar and Fundin played with the children, showing them dwarvish games and rhymes, all in the children's language; it had become an inside joke between Marlos' posterity for many years afterward. Bragar didn't show it much, but she missed how her children would run up to her and show her their little trinkets, and wished things had been different, so she could have cherished the years her sons were at this age. More than once, Fundin watched his wife wipe a stray tear from her eyes before they fell into her beard.

When Fundin wasn't with his wife and the Master's family, he was often found with Balin, walking among the fields. He and his son talked frequently, and hearts were laid out to bear. Fundin's family had been spared from the Calamity of Erebor, but he feared greatly with this approaching war.

Together, almost like clockwork, their discussion would turn to that of hope, of what they would do after the war, but their hope was more thin than a spider's silk. More than once, they would return to the guest house with their beards wet from tears more than overspent.

Gloin seemed to be the only one ready to leave when the day finally came. Thrain only had let the young one come because Dwalin, Fundin's other son, had sprained his foot three days before and wasn't fit for duty. Gloin was ready to show his steel, to prove how much of a warrior he was. What he failed to realize, however, was just how many days would pass before he could remove the armor from his frame, for fear of being run through from behind.

Thrain had more than befriended Marlos, he considered him a dear brother and looked forward to future business with the Man. Thrain also seemed the most unfazed by the looming war. His fury still burned bright in his belly at his Father's murder, as it should, but more than once, members of his escort would wonder just how far the King would go to avenge his Father before it killed him. Thrain did not doubt that the dwarves would rally at his call, and sooner than later, Moria would belong to his people once more, and his father's name would be cleansed from the Orc filth that had defiled it.

Thorin and Frerin were the most hesitant to leave. In the days that had followed Rolund and his snow slaughter, the Princes of Durin had made an effort to get to know their rescuer, although their pestering nearly caused them to leave the farm much earlier than planned. In turn, little did they know, Marlos and Thrain made arrangements to have Armis study within the settlement that housed the line of Durin when this war was over, wherever it happened to be.

"You will write to me, yes," Armis asked, holding tight to Frerin's gloved hands. She didn't know of the arrangement her father had made, she feared this would be the last time she would see them in a long while, if ever.

They stood before his pony, ready for a long journey. Thorin stood to their left, tightening the straps on his steed, feeling more than a little... he couldn't find the right word but he wasn't too happy that Frerin was hogging their friend's attention as of late.

"Of course I will, my little Rutty," Frerin said sweetly, stooping low and setting a gentle kiss on her knuckles.

Thorin's frustration bled into his actions, the pony called out as the movements, normally smooth and loving, suddenly became quick and sharp. Hooves stamped in the gravel path as Thorin quickly and quietly mumbled his apologies to the steed, running his hands over her hide as if that would soothe the pony.

The pony's sudden discomfort wasn't ignored as Thorin had vainly hoped, Armis immediately came to the pony's muzzle, her retort directed at Frerin, and ironically ignored by Thorin, for calling her Rutty was lost as she soothingly rubbed the pony's chin, whispering sweet nothings for only the steed to hear.

The brother's eyes locked for a half second as Armis calmed the pony, Frerin's gaze playful, his eyebrows wiggling as his mirth bubbled up from his heart, and Thorin's gaze cold, although love was hidden in its icy blue depths. "I want you both to write to me," Armis commanded, now stroking the pony's muzzle to soothe her worries. She looked between them, not having seen their looks earlier. Thorin inhaled deeply, his fingers finding their way to the pony's mane, soft and smooth.

Thrain's call to move out came from the front of their group, Armis felt her heart squeeze. With a quick hug for the two princes, she backed up to join her family, standing at the edge of the porch as they bid their new friends safe travels. She held their eyes for a good while as the troop moved down the path. She felt a deep connection with them, one that she only recalled having with her parents.

"May your beards grow ever long," Marlos called out as the dwarves reached the end of the yard, his hand held out to say farewell, tears held bay so long as the Dwarf King could see him. The longer the dwarves had stayed, the more sure Marlos had become of the deep sorrow and dread that brought the old farmer to his knees.

Thrain turned back, his arm held high as he waved back, oblivious to the tears in his companions' eyes and that of the Farmer's Family, "And your days be long on this land!"

That was years and years ago it seemed. Almost another life, Armis felt. So much had changed since that day, including her. For seven long years she had exchanged letters with the Heirs of Durin via a raven. She had never known the birds to be clever, but the princes quickly set her right, they also communicated with their Mother in the Iron Hills, over half a world away, via ravens. It was how Armis, now settled into an apprenticeship within Ered Luin, communicated with her Father, still on their humble farm, and still tending every day to his land.

Armis chuckled to herself as the bittersweet memories of letters and ravens filled her mind. Her last correspondence with them was over forty years ago, she hoped beyond hope that they had simply misplaced the raven, but she knew something had happened. Last she had heard from them, there was going to be a last battle, a final stand against the Orcs. She swept away the memories with the dust on the porch she stood upon, the front of a tinker shop run by a dear friend of her mother's family, his name was Bofur.

His bright and jovial laugh pulled Armis further out of her melancholy feelings, and with a final push, the porch was free of dust and ready for the stampede of children soon to come.

"Now that's a sight I'll never get tired of," He said, joining her on the porch. His hat was on crooked, like always, and his mustache was twisted up with wax to its usual points, on either side of his bright and wide smile. Armis leaned on the broom, turning her head on its side as she waited for him to continue, her braid, long and thick gently swaying in the summer breeze. He chuckled and pulled a hand out of his front apron pocket, pointing at the street before them.

Armis turned and looked, finding the street empty, save a stray cat and a few barrels. She could see clear to the school's door at the far end, the children all in single file just behind the door frame, the strong door held open by the tutor. He held his hand up, as if he was to start a race, ready to duck behind the door should the children decide to all come out at once, which had happened more than once. The tutor didn't seem annoyed, or frustrated, his bright smile betraying the professional atmosphere he otherwise displayed.

The bell from the towers rang, one, two, three, and the children began to march, something that Bofur had made them promise to do, or else be barred from his shop for the next two weeks. The eldest of the children, Bofur's little nephew Bunbur, stood at the front of the line, whispering to the youngest of the children behind him how it should be done. They copied his motions, exaggerating their swinging arms, their faces pinched up in an attempt to look stern, "Like a soldier," Bunbur had said. If the young dwarrow's heart wasn't set on taking over his Father's Bakery when he grew older, Armis thought he would have made a great tutor when the time came.

Armis lifted the broom off the ground, caught it in its upward motion, and twirled around on the ball of her foot, quickly tucking the broom away into the shop, just inside the door, employee's side of the counter. By the time she returned to the porch, all the children were lined up again, looking more like the start of a race and less like being let out of school. Armis brushed the front of her own apron off, pulling the drawstrings tight behind her, making sure that a few sweets were safely stored in her own pockets for the select children who couldn't afford their own.

With the school's door firmly shut and secured, the Tutor stood to one side of the children, something he, nor the tutor before him had done previously. She turned to Bofur, he turned to lean on one of the supports for the awning, his eyes still glued to the sight across the market, but otherwise facing his apprentice.

"He's just making sure everyone knows where they're going, lass." Small shouts, excitement plainly heard in their voices, came from the little students then, one at a time. "We had a pebble go missing last release because he went one way when he was told to go another."

Armis nodded as the Tutor said something else, but with a quick bow, the children were off to their devices, a great majority of them racing as fast as they could to Bofur's tinkering shop. Some went to the public washing house to ask their mothers for spare coins, and others went home, promising their friends that they'd be back as soon as their chores were finished.

The door was pushed open by the shop owner himself, Armis recalled last week when a young one had slammed the door open, a new dent was left on the said door, the child had been so eager to enter!

Business went by quickly, children marveled at the new tinkers Bofur had set up to display, a few tears were shed as the children realized that some of the more popular trinkets had been sold, but the tears were soon stifled as a taller child saw the display saying that more would be coming soon.

Armis ran the sweets 'bar', making sure to wipe off the stone countertop frequently to keep the sticky messes from building up. She tended to the children with care, being extra sure to wipe their sticky fingers too. Bofur ran the rest of the shop, grateful for his brother's generous supply of sweets, treats, and discounted prices for them, and for the extra help Armis had been. He had been running it with his cousin, but since returning from the Iron Hills, and fully recovering, Bifur never quite was the same around children. He preferred to stay in the back, providing the tinkering trinkets rather than handing them out.

The flood of children had stemmed finally, some odd hours later, and Armis could step away from the counter for just long enough to clean up the shop. She took her trusty broom from behind the counter again and began to sweep away the cookie crumbs from the Children's bar, setting the forgotten toys up on the counter so they could be set into the lost bin, kept right next to the broom's corner.

The door flew open and a little pebble ran right up to Armis, barreling into her legs with such force she thought for sure that she would topple over.

"Up, up, up," He shouted, holding his arms up as he bounced on his feet. With a bright smile, Armis obliged, lifting the dwarfling and setting him on her hip. He threw his arms around her neck, humming as he pulled her tight, Armis couldn't help but laugh.

"Now what are you up to today, Master Fili," She asked, pulling away to look at the blonde menace, and a menace indeed! If you couldn't tell from his frizzy braids or his dirty face, you could tell by the look in his bright blue eyes, that he was always up to something. He pulled back and put his finger to his chin, tapping it thoughtfully.

"I dunno- Whaz that?!" He pointed past Armis to the top display on the window, white, black, and green stone shone in the wooden frame, Armis couldn't help but smile to herself.

"It's a jewelry box! It's where your amad would keep her stones and pretties-"

"What does the other side look like," He asked, leaning out just enough to cause Armis's balance to shift, she pulled him close again. She quickly stepped out the door and brought him around to see it, pointing at the box for emphasis. It was a simple box, but one that Armis was proud of, her first of hopefully many more.

"Didja make that one," He asked, pointing as he stared at her. She nodded and he shrieked, bouncing on her hip as she struggled to keep from teetering over, his momentum and weight adding to the struggle. "It's so pretty, how long did you take? How did you make the stone all those colors?"

Armis began to tell him how the stone came that way, but a sharp and deep and familiar voice cut through her thoughts, silencing her words.

"FILI SON OF VILI!"

"Down, down, down," Fili hissed, practically jumping from her arms. She quickly set him down, keeping a good hold on his shoulders as he turned to face the voice, should he want to run off. That's happened a few times with the more troublesome pebbles. They'll retreat to Bofur's shop and have their guardian furious for whatever trouble they had caused, and now for running away from their consequence.

The two of them turned around to face who had called, and Armis felt her heart stop as a familiar face stomped up to the porch. At first, she had recognized the voice as that of the dwarrow's Father, her heart hammering against her ribs, but she was glad she was mistaken, she only hoped his temper wasn't as famed as his sire's.

His hair was streaked with silver, but still the dark black she remembered, and many a faded or fading scar lay on his bare forearms, his shirt sleeves were rolled up. He was speaking harshly to Fili, his finger wagging at him as he picked up the youngster. Armis thought Fili had said something back but she couldn't hear him but she wasn't sure. He turned from looking at Fili, sternly, to apologize to Armis for disrupting her business, but he stopped too, shock crossing his face as their eyes locked. Warmth, shock, and joy radiated from Armis then, her dear friend smiled widely at her, saying something, but Armis couldn't hear it again...

Armis was awoken by the memory of the shock she had felt, but she figured it was a good thing that it happened. She had to get everyone up and out if they were to remain on schedule. She peeled her tired and aching body from the soft dirt and blankets, pushing away the sleep that tempted her to pull her back down. If she was to see Thorin's cursed dream fulfilled, she would have to see it through until he got here. If he got here...

She pulled herself further upright to fix her boots upon her feet. Her body quietly protested as she willed it to move, but not without a very valid reason. She had practically sprinted from Ered Luin to the edges of the Shire before she dared even attempt to acquire a steed. Everyone in their grand settlement would have immediately told Dis, and then she'd have to deal with yet another Durin's famous temper. She knew one was coming once her dear one was upon them...

The dwarrowdam stumbled over to the last watchman for the night, Dwalin, raising her hands far over her head as she stretched out the last of her tiredness. He had his back to her, set on a pack of wood, he hardly turned around when she let out her loud and ragged yawn. With an eyebrow raised, she leaned into his view to find his entire being pinched up. His eyes were the most pinched, she couldn't read what they were silently trying to tell her. With a deep intake of breath, Dwalin finally relaxed, uncrossing his arms from his chest and setting his hands on his knees, shaking his head as his gaze fell to the ground.

"You will deal with him when he returns," He muttered, not meeting her gaze. Armis finally got his hidden message. She threw her head up to the sky, throwing her hands out as she tried to find the words to explain her reasoning. Dwalin stood up, deft and quick, before she could even utter a syllable.

"I don't want to hear your reasoning," He began quietly, his face lowered to look her in the eyes. Armis couldn't read his face or his emotions again, she was more than a little worried. "In truth, I'm glad you're here with us." Armis let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, "But don't assume I will defend your actions. It's bad enough you disobeyed your husband, don't make me have to choose between my friend or my king..." With those parting words, Dwalin left his post, his foot purposefully colliding with Nori's back, rudely awakening the reformed thief. Together, once Nori had finished grumbling his complaints at the rude awakening, they went to gather the saddles and tack for their steeds.

"If this could be avoided, I wouldn't be here," She mumbled as she went to pack up her things.

Truth be told, Armis was going to come. Ever since Thorin had come back from Bree the first time in early March, that had been the plan. He and her were going to reclaim Erebor, hand in hand, but plans had changed. Armis remembered it clearly.

The dwarves of Ered Luin had thrown a party for their heroes, a solemn but joyous party, and only those of close kin knew the true reason for their leaving. Most assumed that Thorin was taking the young princes to visit their kin in the Iron Hills, a chance to experience more of the Long Beard's culture and clan, having been raised around the Broad Beams all their lives.

Armis hadn't seen her husband all day, he had left early in the morning, before the sun had peered over the horizon even. She recalled him stepping out to give the final toast before the celebration was to fully begin, the traditional Parting Glass, and their eyes locked. That same familiarity from so many years ago on Bofur's shop porch shone in their eyes, warm, loving, a hidden smile within, but he took a deep breath and broke their gaze. With his glass raised high, Thorin asked a blessing of safety and success come to them, and that loved ones would find the strength they needed to continue.

Glasses and mugs were raised solemnly, the drink of each dwarrow's choice was downed and the party resumed at Thorin's behest. Armis should have known something was eating away at him, but at the time he only looked tired. He soon joined her at the table she, Dis, Fili and Kili had taken up, unnaturally silent. He didn't stay long, and for that matter, neither did she. He pulled her away from the grand party, found a small room that was unoccupied and gently shut the door behind them.

His face, Armis will never forget his face then. His eyes, normally bright and full of emotion, were dull and cold, not cold like when he was being polite to a rude dwarrow, but cold as if there was nobody within; his poker face, Dis called it. Armis hadn't spent many days with him at City Meetings, but she did recognize the wall set up around his heart. Before she could ask what was troubling him, Thorin gently pleaded with her to stay in Ered Luin. Tears welled in his eyes, now dark with fear and sorrow she hadn't seen in him in many years.

Armis wanted to lash out then, scream at him, how dare he ask this of her! In all his plans, in all their schemes, she had always been a part of them, ever since he had formally asked for her hand, so many years ago. Now, to change them so suddenly, and without a valid reason, she had half a mind to smack some sense into him.

But his eyes. It's always his eyes...

And so, Armis had stayed at Thorin's request, after many tears, empty threats, and promises that Armis somehow knew wouldn't be kept. Thorin had left again before the sun had graced their small home, or the land roundabout with its light.

When the Company settled down for the evening, they had found a nice little wide-mouthed cave. Well, it was more of a rock, carved out so the 'occupants' could shelter from the wind. Dwalin and Armis hadn't spoken since that morning, other than to discuss travel paths. Armis made a point to keep a few feet away from him, she didn't want to step on already bruised or broken toes. After supper had been put away, she set herself on a shelf found in the rock, by the mouth's cave, deciding to shut her eyes for just a moment. Her green eyes scanned her companions, most of them were sat around the fire or tucked into their sleeping sacks, although she thought it was far too hot, hence her spot up on the stone. She happened a glance at Fili and Kili, they were busy sharpening sticks to poke the fire with, or knives simply for the sake of doing something. With a final sigh, she settled further into her stony seat. She hadn't gotten much sleep in her haste, so she might as well try now.

Her mind wandered, the memory of her dream came then, and she thought of that particular moment. She smiled to herself, Thorin's words coming to mind now. He had been scolding Fili, who had always gone to Bofur's shop after his schoolwork was done, while his Amad and brother washed up laundry nearby. Thorin had just returned from the Iron Hills, Dis had mentioned in passing that her brother was going to be arriving sooner than later, but Armis hadn't even fathomed who it could have been. Thorin was still getting used to how Dis ran her household, a task even he dared not to undertake with Fili, being just old enough to begin attending primary school, and Kili, who began toddling around the house two months ago; Dis was still 'baby-proofing' the house and furniture again.

As far as Thorin knew, Fili was distracting Armis from her work, hence the scolding, to which Armis assured him that her work very much included showing the young pebbles possible paths they could pursue, such as tinkering, mining, carpentry, and cooking, to name but a few.

She had been with Bofur, Bifur, and Bombur for nearly a year at that point, as they had befriended her mother's nephew and was with him when he passed from his life in Arda, due to an illness of the lungs. When Marlos had written her kin about housing Armis in her studies, unaware of his passing, Bofur had been quick to respond, with condolences, and then assurance that Armis would be welcome in his shop and home if she still wanted. Within his humble home, she learned different types of tools required in carpentry and general tinkering, and she was shown the mines and their vast depths. Armis remembered she felt out of place within the mines, but kept that to herself, as the teacher of her youth had mentioned how much the dwarves loved to mine, as they were 'made of stone.'

Shortly after Thrain and his party had left their farms, two more dwarrow had stumbled into their home, sometime in the middle of the night. Armis recalled that she had been awoken by her Father and this new visitor's companion the morning following their arrival, shouting about something within the upstairs Study. When Marlos finally emerged, he informed those at the dining table that they would have a guest with them for a few months, the other was to return to whatever he had been doing before, Marlos was very irritated at that. Armis didn't pry into it. This guest was to teach Armis about her heritage as a dwarf, in exchange for room and board while his leg healed from a breakage in the thigh. This dwarrow had taught her much, but as he had told her, "Experience is everything!"

Soon enough, Armis had learned all she could, and the guest's leg had long been healed, Marlos allowed his board to continue until there was nothing left to teach. When the time had come, about five years had passed, and the guest urged Armis to visit Ered Luin, which was the closest settlement. At the time it had been a little hamlet, mostly occupied with Broad Beams and the stray human, but overall a safe place to visit.

Marlos thanked the Guest but said they would wait a few years before Armis could say anything, as much as she had wanted to visit the hamlet then and there! Thrain had paid his debt in the years that had followed but made no mention of housing Armis at the time, Marlos hoped that he would remember and mention it, but the Old King never did...

When Armis finally left Ered Luin, when her father's health began to fail, Kili was just old enough to begin school, which was to start a new session at the end of the month. Armis smiled to herself again as sleep gently took her away, tears welling under her eyelids at the memory of her sorrow at leaving the small family behind. Fili had told the younger brother for years about how wonderful it was to leave the school after a 'hard day's work' and sprint to the shop, finding Armis within with treats and snacks ready for them. Kili had at first bawled because he wouldn't be able to experience that, only to stifle his tears when Armis assured him Bofur knew their favorite sweets almost as well as she did. He started back up when he realized she was going away, and she might not be coming back.

[yandere-romanticaa]

Imagine...

Coming back home was nice to say the least. Twisted Wonderland had its charms and quirks for sure, but coming back was something all on its own. No one knew how, but (y/n) appeared out of the blue, and her parents couldn't have been happier. Tears were shed and cries of joy echoed throught the night as ther child came back to them, their sweet, long lost child for whom they thought was dead. For the next few days life was was pure bliss as (y/n) finally came in to contact her old friends, both online and in the real world. Summer was steadily approaching which meant that (y/n) could laze around all day long, no more tiresome work for her! No more feeding fire faries, no more dealing with dark magic or any magical shenanigans of the sorts - it was just her in her peacful room.

As relaxing as it was though, (y/n)'s thoughts couldn't help but to drift back to Twisted Wonderland all of the friends she had made. How were Ace and Deuce doing? Jack, Epel? Malleus?

....

Things always got sour the moment she pitcured the dark faes face because when she did the face of his chaperone popped up instantly. Lilia never failed to intimidate the girl no matter how friendly his approach was. Upon meeting him she found Lilia a bit odd but he was fun, downright cute even. He was always by her side, guiding her and being her emotional support through tough times, her smooth voice always laced with sweetness that (y/n) never knew was reserved solely for her. Lilia would start appearing out of nowhere, either in front of her or even on the feeling if he felt like it. But again, (y/n) never really questioned it though, Lilia did have a rather eccentric reputation on campus so it wasn't out of character for him. Oh how she cursed herself right now, for not recognizing the red flags when she should have. Clutching the sheets beneath her she pressed her face against the soft pillow, her bitter tears staining the soft fabric. How stupid she was, falling for Lilia's words like that. She thought that she could trust him, he promised that he would never hurt her. The image of Lilia's smiling face flashed through her mind as she recalled the monstrous grin on his face. One evening he confessed, he confessed everything he had done and his true emotions and intentions. He was the one who was hurting her friends, he was the one who was silently shattering her life to bits. And as he held her in his arms, Lilia still promised to protect her and that he indeed kept his word from before.

The worst part was - he was right. Lilia had indeed kep his word, no harm came (y/n)'s way, only her loved ones were there to suffer. It was pointless to run or hide, Lilia would find her eventually. She came to terms to it but even so still refused to give up, and that is what Lilia loved the most about her. That persistence, that hot blooded stubbornness only the youth could possess, Lilia adored it. He'd let (y/n) play her game, he could always track her and bring her to back to him.

What Lilia did not predict however was the Mirror of Darkness sending (y/n) back home.

Just like that, his beloved was suddenly out of his reach as panic spread like wildfire across the school. What happened to the Perfect?! Was the Perfect okay?! These questions surrounded Lilia each and every day and every new question was like a stab in the heart to him. Silver checked up on Lilia on a daily basis but the vice dorm leader insisted that he was fine with that usual smile of his.

He was not fine.

He was never going to be fine.

Lilia is worried beyond belief and there was nothing to calm him down. He wore a mask of smiles and smirks every day to class but his close companions knew better. They knew of his late night ventures in to the woods to gather ingredients, they knew that Lilia pestered the Mirror of Darkness itself endlessly to give Lilia (y/n)'s exact location but the mirror never complied.

(y/n) had quite literally, disappeared off the face of the Earth.

But even among the helplessness and the ashes of their friendship, against all odds Lilia had prevailed.

He had tracked down (y/n), but in the most unusual way possible.

♡♡♡

The sleepless night was unkind towards (y/n) as she made her way towards the bathroom, already wanting the day to be over while it bearly just begun. Turning on the tap the washed her face diligently as she took in the calming silence around her, the peeks of the morning sun just bearly shining through the curtains.

And like a sudden tidal wave, the sense of being watched overcame (y/n) like never before.

She... She didn't know how to feel, what she was even feeling to begin with. Turning off the tap she looked around but the only sources of noise was the clock ticking outside the door. The calmness of the silence soon became unbearable as (y/n) looked at her reflection against the bathroom mirror, her sleepy gaze staring right back at her. Reaching out towards the mirror she had the strange urge to touch it, as if to confirm to what she was looking at was real. Her fingers pressed themselves gently against the glass as (y/n) let out a sigh, her tense shoulders finally relaxing. The intense feeling of being watched was nearly forgotten once (y/n) lowered her hand from the mirror.

Key word nearly.

Immediately a sudden but sharp headache followed suit as the world around (y/n) started to spin, her vision engulfed with random little black spots. It was hard to stand, let alone breathe! Pressing herself against the sink (y/n) looked at the mirror once more but the sight before her shook her to the core.

Her reflection was not her own.

She knew for a fact that she was panting, probably even red in the face as she struggled to comprehend the sight before her. Her reflection had a smirk as the mirror around it slowly shattered, slowly revealing the background behind it. The familar dark purple hallway was in sight as green flames roared in the background, her smirking reflection being replaced with the person she thought she had escaped for good.

In its place stood Lilia Vanrouge, his arms crossed and the smug grin not leaving his face. Her vision became blurry with tears as she took a few steps back, hitting the wall behind her. Nausea filled her stomach as she started to cough violently, small droplets of blood dripping out of her mouth. Collapsing on her feet to the ground she quickly lost balance as her ability to speak was seemingly taken away from her. Broken sobs echoed throught the small bathroom as shadows encircled (y/n)'s shaking form, the whispers of pure menace intruding the young girls heart.

"You thought you got away didn't you, my lamb...?"

"I am a man of my word my beloved - I promised to keep you safe from any and all harm in the universe. And that promise extends to your own as well."

The voice belonged to no one but Lilia himself. You could hear the self satisfaction in his honey laced words, a tad bit of anger just bearly recognizable. She felt a pair of cold hands wrap themselvs around her, sharp teeth nibbling on her neck as Lilia dragged her through the makeshift portal he had made. (y/n)'s body was numb with fear as she felt the flames tingling around her and the few shards of the glass that were still stuck on her mirror pricked her delicate skin. All she could do was wince in pain as Lilia's gloved hand covered her mouth in order to silence her screams. She thought she was safe, she finally got out of Hell only to be literally dragged back in to it.

Lilia really was a cruel person.

Looking back once more, Lilia closed the small portal for good as he placed (y/n) on the ground, her body twiching from the pain as he hushed her. The glint in his blood red eyes was overwhelming as his grip tightened further and further until (y/n) fell. unconscious.

There was nothing that could get in Lilia's way, not even Death itself. He was ready to overcome challenges he didn't even know existed, but that is what one does when he's in love, no?

Dedicating this to my wife, @josuke8. You are such a crackhead and a sweetheart, please don't ever change. Happy birthday, Yue! 💘💋

Tags: @sphallolilia, @pumpkiethepie, @lunarvy, @twst-rose-prisms, @twst-soul, @heartofabunny

[booksandlewks]

Intensity in Insmire | A Jurdan AU

Happy Holidays to my wonderful knife wife @starborn-faerie-queen!! I’m so lucky to have you as my friend and now snusband (we’re def married now) <3 I was so excited to see that I got to try and write something for you. I also have to thank everybody in the @jurdannet discord for helping me with my writer’s anxiety throughout, and @jurdannetrevels for hosting this secret santa event! 

So this was a prompt you didn’t ask for, but that I hope you will like. I thought of this right when I saw your name and have had a blast making it a reality. One of our first conversations in the discord was about none other than Lauren Layne, so I thought I’d give it my best go at making it Jurdan. I picked what I think of as the iconic scene in Passion on Park Avenue because Jude and Cardan literally define passion. You also put Nicaryn, so in my head when I wrote this they’re already dating and Jude just hasn’t noticed. 

"Be careful, you're going to drop that!" Jude said watching her twin throw down yet another box full of her merchandise.

 It was times like these that Jude wondered about her choice in friends. Not that she had so many choices in friends to begin with, something about her being "abrasive". People may not always appreciate her edges, but that edge is what landed her on the 30 under 30 list. She was grateful, if not confused, about her new-found friendships. While the ladies made for excellent company, and fellow schemers in action, a moving company they were not. Not that Jude would say a word against their help out loud. She was still so grateful to have her twin back in her life.

Jude would thank Locke for bringing them together, if she'd thought it was even remotely a part of his plan. Maybe she could thank him for dying, so that they could find each other in the park that fateful day. Not likely, she had better people to think on.

Nicasia kicked a box into the corner with the toe of her Louboutin heels, "You worry too much, they're not going to break because I didn't gingerly place every single one of your hundreds of boxes down."

"I'm not worried about you breaking an accessory," Jude said huffing as she moved to open the box Nicasia had kicked to prove a point. She held up the lipstick tube, twisting to expose the blade to prove her point. "I'm worried about one of my accessories breaking you."

"Oh, I like that," Taryn laughed, her eyes widening, "Can I borrow that for my next date?"

"Well, it is just a sample," Jude nodded her head to the truck parked outside her new building, "You can keep it if you help me unload the rest of the truck." 

"You drive a tough bargain, a days labor in exchange for one accessory?" Nicasia teased.

Jude put one hand to her heart and the other to her forehead dramatically, "Oh you're truly suffering going up and down the elevator while carrying small boxes."

"These boots were not exactly made for walking Jude," Nicasia said flicking her hair over her shoulder, and punctuating it with an all too casual check of her nails. Why she wouldn't just concede to putting her hair up was beyond frustrating to Jude. She wasn't sure if she hated or respected Nicasia's commitment to always looking perfect.

 "I mean I didn't get to where I was by giving things away for free, but I may have also ordered us pizza and tiramisu from the Italian place on Lexington Ave."

 "Ahh I knew you were my favorite twin!" Taryn said wrapping her arms around Jude and kissing her cheek with an exaggerated smack.

 "I'm your only twin, and you definitely did not know it."

 "The real question isn't why I can't move things in these heels, it's why you think I should be doing this in the first place," Nicasia said glancing speculatively.

 "Wait, yeah, aren't you meant to be rich now Jude?"

"Well, according to my accountant, approximately I am," Jude tilted her head and pretended to tally with her free hand, "filthy rich." She moved the box that had been hoisted on her hip onto the floor of what would be the main living area.

Jude wasn't insane, the larger items like the couch and industrial garment racks would be delivered by a moving company later. She just knew that she could handle the smaller boxes herself. She'd always survived by being self-sufficient, so she wasn't going to start changing what was working now. She'd moved herself into her first shoe box apartment, all her belongings compact and loaded into the back of her ancient little two door.

 "Then why on earth are we moving all of this by hand?" Taryn said turning to her sister, exasperated to see the determination gracing her twin's face. She hated that look, especially when it was on the face that was practically her own under all that stubbornness. "Nic, I need backup here, we're entering dangerously uncharted areas in stupidity. "

 "Jude, love, remember when we agreed to stop each other from entering another toxic relationship?" Nicasia said gently, her hands up as if coaxing a small animal.

 "No, I've blocked out the entirety of Locke's funeral out of a sense of self-preservation," she said voice and face purposefully blank.

 "Why stop there, why not erase him from your entire mind?" Taryn said a bitter edge to her words.  

 Jude laughed, "Me and my therapist are hard at work doing just that."

 "Well while you're working on that, have her work on the toxic relationship you've got with your stupid pride," Nicasia said checking her already perfect nails.

 "Wait, was all of that just the set up for the punchline to your dumb joke?"

 "Woah Tar, harsh words from the woman who asked for my backup in the first place." Nicasia pursed her lips clearly displeased that Taryn had not enjoyed her attempts at humor. "Maybe you should try being nicer to me considering that I have the power to save you from Jude's torture."

 Jude laughed as Taryn started to pester Nicasia to tell her what she meant. While they'd all become fast friends on the fateful day of the funeral, Jude couldn't help but feel that Nicasia and her twin had gotten closer over the summer. She supposed it had to do with the fact that they both had to worry about their reputations and what the fallout from Locke's infidelity would do to it.

That old wound started niggling at Jude again. She may not have been in an official New York society relationship with the man, but she'd had to mourn the loss too. She supposed it hadn't affected her societal standing, being Locke's dirty secret, but she hadn't gotten out unscathed. The bastard had known about her fears. She'd confided in him, about her mother's cheating and how she'd grown up not wanting to get attached for fear of ending up in a similarly messed up situation.

 He'd comforted her, talking about how cheating on somebody wasn't in her character. He'd spelled out what their story could be instead, spinning a story of comfort, safety in his arms, and safety in that future. It made Jude's skin crawl to think about now. How he could say all of this while cheating on her with Nicasia and Taryn, and using her to cheat on them. Some nights it actually made her physically ill. She was such a careful woman, and yet she'd never suspected.

 She wondered if lying to her was part of the game to him, it had to be. Jude thought about how she'd considered bridging the gap and calling Taryn to tell her that she'd met somebody. She'd been too scared to reopen that wound. At eighteen Jude walked away from the stifling role of being Madoc's daughter. She hadn't thought about what leaving Taryn behind to deal Madoc's only other eligible daughter would do. She left her behind for him to put all of his stupid high society rules and dreams into. She'd wondered about her twin over the years, but could never pick up the phone and just dial. What would things be like if she had? Thinking about it wouldn't change anything.

 During Jude's musings Taryn had moved into Nicasia's lap and was switching between pleading and apologizing. Her groveling was so over the top that a warm spot bloomed in Jude's chest while watching her. She had no idea how much she'd missed Taryn, and yet having her take up space in her apartment just felt right.

 "Okay, okay, fine!" Nicasia said standing up and taking Taryn with her. "I happen to have a friend through the New York royalty network, as you call it, and he lives in this very apartment complex."

 "Oh thank god, I love you Judie Bee Jones, but this is the worst."

 "Woah no, I never agreed to having anybody over," Jude said walking over to lock her door, "and wasn't the point of having you ladies around to avoid the assholes."

 "How can you call them an asshole when you don’t even know who it is?" Nicasia asked unlocking the door. Jude went to stop her, but Taryn simply took her face in her hands and pointed it towards the window where the open moving truck stood idle.

 "I promise he's good people, we grew up together," Nicasia said clearly forgetting that her and Jude had not exactly grown up as friends.

Jude did not have much of a chance to consider who might be coming to the rescue she did not need, as there was a knocking at the door.

The warmth she felt from being with her friends left her the second she opened the door and saw Cardan Greenbriar standing there. She'd never seen Cardan look anything less than impeccable, so she was even more furious to see him standing there looking like a Saks Fifth Avenue model from the catalog to help her move. A cable knit sweater, really, to move boxes. With an overcoat no less. No, no, this couldn't possibly be happening. Jude would rather move every single box one by one, than have Cardan Greenbriar help her.

What on earth could have even possessed him to try. She thought she'd made it clear when she'd damn near bitten his head off in her "entry interview" to the apartment complex. It wasn't her fault. Cardan had a particular way of getting under her skin, and the fact that he'd known her from her twin and had not even bothered to look at the application resting in his hand the entire interview had gotten her blood boiling. She'd never actually wanted to live in Elfhame.

The stupid application had been filled out for her and sent in by her mother ages ago. Eva Duarte had been so proud of Jude's success, it had never occurred to her that her mother had plans to use it as a statement. She'd miss her mother's mean streak, and wished she'd been around longer so Jude could understand this plan. Jude had been shocked to be called in for the interview to move into The Palace, and caught completely off guard to see Cardan on the day of the interview.  

 She must've released an actual snarl at seeing him darkening her new doorstep because Taryn and Nicasia pried her away from the door and invited him to come in. This was ridiculous ; she was not a rabid dog to be put in the corner. Although, she was considering biting Cardan.

 "And hello to you too Jude," Cardan said laughing as she struggled to break free of the grip of her friends, "Lovely as ever to see you."

"Why am I seeing you?" 

Cardan raised an eyebrow at that, "Not a very friendly greeting neighbor."

"I read over the paperwork your father sent over and it said that the building takes care of pests in the apartments."

 "Ha ha, very funny Jude," Cardan said stalking closer, "I do hope that's true, as I'd love to see them take you out of here."

 "Really, we're going to resort to I know you are but what am I?" Jude intoned, "On day one?"

 “Is this really our first day together, Judiebeet?"

 "Don't call me that!"

 "As much as I do love seeing you upset my sweet villain," he said trailing a finger over her cheeks, "I didn't come to pick a fight." Jude knew her cheeks had to be bright red, she always got flushed when she was mad. She hated that he had command over her, more than she appeared to have over her own body. Which only made her more upset when he called her that stupid name.

"Why did you come, I had demon summoning scheduled for later in the day," Jude said ignoring the looks Nicasia and Taryn were shooting her.

 "I was informed of a damsel in distress, and princely duties demanded that I come to your aid."

"Oh no, that's it," Jude turned on her friends glaring, and pointing at the door while practically shoving Cardan out, "Everybody out, I'll move them all myself."

 "Wait, but I brought champagne," Cardan said materializing a bottle from the inside of his coat. 

"Jude you can't kick the man out, he brought Dom," Taryn said pulling Cardan back into the apartment by his arm. Jude watched as he re-entered what was meant to be her space, unwilling to fight with Taryn.

"Fine, but if he's here he works," Jude said looking at Cardan as if to say 'unless you've got a problem with that.' The Cardan she knew would never deign to do a day's labor on his own. Always calling somebody his father employed to do things for him instead. So Jude was shocked when all he did was set the actually quite nice bottle on the counter, and gesture his hand towards the door with a look that said 'after you'.

Jude was not sure if she was pleased or pissed off when Cardan actually matched her for work ethic for the rest of moving. He eventually took off the coat, and the sweater, tossing them on the counter with his welcome gift. Jude wished he had not, as she'd been determined to carry more than him before that. She would have managed it too, if he had not rolled up his white dress shirt to the direct center of his forearm. Where it hugged just below his elbow as he worked.

She dropped one of her merchandise boxes when his arm brushed hers while reaching for another, shocked by the contact of his skin hot against her own. Furious with herself for the look that graced his face when she cursed and picked up the box, she decided to be less ambitious with how much she carried.

They had not actually had all that many boxes left. Which made it all the more traitorous that Nicasia had called in for help. As the work dwindled Nicasia and Taryn gave up the pretense of pretending to want to help move the boxes, and sat on the benches that were near the building's entrance. They sat close talking and laughing quietly at each others jokes. Jude could be funny too, but her humor was more dry and wicked. Just as Jude was sprinting to get the very last box, the pizza delivery driver had pulled up to the curb. 

Taryn had gone from commiserating with Nicasia, to giving Jude puppy eyes in 10 seconds flat. Jude laughed softly as she went to go pay the man. Her path was blocked by Cardan who'd made a beeline for the car as it pulled in, while she'd been distracted. If she hadn't been so focused on his damn arms she might have missed how he went to get his wallet from his back pocket. Hell no.

Jude stood one shot at having Taryn and Nicasia not mention her attitude since Cardan walked in, and that was to buy their silence. Nothing says be on my side like hot pizza and good dessert. Which is why she was going to pay for it. Cardan was already handing the man a crisp bill when Jude went to shift the box she'd been holding to under one arm. God, she hated him so much. She'd already missed out on getting to bond with her friends over how annoying moving was because of him, and now he was going to ruin their meal too?

He'd already ruined Jude's childhood, but she was an adult now, and he would not even get a single day from her. She grabbed the boxes of her food and walked to the elevator clicking the button for her floor and slamming on the door close button before he could follow. She walked into her apartment, and she would've locked Cardan out if it not for the fact she had to wait on Taryn and Nicasia to follow. If she had to face him again today, it was going to be on her terms and her rules.

 Jude moved to the boxes now all neatly lined up in what would be her living room. She scanned the barcode stickers on the top of the boxes, each item had been carefully cataloged so that she could be sure that she didn't lose anything important in the move. Downsides to owning and running a successful companies that sold accessories with a dangerous edge? There was so much inventory to keep track of.

 She found what she was looking for and swapped her sneakers for stilettos. She'd love to see Cardan try to look down on her when they were eye level. She'd give a new meaning to the term glaring daggers. She was perfectly capable of paying for a damn pizza.

The door of her apartment opened and Cardan strolled in, his arm around each of her friends. Jude let out a breath that his shirt had been set back to normal, although she was not sure if she was relieved.

 "Really, my own twin?" she said putting a hand on her hip and looking at Taryn who moved, hands up, to sit on the counter top.

"Jude, he got us pizza, please be reasonable," Taryn said in a placatory tone.

 "I got you pizza, this interloper just stole it because pizza is joy, and he can't let me have it."

"You need to stop, you're hangry and turning into rude Jude," Nicasia teased using the family nickname she knew Jude hated. That was just low, she'd revealed that in a 2 A.M. group chat. Which every woman knows means it’s classified information.

 She was being rude, she knew, but well...frankly he started it. Years ago, but she was a petty elephant and would not forget.

 "Fine, have a slice of pizza and then get the fuck out."

When Nicasia and Taryn turned their looks at her, Jude just blinked her eyes slowly a few times. She had never claimed to be a saint. 

"Can I at least get a drink before you kick me out on my ass?" Cardan asked the corner of his mouth upturned.

"Nope, sorry," Jude started and feeling her friends angry stares added, "I just moved in, and I haven't stocked the fridge yet."

"Well, then it's lucky for us my friend was kind enough to drop in to christen the home with champagne," Nicasia said as she made remove the muselet. Jude watched her carefully grip the wire as she twisted it off with effortless ease, and admired her friends grace. Jude would've likely embarrassed herself biting at it. She'd been served champagne at events, but it always came in a glass if she was honest.

 With the sound of the popping cork her control of the apartment got further away from her. She watched as the three of them opened cupboards and looked at an empty counter top as if expecting glassware to simply appear. Jude knew she could easily scan the boxes and find her glassware, but business had taught her to spot an opportunity.  

 "Oh darn, it seems like we can't get you that drink after all."

 "Yes, you seem very forlorn about it," Cardan said shaking his head at her, amusement in those dark eyes. 

Jude gave him a mock apologetic shrug of her shoulders, lips pulled to one side of her mouth. The amusement in his eyes turned to challenge. Unbeknownst to Jude, Cardan's newest hobby was complicated jigsaw puzzles. He had needed something to do while being able to keep an eye on his father, and he found that once he started he just couldn't resist figuring out how the pieces fit together. She'd just presented him with his newest game, and he was going to figure out her pieces.

"Don't worry my darling, like I said we're neighbors now," smiling when Jude scowled at the pet name, "I can just head to my place, and get us some glasses."

It was clear that he'd gotten under Jude's skin when she stalked towards Nicasia and took the bottle from her, and into her own hands. Nicasia just looked at Taryn, and whatever that look meant Taryn must have understood. She moved to the edge of the counter top and invited Nicasia into the circle of her legs, resting her chin on her the top of the other woman’s head.

"How very unfortunate for high-born little princes like you, that you can only sip champagne from the finest of glasses."

She looked right into his eyes as she began glugging the expensive bubbly from the bottle and drinking it like watered down beer. She raised an eyebrow at him as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

"I do hope I haven't offended you Cardan," she said snarling out his name as if it was foul, "I'd hate to scare you off from ever visiting again."

"Not at all, I'm quite charmed by your lovely manners," he said walking over to where she stood by Nicasia. "Do not expect others to share my depraved tastes," he said taking the bottle from Jude's firm grip and drinking directly while their gazes stayed locked in a battle of wills.

 "Nic, you feel like we're interrupting something here?" Taryn said from where she sat inches away. It shocked Jude out of her stupor, and her sister hopped off the counter as Jude made to reach for her. She was suddenly stricken, it was all fine and well to hurt Cardan, but she wouldn't lose Taryn again. Not when she just got her back.

"Ugh I thought you'd never ask, this is all too straight for me," Nicasia said taking Taryn's hand and making for the door.

"Wait guys, don't go--"

 "Nope, text us when you're ready to act like a person again," Nicasia said laughing as the door shut behind their quickly retreating figures.  

 "Way to go, you scared them off with your stupid smoldering thing."

 "Jude, I think you'll find I'm not the one in the wrong here, although I am delighted to hear you think I smolder," Cardan said backing away from her.

"I meant that stupid staring," she started but trailed off when she noted his smug face.

 "Jude, all I've done today is bring you a housewarming gift and offer help at my friends request."

Jude opened her mouth to protest about the pizza slight, but stopped as she'd realized she'd just dig herself into a deeper hole. All he'd really done was cover her food for her and her friends. Was it possible that her childhood tormentor really had come here without the intent of torturing her. She'd been too caught up in trying to catch his next move, that it hadn't occurred to her. He’d clearly taken her silence to mean something else, because he went to gather his coat and sweater.

"Look, it's clear you don't want me here and I'm not actually trying to hold you hostage in your own apartment."

Jude's pride stopped her from correcting him. She'd been working so hard to get him to leave, that she couldn't exactly walk back her position now. She wanted to though, she wanted to grab him by those rather toned arms and hold him in place. To explain herself or make him explain himself, she wasn't sure. Instead she nodded her agreement, and silently watched him leave. She watched as he walked down the hall, opening and then closing his door. Only then did she finally unfreeze from her doorway and shut her own door.

She sat for about 30 minutes just trying to process all that had just happened. She was not sure when she'd become the villain in this story, but she didn't enjoy the feeling. He was the bully, not her. If his actions today were to be trusted, maybe not even him any longer. Jude stood up suddenly confident in her movements as she scanned the boxes searching for her glasses. She hadn't actually moved everything today, so all she was able to find was some coffee mugs. She looked down at her "I Rule" coffee cup, it'd have to do.

Jude went to where the remains of the bottle was left on the counter, and poured it into the cup. She wouldn't apologize, as she was not truly sorry. Even if he was not the menace he used to be, one day of rudeness was the least of what he'd deserved. She did however write what she'd call her concession. She'd apologized for the coffee mug. The note told him that while her fine Waterford Crystals were still in storage, it should taste just as good coming out of a mug. Jude left the note under the cup, and knocked on his door before leaving.

[estrxlar]

The Ghost Of You

18 - I’ve Missed A Lot

This chapters songs:

Car; Porches

The Poetry Of August; Lamp

Homage; Mild High Club

- Y. L. Perspective

"What'd I miss?" I ask, running up to Kiyoko. My left shoe was barely holding onto my foot after I'd run so fast from the changing rooms to the gym.

For the past two practices, I'd had to skip to do a couple of recording with the band. But man—I missed the wrong days.

Her greys eyes grow wide as she shouts. "Y/n! There you are. I was wondering if you would show up to—" I quickly put a finger over her mouth.

"I don't want anybody knowing I'm late!" I whisper loudly. Once my other shoe was on, I straightened up my back, looking at the gym in front of me.

'Why are there so many random men here?'

"They've already noticed, Y/n. Just sit tight, I'll go tell the coach who you are before he kicks you out of e gym."

'Coach?!' I think, turning to question Kiyoko and her statement. But before I'm able to, she's already speeding to the side of an older, taller man.

It was only a day before our weekend training camp was next on our schedule. I didn't think too much about it. My only job was to clean up after my team and take care of them with Kiyoko. I was so caught up in writing new song lyrics that I had completely forgotten about Eclair and her presence, which was now a part of my day.

"Hi, Y/n! It's nice to see you again!" Her soft voice says from behind me as she comes to my side, looking at the floor in front of us. "The team missed you!"

I nod, smiling. 'Please, be quiet today.' I thought to myself as my eyes wavered towards Sugawara. He smiles at me, waving one of his hands, then putting it back down.

As for my relationship with him, it hadn't changed much. We were still staying silent about being together or not. I think what made us both have our doubts about being girlfriend and boyfriend was the idea that we would get too attached. Either way, that didn't change the fact that we already acted like a couple. The only difference was that we didn't have labels.

Kiyoko ran back to me in an instant with a scared expression on her face. "Uh...the coach wants to see you personally. He's right over there," she says, pointing to the man.

I gulp down the fear that was choking me and nod to Kiyoko, walking towards the man with my head down and my hands together. When I arrive at his side, I introduce myself as the manager. "My name is Y/n L/n, one of the managers of this club. My apologies for arriving so late, sir," I say, straightening myself again.

"Ah! Takeda had told me there were two managers. It's nice to meet you, I'm Ukai. For now, I'm nothing official. Your team supervisor is simply a persistent son of a bitch, so I had no choice but to come down and see what the fuss was all about." He explains himself. "So, it seems your team is a bunch of feisty young boys. Do you have any notes on them you wanna give me? I'm trying my best to get them into shape before that practice game they have after the training camp."

"Hm. I do have a couple of things I've been saving recently. My only big concern is how to get the little guy— Nishinoya— to become an official part of the team without another player." I point my pen to the second year as he stretches out his arms.

Ukai seemed to be one step ahead of me, for he raised his brows, pointing to yet another boy. But this one was nothing like Nishinoya. He was most likely the tallest on the team and had the features of a grown man. "Well, that issue seems to be fixed already!"

I purse my lips, embarrassed that I'd been so stupid as to miss so much. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ukai. I haven't attended practice ever since Tuesday, so I haven't been caught up on what's been going on," I say in a disappointed tone.

"That's alright. You just make sure to catch up with your friend, Kiyoko, and you should be all set. For now, just sit back and watch the practice game," he says. With that, he sends me off back to Kiyoko. I hadn't thought that he would be so nice to me after the look he gave me from afar. But I was glad that he'd let my absence slide this time.

Throughout the game, I wasn't allowed to talk to anybody other than the people on the bench, which was only a few of the boys I wasn't too comfortable having a conversation with. As for Kiyoko, Eclair wouldn't stop pestering her with facts about France and her appreciation from the team. Especially Sugawara.

But all wasn't too bad. In fact, this was the best game that I had ever attended. Not only was I able to see the skills of Nishinoya and his partner further, but Koshi was included. He was with a few of the older men and Noya, as well as Asahi, the man that was resistant to come to any of the previous practices.

There were many times when I wanted to scream and shout for the boys. Thankfully, I decided to be smart and not make a full out of myself. Instead, I sat tight, completely focused on Koshi. Was it a bad thing that I hadn't noticed his talents beforehand? I felt horrible that I hadn't been asking him about volleyball. The moment that he began to play, I was able to see just how passionate he was about volleyball. The gym floor was where he belonged, just in the way that I belonged with music.

Just like that, the first set had ended.

I spent no time gathering water bottles for the men, handing each of them a towel and bottle. Sadly, I wasn't able to reach him before Eclair did. It wasn't as if I could go against her actions. Koshi and I hid our feelings from the team, so it would be obvious if I stole him away for a second to give him compliments. I wanted nothing but to praise him for doing so well in the game.

After the boys return to the court, Kiyoko bumps my shoulder. "You know, I haven't seen Sugawara in such a good mood until recently. He's matured into a more enthusiastic guy. Do you think that has anything to do with you?"

"Maybe. It doesn't matter, though. I just want to see him do what he loves," my voice breaks in an instant as I put my hands together in front of my face, smiling at him as he looks back at me.

-

Though I had absolutely no clue who the extra grown men playing with our club were, Kiyoko and I still bid them a farewell before beginning to clean up with the rest of the team.

"Y/n! I wish we could have talked to you more today!" Nishinoya runs to my side, putting his hands onto my shoulders. The young man didn't seem to take the hint that I wasn't interested in him. Still, it was nice to be surrounded by a change of scenery. I was used to quiet, composed friends and family. "Asahi! You've gotta meet our new manager!"

The two of us look at the tall boy as he grows fearful. What did someone like him have to be scared of? It wasn't as if I would bite one of his fingers off. Hesitant to greet me, he rubs his neck, awkwardly smiling. "H-hi, I'm Asahi. It's nice to meet you."

"Mhm, you as well."

Am awkward silence overcomes us.

"Oh, come on! You call that a greeting?!" Tanaka intervenes, taking Asahi and I's hands and bringing them together. "Asahi, this is our totally awesome new manager, Y/n! She's a great girl and very fun.

Y/n, this is Asahi! The cry baby!"

"Hey! I'm no cry-baby," Asahi says, frowning.

I smile back, taking my hands back into my pockets.

"Erm, it's nice to have you back on the team, Asahi."

Suddenly, we all bring our attention to the temporary coach, who clapped his hands together.

"Great game today, everyone. Our main problem is receiving, so we'll be practicing that tomorrow, got it? After everyone has gotten their things together, please make sure to get lots of rest and arrive here tomorrow at 6:00 PM!"

Everybody nods, bowing lightly and running out to change into their regular school clothes. As for me, I decided to simply take my clothing in my bag and head home in my uniform. As did Sugawara.

I head out of the locker rooms and make my way to the usual spot we met up at after practice. There he was, looking up at the stars. He soon notices I walk towards him with absolute joy. "Why hello, Y/n."

"Hello, Koshi," I utter to him, smiling at his silly behavior. He wraps one of his arms around my back as always, beginning our walk towards home. "You were so good today! I haven't ever seen you play before. I wish I could have known sooner so I can suggest things to the team, like, 'Sugawara sure is a great player!' You know?"

"Well, now that you've seen me play, I think it's time I hear your band perform."

I'm surprised by Sugawara's words. Hear me perform? I could have sworn he'd already heard me and my friends perform a song. I tell him, "well then, you'll just have to wait till our competition. It's around next month. And if you'd like, you can bring Daichi and Kiyoko along. That Asahi kid too, I'd he's your friend."

"Can you imagine the number of requests you'd get from the first and second years if you told them you're in a band? They'd go crazy," he says. "But if it's next month, doesn't that mean you've got a lot of work to do? Are you sure you have enough time to be coming to volleyball practice?"

"That's why I need some help on finding an idea on what to write about! So far, I can't find a way to write anything." I slap my forehead in disappointment.

Sugawara lovingly pats my head. "Just forget about that for a second if it's bothering you, sweetie. Are you excited about this spring? The tournament is coming up as well. Have you talked to your friend Oikawa about it?"

"Koshi, he isn't my friend! And no... we haven't talked ever since the practice game. Should I ask him to say what he wants before I block him for good?"

He shrugs. "I dunno. Honestly, I've never had anybody be very persistent to apologize after something so mean."

"Hm. It's okay. I'm excited to be spending some time with you~" I lean into him, making him stumble slightly. "I know it's weird to say, but I'm proud that you decided to play today. I know you have potential that you don't use and it hurts to see you bottle up your talent that way."

Sugawara looks at me with the most gentle expression he'd ever shown the earth. "I—I try. Thank you. I'm glad I could show you that I'm not a completely useless player," he chuckles. "Honestly, I don't think I'm gonna be playing on the court this year."

I nudge him hard. "Sugawara! Don't say things like that. You're speaking words into existence. Try to have as much confidence as possible and I'm sure that our...new coach...will let you play!"

"Hm, maybe."

By the time we had arrived at my house, the clock struck 8:00 PM. I hadn't expected to be staying out so late. Since there was a surprise practice game, I had no choice.

"Alright, I'll see you tomorrow," I say, unlocking my front door, and stepping inside the house. As always, it was quiet and felt empty. I turn to smile at Koshi one last time before closing the door, but he stops me with a rug at the wrist. "What is it?"

"Uhm...since it's Friday, do you just wanna sleepover at my place? That way we can get ready together tomorrow." His skin turned peachy as he asked.

I was yet to visit his house. It was always mine that we'd hang out at, so I was very caught off guard by his request. Come to think of it, I didn't know much about his family or lifestyle when it came to being home. All I knew was that his mother left his family with a cloud over their heads. And so, I laugh awkwardly, "ha, are you sure it's okay with your dad? I wouldn't want to be intruding or anything."

Sugawara quickly shuts down my reply, saying, "of course not. My little brother has people over all the time. But if you don't want to, that's okay."

I felt nothing but happy that he had invited me over, but was it really a good idea? After what he described his father as I was scared he would think of me as a burden. Although, I didn't want to pass my chance to meet his family. And so, I nod slightly.

"Okay, yeah! But I have to get some things together. Do you wanna come inside real quick?" My excitement is heard through my tone. I open the door wide for him to enter the house. He does so, happy that I had said yes.

-

"Come on in!"

Not in a million years did I ever expect Mr. Sugawara to be such a welcoming man. So tall, too.

"I've just gotten back from work, so excuse my strange appearance," he says to me as Koshi and I walk into the house. The man was the spinning image of his son: silver hair, hazel eyes, and thin yet strong build. But no beauty mark. He wore black blazer pants and a button-up white collared shirt, telling me he was a sophisticated man.

I bow. "Thank you for having me, Mr. Sugawara," I say to him.

"It's no issue. Your brother and I were just finishing making yakitori," he stated, before rushing back to what I assumed was the kitchen. After Koshi closed the door behind us and we took our shoes off, he led me there.

He and his other son were setting up the dining table. The boy was surprisingly shorter than Koshi, had pale brown hair instead of silver, and matched beauty marks with him. 'His mother must have been a brunette', I thought to myself as he ran off to help his father and brother.

Not soon after did the younger Sugawara look my way in the surprise of my presence. "Uhm—hi!" He says. The voice that came out of him was just as raspy as Koshi's, but a bit more aggressive and whiny.

'So...his mom must have had brown hair, was a short woman, had a raspy voice, AND gave her sons the beauty mark..' I was very quick to build an image of what I imagined his mother to look like. If only I'd be able to meet her in person.

"Hello. Could I help you guys with anything? I'd love to." My hands rub together like clay, sweaty and clammy. I didn't realize how nervous I was to be around so many men at once.

"No need, I'm just about done!" Mr. Sugawara placed a very big plate of skewers in the middle of the table. "Why don't you sit down with Isao and Koshi."

I do as told and make my way behind the kitchen and into the dining room, where a fair wooden table and a few zaisu chairs surrounded it.

The younger boy decides to sit across from Koshi and me, snaking eyes at me every few seconds. I think not much of it. It must have been strange to have a random girl join him and his family for dinner. Nonetheless, he doesn't think twice to begin his pattern of questions. "So, are you Koshi's girlfriend?" He bluntly asks with a grin on his face as the mentioned man scolds him.

"Isao! It isn't polite to ask people questions without introducing yourself first," He says as his dad continues to pour cups of water in the kitchen, pretending not to hear much of the conversation.

I feel my cheeks heat up immediately. How could I have explained that we were in love for quite some time but haven't been tied down yet? I clear my throat, looking at Koshi, who is shutting his eyes in embarrassment.

"Oh! Well, I'm Isao Sugawara. It's a pleasure to meet you...Y/n is it?"

I'm utterly surprised by his question. From what it looked like, Koshi had already told his brother about me. It was flattering yet terrifying. "Yes. It's nice to meet you as well." I try my best not to sound grim, but it's hard when you're stuck in such an uncomfortable situation.

"I'm guessing you're the one he's been hanging out with so much! You're so pretty! Come to think of it, I don't think Koshi has ever had a girl over." The boy chuckles.

'I thought he had many girls wrapped around his finger.'

Ending the most heart-racing conversation I'd ever experienced, Mr. Sugawara comes back with a few drinks in hand. "Well then, let's get to eating!" He exclaims, giving everyone their glass of water before sitting down next to his youngest son.

Each of us grab a skewer and began munching on the delicious chicken yakitori. Every once in a while I'd look up at the family, who didn't seem to be by the idea someone out of their comfort zone was there. As for Koshi, he kept asking if everything was alright for me and smiling. The sweet guy had no clue how shaken I felt.

"So then, tell us about your friend, Koshi." His father gulps down the last bite of his yakitori to drink a sip of his water.

The boy blinks a few times. "Uh—well, Y/n and I used to be friends during our first year but separated until this year. We've really renewed our relationship!" He laughs anxiously, downing his glass of water after his brief explanation.

"So, do you like to play volleyball too?" Isao interjects.

"Uhm, not exactly. I'm just one of the managers of the volleyball club. I've only been there for two weeks," I reply.

"What do you like to do? You seem like a sophisticated girl!"

Koshi snatches the chance to speak about me. "Y/n is a musician! She plays guitar and is a vocalist for this band she's in. She's even going to sign with a big label once she graduates!"

"Oh, cool!" Isao slams his hands on a table with a bright smile spread across his face. "I've always wanted to meet a musician! Koshi is so lucky to have a cool girlfriend like you, Ms. Y/n!"

He snaps at his little brother again for calling me his girlfriend, nervous now that his father was listening in this time. But Mr. Sugawara simply chuckles. "How fun, Y/n. So, I see you have some big plans! What kind of music do you and your band play?"

'Jesus, I did NOT expect that.'

"Mostly rock, sir. We're more of a punk band than anything," I say, folding my hands in my lap. Though the yakitori was delicious, I wasn't Anel to take in another bite. "May I do you all a favor as to wash the dishes? I appreciate you having me over so suddenly."

I stand up from the zaisu, picking up both my plate and Koshi's. Isao and his father also hand me theirs, thanking me for my kindness. "Do what you'd like! Thank you for joining us."

-

MF PLS VOTE THE RATIOS ARE SO SAD

IS MY WRITING THAT BAD?

also ily pls take care of yourself <3

- estrxlar