#'ain't none of it shallow it's deep'

[mushroomseb]

LANDO NORRIS helps CARLOS SAINZ get on the podium following his appendix surgery

⌙ Australian Grand Prix, 24.03.2024

[fortheloveofwonderland]

Me & You & Everyone We Know | Chapter 15 | SR

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Chapter Summary - As the summer begins, Spencer unexpectedly hits it off with a single mom he meets at the pool. The two of you separately try to navigate dating new people.

A/N - we’re just gonna let Spencer have a pseudo happy relationship for like a hot minute and let him realise he misses reader. This will not last forever, I promise.

Pairing - Single Dad! Spencer Reid / Fem! Reader

Category - hurt/comfort, angst with happy ending, smut minors DNI.

Warnings - moody teenager, Spencer and reader both trying to move on, Spencer trying to flirt, mentions of past abusive relationship, divorce, drunk driving and prison time (none of which pertain to Spencer or reader), mentions of age gap between consenting adults, out of control kids, overwhelmed Luke and Garcia, dog vomit, use of the word “bitch” quite a lot, making out.

WC - 5.9k

Chapter 15 - Happier

Ain't nobody hurt you like I hurt you,

But ain't nobody love you like I do.

Promise that I will not take it personal, baby,

If you're movin' on with someone new.

The BAU returned home from their case four days later and Luke called Spencer in regards to helping train his wayward dog. 

In those four days Spencer threw himself into summer activities with his daughters to stem his need for alcohol. 

On Monday the temperature skyrocketed suddenly, over ninety degrees which was unusual for Virginia. Even with the AC cranked up the house was like a sauna. So somewhat reluctantly he’d taken them to the local pool. 

And he got a whole lot more than he bargained for. 

Unsurprisingly the pool had been packed and he only managed to secure one deck chair but Lily and Daisy didn’t intend to sit with him anyway. 

He’d already slathered them in sunblock before they left the house but insisted on putting more on them when they arrived. 

Lily didn’t mind so much but Daisy fussed, uttering things like “god dad you’re so embarrassing” while he simply tried to stop her from burning in the sun. 

As soon as he was finished with them, they ran off towards the pool, leaving him alone on his sole deck chair. 

He rubbed some more sunblock on his face, arms and shins, the only skin exposed to the elements. He left his t-shirt on, not particularly enjoying the idea of being half naked around a packed pool full of strangers. 

He brought a bag full of books, given his reading speed he’d need them to stay entertained while his kids played in the pool. 

He settled back in the chair, laying his head back and swinging his legs up, plucking out the first book. 

It was noisy and busy, patrons packed in like sardines in a tin. It wasn’t exactly the relaxing summer vacation he’d had planned. 

The sun was hot and heavy in the sky and he already felt the sweat gathering at his temples.  

Kids ran rampant screaming and yelling at one another while fathers bellowed to their children to behave. With the exception of the beach, this was probably the last place he ever wanted to be. 

He opened the book to the first page while glancing out at the pool. Lily and Daisy were together in the shallow end, Daisy holding her little sister's hand. 

It made his heart swell. The girls had their problems from time to time but on the whole they got on really well. Daisy was always protective of her younger sibling, even if Lily annoyed her sometimes. 

He looked back at his book and started to read, glancing up at the girls every few minutes to ensure they were still ok. 

About twenty minutes passed before he felt like he was being watched. 

He frowned to himself, those old FBI instincts never leaving him. He closed his book and turned to his left. Low and behold there was someone on the chair beside him watching him intently.

“Sorry,” she blushed a little as Spencer regarded her. “I was amazed how deep in concentration you were given everything going on.” 

“Right,” he smiled, nodding his head. “Guess I’m good at switching off outside stimuli.” 

She smiled at him, a really pretty smile in Spencer’s opinion. She had dark, almost black hair which was tied up off of her face and dazzling blue eyes. 

“Lucky you, I wish I could do that.” She sat up, swinging her legs over the edge of her chair and Spencer found himself doing the same. “I’m Blair.” 

She held out her hand and Spencer shook it.

“Spencer.” He replied. 

“Which one is yours?” Blair nodded towards the pool. 

Spencer glanced around to see Daisy floating on her back in the water while her little sister spun herself around in circles, sending small waves crashing about. 

“The brunette in the red bathing suit and the little one with the curly hair spinning about.” He smiled at his girls. “Yours?” 

“Sitting on the edge, hasn’t taken his eyes off of your eldest.” She laughed. 

Spencer’s eyes gravitated towards a boy around Daisy’s age on the edge of the pool. His eyes, that looked just like his mothers, were staring directly at his daughter. 

He had a head of floppy dark hair, he looked to be tall even though he was sitting down. He awkwardly played with his hands in his lap whilst watching Daisy gracefully drift in the pool. 

“Maybe we’ll have to make an introduction.” Spencer laughed as he looked back at Blair. 

He did not miss the way her eyes glanced down to his left hand and he couldn’t help the way he returned the favour. 

“Single dad?” She asked with a slightly melancholy smile. 

“Yeah, me and their mom split up.” He nodded. “You?” 

“Cameron’s dad was…not a nice man.” She replied, pulling a face. 

Spencer could read between the lines. 

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry.” Spencer rolled his lip between his teeth. 

“It’s ok. He’s not around anymore, hasn’t been for a long time.” She forced a smile and even if it wasn't genuine it was still so pretty. “We were going to go for ice cream after this. Maybe you and your girls want to join us? We could introduce Cameron and…”

“Daisy. And the little one is Lily.” 

“Cute names.” Blair smiled again and this time it was genuine. 

“Not my choice, but thanks.” He laughed dryly. “And yes to ice cream. I think it’s safe to say we would all really enjoy that.” 

“Great.” 

“Great.” Spencer repeated dumbly, getting a little lost in Blair's eyes. 

For the first time in a long time, Spencer felt something akin to decent. 

***

He and Blair spent the next hour talking about anything and everything, his bag of books long forgotten. 

She was the manager of an art gallery near DuPont circle, born and raised in the district. Her and her husband were high school sweethearts, marrying when they were just twenty two and having Cameron two years later. 

She explained as much as her ex having a temper which didn’t manifest until after Cameron was born. She described him as controlling and intimidating but Spencer could tell by the way she shrunk a little as she spoke about him that he’d been abusive. 

She said the last time she saw him was around the time Cameron turned ten, when he was being sentenced to prison time after a drunk driving incident where he’d killed two people. 

She’d sent divorce papers to his lawyer a month later. 

At thirty eight she was six years Spencer’s junior, but he’d always had a bit of a thing for a younger woman. It was certainly a pattern, both you and Maeve were younger than him which probably said all it needed to.

After a while, during a conversation about literature, Spencer felt a wet body suddenly wrapping around him from behind. 

“Daddy, I’m bored.” Lily threw her arms around his neck, cuddling into his back. 

“Hey pumpkin, where’s your sister?” He pulled her out from behind him and into his lap. 

Lily pointed over his shoulder to where Daisy was strolling towards them, a lanky young man at her side. 

He looked at Blair and they smiled at each other. 

“You make a friend, Daisy?” Spencer looked back at her. 

“Uh, yeah. This is Cam. This is my dad.” She rolled her eyes. 

“Daisy, Lily, this is Blair. Cameron’s mom. We were going to go for ice cream with them, how does that sound?” 

“Ice cream!” Lily screeched, wriggling in Spencer’s lap. 

He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his giggling daughter. 

“Sure, why not?” Daisy shrugged like she couldn’t care less as did Cameron.

Typical teenagers, Spencer thought. 

He dried off Lily and had Daisy take her to the restrooms so they could both get changed. Cameron stayed as he hadn’t gone in the pool and didn’t have his wet clothes to change out of. 

Spencer and Blair packed up their things and once the girls were back they left their respective cars at the pool and walked the two blocks to the ice cream place. 

Daisy refused to sit with the adults and she and Cameron got their own table. Lily tried to sit with them too but her sister shooed her away. 

Pouting due to be shot down by Daisy, she grew clingy and snuggled right up to Spencer while she ate her ice cream. 

“Looks like they’re hitting it off.” Blair spoke between mouthfuls of her scoop, nodding towards the two teens. 

“Looks that way.” Spencer nodded, feeling Lily’s ice cream dripping onto his shorts. “Lil, sweetheart, be careful please.” 

“Sorry daddy.” She pouted. 

Spencer and Blair continued to chat while Lily sulked by her dads side and the teens kept to themselves. 

After a while Daisy appeared by their table, arms folded across her chest. 

“Can we go to the pool again tomorrow?” She asked him. 

“Can I assume Cameron is going to the pool tomorrow?” He teased her. 

“Dad shut up!” She huffed. “You’re so embarrassing.” 

“Was I going to be consulted?” Blair asked her son as he joined them. 

Cameron shrugged, looking equally the part of moody teenager as Daisy did. 

“I thought we were going to the Smithsonian tomorrow? There was that exhibit you wanted to look at.” Spencer asked his daughter. 

“No, that sounds lame.” She shook her head. 

“I don’t think it sounds lame.” Cameron nudged her arm gently. 

“No?” She smiled at him, practically giving him heart eyes. 

“Can we go too mom?” Cameron turned to Blair. 

“As long as they don’t mind the company, I don’t see why not.” Blair’s eyes sparkled as she looked at Spencer and Spencer smiled a little bashfully. 

“That would be great.” He nodded. 

“Gross, get a room.” Daisy scoffed, turning and skulking off again, Cameron close behind. 

“Please never grow up.” He whispered to Lily, placing a kiss on her head. 

“Ok daddy.” She nodded, mouth smeared with her mint choc chip. 

***

Spencer and Blair exchanged numbers before going their separate ways. On Tuesday the five of them met up at the Smithsonian. 

As was expected, Daisy and Cameron went on ahead while Spencer, Blair and Lily strolled behind them. 

Conversation with Blair flowed easily, as if he’d known her his whole life. They had a lot in common, including being single parents with issues towards their exes. 

Maybe she was exactly what Spencer needed. It was nice to talk to someone who understood him, who understood where he’d been. Blair took his mind off everything going on in his life, eased his troubles with her smile. 

They ended up spending the whole day together, it seemed to go by in the blink of an eye. As the kids were getting into their cars, Spencer and Blair hung back. 

“I had a really nice time today.” She smiled that easy smile at him and he reciprocated. 

“So did I.” He agreed.

“I wondered if maybe you’d be interested in doing something again. Maybe without the kids?” She shrugged shyly. 

“I would like that a lot.” He nodded. “The girls only go to their moms every other weekend but I can get a sitter.” 

“When were you thinking?” 

“As soon as humanly possible?” He confessed which made her laugh. 

“Eager?” She chuckled lightly, a sound Spencer really enjoyed. 

“Maybe a little.” He laughed too. “My friends have pretty demanding jobs though and they're out of state at the moment. The minute they’re back I can get one of them to sit the girls and I’d love to take you to dinner.” 

“Sounds perfect.” Blair nodded, stepping a little closer and placing a gentle kiss on Spencer’s cheek. “See you soon, Spencer.”

“You most certainly will.” He swallowed, watching her get into her car before he moved towards his own. 

He smiled the whole drive home. 

***

On Wednesday he and the girls stayed home. The temperature dropped a few degrees and they mostly played in the yard with Taco. 

On Thursday Daisy went to the mall with Meredith and Meredith’s mother so Spencer took Lily and Taco to the park. 

In the evening Luke called to tell him they’d arrived back from their case and arranged to come over on Friday to help with his dog problems. 

“One more thing,” Spencer said before Luke had a chance to hang up. 

“Shoot,” Luke replied. 

“I don’t suppose you and Garcia want some quality time with the girls tomorrow night do you?” 

“Sick of them already? Man, it's gonna be a long summer.” Luke laughed. 

“It’s not that.” Spencer chewed his lip. 

“Oh,” Luke read between the lines. “You and Y/N make up?” 

Spencer hated the way his chest tightened hearing your name and tried to ignore it. 

“Uh, not exactly.” He sighed. “I might have met someone else.” 

“Jeez, you’re like a woman magnet recently.” Luke laughed. “How are you finding these women?”

“I met her at the pool. She’s a single mom and she’s great, really great. We’ve hung out with the kids but I want to take her dinner.” 

“Sure, Garcia and I can come by and look after the girls.” 

“Or…” Spencer chewed his lip again. “They could come to your place?” 

There were a few moments of silence in which Luke was once again reading between the lines. 

“Right,” the older man started to laugh again. “Can’t bring a date home when you’ve got kids there. Got it.” 

“That makes me sound like an ass.” Spencer sighed. “But you know, on the off chance that’s on the cards…”

“They can come to my place. I’ve got the guest room so I’d they don’t mind sharing then it’s no issue for me.” 

“Have I told you that you are the best?” 

“Not lately, no.” Luke rolled his eyes. 

“Well, you are. Oh and please don’t tell anyone.” 

Luke chuckled to himself, shaking his head before he responded. 

“See you tomorrow, lover boy.” 

***

You stood on the curb outside of the restaurant, hugging your arms around your waist whilst thinking, not for the first time tonight, why am I doing this? 

It was your first official date with Sam, your old college friend and now you were here you didn’t know why. 

The two of you had been close in college and you’d always had a little crush on him. He was smart and handsome and charming but you’d always remained just friends. After college you’d lost touch. 

When you’d bumped into each other a few weeks ago you’d picked back up like no time had passed. You’d had dinner as friends, gotten coffee a few times but then he’d asked you out on a date. 

If you’d never met Spencer, going on a date with your college crush would have been like all your wildest dreams come true. But you had met Spencer, and along the way forgotten all about Sam. 

And now you were outside of the restaurant, looking in on him through the window, this was the last place in the world you wanted to be.

You liked Sam, there was still a spark between you. But he wasn’t Spencer. 

As you were considering turning and leaving, calling him and telling him you’d come down with something, he spotted you through the window. 

He waved at you and offered you that devilishly attractive smile and you waved back, trying to push down all thoughts of Spencer as you forced yourself inside. 

He stood as soon as you neared the table and pulled you into his strong arms. His musky cologne smelt delicious and for a moment you were able to cast Spencer Reid from your mind. 

“You look absolutely beautiful.” Sam beamed at you as he pulled away. 

“Thank you.” You blushed a little, smoothing down the front of your sunflower yellow sundress. 

Sam held your chair out for you and you slid into it, making yourself comfortable while he made his way to his own seat. 

“I ordered a bottle of Merlot, I hope that’s ok? I remember it being your favourite.” 

“Wow, good memory.” You smiled a little nervously. 

“I never forgot a single thing about you.” He confessed, placing his napkin in his lap. “I had the biggest crush on you in college.” 

“You did?” Your mouth fell open. 

“Oh come on, I wasn’t exactly subtle.” He chuckled. 

“I honestly had no idea. I wish I had, because I also had a huge crush on you.” You felt your cheeks burning. 

“Well damn,” Sam laughed, shaking his head. “I guess we have a lot of lost time to make up for.” 

“I guess so.” You nodded as your wine was brought over. 

You perused your menus and soon ordered, and the two of you fell into comfortable conversation. That is until the topic of your dating history was brought up. 

Sam admitted he’d dated a lot but never managed to settle down. When he turned the question back to you, you took a large sip of wine as Spencer reentered your brain. 

“Honestly I haven’t really dated all that much. I was busy I guess. There was one guy, more recently, but it didn’t work out.” You chewed awkwardly on the inside of your cheek. 

“The professor?” 

“Huh?”

“You mentioned the professor you were working for, Reid? I noticed you got a little uncomfortable when you spoke about him and I wondered if there was a history.” Sam was smiling at you but you couldn’t return it. 

“Yeah that was him.” You took another sip of wine. “He was…complicated. Two kids, an ex-wife who he was most certainly still in love with even though he would pretend otherwise.” 

“Jeez,” Sam pulled a face. “That is complicated.” 

“Tell me about it.” You sighed.

“Well, I’m just about as uncomplicated as they come.” He shot you one of those smiles that always made your knees a little weak. 

“I like uncomplicated.” You smiled back. 

“And I like you.” He slid his hand across the table and threaded his fingers with your own. 

And when he touched you like that, Spencer was once again the furthest thing from your mind. 

***

Luke made some progress with Taco which was more than Spencer expected. After a few gruelling hours the dog was responding to the commands of sit and stay which was impressive if you asked Spencer. 

Luke told him it wouldn’t be easy, Taco wasn’t a puppy and therefore wouldn’t be as easy to train but Luke was certainly up to the challenge. 

When the evening rolled around Spencer got ready for his date and Luke took the girls and Taco back to his place where Penelope was meeting them. 

Spencer was strangely nervous as he got ready, but not necessarily in a good way. He remembered the excitement he felt on his first date with you and this was nothing like that. 

Perhaps he knew this wasn’t right. Deep down something was telling him he shouldn’t go ahead with this. His own mental health and his kids needed to be his priority, he needed to focus on bettering himself for the girls. 

But you’d made him realise just how lonely he was. And now he remembered what it was like to have someone he couldn’t stand the thought of being alone again. Even if it wasn’t you keeping him company. 

He pushed down his nerves and thoughts of you, it wasn’t conducive and therefore he didn’t need to be plagued by it. 

He finished getting ready, fighting his daily battle with his perpetually messy hair, before jumping in his car and heading out to meet Blair. 

***

The first stumbling block happened within a few minutes of sitting down in the restaurant when Blair asked him if he wanted to get a bottle of wine. 

He couldn’t very well admit to a woman whose husband was arrested for drunk driving that he was recovering from alcohol abuse. Instead he tried to talk his way out of it. 

“I’m driving so it’s probably best I don’t drink.” He chewed the inside of his cheek. 

“Ok, just a glass then?” She smiled at him and he melted a little, almost agreeing because a glass of wine really would help take the edge off. 

But he couldn’t, he wouldn’t. 

“You know, I’ve not been feeling a hundred percent today so I think I’m going to just stick to water. Please have whatever you want though.” He insisted, trying to deflect.

“Oh, we could have rescheduled.” She pulled a face. 

“It’s ok, I’m fine. I just don’t think alcohol would be a good idea.” That wasn’t a lie, alcohol would not be a good idea.

He felt like he dodged a bullet when she didn’t mention it any further. But the second stumbling block came after they had ordered their food.

“So I told you about my ex, you didn’t really tell me about yours.” She smiled sweetly, no idea the can of worms she was opening with that statement.

Spencer sipped his water, trying to pretend it was scotch but failed and was left disappointed.

“Uh, well, let’s see,” he took another sip. “We were married for thirteen years but for the last three of those, she was cheating on me.” He thought it best to just rip it off like a bandaid.

“Oh gosh,” Blair frowned around her wine glass. “That’s horrible.”

“I mean, it's nothing in comparison to what you’ve been through but yeah, it certainly wasn’t great.” 

“I figured something must have happened because you said the girls only see her every two weeks.”

“I tried to fight for full custody if I’m honest.” He shrugged with a sigh. “But she is still their mom.” 

“When did you split up, if you don’t mind me asking?” She swirled her wine around in her glass. 

“A little over a year ago. It’s been tough but my girls are resilient.” 

“And you?” Her eyes sparkled a little. 

Was he going to make the same mistake with you and lie about his feelings? He didn’t see the point if he was honest. He’d lied to you because he didn’t want to freak you out, to cause you to end things before they’d really begun. But if he scared off Blair he wasn’t sure it would be the end of the world. 

“Honestly, I’m still working through some stuff. It took me a long time to admit even to myself that I was hurt by what she did. I’m still processing my feelings, and if that’s not what you want to hear I’m sorry. But we were married for a long time and it is still kinda fresh.” He exhaled, took another sip of water.

“People think because they’re the ones who did the terrible thing that you should be glad to be rid of them.” She half-smiled. “As you’ve probably figured out, my ex was abusive and all my friends told me I should be happy to finally be out of that relationship. But they didn’t get it. No one does.

We had so many good times in the early years, he was so wonderful to me and I loved him so much. But then his job started getting on top of him and he started drinking and the alcohol made him angry. For the most part I was relieved that it was over but there’s still a part of me even now that misses him, misses…” she trailed off and swallowed but Spencer knew exactly what she wanted to say.

“You miss what you used to have.” He filled in the blanks. “I understand. Me and my ex had some really good times too and it’s hard to just forget all of that and hate her completely for what she did. She gave me Daisy and Lily and a part of me will always love her for that. People don’t understand though, not unless they’ve been there.” 

“Wow,” she smiled a little shakily. “It’s so nice to meet someone who gets it.” 

“It really is.” He agreed with his own smile. 

Spencer had in one capacity or another felt misunderstood his entire life. But the way Blair was looking at him made him feel seen for the first time. 

It allowed him to loosen up, to relax enough to enjoy his evening. He’d only ever wanted someone to understand and he felt like he finally found that in Blair. 

***

Luke Alvez leant against the kitchen counter, pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed. 

The sound of the two girls was more than enough, he didn’t need to witness what was going on as well. 

Penelope had been gone for twenty minutes to shower and in that time, all hell seemed to have broken loose. 

When she emerged from the bedroom, dressed in her brightly coloured pyjama bottoms and matching tank top, she froze in the doorway at the scene in front of her. 

Roxy was hiding away in the corner whilst Taco was being held rather precariously under Lily’s arm. She was spinning the poor dog around in circles, jumping up and down on Luke’s couch and scream-singing at the top of her lungs.

Daisy had her head in her phone, narrowly avoiding Lily jumping on her and Garcia could see the anger rising on the older girl's face. 

She looked over at Luke in the open plan kitchen and his closed eyes before storming towards him.

“I was gone for twenty minutes!” She slapped his bicep. “What did you do?”

“Me?” He opened his eyes and looked at his girlfriend. “I did nothing!” 

“Uncle Luke made hot cocoa!” Lily screeched. 

“Did he now?” Penelope frowned at him. “And how much sugar exactly did you put in it?” 

“Lots of sugar!” Lily squealed again. 

“I swear to god Lily if you hit me one more time!” Daisy spat her at her sister, looking up from her phone. 

“Daisy’s texting a boy!” Lily giggled.

Honestly, Taco had the patience of a saint because he didn’t seem at all disturbed by being bounced around the way he was. 

“I am not! Shut up!” Daisy growled. 

“Are too!” Lily replied, jumping off the couch and landing on the floor. “Daisy and Cameron sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” 

“Shut up you brat!” Daisy tossed her phone aside and got up, advancing on her sister. 

Luke suddenly jumped into action and crossed the room in barely three strides.

“Whoa!” He lightly placed his hand on Daisy’s shoulder. “Please don’t hurt your sister.” 

“She’s being a bitch!” Daisy huffed. 

“Hey now,” Penelope hurried over. “You do not use language like that.” 

“All my friends say it.” She rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest. 

“Daddy says it too!” Lily chimed in, thankfully putting Taco down and he scurried over to Roxy. “I heard him call mommy a bitch. What does it mean?” 

“It means-”

“Nothing.” Luke cut Daisy off. “It doesn’t mean anything. But we shouldn’t be saying it ok? It’s an adult word.” 

“Ok!” Lily shrugged, going back to jumping up and down. “I’m a rabbit!” 

“No you’re not you’re a bit-”

“Do not finish that sentence young lady.” Penelope snapped. She hated being strict but Luke was such a softy she often had to be the bad guy. “Girls enough of this. Daisy, you will not call your sister that word. In fact you will not call anyone that word. And Lily, if your sister is texting a boy leave her to it. She’s fourteen, she’s allowed to text a boy. I think. Does your dad know you’re texting a boy?” 

“Dads met him.” She shrugged, not exactly answering the question. “And he’s on a date with Blair, Cam’s mom right now.” 

“He’s…he’s…” she turned to Luke who was trying to shrink away. “You said he was out with JJ and Will?” 

“Uh…” Luke grabbed her hand and led her towards the kitchen. “He told me not to tell anyone.” 

“Even me?” She tried to keep her tone quiet. “How does Daisy know and I didn’t?” 

“She’s Reid’s kid, she’s as smart as a whip.” Luke whispered. 

“I thought he was…is he incapable of being single?” 

“I don’t know what’s going on with him to be honest. I’m kinda worried about him.” Luke admitted. 

“Me too.” Penelope pouted. 

“Give it back, you bitch!” Daisy yelled, garnering their attention.

“Daisy and Cameron sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N…OW!” Lily screamed.

Penelope and Luke ran back into the room to find Lily on the floor, violently sobbing and Daisy standing over her with a slightly smug look on her face.

“What did you do?” Garcia asked the older girl while Luke picked Lily up in his arms and cradled her. 

“She took my phone!” Daisy stamped her foot. 

“She pushed me!” Lily wailed. 

“It’s ok sweetheart, it’s ok. Let’s lie down.” Luke cooed as he carried her through to his guest room. 

“You do not push your sister, Daisy. You know that.” Penelope sighed. 

“She’s just such a bitch!” 

“For the love of all that is sparkly you have to stop saying that word.” Garcia groaned. “You get a time out, come on.” 

She took Daisy’s wrist in her hand and led her to Luke’s bedroom. She opened the door and motioned her inside.

“Phone,” she held out her hand. 

“No way.” Daisy scoffed. 

“Daisy Diana Reid, give me your phone right now before I call your father.” Penelope growled at the young girl. 

Daisy pulled a face, similar to her dad when he was upset. She let out a breath and placed the device in Penelope’s hand. 

“Thank you. Now go sit down and think about what you did.” Garcia closed the door on Daisy and padded back to the couch where she flopped down.

Luke emerged from the guest room a few minutes later alone and joined her. 

“I know we’ve only just started dating but can I say I don’t think I ever want kids.” He ran his fingers through his hair. 

“Right now I’m gonna have to agree with you.” Penelope nodded. 

Luke closed his eyes and took a moment to relish the quiet. But it was very short lived as soon there was a gagging sound coming from the corner of the room. 

Both of them looked over just in time to see Taco, the previous activities having caught up on him, vomit all over the carpet. 

“I’ll get the cleaning supplies.” Penelope sighed loudly, getting back to her feet. 

“I’ll call Reid.” 

***

“I had a really great time tonight.” Sam glanced at you with a smile as you walked side by side down the street towards your apartment. 

“I did too.” You nodded.

And it was true, you really did have a wonderful time with Sam. Conversation had flowed easily between the two of you, like it had back in college. 

So you didn’t have quite the same level of intellectual debate as you did with Spencer. At least Sam was your own age, even if that didn’t necessarily mean you had more in common. 

He walked you to your door like a gentleman and you turned to face him on the street. He was smiling down at you, eyes sparkling. 

“Would I completely blow my chances of a second date if I kissed you?” He asked somewhat shyly. 

“I’d say it would greatly increase your chances of a second date if you were to kiss me.” You smiled. 

“Oh thank god.” He chuckled, his nerves melting away. 

He stepped closer to you and cupped your face before drawing you in for a tender kiss. It was nice. But it was missing the kind of passion you had with Spencer. 

It wasn’t frantic and demanding like Spencer's kisses. It didn’t make your knees buckle or the air leave your lungs. 

It was nice. But it wasn’t the same. 

Sam pulled back and he was smiling brightly at you, you tried your best to return it. 

“I have waited so long to do that.” He laughed. 

“I hope it was worth the wait.” 

“Most definitely.” 

You looked over your shoulder at your building before looking back at him, knowing what you were about to say was an utterly stupid idea. But you said it nonetheless.

“My roommates are out. Do you wanna come inside?” 

It didn’t take someone with Spencer’s IQ to figure out what you meant and judging by the look on Sam’s face he knew exactly what you were getting at. 

“I would love that. But are you sure?” 

In response you simply took hold of his hand and led him up the stairs of your building. You were determined to get Spencer out of your head no matter the cost. 

***

After dinner, Spencer held the door of the restaurant open for Blair to exit first and she thanked him with a smile. 

They stepped out onto the street and she turned to him. 

“I never do this.” She laughed lightly. “I never go on dates.” 

“Yeah,” he rolled his lips between his teeth, remembering telling you the same. 

“Say, I don’t want to be too forward but I’ve been single a long time so I’m just going to go for it. I would really like to kiss you.” She blushed at her own words and Spencer thought it was incredibly endearing. 

“I would also very much like to kiss you.” He agreed, moving closer and cupping her face. 

He kissed her and she melted against him, gasping a little at the sensation in which Spencer took the initiative to guide his tongue into her mouth. 

She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding him close while he deepened the kiss. And he tried not to think about you. 

By the time the kiss broke they were both panting slightly and she was smiling at him, eyes sparkling. 

“My kids are staying with their uncle tonight,” he blurted out. “So I have a free house. If it’s not too bold of me to say.” 

“It is kind of bold.” She laughed. “But I like it.” 

He smiled and kissed her again, hoping if he took her home he would banish all thoughts of you aside. But as he kissed her, his phone started to ring. 

He pulled back reluctantly and offered Blair an apologetic smile, pulling the device from his pocket and seeing Luke’s name on the screen. 

“Sorry I should get this, it could be about my girls.” 

“Of course, go ahead.” She nodded and Spencer took a few steps away before answering the phone. 

“Is everything ok?” He instantly went into panic mode. 

“Uh, not exactly.” Luke sighed. “Lily was hopped up on sugar and annoying Daisy. Daisy kept calling her a…b-i-t-c-h and then she pushed Lily and now Lily won’t stop crying. And your dog was sick everywhere.” 

Spencer exhaled sharply, closing his eyes as he let the information wash over him. 

“I’ll be right there.” He grumbled. 

“Sorry man. We tried.” 

“See you soon.” Spencer sighed again, hanging up the phone, moving back towards Blair. “I’m so sorry, my kids have gone rogue. Can we have a rain check?” 

“Sure and don’t worry about it. One’s hard enough as a single parent, I can’t imagine having two.” 

“It’s like having one, only ten times as hard.” He laughed dryly. “I’ll call you.”

He leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek and watched as she headed down the street to hail a cab. Soon he was turning in the opposite direction and speed walking towards his car. 

Was it too much to ask just to have one night to himself? He loved his girls, more than anything else in the world, but sometimes they made his life harder than he ever could have prepared for. 

@andiebeaword @muffin-cup @measure-in-pain @takeyourleap-of-faith @ssa-uglywhore27 @dreatine @thebloomingeagle @this-is-doctor-and-its-calm @matthew-gray-gubler-lover @justreadingficsdontmindme @spencer-reid-wonderland @foxy-eva @kbakery @simxican @aysixdy @givemeth @loonalockley @shamelessfangirl-3 @derekm24 @pinkiceee-prose @werewolfbansheelove @mindbelova @angelicasworld

[cevansbaby-dove]

Fill in.

Jensen Ackles and Reader one shot.

Warnings: None.

Summary When Brianna gets sick she asks you to sing a song with Ackles.

Requested by @jackles010378 thanks for your request!

"what do you mean she's sick?" You ask as you step out of the car at the con. "i mean Bri called and asked for you to fill in for her."

You step into the large building. "I haven't sang in months my voice would not hold up"

"oh i don't know about that Y/N" You turn to see Jensen wearing a huge grin. "Hi jens"

You two embrace in a hug and he says pulling away. "Come on i bet you'll be great singing with me"

"When do you go up to sing?"

"um..four hours"

you walk into the back of the stage. "how the hell does he expect me to sing? Ugh"

Pacing back and forth you ponder on if you can sing, Y/n you have to do this. You say in your mind.

Jensen walks in and says. "You alright?" You look at him. "no i mean...i don't know..i have to sing...I have been told my voice isn't that good so i am kind of worried i would make it sound bad"

Jensen wrap his arms around you. 'hey calm down don't have a panic attack on me"

"i'm...so..sorry" You say as you let some tears fall. he pulls away and says. "i'll let you get cleaned up ok?" You nod. "yea..thanks"

He kisses your forehead and says. "sure thing"

He walks out and you get into this outfit.

You grab the hat and walk out on stage to see everyone clapping and cheering. You smile and wave, Jensen says as he stands close to you. "Good to see you cowgirl"

You look at him and smile. "ready Sheriff?" He smiles at his nickname that you gave him when he started filming for Big Sky. "Ready as i'll ever be"

You stand close to the microphone and Jensen says. "Hit it"

You sway to the beat and Jensen starts off with his part.

Tell me something, girl Are you happy in this modern world? Or do you need more? Is there something else you're searchin' for?

I'm falling In all the good times, I find myself longin' for change And in the bad times, I fear myself

You smile and start singing.

Tell me something, boy Aren't you tired trying to fill that void? Or do you need more? Ain't it hard keeping it so hardcore?

I'm falling In all the good times, I find myself longing for change And in the bad times, I fear myself

I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in I'll never meet the ground Crash through the surface, where they can't hurt us We're far from the shallow now

In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow In the sha-ha-sha-la-la-la-llow In the sha-ha, sha-ha-llow We're far from the shallow now.

You and jensen keep singing till it ends, jensen takes your hand in his and both of you bow and walk off stage.

You smile and jump around. "I did it! i sang!" Jens smiles. 'yea you were amazing out there! maybe you should try going on tour with me"

"oh no thanks one time only" You hear my phone go off. "oh i'll get it" You look at it and it's a message from brianna.

Bri-You were great up there Y/N thank you so much for taking my place! You rock. 🤩

"Bri said thanks for me taking her place and that I was good" You smile and Jensen says. "She's right you were great"

You look at him and say. "Okay okay i get it"

Y/N-Thanks Bri! I had fun i honestly was worried about how i'd sound but Jensen gave me a pep talk just before.

Bri-Ah yes he's great at helping out.

Some of the crew come into the room and tell you how great you were and You smile thankng them and Jensen says. "Okay give her room to breath ya'll man"

You smile and say. "My flight leaves in two hours so i need to pack but i had fun thanks" You kiss jensen on the cheek and walk out.

Well I wasn't sure where to leave off with this fic but omg i felt soft so i wanted it cute and a bit of flirting going on. Thanks again to @jackles010378 for your request! I hope you liked it!

Taglist @k-slla @cutedisneygrl @patzammit @alternativeprincess @armystay89

[nana-rierie]

His Bedroom | Haitani Rindou

Rindou would be found dead before he let any woman into his bed.

It was an unspoken rule inside the Haitani household. They can bring their gangs inside, have party, wreck the whole place, and get drunk in there for as long as they like, but they are not to bring any woman, or any man inside their bedroom with an intention for temporary pleasure.

The Haitani brothers' are many things, but a f*ckboy ain't one. No. Other people might thought of it, but they aren't. Yes they were experienced but they never sleep around.

Ran was only ever in 4 relationship, 1 ended because the girl was a b*tch - she even managed to get on Senju's nerves, think about that. Fortunately, the three other ended on good terms.

Rindou, on the other hand, had been in 2. First one lasted for a year - they were teens and awkward was a word then. And the last one lasted for 5 months because the girl only wanted to get to Ran - the trauma. None of those girls ever made it into his bed.

But here he is now. Cuddled up next to you. In his bedroom. On his bed. The surprising part was, you weren't there because you two made love. Or were you there because of a drunken endeavour. No. You were there because he asked you. Asked you to stay the night. Asked you to sleep beside him. Asked you to stay with him.

Rindou swears it shouldn't feel right. Yet it does.

It feels so right to have you in his arms. to wake up next to you -with you. To feel you so, so close he can hear your heartbeat, have your scent trickle his nose, and kiss every inch of your skin.

He's sober, of course he is, it's been a week since alcohol was banned inside the house because he pissed off Ran. However, something's telling him his drunk. Too drunk to comprehend any thoughts of standing up and starting the day. Too drunk to resist any temptation from you. And you're just there, sleeping. Unaware of all these thoughts barraging him.

The Sun's ray peeking through his window blinds shines on you like a spotlight demanding all his undivided attention. Your slumbering face brings peace over his tangled thoughts. Yet he knows, once you open your eyes, there would be no thoughts but his cravings for you. Only you. And that's dangerous. Because it's new. And new things have unknown consequences. There was no telling how deep he was, hence he doesn't know if he's still on the shallow part or if there was any way out. It's frightening.

Cause what if you weren't on the same plane as him? If you're not as deep as he was? You can swam back up and leave him drowning. And that's scary. Cause he knows, even if you leave him, he would stay there. He would even help you reach the surface and then swim to the deepest part of whatever feeling he has towards you.

With those thought clouding him, he tightened his arms around you and buried his face on your neck. He inhaled your scent, engraving it to his brain. He kissed all the skin available for his taking. There was desperation and vulnerability in every touch of his lips. And this is why the Haitanis never let anyone inside their room. Their sanctuary. The only place they would allow their selves be vulnerable and be them.

And you woke up to this. Every desperate touch had you sighing in relief and arousal. Because you knew what Rindou is going through. And you let him. Cause really, what more can you ask than having your man savor every inch of you as if water was non-existent?

When Rindou's lips was littering kisses and bites on your chest, you put your arms on his shoulder and ran your fingers through his hair

"What had you acting like this, hmm?" You asked while appreciatively moaning to what he was doing.

Rindou looked up to meet your eyes and said, "You."

You opened your eyes, taken aback by his answer. Silent permeated the room while the two of you converse through your eyes. No one said anything for minutes until Rindou decided to hover over you. He took his arm that was tightly wrapped around you and while his other arm went beside your head to support his weight. You were about to ask him when you felt his other hand gently caressing your face. Your eyes fluttered and an identifiable emotion was sipping through every crack of your sanity.

Rindou lowered his head until both of your lips were merely inches away. His laboured breathing tells you just how much you affect him.

"If...If I tell you...sleeping and waking up next to you is how I'd like to end and start my day...what would you say?" His voice was dripping with worry and determination to convey what he really wanted.

You knew what he wanted. What he needed. And it's only right to give him all of it because that's how deep you were for him. To the point of understanding what he actually meant.

Your eyes watered yet you smiled with fondness. "Yes Rin. I'll marry you."

The deal was sealed when his lips met yours and his room bear witness to the love you both have for each other.

[fullstcp]

"25" by Adele Sentence Starters

HELLO

"I was wondering if, after all these years, you'd like to meet."

"They say that time's supposed to heal ya."

"I ain't done much healing."

"I've forgotten how it felt before the world fell at our feet."

"There's such a difference between us."

"I must've called a thousand times."

"When I call, you never seem to be home."

"At least, I can say that I've tried."

"I'm sorry for breaking your heart."

"It clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore."

"It's so typical of me to talk about myself, I'm sorry."

"I hope that you're well."

"Did you ever make it out of that town where nothing ever happened?"

"It's no secret that the both of us are running out of time."

SEND MY LOVE (TO YOUR NEW LOVER)

"This was all you, none of it me."

"You told me you were ready."

"I'd be your last love, everlasting. That's what you told me."

"I'm giving you up."

"I'm forgiving it all."

"You set me free."

"Send my love to your new lover."

"Treat her/him/them better."

"We've gotta let go of all of our ghosts."

"We both know we ain't kids no more."

"There's only one way down."

I MISS YOU

"I want every single piece of you."

"I want your heaven and your oceans too."

"I wanna teach you things you never knew."

"Don't let the lights go down."

"I miss you when the lights go out."

"Bring your heart, I'll bring my soul."

"Be delicate with my ego."

"We are living worlds apart."

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG

"Everybody loves the things you do."

"Everybody here is watching you."

"You feel like home."

"You''re like a dream come true."

"Can I have a moment before I go?"

"You look like a movie, you sound like a song."

"This reminds me of when we were young."

"I was so scared to face my fears."

"Nobody told me that you'd be here."

"That's what you said when you left me."

"Do you still care?"

REMEDY

"I remember all of the things that I thought I wanted to be."

"This ain't easy."

"It's not meant to be."

"Every story has its scars."

"I will be your remedy."

"Your heart makes you feel like a fool."

"No river is too wide or too deep for me to swim to you."

"Come whatever, I'll be the shelter that won't let the rain come through."

"Your love, it is my truth, and I will always love you."

WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE

"If you're not the one for me, why do I hate the idea of being free?"

"If I'm not the one for you, you've stop holding me the way you do."

"Why have we been through what we have been through?"

"If you're gonna let me down, let me down gently."

"Don't pretend that you don't want me."

"Our love ain't water under the bridge."

"What are you waiting for?"

"You never seem to make it through the door."

"Who are you hiding from?"

"It ain't no life to live like you're on the run."

"Have I ever asked for much?"

"The only thing that I want is your love."

RIVER LEA

"Everybody tells me it's about time that I moved on."

"My heart is a valley, it's so shallow and manmade."

"I'm scared if I let you in that you'll see I'm just a fake."

"Sometimes, I feel lonely in the arms of your touch."

"But I know that's just me cause nothing is ever enough."

"There was something in the water, now that something's in me."

"I should probably tell you now before it's way too late."

"I never meant to hurt you or lie straight to your face."

"Consider this my apology, I know it's years in advance."

"I would rather say it now in case I never get the chance."

LOVE IN THE DARK

"Take your eyes off of me so I can leave."

"I'm far too ashamed to do it with you watching me."

"This is never ending."

"We have been here before."

"I can't stay this time cause I don't love you anymore."

"Please, stay where you are."

"Don't come any closer."

"Don't try to change my mind."

"I'm being cruel to be kind."

"I can't love you in the dark."

"It feels like we're oceans apart."

"There is so much space between us."

"We're already defeated."

"Everything changed me."

"You have given me something that I can't live without."

"I don't want to carry on like everything is fine."

"The longer we ignore it all, the more that we will fight."

"I can't face your breaking heart."

"I'm trying to be brave."

"Stop asking me to stay."

"We're not the only ones."

"I don't regret a thing."

"Every word I've said, you know I'll always mean."

"It is the world to me that you are in my life."

"I want to live and not just survive."

"I don't think you can save me."

MILLION YEARS AGO

"I only wanted to have fun."

"I let my heart decide the way."

"Deep down, I must have always known."

"I know I'm not the only one who regrets the things they've done."

"I wish I could live a little more."

"I feel like my life is flashing by."

"I miss it when life was a party to be thrown."

"But that was a million years ago."

"They can't look me in the eye."

"It's like they're scared of me."

"They don't recognize me now."

ALL I ASK

"I will leave my heart at the door."

"I won't say a word."

"Why don't we just play pretend?"

"I know there is no tomorrow."

"If this is my last night with you, hold me like I'm more than just a friend."

"Give me a memory I can use."

"It matters how this ends."

"What if I never love again?"

"I don't need your honesty."

"No one knows me like you do."

"Since you're the only one that matters, tell me who do I run to?"

"Let this be the way we remember us."

"I don't want to be cruel or vicious."

"I ain't asking for forgiveness."

SWEETEST DEVOTION

"I find it funny that you're the only one I never looked for."

"There is something in your loving that tears down my walls."

"I wasn't ready then, I'm ready now."

"I'm heading straight for you."

"You will only be eternally the one I belong to you."

"I'll forever be whatever you want me to be."

"Just remember, that come whatever, I'll be yours all along."

"I've been looking for you in every face that I've ever known."

"There's something about the way you love me that finally feels like home."

"You're the right kind of madness."

[24nrg]

I'm pourin' up Wocky in Greece

I came a long way from the East

She leavin' her cream on the sheets

My brother say he wants a niece

When I'm with you, it's a safe space

Baby, you're bringin' me peace

You know how it gets in the streets

Ain't none of it shallow, it's deep

[samtalksmusic]

"ain't none of it shallow, it deep.... i wanna cuddle for weeks"

[insurrection-if]

Oh my gosh plsss continuing that ask aboit an MC with blood dripping down their lips can we have the reactions of the minor ros? If it's not too much of a bother ofc!

No bother at all! (･ω･)b I'll continue with a friendly and kind MC as before for these scenarios, and I hope that is alright!

Dearil

His smirk curls in a manner that borders on a snarl. His hand snatches their jaw closer in a firm grasp, and his thumb breaks past their gentle lips to reveal the red stains atop their teeth. Beneath the shadows, his gaze narrows as if offended by what he has found. The leather-covered thumb protrudes further still, urging their teeth to allow him entrance until he can lay his touch down upon their reddened tongue.

"Disgusting," he hisses, and yet the gleam in his eye betrays his excitement. A low chuckle rumbles through his throat as his thumb further presses down on their tongue. "Don't tell me you enjoy drinking this filth."

As quickly as it had begun, he removes his presence from their mouth, dragging the excess salvia that clings to him across their chin and cheek as it mixes with the bloody traces. His gloved hand still glistens in the slightest when he releases them entirely.

"And to think I would have offered you a kiss otherwise," he concludes with a sigh, hoping to elicit disappointment with his false promise.

Curadora

There is a leap in her chest. A tremble in her hands that she stills with a closed fist. Gratitude towards the safety of her mask mixes with the remorse she feels towards this sight. To have such a demand from one's own Gift, their own soul . . . she wishes she could bear all the burdens and trials on their behalf. Old words of comfort come forth to her mind, yet so hollow they seem as affection twists whatever common sense she held.

"You need not feast in my presence," comes her gentle plea disguised as mere statement as her hands now raise to press lightly upon her chest as if that would be enough to soothe the rapid beat of her heart. "You have my sworn protection. None may lay harm upon you in my presence. Not even your hunger."

Timed breaths, easing from shallow to deep, help to calm her. Soon she bears the strength to slowly tug at the ends of her gloved fingertips until the fabric is removed from one hand to expose the warm brown skin beneath. A hand she hesitantly extends, offers, forth.

"If you must feed in my presence, let it be from myself alone. Then you may better understand the depth of my concern."

Retriever

"What's with the blood, sweetheart?"

He pushes the question out through a grin, a familiar ache settling in his cheeks. Without a conscious thought, his own tongue comes to graze over his lips as a nervous concern builds in his shoulders. It is a sentiment he dismisses with a chuckle and shrug.

"I'm right here for ya, darlin'," he reassures in a softer tone while nearing another step closer, internally wincing at his own caution now that their gift has been activated with intent. "You know I ain't gonna let them hurt ya."

Closer still he nears, though he stops just far enough to not let his presence feel like it's trapping them in place. "There's no need for ya gettin' into messes like this." His hand slowly raises to turn their cheek so their gaze comes to directly meet his. Slowly enough to allow them time to avoid the touch if they so wish.

"Trust me to keep you safe. Can you do that for me?"

Lempo

Her body practically squirms with excitement as she catches sight of their red-soaked lips, delicious and glistening beneath the evidence of their greedy thirst. Her strides bounce with delight as she nears close enough to catch their chin in her hand, holding them steady so she might plant a kiss on the corner of their lip. One lingering kiss, though she cannot help but follow it with a curious lick.

Her lashes flutter closed as she catches the foreign taste spilling from familiar lips. She cannot help herself. Her generous lover does not protest as her hand shifts to cradle the back of their head, the other wrapping around their neck, as she pulls them closer for a more thorough taste.

By the time she has properly aided Mockingbird with their mess, a breathlessness has taken hold of her. It does little to distract from her elation.

"Songbird, you are too cute as a vampire," she coos as her firm hold on them loosens. "Still, we should cleanse this taste from our mouths. What would you like to taste next: my ambrosia, or me?"

Bones

It is just as it had been then. That loose smile doused in red, and so precious a smile it is. One that he had once sworn to preserve.

He remembers the pull of their teeth against his lip. The puncture of their nails into his exposed skin. An animalistic attempt to devour him as their youthful fear plunged them beneath the thumb of fates and madness. The blood had rushed between them then, spilling forth from his tongue and onto theirs. Blood and sweat and spit and tears that gave way to a sweetness when grazed by those lips he had roughly kissed with desperation moments before.

They have grown into their Gift, their soul. There is a relief to be had in knowing that their sanity and smiles can be held to endure under the influence of their hunger. A relief, and a regret to not be the one that Mockingbird can rely upon for such a drink.

If he were a better man, he would have the confidence to claim their lips as they had his all those years ago. This time with the gentleness that they deserve; a time without the rushing promise of death on their heels or madness in their minds. A serene, lingering kiss to right what had been so wrongly done against them both.

Mishka

Their lips switch at the sight. Satisfaction spreads within their chest, a pleasing warmth that curls so gently around their heart. They graze their thumb against Mockingbird's fond smile to dye their ashen tone in the red as well. Not once does their gaze stray from their heart's focus as they then share in the taste, savoring the blood with a slow lick and suck of their thumb.

Ah, they know whose it is. A wise choice from their little bird.

A dim chuckle slips out from them as their other, unstained, hand comes to pat their sweet one's head. "You look like me after a trip for business," they appraise as amusement and affection further stretch burgeoning grin. Their wet thumb returns back to Mockingbird's lips to aid in cleansing the rest of the dripping stains, "and though I would prefer you to stray from these things, I am glad to see you nourished once again."

[pointlookout]

49 for any OC

49 (deep)

kimiko time >:) feat majima cameo

Kimiko backs further into the alley way as the group of yakuza edge closer toward her. She drops her plastic bag, her after-work bento landing in a shallow puddle next to her.

“Listen, I know you know where that fucker, Kiryu, is,” he sneers, and spits out the toothpick he'd been chewing on.

“I don't know where he is! I swear!” Kimiko’s bottom lip trembles, and she gasps once her hands feel cold brick behind her. Once she realises there was no escape she begins to cry.

The head of the group steps forward, outstretching his hand to lean on the wall that Kimiko had backed into. “That ain't what I heard, girlie. I’ve seen ya around with that Nishikiyama, I know he’s sweet on ya. Would be a real shame if we had to do anything to that pretty face of yours…”

Kimiko cringes as he leans forward, and the smell of stale tobacco that oozes from his mouth makes her want to vomit. In desperation she cranes her neck to look over his shoulder and through the others behind him in hopes that a passerby would notice her, but her silent pleas are lost to Kamurocho’s raucous nightlife rabble.

The yakuza roughly grabs her chin. “You listenin’? I'm gonna be in deep trouble with the boss if we don't find Kiryu, so how about you do us both a favour and tell us where he is.”

Kimiko chokes out a sob, and when she doesn’t answer the yakuza growls.

“I’m losin’ my patience. Don't make me—”

“Yo.”

The yakuza steps back, miffed he'd been interrupted. He turns. “Back off, this ain't none of your business.”

There's a brief silence, before one of the other yakuza pipes up. “Oi, Naoki, he’s—“

“I don’t give a fuck who this guy is.” Naoki pushes through the group and approaches the stranger at the end of the alley, almost face-to-face. “Hey, motherfucker, I said get lost. Did ya lose that one eye for not doing as you’re—”

Kimiko shrieks when she hears the faint crack of a bone being broken, and she shrinks to the floor to shield herself. There’s yelling, as well as fists making contact with jaws. It doesn’t take long for the scuffle to stop, and when she cracks open an eye she spots the yakuza either unconscious or rolling around in pain. The stranger in question is at the end of the alley, their back turned to them.

Blinking in confusion she gets up, brushing the dirt off her skirt and wiping away any murky tears before makes her way toward them.

“Hey, wait!” she calls out, but they don’t stop, and she walks as fast as her aching feet will let her.

She makes it out onto Tenkaichi Street but there’s no sign of them, the large crowd swallowing them whole.

[deltaengineering]

Winter Anime 2022: Cloverworked

I was maybe not as selective as I should have been this past season.

The Orbital Children

Orbital Children was a disappointment in all aspects, and I didn't even expect much given that I think that Dennou Coil is pretty mediocre. Everything makes sense though, since the good parts of Dennou Coil were the one-off filler stories in the middle, not the main story. Orbital Children is a miniseries, so it's all main story, baby, and the main story stinks. The long and short of it that just like Dennou Coil, this is an arch-boomer waxing poetic about how children totally "get" technology while he doesn't get it himself, perfectly encapsulated by every tech problem being solved by hitting the "hack" button. This time we're talking about AI, which is a pretty well explored topic in scifi nowadays, and Iso has precisely nothing to add apart from some irritatingly vague metaphysics. But that's only the main theme, the show is also shockingly bad at suspense and character, which is sort of bad for a character drama based on a failing space station. In fact it's so bad at those that it (probably unintentionally) comes close to being a biting technology satire, but it never commits to that and by the end it just wants to be deep af about AI anyway. And finally, it doesn't even look all that good, at least for something advertised as coming from an animation auteur. Really the best I can say about it is that it has some expressive faces, and that ain't much, champ. 3/10

Tokyo 24th Ward

Speaking of things that think they're saying something, here's the show that saw the trolley problem meme and decided to base its entire social commentary on that like it's an Uchikoshi game. This eventually ends up with the glorious revelation that given the choice between an authoritarian surveillance state and total anarchy, we should try democracy (without further commentary, as if that's an epic mic drop). As you may be able to tell, it's not as smart as it thinks, but it's better than Orbital Children anyway because it's sort of adorable in its ineptitude, like a ten year old that's proud they figured it all out by themselves. To be honest though, I was hoping for a more amusing twist than "brains in jars", but in hindsight that would be just expecting too much. There's also some mediocre action, I guess. Chuckles were had, but this show is bad by any standard. 4/10

My Dress-Up Darling

So here's a fairly controversial one. I do have to admit that I can see this show's appeal, in the abstract - plenty of people seem to like unfunny romantic comedies with annoying main characters. But first, let's talk about the cosplay, because that's ostensibly the selling point. There's a whole lot of uninteresting cosplay detail talk and not a lot (none, until they introduce Juju) of talk about why cosplay is a thing. This seems to check out for something that's aimed at people who are super into it to begin with, but since the shallow obvious thought about cosplay is "it's just thots in skimpy outfits", I was ready to get schooled. Well, the show's retort to that is "yeah totally, but if you have a very specific skillset said thots will line up to form a harem for you", which I'll just have to accept coming from the experts. In any case it's less of a theme and more of something that's just there to provide a framework for exposition and our leads getting together. So, about those leads. Gojo starts out as an annoying sadboi and very slowly gets a little better, while Marin starts out fun but turns into a migraine once she develops a crush. It's not funny and only very occasionally romantic, a death sentence for any romantic comedy. 4/10

Vanitas no Karte Part 2

Remember when I said that Vanitas is worst when it tries to go on these fighting shounen-esque arcs and just turns into a worse version of Fire Force? Well, as of S2 that's all it really does, and it's fucking terrible. The first arc starts promising but then turns into a drama about characters nobody cares about, while the second arc is close to unwatchable because it has one of the most annoying villains I've ever seen in anything, while everyone else is sad/mad and shouts a lot. The random comedy is, of course, more misplaced than ever in the midst of all this epic drama/tragedy/whatnot. To be fair, there's still trace amounts of sexy Jeannecute etc. left, but that doesn't make up for the other 95% of the show being a slog to sit through. It seems Vanitas has decided on a direction, and so we will have to part ways at this point. 4/10

Magia Record S3

First off, this isn't really an S3, it's very obviously just the rest of S2. Which makes forming an opinion pretty easy, because it's just more of the same, which is to say, pretty bad. The first episode of "S3" is actually the best, since it explains a lot of stuff about the story that was sorely missing, but the rest is just the same overblown and undercooked narrative about characters I can barely remember the names of 3 years in. The flashes of brilliant animation are now completely absent, so it's all a wash of substandard Madoka-like things. Could be worse, but not by much. 4/10

Fantasy Bishoujo Juniku Ojisan to

This is a show that I only watched because I couldn't believe how little I hated it, given that it's basically a potpourri of everything I hate in anime ca. 2022 - isekai, video game references, reactionface manzai and so on. And I have to report that all of that stays a factor all the way through, and I spent a sizeable part of the show cringing. So, definitely not good. However, Fantasy Bishoujo has an unexpected asset, which is the chemistry between its two leads. It's honestly great, and cute, and occasionally even funny, and of course a big part of the show. I guess having a better pedigree than "some loser's manifesto on Narou" will do that. A begrudging NOT BAD/10

Slow Loop

Guess what, Connect made a Kiraralike about fishing. These shows are rarely ever truly bad (even if this season's RPG Fudousan is trying very hard to provide a counterexample), and Slow Loop is definitely... competent. Cute, a little funny, a little gay, relaxing, etc, all the safe and easy things a show like this could do. It's just also nothing special or rare at all, and while it doesn't do a lot of things wrong, what it does do wrong is the tedious fishing tutorials it drops frequently. Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater already was little above average and it's a better show than this, but Slow Loop is still okay. Ish. 5/10

Lupin III: Part 6 Part 2

Surprise, Part 6 Part 2 isn't much different from Part 6 Part 1 (though it indeed doesn't have anything to do with it narratively). It also has a mediocre main story and filler episodes that range from really bad to pretty good, even though it's missing the fantastic Oshii episodes. Overall it's maybe a little better, but not by so much it makes a difference. And while the main story is not strictly worse, the fact that it promises something major and then ends up going "lol no, j/k" is more of a bummer (especially since it's almost the same thing that The Woman Called Fujiko Mine pulled and I didn't like it back then either). All in all, Part 6 gets by on Lupin's franchise tentpoles guaranteeing at least some level of entertainment, but it's nowhere near as good as Part 5. 6/10

BanG Dream! Garupa☆Pico Fever!

It's Pico, and Pico is good. I have to say that I'm feeling it less nowadays because it seems to have run out of the truly off-the-wall ideas and is trending towards the more conventional, and it's also starting to recycle some episode concepts. But it's still a fine use of 3 minutes per week. 6/10

Sabikui Bisco

Sabikui Bisco has a lot of things going for it that elevate it above the unwashed shounen masses: Fun characters, a kickass visual design, some cool action, a great OP, and a delightful Kenjiro Tsuda villain performance. So why is it hanging around just slightly above the middle of the pack? Well, for starters the pacing is sluggish and occasionally interminable, no doubt an artifact of its light novel source material. Also, the writing is functional at best and likes to pull non-starters like trying to convince me that the main character dies just before the finale, which was so unlikely to stick that they might as well not have bothered at all. But overall, Sabikui Bisco is a show with quite a few ups, some notable downs and a whole lot of dead air in between. 6/10

Kaijin Kaihatsu-bu no Kuroitsu-san

So here's something you don't see every day: A comedy that's actually funny most of the time. Now, there are two angles of attack to this show's humor: It's both a tokusatsu riff and an office comedy. I don't really care much for the former, but it's clear that Kuroitsu has much love for goofy spandex nonsense with fun characters, and it's kinda infectious. The real good stuff is the jokes about working in a villainous corporate environment though. I laughed, what more do you want? That said, it does have a few off episodes, and is also painfully cheap, so it's more "c-tier show punching above its weight" than a true highlight. But that's totally fine. 6/10

Ousama Ranking

So I already let it slip at the midway point that I'm feeling Ousama Ranking, and that hasn't changed... fundamentally. Right off the bat it's really solid, featuring excellent looks backed up with a thoughful exploration of fairy tale morals. You do need to get used to how this show rolls, since the "front" story quickly becomes less important and mainly just a delivery vehicle for character backstories. It does have a few pacing problems because it spends a lot of time just manouvering characters into position where they can deliver their tragic past payload, and a tendency to oversell emotional moments wildly, and Bojji is a relatively uninteresting character compared to everyone else, but those are not major problems as long as it keeps delivering... right? Well, that's where we're at at about halfway through the second half, when what I'll charitably call the "standing around in a courtyard arc" starts and all the previous issues come to the foreground to such a massive degree that it's very nearly the show's undoing. Because once every character is in the perfect position for maximum backstory density, the show just stops dead in its tracks and becomes tragic flashback central to an obnoxious degree, only punctuated by characters doing the fighting shounen "react and explain" thing. And I have to mention that all of this is so tedious that it even completely lets the air out of what is likely the best looking fight scene you're going to see this year. It's not great, to put it mildly, and after that is just a quick wrapup that's better, but pretty insubstantial.

And there is another thing: I would not usually drill down the morals of an adventure anime, but Ousama Ranking is a deeply moralistic show and extremely upfront about it too, so I can't ignore that towards the end the show pulls a few fast ones on that front. You really should not write a story about how everyone is more complicated than you expect and then make your inciting incident a whole country of people who are just all 100% dicks. Or let Bojji be the naturally correct arbiter of tough decisions just by protagonist fiat. A lot of this is so obvious, and so far below the writing level elsewhere, that I would assume that there's more to this than we can see right now. But none of that is in the anime, so I can't let it just slide, even if it's such a small aspect it doesn't impact the quality of the show much.

So yeah, still a good show, but that's mostly based on the first half. I would definitely watch more of it, but I'd also dearly hope that it doesn't nosedive at a critical juncture again. 7/10

Ryman's Club

Ryman's Club isn't quite done yet, but I doubt my opinion on it is going to change much and it's definitely a show that I don't want to let fall under the table. It's pretty funny — I wasn't looking for another sports anime, but was drawn in by the goofy absurdity of the setting (note that I am not knowledgeable enough about Japanese corporate culture to say whether "ultra intense company badminton team" is fictional absurdity or IRL absurdity, but it's absurd either way). Then it became apparent that the whole corporate aspect of it is more than a mere gimmick and that it was worth watching just for Mikoto's quest to bring spring onion soda to the market. But then that plot ended and we were just left with a pretty generic sports anime... except Ryman's Club is actually exceptionally good at being a generic sports anime. By that I mean that while the writing isn't anything special and consists mostly of well-worn sports story building blocks you've seen before, this show is expertly directed and manages to make Badminton matches really exciting. Not to mention that even when in full sports mode, there's still the benefit that the characters are at least a little bit more mature than your usual highschoolers. Yeah, this is really solid stuff, actually. I'd recommend it. Tentative 7/10, and on the higher end of that.

Akebi-chan no Sailor-fuku

So apologies to hypothetical readers who are here to watch me nitpick popular anime, because Akebi-chan might just actually be perfect. It's not that this is the one that brings the original ideas, but what we have here is top tier execution of something that is often attempted. It's a fusion of coming-of-age-drama, slowburn healing anime and archetype comedy. I can vibe with any of these, but most of the examples I've seen have major flaws; I'll just mention that I think it's most similar to Euphonium S1, but lacks the silly overblown drama. In fact, Akebi-chan features what I'll call "microdrama", but it's executed so well that it makes a girl learning to play the guitar badly seem more profound than all the gigantic brouhahas of Euphonium combined. More strong points? The characters aren't complicated deep dives, but they're all unique in personality and looks without seeming cookie-cutter, including the OP heroine (this one could easily be described as "reverse manic pixie dream girl", but it's the "reverse" that makes the difference). The tone is very lighthearted without falling into the "ultimately not being about anything" trap that the likes of K-ON and Aria find themselves in.

What really pushes Akebi-chan to the next level though is not the concept, but the production. This show is all about the details (even the plot is frequently about that), and the level of production is high enough to actually show all the details. There isn't many shows where the way hair falls or how someone moves their hand really matters, but this is definitely one. This level of detail is incredibly important to how real the show feels and how it really does transport you to a carefree world of adolescence. It's delightful. By the way, this level of detail also means that you have to be comfortable with watching a bunch of middle schoolers really closely, but you can't really fault a show for being exceptionally good at what so many others attempt anyway. If that is a concern, I would suggest sticking to Toonami-approved shounen. 9/10

So. Perfect show, less than perfect score. Why? I still think a true 10 is reserved for things with a bit more impact than this one, but you should keep in mind that this is a show in a niche that I have stated, on record, to top out at an 8 – and this is a high 9 we're talking about here. Akebi delivers and then some and I think it's the new gold standard for not only one, but several genres.

[soc-characters-as-songs]

OCS as Adele's 30 so I can cry even more

ivy: can I get it (”pave me a path to follow/and I'll tread any dangerous road/I will beg and I'll steal, I will borrow/if I can make, if I can make your heart my home/throw me to the water/I don't care how deep or shallow/because my heart can pound like thunder/and your love, and your love can set me free/oh, I have promised I will love you 'til the end of time/through it all, the good, the bad, the ugly, and divine/I will be the melody, the rhythm, and your rhyme/all I want is for you to be mine, mine”)

meredith: cry your heart out (”when I walk in a room, I'm invisible, I feel like a ghost/all my friends keep on tellin' me that this feeling won't last, mmm/I can't get no relief, I'm so tired of myself, I swear I'm dead in the eyes/I have nothin' to feel no more, I can't even cry/when will I begin to feel like me again?/I'm hanging by a thread/my skin's paper-thin, I can't stop wavering/I've never been more scared/cry your heart out, it'll clean your face”)

diana: love is a game (”that love is a game for fools to play/and I ain't fooling (fooling), what a cruel thing (cruel thing)/to self-inflict that pain/love is a game for fools to play/and I ain't fooling again (fooling), what a cruel thing (cruel thing)/to self-inflict that pain/how unbelievable (unbelievable)/of me to fall for the lies that I tell (lies I tell)/the dream that I sell (dream I sell)/when heartache, it's inevitable (it's inevitable)/but I'm no good at doing it well/not that I care (I don't care)/why should anything about it be fair?”)

alassie: hold on (”oh, what have I done yet again?/have I not learned anything? I don't want to live in chaos/it's like a ride that I want to get off/it's hard to hold on to who I am/when I'm stumblin' in the dark for a hand/I am so tired of battling with myself, with no chance to win/(hold on)/let time be patient/(you are still strong)/let pain be gracious/(love will soon come)/just hold, hold on/I swear to god, I am such a mess/the harder that I try, I regress/I'm my own worst enemy/right now, I truly hate bein' me/every day feels like the road I'm on/might just open up and swallow me whole/how do I feel so mighty small/when I'm struggling to feel at all?”)

ramona: oh my god (”oh, my god, I can't believe it/out of all the people in the world/what is the likelihood of jumping/out of my life and into your arms?/maybe, baby, I'm just losing my mind/'cause this is trouble, but it feels right/teetering on the edge of heaven and hell/is a battle that I cannot fight/I'm a fool, but they all think I'm blind/I'd rather be a fool than leave myself behind/I don't have to explain myself to you/I am a grown woman and I do what I want to do”)

rhea: woman like me (”you're driving me away, give me a reason to stay/I want to be lost in you, but not in this way/don’t think you quite understand who you have on your hands/how can you not see just how good for you I am?/I know that you've been hurt before/that's why you feel so insecure/I begged you to let me in ’cause I only want to be the cure/if you don't choose to grow, we ain't ever gonna know/just how good this could be/I really hoped that this would go somewhere/complacency is the worst trait to have, are you crazy?/you ain't never had, ain't never had a woman like me/it is so sad a man likе you could be so lazy/consistency is the gift to givе for free and it is key/to ever keep, to ever keep a woman like me”)

cornelia: I drink wine (”when I was a child, every single thing could blow my mind/soaking it all up for fun, but now I only soak up wine/they say to play hard, you work hard, find balance in the sacrifice/and yet I don't know anybody who's truly satisfied/you better believe I'm tryin' (tryin', tryin')/to keep climbin' (climbin', climbin')/but the higher we climb feels like we're both none the wiser/so I hope I learn to get over myself/stop tryin' to be somebody else/so we can love each other for free/everybody wants somethin', you just want me”)

kaden: to be loved (”I'm so afraid, but I'm open wide/I'll be the one to catch myself this time/tryna learn to lean into it all/ain't it funny how the mighty fall?/looking back, I don't regret a thing/yeah, I took some bad turns that I am owning/I'll stand still and let the storm pass by/keep my heart safe till the time feels right/but oh my, oh my/I'll never learn if I never leap/I'll always yearn if I never speak/to be loved and love at the highest count/means to lose all the things I can't live without/let it be known that I will choose to lose/it's a sacrifice, but I can't live a lie/et it be known”)

andreia: easy on me (”there ain't no gold in this river/that I've been washin' my hands in forever/I know there is hope in these waters/but I can't bring myself to swim/when I am drowning in this silence/baby, let me in/go easy on me, baby I was still a child/didn't get the chance to/feel the world around me/I had no time to choose/what I chose to do/so go easy on me”)

suzy: all night parking (”I know you've got things to do (I do, too)/I just wanna spend all my time with you (it feels so good)/I'm so hard to impress, don't leave me on this stretch alone/when I'm out at a party, I'm just excited to get home/and dream about you/all night long/I don't know how you got through to me (I'm so cold)/it's all happenin' so easily (like, oh, my god)/it's so hard to digest, usually, I'm best alone/but every time that you text, I want to get on the next flight home”)

[chokemedaddyclown]

Big Bad Wolf

Bob Gray x Reader | Smut Request

Anon Request: Any chance of a bob gray Drabble about him finding a girl outside his house crying after her boyfriend breaks up with her, like he lures her in by comforting her and then fucks her silly like the creepy pervert he is, very specific request I know but I feel like he'd definitely be one to take advantage of a vulnerable girl.

A/N | WARNING: I made this very filthy and degrading. With that being said, I need to put a trigger warning. If anyone is sensitive to: degradation, rough sex, bodily fluids and/or CNC kink (Consensual Non-consensual), Please DO NOT READ. This 5,000+ word bad boy turned out to be kinda dark. This shit is nasty, and I should probably be ashamed of myself.

××××

Today had turned out to be one of the worst days of your life. A night out with your boyfriend had turned into a complete shitshow. Silly you, you had thought that maybe he had taken you out and been acting so nervous the whole time because he was going to propose to you.

Oh, how wrong you were.

Instead, here you were; dumped out on your ass, alone and bawling your eyes out as you sat on the sidewalk in front of an old rickety house on Neibolt Street.

"'Fraid I'm gonna have to ask why a pretty little thing like you is crying in front of my doorstep," a gravelly voice called from behind you.

You gasped, your head snapping around towards the sound to be met by an unusually tall, thin man that stood in the doorway of the house. He was wearing an old pair of slacks, with a billowy long-sleeved shirt that was stained with what looked like white paint. He had long, spindly limbs, like a spider -- he looked downright malnourished, with a receding hairline to boot.

He had a vacant stare in his piercing blue eyes as he gazed down at you, they seemed to look through you more than they actually looked at you. A small smile formed on his face, revealing two sharper teeth in the front of his mouth.

He seemed a bit.. Odd..

Okay, he was really odd, and even odder looking -- creepy, even. But there was something about him that seemed almost charming at the same time, and you couldn't help but stay put right where you were. Any other time, your better instincts would tell you to get the hell out of there, but no such thoughts popped into your conciousness now.

You wiped the tears from your eyes, smoothing down your dress over your knees as you stood up, sniffling and feeling a little more than embarrassed by your current predicament.

"Excuse me, sir. I'm sorry," you choked. "Just a bad day.. I didn't know anyone was-"

He chuckled lightly. "I know a broken heart when I see one," he said, giving you a knowing nod. His eyes were narrowed at you in a peculiar way. "Why don't you step in? Get yourself together before you go on your way. Little thing like you shouldn't be around here alone, especially not in the state you're in."

Well, he did have a point, didn't he?

"I wouldn't want to impose," you gave him a small head shake.

"Not imposing at all, you'd brighten an old man's day," he croaked, opening the door wider to the inside of his house, ushering you in.

Something inside you was telling you not to go in, to just walk away and get as far away from this menacing place as possible, but it was too late. The motioning of his long, bony fingers and his smile convinced you otherwise. You took a few small steps forward, still apprehensive as you looked up to him. His frame was large and lurching, and it was obvious that he wouldnt take no for an answer.

You gave him a small smile as you walked past him. You could feel his eyes moving over your body as you entered through the door. It was a dirty feeling to know that he was leering at you, and yet there seemed to be not a whole lot you could do to stop yourself from going right along with him anyway.

The floorboards of the old house creaked as you stepped through the door. The house was dimly lit, and the smell inside of it was musty, with dust seemingly covering the whole place. Something was very off about the place and the man as a whole.

"So, what's your name?" You asked, turning back to face him as he closed the door quickly.

His large frame turned towards you. "The name is Bob Gray, and you, pretty thing?"

The way he said "Pretty thing" made your skin crawl, but it also made a familiar heat rise in the pit of your stomach.

"It's (Y/N)," you said shyly, brushing a piece of loose hair behind your ear.

"Well, (Y/N), wanna tell me why you were out there crying?" Bob questioned, cocking his head at you as he took another step forward.

"My- my boyfriend dumped me," you admitted, chewing the side of your lip.

"Awwe," he cooed, curling his top lip to reveal his sharpened teeth again, "Well that's a damn shame. What's wrong with him.. Not man enough?"

You let out a nervous laugh, taking a step back as he took a big step forward, towering over you as he gazed down at you, focused solely on your face and your changing facial expressions. He seemed very fixated on watching how you reacted to every word that left his overly wet lips. You had just noticed that here seemed to be stray patches of that same white paint that was on his shirt on his face

His lips parted, and drool began to puddle within the crevice between his gums and bottom up until it overflowed, a string of it dangling loosely until it separated from his plump lip, dropping to the floor in front of your feet. You winced at the sight. The man didn't seem all the way there, if at all. He was creepy and clearly disgusting, and it was starting to show the longer you stood in this dilapidated kitchen with him.

"I guess so," you shrugged, your eyes fixated on the door behind him. "I think I'm just gonna be headed out now."

You tried to step around him but before you could, slender fingers caught you by the arm. He held you in place as he rolled his eyes to you, giving you that same, vacant stare under a heavy brow.

"Why don't you stay a while." It wasn't a question or a suggestion. He was telling you that he had no plans on letting you leave.

"Oh no," you squeaked. You could feel the slow rising burning his your chest as a slow moving wave of panic began to set in. "Please, just let me leave now, mister."

He chuckled, his lips upturning into a pointed smile. "Shy little thing, aren't ya? No need for that now, darlin'."

"I need to go," your voice was strained, trying to remain calm as you gently tried to pull yourself away from him.

He jerked you closer to him, staring down at you with eyes that had very obviously shifted from blue to golden right before you. "Why don't you let ol' Bob take care you, babydoll?"

"What?" You gulped, trying to swallow down that lump of fear that was stuck in your throat.

"Oh, c'mon now, I don't think it a coincidence you ended up by my doorstep.. You little whores always find a way to me," he crooned in a revolting tone, another glob of saliva dripping from his lips. "Just close your eyes."

"Fuck you," you snapped at him, trying to jerk your arm away.

But it was a failed attempt, and he overpowered you without so much as breaking a sweat as he grabbed ahold of your throat with the other hand, squeezing around your windpipe until you gasped for air. He shoved you back against the old, wooden kitchen table as he gave you a violent shake, lowering his head to yours. His hot breathe was blowing in your face as he took a breathe in, smelling you.

And why the fuck did this send a jolt of arousal through you?

He chuckled, giving you a big, wicked grin as he held onto you tightly. His fingers were still digging into your throat, pressing in so tightly you began to feel light-headed. "Oh, yes. Yes, you certainly will, like a good little fucktoy.. I can smell you.. you think I can't already feel that your cunt is dripping and desperate to be filled.. Filled by me."

"Get off me," you tried to push him away from you, panicked and coughing for air. "You fucking freak."

"Oho, now that's rude, princess." An audible growl escaped Bob's throat as he shook you again, making your neck pop as he slammed you against the kitchen table. A cry escaped you as you felt our lower back hit the side of the table, a jolt of pain shooting up your spine. "Shut your fucking mouth, stupid little girl."

He stared down at you, wrapping both hands around your throat now as he watched, smiling with a sick glee as you began to turn red from the pressure he exuded on your neck. He lowered his head, pressing his wet lips against yours as he slipped his tongue inside of your mouth, sliding it down your throat.

What was wrong with his tongue? Why the fuck was it that long -- What was this guy? And why the fuck were you beginning to get wet with each increasingly perverted thing he did to you?

You moved against him, a muffled scream escaping you as you tried to push him off of you again to no avail. He began to get a little more than annoyed with you as he pulled himself away from you, grunting something under his breath that you couldn't make out, with his heavy brow creasing as he pressed you back onto the table again, forcing your legs to spread to let him step between them as a sharp slap from him seared the skin across your face.

This is the shit that shouldn't be getting you turned on.

"Please, don't hurt me," you begged, your breathing was beginning to get get shallow and ragged as you tried to force yourself to remain calm.

He watched you as you sat there, fearful and completely at his mercy as you begged and pleaded with him. None of your words held any weight with him, though, and he was getting such a sickening satisfaction to know what he was doing to you. He pressed himself in between your legs, and you could feel his cock was hard and straining against the old slacks that he wore as he rolled his hips into you once, grinding against your clothed slit.

"Mmm, daddy ain't gonna hurt ya.. Not too badly anyway, not as long as you be a good slut for me," he cooed in a deep, throaty tone.

He pressed his large hands against your breasts, humming and grunting like some feral beast as he squeezed them together until it hurt. You yelped, frozen in place, and you didn't dare move a muscle. You didn't know if it was purely out of fear or your curiosity for wanting to know just what else this terrible man was going to do to you. He pressed his erection into your cunt again, keeping a slow pace as he dry humped you.

He ripped into your dress with ease as he slipped it off of your shoulders, letting the flimsy material pool at your sides on the table as his attention went back to your exposed breasts. The drool dripped consistently from his lips now, most of it landing right on your bare thighs. He slapped your breasts with his hand, seeming intent on not letting any part of it feel good as he hunched over, pressing his mouth to your heated skin, sucking and biting into one of your nipples.

You whimpered at the pain, the tears beginning to well up in your eyes as you sniffled, a few stray drops staining your cheeks as you opened yourself up for him, hoping he take the attention away from your breasts.

Suddenly you were wondering what his tongue would feel like inside of you.

He rolled his eyes up to get a look of your face. "Oh, little girl, seeing you cry only makes my cock harder," he said lowly, almost a moan. It was more than clear that he was truly enjoying himself.

God, he was nothing but a fucking bastard.

"No, no, no..," was all you could say as your voice trailed off, your mind in a daze as you stared into his golden eyes.

He reached his hand between the two of you, pressing two of his slender fingers on your wet, clothed pussy. He hummed again, definitely not overlooking just how wet you were. He pressed into you, slipping by the delicate underwear as he pushed a finger into your entrance before pulling it back out. He brought the hand up to his face, sniffing at his fingers before lapping all them in a vulgar display with his tongue.

"You say no.. But this dripping cunt of yours says otherwise.. What's the matter... ashamed? Embarrased that you're a filthy bitch in heat that wants ol' Bob to fill your tight, soaking cunt? Ain't that right?"

"Fuck you," you growled again, narrowing your eyes at him, knowing that he was right.

As fucked up and sadistic as it was, it was turning you on beyond belief, and you just wanted this filthy fucking pervert to fuck you ragged on this goddamn kitchen table, to make you his fucktoy and degrade you in ways you wouldn't speak about again after it was over.

"Disrespectful little cunt," he growled.

Suddenly, without warning, he spit in your face, leaving you stunned as you looked up at him, the tears mixing in with his saliva on your cheek as he reached up, spreading it over your face with his hand, further degrading you as much as he possibly could. He shoved his dirty fingers into your mouth, pushing them down into your throat, making you gag. He tasted like cheap whiskey, popcorn and tobacco.

"Don't bite my fingers now.. Wouldn't want to have to rip some of your teeth out, would I, pretty thing?" He gave your face another hard slap.

You pulled your head back, grunting and narrowing your eyes at him. You pressed your hands into his nasty shirt, but instead of trying to push him away, you latched onto his shirt, refusing to let go of him.

"Mmhmm, don't really wanna leave ol' Bob, do ya? Wanna stay and be an obedient lil' fuck doll for me, don't ya? Must really be a little slut to let a filthy old man use you up like this," he chuckled, grabbing your face again, pressing his fingers into the hollows of your cheeks.

The drool from his mouth was still running out in string after string. It had all but coated your naked thighs at this point. All of it felt so wrong, and as much as you tried to hold yourself back, you couldn't help but obey his every command, like a dog waiting for a treat.

You stared up at him for a moment, the two of you seemingly in a standoff as you blinked at him. You gave him two, slow nods of your head as he was looking at you as if he was actually expecting an answer from you. He pulled his hands away from you face, reaching down to grasp at your panties, ripping them clean off of your body. He brought them back up to his face, pressing them against his nose as he inhaled deeply, giving you the same sinister smile.

"I'd gag that little mouth of yours with these, but I think I'd rather hear your screams," he laughed, narrowing his eyes again as he pocketed the garment.

The fear and arousal was still coursing through you, it was stronger than ever at this point, and this man seemed to be able to sense it. He seemed to be playing on both of the emotions to excite any kind of reaction from you, because to him, they were one in the same, and either way, he loved it, that was obvious.

He pressed himself back against your bare cunt this time, one of his hands darting back down between your legs to press against your swollen clit, forcing a moan out of you while the other hand grabbed your throat again, giving it a hard squeeze.

"Look at you, all wet and needy..," he purred, grabbing you by the hair as he pulled you off the table.

He didn't bother to help you as you stumbled to your knees, but it's clear that's exactly how he wanted you as he reached up to unzip his pants, his other hand still firmly grasping your hair. You could feel the tears welling up in your eyes again as he pulled his hard, waiting cock out of his pants. It was like his tongue, it was abnormal and didn't seem entirely human.

"Be a good girl for me and suck my cock now..," he ordered, yanking you forward, pressing the tip of the pre-cum leaking, swollen head against your lips. "No teeth, bitch. Remember what I said about ripping them out."

Again, it wasn't a question, he pressed his cock into your lips, prying them apart as he slipped himself in, giving a thrust of his hips, gliding his way back into your throat, making you gag at the sudden intrusion.

Your salivary glands worked overtime as saliva accumulation in your mouth, seeping out the sides of your lips around his massive cock while he grabbed the back of your head with both hands, giving his hips a roll as he started fucking your throat. He let out a wicked laugh each time he made you gag. This was disgusting, he was disgusting, and you felt so sick to your stomach, but so turned on for this evil man.

Your cunt began to ache with such a ferocity that you felt like you needed something filling you now, like you couldn't wait a second longer for whatever he wanted to do to you. You reached down, running your fingers between your folds until you found that sensitive bundle of nerves that had was now swollen and hard beneath your fingers. You rubbed circles around it, bucking your own hands against your hips as you moved your head along with Bob's thrusts, moaning softly as you took his inhuman cock in as far as it would go down your throat.

"I didn't say you could play with that filthy little cunt of yours, now did I?" You heard Bob's gravelly voice sound from above you.

You only rolled your eyes up to him to see a sneer on his face. He yanked your hair roughly, giving the side of your face another smack as he bucked his hips violently. His cock sank deeper into your throat, making you cough and gag again as he fucked your throat relentlessly.

Your nails dug into the dusty wooden floor beneath. Your cunt and mouth both dripping now as he did exactly what he wanted to do to you. The saliva was pouring out of your mouth in long strings, running down your body as you tried to do your best to time your breathing with his strokes. Your face was growing red and even more heated. The sweat beaded up on your brow as your body begged for oxygen. Bob only watched on in pleasure as were you damn near close to passing out as he continued fucking your throat with wreckless intent, not giving a shit of you could breathe or not. Truthfully, if you had passed out, you were positive it wouldn't stop him.

When he finally got bored with it, he jerked you back by your hair, pulling his cock free from your mouth, pushing you back down to the floor, making you land on your ass. You laid back on the floor, coughing and gasping, trying to catch your breath. All of the air coming back into your body all at once left you feeling dazed.

You laid there, half suffocated, with a sheen of sweat and saliva coating your body. Bob looked on at you silently for a moment, admiring his handy-work.

"Such a greedy whore, trying to play with your cunt without my permission," he said, his heavy brow locked in a scowl.

He reached down to pull you up by your arms, spinning you on your heel before he pushed you forward into the table so hard that it scraped against the floor as it was pushed forward. He pushed your head down into the wood, making you bend over for him as he pressed his body into yours. You could feel his cock pressing right into your entrance. He grabbed you by the hair again, pulling it taut against your skull, giving your ass a hard slap. The stinging sensation made you cry out as you pushed your hips backward, grinding against his throbbing cock.

"Such a whore," he noted, watching you writhe against his length. "Think I should punish you, hmm? What should I do.. Spank you?" He gave yet another, even harder slap to your ass, digging his nails into the skin. "Or, maybe...," he trailed of with an mischievous giggle as he brought his thumb up to his lips, letting the drool dripple out onto it as he reached down, pushing his thumb past your cheeks to press it hard into your asshole. "Maybe I should fuck this tight little ass of yours, huh? Make you scream bloody goddamn murder while I stretch all of your holes out with my cock."

You grunted, moving your body forward to get his hand away from you, but he held it firmly in place. You shook your head at him, as much as you could with him holding your head down anyway.

"No.. P-please," you stuttered as your body began to shake with fear and excitement.

"Mmm, that scare you, pretty thing?" He huffed, pulling his hand away from your ass. "Maybe next time.. Besides, you smell so good, I want to get a taste of you first."

Next time?

He finally released your hair, letting you move your head around freely as he bent down on one knee. He grasped your ass with both hands, spreading you apart, exposing all of you to him as he spit directly on your cunt. He used one of his hands to gather the saliva on his fingers, spreading it all around your sensitive clit, lips, and up to your asshole again.

It was all wrong, so fucking wrong.

He pressed his face into your pussy, letting his tongue delve inside of your core as he flicked it around, tasting every bit of you as his bottom lip rubbed against your sensitive clit. You moaned, digging your nails into the table this time as you purposely widened your stance for him, giving your hips the smallest grind as you leaned back into the grip he had on your ass.

He pulled you back into his hold, forcing his tongue as far inside you as it would go. You could feel the drool and your own secretions running down the inside of your thighs while he made a mess of you. The sound of his mouth slurping and sucking at your pussy was gross, and you should have found it gross, because you were letting some perverted stranger have his way with you, but you were too far gone in your pleasure to even have the slightest semblance of giving a fuck anymore.

He finally pulled his tongue out of your core, running his tongue along the outside lips as he then shoved his fingers inside of you. They moved and stretched your pussy for him as he curled those long fingers to press into your g-spot, with his tongue trailing upwards until it reached your asshole. He pressed his tongue into that sensitive, tight ring of muscle, massaging with his tongue as he pumped his fingers in and out of you roughly. It left you feeling more than just a little exposed.

You whined, dragging your nails even further into the table as you placed your head down out of sheer embarrassment. No one had ever treated you like this, or done these kinds of things to you before, and having this old bastard do it to you now was making you feel things you never felt before.

It was almost like an awakening.

You wanted him to treat you like a whore, and to keep doing these nasty things to you.

"Still a shy thing, aren't ya?" Bob sighed, clearly sensing your bashfulness.

Before you could get too into what he was doing, he ripped both his hand and tongue away from you, snaking his skinny body back up yours. He grabbed your hair again, yanking you back by it, forcing you to bend your head back for him as he shoved his wet fingers into your mouth, making you taste yourself on him.

"That's right, slut, taste yourself," he croaked, his thumb curling down to press into the bottom of your jaw.

You could feel his cock pressing itself against your entrance again, and you shifted your stance onto your toes, raising yourself up to grind against it. All you wanted him to do now was to fuck you into this table like the whore that he said you were. You wanted him to humiliate you and hurl those nasty obscenities at you.

"Mmm, maybe not so shy after all, little girl," he groaned, pulling you up by the hair so your back was pressed into his chest. "Is this what you want, hmm? You like being a nasty little cumslut for me, don't ya?"

"Yes.. Yes, I do," you finally admitted, groaning softly as he pressed his cock into you again.

"That's what I thought.. Knew you'd stop fighting me soon enough, the good little whores always do for daddy," he praised, pressing his face into your hair, inhaling deeply.

He bucked his hips against you again, reaching down with his free hand to line his cock with your entrance before plunging his hips forward, burying his length inside your pussy all at once. You cried out, startled by the sudden uncomfortable pressure of his cock stretching you open. He rocked his hips against you, wasting none of his time in getting you adjusted. You getting pleasure out of this was your own luck. He was here to satisfy himself, and that had been obvious from the beginning.

"Good girl," he grunted gruffly, shoving your head back down to the table. "So tight.. so wet. Don't think I'm gonna want to let you go, even after I fill you up with my cum, and leave you in a pathetic mess."

Your body was shaking and weak as he rammed his cock into you, bottoming out with each thrust as he hit your cervix violently. It hurt, but it also felt so fucking good to have him fill you like you've never been before. You were atleast glad you had a table to lay across once your legs felt like they were giving out.

Bob pounded into you, the only sounds in the room were your moaning cries and his ferocious grunts and growls as a slew of obscenities left his lips, the sound of his skin slapping against yours was a melody of the most primal kind.

The tears were streaming down your cheeks once more as you felt that familiar, tight knot in your stomach ready to snap at a moment's notice, but it too was a different kind than you've ever felt. You could already tell that this was going to be intense, and it was somewhat concerning for you. You were coming to the end, you you knew without a doubt that there wasn't much more you could take.

This man had indeed used you up.

Your breathing became very labored, and your moans were nothing more now than choked out whimpers as you laid there, waiting for that coil in your stomach to break.

"You gonna cum for me, pet? This what you like? Being treated like cocksleeve." He growled, thrusting his hips against yours in rapid succession as he reached out to wrap his hands around your throat again, purposely choking you. "You gonna cum on an old man's cock like the worthless cunt you are?

"Ye- yes.. Yes.. I'm going to cum," you choked out, your throat was already raw and burning from his earlier actions.

"Then fucking do it, babydoll. Now, before I change my mind and pull my cock out to cum on that pretty face of yours," he spat at you, slapping your ass again as he pressed you into the table.

Your orgasm crashing down onto you like a tone of bricks. Your whole body tensed up, leaving you rigid as you screamed, with your belly heaving and your vision going black for a moment as you came hard. Your walls contracted so tightly around his cock that you could feel him throbbing inside of you, drenching his cock as a gush of your release soaked his cock and slacks as it flowed down your legs.

"Oho, look at you, nasty girl," he growled, still slamming his hips into you. "You're making such a mess of yourself.. Now I'm gonna fill you up."

He grunted, pulling you up to his chest, shoving his fingers down into your mouth again as he pounded you, his rhythm and pace becoming completely erratic as he growled into your ear, wheezing, with saliva dribbling onto your neck. His other hand reached up to squeeze and press into your breasts, alternative between the two of them as he pinched one of your nipples. The jerking of his hips finally faltered as he pushed you back down to the table, a loud, feral grunt escaping him as you felt him release his seed deep into your aching cunt.

He took a moment to collect himself before pulling out of you. His cum was seeping out of you now, and you were a wet, disgusting mess, with your whole body being coated with a mixture of body fluids from the two of you.

Bob grabbed you by the hair again, lifting you up only to push you back down to the ground again. You had no chance of breaking your fall even if you tried. You were completely exhausted and mentally drained at this point.

"No, I don't think I will let you go," he cooed, leering down at you, admiring the mess that he had made out of you.

He wasn't gonna let you go, and truth be told, you weren't sure you even wanted to leave. You looked up at him wantonly, blinking a few times. All you wanted to do was please him, you wanted his praise.

"Now, why don't you sit there for a while and think about how what you've done," he gave you that same eerie smile.

"Really?" Your lip curled up in disgust.

"Yes, unless you want another punishment. Be a good little girl for me, and I might let you clean yourself off.. Be bad, and I guess I'll just have to tie you up somewhere." he narrowed his eyes at you.

You sighed, giving him a nod that you understood as you leaned back onto the ground, too tired to even stand up or even really worry about what he was gonna do next.

He hummed at you, "Go ahead.. Rest up, pretty thing. You're gonna need it."

Soon enough, he had disappeared from the room, but he'd be back, and that was the only thing you were sure of.

[forbiddenfantasies1]

Tagged by @twelvemonkeyswere and @samirant. I'm putting off adult responsibilities yet again so sign me up!

What is the color of your hairbrush?

I have a plain black one, and a bright yellow one my son bought me at Christmas.

Name a food you never eat.

Fish. None of em. And people always say "Oh but have you tried..." and the answer is yes. I've tried it, most likely. Saltwater fish, freshwater fish, grilled, baked, fried, stuffed. I don't like it. I will catch it, clean it,and cook it, but I don't want it.

Are you typically too hot or too cold?

Hot. I am so hot natured I keep blankets and jackets on hand for when my mom and sister visit because they freeze.

What were you doing 45 minutes ago?

Watching the last part of Ender's Game with my kids. They had never seen it, and were losing their damn minds.

What's your favorite candy bar?

I'm not really a candy bar person, but I guess maybe a Kit Kat? Is that really a candy bar? I'm unsure.

Have you ever been to a professional sports game?

I have. I love going to games. I really miss sports. Like a lot. A LOT.

What was the last thing you said out loud?

In the spirit of honesty it was "His entire fucking face just annoys me."

What is your favorite ice cream?

My Uncle Vernon's homemade peach ice cream. It tastes like summertime and childhood and love.

What was the last thing you had to drink?

A sip of my husband's rum and Coke. He drinks Captain Morgan Black, and wanted to prove it didn't taste like spiced rum. He is correct. It honestly tastes like vanilla Coke.

Do you like your wallet?

I guess so. It is an arty, swirly thing my sister gave me.

What was the last thing you ate?

Zuppa Toscana and ciabatta bread.

Did you buy any new clothes last weekend?

I bought belly buddy 2.0 an outfit for part of her birthday gift if that counts.

What's the last sporting event you watched?

I rewatched the Rose Bowl game between Oklahoma and Georgia just because I was desperate. That game landed me in the ER after my BP spiked when we blocked their field goal attempt in the 2nd overtime, and left me with a migraine I couldnt shake. It was worth every penny.

What's your favorite popcorn flavor?

Just butter and salt, I guess. I mainly like popcorn at the movies.

Who is the last person you sent a text message to?

My Mama to see if she needed anything.

Ever go camping?

More times than I could possibly count.

Do you take vitamins?

No. But I get bloodwork done and my levels are excellent.

Do you go to church every Sunday?

No.

Do you have a tan?

Not overly much at the moment, but give it a few weeks. I am naturally olive skinned (but like a light olive) and tan very quickly.

Do you prefer Chinese food or pizza?

Probably pizza. It is a comfort food.

Do you drink your soda through a straw?

If my almost 10 year old ever sees me with a straw he will be so ashamed so I try to avoid them.

What color socks do you usually wear?

None. I tend to be in flip flops or sandals. When I do wear shoes or boots, I usually wear smart ass socks. Exhibit A:

Do you ever drive above the speed limit?

According to my driving report...yes, very often.

What terrifies you?

On a deep level, losing someone else I love, especially one of my kids or my husband.

On a shallow level, I am such a punk bitch with really deep water. There are fish the size of my car. Bigger. That's creepy.

Look to your left. What do you see?

My shirtless husband reading a book with his stupid beard and reading glasses and tattooed arms.

What chore do you hate the most?

Folding laundry. I love cooking, my husband and sons clean bathrooms, and I dance while I mop. But fuck folding clothes.

What do you think when you hear an Australian accent?

The Thornbirds. I may have read that and watched it at too young an age. It left an impression.

What's your favorite soda?

Dr. Pepper, I guess.

Do you go in a fast food place or just hit the drive-thru?

Drive-thru pretty much always.

What's your favorite number?

I don't have one, but my least favorite is 12.

Who's the last person you talked to?

My 8 year old. He asked me if I'd rather be able to fly or to breathe underwater. He designed them after two of my biggest fears, the sadist.

Favorite cut of beef?

Like in butcher terms? I guess the sirloin. But I like tbone steaks the most. I think.

Last song you listened to?

Ain't Too Proud To Beg by The Temptations. It came on while I was showering. It was quite the concert.

Last book you read?

The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I'm doing a 2 person bookclub with my nephew.

Favorite day of the week?

Friday.

Can you say the alphabet backwards?

I sure can.

How do you like your coffee?

Literally half a cup with the other half being either heavy cream or half and half. Then an assload of sugar. I want it super light and sweet.

Favorite pair of shoes?

I hate shoes. I wear them out of necessity.

Time you normally get up?

It varies from 5:30 to 9:45.

Sunrises or sunsets?

Sunsets. Sunrises come so early.

How many blankets are on your bed?

One.

Describe your kitchen plates.

They're big and green, with a slight upward curve.

Describe your kitchen at this moment?

Dishes in the dishwasher. Pan of brownies on the counter. There's a loud kid at the table, eating cheese dip. Another one is sitting on the floor in boxer briefs, doing an occasional booty dance.

Do you have a favorite alcoholic drink?

It is summer so I like ice cold beer at the moment. In my bar days, I liked CPRs.

Do you play cards?

My kids have become obsessed with card games during quarantine so now I'm forced to play blackjack, 5 card draw, Texas Hold Em, and War.

What color is your car?

Black.

Do you know how to change a tire?

I wasn't allowed to get my license until I could do that and a handful of other things to a car. My dad was super laid back about a lot, but not that.

Your favorite state?

I like every state I've been too so far other than a big chunk of Florida and Missouri. And to be fair I only hated driving through Missouri.

Favorite job you've had?

It wasn't a job, but my internship at an elementary school was amazing. I also like my bullshit clerk job I had where I met my husband but that's because it was super easy, paid decent for what I needed at the time, and the hot older supervisor (not mine) let me shamelessly flirt with him.

How did you get your biggest scar?

I guess my csection scar is technically my biggest, and I got it by having 5 babies harvested out of me.

My biggest noticeable one is on the back of my forearm. I had a drunk woman put a cigarette out on me many years ago. The night did not end well for either of us.

Whew. That was a lot, but they were fun questions! Most of the people I would have tagged have already been tagged so if you have been, consider yourself tagged again. And if you haven't, consider yourself tagged if you want!

[the-ship-maker-2]

The Shadow Queen (book 1)

This is the first book in my series that I'm writing. Its entirely original and all of these characters are mine.

Rated:M for mature. There's some strong language in here so if you're sensitive please don't read it.

Warning(s): character death and violence. If you're sensitive please do not read and I'm not saying who it is.

Summary: Two demon princes from the underworld of Hell go up to the forbidden land of the living (Earth) on a loose trail of a prophecy that could potentially change Hell for better or for worse. What happens when they find the main part of the prophecy? A human infant no more than six months old baring the gift of The Sight. A rare gift that is naturally born with. Could this be what they're looking for?

------------------------------------

Prologue

"Are you sure about this?", asked the demon prince, Kael as he eyed the baby in its crib in a mixture of distrust and disgust with his golden brown eyes.

He didn't like humans as it was especially live ones and especially tiny ones. There was just something about tiny humans that made him automatically distrust them. They were always planning something. Also humans dead or alive were always useless and primitive, far less superior then he and his friend was.

"I'm positive I wouldn't have pulled so many strings just to drag you up here for nothing", said his friend Jorggon,"this is the one Satan himself said that this was the one" he picked up the infant that was already squirming in its crib.

"Right but are you sure we can trust him? I mean he could be wrong. We could be wrong. I mean we came all the way up to Earth for that?", Kael gestured to the baby in Jorggon's arms.

"I have no reason to believe that he would misinform us. I mean what reason would he have to lie to us? You just don't like the fact that she's not all grown up so she can take care of what she needs to take care of now. You were always so impatient", said Jorggon as he stuck his tongue out at him and went back to smiling at the baby.

Kael sighed and crossed his arms and looked away. They have always been complete opposites. He has always been a warrior type. Which explains his muscular well toned body structure. Rough and tumble style, fight or die attitude. Jorggon was more of an intellectual type with a lean body. Jorggon's pale skin made him look like a ghost in the infant's dark room. Even in his shadowy mist form he was easy to pick out. Whereas Kael had a dark tan complexion. It made him even harder to pick out in the pitch black room. And in his shadowy mist form; everyone will be none the wiser.

He took a moment to really take in the room around him. The room was pitch black. You could only make out a shape that was most likely a dresser. The walls were bare white and the crib was made out of oak wood with a mattress in it and on the side of the wall that the crib was pushed up against had what he assumed to be the baby's name hung up. The floor was made of unfurnished creaky wood that was gray and black from the dirt and the old age of the house that they were in.

The room was plain and bare. Most likely the infant's family didn't have much to work with. They were poor.

"We're just lucky that the princess is only an infant for now like that thing over there and who the hell names their child Talura?", Kael pointed to the name hanging up on the wall.

"Apparently her parents", said Jorggon,"pay no mind to him Tal". He nuzzled the baby.

"You're giving it nicknames now?!", he exclaimed exasperated and in disbelief.

The baby giggled and looked up at Jorggon into his pale blue eyes with her unnaturally wide blue-green eyes. Taking in all his features.

"This is definitely the one", confirmed Jorggon.

"How do you know?", asked Kael unsurely.

He handed baby Talura over to Kael as she had a fistful of his curly blonde locks. Kael retreated further into himself practically hissing.

"I'm not holding that thing!", he refused.

"Stop shouting you'll wake up her parents! Wait where are they anyways? Normally parents run into their children's bedrooms if they hear their children in the night" Jorggon whispered hissed.

"They're either heavy sleepers or very neglectful", huffed Kael,"besides we can easily cloak ourselves in our shadow form and no one will be able to hear us. We can do that you know"

"Stop being a little bitch and hold Tal and look at her eyes", said Jorggon getting annoyed holding the baby out for Kael to take.

Kael sighed and reluctantly took the child. He held her out away from him and inspected it suspiciously.

"What's so special about this thing? She seems relatively healthy. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with her. There's no way that she could possibly be- oh my dear sweet darkness", he realized in thought.

Those eyes. Those eyes. Those eyes.

He couldn't look away even if he wanted to. His golden brown eyes met her blue green ones. But they were so unnaturally wide. She was definitely going to get bullied for that as she grows up. But he was sure that she could deal with it when the time came. Her eyes were like windows to the soul and right now she was still so very still. She looked at him with her mouth slightly agape. He sucked in his breath not daring to make a sound or move. Then she suddenly broke into a smile and a fit of giggles. She reached her hands out trying to grab his slicked back dark chocolate brown hair.

"Ah ah I ain't falling for that one", he told her as he held her out as far away from him as possible. "Here take her back and put her in her crib please".

"Do you believe me now?" He took her back and gently laid her back down.

Kael nodded, "she's gifted, she has The Sight. Not many people are born with that. Normally they either get it by sacrifice or after death. She is The Sight part of the prophecy"

"You know we're both going to have to train her how to use The Sight", said Jorggon as he looked back at him.

"I know but you know I can't do much", said Kael softly as he looked down.

"Then do what you can when you can", said Jorggon as he ran his hand over baby Talura's head and to her temples and whispered a spell to make her sleep.

Baby Talura yawned and her eyes were beginning to get droopy. Satisfied with his work he turned to Kael.

"We should get back before you get into trouble".

He turned into a mass of shadowy mist and went through the wall. He popped back out.

"You coming?", he prodded.

Kael nodded.

"Yeah in just a few minutes"

He shrugged his shoulders "okay just don't stay too long".

And with that he disappeared into the wall. That just leaves Kael alone.

He walked over to baby Talura's crib quietly, careful not to disturb her. He looked down at her sleeping figure. Her head leaning to the right and her arms up, her chest slowly rising and falling as she's taking rhythmic shallow breaths.

He took a deep breath.

He looked down at her with pity. She was destined to be a coward. With that she wouldn't be able to survive in either Earth or Hell. It was unlikely that she would have many friends or a good family to support her.

He couldn't do much as his time was running out and he was unfortunately limited in his powers. But there was one thing that he could do although it was very risky for both him and her. If his Queen found out anything about her being part of the prophecy she would destroy her in no time. He didn't mind the punishment for himself he's willing to make that sacrifice.

But he believes in fair punishment people should get punished for their own stupidity not someone else's. He just doesn't think he can live with himself knowing that he helped ensure killing an innocent's life before it even began.

But if he wanted a hell's chance in even remotely having the prophecy come true he was going to have to risk it.

Yes he was being selfish. And he knew that but he quickly justified it with what he'll do is for her own good and he can leave with a semi clear conscious.

He looked back and forth to make sure no one was watching.

"Alright little one I'm going to do something that will only hurt for a moment but it will be for your own good and one day you'll thank me", he whispered cooed to baby Talura.

She shifted in her sleep as Kael took her tiny hand. With his other hand he took his sharp nail and poked his hand and her hand to draw blood. She began to cry.

He sucked in his breath as he felt a twang of pain in his heart as he heard her cry. For a moment he almost knew what it felt like to be a parent.

"I know, I know little one but the pain will subside soon", he whispered as he was trying to reassure the crying child.

He pushed away any feelings of guilt and pain and he got down to business. He put his bleeding hand into hers.

"I hear by swear on everything that I am and everything that I was that I give you the gift of Intuition. This will help you see what's really there and to help you make decisions based on what you think is right. I believe that I'm doing this with benevolent intent and this promise-gift is now bonded by blood and it can never be broken as a blood promise", he whispered,"And you always keep your promises"

He used his magic to heal them both and ran his hand over her head and whispered the same spell Jorggon used to make her fall asleep the first time.

By a few minutes later she was fast asleep again.

He sighed in relief but then he was overcome with worry.

"Although I gave her a gift, whether she uses it or not is on her. It could be potentially useless. And it's not an exact science. She'll need to practice and hone that just like The Sight. She's going to be wrong most of the time and not to mention people that will cut her down and try to break her….", he was letting his thoughts ramble.

He took a deep breath and shook his head to clear it. He realized that he had something that he hasn't had in a long time.

Faith.

He had faith that she'll grow up to be enough of a person and she'll practice and hone her gifts. Despite what anyone says or does. He chuckled to himself. He had quite the feeling that she'll be someone who makes their own way regardless.

Satisfied with what he did and his worried thoughts put to rest for now he really needed to get back before his Queen suspects anything. He changed into a mass of shadowy mist and went through the wall to get back. He popped back out to take one last look at the sleeping child.

He went back alone with his thoughts. He hoped that he put his faith in the right place. He hoped that he was right in what he did and thought.

And right now that's all he really can do.

Hope.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

4 Years Later

It's been four years since that fateful night. Talura was a small petite child with a head full of short wavy hair that couldn't decide whether it wanted to be brown or red. She still had those unnaturally wide eyes that fluctuate from blue-green to blue-gray or to sometimes a mossy green. They framed her face in such an awkward way but when she grew into them there's no doubt that she'll be considered some form of attractive. She had fair tan skin from playing out in the sun all day. She was small for her age due to slight malnourishment but that didn't stop her from anything. She was a big ball of contradictions. She was timid yet very excitable. Bold and daring yet wary and cautious. She was a whirlpool of emotions. Jorggon thought that it was charming that she was, to put it nicely, unpredictable.

Kael on the other hand found it quite annoying. He couldn't pinpoint a pattern with her. Yet another reason why he wasn't fond of children. They were always changing and springing surprises on adults. He didn't like their unpredictableness. She was an open book but he didn't know how to read her. The one thing he could see blatantly was her emotions. He sincerely hoped that she'll grow out of that as he firmly believes that no one has the luxury to be vulnerable with their emotions in any world.

But what they could both agree upon was that they were happy that she was practicing and honing The Sight.

Jorggon was more patient than Kael was because Jorggon was there more often than he was. From the ages 1-2 Jorggon got her to take her first steps and got her to form simple, incomplete polite sentences. They taught her that she could not just simply run up to them. It took her awhile to catch on to that concept but eventually she did. She learned to wait patiently and say "come please". It wasn't guaranteed that they'll always show up to teach her that she can't always get what she wants. But most of the time they came to her. Only in their shadow form to make it easier on them. Results varied from her throwing a temper tantrum when it didn't work to her just gracefully accepting it and focusing on something else. By the ages 3-4 she learned to be patient and accept that sometimes The Sight didn't always work to the best of her ability. She started forming simplistic but more complete sentences and talked non stop. Sometimes it was about her day or what was bothering her or what was just on her mind. Although she didn't know anything about them as far as she was concerned they were just shadows that sometimes showed up and she'd talk to them. They would always take the time to listen to her however serious, dull, amusing or confusing as it may be.

Kael didn't show up often as he had other things to take care of. But when he did he was always amazed at how fast she was developing. Whether it was with her gifts or just growing up. He was always secretly proud when she learned a new skill set whether it was mundane or had to do with her actual gifts.

What he was most proud of was that she was always using his gift of Intuition. He didn't think that she fully realized that she was using it but when she gets older she'll realize it more and hopefully use it to its full potential. She was wary and cautious so she didn't get into as much trouble as other kids her age. But make no mistake that she made mistakes so she got into some trouble as that's what children do.

He was relieved that his efforts were not in vain and that was good enough to him.

Kael would never admit this to anyone especially to Jorggon, his closest and oldest friend. But he was sort of getting attached to the child. Like a reluctant big brother. He felt sorry and angry for the child. Her mother was either busy working or sleeping. I mean she always made sure that there was always food Talura could get. Bless her soul her mother was a good person but she wasn't very strong in any way. Her father on the other hand was a brute and a bully. Always beating on her mom or just neglectful towards Talura. He felt sorry for her because one of his predictions came true. She's going to have a tough home life. But hopefully the Intuition will help her stay on the right path. And he feels angry towards her parents because they won't take care of her properly and she doesn't deserve that. He almost decided to say fuck it and just bring her with him and have Jorggon take care of her. Raise her in his royalty status and give her the best life and when the time came they could fulfill the prophecy. But he always decides against it. She needs to stay here to keep her safe. It may not be a good place but it's safer than Hell. And she needs to go through all these hardships because that's just the way it has to be.

However what he has been doing to protect her somewhat is developing and casting a protective cloaking spell made specifically for her very little at a time since he's limited in what he can do. It's not much but at least she can be safe and stay under his Queen's radar until she gets distracted by something else. Just in case shit hits the fan and they can't be there to protect her.

And they both knew it would happen, it was only a matter of time…

It was just like any other night really. Kael was waiting for Jorggon at the portal gates. That's not what they're actually called. But that's what everyone identifies the place as. You just say the portal gates and immediately everyone in Hell knows what you're talking about. But like the gates and landscape the real name has long since faded away.

Don't get me wrong it used to be a beautiful place. Although all of the colors have been drained out of Hell over time. You could once tell that the gates were of gold color with vines and brambles long dead growing in between and up the bars. However, the plants still haven't completely taken over yet as you can still see through some of the bars to see what it was and what it might have been. You could see stone benches scattered throughout that was overcome by shrubs and other plants. The grass was long overdue for a cut. The trees were dead and barren. Nothing has grown on them for a long time. Most likely due to neglect the ground was stripped of its fertility and nutrients that it can no longer support any living life.

Not only was the place at one point in time breathtakingly gorgeous in some angles but it used to be a place of myth and legend. As little boys he and Jorggon used to love hearing stories about the portal gates. Legend has it that the darkness herself came here from another world through that clearing and founded Hell and the ways of the afterlife. It was said that she even taught Satan the high lord of Hell himself everything that she knew when Satan first arrived. But all of that was just myths and legends.

What can be confirmed though is that there used to be a coven of witches and warlocks that used to use this spot for their rituals, celebrations and to practice their craft. The Coven of the Earthen. Or The Earthen Witches to put it simply. It was top secret since no one really knew what they were up to. Only the very elite, rich, gifted, or intelligent could be invited and initiated to join. But no one except the people within the coven knew how to go about that. The original first generation of the coven was made up of five witches and warlocks. One for each of the main gifts that they were naturally born with. Sight which included visions (most prophets have The Sight), and can see right through people and other paranormal things. They are often truth seekers and always have the executive decision. But The Sight is the rarest gift to be naturally born with. Next, we have Hearing. They are very good listeners and make very good spies. They can truly listen to what their mind, body and soul wants hence they are very balanced in their emotions and logic. They also listen to what nature tells them if you listen closely you can hear the whispers of the wind. Next we have Touch. They are more sensual and sensitive of the bunch. With this gift they can often feel the emotions of other people and objects. They can often read people better. Next, we have Taste. Taste is very interesting. People who have this gift have a better sense of fashion and food and like to live the high class life. But they're able to sense if anything has been poisoned. Same thing with people who have the gift of smell. They follow their intuition with their nose. The original coven is made up of the top five witches and warlocks alike. They are the ones who get the executive decisions. Those gifted with Intuition and strength are below the main 5. They were the advisers. The rest were below them respectfully and they were gifted with someone else or highly intelligent. Hell's golden years.

Kael slowly frowned.

But as time went on the ruling powers in all five realms gradually became more and more corrupt and greedy and selfish. It was to the point where it even began to spill in over to the Coven of the Earthen. Instead of staying as as place of peace, prosperity and through hard work and dedication and honor, it became a place of elite greed. Anyone with money and ambition could get in. The coven became a hollow shell of its former self and so has the portal gates.

"But soon all of that would change for better or for worse", said Kael in thought as his thoughts drifted over to Talura.

They haven't checked up on her in a while. He really wasn't sure how much time has passed on Earth. The child had to be no more than five to six years of age by now give or take with how long it's been. But security has been tight around Marbleedge. Turns out Queen Victorienne was getting suspicious of Kael's and Jorgon's disappearances even though it wasn't often or for very long. But today they managed to make time for this visit.

What was beginning to worry him was that Jorggon hasn't shown up yet. It was an hour later. Normally Jorggon was the one who arrived early or they showed up on time together. Something told him that something was very wrong here. There was only one place Jorggon would be since he wasn't allowed to go out much along with Kael. Not being the one to ignore instincts and intuition he ran back to the palace and prayed to the darkness that the worst of the worse didn't happen.

"Sweet darkness not today, I knew that it was only a matter of time, but not today", he prayed in thought over and over again.

He got to the palace and to his spot where he can normally sneak in and out with ease. But the guards beat him to it.

"Halt! Kael Bloodsworth you're under arrest for committing high treason", said one of the guards as two others handled him roughly since Kael wasn't going down without a fight.

But in the end Kael was on the ground face planting the dirt with his arms tied behind his back.

"You have no proof that I committed high treason", mumbled Kael since he was in the dirt.

"I'm sorry what was that?", asked the first guard who ordered his arrest.

The guard on his right pulled his hair to make his head go up.

"I said that you have no proof that I committed high treason", said Kael through gritted teeth as he spit out the dirt.

"Oh but we do~", said a silky predatory voice coming from the shadows of the trees that he knew all too well.

"Queen Victorienne", he spat out,"should have known it was you".

Victorienne came out of the shadows. She was strikingly beautiful. She had milly pale skin with raven black hair with purple streaks in it. She had light brown almond eyes. With plump lips that she used as a sweet poison. She has a nice figure to her that would make any woman dead or alive jealous. She had curves in all the right places. She had breasts that were plump and perky but they weren't so big that they got in the way. Her ass swayed when she walked like she was harmony personified. She had on a silky sparkly black dress with it slit to the side just to tease the people as she walked by with her fair legs.

To Kael she reminded him of a cross between a viper and a black widow.

"And you should have known that you couldn't get past me. You would fail eventually it was only a matter of time", she spoke like she was scolding a child for trying to pull a prank on her.

It made him sick that she was speaking to him in such a manner because he knew the truth of what lays deep inside her nonexistent soul. Nothing but cold anger, hatred and wrath.

"Where's Jorggon?", said Kael fighting against his restraints as he got to the point.

"Oh you'll see", said Victorienne darkly smiling viciously.

She turn to the first guard,"bring him to the throne room!"

She strutted, leading the way with all of them following her.

When the got to the throne room Kael was shoved roughly down to the floor getting a face full of floor and dust. Kael coughed and struggled to at least sit up and he didn't like the sight that he saw.

"Jorggon!", yelled Kael desperately.

Jorggon snapped his head up, "Kael!"

He had his head locked in place in the guillotine with the silver blade hanging high and his hands and feet were tied.

"I'm so sorry Kael! I tried! I tried very hard but I was caught! But I-I still didn't tell her anything!",blubbered on Jorggon as he was crying.

He realised that this was the end for him.

"Shhh...it's okay you did nothing wrong I appreciate your loyalty and effort. May Hell be forever grateful", said Kael as he tried to reassure his best friend.

"He should have been loyal to me! You should have been loyal to me! Everyone should be loyal to me!", hissed Victorienne angrily.

Honestly she acts like a child when she doesn't get what she wants.

"Give me one good reason why I should give you my loyalty to someone who is unfit to rule", said Kael rather nonchalantly.

She moved fast with the speed of a viper and smacked him so hard across the face you could hear a crack. It took him a couple of minutes for him to process what happened and to move his face back to look her in the eyes.

She grabbed his chin to make damn sure he was paying attention.

"Why you should be loyal to me?", she said in disbelief, "why you should be loyal to me?". She said it a second time more loudly and angrier.

She got really close to her face,"When the Great War was over and your mother died and I ascended to the throne. I could have killed you along with her but I decided not to. I saw potential in you. You would make a fine young prince and a deadly weapon! I couldn't just leave you on the streets".

Kael spat in her face,"Don't pretend you took me in out of the kindness of your heart when you don't have one. You killed my mother just for the chance to get the throne. You only left me alive and took me in because you needed weapons a new generation of tools for your disposal".

Victorienne feigned a hurt look,"The game of power and politics is a very dangerous one. It's not my fault that your mother was too weak to win the game. Weakest links get cut off in the end your mother should have known better. And don't be like that. I gave you a friend and freedom"

"You put so many restriction spells on me that I can't even remember what they were. You limited my powers because you knew that I would become too strong and defeat you. So you couldn't take that chance. I can't go anywhere because I'm under heavy surveillance here. Tell me where's my freedom?", he looked over at Jorggon who had his eyes wide as a bunny rabbit,"as for a friend. He is also your son. You just had him so you could keep your legacy going long when you die. But he doesn't see you as a mother. He just sees you as the bitch whore that had him. Nothing more nothing less. Whereas I took the time to raise him and myself. I have always been there for him and have always been his true friend. So of course his loyalty is to me"

She looked like she wanted to snap his neck and she could in a fit of rage that was boiling inside her right now. Instead she shrugged and let go of his face.

"It doesn't matter anyways. Because if you don't tell me what he wouldn't tell me then I'll behead him. You don't want to be responsible for his death do you?, She walked over to the guillotine and put her hand on the lever

Kael hesitated for a moment. He looked down. He was put into the type of situation that he absolutely hated. Someone else was going to die for his actions. He looked at Victorienne, calculating. She was trying to leverage Jorgon's life in exchange for information.

"Selfish bitch", he thought,"sacrificing her own son to for the chance to eliminate a person who could potentially threaten her power". Although he didn't agree with the method it was indeed a smart move on her part. He had to give her that much. He decided to throw her a bone and see if he could get away with it.

"We…", he hesitated and attempted to swallow the lump in his throat that was forming,"we sneak out to the portal gates"

Jorggon let out a sigh and hung his head in defeat.

Victorienne nodded,"and why did you go to the portal gates?"

He hesitated trying to filter out what information he should give out that would be sufficient enough to spare Jorgon's life and not give out too much information that could harm Talura and still try to get the prophecy to happen.

"To...to try to fulfill the prophecy", he uttered out.

"Which prophecy?", she narrowed her eyes.

"You know…the prophecy", he looked down.

She broke out into a cold smile and slowly let out a giggle and then she went into full blown laughter.

"Are you kidding me?! Are we talking about the prophecy? The one that caused the Great War 5000 years ago?", she said in between laughs.

"The Sight, The Strength, The Hearing, The Healing, and The Touch all come together. These five things become one when a shadows circle is cast on the night of the ashen moon. Destruction and a new path of hope lie in its wake and put the wrong things to right",quoted Kael from memory.

"The Sight, The Strength, The Hearing, The Healing, and The Touch all come together. These five things become one when a shadows circle is cast on the night of the ashen moon. Destruction and a new path of hope lie in its wake and put the wrong things to right",mocked victorienne. She rolled her eyes.

"Oh please did you two actually think that you two could fulfill the prophecy by yourselves?"

"Actually yes",asaid Kael.

"Interesting…", she mused,"and tell me did you two actually figure out who or what else was part of the prophecy?"

He kept on looking between Victorienne and Jorggon. He didn't know what else to say that would be walking along a fine line. If he said nothing more his friend would die and it would be his fault. But if he said something that would give away Talura and then the prophecy would never happen and the vicious cycle would spread and repeat. He also believed that a few sacrifices were needed for the greater good of many. He needed to keep on trying to fulfill the prophecy so that he could change all of Hell so no one has to suffer like they did even at the cost of their lives. He just never expected it to be Jorggon. He couldn't give up. He had to keep trying for Jorgon's sake. He at least owed him that much.

He looked over at Jorggon with eyes that said "I'm so sorry". Jorggon craned his head to look at his mother then at Kael. His eyes were heavy with dread but they had a resignation to them. His eyes said "It's okay, it's for the best". Jorggon swallowed, nodded his head and looked down.

Kael said nothing.

"Well I'm waiting", said Victorienne impatiently.

A few moments of silence goes by and Kael says nothing.

"Answer me!", she said getting angry.

Kael still said nothing.

"ANSWER ME RIGHT NOW!", she yelled as he hand tightened on the lever.

Nothing. Not a word. Not a sound.

"Fine. OFF WITH HIS HEAD!", said Victorienne as she pulled down the lever sending the blade falling down.

"JORGGON!", Kael screamed desperately trying to find something to do to stop that blade but there was nothing.

"KAEL!"

Chop. Plop.

The room went quiet. It was too quiet. The silence was deafening to Kael.

Those would be the last words of Jorggon Paleblood. As his head fell off his now lifeless body. It slowly rolled a few times before stopping and looking directly at Kael. Kael watched in shock and mortified as he saw the light gradually leave his eyes.

In Hell there was dead and then there was dead-dead. Dead means you have a chance of coming back if you find the right person and if the price is right. That's why so many humans make deals with demons in exchange for their soul just to see their loved ones again. Dead-dead meas there is no possible way that you can come back. It doesn't matter if you're demon-born, demon-dead or just dead. Once you're dead-dead that's the end of the story for you.

And unfortunately for Kael, Jorggon was dead-dead.

Once the shock faded a little Kael looked down to give Jorggon a moment of silence.

"Thank you brother. You were the only one who's had any faith in me. You knew what I was and you never ran away not once. I promise that I will do everything in my powers and in all five realms of Hell that I will fulfill the prophecy and Hell will change for the better. I owe you at least that much. Thank you for being a true friend and Hell will be eternally grateful for your sacrifice. May the darkness be with you and merciful wherever you are".

"Guards! Clean up this mess at once!",commanded Victorienne.

A few of them mumbled 'yes my lady' and got to work right away.

She walked over to Kael. He made damn sure to look up at her dead in the eyes with the most hateful cold look up to date.

"As for you my prince", she turned her gaze away from him and looked at the two guards that was still holding him,"take him to the dungeon"

A few moments later he was tossed down the stairs and into a cell with the other slaves that were already in there.

"I can't kill you. You prove to be too useful. You're just an asset that we can't afford to throw away. So as your sentence for high treason instead of a high servant. You're being demoted to Slave. Your duties are to work in the obsidian quarry with the others, tend to me and other company that I decide to have over, and help around the palace cleaning and cooking. Any crime will be punished by 50-100 lashings or up to permanent death depending on the crime. Do you understand?"

Kael didn't say anything at first but then he nodded his head curtly.

"Good"

Victorienne slammed the cage door shut and locked it with the jingling of the faded golden keys. She looked at him with a pitiful expression.

"Poor Kael Bloodsworth. You just don't understand how to play the game do you? You threw away your greatest and only asset that you had. And for what? For a prophecy that may or may not exist? For a chance to overthrow me?", she took a deep breath and pretended to wince,"not your best move there Kael".

Kael didn't give her the satisfaction of saying anything in response. He just turned away from her, settled into his corner that he now calls home and looked out the barred window.

Victorienne waited a few minutes for any sort of retort. When she realized that she wasn't going to get one she shrugged and turned away to head up to the palace main room. Kael heard the clicking of her heels fading away and then the slam of the dungeon door.

Kael looked around to take in his surroundings. The rest of the slaves all looked at him and were whispering to one another. The walls and floor was damp and musty. Definitely some of the stone eroded away. It was also dark in there too. It was going to take some getting used to the sun again. If he ever got out for good. He looked around. It wasn't overcrowded but there werea too many people to make it uncomfortable. He saw the piles of straw that the slaves used for beds that were probably covered in urine and feces not to mention mice and insect infected too.

"If you have something to say about me, say it to my face! And if you don't quit whispering about me like I'm not here I promise you that you won't wake up the next day!", his voice boomed.

There was a stunned silence for a few moments. Then the rest of the slaves scurried back into their respective groups and began to talk quietly among themselves.

Kael turned away and tuned them out. He looked out the barred window out to the obsidian quarry which is no doubt where he'll be working first thing tomorrow. His mind wandered over to what just happened like fifteen minutes ago now.

"I'm so sorry Jorggon. But I had too it was for the cause. It's all my fault",he said in thought.

He let out a sigh and leaned his head against the damp stone wall and closed his eyes. The dampness provided some cool relief.

Victorienne was wrong about a lot of things. She was wrong about Jorggon being just an asset. He was so much more than that. He was a true friend and brother and was always there when he needed him the most. They have been through so much stuff together at the hands of life and Victorienne themselves that they formed a bond that even surpassed a blood brother.

She was also wrong about the prophecy. If it wasn't real then why was there a great big war about it? Why was Victorienne pressing questions on who else was part of the prophecy? Because on the off chance of what if? It was prophesied so long ago now that it's more of a myth. But every myth comes from a slim line of truth. There's always that chance of what if? And that was a chance Victorienne wasn't going to take. She'll destroy anyone who challenges her power and gets in her way.

But at least he kept Talura safe.

For now.

But at what cost? The life of his friend?

That's when it dawned on him.

Everything has a price

I mean of course he knew it. Everything has their consequences. You just don't know how big those could be. That's the gamble. But this was the first time he really thought about it more than just having it be common sense.

Is it worth it?

He honestly couldn't answer that even if he wanted to. But he believes that there needs to be a few sacrifices for the greater good of others. It just so happens to be his best friend. As much as he didn't like it his instincts and intuition told him that he did the right thing. He would have to wait until the child was of age and come down here to fulfill the prophecy and hope that Hell would change for the better.

Sweet darkness he hoped that he did the right thing.

But that's all he really can do for the time being.

Is just sit back and hope.