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andreafmn · 8 months

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Running in Circles | Chapter 10

Word Count: 2.7K Warnings: mentions of death, religious trauma

Summary: (Y/N) Rossi is following in her father’s footsteps by joining the BAU team as a profiler. The girl genius knew almost everything but she could have never predicted falling for Aaron Hotchner, her boss, and her father’s friend. in their world mutual feelings are not enough to push them together. Will all the adversities and obstacles they face pull them together or push them apart forever?

A/N: a few days behind is better than a whole year 🫣 anywho very sentimental chapter ahead

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Winter had come at full force that December, and maybe that was the first sign of all that was to come. But for (Y/N), it only signified the anniversary of her mother’s death.

Just like she had done every year before, she had taken that day off, knowing her mind would be elsewhere, and her body would want to be there. Even if it fell on a weekend, she had to be sure that no calls would disturb the day. The monsters could wait one more day.

She looked herself over in the mirror. The turtleneck she had chosen felt particularly choking, her pants hung too low for comfort, and her mother’s necklace stood out too brightly against the dark clothing. Nothing was right. Nothing would ever be right. She pushed her hair behind her shoulders and sighed. That was as good as it would ever get.

She slipped her coat on before she left her house, and she wondered what her mother would have thought of her home. Would she have wanted her closer to the family home? Would she have liked the décor? Would she have poked fun at how messy the house could sometimes get, or would she not have cared at all? Those were answers she would never get. At least not from the one person that mattered the most.

Her father’s car was waiting outside for her, his face wearing a similar solemn look to the one she had. It was the same routine every year. He’d come to pick her up, they’d go to the cemetery, and when David would tell stories of Iris, she would listen. Because she had none to share of her own. She had no memories, no stories, nothing to know of her mother that was her own.

“Hey, dad,” she said as she jumped into the SUV. “It’s a cold one today.”

“It really is,” he chuckled softly “I brought you some coffee and a butter croissant. Something tells me you didn’t eat breakfast today.”

“You know me too well, dad,” she snickered, taking the warm cup between her hands to heat her freezing hands. “Did you eat already?”

“Had myself a bowl of oatmeal with berries and bananas like your mom used to like,” he replied. “Washed it all down with some coffee and came here.”

“That’s good,” she croaked, forcing a smile. “Were you able to get the flowers? My local shop was closed when I went by yesterday.”

“Yeah. I’ve got the bouquet back there,” he smiled. “Peonies, irises, roses, lilies, and baby’s breath. All the ones she liked.”

Every time her father said things like that, her heart broke just a little more. He didn’t know it. She would never say it. But the fact that he had lived a life with her mother when she didn’t even know what she sounded like hurt. It pained her to miss a person she never had a chance to remember.

“Do you know it was your mom that would call you little bird?”

“Did she?”

“She said you were always jumping around and fleeting from flower to flower when you were outside, just like a hummingbird would. That’s why she got that necklace made for you,” David chuckled at the memory. “Even when you were just a little baby, you always seemed to calm when you were with her in the garden.”

“Well, her garden has to be the best one in all of Virginia. Even to this day.”

“You have Emile to thank for that,” he laughed. “If it had been up to me, it would have died so many years ago.”

“And I guess I inherited your lack of a green thumb.”

“That you did, little birdie,” he said. “But you did inherit her good taste. For your third birthday, the last one with your mother –may God have her in his glory—you insisted on having a garden fairy party. Iris asked you what flowers you wanted everywhere, and you said peonies. Well, at the time, you called them peenies.”

“I… I don’t remember that,” she stammered. “I wish I did.”

“That’s okay, little bird. We have the pictures, and I’m sure there’s a VHS somewhere with the video. Just have to check in storage, which might take a bit more than it should.”

“It wouldn’t if you let me organize it, dad. I’ve told you many times that you need to set up a system so things don’t get lost in all the junk you still have from the olden days.”

“Hey! You learned a lot from those olden days,” he pouted. “Those olden days paid for everything we have.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s not disorganized.”

By the time they had reached the cemetery, they were a mix of laughter and sadness, coupled with the most beautiful bouquet they’d brought to date. There was a thin blanket of snow covering the ground, a cold breeze whistling through the air. It was a horrible day to be out, but they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

(Y/N) was expecting the bad weather. And although her coat did nothing to warm her against the wind, she hugged it closer to her body. What she was not expecting was to find Hotchner and Jack waiting on a bench right in front of her mother’s grave.

“Aaron,” David called out with a smile that alerted the father and son to their presence. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Once they were near enough, Jack took off on a soft run toward the woman. “(Y/N)!” he called as he reached to hug her. “You said we could come, remember?”

“Of course I do, buddy,” she smiled softly. “I’m happy to see you.”

“This is your mom, right?” The boy led her to her mother’s tombstone by the hand. “Iris Jensen.”

“That’s right,” she said. (Y/N) knelt down and ran her hand across the picture of her mother, tears already building in her eyes. “This is my mom.”

“She’s very pretty.”

“She is, isn’t she?” (Y/N) chuckled as her body betrayed her. Tears fell down her eyes before she could stop them, warming her skin before turning freezing under the weather. Jack quickly reached into his jacket, pulled out a blue handkerchief, and handed it to her. “Thanks, kid.”

“Jack, why don’t you join me on the bench, and I can tell you about her?” David said. “I’ve got some great stories.”

“Is that okay, (Y/N)?”

“Of course, Jack,” she smiled. “Go ahead.”

As the kid ran to her father, Hotchner wrapped his arms around her. Normally, she would have grown flustered at the interaction, but at that moment, she needed the comfort. “You okay?” he asked quietly. “This must be so hard.”

“I don’t know why I’m like this,” she muttered. “It’s been years already. I barely even knew her.”

“She was still your mom, (Y/N). It’s only natural that you feel this way.”

“I don’t even remember what she sounds like,” the woman sniffled. “I don’t even know what kind of mom she would have been growing up.”

“I… I’m sorry, (Y/N). I don’t know what to say.”

“It’s okay,” she smiled softly as she let him go. She got on her knees and started cleaning the tombstone, removing all specs of snow regardless of how futile it may have been. “There’s not much to say.”

“All I know is that I wish I had met her.”

“Yeah,” she chuckled. “Me too.”

Aaron left her by herself then, allowing her the space to tell her mother about the year that had passed. She told her about her cases, told her about her friends, and even told her about her ever-growing feelings for an unmentionable person. But, most of all, she told her about how much she missed her.

But it didn’t go over her head how she missed someone that much without really knowing who they were. She carried inside an emptiness that wasn’t easily filled, and as hard as her father tried, never would be. And David tried, in his own way. He had his own grief to carry, and she knew that. She knew he hurt and wished Iris was still with them. But he’d found solace in the time he had shared with her while (Y/N) yearned for even just a second more with her mom.

“I wish you were here, mom,” she cried as she stood. “I see videos of you, and I can’t tell if that’s what you really sounded like or if your voice is too distorted by the camera. I wish you’d had more time, mom.”

“You and me both, little birdie,” her father said as he joined her. “But she’s in God’s glory now.”

(Y/N)’s blood boiled at that moment. She had never been religious, much to her father’s dismay. More than just the deity not fitting into her scientific mind, she couldn’t believe in a god like her father did. Normally, she didn’t mind his religious interjections. They were a part of who he was, and she didn’t want to belittle his beliefs. But that day, something inside her couldn’t stand it. Much less when he started to mutter a prayer.

“I’ve asked you to please not pray aloud when we’re here, dad. Do you mind?”

“Honey…”

“No, dad. I really don’t want to listen to you talk about your god or ask to have mom in his infinite mercy. I don’t wanna hear about it!” Her tone came out harsher than she intended, but she couldn’t contain herself. Years and years of bottling up her feelings had her at her limit, and it was that moment that they had chosen to spill over. “Just, keep it in your head.”

“I don’t understand, (Y/N). You never minded before,” David muttered. “There was a time you used to believe in God. You even used to ask me to pray with you.”

“Jesus, dad, I did that for you.” As she exclaimed Hotch told Jack to wait for him in the car, that (Y/N) needed a moment to herself. Hesitantly, the boy followed his father’s instructions and walked the short trail to the van. All he could understand was that (Y/N) was upset. Once Jack was gone, she continued. “How could I ever believe in a god that took my mother away before I could even remember what my name sounded in her voice? I only went along with it because it seemed to make you happy, but I can’t anymore. I can’t listen to another word of how your god is merciful and how it was all his plan. He took my mother from me. How could I believe in a god that would take a mother from a child? All the memories I have of her are from behind a screen or moments lived by other people. I don’t remember anything about her that’s mine only, dad. You always tell me how you would love to have a second chance with my mom, and I didn’t even get one.”

(Y/N) crumbled to the ground once more and suddenly felt arms around her. Instantly, she knew who it was and found herself sinking into Hotch’s embrace. He tried his best to calm her, telling her that everything would be okay and that she wasn’t alone. She was normally the strong one. She was always the one who kept it all inside and helped others. But too many years of that had her shattered on the ground of the cemetery.

It took a few minutes for her sobs to finally subside, Hotch’s soothing circles on her arms working overtime to calm her down. They had ended up sitting on the cold ground, the snow slowly making its way through their clothes, but neither seemed to care. All that mattered was the comfort and the presence. Nothing else.

“You okay?” Hotch whispered as she finally seemed to calm. “Feeling better?”

“I don’t even know,” she chuckled weakly. “Your pants are dirty now. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, I have a washer,” he joked. “But how are you feeling? I know this must be a very overwhelming situation.”

“I don’t know what I’m feeling, honestly,” she sighed, sinking into the warmth of Hotchner. “It’s the first time I’ve ever blown up like that toward my dad, and I don’t know why I did. It’s been over twenty years that we’ve been coming here, and I’ve never acted like this.”

“I think it’s safe to assume you’ve been bottling up all these feelings for all that time. They were bound to come out one day or another.”

“Don’t profile me, Hotch,” she pouted. “But you’re right. I mean, he lost the woman he loved, and even though I lost my mom, I felt bad for him because he’s the one who had all the memories with her. I never wanted him to feel bad or guilty for the fact that I had to grow up without her. Still, every time he says something like her death was god’s plan or that he has her in her mercy, it just sets me off.”

“Have you ever thought that religion is the way that he copes with her death? Maybe thinking that she is in heaven or that it was her time is his way to come to terms with the fact that she is gone.”

“I guess a part of me does understand that. But there’s a side that doesn’t want to,” she sighed. “But I guess I have to apologize for the tantrum.”

“Your feelings are valid, (Y/N). It’s just the way you express them that could be hurtful to others. But your dad’s a big boy,” he chuckled softly. “He’s at the car with Jack. You ready to go over there?”

“As ready as I can be.”

Hotchner got up first, waiting with his hand extended until she needed it. And with another glance at the tombstone, she took the hand and stood up as well. The man walked beside her the entire time, his presence alone was enough to keep her grounded. As much as she wanted to break down and fall apart, she needed to keep it together.

“And she could spend days in her studio just painting, forgetting that hours passed. She would just lose herself painting and painting,” her father smiled as he talked to Jack. “She would have been there the entire day if I had let her.”

“Do you have any of her paintings still?”

“Of course! All over the house,” he chuckled. “Would you like to see them, Jack?”

“Yes! Can we, dad?” Jack asked as he noticed his father’s approaching figure. “I wanna see the paintings.”

“If it’s alright with Dave, then it’s alright with me.”

“Of course!” the man exclaimed. “The more the merrier. We’ll see you there.”

David and (Y/N) walked to the car in silence. Not saying a single word until they were inside. “I’m sorry, dad,” she finally muttered. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you like I did. You don’t deserve that.”

“I’d say it was long overdue, kid,” he smiled softly. “You like to keep the peace and keep everything in. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened before. You have nothing to apologize for, little bird.”

“But I do, dad. I shouldn’t have yelled at you regardless.”

“Your mother used to say that yelling is the way the soul speaks,” he said. “When you can no longer keep anything in, it comes out fast and unmeasured. Words come out with thorns and spikes. And much like a flower, they don’t mean to hurt you, but it is in their nature to protect themselves. It’s okay to let it out once in a while. Doesn’t matter how it hurts. If my beliefs hurt you, mia bella, all you have to do is tell me. I will try my best to keep it to a minimum.”

“And I will try to talk about how I’m feeling instead of yelling it,” she smiled, taking her father’s hand in hers. “I love you, dad. And I’m still sorry.”

“I love you too, little bird,” he beamed. “And you can make it up to me by helping with dessert tonight. We’re making your mom’s favorite.”

“Tiramisu,” they chorused.

Next ->

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starsignchaser · 4 months

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@jegulus-microfic | June 1st | Pride | word count: 778 happy pride everyone!! no matter who you are, how you identify, who knows or who doesn't, I am so grateful I get to share this pride month with you. lots of love to you all <3

“Potter! Let’s go, Sirius is gonna kick your ass if we’re late!”

Unable to take his eyes away from his reflection, James grips the edge of the bathroom counter tightly.

“My ass? Why is he gonna leave you alone if we’re both late?” His voice comes out with the slightest tremor, no matter how hard he tries. Suddenly, a tuft of black curls appears to his right and he now stands shoulder to shoulder with his boyfriend. His lovely, beautiful, handsome, brave boyfriend.

“No offense, babe, but you know he would never hurt a hair on my head,” Regulus smirks at him, making eye contact through the mirror. However, barely a second passes before the smirk drops, and a small crinkle forms between his eyebrows.

“What’s going on in there, huh?” The shorter boy turns towards James and pokes at his temple, “Are you feeling okay? We don’t have to go if you’re not up for it.”

But James knows that he doesn’t really mean that. This is their first pride parade as a couple and for all his dark mysterious silences, Regulus has been visibly excited about today for weeks now. From the parade itself to the community center booth they were meant to be volunteering at that afternoon, and especially the drag queen performances at their local dive bar that evening, James had never seen Regulus so openly enthusiastic about spending so much time in public. Yet, here he was feeling like his stomach was about to pop out of his eyeballs.

“No, no. Of course, I’m up for it. We’re going to have a great time!” He’s trying his best to sound confident but he knows it’s not cutting it. Regulus grabs his hand and lays his other hand on his cheek, pulling his face down until their foreheads almost touch.

“Jamie, talk to me.” his boyfriend asks, rubbing his thumb along his cheekbone, just below the glitter James had rubbed on only a few minutes before. “You can tell me anything, whatever it is we can figure it out.”

“I don’t,” James squeezed his eyes shut, frustrated that he couldn’t find the words. “I’ve just… I’ve never gone to Pride before. I don’t feel like I belong, or - no, it’s not that, but what if I do something wrong? Or what if people can tell that I don’t fit in? You and Sirius and Remus have all gone to Pride before, you are so much more integrated into the community, you have so many connections, and I only just figured myself out this year! How am I- What am I-?”

“Breathe, baby. Take a deep breath with me, yeah?” Regulus brought James’ hand to his chest and took a deep breath, hoping it would force the taller boy to focus on his breathing. After a few seconds, James was able to breathe normally on his own.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve said something earlier, I just didn’t know how.” James winced and tried to step away but Regulus wouldn’t let him.

“Listen to me, love. You belong at Pride. You are meant to be there. You are just as much a part of this community as anyone else. You belong there for so many reasons but most importantly because you are a beautiful, wonderful, queer man. If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, then they are the problem, they are the ones who don’t belong.” Regulus stepped closer, moving to wrap his arms around James’ waist.

“ And, baby,” he smiled, “my Pride would be incomplete without you. And if that means we spend Pride sitting on our couch watching shitty queer movies and making out, then that is what our Pride will be. And I will still be the happiest man on earth to celebrate it with you. But don’t hold yourself back from going to Pride because you think you “don’t belong” because I will tell Sirius and he’ll double kick your ass.”

Even with tears prickling in his eyes, that finally got a bit of a giggle out of James. The weight that had been settling on his chest all morning was suddenly gone. He grabbed at his partner’s waist, squeezing at his hips, before dropping a kiss to the tip of Regulus’ nose. He could do this. He could do anything with this man by his side.

“Thank you, my love. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“You’d be just fine, darling. But I’m so happy that I’m lucky enough to be with you.” Regulus smiled, his eyes crinkling with his joy.

“I love you, Reg.”

“I love you too, James. Now come on, we really have to go!”

#happy pride everyone!!!! I love you all very much #jegulus #jegulus fic #regulus black #james potter #james potter x regulus black #jegulus microfic #emily writes

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webslingingslasher · 9 months

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GIRL GAVE US A SNEAK PEEK TO THE NERDY PETE FIC ANYTHING IM STARVING

which one?

the one with mean reader, who really can't stand peter and his optimism?

-----

Peter looks at you, he seems almost hopeful and you have to settle the urge to toss the plate to the ground. “You talk about me?”

You cross your arms and sneer, “don’t worry, nothing good.”

His smile drops, “yeah, sorry. I don’t know why..” his curls bounce as he gently shakes his head before pushing the glass into your chest. “Here, eat as many as it takes to feel somewhat okay again.”

You grip the plate and look down, they’re your favorite.

“We, um. We have more over here, so if you want more. Or if you wanna hang out or something I’m here, so…”

Peter’s never been a friend like this before, and it was some pity party you wanted no part of now.

“It’s a breakup. I’m sure I can manage without you just fine.”

His eyebrows turn in, “right. I just thought- nevermind, enjoy the cookies.”

As you’re about to retreat he stops in the doorway, “for what it’s worth, I think he’s stupid and he’s gonna realize what he lost when it’s way too late.”

It’s almost nice, sometimes it sucks when the person you’re supposed to hate has human peek through their armor.

Too bad you’re more guarded than ever.

“Well, then. It’s a good thing you’re not worth much.”

Maybe it’s his resilience that troubles you, no matter how hard you push him away or beat him down with words he’ll pick himself back up and hand your words back in a package of self reflection.

Today is no exception, Peter flashes you a sad smile, this one actually is filled with pity.

“I’m sorry you’re hurting,” you didn’t have a chance to fire back. His door was already shut.

-----

or do we want the virgin peter?

-----

Peter’s head is spinning, you’re in his lap and your bra’s about to come off.

“I’m giving you a clear warning here, when that comes off, I’m going to objectify you for at least two minutes.”

Your movements pause, “have you never seen boobs before?” Pink cheeks, “yes. It’s why I said I’d objectify you. When I was twelve some college girl's top came off at the beach and I thought about that for like, three years.”

“Promise you’ll only think of mine from now on?” What a dumb question. But he wouldn’t tell you that, at least not right now. “I kind of have been, but I promise.” It’s all it takes, for the first time in his life, Peter Parker has a bra on his bedroom floor.

“Holy shit.” His entire life just changed. A winded gasp leaves him when you move your chest, he’s never seen such a beautiful bounce. “You’re…” You perk up while waiting for the release of a million compliments, you know he has them loaded.

“Boobs. Right there. Holy shit.”

You giggle, “wait until you find out you can touch them.” Babmi eyes take over, Peter’s voice pitched. “Touch them?” You puff your chest out and grab his hands, guiding his touch, Peter squeaks when he makes contact.

“This is amazing. You’re amazing.”

“Thanks, I grew them myself.” Peter hasn’t looked at your face once, his opinion still stands. “You’re amazing.” His brain clicks, eyes shoot to yours.

“And beautiful! You’re super pretty and beautiful and you’re letting me touch your boobs and that’s really awesome.”

“I’m glad you like them.” Because you are and his adoration has you leaning down for a kiss.

Peter’s curious touches leave you moaning into his mouth while you grind against his beltline, this was slightly new territory. First time Peter’s touched your chest without a bra, not the first time you’ve grinded on him, but the first time you went past a few teasing brushes.

A sharp groan leaves his lips, it sounds slightly painful. Delicate hands push you back before doing his best to ease your settling. “You gotta move, you’re digging in.” Unsure of where you’re digging, you shift around in his lap. Right then, you feel something poking your left thigh.

You look down, it’s exactly what you thought. “Oh, wow.”

Peter’s sheepish, “yeah…”

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

#nerdy!peter

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shipmistress9 · 2 months

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Made to Order - 3

More of Xaden pining and being down bad for Violet. 😇

Previous Chapter (AO3)

. o O o .

For over a week, I hear nothing from Violet Sorrengail.

It’s not uncommon, I keep telling myself. Not unusual for customers to focus on some parts of their planning and to all but forget about others. She’ll get back in contact. Or she won’t in case she called the whole wedding off. Which I hope happened for reasons I’m not willing to think about too long. But also, I hope that’s not what happened. I was somewhat looking forward to this order—because of the unlimited budget, mainly. No other reason involved.

And I’m definitely putting too much thought into an order that never got officially placed.

It’s not just the order, though, I think to myself as I’m stacking cake layers for a cake that’s due in two days, my thoughts wandering idly. If I lose it, then there’s no harm done, there are enough other orders to make ends meet. It’s about her. Or rather, about my sanity.

Is it possible that I just made her up? Liam keeps telling me I’m working too much. And I admit, I’ve been busier lately than usual. Wedding season and a growing reputation can do that. Maybe she was just a mirage, something my mind conjured up to make me take a break. The paper she wrote that number on must have landed in the bin at some point so all I have from her is a name and a phone number. And she’s not responding to my messages.

Later that night, I sit in the sitting area in the front of the shop, the entrance door long closed and lights turned off, and stare at where she sat. Where I think she sat. I remember it. And yet, it feels surreal somehow. As if she was too pretty to be real. Also, who has hair like that?

Sighing, I pull out my phone and open the chat with her number. I left her a greeting message, letting her know it’s me, followed by the list of additional information I need. There are two grey checkmarks behind those messages, the sign that they reach their destination—but that she hasn’t read them yet. Or she has turned off the read receipts. Both is possible. Or the number is a dead end. Just something I made up.

Gnawing on my lip, I keep staring at the screen. Should I message her again? Ask whether the order still stands? Whether she’s all right? Should I call her?

The checkmarks stay grey, just like they did all week.

Noises echo toward me from the bakery in the back room, and I turn my head just in time to see Liam poking his head through the door.

“Ah, here you’re hiding.” He walks over to me, a frown on his face. “Is something up?”

“No, everything’s fine,” I say, placing the phone face-down onto the table. Getting worked up about this is ridiculous anyway. “How was school?”

Liam snorts at the obvious change of topic. He really knows me too well. “Like every other day, I’d say. Today’s topic was ‘apple’. We had to depict one in as many different ways as possible. Is there a reason you’re sitting out here in the dark?”

Right back to it then.

I glance at my phone again but shake my head. “No, it’s nothing,” I sigh. “What’s for dinner?”

He snorts again. Guess we’re on to a theme for tonight. “It’s Thursday. What do you think?”

Right. Pizza day.

“Okay. Go ahead and clean up, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Liam lets out an audible breath and shakes his head. “Whatever.” He leaves, and when I hear him walking up the stairs to our shared apartment, I stand up as well.

I should forget about all this, about her. I have enough to do without constantly thinking about some woman that might not even be real.

I grab my phone and turn to follow Liam when something on the screen catches my attention.

The checkmarks turned blue and beneath them, the bubble with the little dots tells me she’s typing.

. o O o .

So, she’s real after all.

It’s the only thought I allow myself as she stands in the middle of my shop, dropping puddles of rain water onto the floor. Nothing about how beautiful she looks with her face all flushed or how her hair is clinging to her damp neck and forehead. I’m just glad her coat kept her clothes mostly dry, because I don’t know what I’d have done if her blouse was clinging to her skin in a similar fashion.

“Ah, thank you so much,” she says as I hand her a towel for her hair. “And sorry for the inconvenience. The weather report said it would rain today, but I didn’t expect…this.” She waves toward the window where the world outside is seemingly coming to an end right now.

“You’re welcome,” I murmur, fighting not to stare at her. After this last week of trying—and failing—to not think about her all the time, having her here again is even more distracting than it was the last time. “Is this enough? Or do you need something else?”

She sits down in the same space she occupied the last time, then throws me a self-conscious look. “Something warm to drink, maybe? It’s become pretty cold all of sudden.”

That makes sense, why didn’t I think of that? “Sure, no problem. A coffee? Or…” I hesitate only for a moment then add without thinking, “A hot chocolate, maybe?”

What am I doing?

Her face lights up, and I feel like I can’t breathe. “Oh, a hot chocolate would be fantastic. Just perfect for this weather.” She chuckles, throwing another look outside the window—and I fucking flee.

“Just a minute,” I mutter over my shoulder as I walk past the coffee machine and into the bakery. What am I doing here? Offering a customer coffee or tea is one thing. Normal procedure. Just polite. That’s why the coffee machine is there, after all.

A hot chocolate, though? Prepared from scratch from the milk and cream and baking cocoa and vanilla-scented sugar I use for the cakes? Not normal!

And the worst thing is that I know exactly why I offered it anyway. Because I’m a fool, a fucking idiot.

She’s getting married, for fuck’s sake.

On my way back to the front room, I grab my work notepad as well and keep my thoughts on work topics, even after placing the two mugs of hot chocolate onto the table between us. She thanks me again, and I try very hard to focus on the sound of the rain drumming against the windows and the wind howling around the building. Hoping they might drown out her little moan after taking a first sip.

“Mmmhh, that’s so good. And just what I needed.”

I will not let my thoughts run riot.

“You’re welcome.” I sit down opposite of her, open her order form, and wait. She was the one asking for this meeting, after all. Having to wait two days so I could finish another order before squeezing her in was plain torture, but it’s probably better this way. I shouldn’t jump at every opportunity to see her.

Her eyes fall onto my notepad as well, and she sits up straighter from where she was visibly enjoying my hot chocolate. “Uh, right. Yeah, the cake. But before…” She lets out a small sigh, her shoulders dropping. “I want to apologise for not responding sooner. This last week was…” She trails off, her gaze growing somewhat vacant. After a few seconds, she sucks in a harsh breath, as if sucking back life into her body. “Well, it was a mess. There was so much, time just flying by. I hardly noticed how much time passed, actually.”

“Nothing too bad happened, I hope?” I ask before thinking twice about it. Asking such a follow-up question isn’t weird, is it? Just part of a normal conversation. Not me trying to learn more about her life.

“Yeah, everything’s fine again.” Her gaze is still unfocused when she replies. “I just had to… It’s okay.” She visibly shakes herself out of her thoughts and lets out a weak chuckle. “So, yeah. I’m sorry if I caused you any inconvenience.”

I shake my head, a reflexive smile on my lips that probably doesn’t reach my eyes. “It’s all right, don’t worry about it. I was wondering but all in all had too much to do anyway. But we should decide on a design soon, so we can get to work with the decoration. If your order still stands?” I raise my eyebrows at her, hoping she doesn’t detect the lie in my voice. She really doesn’t need to know how much her silence affected me.

Violet snorts, her lips twitching into a half-smile. “Oh, yeah, it still stands. And yeah, I talked to Dain, and… well, aside from a few key points, he gave me free rein. So we can pin things down for you to get started.”

“Perfect,” I say and open another section within her order form, actively having to keep myself from rolling my eyes. If this Dain isn’t interested in coming here to plan their cake together, then leaving the decision to her alone as well is the least fucking thing he had to do. “Then shoot. What’s the cake supposed to look like?”

“Well, I told him about your suggestion to make this cake with multiple layers but only have the top one be real cake, and he liked it a lot.”

I nod, forcing my expression to stay neutral. No surprise there. I bet he picked five layers. Not three, that’s too common, but seven would seem too pretentious, if I got the right impression.

“So, it should look like five layers in total and—is everything okay?”

I nod and hold up a hand, making a show of clearing my throat with a sip from my mug. Coughing was the only way to cover up the laughter bubbling up in my throat. Some kinds of people are just so predictable, even if I never met them in person before.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. So a stand of four layers with one layer of cake on top.” I put the note into the form, just to give my hands and eyes something to do. “Do you already have ideas for the filling?”

At that, Violet grimaces. “Not really. Dain’s still trying to get a comprehensive list of everyone’s taste and allergies and preferences. Is that a problem?”

“No, not a problem.” I shake my head, making another mental note against this Dain. The wedding cake should be for the wedding couple. Being mindful of other people’s allergies is commendable, but… As Violet mentioned the last time, they would have enough other desserts to choose from. Trying to make other people happy by inquiring after their tastes—well, it fits in with the whole ‘more appearance than reality’ theme of this cake, I guess.

But I should stir myself away from those thoughts and back into professional territory. I gain nothing by convincing myself that her future husband is an ass.

“I won’t be preparing the filling and cake until a couple of days before the wedding, so there’s enough time. What we should decide on as soon as possible though is the design. Most importantly as it would take the longest, do you want figurines as topper? My coworker is pretty skilled at making individual ones that resemble the bride and groom, and any pose you’d want, too.”

At that, she smirks. “Any pose, eh?”

My lips twitch into the first true smile since she arrived today, honest and natural and, despite the topic, without second thoughts. “Well, if that’s the theme for your wedding party, I’m sure Liam can create something… satisfying?”

Violet laughs. True eyes-closed-shoulders-shaking-silly-noises laughter that makes all and any thoughts about professionalism evaporate in an instant. Zihnal, help me, I want to hear her laugh like this again. Forever.

“I don’t think that would be a good idea,” she says, still giggling. “Unless we want a few people to drop dead from the shock.”

Her eyes sparkle as if that thought isn’t entirely unpleasant to her, but her words—the reminder—have the opposite effect on me. Gods, that comment was entirely uncalled-for. I can’t—mustn’t—flirt with her, dammit. It’s already messed up enough as it is.

“But no,” she continues, thankfully unaware of my inner conflict. “I think such figurines on top might come across as… too cheesy for this setting. So, I was thinking…” She looks around and then points at a decorative cake standing in the window left of the entrance door. “Something like this. With lots of flowers… flowing down the side?”

“A flower cascade.” I nod. How unsurprising. “That’s what I would have suggested based on what you said, too. Classically elegant yet still impressive and beautiful. And we can at any point adjust how large you want it to be, whether you just want it on one side or actually ‘flowing’ a bit.”

I add the information to the file. It’s not a bad choice. I like flower cascades. But it also fits in perfectly with the cliché in my head.

“And what colours do you want? Did you already order a bridal bouquet or flower arrangements, something we can use as a guide?”

“Ah, yes.” Violet reaches for her purse and, after only a short moment of searching, pulls out a piece of paper. “This is the colour palette for everything, the flowers, the dresses of the bridesmaids, general decoration. The cake should fit in there. Although, as it’s the special eye catcher, it may come with one alternating colour as highlight, if that makes sense?”

With raised eyebrows, I look at the palette. If I was to marry a woman named after a colour and then have a wedding with a designated signature colour… shouldn’t those two colours match? Shouldn’t the colour for this wedding be purple and not… orange?

“Sure, we can do that,” I murmur without paying too much attention, my mind still stuck on this strange choice. “Pick up the various shades from the palette and colour the paste accordingly. The best colour to work as highlight with orange would be a rich blue or purple then.”

“You’re the one with experience there, but that sounds good to me,” she says with a light smile in her voice

I was just thinking out loud, but then realise purple would be perfect indeed. Maybe this colour was another thing picked for appearance, so bringing her back in as the highlight feels almost mandatory.

“All right.” I glance at my watch. It’s already pretty late, and my day has been long enough. Even though I don’t really want her to leave. “There’s one last question we should talk about now, and that is which kind of flowers do you want. Violets?” I feel like that’s a given, but I still have to ask.

However, to my surprise, Violet just laughs again, a bit more forced this time. “That would be cute, wouldn’t it?” She smiles, a bit wistfully, as she gazes at her engagement ring. “But I think something more elegant would be better. Roses, certainly. I think… this cascade, it should be completely overflowing, lots of big flowers but countless smaller ones around them so you can barely make out where one ends and the next begins. You know what I mean?”

Slowly, I nod. “Yeah, I do.” I see it in my mind, this wedding cake. Certainly more appearance than content. It’ll be big and impressive and proudly boastful in elegant subtle ways. And completely not her.

It makes me sad to think about. She deserves so much more than this. She deserves a wedding that is about her and not a social statement. She deserves better.

But it’s not my place to decide for her.

“Right.” I add the last note to the form, then shut down the notepad. “That would be all for now then. I’ll let you know when we have a few first flowers ready. Then you could come here again to inspect them and decide which ones exactly you want?”

Violet stands up and nods. “Sounds good to me. And I’ll send the list for fillings and allergies your way as soon as I have it.”

“Perfect.”

I’m about to open the front door for her again, when I realise it’s still raining. Sitting here and talking with her just now was so easy and comfortable that I didn’t even notice the weather raging against the windows anymore, but if anything, it only got worse over the past half hour.

“Uhm, should I maybe call you a taxi?” I ask as we both stare at the deluge running down the glass front door alone.

“Yeah, I think that would be more sensible than walking home.” She lets out a short, almost desperate little laugh then turns toward me. “I’m really sorry for all this trouble.” She throws me an apologetic smile and—

My brain circuits. Fuck, I want to kiss her. Those sweet lips, so pretty when she smiles. I want to taste them, want to feel their softness, want to—

I turn away from her, the only way to save myself from a horrible mistake. “It’s no issue at all,” I mutter, trying to get grounded again. But without the direct work context between us anymore, it’s difficult.

I use the phone in the hallway to call a taxi, partially to make it more official so one actually comes here in this weather, but also to get away from her for a moment. I need to get a grip on my emotions or the last minutes of her visit might turn into a disaster.

When I return to the front room a couple of minutes later, I feel—no, not calmer, not around her, but a little bit more in control of myself again. She’s a customer, I repeat in my head. And she’s getting married. This is nothing but stupid daydreaming, and I have no time for that.

“The taxi should be here in a few minutes,” I announce as I reenter the front room.

“Okay. Thanks again.” She picks up our empty mugs and carries them to the counter.

I blink, freezing in place. It’s really no big deal, or it shouldn't be. But the sense of domesticity in that simple gesture is still enough to throw me off. So much for my control. “You don’t have to do that,” I murmur, pointlessly as it’s already done.

“Nonsense,” she replies, her voice ridiculously unperturbed in contrast to the turmoil within me. “Helping you clean up as we wait is the least I can do with how much you’re helping me.”

She hands me the empty mug and glass, and as I take them, my fingers brush along hers. And time seems to just fucking stop.

Her touch, this tiny unexpected contact, feels like a shock. Like lightning sizzling along our skin and up my arm. I can’t stop staring at where her skin touches mine, my pinky finger moving without my help to brush along hers. When I can tear my eyes away, it’s only for them to land on her gorgeous hair instead, hanging in messy damp strands over her shoulder. Even dulled by the rain, they look like metal, like the edges of countless daggers, shimmering in the dim light in here. Swallowing, my gaze wanders up further, back to her lips, so pretty and inviting, and some distant part of my brain is glad there’s the counter between us, saving me. And then my eyes meet hers, wide with surprise, see the realisation in them. See the light dusting of pink on her cheeks, too.

Fuck!

“I’m sorry.” I pull my hands back, having just enough control to hold on to the mugs, and turn away from her. What am I doing?

I can’t look at her again, can’t meet her eyes, can’t even be where she is now. So instead of placing the mugs into the sink here, I carry them back again. But I know that no matter how much distance I put between us right now, it won’t be enough to make that awkward slip-up just now undone.

She’s standing by the door when I finally join her again, gazing out into the stormy night. Not turning to look at me, for which I’m grateful. I should say something, though. Set this right. I don’t want her to get the wrong impression, that I’m some creep lusting after my customers. Even though I don’t even know how true that is when it comes to her.

Before I can say even one word, however, she beats me to it. “There. The taxi arrived.”

I follow her gaze, and there it is indeed, waiting right in front of the shop. With the driver making no attempt to leave his car and hold the door open for her or anything.

“Wait,” I call as she’s about to open the door and leave. I reach for the umbrella beneath the counter and walk over to her. I do this for every customer, I remind myself. That’s why the umbrella is there, after all. A stupid part of me still welcomes the excuse to get close to her again, though. I open the door and hold the umbrella out for her to step beneath. “Okay, now.”

Violet makes a small noise, barely audible against the thrumming rain, but doesn’t hesitate as I lead her outside and to the waiting taxi. She doesn’t turn as she climbs inside, nor does she say anything. It’s only after the door closes behind her, when the umbrella keeps the window clear for a moment that our eyes meet again, hers wide and with an unreadable expression in them. It lasts only for a second before they drive away into the night.

. o O o .

A few minutes later, I’m back in the bakery, preparing yet another mug of hot chocolate. I just need this now.

As the milk heats up, I take a few dearly needed minutes to calm down. As best I can, at least. I really need to get a grip on my emotions.

Yes, she’s beautiful. Gorgeous, even. And even though I don’t know much about her, I can already tell I like her humour and wits, too. And yeah, if I’d met her anywhere else, I totally would have asked her out without hesitation.

But I didn’t meet her anywhere else.

And no amount of daydreaming will change that.

Next Chapter

#riorgail #xaden riorson #violet sorrengail #fanfiction #modern AU #bakery AU #the empyrean #rebecca yarros #fluff

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birdiely · 11 days

Text

Something Uniquely Human

Chapter 2 boys let's go (Chapter 1) (ao3 link)

Doctor, I Can't Tell If I'm Not Me

One way to absolve his crime.

Of all the things he expected to happen after speaking with the lizard, this had to be the worst possible option. There aren't a lot of things that could bother Bill Cipher; there's no form of torture, no violent act or psychological horror that could sway him when he's made up his mind. And believe him, people have tried. He laughs in the face of his torturers, sometimes giving them advice because they clearly don't know how to torture people effectively.

But this–this was unlike anything he had ever endured. Alone in a white room, his only company a single mirror and the various inspirational posters the wardens with the audacity to call themselves nurses had put up for him, he lay on his bed staring at the blank ceiling. He replayed his conversation with that stupid reptile over and over again. Honestly he thought it had gone pretty well, there wasn't much more he could've said to make himself look good. It wasn't his fault Axie’s a pretentious, holier than thou, self-righteous, know it all, moron.

Every day was exactly the same. Talk therapy, group therapy, arts and crafts, puppet hour, reflection time, talk therapy, group therapy, arts and crafts, puppet hour, reflection time. The only thing that ever broke up the never ending cycle of people poking around at his business was the surprise checkups. Which was just more people poking around at his business, honestly, but at least this time he could get them to stick the IV in and leave him alone.

His train of thought halted when he heard the knock at the door. “Patient 63205? This is nurse Premolaris, I'm coming in.” Bill sighed and sat up. Here we go again. “Good evening 63205, how are we today?” Premolaris was probably his favorite of all the nurses and therapists around this awful place. That's not to say that he liked her by any means, it's just that she's the least terrible. She had a toothy smile a little too large for her face, and 8 eyes stacked on top of eachother. Bill thought that that was too many features for one face, one eye had served him just fine for longer than her species had even existed. “Terrible. I hate it here.” He answered her flatly, rubbing his face and she wheeled in a cart of medical supplies. She hummed in thought at his response. “Have you been doing your positive affirmations?” She sat down on a small stool and typed something into a holographic pad in front of her. It faced away from him and he couldn't tell what was being written down, he just knew he resented it.

“Oh, of course! Everyday I stare at myself in the mirror and tell myself what a pretty princess I am!” He clasped his hands together and kicked his short legs back and forth off the bed sarcastically. “Please. If there was anything good worth saying about myself I would know it already.” He dropped the act with that and crossed his arms, looking away from her. “Now, Bill,” the use of his real name took him aback a bit, “You know very well that that isn't the purpose of positive affirmations. Having knowledge, and being convinced of something are two very separate ideas.” He huffed. She put the cold metal of her stethoscope up to the closest area he had to a chest. It made him shiver. “Remember what you learned about self deprecation? Give me your arm,” She wrapped the stethoscope around her neck and held out her hand. He rolled his eyes but held out his arm surprisingly willingly this time, and Premolaris put a small clamp over his index finger. She continued as she read the data on the screen, “What you s-” Bill cut her off, “What you say about yourself you believe about yourself. Blah blah blah, I know.” She looked at him with a disappointed expression, but didn't linger on the subject anymore. He cringed internally. He was so sick of people looking at him like that; that terrible mix of disappointment and pity, it was driving him nuts.

She typed something in again and removed the clamp, and he retracted his hand. “Well 63205, I'm going to be honest with you. I personally do not see you leaving any time soon.” “Wow, thanks.” He answered in an exasperated, monotone voice. “However,” she emphasized, “Somebody special has requested to see you.” Now that got his attention. A requested visit? Somebody special? Who in the multiverse would willingly visit Bill Cipher? Certainly not those backstabbing henchmaniacs, they haven't come to see him once. Although he couldn't totally blame them, he wouldn't willingly visit this place either, regardless of who was inside. Before he could ask any of the many questions plaguing him though, she stood up with a sigh, gathered her things and started to leave. “Have a good rest of your day, 63205. I'll see you in the morning.” The door opened and closed behind her quietly. And he was left alone with his thoughts again.

When night finally came he couldn't bring himself to sleep. Sleep had become one of his dominant coping mechanisms for the draining dullness of his everyday, and yet he couldn't stop his mind from running through a list of everyone he knew. As the night dragged on, he could hear the night shift workers outside his door. He thought again about Premolaris' sentence, and the context she said it in. And suddenly, like a freight train, the realization hit him all at once. The only person in any dimension that would want to speak to him about leaving the theraprism, it couldn't have been more obvious. He internally cursed at himself for becoming just as slow as all the other knock off villains in this place. And suddenly he was more eager than ever to get to sleep. He closed his eye trying to force his consciousness away.

—---------------------------------------

A different form, a different time.

He fluttered his eye open, giddy like a little kid when he saw absolutely nothing. The small, padded room he had grown somewhat used to seeing was replaced with deep space and distant star clusters. Before him rested the Axolotl. He held an unreadable expression, and patiently waited for Bill to fully come to. Oh this was going to be so easy. All Bill had to do was recite all the big therapy words he memorized, tell a good sob story, and fain repentance. He had to fight to keep the smug look off his face.

“Bill Cipher.” The Axolotl's voice echoed out into the void, reverberating off of Bill. “How has therapy been treating you?” “Oh, it's been great, Axie. I really feel like a new triangle.” Bill said, adjusting his bow tie. “This is good to hear. Although some have said you are having trouble, is this true?” “Psh, of course not.” Bill waved him off. “You know me, Ax, I'm the best patient they have. I'm running circles around all those other wannabes.” He stretched out his hand to look at his nonexistent nails. The Axolotl hummed at that. That's never a good sign. “Self improvement is not a competition, Bill, there is no trophy of gold. Perhaps you are not as ready as I have been told.” “What?!” He cleared his throat–as if that makes sense–and tried to regain his composure. “I just- I meant I'm making so much progress it could be considered a sport. Not that it is-! Figure of speech, y'know?” Nailed it.

“Ah, I see. In that case I have summoned you to bear you one final word, only good news, rest assured.” “Lay it on me, Axie.” “To earn your freedom, one final test. However be warned, failure means eternal rest.” For just a moment Bill let his concern wash over his face before scrunching it back into its calm and collected facade. What in any world did that mean? failure means eternal rest? What, is he going to actually kill him if he screws this up? He decided not to worry about that, though. How could he possibly screw it up? He always had some cheat or scam, there's no way.

“What kind of test..?” He questioned. Though some part of him didn't want to know. “A record of all those who you have burned; to gain your freedom, first forgiveness must be earned.” You have got to be kidding. “Forgiveness? Hey, don't worry about it, big guy. I totally forgive you for locking me away in prison against my will.” A little cockiness sneaked its way into his tone. “That is not what I meant.” “Ehh, worth a shot. So who is this final boss anyway?” “The choice is yours, but wise may your choice be, not all will grant you such mercy.”

What a joke. Gaining anyone's forgiveness would be the easiest task he could think of. Who wouldn't forgive him, he's so charming? And it's not like he's done anything actually wrong, humans in particular just tended to be extra sensitive. Speaking of: his choice definitely needed to be human. It was so easy to trick those flesh bags it was almost comical. He ran through a mental list of all the humans he had met, but quickly had to narrow it down to the ones who were still even alive. The Axolotl could visibly see the light bulb go off in his head as he came to his conclusion.

“Stanford Pines, 21st century.” He declared with pride. Of course he had to choose good ol Fordsy. He was reliably consistent, malleable, and oh so gullible. If he wasn't senile by now he could easily fall back on old tricks; Ford's almost crippling insecurities and need to feel important was too great to withstand Bill's attention. A couple well placed compliments and reassurance and Ford would practically be begging to make another deal. He almost felt bad for slipping right under Axie’s nose like that. Almost.

“And you are sure this is the being you wish to meet? It may not be as simple as you think. For if trouble should befall you in this land, I will no longer be here to hold your hand.” The Axolotl warned, but he was quickly brushed off by Bill's unwavering self confidence. “Yeah, yeah, yeah I get it. Improvement takes time, forgiveness is earned not taken, yak, yak, yak. I've heard this all 100 times over, Ax. Just snap your fingers and let's make this happen, yeah?” The Axolotl sighed at his impatience. “Very well. To truly know your old friend's woes, you will walk among them, one or their own.” “Wait, what?” “This is your final warning, a message to heed; Gain forgiveness or cease to be. May your journey be successful, I wish you well in your new vessel.” “New vessel? Now wait just a minute, Axie, what're you…” But before he could even finish his sentence, let alone process Axie’s, he felt his vision blur and his consciousness slip out from under him.

—---------------------------------------

His whole body ached and his head was spinning. He attempted to open his eye but was met with the blinding light of the sun directly over him. He closed his eye again, screwing it shut to block out the blazing rays. At the very least he knew he successfully made it to earth. He groaned and rubbed his face, laying on his back. Wait a minute. No, that wasn't right. He dragged his hands over his face, feeling every bump and divot in utter bewilderment. A large structure protruded from the middle of his face, and underneath it he found two flaps covering a chasm. He recognized this layout of features, and the realization of what was happening horrified him. It was the kind of softness and roundness he only felt while possessing a human being. But there was no way, no possible way the Axolotl would do that to him, right? He opened his eye-eyes-again, this time careful not to stare directly into the sun. If he really is somehow in a human body he'll have plenty of time for that later.

He looked around himself, taking a minute to adjust to the new found depth perception. Tall trees and warm grass surrounded him, though the grass itched his skin. With another groan he attempted to sit up, he felt the pull of gravity firmly take hold of him and try to force him back down. His stomach lurched and the world spun around at a dizzying speed. He closed his eyes again and held his face in his hands, both to stop the vertigo, and to completely focus on not vomiting in the grass.

He cursed at himself for being naive enough to believe that ugly salamander, of course this would happen. He always has to twist his word and bend the truth in some way. Not too much unlike Bill, but it was different when it was happening to him! He tried to open only one of his eyes, at least to get a better look at his surroundings, but the vertigo wasn't any better with one eye closed. He propped himself up with hands and fought with his stomach to stand on wobbly legs. He held out his hands for balance like a newborn deer. He only got a few steps away before his knees buckled under him and sent him crashing unceremoniously to the ground, landing on his knees harshly. The sudden drop was the final straw for his stomach and he doubled over, throwing up in the small clearing. He stumbled backwards off of knees to be fully sitting back down so he didn't land face first in it.

There was absolutely no way this was happening. Was this some kind of sick prank? Did humans seriously live like this every day? This was disgusting. It felt completely different to possessing a human. There was a barrier then, an obvious distinction between the body and Bill. But now he could feel every automatic process his body maintained to keep itself alive. Every expansion of his lungs, every beat of his heart, the acid bubbling in his stomach. It was almost overwhelming.

He thought about the Axolotl's words, “Gain forgiveness or cease to be…I wish you well in your new vessel.” He felt his puny heart jump in his chest. Ew. The sound of it filled his ears, it made him feel even more sick. He really did have no choice. He needed to find Sixer and get this over with or that was that for him. His heart picked up the pace at the thought, he grimaced at the feeling. He lay back down in the scratchy and hard ground. The heat of the sun was so warm. He felt exhausted and everything hurt so bad. He closed his eyes as his breathing slowed, wondering if he would ever be himself again before he passed out.

#bill cipher #gravity falls #fanfic #the book of bill #the axolotl #gravity falls axolotl #gf bill cipher #gf book of bill

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mariaofdoranelle · 1 year

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Look at Us Now — Ch. 3

Fic Masterlist

Sorry I ghosted last week! This chapter is (unintentionally) twice the usual size, though, so I’m forgiving myself. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, just remember that it’ll get worse before it gets better.

Warnings: NSFW, cursing, mentions of bullying, anxiety attack, bitter exes.

Word count: 5,9k

Aelin’s whole body startled before she gained consciousness of what was going on.

She didn’t know what woke her up, her classmate’s hurried taps or Rowan’s intense eyes on her.

The last thing she remembered was one sergeant telling their next instructor couldn’t make it, so they’d have an hour free. Aelin had woken up at 3 am to study Military Law today, so she thought it’d be a good idea to set a timer for 50 minutes and take a nap.

Rowan‘s class was scheduled for later, what the fuck was he doing here this soon?

His gaze lingered on her for a beat that felt like a month. Maybe like the month and a half since that night. Then it landed on the guy in front of Aelin.

"What happened with your beard?" Was the first thing he said. His voice alarmed the whole class, it sounded like a threat one is barely trying to hide.

Aelin couldn't see the recruit’s expression, but she had a good view of the way his shoulders tensed. He looked around. "I- um-"

"Don't look around, look at me!" Rowan shouted, making many eyes go wide. "What the fuck happened to your beard!?"

"The- the razor was a little dull, so I-"

But Rowan wasn't listening. Probably because he didn't care.

No, he was slowly, threatengly walking around to examine each person in the room and pointing out the ones with something wrong about their uniform. Anything, really. He must have a hawk eyesight to notice some of the mistakes he pointed out.

He looked angry, she thought. Aelin didn’t know which state was the class when he walked in, since everyone was already frozen in place when she woke up.

When the people he selected were out of their perfectly aligned rows, Rowan crossed his arms and roared, "ON THE FLOOR, NOW!"

A few jumped to a plank position, ready to start. Others just stared, gawking.

Rowan rested his hands on his hips and stood face to face with one person who didn't move.

"Did I fucking stutter? ON. THE. FLOOR. NOW!"

Everyone followed suit this time, so he started to count.

"One, two, three, four..."

He stopped counting when he noticed someone in the wrong position. He was not in a straight line, so his butt was sticking out. Aelin held on a grimace while Rowan was going his way.

"Do you call that a push-up?"

On the man's side, Rowan's boot pressed against his low back to correct his position.

"How do you expect to be in the Air Force if you can't to a fucking push-up!?" He barked at no one in particular. "The body stays in one line." He poked at someone's arm with his boot, only enough to bring attention. "And watch those elbows! You're not a frog!"

He was still looking around, searching for any flaw in those push-ups. "Pathetic," he spat. "Spineless and pathetic." Rowan rested his foot on another person's back and announced, "I'm starting again! Until y'all stop training like teenagers! One, two, three..."

Aelin could only blink, trying to process this.

Then she forced herself to snap out of that shock. Her great-uncle was a brigadier, for Mala's sake. She knew better than to be surprised. Besides, what did she expect? A little love letter from hot lieutenant saying that he also couldn't forget their night together? Absolutely not.

If Aelin was there to learn the basics of military life until she could work at the hospital, so be it. She was going to kick basic training's ass.

"But we can't keep all the fun to ourselves, right?" Rowan snarled. He looked around the ones with the correct uniform, that kept only watching chaos unfold. "Everyone else on the floor!” He restarted counting, ”One, two, three..."

She was so ready for this. She'd absolutely nail this.

Except that it didn't take long for her to grow annoyed at Rowan's voice counting and barking orders non-stop.

And after Mala knows how long, Aelin came to one conclusion.

She was so fucked.

That was the only thing in her mind as she trained. Even when she felt like her lungs would give out or her legs would soon turn to ashes, Rowan’s scolding was still flawlessly echoing through her ears.

When he wrapped things up, her shoulders almost dropped in relief. They would, if Rowan wouldn’t give her a hard time about posture. This class was longer than usual because he was using the missing instructor’s time along with his own. Also because she started feeling like dying around the fourth minute of so, so many.

“Who’s today’s class leader?” He asked before dismissing everyone.

Aelin’s spine went rigid. Every day, a different recruit was picked to be the class leader. They said it was to learn about leadership and how to cooperate together. In practice, it basically meant she’d lead the class while marching.

Everyone looked at Aelin, and she raised an arm. “It’s me, sir.”

Rowan sighed, as if he couldn’t believe he had to deal with her more than he was obligated to.

“You have 15 minutes to show up at my office.”

Which meant she had 15 minutes to get her things, take a shower, get in another uniform and find his office.

She did it in 13 minutes, though.

Rowan’s office was simple and neat, but at least the chairs were comfortable. After she knocked and he told her to come in, silence took over. They sat one in front on the other, the only sound in the room being Aelin testing the squeak of the chair by repeatedly leaning against it. Annoyingly, by the stiff expression Rowan wore.

“I think you already know what I’m going to say to you.”

She shrugged. “You’ll tell me to pretend it never happened?”

“Excuse me?” His tone was sharper than she predicted. Was he that eager to fuck her again?

Aelin leaned back and suppressed a smile when the chair squeaked again. “I mean, I wouldn’t mind a round two, but I understand that things just got complicated.”

Oh, she definitely wouldn’t mind hitting that again. Besides, she’d work at the hospital in ten weeks. It’s not like they’d need to see each other every day after.

He sighed. “I’m talking about what just happened, Aelin. You were today’s class leader.”

Aelin frowned. “Which means I’m in charge of the drill commands while marching—“

“It means you have to lead them throughout the day. When there’s no instructor, you don’t just take a nap and let everyone run wild!”

When she crossed her arms and glared, trying to think of a retort, Rowan looked up for a second and took a deep breath.

“I know you must struggle being one of the few women in your class, but—“

“Struggle?” She cut in, eyebrows raised. ”Why would I struggle?”

“It’s a common issue among female officers—“

“That’s not an issue, sir.“ Aelin leaned closed and lowered her tone of voice. “I’m more alpha than most of these men, you probably know that already.”

“Then act like it.“ He didn’t look impressed.

Aelin got up and slowly rounded his desk, until she was standing on Rowan’s side. “You’d really like that, wouldn’t you?”

He looked at her up and down, swallowed, then looked away a second too late. “That’s inappropriate behavior, Galathynius.“

Positioned between him and his desk, she tilted her head. “And what? You’re gonna punish me?”

“I’m not afraid to,” he immediately answered, but his tone had an edge to it.

Aelin’s eyes sparkled. She had no idea if he was answering to her innuendo or talking about her relations to his superiors, but she was horny enough to jump to conclusions. She knew he was hesitant, though.

Anything happening between them wouldn’t be exactly against the rules, even though it would be frowned upon.

But having sex inside a military base? They’d be fucked if anyone found out.

Aelin was beyond caring by now, and she had a suspicion Rowan was holding tight to whatever shreds of conscience he had.

She held both hands on the desk behind her, thrusting her chest out. Rowan’s gaze was shameless as it burned through her, his eyes darkening every inch. He looked at her as if he remembered everything she had under that uniform, and just the thought of it made her press her legs together.

“You know, I thought it’d be easier to get you to fuck me after you got your cock that deep into my throat.”

When Rowan finally looked into her eyes, she knew she’d won. He placed a hand on her knee and caressed the inner part with his thumb, but it was enough to send a spark through her body.

“Can I touch you?” He quietly asked. However, the intense look on his green eyes betrayed the strained politeness on his tone of voice.

How gentlemanly of him. Didn’t even sound like the man who climbed her uncle’s fence to fuck her until dawn.

“Oh, you definitely can’t.” Aelin had a triumphant grin on. “But I want you to.”

Rowan’s eyes combusted into hers, and her smile grew. In that millisecond, Aelin knew she had just ripped off his conscience with her teeth.

He got up from that chair in a swift motion, standing just one breath away from her.

“Let’s see how much you want me,” he taunted before taking her pants and panties down all at once, so roughly one button flew away.

Without wasting a second, he inserted two fingers between her folds and plunged in, making her choke a sob. Rowan’s thumb started working on her clit to soothe her from that sudden move, but he scooted closer and whispered, “You were already soaked when I started, baby. I could put a third finger and you wouldn’t even feel it.”

Aelin whimpered. He made her taste herself in his fingers, then kissed her when she licked his index and middle finger the way she’d to another member of his. Rowan cradled her head in a commanding, bruising kiss. He kissed like he could unravel her whole with his lips. He kissed her like he thought he’d never see her again. Aelin pressed her hips against his, moaning, and he moved his mouth to the shell of her ear.

“Were you thinking about me?”

Aelin nodded.

“Use your words, baby. Were you thinking about me?”

She looked deep into his eyes, smirking like the devil. “Yes, sir.”

Rowan’s gaze burned into her while he brought his hand to her neck, squeezing just enough to make her ache for him even more. “Is that why you came to my office begging for my cock like the little slut you are?”

“Yes, sir,” she whimpered.

Before she could think, he turned her around and pressed her against his desk, laying on her stomach with her ass up. The sound of his zipper was the only warning she got before Rowan pushed himself inside her all the way, stretching her whole in one swift motion.

Aelin cried out, cursing. It was the most delicious kind of pain.

He gave her a few seconds to adjust and muffled her cries with his hand, probably afraid someone would hear from the outside.

She bit his hand to speak when he started on a languid pace, but Rowan spanked her ass before she could open her mouth. The pain from that smack spread under her skin, making her wiggle her hips against him even more.

“Don’t bite me,” he warned.

“But you loved it last time.”

He gave one ruthless thrust as a warning, and that sweet ache made her sob. God, she loved Rowan’s punishments.

“Condom,” she rasped, finally remembering what she was going to say.

He grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her head back until he was close to her ear. “I don’t bring condoms to work, baby. You think I fuck every slut that comes into my office?”

Rowan started thrusting in a merciless rhythm, making Aelin’s legs shake.

Aelin did a mental note to see on her period app if she needed to take a Plan B pill. These things were hormone bombs, but she wasn’t on birth control. She had mostly stopped sleeping around after uni, and Dorian has a vasectomy. These days, the only reason Aelin even used condoms was to prevent STDs.

When Rowan hit a spot that made her see stars, Aelin relaxed on the desk and let herself be fucked senseless by him, relishing on the sound of their hips snapping together and his low grunts.

Of all the times people had reckless sex, how many actually led to a baby?

Exactly.

And knowing Aelin’s luck, she knew things would turn out her way. They always did.

***

The shade of Rowan’s hair never let Aelin know which strands were in its natural shade, and which ones were grayer because of Maisie. Or work. Maybe Aelin herself.

The dark circles under his eyes weren’t that static, though. Over time, she had seen them go from almost invisible to a purplish shade that didn’t sit well with his tan skin. Aelin always thought it was a shame seeing a face like his looking so worn out. But today? Today it looked like exhaustion itself had beaten him up from the outside in, not the other way around.

Aelin knew she should keep their interactions to a minimum, but she couldn’t help herself.

“You look like shit, Rowan.”

”Gee, thanks.”

Aelin wriggled in her seat, knowing she should keep her mouth shut. It did nothing to stop her.

“Elide was grouchy today. She said you’re ruining her sex life.”

He laughed, but there was a bitter edge to it. “How so?”

Aelin fully turned to him from the passenger side. “Were you really watching a recorded livestream about ADHD until late with Lorcan last night?”

He opened his mouth to retort, then closed again. A moment later, he said, “In my defense, now I’m convinced she doesn’t have it. And Lorcan thought it was enlightening.”

“Ellie’s a psychiatrist, Rowan. If any of the kids were showing signs of it, she would tell—“

“Is she willing to give me an hour-long lesson about it? Because the Instagram doctor—“

“Rowan, are you listening to yourself?”

“What?” He snapped.

“Do you know what I do every time you send me an article about diabetes in children?”

“You read it?”

“No. I give her ice cream.”

He gripped the steering wheel tighter. “You’re joking.”

“I’m not. I fill her pink unicorn bowl with chocolate ice cream, and I enjoy it.”

He clenched his jaw. “You know damn well my dad’s diabetic—“

“You’ll drive yourself fucking insane if you keep this way, Rowan,” she barked. “This is my weekend with Maisie. Do you at least have plans to take fucking a nap?”

Rowan stopped at a red light and narrowed his eyes at her. “I have walls to fix.”

Aelin sighed. “You can’t let her draw on every wall you own.”

“She’s expressing herself through art.”

“You did not just say that.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing! You’re just an engineer who traumatizes young people for a living, of course that line came out of your mouth.”

Rowan rolled his eyes. “Okay, I heard it from a pediatrician. Happy now?”

When she saw the school’s front, Aelin knew she had to wrap this up quick.

“And not Maisie’s pediatrician, because—“

“Because it was from one of the pediatricians I follow online! What is your point?”

“My point—“ Aelin stopped herself when her voice got too loud. She took a deep breath and started again, in a calmer tone. “My point is that you can’t know everything about every specialty child-related just in case your one kid needs it. You can’t be Maisie’s dad 24/7.”

“But I am Maisie’s dad 24/7.”

“When was the last time you talked to Lorcan about something that wasn’t kid-related?” She tried a different approach. When Rowan opened his mouth, she added, “Doesn’t count if it happened while you were watching the kids.”

He shut his mouth and didn’t answer.

She knew it.

When was the last time you went on a date?, was on the tip of her tongue, just to finish proving her point, but Aelin didn’t dare say it out loud.

Her guess would be at least last year, from one time she caught Fenrys trying to play cupid, but it probably wasn’t serious. Their rule was that they’d have to meet the other person before Maisie, but it hasn’t happened yet. For neither of them.

Rowan parked his car, quiet as a mouse. Deep down, he knew he was overexerting himself. And it wasn’t Aelin’s job to worry about him, but she had learned the hard way how important it was to take care of herself so she could take good care of Maisie. Their daughter was the only reason she was concerned. It’s not like Aelin would care about her ex-fling from five years ago. Absolutely not.

Aelin frowned when Maisie came their way with a different change of clothes. It was the second time since starting preschool, and she never peed herself at home. She remembered her daughter always complained about going to school, and wondered if she should start sending Maisie with pull-ups until she finished adapting to that new environment.

After Maisie greeted them both, Rowan crouched and asked, “What happened to Fleetfoot, Mais?”

Aelin’s eyebrows shot up. Fleetfoot was a golden plastic dog Maisie made Rowan buy at a 99 cents store, but she loved it more than many of the expensive toys her family showered her with. She took that miniature puppy everywhere.

Maisie raised her hand and looked at Fleetfoot. Half of its plastic tail was missing, and just the sight of it made her lips wobble and brought moisture to her big green eyes. Rowan immediately hugged her and started soothing his daughter, but Aelin looked around, searching for the teacher’s assistant that always stood outside.

Something was off, and Aelin would find out no matter what.

The TA looked frightened all the time and followed the teacher like a puppy, so it wasn’t hard to get information out of her.

And when Aelin did, she saw red.

She stormed through that school until she found the teacher, Lieutenant Maeve Valg, in a corridor close to the entrance.

“Inside,” Aelin growled and pointed to the empty classroom near them.

The only response was a raise of her eyebrows, somewhere between surprise and scorn, and entering to sit behind the teacher’s desk.

Aelin followed her and banged the door closed. She rested both hands on the table and leaned to get closer and look deep into Mrs. Valg’s eyes, her own slightly bulged. She could feel her blood pumping through her veins like her heart was on steroids, and if looks could kill, that fucking teacher would be on her grave already.

“Tell me why my daughter’s toy is broken.”

She leaned back in the chair, and Aelin felt like that woman’s dark eyes were reading into her soul. “Looks like you already know.”

“I want to hear it from your mouth.” Aelin’s nostrils flared.

The teacher tilted her head, assessing. “I see where Maisie gets that terrible behavior from.”

They were interrupted by the door abruptly being opened and slammed closed. Rowan stood there with crossed arms and eyes darting between the two of them. His glare was so sharp it could cut ice.

Lieutenant Valg sighed in what looked like relief. “Mr. Whitethorn, could you please make—“

“It’s Captain Whitethorn to you,” he commanded in a taut tone.

Aelin didn’t know if the TA told him what happened as well or if he just read too much into the room’s energy, but Rowan seemed pissed. He never used his high rank on people like this.

She glued her eyes back on the teacher and slapped the desk, then immediately pointed at Rowan. “Tell him why Maisie wet herself,” Aelin shouted.

Mrs. Valg held her chin high, but didn’t say a thing.

“I’m waiting, Lieutenant,” he said in a carefully controlled tone and walked closer to them.

His patience seemed to end when his request was met with silence.

“Do I need to remind you again that I outrank you, Lieutenant?” Rowan shouted, making Maeve’s eyes go wide. “If you don’t tell me what happened now, I’m putting you under restriction at the guardhouse, do you understand?”

Mrs. Valg paled, but she was still grinding her teeth together, shooting daggers at Rowan with her eyes. The guardhouse was basically jail, but for petty crimes inside the military. It was the biggest punishment someone could get before being kicked out.

“Your daughter is a little nightmare!” She spit out. “Every other kid was ready for nap time, and she wouldn’t stop playing with that stupid dog! I warned her one, two, three times, then I grabbed that ugly thing and threw across the room.” Mrs. Valg got up, her eyes jumping between Aelin and Rowan. “And then Maisie peed, but you think I enjoy sending my TA to clean the kids every time? It’s not my fault your daughter has a bad bladder,” she spat.

Aelin’s eyes grew with each sentence. When the teacher ended, the only thing she could hear was the muderous thoughts in her head and the pounding in her ears. She felt like her body was slowly being taken over by rage and the hammering flow of her pulse.

“Aelin, could you give me five minutes with Mrs. Valg and come back with Maisie, please?”

“Why—“

Rowan’s gaze was so intense it rendered Aelin speechless. His pine green eyes were being ruled by raw, cold fury, and it looked terrifying framed by all the blood that made his face look crimson. “We’re going to have a little chat, and then she’s going to apologize,” he slowly explained in a deadly tone. There was no arguing with the way he said it, and as much as Aelin wanted to scream and fight and pour all her anger into the teacher, Rowan was the one who could actually do something about what happened. He was a captain, after all.

Maisie was on the playground near the entrance, with a few other kids. Aelin quickly checked on her and if her daughter knew about the shitshow currently going on, she didn’t show.

Aelin never understood why Rowan didn’t want Maisie to be in the free preschool the Air Force provided for them, five minutes away from home.

She understood now.

Aelin’s throat closed when she remembered his words from one of the arguments they had about this. “I teach these Lieutenants myself, Aelin. I don’t trust Maisie around them.”

Her chest started feeling a little too tight, and she took a deep breath to recompose herself.

This was absolutely her fault.

There was no use in crying at the school playground, though.

On the way back to the classroom, Aelin was ready to go back if she heard screaming—there was no way she’d let Maisie see that—but the only sign that something had happened was the quiet whispers outside the classroom, and two people not so casually peering through the window.

If something exploded in there, Rowan kept his promise of doing it for five minutes only.

He looked absolutely unhinged, though. And the teacher looked white as a sheet, the armpits of her uniform sweaty.

Noticing the weird energy of the room, Maisie stiffened. “What’s going on?”

When Rowan heard his daughter’s voice, his whole demeanor changed. He didn’t relax, but still crouched on the floor and ran his fingers through one of her pigtails. “We were talking to Mrs. Valg about what happened today. She’s going to apologize for being disrespectful and hurting Fleetfoot.”

Maisie didn’t say a thing.

Neither did Mrs. Valg

“Seven days,” Rowan prompted.

Maeve’s jaw clenched.

“Fifteen days.”

She drew in a sharp breath.

“Twenty days.”

She swallowed.

Of, fuck. Was this how many days she was spending locked up in the guardhouse?

“Thirty—“

“I apologize.” Maeve spit out, eyes focused on Maisie.

The little girl took one step to the side and looked at her dad, but wouldn’t meet his eye. “It’s not Mrs. Valg’s fault,” the little girl quietly explained, ”I was being a bad kid.”

Aelin didn’t even register Maeve’s lips curling up, she dropped on her knees to talk to Maisie. Immediately. She didn’t know how to explain to a four-year-old that in this case she was expected to mess up, but not the teacher, but she would try until—

“Aelin?”

“What?” Aelin’s head snapped towards Rowan. He was sitting on the chair, clutching his chest. Oh, fuck.

“I might be having a heart attack.”

“You’re not.”

“I am.”

“No, you’re not.”

His eyes bulged, aimed at Aelin’s. “Do I need to call my ambulance myself?”

Aelin’s heart plummeted. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

She called the hospital’s front desk as she got the car keys from Rowan’s pocket.

“Hi, this is Dr. Galathynius. I’m coming with a patient. I need a heart team by the side entrance in five minutes.”

˜˜

Dr. Cortland stared at Rowan’s exams with furrowed brows. “I don’t see anything.”

“Try harder.”

Aelin gave Rowan her mom look. She said with her eyes, Could you try to be polite?

He answered her look with another of his own. No. Can we see another doctor?

Aelin sighed and waited while Sam finished looking at Rowan‘s exams. He was still grouchy because of the situation at Maisie’s school, that was the only explanation. There was no way he could’ve known about the brief relationship she had with Sam a year ago.

“Nope,” Dr. Cortland concluded. “Your heart is looking so good you could even join the military.”

Rowan didn’t laugh.

“Maybe there’s something going on at work or at home?” Sam’s gaze slid to Aelin, a bitter smile on his lips. “How’s Maisie?”

Rowan gripped the arms of his chair. He growled, “Do you know her?”

“Can’t say I do, no.”

Aelin’s nostrils flared. Their relationship started going downhill when he asked to meet Maisie. Her daughter was very easygoing, but as a rule, she’d need to introduce him to Rowan first. Nope. Sam wanted too much too fast, and he never truly understood how hard it is to date as a single mom.

Rowan leaned back on his seat, but Aelin couldn’t say he was relaxed.

Dr. Cortland hummed. “Do you think there’s a chance this could be related to anxiety?”

“Absolutely not.”

Aelin tried not to cringe. Knowing Rowan, she wouldn’t discard anxiety that easily. But what does she know? Aelin fixed bones, anxiety was Elide’s specialty.

She politely dismissed herself, wanting to give Rowan privacy to discuss this with Sam. Actually, she didn’t even know what she was doing in that office. She brought him to the hospital and went with the flow, not even thinking that maybe she should have stayed back. The only doctors she needed to see with him were the ones who had Maisie as a patient, but Aelin didn’t think about that in the heat of the moment.

When she finally reached the conference room, Maisie was drawing with the intern Elide borrowed her for babysitting duty. The poor thing.

Her daughter looked up with big, expectant eyes when Aelin approached. “How’s Daddy’s heartbeep?”

“It’s good. Your dad’s fine.” A pause. “And it’s heartbeat,” she corrected.

Maisie frowned. “That’s what I said.”

The stubborn little thing. For the first time in a while, Aelin felt like smiling. Until she remembered the conversation wasn’t over.

“Do you know that feeling when you get scared and your heart beats really fast?”

Maisie solemnly nodded. “Like when Uncle Aedion lets me go on the big slide at the pool.”

“He does what?”

Maisie’s eyes widened. “Let’s talk about Daddy.”

Aelin sighed. She had no idea how to explain an anxiety attack to a kid.

“The doctor said he’s good, Mais. He was probably just feeling scared.”

Her daughter chewed on her lip and nodded, understanding. “Daddy never does scary things. It must be confusing for him.”

Aelin let out a soft, watery chuckle and kissed Maisie’s forehead. “That’s right, baby.”

“Not a baby!” Her daughter complained.

After Rowan was done and Aelin thanked Elide’s intern for babysitting, they had one of the quietest car rides she’d ever witnessed.

Aelin still drove to her house, but when Rowan got off his car just to go back in and drive away, Maisie watched the path he went with a longing gaze.

“I want to go with Daddy.”

Aelin crouched by her daughter’s side. “You’ve already spent last weekend with him, Mais.”

“But what if he gets sick again?” She mused with furrowed brows.

Scratching her forehead, Aelin sighed.

Rowan would be alone at home, no Maisie to keep him up. He’d think. He’d worry. He’d create worst-case scenarios for every consequence of this day.

“You want to spend the night at your dad’s and come back tomorrow morning?”

Maisie nodded, her eyes eager.

“Then go pick some toys to take there, okay?”

She rushed to her room without question, leaving Aelin a small window to pack two bags. One for Maisie, another for herself. She wouldn’t keep Maisie here worrying about her dad, but what if something really happened to Rowan while he was alone with Maisie? Fuck, no.

Aelin’s pack was a lot simpler than Maisie’s. Something to sleep on, her toothbrush. She could survive one night without her skincare routine. Her gaze landed on a little box on a tall shelf.

She grabbed a tissue and enveloped two pills in it. One sleeping pill and the antidepressant tablet she needed to take with breakfast. It wasn’t a big deal, and her depressive episodes only got easier to deal with time. She just didn’t want Rowan—or a judge—finding out about it. She had seen parents losing custody for a lot less.

Not that she thought Rowan would take her to court anytime soon. In fact, he was adamant that they didn’t need lawyers when they first decided to co-parent Maisie.

But Aelin had very little room for mistakes when it came to her daughter. Besides, Rowan did criticize her parenting on a daily basis.

For now, everything was under control. He doesn’t care about her, and it doesn’t affect Maisie. There was no need for him to know about her antidepressants.

Aelin still waited a little longer to go. Maisie liked taking her time picking her toys.

Just like her dad, the intrusive thought came as quickly as it went away.

She grabbed Maisie’s hand and they went by foot. Rowan lived so close it wasn’t even worth it to get a bike, he was always one small block away.

Aelin tried to open his door, but it was locked. She frowned.

They lived in a military housing complex, right next to the Air Force base. Who the hell locked doors here? This was the safest it could get.

Rowan appeared a second later, and the confused look she saw him wearing through the window was almost comical.

“What’s going on?”

Aelin shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. “Just making sure Mais doesn’t become half-orphan.”

He shifted on his feet. “You don’t have to.” Something charged passed behind Rowan’s eyes. Aelin looked away.

“I know.” She swallowed and entered the house a second later, without invitation. It wasn’t her job to read into Rowan’s feelings, so she wouldn’t.

The first thing Aelin did was go into Fenrys’ old room and put the bedsheets she brought from home. He moved out years ago, so it meant only half of the STDs this bed used to have were still lingering. It’d have to do.

She found them in the kitchen, Rowan gathering supplies while Maisie painted her coloring book at the other end of the table.

Aelin grabbed the first knife she saw and pointed at him. Rowan didn’t look surprised.

“Sit.”

He leaned against the counter, arms crossed. “I would, but I’m not mentally ready to dine a microwave meal.”

Aelin narrowed her eyes. She knew about all the drowsiness and fatigue that came after an anxiety attack. Rowan should be resting, not playing chef.

“I can use a pan,” she spit out, then looked at his pans. For fuck’s sake, why did he have so many? Aelin picked one she didn’t know the exact purpose, but would do. “This one, for example, is perfect for making pasta. I’m making pasta tonight.”

When Rowan opened his mouth, Maisie beat him to it.

“Mommy.”

Both of them turned to her.

“I think we should let Daddy make dinner,” she politely insisted in a matter-of-fact tone.

Aelin’s jaw went slack.

Did she just say Rowan makes better dinner? In her face?

By the triumphant grin he wore, Maisie did.

”You can cut the vegetables,” he offered.

Aelin squinted her eyes and sat on the table, begrudgingly accepting the role of sous-chef.

Silence took over, and she couldn’t stop thinking about what happened today. That bully teacher. Rowan going to the hospital. She swallowed a lump in her throat. It was her fault.

Aelin was stubborn, but she’d be damned if she’d let her little girl go near that teacher ever again.

“Maisie?”

Her daughter hummed.

“There’s this other school your Aunt Sellene told your dad about. I was thinking we should take a look there on Monday. We could go to Skull’s Bay when we’re done.”

The pirate-themed restaurant she loved to go to. She looked at Rowan to see if he looked mad that she decided this without telling him, but his eyes looked soft. There was even a tiny tilt in the corner of his lip.

That wasn’t Maisie’s reaction, though.

“I don’t need school.”

Just like that, Rowan’s soft moment ended.

“And why’s that?” He demanded, arms crossed.

Their daughter dropped her colored pencil and fully turned to her dad. “Because I’m a smartie about everything.” A pause. “Duh!”

Rowan clamped his lips together, trying to keep a straight face, and Aelin’s reaction was pretty much the same. If they laughed, Maisie would think she won this argument.

Aelin took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, and thought of a good argument to beat this one.

“You’re right, kiddo. You’re too smart for your own good.” Aelin heavily sighed, letting her daughter think she had the upper hand. “I guess I‘ll have to call Aunt Sellene and tell you won’t be joining Bree at school.”

Breanna, Sellene’s daughter. She and Maisie were thick as thieves.

“Wait.”

Aelin and Rowan exchanged a look. They were so close.

Maisie continued, “You didn’t tell I’d play with Bree.”

Rowan continued to prepare dinner, pretending this wasn’t a big deal. “You’d play with Bree every day. I’d make sure you two stay in the same class.”

The little girl fidgeted with her pencil, brows furrowed. Aelin would pay good money to know what was going on inside her head, but it wasn’t too difficult to tell.

“I’ll think about it,” was the only thing she said before going back to her drawing.

The stubbornness was one of the few traits Maisie inherited that couldn’t be blamed on one parent. She had gotten it from both of them.

“I’ll think about it”? In Maisie language, that was very close to becoming a Yes.

Not that the kid had much of a choice here, but it was best to let her think she did.

Rowan seemed think the same thing as her. His surprised look turned triumphant when their gazes met, and when his slightly parted lips reshaped themselves into a smile, Aelin grinned back.

This day had been hell, so she’d enjoy this small win.

A/N: I highly recommend reading the bonus chapter 3.5 before reading chapter 4

A/N 2: I promise I won’t hurt baby Maisie ever again! I did it for the plot!!

TAG LIST

@aelinchocolatelover

@autumnbabylon

@bookcide

@cookiemonsterwholovesbooks

@courtofjurdan

@dreamer-133

@elentiyawhitethorn

@elizarikaallen

@fangirlprincess09

@goddess-aelin

@leiawritesstories

@rowanaelinn

@superspiritfestival

@swankii-art-teacher

@s-uppertime

@thegreyj

@violet-mermaid7

@wishfulimaginings

#rowaelin #throne of glass #aelin and rowan #rowaelin fanfic #aelin galathynius #rowan whitethorn #look at us now

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devinescribe · 6 months

Text

Letters and Poems in the Drawer

Ch.9 of “My Sunshine” [TreechxReader]

Ok, so most of these are super cute and sweet. Some can be interpreted as a bit… lewd in a way. And I guess they kind of are? So I guess;

Warnings: some mildly risqué poems. And Treech being a simp-

The boy I shouldn't miss

Because he was never mine. But I can't stop myself from imagining myself in his strong arms. Wearing the stupid hat he wears everyday cause I stole it. Can't stop my stupid lovesick thoughts of kissing him soon as he steps off that damn train. He's the boy I shouldn't miss, but I do. He's the boy I shouldn't be writing poetry about, but I do. He's the boy I shouldn't love, but I do.

———

I love like a dog. Not the cute puppy way, with eyes that plead for you to love me... but in the mutt way. Begging for even a scrap. Loyal to the bitter end. I love like a dog. Staying even when I know there's nothing but hurt ahead, I'll lay in my bed without so much as a whimper, hopin' you'll look at me with the scrap of love I beg for. I love like a dog.

Treech softly played with the corner of the paper and considered burning the piece, something about how vulnerable the piece was. He glared at the paper, as if it was the paper’s fault he wrote all that. He put his head in his hands, and remembered how much you loved reading poetry. Especially the poetry that gave off so many feelings. He softly put it into the drawer.

——

Dear Treech,

You are not going to believe the audacity of this man. I mean, he's always been an asshole, but it pissed me off today. Festus Creed has been a pain in my ass since I moved here. He's always poked fun at me for being district, but I never paid him mind. Suddenly, I'm back in the class after summer break and he's flirting with me!!! Can you believe it, I mean seriously. Does he think I'm dumb? He plays with my hair in class and passes me notes I don't read. His hand writing and spelling are absolutely atrocious, so I wouldn't even be able to read it even if I wanted to. Anyway, I hope your day was great. Mine was. I got to punch Festus Creed in the face. It was during stage hitting practice, and I took the opportunity. I mean I started the waterworks and they all fell for it. Even Creed. I think Dean Highbottom knows... but he likes me, says I’m his favorite student, isn’t that silly? I mean with powers like these? Life is crazy.

Sincerely, your friend,

(N/N)

——-

There's a fine line between jealousy and obsession. I think I'm on the edge of it. I don't really know why. I mean I know you have friends. That doesn't bother me. It's... the way people look at you like they own you. Like you're already theirs. I might say that you're 'mine' but I know that you aren't something to own. I think... what upsets me the most is that you look like they've sucked any joy out of your life. You smile... but it's not real... I guess I'm just... I don't even know at this point.

Fuck

He scribbled on the page and groaned in frustration, upset that his words didn't string together the way they usually did. He crumpled it up and threw it in the small bin he had before sighing. He picked it out and smoothed the paper, folding it and placing it in the drawer.

——

Dear sweet sunshine,

I've been holding the necklace a lot more recently. I have it hidden usually. Firstly so it doesn't get damaged, and secondly because I don't want anyone to try and take it.

I look at it and wonder if you look at yours. You know, that ring was my grandfather's. My grandma gave it to him as a proposal. Isn't that so cool of her? Said she wasn't going to wait forever for him to propose and did it herself. Well, grandpa gave it to me because dad didn't want to have the ring. He said I was to give it to my special someone when the time came. And even though it definitely won't fit you, I think it's cute. I mean, I'll give you your ring back and maybe it will count as that. We were much too young to be thinking of all that, I still think no one deserves it more than you. When you come back I'm making sure it's perfect and shined up.

Much love,

Treech /\

——

Dearest Treech,

Yeah yeah it's the first time I actually use your name in one of these. Suck it up buttercup.

You won't believe what some kids tried to do today. I mean I know Capitol kids aren't the nicest, but this goes too far. With all the fine things they have, they tried to take my necklace! Some of them tried to stop the others. Like Pup Harrington. He ain't mean I guess... never says much but doesn't step in. Until today. Asked them why they wanted my necklace when they had nicer things. I mean I guess that was supposed to be insult? I don’t know. Hate Clemensia. She’s so mean. Said that it might be nicer, but mine was one of a kind. Coriolanus, his name is a mouth full, said she was acting no better than a district kid. Was it mean? Yeah. Insulting? Above else. But it made everyone stop. Sejanus scoffed a sarcastic sentence about us district kids acting better than the Capitol kids. I mean the teacher stood there! She didn’t do anything! I’m glad it’s my last year with her. Next year, we start the last four years of Academy.

Anyway, just needed to rant about them. Love you!

Sincerely,

(Y/N) ♡

——

I think about you. All the time. I try not to, you distract me. I mean, your dad makes so many public appearances, it’s hard not to stare at you on the screen. You’re gorgeous. So fucking pretty. Sometimes you talk, and your voice is so sweet… And I have to stop myself from thinking to much about it. I work alone most days, so I try not to get distracted. At night, when I’m alone in my room I can finally let my mind run and wander across everything. I mean it’s stupid. I sit at my desk and try to write but end up fantasizing about you and I. What kind of life would we have? Together, I mean.

——

There’s lots of things I’ve written I will avoid giving you. I don’t want you to know that I’ve been thinking about you in any way that might scare you off. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Love poems are one thing, no matter how embarrassing it is a guy like me writes them. The rest are thoughts and things I kept for fear of anyone reading them. If you asked me, I bet all it would take is one look from your pretty begging eyes, and I’d give in. Staring at the ceiling is pointless so I close my eyes and imagine you’re here with me.

——

Oh my darling, I will never find anyone as wonderful as you. The things I wrote poems about will come to fruition with you. You are now and have always been the subject of my poetry. You make me swoon, and my heart race. Your words are saccharine sweet when I hear them in my head. Butterflies flutter in my stomach and you made it easy to talk to you. I am completely comfortable around you I want to give you all of me all that I am…

You blushed writing the last lines, hiding your face in your hands. Was it even right thinking of him like this? Did he ever think of you like that? Were you both thinking of each other at the same time when your eyes flutter shut?

——

I’d beg till my voice goes hoarse, if you told me to

I’d drop everything, if you told me to

I’d fall to my knees in second, if you told me to

I’d take anything. All the pain, all the pleasure whatever it might be, if you told me to

I’d listen to every command, every wish, every fantasy, and make it come true. If you told me to.

Because I want to be just yours. All that to say I want to be yours. Your darling, your sweetheart, your beau, whatever you want to call me.

Your boy, only yours

How could I ever want anyone else?

Hehehe imagine simping that hard couldn’t be me anywayyyyy-

#×reader #fluff #treech tbosas #treech x reader #coriolanus snow #the ballad of songbirds and snakes #jealous boyyyy #bro is kind of sort of-#ooh jealous jealous jealous boyyy

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hollowbeanz235 · 10 months

Text

Deep Dark (The Park)

No one's POV

As ink and error held up their weapons, getting ready to fight this "thing" it grew bigger, consuming the light around them." Ink why is there somthing like THIS in undertone?!?!" Error started Wisper screaming as he started the first attack dogging the bite that was threw his way.

Both of them started working together, although let's say it wasn't working the best. Inks paint only got ingulfed, looking like it was making this monster stronger." I don't really *huff* know, but it hits like a truck *huff huff*"

Ink started losing his breath( once again how?) They fought for a long time, throwing everything they got at it.

And FINALLY error made a decision he should of made a while ago. He spawned a portal under this beast, and left it to die in the underworld aka OG gasters layer. It was trying its best to stay in the world it was in, clawing at the portal and the strings that were pulling it in.

After a couple of minutes of struggle, it finally got dragged into the portal, although not all of it was in. Error closed it quickly, catching its hand in the process.

*SMACK* it's hand was chopped of, a clean cut too. It moved around for a couple of seconds before finally becoming limp." WHAT WAS THAT THING?!?!"Ink screamed running over to error, picking up certain items that had been dropped in the heat of the moment."I-Idon't know, but whatever it was it had a kick like a mule."

Error picked up his scarf and put it back on, another item that had fallen off." Well I'd say...so what do we do now?" Ink said picking up a stick and poking at the hand with it.

Error looked at him in confusion, and maybe some slight anger. "I'm sorry we just fought lord only knows what that was, and your asking me what we do now?!?!" Error bent down to inks level, staring at him with an annoyed look on his face.

"You wanna do stuff with me, check aus, draw, other things." Ink looked at him with excitement. Bouncing a little, "after the experience I just had, he'll no. I'm going to the void, bye squid." Error said as he teleported away.

Ink sighed and teleported to the doodle sphere.

Inks pov

Man I really wanted to show him some of the drawings I made, I think he'd like them, and that's saying a lot for error, the destroyer of aus. But meh, I'll go check on aus by myself, per usual.

Time skip, ink is getting to the end of checking aus

This should be the last batch I have to do today...that's odd, it's not there. I started looking around checking for the trio I left in this specific area, "where are they?!?!" I started freaking out, what if I misplaced them. What if they were destroyed.

"AHA...wait, that's only 2" I stared at the 2 papers thinking of what else I could of possibly done with the third.

I can't find it, this is a problem I really liked that au, and if I don't know where they are they could have a virus or be infected or many others things I'm currently not going to think about, because if I do, I will hyperventilate." Let's draw, that usually helps."

I started with a circle, a sad circle, but it was a circle. Drawing line after line, it started to calm my nerves(HOW?!?!)

Drawing helps quite a lot when my thoughts get too scrambled for my mind to understand it. Which is quite nice, and...done.

I got that drawing done pretty damn quick...well not like I have anything else to do today, I could go bother error again, although I don't know how much he would enjoy that...MMMEH ITS FINE, HELL BE FINE. I teleported to the anti-void..." too empty" I said to myself not trying to look around that much.

"Error! You still here?" I started screaming to find him, the anti-void is practically a labrith if you don't know the place well, and white...too white, "Error" I looked towards the (sky?!?!) Seeing errors signature blue strings.

No one's pov

"Heya squid, what are you doing here?" Ink felt strings around his body, bringing him up to errors canopy "oh, hey error!" Ink seemed happy, then again it's easy to fake a smile when you've been doing it for a while.

"Hey error, so I've been thinking. Your not doing anything, we could go do something!" Ink twirled around in the strings.

"Why? I could just sit here and enjoy the silence." Error untied him and brought him down back to ground level." Well, we could do fun things instead of you just sitting here all day." Ink seemed optimistic to do this, to have fun with error. "What would we do, if I said yes?" Inks heart lit up.

His mind started racing,"we could eat, go to a restraunt, or play bored games, or watch a movie, or go to a concert or-"error stopped him.

Holding up his hand " only, if Iget to pick the restraunt." Error looked at him seriously, dead eyed stare."oh well sure! I don't see why not." Inks face lit up, showing pure excitement to actually be doing things.

______________________________________

Alright, I'm gonna end this chapter here, a stunning 929 biggest chaper I think I've ever made. Hope your enjoying this book.

#error sans #errorink #ink sans #undertale au #errorxink #stories #fanfic

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kenny-power · 2 years

Text

The Taming of the Ilu - Chapter 2

Pairings: Neteyam x Reader; Lo'ak x Tsireya

Warning(s): slight language

It’s been nearly a week since the Sully family arrived on the Metkayina shores. However, I’ve been so busy, that I have not had to run into any of them, only catching glimpses as I’m weaving my way through the network of Mauri pods or walking along the beach. I am okay with that. I don’t need to deal with any extra stress of outsiders right now. As the incoming first olo’eykte (female clan leader) in generations, many people are watching me, waiting for me to make a mistake so they can claim I am unworthy of the title and give it to my younger brother Ao’nung. Stupid old people and their stupid old traditions. I don’t see why being female would affect my abilities to lead, but alas, I must perform better than what is expected if I will someday command the respect of the People. Also, Ao’nung is a total skxwang, there’s no way he could handle doing what I do everyday.

Anyways, I’ve heard from my siblings that the newcomers are actually improving. Surprising. I didn’t know tree-dwellers would be good at swimming. Apparently, the eldest boy of the group has already mastered an Ilu. I would be impressed, but I mastered mine at the age of 6.

I am riding my Ilu, Frìp (bite). I call him that because he likes to bite people. I remember when I chose him - well, more like he aggressively chose me. He was a rogue Ilu, away from his pack, and charging to try and bite me whilst I swam a little too far from my mother. Instead of panicking, I hopped on him and made the tswin (queue) connection immediately. I have since learned that biting people is how he shows affection, something that not many other Na’vi appreciate. He’s feisty and I like that.

Today is one of my rare days where my duties were light and I had nothing to do before my daily meeting with Father, so now into the early afternoon, I am riding around the shallows with Frìp. It’s a nice, calm day. The blue waters warm and peaceful. I spent the past hour or so zooming through the reef, gracefully zipping past the schools of fish and coral clusters. Riding in the ocean is one of my favorite things to do, nobody can disturb me and it’s one of the times where I truly can feel free.

Curious fish float past and several of the braver ones swim with us, trying to keep up. Laughing, I race ahead to a clearing in the bay. I slip off of Frìp and start to free-float in the water. It’s such a beautiful day, I could honestly fall asleep here.

There’s a group of birds in the sky, circling around in the distance. I can hear them communicating with each other, crying out faintly.

My eyes start to drift close in the warmth of the sun.

All of a sudden, the waters come alive with splashing and shouting. Startled, I dive down and re-attach myself to Frìp. Urging him to the surface, I ready my tukru (spear) and we burst through to the surface, prepared for any danger. A battle-cry bursting forth from my lips.

I pull up short. There’s no threat, just ‘Reya, Ao’nung, and the newcomers. The Sullys look shocked, while my siblings are… laughing at me? I stroke Frìp’s neck to calm him turning towards the group, teeth bared.

“Vonväs! (Assholes) Why did you do that! I could have hurt you.”I reattach my tukru to its holder, still fuming.

“Oh great and mighty Y/N, we are sorry to have disturbed your rest,” Ao’nung says to me, clearly poking fun, “Please have mercy on us common people.” I hiss at him.

“Shut up, skxwang, you are such a child.” Huffing, I fully face Frìp, petting him and making soothing noises to calm him down. Preparing to fight always gets him riled up.

“Tsmuke (sister), we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to scare you, we-” Tsireya starts to say. Without turning I speak,

“I wasn’t scared, you just startled me.” Yes, that won’t make me seem childish at all. A new voice spoke up.

“You are a very fierce warrior, how long have you been training?” It was the eldest Sully boy. He’s about my age, soft-spoken and serious.

“Since birth,” I spit, trying to keep the snarl out of my voice. The adrenaline is still running through me and I’m on edge now. “It was not a funny joke. I do not appreciate it. What are you guys doing here, anyways? Aren’t you two supposed to be teaching them our ways?”

“Well, we were, but then we saw you riding your Ilu and thought we would come and say hello.” Tsireya explains. I snort.

“Funny way of greeting someone.” One of the Sullys swims closer to me and Frìp, extending her hand to her forehead in greeting.

“I’m Tuktirey, but you can call me Tuk!” she says and I kid you not, my heart melts for her immediately. She is adorable. “May I pet your Ilu?” Without waiting for a response, she reaches towards Frìp.

“Careful!” I say, “He tends to…” Frìp snaps at Tuk’s hand, making her squeal and back up. “…bite.” I finish.

Ao’nung bursts out laughing.

“Yeah, careful forest girl! Only Y/N has been able to tame that poor excuse of an Ilu.” I glower at my brother.

“He doesn’t need tamed! And I’ve told you, that’s how he shows his affection.” I look at Tuk, taking her four-fingered hand in mine and inspecting it for any wounds. It looks fine, her hand escaped Frìp’s teeth, barely. “Sorry, he just gets a little excited.” Tuk stares at our joined hands for a moment longer before looking back up at me. She smiles, shaking her head reassuringly.

“It’s okay, I should have waited for you to say it was alright. Can I introduce you to my brothers and sister? We’ve been waiting for so long meet you.” She has an eager smile on her face, so how could I refuse this precious child. I nod, and allow her to pull me towards the group. “This,” she says pointing to the other girl, “is my sister Kiri!” Kiri waves at me, smiling. “And this is Lo’ak,” she points to the younger of the two boys. He nods in my direction, then looks back over at Tsireya. Weird. “And this is my big brother ‘Teyam!”

“Neteyam.” The older boy speaks up. I glance at him.

“Sorry?”

“It’s Neteyam.” He smiles quickly at me before looking away. I think Ao’nung was right, these forest boys are odd. I especially need to keep an eye on that Lo’ak, he seems to be getting a little too cozy with Tsireya. And that can’t happen. Father has always said that ‘Reya and I are not allowed to court someone until I finish my training to become olo’eykte and Tsireya trains to become tsahik (high priestess). Oh, Father will be angry if he finds out about this.

“It is very nice to meet you all. I am sorry about, um, earlier.” I say sheepishly, scratching the back of my neck.

“It’s okay!” Tuk reassures me, “You looked really cool! Like a mighty warrior!” She’s beaming up at me. I tousle her braids softly.

“Thank you, taronyutsyìp (little hunter), you’re too sweet.” Just then, I hear a call from the beach. Father is calling for me. I look up in the sky, checking the position of the sun. I’m late. I click my tongue at Frìp and he swims up to me. Jumping on his back, I nod to the group.

“I am very sorry, but I must leave you now. I am running late for a meeting with Father. Tsireya, Ao’nung, see you at supper.” With a little whoop, I propel Frìp forward, mentally preparing myself for Father’s reprimands. He hates it when I’m late. I knew these newcomers would cause me trouble.

As Y/N and her Ilu race away towards the beach, Lo’ak swims closer to his brother. Dropping his voice and mimicking Neteyam’s accents, he whispers in his ear, laughing: “You are a very fierce warrior, how long have you been training?” Neteyam jerks away from his brother, scowling.

“Oh yeah, as if you have room to talk. Don’t think I didn’t notice all of those looks you’ve been giving her sister. I think even she noticed, skxwang.” Lo’ak splashed in retaliation, sticking his tongue out at his older brother. “Oh yeah, real mature,” Neteyam said, before splashing him back.

Ewya help me, I need a vacation from life. After about 10 minutes of being reminded by Father the importance of punctuality and being a good leader and blah blah blah, I was finally released from the clutches of Father with the instruction of “patrolling the beach” until supper. As if our shores need patrolled. That was his way of telling em to stay out of his sight for now. Fine by me, I want to spend more time with Frìp, anyways.

I am at the dock where the clan’s Ilus hang around, playing with Frìp, making him do rolls and flips for pieces of fish. Can’t be tamed, my txìm (butt). After entertaining myself with this for several hours, I start my way back to my family’s Mauri pod. Walking along the beach, I hear some voices up ahead. Familiar voices. One of them being of my sister. Walking with the younger Sully boy, Lo’ak. Holding hands? How interesting.

To avoid them, I take the long way back to the pod, assuring I would get back after Tsireya does.

When I walk inside, she is sitting in the corner, next to Mother. We may eye contact and she looks away quickly. Yeah, definitely trying to hide this.

I sit quietly next to Ao’nung throughout the meal, until Father speaks up.

“Itetsyìp (little daughter), have you put much thought into when you want to bond with a tsurak (skimwing)?You are getting older and start thinking about your transition into adulthood.” Mother’s head snaps up.

“No, Ma’Tonowari. She is still too young, let us wait a year.” This gets on my nerves. I am ready to start my rites into adulthood, even if Mother doesn’t think so.

“Why not, sa’nu (mom)? I can handle it. I am not too young.” Mother’s face is determined, set. I am not going to win this fight.

“You are still a child. No.” My anger flares up.

“Ao’nung is younger than me, and just the other day you said he was almost ready to begin his rites. Why him and not me?” Ao’nung nudges me in the side, silently begging me not to include him into my fight “And plus, if we’re not old enough for the rites, then we are definitely not old enough for courting - something that Tsireya conveniently forgot tonight.” Tsireya sits up straight and shoots me a glare. Whoops. Mother and Father turn on my sister. She starts speaking before they can question her.

“Okay, I know that sounds bad, but I was just walking back from the beach with Lo’ak. But sa’nu, sempu (dad), he’s so nice and funny and…and… it’s not fair!” She bursts out. “It’s not fair that we can’t court someone before we pass all of our rites and are super old. Why?” I snort.

“It is so you will not be distracted by silly boys, tsmuke.” Father nods in agreement.

“Yes, itetsyìp, you need to focus on your tsahik training before becoming involved with someone.”

“It’s not fair!” She whines. “This is literally only a punishment for me, it’s not like Y/N has ever been interested in a boy. She’s going to be unmated forever.”

“Hey!” I interject. Low blow. Just because I don’t want to be distracted by dumb boys doesn’t mean I want to be teased about it.

“Actually,” Father starts, “that gives me a great idea. New rule: you may court someone…” Tsireya perks up. Where is he going with this? “…once your sister does first.” Ah, there it is. She slumps over, groaning into her hands.

Taglist: @tejas-kris

#avatar imagine #avatar x reader #avatar way of water #neteyam x reader #neteyam imagine #tsireya x lo'ak #kenny-power

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askthedespairkids · 6 months

Text

What I was Made For

*With today being their possible last day of training Sly has Komaru wake up early so they can get training out of the way and have the rest of their day to prepare. After a couple hours of training he ends it with the two of them meditating outside. The two sit side by side not a sound besides their respective breathing until*

Sly: *He opens his eyes and looks over at Komaru, who is still focused on her meditation. He quietly gets up and positions himself right in front of her. He reaches his finger out and pokes her attempting to knock her off balance* Komaru.

*She doesn't even wobble this time but her eyes fly open in surprise* Huh? What's wrong?

Sly: Hmm. Would you look at that. Not even an inch off center. You’ve gotten better

You think so? It doesn't always feel like it, but I'm happy if see something. *She stands up as well*

Sly: I think with that, we can call it a day. How are you feeling?

It's hard not to worry, but at the same time I'm thinking...that this is what we've all been fighting for. So, more than anything, I don't wanna disappoint anybody. I don't wanna disappoint you after you spent so much time teaching me.

Sly: Hmm. I’ve been waiting to ask you, but have you decided on where you’re gonna be for all that’s coming?

Honestly...I think I should stay here. I think I'd just get in the way of the others if I went somewhere else.

Sly: I’m not sure I understand what you mean? Get in the way?

It's all well and good train here, but when I was out there at the Despair Base and I fought Towa-san. I just thought to myself afterwards 'I could have easily died just now'. And...it's gonna be so much worse tomorrow that I'm worried I won't be able to think of anything else. I don't want to be a liability...

Sly: So you’re scared?

I guess. Isn't it normal to be scared during this sort of situation?

Sly: Ya know, *He looks down at the ground* this thought has been creeping into my head since the announcement, I’m scared too.

...y-yeah right. Aren't you used to being on death's door? It's like your whole thing...wait. Are you really?

Sly: *He sighs* No. Not like that anyway. I’ve sent so many people to “deaths door” and after the mission with my dad I should’ve went through them myself. My death doesn’t scare me. In fact I think im truly lost my right to have the fear. What scares me is living.

You're...scared you'll survive? Why would you be scared of that?

Sly: I…Komaru…*He rubs his neck. Fingers grazing his dog tag* What do you think of me? Honestly?

Hmm...what do I think of you? I mean, I think you're an amazing teacher. I feel like I'm way more capable than I've ever been and it's all because you saw something in me.

And you're scary, but not mean. Not mean in a cruel way, in any case. Sometimes you're still harsh, but from a place of support...I guess, that's what I think?

Sly: A good teacher huh. I figured it’d be something like that. *He clutches his dogtag* The reason I'm scared of living is because of this. I’m sure as you know…this was my mother’s dogtag…. She uh…she passed away when I was young. Before I was even officially considered an assassin. Whenever I could be, I was attached at her hip. I loved my mother. More than anything in the world and when she was killed it left such a huge hole in me. When I found this tag at the orphanage she grew up in it never left my side again. It’s my memory of my mother…but even with the tag, at the end of the day it’s just a tag. As time has gone by…I…find myself forgetting her face. Forgetting her voice. Her mannerisms. I know we’re assassins. Born killers and die killers. But that was still my mom and I can’t tell you much about her…. It’s just not there anymore. The scary part isn’t dying but it’s having someone you care about die and your memories fading away. In my time here I’ve come to care about so many people that are gonna be in harms way, my fear is that if I lose one and I keep living…what if I forget them too.

…Sly…I can't begin to really imagine it. That after this time I could ever forget the people that helped me get here. I think I'd struggle to forget Koizumi-san’s voice. Or Otonashi-san’s smirk when she notices you lying about something. Or the way that Harukawa-san's eyes shift when she tries to pretend she doesn't care about something. Or even when you used to try and stop yourself from smiling like you would deny yourself joy.

You used to do it for so long, but even to this day I haven't forgotten what that looks like…the people we care about today might not be here tomorrow, it's true…that's why we have to cherish those details while we can because we really don't take note of them until we aren't able to see them all the time anymore. I think what's scary is the fear that you took those things for granted when you could witness them.

Sly: Which is why I’ll be on the front lines. It’s easier to see that you took things for granted once they’re gone but I have no plan of losing anything. I’ll fight my hardest to protect the ones I care about. As your teacher the idea that you would be in the way is asinine. You are more capable than the majority of people here. I’ve seen the work you’ve put in and there’s no doubt in my mind that you are an asset. Not a liability.

Even if you say all of that, it won't mean much if I just end up freezing when push comes to shove...but despite that I still want to protect everybody.

Sly: I’m not gonna tell you to come out on the front lines. Everyone has their own path to follow. But I don’t wanna hear that it’s cause you’re incapable. You wanna protect people? Trust in your training and do your best wherever you are. Everyone around you has more confidence in you than you have in yourself.

...okay. Yeah. Yeah, you're right. I don't want to be anywhere but the front lines.

I want to be useful! I want to help everyone as best as I can...so I'll do it.

Sly: *He places a hand on her shoulder* You’re gonna be okay. I’m sure of it. You’re gonna have to be cause *He takes off his dog tag and reaches it out to her* I want you to return this after all the dust settles.

Huh? But isn't this important to you? Are you sure you'd wanna entrust it to me?

Sly: I know for you I’m just your teacher. If we’re honest you’d prolly stay far away from me if I wasn’t. But for me I think about some of the moments we’ve had since we met. Like how you said it’s hard to trust me since it doesn’t seem like I trust you as much. I’m not very good at stuff like that but this is the best way I can think of to show you that you have my deepest trust as a student but also as a person. You are whether you believe it or not someone I care about so taking this is also a promise to me do your best but to also do all you can to survive.

*She's very visibly speechless. Hesitantly she picks up the dog tag and puts it on*

I...I want you know as well that I've really valued this time as well. I wouldn't still be here without you.

So, I'll repay you and make sure you get this back tomorrow.

Sly: It’ll be my honor to fight besides you. So let’s show them what we’re made of.

You got it!

#The Preparation Arc #Komaru Naegi #Sly #DR

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lyon-amore · 1 year

Text

The half of me Chapter 14

Chapter 13 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I get home, I put on music and open the closet, pulling out one of Daliah's dresses. I'm singing while I change, and then I spin around letting the dress fly. I'm too happy to be able to put it into words.

I completely forget that it is still early and that I am dancing around the house knowing that the police must now know that I am still home.

I stop for a moment and remember I have more of Daliah's stuff that I took with me because I decided to give it to Grace in the end, like her makeup. I pull the box out from under the bed and look at her makeup. I smile and take out everything I need to put on a little makeup, but without standing out too much. I go to the bathroom and tie up my hair so as not to stain it. "I can’t believe it, you have to be kissed by a guy, which I admit, he is very hot as far as normality level is concerned" I roll my eyes when I listen to my sister", to have to put on makeup or put on a dress. " "I just want to know how feel to be a little prettier, like you" I tell her, starting to lay foundation on my face "but more importantly, why don't you still disappear if Jake and I are together?" "I think in the end it's going to be the guilt of my murder that keeps my memory from leaving your mind." she says as she waves her hand, pointing to herself. Daliah vanishes and my happiness with her. I look at myself in the mirror. I don't see me. I see Daliah. I'm that girl who died. My sister. But at the same time, I see an MC who has been happy today.

The sound of the door makes me stop putting on my makeup and I put the lipstick in the sink. I look through the peephole and see that it's Elliot. I close my eyes taking a breath, trying to relax. “Go away, Elliot.” I say, trying to steady myself, even though I'm nervous he's here again. "MC, open up and let's talk about what happened" he raises his voice and I see that he has leaned against the door ", I won't try to do anything." I start tugging at the sleeve of my dress nervously. Should I believe him? I partly let him kiss me. I am also partly to blame for what happened. “Okay” I swallow nervously “, but I'll just open a little." "Of course." I put the chain and open poking out a little face. Elliot stares at me. I think the makeup has reminded him of Daliah. He sighs and lets his arms fall gently to either side of his body. "I want to apologize for how I behaved yesterday" he begins to say, clearing his throat ", I forgot that you are not such a daring person, but that kiss surprised me that you gave it to me." "I just wanted…" I bite my tongue to keep from continuing. I can't tell him that it was to silence the Daliah in my head, he'll take me for crazy "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kissed you" I apologize, with shame ", I don't know what happened to me, but I shouldn't have do it." I grip the doorknob tightly, staring at the floor not daring to look at Elliot's face. "I liked that you did it" he answers, leaning against the door frame, moving closer. I look at him without any expression. I don't know what to answer to that. I see how he lowers his head before looking at me, that apologetic look again. As if to appease me ". Let's try to start again, as if nothing had happened and… Let everything take its course, let's see what happens." I look to the side with many thoughts. But no one addresses him. I can't tell him anything about Jake, if I now tell him that I'm seeing someone —in the sense that we're an odd couple— he'll want to know everything to be sure he's not Daliah's killer. And I also don't want to give him false hope or lie to him, I'm not like that. And I wouldn't be able to use him either. I shake my head, taking a deep breath. “Sorry Elliot, I can't.” I say finally starting to close the door. "Wait" he stops me and looks at me curiously this time ". Last night, a co-worker of mine knocked on the door to tell you about the change in surveillance, but he said you didn't answer." I stare at him, trying to find an excuse. I'm quick to write songs, not to lie. I had a hard enough time in the past, how can I do it now? The situation has not changed much. "I went to bed early after..." I use yesterday's situation as an excuse, maybe that will work... Or I hope so "I didn't... I felt very uncomfortable-" "Okay, I get it" He ducks his head, feeling pained. It wasn't the effect I wanted to cause ". I'm sorry again" I nod at his words, waiting for him to finally leave. The situation is getting more and more uncomfortable ". I'll be downstairs if you need anything send me a message." "Sure, bye Elliot." I close the door slowly and sigh. I lean my forehead against the door, trying to cool my body heat from lying like this. The cold of the wood begins to calm me down a bit. I listen to the message notification and try to focus, whoever it is, it has saved me from my mind starting to make me feel guilty with my thoughts.

It was the group chat I had with Daliah's companions. They have found out what happened with Jane. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ralph So…

So you've already faced the beast, MC?

----Grace has connected----

Grace Beast? Ralph… 😑

----Carter has connected---- ----Mason has connected----

Ralph Sorry, too early to think

Grace And what are you doing awake?

Ralph No idea

Grace 😶

MC Do all the town already know?

Ralph It is not as if the greengrocer has told his neighbor and that neighbor has told the milk delivery man and that milk delivery man has been telling half the town while he went to his customers' houses

Mason Are you a customer of the milkman?

Ralph I like fresh milk in the morning 🤷‍♂️

Carter That's not the point! MC, what are you doing? That way you only make Jane suspect!

MC I'm not doing anything! Also, Jane's father threatened my sister!

Carter That was long ago! Why don't you leave it already!? I was rooting for you all this time, but I can't forgive you doing this to Jane!

Grace Hmm…? And Seo-ah?

Mason I have called her, but she does not answer 😟

Grace Maybe she will connect later 🙁

Carter Leave Seo-ah and let's get back to what's important! MC! Stop playing detective if you're going to point her out! You don't know her! Nobody knows her!

MC And what about the fight they had? That's not important?

Carter They always fight! It's nothing new! If you'd stop being so weird and open up to the people of this town, you'd find out what's really going on! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I read Carter's words, beginning to stop breathing. Am I really that weird? I mean… It's okay that I’m not an outgoing person but… I thought Carter was different. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mason But are you an asshole?! First Jane and now you?! Don't mess with her like that! She just wants to find out who sent those clippings to her sister!

Carter Oh, come on, you're going to defend her, just you, who doesn't care about anyone except your own ego And what does she want to find out? What were one of us?! I'm starting to think that Jane is right Maybe you are the dangerous one, MC

----Carter has disconnected----

Ralph I guess that's why we're all studying film We are very dramatic

Grace 😒 MC, are you alright?

Mason Hey, MC Don't listen to that asshole Jane's influence must have rubbed off on him

MC I'm fine

Grace No you are not 😑 I know that his words have affected you But I'll talk to him when I see him It sure is just a mistake and I didn't mean that

Ralph But are you serious with Jane? Do you suspect her?

MC There is some evidence pointing to it But I would like to clarify everything first I still need something to know

Mason You mean because of the fight they had?

MC Exactly

Mason It was an unbelievable mess! Her father got very angry when he saw that video Suspiciously, after that it disappeared… 🤔

Grace Not so suspiciously when you're the mayor of Rosenschwarz

Mason Wait… WHAT IF IT WAS JANE'S FATHER!?

Ralph Corrupt politic Disappointed, but not surprised I'd say

Grace Hmm… In that case, we can't find out much if it's her father But as you said MC, there is a lack of evidence Does anyone still have that video on their phone?

Mason As much as I love real life drama, I don't have it

Ralph Nope I just didn't care about the drama I didn't record it, they didn't even pass it to me I went off topic Like it was always the same

Grace 😩 Hmm... Well, then I can't think of where to get that clue from you I'm so sorry MC

MC No problem I will keep trying Talk to you soon

Grace Yes, we'll talk soon 😕

Ralph Bye

----Grace has disconnected---- ----Ralph has disconnected----

Mason Good luck MC

----Mason has disconnected---- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I put my phone aside and get up to go to the bathroom to remove my makeup and dress. All my good humor has been taken from me with a single word. "I don't understand how Daliah could fit in better than me in this town…" I breathe in and out, closing my eyes to relax. I grab the makeup remover and starts to wash it off. It's not good to pretend to be someone I can't be. "Come on MC, let's wait for the good news from Jake. " I complained and I looked at my hand. I have been forcing it and now I begin to have pain from having been holding the phone.

After taking the medicine, I decide to call dad. I would like to know if I can go visit them. If mom could see me. "Hello MC." he answers after the second ring. "Hello, dad" I greet, putting my legs up on the sofa. "How are you?" "Well…" He lets out a heavy sigh "Your mother is recovering very little by little, she is still in shock." "I was wondering if I could come see you-" I stop talking for a moment, moving the phone away and seeing the message. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----Nym-0s has connected----

Nym-0s I got the video of Jane and Daliah. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"MC?" my father calls me "What's wrong?" "I'm sorry, I got distracted for a moment" I try to concentrate and smile, as if I were in front of him "Can I come see you tomorrow?" "Of course, we're not going anywhere" I hear him speak as if he had put away his phone, he says in a distant way that I'm going tomorrow ". Your mother has said yes." "Great" I forced a smile, I know she hasn't said anything ". See you tomorrow, bye dad." "Bye sweetie, I love you." "And me too." I hang up noticing my voice shaking. I'm a little nervous about what I'm going to find in that video. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC Hi Jake

Nym-0s I have been reading the chat. Now Carter is against you.

MC This is worse than the Cluedo movie… 🙄

Nym-0s Haha. Excellent movie. I just want you to know one thing. You are not weird. You are special :)

MC Thank you Although coming from you, it's obvious that you would pay me that compliment.

Nym-0s Why?

MC Well, because you're my boyfriend, it's normal that you're on my side.

Nym-0s You said it. I am your boyfriend ;) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I blush knowing that I finally said it, hiding behind the phone. Little by little my happiness increases again, feeling better. More comfortable talking to him. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC Ahem, well… Where do you have that video?

Nym-0s Wait.

MC Why? Because do you have to look for it?

Nym-0s No. Because I am enjoying your words.

MC 😳 Please! Let's get focused!

Nym-0s Haha ok :) I have not seen it yet, so let us go watch it together. I will support you to see it.

MC Thank you… 😊

Nym-0s [20220122_215408.mp4] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't waste time and quickly play the video. It begins with a quick movement of the camera, pointing nervously in front. It zooms in and I see Daliah and Jane, yelling at each other. "Come on! Now what?! You don't tell me to my face anymore?!" Daliah yells at her, angry "I guess it's because Carter is there!" "I don't care if Carter's in front or your fucking mother!" Jane yells at her. In the video, she has longer hair. She must be from before she cut it off "You know perfectly well I was wanting it! You weren't even interested! But not! You had to stand in the casting room and pull out your 'The Girl Who Survived The Killer' story!" “Sorry” Daliah gives a sarcastic laugh “, but I didn't use that story in casting." “What a liar you are!” Jane looks flustered in the video, I see her reaching for her hair, pushing it out of her face “How can you say that?! I was there!" “But you're making it up” Daliah crosses her arms, never taking her gaze from her ". Besides, you're the mayor's daughter. Why should I tell my story when daddy can bribe them, like he does everything?" "What do you mean?" "You know what I mean." She leans closer to her and I think she's whispering something to her, because Jane's expression changes. I see Jane clenching her hands together and people start whispering about what's going on. When Daliah pulls away, she smiles proudly. "So you think I'm the one using the story to get what I want?" "How do you know that?" Jane looks at her between confusion and anger "How do you know about him?!" "I know what you've been doing!" Daliah pushes Jane away, furious. "Your father is a murderer and you love to torture me! True?!" “I'm going to kill you!” Jane, filled with rage, lunges at Daliah, nearly grabbing her. Luckily, Carter stops her "The killer should have taken you! You should have died and not him! He should have taken you before him!" Jane cries, wanting to get closer to Daliah so she can attack her and Daliah yells at her, continuing to accuse her and trying to approach her in a threatening manner. People huddle together with more phones and Grace shows up to stop Daliah, also showing up with the center director. The video stops just as the director says to stop filming and looks at my sister and Jane, sending them to her office.

I go back a bit watching the part where Jane says 'Him'. I repeat it over and over again, trying to fit everything so far. I get a call and I jump a little scared. I see it's Jake and breathe a sigh of relief. I had been concentrating so much that I had forgotten that I was chatting with him. "Sorry, I was watching the video again." I replied, putting on speakerphone. "Do not worry" he says calmly ". So this is the famous fight between Daliah and Jane." "I have more questions than answers." I grab a cushion and hug it to my chest "Who are she talking about?" "While we were watching the video, when Jane said 'him', I have decided to continue investigating her and her family" I hear him typing and receive an article from twenty years ago ", in it they talk about one of the children that Krebs murdered." "Alexander Maier." I read the boy's name ". Wait a minute, the mayor's last name is Maier." "And the mayor is Jane's father." “My God…” I begin to understand “Jake, I need to talk to Jane." "Did not she add you?" "No, she hasn't done it yet, especially after yelling at me." "What?" I hit myself on the forehead. I hadn't told him what happened "How did she yell at you?" I sigh, settling into the couch. I didn't want to worry him about this. Now I'm going to have to tell him. "When Jane found out that I was investigating her, she came to my store to yell at me" I look at my bandaged hand and inhale, then exhale with a little moan ", that's why I cut my hand, because I was picking up the crystals and she cornered me against they…" I hear Jake groan under his breath and try to be as relaxed as possible for him. "Don't be mad at her" I say more calmly ", I think I can understand her." "Still, she has no right to yell at you." "Yes, I agree with you on that." Silence falls and I read the news about Jane's brother. Then I hear Jake sigh. “I will give you Jane's number” he says at the end “, unfortunately, I cannot watch the conversation this time, I will do it later." "Is everything alright?" I sit up a little, worried. "Yeah, do not worry" He lets out a small laugh and I calm down ". Good luck talking to her and try not to upset her." "I hope not to." I laugh now. "We will talk later, MC." his voice sounds almost like a whisper, making me melt on the spot. The tingle returns and I sigh as I grips the cushion tight. "We'll talk later, Jake." I answered, also whispering, with a smile. I listen to how he sighs and hangs up. I'd love to see him again, but after Elliot, I think it would be too conspicuous if I didn't answer again. I have to do it when he's not watching me.

I get the number from Jane and add her. I'm surprised she doesn't have a private profile, knowing who she is, I was sure she would be more careful that some people could add her. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC Jane? Connect when you can We have to talk about something important ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I put my phone down and get up to prepare something light for breakfast. I haven't eaten anything yet and I need to regain strength after what happened yesterday.

I wait and I wait. But Jane doesn't connect. I was going to give up when I get a message from her. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jane Ugh… I didn't want to talk to you Anyway, who gave you my number Because I know you didn't add me before when I was in the chat

MC I just asked a friend of yours from the academy, nothing more

Jane Oh really?! God! They can't be quiet! I'm sure they did it to have gossip later

MC Maybe Jane, I didn't add you to fight I just want to clarify the things that have been happening between you and Daliah

Jane Too late She is dead And you don't have to go from wanting to fix it now

MC So why haven't you deleted me from contacts? ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jane writes, but she deletes it.

She is curious. The most powerful feeling. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC Let me continue about what happened between you

Jane No I don't want to talk about her I'm sick! I couldn't stand Daliah before and I can't stand it now either! So leave me!

MC I know you didn't get along

Jane Wow, little miss obvious

MC But I want to rule you out as a suspect

Jane You're a cop? Not right? So I don't have to talk to you

MC Daliah and you had a strong encounter

Jane And how do you know that?

MC There is a video that says so

Jane There is no video If not, show me! Come on! Show me the video! Because it doesn't exist!

MC Alright [20220122_215408.mp4] ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I send her the video of the discussion and wait for her to see it in its entirety.

I need to know if Jane would have been able to kill Daliah, if I get her to talk with the evidence I have, then maybe she will confess. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jane How did you obtain this video?

MC I have my methods

Jane There is only one video, the rest were deleted

MC Really? How do you know?

Jane Because I know

MC What really happened?

Jane It was just for a stupid casting, nothing more

MC Daliah thought you were the one sending her those clippings

Jane What I don't understand is why she thought that Let's see, do you think I would waste my time sending her clippings when I have important things to do?

MC She saw you looking at articles on the Kelpie case

Jane What?! Wait, how do you know?!

MC She wrote it in her diary [Entry #####.PDF]

Jane And how do I know that you didn't write it to accuse me?

MC Because it has been difficult for me to obtain it And well?

Jane Ok, I was looking at the articles, so what? Now is it a crime to do so?

MC You did it for something in particular And that's because in a way, you're connected to this case

Jane Krebs didn't kidnap me, I can't be involved, as you well know

MC Maybe not directly But yes from someone you knew well www.thevigilant.com/they_found_the_body_ of_another_ child_in_rosenschwarz…

Jane Alex…

MC It was your brother, right?

Jane Twin Yes he was

MC You see Daliah as someone who took your brother from you But Jane, that isn’t so She didn't kill Alexander. It was Krebs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jane writes and deletes several times, but doesn't disconnect. I wait a bit so that she can write to me, because something tells me that she is quite affected.

When I see her finally write, I brace myself for her to insult me again. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jane Do you know that Alex was a fan of superheroes? His favorite was Spider-man. He always wore some of his clothes, even his sneakers The day Krebs murdered him, he was wearing a Spider-man shirt ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am surprised to read her message. I thought she would be upset.

Instead, she has opened up to me. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC His death must have been tough

Jane I was sick the day he was kidnapped Alex went out to play with our friends, because one of them had a new ball to play soccer So while I stayed at home with a fever, he went to his grave

MC So that's why you were looking at the clippings For Alex, not for wanting to send them to Daliah

Jane Just that day I remembered him and decided to take a look at the articles I never knew much about this case because I was little, so I decided to read it myself

MC And what does Daliah have to do with all this? Why did she think it was you?

Jane Have you seen the video? When Daliah approaches me? She told me that Krebs, the murderer, was dead and that my father was the murderer Just because he's the mayor and he could have bribed the jail cops to kill him

MC And it is? Did your father kill Krebs?

Jane No! Oh my God! Neither my father killed Krebs nor I Daliah! I didn't send those clippings either Look, I didn't like Daliah at all She may have been your sister, but she was a horrible person Maybe you didn't know, maybe you did But she ruined a casting that I wanted, and then, when they chose her, she rejected it because she did not go with her image

MC She did everything possible so that they did not choose you….

Jane I could not believe it She always used the survivor image of her to gain people's trust She was able to make everyone eat out of her hand When she named Alex, I thought it wasn't fair that she was alive and he was dead My brother… He shouldn't have died He had many dreams yet to come true

MC I'm so sorry Jane What happened in those years were hard for everyone…. But Daliah was not a bad person, I can assure you of that. She wouldn't use any stories or manipulate people to do what they wanted

Jane Hmm… Do you say that because you are her sister or because you are manipulated by her?

MC I'm not manipulated by Daliah, she would never have hurt me

Jane How do you know? People like her know how to get what they want Maybe she already did it and you didn't realize it

MC No I dont think so

Jane I don't want to argue with you about this I know you won't come to your senses

MC So the threat to Daliah wasn't serious?

Jane I talk a lot and I do little Besides, I probably would have broken a nail for killing your sister But not It just pisses me off that Alex isn't alive He was my best friend apart from the fact that he was my brother Maybe I was jealous that Daliah could be with her sister Ok, that's all I think I have nothing more to say

MC Sorry to remind you of all this, Jane If I had known from the beginning that you had lost your brother, I would not have turned the whole of Rosenschwarz upside down.

Jane Yeah And you… I guess I can forgive you ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I roll my eyes reading her pride come out. A simple apology for all she's done would be nice too. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC Jane, I know this is asking a lot, but if you know anything about Daliah and her last days, anything that indicates she may have had contact with her possible killer, I need you to tell me

Jane Uf! Well right now, I don't know If I remember anything, I guess I'll let you know I didn't know much about Daliah's life because as you know, we weren't friends and I wasn't interested Only classmates

MC I understand

Jane And... Sorry if you've heard any weird rumors about you About you possibly being the murderer

MC Oh… Okay?

Jane Ok, it may have been my fault because I was angry! I'm sorry!

MC Apology accepted

Jane Anyway… Can I leave now? I have to practice my new lines for the horror short The show must go on

MC Sure Thanks for the chat Jane

Jane You know? I think I like you better than Daliah At least just a little You can add me to the group if you want Until next time, MC 🙂

----Jane has disconnected---- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I feel better now that everything has been resolved. I decide then to write to Jake quickly, at least to tell him that everything has gone well. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MC I finally spoke to Jane and it's been a lot easier than she expected. I think I can rule her out as suspicious. She has even asked me to add her to the group And she will help me ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think about Jane's words about Daliah being manipulative and not a nice person. My sister would never have manipulated me into doing what she wanted, she was always protective of me because she cared after what happened to her when she was little. Nor could it be that she used what she came up with when she was a child to get what she wanted. Daliah was not like that. "I can't help it, she didn't like Jane, so I find it normal." I put down my phone and decided to go to the computer to continue buying more new furniture for the store. My wallet is going to cry for the next five months… If it doesn't turn into eight.

*Jake POV*

I leave MC in charge of the conversation with Jane. After learning that her brother had been a victim, I felt that I should leave it with a private conversation between them. They could both understand each other better on that topic.

Then I take care of Mike. I want to speak privately with him. I also have something to do.

I remember he said that he was in a bar when he met Daliah. I use the internet search to find the bars in town. I try to rule out the bars that are far from Two Candles. If he wanted to have sex, I do not think he would be in a place far from his house or from that place, and what better than to go to a place that served drinks? At least, that's what I think they would do. There are three bars near the venue. Perfect, I will take less time then.

The streets are quieter after last night's party. Some even sleep on the streets. I adjust the hood better, to prevent my face from being visible. I still have not gotten used to having anonymity in this town, I have the feeling that they are watching me even though they are all busy taking bribes or pretending that nothing is happening, it is true that sometimes they do their job, but only when there are disturbances , to keep calm. So, better to avoid lawsuits and continue my research work and not attract attention.

Just like in a video game, I find him at the last bar. I watch him through the window. He is on the computer, talking to a guy who has an ice pack on his eye. He has it a little purple. The boy sounds familiar… I think I saw him the first night I came to this town, at the Korean restaurant. Mike seems a little upset, talking, waving his arms, nervous. The other boy shakes his head and puts the ice pack down, getting up and moving to the door. When he comes out, I pay more attention to him. "What are you staring at?" He asks me, with a thin voice. He leaves with great strides. Getting away from there. I walk into the bar and see Mike sigh heavily, going back to the computer.

I walk over to his table and he looks at me. “Wow, Mr. Mystery is here” he says with a laugh, leaning against the table ". I still don't know your name." "There is no need for me to tell you my name." I reply, taking the chair across from him. "I like to know who I do business with." He lowers his tone a bit, as if he's careful not to let anyone know. "If you know that I come from MC, it is enough." "MC huh?" He smiles and takes his glass of beer "The way you defended her was very heroic. Is she your girlfriend?" I stay silent. I do not want to have to tell him too much about her. Just thinking that it was Daliah's fault that he already said her name while they were having sex makes me nervous. For her name to be on the lips of another man like that… I gave him a cold look, as if I was threatening him not to talk about her anymore. "Okay, understood" he finishes drinking a little and looks at me "it bothers you that I talk about her because of what you found out, right?" I arch an eyebrow, as if I wanted to tell her that I do not understand what he's saying "I didn't like knowing that Daliah used her name either. I feel bad for the poor girl, has she been uncomfortable?" “Let us stop talking about her” I say sharply. I do not want him to talk about MC. And it is not like I knows how it hurt her to know that Daliah had used her name. Perhaps she did not want anyone to know that she was Rosenschwarz's young promise ". I have come to discuss business." "Oh, you mean the program to remove the virus?" He rubs his chin, with a smile "I haven't started yet, I like to know first if I'm going to have the money you promised me." "I have something better than about four thousand euros." I slide a flash drive across the table and he manages to stop it quickly. Mike looks at the flash drive and raises his eyebrows, nodding. "Let's see what you have here." I keep looking at him, plugging the flash drive into the computer. Mike is focused, but I see how little by little the expression is changing.

He slams the computer shut, putting his hand to his face, then looking around nervously. "Where did you get this from?" He asks me, pointing to the flash drive. "I will not answer that question." I take it out and put it back into my pocket. "This isn't worth four thousand euros" he leans in a little more, whispering ". This is worth even more! Do you know how much they would pay to expose all this? Anyone would sell they mother for this information!" "I know" I stare at him, adjusting my mask better. I feel like It’s dropping it, maybe it's because I'm nervous. The guy slowly starts to turn pale, pointing at me. “You son of a bitch” he laughs, scratching the back of his neck “, you just got me in trouble with this." "I just want to try to divert... some people from me." Although he cannot see it, I smiles mischievously. "Who are you really, man?" I let out a small laugh. Actually I am nobody. I am not a famous person in the hacker community. I was just an ordinary guy. I was nobody until a year ago. “I am nobody” I finally answer, with a cold voice “that is the answer. To everyone who knew me, I have been gone for a long time." "Do you do it for her?" He asks me, settling in the chair "You know? Most of the people who are here is because they want to hide and forget their past" raises one hand ", some are criminals" raises the other "-, some simply run away from their homes" he points at me with a frown "which one of them are you?" “Depends who you ask.” I get up from my chair, shoving my hands into my jacket pockets ". Look for people who are willing to pay for this in exchange for rerouting different sites at the same time." "Look man, I'm not one to get involved in these things" he raises his hands innocently ", I do small jobs, I don't want to have problems with the law like this. Can't you pay me four thousand? I'll lower your offer, but don't bring me into this, it's dangerous even for someone like me." I smile and adjust my hood. Fear has overcome him. But now that he is seen it, he knows he has no escape. Anything to help her. "Then do it for free" I stared at him coldly ", because it's about murder, do you understand? It is not something you should play with.” He looks away and I lift him by the collar of his shirt, shoving him against the wall ". If you really cared about Daliah, you are going to do it to honor her memory and help her sister. Is that clear?" He looks at me with fear. Normally I am pretty calm, I just threatened. I would not want to have to hit him to make him do it.

I remember again this guy used to say MC's name in bed. I pushed him again, so that he would react. "Say it!" “Yeah, yeah” he places his hands on my wrist, pulling me away “, clear as day.” "Good." I led away in the direction of the door. That is when I hear him. "I just remembered something" I stop before opening the door ", MC had called you ‘Jake’ right?" I look over my shoulder "Are you that ‘Jake’ from that movement?" "The less you know, the better." I leave the bar, feeling strange that a person who is clearly a criminal would say my name. I do not want to be associated with them, I am not like them.

I am one of the good guys.

Even if I have to use methods to get away with it that I do not like.

Chapter 15

#duskwood #duskwood jake #duskwood mc #duskwood jake x mc #duskwood fanfic #duskwood everbyte #everbyte #everbyte studio

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writing-nebula · 1 year

Text

MayBlade Day 2

Day 2 Prompt: School

————

There were several reasons Ginga wasn’t a fan of school.

Classes were boring, and sitting still for so long just made him so antsy, like he was just gonna explode- and it was scarily similar to the feeling right before he shifted unexpectedly, making it difficult enough to tell the difference to put him on edge all day, nearly every day.

On top of that, gym class was a nightmare.

It used to be that just about any liquid could cause him to shift, if enough of it touched his skin. Water thrown by someone, other people’s sweat (which was also really gross, but happened sometimes anyway), rain, even slipping and falling in wet grass or mud had caused the shift before, he’d lost track of how many times Hyoma had to cause a distraction- and usually get detention for said distraction- so he could scramble for a bush or the bleachers before his legs ceased to exist and his whole class found out his secret.

Sure, Kazuo was helping him get better control over it, but it’d still happened since then, so he still had to be just as careful. And he couldn’t tell his dad, he’d worked so hard to convince him that he had enough control to go to school with Hyoma in the first place, even if he didn’t like school as a whole, he didn’t want to lose it! The only real chance to interact with other kids his age!

…Even if he never really talked to any of them, only Hyoma, because all the other kids thought he was weird. The bad kind of weird, the kind that made people avoid you.

But he had Hyoma, and it was way better than being cooped up at home all day. So no, he didn’t like school all that much, but that didn’t mean he wanted to give it up.

…Today he found himself questioning that resolve when he remembered that his first class was without Hyoma, meaning he was left alone in his fighting to stay awake at way-too-early o’clock, listening to a teacher who was about as interesting as watching grass grow.

Said teacher’s voice had long since faded to the background, something about good vacations and ‘don’t let the giving spirit end’, and Ginga was just watching the little window in the door, silently taking note of what teachers and staff walked by.

And that was why, when someone stopped in front of the door, Ginga was the first to sit up, and the only one not surprised when the door opened, a girl his age poking her head in to look around.

“Excuse me young lady,” the teacher- whose name he couldn’t remember for the life of him, but he was pretty sure it sounded like an animal- squinted at the girl over his glasses, the impassive drone of his voice changing just slightly.

“What are you doing in here? You should be in class.”

The girl huffed out a sigh, walking in completely and letting the door swing shut behind her. She smiled politely at the teacher, clasping her hands behind her back.

“This is my class, actually, my name is Madoka Amano. I just transferred here, and there was nobody at the front desk when I came in so I decided to come find my class myself, so I wouldn’t be even more late.”

Ginga perked up, a smile sliding onto his face.

Someone new? In the middle of the school year? Someone who didn’t just know him as the weird kid always picking fights with bullies and trying to avoid gym?

“...Ah, yes,” the teacher responded after shuffling through the papers stacked on his desk, “my apologies, er- welcome to class then. You can go ahead and take a seat, and then we’ll get started.”

The girl- Madoka, he really wanted to remember her name- nodded and turned to scan the room, her gaze briefly falling on Ginga before landing on the empty desk next to him, and he about started bouncing in his seat when she walked over to sit next to him. He shot her a friendly grin that she actually returned as she pulled out her books and things.

Okay, maybe it’ll be a little better in this class now!

He turned to the front to try and pay attention, now wide awake with the prospect of a possible new friend.

————

…Nope, he still had no idea what had been talked about, too distracted by the new girl to pay much attention.

But hey! That was a problem for later Ginga, now Ginga had someone to introduce himself to!

He practically leapt from his seat to stand next to her desk, smiling again when she looked at him questioningly. “Hi, I’m Ginga!”

Madoka looked surprised, but to his delight she chuckled, adjusting the goggles on her head before she stood up.

“Nice to meet you, Ginga! I’m Madoka, if you didn’t hear before- I’d love to stay and talk, but I’m apparently finding my own way around and I don’t wanna be late…”

No wait but you seem nice-

“I-I could help you find your next class!” he offered quickly, bouncing in place a little, “I know the school pretty well, and my next teacher usually doesn’t mind if I’m a couple minutes late anyway!”

For a moment he thought he might be overstepping- she made a funny face that he really didn’t know how to read, but then she smiled and hurriedly grabbed the rest of her things. “If it’s no trouble I’d really appreciate that! My next class is social studies, but I wasn’t given any teacher names, so…”

Yes!

He did a little dance in his head, because he actually did know where that would be!

“Yeah, I gotcha!” he nodded, showing another of his brightest grins, “c’mon, it’s not far!”

They kept talking as he showed her the way to her next class, and apparently she was transferred so suddenly because she’d just moved here, and didn’t want to wait so long to start school again.

(Personally, Ginga would wait to wait a lot longer before going back to school but to each their own he supposed)

He also found out that she’d lived around here before, when she was little, and she was really hoping to find her best friend from back then too. She promised to introduce them if she did, because she thought they’d get along well.

By the time Ginga made it to his next class, he was more than just a few minutes late. Luckily his teacher believed that he was helping out a new student and not just goofing around, so he was able to sit in his usual spot without any trouble, kicking his feet excitedly and letting out a giddy little laugh when Hyoma sent a funny look his way.

I made a new friend!

How could he be expected to focus on class after that?

————

“She might be in our lunch period, yeah,” Hyoma allowed, having to hold Ginga back from sprinting off as soon as he said it. “But that doesn’t mean you can just run right up to her, you helping her to her class doesn’t mean she’ll sit with you.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want Ginga to have more friends, he just didn’t want him getting his hopes up- people could be mean, and he very rarely saw it coming.

“I know, I know,” his friend sighed, though he didn’t look very deterred, “but really, I think you’ll like her! She’s really smart, and she wears these cool goggles, I’ll have to ask where she got them-”

Ginga was still talking as they entered the cafeteria, but Hyoma didn’t bother stopping him- it wasn’t like he could be heard over the roar of chattering students, everyone talking about anything at once, he could barely hear himself think, let alone whatever someone else was talking about.

(Hyoma didn’t like the cafeteria, not one bit. Too loud, too crowded, and too few places to escape if Ginga started getting fishy in the middle of lunch, it made him nervous)

He was already heading for their usual table in the corner, near a door and as far away from where the bullies sat as possible, so he nearly toppled over when the ball of energy attached to his arm suddenly yanked him in another direction entirely.

“I saw her! She’s over here!” Ginga cheered over the rest of the crowd, and Hyoma could only sigh and go along with him, shooting their empty table a longing glance.

To Ginga’s credit, the girl was smiling and waving them over, so he couldn’t worry too much about some misunderstanding, but the shorter boy sitting next to her looked uncomfortable- or maybe embarrassed? Embarrassed to be seen with them?

“Hey Madoka!” Ginga greeted his apparent new friend cheerfully, plopping down in the seat across from her without a care in the world. “This is my friend Hyoma- and who’s that with you?”

Annnd now he had to sit down. Curse extroverts.

“Hey Hyoma,” Madoka smiled at him as well, then nudged the green-haired boy, who’d been avoiding looking at either of them thus far. “This is Kenta, I met him in my math class.”

Shy? Or did he not want them over here?

...Actually, he was pretty sure this kid sat behind him in history, so it wasn’t like they were complete strangers, they’d probably had brief conversations here and there.

Ginga hadn’t picked up on whatever it was, but that was no surprise- he was only ever observant when other kids were getting picked on, a trait Hyoma would assume was trouble-seeking if he didn’t already know that trouble found him either way, and Ginga just liked helping people along the way.

“Come on, Kenta,” he faintly heard while he was digging through his lunch bag (one of the many upsides to Ginga’s dad’s store- they never had to buy stuff for lunch) and he looked up to see Madoka nudging Kenta again, a little frown on her face, “see, he’s not intimidating- he’s like a puppy!”

He’d watched Kenta in class before, and shy was not a word he’d associate him with, so this was already abnormal. But ‘like a puppy’ was clearly Ginga, who else? And in that case- intimidating?

Hyoma was of the mind that Ginga and intimidating barely belonged in the same language as each other, let alone the same sentence.

But despite that, Kenta definitely looked nervous, tugging at a bracelet and glancing between Ginga and the table.

(Ginga was, of course, being as un-intimidating as possible, inhaling a sandwich like he breathed ham instead of air- which just reinforced the question of what the heck had Kenta seen)

“Um!”

They all jumped when Kenta spoke up abruptly, and Hyoma had to give Ginga a good slap on the back when his ham-breathing failed him before he could focus on the other boy, who had stood up and was now staring intently at the redhead, lunch tray seemingly forgotten.

“Ginga, I- I wanted to thank you!”

Ginga just stared at him, sandwich remains in hand.

“Uh- why? What for?”

The embarrassment returned, Hyoma could tell in the way his shoulders drew up, but Kenta kept going.

“Um, well- on my first day, Benkei and some of his gang were picking on me, b-because I was new, ‘nd I’m short for my age, and everybody was just walking by and ignoring it, but- but you didn’t!”

He sat down again, but this time he was smiling at Ginga, looking grateful. “You tried to stop them, and even when Kyoya himself came over you stood up to him! It was- I thought it was really cool, and I never got to thank you for helping me, so…”

…Huh, now that was a new one for both of them. All Ginga usually got for shutting up Kyoya was detention.

He took it in stride though, absolutely lighting up in a grin, already talking a mile a minute, and Hyoma couldn’t help a chuckle escaping when Kenta actually joined in.

He went to give Madoka an amused look, since she was clearly more of the quiet sort, but she seemed distracted, mouthing what looked like ‘Kyoya?’ before looking around the cafeteria, eyebrows furrowed and a frown tugging at her lips.

That’s strange, he noted, frowning to himself, Ginga said she lived here when she was younger, maybe she recognized his name?

He looked away when she looked back, not wanting to be caught staring, and settled in to quietly eat his lunch, curious but content to watch Ginga and Kenta go back and forth about some card game he’d never heard of, and another brief look at Madoka showed much the same, though she also piped up with a comment every so often.

…Still, through the rest of lunch he couldn’t help but notice that she didn’t eat much, and kept looking around with that same frown- one time she looked angry, and she didn’t speak up after that, just picking at her food.

Hm, something to keep an eye on.

————

Two! He had two new friends! In one day!!

Madoka was nice, smart, actually seemed interested in what he was saying, and since she was new to the area he could show her around, take her to his dad’s store and then show her all the best places to hang out and get food- or, well, did it count as new if she’d just moved back? Was she re-new? Maybe things were still pretty similar- but they hadn’t moved here until he and Hyoma were ten, so she definitely didn’t know the shop, he could start there and see what else might be new to her, maybe.

And Kenta! He remembered Kenta, he’d just started this year, and Kyoya’s goons loved going after new kids- he needed to remember to warn Madoka about that- and he’d seen them picking on him on the way to lunch, but didn’t get to talk to him afterwards because he spent that lunch in the office for ‘starting a fight’.

(Kyoya’s the one who always started it, he didn’t understand why he never got in trouble for being such a bully to everyone…)

But now they’d gotten to meet properly, Kenta even wanted to introduce him to a new game, and he and Madoka already got along, and they both got along with Hyoma even though he was quiet! He was gonna have so much to tell his dad when he got home, and even more to tell Kazuo when he came over tomorrow, it was gonna be great.

“See you guys tomorrow!” Kenta waved to them before hurrying off to the bus line, while Madoka stayed with him and Hyoma as they left the school, though she’d been looking around a lot since school had ended- maybe she was still looking for that old friend she’d mentioned?

Oh, that reminded him-

“You never told me your friend’s name!” he pointed out, getting the attention of both (both!!) his friends, Hyoma curious and Madoka embarrassed.

“Right, yeah, forgot I mentioned that, heh…”

She looked away, suddenly seeming uncomfortable with the subject, “um, I think I might’ve found him already, I just haven’t gotten a good look at him or any chance to talk to him yet…”

“Oh, really?” he noticed her change in mood, of course he did, but couldn’t figure out why she’d be uncomfortable, so he just started looking around too. “Do you see him now, or do you think he takes the bus?”

He could hear a lot of people laughing, which could either be absolutely nothing or Kyoya, but he tried to ignore it on the off chance it was nothing.

Madoka snorted, and he caught her looking towards the laughter too even when she rolled her eyes. “I think his dad would have an aneurysm if he ever stepped foot on a bus, but on the other hand I doubt he cares enough to pick him up, so… He probably walks, if it’s actually him that I…”

She trailed off as the crowds thinned out a bit, and it was revealed that the laughing was from Kyoya’s group, gathered around a kid he vaguely recognized from one of his classes.

Kyoya was right up front, of course, with that smirk on his face that made Ginga want to punch him. Or bite him.

…Mostly bite.

“Just leave it Ginga, there are too many of them,” Hyoma murmured from his shoulder, but he couldn’t just stand there when those jerks were tormenting someone, it wasn’t like the teachers would help, so who else would stop them when everyone else just ignored-

His train of thought was abruptly derailed when Madoka shoved her backpack into his arms and marched towards the group, shoulders set like his dad when he dealt with people trying to steal and a scowl on her face that could probably rival Kyoya’s.

“Kyoya Tategami!”

…Which was where she was headed, apparently- he was surprised at how loud she could be, nearly every kid still in the area was watching her as she stomped up to Kyoka and crossed her arms, glaring at him like she wanted to punch him now. “What are you doing!? What, did you just lose all sense of kindness and decency when I moved away??”

Ginga gasped, and next to him he heard a quiet ‘no way’ from Hyoma as they- and everyone else- watched Kyoya’s eyes go wide with shock, the school-wide bully actually taking a step back.

“M- Madoka!?”

He looked at Hyoma, his friend looking back with just as much confusion, and for once, they ran to the gathered crowd together.

I gotta hear this story-

#mayblade 2023 #mayblade #beyblade metal saga #metal fight beyblade #mfb #beyblade au #gingka hagane #hyoma beyblade #madoka amano #kenta yumiya #kyoya tategami

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