inquisitor-of-hearts

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

just finished ac mirage. I so do not have a mild crush on Basim. like really. just find him "interesting"

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Not Even Close (Chapter 6)

Sam Drake/Reader

Sam comes home early after a night out.

Rating: Explicit (NSFW, mild)

Word Count: 2,472

On Ao3

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

You hear the front door unlocking and look over your shoulder from the living room, the door to the hallway open, putting the thing you are fumbling with down on the coffee table.

“Hey Baby” you greet him sweetly, even though you cannot see his face in the darkness, you know it must be him.

“Hey Sweetheart” he follows up, fumbling for the light switch and finally turning the light on before taking off his shoes at the entrance.

“How was your night out with Sully? You’re back early”

You come from the living room to meet him, smiling a little as you see it was only shortly after 9pm.

“Ah, you know--” He shrugs it off and steps towards you. “Going out isn’t as exciting as it used to be.”

“Isn’t as exciting?”

“Yeah.” His arms wrap around your waist and you sway playfully, but his hands finally find to your behind and your thighs, lifting you up against the wall. “I’d rather like me some of this exciting ass”

“Put me down, you’re drunk” You chuckle, happily wrapping your arms around his neck despite the protest.

“I’m not drunk.” he whispers, speaking so softly while smiling at you, a little tipsy maybe, realistically. “Just had a couple of beers.”

“No hot girls at the bar?”

“Oh come on now” he scoffs.

“What? Just answer”

“Even if there were, you know I only want this one right here.”

You lean your head against his shoulder, your nose nudging against his neck.

“Somebody was flirting with you and you got a guilty conscience?”

“Stop already.” He laughs and puts you down. “But yeah maybe one or two of them were eyeing me.”

“I knew it.” You shake your head when your feet are touching the ground again. “We have to get rings so this doesn’t happen anymore. I don’t mind them looking at you, but you know who you belong to.”

“Oh, demanding, aren’t you? I already got you a ring though”

As he points at your engagement ring, you follow his gaze to your hand and become lost in your world for a bit. It was true, he did ask the question a while back and it had come faster than you expected. But you frown at him regardless, punching his shoulder playfully.

“Doesn’t mean you can push this off forever. And you aren’t wearing any ring yet”

“Ow-- Baby, I’m just playing. I love you, you know that.”

“Well you better show it then.”

“Alright, alright.” He rubs his shoulder where you hit him. Maybe you did hit him a little too hard.

“I got the message, okay?”

You sigh before regaining composure.

“Well, I’m glad you’re back home early. Did you eat yet?”

“Just a few snacks. Are you hungry?”

“Yeah. Maybe we should get something.”

“Good call. What are you in the mood for? -- Oh, one sec, the beers I had are calling.” He walks into the bathroom and you pull out your phone in the meantime, looking for what you could be in the mood for. Then you hear the flush and him washing his hands before he returns.

“Let’s get takeout? Maybe something light. Although I could go with burgers too.” You suggest, walking back into the living room. Sam follows you after putting his keys down on the side table.

“Something light or… burgers?” He snorts.

You punch his shoulder again without looking up from your phone.

“Ow-- same spot again!” He complains but grins and rubs his shoulder.

“Don’t be such a damn smart-ass then.”

While you look through the options, Sam leans over and picks up the vape pen you had been fumbling with.

“What’s this?” he asks, holding it up to you. You look to him briefly.

“Oh yeah, I was out for a bit. I thought I could get us a little something to relax.”

“Ohhh, nice idea” he praises, looking at the pen and leaning back on the couch.

“See how caring and sweet I am?” You look over to him and blink theatrically sweet and innocent. He chuckles.

“You are. Can I try it?”

“It’s broken actually”

“How did you manage to break it already?”

You roll your eyes.

“If you keep this up, this is going to turn into a mild case of domestic violence.”

“I’m just asking!”

“Then ask nicely.”

“Okay. Why is it broken, Baby?”

“See, was that so hard?” You look over with a softened expression. “I have no idea. I didn’t even get to try it. Just put the cartridge in and it didn’t work. Damn, I should have tried it at the store. I’m kinda mad at myself because the guy even offered me to try it and also offered to set it up for me but I said it’s fine.”

“Oh…” Sam pauses deliberately. You can tell he was about to make one of his witty remarks again but he holds back. “I’m sorry, Baby. Should we go get it fixed?”

You smile and put your phone down, leaning back on the couch and shifting closer to him, your head on his shoulder as he decides to be sweet. He wraps an arm around you, sliding into the space between your neck and the couch. All the tension is eased suddenly and you feel so comfortable against him.

“You know, I tried to call them but I knew they wouldn’t pick up after 8 anymore. They were probably already closing up the store. I think I’ll have to go tomorrow.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“It’s okay, Baby. You can sleep in.” You smile at his offer, your arm wrapping around his waist as you curl up against him. “It’s so sweet you want to though.”

“Let me go with you. I’ll make sure they fix it.”

“It’s alright, Baby. I want you to sleep in and when I come back and have it fixed, we can both have some more relaxing time in bed.”

“Damn, that sounds great actually… And I appreciate it, but I’m still going to come with you.”

“Why?” You laugh a little, finding it funny he insists. “I can get that done on my own, it’s no big deal. And you can just relax. Let me do this for you. You do a lot for me, too.”

“Listen” he sighs, “I appreciate you wanting to do this for me. But let me help and come with you.”

“I don’t need you to help me with this. I would rather save it for other times when I really need your help.”

“Save it for other times?” He frowns. “I will still help you then regardless. It’s not like there’s a limit to how much I’ll help you. I wanna take care of you, so stop fighting me on this. I’m coming with you tomorrow, end of story.”

You lean back to look at him, seeing his face as determined as his voice sounded.

“Man, those women at the bar must have flirted a lot with you, huh? Are you trying to make up for something?”

He smiles but shakes his head.

“I’m just trying to treat you well, is all.”

You squint at him, trying to think of what it could be.

“You don’t want the guys there to flirt with me.”

“What? -- Pfft. No.” He looks almost offended. “I just want them to treat you right.”

“Yeah right.” You laugh, shaking your head. “Alright, fine. But just because you’re being such a cute Baby.”

“Hey who knows. You said it was a guy, right? Might have given you a broken one just to have you come back.”

“Oh you cutie-pie, you” The way he gets this playfully jealous makes you wonder if he is exaggerating to make you feel nice, but it did not matter. You lean in to kiss him and he smiles happily.

“I’m always cute with you.”

“No, not always.” You remind him. “Sometimes after you hang out with your brother or Sully or those guys you work with, you have all those annoying joke-insults going on and they keep coming.”

He seems to think about it for a while, then shrugs.

“Yeah… comes with the business, I guess.”

“Annoying business that is if you have to always one up each othe-- Hey, what are you--” You sigh, interrupting yourself as he pinches your ass and gropes you.

“Shush, Baby” He turns his head towards you, kissing your temple apologetically while pulling you in closer by the waist. “Don’t be such a smart-ass.”

“You’re the smart-ass” you insist, but sigh again as he continues sinking his fingers into you. He does not even respond and before you know it, you become weak in his arms.

“Come on… that’s not fair.”

“I only have good intentions, I promise” He responds while his hand sinks further down your ass, then to your seat, his fingers running up the contours between your legs with a certain pressure.

“Sam--” You hold onto his chest, he welcomes you with his other hand. You look into his eyes weakly but cannot help yourself. He smirks, all-knowingly; but even then you cannot resist this cocky bastard. You lean in to kiss him, your lips parting, your tongue delving into his mouth and it feels so good. He grins against your lips still, pulling you onto his lap.

“So you’re helping me but I’m paying for it with sex, huh?” You say when you break off the kiss, your arms around his neck casually. His tongue clicks against his teeth disapprovingly and he grins.

“Don’t be like that. You’re paying for it with eternal love and devotion.”

“I do” You chuckle. “I don’t mind actually, it’s a fair price. I’ll pay it willingly, as long as you keep doing the same.”

“That engagement ring isn’t enough? -- Oww, come on I’m just joking” He laughs as you whack his arm.

“You don’t be like that”

“Okay.” He says sweetly, almost childishly. “I will forever be devoted in my love for you, don’t worry, Baby. And that ring cost a fortune, I hope you’re realizing that. It’s probably worth more than my devotion if you run up the numbers.”

You give him a look of disbelief with an odd smile. For a second you hold up your hand with the engagement ring. As you see the diamond sparkling, your heart softens.

“I hope you’re joking. Your love and devotion is priceless.”

“I think--” He squints at you, “I think you’re trying to seduce me right now.”

“Hmm could be”

You lean in and press your lips against his neck, kissing and biting softly. His hands cannot keep still longer and he lets them run down your hips, back to your ass. You lean back, he mirrors your gaze filled with desire before your lips meet. Your tongue slips back in and your mind goes blank as his hands squeeze you, one of them running between your legs with gentle pressure.

“Swear you didn’t flirt with anyone at the bar tonight?” you ask, suddenly vulnerable, your face pressed against his neck.

“I promise, Baby” he chuckles, with a little guidance on your waist he makes you lean back to look at him. “I wouldn’t risk losing you. But you’re cute when you’re like that.”

You smile a little, then kiss him softly.

“I just needed to know.”

“I know, I would've been the same.” he reassures.

“Lucky you, I don’t go to bars that often without you anymore.”

“Baby, you know what? I am a really lucky man. And you deserve the best for it.”

He flips you around at once so you lie beneath him on the couch. Pressing himself against you while only half on top of you, his face sinks into the crook of your neck.

“What are you-- Oh-- oh that’s--”

You moan in surprise, your gaze a little conflicted as you feel his hand run beneath your lounge wear, resting on top of your underwear, the heat around his grip and your core intensifying.

“Maybe that’s not the best idea right now”

“Don’t worry, Baby”

“Sam, I’m still a little on my period…”

“I said don’t worry. I know. And I don’t mind at all.”

“No please-- oh God--” You interrupt yourself, your eyes rolling upwards as his finger pushes inside. Luckily you are wearing only a pad or else you would have protested more. But after not having been touched like that for almost a week, this felt amazing.

“You’re wet” he breathes heavily.

“I think you’re right” You say weakly and your hips push against him involuntarily.

“Such a needy woman, just how I like you” he grins as you move against him. With that indirect permission he pushes his finger inside further, stretching you ever so lightly. Another finger joins at last and the combined movement draws another moan from your lips.

“Please-- don’t stop--”

“Now you want more, huh?” he grins and continues his movements, his thumb casually flicking against your clit.

“Fuck-- yes right there”

You feel his hand moving more forcefully, with determination and skill. The fabric around your hips gets stretched and pulled down as you squirm and shift, pushing yourself against him while he pushes yet further inside.

“Yes-- yes”

At last you hold onto his arm softly, rather to keep him from stopping, and you come with a long drawn-out moan onto his hand.

“Damn” you chuckle once you open your eyes and look at him. He withdraws carefully, trying to not soil you in the process but failing. You snicker and grab the tissues from the table, then hand them to him. He pulls one of the tissues out and cleans himself. You follow suit and clean the area around your stomach.

At last he leans back and looks over, the crumpled tissue in his hand.

“Was that good for you?”

You nod.

“Yes… very good. We got a bit dirty though.”

“And I plan on getting dirty with you for a long time to come.”

You grin and shift over, your hand in his lap.

“Did you want me to… continue what you started?”

He shakes his head.

“You don’t have to. I don’t want to push you.”

Your heart melts.

“Hey” you say and draw his attention to you. A hand comes to cup his face. “I love you.”

You see his soft, genuine loving smile in response. So kind that it could almost make you cry.

“I love you too.”

“And I think we should go upstairs.” you suggest. “Maybe grab a towel… and see how messy things between the two of us can get.”

“I’d like that. And we can add some takeout to that.”

“Oh damn, you’re right.” You laugh, realizing you forgot. “That’ll add perfectly to the mess.”

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Last month (well okay technically only came back this month) I was on vacation and spotted this building (I think it was an apartment complex) called Cyrene (name I randomly made up for the OC of my VTM:S fic - I googled around a lot and nothing like this ever came up I promise lol). I sure did a double take. The next time I passed it, I thought okay actually let's take a pic. For the feels and the memory

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Parting Gift

Sam Drake & Nadine Ross

Chloe has to face the consequences of the decisions she made to get the Tusk of Ganesh. Sam and Nadine get a chance to think things through.

Spoilers for all of Uncharted.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1,261

Note: I actually want to rewrite all of the Lost Legacy from the point when Nadine finds out about Chloe's betrayal, but like I have the patience. I at least need to have this though. (That way it also lines up nicely with the events, expectations and sentiments in No Place Like Home.)

After a night of pizza with Meenu, Nadine and Sam, Chloe woke up to the rustling of fabric.

“Nadine? … What are you doing?”

The other woman kept packing her bag without interruption.

“I was hoping I would be gone before you wake up.”

“Gone? What?” Chloe sat up in disbelief. “What are you talking about? I thought you decided to leave your old life behind.”

Nadine kept packing her bag without looking at her.

“Yeah, foolish idea I had. Don’t blame you for believing me. I almost believed it myself for a second.”

Chloe frowned, then looked around in the room that they had rented from Meenu.

“Where’s Sam?”

“Out for a smoke probably.” After those words her restless hands suddenly came to a halt. Her back had been facing Chloe, but she turned around halfway now. “You know, after all of what happened…”

“Yes?” Chloe asked expectantly, leaning against the wall, her leg propped up and her arm leaning over it.

“I just can’t believe it. I thought about it yesterday. I thought about how I was ready to forgive. But-- I don’t know. After all, a leopard doesn’t--”

The door to the room opened quietly and both women spotted Sam entering, looking slightly surprised.

“Oh, you’re up. Good.”

Chloe chuckled in confusion.

“What do you mean?”

Sam’s lips parted slightly, but all that was heard was a broken-off sigh. He closed the door behind him softly. Chloe looked towards Nadine again. She fully turned around from her bag to face Chloe but looked down deliberately.

“What’s going on?” Her gaze alternated between Sam and Nadine, cluelessly. Nadine looked towards Sam, who came to kneel down next to her.

“I think it’s time we part ways.” Nadine finally announced.

“Yeah…” Sam sighed.

“Wha--?” Chloe pointed towards them, alternating her gaze and her index finger between them. “What the hell is going on? What happened with you two?”

“Nothing” Nadine assured, calmly looking towards her. Then her gaze was drawn to Sam.

--

The night before Chloe had crashed from exhaustion and the beer she had on a nearly empty stomach. As Nadine was about to lie down next to her, she saw Sam through the window outside, smoking. Once more she looked at Chloe who was sleeping soundly. Then she got up.

“Hey”

She greeted as she closed the door behind her carefully.

“Oh, hey. More insults coming my way?” Sam chuckled, taking a drag from his cigarette.

“No. I think I got it all out of my system.”

Sam chuckled again.

“Well if there’s any left, don’t hold back.”

“Actually, there is some left.” Nadine concluded, drawing Sam’s attention onto her.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “I actually can’t believe she did this to us.”

Sam looked into the distance.

“It was a pretty slick move, I’ll give her that.”

Some time passed, he smoked his cigarette in peace, then pulled out his pack and offered a cigarette.

“Want one?”

Nadine shook her head.

"No, but thank you.”

Sam put the cigarette pack back into his pocket and sighed heavily, the smoke from the cigarette vanishing into thin air.

“I can’t get myself to just sleep it off either. Kinda feeling restless over everything.”

Nadine’s gaze was sparked with new curiosity as he spoke with regret, not daring to meet her gaze.

“She used me for my knowledge and Nathan’s reputation. And I guess you for your connection to Asav.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Could've chosen anyone. But she didn’t care. She wanted to make it easy on herself.”

“Talk about making herself easy…” she scoffed, but Sam shook his head.

“No, there was none of that. I was just craving a good adrenaline hit, something worth pursuing. And there she came along with her plan. She contacted Nathan, he didn't want the job and that’s how it all came together.”

Nadine nodded, acknowledging that was probably how it happened.

“Now it makes sense.” She laughed a little. “Now it all makes sense. That’s why she told me Nathan Drake is out of the picture. She didn’t say Drake is out of the picture. She really lied to me. And I ate it all up.”

 After contemplating for a while, she tilted her head.

“She could have at least told me you were involved. That we were coming to rescue you and finish the job. But she didn’t have the guts to do that.”

“Yeah.” Sam nodded hesitantly but with a newfound understanding. “Wasn’t fair to either of us.”

Nadine shook her head in disbelief, angry.

“Couldn’t risk losing the advantage she had with me over Asav… Christ. The more I think about it…”

She held her head, sighing.

“Yeah. And in the end, I was just a decoy.” Sam shrugged.

“Wait but-- Chloe told me you suggested leaving me behind when I was on that train?”

Sam chuckled.

“Yeah. I did that, I won’t lie. To test her intentions.”

“So you would have left me?”

“I don’t think I really would have. Just wanted to see if she’d let you do her dirty work for her.”

Nadine shook her head in disbelief.

“Can’t believe that I trusted either of you.”

“Hey, this whole thing would’ve gone totally different if you and me had partnered up to begin with.”

“Still no reason to suggest leaving me on that train.”

“I’m sorry, okay? I wanted to see how she reacts. You can choose to not believe me though, I respect that. But don’t act like we didn’t have our fair share of banter where you suggested to leave me behind or have me killed in action.”

Nadine narrowed her eyes at him. It was true, maybe it was all banter. She had suggested the same kind of things behind Sam’s back. Maybe that hostility between them had even served Chloe, the neutral party, the saviour. Eventually Nadine pushed herself off the wall she was leaning against.

“Fine. We’ve had our differences. It’s like you said, we played on different sides of the field. But what she did? That's a new level of fucked up.”

“Right.” Sam concluded, putting out his cigarette.

“No one deserves this.”

--

“Hey, talk to me” Chloe spoke as neither of the two kneeling in front of her were answering. She pushed herself away from the wall and leaned over. “Did you hook up last night while I was out or something? What’s happening?”

“No” Nadine frowned in disgust. “It’s just--”

“We’re leaving.” Sam finished her sentence coldly.

“What?” Chloe coughed up a laugh. “Where to?”

“Not sure.” Nadine shrugged. “But you have everything you wanted, right? You have the tusk, and you can give it to the Ministry of Culture. We’re done. There’s no reason for me to stay with someone who doesn’t have my back.”

“Doesn’t have your-- now wait a minute, did he put all these thoughts into your head?” Chloe pointed at Sam, becoming increasingly agitated.

“No.” Nadine answered calmly. “You did.”

Both looked at Chloe, who was in shock, defeated. Without hesitation Nadine grabbed her jacket and bag, zipping it up. Sam followed suit and grabbed his things.

“Wait-- you can’t just--” Chloe was grasping at straws, she panicked and got up as they were at the door.

Nadine gave her one last look.

“Don’t ever contact me again.”

“No hard feelings. Take care.” Sam added, his hand raised to salute casually before both left.

Chloe remained in the room, alone but with the treasure she had wanted, watching her, glowing from the dresser it lay on.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

You live with it (2)

Sean Diaz & Daniel Diaz

Two alternate endings, subtle changes - they stay together.

Ending 2/2

Rating: Teen (Gen)

Word Count: 1,598

on Ao3

Previous Chapter

After the burning of the chapel, a beaten Sean leaned back in the car seat, his little brother’s arms around him. He could sense all his feelings, everything that they had been through but he was too tired to talk. He held onto his little hands, yes, they were still little to him. He was still his little brother. But now his eyes slowly shut and he relaxed, trusting that Karen would drive them to a safe place.

It had been almost a week that they had spent with their mother but Sean insisted that they would have to move on. His bruisings had almost fully healed, but his eye was itchy at times. Daniel would look at him sometimes, still with guilt.

“Can’t we spend a little more time here?” the cub asked.

“I would love to but the faster we make it across the border, the less attention we will draw.” Sean explained. He noticed the disappointment on his brother’s face.

“Hey, come on. We will visit again sometime. Or better yet, Karen will visit us if she cares to. Anyway we will write her, we have her P.O. box. But I need to be the responsible one now and we need to get this done.”

In a way he sometimes felt like the only real adult, besides his father, his father was of course even more of an adult. Sean wondered if he would have wanted him to surrender, to live an honest life. But with the cards that they had been dealt, he felt it was not fair. Yes, they would run away like Karen, like children. But they would not live like Karen. There was a middle way.

With heavy heart they said their goodbyes. They hugged Karen, Sean called her mom in his last parting words. Maybe it would convince her to visit. Though he understood she wanted her own life, her freedom, just like them. At least they could write letters. They could send her some and then one day, maybe...

It did not matter now. All that mattered was them. They were on the way to the border with Karen’s car and even though Sean was tired, they got through it. It was Daniel’s turn to act and Sean could only hope he could get through that wall. In the end, with his hands on the little cub’s shoulders, encouraging him, giving him all the hold he needed, he made it.

“Let’s go”

There was a sense of urgency in Sean’s words. If there was one thing he had learned in all this time, it was that they were not safe until they were actually safe. At least he had not felt like he could truly relax for a long time. Maybe in Puerto Lobos once there, but even then he probably would not feel safe. They got back to the car and drove past the invisible border.

“Wow, we’re really in Mexico!” Daniel stared out the window, all excited. “Doesn’t look much different here than on the other side though...”

“That’s because it’s a desert.” Sean explained casually, a hint of sarcasm in his voice, “It looks the same everywhere.”

The excitement had washed off and Daniel lowered in his seat again. As time passed, the younger one became increasingly quiet. Sean looked over once or twice.

“You’re okay?”

“Yeah.” Daniel said defiantly, looking at his hands resting in his lap. “Just with we could’ve spent more time with mom.”

“I know” Sean sounded soft and empathetic. “But don’t forget that she can always visit us. We will write her once we’re settled in. And wouldn’t that be the best? If she actually cared enough to visit us?”

An expression of shock and horror came over his face as he watched Sean. As if he had almost forgotten that in the end, their mother really wanted to live her own life.

“Do you think she’ll come?” he asked, full of hope, but still apprehensive.

“I hope so, enano. I really hope so. I hope we matter enough to her. But, I know she loves us. I just know. She let us go but she wanted us to stay with her longer too, just for a bit longer at least. She missed us and there will be days she will always miss us. But, that’s just who she is, you know. Sort of detached. A bit of a hippie. You saw how she grew up, she felt like that wasn’t her.”

“Yeah.”

Sean sighed deeply as he heard the little cub’s resignation.

“But really, she loves us. She even gave us her car. She really wanted us to succeed. That’s what matters.”

“I just hope she will come visit.”

“One day maybe we can visit her. I don’t know how or when, but-- hey, you never know.”

Sean laughed.

“Really? You think we can?”

“Maybe. But who knows. We will work on our backstory later.”

Sean got off the main road at last.

“Hey, can you hand me the map?”

“Sure” Daniel found it next to his seat and as the car came to a halt at the side of the road, Sean studied the route.

“Okay, not far now. We will lay low around the city close to Puerto Lobos and stay somewhere cheap, make sure no one followed us. And then our new life starts.”

Daniel watched his brother cautiously. Sean’s eye closed as he took a short rest.

“Does it hurt?”

“No, it’s okay. It’s just tiring. But I have everything with me and Karen got me some supplies, too. It’s just a bit further down the road anyway. Then we’ll rest somewhere.”

--

As Sean came to consciousness, he took in his surroundings. For a split second he thought he was on his way to Nevada to get Daniel, but then he looked around and saw him sitting right next, looking out of the window quietly. Once he shifted, Daniel looked at him.

“Wow, I crashed. Hard.”

“Yeah” Daniel laughed. “Like a rock.”

“How long have I been out?”

“I don’t know. Maybe an hour.” Daniel shrugged. “You looked tired.”

“Yeah, I guess I needed it. Anyway, for a second I thought I was back in that desert in Nevada, on the way to get you out of that church.”

Daniel smiled a little. It was a sad smile.

“You know, I dreamt of Dad when I took a rest on the road back then.” Sean changed the topic.

“Really?” Daniel sounded curious. “What kind of dream was it?”

“We were just driving together, he was checking up on me. And Lyla was watching you at home and called him to give him an update. It was so peaceful with him.”

“Yeah.” Daniel smiled again, a bit more happy than before. “I guess we will never get that back.”

“Yeah, but it’s a journey. We will make other memories. We are the living memory of our dad, the remains of the Diaz family. And we will make a life for ourselves.”

Daniel hesitated, but nodded eventually.

“You’re right.”

They finally found a place as the evening sun broke in, a cheap motel that did not seem too run-down. Luckily Sean still had most of his money. It would get them through a week at least.

--

Finally they had moved to Puerto Lobos. They had changed the license plate on the car, worked on cleaning the house and settled slowly. Yes, the crime rate was higher, just like they always heard. But they locked the doors at night and went out less. They soon got used to that life. It was different but it was not bad.

“Hola” Daniel greeted the store owner at the little shop they usually got their groceries at.

“Ah, hola Danny!” The shop owner greeted back enthusiastically.

Many people were cheerful, happy, even caring. Not like back in Nevada. Not like in those remote towns where everyone knew everyone, where you were either in or out. All good people were good. And the gangs, yes, they were a problem. But there was ways to avoid them. And after all Sean kept training with Daniel, although he did not need any training at this point. It was rather a form of socializing and play. And then he usually taught him some words in Spanish while they were at it. Sometimes kids from the neighbourhoods came to play. It was remote and lonely, but they were free.

The post office was a bit far, but they still made their way to send letters to Karen’s P.O. box. They had waited for an answer for a long time but after almost a month it finally came, to the fake names they had set up for themselves.

“Sean! Sean I can’t believe it!” Daniel was bursting with excitement after he found the letter with his mother’s name on it.

“See, enano. I told you. She would write at least.”

“What about Chris? Can I write Chris now too?”

Sean chuckled as he saw how excited the boy had become.

“Sure. But, be careful to not use your real name. Use your superhero name maybe.”

“I will! Don’t worry!”

Sean smiled as his brother walked off and started writing at the makeshift table they had set up, with some of his drawing pencils.  He did not mind of course. Sean was still drawing, but it did not always come easy. Nothing came easy. Life was not easy and they still had a long way to go. But at least they were free and they were together.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

You live with it

Sean Diaz & Daniel Diaz

Two alternate endings, subtle changes - they stay together.

Ending 1/2:

Dubious Morality Daniel, high but nuanced (no absolutes like always/never fighting the law)

Sean actually has a conversation with Daniel like an adult to a child (a third option, the middle way)

Rating: Teen (Gen)

Word Count: 1,012

Note: They really didn't deserve all this, it was too much, especially Sean, getting hurt that bad and then those endings, that was pushing it too far. They deserve peace and happiness. Some part of me wishes it ended with Episode 4.

on Ao3

They had been stopped at the border, the vehicles swarming in front of them. Sean turned off the engine, sighed, his forehead against the steering wheel. Daniel watching him anxiously, calling out his name. Sean told him about that day in Seattle when their dad died, how he would give everything to change it. His voice was shaky as he admitted his mistakes and asked him to never forget who he was, even if they got separated.

“So… how does the story of the wolf brothers end?”

Sean took a breather, trying to calm amidst the threat of imminent danger.

“How do you want it to end?”

“Me? I-- I don’t know.”

“Come on. You’re part of the story. You told me about that giant unicorn you made up for our wolf story before. You said it’s your story too.”

“But that was just a story-- this is--” Daniel looked towards the officers approaching.

“I know, enano. But this is still our story. And we’re writing it together.”

Sean looked at him, found new calm in the fact that he had asked the right question. He had given him an option. But he would not manipulate him. At most, like his own father, he would try to influence him and find resonance.

“Do you want us to cross the border?” Sean asked, watching the child shift in his seat nervously. “Daniel-- Daniel, look at me for a second. There is no wrong answers.”

He did as told and looked over to Sean.

“I don’t know. What else is there?”

“We could surrender. Do the right thing. Maybe something dad would have wanted.”

Daniel looked clueless. It was a decision he as a child was clearly overwhelmed with.

“I-- I don’t know, Sean. You’re the storyteller.”

“I know, enano. I know.” Sean put his hand on top of his brother’s hand. “Are you ready to clear them out of the way? I am with you. But if you are not ready, we will give up. And I’m okay with it. All I want is for you to be happy. I am on your side.”

Daniel frowned, his features clearly showing his distress.

“I will start the car. But I will need you to get everyone out of the way, enano. How does that sound? Can you do that? Are we a team?”

Daniel looked towards the masses of people that approached, while agent Flores was still trying to negotiate with them.

“We’re a team. But-- I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore.”

“It’s okay, Daniel. I won't make you do anything you don’t want to do. I want to go to Mexico with you, start a life and be with my baby brother. But, it won’t be all easy. And if you want to stay here, I get it. We will turn ourselves in. And we will see what happens.”

Daniel closed his eyes and shook his head.

“I don’t know, Sean. I don’t know! I don’t want to be separated!” The inside of the car started to vibrate a little at his distress and Sean looked up to the roof at the rattling components. Even the crowd in front of them held still for a moment. But he only squeezed his little brother’s hand a little more, reassuring him, holding him. Like he was once held by his dad.

“I need your help. Now it’s just you and me. It is what it is. But we can make it through. Only if you are ready to help though. But no matter what happens, I’m with you, always.”

As the boy calmed, the car stopped rattling. He looked at their hands, and it was like the answer was clear.

“Okay, Sean. Let’s do this. I will help you. I will use my power.”

Sean nodded. Internally his nerves were fried but he managed to calm himself just enough. It was him and his brother, wolf brothers all along.

“I’m counting on you.”

--

“We can go now.” Daniel said with a sad voice.

“Yeah. Let’s go home.” Sean said. He looked over to Daniel once they were past the crowd, leaving destruction behind. As he noticed him pensive and non-reactive, his hand reached out to Daniel’s and before the other could register it, Sean put their hands on the armrest between them. Minutes driving in the vast desert were spent in silence, then Daniel finally spoke.

“I wish we didn’t have to hurt anyone.”

“I know, enano. But this is the world we live in.” he said softly. “I wish I wasn’t framed for murder. I wish we weren’t hunted down. All we can do now is build a life of our own. Like dad did. Just a little different.”

“Yeah.”

“Hey, cheer up. You just got them out of our way. It’s just the way nature is. Remember how we lost Mushroom? That was just nature. There was nothing evil about it, it’s just the way animals are. And people are like that too, only worse.”

Daniel sighed and looked out the window.

“I still miss Mushroom.”

“Me too. She was a bit like us though. Didn’t do anything in poor faith and got chased down. Didn’t deserve it, for all I know.”

Sean squeezed his hand reassuringly. Daniel kept holding his hand in place but remained quiet for a long time.

“Sean?”

“Yeah?”

“How can I deal with all of this? All of what happened?”

Sean sighed, focusing on the road.

“It’s not easy, enano. But you live with it. You come to terms with it. It will come up again and you will wonder if what you did was okay. But I will be there to help you make sense of it.”

“Do you think we will ever see mom again? Or Chris?”

“I promised I would never lie to you again. So I can’t say yes. But we can try. We will send them letters when we’re settled. We will find a way to reach them.”

“Promise?” Daniel looked over, soft and hopeful.

“We will try everything, I promise.”

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Strictly Professional

Rafe Adler/Nadine Ross

Out of the blue Nadine gets contacted by a potential client, Rafe Adler. She decides to hear him out.

Spoilers for Uncharted 4.

Rating: Teen/Mature

Word Count: 1,855

Note: Been having that itch to write them as they slowly grew on me (Nadine anyway, slow burn for me), then all of a sudden they were in my head. Might be continued but not sure yet.

“Nadine”

The woman whose name was called looked up. There had been a knock at her office door beforehand but the man had opened the door quietly, not waiting for an answer. Possibly knowing it would be in vain.

“That… client is here.”

She leaned back in her seat.

“I’m coming.”

The man nodded, left the door ajar a little before retreating. Nadine closed the open documents on her laptop and put the device to rest. With the blinds lowered, the striped shadows cast in the dark wooden interior and highlighted the dust particles in the stale air. Casually Nadine’s hand grabbed the handgun and secured it in her holster, attached to her belt at her back. From the chair she took her dark-green light-weight jacket and pulled it over, concealing her waist just enough.

The strikingly light pair of eyes made her stop in her tracks. He had just put down one of the pamphlets from the side table and now greeted her with the hint of a smile. He sure had that sleaze of an American businessman.

“Nadine Ross.” he spoke slowly and deliberately, a hint of admiration and respect in his tone, but yet this same sleaze that she could sense earlier now also present in his gaze.

“That’s me.” she confirmed as she walked up to him. “Rafe Adler, I take it.”

“Yes… You recognize my voice. Or did you do a background check on me?”

Nadine let out a condescending chuckle. They had talked on the phone beforehand of course, getting an impression of each other before they decided to meet and work together. But she would have recognized him regardless. His demeanour was not typical for the people here, it was clear he was an outsider.

“You know, I did.” she confessed, “Part of the job actually. I’m sure you did your check on me as well. Must have been thorough. Otherwise why fly all the way here?”

South Africa was not particularly known for the best private military groups, although the continent itself surely could easily blur political lines that were crossed. And hiring internationally always came with benefits when things unexpectedly took a wrong turn. But Nadine’s instincts were not playing tricks on her. There was countless other companies he could choose to hire.

“Seems safer than the rest of the continent.” He shrugged nonchalantly, turning from the side table with the pamphlets towards her. “And believe it or not, your reputation precedes you.”

“You mean my father’s reputation.”

“Let’s not split hairs; your family’s reputation. Shoreline’s reputation.”

Nadine yielded visibly, her posture relaxing.

“Where are my manners. Would you like some coffee or tea? You must be tired from the trip. And we have lots of details to discuss.”

“You’re right.” Rafe nodded, sucking in his bottom lip for a moment. He looked away, then watched her again. A predator’s gaze no doubt, his head lowered, the sea in his eyes swallowing her.

“What is it?” She asked unprompted, sensing the hesitation.

“I was more thinking dinner, if you don’t mind.”

Nadine was about to cough up a laugh but she held back.

“A bit early, don’t you think? But no, I don’t mind.”

“Great. I saw a spot on the way here but if you have any suggestions, let me know. I’m open.”

Nadine shifted, her gaze wondering towards her office. The door was closed. Some of her men would be around until later anyway.

“Alright, sure. Why not.”

What did she have to lose after all? And that guy came all the way here. She looked around and caught one of her men’s gazes.

“Hey, I’ll be back in an hour or so. Would you keep track of any calls that come in?”

“Sure, boss.”

“Thanks. Won’t be long.” Then she hesitated, looking at her client again. “One second.”

Returning to her office, she grabbed her wallet and then closed the door behind her, showing the visitor the way out.

--

“Well, I can now say the trip here was worth it, even just for the authentic local cuisine. And the company.”

He spoke with such a calm tone that Nadine found it hard to believe his nationality, but the persistent sleaze in business talks gave him away after all, even if he did not lay it on too thick. Ironically that was the intriguing part.

“So? Why Shoreline?” Straight to point, as she licked the rest of the dessert off her spoon.

The man chuckled.

“That’s charming. A real business woman.”

“Just don’t want you to underestimate me.”

“I assure you I wouldn’t.” Rafe insisted softly.

A second of silence, then he pulled out a few pictures. Nadine stretched towards him, the dessert spoon placed down on the empty plate as she tried to catch a glimpse. But in a change of heart Rafe put the pictures face down.

“You already know what I want. But I need confidentiality.”

“Of course.” Nadine replied calmly to the grave tone. “You want security and protection. Fire power if needed?”

“Yes. Maybe more.”

“More? No arms dealing.”

“Of course not.” he reassured.

She knew she had to put her boundaries down first, especially with Americans, and especially with men. They always tried to push her. But this was the one thing she was not doing anymore. Not now that she was in charge of the company.

“No arms dealing.” He repeated her words for emphasis. “Worst case though, some other parties could get involved.”

“Other parties? Who?”

“Ah, don’t worry too much about it.” He waved it off. “I just had to mention it. Security is one thing but with the sums I am dealing with I have people targeting me every now and then.” “Oh I wouldn’t doubt it.” she followed up. “So what about those other parties? They are actively involved in your affairs?”

“In my affairs, yeah” he chuckled a little, nodding. There was something about him, some ruthlessness that Nadine could not quite pinpoint. She was used to ruthlessness, and his kind of course, but he had a certain aura. A sort of dangerous charm. Calm and collected but -- as if she never knew what was behind all that.

“Let’s just say the object I want to acquire is of immense historical worth. And monetary worth of course. There’ll be an auction in a few weeks.”

“An auction?” The dark-skinned woman laughed. “That’s it? You need my security team for an auction?”

“Of course not. It’s all that follows after.”

She frowned, confused. Any security company in the States could have done that.

“What kind of auction? Is it rigged or something?”

“No-- well at least I hope it’s not.”

Nadine grinned, but frowned again.

“Look-- It’s more than that. But first I need your word on this staying between us. Your men will also know only as much as they need to know.”

“Of course. You have my word.” She promised, her features softening as she leaned back in her chair. “But I need to hear the whole story before I agree on it.”

--

Nadine’s instincts had told her to stay out of it. Yet against her better judgement she had brought the man back to her office after he had let her in on her plan and insisted on paying for the dinner. The door behind them had been closed. Nadine leaned back against her desk, her fingers grasping onto to wood on either side of her hips. Rafe took a step closer towards her, softly running his hand along her underarm until it reached her hand. She did not resist. Smoothly he brought her hand towards his lips, kissing the back of it.

“Never quite met a woman like you.” he whispered.

A shiver ran down her spine. She knew there was something else. It was not just her company’s various activities, the pricing and the experience in treasure hunting missions, as Rafe had put it. She knew there was some further links to her background or the company’s background that he did not reveal. But as his hand lowered with hers and his thumb caressed the back of her hand again, she could not help it. A job was a job. He respected her boundaries and they had to take what they could get these days.

“There’s just--” Her voice broke in, slightly hoarse. She cleared her throat, almost embarrassed but managed to cover it up. Or so she thought, until she saw that grin on his lips.

“Yes?” he asked gently, still holding onto her hand loosely at the level of her hip.

“Just one thing.” She looked away deliberately for a second, gathering her thoughts. Then, expectantly, she met his gaze again. “Why would you buy it from the auction? I know you obviously don’t have any concerns about money but it would be much cleaner if we stole it. You talked about those other people that could get involved. Going undercover and having my men steal it would be a much safer route. That way it would not even have to be at the auction, we could catch it beforehand. Easy, conflict-free. Well, mostly conflict-free.”

“Mostly” he chuckled. “It’s an idea, I’ll give you that.”

Nadine gauged his reaction. There it was, that something he was not telling her. The hesitation.

“I want to pull this off as clean as possible. I have a reputation that I do not want tarnished.” he spoke clearly, almost in a commanding tone but still calm.

“I understand.” Although Nadine could tell there was something else, she could not insist at this moment. She had nothing to bargain with and she could not pin him down. Not-- figuratively at least.

“So let’s do it as planned. We’ll have your men on the site. Oh and-- as for you. Would you accompany me? You don’t need anything too fancy but the dress code is business formal.”

Nadine pulled her hand away and laughed. It only took a split second for that laugh to get stuck in her throat as she noticed the man in front of her remained unfazed.

“You’re-- you’re serious?”

“Absolutely. We’re partners now, right?”

She frowned, but a smile came past her lips involuntarily.

“Right… ”

“If you don’t have anything of that sort, we could get you something before the day of the event.”

Nadine shook her head, grinning.

“Please. You underestimate me. I have something to wear, don’t worry. It’ll do the trick.”

Besides, how strange would it be to have this man she barely knew go pick out some clothes for her. With her even, if that was what he meant. Like she was Cinderella invited to a ball. She straightened up and chased the thought away.

“This is professional though, right?”

“Of course. All professional. We agreed upon the payment, plus extra expenses covered if anything comes up.” Rafe reaffirmed, taking a step back, although just barely. As if he had a hard time letting go.

Nadine still watched him with curiosity. Getting involved with this man was like playing with fire. The fancy sort of fire at a cocktail party.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Stories of a Norse Daughter (8)

Eivor Varinsdóttir, Eivor & Sigurd, Eivor & Basim, Sigurd & Basim

Little mid-story fics, mainly focused on Eivor.

Subtle spoilers for the main story.

Rating: Teen/Gen

Word Count: 811

Previous Chapter (7)

“Southwest of the river it says” Sigurd spoke, holding the scroll that contained their next clue.

“No big rock though” Eivor hinted, standing at the small harbour they had come to stop at. Mindlessly she kicked some pebbles into the water.

Basim approached Sigurd, peeking over his shoulder. He read the clue once more.

“Southwest of the river, close to a small harbour, next to a big rock.”

“I see no rock” Sigurd gestured with both hands towards the scenery, the note taken away with the motion. “We’ve been searching the whole area along this river and this is the only harbour!”

“Let me see” Eivor approached and reached out for the note, but Sigurd withdrew, turning halfway deliberately. Eivor frowned at him.

“We could also ask someone” she suggested, trying to redirect her disapproval.

Basim looked towards Sigurd as the suggestion was made, awaiting his judgement.

“I don’t need to ask anyone. I know this land better than these people, because I have raided it. I’ve come to know every corner.” Sigurd spoke.

“Well that is true. We have located every hidden spot so far, many that these locals do not even know of.” Basim backed him up.

“Why thank you, Basim. And yes, that’s why we do not need their help. It would be of no use.”

Eivor grunted as she heard her brother’s words.

“How about we try the other side of the river then?”

“No. The previous clue was on this side of the river, it would not lead us that far astray.” Sigurd’s tone was defiant. His gaze slowly wondered from Eivor to Basim, who watched him carefully, deliberately.

“Eivor could be right.”

“Argh, fine then. What’s it to me. Let’s try the other side.” Sigurd gave in.

Eivor rolled her eyes at his reaction, mounting her horse. Once more her brother had only given in after Basim had agreed.

As they crossed the bridge further off, another small harbour came into sight.

“There” Eivor called out, pointing, her voice strong and fearless.

“That could be it” Basim agreed.

“This fog is-- unbearable” Sigurd sighed, trying to squint though the deep mist.

Eivor sent Sýnin out to scout but even she could not spot anything through the thick fog.

The horses came to a halt at the harbour, Sigurd dismounted while the other two remained on their horses.

“Loki’s balls, I can’t see a thing” he remarked, his hand held to his forehead as he desperately tried to scout the area.

Eivor gave Basim a look, her eyes conveyed the message that it might be useless. Basim gave her a knowing look back before he spoke towards Sigurd.

“It would be wise to rest today and wait for the sun to come up in the morning. We might have better luck tomorrow.”

“No! I don’t want to go back all the way to the village and rest, we’ve been at this all day. It must be here somewhere!”

Eivor grew weary of her brother’s stubbornness. Basim of course followed suit again, dismounting.

“Come on. The sooner we find it, the sooner we can calm him and be done with it.” the Hidden one encouraged her before returning to Sigurd’s side. Reluctantly Eivor dismounted, sighing and searching the area through the thick fog.

“There, I see something” Eivor suddenly broke in, to her own surprise her voice was light-hearted and pleased as she saw the big rock the note must have spoken off. The other two looked towards her from the distance. She knelt down, picking up the note that was stuck between the earth and the rock, a grin appearing on her lips.

“Oh it is useless, this fog makes me mad” Sigurd was clearly losing his composure while Eivor calmly approached, emerging from the fog.

“I found it.”

“What? Where?” Basim’s gaze was longing, almost with a hint of desperation. Whether for more information or for rest was unclear.

“Near the rock over there. I called you.” she reminded them casually.

“Show me already” Sigurd spoke impatiently, reaching out but Eivor withdrew her hand, smirking at Sigurd’s surprised gaze as he grasped into empty air.

“Show it to me” he demanded, as if it was an order.

“Calm down.” she said before opening the scroll in front of him.

Basim moved to Eivor’s side, his eyes widening at the information he was taking in.

“That’s it!” Basim declared. “That’s the final clue. The location is marked.”

Sigurd’s face showed a genuine sign of triumph as he smiled. Eivor smiled along.

“We did it! We found it.”

As she heard her brother’s words, Eivor’s smile vanished. Once again she felt ignored, left behind. But she knew to keep quiet, to share the glory. Still, her heart ached. And when she saw Sigurd’s eyes sparkling as he grabbed Basim by the arm affectionately, it hurt even more.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

guys be like "sex is so casual you can just do it and not have feelings, why don't you just try"

but I'll be like why can't you just give me 200$ a week and not have feelings lol, why don't you try because I sure deserve it. I am entirely convinced they have the same kind of feelings about that as I have about putting mental and physical energy into even meeting that type of guy

I can't believe I ever wrote hookup fanfics/stories although I think none of them were continous hookups, and I'm talking about continous/fwb. I can't stomach this exploitation anymore. and they will only care about a woman enough to seem kind/polite and to get access without committment again. while selling the fantasy that if you serve them well enough they will love you. while you have to pretend to not care. honestly, not my kind of love story, ever.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

okay so I was having some infused gummies one day and I played Uncharted 2, that train scene with Chloe. then it got to me. like it was so vivid and in full colour like I could feel the theatrical drama and I had this thought that Uncharted is so good because it's this Hamlet like betrayal, this Shakespearean dramatic drop and intensity

okay like don't judge me I didn't even read Hamlet, it's just what I felt in that moment but I did read Macbeth a few years ago and it was hilarious

come to think of it yeah it's just this-- this thing. the emotions, the rawness, how it feels, I don't know. I really saw the vivid emotions and the intense colours of drama

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

No Place Like Home (6)

Sam Drake/Reader

Sam brings you back home to meet his family but it's only the start of your relationship and the many feelings that come with it.

Spoilers for all of Uncharted. A sequel to Where No Man Goes.

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 1,669

Link to Where No Man Goes

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5

on Ao3

You talk surprisingly little as the day goes by, and get breakfast at a diner, choosing a place that is conveniently located next door. Every now and then you watch Sam, like when he drinks his coffee. He sets the cup down, looks back at you and smiles as he watches your gaze. For what feels like a minute you only look into each other’s eyes.

“What?” he asks softly.

“Nothing.” You shake your head.

Sam sits down on the bed with a sigh as you come back to your room.

“You know. I was thinking… Out of curiosity, where were you headed with that gun?” He looks up with kindness in his gaze. You sit down next to him, shaking your head at your own erratic behaviour earlier.

“I don’t know. I really don’t. I just wanted to get out, see if you were still around, ask at the reception. It was stupid, now that I think about it. Oh God, I was going crazy, wasn’t I? God, this is so embarrassing.”

The realization dawns on you and you cover your face with your hands in shame and regret. Sam chuckles and wraps one arm around you, pulling you into his comforting embrace.

“Hey, it’s alright. It was a pretty normal reaction to being drugged.” he calms you, half-joking, as you know him.

“I can’t believe I pulled a gun on you…” You bury your face against his chest, still ashamed.

“Hey, don’t worry, okay? It’s not like you were gonna shoot me or anything.” He mentions lightly.

“How are you so sure?”

“Oh, as if you’d shoot me.” He snorts. “Me, the one who taught you how to shoot? -- Besides, I’m pretty sure you would have shot Chloe first.”

“Oh yeah, you’re probably right.” You chuckle but then hold your breath. “We shouldn’t be joking about this. Although I do have a strange feeling about her.”

“Strange feeling? Or… jealousy?”

“Mostly strange feeling.” You confess. “With a hint of jealousy that she knew you before and probably eyed you the whole time?”

“It’s alright, Baby. There’s nothing to worry about, you’re with me. We’ll get through this.” He smiles at you, taking your hand in his. “Together. Okay?”

You nod and smile back.

“Please don’t do anything behind my back anymore.”

“I won’t. I know this is important to you.” Sam reassures you. You try to believe him.

As the evening sun sets and you walk out of the bathroom, your hair still damp, you see Sam is not in the room. You look around, then sit on the bed. Maybe he went out for a smoke.

Suddenly you can hear muffled voices through the wall, speaking softly but loud enough. You were unaware of the fact you had neighbours. Or at least this is the first time you hear them. You become curious and decide to walk into the hallway, towards the door of the room next to yours. To your surprise the door is left slightly ajar, a dim light coming from it. Something about this seems eerily familiar and surreal. You approach quietly and see Sam and Chloe. She sits on the bed while he stands right next to the window. The evening sun shines in like a beam of light, putting their faces and everything else that is not hit by the ray of sun into darkness.

“It’s the only way.” Chloe says calmly, looking up to him.

Sams sighs. A long moment of silence passes.

“Yeah… I guess you’re right.” he finally answers with a heavy heart.

“So? You know what to do.” She still looks at him while he avoids her gaze deliberately. You can feel the goosebumps on your skin as if you knew what was coming. “Get rid of her.”

At once your eyes open and all you see is darkness. Your breath catches in your throat until you realize it is night. You sit up in bed but realize Sam lies beside you. As you stir, he shifts and groggily opens his eyes.

“What’s wrong?” he mumbles, reaching out to your hand.

You shake your head, unable to talk. That was a dream. It must have been a dream. Suddenly you stare at him. That was definitely a dream, you try to calm herself but something about it seemed too real. You try to tell yourself your brain was just putting together your fears and your memories, mixing them in a way that seemed logical in regards to what you were feeling. Sam had been with you this whole time. You had no reason to believe otherwise. And yet the betrayal you felt was real.

You hear Sam calling out your name gently, turning around to you now, soothingly running his hand over your bare forearm.

“You’re not saying anything. Are you alright?” he asks, a little more awake.

“Yes…” you answer, settling down in bed again.

“Can’t sleep? What is it?”

“No” You frown. “It’s okay. I just woke up somehow.”

Something in you did not trust Sam. But starting this talk with him would not change anything. You would talk and he would reassure you but you would still not feel okay about things. At least that is what it felt like.

“You wanna talk?” He seems awake enough, you feel his gaze on you.

“No, it’s okay. I’m sorry I woke you up.”

“You didn’t wake me, Baby. I mean--” He weighs his head a little, then pulls you into his embrace. “I guess you did but I don’t mind. So what’s the matter, hm? You don’t want to tell me?”

“Just a nightmare I guess.” You give in with a sigh, his arms around you feel so safe.

“Nightmare? About what?”

“Just stupid things.”

“Like what? Clowns?” he guesses. You breathe out in a chuckle.

“No. Clowns are not that scary.”

“Try to tell Nathan that.” He smiles and kisses your cheek. You hum faintly.

“It’s the same old thing.” you confess.

“What same old thing?”

“What we always talk about. Me not trusting you, I guess.”

Sam sighs deeply, then holds you tighter.

“I suppose I’m not exactly doing a good job, am I?”

“Well… sometimes I think you try. But then-- what you said about Chloe. It just felt like maybe you were too much like her.”

“I’m like Chloe? Wow. Not exactly a compliment.”

“I mean the way you described her. How she was sort of ruthless. No heart, is what you said I think. I just thought you were like that when you drugged me. You couldn’t talk it out with me. And I’m scared it’s going to be like that again.”

“Baby you didn’t even allow me to talk to you. You insisted. I had no say in it.”

“And that’s why you had to drug me?” You turn around half way to look at him in the dark.

“It was just sleeping pills. I’m sorry. I was worried about your safety, okay?”

“And you will keep doing what you want, right?”

“You’ll keep being stubborn, right?” Sam checks.

You sigh at last, turning around and letting him spoon you again. Maybe you should have let him have it his way and not insisted to the very end. He was worried about your safety after all, it was not that he drugged you for fun. And it had really just been sleeping pills.

“If I am less stubborn, will you talk things out with me? I just want to be at your side though. I don’t want to let you go alone. I’m scared to lose you.”

“And I’m scared to lose you. I know you will still be stubborn. But now that you’ve pulled a gun on me and I drugged you, hey, maybe we will find better ways to communicate and make compromises.”

You chuckle at his reasoning.

“I have a feeling we won’t. But I will try to be more understanding if you can include me in everything.”

“I am trying, Baby.” He says and kisses your cheek affectionately.

You stay quiet for a while until he finally speaks up again.

“You want to tell me about your nightmare?”

“Maybe another time.” you answer.

“That bad?”

“I--” A broken sigh announces your defeat. “I was just dreaming you double-crossed me.”

“Oh wow.” He chuckles and runs his hand overs your head, stroking your hair reassuringly. “I must have screwed up badly. I really have to work on building more trust.”

“Yeah. I guess.”

You wonder if he will ask you more but are somewhat relieved when he just wraps his arms around you and nestles against your neck, his breathing becoming more steady as he drifts off to sleep again. You close your eyes eventually. The image of what you saw, the darkness of the room, the light only on them, still haunts you but you tell yourself that it was not real. That what you had with Sam was maybe messed up, but it was real. And that Sam would not betray you in that way. After all, if he wanted to, he would have left you behind already. It takes a while for your racing thoughts to calm down but eventually your eyes close. The warm embrace, the weight of his arms around you help after all. It feels real. It feels real because it is real.

“Good morning, sunshine” Chloe greets energetically, a picture-perfect grin adorning her face when she meets you in the motel’s lobby the next morning. She walks up to you, away from the arm chair she had been waiting in. “I see you’re in a better mood today. Or should I say not in a killer mood?”

Something instantly makes you feel uncomfortable in her presence. The laid-back attitude that was just too laid back. The professionalism that contrasted it. You cannot pinpoint it, but it is there.

She looks at both of you, her focus oscillating between you and Sam.

“Anyway, ready to make the trip downtown?”

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Stories of A Norse Daughter (7)

Eivor Varinsdóttir, Eivor & Valka

Little mid-story fics, mainly focused on Eivor.

Subtle spoilers for the main story.

Rating: Teen/Gen

Word Count: 507

Previous Chapter (6)

“You only asked me that to talk about your damn self again!” The drunk member of the Raven clan threw the mug off into the distance in disgust.

The crew laughed, but there was a certain weariness lingering. They had come back from a raid, their spirits were held up only by their hauls and the ale, and of course the stories of glory they could share. Eivor laughed along, then noticed Valka sitting not far off, the corner of her mouth curved subtly as she watched the quarrel scene unfold. The leader of the Raven clan watched the fine features fade naturally.

“You have been awfully quiet lately.” Eivor remarked casually, shifting a seat closer to the seer.

“Have I?” She turned her head to the other woman, “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Mhh” Eivor gave a subtle hum of thoughtfulness, barely audible. “Maybe you have always been quiet and I only notice it now.”

“You’ve become very observant, Eivor. Of your surroundings and your own patterns.”

“My own patterns even?” Eivor spoke subtly, almost seductively as she her face brightened with a smile, recognizing the compliment.

“I think so. You have come very far.”

Eivor continued smiling, taking Valka in.

“I-- I have noticed your journal. It was laid open when I came to my senses.”

“Oh” Valka remarked, rather unfazed. “I must have forgotten to put it away.”

“You said I am favoured by the Gods… but I don’t think you should look upon it as such a blessing.”

Valka breathed out carefully, looking in front of her for a moment. Then she turned towards Eivor again.

“It is an honour, Eivor, do not be mistaken. Only very few people can see this far and this deeply into the world and its history.” She explained. “But it is also a burden. However, it is a burden you can carry well.”

Eivor grew thoughtful, contemplative. Then, she also met Valka’s gaze again.

“All the pain of this world. All of these people, fighting one another. Sometimes I don’t understand -- even myself. But I go on. It is what I always did. I go on as we all were taught to.”

Valka nodded.

“It is the price we pay.”

“The price we pay?” Eivor tilted her head, questioning.

“The price we pay for awareness. As we watch our patterns, we become confused. But as the world turns, we continue. Driven by the weight of our destiny, by honour, by our people and how we have learned to exist in this world.”

Eivor averted her gaze, once again contemplative.

“But you were chosen, Valka” she spoke at last, “You were chosen to guide me and show me the path. I could have never done it without you. You are a great gift. A present.”

The seer held her gaze for a second, surprised, but the tension resolved and a soft chuckle made it past her lips.

“You must be right, Eivor. I was chosen, too. And I am deeply thankful it is you I was meant to guide.”

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

No Place Like Home (5)

Sam Drake/Reader

Sam brings you back home to meet his family but it's only the start of your relationship and the many feelings that come with it.

Spoilers for all of Uncharted. A sequel to Where No Man Goes.

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 2,349

Link to Where No Man Goes

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

on Ao3

The sweet morning sun shines upon the white bed sheets. You smile at the warmth. As you are caressed by the sunshine, your eyes open slowly. Your hand reaches out, your fingers grasping into empty air. You sit up slowly, looking towards the bath room door that is left ajar, then the motel room door left unlocked. The realization hits you.

“Motherfucker” you swear out loud, sitting up. He went without you.

Next to the bed you see your empty glass from the night before, with a note, held down by the weight of the glass.

Sorry, Baby. I couldn’t risk it. It was just a sleeping pill, it will wear off. I will be back before you know it.

You growl at the message, crumpling the paper in your hand and tossing it back onto the nightstand. Leaning against the backrest you sigh. Automatically your hand reaches for your phone. It was already noon. Shaking your head, you get up and get yourself ready, dressing quickly and throwing your phone in your bag. You approach the duffel bag Sam had left behind and open it. One of the hand guns is still inside. Fuck it. You take it and put it in your handbag. Wow, that looked wrong. You take it out again and check if the safety is on. It was. Okay it still looked wrong. You close your bag and head out of the motel room, the door locking behind you. Just as you make your way down the hall you hear two people walking down the corridor.

“What’s she like?” you hear a woman’s voice.

“You’ll see” the man answers -- that was Sam’s voice. You clearly recognize it.

As both stop before you, you see the woman, then look at Sam in utter shock.

“Wait” Sam cautions, lifting his hands, but before you know it you take the gun out and point at them.

“Please Baby, I can explain” Sam says with his hands raised.

“Wow” The dark-haired woman, wearing a leather jacket, chuckles helplessly after raising her hands. “That’s her?”

“Who is this?” You ask almost hysterically, your gun pointing at the woman.

“Chloe Frazer-- I told you about her. The loony woman my brother sort of dated.”

You frown while the woman who is apparently Chloe looks over to him.

“Loony woman? Sort of? -- Well I guess I can agree on the sort of.” she debates, then nods towards your gun. “Honey, would you mind putting that down?”

“No fucking way” You shake your head, a painful short laugh coming past your lips. Your gaze comes towards your boyfriend again. “Sam… you drugged me!”

Sam looks speechless, his lips parting to talk but before he can speak he is interrupted.

“Woah, seriously? You drugged your own girlfriend? Not cool, mate, not cool at all.” Chloe says, her hands lowering slightly as she seamlessly closes in on you a little.

“Stay where you are” you shout as you point the gun at her again, this time unlocking the safety with a click. She yields, her head lowered.

“Alright. Of course Honey, anything you say.” she reassures, “Can you just please take it down? We’re in the middle of the hallway, maybe we can continue this in your room before someone comes along and this turns into something more complicated.”

“Sam, what the fuck is this?” you ask confused, still pointing the gun at Chloe. “What’s she doing here?”

“I’ll tell you, Baby, please… let’s just get to our room. I’ll explain everything. She’s right. We don’t want any more complications.”

They were probably right. The betrayal got to you, but right now you were the one acting like a loony woman. With a sigh you put the gun down. Both of them sigh in relief. Sam approaches you and lays his hands on top of yours.

“I’m sorry, Baby. It’s okay, I’m here now.”

His hands on yours feel reassuring. The safety clicks again, securing the trigger.

As the three of you walk into the motel room, you put the gun next to you on the table, sitting down on the armchair, your hands crossed in front of your chest.

“Alright, talk.”

Sam sits on the bed, Chloe stands next to the door, her arms also crossed in front of her.

“She’s -- she was supposed to do the exchange. The client hired her.” Sam sighs, his hand running over the back of his neck. You watch Chloe and she meets your gaze. As no one of you talks, she shrugs.

“It’s true. I didn’t know it was him.” she confirms.

“And I didn’t know it’d be her.”

You feel a strange feeling arise in you.

“Did you two ever--? Like--” You stare at Sam who immediately looks shocked.

“What? No! How could you even think that?”

“No--” Chloe confirms, but looks over to Sam. “But wow, that unbelievable huh? Geez”

“Oh please, you throw yourself at everyone” Sam remarks. Chloe’s tongue clicks against her teeth disapprovingly before she looks away.

“And why is she here now?” you ask, still demanding.

“Counterfeit money.” Sam says. “We need to get in touch with the client.”

You get up in anger, pointing at the other woman.

“You knew?”

“Calm down” Once again Chloe’s hands are raised at the level of her chest, as if in a reflex from earlier. “I didn’t. I wasn’t allowed to check even. I was just hired for the exchange.”

“And you bring her here?” You ask with a strained voice, facing Sam. That gun never felt more tempting. You still did not trust that woman.

“It’s not that easy, Baby, please” He sighs, “We’ll have to get to the client and clear this up. It’s better when she’s with us than when I go alone. And she won’t tell me the location.”

“You bet. Won’t put my neck on the line.” She remarks dryly.

“Why didn’t you just--” A held back whimper from your side; you are frustrated, standing at the side table next to the armchair, turning around to the gun. Yeah, what was he supposed to do exactly? Shoot her? His reactions seemed plausible.

“This doesn’t sound right to me.”

As you look at your fingers on the table right next to the hand gun, Sam slowly walks over to you, his hand on your back reassuringly.

“I know, Baby, it’s hard. We’ll just have to head over and arrange a meeting with the client directly.”

“I don’t know if I can still trust you.” You look over your shoulder towards him, he kisses your temple.

“There’s no other choice you have. I’m sorry, Baby.”

“You drugged me.” you remind him softly.

“Yeah, not cool, man. See, this is why you and I could never be a thing.” Chloe spoke casually from the back, pointing towards him and her, ruining the intimate moment.

“Thanks Chloe, for having my back.” Sam speaks with a growl. You look at her, then at Sam again.

“What do we do now?” You ask weakly.

“I don’t know, Baby. We just wait until morning. Chloe will get in touch with her contact and should hear back soon… and then we head there.”

“I’ll come with you this time.” You speak softly but with your gaze on him demandingly.

“Of course, Baby.” He whispers gently, his hand brushing a strand of hair from your face. “I’m sorry. Don’t shoot me, alright? I won’t do that anymore.”

“You better.”

Chloe chuckles, her hands raised.

“Alright folks, I see it’s time for me to go. See you in the morning? I’ll get you at 9.”

Sam turns towards her, clearing his throat, his voice coming out more stern again.

“Yeah. Get in touch with that guy and we’ll head there tomorrow. See you in the lobby.”

“Sure thing. Lobby at 9.” She waves quickly towards you but you do not react, and she finally leaves without another word. You hear the steps down the hall and then she is gone.

“How the fuck could you do this to me” you shout and hit his chest.

“Ow” he laughs and rubs the spot you hit. “You almost shot me!”

“You fucking drugged me!”

“Oh is this going to be your get out of jail free card for everything now?”

“No” You say defiantly, then think it over. “Actually yes. You promised, damnit!”

“Look I didn’t know who I would be facing! I was scared they would see you and turn it around on me.”

“Oh but that woman was a good idea to bring around?”

“She’s fine. Besides I wanted to gain her trust so she doesn’t think I’ll double-cross her.”

“Damn it” There is a foul taste in your mouth. “You slept with her, didn’t you?”

“What?!” He asks, complete disbelief and shock written all over his face. Almost, disgust, if you were reading that right. “No! How could you even think that? You’re my girlfriend. You’re the one for me. The only one.”

“And before that? Did you sleep with her?” You check his eyes. If there was even one sliver of doubt, you would feel it.

“Of course not.” He meets your gaze sincerely and as you seem calm, his hands come to rest on your arms again. “That’s what you think of me? You really think I would sleep with just anyone?”

“She isn’t anyone. She is someone you worked with. When you told me about her… you didn’t tell me she was pretty.” He had told you about her, that Nathan had someone else before Elena. And in-between. And that they did work together on one gig, when he tried to get back on his feet.

“Because I don’t see anything pretty there” He explains and laughs, but you just slap his chest again, although grinning.

“You mean it?”

“I do. Come on now. She’d do it with anyone she could gain something from. Do I look like such an easy lay for you?”

“Oh so that’s what it’s about? You didn’t sleep with her because you knew she’d use you?”

“No, Baby.” He sighs, defeated. “Just- just look at her. She’s not my type. You’re my type.”

“Yeah right. What’s your type? One that trusts you blindly and that you can drug easily?”

He sighs in defeat, his head tilted back.

“You’ll never let that go.”

“No, come on. What’s your type?”

“You. How many more times do I have to say that?” He says, almost agitated. “You’re the only one I want. And not someone who’d sell me out for some cash or for their immediate gain or whatever it is. Some broken piece of-- I don’t even know.” His hand runs through his hair nervously.

“Broken piece of? Of what?” You tilt your head, trying to catch his gaze as it is lowered.

“No, just-- look at her. She’s all in it for herself. Some broken pride, or whatever it is. Just broken. She makes her own rules. Even if she was not in this business. I couldn’t imagine-- I just can’t imagine anyone having a healthy relationship with her. And-- that’s not me, okay?” He raises one hand in a cautious fashion, the other one at his chest. “I’m not talking about me, I wouldn’t be with her anyway. I’m just sorry about what Nathan went through.”

You think back of the stories he told you.

“I thought they were both in it. Like a casual arrangement with some business ties on the side.”

“Something like that. I don’t even want to know. But I never even wanted her that close to my brother.”

“You swear on your life?”

“Of course. I swear.”

“You never had anything with her? Swear it.”

“I, Sam Drake, never had anything with that woman without a heart, Chloe Frazer. Nothing at all.” He speaks truthfully with his hand still laying on his chest. “Just got into the gig with her because that was my way back into the business. I swear on my life. And it was years before I met you. Besides, there was another woman involved in the only gig we ever worked together, it would have been way too awkward.”

“Another woman?” you ask sceptically.

“Oh come on. Nadine Ross. She hates my guts, so don’t worry.” He contemplates, then corrects himself. “You know what? They actually both hate my guts.”

“And you still brought her here?”

“What choice did I have?” He stretches both his hands out innocently. “I want to get to the buyer. And I couldn’t just let her go because she is my way to get to him.”

“You’re striking a deal with Chloe?”

“Not really. We’ll have to go with her and see how to get this deal done and over with.”

You lower yourself onto the armchair, contemplating.

“This doesn’t sound good to me. What if she was sent to get you? Or worse, what if she wants to steal the crown? She knows where we are now.”

“Yeah--” He sighs. “To be honest I think we should switch rooms tonight just in case, but she’ll still have to get through me and I won’t let her close.”

“Good call, Baby.”

You catch him off-guard with that compliment and he looks at you almost in shock, then smiles a little. It comes off a little awkward -- like he was not used to this.

“You want to sleep at a different motel and come back here in the morning?”

“No-- no.” Absent-mindedly and quietly he walks towards the door and unlocks it, quickly opening it and looking outside. Then he closes it again behind him, the lock clicking shut once more. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Why did you-- Oh” It dawns onto you. He thought she could still be around the corner.

“You can never be too careful.”

“That’s why you drugged me, huh?” You smile knowingly. He walks over to you and holds the back of your head, leaning in and kissing you lovingly.

“See” He softly speaks against your lips. “You get me.”

“Like no one else.” you add.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Escalate (7)

After some consideration Galeb decides to not follow the Beckoning. Hazel is quick to act and entrusts him with a new task for the Camarilla.

Spoilers for all of Vampire the Masquerade: Swansong.

Rating: Teen

Word Count: 1,747

Link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6

on Ao3

Heavy is the head that wears the crown Handed on a plate but I love the chase

You don’t wanna dare bite the hand that feeds ya

Galeb scoffed as he recognized the woman, his feral instincts calming.

“You’re not so delirious that your senses aren’t working anymore, good.” Emem mocked, the hint of a grin on her lips.

“What are you doing here? Who sent you?” His tone was professional, although with a sense of hostility in it.

“Sent me?” She tilted her head at him. “I am a lover of the fine arts as you know. And tea ceremony is one among them. I did not take you for a connoisseur though.”

“Why hide then if you’re not here on business?”

“Is it just me or are you more tense than usual tonight?” she questioned in a teasing manner, her voice a pitch higher. “Fine, so followed you. Got curious about your retainer, but didn’t want to make it too obvious. ”

“She is not my retainer.”

“Oh. Good to know.” Emem spoke softly.

He sighed, looking away. He should have known.

“Get out of my sight, Diva.” he commanded.

“Don’t worry, I’m gone already.” she yielded, nothing but thin smoke remaining in her wake.

Galeb pushed the elevator button and waited. Internally he cursed himself. She had not been here by chance, that much was obvious. He knew the Herald, just as well as he knew the Prince. It was nothing but praise and sweet reassurance that he could take as much time as needed, but in reality they had started to doubt him, they had become impatient; so impatient they had sent someone after him to watch his every move. Trust was indeed hard to come by. He could hardly believe that the Prince had started to question his moves. But to send Emem Louis? Stepping inside the cabin, he thought about her words, how she had seen him with his guard down. He snarled in disgust while the elevator descended. She must have been in the same room with them, he realized.

At his arrival in the lobby he walked towards Cyrene who got up from her seat at once. Together with his ghoul they walked to his car. After they had dropped her off, Galeb felt weakened. Once again he felt the hunger pangs, just like after every night he spent with her.

In the wake of their farewell he arrived at a luxurious hotel downtown. He had promised the Prince to drop by at an event that was held as a second attempt of the reunification party, although on a much smaller scale. Iversen had after all secured the blood trade with the Hartford Chantry, although the trust once given had eroded and some ties had been severed. As he knew her, these days she wanted to be rather safe than sorry.

“Looks like Siaka hasn’t come.” Emem casually remarked towards Hazel as they stood at a cocktail table. Her black suit presented a sharp contrast against her fair complexion. It gave the Prince an aura of dominance and fearlessness, especially given the fact that the other women around her were clad in more vibrant colours.

“Yes, he has-- … Galeb” Hazel’s gaze was drawn to the man who had casually approached them, her tone friendly and upbeat suddenly. “I’m very glad you could make it. I was almost worried.”

“As promised, my Prince.”

“I know you would never neglect your duties.” the Prince remarked, then stretched her hand out, pointing around the place in an inviting fashion. “Please, grab a drink. Enjoy yourself.”

“I come just to oversee things, as discussed. There’s no need to accommodate me.” he reassured.

“Oh come on now” Emem, still standing next to the Prince on the other side, rolled her eyes. But she spoke no further word as Hazel’s gaze met hers for a moment. It had the power to silence, after all. The Prince turned towards Galeb again.

“I’ve already given my speech. So far everything is under control. Not all of the members of the Chantry are here.”

“Precautions I would guess.”

“I would guess so too.” Hazel spoke with a certain disappointment in her voice, just short of a sigh. “In any case, enjoy yourself.”

“Thank you, my Prince.” Galeb knew it was no opportunity to talk business, at least not about his. These parties were for show. Influence, power, connections. Sometimes gossip. Who was he trying to convince -- it always involved gossip. Exchanging secrets that later could be used for some political agenda or another. It was not his game. Not tonight at least.

“Bazory. Glad you could make it.” April spoke as she approached the three, her face not showing any hints of a smile despite her almost affectionate tone. She leaned over towards the Prince, whispering something. Hazel nodded, setting her glass down on the tall table.

“I have something to attend to, but I will surely see you around later.” she announced and walked ahead. Both pairs of heels clicked against the glazed white floor that showed faint reflections of the two women walking off, leaving Galeb and Emem behind. He shot her a glance. The corners of her mouth creased slightly, her eyebrows raised expectantly. It was the kind of gaze that told him she was ready to hear him out but would not start a conversation. The man walked off wordlessly. There was no point after all.

He detested these parties. It was always the most decadent of the most decadent, and if not on open display like the vessel that was just close to being sucked dry on a nearby couch in the corner, then it was something even worse behind closed doors. Doors he did not want to open, not even peek into. But there had often been cases when it had been his duty. Out of politeness he had taken a glass when next to the prince, but he could not stand the concoction. On top of that, the decadent display of seemingly endless blood supply. At the next table that he passed, he put the glass down again, deciding to watch the room from a darker and more quiet corner. He was hungry of course. But the display of all the excess, the vessels infused with various drugs, no doubt prepared by Richard Dunham with deliberate precision, made his stomach churn. He was a really picky eater anyway, but had he not been, it would have still sickened him. At this kind of buffet the mere presence of the guests and their taste made him lose appetite.

He should have become used to it long ago. He was used to it. Something had changed. It made him thoughtful. He had tasted innocence, a sense of hope and purity for too long. It had tainted him in a twisted way, a way that could not stand the sight of these carefully prepared vessels anymore.

“Ah, Galeb. We were just talking about you.”

Speak of the devil. Richard Dunham caught him just when he was passing through the room.

“We?”

“Yes, the Prince and I. That reminds me, did you enjoy the vessel I prepared for you?”

Galeb was taken aback momentarily, remembering the night.

“But of course.” he answered automatically. Richard must have known he could not answer in any other way, given that it was a gift by the Prince. He also most have known that he could have not possibly refused. What he could not know and could merely suspect was that Galeb hated this unnatural charade. He preferred a clean hunt, albeit the time he took watching his prey was unusually long and strangely intimate at times.

Richard’s face remained unmoved and Galeb ran a hand through his hair in an impatient manner, unusual for him.

“I enjoyed the subtle traces of caffeine. Not too strong, just barely a kick.”

“Ahh, I knew you would.” Richard spoke triumphantly. “I was thinking if you ever come by the Red Salon, we could look for something more refined for you.”

“Thank you, Richard, that is very kind. But I’m quite busy at the moment.” he declined politely. Of course this was all politics. Richard tried to make himself useful, the new Red Salon had been decided to be a much smaller space. Funds were directed elsewhere after what had happened at the old location. Galeb knew all too well that if Richard found a way for him to approve of the Salon, he could convince the Prince of further funding of his research, which must have been proven increasingly difficult after the loss of Leysha. He could not blame Richard. The man just tried to get by doing what he deemed needed to be done.

“I understand. But all the more, I could offer something that is more refreshing during these trying times. When I heard about Xu Feng-- That must have been a difficult situation.”

Galeb’s features turned sour. He had hoped the topic would not be brought up anymore but it seemed the Doctor had different plans in mind; possibly even to rile him up on purpose.

“And I’m very sorry about Leysha. It must have been painful to lose her.”

“Oh well” Richard sighed now, “It might be for the better in some ways.”

Galeb remained unfazed but the Doctor’s tone carried some empathy, causing him to think that maybe he had misjudged him for a moment.

“Either way, I would be happy to see you at the new location when you can find the time.”

“I really do not think I will be able to make it.” Galeb declined politely. He had enough and decided to cut it short at last. “Regardless, thank you for the invitation and I wish you a pleasant evening.”

“Likewise.” Richard responded. “But Galeb, just one more thing -- if you ever need my help, or anything really, please. Do not ever hesitate to reach out.”

There was a softness around him, almost that of a whelp, that he was not used to seeing. It was becoming clear that he had lost influence in the Court.

“Of course, Richard.”

As he looked up, he saw Prince Iversen leave a secluded room, nodding towards Delsin who was guarding the doors. Discreetly she wiped the corner of her mouth, her lipstick remained slightly smudged. She shot Galeb a glance, a subtle grin on her lips before she disappeared behind a different door.

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

Nathan Drake: lands on his feet after a rather big drop and is alive and not hurt at all

Also Nathan Drake: lands on his feet after a little drop into a safe space where he is not meant to drop off and dies instantly

[inquisitor-of-hearts]

“Action is limited and relative. Unlimited and absolute is the vision of him who sits at ease and watches, who walks in loneliness and dreams.”

— Oscar Wilde, The Critic as Artist