#Chimney brought him back and it was really only a manner of time before he started committing crimes with/for them

[can-i-get-a-yippee]

The rest of B-Shift hearing about Ravi committing domestic terrorism for the sake of Chimney even after Bobby offered to take the fall and just thinking, “Oh God, they finally got him. They roped Ravi into their sick little co-dependent work family. We’re never getting him back.”

[brooklynisher]

Gonna counter you here! Not because I actually disagree with you and much less because I know what I’m doing, but because I’m not gonna get another excuse to talk about this so

[x]

First, Cornelius: Yay

Second, Daisy and Tristan: Now this one I wouldn’t know the chances of being canon, in fact, this is probably entirely headcanon, but I was thinking a lot about how steambots age during my play-through. It was Leeway and Daisy’s talk about frames that made me think they don’t age normally. Instead, what they do is wait until they are a certain age range, and are given a body frame based on this. I’m not sure how they convince people to get old but there’s gotta be some sort of honor attached to it right? Perhaps it’s just looked down upon to refuse to change your frame. Could totally make a dystopian sci-fi movie based on a bunch of steambots who refused to age. I feel like something like that could help establish the importance of aging but I DIGRESS! Essentially I imagine, there’s more frames as they are younger, less when they are older. So newborn (0, no frame, whatever that means), infant (0-1), toddler (1-3), child (4-9), tween (10-12), teen (13-17), young adult (18-32), adult (33-54), elder (55+) Don’t ask me about numbers, I’m just throwing stuff out there. But essentially, with this idea, they don’t grow as naturally. As in it might not be subtle at all. Like aging in The Sims 4, they just change shape drastically. Must make birthdays pretty special if you were to assume this was canon ;P “Okay honey! Let’s go pick out parts for your new frame!” Or however it is they go clothes shopping

Third, Poe: Yay

Fourth, Beacon: Probably a good point to mention that Tristan and Daisy were the only ones I really gave a lengthy explanation to so expect these ones to be shorter. But hey, if you see the world as being mostly Navy run, I wouldn’t doubt that the colleges kind of sucked. Have you seen how stupid the Navy can get, it’s kind of funny. These guys do NOT care about doing things the right way. They just do it how they want to. Only real example of this is Wesley’s school. Nothing really suggests other schools were navy run, especially because his school specifically was focused on fighting, but the Navy seems corrupt enough to do something like that. I’m sure it would’ve been brought up more if this was canon but shhhshshhsh.

Fifth, Chimney: Okay! I have nothing to add to this except that I feel like she’s been this way quite some time. Maybe I see college more as a way of letting out all her excitement but yeah. Checks out!

Sixth, Wesley and Leeway: I feel like I should have more on them considering how fixated I am on these two, but I don’t! (<- Liar apparently, girl what is this, this is longer than the first one) All I can assume is that Wesley appears older than he really is thanks to war aging him. I do feel he’s incredibly strong, healthy, powerful, and ambitious for a war veteran which does make me feel he can’t be that old. You never hear him complain about his age or his frame which I suppose could be discipline, but could be because he’s just not that old. Idk, Wesley being in war sort of explains everything about him, but also creates some conflicting points. Now, I’ve got too many headcanons attached to them knowing each other at a young ages. One of them involves them knowing each other since they were children which I originally thought, there’s no way they go back that far, but I liked the concept so much that now I see it and it’s like whagag. They’ve got to have a well established relationship though considering that before endgame, Wesley’s the only one Leeway doesn’t refer to in a professional manner, that is, by last name. Yeah it could be more actions>time, but I feel like it’s had to be quite a bit of time considering how “good friend” and “my friend” could’ve made perfect sense in place of “old friend”. Maybe word choice doesn’t matter, maybe it does. Anyway, I like to think they knew each other at a young age, went their own paths, Wesley realized he hated the path he was going on (Navy), and decided to join Leeway’s path for headcanony reasons oooo 🌀🌀🌀 That’s at least how I would do that if I wanted to explain why it is Leeway doesn’t know some things about his friend’s experience. Oh god I just remembered Wesley doesn’t LIKE to talk about the war and actively chose not to talk to Leeway about it until way later. That makes me think Leeway knew him at least WHEN he went to war, because that’s how he knows he went to war in the first place despite not knowing any details. I GUESS Wesley could’ve mentioned it offhandedly too butttt

And that thing about the Sola x Crowbar shipping was based on one message I got from my friend, my brother, and one other person, I forgot who.

There’s them, Wesway, Piperbane was it called? And then a secret fourth one that I’m gatekeeping for now. I’ll show you guys laterr

Age headcanons for the steambots Youngest to oldest Let's go

Below are my reasonings. There will be character specific spoilers!

Tristan and Daisy are well established to be kids kind of. The way they're talked to and talked about suggest that they are children. Especially because they talk about their childhoods like it was just a year ago. Tristan is still too young to understand how traumatic his childhood was. Daisy is similar but I think she at least sort of acknowledges that her childhood wasn't the best.

Poe and Beacon just seem younger to me. Poe I feel is very knowing for her age, but I think that's due to being raised to scam people. She probably had to grow up faster than most to be able to see everything as a money making opportunity. And Beacon, well, Beacon seems college student age. I don't remember where they were exactly, but it involved rocket-science level machinery and I can't think of many reasons they'd be there if not college. College deals with those sorts of stuff kind of.

Chimney seems like she graduated college not too long ago. Her affinity for roughhousing and drinking just gives off the vibe of a college party. I mean, where else would she find a group of friends like that?

Quincy and Wesley were hard to decide on. All the dialogue I'm getting from Leeway tells me he is a young adult. He's definitely AN adult, but he's not too old considering how new he is with certain things and the amount of times he said "I wasn't even assembled back then!" He probably would've been younger if it wasn't for Wesley. They're established to be "Old friends" which obviously they knew each other in their younger years. And because it's rather uncommon for kids or teenagers to be friends with people noticeably older than them, I figured they'd have to be in the same age range. Wesley is why they're not younger. Considering that he's been in war, has been in higher education, was there with Leeway both when the Submarine was lost AND found(In fact, he found it), I figured, he should probably have some time to do all that. 27 and 29 isn't that old anyway. Sure, I think they still qualify as young adults.

Sola and Crowbar, I had no idea for Sola, but Crowbar seems to be just a smidgen older considering how many how many crews she's been on. Not too much older because she's quite the fickle. Sola was originally going to be the same age as Leeway bc I can see some nerdy 27 year old working at an aquarium or something, but then I remembered there are like 3 people that ship her with Crowbar, and that's a lot considering the number of ships in this fandom, so I didn't want their age gap to be too crazy even if it's technically not that bad bc they're both over 25 years old.

Judy and Cornelius are both well established to be old. If the gray hair doesn't give it away, then it's the talk about their life experiences. Cornelius apparently used to be a super terrible guy, and he thinks he'll need to spend a lot of time apologizing for this. Also I think he used to serve for the Royalists in SWH?? maybe not I'm not sure. Either way, he's done a lot in his lifetime, and apparently most of it wasn't good. IIRC I don't think he feels redeemed even after defeating the Kraken. And Judy talks about her past experiences all the time. She already was something of a hero before she joined the crew and all her dialogue suggests she's super experienced so I'm giving her time to do all that.

[delimeful]

how easy you are to need (redux) (1)

the first chapter of my HEYATN rewrite! find the original here!

warnings: panic attacks, fear, hypervigilance, paranoia, mentions of freezing/starving

-

The first sign of the humans had been the smoke.

The scent had caught Virgil’s attention from the moment he woke, the light grey plumes curling over the tips of the trees in the distance. There’d been no recent storm to strike a flame, which meant that human hands had crafted it.

It wasn’t the first time. His forest was wide and sprawling, and it was near enough to a few well-worn traveling paths that humans thought it a fair place to set up camp for a night or two. The otherworldly aura of the forest itself tended to dissuade any longer stays.

(Eerie howling in the night also tended to do the trick.)

Virgil still had to check it out, of course, both as his home’s protector and to soothe his own agitation at the sight. It didn’t matter that they were almost always peaceful travelers, the presence of humans put him on edge every time.

And if the sensation of being watched drove the intruders away quicker? All the better.

He headed down the hillside, winding his way through the edges of his normal patrol route as he went. Nothing was amiss there, the wildlife scampering away at the sight of him, the natural magic of the area still abundant and thriving.

The source of the smoke was closer than he’d anticipated, though. It was rare that any were bold enough to camp any further than the edges of his territory, and yet here he was in the middle of the forest, the smell rapidly growing stronger.

He slowed, close enough now that the smoketrail was hidden by the long branches overhead. This was a familiar spot, there was a clearing up ahead, and—

Virgil stopped dead at the edge of the trees, staring at the abandoned cabin that had sat quietly in this clearing since he’d first stumbled into his forest.

There was smoke rising from the chimney.

He could smell the humans now, tracks and scent trails to and from the apparently formerly abandoned cabin. They must have trekked through a good quarter of his territory to get here, and he’d slept through the intrusion like an idiot. He paced back and forth agitatedly, circling around the clearing and remaining carefully out of sight as he did.

He’d been in that cabin before. How could he not have? Alone in these woods, there wasn’t much to do for fun except explore. Once he’d gotten past his initial skittishness, he’d been determined to investigate every inch of the dusty old place.

And then he’d realized it was a former den for hunters. He’d spent weeks on the other side of the woods, slowly working his way through the panic that had risen up in him at the simple thought: what if they return?

Even so, as time passed, he’d only grown more sure that the place was well and truly harmless. Nobody had been in there for years prior to Virgil’s arrival in the woods. Whatever use its hunters might have had for it, it had clearly been long abandoned and left to rot.

Of course, now there was smoke in the chimney, and the windows had been carefully pushed open, and there was a horse, grazing mildly.

Virgil took a deep breath, pausing his pacing to try and calm his racing heart. He couldn’t jump to conclusions.

Just because it was an old hunters’ den didn’t mean the new occupants were hunters. It might have been a simple act of opportunity, like a vole taking up an abandoned burrow.

The back door swung open, and Virgil went still, watching as a human donned in red strode over to the horse, patting its snout and murmuring softly to it. He offered it a handful of some sort of grain, which it seemed to enjoy, and then made his way to the center of the clearing and drew a sword from the sheathe at his hip.

Even from here, Virgil felt his skin prickle at the way the blade sang, radiating protective magics as the human moved through blocks and attacks against an invisible enemy. It had to be pure silver, and likely warded as thoroughly as possible against creatures like him. One didn’t simply obtain a weapon like that without knowing what it was, what it was meant for.

He backed away slowly, fading into the underbrush, until he was absolutely certain that he was free from the human— the hunter’s range of sight.

Then, mind full of white noise, he turned and bolted.

—-

He lost a day and a half to the blinding panic, cycling between fear-anger-exhaustion-terror until he’d finally burnt all the emotions out and collapsed.

It was an awful decision. He’d kept as far as possible from the cabin, even in his haze, and now he had no idea what the humans had done in his absence. If they knew he was there— if they’d set up traps— it would only take one slip and everything would be over.

No, if he was going to get rid of them, he needed to be as prepared as they no doubt were.

He spent sleepless nights scouring the forest, searching for any traces of them-- searching for their patrol routes, their traps, the damage to the forest they left in their wake.

But there was none. Not even a faded scent trail to suggest they’d ever been through at all. It seemed they were sticking close to the cabin.

For the first time, Virgil wondered if they’d really come for him. He hadn’t been seen by humans in years, often sticking to the shadows to scare off travelers that had overextended their stays. It was possible that they didn’t even know a shifter lived in the forest, let alone a werewolf. He couldn’t bet on it, but it was possible.

Whether he wanted to find out what they were doing here or just know what human tricks he’d be facing, he had to return to the cabin. He spent less time sleeping so that he could continue patrolling through his woods and also keep a wary eye on the humans when they roused.

The hunter was the easiest to spy on. He spent most of his time outdoors, running through a series of daily tasks that ranged from caring for the horse to gathering firewood to hauling water from the well. He practiced drills with that sword less frequently than Virgil would have expected, but when he did, he moved with the well-balanced motions and sure strikes of someone who knew their way around a weapon.

The other two were more difficult to get a read on. They didn’t seem like hunters in physique or manner, and they spent significantly more time indoors.

One had hands that carried the sharp, chemical smell of ink, and only made regular excursions from the house to mess with a plot of upturned land he’d had the hunter help him fence in. It was a garden, Virgil was fairly sure, though it looked nothing like the ones he’d planted, all careful rows and even spacing.

The other spent most of his time indoors, though he was anything but stagnant. Where the hunter focused on heavy labor and maintaining the exterior of the home, this one seemed to focus his attention on the interior care. Virgil often caught glimpses of him opening windows to air out dusty old linen or set sweet-smelling baked items along the sill.

Most interesting of all were the ways the three of them intersected.

The baker would bring simple food and drink to the scholar when he spent longer than usual wrist-deep in the dirt, and sneak the horse treats while the hunter wasn’t looking, completely unrepentant whenever he was caught.

The scholar would sit and watch the hunter run through drills, occasionally calling out an imaginary attack for him to counter, or share quiet conversation with the baker as dusk fell and the lantern bugs began to emerge.

Even the hunter was gentle, presenting freshly-plucked berries to the baker with a dramatic bow and excited smile, or crouching in the garden to listen as the scholar excitedly explained how well the new sprouts were doing.

It wasn’t like anything he’d ever seen from humans before.

He eventually decided they couldn’t know he was there; any hunter worth their salt would know that encroaching on a pack’s territory was tantamount to declaring war. The other two didn’t even seem to be combatants. If Virgil was anything other than an undersized, scrappy outlier, he could have killed all three of them at any point.

He probably still could, now that he knew when they slept and was well familiar with the ins and outs of that cabin. Unless they’d set up new defenses, or sealed off the secret passages, or randomly deviated from their normal sleeping schedule. Unless, unless, unless.

The forest had been as uneasy as him at first, but surprisingly enough, these new residents worked hard to avoid wreaking the casual destruction humans were known for. They didn’t clear swaths of land of all life or hunt the new season’s young.

As the days passed, they continued to just… exist there, long enough that deer passed through the clearing with barely the flick of an ear at the voices from inside the house.

Over time, the forest’s reluctance turned to ambivalence, and then to amusement at Virgil’s expense. He was the only one who seemed to be taking the threat seriously anymore, much to his annoyance. Sure, they hadn’t done anything yet, but the key word there was ‘yet’.

It was well into the moon’s cycle that his patience in watching the human’s was rewarded with witnessing a change in their routine. As dusk fell, the three of them left the clearing entirely, trekking into the woods with careful steps. Virgil followed at a safe distance, feeling suspicious about their uncharacteristic silence.

The hunter led the way with a glowing lantern, wary but with no sword at his hip. The baker walked behind him, carrying a wrapped, slightly bulky package in his arms, and the scholar brought up the rear with a lantern of his own. Every so often, the scholar would pause and then murmur directions.

It took Virgil an embarrassingly long time to realize they were following a leyline, and sure enough, once they reached an intersection point, they stopped and set up a brightly colored cloth, a few wooden dishes, and bound, dried herbs from the garden.

An offering, the forest seemed to croon around him, pleased with the cuts of meat and burnt herbs. Virgil couldn’t hear what the scholar said, the words quiet and slow, but with the forest present in the back of his mind, he got the general idea.

Reciprocity. Giving for what they had taken, a declaration of their intent.

The forest accepted the claim as it had accepted his offer years ago, the sound of it in the buzzing of the insects and the breeze rustling the leaves. The humans returned home, as much residents of these woods as Virgil was, now.

---

Between the forest’s new fondness and their own persistent harmlessness, Virgil couldn’t justify getting rid of the humans.

So instead, he stayed well away from them, only venturing out of his corner of the forest to supervise the offering trips they made into the heart of the woods on every half-moon, both waxing and waning. If the humans noticed either the forest's fond touch in the brush of its greenery against them or the weight of his narrow-eyed gaze upon them, they didn't show it.

The season shifted slowly, and then all at once. The forest grew quiet again, its greenery fading away as it and many of its inhabitants dropped into snowsleep. Virgil wished his own winter could pass so simply.

The humans’ arrival had dragged his attention away from his usual preparations, and he had enough difficulties hunting alone without adding new complications to the mix. As it stood, he had barely any body fat to speak of, and even his winter coat felt pitiful against the cutting winds and heavy snow.

Whenever he wasn’t hunting, he was curled up in his cave, wishing for the warmth of a pack to surround him. He usually ran warm, enough that even the night’s chill didn’t bother him, but it was a different story in this weather. Shifting wasn’t an option either— His human form could barely withstand minutes in the cold, let alone hours.

Looking back, he wasn’t sure whether he’d drifted towards the cabin on purpose or simply subconsciously followed the smell of smoke. The result had been the same either way.

The house had looked unbearably warm against the bleak landscape, and Virgil had spent ages arguing with himself before slinking towards the abode, unable to bear another sleepless night having any scrap of heat leached away. Honestly, he’d been half-surprised to wake up this morning.

He slunk around the edges of the building, his heart pounding at the muffled voices inside. They had no reason to believe a werewolf resided here. He was small enough to resemble a normal wolf if they caught him. He might simply be earning himself a quicker death, put down like a simple wild animal, but he felt too numb to care.

The cabin’s foundation was solid, but Virgil had spent a fair amount of time exploring the human den as a pup, telling himself he was conquering his fear. It was certainly a hunter’s hideout; he’d found a staggering number of secret passages and hidey-holes built into it for easy escape. With a little prying, they could also be used for easy entrance.

The boarded up entrance to the crawl space was just where he remembered it, faded defensive runes carved into the wood. The enchantments were long defunct, the boards old and rotted, and he’d wriggled through the crawl space enough as a kid to know that there were no lingering traps in wait.

He braced himself, and then shifted with low cracks of bone and flesh. This close to the full moon, it ached like sore muscles, but not as bad as the cold stung at his now-human body. Gritting his teeth, he quickly dug his nails into the wood, able to pry the planks free even with half-frozen fingers. Task done, he shifted back as quick as he could and waited for an agonizing moment, listening for any signs that he’d been heard.

Nothing. The distant voices carried on without a pause.

He hesitated again, but in mere seconds, meager warmth began trickling out from the opening, baiting him more effectively than any supernatural lure. He ducked his head and crawled into the passage, which was more cramped than he’d recalled but still manageable. Step by silent step, he crept through the crawl space, letting the growing heat sink into him until the biting cold was barely more than a memory.

He hadn’t realized just how far under the cabin he’d ventured until a voice rang out directly above him, the actual words lost in the rush of panic he felt, crouched and vulnerable with a human was only meters away.

He wasn’t sure how long he spent like that, tremors vibrating through him as old memories came rushing back. It was small things that brought him back; the smell of ink, the crackling of a hearth, shared laughter. He’d had none of those, back then, but they were here now. He was here now.

The humans continued to chatter casually, none of them aware that there was a beast lying in wait just under the floorboards. They didn’t know he was there. He was safely hidden away.

Slowly, inch by inch, Virgil relaxed, head tucked against his paws, adjusting bit by bit until even the creaks of the humans moving about over his head didn’t register as a threat.

Finally warm, he dropped into sleep between one exhale and the next.

[procrastinatorimagines]

Better Than They Know

Fandom: 9-1-1

Pairing: Evan Buckley x Reader

Warning/s: none

Word Count: 1,827

Request:  Hello! I Hope you're doing good! I don't know if you ccurrently do requests or not or if this is where to ask for them but I have one in case you do take them. Evan Buckley x reader where his parents come to town and they are really passive agressive towards him, complaining about his work and that he's "not as nice of a boy as he used to be" but he doesn't tell them to stop. Eventually they remark on his birthmark, hitting an old insecurity and reader comforts him? Thank you for your time! <33

You’d never met Buck’s parents, and he barely spoke about them, so when you got a call at work from your boyfriend telling you his family would be joining you both for dinner that night you’d spent the rest of the day fretting about what to wear, what to say, how to act...

Maddie and Chimney would be there too, but Buck had told you he wouldn’t survive the dinner without you, whatever that meant. You knew things weren’t great between the Buckley’s and their parents, but they’d both always been so vague on the details. Maybe you should have pushed, but you didn’t think you’d meet them this soon.

“They can’t be that bad, you and Maddie turned out great,” you tried, phone between your ear and your shoulder as you fastened the burgundy blouse you’d opted to wear. 

“Just wait until you meet them,” Buck said in a low voice, calling to check what time you’d be arriving. You could hear conversation in the background, definitely Maddie and two other voices you didn’t recognise, presumably the parents. 

“Is this really how you chose to decorate your living room?” You heard a female voice call out to Buck, hearing him sigh a little on the other end of the line, clearly wearing thin. 

“Okay, okay, I’ll come save you as soon as I can,” you promised, tucking your shirt in and searching for your earrings, curious to see just what Mr and Mrs Buckley were actually like.

“Thank you, thank you,” he repeated gratefully, getting called again by his parents as he hurried up his good byes, “I love you, see you soon.”

“I love you too, bye,” he hung up, leaving you to pick up the pace a little. He sounded stressed, and on edge, two things Buck rarely was. You wished he’d told you more about them, but you guessed you’d just have to find out when you arrived. 

Double checking you had everything and giving yourself one last look over in the full length mirror by your door, you headed out.

Buck had text you to just come right on in, so you made your way into his apartment and headed straight for the dining area, following the sounds of strained conversation with anticipation. Chimney seemed to be trying to carry a conversation, but it was clear from where you were standing that there was tension between the four Buckley’s.

Maddie gave you a pained look when she noticed you, still offering you a welcoming and almost pitying smile as the sound of your footsteps alerted the others to your presence.

Buck lit up, standing from his seat to kiss you. “Hey, glad you could make it,” he said, taking the wine you’d brought off of your hands so you could sit down.

“You must be Y/N,” the woman who was clearly Buck’s mother smiled, standing to hug you in greeting. It took you by surprise, but she seemed friendly enough. “I’m Donna, this is my husband Steve,” she told you, Steve standing up to shake your hand as you all settled down at the table.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” you told them, glancing between Buck and Maddie, then at a relieved looking Chimney. You’d come because Buck had wanted saving, but you actually thought he looked the most uncomfortable out of everyone here, which was saying something. 

“It’s lovely to finally meet you too, even though we haven’t heard very much about you,” Donna said with a pointed look at Buck, “I was hoping we’d get a chance to meet sooner, but it seems like we have to put in all the effort if we want to see our kids.”

“You know how busy we’ve been with work,” Buck explained, which was valid given that his parents lived out of state and both siblings worked five out of seven days a week. 

“You always are,” Steve retorted in a tone you couldn’t quite read, but from the way Maddie took a large gulp of her wine, you felt that this was an old issue in the Buckley family, and one that had probably already been brought up today.

The food looked lovely, so you settled in and took a bite as a bit of an awkward silence fell over the table, Chimney shooting you a sympathetic and knowing look that had you dreading what was to come.

“So Y/N,” Steve began, ignoring the looks of dread from both his children as he continued, “do you put on a costume and run into fires for minimum wage or do you have a proper job?” 

Oh crap. You slowly swallowed the food in your mouth, looking at him in a little bit of shock.

“Dad-” Maddie tried despairingly but he waved her off with a dismissive hand, still looking at you as he awaited your response. It suddenly felt like you’d turned up to an interview unprepared.

“Oh er, I’m a lawyer,” you replied finally, sticking more food in your mouth in the hopes of not having to say anything else on the matter. No wonder Chimney had looked so happy to see you - had he been subject to same third degree? From the way Steve had just spoke about firefighters, you figured you had your answer.

“Oh, see that’s what we wanted Evan to do, but...” Donna looked at Buck like some kind of child who’d just disappointed her, “it wasn’t his strong suit.”

You bit your tongue, your stubborn protectiveness rising up. These were Buck’s parents, there were certain rules of etiquette right? You couldn’t put them in their place? 

“I love my job,” Buck spoke up for the first time, “I’m good at my job, I help people-”

“Of course, we’re only saying we wanted more for you,” Donna clarified like that made what she said any better, or did she not even see anything wrong with it?

“What more could you want? That was your dream for me, not mine,” Buck replied defensively, the fake polite smile on Donna’s face vanishing. Steve put his cutlery down then, not happy with the tone Buck had just taken with his mother.

“Evan, really, what happened to that nice and polite boy we raised?” He scolded, voice stern. Buck clamped his mouth shut again quicker than you’d ever seen.

“Mr and Mrs Buckley-” you tried to interject, but Buck shook his head at you, resigning himself to accepting the criticism and insult once again.

You and Chimney shared a confused and helpless look, unsure of what to say or do in this situation but both wanting desperately to say or do something. 

The meal continued awkwardly, with snippets of small talk mixed in with the sound of cutlery and eating, and you naively began to think that the worst of it had passed. Donna had just asked what kind of law you specialised in, but by the time you’d finished explaining, it became clear that Mrs Buckley wasn’t done saying her piece from earlier.

“I’m glad Buck’s found someone mature and grown up, surprised, but glad,” she told you cheerfully, their complete lack of awareness at how terribly they talked to their children startling you once again.

“How so?” You asked, voice tight, your protectiveness beginning to boil over. Chimney saw the way you tensed, knowing you well enough to know that things were about to take a turn as he cleared he deliberately cleared his throat, warning you.

“Mom-” Buck tried with no small amount of desperation as Donna took a breath to reply to you, somehow unaware of your tone or expression.

“No no, you know what I mean, good job, good looking, Evan’s lucky he isn’t insecure about dating someone who earns more than him,” she and Steve laughed, but your jaw was clenched so tightly you thought your teeth were going to shatter, “oh don’t get me wrong, he is handsome, but we always said, he’d look much better if he fixed that mark on his face.”

You saw white as she tried to gently touch his face to make her point, looking a little insulted when Buck ducked away from her hand. She was about to make yet another comment when your knife and fork clanged down onto the plate with deliberate force, making her jump and stopping the conversation. Buck took that moment to get up, shoving his chair back and leaving the table.

“Buck!” Maddie called her brother, looking at her parents with disappointment. Donna shot back a questioning look, like she didn’t know what she’d said or done. 

“Evan we’re in the middle of dinner-” Steve seemed like he was about to lecture his son on his table manners, but you stopped listening, making a show of throwing your napkin down onto the table and glaring at both his parents before storming off after Buck without another word.

You found him in the bathroom, leaning with his hands on either side of the sink, head hung low and eyes closed. Without a word you went up behind him and wrapped your arms around his back, hugging him as you felt him release a breath, grateful as one of his arms moved to yours.

“I love you,” you told him, tightening your grip to emphasise the point, “they shouldn’t speak to you like that, they don’t have any right to.”

“They always have,” Buck sighed. You hated this, absolutely hated it, and you had just the mind to march back in there and tell Mr and Mrs Buckley just how much you hated it.

“That doesn’t mean they should,” you said with force, trying to convince him that he deserved more as you pulled the hand that was holding yours, getting him to turn around to face you. “Evan Buckley, you’re smart, you’re kind, you’re charming, and you’re ten times the man they could ever imagine, try not to forget that.”

“I not-” he began but you shook your head, not letting him get in a word of self-doubt and insecurity.

“Yes, you are, and even if I have to repeat it over and over, I’m going to keep saying it until you believe it too, okay?” You weren’t actually asking, and he knew that as he met your eyes, reluctantly nodding with a small smile of appreciation.

You sighed and wrapped your arms around his neck, pulling him in for a kiss. “I wish you could see yourself how I do, how the rest of us do, you’re far too good for them and better than they’ll ever know. I love you.”

“I- I love you too,” he got out, a little choked up by your sentiment as he cleared his throat and blinked a few times. “We er, we should probably get back in there and save Maddie and Chim, huh?”

You laughed, “I’ll try not to stab your parents with my knife, but I can’t say it’s a promise.”

[harrysweasleys]

let me show you my world // h.p

summary: A Harry x muggle!reader where he takes her to the wizarding world for the first time please?

warnings: mentions of food, very very slight ptsd if you’re really looking

word count: 2.5k

a/n: short and sweet! i hope you all enjoy, it’s been a while since i’ve written for harry!

[i do not give permission for my work to be reposted on any other platform]

Today was the big day.

After what felt like weeks of waiting, today would fall the day where Harry promised you he’d take you to see his side of the world — the side that he had hid from you for the first few months of your relationship.

Until, of course, you stumbled in on him using the “lumos” charm one night in the dark kitchen while he thought you were asleep. It was a nearly unbearably long night of explanations and questions, but once you came to grasp with the idea that your boyfriend could perform spells and magic, you were awestruck.

For months you pestered him about showing you more, showing you the magic of his world and the thrill that came with it. You’d never be able to perform a spell, that was for sure, but you wanted to dip your toes in the life that was being a wizard. Maybe you could relate to Harry a little more.

He loved to talk about his time at Hogwarts and all the fascinating creatures and wild spells that he had learned about, but it wasn’t something you understood. Sure, you’d nod along and stare at him with wide eyes as he encountered his memories with a faint smile, but you only wished you could experience a smidge of it.

So, finally, he agreed to introduce you to his life by inviting you as his plus one to Ron’s birthday, which was conveniently being held at the Burrow — where Harry had really fallen in love with magic the first time — and you were over the moon.

“Remember, if something comes flying at your head, duck,” he said, your hand in his as he pressed a light kiss to your skin, clearly a little nervous.

You stepped closer to him and put your hands on either side of his face, “Harry, this isn’t going to scare me off. Don’t worry. If anything, I’m going to be even more interested in you. Which will only go badly for you, really. I won’t be able to leave you alone.”

He gave you a little smile and nodded his head, eyes piercing yours. He had dressed up with a nice shirt, a tie, and had even wrapped up a little gift for Ron, which was sitting in a bag by the front door. You weren’t sure what it was, but by his laughter as he had wrapped it, you figured it was an inside joke.

You had met Ron before, of course you had. The two were practically inseparable, both in and out of school. But you had never met Ron’s family, nor had you seen what his lifestyle was like. You could only imagine that with a family full of witches and wizards, you were in for a wild ride.

Now, Harry had told you countless times about what apparation entailed, but nothing could prepare you for the feeling that it put your body through. As he gripped your hand, you felt your weight vanish. It felt like you were being sucked into a vacuum, your body being warped through the material of reality.

Only when your feet hit solid ground did you feel your balance get restored.

You gripped Harry’s arm as he let out a chuckle, “Warn me next time.” Your breathing was heavy and your voice came out weak, but you were alive and in one piece. Your first taste of magic hadn’t gone too wonderfully.

“Sorry,” he shot you a quick smile, sliding his hand into your clammy one before walking up to the house. Harry had a certain sparkle in his eye tonight, and it wasn’t due to the sunset. He was excited, you could tell. His hand swung with yours as the two of you approached your destination.

What Harry called the Burrow was unlike anything you had ever seen. It looked like multiple homes stacked on top of one another, being held together by wooden boards and nails. Smoke came out of the chimney, and the smell of fire reached your nostrils. Light glowed from the many, many windows on all the floors of the house — were there seven floors? Eight? Ten?

“This is… wow,” you let out an impressed sigh, eyes scanning the entire building. It looked like it was held together by magic, and knowing Harry’s world, it definitely was.

“That was my reaction too,” his eyes followed yours before he gave your hand a squeeze and began leading you up to the front door, “Ron has quite a few siblings, so it might get confusing, but you’ll get the hang of it.”

You nodded, still a little speechless. If this was what the outside looked like, you couldn’t imagine what was awaiting you on the inside.

Harry brought his hand up and knocked on the door, cutting you short of your thoughts. As excited as you were to see what it was like inside a true magical household, you couldn’t bring yourself past the nerves.

Though, you didn’t have much time to dwell on that before the door was swung open and a tall ginger man with scars across his face stood on the other side.

“Bill,” Harry grinned, letting go of your hand before the two of them shared a hug.

The man had the same hair colour as Ron — no surprise there — but he was much leaner and taller. You had also heard about the werewolf incident, so it didn’t come as much of a shock to see the deep, aged wounds across the pale skin of his face.

“This is Y/N,” Harry turned to face you as the two of them pulled apart from their greeting.

The man named Bill nodded and gave you a comforting smile, “We’ve heard a lot about you. Come on in.”

Harry stepped in first and you followed closely behind, Bill closing the door behind you. The smell of cake filled your senses and you felt a smile begin to form on your lips.

By the front door, you could see into the kitchen. Spatulas and spoons moved about in the air, untouched by human hands. In the sink, dishes were being cleaned by themselves and soap bubbles floated up and popped near the ceiling. A little broom moved across the floor, collecting dust and crumbs in a pile by the kitchen garbage, sweeping in an elegant and quick manner that no human would be able to do themselves.

Your cheeks began to hurt due to your smile, and you brought yourself to turn away and look into the living room. By the crackling fireplace, a pair of knitting needles worked by themselves to knit a thick, woolen pair of socks. Books and magazines moved around and placed themselves on shelves, and you spotted a dark grey owl perched by the window.

“It’s something, isn’t it?” Harry placed one of his hands on your lower back and grounded you to reality. Or, whatever dream world this really was.

You nodded, still speechless. You couldn’t believe the kind of stuff magic could do, that all of this was real. Sure, spells and stuff were a given, but you never considered that people could run their houses like this. That with a flick of a wrist, things would go back to their rightful place and chores would do themselves. It only made you a little jealous that you couldn’t do these things yourself.

“Yeah,” you said, slightly in awe, before removing your jacket and placing it next to Harry’s by the door.

He linked his hand with yours once again and followed Bill into the house, into what you figured was the dining room. Windows were open and a fresh spring breeze rolled through the room, almost making the room feel even more surreal.

Your eyes landed on the people sitting around the table, two faces which you recognized already. Ron and Hermione sat at the end, both smiling and waving at you. The rest, however, you didn’t know.

“Guys, this is Y/N,” Harry said after going around and greeting everyone, “Y/N, let’s make rounds. You’ve got Bill and his wife Fleur, then we’ve got Charlie, Percy and his fiancée Penelope, Fred and his girlfriend Angelina, and his twin brother George, Ginny, and then Ron’s parents, Mr and Mrs Weasley.”

You nodded, but you hadn’t really been listening. You’d forget all the names anyways. You were more focused on the small floating candles, and the fact that there was another owl perched on the back of one of the chairs. It gave a little hoot and began to doze off.

“Hi,” you finally spoke up, turning to face Mrs Weasley, “Thank you for inviting us.”

“Of course, dear!” she grinned, waving her hand in dismissal, “Everyone is always invited here.”

“It’s true,” Mr Weasley spoke up from next to her, his eyes bright and a cheerful smile on his face, “You’re a muggle, yes?”

You felt your eyes widen a bit as you answered, “Oh, uh, yeah. No magic here.” An awkward chuckle escaped your lips and you began to fiddle with your fingers.

Harry placed a hand on your arm before Mr Weasley could ask you any more questions, and guided you to the two open chairs next to Ron, both of you taking your seats. You could feel eyes following you but you decided to brush it off. Harry had warned you about Mr Weasley’s fascination with muggles, so you couldn’t really be surprised.

From next to you, Ron and Harry began to chat as if they had spent no time apart, and from the other side of you, a thin blonde woman placed her hand over yours.

“I’m Fleur,” she smiled a dazzling smile, her sleek hair shining under the candlelight, “Is this your first time seeing this kind of environment?”

You nodded, “It is, actually,” you turned away and glanced at the owl once more before turning your attention back to the woman, “I haven’t actually seen much apart from the basic spells Harry uses around the house.”

“It is fun, isn’t it?” she pulled her wand out of the purse that was hanging on her chair, twirled it in between her fingers, and then placed it on the table top, “Not something you get used to, even if you’ve been surrounded by magic your whole life!”

A twinge of jealousy surged through you at the thought that you never got to experience this as a kid, and that you’d never really get to experience this as an adult either. That the only taste of magic you’d get would be through Harry, that you’d never feel the feeling of it running through your veins.

“I bet,” you responded with a smile, eyeing the room, “I’m sure it’s incredible.”

You lost yourself in your own thoughts, looking around the room at the way Ron’s family interacted with the things around them. The twins, who you couldn’t tell apart just yet, were making a little firework buzz around the table. The other brother which you were sure was named Percy was scowling at them, clearly hiding a smile as the firework sparkled next to his ear.

Harry’s hand found its way to your thigh and he gave a slight squeeze, “It’s a lot, I know.”

It was pretty overwhelming, and you had trouble wrapping your head around it all, but your heart felt full. You could feel the tingle of thrill in your veins as you thought of all the things one could do with magic. Harry had done some basic things around the house — made flowers grow, put the dishes away, helped organize a few things. But you knew he had often used his magic in self defence, and now that he had defeated that evil, he didn’t always want to use it. It served as a reminder of what he had done in the past.

“It’s something,” you grinned, turning to face him, “Thanks for letting me see this.”

He shot you a wink, sending your heart into a flurry, and brought you into his conversation with Ron and Hermione.

——

The evening had been a blast. Ron’s brothers had put on a show of fire and spark for his birthday, and Mrs Weasley had made a massive multi-layered cake that was large enough to feed dozens of people. Harry had brought you on a small tour of the house, with the Weasleys’ permission of course, and pointed out all the fun little enchanted trinkets that hid in plain sight.

As the night drew darker and people began to leave, Harry had suggested you two do the same.

You agreed, following him to the front door to grab your coats before bidding a good night to the family. Ron and Harry shared a hug as Hermione embraced you, and shortly after, you two were back in your apartment.

Apparating had been a little less dizzying the second time around now that you knew what to expect. You let out a small chuckle at Harry’s tousled hair before he raised his hand to pat it down, giving you a small glare in the process.

“Thank you for that,” you muttered after you had both tossed your jackets by the front door, pulling him into a hug. He was warm, and he smelled the same, but after everything you had witnessed tonight, you now saw him in a somewhat different light. You understood his world a little more now, and in an odd way, you felt so much more connected to his past.

He wrapped his arm around you and rested his head against your shoulder, placing a light kiss on the spot where your neck and shoulder met, “It feels good, showing you all of that. There’s a lot more to see, of course there is, but I feel better. I was pretty nervous about tonight, honestly.”

You grinned, placing a kiss against his cheek as you pulled away from the hug, “A lot more to see, yeah? Does this mean we’re going on a magical adventure where you give me a detailed tour of the wizarding landmarks?”

He rolled his eyes and let out a chuckle, his hands not leaving your waist. His shoulders were slouched and his body felt relaxed under your hands, causing a bubble of joy to burst in your chest. Harry had always been casual and chilled, but you knew he was always afraid of showing you this side of his life. And now that he had, clear relief was written all over him.

“If that’s what you want,” he grinned, stepping a little bit closer to you, pressing a kiss to the tip of your nose, “Diagon Alley is next, then.”

taglist

@grierpilots @hxfflxpxffs @mikumana @msmimimerton @pit-and-the-pen @diary-of-an-onliner @theweirdsideofstuff @thoseofgreatambition @theweasleysredhair @haphazardhufflepuff @awritingtree @thisismysketchbook @valwritesx @vogueweasley @hufflrpuffforfred @phuvioqhile @marvelettesassemble @shadowsinger11 @breadqueen95 @hahee154hq @inglourious-imagines @amourtentiaa @pxroxide-prinxcesss @spacexcowgirl @lumos-barnes @gcdricreads @bolaurel

[link4eva]

Kiro’s Collection of Sounds Date Translation [CN]

Hey! Just a couple of things before you begin reading. I don’t actually know Chinese so this translation was done through the power of Google Translate and with help from @keliosyfan​. Thank you! 💛

I highly recommend reading the prologue to this date which I’ll link here. It gives some context and has some sweet and spicy moments. 😍 There’s also a phone call that comes before the date which I’ll link here.

This translation contains spoilers for a date that has not yet been released to the English server. If you wish to not be spoiled, please don’t look below the cut.

Hope you enjoy~ 💛

*Spoilers below for future content!*

[First Part]

The moment I opened the car door, unlike the smell of the city, fresh air flooded into my nose.

The air seemed to carry the fragrance of grass, and there were also some hints of wet grass.

Several flat brick houses in the distance were scattered on the hillside, and the smoke from the chimneys was also reflected by the sun with a faint golden light.

Ahead is the end of our journey; a village far away from the noise--

Kiro is currently composing a new song. To add more special elements to it, we are here to collect sounds.

Kiro: Miss Chips, come and help!

The flustered tone brought my thoughts back. I looked behind and saw Kiro getting out of the RV with several pieces of recording equipment.

I quickly hugged the microphone boom on his shoulders in my arms. He stabilized his balance, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Kiro: The air here is so good. I picked a good place. 

Kiro: We will definitely find the best sound here!

Kiro: Gogogo! 

We picked up the hand-drawn map and started to walk towards the village not far away. 

MC: Passing through the small forest ahead, you will reach the elderly lady’s house!

As soon as the voice fell, there was a rustling sound in the grass not far away, accompanied by a few animal noises.

I followed the sound, and a big plump goose appeared in the gap between the grass and walk towards us swayingly.

I don’t know who was blocking the other’s way but we both stopped at the same time.

I couldn’t help thinking of the stories of many people being chased by geese, and my feet involuntarily took a step back.

Kiro: We unexpectedly met the rumoured “Country Bully”; Goose Boss! 

It flapped its wings, telling us in a high-pitched manner, “Don’t mess with me!” 

*Can confirm. Geese, especially Canadian geese, are hella vicious. They will just stand there and 👁👁. If you stare long enough, they’ll start honking and flapping their wings at you. They’re cute though!*

Kiro: Hahaha, it’s really as fierce as the ones in the video.

Kiro looked at Big Goose curiously and didn’t seem to realize the “crisis-ridden” situation at hand. I couldn’t help pulling on his sleeves.

MC: Let’s take a detour, just in case….

Before I could finish, there was another noise coming from the grass.

A few goslings poked their heads out. They are like yellow pompoms, and their eyes are looking at us steadily.

Kiro: Hey~ *The way he said this was so cute!* 

He spoke softly, bent down and waved.

Immediately afterwards, the goslings wandered over with wobbly feet, trying to climb on his calf again and again.

Kiro couldn’t help laughing. He put down his luggage, sat down and carefully touched the goose.

Kiro: Hello, future Goose Boss~

[Second Part]

After a while, one of the goslings flapped its wings and struggled to climb to the toe of Kiro’s shoes while making a soft sound.

Kiro: Little guy, do you want me to hug you? *He’s talking so softly here 🥺* 

The gosling seemed to understand what he meant by spreading its tiny wings and shaking its body.

Kiro gently held it up, looking at the little life in his palms without blinking.

Kiro: Miss Chips, would you like to come closer?

MC: Ok!

I just took a step when the ‘Goose Boss” in front of me gave a more threatening honk than before, and it rushed towards us with its neck thrust forward.

MC: ….Be careful!

Kiro quickly put down the goose in his hand steadily, but it was too late to dodge the collision of the Big Goose.

The moment the Big Goose pounced on him, he opened his arms and held the Big Goose in his arms. 

“Goose Boss” was stunned for a second, then spread its wings again and his long beak approached his cheek.

Kiro smiled without worry. He stretched out his palm to cover the goose’s head and gently pet it.

Kiro: Don’t be afraid, don’t be angry. I won’t hurt you. *Changed some wording*

The Big Goose shrank its neck somewhat resisting and honked a few times in protest, but Kiro still stroked it without letting go.

Kiro: We can be good friends, right?

His voice seemed to have magical power, and the Big Goose gradually quieted down. Its menacing wings also retracted.

It leaned lightly on his shoulder and squinted its eyes in content.

Kiro smiled and hugged the Big Goose and couldn’t help rubbing its white head a few more times.

Suddenly, the young goose at his feet wailed as if hungry, and the Big Goose immediately spread out its wings and jumped out of Kiro’s arms.

It gently combed the feathers on the goslings and then swaggered away with them.

Kiro smiled crookedly and waved his arms.

Kiro: Goodbye, Goose Boss~ 

Watching them disappear gradually, Kiro stood up and rubbed the mud off of his body.

MC: Unexpectedly, the frightening Big Goose gave in to the “head pats”~ *This came out weird in GT so I changed this part up a bit*

Kiro: Of course, no one can resist “head pats”.

MC: Are you the same?

Kiro walked towards me, lowered his head and shook it.

Kiro: Miss Chips, would you like to try it too?

The curly blond hair swayed gently in the breeze as he shook, seemingly sending me the most sincere invitation.

It looked so soft and vibrant under the sun, I couldn’t help rubbing it a few times.

Kiro: Well….it’s true.

He immediately wrapped his arms around my waist and buried his head into my neck and shoulder.

Kiro: I am like a big goose now. I don’t want to leave anymore. 

His warm cheeks were close to my collarbone, and a sudden rush of heat quietly reached the tips of my ears.

I didn’t know if he could hear my accelerating heartbeat. He raised his head and looked at me with pure blue eyes.

The next second, a hand fell on top of my head and rubbed it.

When I didn’t react, a sly smile raised at the corner of his mouth.

Kiro: Now it’s your turn.

He opened his arms and seemed to be waiting for me to pounce into his arms.

MC: ….Let’s hurry up and get to the elderly lady’s house!

I pretended to glare at him and walked forward with a chuckle.

But even if I speed up my pace, it seems that I can’t hide the sound of my heart beating like a drum.

(Cut to elderly lady’s house)

Soon we arrived at elderly lady’s house.

She is the person who is most familiar with the mountains and forests in the entire village. After she learned that we need to collect sounds, she enthusiastically introduced us to many places here.

After we gave her a greeting gift that we had prepared a while back, she took us to the backyard.

Although I heard many things about this lady’s backyard filled with a sea of flowers; after seeing it with my own eyes, it was even better than I had imagined--

Clusters of slender branches are adorned with flowers of different varieties. Large painting-like flowers rippled with the wind, setting off a “wave”.

I closed my eyes and the wonderful sounds around me continued to interweave, entangle, and overlap, as if playing a song.

I turned my head to look at Kiro and found that he had also closed his eyes.

The sunlight gleamed on the side of his face and the corners of his lips curled up as if greedily taking everything in around him.

Against the background of the sea of flowers, all the light and colours are gathering towards him, becoming extremely dazzling.

I don’t know if he felt my gaze but he opened his eyes and looked at me.

Kiro: Miss Chips, are you ready to move into our Flower Sea View Room?

(Cut to room)

We walked into the cabin. Although the space was not large, it was very tidy. Some flower buds had even bloomed, filling the cabin with life.

MC: It’s really nice here and the scenery is pleasant. And along the way, it was very quiet because there were no people around!

MC: This way, you don’t have to worry about being interrupted, and you can do what you want without any restraint.

Kiro: With no restraint? 

Before the words finished, he raised a lazy smile and dragged me into his arms. Our center of gravity was thrown off at the same time and we fell on the soft bed.

I stared at Kiro above me in a daze. He pushed some hair on my face away, leaving an itchy feeling.

Kiro: Then I have a lot of things I want to do….

Kiro: You will cooperate with me, right? 

His breath was so breathy and soft, it made the tips of my ears turn red instantly.

MC: If it is a reasonable thing….of course I will cooperate.

Kiro: Let’s rest for a while.

He fell on the bed and hugged me tightly, leaving only a small gap for us to breathe freely.

Kiro: Before collecting sounds, let’s be lazy. But not too much~

[Third Part]

After the afternoon nap, Kiro and I walked into the mountains with our equipment and started the official sound-collecting trip.

Seeing the porcelain doll originally placed in the RV hung on his backpack, I couldn’t help but be a little surprised. He seemed to see my doubts and shook his backpack.

Kiro: It is the main character of this song, and I want to take it and set off.

Kiro: I believe that everyone listening will be moved by it. *Changed some wording*

Kiro: Creation is like a kind of communication. The creator just tells us what the character wants and does it another way. 

Kiro: So since it is going to find the “fragments” that have been lost, this doll cannot be absent from the process. 

Kiro lowered his eyes and gently rubbed the porcelain doll with his fingertips. I couldn’t help holding his hand.

MC: So have you figured out what sound you want to collect?

Kiro: Of course….I’m collecting all of the beautiful sounds. 

Kiro: There are always people experiencing unsatisfactory things, I want to use these sounds to awaken the beautiful memories that are not noticed by them.

His earnest words can’t help but remind me that each of his songs seems to bring light and power to everyone.

MC: Then I have to make a contribution and prick up my little ears to find the sound!

Kiro looked at me and raised his brows slightly.

Kiro: Miss Chips, do you know?

Kiro: In fact, in some special circumstances, you can let the sound actively find you.

MC: Really, how do we do that?

Kiro: Such as….

He pressed the corners of his lips, his eyes closed, and then a warm touch pressed against my ears.

Kiro: I am the “sound” that will come to your door. *It took everything in me to keep to the original as much as possible. My mind went many places 😳*

Kiro: Whenever Miss Chips gets bored or misses me, I will be the first thing to pop into your ears. *HIS VOICE IS SO BREATHY AND LOW AAAAAAHHHH*

I couldn’t help but tremble and my heart was beating wildly.

MC: You….!

He tilted his head, smirking like a little devil.

Kiro: I seem to hear a special heartbeat. 

I realized that I had accidentally fallen into his “trap” and had to blush and ran forward.

MC: There seems to be a sound in front of me. Let me go and take a look!

(Cut to spring)

Kiro and I walked forward slowly and the sounds from the distance before became clearer and clearer--

The gurgling clear spring faintly made the sound of water colliding with the stones, and the crisp birdsong in the sky also flew near and above.

Kiro put in his earphones and walked forward softly.

He bends down for a while and stretches his hands in front of him; he raises his arms high again as if he is adjusting his posture following the bird’s path.

The sun shines through the gaps in the leaves, through the mist in the forest, and poured a little bit onto him, creating a beautiful aperture.

Looking at Kiro like this, I was subconsciously drawn in.

It seemed that whenever he was immersed in the world of sound, his expression would become extremely pure and profound.

There is a sense of keenness in his eyebrows, but the curvature of the corners of his mouth never fell.

He is very happy.

Thinking of this, I smiled to myself.

Suddenly, he walked up to me, took out the earphones and gently put them in my ears.

Kiro: Listen with earphones; you will find many unexpected nuances.

Following his whispers, the natural sounds around me rushed into my ears like a spring.

The sound in the earphones seems to be completely different from the sound heard by human ears at ordinary times--

The sounds of birds, cicadas, springs, and the wind brushing leaves are more delicate and clearer than usual.

These pure sounds are usually drowned out by the sounds of the city.

Kiro: How do you like it? 

MC: I think these sounds have become a song….

Kiro looked into the distance with a serene smile in his eyes.

Kiro: They are original songs created by nature.

Hearing this, I quickly took off one of the earphones and put it in his ear.

MC: The let’s listen for a while~

I leaned against Kiro’s body, quietly feeling the “music” in the earphones.

The sounds around me kept flowing and flowing into my ears. I couldn’t help but close my eyes and imagine the invisible scenes one by one--

The leaves fell on the ground with the wind and the fish flipped in the stream with splashes, water droplets falling from a height….

These sounds automatically filled the picture inside my mind, drawing every detail. I couldn’t help but laugh softly.

Kiro: MC, what are you laughing at?

I opened my eyes and found that he had seemed to have been looking at me the whole time.

MC: I was just imagining the scenes of these sounds and I thought that the experience this time was amazing.

MC: I haven’t finished yet, why are you laughing!

I said, poking at the corner of his raised mouth.

Kiro: Because I found myself thinking the same thing as you. 

Kiro: So I can’t help but feel…. very, very happy.

Suddenly, a ray of sunlight seemed to pierce through the clouds and shoot straight down, making the surroundings shine brightly.

Even the porcelain doll hanging on Kiro’s backpack was shining brilliantly.

[Fourth Part]

As it was getting late, Kiro and I were passing by the small pool in the backyard with a “full load” when he suddenly stopped.

MC: What’s happening?

Kiro glanced at the pool next to him, his eyes flickering slightly.

Kiro: MC, do you want to cool down? 

Although my clothes weren’t soaked, the sweat from my forehead kept coming.

I looked at the cold pool and couldn’t help nodding.

We put down the equipment in our hands, turned on the hose and walked towards the pool.

He sat down by the pool first and then stretched out his hand to me.

I thought he was going to help me sit down but I didn’t expect him to gently pull me to sit on his lap.

Kiro: There is mud on the ground. Sit with me.

As if guessing what I would do next, he wrapped his arms around my waist and tightened them.

MC: I’m….I’m not afraid of getting dirty.

I blushed and retorted but did not continue to struggle. My feet splashed the water gently.

The water splash sounded continuously and it blended into the surrounding cicadas seamlessly--

This is the sound of summer.

I couldn’t help but lean my head on his shoulder and the porcelain doll was reflected by the moonlight in the corner of my eye.

Thinking of its story, I couldn’t help but feel something in my heart and spoke slowly.

MC: This porcelain doll may represent a lot of people. Despite being “broken”, it felt that it was not a big deal.

MC: But over time, more and more cracks in the body began to make it incomplete….

MC: When I think about it, it must feel empty.

Kiro lowered his head, his breath lightly brushed my cheek.

He looked at me quietly, his eyes seemed to be mixed with inexplicable emotions.

MC: However, I’m not worried about this situation!

MC: Because I have you, Kiro.

MC: Whenever I encounter problems in life and work, I will face them more positively as much as possible.

MC: Because of you, I am not afraid of anything.

I couldn’t help laughing and there was a little splash on my feet.

Kiro: Mm, Miss Chips has me. 

Kiro: I hope you are always happy.

His tone was with undeniable certainty and a warm current suddenly surged in my heart.

MC: However, Kiro, you also have me.

MC: I will also make you happy forever and ever.

Kiro looked at me deeply and suddenly widened his eyes slightly as if thinking of something.

Kiro: I seem to have a new idea!

He raised the corners of his mouth and hummed a brisk melody on the spot.

MC: Is this your new song? It seems different from the demo before.

Different from the soothing tune before, the melody this time is light and free; as soft as lying on a cloud.

Kiro: Because MC has changed it. 

MC: Eh, how did I change it?

Kiro wrapped his arms around me tightly again and looked at me softly.

Kiro: Before, I wanted to awaken some of the beautiful memories that people hadn’t noticed and retrieve the lost goodness.

Kiro: But there are actually more powerful ideas than this, like a porcelain doll, for example.

Kiro: Even if it doesn’t get its lost fragments back, it can still use the leaves, petals and grass that pass by to complete itself again--

Kiro: It can have a new ending in the future!

Kiro looked straight at me, his eyes full of stars.

Kiro: In fact, we can also re-decorate with the beauty around us and become who we are now. 

Kiro: Just like how you have been by my side, I became the current Kiro.

Kiro: When I am happy, you turn it into double happiness. When I am tired, you will be my power bank. When I’m frustrated….

Kiro: You are the reason that I won’t fall down.

Kiro: I accepted all the “fragments” you gave me and became my current self; a better Kiro.

Each word he spoke pulled my heartstrings inadvertently.

MC: Kiro….

Before I finished speaking, there was a sound of water pouring coming from the hose.

I don’t know why the hose was still trickling just now. A large amount of water came gushing out of it and began to dance in the air.

Kiro and I couldn’t avoid getting most of our bodies soaked and he hurriedly reached out to hold the hose in a panic.

Just as Kiro had grasped it, the hose sprayed me.

I instinctively turned my head and threw myself into Kiro’s arms, but my lips brushed against something soft.

I immediately lowered my head and buried it in his neck.

Kiro: What’s wrong? Why is your face suddenly hot? 

MC: It’s nothing. It’s just a bit hot.

Suddenly, his chest trembled slightly, as if he has seen through my cover and was trying his best to hide a laugh.

Kiro: Oh~ So that’s the case. Let me cool you down.

As soon as the voice fell, he raised the hose in his hand and pointed it at me at a relatively safe distance.

The jet of water brushed my ears, bringing a comfortable icy coolness.

Kiro: Is it cooler now?

I subconsciously looked away and responded to him in somewhat of a daze.

MC: Okay, much better, thank you!!

Kiro: Now that you’ve said thank you, can I ask for another reward?

MC: ….What do you want?

Kiro: I want Miss Chips to replicate the moment with me before. 

He seemed to be deliberately reminding me that he was very close to me, his hot breath blew from the tip of his nose.

I stared at him blankly and finally looked at his lips.

My thoughts flooded like a tide, and my lips suddenly became a little hot.

MC: You are shameless….!

Kiro: No, I’m asking for it honestly. 

Seeing him blinking his eyes cheekily, I wanted to laugh.

MC: Well….

I took a deep breath, held his face and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

In the next second, a jet of water splashed my ears-- 

Kiro: That one just now doesn’t count. Do it again.

MC: Kiro!

As soon as the voice fell, he touched the tip of my nose, his eyes locked onto my face.

Kiro: I want more than that.

His soft voice crept into my ears, leaving traces of tickling.

Kiro: Those lost fragments….

Kiro: Let me fill them in for you.

After he finished speaking, he closed his eyes and my lips were instantly covered by a soft touch. His breath is sweet, like a fruit gummy.

He seemed to pour out all the hidden emotions that he couldn’t express out into this kiss, which was long and uncontrollable.

I also close my eyes and responded softly. In fact, I still have a lot to say.

I want to tell him--

Actually, you have done more for me.

You have brought light to me, and you have made me more courageous to look forward to a better future.

Because of you, I gradually became a better version of myself.

End

The call that comes after the date can be found here!

[laurelsofhighever]

What’s this, new Falcon content? After I said the story was finished? It’s more likely than you think. There are always cracks to fill in with moments of fluff and angst, and some hurt/comfort thrown in for good measure.

Alistair x Cousland, major spoiler warning for Chapter 65 of The Falcon and the Rose

--

“I really have missed you, you know.”

The quiet words, mumbled into the embroidered velvet of Alistair’s collar, filled the silence of the empty hall as they stood together in the aftermath of the trial, swaying on their feet, though Rosslyn couldn’t tell if it was an act of comfort on her lover’s part or her own fatigue finally catching up to her. He stroked her hair, arms tightening around her, and she relaxed into the welcome heat of his body, let him take her weight when her legs began to shake.

She had not dared falter in front of Howe. The whole trial had been an act, shoulders back, head held high, teeth gritted against the dull throb in her side that worsened with every moment. Now, however, with the eyes of the world turned away weariness crept into her limbs, an ache compounded from both the morning and the events of the previous two days that shortened her breath and left her fingers cold and unresponsive.

“Rosslyn?”

Her only response came out in a hum, her thoughts beginning to cloud like the storm-washed waters of a stream.

“I think…” he tried, and then breathed a curse too low for her to hear. “You’re exhausted.”

She shook her head. “I just need a moment.”

The protest sounded weak even to her own ears, but no matter how the admission grated, she couldn’t deny the truth of it in the growing certainty that she would fall without Alistair to hold her upright.

“Let’s get you upstairs,” he murmured, brushing a kiss against her temple.

The worry in his voice stole any energy she might have had to crack a joke, and as he braced her to head towards the doors, what little remained focussed on not doubling over under her own weight. The mages had done most of the work in repairing the muscles in her abdomen, but even their skills stretched only so far, and she had to fight every step against the instinct to rely on them for her balance. She gladly clasped Alistair’s hand, and leaned into the arm he slung around the uninjured side of her waist.

In the silence that followed them from the hall, she tried to keep her breathing light to stop him from worrying, but concern and guilt whispered through his touch nonetheless. She chewed her lip to keep her mind occupied. If she glanced to his face, his expression would undo her.

The pain in her side had blossomed into a steady, repetitive stab beneath her ribs by the time they reached the door to her room. It took all her will to walk under her own power, and when Alistair cautiously settled her on the bed her relief emerged in a sob before she could grit her teeth against it.

“I hate this,” she hissed as he bent to unbuckle her sword belt. “I hate feeling like…” She punched the mattress. “I’m useless.”

“Only you would say that after rescuing a queen, liberating a castle, saving a king’s life, duelling a national hero, and getting justice for half the people in Ferelden,” he retorted, with an exasperated quirk of his mouth. “Besides, after everything you’ve done for everyone else since this war started, I think it’s fair you get at least a moment to recover. Even if it’s under duress,” he added, kneeling to help with her shoes.

She swayed closer to him. “You’re coming awfully close to sounding like you’re enjoying this.”

“I’m not. But someone needs to dote on you, and it might as well be me.”

“You are the most qualified,” she agreed, trying for a smirk. He shot her a grin in return, though the shadow behind it brought a sigh to her lips. “Will you stay with me?”

A true smile broke over his face then. He rose and reached for her, pressed their foreheads together.

“High dragons couldn’t keep me away,” he promised. “I’ll stay as long as you need.”

Forever, she almost said, but held it on the tip of her tongue. Such a word might burn so soon after being rejected. He hid the pain she had already inflicted well, but she knew him better.

“Are you still counting kisses?” she asked, brushing one over his lips to push back the wave of dizziness that threatened to overwhelm her.

“I’m afraid I lost count,” he replied. “When you woke up.”

A long sigh eased between her teeth. “I’ve been trying not to think about that. I almost died. I almost left you.”

“But you didn’t.” The hands that had been resting at her waist skimmed up her sides, fingertips questing for the line of her jaw and the silk of her hair with a frantic, almost fearful lightness. “You’re here, and everything is going to be alright.”

“Soon I might even be able to go a whole day without needing to sleep.”

“And then there’ll be no stopping you,” he teased.

Sharing the grin, she tilted forwards, seeking to have his lips under her own, warm and eager and full of comfort. When he responded, breathing her name against her mouth like a prayer, she shuddered, her weakness momentarily forgotten as she pulled him closer and threaded her fingers into his hair. But her breath was already catching, and behind her closed vision bright spots of colour darted like fish no matter how she tried to scatter them, and in the rush of blood through her ears Wynne’s caution against activity reared with the cold foreboding of a reef in a storm.

“Are you alright?” Alistair asked as they parted.

“It’s a bit ironic, don’t you think? After a lifetime of not caring, now that I want to be with someone life keeps getting in the way.”

Laughter huffed against her cheek. “There’s no rush, love. Especially since you really do need to rest.”

With gentle hands he helped her tilt and fall, bringing her legs up onto the mattress to save the movement pulling at her wound. As soon as her head sank into the soft fabric of the pillow, what remained of the tension in her body released in a flood that pushed at her limbs and made them almost too heavy to move. Her eyelids drooped. And then the mattress dipped behind her, and Alistair’s bulk pressed carefully along her back, his arms closing the circle of warmth as he pulled the covers over them both and kissed the back of her neck.

“I’m not hurting you, am I?” he asked.

She shook her head. A breath eased out against her back, driving away the worry with it. In the stillness that enfolded them, Rosslyn let herself drift, but even though her muscles relaxed and her fingers traced idle patterns along the back of Alistair’s hand, her mind would not be quiet. He was so careful to avoid her injury. The wound ran through and through, a deep pucker of livid flesh that, despite being kept clean of infection and hastened with magic, would never completely heal, would mark her for the rest of her life.

For a moment, she listened to the soft heave of Alistair’s breath, and wondered. Eventually, she licked her lips.

“It’s an ugly scar.”

He squeezed her fingers, sleepy. “It shows you survived. It doesn’t matter what it looks like – but I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“You haven’t seen it yet.”

“Do you think I’ll recoil in horror?” he teased, and shifted closer. “I’ve seen your other scars, my indomitable warrior goddess, and I didn’t shy away from them.”

“You were there when I got them,” she retorted.

“I was.”

“You ripped off my shirt, if I recall.”

“In as gentlemanlike a manner as I could manage, given the circumstances.”

She hummed, bringing his knuckles to her lips. “And then you watched over me, all night.”

He shrugged, a grin playful against her shoulder. “Teagan ordered me to. I wanted to sleep, not babysit some noblewoman who would probably just snap at me in the morning.” His voice lowered. “Even if she was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.”

“And now?”

“I’m madly in love with her,” he murmured. “And I’m pretty sure she finds me irresistible.”

“You’re very sure of yourself.” The words slurred, sleep coming to claim her.

“I’m just lucky, dearest lady,” he replied. “Now rest.”

Though a response crowded in her mind, the work of forming it on her tongue had become too much, leaving her content instead to succumb to the comfort of the embrace, the warmth and the safety that calmed her warrior’s demand for vigilance. The winter wind howled beyond the walls, whistled down the chimney, and the floorboards creaked as they settled in place. A thumb brushed a slow rhythm across the back of her hand. It was the last sensation she remembered.

[kitty0boy]

This is the second part of the fic I wrote last night. I forgot to mention in the first part that Chat Noir can summon multiple Cataclysms now, since he’s an adult (18).

—————————————

He arrived before Ladybug, dodging the nightmare dust Sandboy was throwing at him, he couldn’t afford to get hit right now, especially after seeing what it did to Marinette. A string wrapped around his middle and he was pulled towards his lady. “Sorry I’m late chaton, I got caught up in something.” Her eyes were slightly puffy. “Were you hit Ladybug?” She hooked her yo-yo on a chimney across the street, not looking at him. “The akuma is probably in the pillow again.” She stated, she was avoiding, so she had been hit. “Let’s get this over with quickly.” He growled before leaping back into battle. He was angry, Sandboy had hurt both his princess and his lady, not that he could control himself. He knew that, he was more mad at Hawkmoth if anything. How many times had he put Marinette in danger with no remorse? Not to mention the amount of times he’s killed him and hurt Ladybug. So yes, he was furious, and that showed when he attacked.

...

She arrived late, her eyes puffy from crying. She had to pull it together in front of Chat so that he would go fight, but when he left she broke down. She wasn’t scared of Chat but hearing him cry for her and seeing how broken he was as an akuma, broke something inside piece of her. Tikki consoled her and when she composed herself, she left. She spotted him weaving through Sandboy’s attacks, she didn’t want him to get hit, because she knew how much it hurt. She threw her yo-yo at him and pulled him towards her. “Sorry I’m late chaton, I got caught up in something.” He looked at her, her eyes specifically. “Were you hit Ladybug?” She couldn’t look him in the eyes so instead to hooked her yo-yo onto a chimney across the street. Out of the corner of her eye she saw his face screw up in rage, “Let’s get this over with quickly.” He hissed before running after the akuma.

She watched as he went on the offense, swiping relentlessly at Sandboy, trying to tear his pillow. But then Sandboy caught him off guard and hit him. “Chat Noir, No!” She called to him, he stood there for a minute before looking around.

...

All of a sudden, Ladybug and Sandboy disappeared. He was alone. He looked around for them but he couldn’t see anyone, Paris was completely still and silent, it made him uneasy. Then out of the corner of his eye he saw a blob of pink, he turned quickly to face a limping Marinette, making her way out of the alley. “Marinette? I told you to stay home.” He started walking towards her, the building beside her began to crumble. Her eyes flew open in panic and she braced herself against the wall she was leaning on. “Marinette! Run!” He began sprinting towards her, his legs burned but he couldn’t seem to get closer to her. He finally reached her and started digging her out. She looked so peaceful, even with the huge cut across her cheek. He gently lifted her out of the debris, and put his head to her chest, listening for a heartbeat or any sign of breathing, and tears gathered in his eyes the longer he waited. “Marinette please wake up.” He sobbed for her and in a last effort, he grabbed her hand and put it to his cheek, but it was cold, and fell away.

...

Chat unleashed the most deafening, blood curdling scream she’d ever heard. Tears welled in her eyes. She watched as Sandboy approached him from behind, trying to take the ring off his finger. In a blur of anger she wrapped the yo-yo around Sand boy and flung him off his pillow and onto the pavement, he wasn’t hurt. She grabbed the pillow and tore it, the akuma flying away and the boy transforming back into himself. His mother ran out from across the street and hugged him. She looked at Chat only to see him still shaking and cradling something in his arms. She placed a hand on his shoulder and bent down to him. “Chat?” He couldn’t hear her. “Marinette please.” He choked and her heart stopped. His nightmare was about her? She tried to think back on what had woken her up from her trance, right before she woke up, he said something to her. What was it? “Chat, it’s just a nightmare.” He stopped shaking and looked at her, she smiled sadly at him and he choked again before turning away. She quickly wrapped her arms around him and rubbed his back.

“I need to fix this mess.” She stood calling her Lucky Charm, a lounge chair fell, identical to the one on her balcony. Chat gasped behind her, “I have to go see her!” She grabbed his wrist before he could leave. “I think you should clean up first kitty, she’ll only be more worried if she sees you now.” He rubbed his eyes and nodded before turning around. “Wait,” he paused, “Marinette’s nightmare, well at least I think it was about me being akumatized. Have, have I been akumatized before Ladybug?” “What makes you think that?” She asked surprised he guessed right. “It’s just,” he rubbed the back of his neck, “she said ‘not again’ so I thought it was either a reoccurring nightmare or it happened for real, and I didn’t know about it. So which is it?” She knew she couldn’t lie her way out of it so she just nodded sadly at him. “It was in an alternate timeline but yes, you were. I brought her with me to save you.” He slumped, “Did I, or me in that timeline, do something to her?” Her earrings beeped once, she only had 4 minutes left. “Not exactly but he was in love with her and blamed her for everything. He said that ‘our love destroyed the world.’” He stiffened and a tear rolled down her cheek, “You should probably talk to Marinette about it kitty, she’s been keeping this secret for a long time.” She hinted. The truth was she really needed to tell him and get it off her chest, her heart ached everyday trying to keep it secret. “What about you?” He asked and she turned back towards him, “Did I hurt you?” She dropped the chair and walked towards him, wrapping him in a hug. “Chat Noir that wasn’t you, it was Chat Blanc. What hurt the most was seeing him like that.” He hugged her back. “Why didn’t you take me with you?” She pulled back, “Bunnyix didn’t let me, she grabbed me and gave Marinette the mouse miraculous before taking off with us. Besides it’s a good thing she didn’t, Chat Blanc knew who I was.” He pulled back, “You mean I knew your identity.” She nodded at him. Her earrings beeped again. “You should go tidy up kitty, I can take care to things here.” He let go of her before walking away, with one last wave he took off. She threw the lucky charm into the air and the magic Ladybugs flew around her and all over Paris. She liked to think that they cared for her, they had just dried her eyes after all.

...

He quickly fed Plagg and splashed his face with cold water. Plagg ate quickly, concern etched across his tiny face. “I’m ready to go kid, hurry up and transform.” He looked at his friend “You’re worried about her too?” He smiled, “Yeah now hurry up, you need to check on her for me.” He smiled again before calling for his transformation.

He reached her house in no time, she was sitting on her lounge, curled into a ball. He hesitated, did she really want to see him after that? He nearly turned around and left until she called out to him. She uncurled and looked up at him, still sitting on the edge of the chair. He leapt towards her and she stood up to meet him. The second his feet touched the balcony she wrapped her arms around him and rested her face on his chest. She moved so fast that he stumbled backwards and bumped into the railing. She started shaking and hugged him tighter, in return he ran his claws through her hair in, what he hoped, was a soothing manner. She relaxed against him after a few minutes.

“What happened?” He asked, “When I was akumatized I mean.” She sniffed, “Ladybug told you?” He rested his head on top of hers. “Only a bit, but I want to hear what you remember.” Her knees buckled and he instinctively scooped her up and put her on the chair. She slumped and he kneeled on the floor in front of her. “Everything was cold,” she started “The moon was broken in half and Paris was flooded. You were sitting alone on a rooftop, singing to yourself. You didn’t look the same either, you were more grown up, it looked like you were there for years by yourself. You didn’t sound the same either, your voice was.” She paused he put his hand on hers. “It wasn’t you, you chased Ladybug off and went after me, you said that ‘I was breaking your heart’ when I tried to run away. You chased me to the Eiffel Tower and I hid from you, leaping out to grab things off of you and breaking them, hoping the akuma would fly out. Ladybug showed up eventually and we fought you together, but you knocked me into the water and I saw Ladybug and Hawkmoth, they were like statues underwater. I swam towards Hawkmoth and tried to take his miraculous but he crumbled away. When I got back up to the surface, Ladybug was gone again.” She paused to wipe her eyes. He felt tears in his eyes again but he didn’t say anything. “I made it back and you summoned a huge cataclysm that would destroy the universe if I didn’t give you my miraculous. I managed to calm you down and you stopped. I knew you were still in there though, because in the end you told me where your akuma was.” He looked at her, confused. “How?” He asked, she sniffed before smiling and flicking his bell. “Like that, I ended up destroying it and Ladybug came and fixed everything.” He looked away from her, he had hurt her. He knew it wasn’t him but a version of him still hurt her. “I’m sorry.” He said and he was suddenly tackled. “It’s not your fault!” She yelled, “It’s Hawkmoth’s you would never hurt me.” He was stunned for a moment but hugged her back and stared at the fully intact moon, tears streaming down his face.

...

She felt bad lying to him about what happened, but he couldn’t know yet. Not until Hawkmoth was defeated. Besides, she stuck to the same storyline, and it wasn’t exactly the truth but it was still pretty close. They stayed like that for a while. Until she was too tired to cry anymore. “Do you want me to stay tonight?” He asked and she nodded against him. Slowly, he stood up and carried her towards the trap door, he tucked them in and she fell asleep.

...

It was a weekend but Sabine still needed her daughter’s help in the bakery. With breakfast made and the table set, she climbed up the stairs to her daughter’s bedroom. “Marinette, breakfast is ready.” She called, no answer. So she opened the trapdoor. “Marinette?” She asked again, climbing up into her room. She climbed up to her daughters bed and low and behold, her daughters was wrapped in the arms of none other than Chat Noir, one of Paris’ superheroes. Wrapped up so tightly in fact that even her husband Tom wouldn’t be able to pull them apart. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that their faces were both stained with tears. Last nights akuma must have gotten to them. She decided it would be better to let them sleep and with a sigh, she made her way back downstairs. It’s was probably best that Tom didn’t know about this.

——————————

So that’s all! Thanks for reading.

Here’s the link to the first part

[miraculous786]

A Miniature Meeting With Multimouse > One

(This is based off of a Criminal!Multimouse idea that I posted on my account)

Masterlist

"Nightwing, do you have a visual on the entrance?"

"Yep, it's in clear sight," he answered, "They haven't appeared yet."

Sighing, Red Hood sat down beside Richard, on the edge of a building overlooking the Museum. His brother payed him no mind, as he pulled out his phone.

Meanwhile, Robin perched on a gargoyle situated in the shadows, awaiting any orders. The communication piece in his ear, however, didn't sound, allowing his tense posture to relax slightly.

In the corner of his vision, he spotted a shadow moving, making his head swivel in suspicion. Narrowing his eyes, he shuffled in the direction as to where it had passed, and soon managed to make out the sight of a female strolling down the street.

Sighing, he spoke, "There's a civilian out walking, I'm going to go ask her to leave in case something happens."

Red Robin answered, "Just make it quick, we don't want to miss the thief."

Even though his brother couldn't see him, he faintly nodded, readying himself to land behind her.

The moon showered the girl in a faint light, letting him see her clothing. A grey blazer was worn atop a white shirt, which displayed an intricate flower pattern starting from just below the waist.

The woman's pink jeans reached her ankles, showing pale freckled skin between the cuffs of the clothing and black flats.

Before he could call out to her, a male loudly whispered, "The guard has just passed the McGuffin. I repeat, the guard has just passed the McGuffin."

Nightwing chuckled. "Really, Red Robin? 'McGuffin'?"

"Yeah, it's not as if this woman will show up anytime soon," Jason scoffed, rolling his eyes beneath the helmet.

Distracted by the bickering in his ear, Robin grumpily mumbled under his breath, before looking back down the street, only to see the female gone.

His eyes widened, but he didn't have time to contemplate her disappearance, as Red Robin informed, "The Mouse has sights on the cheese."

Nightwing suddenly stood up straight, with Red Hood lazily copying the movement beside him. Damian grappled towards the apartment Red Robin was on, noting how the man fixated his gaze on the Museum roof.

Sure enough, a short figure clad mostly in grey emerged from the shadows, the lamps overhead lighting up her figure.

Her raven hair sat in two buns atop her head, tied with pink ribbons. A mask with black peeking on the borders of it covered a large portion of her face, while also protecting her identity. The upper half was a bright pink, that made her bluebell eyes shimmer and stand out in the night.

Now with a closer look at the woman, the males noticed how around her waist was what appeared to be a skipping rope, dangling idly at her side. Her hands, reaching up to her elbows, were covered in a jet black material, along with her legs from the knees downward.

More pink highlighted her extremities, the rest of her suit a pale grey.

Raising his eyebrow at the attire, Damian watched as the Mouse, as they had dubbed her, pulled off the rope from her body, and held it in her hands. Suddenly, a hot pink glow radiated from it in her grip, as she began to spin it in circles beneath her feet.

After ten rotations of jumping over it, she threw it over her head, the rope spinning vigorously whilst a white glow enveloped it.

"Multitude!" Robin heard the clearly French girl say, as it wrapped around her body several times before all that was visible was a blinding pink light surrounding her.

Nightwing recoiled in surprise, with Red Hood spluttering, "What the f-"

They were all stunned into silence when the glow dissipated, revealing the same woman with a white energy coiling around the charcoal black of her boots.

Before they could utter another word, she walked behind a nearby extractor fan, blocking their view of her movements.

Immediately, they grappled to a roof where it was possible to see where she went, but when they got there, she was nowhere in sight.

"I've never seen technology like that before," Tim breathed, still shocked from the display.

"You sure that was technology?" Jason asked, "Looked more like something from a 'magical girl' show if you ask me."

"We need to stop her from taking the artifact," Damian stated, already annoyed with Red Hood, "It shouldn't take her too long to get it."

Nightwing quickly picked up on his implication. "Good idea, Baby Bird! We'll wait until she comes out with it, then confront her."

The males all agreed, with Red Robin jumping onto the Museum roof, so that his eyes could focus on the hatch through which she had entered. He stayed put in the shadows, his brothers waiting in trepidation.

However, when the hatch finally opened, Tim raised his eyebrow at the fact that no one seemed to have pushed it in the first place.

Before he could question it, he spotted a mop of dark hair just barely poking out of the hatch, the hairstyle in two buns.

"See her, yet?" Red Hood quizzed, all of a sudden beside Tim.

Startled, the latter turned in surprise, only to look back to where he was previously gazing as a pink flash, suddenly followed by a red one, shone. Jason focused his attention on the hatch, as him and his brother noticed how the hairstyle on the woman had miraculously changed.

Now, as Marinette clambered up the rest of the ladder's steps, her braided bun on the back of her head shifted as she searched her surroundings with her eyes.

Confirming that it was empty, she pulled out the yo-yo sat at her hip, and slid her finger across it. Opening up, the weapon showed a glowing white abyss, that Marinette dropped the Cat Emerald into.

She let out a small smile, before closing it up, and spinning it to warm up her dominant arm. Throwing it at a chimney, she tugged on the line, before leaping off the Museum.

Red Robin was the first to break out of his stupor, grappling in the same direction that she had headed. As he neared to where she was, his eyes caught sight of her swinging with the yo-yo, the end latching on to different poles without a problem.

Maybe she really is using magic.

Robin kept to the shadows, as he jumped in sync in an alley below the Mouse. Her line latched onto another lamppost, small body following behind.

All of a sudden, a Batarang came into contact with the yo-yo, knocking it off of the pole. Yelping, Marinette caught herself in midair with the wings stretched across her back.

As she landed on the ground with barely a whisper of noise, a male caught the weapon he had just thrown, his expression carefully monotone despite the fact that he was shocked at the display of her wings.

Marinette noticed Robin inching closer to her, as she spun her yo-yo in a vigorous circle. All it appeared to be was red blur, held out in a way for protection.

Three figures gracefully stood beside Robin now, Ladybug realised. Her eyes darted between the quartet, noting how Red Robin was staring intently at the wings that slowly folded back on their own accord.

Nightwing held his hands out in a placating manner, walking forwards in measured steps. Though his movement seemed casual, she still kept the yo-yo turning, as she saw his eyes wander from the weapon to her mask.

"Listen, Mouse. We don't want a fight," he said, glancing at the object in her grip, "Just hand over the Cat Emerald, and this won't have to get violent."

Red Hood gazed at Ladybug thoughtfully, wondering why her appearance seemed to confuse him, in some way. Whenever he guessed about who she could be behind the mask, a fuzzy feeling settled in his head, muddling up his train of thought.

"And have you take me to jail?" she smoothly replied, "No thanks."

Nightwing tensed, pulling out one escrima stick, as Ladybug lunged forward. He attempted to hit the yo-yo out of her hand, but the constant spinning allowed her to whack his staff out of the way when it came close.

Red Robin charged into the scuffle, Marinette easily evading the incoming staff. Dick suddenly grabbed his other stick, eyes narrowed at Ladybug.

The trio began to battle again, metal slamming repeatedly against each other with every swipe. Ladybug was slowly being led backwards, the two clanging their weapons against hers in an attempt to knock her out.

Jason watched nearby, but soon landed quietly behind Marinette with guns at the ready. Unfortunately, her wings twitched as he made his presence known, as she twisted round and kicked him in the gut.

He flew a far distance, leaving everyone shocked because of her sheer strength. Using their frozen states to her advantage, Ladybug tossed the yo-yo upwards, unaware of Robin an arm's distance away from the pole it wrapped around.

She ran into the wall it was at, running upwards as the yo-yo held her upright. However, just as she made it to the top, a leg swiped beneath hers, making her stumble.

In surprise, she fell back down onto the ground, where the males stood waiting. Her back made a harsh impact with the cement, making her groan in discomfort.

They stood in a semicircle, cornering her against a wall behind her. Marinette picked up the clattered yo-yo, noticing the males tense in anticipation for an oncoming move.

She instead placed it back on her hip and held her right hand out at her side. "Tikki-" she stated, the symbol of the Ladybug miraculous appearing at her fingertips.

"Longg." Holding out her other hand in the same way, the symbol of the Dragon miraculous materialised out of thin air.

She brought both hands together, intertwining her fingers in front of her chest, saying, "Unify!"

Nightwing stepped backwards, watching as black slithered it's way up her suit, and a symbol containing containing three shapes in a circle appeared at the centre of her chest.

She thew them all one last smirk, before her arms moved upwards in the shape of a 'T'.

"Wind Dragon!"

One shape on the symbol glowed, as a white mist swirled around Dragonbug.

Wait, is she turning into the mist?

The gas flew up, colour changing so that it was invisible to the naked eye. Dick authoritatively commanded, "Split up, and try and find her!"

They all obeyed, prying eyes searching any allies in the vicinity. Red Hood looked about the farthest, intent on finding her the most.

Why does she seem so familiar?

He was broken out of his thoughts not by the strange aura of the woman, but her herself, standing confidently on a neighbouring rooftop.

Jason ran after her quickly retreating figure, as he was able to spot a sword strapped to her back. For some reason, the blade of it didn't look particularly sharp, however, he didn't want to test if it was.

He followed her silhouette into another alley, jumping down when she did too. When he landed, he searched the place, wondering where she had disappeared to.

From behind, a shadow walked to him, making his head swivel to it. Up close, he could see the smallest of hexagons making up the material of her suit in the reflective light, which now had no sword on the back as she pulled it out.

"I've got the Bug," he stated into his comm, before readying himself for an onslaught of attacks.

Sure enough, she swiped at him in all directions, the only thing keeping him safe the years of experience he had in physical combat. However, it seemed as if she was more of an expert as him, when he soon found himself pinned onto the concrete.

Squirming, he inwardly marvelled at the fact that she didn't even flinch when he moved, but soon his eyes widened when a hand came to take off his helmet.

He was facing upwards, arms tied with the yo-yo string, meaning that she would see his face straight away. Jason tried to face towards the ground, but she simply kept him still as the helmet was now within her grasp.

There were a few seconds of silence, as Jason squeezed his eyes tight. The clatter of his helmet made him open them, where he saw Dragonbug, mouth wide open and eyes glistening.

Her fingers came to touch his face, making him shift away in anger from the hand, but he soon calmed when she quietly whispered, "Jay-Jay?"

She cupped his cheek, teeth biting her lip as she pushed his white-streaked bangs out of his face. His eyes widened, taking in the sight of her locks.

The lamp made the strands appear an unnatural navy blue, and highlighted the red ribbons sticking out from her bun.

"Nettie?" he awed, voice just as quiet as hers.

"Jay-Jay!" Marinette cried, clutching him to her chest. The yo-yo around his wrists slackened, allowing his hands to move.

Before he could return the embrace, a sudden noise made the duo jump, as smoke invaded both of their visions.

Jason intertwined their fingers, squeezing for reassurance, but he soon found himself cold as a kick against her back pushed her away from him.

As the fog cleared, Nightwing and Red Robin stood with their weapons held offensively, aimed at Dragonbug. She glanced around disoriented, before her eyes caught sight of the men.

Inching backwards, she pulled out her sword, holding it defensively as they came forward. As they attacked, Marinette parried and dodged, intent on getting closer to Jason.

The sight of his terrified yet angry face kept flashing in her mind again, making it difficult to concentrate on fighting the trained combatants.

While she fought, Robin held a hand out for Jason, which the latter took in a daze, and stood up. He caught a snatch of Marinette being hit hard on the stomach in his vision, and her clutching the organ in pain.

Red Robin spun his baton in a fast circle, pushing Dragonbug onto the ground. She huffed, pain shooting through her front.

Only Jason saw the glance she gave to him, her eyes wanting to tell a hundred stories and hear more from him, but his brothers unfortunately stood tall and on-guard in front of her, preventing their long-awaited reunion.

Before he knew what he was doing, he stepped forward, just as Tim was about to knock her out.

"Stop!"

He froze, as did Nightwing, whilst Marinette's bluebell eyes glistened with an emotion he couldn't quite decipher. It was grateful, happy, and sad all at the same time.

All that she managed to do, with thoughts shooting through her mind a million miles an hour, was send him a small smile, before shouting, "Lightning Dragon!"

Yellow crackles surrounded her body, as a bolt of lightning shot upwards and out of view, leaving not even her weapons behind.

Immediately, the boys turned to him after watching her leave, with Tim stressing, "She knows what you look like, and you let her get away?!"

Robin seemed to be wanting to say something snarky at the same time as Tim's rambling, while Nightwing stepped forward and tentatively asked, "Jason?"

Only, he didn't give him a glance.

He just stared longingly after the girl that was practically his younger sister until years ago.

"Tim?" Jason called in a dazed voice.

Said person only went silent, taking in how Red Hood looked almost in a trance.

"I need you to research Marinette Dupain-Cheng."

@kittyanonymity @kceedraws @2sunchild2 @you-will-never-know-how-i-feel @calliemaricats @desygner @northernbluetongue @shamefullove @octoberscorn @thecaptainthunder @nerdy-anime-trash-27 @themcclan

[searchingwardrobes]

The Early Leaf’s a Flower: 10/11

Here’s another M rated chapter, and this time for a more enjoyable reason :) In addition to sexy times, there are a lot of revelations in this chapter. I can’t believe we are almost to the end! You all have been so supportive of this story, especially those of you who were fans of the original. Thank you for trusting me and sticking with this new version!

Thank you once again to the mods of the @captainswanbigbang for hosting the Captain Swan Rewrite a Thon. Also massive thanks to my betas @shippingtheswann and @optimisticgirl. I also owe a lot to all of my fellow writers in the discord chats for your conversations about creating my own version of Neverland and the other realms.

Summary: She saw eyes that were the blue of the forget me not peering at her through the cracked door of the wardrobe. He saw hair as gold as the buttercups. Why does the wardrobe keep bringing them back to one another, if fate keeps tearing them apart? Or maybe fate has her reasons …

Rating: M for sexy times, violence, canonical character death, and attempted rape

Trigger warnings: vague references to child abuse (physical and sexual), violence, and positive Millian

Words: About 5k in this chapter

** Complete and updated every Monday** Also on Ao3

Chapter Ten: No Lovelier Sight

Killian stands behind the wheel, the biting air here above the clouds cutting across his cheeks. Above him, the pegasus sail snaps in the breeze as they make their way to Neverland. Below him, Emma stands looking out at the blue sky and wispy clouds, her hair flying around her like an enchantress. Milah’s old skirts billow around her as well, the bottom hem only hitting the top of her boots. After all, their former owner was but seventeen when she died, and Emma is a woman of twenty-three.

He had sat upon the edge of his cot earlier after retrieving Milah’s things from her old trunk, Emma next to him, and told her more about the girl they had once belonged to as well as what she had meant to him. He doesn’t plan on hiding anything from Emma, especially not when she walked away from the only realm that has ever been her home.

Yet Emma had barely reacted to his story, simply staring straight ahead, her occasional nods the only sign that she was listening at all. She hasn’t spoken much at all since he told her about Henry.

“Starkey,” Killian calls, “can you take over?”

“Of course sir,” his first mate answers, handing the sextant over to Curly.

With the ship in capable hands, Killian moves to the lower deck and slowly approaches Emma. She turns to him, managing a trembling smile as she pushes her hair out of her eyes.

“The air is thin and cold at this altitude,” Killian says, “are you sure you don’t want my coat?”

She shakes her head. “I don’t feel it,” she tells him softly, “I don’t feel anything.”

He isn’t sure what comfort she needs from him, but he opens his arms for her. Emma comes willingly, pressing her face to his collarbone and grasping him tightly about the waist. She shudders, and he wraps his arms around her.

“You’ve had a lot to process in a very short amount of time,” he tells her soothingly as he rubs her back gently. “First your attack, and then the news about your son . . . “

“I just don’t understand,” Emma mumbles against his chest. “He was a newborn baby. A woman was adopting him. A woman with a nice home in a nice little town.”

“I don’t know, love,” Killian sighs, wishing he could help her more. “Tink said that giving him up wasn’t easy for John Darling. He had him for two years before he brought him to Neverland. I think he got a bit attached.”

“But he didn’t love him,” Emma says bitterly, stepping out of Killian’s embrace and swiping angrily at the tear tracks on her cheeks. “Not enough, anyway.”

Killian can only nod, for he fully agrees. There’s really nothing more he can say. Emma reaches for his hand, and he takes it, lacing their fingers together. She pulls him near as she turns back to look at the clouds as they roll by. She pulls his arms around her waist and leans her back against his chest. Her hair smells like vanilla and cinnamon. Her hand slides down his left arm to grasp his hook, and he can hardly breathe past the lump in his throat.

“He’s five years old now, Killian. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. He wasn’t supposed to grow up like me.”

“There’s one difference between your childhood and his, though. His mother is on her way to rescue him.”

Emma turns in his embrace, and a tear rolls down her cheek. “What if he doesn’t want anything to do with me? What if he hates me?”

Killian catches the tear with the pad of his thumb, then caresses the dimple in her chin. “I don’t see how anyone can hate you, my love. And children are infinitely forgiving. Think back to when you were five, Emma.”

She gives him a tremulous smile even as her eyes flood with more tears. He lets his forehead drop to hers, though he won’t initiate a kiss. That will be on her timetable, not his.

“My love,” she whispers, “I like the sound of that.”

She turns her head into his shoulder and wraps her arms around his neck as he holds her tighter.

“Your heart’s desire, Swan. That’s all I want for you.”

“What I want is my son. To love him and have him love me back. Is that selfish?”

Killian buries his fingers in her hair. “Not at all. I believe that’s called a mother’s heart.”

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

“It’s beautiful,” Emma breathes as soon as the Jolly Roger settles upon the waves after her magical flight. Killian comes to stand at Emma’s side, taking in the sight of Neverland on the horizon with fresh eyes. Dead Man’s Peak is no longer a hulk of jagged rock, but a verdant mountain. Skull Rock has mostly crumbled into the sea, leaving behind a shimmering coral reef. The ribbon of Rainbow Falls can even be seen cascading down into the valley.

“It wasn’t always,” Killian sighs, “but you’re right, it’s gorgeous now.”

Emma grins as she leans farther over the railing of the ship, and Killian’s heart is warmed to see it upon her face. She awoke this morning in a cold sweat, thrashing against an unseen foe. When she finally calmed in the circle of his arms, she explained the nightmare. She was back in that crumbling house, being attacked by those men, only her lad was there too. She was reliving her trauma, that Killian knew all too well, but he also guessed that her fears about meeting her son were also wrapped up in her nightmares.

“Mermaids!” she exclaims, pointing.

Killian leans over with her, and sure enough, a school of mermaids are leaping through the water alongside the ship. Frankly, he feels they’re showing off with their over-the-top acrobatics.

“They’re so colorful,” Emma observes.

“Aye,” Killian says, slipping his arm around Emma’s shoulder, “they’re happy to have their lagoon back. Soon the island will be teeming with the mystical creatures that used to live here so long ago.”

Emma shakes her head. “I still can’t believe Peter Pan was evil in real life.” Then she frowns. “And I’m a little pissed that I don’t get to kill him myself for what he did to my son.”

Killian holds back a chuckle, for he knows her anger is real. It makes his blood boil as well. Yet he loves this bold and brilliant woman, and admires her avenging spirit probably more than he should. He brushes a kiss to her temple.

“I would bring him back if I could, just so I could see you unleash your wrath on him. The gods know he deserves it.”

Emma wraps her arms around his waist and rests her head on his chest. “Thank you for saving Henry.”

“You’ve said that far too many times already, Swan.”

“Well, you’ll just have to hear me say it again.”

Hook and his crew sail the Jolly Roger into Pirate’s Cove as they always have, but even his men are struck silent at how the island has changed. Bright flowers bloom, and the songs of tropical birds fill the air. The remnants of Rainbow Falls trickles over the rocks of the bluffs ahead in a soothing rhythm.

Killian leaves his men with the ship and guides Emma through the thick trees, following the river that cuts through the island. Tink and Tiger Lily told him that no more dreamshade grows here. Every time a pixie dust tree blooms with new life, every dreamshade plant in its vicinity shrivels up and dies. Killian is glad he no longer has to fear the evil plant.

Emma is quiet as they walk along the path to the home of the fairies. He senses her nerves, and gives her hand a comforting squeeze. The smile she gives him is forced, but she squeezes back.

Tiger Lily and Tinkerbell no longer have reason to hide their domicile, so the cave is now open to the sunshine, and smoke rises cheerily from the chimney.

“This looks cozy,” Emma says, biting her lip.

“Aye, though the smoke there is just for show. Tink has this idea that every home needs a fire going, even when it’s bloody 99 degrees outside.”

Emma manages a nervous laugh and follows him down the short passageway to the main part of the house. Killian taps his hook in the open doorway to alert those inside to their presence.

Tiger Lily, unsurprisingly, isn’t home. Tink is at the sink doing dishes, but gasps and drops a bowl into the sudsy water when she sees her guests. Her hands fly to her mouth as she dashes across the room.

“You’re . . . you’re Henry’s mother!”

Emma gives Killian a surprised look, and he shakes his head in confusion.

“How in the world do you know that, Tink?”

“Oh Hook, really? I’m a fairy, I know these things.”

“She’s been impossible since she got her wings back,” Killian tells Emma.

Said wings flutter in indignation as Tink glares at him. “And you, Hook, have no manners. You haven’t even introduced me to our guest.”

“I didn’t have a chance the way you’ve been blubbering on.”

“I’m Emma,” Swan interrupts, giving Killian a pointed look, “and yes, I’m Henry’s mother.” She glances around the room, worrying once again at her bottom lip. “Where is he?”

“He’s napping,” Tink says, “but we could tiptoe in there if you like.”

“Should I?” Emma asks nervously. “I mean, I don’t want to scare him.”

Tink waves her hand. “He sleeps like a rock, believe me. Such a pleasant, sweet child, really.”

Emma’s cheeks pink and her hands twist nervously as she follows Tink down the short hallway. The fairy opens the door slowly to reveal a darkened room with twinkling lights strung from the ceiling. In one corner is a twin sleigh bed, and snuggled under the soft blankets is a little boy with chestnut hair. Emma’s trembling hand flies to her lips as she tiptoes closer. His cheeks are plump, his ears stick out from his head in an adorable way, and Emma can’t help noticing that he has Neal’s nose. She glances behind her and sees that Killian and Tink have slipped away to give her privacy.

Emma sinks to her knees beside the bed, her hand hovering over the child’s head. A half sob chokes in her throat as she gently strokes her little boy’s soft hair. He shifts in his sleep, clutching the teddy bear at his chest a bit tighter, and Emma quickly pulls her hand back. He rolls over, flinging one arm out, and that’s when Emma sees it: the buttercup birthmark that matches hers. The one she hasn’t seen since the day he was born. There’s no mistaking it, this is her son.

She rises from the floor and tiptoes back out of the room and down the hall. When she sees Killian, he gives her a concerned look, and she flies to him. He lets out a puff of breath when she collides with his chest, but he instinctively holds her tight.

“He’s beautiful,” she chokes out.

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

“John Darling adopted Henry when he was three years old. Apparently, he had terrible colic as an infant and severe night terrors after that, so he had been difficult for children’s services to place.”

Tink’s words seem to have little effect on Emma. Killian watches her with concern. The cup of tea in her hands is surely cold by now, and Emma hasn’t lifted it to her lips once since Tink gave it to her. She stares into the flames of the enchanted fire and idly pushes Wendy’s old rocking chair back and forth with her foot. Tink catches Killian’s gaze in concern, but he gives her a barely perceptible shake of his head. If Emma wants to engage, she can, but he won’t force her.

Tink clears her throat and leans towards Emma. “I believe Henry’s difficulties - the colic and the night terrors - has to do with him being a child of two realms.”

That catches Emma’s attention, and her gaze snaps quickly to Tink. “Two realms?”

Tink opens her mouth, but before she can explain, a small voice pipes up from the hallway, and Henry shuffles in. His face is flushed and sweaty from sleep, his hair is sticking up crazily, and he drags his teddy bear behind him by one leg. He freezes when he sees Emma and Killian. Tink notices and rushes to scoop the boy up on her lap.

“Henry, you remember Killian, right?” She brushes at his hair as Henry nods shyly. “And this . . . “

Tink edges towards Emma slowly, and Emma sets down her cup of tea with shaking hands. She edges onto her knees so she is eye level with Henry.

“ . . . this,” Tink continues, “is your mother, Henry. She’s come for you.”

“Hi, Henry,” Emma whispers, smiling despite her choked voice.

The boy blinks as he takes Emma in, then he eases off Tink’s lap and comes closer to the mother he hasn’t seen since the day of his birth. Killian can tell Emma is overwhelmed and that she longs to touch her son. He also knows she won’t until the child is ready.

Henry pulls his teddy bear closer and rests his chin between the toy’s ears. “Do you want to see my other toys?” he asks Emma softly.

Emma’s smile is wide and beaming. “Yes, I would like that.”

Henry reaches out and takes Emma’s hand. Once they’re out of sight, Killian drops his face to his hands, unable to help the tears that leak out of the corners of his eyes.

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

“I can scarcely believe how much it’s changed,” Killian muses to Tinkerbell as he looks around him, “we were only gone a few days.”

He’s lounging on a picnic blanket, Tink sitting cross-legged next to him. Emma has taken Henry down to the edge of the water for a swim. The blanket is scattered with the remains of their lunch.

“It truly is beautiful,” Tink says with a sigh.

Killian tosses an apple core into the woods behind him, then lays back, flinging his arm across his eyes and resting his hook on his stomach. Tink gives a sardonic half laugh, haugh snort.

“Don’t get too comfortable, pirate, there are still a few lost boys out there.”

Killian rises up on his elbows and arches a brow at the fairy. “You think they’d cause trouble?”

Tink shrugs, squinting out at the water. “Felix was loyal to Pan almost to the point of obsession. They’ve melted into the deepest part of the jungle and are quiet for now, but . . . “

“Well, I’m not borrowing trouble,” Killian grumbles. His eyes find Emma and Henry, and his voice grows thick with emotion. “I’d rather enjoy a quiet moment while I have it.”

The sun shines on the water of Mermaid Lagoon, making it sparkle like diamonds. The songs of the mermaids float on the air, and it’s just as beautiful as Tink had always said. Henry is knee deep in the water, laughing every time one of the mermaids flicks her tail at him. They’ve learned that the creatures can be rather mischievous, but one named Ariel has taken a particular liking to Henry. Ariel’s their princess, actually, and her fondness for the boy means they all remain on their best behavior with him.

Killian laughs at Henry’s antics. Each time he lunges for a mermaid tail, said mermaid darts away, and the five year old ends up splashing face first into the water. Yet every time, he resurfaces with a sputtering giggle. Killian’s gaze shifts to Emma. She and Tink are the same size, so the fairy has loaned her some clothes. Emma is currently wearing a one-shouldered dress of ocean green that hugs her figure. The skirt normally hits just below her calves, but Emma has it hitched up to her knees. She sits on a rock next to Henry, her legs in the water. Henry splashes her, and she splashes back. Then Emma opens her arms wide, and Henry launches himself into her embrace. Emma presses him close, not caring that he’s getting her completely wet.

“These two weeks have been good for both of them,” Tink comments.

“Aye,” Killian agrees, unable to tear his gaze away from the woman he loves. Emma rises from the rock, cradling Henry like a baby, and walks up the beach towards them. Killian can see that Henry is getting sleepy by the way his arms have gone slack in his mother’s arms. Sure enough, when Emma deposits him on the picnic blanket, the lad’s eyelids are drooping. Emma wraps him up in a towel, and Henry curls up in a ball on the blanket, hugging his teddy bear close. Emma catches Killian’s gaze and smiles as she brushes Henry’s wet hair out of his face. Soon, the boy’s breaths even out, and he’s fast asleep.

Emma frowns. “Do you think it’s okay for him to sleep out here? He’s wet.”

“Don’t fret, my love,” Killian tells her, “the sun is warm, and you have him wrapped up snugly.”

Emma nods, but still bites her lip in concern. She’s only been a mother for two weeks, after all. What does she know? Killian probably knows more than she does after all his years of rescuing lost boys. Mason was Henry’s age when he joined the crew, so Killian had practically been a teen father.

“Swan,” Killian says gently, taking her hand and rubbing her knuckles gently, “you’re wonderful with him. A natural.”

She lets out a long sigh and gives him a wobbly smile. How he manages to read her like that is another thing she’s having to get used to. She watches her son sleep, rubbing his shoulder soothingly. Once he allowed her to touch him, she couldn't seem to get enough: hugs, rubbing noses, brushing his hair off his forehead, cheek kisses. Henry loves the affection too, often leaping onto her lap and cupping her face with his chubby little hands. One of Henry’s arms is flung out in sleep, a habit of his that Emma finds adorable. His birthmark catches her eye, as it often does.

“Tink,” she says softly, “these two weeks have been great. But don’t you think it’s time you explained to me what the hell this all means?”

Emma doesn’t miss the glance Tink tosses Killian’s way, yet the furrow upon Killian’s brow likely matches hers. He’s already told her about Pan searching for the heart of the truest believer and about the significance of Henry’s birthmark. What neither of them can understand is how she fits into all of this.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Tink hedges.

“None of that, you bloody stubborn fairy,” Killian admonishes in a teasing voice. “You said that Henry would be a child of two realms, but from what Emma and I can gather, he’s a child of only one. A land without magic.”

Tink sighs, then looks at Emma questioningly. “Tell me about his father again.”

Emma shrugs. “He was just a boy. An ordinary runaway.”

“A right jackass is what he was.”

“Killian!”

“Well he was!” Killian protests, and Emma can’t help but smile at his indignation. They’ve had many long nights filling in all the details of their time apart, and Killian is definitely not a fan of Neal.

Tink says nothing, her gaze distant, and Emma can practically see gears turning in her head. Killian looks nervous too, for some reason. Emma glances back and forth between them.

“What are the two of you not telling me?”

“A child of two realms,” Killian says, his gaze falling on Henry, “and . . . “

“A child of royalty,” Tink fills in.

Emma blinks and gasps, “You can’t be saying . . . I mean, you don’t really think . . . but I’m no different than Neal! A nobody, nothing, I -”

“You were never nothing,” Killian interrupts her firmly.

Her gaze softens at the intensity in his voice, but then she shakes her head, the implications of it all overwhelming.

“You’re from a realm of magic, Emma,” Tink says, “it’s the only thing that makes sense.”

“I was abandoned,” Emma argues.

“Think about it, darling,” Killian says softly, “you were found wrapped in a blanket that had your name stitched into it. Does that sound like careless parents to you?”

Emma rubs at her temple.

“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Tink says, “but the prophecy about the truest believer was very clear. You , Emma Swan, are not only from a magical realm, you’re also -”

“A princess,” Killian finishes for the fairy. Emma’s head snaps up at the sadness in his voice. His jaw clenches as he rises to his feet. “Which is why this idyllic little holiday must come to an end. My ship and my crew are at your disposal, your highness. I swear to you, we will find your family and your kingdom.”

Before she can process what he’s saying or the sudden formality in his voice, he’s turning away and striding quickly back through the jungle. Emma looks at Tink, her eyes blinking in confusion.

“What the hell is up with him?”

Tink sighs. “Captain Hook has quite the problem with self-loathing, I’m afraid.”

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

Killian is slowly coming up from the depths of a deep sleep, fighting the persistent whisper of his name. Then soft lips brush across his, and he doesn’t want to fight it. His eyes blink open, and he squints in the dark, trying to see. A cool hand, a whisp of soft hair, and those lips again on the shell of his ear.

“Follow me, Killian.”

He thinks he’s dreaming at first, but when his arms reach for Emma’s side of the bed, and he finds it empty, the last cobwebs of sleep flee his brain. He sits up, heart pounding at first until he sees Emma in the doorway, smiling at him. She tilts her head in a gesture that says come on, and seems to glide out into the hallway. He knows it’s the illusion of her long, white satin nightgown, but it makes her look ethereal all the same.

Once he’s up and doing her bidding, she picks up her skirts and runs on her bare feet down the hall, through the parlor, and out of the cave. He swears he hears her giggle once they’re out in the moonlight, but he’s beginning to wonder again if this is a dream.

She stops at the edge of Mermaid Lagoon, and whirls to face him. He skids to a stop at the picture she makes, the light of the full moon pouring over her figure and illuminating her hair. That damn nightgown leaves little to the imagination, honestly, especially in this lighting. She smirks at him, as if she’s read his mind. Then she’s slipping the straps of the nightgown from her shoulders, letting the satin fall soundlessly around her feet. He’s completely shell-shocked now, blinking and practically gasping for air as he takes in her naked form, flawless and strong in the moonlight. They haven’t been intimate since her attack, and the sight before him causes an instant physical reaction. He suddenly realizes that he rushed after Emma without a shirt, without his brace, without his hook.

Without a weapon. He glances nervously at the jungle behind them, but Emma laughs.

“Is this a dream? A trick?”

She shakes her head and gives him a soft smile. “Killian. Seriously? I just felt we needed some time alone.”

That last word - alone - falls from her lips with weighted meaning. Then before he can respond or take another step, she turns and slips into the waters of the lagoon. She goes under soundlessly, then comes back up, only her head out of the water.

“Aren’t you coming, pirate? Or do you not know how to swim?”

It’s Killian’s turn now to smirk as he quickly discards his sleeping pants. “Oh believe me, love, I’m good in the water.”

He dives in, cutting across the lagoon with easy strokes. He breaks the surface right in front of her, and Emma immediately wraps her arms around his neck, pressing her naked body to his. He shouldn’t succumb to this temptation, not when he knows now who she really is and where she comes from. Yet his arms go around her automatically, and his forehead drops to hers.

“Emma,” he groans, “why are you torturing me?”

“Why are you torturing me?” she counters.

“I’m sorry?”

Emma’s fingers find his wet hair as she presses herself ever closer. “It’s been over two weeks, Killian. I miss you.”

“I didn’t want to push you.”

She smiles, nuzzling her nose against his, “I know, and God, I love you for that, but I’m ready.”

“But since then we’ve . . . well, now we know -”

“Stop it,” she commands, pressing a finger to his lips. Lips that curl up into a smile before pressing a kiss to the pad of her finger. “What was that for?”

“You sounded so regal just then.”

Emma rolls her eyes. “I’m not a damn princess.”

Killian frowns. “Yes you are, and we should be reuniting you with your parents, your kingdo-”

Emma cuts him off with a fierce kiss, her tongue assaulting his, telling him far more with her actions than she ever could with words. He shouldn’t kiss her back, but their wet skin is pressed together, her fingers are digging into his scalp, and fire is coursing through his veins. Emma wraps her legs around his waist, and he’s completely incapable of rational thought. He slides his hand and stump down to hoist her up, grabbing her flesh in the process and eliciting a groan from deep in her throat. He shifts her so they are lined up perfectly, and she moans as he enters her. It’s quick, and slightly awkward in the water, but it’s been so long that neither of them mind. Emma’s legs tremble around him, and she drops her head to his shoulder as they both come down.

“I didn’t mean for that to happen,” Killian tells her breathlessly.

“I did.”

He kisses her then, tenderly and with wonder. The jungle isn’t quiet; the water laps at the shore, crickets chirp, and leaves rustle. It feels like they can both finally breathe. He never wants it to end.

They stay in the water for a long time, never leaving one another’s embrace. Neither wants to break the spell of the night with words, so they speak with kisses instead. When they first try to leave the water, they make it only as far as the beach. He presses Emma into the sand with his weight, claiming her lips once again. Yet she’s the one who takes him, switching their positions and pinning his arms above his head. The moonlight is spilling over her again as she moves above him, her head thrown back, her breasts glorious. They come at the same time, and then Emma collapses against him, her hair everywhere. He gathers it in his hand as he presses a kiss to her shoulder.

The first light of dawn is just tinting the horizon when they finally get dressed. Killian tries not to look Emma in the eyes, worried still that this was all some sort of hazy dream, or worse, a goodbye.

He’s just slid his pants up to his waist when Emma comes up behind him, wrapping her arms around his chest and pressing her cheek to his back.

“This isn’t me saying goodbye, if that’s what you're thinking.”

His breath catches in shock. He’s not the only one who is perceptive. She’s smirking at him when he turns around, and she reaches up to cup his face in her hands.

“I love you, Killian Jones.”

“I love you, too.”

She searches his eyes. “I feel like my whole life, until now, I was just searching for something.”

He threads his fingers through her hair. “Aye love, I feel the same. Perhaps I have always been trying to find my way back to you.”

She gives him a tremulous smile, and he exults at what he sees in her eyes. Her next words, however, steal his breath.

“I don’t want to look for my parents.”

Killian frowns. “Emma, I’m sure they’ve been waiting for you all this time. Hoping, maybe even searching.”

She shakes her head. “I’m tired of living in the past. I’m ready to look forward - with you and with my son.” She presses a kiss to his lips and then drops her hands from his cheeks. Instead, she clasps both his hand and his stump and presses them to her chest.

Killian can scarcely breathe. “Swan, do you mean that you would . . . that is to say . . . “

Emma laughs as a single tear slips down her cheek. “Don’t make me ask you, pirate.”

He grins broadly as he presses his forehead to hers. “Marry me? Let me always, always be by your side? Let me be a father to Henry?”

“Yes, yes, and yes.”

Killian kisses her again as the sun breaks forth across Neverland.

Tagging: @snowbellewells​  @kmomof4​ @whimsicallyenchantedrose​ @teamhook​ @bethacaciakay​ @let-it-raines​ @welllpthisishappening​ @wellhellotragic​ @winterbaby89​ @xhookswenchx​ @courtorderedcake​ @branlovestowrite​ @hollyethecurious​ @vvbooklady1256​ @profdanglaisstuff​ @carpedzem​ @ekr032-blog-blog​ @jennjenn615​ @tiganasummertree​ @lfh1226-linda​ @ultraluckycatnd​ @spartanguard​ @shireness-says​ @scientificapricot​ @stahlop​ @resident-of-storybrooke​ @superchocovian​ @sherlockianwhovian​ @snidgetsafan​ @ohmakemeahercules​ @thislassishooked​ @ilovemesomekillianjones​ @nikkiemms​ @delirious-latenight-laughs​

[justlookatthosesausages]

Prompt: Elsa sneaks Bruni into Arendelle but then loses them and Bruni causes chaos

“Elsa.”

“WH- OUCH!”

Elsa winced as she rubbed the top of her head that she had just knocked when standing up. She turned to her sister with a big fake smile. 

“Heeeeey, Anna! What’s up? How are you- How are you doing?” She said, nervously, pretending she was just casually hanging in the bedroom and holding her head with her elbow on the sheets. 

Anna lifted an amused eyebrow. Elsa was terrible at lying, which was ironic for someone who hid the truth about her magic for more than 10 years and still had the mannerism to shut people away to protect them. 

“What are you doing?” Smirked the Queen, even though she knew the answer already. 

“Oh, I’m just... Just taking a quick nap before we go to the market.” Lied Elsa, blushing.

“Really? Because it looks like you were looking for something under the bed.”

Elsa gulped as her younger sister approached, and stood up to mask her action. “Not at all.”

She startled when Anna put a hand on her shoulder. “Stop lying, you’re blushing so hard I’m pretty sure your snow outfit will melt.”

The sentence made Elsa blush even more. 

Anna had a quick look under the bed, but saw nothing. She still wore the same smile when she stood up to look at her sister. 

“I know you brought Bruni this time. Are you looking for him?”

“Wha- at? No, what are you-”

“Elsa.”

“Maybe.”

A silence passed. The Snow Queen stared down, ashamed, and looked like the younger one of the two. “How do you know?” She mumbled. 

Anna bent her head with a tender smile. “I saw you sneak raisin grapes under the table at lunch. Your outfit doesn’t have pockets, so I suppose that you were feeding him.”

Elsa was about to reply something, but Anna gently rose her hand. 

“And I know only one little guy who loves raisin grapes this much - after snowflakes, of course.” 

She nudged her. “I’m not scolding you. It’s funny that you brought him in Arendelle. And cute. Where is he now?” The redhead looked around. 

The elder passed a hand along her other arm. “I’m starting to think this was the worst idea, actually. I completely lost him.” 

Anna snorted. “Woops.”

Elsa had stopped blushing and now frowned. “Hey! Help me out instead of mocking me, will you?” 

“Look at who’s so bossy now. It’s your fault, you dummy.” 

The blonde pouted. “Please. Please help me. I’ve been looking for him for the past fifteen minutes.”

“And I’ve been looking for you for the past fifteen minutes.” Sighed Anna, shaking her head. “Alright. The market will wait. Where did you see him last?” 

“Under the table at lunch, basically. But then I lost him, and I sensed him upstairs, so...”

Anna gave her a quizzical look. 

“You know I can sense other Spirits’ presence, right?” Worried Elsa, thinking she had forgotten to tell her, but finding it weird if so. 

“Yes, I know.” Chuckled Anna. “But, it’s not more precise than that?”

“I’m not a map!” 

“Okay, okay.” Apologized the redhead, amused nonetheless. “Upstairs then.”

“I’ve been checking every room, though. And I can’t find him!!”

“Don’t panic. The castle isn’t that big. And lucky you, I know it by heart. Did you check at the top of the wardrobes?”

“Yes. He’s not there.”

The Queen pouted as she thought. “Hmm. What if he’s on the roofs?”

Elsa’s eyes widened. “You’re a genius.”

Anna chuckled. “Well, thank you. I just figured it out because- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

The blonde interrupted herself after she had opened the window, and now froze in her posture with one leg above the sill. “Well, I’m going up.” 

“Are you insane?! Come right here immediately.”

Elsa smirked. “Sorry, Queenie. I technically answer to no one.” 

On that, she looked up and crafted a ladder made of ice next to the window, her gaze alternating between the roof and the ground several meters underneath, to check if it was long enough. 

Anna watched her doing the action and crossed her arms. “Just be careful, okay?”

“I will.”

She climbed on the giant ladder, which already attracted the gaze of several people from the heights of the village who could see them, and they were pointing at the sparkling creation. Anna waved awkwardly at her citizens. 

She put a hand on the ladder, personally making sure that Elsa won’t fall, and held herself with the other on the sill. “Can you see him?”

Elsa’s head appeared at the top of the ladder and she looked around for the salamander. 

“Oh, crap.”

“What??” Asked Anna, who could hear her underneath. 

“The tiles are the same color than him. I didn’t think of that.”

“And don’t you dare melt your decoration.”

It wasn’t Elsa’s intention, but she was amused by Anna’s ask. “Why not?”

“Because... Well, because I like it the way it is, but also because I once told in a public forum that it’s the ultimate proof you’re still here watching over Arendelle as long as the decoration stands.” 

“You what??”

Anna felt the ladder tremble slightly in her fingers, and clenched her jaw. 

“Forget about it. Can you see him?”

Elsa squinted as she looked around. “No. Can you call him?”

Anna frowned. “What? You’re the closest one.”

“No, I meant... With the Spirits call.”

The redhead snorted. “My goodness, did you lose your brain cells when you knocked your head under the bed? If I do so, it will warn the Giants, and Nokk, and so on. Even yourself will feel the need to turn around, and I don’t want you falling off that ladder.”

Elsa winced. Her head indeed still hurt. “Fair enough.” 

She held herself to the ladder with one hand, and waved the other, creating a cloud of snow which she then made go around the roofs. She watched it move, and just like according to her plan, a trotting little ball of blue and pink suddenly appeared, popping from a chimney, and jumped to eat the snowflakes in the air. 

“There you are.” Smirked Elsa, and she moved the cloud back to her so Bruni would approach. 

“He was in a chimney!” She said to her sister as the salamander was coming. 

“Oh, that makes sense.” Laughed Anna. 

Elsa laughed, and when she raised her head again, her laugh vanished in her throat. She couldn’t see Bruni anymore. 

“Wait. I lost him again.”

“You lost him AGAIN?!” Exclaimed Anna. “No offence, but isn’t it literally your job to keep an eye on him? How can you lose him??” 

Elsa frowned. “He’s blue on blue!! It’s easier to track him in the Forest! Nothing is blue in the Forest!!”

With a grumble, she climbed on the roofs. The ladder suddenly disappeared in a crumbling of snowflakes, and Anna gasped. She bent her head, seeing the back of her sister from where she was.

“What are you doing??”

“Looking for him. Don’t worry, I can stick my feet to the roof.”

“How is that reassuring??” Panicked Anna. 

Her elder didn’t respond, and shook her feet to get rid of her ice sandals, now walking barefoot on the blue tiles. 

The Queen muttered a curse word, and she suddenly heard a shriek in the corridor. The bedroom door was opened, and she twirled around. It was a servant.

“Why did you scream?” Worried Gerda’s voice in another room.

“There... There was a thing that just went out of the fireplace!” Cried the servant.

Anna turned around, passing her head by the window. “Elsa! Never mind! I found him!”

She hurried back inside, crossing the bedroom, then slipped on the floor, then ran the other way to the window. 

“Do you need help to get down?”

“No, I’m alright.” Chuckled Elsa. 

Anna ran to the door again. Panting, she found where Gerda was, and followed her gesture as she pointed at a dashing tiny blue creature making its way on the corridor’s carpet. 

The Queen smirked. “Okay, little guy. It’s the two of us now. And you’re not in the Forest anymore, this is my game territory. You’re screwed.”

[myownworldstayout]

New Friends Ch. 9

Ch.1 / Ch.8 / Ch.10

(It’s here! Are you ready to be thoroughly annoyed with Agreste???)

Chat Noir managed to recharge rather quickly, but when he got back into the fight, Ladybug was nowhere to be found.

“Where could she be?” he thought aloud, scouring the rooftops for his Lady.

“Chat Noir!” Ladybug suddenly called from behind him. He turned around to see not one, but two heroes. Ladybug, of course, and a familiar, bee-like heroine. Except..

“That’s not Queen Bee?” He said in confusion. This new hero had two ponytails instead of one, and they were longer. Not to mention, she had black fuzz lining her waist and.. Were those shoulder pads?

Ladybug smiled, gesturing to their new friend. “Chat Noir, this is Bumblebee. She’s gonna help us out.” 

Bumblebee gave an excited wave and a bright grin. 

Chat squinted, putting his hands to his hips as he scrutinized the new hero. Then he smirked. 

“Any friend of My Lady is a friend of mine.” He extended his hand, which Bumblebee gladly took. 

Unfortunately, the introduction was interrupted by another loud crash. 

“Bumblebee, you know the plan.” Ladybug nodded to new recruit, who returned her nod before leaping onto another rooftop. 

“Chat Noir, help me distract Nocturne a little longer.” She then ordered next, glancing at him and jumping off the roof towards the crash. Chat followed without question, using his baton for momentum.

-

It didn’t take long to overlap Nocturne once again. To Ladybug’s dismay, there were even more people asleep now. Nocturne cackled as she flew through the streets, touching anyone she could with her staff.

“Hey, Sandman! Looking for us?” Chat Noir called out to her, causing the akuma to pause. 

“As a matter of fact, I was! Hawkmoth still needs those pretty jewels of yours that he’s so obsessed with!” She shouted, bolting in their direction. Ladybug and Chat Noir scattered, basically starting a game of cat and mouse. 

Nocturne raced after them, tapping anyone else she came in contact with along the way. She was so focused on the two main heroes, she didn’t notice the yellow blur following close behind her. 

“So, what’s the plan again?” Chat whispered, peeking around a chimney. Nocturne was currently searching the rooftops for them. They didn’t have much time till she found their hiding spots.

“You’ll see.” Ladybug smirked, landing next to him.

“Ah! There you are!” The akuma grinned, causing Chat to jump. She raised her staff, and Chat went to dodge, but Ladybug just stood there with a smile. 

He almost called out to her when the akuma suddenly sucked in a breathe, going completely still. That’s when he saw Bumblebee standing proudly behind her, clipping her top back to her side.

“Great Work!” Ladybug praised, pulling out the akumatized item, which was a balled up piece of paper.

“Thanks, it went better than I expected.” Aurore smiled appreciatively. 

Ladybug broke the akumatized item, then purified it. That was when Bumblebee’s miraculous beeped. 

“It was nice meeting you, Bumblebee. Maybe we can see each other under better circumstances next time.” Chat Noir joked, leaning on his baton with a cheshire grin.

“Not likely, kitty.” Ladybug smiled, giving a small wave. Bumblebee waved as well, before leaving with Ladybug to give back her miraculous.

~~~~

The two managed to sneak back into the gym without a problem. Thankfully, everyone was still groggy from waking up, so no one was there yet. Aurore detransformed, handing Ladybug the miraculous.

“If there’s anything else I can do to help, just let me know!” She said sincerely.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks for your help today.” 

Aurore nodded, then ran off to find her other classmates and make sure they were alright. Ladybug did something similar, except she ran to the girl’s bathroom first to detransform.

 -

When she emerged, she found more students roaming the school halls to go back to their classes. Specifically, a blonde boy dressed in grey determinedly searching the school rooms. It was only when his silvery grey eyes met hers that he faltered.

“Cheng!” Felix called out to her, immediately walking in her direction.

“O-oh, hey Felix!” Marinette smiled.

“Where have you been??” He almost yelled once he caught up to her. “You’re not supposed to run off when there’s an akuma! What were you thinking!?” He continued in a scolding manner, nearly grabbing her by the shoulders to shake some sense into her or something. 

Marinette blinked at him, not used to this kind of behavior from Felix. 

“Ah, sorry. I- uhm, I got stuck in the bathroom.” she chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head. 

Felix squinted at her, crossing his arms. How do you get stuck in a bathroom?? 

Nevertheless, he blew out a sigh, lightly touching his forehead. 

“Whatever. Just don’t run off again, alright? It’s both dangerous and reckless.” 

Marinette nodded, though she felt guilty knowing she couldn’t keep that promise to him. She was Ladybug, after all. She had her own duty to protect Paris. 

Even so.. Felix’s response to her sudden disappearance was strange. Was he- no. she was probably just imagining it, right? He couldn’t possibly be.. Worried?

“Let’s go. Class is bound to start back up in a few minutes.” Felix suggested, taking Marinette from her thoughts as he turned around to head back to the classroom. She followed behind him, trying not to replay his words too much in her mind.

~~~~~~

“What do you wanna do now, Marinette?” Tikki asked from the safety of Marinette’s purse. 

“Go home. Luka has band practice. Kagami has sword training, and Aurore has to figure out her presentation for the weather cast tomorrow. I think Wayhem is just gonna study at home.” Marinette explained, glancing down at her kwami.

“And Felix?”

Marinette flushed, though she wasn’t entirely sure why. “Well, he’s-”

“Marinette, wait up!” She was interrupted by Adrien, who was running up to catch her. 

Panic flashed across Marinette’s features, but she forced a smile.

“Oh, Adrien..” 

“Hey! I tried to catch you yesterday, but you’ve- uh- you’ve been busy.” Adrien chuckled, scratching the back of his head.

“Have I? I guess I have. There hasn’t really-”

“I wanted to apologize.” 

Marinette stalled. He wanted.. To apologize?

“I should have noticed earlier why you were so upset about Lila.” Adrien continued. “You were hurting over this and I didn’t notice.” he placed a hand on her shoulder with a soft smile. 

Marinette sucked in a breath. Was Adrien really agreeing to finally do something about Lila? 

“So, what are you saying?” She asked anyway, just to make sure.

“I’m saying,” Adrien sighed. “That I’m here for you. We’re in this together. I know it hurts to see Nino and the others get their hopes up like that, but when Lila finally sees what her lies are doing, everything will go back to normal. Until then, you can talk to me about anything when you need to.”

Marinette scoffed. He had single-handedly built up and shattered her hopes in a matter of seconds. 

“Wait, wait, wait.” she interrupted, taking a step back. “So we’re..not exposing Lila?”

“What? No, I thought we agreed not to?” he furrowed his eyebrows, clearly confused. 

Marinette didn’t know what to say. She had thought.. Well, it didn’t matter what she thought now. It was obvious her and Adrien weren’t going to see eye to eye.

“I’m gonna go home. I have homework. Thanks for the talk, though.” Marinette gave a tight smile. 

She could tell Adrien was hesitant to let her leave, but a honk from Gorilla persuaded him to let it go.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“See you.” 

~~~~~~

Adrien stared idly out the car window as they drove back to the estate. That conversation could have gone better, but at least Marinette knew he understood where she was coming from now, right?

From her reaction, he assumes she still wants to expose Lila. Adrien was sure she would come around though. Just like Lila needed to see that her lies were bad, Marinette needed to see that Lila could be good! It was only normal to get frustrated sometimes. And he knew Marinette well enough to know when she calmed down, she would see reason and agree with him. She might even apologize for her rash behavior.

As long as we stick together, what could go wrong?

Adrien smiled at the thought. He had a feeling everything was gonna be just fine.

~~~~~~

Marinette plopped into her rolling chair, spinning into the middle of the room.

“I can’t believe him!” she growled, resisting the urge to pull her hair out.

“At least he apologized?” Tikki pointed out, trying to find the bright side.

“Yes, Tikki. He apologized…. Then he turned around and threw that right in my face!”

Did he even care? Did he even mean the words he said? Or was he just trying to keep her quiet as always?

Tikki went silent, obviously trying to find another good thing about the situation. The fact that she couldn’t only made Marinette angrier.

She was about to go into another rant when a light knock on the trap door interrupted her.

“Marinette? Are you up there?” 

Marinette blinked. “Aurore?” 

She quickly got up and opened the trap door.

“Hey!” Aurore beamed, stepping up into Marinette’s room.

“I thought you were at the weather station.”

“Oh, I was! But I found one of my go-to presentations in my dressing rooms. So I came to see you! I was thinking we could-” Aurore suddenly paused, her bright smile fading into a concerned expression.

“Are you alright?” She then asked.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. You seem upset. Did something happen?”

Seeing her genuine concern, Marinette considered telling her. 

It wouldn’t hurt right? I don’t have anyone else to talk to right now.. Marinette pondered, glancing back at one of Adrien’s photos she had on the wall. He didn’t appreciate her venting to the group last time.

“Is it Adrien?” Aurore frowned, noticing Marinette’s gaze.

Marinette pulled a sheepish smile in response. It didn’t count if Aurore was the one who brought it up, right? On that note, why should it matter what Adrien thinks? He hasn’t really cared for what she’s thought recently.

“Yeah.” she finally answered.

Aurore closed the trap door behind her and took Marinette’s hands into hers.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” 

The fact Aurore was even concerned for her well being at all made Marinette feel better. It showed at least someone cared.

“No.” Marinette smiled.

“No?” Aurore furrowed her eyebrows, confused.

“Nope. I don’t wanna talk about Adrien anymore right now.” Marinette decided. She didn’t want to dwell on all of these negative thoughts, lest she be akumatized. 

So what’s the next best thing? Hanging out with your friends of course.

Aurore blinked, taking in her response. “O-Oh. alright, yeah! What do you wanna do?” 

Aurore was hesitant at first, but once she accepted Marinette’s response, she was back to her bright, cheery self.

Marinette hummed in thought, looking up at her window.

It was in the afternoon, but there was still daylight out. They probably had a few hours until sunset.

Marinette smiled. “Do you think the others are free by now?” 

tag list: @unabashedbookworm @bluerosette23 @minightrose@kuroko26@im-here-for-the-content @angstyrastuff @clumsy-owl-4178 @fanboy7794@choaticneturcl @bigcheeseyboi @burntnugget-tae @ayuchan07@honorisfortheweak @knightrose15 @mjisntme@rhub4rb @simplythebestbug@wilhelmares@zebrabaker@dargeon-lissa @kristycocopop @alumneia @kaydenth3gayden @thornangelic727 @flirtshobi @whatamessofwords

[maedarakat]

Covered in Mud

——

The sky had been threatening to spill all day, all gray clouds offset by deep threatening purples. Nobody could predict when it would happen, but when it did, the clouds seemed to crack open like an egg, coating the Edge in a sudden shower of hailstones, rain, wild gusts of wind and crackling peals of thunder.

It was a truly impressive act of Thor, Astrid thought, drinking from her mug under the Clubhouse roof she had mended and patched herself before the rain season came. Not a drop so far. She was feeling a little smug, especially because Hiccup had waved away all her reminders to fix his own roof in a timely manner and was now grumpily carrying in an armload of drenched blueprints, notebooks and maps to dry out in front of the fire.

Toothless sneezed as he followed after, ears flat and drenched to his skin. More wet scrolls were sticking out of the saddle bags and Astrid came over to help unload them and spread them out.  

“No, no, I got this,” Hiccup sighed. “I brought it on myself, you were right. I should have fixed the roof.”

“I didn’t say anything,” Astrid said.

“You didn’t have to. I can tell you’re dying to say ‘I told you so’ because that’s the expression you always make when you’re about to.” Hiccup’s tone was playful but also not, and Astrid tried her best to navigate the tricky waters of what he really meant to say.

Passive-aggressiveness, Ruff had supplied once, when both of them were in their cups and Astrid had found herself venting. It was nice to have a word to it, but what an oddly perfect word for every situation with Hiccup she seemed to find herself in lately.

Right now he either wanted her to reassure him and apologize, or go back to her warm drink and leave him alone. Neither option seemed ideal, but she was saved from the guesswork by a frustrated groan from Snotlout who tossed some dry wood and a pile of bundled kindling out of his cloak onto the floor.

Lout was wet, but a few hours worth of firewood had been rescued thanks to his quick thinking and the sacrifice of his cloak. Grumbling, he started stacking it into a pile. Astrid gladly went to help with that chore instead, and Hiccup huffed. He’d wanted her to choose the first option apparently, but it was no good to backtrack now - no matter what she did, it would become an argument later that everyone would pretend they hadn’t heard. She didn’t engage, playing dumb to his irritated glances and once the wood was stacked, she checked on the stew.

He was having trouble keeping one of the maps from rolling back up instead of laying flat. Astrid knew better than to suggest getting small stones from the potted flowers outside to weigh down the corners. It would be insulting somehow.

“What did you make for dinner?” Hiccup asked, just giving up and holding down the corners with his hands. He was apparently going to stay like that for a while. 

Astrid sighed inwardly. “Yak stew.” Hiccup didn’t acknowledge the answer or look up at her, seemingly deep in thought and scowling.

“I’m tired of yak. When can we have boar or venison again?” Snotlout butted in and really, honestly, bless him. Astrid hadn’t wanted to hear Hiccup’s attempts to dodge out of eating any. He never seemed to be hungry on days when it was her turn to cook.

“When the rains let up, we can go hunting. But yak meat is what we have the most of.”

“Who first decided to eat a yak anyway?” Ruff asked, walking in with Fishlegs. “They’re like giant adorable sheepdogs with horns. That you can practice braiding on. They just stand there and let you. What ‘honorable viking’ decided to ‘hunt’ that?”

“Well, sometimes during famines when there’s not a lot of food to hunt -“ Fishlegs started, until Ruffnut gave him a withering look. “Oh you weren’t really asking, never mind.”

He was carrying a Maces and Talons board and the rule book. It had become necessary to have the rule book present; while playing, the twins liked to bend and tweak the boundaries of every single one. Astrid had to admit, it was thrilling to watch. Hiccup might even forget his bad mood and have a good time.

The only one missing now was Tuff.

When dinner was ready, and had been roasted thoroughly as well as stewed, Tuff had still not shown up.

Astrid left it up to the others to serve themselves and carried a covered bowl for Tuff toward his hut. It wasn’t like him to be late for dinner unless he was dramatically late. She relaxed when she saw a candle on in his window and the chimney putting out smoke.

“Hey, Tuff. Get attacked by a wolf or something?” Astrid asked automatically when he opened the door. She’d said it carelessly, an inside joke between all of them, but Tuff’s appearance took her aback.

He was a wall of mud with eyes and stiffening braids. He currently held a peeping ball of damp fluff in a towel draped over his hand - apparently trying to dry off the chicks before seeing to himself.

The storm had caught everyone at least a little off guard but ... “Why are you covered in mud?” Astrid asked.

If Tuff could have looked any angrier, the mud surely would have baked and fallen off him in crisp pieces.

“Because that ... that absolute waste of feathers-“ he started, absolutely fuming.

“Peep,” the chick helpfully interrupted.

“Excuse me - because your father,” Tuff said instead to the chick, voice dripping with scorn. “Would not come inside when he was directed to before the storm hit, oh no - Fustercluck knows best! Fustercluck thinks a rickety old toolshed is the best place to keep his chicks safe during a storm like this! And so he led me on a merry f-“

“Peep.”

“-cking chase around in the mud with half of you guys unhelpfully following him, until I finally grabbed him so you would follow us all inside.” Tuff sighed dramatically and Astrid shook her head, grinning. He was more a mother hen than Chicken. It was endearing.

“Imprinting’s a fine concept and all, really,” Tuff said, like he was letting her in on a secret. “Less fine when there’s a complete doorknob standing there on hatching day. Sorry, I won’t be hanging with you guys tonight, A. I gotta get them dried off so they don’t catch colds. I can’t come to dinner looking like this anyway.”

“So did you let your dumbass rooster inside or did you throw him back out to stay in his shed?”

“Oh I wanted to, believe me.” Tuff made a face and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. There, on a perch made for two, Fustercluck and Chicken were preening each other’s feathers and burbling lovingly. “She wouldn’t have it.”

And he wasn’t anywhere near that heartless. Astrid knew that better than he seemed to himself. She came in, set the bowl on the table and picked up a towel. “Tell you what. After we dry off the chicks, I’ll help you get all this mud off you.”

“Oh. Okay, thanks,” Tuff said, offering her a smile and a different wet chick.

They got them clean and fluffed up and Chicken accepted them into her nest for the night, preening them the rest of the way dry. Tuff closed them in and noticed the bowl on the table. “Could I have some of your soup if you aren’t going to eat it? It’s going to get cold.”

Astrid smiled. “It’s yours, I brought it for you. In case you were sick or reading or decided to paint a wall.”

“You did?” Tuff didn’t give her time to take the offer back, picking the bowl up and draining it.  He loved it when people cooked for him - Ruff had told her that.

She set a pot of water on his stove to heat up and looked for towels while he shed all but his leggings. He was trying to tie his hair back and out of the way but his braids were heavy and caked.

Astrid took over, making him sit in a chair and lean his hair back into a basin of clean warm water. Another pot of water was set to warm up on the fire. Poor Tuff would need more - probably most of it for his hair.

He sighed blissfully as the first soak drew the worst of the dirt and mud away, turning the basin water immediately opaque. “It feels like the fifty pound Night-terror napping on my head just woke up and flew away.”

“Yeah, I bet. This is mostly clay. You guys should put a potters wheel in your hut.”

“I’m not going to make anything resembling a normal piece of crockery,” he vowed.

“That’s alright. I’m sure Ruff won’t be making anything resembling a non-offensive piece of crockery,” Astrid said, and Tuff laughed.

He helped her change out the water to do his hair once more until it was closer to its normal golden color. A swim in the morning would help get the rest of it clear.

Astrid dabbed a towel into hot water and gently ran it over the patches of mud on his skin that had caked dry. When it was softened, she wiped the dirt away just as gently. Tuff followed her motions, getting his chest and arms and legs while she got his back.

Tuff sighed softly when they were finished, his exhaustion and relief tangible. “Thanks, A,” he said. “Did you have dinner yet?”

“No, but it’s fine. I’m sure there’s plenty of yak stew left over,” she said wryly.

“Stew would be cold by now. Here.” He got up, and headed to his pantry. He gifted her with a plate of cracked walnuts, dried apricot slices, goat cheese, and a few hard boiled eggs.

All put together, it looked like a feast for some warrior elf maiden traveling Midgard. Astrid smiled and cleaned her plate of everything that had been offered, eating slowly while Tuff - clean and in much better spirits - laughingly recounted his madcap adventure of chasing a very stubborn rooster all across a muddy, slippery, hole-filled yard. Barf and Belch had dug a man-sized pit earlier to hide their favorite bone and it had filled up quickly with a foamy slurry of mud and rainwater. Tuff had apparently forgotten this and went down with a splash.

Astrid couldn’t stop laughing - not at his story but at the way he told it. “I wish I could have seen that! You probably looked like some ravenous troll clawing its way out of Niflheim - no wonder the chickens freaked out and ran away! I would have run too, if you’d just popped out of the ground! And with all that lightning and thunder -“

“You would have run from a troll? You?” Tuff scoffed. “That poor thing would have been tied to a chair in an hour, begging you to call his mother to come pick him up.”

She cackled and rubbed at her cheeks, which were seriously aching by now. Astrid hadn’t laughed this hard in a while. It was definitely good for her.

They said their good nights a little while after Ruff came back to the hut, not drunk but definitely not sober. “You guy’s missed a really dumb boring match in which everyone followed the same dumb boring rules.” She stared at her brother, still casually shirtless, only wearing his leggings. “And apparently you guys played strip-poker instead. And my brother ... lost? Won? Who knows. Not asking ‘cause I’m gonna forget everything in the morning anyway!” Ruffnut stomped cheerfully up to the loft to pass out across her own bed.

Tuff still had his face in his hands by the time her snores drifted down and Astrid was beet red, snickering helplessly.

“On that note, we should probably get to bed too,” she finally managed, wiping her eyes.

Tuff nodded, getting up. “Yeah, I’ll walk you to the door. Thanks for everything. This was a good night.” He grinned at her, soft and hopeful and Astrid leaned in without thinking, and kissed the corner of his mouth.

She pulled back and they stared at each other, neither one wanting to blink first.

“Goodnight,” Astrid managed to squeak out finally, because her mom had told her that shield maidens never started what they couldn’t finish. “See you tomorrow?”

Tuff hand went up to touch where she had kissed him and then he seemed to remember himself and dropped his arm down. “Yeah. S-Swimming, right?” It was an offer to stay friends, if she thought she had made a mistake.

“Sure, I’ll dress for it. See you at dawn?”

“Yeah.” Tuff stared at her from the doorway and she really wanted to kiss him again. Astrid thought of Hiccup still trying to dry his papers and feeling slighted that she hadn’t stayed to help him. She weighed the pros and cons of tipping her boat over and refusing to navigate anymore of his confusing waters ever again.

Happily, Tuffnut leaned forward and caught her lips, solving the equation.

[im-up-to-shenanigans]

Fairy Tale

Read on ao3

Read on fanfiction.net

Summary: After getting Chinese takeout together, Ladybug and Cat Noir must battle an akuma and discover that maybe dreams really do come true. Ladynoir July 2020, Day 5: Banter

Rating: K+

Characters: Adrien Agreste | Cat Noir, Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

Relationships: Adrien Agreste | Cat Noir/Marinette Dupain-Cheng | Ladybug

~*~*~*~

A/N: Credit to someone on YouTube (not me, but I couldn't find the original comment, so I can't give you a name. I did ask - and got- permission to use this idea, though) for coming up with the idea for this. I made some minor tweaks. Also, this is my first fight scene for anything ever (also first original akuma). Anyway, have some Ladynoir! (Also, yes, I put a Once Upon a Time easter egg in here. No, I’m not ashamed of it.)

~*~*~*~

Patrol had been quiet that night, which was a relief. After several consecutive days filled with akuma attacks, the heroes of Paris were grateful to have a peaceful night. Ladybug and Cat Noir were currently sitting upon a beam of the Eiffel Tower, swinging their legs back and forth as they talked and laughed. Ladybug had brought some Chinese takeout to eat (It wasn't as good as her mother's authentic Chinese food, but Cat Noir didn't need to know that.).

"That was pretty good! I've never had Chinese takeout before," Cat said as he finished his food. He looked at her with a bit of awe and wonder in his eyes, as if she were his everything.

Ladybug blinked. "Wow, really?"

Her partner nodded. "Yeah, my father has my diet regulated, and I don't get to eat much food like this." He smiled.

"Then I'm glad I introduced it to you." She smiled softly back at him.

Cat Noir's smile turned into a toothy grin, and he leaned forward. "I'd be willing to try anything for you, M’Lady." He winked.

Ladybug rolled her eyes and pushed him away gently. "I'm having second thoughts about this."

"Too late, ‘Bug. Food's already gone." He gestured to the empty white boxes. He turned back to her, his face void of any goofy expression, suddenly serious. "But honestly, it was amazing."

Ladybug shrugged. "It was just takeout. I wouldn't call it amazing."

"You are the one who brought it. It is wonderful because it came from you.” He stared into her eyes, his own filled with conviction and sincerity.

Her heart did a funny little flip in her chest. Not wanting to figure out the reason behind it, she turned away, digging in the bag from the Chinese restaurant. "I nearly forgot the best part." She produced two small packaged treats of some sort. "Fortune cookies!" She gave one to him.

He watched as she opened her cookie and took out the little slip of white paper before doing the same.

Ladybug popped the cookie in her mouth as she studied the paper. "What does yours say, Kitty?"

He glanced down at the white slip that came out of his own cookie. "Follow your dreams."

Ladybug paused. "Huh, mine says the same thing."

Cat Noir scooted closer. "Maybe it's a sign." He grinned at her again.

She laughed and nudged him with her shoulder. "Down, Kitty. They are probably just running out of ideas to put in these things." She crumpled the fortune before gathering the empty cartons, shoving everything in the bag.

Cat shrugged before looking over the city, his eyes gaining a thoughtful look. "I guess that's a possibility. I just think it's strange that I would get this particular fortune today of all days."

Ladybug paused, glancing over at her partner and taking in his thoughtful expression. "Why's that?"

"I had a pretty great dream last night. It was about you."

She snorted. "How is that different from normal?"

He looked over at her and scowled, crossing his arms. "Haha, very funny." He pouted.

She giggled before reaching over and ruffling his hair. "Oh, lighten up, Cat." She pulled her hand away. "Tell me about your dream."

Cat leaned back on his arms, face turned to the stars. "Well, the two of us were walking hand-in-hand in a park along a moonlit path. We came across André and his ice cream cart and decided to get some.” He smiled softly up at the stars. “It was amazing.”

Ladybug felt the corners of her lips pull up in amusement. “The ice cream or the dream?”

He turned to look at her, a smirk forming on his lips. “Why not both? Care for some ice cream, M’Lady? After all, the fortunes did say to follow our dreams.”

The spotted heroine cocked her head in thought, her gaze falling over the streets of Paris lit up in the night. “Well, since we're talking about dreams, I had a pretty interesting one about the two of us last night as well.”

Cat Noir smiled. “Really? You dream about me?” He laid a hand on his heart. “You flatter me, Bugaboo,” he said, a silly grin on his face as he pretended to swoon.

Ladybug mock-scowled at her partner. “Didn’t we agree that you’d stop calling me Bugaboo?”

“Maybe you did. I enjoy the way you get all worked up over it too much to agree to any such thing.”

When she gave him a legitimate scowl, he started laughing. She huffed, crossing her arms. “Well, I guess you don’t want to hear about my dream.”

Cat calmed down, wiping the tears from his eyes. “Sorry, LB. What was your dream about?”

“Well in my dream, we were being chased by a bunch of knights, wolves, and witches out of a castle, past a giant gingerbread house, and up a hill in the woods with a well on top. Suddenly, we slipped on a giant broken egg laying next to a wall and went rolling down the hill.” She paused, looking over at him with the faintest smirk on her face. “I'm sorry, Kitty, but not ALL dreams come true...”

~*~*~*~

She was going to kill Hawk Moth. Because seriously? Who akumatizes someone at 3:00 in the freaking morning? She had tests in class tomorrow (today), and she did not have the time or patience to deal with this. Stupid Hawk Moth. He probably has no life. Probably never leaves his house and just sits in a dark room all day waiting for someone to akumatize. She was going to be dead to the world tomorrow and probably fail all her tests because of this. Great.

Grumbling a few choice words under her breath, Ladybug dashed over rooftops to the source of the screams. Upon arrival, she crouched behind a chimney to avoid detection while she surveyed the situation.

There were trees everywhere. The streets of Paris were being turned into a forest. People were screaming and running in all directions. Some escaped, but most were shot down by a beam of light, knocking them to the ground. Ladybug watched as the civilians hit turned into witches (with broomsticks) and knights with black armor (complete with black plumage on their helmets, mind you), rising from their place on the ground and walking to the center of all the commotion. Man, it’s like Darkblade all over again, she thought.

They joined a circle of black knights around who Ladybug assumed was the akuma victim. Ladybug could barely make out a figure in the middle of the circle due to all the black knights surrounding the akuma. With a huff of mild annoyance, she pulled out her yo-yo and used the camera function to zoom in.

The villain of the week was a little girl in a dress that came to the ground. The skirt was covered in lace and ruffles. The entire dress was sparkling and shimmering and was the color of cotton candy. On her back rested a set of wings that resembled a fairy’s. They were the same color pink as her dress with light blue undertones and accents. Her long, chocolate brown hair flowed down in waves, stopping halfway down her back, and an elegant tiara rested upon her head.

What really caught Ladybug’s attention, however, were the items in her hands. In one, the girl held a wand which she used to transform people into her black knights. In the other rested a large brown book. “Once Upon a Time” was written across the front in gold letters, and there was gold trimming around the edges of the cover to match the text.

“Good morning, M’Lady,” Cat Noir said as he dropped down beside her.

“You are way too chipper for 3 a.m.”

He chuckled softly. “So, what do we have here?”

“A little girl dressed like a freaking fairy princess holding a wand and storybook turning people into freaking knights and Paris into her own personal freaking forest.”

“Someone’s grouchy tonight.”

Ladybug shot him a glare.

Cat raised his hands up in a soothing manner with an easy smile on his face. “Let’s get this akuma taken care of so Sleepybug can go back to bed."

She rolled her eyes and turned back to the scene. The black knights were escorting the akuma toward the Eiffel Tower, the witches following behind as they flew around on their brooms.

“We better follow them. Whatever they’re up to, it’s probably not good,” Ladybug said as she started spinning her yo-yo. Not waiting her partner’s response, she took off after the crowd, Cat Noir following close behind.

~*~*~*~

Mistakes were made. No sooner had they reached the Eiffel Tower than the akuma had turned into into a castle with a flash of light coming from her wand. Ladybug and Cat Noir had followed the entourage inside… and were immediately surrounded by the akuma’s minions. They desperately tried to fight against the akuma and her posse. Eventually, Cat Noir managed to grab hold of her wand and snapped it over his knee. No akuma. The akuma victim spawned another wand for her use.

The heroes were getting overwhelmed and exhausted. With only a glance shared between them, both heroes turned and fled out of the castle, away from the witches and knights now chasing them. The akuma, who they now knew was named Fairy Tale, flew above them, turning cars that had not been destroyed when the city had turned into a forest into rabid wolves who joined the chase.

“We’ve gotta lose these guys.” Ladybug shot off another rooftop, both superheroes doing their best to avoid the streets because of the huge pack of wolves snapping at their heels while simultaneously dodging bursts of magic sent their way by the witches and running from the black knights that had followed them onto the rooftops, occasionally fighting off the ones that caught up with them.

"Couldn’t agree more, M’Lady. I know normally black cats are friendly with witches, but these guys seem to prefer the wolves.” He was right behind her, sometimes growling and hissing at wolves that got too close for comfort.

It was way too early in the morning for this.

"We’ll lose them at Notre Dame!” Ladybug ripped the sword away from a black knight and hurled it at a nearby witch. The witch tried to dodge, but lost her balance and fell from her broomstick. Cat Noir launched the swordless knight off the roof, and the heroes raced to the cathedral.

At first, Notre Dame seemed to be a bust, as the superheroes saw that the once glorious church was now a gigantic and elaborate gingerbread house that threatened to crumble whenever they touched it.

Ladybug glanced back at the oncoming horde, then back at her partner with a grin on her face, a plan forming in her head. “What do you say we give our guests a little snack?”

Cat smirked. “Read my mind, LB.”

The two rushed inside and hid behind one of the grand gingerbread pillars in the back of the church. Soon enough they were joined by Fairy Tale’s minions.

Cat darted out from behind the pillar waving his hands and shouting. As the mob closed in on him, Ladybug snuck back around to the front door and quickly shut it behind her.

Once he saw that she was outside with the door closed, Cat raced back to one of the pillars. “Cataclysm!” Cat quickly launched himself through one of the frosting windows in the back, while the entire row of connected pillars crumbled, bringing the rest of the church down as well and burying the horde in a mess of gingerbread and frosting.

The two heroes ran away from the rubble, heading back to the Eiffel Castle. Fairy Tale had made some adjustments while they were busy with her henchmen. It was now complete with a moat and drawbridge. A few remaining knights were standing guard while a few witches flew around the castle.

“We’ll be able to easily cross the moat and take the knights and witches, but the drawbridge might be tricky since I’m down a Cataclysm,” Cat muttered to Ladybug as they crouched on a nearby rooftop.

“Hmm, we’ll have to draw her out then.”

A few minutes later, as they were racing up a hill with two tall stone walls on either side of them instead of trees with an extremely angry Fairy Tale on their heels, the two heroes were regretting taunting her so much.

“I don’t remember the Champs-Elyseés being a giant hill.” Cat spotted a well at the top. “Or there being a well at the top.”

“Must be Fairy Tale’s magic. She’s been taking a lot of things from fairy tales and putting them in Paris.” Ladybug paused for a moment as they dodged a blast of magic. “Is-Is that the Arc de Triomphe?”

Cat consulted his mental map. “I guess so.” He glanced behind them. “Uh, Ladybug? She’s getting closer.”

The moment they reached the well at the top of the hill, Fairy Tale opened her book and shouted, “Once upon a time, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall!” She waved her wand and a beam of light shot past the heroes.

Before they had a chance to react, a huge egg fell from one of the walls and crashed right in front of them, cracking open. Ladybug and Cat Noir had no time to stop their momentum and slipped on the egg yolk, tumbling and rolling down the hill.

As they picked themselves off the ground, both covered in egg yolk, dirt, and grass, Cat’s miraculous beeped, signaling he had three minutes left. They searched for Fairy Tale and spotted her flying over the top of the hill. “Now might be the time for some luck, M’Lady. Y’know, before she gets here.”

She nodded. “Lucky charm!” A red ball of yarn with black spots fell into her hands.

“Ooh, a ball of yarn! Christmas came early for this feline!”

Ladybug hummed. “Not yet, Kitty. Would you be so kind as to distract her for me?”

He bowed. “As you wish, Mademoiselle.” He looked up and winked before taking off, shouting to catch Fairy Tale’s attention.

While she was distracted, Ladybug ran back up to the well and crouched behind it. Then she got an idea. She scramble up the nearest tree, breaking off a few branches. Soon, with the wood and the yarn, she had fastened the frame of a net. She opened up her yo-yo to text Cat. When I give the signal, lead Fairy Tale back to the well. That’s where I’ll be.

Once he sent a confirmation, she scrambled back down the tree and hid back behind the well. She peaked over the stone structure to see her partner still being chased by Fairy Tale. He doesn’t have long. Need to do this quickly. She took her yo-yo and wove it into a net for the frame large enough for the akuma.

She peeked back out and caught Cat’s eye. When she nodded, he nodded back and began running her way.

Ladybug took a breath. She needed to time this just right. She watched as Cat led Fairy Tale closer and closer. When he jumped between the stones and the wooden roof of the well, Ladybug brought the net up, waited a beat, then brought the net up as Fairy Tale passed through.

The akuma cried out in surprise, as her flight was interrupted. She went crashing to the ground, scrambling to get out of the net. She gave up, opened her book, and began to shout. “Once upon a time—” Cat Noir reached through a hole in the net and ripped a page from the open book.

An akuma fluttered into the air.

Ladybug untied her yo-yo and the yarn, freeing the victim and caught the akuma.

After everything was cleaned up and the little girl was given back to her mother (who just happened to be one of the remaining witches guarding the palace), Cat Noir looked over at Ladybug. “You remember that dream you told me about earlier?”

She raised an eyebrow and stood akimbo. “Yeah, what about it?”

“Well, you followed it.” He shrugged. “Everything you said happened actually happened.”

Ladybug narrowed her eyes before they widened again. “Yeah, I guess it did.”

Cat Noir stepped closer, tilting his head and smiling. “So, since yours came true, and we got the same fortune…”

Ladybug sighed. “When do you want that ice cream?”

~*~*~*~

When Marinette finally got back to bed that night, she would deny the smile on her face, no matter how much Tikki insists it was there.

~*~*~*~

A/N: So, I hope you enjoyed that. It, uh, kinda took me a while since I first got the prompt. Oh well. It happened eventually. (Also, this is my first fic on tumblr, so I hope this goes well.)

@ladynoirjuly2020

[sassyduckqueen]

30 Days of Lukanette- Strings

Not actually based on an episode...

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

Ladybug jumped and swung across the buildings as she followed the sound of a lyre. Viperion had sent her a message, saying he wanted to talk to her alone so as soon as she went on patrol, she began to look for him. Landing on a roof, she found Viperion sat on the chimney, softly playing the strings of his lyre. He stopped as he noticed her. She walked over.

"You wanted to talk?" She asked. He nodded. "About the picture?"

"Kind of," He admitted. She sat next to him. "The person you're in love with... it isn't me right?"

She frowned before hugging her knees.

"Ladybug?" He asked, concerned.

"No... you're not the person I was in love with,"

"Was?"

"He wasn't who I thought he was," She admitted. "I placed him on a pedestal above everyone else and I started to realize he isn't the person I thought he was,"

"I see," He replied but he noticed her smile.

"But since I started to look away from his light, I noticed someone else's... it's not the same as his but it's more beautiful and pure then anything I've ever seen," She smiled, happily. Viperion couldn't help but smile. "He's kind, funny and I don't feel nervous around him like I did with the other guy. Around him, I couldn't be myself. I was afraid to mess up and show that I'm human. I'd forget about the world around me and the people I was with too but... this other guy... he makes me smile. I don't forget who I am and while I have messed up in front of him multiple times, tripped over my own feet, crashed into stuff, messed up my words and yet, he still thinks the world of me. He encourages me to shine my own light and his music is so genuine. It makes me smile every time I hear it,"

"It sounds like the first guy brought out the worst in you and this second guy you like brings out the best in you," He smiled. "So are you and this guy a couple?"

"Not yet. I've asked him out on a date though," She replies, smiling. "He's really sweet, Viperion,"

"I'm happy for you,"

"Thank you," She smiled. "What about you? Do you have a special person?"

"I do," He smiled, lightly playing his lyre. "She is the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. Both inside and out,"

"She your girlfriend then?"

"Not yet," He admitted, smiling sheepishly. "I don't want to rush her. I just want to live in these moments with her. Even if she decides I'm not the one for her,"

"You wouldn't hate her?"

"Never," He smiled. "She isn't just the girl I love. She's my friend too. And even if it didn't work out between us, I could never hate her,"

"That's sweet," Ladybug smiled as she was looked out into the distance. A few seconds later, Cat Noir jumped down and sat next to them.

"Mi'lady. Danger Noodle," He grinned.

"Kitty cat," Ladybug grinned. "No Akumas yet,"

"Just a nice peaceful evening," Viperion smiled, playing his lyre a bit louder. Ladybug was sure Cat Noir had started to purr but before they could even relax, the three of them noticed someone jumping across the rooftops. "Akuma?"

"We better check it out," Ladybug stated as the three of them got up and gave chased. As they got closer, they began to realize it wasn't an Akuma at all but a young woman dressed in a dragon like outfit. She stopped and landed on the roof of the school, causing the three heroes to jump down near her. Ladybug narrowed her eyes before smiling. "I'm guessing you must be the holder of the dragon miraculous. I'm Ladybug. This is Cat Noir and Viperion. It's nice to meet you,"

"I'm Ryuko and while it is a honor to meet you, I go my own way," The dragon woman stated, causing Viperion to frown.

"That's no-" He started but Ladybug held out her arm, stopping him.

"Very well. Ryuko, if you need us, you can contact us on your dragon phone," She stated, making both boys frown. Ryuko nodded before jumping away and leaving. Both of them gave her a questioning look. "She'll work out that we're a team in her own time. Anyway, time to head home for now,"

"Ok," Viperion nodded. He trusted Ladybug's judgement, besides he had to be up early tomorrow. Juleka wanted his help with something and he was going out to the cinema with Marinette plus he needed to sort out those tickets for the Jagged Stone gig. He wanted to ask Marinette if their cinema date goes well.

"I'm gonna stay out a bit longer," Cat Noir grinned. "Been a while since I've been on patrol,"

"Ok, kitty cat. Bug out!" Ladybug grinned before swinging off. Cat Noir grabbed Viperion's arm lightly before he could leave.

"You and Ladybug aren't a couple right?" He asked, looking down.

"Oh what?! No!" Viperion gasped, causing the cat to raise an eyebrow. "I'm interested in someone outside of the hero life and I only have eyes for her,"

"Good because I would hate for us to be rivals, Viperion," Cat admitted, looking down. "I consider you a friend,"

"Likewise, Cat but you should also respect that Ladybug is her own person and makes her own choices. If you love her then cool but she is under no obligation to love you back. That choice is hers and hers alone," He stated, removing Cat's hand from his arm. "Besides, her light may be blinding you to who's truly there,"

~ A Few Days Later~

"Ok, Girl, so Adrien is going to be attending Jagged Stone and Clara Nightingale's concert and guess who has tickets to make sure we can go too?!" Alya grinned, excitedly holding up three pictures. Marinette stared at them. "So Nino is going to tell Adrien that we are all going to do and then invite Adrien to hang out with us during and after the concert and we'll make sure you're the one stood next to Adrien during the concert and afterwards, you two can actually finally spend some together,"

"That's great of you, Alya but um... I'm already going to that gig..."

"Perfect then you can go with Adrien! Me and Nino can give the spare ticket to my older sister and we can get a lift there!" She grinned, clearly proud of herself. Marinette sighed and shook her head. "What is it?"

"I'm already going to that gig-"

"Girl, you already mentioned that," Alya interrupted her, crossing her arms. Marinette sighed.

"With someone else," She continued, making Alya look at her with a strange look.

"You're going with someone else?" Alya asked, seemingly shocked. Marinette nodded. "But this is your chance with Adrien! The boy of your dreams! The statue that drives you crazy,"

"It's really sweet that you thought of me, Alya. You're a great friend but to be honest, I'm kind of glad I'm not going with Adrien. I'm not myself when he's around and I think it's unhealthy to be like that," She admitted, causing Alya to frown a little before she grinned.

"If you say so, Marinette!" She grinned before lightly elbowing her. "So who is this mysterious person you're going with huh?"

"Um... well... errr..." She gasped, blushing as she pushed her hair behind her ear before she looked over at Luka, who was fixing the strings on his guitar. He looked up and gave her a gorgeous smile before waving at them. Another blush instantly rushed across her face as she waved back shyly, causing Alya to look from her to Luka then back again.

"No way," Alya gasped. "You're going with Luka?!"

"Y-yeah," Marinette blushed, smiling softly. "He kind of asked me after we went to the cinema the other day,"

"Whoa... hold up... you went to the cinema with Luka as well?" She gasped, shocked. "Where was our invite?"

"Um... I would have invited you and Nino and the rest but... I kind of wanted it to be... just me and him..."

"Are you saying that you, Marinette Dupan-Cheng, asked the Luka Couffaine out on a date?!" She gasped, looking a little over excited. Marinette blushed and slowly nodded. "Girl! Why am I only just hearing about this now!? What made you ask him?! Did he say yes?! Did you kiss afterwards?!"

"Calm down, Alya," She giggled at her friend's reaction. "Yes, he said yes, you were still upset about been one half of Oblivio and we didn't kiss. My parents were watching us through the window and I'm not sure how my dad would have reacted if we had,"

"But you wanted to?" She asked, making Marinette blushed even more. "You did, didn't you?!"

"I thought you were team Adrien?" Marinette asked, confused by Alya's reaction, causing her friend to laugh.

"I'm team whoever makes Marinette happy, silly," She smiled. "Beside, Luka is hot,"

"Alya! You have a boyfriend!"

"Doesn't mean I'm wrong though," She grinned, making Marinette blush. "See... you agree... now more importantly... I haven't had a chance to talk to you about that fab superkiss that I caught on Camera between Viperion and Ladybug! Thoughts?"

Marinette went to answer but before she could, Adrien literally walked onto the houseboat, waving at everyone. She was surprised that his dad even let him.

"Hey, everyone," He smiled before seeing her. He walked up to her and smiled. "Hey, Marinette. Um... can I have a word?"

"S-sure," She answered, getting up and walking to the side. "What's up?"

"So I just wanted to apologize for the museum again. I thought about it and I think I was a real idiot," He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. She crossed her arms. "Also I was wondering if you were free this Saturday? I have two tickets to the Jagged Stone concert and wanted to know if you like to come with me as my date,"

She was shocked. Techincally, her every wish was coming true right now. How many times had she thought about been asked out by him? Millions. How many times did she wish it would happen? Thousands. And yet, it felt so wrong to her. It was like her best friend was asking her.

"What about the girl you love?" She asked, feeling surprised. He laughed nervously before frowning.

"She's in love with someone else," He admitted, making her frown.

"So basically I'm your rebound?" She asked, angrily. He frowned and shook his head.

"No, of course not. You're a great girl and besides, I know you're into me," He replied, in a cocky manner. It took all her strength not to slap him. She was definitely not into him right now with that attitude. It was exactly how Cat Noir acted with Ladybug. "How could you say no hm?"

"Easily. It's a no," She turned around but he grabbed hold of her arm.

"Marinette..." He stated but frowned when she pulled her arm away. "Come on. It'll be fun,"

"Look I do like you, Adrien but only as a friend. Besides, I'm going to the gig with someone else," She replied calmly, making him frown.

"As a friend?" He questioned as she turned on her heel and walked away. She was fuming with him. She walked past Alya and everyone else before going into the kitchen to calm herself down. She sucked in deep breathes and closed her eyes. The last thing she needed was to get akumatized because of Adrien Agreste. The sound of someone entering the kitchen caught her attention and she thought it was Alya or Rose checking on her.

"I'm fine," She snapped but they didn't leave. instead, she felt a slightly rough feeling hand on hers, causing her to open her eyes and look straight into the ocean blue eyes of Luka.

"You ok?" He asked, tracing soft circles in her skin. She felt herself calming down.

"I'm fine," She repeated in a calmer voice. "Sorry,"

"No need to be sorry, Mari," He smiled, bringing her hand to his lips. "Wanna tell me what's got you upset?"

"Adrien," Luka frowned at the way she said his name. It sounded angry and unlike her at all but then she sighed. "He asked me to be his date for the gig,"

"Well then it's a good thing I asked you first," He joked, making her smile. "But that's not what upset you is it?"

"It was the way he asked, Luka. Basically asked before the girl he loves is in love with someone else then he was like 'I know you're into me' and 'how could you say no'," She did a poor impression of his voice but Luka got the idea. "Then he was like 'Come on. It'll be fun'..."

"What did you say?" He asked, linking their hands together.

"I said no and told him that while I like him it is just a friend and that I'm going with someone else," She admitted. "I just can't believe how cocky he was. I felt like he expected me to drop all my plans and be like 'Oh, Adrien. I'm so grateful for you actually noticing me and asking me out that yes I will go with you'.... he must think I'm so weak to think he could act like that,"

"You're many things, Marinette but weak is not one of them," Luka smiled, frowning slightly. "But I don't know what to say to comfort you,"

"You don't need to say anything," She mumbled, moving to lean against him. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her hair with his nose. "Just you been here is enough,"

"Hm. I'm glad," He mumbled. "I don't want you to get akumatized over him. He's not worth it,"

"I don't hate him..."

"I would never expect you too," Luka whispered before she gently pulled away. "He's just going have to get use to that you no longer like him as more then a friend,"

"When did you get so wise hm?" She asked, looking up at him with her hands on her hips. He just chuckled and leaned on the edge of the counter.

"That's my secret to keep," He winked, making her blush but he chuckled and ruffled her hair. "I better go join the others. There's some juice in the fridge. Feel free to have some and come out when you're ready,"

With that, he walked off, leaving Marinette alone. She sighed to herself before grabbing a drink and walking out to watch Kitty Section.

[galadrieljones]

The Lily Farm - Chapter 47

AO3 | Masterpost

Pairing: Arthur x Mary Beth

Rating: M (Mature) - sexual content, violence, and adult themes

Summary: After Sean’s death, Mary Beth asks Arthur to take her on a hunting trip, somewhere far away. What takes place at first is a simple love story: full of trials and journeys that they must endure together, as a team. But over time, things complicate. The gang is in trouble, and as Arthur and Mary Beth aim to set out on their own one day, they must find a way to help those they love while eventually, finding escape. Their ultimate goal is to go north with the Marstons, to find the bucolic stretches of Wisconsin where, rumor has it, there are lily farms. Will they make it? How will they survive when all hope seems lost? This is their story.

Chapter 47: The Widow of Willard’s Rest, Pt. 2

Two weeks went by. They stayed, helping. It was a strange development. Charlotte found herself artificially in love with Arthur, as his presence sated the male absence inside the house, but it was more complicated than it seemed. He was a pillar, an anchor. He was exceedingly sturdy and he seemed to understand everything about the world and how it worked. He was so capable. He never stumbled or hit a bump in the road that he could not handle. He spoke so little but for to Mary Beth with whom he seemed to share an almost telepathic appreciation. They were so in love, but it wasn’t just frills or public displays, noticed Charlotte. The way they knew how to co-operate with one another, how one always understood what the other needed at any given time. They would argue about a book they read, which Mary Beth had liked but Arthur deemed as pedestrian. Arthur would draw a picture in his downtime under a tree, and Mary Beth would compliment his picture, and he would smile at her while chewing on a reed and then she would pat him on the head and kiss his eyes and then go away back to folding laundry as if nothing at all had happened. Their relationship was sobered and wise and it felt organic to their surroundings as if it had always been so—like the trees and the wind.

Anyway, oddly enough, in the nights when she was alone, Charlotte knew the difference between Cal and Arthur. She felt only the cold sheets where he had used to lie, and it was so real she wept, her loneliness absolute. But during the day, while Mary Beth would be helping Charlotte in the garden where they were pulling up the last of the root vegetables, or they would be reading or tidying the house, cooking dinner, making apple juice, doing whatever work it was they could, Charlotte’s grief lost its linearity and the past became the present, vice versa. Arthur reminded her of Cal even as they were nothing alike. He filled the property with his sounds, his sights, and his smell, and she did not know whether or who or what she had become, but she just wanted to be close to him. She was not jealous of Mary Beth. She was fond of Mary Beth, and she looked at Mary Beth’s relationship with Arthur in admiration. Charlotte’s grief was twisting up her perceptions. She did not want Arthur to be her husband. She did not really love him even as she felt she did. She just missed her own husband, and Arthur, in all of his masculine replacement qualities, was there. He protected the home, chopped the firewood, taught Charlotte to use a gun.

But then the days would end. Arthur and Mary Beth would retire to their room on one side of the house, and Charlotte would return to her own on the other. Cal’s things hanging neatly in the wardrobe. Her delusions would die, and this was always a most terrible realization. Some nights, she did not know what she would do. It manifested in all manner of confusion. She did not know how she could possibly survive.

One night, Charlotte had fallen asleep in the living room on the sofa, in front of the fire, with her tea almost tipping out of her hand and onto the floor. Arthur came inside from where he had been chopping wood extra—it looked like maybe a winter storm was coming, and he didn’t want to run out. He saw Charlotte, dozed off with her tea dripping on the rug, and he went right over, got down on one knee and with his delicate touch, lifted the mug from her hand. He was just going to take it to the sink to rinse. But when he got close to her, she sat straight up. It was alarming. The mug fell onto the floor, and she looked right at him as if she was looking into the jaws of the devil himself, and then as if she’d seen god. She said, “Cal?”  

Arthur felt terror for his misstep. It was a mistake, he knew now. He saw in her that night himself from many months before when he had done the same exact thing to Mary Beth. He had scared the Jesus out of her at the Wintersons,' and the weight of what Charlotte was dealing now with came down hard and crushed him something holy. He placed his hand gently on her shoulder to steady her. He said, “It’s okay, Mrs. Balfour. It’s just Arthur.”

It took her a moment, in which her eyes flickered back to life from a heavy dreaming state and filled with recognition. When she came to the realization that she had been dreaming or something worse, she collapsed silently. He held her. He didn’t know what to do. She seemed frozen in terror. Mary Beth came out of their room at one point and said, “Oh my god. Arthur, is she okay?”

“I ain’t sure,” said Arthur.

Charlotte had begun to cry though. She looked up at Mary Beth, seeming embarrassed. She wiped her tears on the back of her hand and said, “I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?”

She was pulling herself together now. She sat back from Arthur’s embrace and smiled at him, gratefully. She tucked her hands into her lap. She blinked repeatedly and said, “It was just a dream.”

Mary Beth sighed. “Come on,” she said. She took Charlotte by the arm and led her back to her bedroom. “Let’s get you to bed,” she said. “I’ll stay with you tonight.”

Arthur watched them going down the hall to Charlotte’s bedroom. “Oh, that’s quite all right,” said Charlotte, proper as usual. “It was just a dream. I’ll be fine, Mary Beth.”

“Nuh-uh,” said Mary Beth. “I am staying with you. We are having a sleepover, and you can’t stop me.”

Charlotte was quiet for a moment. Then he could hear that she had come out of it, and she was smiling. “All right,” she said to Mary Beth. “I suppose that would be fine. But really, you don’t have to stay the entire night.”

“I know,” said Mary Beth. “I know. Thank you.”

Then, they were gone.

Arthur took a deep breath, looking around at the neatness of the living room. The expensive blue sofa, the pretty lace curtains. He turned around to clean up the tea from the rug. It wasn’t too bad. He put the mug in the sink, and then he went to sit down at the kitchen table with a small glass of whiskey.

Feeling a little pent up, he lit an oil lamp for extra light and took out his journal which he considered writing in for a time, but then he did not. He closed it, rubbed his eyes. He wasn’t thinking about Charlotte, even as he felt deeply for her and her predicament. He wasn’t thinking about her. In his heart of hearts, he knew she would be okay. He sipped the whiskey and lit a cigarette and slouched in the chair. He let his head hang off the back, rolling it around on his shoulders.

Time was getting longwinded now, thought Arthur in exhaustion, for him and Mary Beth. Every week that passed, the pressure of waiting mounted—it had begun to wear him thin, particularly at the end of each day, and each day got worse than the last. There had still been no word from Dutch in nearly four months time, and tomorrow was Sunday once more. If there was no word still at the post office in Annesburg, he wondered if he would find himself revising their plan, against Hosea’s recommendation. He really did not like this business with John and the penitentiary, and he thought it ought to have been solved by now.

He poured one more glass of whiskey then and brought it with him back to the bedroom. He changed out of his jeans and his shirt and his vest and suspenders and heavy coat, got into bed wearing only his union suit. Propped up against the headboard, he turned the lamp up a little and smoked while working on an old sketch he had been revisiting. It was of Shady Belle. He had wanted to get it perfect. He thought it was one of his best ones yet, and all the right angles juxtaposed with the soft of the vines consuming the house back to nature made his mind quiet. He drank and continued to draw. The country up here was dead quiet, just as it was at Deer Cottage. You could hear nothing but the wind in the chimney and the occasional pack of wolves howling up at the moon.

A little while later, as his eyelids were getting heavy, Mary Beth came back and was surprised that he had not gone to sleep yet. “You’re up,” she said, fluffing her hair. She hopped into the bed, under the covers. “I thought you’d be half to dream land by now.”

“Couldn’t really sleep,” said Arthur. “But I feel better now.”

She put her chin on his shoulder to look at the drawing. “Wow,” she said. “That one is really good, Arthur.”

Arthur sighed, scratched at the stubbled on his chin and kissed her on the top of the head. Then he closed the journal and said, “Thank you, my lady. I thought so, too.”

“Charlotte kicked me out,” she said out of nowhere.

“What?”

“She insisted I return to you.”

“Well, that’s good, ain’t it?” said Arthur. He picked up her hand to brush his thumb across her knuckles. They were somewhat dry from the cold weather.

“I think so,” said Mary Beth. “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

“Yes, I do. But it’s gonna take time. Charlotte seems good at keeping up appearances but under the surface, it’s like tangled barbed wire.”

“Maybe we should take her with us tomorrow,” said Mary Beth. The bed was warm and big around them. “To the town. Maybe getting away from this place for a day, maybe it would do her some good.”

Arthur mulled it over. “That ain’t a bad plan.”

“I just feel like—like this place is all full of reminders. It’s like a dream in and of itself. Maybe seeing the world going on, as usual, maybe that would help.”

“We may be riding through snow,” said Arthur. “At least till we get down from these hills. It’s been overcast all day, and I’m a little concerned about a storm.”

“That’s okay.”

“I was just gonna go by myself,” said Arthur, “but if you ladies want to come, that’s fine with me.”

The wind was blowing then, creaking through the pines and against the window panes. They both turned their heads to look. Mary Beth got closer to him. She said, “I think I’d prefer we all stick together. Just in case.”

Arthur smiled. “When did you become the worrier?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “Since this damn baby.”

He took a big, deep breath then. It went all the way down into his bones, and he placed his hand right on her tummy, where it sloped gently beneath her nightgown. He was now filled with warmth and perseverance. He kissed her on the forehead and said, “It’s gonna be okay.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

She closed her eyes. The wind kept blowing.

“It’s been too many months without word,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am, it has.”

“What happens tomorrow.”

Arthur did not want to worry her, not any more than she already was. He didn't want to worry about tomorrow. “Let’s figure that out then.”

“Maybe the letter will be there this time,” she said. “Maybe this is the week.”

Arthur smoothed the curls behind her ear. He glanced back to the window. “Maybe,” he said. The stove was holding strong, heating the room.

That very night, not so far out, huddled in an abandoned mining shack north of Annesburg, John and Sadie sat, trying to figure their way through a predicament. Along with help from the Texas Rangers, Sadie had busted John free the night before. She had wanted to bring Charles, but Charles was needed to defend the gang. Without Arthur, and now John, too, they were desperate. They needed guns. Plus, the Rangers were good at dealing with law types. They had a curious code, thought Sadie, as they provided a genius distraction at the jail. It involved them detaining the Warden in his office for voluntary questioning, on the accusation that he had knowingly been holding a criminal whose comeuppance rightly belonged to the great state of Texas, not Lemoyne, and that they were there to pick him up. The Warden was dazzled by their badges and easily confused. He listened to them carefully even as he had no idea what they were talking about. It was during this time that Sadie put the lights out on several of the guards outside and wrangled John, who had been digging a midnight trench in ball and chain. Call and LaBoeuf dismissed the Warden well before word broke and paddled them all off the island on a row boat. The job was quiet and smart and the Warden had been none the wiser. Arthur would have bene proud. But in the end, they could hear the alarm sounding from behind as they floated away on their daring escape, and when they docked in Van Horn, they knew it would be trouble. Law had swarmed all up and down the banks of the Lanahechee by that afternoon.

“This is goddam fucked,” said John now. He was angry, and drinking from a bottle of booze they’d plucked off a passed-out vagabond on the beach, north of Van Horn. Sadie was kindling the fire, no nonsense. “We ain’t never gonna get back to Shady Belle at this rate.”

“We ain’t going back to Shady Belle,” said Sadie. “I goddam told you that. Weren't you listening?”

"No, I wasn't,” said John, kind of a smart mouth. “We ain’t exactly had a moment to process since getting off that boat, Sadie. Where the hell are we going?”

“The gang’s in Bluewater Marsh,” said Sadie, ignoring his attitude. “Just for now. Too many Pinkertons moving into the bayou for Dutch’s comfort. It’s temporary.”

"Law on the river banks, law down in the bayou. Where the hell are we supposed to go next?"

"Just keep your head about you."

“Are Arthur and Mary Beth okay?” said John.

“They’re fine,” said Sadie, sighing. “The Rangers sent them on their way a couple days after the river boat. They’re in hiding.”

“Where?”

“How the hell should I know,” said Sadie. “They’re waiting on word from us. It weren’t no picnic arranging for your rescue, by the way. Took more than a month in preparation and even still we had to wait for LaBoeuf to get his legs back after getting shot on the boat you decided to storm.”

John spat into the fire, looked at his boots. “Well, I said thank you,” he said. “And I’ll say it again. Every goddam day of my life. Thank. You.” He closed his eyes. “I ain’t never been so goddam grateful. You got my word on that.”

She looked at him, felt bad all of a sudden. He was sort of like a dumbass puppy, she thought. His beard had grown out while in jail, and he looked older, albeit skinny. She reached into her pocket, withdrew a tin of tobacco and some rolling papers. “Here. Roll some of them up, will you?”

John opened one eye. “Yes, ma’am.”

“I’m gonna go hunt us something to eat in a minute here. You gotta be hungry.”

“It’s way too cold. You'll freeze.”

“Would you prefer starvation, Mr. Marston?” She took out her pistol, polished it up with a handkerchief.

"No,” said John. “But just—be careful. These hills is full of some weird shit. Bad folks.”

“I know what I’m dealing with.”

“Oh, yeah?” He rolled one cigarette, sealed it, and handed it over. “You ever killed a member of the Murfree Brood?”

Sadie took the cigarette and gave him a look. She leaned forward to light it with the hearth. “Dozens of them,” she said, exhaling a lungful. “Me and Charles hunted O’Driscolls up here a bunch of months ago. Killed our fair share of hill people, too. Mostly with dynamite. They’re real stupid. Tend to live in caves like animals.”

John sighed. He seemed genuinely stressed out, in the way a man should be whose got a family. He kept rolling the cigarettes. He sealed one and then another. He lit one finally for himself and smoked. As he did, he settled back, leaning against the wall. He was still in his prison rags, had dark circles under his eyes. That shack was a piece of shit and looked like it had been previously occupied by shine dealers, but the stove worked, and the chimney was swept. There were a lot of empty bottles and a couple of beds made out of burlap and hay. She listened to him breathing, sighing heavily, like he was meditating or something.

Sadie had fashioned some of the burlap from the shack around her person with her belt, as a makeshift coat. It wasn't fancy, but it would do. On her way out the door she became regretful for no good reason. She looked back at John. She swallowed her pride and said, “Abigail is fine, John. I told you, right? Her and Jack is just fine.”

“Yeah, you told me,” said John, smoking with his eyes closed. “That part, I heard. Thanks.”

“I’m gonna get you back to her,” said Sadie.

“It’s gonna be lawmen everywhere,” said John, shaking his head. "Everywhere."

“Don’t matter,” said Sadie, holstering her volcanic. “We’ll lay low a couple of days, and then we’ll start making our way south. We'll make it.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because I ain’t leaving another widow to rot away in this god forsaken country,” she said. “That's why.”

John opened his eyes. Her anger was like an inferno, he thought, burning quietly in the back of her brain. But it was focused. It hadn’t always been focused. The fire was casting shadows on her face and on the walls all around. The wind was whistling though the meager chimney. “Okay,” he said, choosing to believe her. He sort of had to.

So she nodded, full of resolve for the coming task. “I’ll be back,” she said. “Try to get some goddam sleep.”

“I’ll try,” said John.

“Good.” She tipped her hat and was on her way.

Meanwhile, Charlotte sat in her tall, brass bed, by the window. The bed was so white, and pure. The sheets had been a wedding gift from her mother and made of a fine, blue-dyed Egyptian cotton. Mary Beth had washed them and every other scrap of linen in the whole house that week. They smelled clean. They smelled like lavender. Charlotte blinked several times, as her eyes felt dry. She had been reading, but that had got boring. She set the book on the bedside table and was now looking out at the winter weather. As the snow started to fall in little crystals that whipped across the yard and through the woods and down into the open plains, she allowed herself to feel small, and insignificant. Like one stupid widow in a vast husbandless world. She had wanted to be alone, and now she tried to hear his voice in her head, wished for it, just this once, and for one single moment, she thought she could hear it indeed. She closed her eyes. “Oh, Cal,” she said aloud.

But the sound of her own voice startled her. It chased his voice away. Beyond the walls, she thought she could hear more voices now, in the distance, coming up the walk, full of phantoms and strangers who wanted her throat. But it was just the wind.