#Free Reign Chapter 10 | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

tribalauthor · 5 months ago

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THE WISEWOMAN (roman reigns ff) <chapter 6>

word count: 2.5k

Sophia's POV:

Heat was roaming over my whole body as I was sitting on Roman's lap, body to body or more precisely clothes to clothes.

Mouth to mouth.

We were having a heated makeout session with slow and sloppy kisses and some little moans coming out of us.

I could feel his not so short beard tickling my whole face. Unfamiliar sensation for me since I have never made out with a too bearded guy. I could also feel his huge hands on my butt and squeezing it.

We stopped for a bit to take a breath and stare at each other. The spark of lust in his deep brown eyes let me know what he wants.

"I think we must stop." I spoke through my heavy breaths.

However, it's not the time or place.

I abruptly opened my eyes and slightly lifted my head.

What dream did I just have? I never dream about things like this...especially with an older man.

I swear this didn't happen in real life.

Me and Roman just drank ONE glass of wine then we took a nap, we got in New York and he drove me home. That's it.

I checked the time on my phone and it's almost noon.I got home really late or must I say early - around 5am.

After I did my morning routine I put on some gray sweatpants and dark blue blouse, ready to drink my coffee and do some pilates.

Maybe talk to mom if she is here. I know it's Saturday but being a surgeon is very, very demanding job and you have to be available 24/7.

It has been like this since I remember myself.

Couldn't spend too much time with my mom, so basically my dad raised me...until he died 9 years ago.

Although it has been almost a decade, you can never get over the pain of losing a parent especially when he was so close to you.

During my college years uncle was the one who supported me to pursue my dreams. He even helped me a lot with the studies and everything.

I learned a lot from him.

I remember ever since I was a kid my dad always told me that I resemble uncle in so many ways. He even said it's like I'm uncle's daugher and not his.

My dad was built different from uncle though. While uncle has this formal, practical persona and so on, my dad was more of like a free spirit.

He was changing jobs constantly. Couldn't really keep himself in one place. I remember him and mom always argued. He just didn't like the idea of mom bringing more money at home than him. That fact was crushing him every single day until he decided to overdose and end it all.

It's kind of stupid, if you think about it, ain't it?

He could have just asked for a divorce and still be here with us but I know dad loved mom with his whole heart although mom is a very, very difficult woman.

Perfectionist at its finest, unemotional, smart.

I mean she needs these qualities for her job, I know that but I admit she is not easy. I also admit that I inherited a lot from her and it's not just the looks.

As I went downstairs to make myself some coffee I heard some voices chattering.

Oh God, did she invite somebody?

When I got in the living room, I saw my mother drinking coffee and eating with my two best friends from college - Tina and Cleo.

My two beautiful, 10/10 best friends who've been by my side since first year of college.

Tina is a long haired brunette woman with light brown eyes, skinny body and the most beautiful smile in the world and I mean it. A literal angel came from heaven and she got married a few months ago to a very good man.

He is meant just for her.

Cleo is a curly girl with light brown skin and hazel eyes. Body is tea, fashion sense too and she got engaged last month. Therefore we shall expect a wedding soon.

"Somebody forgot she invited guests over the weekend." mom scolded me.

I put my hand on my temple.

"I'm so sorry, girls." I said as I went to the table and hugged them.

"It's okay, Soph. You are a busy Wise Woman." Cleo teased me and I rolled my eyes playfully.

"Oh me and Noah watched Smackdown last night. He is a big fan of the show and suddenly I am too." Tina chuckled and I slightly wrinkled my lips.

"Me and Jeremiah too. He is crazy for WWE." I scratched my neck. "You were amazing, girl. Best thing of the night and I'm not biased."

"Thank you." I batted my eyelids and looked at mother.

"I took a few glimpses. Sometimes I think you came out of your uncle, not from me." she stated and shook her head. However, she didn't quite use a cold tone, it was rather proud in a way. Judging by her expression, she is lowkey proud.

"That guy Roman is something else though. I made a comment how hot he is and Jer...just agreed." my jaw fell on the floor. "He is his favorite."

"Oh my God." I put my hand on my mouth and headed to the coffee machine in the kitchen box.

"A normal man would feel jealous but he said 'yeah, I know' and continued watching." Cleo still seemed in disbelief but so am I.

"Noah likes Cody more but he made an interesting statement." Tina hinted something and I turned on the machine while being all in ears. "He said that Roman and Sophia look cute together."

"He said what?" I turned around immediately in shock.

"Storyline as in the show or storyline out of the show?" my mom asked in case she didn't understand.

"He said that he envisions a deeper storyline with you two." she added and I furrowed my eyebrows. Apparently, my subconscious also envisions something deeper.

"So what's going on with yall?" I finally sat on the table.

"I think he meant in the show but who knows." Tina replied as I grabbed the ready coffee and went to them.

Roman's POV:

Right now I am training with Jon and Josh in my home gym. Whenever we can, we train together. We have always been together.

Especially with the twins. We've been like triplets our whole lives. They are my closest family and friends that I have, to be honest.

We literally grew up together ever and have been through so much long before WWE.

"Uce, that Paul niece...goddamn." Josh started speaking while lifting his weights. "Seems like a big gem."

"Yeah, she completely nailed it last night." I agreed.

"And you want to nail her, don't you, Joe?" Jon just put me in the hot chair.

"What?" his younger twin furrowed his eyebrows. "Uce..."

"My plans are long-term." this is what I decided to reply. That's the truth and they should know that this is how I work. I don't date women I don't have long-term plans with.

Josh seemed really confused as hell. "She is Paul's niece and probably around 20 years younger than you...and us." he stated and I rolled my eyes.

"Twelve years." I corrected him.

The twins exchanged looks. Josh was shocked and Jon had confirming look.

"These two didn't shut up the whole ride. Me and Yoko had to move to the bedrooms." Jon pointed at me.

"Well, good luck with making a young woman like her fall for you." Josh managed to say and giving me that look of judgement.

"It's like y'all don't know me at all." I was actually disappointed. "I can and I will get her." I declared. Damn. 'Believe that' almost came out of my mouth.

"Mission already started." I uttered.

"Well, you better start working cause it seems like she has a lot of admirers and now that she got into the business, they will become even more." the elder twin advised me and I just flashed a smirk, looking down.

Sophia's POV

"We are in a process of wedding planning." Cleo said and my jaw dropped.

"Already?! I thought yall weren't gonna rush." I exclaimed.

"We thought that too but we tend to talk about it a lot so me and Jer actually started thinking of concepts." my friend had that amazing glow of a freshly engaged woman and the excitement rush of planning a wedding.

I am really happy that they found the right guys for them. Sometimes I can't help but wonder when I will find mine.

The door bell cut off Cleo's storytime. Mom got up saying that she will check who it might be.

"As of now we are thinking about a small spring wedding, like a garden party with lots of flowers." me and Tina nodded in agreement, liking the idea.

I suddenly saw my mom going into the room carrying a bouquet with a white wrapping and red flowers.

They looked kinda like lilium but I'm not quite sure.

"These ones seem like a great idea." she got into the conversation and my friends also turned to her, shocked at the view.

"Does my mom have a secret admirer?" I cocked my eyebrow and smirked. I mean she is a pretty attractive woman and she has always been but her next man has to be a billionaire or something.

"They are for you actually." she replied and handed me the bouquet.

The flowers were red on the outside and white on the inside. Insanely pretty and smell amazing, too.

Oh my God.

I saw there was a not so little card in it and it was written 'for Sophia'.

"The WWE men started with the wooing." Tina commented.

"My dear Wise Woman. Seeing you last night trying to read "Goddesses in every woman" (I didn't quite leave you but it still made me think) evoked a thought in my head which goddess hides in you. My first thought was Aphrodite but then I realized you are actually Athena - the goddess of wisdom. I also did a research about her that she is portrayed as a companion of heroes (me in the case). I also checked out that the Roman equation of Athena is Minerva and the flowers you see in this bouquet are Amaryllis 'Minerva' symbolising determination and strength. Also, they kinda look like you ;)

"Can you read it aloud? Please." Cleo begged.

Sincerely from Your Tribal Chief"

I rested my back on the chair trying to process everything I just read right now. My friends had the same reaction and I swear I could see surprise in mom's face too.

"Holy, these old school men don't play." Cleo grabbed her curly hair. "How many times have you two met?"

"Just two. Last night and when I was hired." I replied.

"Olivia, I think you have a son in law in the way." Tina warned mom.

"Let's see how long he is gonna keep this energy. He is an athlete after all." mom shrugged it off.

"A hella romantic one, though. Goddamn." Cleo swore once again. "Old school men really don't play. This is exactly how you do it."

I bit my lips trying to hide the big grin that would stick on my mouth.

This is romantic, indeed adding the fact that I have always associated myself with Athena and Roman has no idea. He was just thinking about this.

"What are you waiting for? Call Roman and thank him." Tina scolded me.

"Right." I mumbled and took my phone then left the table, so I could talk in private.

He gave me his contact the day we met, so we have our contacts. I dialed his number and I felt my heart pounding fast in my chest.

I am still feel the adrenaline in my blood. This is literally the sweetest thing a man has ever done for me.

"Hey." I heard his bass-deep voice that could drive any woman crazy and I am no different.

"Hi, Roman." I replied with my soft feminine voice. "I received your present." I continued talking and bit my lip. "Thank you so much for the gesture and especially the astonishingly detailed card." I chuckled slightly. "You just left me speechless really." I spoke frankly.

I heard his deep chuckle.

"I am a man of detail, sweetheart. Remember that." he spoke in a matter-of-fact tone and I almost fell to the ground.

A detailed man? Oh my God. Literally my dream.

"I love the flowers too." I added. "Thank you so much once again. Can't spell romantic without Roman." I giggled at the realization I just had and I heard him laughing.

"You said it alone." "You are welcome, Soph. I am capable of even more but you are gonna see in the future." I swear to God he would wink at me if we were face to face right now.

"Can't wait." I bit my lips.

"By the way, what are your plans for today?" he changed the topic.

"I am hanging out with my friends now then I will work out and then I don't know. What about you?" I literally have no plans for later.

"Well how about we go out tonight?" he asked me.

"Hmm...where?" I replied with a question. I know I shouldn't agree immediately.

"Somewhere nice." I hate him. Why doesn't he tell me the specific place? Did he think about it or he is as of now.

"Okay." I said after a few seconds.

"See ya." I said and hung up.

"Great. Be ready at 7. I'm gonna pick you up." Roman said with a note of command which I cannot help but find hot in a way unless he crosses the line.

Okay, what should I wear?

"Definitely not that" Cleo said with judging tone after I showed them an option from my wardrobe.

"I think you should stop with your snobbish business outfits and pull something out of the slut wardrobe." Tina advised me and started roaming into the clothes in my big wardrobe.

"Something with big cleavage." Cleo gave her clues and she pulled out a very, very short red dress that I have which is more for the club.

"Girls, I am dealing with the face of sports entertainment. He is taking me to a dinner at a very expensive restaurant, most likely and not the local pub, okay?" I tried to explain them the deal since they don't seem to understand.

"Plus, he is an elder man, not one of our peers." I added.

"True." Tina agreed. "Then something classy" she started looking around again.

"And still revealing but not so much." Cleo yelled after her. "Revealing cleavage but not so short."

"I think I found the one." Tina announced as she pulled out a hanger with black sleevless dress and a black little fur collar.

I put it on me to see where is the length and it's a bit below the knees which makes it perfect, in my opinion.

"Oh my. I completely forgot about this set." I gasped.

"It's even still with the tag on it." Tina almost facepalmed.

"Some black heels and pretty necklace and you are ready, sweetie." Cleo said.

"Plus your signature hair volume and natural-style curls." Tina made a chef's kiss. "Make him weak."

"He is a professional athlete. There is nothing weak about him." I slapped them with logic once again.

"Okay but he is still a man. Make him nervous." Cleo said in one of these villian-like daring tone.

I licked my lips.

"We'll see." I just said.

#roman reigns #tribal chief #wwe #head of the table #the bloodline #roman reigns fanfiction

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atinymekanie · 1 month ago

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The Night We Met - Chapter 17: Blissful Oblivion

|| Premise: What if Dawnbreaker's wish for one day and one night with the woman who lives only in his dreams... came true? ||

Bzzzt.

The sound of the phone vibrating in his coat pocket didn’t seem to reach Zayne as he stared into the eyes of the mutated man who lay on the frost-covered floor of the decaying warehouse. The man’s words rang in Zayne’s ears as the dark crystals covering the man’s skin began to shimmer, flaking apart and dissipating into a black mist, taking his body with them as they disappeared into nothing.

The last thing to fade away were the man’s eyes, the human eyes that gazed at Zayne, meeting his emerald ones, now filled with gratitude and a kind of peace, perhaps one that the man had not known in life. Silence reigned supreme as the black mist dispersed, leaving no trace of the man nor the monster he had almost become.

Bzzzt.

A shudder ran through Zayne as the phone buzzed in his pocket again, bringing his thoughts back online, forcing him back into the present moment, into the reality of what had happened, of what he had seen and done. And yet... The man had been…grateful? Numbly, Zayne reached into his coat pocket and silenced the phone’s alert, his gaze never leaving the spot on the floor where the man had lain, the space where his twisted limbs had kept the floor from freezing over fully.

The chill of Zayne’s Evol hung like fog around the area still, the spikes of black ice he had created during his confrontation with the afflicted man slowly cracking and shivering as they, too, dispersed into the dusty air of the abandoned warehouse. He swallowed past the constriction in his throat, the sound unnaturally loud in the stillness after the commotion, his eyes closing. Zayne’s chest felt tight as well, his gut roiling like an icy lake in a storm, the revulsion at himself and what he had done eating away at his insides.

Th-thank…you…

Echoing unbidden in Zayne’s ears, as if resounding off the harsh and barren walls of the warehouse around him, came the man’s last words. He couldn’t deny the look he had seen in the man’s eyes, the plea at first and then the thankfulness that bloomed thereafter. A soft sound, somewhere between a sigh and a sob, escaped him, his jaw clenching as he tried to come to terms with what that meant.

Had he been wrong? Wrong about the hunter? About what he himself had done to William? Wrong about…himself? Zayne’s eyes snapped open, his right hand making a slashing motion through the air as he turned on his heel, a physical attempt to deny such thoughts. He strode back through the warehouse, weaving around dead machinery and jumbled boxes, following the path his footsteps had made through the dust, back to the broken, rusted lintel of the doorway he had entered through.

Zayne stepped free of the warehouse’s darkness, out into the soft light of the moon that now shone down more brightly, no longer shrouded by the clouds that had floated across the sky previously. His long, dark coat flapped in the gentle breeze that rushed down the alley, the cool air causing goosebumps to rise on his neck, prickling the skin there and on his forehead, where sweat had dampened it.

He moved down the alley, wanting to put as much distance as possible between himself and the warehouse, his guilt and disgust at himself settling inside him like frosted lead. Zayne was almost at the end of the alley when he stumbled over something on the ground, his foot bumping it in his haste to leave the area.

Pausing in his tracks, Zayne caught himself as he sidestepped, glancing down at the item he had almost tripped over. There on the ground, in the middle of the alley, was a small parcel, bound in brown paper and tied with a string, a dark stain spreading on one side of it. He frowned down at it, his self-deprecating thoughts fleeing in the face of this small mystery.

What was a package doing lying here, of all places? Zayne glanced around, looking for any sign of another person, someone who might have left the parcel, or perhaps dropped it while on their way somewhere. Not a soul was around, the streets and buildings surrounding him eerily silent in their absence of humanity.

Drawing in a breath, Zayne crouched down and regarded the little parcel more closely, seeing a folded piece of paper tucked into the string that bound it. While he wanted nothing more than to get back to the relative safety the tiny apartment afforded him, his curiosity was piqued. He reached out, picking up the package and feeling its weight, a slightly sweet scent wafting from it as he did so. Blueberries? What in the..?

Against his better judgement, Zayne’s other hand plucked the folded piece of paper from its resting spot beneath the tightly bound string, noticing that it seemed to be a faded receipt from some long-distant purchase. Curiosity coiled inside him, combining with the other, darker emotions brewing within him to create a truly odd stew that bubbled uncomfortably in his chest. Zayne’s brow furrowed as he set the package down, his dexterous fingers unfolding the wrinkled receipt paper, his eyes scanning the words scrawled on the inside, the script hasty and messy, the hand that wrote it clearly having trembled whilst doing so.

This was meant for the man you freed.

Now, it’s for you, Dawnbreaker.

The note fell from his fingers as Zayne stared at the package, his mind working and twisting as he tried to process what the note said, how it came to be there, and who could have placed it there. The woman… He glanced behind him, down the alley in the direction the woman he had saved had gone, realizing that she was the only one who could have left the parcel – there hadn’t been time for another person to do so, and besides, the navigation icon had shown no one else around for blocks.

Zayne wasn’t stupid – far from it, having completed his doctorate in cardiology in half the time it took most people, and his mind worked quickly, piecing together what might have happened before he had arrived to find the man standing over the older woman. From her clothes, he could tell that she was somewhat well-off, at least in comparison to the man, and she had clearly been a gentle soul, judging from the kindness in her eyes when he had helped her up.

There had been no judgment there, only a sort of caring, knowing look. Did she know who the hunter was? What he did? The thought was alarming, but somehow Zayne didn’t feel as much concern as he knew he probably should have. Depending on what was in the package, though… Reaching for the package with hands that shook almost imperceptibly, Zayne slid the string off and unfolded some of the brown paper carefully, wanting to see the contents of the parcel.

Inside the slightly stained and crumpled brown paper were a few things – a neatly packaged, albeit slightly squished loaf of what appeared to be homemade bread, a sealed packet of dried fruit, and a small jar that leaked dark, viscous blueberry jam onto the brown paper. So, that’s what the stain was – blueberry jam.

Zayne’s eyes widened slightly as realization set in. The woman must have been delivering the food to the homeless man when he…changed. His gaze returned to the small, hastily written note on the ground, the words suddenly making a little more sense. Had she returned while he was inside the warehouse? She must have, for the note to be there. Holding the package in his left hand, Zayne picked up the note in his right, his gaze moving over the scrawled writing once more.

She had returned, despite knowing what he was doing. Despite knowing who he was. Well, who she thought he was. Zayne felt his throat tighten again, this time with a different emotion, one he wasn’t sure he could describe. She had returned and scrawled the note on whatever scrap of paper she had, then left the note with the parcel, changing the recipient of it. To the hunter. To him. Who leaves a gift for a murderer?

The answer loomed back at him, prodding at him the way his thoughts had in the warehouse, trying to make him rethink his view of the hunter, and perhaps, of himself. Zayne lowered his head, his eyes closing as he drew in a harsh breath, the chilly air raking the insides of his nostrils and throat as he fought to keep his emotions in check.

No time for thinking now. Time to get back indoors. His hand moved then, shoving the paper into his pocket and then wrapping up the package, slipping the string back around it and tucking it under his arm before standing. Zayne stepped out of the alley, his stride long and his steps fast, making a beeline through the deserted streets, back the way he had come. There would be time for thinking later, once he was safe inside the apartment. Too much time.

_____________________________________

The walk back to the apartment was uneventful, something Zayne was infinitely thankful for, even if it left him too open to the thoughts that swirled in his mind, both the ones that beat at his carefully constructed walls and the ones that pierced through him like darts, brought on by the words of the man and the note from the woman. He shoved them all away, time and time again, pulling out the phone and focusing on his route back to the apartment via the navigation icon instead, noting the absence of both green and red dots on the screen with palpable relief.

Up ahead, the small alley that led to the apartment appeared, and Zayne hurried forward, the little parcel still tucked under his arm as he turned the corner. He could have left it and the note. He could have left them sitting on the ground, ignored and unacknowledged. But he hadn’t. It hadn’t felt right to do so. Something hadn’t let him.

His steps quickened, leading Zayne to the door of the apartment, the keypad beeping as he input the birthday of the woman he loved most in all the world, his heart aching at the thought of her. The door clicked open softly, and he stepped through, closing it behind him with a sigh of relief. Steps 4 and 5 were complete.

The dimly lit, sparsely furnished apartment stared back at Zayne as he leaned back against the door, his head hitting it with a soft thunk as despair rose up over him. He had made it through the day, had even taken care of the dot that had haunted him throughout the hours he had spent in that tiny apartment, but now the night loomed before him. And somehow, that was infinitely worse. Because now there was nothing to occupy his mind, to keep him from his thoughts, his worries, his fears.

Zayne shoved himself away from the door suddenly, his hand reaching up and yanking at the tie around his throat, needing to be rid of the constricting item of clothing. Keep moving. He walked across the living area quickly, dropping the parcel onto the table and fishing the note from the coat’s pocket, setting it on top of the package as he ripped the tie off.

The coat followed in the tie’s wake, both pieces of apparel tossed at the couch as Zayne turned toward the bathroom, a strange sort of panic rising in his gut. His hands fumbled at the buttons of his dress shirt, wanting the clothes gone, wanting to wash away what he had done, wanting to rid himself of the thoughts in his mind and the ache in his heart.

The rest of his garments were left on the floor, along with his boots and socks, hastily kicked off as he undressed, forgotten in his haste to rid himself of the horrible crawling feeling that was overtaking him. Zayne flicked on the light in the bathroom, avoiding looking at his reflection in the mirror, moving straight to the shower and turning on the water.

He didn’t wait for it to warm up, didn’t try to adjust the knobs this time, stepping in as soon as the water was fully running, allowing the frigid spray to wash over him. The cold hit Zayne like a freight train, his body already naturally cooler than others due to his Evol, and somewhat chilled from the night air. He gasped loudly, his hands shooting out to either side, palms pressing into the cold tile and the glass door of the shower, his breath stolen by the wintry deluge that poured over him.

The ache in his chest intensified as Zayne tried to suck in air, the almost glacial water streaming down his face and into his eyes, over his nose and mouth as he hung his head. His dark hair fell into his eyes, the water causing it to stick to his skin, but he didn’t shut them, instead staring down at the freezing cold water swirling at the bottom of the shower as it ran into the drain. His chest felt like it was cracking open, but the cold water grounded Zayne and shoved every last thought out of his head, forcing him into the present.

Zayne’s hands reached for the half-empty bottle of shampoo, washing his hair robotically, the motions sharp and quick as he lathered and rinsed his hair. He traded the shampoo for body wash, mechanically going through the motions of scrubbing himself all over, shivering as he did so. He scrubbed until his skin was raw and red in places, especially his hands, splotches of red and white blooming on his skin from the friction and the chill of the water.

He didn’t notice when his fingertips started to go numb, but Zayne did realize he was shivering when the bottle of bodywash slipped from his fingers. He watched it clatter to the floor of the shower, suds from his body dripping down onto the tiles and surrounding the bottle. The ache in his chest hadn’t abated, but he was so cold now that his teeth had begun to chatter. Need to get out. Zayne bent slowly and picked up the bottle, placing it back on the small shelf set into the side of the shower, another tremor rippling through him as he did, the cold settling in more deeply. He knew he shouldn’t stay in the shower any longer, but the bitter cold was the only thing keeping his thoughts at bay.

Immersing himself fully in the numbing downpour from the showerhead, Zayne washed the last of the soap from his pale skin and turned off the water, closing his eyes as it continued to run in rivulets from his hair onto his face. The cool air of the apartment rushed in, but it seemed almost warm in comparison to the chill of the water. Yet another shiver overtook him, and he stepped out, grabbing the towel he had hung back up on the rack, thankful that it had mostly dried since the last time he had rinsed off.

Glancing down, Zayne could see the way the skin on his fingers had wrinkled from the water and realized he had stayed under the arctic deluge much longer than he probably should have. Oh well. He dried off quickly and returned the towel to its rack, hurrying through the apartment to the bedroom and rummaging in the closet for a pair of pajama pants. Black. Of course. Like almost every other damn thing in the closet. Zayne tugged on the pajama pants, not bothering with underwear – he was only going to sleep anyway.

At least, hopefully. Hopefully, sleep would find him quickly. It better. Because the sooner it did, the sooner this literal nightmare would be over. Wouldn’t it? Zayne turned away from the closet, running a hand anxiously through his damp hair as he went to get the phone out of the coat that lay haphazardly thrown across the couch. He grabbed the tie and then the clothes off the floor, turning back toward the bedroom to deposit them into the laundry basket, the need for order and cleanliness something that was burned into him, deeper than the fear and the anxiety, deeper than the dread and the despair that lived inside his ribcage. Zayne’s gaze landed on the parcel on the table, the sight of it stopping him in his tracks.

This was meant for the man you freed.

The writing on the note flashed through his mind. ‘The man you freed.’ Freed? Zayne tore his eyes away from the package, walking quickly into the bedroom and dropping the clothes into the laundry basket in the closet. Was that what people thought the hunter did? Based on the context, Zayne had to assume that one person, at least, certainly thought that. Did others, as well? Did the people of the underworld, the forgotten, the marginalized, see the hunter in a different light than he had expected? Was that so hard to believe, when no one else seemed to care for their plight? Was that why the woman had left the package?

Shoving the thoughts away, Zayne placed the phone in the drawer in the nightstand, back where he had found it earlier that day. He then turned off the lamp on the nightstand and slid under the thin blanket, pulling it up over himself as he lay on his back, staring up at a water stain on the ceiling. The tiny blip of the monitor remained as constant as ever, but Zayne tried to tune it out, the ache in his chest and the whirl of thoughts in his head taking precedence.

Would the hunter realize where the package of food and the note had come from? Of course not. Zayne ran a hand over his face, his still semi-wet hair dampening the pillow slightly as he stared up at the ceiling. With a deep sigh, he sat up and leaned over, opening the drawer and pulling out the phone once more. He lay back on the lumpy mattress, watching as the screen unlocked itself as he held it up, his face the key to opening it. A fact that begged other questions. Questions he didn’t wish to face, but now had no reason not to, and nothing to distract himself from. Opening the notepad icon, Zayne typed up a quick summary of what he had done that evening, just below Step 5, trying to ignore the question mark after Step 7.

5. Get rid of the damn dot. – Successful. Assisted one civilian and neutralized the dot. The civilian left a package and a note. Both are on the table.

Zayne stared at the fairly cryptic message, uncertain whether he should leave it at that or not. For a moment, he considered erasing the whole thing, the steps included, leaving no trace of his thoughts for the day. Then Zayne remembered the other note he had left, the one about the jasmine, and sighed deeply as he shut off the phone’s screen, leaving everything there. Did it matter if the hunter saw what he had written? Would the hunter even read the notes? The phone dropped back into the drawer with a soft thud, the impact doing no favors for the already cracked screen, and Zayne shoved the drawer closed, lying back in the bed once more.

Lacing his fingers together and resting them atop his chest, Zayne stared up at the ceiling again, praying to whatever deities might exist in this godforsaken place for sleep to find him quickly. Did any even exist here?

The monitor in the corner continued to blip softly, the worn cat plushie sitting atop it.

A dripping sound came from somewhere in the tiny apartment, the soft plop of water droplet after water droplet an infuriating accompaniment to the blip of the monitor.

The silence outside of those sounds stretched endlessly, a yawning void that drew Zayne into it despite how hard he concentrated on nothing, his focus narrowed to a pinprick, avoiding every thought that tried to swarm into his mind.

His legs shifted restlessly beneath the threadbare blanket, the sound of the fabric against his skin grating in Zayne’s ears, the noise seeming to echo off the peeling walls around him.

The beat of his heart thudded in his ears, strangely fast for the heartbeat of a fairly young adult man lying supine in a bed for the past few minutes. As a cardiologist, Zayne was keenly aware of the fact that his heart should not be beating as fast as it currently was, given his age and the relative state of his health. Well, the hunter’s health. Still, it seemed much too fast for his liking.

Blip. Blip. Blip.

Plink. Plink. Plink. Plink.

Thump.Thump.Thump.

Clearly, said deities did not exist. Zayne threw the blanket off himself and shot out of bed, his jaw set and his lips pressed into a thin line. No one could sleep like this. He marched into the living room and turned the TV on, not bothering to pick a channel or a show, just letting whatever came on play in the background as he trudged back toward the bedroom.

The bed rose up to meet him as Zayne flopped onto it, grabbing the blanket in one hand and tugging it up over himself as he curled up on his left side, facing the doorway. The floor lamp from the living area was still on, the light from it shining through the doorway and landing on the bed, the dim, jaundiced splash of color painting the grey blanket that covered his feet.

Normally, Zayne would have turned out every light in his home before going to bed, but for some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to get up and turn the lamp off. But this wasn’t his home. Hell, it wasn’t even his time. Was ‘time’ even the right word? He knew strange things could happen with Metaflux, having been the victim of it previously, so Zayne knew it wasn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility for him to have been dumped unceremoniously into another time. Into the future?

The walls Zayne had erected in his mind crumbled, the bricks and mortar and wood planks made of logic and reason and order that he had shored them up with fell away, baring his deepest anxieties and fears. They lay open before him, flayed apart on the operating table of his consciousness, ripped into with scalpels of loneliness and emptiness that sliced and tore, leaving wounds in his psyche that bled despair into his very being.

If this truly was the future, then… What the hell had happened to Linkon City? Was what had happened to William now a common occurrence? It certainly seemed to be. And if this was the future, why did the hunter have his face? His name? His...

Zayne squeezed his eyes shut, the cacophony of thoughts drowning him mercilessly as they pounded at the door of his sanity, each new realization dragging him further into despair. The ache in his chest had grown larger, deeper, as if his ribs had suddenly sprouted claws that were pressing into his lungs, puncturing them, causing blood to fill them, suffocating him slowly.

Pressing the heels of his hands against his closed eyelids, Zayne drew in a breath, trying to fill his seemingly collapsing lungs. Logic dictated that they weren’t collapsing. It was just a symptom of anxiety. One cannot drown in a perfectly breathable atmosphere. Or could they? After what seemed like an eternity but was probably less than a minute, Zayne’s lungs filled with air, and he forced himself to breathe out slowly, then in again, repeating the process.

Even if all of his worries were true, none of it mattered in the scheme of things. Because nothing mattered but her. Nothing but her and getting back to her. The face of the woman he loved flashed in Zayne’s mind; her image displayed in living color on the inside of his eyelids. So close, and yet so far.

A breath turned into a sob as Zayne now ground the heels of his hands into his eyes, turning the image of the woman into dancing fragments of swirling light. He needed to sleep. This had to work. Because if it didn’t… No.

____________________________________

The soft sound of whatever had been playing on the TV for the past several hours drifted through the apartment, masking the sounds of the dripping faucet and the blip of the monitor. Zayne stared blankly out into the living area, his eyes bloodshot and red, tearstains barely visible on his cheeks, but still there, nonetheless. His head ached from lack of sleep; his mind hazy at the edges but unable to fall into the blissfulness of oblivion.

He had no idea how long he had lain there on the uncomfortable mattress, in a bedroom that did not belong to him, in an apartment that wasn’t his, in a reality that made no sense and too much sense, all at the same time. Zayne’s mind had whirled through every thought and every possibility that could explain what had happened to bring him to this point, yet despite all of the questions and uncertainties and confusion, it always circled back to the same thing.

Her. Zayne would have given just about anything at that moment to be lying next to her, in his own bed, in his own home, in his own time and place. That was all he wanted. To be with her. He closed his eyes and focused on her again, imagining himself beside her at the park, the sunlight dappling her hair, the way her laugh rang out, high and bright, the sound of it like wind chimes in his ears.

A small shudder ran through him, the echo of a sob already spent, as Zayne clutched the blanket tighter around himself, his body curling inwards as he lay on the bed. The sound of the TV droned on outside the bedroom, his thoughts growing fuzzy as exhaustion slowly set in, the events of the day and the highs and lows of his emotions finally taking their toll on his system. Eventually, sleep stole in like a thief and claimed Zayne, dragging him under and spiriting his consciousness away, a small mercy in a place that saw far too few.

_____________________________________

Tags: @callme-naomi @altair718 @seris-the-amious @schnittled @punk-cat @criffininflight @justpassingdontworry

#love and deepspace #fanfiction #lads #zayne love and deepspace #love and deepspace fic #the night we met #dawnbreaker fic #zayne #li shen #dawnbreaker #lnds #l&ds #l&ds zayne #zayne fic #lads zayne #lnds zayne #zayne fanfiction

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hervygervy · 3 months ago

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So Kid Icarus Uprising has been out for 10+ years and yet we're still reusing the same two jokes, huh... Well, recycling is a beautiful thing so why don't we talk about them today!

You guys know 'em, right? Of course you do! "Floor ice cream gives you health!" "I never learned how to read!" Ha! What knee-slappers. Now what if I told y'all that those lines were actually creative deviations from the localization team?

Let's go in order. First is the floor ice cream bit, which occurs in chapter 16 right after a hot spring:

That was probably the millionth time you had to listen to that conversation, so I hope you can forgive me. But hey, now you get to hear the Japanese version:

The punchline is entirely different. Here's how I'd translate it:

Palutena: There's a Float Ring.

Viridi: I wonder if this is also an Aurum copy.

Pit: Whether it's a hot spring or a vehicle, I'll use whatever I can! This is what it is to be an angel! This is the angel's way of life!!

Viridi: What are you getting all psyched for? Palutena, are you giving him enough pocket money?

Palutena: Ah, that's... I haven't thought about that.

Pit: I'm not crying or anything, I'm not!

Aww. Poor Pit doesn't get any allowance. That's to be expected, I think.

A couple notes: the "Float Ring" is just the Japanese name for the Aether Ring, although you probably figured that out. All the vehicles have different names, actually. The Exo Tank is called the Beetle, the Cherubot is called the Gigas, the Lightning Chariot is called the Chariot of Light, and the Great Sacred Treasure is called the True Three Sacred Treasures. So on and so forth.

Additionally, something I personally find interesting is Viridi's word choice in one of her lines. Japanese is a very grammatically complex language, and one of these complexities comes in the form of talking about giving and receiving. There are a bunch of words for "to give" that are used depending on the giver and receiver's social status. As an English speaker, it's a real headache. I guess this is what you call pragmatics. When talking about giving allowance to Pit, Viridi uses やっておる (yatteoru) which is a progressive form of やる (yaru). やる can mean a billion different things, but in this context, it means "to give." And this is the kind of "give" you say when talking about giving something to a dog or plant or the like. Make of that what you will!

Wow, I really got sidetracked. Anyway, I can't say I know the logic behind this change, because both versions evidently have the intention of being funny. But lately I've been coming to the conclusion that the English version tries to make an effort to be more blatantly funny for lack of a better word. Like, instances where there is no joke in the Japanese version will see a joke inserted in the English version, or in cases like these, they try to ham up the funny factor. The localizers pretty much had free reign over the English script per Sakurai's blessing, so I suppose such random changes are an inevitability. In future posts, I'll talk about plot changes and characterization differences so please stay tuned for those! Back to the topic at hand, personally I'd say I prefer the Japanese version of this conversation, it's funny and cute.

Moving on! Reading. You're doing it right now. Thank you for that, by the way. But poor Pit, he never learned how to read. We learn this near the end of the flight segment of chapter 17:

People seem to be really fixated on what was honestly meant to just be a totally unserious and funny line. Like there's a whole lotta fanart out there depicting Pit learning to read or whole essays on literacy headcanons. But who am I to talk, I'm also someone who would take all of this game's lines at face value.

And now, the Japanese:

And my translation:

Pit: M-my wings are getting hot!

Palutena: It's no good! We're already at the flight limit! I'll cut the miracle of flight!

Pit: Wahh!

Palutena: Pit! Pit!!

Pit: Mayday! Mayday!! All systems down! It's already come to this! Before I die, I wanted to eat until I was full!

Viridi: Is this the time to be saying such corny things? You should ride this!

Pit: N-Nachure!

Viridi: Carefully line yourself up with the floating island. If you land poorly, you understand what'll happen, right?!

Oh, right, Viridi is called Nachure in the Japanese version. As in "nature." Surprised that never came up until now. But yeah! As you can see, the Japanese version uses a more clichéd punchline. Something you'd expect in a shounen anime. Again, the localizers had free reign and they simply changed the line to be something funnier. I have to say, I think the English version wins. There is no better punchline than illiteracy. It's a terribly overdone joke at this point, but maybe for good reason. It got added into Super Smash Bros Ultimate, after all. Did you know Antony Del Rio had to rerecord that line just for that game? They didn't just reuse it!

...I can make this post longer, if you want. We can like, really dive into this literacy thing if you want. There are a couple more conversations to pick apart, in that case. Just take a gander below the cutoff if that's your fancy.

Alright, so there's this part in chapter 5 where you have to jump across a bunch of rotating floating platforms, right? One of these rings of platforms is fashioned into letters spelling "Pandora," if you remember.

A thoroughly enlightening spelling lesson. The way this conversation plays out implies that Pit couldn't read the platforms. It makes me wonder if the English script writers already had the "never learned how to read" joke locked in, thus making it a genuine piece of characterization the writers were going for, or if this is purely a coincidence and it just so happens to work out perfectly.

To be honest, this conversation is a little less interesting than I hoped it to be. I'll translate:

Palutena: Those yellow floors ahead look like letters, don't they?

Pit: Let's see...

Palutena: PA-N-DO-O-RA... is this place some kind of self-introduction?

Pit: How embarrassing.

Pandora: Hmph. What, can't manage it? This taste.

Palutena: Yeah. It's impossible. In every sense.

First of all, I like how the English version calls the platforms orange rather than yellow. Yeah girl... those are indeed orange. Second, when Palutena is spelling out the platforms, she spells it out as if it were written in Japanese. The game's subtitles use Roman letters to transcribe her spelling, but it has furigana above it for a Japanese reading. Here, I'll show you and hope Tumblr doesn't ruin the compression:

Quick Japanese lesson, writing is split into three scripts: hiragana, katakana, and kanji. Hiragana is like the foundation of it all and each character represents a single syllable of sound. Every hiragana has a katakana equivalent, and their purpose is just to transcribe foreign words into the Japanese sound system. Kanji are more logographic, considering they're derived from Chinese characters. They make up most of the "content" of the language while hiragana makes up the "function." Every kanji can be converted back to hiragana, since that's how all the sounds are written, but since there are no spaces in Japanese, it'd be a mighty pain to read if everything was hiragana. And Japanese is already hard to read. All of that word salad just to tell you that "furigana" are hiragana or katakana characters written above kanji or other characters to indicate how to read them.

Now, the Roman letters can actually be written out in katakana. Spelling "Pandora" would look like ピー・エー・エヌ・ディー・オー・アール・エー (pii, ee, enu, dii, oo, aaru, ee). But instead Palutena pronounces it and spells it out in a Japanese way, which seems odd to me. Am I making sense?

All in all, it's pretty obvious the Japanese version doesn't really contain any of the implications the English version potentially has.

There's one more conversation I want to take a look at. It's one of those elusive random conversations:

That's right, we're starting with Japanese first this time! This one's gonna be interesting to translate:

Pit: There are various gods around the world, huh?

Palutena: That's right.

Pit: Does each god come with their own respective angel, I wonder?

Palutena: No, that's not necessarily the case.

Viridi: "Angel" is written from "heaven uses," you know.

Pit: What? Isn't it "heavenly messenger?"

Viridi: I pity you. Don't you even understand that it means you're just being pushed around?

Pit: Lady Palutena, please say something!

Palutena: ...huh?

Pit: Hey, wait, Lady Palutena!

Mmm that probably didn't make much sense. Alright, so the Japanese word for "angel" is 天使 (tenshi) which is made up of 天, meaning "heaven," and 使, which means "use." So, literally "heaven's tool." I'm going to come to the conclusion that the Japanese seem to understand what an angel is better than the average westerner. Anyway, Viridi's making the argument that the word is derived from 天が使う (ten ga tsukau) which would mean "heaven uses." Pit protests that the word comes from 天の使い (ten no tsukai) which is also just... another way to say "angel." It literally means "heaven's messenger." A Japanese dictionary will define "angel" as "a messenger from God" so Pit's probably more correct here. As you probably gathered, 使 was read differently depending on how it was used. This is par for the course for kanji. Since kanji are derived from Chinese characters, and Chinese as a language has changed over time (as languages do) and different regions of China have different ways of saying things (dialects and all that), Japanese naturally picked up on all these different pronunciations. Thus, any one kanji could have a dozen different readings.

So what does this all mean? It means we've got a case for literacy, ladies and gents. You'd have to be able to read at least a little bit to understand that "shi" and "tsuka" are derived from the same morpheme.

The Japanese version of the Pandora convo doesn't really tell us anything, so to tally it up, we're at two points for illiteracy and one point for literacy. I have one more trick up my sleeve... but we're going to have to venture outside of Kid Icarus Uprising.

In Super Smash Bros for Wii U and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, if you play as Pit on the Palutena's Temple stage, mashing down taunt will trigger a special conversation between some of the Kid Icarus Uprising cast. It's like an evolution of Snake's codec calls from Brawl. Anyway, I want to direct your attention to this part of Villager's conversation. I don't have any audio so I hope some screenshots will do:

"By the way, that name has an interesting secret."

"Oh oh! What is it?"

"The truth is, this is the first name in Smash to use hiragana!"

"W-what! I didn't realize!"

I dunno, this has gotta indicate some literacy, right? Gotta have some conception of hiragana for this to mean anything, right? Can we get half a point for team literacy at least?

...I guess we really didn't get anywhere in the end. Is Pit literate? Up to you, I suppose. What a thrilling conclusion. Let's close this off with the English version of the above convo because I like it lots. It's got a stupidly rare random chance of occurring in like, chapter 11 exclusively so perhaps you haven't even heard it.

Probably one of my favorite interactions in the game. "Errand spirit." Chef's kiss. Perfect. Sublime. Perhaps westerners understand angels after all. Secretary Pit is also awesome.

The English version evidently takes the angle of playing with the definition of the word, rather than the etymology. This is fair enough because the average English speaker probably knows jack about the etymology of "angel." Oh, and the type of joke the Japanese version wishes to convey wouldn't really work in English. For fun, "angel" comes from Greek "angelos" which means "messenger." ...I guess we've come full circle.

This post has gone on for way too long. This cutoff part is probably longer than the main point of this post. Maybe I'm the one who needs a coffee.

#kid icarus #kid icarus uprising #japanese #localization

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anki-of-beleriand · 1 year ago

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Bad Liar ch. 17

Summary: Life is about lessons, and Wanda has been learning some harsh facts that had define her life and taken her to a place in which she was given a second chance. Then, all of a sudden, she meets you, and she realizes why it's easier to lie to yourself than to accpet what's right in front of her.

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff/ Female!reader - America/Kate - Mentions of past Vision/Wanda - past Natasha/Reader - Some Female!Reader/Carol Danvers - Mentions of Natasha/Maria being married

Warnings: Slow burn - Enemies to friends to lovers - Mentions of abusive relationships - Toxic relationships - angst - drama - mentions of abuse - violence - mentios of abused and sexual assault - idiots in love - violence - suggestive themes - drama - angst - fluff - top!reader - dom!reader - bottom!Wanda - switch!Wanda

Author's note: Life is settling down after what happened, America is growing up and ready to face the consequences of what happened. Wanda is letting go of the past while Reader is just being her showing Wanda happiness and love it is possible.

So sorry for the late posting, guys. Life was a little harder this week that what I was used to, and something happened that really got me anxious and a little bit...I mean, I was not in a good place, but hopefully everything is better now and here is the new chapter! Just one chapter to go and this story would be over. I hope you like it because I made it with my heart!

Please rmemeber English is not my mother tongue so forgive my grammar, spelling and funny mistakes, hope you like this one.

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10 - Chapter 11 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 13 - Chapter 14 - Chapter 15 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 17 - Chapter 18

Chapter 17

The promise of the future

You never thought that going back home would be so difficult for you or even America. The place had been tied up and changed after the incident, with different furniture and painting you had allowed America free reign on her imagination to make the necessary changes into the living room.

The world had not stopped turning around, the news was still rolling on the TV and people were enjoying the weekend of the new year. You stood by your sister's side with a hand on her shoulder, America tensed lowering her gaze furrowing her brows before turning to you.

“What do you want to do?” Her question came with a trembling voice, she sighed, shaking her head while looking away from you.

You turned to look at Wanda's place then back at yours.

“I was thinking about vacations.” You hugged America, winking at her, “we could ask Tony about the cottage he had in Italy.”

America offered a shaky smile, “Italy?”

“Yeah, we could get away from this place for a while and then…get a new house.”

America chuckled, stepping away from you. You waited, ever since the both of you left the hospital America had tried to evade the topic of what had happened while she was under the claws of Agatha and Vision. The young woman scratched the back of her neck, with her eyes sweeping around the front yard. Her teeth playing with her lower lip, her feet taking slow steps towards the front door only to stop midway before turning to you.

“You don’t have to.” She finally said frowning, “it was difficult but not the end of the world, I…Hope offered her help, and I acceded to see a friend of hers that could be of help.”

You nodded curtly taking a few steps closer to her, “you know that even though we grew here we are allowed to leave, right?”

America snorted hugging you tightly, she knew it. She knew you would do everything in your power to make sure she was comfortable and that whatever traumatic event she had gone through could be healed and forgotten. Selling the house and even offering a vacation was your way to make things easier for her, but America had already talked this through with Christine and Hope. She had been scared, but more than that, she had felt powerless to help Kate, to help the twins and even to help Wanda.

“I know that, and perhaps in the future when I go to college you can think about it.” She replied shrugging, “I know you’re dying to get that Villa near Tony’s place, because you had always wanted a huge house with a pool and a bigger playroom.”

Your eyes glistened over with your lips curling into a content smile at the mental image these words evoke in you. America rolled her eyes, but she too could imagine the same; it was something she wouldn’t say no to when the both of you were ready, not because a bad experience marked their lives and they were doing it because of that. She had felt powerless to help the people she loved, but America would be damned if she allowed that man and that freaking woman to govern her decisions from now on.

“I want you to be comfortable, and happy.”

“I know, Y/N, and I am.” America nodded towards the house before pointing a finger at you, “come we need to get everything ready before we pick Wanda and the twins up.”

You watched as your sister went inside the house with the same determination she did everything else. Hope had already told you of the conversation the both of them held while you were unconscious, America had been angered by the whole situation and it took her a while to understand that there was no one else to blame but Vision and Agatha.

Kate had been the one to convince America to go to therapy for a while, just to perhaps let go of the growing fear and darkness the situation itself had created in both of them. You were thankful that America had always surrounded of good friends, and that you had always had someone by your side as well. Everyone seemed understanding, and while the situation was still fresh in your minds, you knew you would be okay.

“Come on, slowpoke!!” America screamed from inside the house, you rolled your eyes and followed her thinking about what would happen once Wanda was out of the hospital.

_____________________________

Wanda glanced at her reflection with a critical eye.

She scowled openly to the bruises around her neck and face, the paleness of her skin and the tiredness behind her eyes. She had spent the first weekend of the year in the hospital, waiting for the doctors to clear her up and sent her home while you and America took care of the twins while coming every day to visit her.

It had been hard.

While you had offered her the best end of the year and had been keeping your word of being by her side. Wanda couldn’t help the nightmares at night, when she was alone with her thoughts and the shadows of the past trying to crawl back inside her heart and mind. She placed a hand on her chest, holding tightly the sudden oppression threatening to cut of the air from her lungs. She clenched her jaw refusing the tears in her eyes, or the thoughts of fear that had creeped out once more. She had tried to hold onto what Hope had been teaching her in the therapy sessions, while also holding onto the bright side of her life.

Billy. Tommy. You. America and her students.

Wanda let out a shaky sigh before turning around and leaving the bathroom, you straightened up offering a half smile while holding up the bag with Wanda’s clothes.

“I put everything away, ready to do laundry duty as soon as we get home.” You walked towards her giving her a once over wiggling your brows, “you look nice.”

Wanda rolled her eyes, her lips curling slightly.

“You’re such a sweet talker,” she leaned in kissing your cheek, “it will get you everywhere.”

You blushed with your mouth hanging opened at the cheeky wink Wanda sent your way stepping out of the room, you snorted running to catch up to her.

The ride home was filled with music; Wanda kept her eyes out of the window watching the world pass rapidly through the window while you drove down the highway before taking the long way home. You caught the small smile adorning Wanda’s lips when you made the right turn, she sighed leaning back against the seat letting her eyes drink into the trees and the forest surrounding the road while watching the blue sky right above her head.

Wanda knew she needed to get home, Billy and Tommy were waiting for her. And life had to keep going, but something inside her stirred with fear and memory. She tried to keep away the words Vision had said to her, the feeling of his breath and hand on her, everything that the man had imprinted on her. Wanda clenched her eyes closed trying to erase those memories while replacing them with the beautiful sight in front of her, and the songs playing on the radio.

You creased your brows noticing the sudden change in Wanda, your eyes glanced at the road lighting up when you caught side of the road sign you usually dismissed when driving down that highway. You looked through the mirror before turning left, Wanda frowned turning to you slightly confused.

“Where are we going?” She asked softly, you smiled at her driving just a little faster until there was only one single road taking you deeper into a forestry area.

“You will see.”

Wanda opened her mouth to reply, her heart almost leaving her chest when she realised you made a turn she was not familiar with. For a brief moment she thought how foolish she had been. As long as she was with you everything would be fine, but the memories were not so easy to dismiss and she decided that at the moment she needed the comfort your warm stare usually brought to her.

The driving didn’t take far too long, soon you were turning left then right and then another right until you drove into an open space leading to a great cliff. Wanda opened her eyes glancing at the open sky with growing clouds approaching the city, she leaned forward until she saw the sight of the big city down into the valley. You stopped the car turning off the engine while resting comfortably on the seat, your lips drawing a small smile.

“Is this the place you used to bring your girlfriends?” Wanda asked at your side, you couldn’t help but laugh shaking your head.

“No, I never brought anyone here.” You confessed shrugging, “this was my little secret, I used to come here to think from time to time. Just me, it was comforting. I thought you may appreciate it.”

There was something stirring with deep affection in Wanda’s heart, the young woman snuggled on the car seat this time around turning completely so she could face you while still have her eyes take into the amazing view spreading before them.

“I don't know how to continue,” she all but whispered to you, her eyes glistening with the deepest of her emotions flickering in her green eyes, “I keep on thinking of my mistakes, the secrets I kept…I should have told you the dangers he posed to me and you.”

Silence filled the car, your eyes never leaving the sky above your heads. You pressed your lips together, your hands resting on the wheel, playing a soft tapping with your mind working on what to say. Wanda closed her eyes, looking away from you the afternoon falling slowly with the tension building up around the both of you.

“One day at a time, Wands, there is nothing much we can do.” You shrugged, lowering your head, still looking everywhere but at Wanda, “I didn't expect you to tell me everything right away, but I suspected as much. This was not your fault, Wanda. And this doesn't mean I love you any less.”

The word love rolled out of your tongue with such an easiness, Wanda couldn’t help but gasp with her eyes opening wide and her lower lip trembling slightly. You snorted shaking your head while leaning in your face just a few centimetres away from hers.

“You’re not used to hearing such words, are you?”

“No.”

Wanda leaned closer, her eyes fluttering close for a moment before she allowed your eyes to lock with hers. You lifted a tentative hand to cup her face, tenderness was quite evident in your features and Wanda allowed the warmth of your body to bring a soothing calmness she was not familiar with.

“I love you, Wanda.” You whispered only for her to engrave those words in her heart, “perhaps it is too soon, but for some reason, I just love you. I feel in love with you, and I don’t think there is nothing I can do against my feelings for you but make sure you feel loved, the way you deserved to be loved.”

Wanda swallowed down her words and tears, she offered a tentative smile before closing the gap between the both of you her lips dancing shyly with yours. Her heart beating fast, almost escaping her ribcage while she melted under your hands; you didn’t need to say anything else for her to know you certainly did love her. And she knew soon she would be ready to say those same words to you.

“It will take time, but you will heal.” You winked at her, your fingertips brushing against her cheek and jawline until your brows creased finding the marks on her neck.

“Some marks take time to…fade away.” Wanda mumbled slightly mortified by her wounds, she tried to lean back and hide away from you until her breath caught on her throat with her eyes growing big and her body tensing completely.

She felt the contact of your forehead against hers, the gesture was comforting and it made her experience an emotion she was not completely familiar with. Wanda’s heart fluttered affectionately surrendering to your gaze. She opened her lips ready to speak, but her words got tangled in her throat leaving her unable to express what she really wanted. What she really felt.

It didn't matter, though.

You were still there offering the same reassuring smile, and the same comforting touch. Wanda had to wonder how you did it, how was it possible for you to offer so much without asking for anything in exchange.

“We never got to have the date I planned.” Wanda said all of a sudden, you leaned back with amusement gleaming in your eyes.

“That's right,” you cocked your head wiggling your eyebrows, “and I got curious about it, what did you have planned?”

Wanda dipped her head with her lips curling into a tender smile, she straightened up on the seat glancing outside the window.

“It's a secret, I guess I just have to plan it all over again so we can go.” Wanda sighed, still looking away from you. “Of course, if you want to…I mean, if you still want to go out. With me.”

The last part was said in a broken whisper, Wanda shifted on the seat creasing her brows while making sure her eyes were glancing at the city. The light of the day was soon fading away, and the city was starting to light up the artificial lights.

“I would love nothing more than to go out with you, Wanda.” You replied with a tender smile on your lips, Wanda shivered trying to smile at you but failing.

The old insecurities were still there and you knew the work Wanda had done in the last couple of months had been shaken but the recent events. You could see her self-doubt, her uncertainty and the lost stare she gained after leaving the hospital. The bruises were pretty much visible at the moment, the pain was still pulsating through her body and Wanda was just trying to hold onto her sanity and her own determination to not fall into desperation.

You lifted a hand slowly, your eyes seeking out those green eyes of Wanda. After a moment of hesitation, Wanda finally lifted her face looking at you expectantly. Her eyes flickered to your hand, then to your face.

“I was thinking…” Wanda winced, her throat sore and dried bringing discomfort to her voice.

You let your arm lifted for a moment before dropping it to the side to grab the bottle of water you brought early in the day.

“Thank you.” She mumbled almost dropping the bottle of water when you tenderly brush the spot on her neck.

Her breath caught on her throat, trembling lightly with a mixture of emotions tingling through her body. Her face heated up, following with your eyes the movements of your arms and your own expression while mapping out the dark bruises on her neck.

“Y/N…” your name left her lips tenderly, with some uncertainty that called your attention.

You frowned, stopping any movement from your hand, your eyes flickering from the bruises to her face.

“I'm sorry, did it bother you? I just…”

“No, no it's just…”

You broke into an easy smile that Wanda returned without losing her blush. She bit her lower lip, without any doubt behind her gestures she grabbed your hand placing it on the left side of her neck.

“You surprised me, that's all.” Wanda sighed looking away for a moment before continuing. “I'm not used to such tenderness.”

You tensed lightly, your eyes flashing with anger before they softened lightly. Wanda offered a crooked smile, this time around she let go of your hand embracing herself.

“With you, everything is…different and sometimes I just can't believe this is happening.”

“May I try something out?” You asked suddenly, Wanda narrowed her eyes at the sudden flush showing on our face. Your fingertips trembled, with your lips pressed together while your eyes travelled from her face to her neck then back again.

“What are you going to do?” Wanda couldn't help the tone of wariness and curiosity; she tilted her head and your eyes gleamed strangely falling on her neck.

“Just something to show you how you should be treated, how you should be cherished.”

It was the husky tone behind your words what made Wanda tremble, she swallowed down her trepidation with a tingling void taking home in her abdomen.

You waited patiently, your fingertips never leaving the soft skin of Wanda's neck. For a moment, Wanda just thought of her possibilities, of what exactly you were planning. Then her eyes went to your own bruises, to the wound on your hand and arm and she softened lightly. If there was anyone she trusted more than herself, that was you.

“Okay, you…you can try it, would I…I mean, is it dangerous?”

You snickered, shaking your head, this time around there was a glint of mischief in your eyes. Wanda felt her stomach do a flip, and soon she let out a gasp while her hands clenched into a fist with her eyes fluttering close to the sensations you were creating with your mouth.

She never imagined you would lean in to place your lips on her pulse point, nor that you would start leaving open-mouthed kisses that went to draw the marks left on her neck. Wanda was not sure what to do with her hands, her body went rigid but her lower stomach and her heart were tingling over with an emotion she was not familiar with.

You let your lips mapped out her skin, brushing lightly while letting your free hand cup her face tenderly. You wished to let Wanda know she was loved that not all touches directed at her were meant to harm or to mark, that she deserved the tenderness you were trying to show.

You didn’t know what got into you, the only thing you knew for certain was that Wanda needed love, she needed to understand how wonderful she was. How she deserved happiness, and that no number of wounds or injuries from her past should get in the way of her new life. And thus, without any thoughts in your mind you leaned in to kiss away her neck your lips dancing tentatively on the bruised skin.

Wanda trembled under your touch, she let her hands wrapped around your arms her lips parting slightly while her body ignited with a fire she was no familiar with. Just as you started you finished it, leaning back with your heart hammering against your chest, your cheeks flustered and a timid smile adorning your lips.

Wanda was not in a better state, she was trembling with her face completely red and her breathing erratic. She could not hide her lust, nor the complete affection those green eyes shot at you as soon as she opened them.

You opened your mouth to speak, but whatever you were going to say was cut short by Wanda kissing you harshly. You welcomed her in your arms, allowing the passion she was trying to contain while kissing her back with the same need she was showing.

The afternoon finally gave way to the night, and while you allowed Wanda the control of the kiss you could feel her tears wetting your face. Until she could not continue and allowed herself the relief of your arms, unable to say what she had been trying to tell you for a very long time.

I love you.

______________

Wanda held onto the blanket, her eyes dancing around her room while the silver light of the moon sneaked into the room.

The nightmare was still fresh in her mind, the shadows of the past haunting her in her sleep. Wanda let out a sigh putting the blankets away before sitting up, she was no longer tired and sleep was not an option, her eyes fell on her mobile showing the hour.

4 a.m.

The silence of the early hours of the day was deafening to her ears, Wanda turned around and decided a trip to the kitchen was a good idea. She put on some sweatpants, a hoodie and left her room with the memory of her nightmare dancing around in her mind.

The morning came with light snowing, the new year had come and gone bringing with it a world of possibilities Wanda never thought possible before. She grabbed the mug tightly around her hands, her eyes watching the snowflakes fall on her backyard.

Wanda blew some steam out of her mug, her mind soon bringing over the memories of the day before. Your words, your smile, your touches; last day she had experienced a deep affection and protectiveness she had never felt before. The passion you had ignited in her with your kisses and your tenderness had made her soul tremble with want, but she had not dared to move forward and confessed what you had done so freely.

I love you. I'm in love with you.

Wanda couldn't help the smile breaking at the memory, without a single doubt she felt the veracity of those words whenever she was close to you. Whenever you went with her, or helped her children, or you simply were yourself.

The young woman wished she could say it back to you, that she wasn't so afraid to be open and confessed the love she was feeling for you. Wanda wished things were easier, but she was still afraid. She had failed not only once, but twice and now that she was freed of her past, she was afraid of messing up a third time.

“You couldn't sleep either?” America crossed her arms putting the heavy coat closer to her body, she glanced at Wanda from her yard not really sure if her presence would be welcomed by the older woman.

Wanda glanced at America with eyes wide open, she tilted her head shrugging lightly.

“Not really.” Wanda all but replied with an effort, she hesitated for a moment before adding, “I have a nightmare.”

America made a face nodding, “yeah, me too.”

Wanda could see the indecision in America's face, she lifted her mug before patting the spot beside her. America tilted her head and for that moment Wanda could see the same gesture you did when you were weighing your options. The young woman turned to her house before stepping closer and moving past the side door to Wanda's yard.

The snow kept on falling, America sat down furrowing her brows while watching at the sky. She could feel the eyes of Wanda on her, and the memory of her harsh words resounded in her mind. Before going to you, America had made sure to share her thoughts with the redhead, she made sure to let Wanda know America was not happy with what had happened.

“I'm sorry.” America finally said huffing while turning to the shocked woman.

America shifted on the spot furrowing her brows.

“Back in the hospital I just…I was stressed out, and finding out about this man and my sister, I was…”

“I know, I understand.” Wanda replied, placing a tentative hand on top of America's one. “You don't have to apologise.”

America shook her head frowning deeply, “but I do! Look I was unfair, when I was trapped in my house and then when I got to the hospital, I was partially blaming you for everything.”

Wanda winced ready to speak but America was firm on her explanation. She put her hand on top of Wanda's making sure to be as open as she could with her expressions.

“Y/N is the only family I have left, and I love her dearly. She has sacrificed so much for me, I just couldn't bear the thought of her suffering or losing her in any way.” America huffed, shaking her head with her eyes taking in the visible wounds on the woman before her.

“I never thought how much you and Billy and Tommy suffered all this time.” America confessed; Wanda tensed not wanting to interrupt America in the middle of her rant. “And after I got to see him, and everything I heard afterwards. I was not fair to you, I'm sorry I screamed at you and…that I was mad for something you couldn't control.”

Wanda shook her head offering a tiny smile to the young woman sitting beside her.

“There is nothing to be sorry for, America, I understand why you did it and I never hold it against you.” Wanda huffed, turning to see the snow fall, “I'm also sorry you and Kate had to live that, I wish things had been different. That he…”

America nodded curtly, and Wanda just shrugged.

“I guess right now he is where he must be, and he won't be hurting me or my children or even you and your sister anytime soon.” Wanda took a long sip from her tea, she glanced at the clear beverage before offering some to America.

The young woman grabbed the mug in her hands, she placed her elbows on her knees shivering lightly while glancing at the frozen ground.

“You really make my sister happy; you know?” She whispered pursing her lips a little.

“She makes me happy, and sometimes I just think I don’t deserve it.” Wanda cleared her throat wincing lightly when the old pain came bothering her again, “I never got to take her out, you know?”

“I know, I bet she would have loved the date you planned out for her.”

“You think so?” Wanda inquired with a hint of doubt in her voice, America nodded enthusiastically her lips curling lightly.

“You guys should really try it this time around, I mean now that everything is back to…” America was about to say normal, but the truth was nothing was normal anymore. Things were different, but they didn’t feel normal.

Wanda leaned back with hint of determination gleaming in her green eyes, she smiled lightly nodding to herself.

“Then, you should help me out.” Wanda turned to America who had her brows raised and eyes slightly opened. “I mean, I will have to plan it all over again, but this time around I want it to be perfect for her, I want to…”

Wanda didn’t finish her thought, but for America there was no need to. America could see the affection there as well as the will to offer you a perfect date. Silence fell between the both of them, no more words were needed it and America could see how little by little her family had grown in such a small amount of time.

She wished upon the falling snow for everything to finally fall into place and happiness to be possible again.

This time around, she also wished for Wanda, Tommy and Billy to be part of that happiness and to allow you and her to be part of that family.

_______________________________

Time passed slowly with the recovery of the wounds and the unstoppable meetings with Hope.

Wanda realized the nightmares were back, and she had to face the ghost of her past and her present while finally speaking about what had happened during those hours in which Vision had come back to her life. Hope was always patient, telling the young woman that the progressed she had made was still there but that the current fear and uncertainty she was feeling was just natural and in a matter of time she would let go and move on.

Wanda wished it was easier, and faster.

As of late being closer to you had been easier yet allowing you a single touch was difficult to experience. A part of her, the one that sound eery familiar, told her she didn’t deserve your affection much less the tenderness behind your touch. Wanda was afraid that her insecurities would finally push you away and she would be like at the beginning, alone.

“You have to be patience as well, Wanda,” Hope tilted her head smiling softly at her, “Y/N would never get tired of showing you her affection, and she knows and understands what you and your children are going through. You have told me of the conversations you both held regarding this situation.”

“Yes, but I just…” Wanda passed a hand through her hair, she turned to the window watching as the cold sun of winter sneaked through the clouds, “I’m just afraid she will get tired eventually, that I won’t be able to change this.”

Here she pointed to her chest, clenching her fist while growling lowly. Hope observed the young woman for a very long time, this was not a new discussion and in the last two weeks had been the main topic around their sessions.

“How is going with the planning of the date? Have you gotten what you need?” Hope asked trying to divert the topic to something that would ignite the flames of hopefulness in Wanda.

Wanda stopped her frustration giving way to a tender smile, her eyes softened nodding lightly.

“Yes, actually this time around I got America and her friends helping me out with the planning,” Wanda chuckled taking a seat, “they really are good teens, and I just need to pay the last part and I will be able to finally get her to the date I promise.”

“She will love it, you know that, right?”

“You think so?” Wanda pursed her lips resting her chin on her hand, “America told me she really loved this, and I just…God, she had been so good to me and my children, and I just…”

Hope waited for Wanda to continue but the other woman merely trailed off shrugging. Wanda wanted to be perfect for you, she wanted to make sure that what she was doing for you was enough to let you see how much she loved you. Wanda wanted to make sure that she was the right person for you, that in this new adventure she was enough.

“You are enough.” Hope commented offhandedly, ignoring the stare coming from Wanda, “but you need to start believing it yourself and giving yourself the chance to experience this.”

“I know.” She mumbled letting her hand rubbed her neck, “I’m really trying, you know? I don’t want this to consume the time I could spend with my children, with Y/N and with my new friends.”

Hope shrugged offering a comforting smile, “we have seen your efforts, Wanda. Don’t sell yourself short because this is not moving at the speed you want it, be patient and persistent. That’s the secret.”

Wanda sighed breaking into an easy smile when her eyes fell on her mobile and a new message appeared on the screen. Hope chuckled recognizing the name, and her eyes went to the clock on the wall. Right on time.

“I guess this is it for today, isn’t it?” Hope said chuckling when Wanda nodded putting the mobile away.

“I don’t know how to thank you for your help.” Wanda stood up waiting until Hope got to her to wrap her into a comforting hug.

“Nonsense. At the end of the day, Wanda, you are my friend as well and the important thing is for you to be and to feel safe.” Hope winked at her nodding to the door. “Now go, I bet they are waiting for you.”

Wanda nodded turning around and leaving the practice. Hope shook her head making her way towards the window where she could see you were standing right on the sidewalk with Tommy and Billy by your side grinning widely holding some posters on their hands. Wanda put a hand on her mouth, laughing before hugging her children while leaning into your embrace as well. Hope smiled tenderly watching the scene with fondness, you really were pretty much in love with the woman and your every action was to ensure her happiness.

Time was all you and her needed. Of that, Hope was completely sure.

The cold of winter came crashing against Wanda, but whatever coldness she was experimenting was soon forgotten when the warm of your hug and the arms of her children engulfed her completely. She couldn’t help but smile when you planted a single kiss on her lips, and her children snickered calling out to her with posters in their hands.

“What are you guys doing here?” Wanda took the first poster that Billy had made, it was a drawing of their home decorated with many toys and colours representing her, Tommy, America and even Y/N.

“Y/N thought you missed us, and we decided to come and invite you to some snacks.” Tommy said also presenting Wanda with his own drawing. “And, she said you need support.”

“And thus, they did this for you.” You continued grinning, “this is mine, but of course not as good as theirs.”

In your you had written a single declaration of beauty and love in Sokovian, Wanda softened at the words and the drawings not being able to take her smile off of her face. She breathed softly when your lips found hers, her laughter breaking the moment when she heard Tommy and Billy making gagging sounds.

“Ugh, no, mommy!” Billy grabbed Wanda by her hand shaking his head, “come on!! I’m hungry!”

“Me too!”

You chuckled wiggling your brows while winking at Wanda, “come, America is waiting for us and then, once we have them distracted I will kiss you again.”

Wanda flushed but she decided she wouldn’t wait, instead of letting you go she grabbed you by your hand and placed a singe kiss on your lips. You blinked away your shock, while the twins merely snickered covering their mouths.

“Now, where are you taking me guys?”

“We’re going to the park!” The twins screamed running towards the car, you smiled at Wanda who merely blinked confused at you.

“The amusement park.” You clarified scratching the back of your head, “they have this new carnival and I thought you guys would like it.”

Wanda let her eyes wandered to her children then back at you, her heart shrank under your stare and the innocent happiness behind her children. She nodded stretching her hand to grab your right hand in hers.

“We’ve never been to one, so I’m pretty sure we would love it.”

“Good, then let’s go!”

__________________

The park was located it in the southern part of the city.

Winter was the perfect time to bring forth the ice-skating rinks, the place was filled with families and friends enjoying the falling afternoon light and the bright lights from the different attractions. Wanda felt her heart jumped anxiously when she lost sight of Tommy and Billy only to see them talking animatedly with Kate and America.

It didn’t take too long for her to see the familiar faces of her students, and some of your friends walking around the place while sharing a good time. You intertwined your fingers with hers, smiling softly at her while leading her to the closest food stand. You glanced around seeing as America shook her head while negotiating with the twins, Wanda leaned closer to you offering the same tender smile she reserved for you.

“This is amazing.”

“You liked it?” You asked softly, Wanda nodded squeezing your hand reassuringly.

“I do.”

“Good, I was thinking of doing something different with you and the twins, I know as of late you have been stressing out and they haven’t slept well.” You lowered your gaze to the menu, sensing as Wanda tensed by your side.

“You knew?” She turned to America then back at you, your lips broke into a crooked smile shrugging.

“I suspect as much.” You sighed pointing at the combo for a hot dog and soda, “this one look fine, what do you say?”

“It has been difficult but, nothing we can’t deal with.” Her tone of voice had improved since new year, but sometimes you could catch the scratching of her throat and the fading wound Vision had left on her.

“You know I’m here for you and the twins, don’t you?” You faced the young woman, this time around forgetting all about the food and focusing your attention on Wanda.

Wanda shifted letting go of your hand, she felt the cold breeze of the afternoon sneaked inside her clothing. She shivered missing the warmness your hand was providing, though if she were to be honest with herself, it wasn’t your hand. It was you. All of you.

“I know.” Wanda lowered her gaze, her arms wrapping around herself. “Sometimes it’s just difficult for me to know…to actually realise I’m not alone. And that…”

She trailed off when a young man came from behind the counter asking for your order. Wanda observed with care just as you asked for her favourites, while also making sure to ask for Billy and Tommy’s favourites. You knew them so well, Wanda wondered why she had never noticed how attentive you were, how much you knew about them without any difficulties.

You need to let go, and give yourself a chance.

Wanda had already had this conversation before, and she had already fought over with herself against the uncertainty that these new emotions and this new relationship might bring to her life. With a softening heart she sneaked her arm around yours leaning closer to you, you lifted your brows surprised by the gesture but smiling smugly at her closeness.

“Which one is your favourite?” Wanda asked all of a sudden, you furrowed your brows pursing your lips before speaking.

“I like it spicy; you know? No pineapple because, yuck,” Wanda chuckled taking into your every word, “and I like all the sauces I can get my hands on.”

“So basically, a hot dog that may kill you in the near future or get you an upset tummy?” Wanda commented shaking her head, you rolled your eyes shrugging.

“Come on, is not that bad!!”

Wanda snorted but she could not say anything else for Billy and Tommy came right there, both of them were quite excited talking at the same time pointing to a different set of attractions they wanted to try over. You smiled fondly just as Wanda tried to negotiate with her children, America chuckled lifting her arms when both of them pointed to her while pouting. Soon the food was brought over, and you decided it was time for you to intervene.

“Okay, okay, I have a proposal!” Everyone turned to you, your good arm lifting above your head before pointing with your head the table filled with food. “We are going to eat first, then we will go to the Carousel, then we will move onto the bumper cars.”

Billy and Tommy cheered high fiving while hugging you with smiles on their faces, Wanda chewed on her lower lip glancing at those rides before turning to you. You winked at her leaning forward while lifting a single finger.

“Then, we will go to the Ferris Wheel to see the lights show from the park, okay?”

“Yes!” The twins then proceed to drag you to the table eager to start eating and go to the different attractions.

Wanda and America stayed behind grabbing napkins and helping with the beverages.

“They really are happy.” Wanda stated glancing at her children then back at America.

“They really are, are you?”

“I am.” Wanda shrugged smiling softly, Kate came right at that moment helping around while turning to Wanda.

“My mom just called me, she told me everything is ready and that if you confirmed her right now she would get everything ready for Friday.” Kate grinned when Wanda opened her eyes excitedly.

“You mean it?”

“Yep, I know Y/N would love her so…”

“You just have to say the word.” America pressed over smiling as well. Wanda turned to you where you were sitting with the twins helping them around while also allowing them to help you with the food.

Wanda felt her heart beat a tad bit faster, shrinking with pure emotion at the familiar scene she had gotten to witness in the last couple of weeks. She turned to the two teens nodding excitedly.

“Yes, tell her I take it.”

America squealed excitedly hugging Wanda before turning to an equally excited Kate.

“She is going to love it, you will see.”

Wanda surely hoped so, for the only thing in her mind was to make sure you also experience the love, affection and happiness she had felt with you from the moment the both of you met. From the moment, the both of you gave the friendship a chance to grow into something else.

Wanda Maximoff had never had such a wonderful time before.

She was dragged by you or America or even her children around the park to try the different attractions. She got to experience the adrenaline of the roller coaster, while also gave in the excitement of the bumper cars while laughing alongside you.

You were by her side at all times, without being overwhelming it was as if you knew what it was she needed and you were right there to make sure she got it. Wanda admired the easiness in which you and the twins soon found a common ground and they sought you out for comfort or confirmation of what to do next.

Whatever doubts that came after the incident, or whatever reluctance Wanda felt when around you were soon forgotten and she just gave in standing by your side with a beating heart and a tingling body whenever you brushed your hand against hers or your lips found hers when alone.

In the end, and after going through all the different stands holding games with prizes everyone ended up on the Ferry Wheel.

“Come on guys, you can go first.” You nodded to your sister and Kate, winking lightly while America just rolled her eyes.

“Let us take Billy and Tommy…” Kate started but you shook your head placing your right hand on her shoulder.

“No, this is for you guys, go and snog my sister when you get to the highest point,” you chuckled when Kate blushed looking away while America looked mortified, “you guys have been taken them with you most of the day, so it’s only fair. Go.”

Wanda was standing back with Billy and Tommy furrowing her brows when, after a moment of discussion America and Kate finally went inside one of the passenger cars. You stepped back joining Wanda who was trying to hold back the twins that were waving happily at America and Kate.

“I think we shouldn’t eat those candy apples,” Wanda snickered when the twins talked amongst themselves excitedly.

“Oh, come on, those are quite delicious, and I don’t mind them being this hyperactive.”

“You don’t?” Wanda blinked a couple of times stepping forward, waiting until the car stopped and the door was opened for you and the others to go in.

“No, I actually think it’s kinda cute.” You blinked at her before calling for Billy.

“Come here, little guy, you’re sitting with me, and Tommy is sitting with Wanda.” You pinned them with your eyes, your face transforming into a mask of pure seriousness. “I need you to be well-behaved because while this is fun, we need to make sure it is also safe, okay?”

“Yes, Y/N.” Both of them said at the same time, Wanda cocked her head lifting a single eyebrow impressed.

Soon the ride started with classical music playing through the speakers, you looked outside with Billy pointing out the different spots. You leaned forward answering his questions, while also telling him and Tommy about a past you had experienced with America and your parents. Wanda leaned back hearing the sound of your voice and the question of her children while taking in the scene.

“Woah, look mommy!! This is so pretty!” Tommy said pointing right outside the car where the lights show was being played near the skate rink.

“It is, it looks really pretty.” Wanda mumbled glancing at you and noticing you had your eyes on her.

“It is just beautiful.” You replied as well, smiling tenderly at her before turning your attention back to the outside world.

“This is the best day ever, Y/N, thank you.” Billy said softly turning to you and giving you a tight hug.

You returned the hug softening your features while feeling your heart skipped a beat under the display of affection from the little boy.

“I’m glad you like it, Billy.” Your voice was loud enough for him, Tommy and Wanda to hear you out, “I just want to make you enjoy the beautiful things in life, if you guys allow me to do so, I will be more than happy to show you the world.”

Wanda wrapped her arms around Tommy, shaking her head while her eyes filled with tears.

“How about you let us show you also the beautiful and fun things in life, and we share those experiences with one another?” Wanda replied glancing at you, the silent invitation there.

You chuckled nodding, “I would love that.”

Wanda nodded turning again to the world outside the passenger car, her heart leaping with happiness at the moment she was living with you and the twins. Suddenly, in the midst of such peaceful moment Wanda came to the realisation that everything she needed, whatever she had been looking for was just there, sitting right across her loving her children and her without asking nothing in return.

And for that, she loved you without any reservations.

For that, she promised herself to make sure you were happy, the way you were making her and her children happy.

____________________________

Final chapter: The date Wanda planned finally comes to be, there will be smut, and happily ever after.

#fanfic #wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #wandaxreader #imagine wanda maximoff #female reader #wanda maximoff x female reader #reader

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noosayog · 2 years ago

Text

[IT'S ALWAYS BEEN YOU] - ft. knight! iwaizumi hajime

warnings/content: princess! reader x knight/personal guard! iwa. fluff mostly, minimal angst in this chapter. unlike my other series, this will consist of longer parts, but less total parts. she's finally here and I'm excited to share! let me know what y'all think and thoughts on perhaps a taglist?

wc: 1.1k

part 1. directory here.

In the kingdom of Aoba Johsai, you live a relatively peaceful life with your brother, the crown prince, and his closest brigade of knights who all attended the Academy together. With Toru being the heir to the crown, your parents have always been lax in their supervision of you. That gave you free reign to spend your days lazing off with your brother’s goofy friends, Sir Matsukawa and Sir Hanamaki. Any time spent with them inevitably leads to trouble and while your parents are lenient, they are equally quick to remind you to exercise the prudence a princess would. To keep the mischief in your daily activities in check, they assigned their most trusted knight and Toru’s best friend, Sir Iwaizumi Hajime as your personal knight.

Hajime’s job almost entirely consisted of tagging along on your excursions with Mattsun and Makki to ensure that you were kept out of trouble, at least reasonably so. You parents seem to think he does a good job because this has been his job since your debut more than a decade ago.

When you were little, you minded Hajime’s presence a lot. You only knew the same couple of phrases that would come out of his mouth. “Princess, you cannot,” “Princess, exercise prudence,” or even more often, a simple “no.” He was a terrible nag and forced you to eat your vegetables.

It was a couple of months into his new role as your glorified babysitter, when you were just 12 years of age, that you had found yourself dangling off the ledge of your balcony with only your 10 stubby, underdeveloped fingers gripping the iron fencing keeping you from cracking your head open on the pavement below. Too embarrassed to call for help, you silently kept your grip on the fencing, desperately looking around for a decent exit path. Ironically, it had been this moment of danger that Hajime, who never leaves your side, was nowhere to be found. With a mule-headedness becoming of a 12 year old rebellious princess, you were actually grateful that your nagging, austere, and unsmiling guard was not here to scold you.

But there was a limit to how long your little fingers could hold your weight so as they began to slip, your panic had set in. That was when Hajime had bursted out to the balcony above to find your entire body dangling from the ledge.

Cursing, he had sprung into action, throwing his entire body off the balcony and plunging down to the ground below. You had yelped in surprise when the wind from his falling body swooshed past you, unable to twist your head enough to see if he had landed safely.

But you had heard him.

“Let go, princess.”

You had shook your head frantically.

You still remember the reassuring, gentle timbre of his low voice when he had reassured you he would be there. “I’ll catch you, princess. You have nothing to worry about.”

With no other options, you had let go as he had commanded. Midair, you had braced for impact but when you landed gracefully into Hajime’s sturdy arms, eyes wide, Hajime’s existence inside your heart had morphed into something completely different than it was before.

After allowing yourself a moment to catch your breath, you had scrambled to get out of his arms to brace yourself for the lecture that was sure to come. But Hajime had kept you in his arms, tightening his hold and walking you all the way back up to your room without a word.

You remember him gently laying you in your bed and patiently leaning over you as your arms had refused to unwind around his neck, not even realizing when you had begun to cry into his shoulder. When you had finally calmed down, he gently pried your arms from the back of his neck and softly rubbed an icepack on your skinned palms and red fingers. As you fell asleep to his ministrations, you remember knowing that you wanted to marry this man. It was at the wee age of eleven that you had fallen in love with your personal knight.

~•~

Now, at the respectable age of twenty-two and having completed your etiquette and political studies, you were still very much in love with Hajime. And while he has never explicitly expressed his feelings, you were quite sure that your feelings were reciprocated. Though he is the perfect picture of a dutiful knight within the walls of the castle, outside, he is kind, easy-going and relaxed. With the years, Hajime had begun to mellow, his once strict and short leash on you gradually melting away to keeping you just within his field of vision when outside the castle walls. When on your day trips with Mattsun and Makki, he would goodnaturedly tag along, being very subtle in the fact that he was obligated to follow you and instead being more deliberate in showing that he enjoyed spending time with you.

His expressions would soften more easily, more often. He was unabashed about smiling, teasing, and even outright belly laughing outside of the confines of the castle. His tenderness when touching you, when you cut yourself along the bushes or bruised a knee from running in the underbrush of the forest, was bright and unapologetic. Even the jeers of Mattsun and Makki would not faze him. Outside the castle, he was not only your knight and guard, he was your friend and a-little-less-than-lover.

With this, despite the occasional obligations to attend balls, greet foreign emissaries, and routine paperwork that comes with leading a kingdom, your days are spent in mundane bliss. With a very capable brother dutifully learning his role at the helm of the country and your parents very much occupied teaching him, you were allowed respite in frolicking with the knights when they were off-duty. Even Hajime would sporadically partake in pranking the old, greedy nobles when they visited the castle and dip in the rivers in the forest behind the estate.

You have never questioned whether or not it was customary for someone of your royal bloodline and age to not be pushed for political marriage. Your parents had never even discussed the topic, not even for Toru as far as you are aware. Thus, while you were grateful, you took that for granted.

That is why when your parents summon you, on the eve before your 23rd birthday ball, you waltz into the throne room, merry and bright from your day’s escapades with Hajime, blissfully ignorant of their intentions. You are caught by dreadful surprise of the announcement of your future engagement.

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tellmeallaboutit · 10 months ago

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knock knock (Raphael x F!Player)

Chapter 14, In Which You Play The Main Role

AO3

Art: Apollonia Saintclair – Love is a Killer

Fresh flowers.

Smelled like fresh flowers, freshly cut roses. Smelled amazing.

You opened one eye to admire a bouquet on the bedstand right before you, and then opened the second one. Twelve blood-red roses, their stems neatly trimmed. Nestled within was a card simply signed with an ornate letter 'R'.

"Well done on not fleeing tonight," it read.

You tried once and learned your lesson. You were back at the place you tried to escape, having achieved nothing but landing your mother in a hospital, and you sure as hell won’t try again any time soon. You were stark naked, but a quick check reassured you that nobody had taken liberties while you slept.

An odd sense of disappointment seeped into you at that realisation, as if you had been overlooked in some way.

Pushing it aside, you stretched and checked the time - 10:30 am on a Saturday morning. Really? That means you slept more than thirty hours straight; a weird, dreamless slumber, much like being dead.

You turned; the side to the bed next to you was meticulously done, as if no one had been there at all. There was a lawn mower buzzing in the garden. Not a thing seemed out of place; blissfully serene.

Where was Raphael? Where were both of them? Working?

You grabbed your phone and checked it next - nobody died while you were sleeping.

Nobody you knew, at least.

***

You were heading to grab some breakfast when you heard Raphael’s voice from across the upper floor. The other one, the man he was conversing with, sounded strangely familiar too.

The usually locked study door was wide open. If they wanted to keep their business hush-hush, they'd have ensured it was bolted shut, wouldn’t they?

"Raul, are you out of your mind?" a male voice asked. "Even Avernus Capital doesn't have that kind of cash on balance."

"I've managed to secure third-party financing to bridge the shortfall." That unmistakable Raphael tone, but Raul's words.

You tiptoed closer, positioning yourself just beyond the doorway.

"Who would have both the money and sheer idiotism to help you take Blackrock private?”

You vaguely recognised the name 'Blackrock', but couldn’t place it right away.

"Turns out some institutions still hold considerable fortunes," Raul responded. “You’d be surprised what compound interest does through centuries of tax-free reign”.

A quiet pause hung in the air before realization hit the other guy (where do you recognize his voice from?): "I see. Is that why you've been schmoozing up to the Vatican? Why would they get involved in your personal insanity?"

Raphael’s signature laugh echoed through the room; it must be a very large room indeed.

“The same reason anyone does anything: discontentment with how things are evolving and hope for a better leader.”

The other man sighed.

“This is not about money anymore, is it, Raul? Look, I respect your financial acumen but you are not - NOT - cut out for politics. With your... ahem... Neapolitan roots? I am being polite now, Raul. How long until they start digging up skeletons in your father’s garden?”

Intrigued, you couldn't help but peek into the room. Raphael was lounging against a pristine glass desk in his full cambion form, cigarette poised between his fingers, sleeves of his crisp white cotton shirt rolled up. He looked relaxed, unbothered, his tail resting peacefully beside him. The only other person in the room was a middle-aged man with ashen blond hair, facing away from you in a leather chair.

The study itself was a bizarre mix of avant-garde decor and Catholic art. Behind Raphael, a replica of Caravaggio (or not a replica…) dominated the entire wall, a depiction of dying Lazarus; not something you would hang to welcome guests. Thin white Venetian blinds covered floor-to-ceiling windows.

Raphael took an indulgent drag from his cigarette and smiled, making a sweeping gesture with his hand. "The gardens of my father are under cultural heritage protection," he said, "and are not to be dug up, come hell or high water." He paused for a moment before continuing, "And yes, you are right. Maybe I've found a calling more profound than just being Mammon's servant. Perhaps his reign is nearing its end; his promises revealed to be empty. After all, he can't keep exploiting his flock ad infinitum if they refuse to reproduce, can he?"

You wondered if Raul’s constant smoking irked Raphael because there was something freudian about how he constantly dragged on a cigarette.

"A servant of Mammon..." Markus repeated. "A higher calling... Do you even hear yourself?"

"I do," Raphael replied. "And I quite like what I hear. See, Markus; inspire a man’s faith and he’ll paint the Sistine Chapel. Oppress him and he’ll create a masterpiece of fury and rebellion. Give him freedom and prepare for an avalanche of TikTok reels. I refuse to accept the downward spiral this world is in. And so should you."

With a flick of his wrist, Raphael extinguished his cigarette on a marble ashtray and stretched out his shoulders.

“I’m taking over Blackrock,” he said. “And with it comes the infrastructure, the influence, the manpower, the global investments to shape this world as I see fit. No longer will Mammon's greed dictate our fate."

The man scoffed. "You're living in a fantasy world," he said. “You'd have to navigate through a mountain of regulators, politicians, public and private investors. No one is willing to relinquish power back to the Old World. And if you keep spouting this nonsense, the engine of your private jet may just... Oh, what's the matter?"

Following Raphael’s glance, the man turned to you; visibly annoyed.

Oh no, you knew him from the TV and newspapers - the leader of the democratic liberal party. There was even a tweet of yours out there vowing to spit in his face if given the chance after his speech on welfare and immigrants.

He looked at you with an arched eyebrow; dismissing you at first glance, clearly expecting you to shut the door but Raphael waved you over instead.

“This woman is privy to all my secrets, Markus,” Raphael stated. “Allow me to introduce you to my consort, Anya Berger.”

“Your what now?”, Markus blinked in surprise. “A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Berger”.

”My beloved consort”, he repeated, looking right into your eyes with a tender smile. “The wonderful being that gave me the keys to my kingdom come”. He beckoned again, this time with more urgency: "Come here mouse; don't be timid."

Raphael introduced you as his consort in front of one of the most powerful people in the country. It felt surreal.

He leaned in for a kiss and you happily obliged, tasting his perfectly soft and moisturised lips. As your eyes fluttered open mid-kiss, you stole a glance at Markus who was looking increasingly uncomfortable.

"Three weeks ago, you were swearing off women," Markus sighed, shaking his head in disbelief. "Remember when that French girl accused you of God knows what and Camilla needed my help to handle the media fallout?"

"I am forever grateful for your assistance during that time," Raphael responded. "But then I met this enchanting creature and it made me question everything. Look at her! Isn't she an absolute treasure?"

Markus exhaled slowly, clearly struggling with his thoughts before finally voicing them: "Raul, if I don't say this out loud, no one in your circle will. You're...well," he paused again, searching for the right words. "You're losing touch with reality. At first, I thought it was just rumours but now..." He shot a sharp look at you before continuing, "After your father's death, you clawed your way into the top hundred but don't - DON'T - mistake wealth for power; they're not interchangeable currencies."

Raphael watched him with detached amusement, his hand gently stroking your thigh.

“You are not immortal, Raul, is what I am trying to say”.

Raphael let out a laugh. "I just might be. Only death will tell for sure."

Markus' attempts at a diplomatic response died on his lips as he stared at Raphael in disbelief.

“You know, Raul”, he finally said. “The next thing I expect is you telling me God speaks through you”.

Raphael snapped his fingers as if struck by an idea. "Funny you should say that. I had a most peculiar dream of Archangel Raphael recently. Maybe one day God will choose me as His envoy and I will spread His word loud and clear. After all, His flock tends to wreck chaos when left unguided”.

Markus turned to you, pleading for some form of support. "You...you don't think it's crazy talk, Ms. Berger? You don't want to say anything to your boyfriend?"

“I don’t think it’s crazy talk”, you shrugged. “And I am an expert”.

That silenced him.

“Anya stands by me no matter what, my precious little mouse”, Raphael purred, placing a hand on your shoulder. “While it appears I’ve vastly overestimated your loyalty, Markus. Years of friendships, of secrets shared, of deals struck, and this is your payback. Tsk-tsk. Have you forgotten what happened in Sankt Moritz in 99? Because I certainly haven't."

If the threat bothered him, Markus did not let it show; he stood up from his chair and dusted off his suit.

“I've vastly overestimated your sanity, Raul”, Markus retorted. “I wish both of you a good day. You won't be having my backing in Davos, by the way. When you fall - and you will - I refuse to get pulled down with you.”

“Anya?”, Raphael looked at you with a smile. “Do you want to wish our dear guest something? A final farewell, perhaps?"

What?

Should you kill Markus or something? You could gladly spit him in the face, but killing him yourself seems a bit… ugh… well.

He could just… change his mind.

“I wish you would… reconsider?”, you suggested. “I wish you would reconsider”.

That came out… the way it came out.

Markus stared at you the very familiar stare of somebody who both slightly pities you and is slightly disgusted by you.

“…madhouse”, the man said and went straight for the door.

As soon as the door closed behind Markus, you turned to Raphael with a bewildered look on your face.

“Was that...was that really-”

“It was whom I used to consider a friend. Perhaps with a tad more fervor in your wishes next time, my dear mouse”, Raphael said, a smile on his face that barely masked annoyance. “A bit more direction as well. You are only granted that which you truly yearn for, after all."

You quickly nodded, and watched his face shift. It was fleeting, momentarily, but you learned to read it very well.

"So, my sleeping beauty, did you have a good rest?" Raul asked. "You were out for a full day and a half. I was practically dying of loneliness and yet, being the gentleman that I am, I let you sleep in peace. Now don't I deserve some praise for being so kind?”

“You do”, you nodded. “Amazing fit of willpower”.

“Did you miss me terribly?”, he asked as he pushed strands of hair away from your face. “Or did you think about running away again?”

“Yes, of course”, you said, and quickly corrected yourself: “I mean no, no thoughts of running away, of course, and yes, I missed you terribly”.

Raul interpreted your words in the only way he wanted to interpret them.

“Is that so? I have twenty minutes until the next call”, he said, pulling your body to him. "Do you think that would be enough to show me how badly I was missed?”

read the rest on ao3

#knock knock #bg3 raphael #raphael bg3

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ameliaunquacksford · 5 months ago

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The Tailor's Apprentice | Chapter 3

Summary: Astarion indulges in some classic thievery at Facemaker's Boutique, expecting to find his missing shipment, but ends up finding something much more shocking and much more interesting.

-Astarion x (female) Tav, post canon

-Also posted on Ao3

-Click here for Chapter 2

-Click here to read from the beginning

2k words

There was an easy fix to Astarion’s problem; plain and simple thievery. Yes, he realised he was jumping to conclusions, being so fast to assume that Figaro had stolen his supplies, but it wouldn’t hurt to take a quick look, right? And they were rivals! If anything, it was a good starting point.

So when he closed down the boutique for the day and said his goodbyes to Tav, he went back to his mansion to retrieve his lockpicking kit, now covered in a thick coat of dust from disuse.

He stalked down the dark streets, a devious smile on his face, a kind of excitement bubbling up inside of him that he hadn’t felt in years. Oh, how he missed robbery. He thought about using a scroll of Disguise Self before he left, but the idea of potentially getting caught was just too thrilling. He knew he’d probably get away with it, so why not add stakes?

Hidden behind a dim corner, he watched Facemaker’s Boutique closely for several minutes, peering through the windows to make sure Figaro had retreated to his private quarters upstairs. There was no movement from inside, and all the lights were shut, so Astarion figured he must be asleep now. He had a passing thought, that Figaro had finished all his work early because of his lack of customers. He almost felt bad for him, being in a similar situation not even a tenday ago. Almost.

The street was near empty, aside from a sleeping homeless man, so Astarion took his chance, walked casually towards the door and crouched in front of the lock. He fumbled a few times - he hasn’t done this in years - but he tried not to think about it too hard and let muscle memory do the work.

He huffed as the lock opened, packing the tools away. In his prime, it would’ve taken 10, maybe 20 seconds. Tonight, it took him about a minute. No matter; the door was unlocked and his shipment awaited. Maybe.

The door creaked open as Astarion slipped inside, the darkness of the boutique lightly illuminated from the moon shining through the windows. He scanned his surroundings, and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Of course, if Figaro really was the thief, he wouldn’t leave the shipment out in the open. He’s not that much of a fool. So Astarion carefully padded through the shop, careful not to make too much noise lest he finds himself some unwanted attention.

Under the stairs, he finds a locked trapdoor. Couched down, he took out his lock picking kit and got to work., but just as the lock clicked and the hatch opened, the front door creaked behind him, and before he could even think of his next move, he was already hiding under the hatch, the door resting on his head as his eyes peeked through the small gap.

An indiscernible figure entered the boutique, hidden in the shadows. From the way they sneaked and tip-toed, Astarion immediately understood that it was not Figaro. No, it was another thief.

What a delightful turn of events.

There was no need for Astarion to be so sneaky now. If he knocked out this other thief, he would have free reign over the shop, able to search every nook and cranny much more efficiently and much more messily. If he got caught, he could say he was passing by and saw that someone broke in and be named a hero yet again. If not, he could leave the knocked-out thief to take the blame. And it’s hardly immoral when they were going to rob the place anyway. He was at least taking back what was already his.

The thief creeped out of view, most likely going to ransack the back of the shop. Astarion carefully slid out from under the hatch, silently sneaking toward the figure, hidden in the shadows. Baring his fangs as he got closer to them, he planned to drink from them until they fell unconscious.

But when he was no more than a metre away from them, a familiar, sweet smell engulfed him, assaulting his senses, and he stopped dead in his tracks, the tip of his shoe scraping against the floor and alerting the other intruder of his presence.

Whipping around, they abruptly withdrew a knife, prepared to attack, before freezing in place.

Astarion’s heart skipped a beat as he was met with Tav’s wide eyed stare, her jaw dropped. They gawked at each other for several seconds, stilled with disbelief.

“What in the sweet hells are you doing here!?” he harshly whispered, before grabbing her shoulders and scooting her into a darker, more hidden corner.

“What are you doing here?!” she hushed back, her face now completely red and the scent of blood rushing to the forefront of his senses.

“I’m taking back my shipment,”

“I’m also taking back your shipment!”

He gaped at her for a moment, completely bewildered. How can she be a thief? Of all people?

“Listen,” he sighed, “I don’t have time for this. Trust me, I know what I’m doing, so go home, I’ll sort this out,”

She puffed her cheeks, her eyes looking directly into his, fiercely, filled with determination “But-”

With a finger over her lips, he silenced her, “No buts. I work better alone. Now leave,”

She shoved his hand aside “We can cover more ground, more quickly. The sooner we get out of here, the better,” Astarion was taken aback by her forwardness. How such a shy, awkward girl can be so bold was beyond him.

“The sooner you get out of here, the better,” he said, propping his hands on her shoulders once again to maneuver her out.

She grabbed his hands and pulled them off, speaking just as silently but much more fiercely “I’m helping,”

Her intensity made him shudder, his hands still in hers, and he sighed “Darling, you didn’t even notice the trap door to the basement,”

Her grip loosened as her demeanor changed, her gaze dropping to the floor “There- there was a trap door?”

There it is. The girl so unsure of herself. This is what he was used to.

“Yes, darling. If he has the shipment, it’s there,”

She stared at the floor for a few seconds, and just as Astarion thought she was finally going to relent, her eyes lit up slightly “...how big is the basement?”

“I-” he began, frustration beginning to take over, “I don’t know. I would know if a little thief didn’t come stomping in,”

“I wasn’t stomping!” she huffed, getting increasingly more flustered. If he gained nothing from this adventure, he at least got to embarrass her a little. “The basement could be huge! Let me help you, please,”

Gods, she was essentially begging him now. Did she seriously think he’d let her tag along, as if they couldn’t both end up in prison because of this?

But she was also staring at him with those beautiful, big doe eyes, and she looked so disheartened, and sad…

And she was already here anyway…

He sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose “...Fine, but from here on out, we are staying silent,”

She perked up, her eyes filled with determination as she nodded firmly. Just as he was about to appreciate her compliance, she mimed zipping her lips shut.

They both creeped down the hatch, Tav noticeably much louder than him, but still quiet enough to not wake Figaro above them.

The basement was a decent size with plenty of shelves and chests, nothing Astarion couldn’t have handled on his own, but definitely faster with someone else, as much as he loathed to admit it. He searched the side closer to the hatch so he could alert her if he heard something, and give her more time to hide. Gods know she’d need it.

After a thorough check of all corners, boxes, chests, and shelves, he locked eyes with Tav and shook his head. She shook hers too. He didn’t exactly trust her though, so he moved toward her and whispered to her to swap sides and double check, in case they missed something. He knew he didn’t miss anything, but he didn’t want to offend her by implying she was inattentive, even though she was.

A few more minutes of shuffling and searching passed, and he still couldn’t find anything. Maybe the shipment’s in Figaro’s room?

But deep down, Astarion already knew that Figaro had nothing to do with the missing shipment. He was an honest man - eccentric, yes, but honest. If he thought Astarion was stealing his customers, he’d fight back by producing garments that were better than ever, not by sabotaging him.

He sighed in defeat, looking at Tav and shaking his head again. She shook hers too.

Walking past her, he was about to climb the ladder, when she tugged on his sleeve and showed him a letter.

Figaro,

I did not steal your fabrics! Before you send me a letter that long again, make sure to get to the point in the first sentence so I know immediately to burn it.

-Carmen

Astarion tightly clutched the letter. How could he miss this?

Tav gazed at him, confused. Right, she doesn’t fully understand all the boutiques rivalry’s yet.

“Carmen’s his sister. They had a falling out years ago,” he sighed. “Let’s get out of here,”

She nodded in response, and he climbed the ladder first, peeking his head out of the gap to make sure the coast was clear.

He looked back down at Tav, nodding curtly. They both left the basement, and Astarion used his picks to lock the hatch again, then signalled toward the front door.

Just as they were about to leave, however, Tav backed into a table and sent a vase shattering on the floor, causing them both to jump.

Time stilled and they both froze. Astarion’s body screamed to move, and he managed to snap out of his stupor when Figaro burst through the door upstairs screaming “Who’s there!” at the top of his lungs.

He snatched Tav’s hand and dashed out the door, swiftly darting through the streets, twisting and turning between corners, trying to lose Figaro, if he was even chasing them. All he could focus on was getting the hells away from the area and taking Tav with him, the only sound being their trampling footsteps and the accelerated pounding of Tav’s heart.

When he was certain that they were not being chased, and that they were far enough away, he essentially threw her into an alleyway and threw himself against a wall, catching his breath. He could hear her do the same.

How could she be so stupid? How could he be so stupid, letting her tag along like that? He ought to fire her for this!

He felt hot. He felt sweaty. He straightened up and whisked around, fists clenched and teeth bared, prepared to shout, yell, and scold, but when he saw her curled up on the dirt-covered floor and violently shaking, he stopped for a second.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, trying to control the subtle trembles in his body, before slowly approaching and sitting down beside her. She’s lucky he wore bad clothes for this.

Silently, they sat together for a few moments, her breathing loud and uneven, but eventually her heart beat slowed down and her breathing evened, and the scent of her blood wasn’t so apparent to him anymore. Her gaze was trained on the floor, despite him staring right at her.

“...I’m sorry,” she murmured.

He was so conflicted. On one hand, she had almost got them caught, but on the other…

The night was exhilarating. Catching her of all people in the act of stealing, the adrenaline from the vase smashing and Figaro screaming, the rush from running…

The thrill of the chase, if you will.

It reminded him of the tadpole days. The days of hunting and being hunted, ripping out enemies’ throats, running for their fucking lives. He was so scared back then, so terrified, but so free, despite every corner they turned having a new threat to face. Tonight was just like the sweet spot in that time, before they killed the brain but after he killed Cazador, when he was fully free from his master, but still full of anticipation of what was to come, still able to walk in the sun.

He smiled softly before responding, “It’s fine…”

——————————————————————————————————

Click here for Chapter 4

Tag list: @roguishcat

#bg3 #astarion #bg3 astarion #astarion x tav #astarion x female tav #astarion x f!tav #astarion fanfic #baldur's gate 3 #spawn astarion #ameliaunquacksford #astarion ancunin

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kyndredravenstories · 9 months ago

Text

Eyes of Infinity: Chapter 13

Hello, I have been posting my work on AO3 and recently decided to venture here to Tumblr. Please note: This story is 18+. No minors. Please read tags carefully. Link to AO3 below but I will also be posting the chapters here.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/53564641/chapters/150383332

Pairing: Sylus/Female MC with some elements of Xavier/Female MC

Genre: Romance, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst, Adventure, Smut, Porn with Big Plot and Big Feelings

Content Warning (For the entire fic): Explicit sexual content, spoilers and alterations to existing lore and cards/memories/tender moments/secret times, size kink, size difference, vaginal sex, cunnilingus, anal sex, fingering, all kinds of fingering, elements of consensual somno, dom!Sylus, jealousy, possessive!Sylus, Mephisto stalking, typical game violence, battle and combat

Summary: To love him meant stepping over the threshold and crossing into darkness. To be with him meant accepting the lure of the shadows. And to protect him from betrayal meant sacrifice. I knew not how, only that I would not let time sever our paths ever again.

Previous Chapters: Ch 1 / Ch 2 / Ch 3 / Ch 4 / Ch 5 / Ch 6 / Ch 7 / Ch 8 / Ch 9 / Ch 10 / Ch 11 / Ch 12

Morning sunlight filters through the window in Ellara's room when Sylus's phone buzzes with a phone call from a familiar number. He notes the source but doesn't reach to answer. Instead, he shifts to wrap his arms around the woman in his embrace, nuzzling into her neck, breathing in her scent, and pressing a kiss against her cheek. She stirs, giving a contented sigh as she settles deeper into his arms. His body heats in response to her backside pressing against him, and he has to reign himself in to avoid waking her and continuing where they left off a few hours past at the break of dawn.

Best to let her sleep for now. Her Evol returned sometime in the night, and who knew how hard such a thing was on the body?

He trails a hand down her arm. Beneath his touch, her Evol reaches for him with ghostly fingers, mixing with his own. They meld like lovers, intertwined and interconnected as though they were always meant to be. It's beautiful. Like soft white fireflies. When he weaves his fingers with hers, the union of their Evols hums like a singular ethereal note between their skin. The sensation is like fire in his veins, a pulsing that unifies their heartbeats for a moment.

Too long suppressed, it yearns to be set free, to bond with him, to Resonate.

Or, to Devour.

That's the other side of this light - one its owner has no knowledge of. If only Ellara knew how to wield it, he could feel more at ease. The night at the Mythe wouldn't have been such a traumatic experience. All she would have needed to do was come into his arms and take as much as him as she wanted. Standing beside him, she could have swept away all those in her path. She could have kept the LUMINIS from spilling on her skin. And, if needed, she could have healed all her wounds.

She was his to protect, and he'd been built to have plenty of Evol to spare for his counterpart.

Cliché, really.

Light and darkness.

Always yearning for each other yet always opposing.

But, it's not the first time he'd defied fate to get his way, and it won't be the last.

He doesn't think on it too much. What's the use in fretting over what-if's and maybe's? Right now, in this moment, she is real and here, with him. The second half of his heart that went missing eons ago. At least, that's how it feels at times. Though his body aches for her, Sylus tries to settle for just laying beside her. He runs a fingertip against her cheek. She sighs, but doesn't wake. He'll be surprised if she does.

Things had gotten pretty wild last night, and he'd definitely pushed her well past her limits. Stroking her arm, shoulder, and back with feathery touches, he wrestles with a conundrum of simultaneous regret and satisfaction. Her skin is covered in marks attesting to their lovemaking, and he can't be sure why he regrets being so rough with her when those marks look like they're right where they belong. They're his, after all. Had they been inflicted by anyone or anything else --

His phone buzzes for the second time. Same number. There's only two people who would dare call him twice in such a short span of time. Regrettable, but it's likely something urgent. Letting out a weary sigh, Sylus takes in the sight before him one last time. The flimsy curtains on her window allow daylight to fill the room without hindrance. He despises the warmth and cheer of sunrise, but somehow seeing her lying here, her skin and onyx hair gleaming in the soft oranges and reds of a new day, makes the morning bearable. Almost pleasant.

He shifts off the bed, moving carefully so he doesn't wake her. Snagging a towel from one of her shelves, he grabs his phone and leaves the room to go to the bathroom. After closing the door, he takes a quick shower, wraps the towel around his waist, then leans against the wall to redial the number. Two familiar voices answer. It's the twins.

"Boss, calling in to report."

"Did you lose your phone again, Luke?" Sylus asks.

"We were being tracked. Had to destroy it," Kieran answers.

"And the target?"

Luke replies. "Boss, you need to see the photos we took. Sending them now."

Sylus's phone pings as the files come through. He examines them one by one, his brow furrowing. His heartbeat remains steady, his expression still calm. Outwardly and inwardly, he stays the course of neutrality. But, something unfamiliar tugs at his awareness. A thorn in his thoughts, itching and scratching. It's something that started the night of the Mythe explosions and hasn't stopped since. Many have risen up to challenge his rule in the N109 Zone, yet none had truly challenged him. Looking at these photos, however, makes him wonder if that time is approaching.

His worst case scenario theory about Malakai Noxis had been right on target. He's not just some upstart after all. Though Noxis isn't nearly as powerful as Sylus in terms of Evol and influence, he's a damn nuisance when it comes to resourcefulness and cunning. Swiping through the last of the photos, he downloads them to his phone for later examination. Several pieces of the puzzle fall into place like rocks in his gut, and the picture they reveal is grim.

"He's done it again, Boss-man, just like you said he would," Luke says, his voice full of pride and admiration. His fearless bloodhounds. He could send them into a pit of fire and they'd gladly go.

"You did well," Sylus says, giving his most loyal men a rare compliment. "Stay on him. Be ready. This attempt will leave him weakened for a time." He glances at the watch on his wrist. Too early. He'll chase Noxis during the day if he must, but for now he can leave the twins to handle him while the sun is out.

"Yes, Boss."

He stands still for some time, considering his plans and options. His right hand rubs at his temple. It's never been more clear that Ellara cannot continue to stay in Linkon. This conflict has gone past the boundaries of the N109, and it's about to spill over into this shiny little city of glass. Linkon's people and its structures are as fragile as its principles. It's yet unclear what the end game is for Malakai, but a contingency plan must be made to safeguard Ellara's life. If Sylus has his way, the adopted siblings will never meet again.

Hopefully, her memory of Malakai's true identity will never return. Let her heart be at peace remembering the illusion Malakai showed her all those years while he was by her side. Not as a monster, but as someone she could love and lean on. To ensure that, nothing must jog that memory. Nothing can trigger it. But, hiding her away is just a prison sentence to a woman like Ellara. She must be free to do as she will, and she feels the most freedom when she can be the incredible Hunter she has trained to become.

The thought solidifies his decision.

He makes another call, and a grizzled old voice answers. A man.

"I thought I told you never to call here again," the voice sneers.

"Your threats and orders mean nothing to me," Sylus answers. "I don't have time to discuss semantics. I'm calling in a favor. You owe me plenty, and it's time to start collecting."

"You can't reach me out here," he voice hisses. "You're useless outside N109."

"Alright," Sylus smiles. "What do you want to bet against that delusion of yours? Your wife? Your son? Maybe the whole family."

"You monster. You would--"

"Don't ask questions you already know the answers to," Sylus drawls. "If you make me waste any more time, I'll be more aggressive in my collection of your debt."

The voice cusses him out with a few colorful words, but settles down. "What do you want?"

"Nothing too strenuous. I need you to transfer a few Hunters on assignment to another city. I'm sending you the list of names now."

"We're short here as is," the voice complains. The ping ping ping of a tablet touch screen being manipulated. More expletives. "These are some of my best, and you want me to send them away?"

"Not my problem. Put in the transfer now."

The line goes quiet for a few minutes. More pings. When the voice comes back, it sounds tired and defeated. "God damn you, Sylus. One day, you'll pay for all you've done."

"I don't make deals I can't uphold," Sylus replies, pushing the button to end the call.

That done, he makes his way back to the bed. He hasn't slept in a few days, and the edges of his vision are starting to fog. He lays down beside Ellara, examining her sleeping face. It's time to take a rest. Perhaps he could truly shut his eyes for once knowing the twins are following Malakai. Not for long. Just a few hours.

Just for a short while.

I wake up feeling warm and comfortable.

It doesn't take more than a second to realize that I'm not alone in my bed.

I'm laying in the crook of a man's arm.

I look up, shocked to see that Sylus is sleeping. Beneath my head, his chest is rising and falling steadily, and his heart is beating at a lazy cadence as always. I'm scared to move, worried that I'll break this incredible moment. I've never really seen Sylus asleep. He's always sitting up or leaning against something, even in bed. Always wary and alert even while secure in his home in N109. Then again, I suppose there is never any security for a man like him. The King must be ever vigilant if he is to keep his place and rule over the Underworld.

That's why the scene I'm witness to is so...captivating. Seeing him close his eyes and show me this kind of vulnerability is surreal. How can he trust me to this extent? Sure, we've admitted to having some feelings for each other. But, crimes of passion are a thing. Isn't he worried I might try to hurt him? That I might be deceiving him?

I'd sooner hurt myself.

I check that line of thought.

Man, I'm in over my head with this guy. It's not just the crazy sex, either. It's all of him. If I try to piece together the trail of how I'd fallen this hard, I couldn't. It's an endless reel of flashbacks to moments just like this where he did something that stole my breath away. His gestures, the way he holds my hand, the way he looks at me, the way he has me wrapped around his finger yet never ever encroaches on my freedom or my independence. The way his long eyelashes brush against his cheekbones. How kissable his mouth is.

He smells like my body wash, and there's something really intimate about it. He must have showered while I was sleeping. How he fit his big burly frame in my tiny rabbit hutch of a shower is a mystery instantly solved with flashbacks of how we were both squished in there last night. The thought makes my knees tingle. I run my hand down his bare chest and abs. His skin is light and pale with blue veins accenting an array of battle-hardened muscle. Smooth and hairless except for a faint trail of starlit silky hair leading down to a place I am way too embarrassed to think about right now. My face heats up.

I rise up on my elbow, noting that it's late morning. I should really get up and get the day started. Look at my phone. Report in. But, I'm out of sorts. Discombobulated like an Otto with a damaged AI module. I can't think of anything except the man in front of me. My former workaholic life seems especially far away, like a daydream. Not to mention, I can't explain anything about what happened at the Destiny Café. I'm dreading the missed calls I'll find on my phone, either from UNICORNS or from Xavier. They'll undoubtedly have questions, but I don't have any answers.

I check in with my memories from last night. Something is definitely off. I remember being at my apartment and reading, thinking about my impending meeting with Malakai. After that, everything is a giant gaping black hole until the moment when I stood outside the burning café with Sylus. I remember feeling dazed and confused; I'd thought at the time I might have been in shock. I figured it would wear off, but it hasn't. It worries me that I still don't remember anything.

Did something happen to me inside that café that could have affected my memory? Was Sylus a witness to it? If so, why hasn't he brought it up?

Well, I guess we were busy with other things...

Too antsy to lay still now, I slowly untangle myself from his arms and scoot to the edge of the bed. I'm naked, a fact I remedy as swiftly as possible as I dash to the bathroom for a quick shower. When I'm facing the mirror and washed out lights, I grimace at the sight of my body. I bruise easily; I always have. But, the amount of marks on my skin astounds me. My neck, my shoulders, a few places on my stomach, and - oh god - was did he do to my thigh to make that mark?

Nothing hurts though. No stinging or anything. No soreness except for my lower back, but the way we went at it that's no surprise. Not to mention, I've never been with a guy so...well endowed.

"Ugh," I groan, embarrassed. I try to remember if any of this hurt last night or this morning, but all I can recall is the incredible pleasure I felt and how gentle and thoughtful Sylus was. He's the most perceptive and attentive lover I've ever had, though to be honest my experience isn't much to speak of. Again, I find myself wondering if I could ever handle him when he's not holding back. Judging by the state of my skin, I'm not so sure.

Not now, Ellara. Focus.

I shower quickly and efficiently. The memories I've recently made in this cabin are too much for my sensibilities to handle. I don't know whether I did the right thing by inviting Sylus up last night or not. Part of me feels like I didn't have much choice. I'd wanted him so badly, and no amount of good sense or pride could have stopped me. He's Pandora's Box, and I've only scratched the surface. There's definitely more to him, and I want to see it.

I wrap a towel around my body and carefully sneak out of the bathroom, knowing how light of a sleeper Sylus is. Afterwards I seek out my phone, still in the back pocket of the pants I'd discarded last night. My throat goes tight at those particular memories. I can't help but rush to cover my face with my hands, barely suppressing a sound of pure mortification. Hopefully these flashbacks subsist soon or I won't be able to function today. I'm still doing the walk of shame as I tip toe to my closet to throw on a bathrobe.

Taking a breath, I check my phone and flinch. Missed calls from the Captain, Xavier, even Tara. Running my hand through my hair, I pad to the kitchen and sit at the breakfast table to make some calls while sipping on orange juice. I start with Tara since she's the least threatening in the mix. We talk briefly about what happened last night, but she's primarily focused on inviting me over for a girls night. Her recovery is progressing well, and she's ready to get back into her normal routine. I'm relieved to hear that my friend is alright.

Next is the Captain. I'm interrogated for a good forty-five minutes on this call. The end result is less than pleasant. Jenna is relieved to hear that my Evol has returned but recommends that I take a week off for my mental health. It's clear that I'm a target for Noxis, and she needs time to arrange a new assignment schedule for me. Despite my protests, she wants to temporarily transfer me to work in another city. Knowing Xavier and how protective he is of his partner, she also wants to add him to that assignment.

As it happens, there's currently urgent need for Hunters in Goldwood City. I look up the location on my phone, noting that it's closer to the N109 Zone than Linkon. It's a smaller city; not as developed as here. More rural areas with mountainous regions. Not as many training facilities and not nearly as big a budget for the local Hunters. A sudden outbreak of Wanderers has necessitated the establishment of a quarantine zone. Within a week, the zone will be established and most citizens evacuated to allow Hunters to subdue the threat.

I scratch my head. Well, at least it will keep me busy. I was itching to get back into the swing of things, wasn't I? So why do I feel so dejected as I accept the assignment? Though I try to protest against the additional week off, Jenna is firm, telling me that if I keep arguing with her she'll recommend that I start going to therapy on top of my medical leave. In less than two months, I'd been in several traumatic situations, lost my Evol, miraculously recovered, and now am the target of a major criminal organization. The fact that I haven't had a mental breakdown yet is unbelievable, she says. If only she knew that I had an incredible support network in Xavier and Sylus.

As crazy as that last part sounds.

"There are rumors, Fireborne, that you're in a relationship."

The question comes out of nowhere. I almost choke on my glass of juice.

"E-Excuse me?" I cough.

"Is it something I need to be concerned about?" Jenna asks. Her tone has softened considerably.

"Why would something like that be of concern?" I frown.

She sighs. "It's tough being a woman in this field, Ellara." It's the first time she's called me by my name. "Men can get married, have families, and keep fighting if they so choose. But, a woman has so many more responsibilities and duties. Once we have a child, we no longer just belong to ourselves."

Children? Marriage? My brain short circuits. I rush to stop her. "Please, Captain. Hang on. There's absolutely no reason to think in that direction." I leave it there, unwilling to divulge any more of my personal life.

"I'm sorry if I've overstepped in this case. There was some hearsay, and the way Xavier defended you when you went on medical leave..."

My cheeks grow hot. "Y-You thought...with Xavier?" I'm relieved yet somehow still embarassed. "Oh. No. Not at all. Xavier and I are absolutely only partners. That's it."

"It's hard to believe a partner would look at you like he does," she observes.

I shake my head. "I assure you, Captain, we are only friends."

"I see. Again, apologies if I've overstepped. I just see myself in you, Ellara, and I want to help. You know I care for my team. I have some regrets about never taking time to connect with someone. I hope you can consider that advice. Even if you do find that for yourself, you are going to grow stronger and make it far in our organization. Keep up the excellent work."

"Thank you, Captain."

When I hang up the call, I drop my head over my folded arms on the table. I give a monstrous groan like a blaster rifle venting steam. Did Captain Jenna just try to give me advice on relationships? Despite my initial shock, I actually do appreciate that she cares enough to show me such a different side to her character. Though I do wonder how far her opinion of me would fall if she knew that I already was in love with someone - the leader of Onychinus to be more precise.

Oh Lord.

After a few more deep breaths, I pick up my phone and find Xavier's contact. I don't know why I'm so nervous about this call. It's just as I told Jenna. He's my partner. Just a friend. So then why have things been so impossibly awkward between us since he first brought me back from N109? Why did I feel like I was committing some kind of crime when I told him I wasn't alone over the phone last night? While I'm stewing in angst and emotions, a text comes through and lights up my screen. It's none other than the object of my thoughts. I tap to open the message.

X: Heard about the transfr. Miss U. Will B home tonight.

I read it again. Then again. Suddenly, I'm doubting my sanity. This message doesn't sound like something you would send to a friend.

"My Knight", Sylus had called him.

Mine.

Why would he say it that way? Sure, Sylus likes to play on words at times. But, he's the most perceptive man I know. Has he picked up on something that I hadn't even considered? The thought is like a stake to the chest. Winded, I frantically begin reading through our message history with fresh eyes unclouded by the banalities of day to day survival. What I find is so disturbing that I don't know how to react to it.

All this time, I was under the impression that Xavier and just had a kind of natural platonic intimacy. We held hands and hugged. We spent a lot of time together. We ate dinner and slept over at each other's apartments. We went to the arcade and played games together. Yet, somehow, there was something growing between us that I had completely failed to pick up on. What started as a friendship had evolved over time into something a lot more intimate without me realizing it. Xavier led in his own graceful silent way, and I had followed without a second thought.

My sudden panic gives me a strange kind of courage. I dial Xavier's number, my heart pounding in my chest. He answers after a few dial tones.

"Ellie? Is everything alright?"

I'm not at all prepared for the way I react to that new nickname. I struggle to answer without stuttering.

"Yes...Xavier...I need to ask you something..."

A beat, then -- "Ask away."

"Look, maybe there's something wrong with me. Maybe I hit my head last night and I'm confused. The Captain just called and asked me some stuff, and it got me thinking in a really weird direction. I just need to know that I'm not crazy."

"You can ask me anything you want," he says. I stop. Take a breath. There's definitely affection in his voice. My god, why hadn't I realized it sooner? Maybe it's because he's Xavier - the Xavier. The strongest Hunter. Unbelievably handsome. A star way out of reach for an ordinary little bookworm like me.

"We're friends right? And friends should always be honest with each other." I wring my hands together. "All this time, I've always had a firm understanding of our relationship. We're partners and friends. That's it." I'm biting my lip now, and I can feel myself starting to sweat. "But, after this talk with Jenna, I feel like I might go crazy unless I just talk to you and ask. I've never thought of us in any other way, and if I make you uncomfortable--"

"You're not crazy," he says, his voice going soft.

My mind blanks out.

"What?"

Silence on the other of the line. With each second that passes, I sweat more and more. "Ellie, I don't want to talk about this over the phone. Can you wait until I come back tonight? There is something I should have told you a long time ago. I just didn't want to put pressure on you."

Oh. My. God.

That sounds like a damn confession.

Wait. Hold the phone. I'm not ready to have this discussion. Not in the least. Not when I have a naked man in my bed this very minute whom I've confessed my feelings for already.

"A-Alright," I answer, though nothing is alright at all. "But, Xavier...I don't know if I..."

"Don't think that far ahead. Just meet me tonight so I can say my piece." He stops for a moment. "Can you do that?"

"Yes. I will."

We end the call, and I sit in my chair feeling completely lost. I pull on the ends of my hair, rub the bridge of my nose, eat a whole box of strawberry Pocky from the stress. What am I supposed to do? I care for Xavier. That part is undeniable. He's an essential part of my life. He's my friend. My partner. But, he's also a little more, too. I just don't know how to identify what that "little more" is right now. With where I am right now, do I even try?

I stand up and walk to the bedroom. My breath catches when I see Sylus still laying in the same position I'd left him in. The way the sun caresses his muscular torso makes me swallow hard. All other thoughts completely vacate my head, all of my focus honing in on my gorgeous bed mate. I walk the rest of the way to his side as though possessed. Like I'm in a trance, I sit on the edge of the bed right beside him and lean down to touch his silky hair. I'm afraid to breathe, afraid to shatter this just like I was earlier.

In fact, that's how I feel about this whole thing between Sylus and I. This thing we've labeled as love but have failed to categorize in any other way. It's new, and amazing, and still so delicate. It's too good to be real. It's as stunning and beautiful as stained glass, yet the slightest malignant wind could break it. Sure, I could walk away from it now. I could try. But, something tells me that I would always come back. From the moment I met him, this man felt like destiny embodied. A comet streaking through the night sky destined to collide with my world and make a complete mess of it.

One moment, I'm reaching for him.

Something yanks on my arm.

The next second, Sylus's red eyes are all I see as I'm flipped over onto my back on the mattress. I'm held in place by hands and Evol, and I don't dare to move. I falter under his penetrating gaze and mumble an apology for waking him. For a moment, he doesn't react. I hold my breath against a rush of adrenaline. He may be my lover, but in this instant, he's pinning down a potential threat.

One moment.

Two.

Then his features soften, the aggression in his eyes melting into tired affection.

"You're lucky I'd know your footsteps anywhere," he murmurs, his voice husky from sleep. "Be careful sneaking up on me."

I nod. He doesn't need to explain. Right now, his Evol feels sharp, dangerous. His gaze is cold and wary. Of course he's always on high alert. This is Sylus of Onychinus. He just makes me lose sight of who he is so often that I forget myself around him. I still don't understand how he's able to compartmentalize his feelings and emotions the way he does. Maybe it's a skill he could teach me one day.

He doesn't give me a chance to apologize again. In another blink, he's laying on his side and pulling me up against him. With a sigh, he settles his chin against the top of my head; his large muscular arm wraps around my waist. It's so warm and wonderful. I'm absolutely trapped. Whatever I wanted to do today is probably not getting done after all, and I'm suddenly entirely OK with that. For propriety, though, I need to protest even a little.

"Sylus, I can't sleep now."

"You can," he assures me. "You hardly slept last night."

"I have to go to the armory at UNICORNS and update my weapons."

"Forget that junk. I'll have someone bring much better ones later," he practically waves me off.

"There's paperwork I need to turn in, too."

"Send it electronically. You can't tell me the Association doesn't have holo-mail."

"But, Sylus..."

"You're fussy this morning, kitten," he grumbles. I jerk when his lips brush my ear. "Since you've delivered yourself to me, don't think about leaving just yet. Stay here for a bit."

Well, shit. I can't resist when he puts it like that, can I? And why would I even want to? I let my body relax, wrapping my hand around his big forearm. "I really do have a lot to prepare...I need to train. They're forcing me to take a week off before sending me to Goldwood City on a temporary transfer."

He doesn't say anything to that. "You don't seem surprised," I add.

"They send Hunters where they're needed, right?"

"Yes, this isn't the first time I've left Linkon for missions like this."

"Well, then," he shifts against me. "As it happens, I also have some business to take care of. But, after that, come spend the rest of your week off with me."

"With you? Where?"

"I have a way to help you train and get into shape before your return to duty." There's a playful bit of sarcasm in his voice. Whatever he's planned isn't anything I can possibly predict, nor is it a way for me to just train. But, I'm too curious to turn him down.

"Alright, but can you answer me something about last night? My memory is still foggy..."

"Malakai was there," he replies without missing a beat. "You met with him. When I arrived, you had him on the ground injured and at gun point. He set off an explosive."

My hand tightens on his forearm. "That's why your shirt is in tatters. You protected me."

He makes a noncommittal noise, as though what he did was insignificant.

"Why were you there? Did Mephisto give you my message? Even if he did, you got there so fast."

"I was already in the neighborhood," he says. "As for why, well...didn't you ask me to come?"

I frown. "Did anyone find his body?" I take Sylus's silence as a 'no'. "Does that mean that Malakai is..."

"He escaped," Sylus finishes. "The twins are on his trail now. Once I locate him, he will deeply come to regret his actions."

But, will you kill him?

I don't ask the most prominent question on my mind. Sylus has never once hidden who he is from me. Nor have I ever deluded myself about the depth and darkness of his nature. To be the King, one must be ruthless. It's part of who he is and who he must be to stay at the top. I've never seen him act irrationally. Nor have I seen him murder any innocents. Perhaps that's a way for me to escape from the moral responsibility of loving a man like this. But, I don't care.

"We won't see each other for the next few days, then," I murmur.

"Mephisto will be with you," Sylus says. He sounds like he's drifting off again. "And if you should need me before our next meeting, all you have to do is call for me."

It's evening when I open my eyes again. I sit up and rub at my bleary eyes, noting that I'm incredibly thirsty. I must have been out for a few hours. I search for Sylus, but the bed is empty. The spot where he slept is cold, which means he left quite some time ago. I close my eyes against a pang of loneliness, but I don't let it slow me down. Checking my phone, I see a text message from an unknown number.

Don't forget to eat.

I add the number to my contacts, labeling it "Mephisto". After downing a few bottles of vitamin water to rehydrate, I throw on a hoodie and leggings in favor of the bath robe I'm wearing and head to the kitchen to grab something to eat. Somehow, when I open the fridge and see it well stocked with ready-made meal kits, I'm not surprised. I reach for the phone in my pocket and write a snarky message:

E: Looks like you raided a flash sale at a nearby convenience store. Was a private chef too expensive?

I laugh at my own words. Just imagining Sylus going to the grocery store is absurd. His reply pings a few minutes later as I'm unwrapping a chicken and rice bowl to put it in the oven.

M: I didn't want him to wake you. If you want, I'll arrange for one tomorrow.

As always, he calls my bluff. I rush to answer with a resounding "no thank you", knowing Sylus is definitely the type to go ahead and send a private chef to my ratty little apartment if I don't cover my bases.

E: Thank you for doing this. It will save me time this week.

M: Take better care of yourself. If you need anything, tell me.

My heart melts at that. I think about him nonstop the whole time I'm eating and washing dishes. Just as I'm wiping my hands with a washcloth, a knock at my door startles me out of my reverie. I pad over to my front door and open it without checking the viewing window.

Blue eyes, clear and true as the summer sky, meet mine. There stands Xavier, wearing a black uniform he's been donning quite often lately. He looks frazzled, something I'm not used to seeing at all. Instantly worried, I step forward.

"Xavier, are you OK? Did you just return from the mission?"

He nods.

"You should have gone home first. Rested."

"No," he cuts me off, his voice low. "I don't want to wait anymore."

"Alright," I answer, my shoulders and body tensing. I haven't exactly been looking forward to this conversation. "Well, at least come in. Sit down. Let me get you something warm to drink." His hair and shoulders are covered in little clumps of white snow. He must be soaked under that armor. He agrees to my offer, letting me lead him to the living room and equip him with a large towel for his head. While he's drying off, I make him some hot tea.

"Here," I say as I serve it to him on a small dessert plate with a box of chocolate Pocky on the side. "Though I still think you should go home and change. You'll catch a cold like this."

"I'll be fine," he counters.

Nervous, I sit down on the other side of the couch. "Xavier, before you say anything, please know that I don't feel ready for this conversation. I don't know how I would respond to--"

"I like you," he cuts in. "I've liked you for a very long time now." His perfect blue eyes stare right through me, confident and unwavering. He shifts toward me, and I shift backwards in response. But, there's nowhere to go. I've reached the armrest. Xavier stops moving when he sees my discomfort. He looks down.

"I waited too long," he says, his voice gravelly and full of regret. He reaches out for my hand. I hesitate, but I can't deny him this. Not when he looks so forlorn. My chest tight, I let him weave our fingers together. That "little bit more" I identified earlier squeezes around my heart like a thorny vine.

"Xavier, I...like Sylus." It comes out of my mouth before I can stop it, my lips stumbling on the word "love" and downgrading it. My mind is numb; my filter went flying the moment Xavier confessed to me. The words keep coming as though released from a dam. "I don't know when or how it happened, but I care about him a lot. I have no idea what we are or where this is going, but...I want to find out." My eyes sting. "I'm sorry. I'm really really sorry."

Using the hand that's holding mine, he pulls me into a tight hug. We stay that way for a while, my shoulders shaking, until he finally speaks again.

"I'll wait," he says past gritted teeth. His whole body is tense, like he's about to jump into battle. "I've waited this long, haven't I?"

I shake my head. "No, you can't do that. That's just--"

"I'll wait," he says again, more forcefully this time. I try to pull back, but he holds firm. "Give me a minute, please. I don't want you to see my expression right now."

A long time passes. Many thoughts fly through my head. At last, I come to a decision. It's one that's going to hurt, but I've never been so sure of anything. When he lets me pull back from him, I raise my chin and force myself to look deep into his eyes.

"Xavier, don't accept the transfer to Goldwood. Let me go alone. We can't be partners when there's this much unsettled between us."

His gaze darkens. "You're asking me to leave you alone again. Just like before."

I shake my head. "No. This isn't the same thing."

"You're my partner, Ellie."

The vine squeezes harder, and I bite my lip. "Yes, but...I can't keep hurting you."

"Give me your boundaries," he says. "Tell me what I have to do to make you more comfortable. I'll do whatever you ask. But, I won't leave you."

I lower my eyes, feeling defeated. "I need to think about all this. It's too much for me right now."

"Then forget we talked about it." He takes a breath. "There's still time before the transfer. Take that time to think. I'll stay out of it."

He stands up and heads for the front door. I can't stop him; don't have the right. Not when there's a chance I was inadvertently leading him on all this time. He's pulling away just like he always has in the past when it seemed like we grew too close. Before, I always chased him. Now, I have to give him space, too. It's only fair.

"Have a good night," he says as he shuts the door behind him. In the wake of him leaving, I'm still sitting on the couch. Still lost. Still hurting. There's only one thing I'm certain of, and it's that my feelings for Sylus aren't just some temporary crush. They're as real as these kind of things probably get, and that means that asking Xavier to wait for me is completely selfish. I need to communicate my stance better, but how can I do that when I really still have no idea where my relationship with Sylus stands?

In that moment, I make it my goal to have that discussion with Sylus during our time together. I can't put it off anymore. I need to know what we are to each other and where he sees all of this going.

It's a while before I stand up and clear off Xavier's untouched plate. I want to text him a reminder to get dry and warm, but I stop myself. Give him space. Right now, we both need time to think. I slide open my living room window, hoping that some fresh air will help clear my head. As though on cue, Mephisto flies inside with a cranky squawk and settles on my shoulder. I pet the top of his head, my eyes stinging.

"Sorry to make you wait, Your Majesty," I say through trembling lips. A tear slips past my self control. Mephisto's ruby red eyes take it in. For once, he's silent. "S-Sorry," I tell him, wiping a trail of snot off my nose. "Life just got super complicated, Mephy, and I have no idea how to deal with it."

#eyes of infinity delirium #love and deepspace #love and deepspace fanfic #sylus love and deepspace #sylus x mc #sylus/mc #sylusposting #sylus #lnds #lnds sylus

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gwynrielweeksofficial · 2 years ago

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Art by @mftfernandez. Comm by @freyjas-musings

Week 2 prompts are here! Once again, if you have any questions at all, please don't be shy to message any of the event accounts or leave a comment!

Day 8: Poetry

Gwyn and Azriel each have a way with words in their own right, as seen throughout this series and with each other. Do you think we’ll see them sprouting poetry to each other? Are there any poems that remind you of Gwynriel?

Day 9: Music

With both Azriel and Gwyn being wonderful singers, it’s far too easy to find musical connections between them. What scenes involving music do you envision for Gwynriel? Are there any lyrics or songs that scream Gwynriel to you?

Day 10: Theories

With 2 books and a novella left in the ACOTAR series, there are so many theories as to what the future holds, especially for these two. What are some of your favourite Gwynriel theories? How do you think that their relationship and characters could help contribute to the plot of the next books?

Day 11: Alternate Universe

In our hearts and minds, Gwynriel belong to each other in every universe! Whether that be a modern AU, a retelling, or even another fantasy series, their dynamic flawlessly blends in. What other universes do you like to imagine Gwyn and Azriel in? Gender swap AU? College AU ? The possibilities are endless!

Day 12: NSFW

It is undeniable that Gwyn and Az both deserve to have a healthy and romantic sex life, that is filled with consent and communication! How do you think Gwynriel get down and dirty in the bedroom? Are they exploring kinks? Maybe having their first time together?

Day 13: Secret Lovely Beauty

This term was used at the end of Azriel’s bonus chapter to describe the feeling in his chest at the image of Gwyn’s smile. How do you think this line holds significance? What images come to your own mind when you think of Gwynriel and this quote?

Day 14: Free Day

For the final day of Gwynriel weeks, you have free reign to imagine this wonderful couple together! If there was an idea that you had that didn’t fit the prompts, you are more than welcome to share it today!

#gwynriel #gwyn x azriel #azriel x gwyn #gwynriel fanart #gwyneth berdara #azriel shadowsinger #gwynriel fic #gwynriel fanfic #gwynriel theories #pro gwynriel #gwynriel weeks 2024 #gwynrielweeks2024 #gwynrielweeks

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dorokora · 1 year ago

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Chapter 15 Episode 6 Part 3

We start with narration about Bael and King Solomon. Bael was once called Baal. A higher being of the former world of Canaan. However, Canaan was destroyed by an attack from Eden, and Baal fell into Gehenna and became known as the demon Bael. Eventually he was summoned to Tokyo. Above the stars, to heights that no one else can reach, he can feel the respect for the person who reached there, King Solomon. He is just a human who Bael serves. A man who was told by his Lord to ``make any wish come true,'' and instead of seeking gold, power, or love, he sought omniscience. In honor of this, the Lord gave him a sacred artifact through Michael, who succeeded his brother as the highest angel. With the knowledge entrusted to him along with the wisdom of Kabbalah, he created a great mechanism made up of 72 familiars. King Solomon's true value lies in his excellence and innovation as a designer of the world system. It is a system that thoroughly reuses those who have fallen from the outside "mechanism" and incorporates them into itself. Furthermore, his reign developed automatically by creating a pecking order based on the dual hierarchy of a good and evil system and making them compete. One of the familiars asked him how he was able to accomplish such a great feat. He simply answered, “Because I saw the future as I was meant to see it.” As the king of men, Solomon rose to a height that no one else could reach. However, no one could explain the king's actions. They had no idea why he was doing it. The people thought that there was no way anyone lower down could understand someone who saw the future and acted based on the results. However, the system worked well. His reign was even compared to the Millennium Kingdom. However, as a man, Solomon was not eternal. He will grow old and the time will come for his body and spirit to perish. The last thing Solomon to complete his role as a human was to went on a journey through memory. He entrusted his "memories" to the vessel of another human being. He let go of his sword and gave it to Arsalan. One by one, he entrusted everything he had to each place he went. And then, Solomon's "memories" as a human, along with the last ring he left behind, flowed to the far reaches of the east. So he entrusted the rest to a part of his tribe, the Mononobe clan, which means ``those who carry things'' and who are the bearers of the records of the Stars. It is said that the Urabe clan (Furufumi’s family), a branch family of the Mononobe, have continued to watch the stars falling from the sky from the ground. Solomon now exists only as a "memory". However, as long as the system he created remains, it will be immortal. As long as the system remains up-to-date and useful, the world will never forget his name. He has entrusted his ``role'' to the descendants of the Mononobe clan, and I have continued to watch the radiance fall.

Back to the present, The Nyarl duo showed up to timeleap MC and Oscar out of the lab. MC was able to reunite with Toji and Maria. Maria says that everyone is rescuing the captured humans with Sanzo in the lead. Thanks to the Nyarl clones multiple people did the same thing as MC. By using the same space jump to jump to the enemy's center and immediately escape repeatedly. There are more than 10 or 20 Nyarlathoteps who came from all over Tokyo. We cut to Sanzo and others as Sanzo used his sacred artifact to release everyone from the future memory brainwashing. While Toji used his saved artifact to free transients from future memories. They still haven’t found Shiro, Kengo, or Ryota yet. The damage from the future transplant rejection seems to be severe but with some rest they should fine.

We cut Uzume as Amaterasu enters the room. Amaterasu ask Uzume if she’s okay. Uzume says she did something unnecessary. Amaterasu tells her it’s fine, even if she did nothing the Entertainers still would’ve gotten involved. Losing the locals was unexpected but fine since they were used as bait to lure MC. We then cut to Bael entering the center after he received instructions from Amaterasu. Bael knows Michael’s group have control over the Rule Makers but that doesn’t mean they’re strong. Michael is a person who guides the people he considers good. However, he believes that it is only natural that those who disobey ``God'' be punished. Amaterasu would also accept sacrifices if it was the best solution overall. Onyankopon is known for his unparalleled love for humans. The rule of this Tokyo ``game'' is that the minority has no place to lead the rules. The only reason they can move the other Rule Makers executives and soldiers like this is because they are in the majority. However, if you do anything that harms the local people, you will lose Onyankopon's support. That's why Michael and Amaterasu can't hurt the locals directly, especially in front of Onyankopon's subordinate who also loves human (Baphomet). Back to Michael, Michael knows that Baphomet works for Onyankopon and can’t use rough methods against Kokopelli who is human in front of them. Kokopelli points his gun at the ceiling and fires and hits a key point. Kokopelli says the will place will collapse soon. If Michael survive, he’ll see him again.

We cut elsewhere to Onyankopon and Daikoku. Daikoku is trying fish for info that will help his revenge. Elsewhere eleswhere, we see Oscar and Raven. Raven knows that Oscar was the one who leak info to Daikoku. Raven knows Daikoku’s plan is to break up the Rule Makers using their memory implants against them. We cut to Bael as he and some others confront the Alliance. He announce himself which shocks some of the other Ars Goetia demons. He says the old "mechanism" is about to disappear and a new "God" will be born to be replace it. Yoshito and Yasuyori are back to fight the Nobumichi and Masashi again this time switching opponents. Battle start.

After battle, we see Yoshito whispering he knows everything about Nobumichi. A simple way of life that always follows the will of the majority. Therefore, he has dedicated himself to being the strongest. But is it okay to live without a purpose, Nobumichi? We cut to Marchosias vs Bael. Bael says he knows about Marchosias. How he’s concerned about his former position as an angel. Marchosias sided with Shaytan during the rebellion and fell to Gahenna along with him. Marchosias says after coming to Tokyo he started to investigate the underworld. He learns that behind the scenes of Tokyo's game is an old organization called "Laboratory", which is said to have disappeared. It is said that they performed many experiments on the local people in Tokyo, including body modification. The former operation of the Prototype Death Game, which pitted the locals against each other using the Sacred Artifact without a "mechanism" for rewinding. It is said that the old management was destroyed by the members of the Otemachi Guild. So Kokopelli, the human half, is also from that same Cult School that Arc is from. But did they really become completely extinct? There are still survivors of the "Laboratory" in the upper floors of that Babel Tower. Just then the Exters rain down on the Future City setting it ablaze.

#chapter 15 #housamo spoilers

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90sfr3sh · 5 months ago

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I am opening oneshot and story commissions.

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#commissions open #story commissions #author #pls pls i need it #also PLEASE spread the word even if you're not interested it would help so much

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prototypesteve · 2 months ago

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10 hours until I replace the brake pads on my commuter bike.

1 day 11 hours until my MRI appointment, to check for cancer.

6 days 19 hours until I fly to the UK on vacation.

I’ve been trying to tell everyone it’s a routine thing and that it’s probably not even necessary but it’s still going to happen out of an abundance of caution, but I’ll be honest there’s obviously a voice in the back of my head saying “what if it’s not a trivial matter and I need to start making arrangements to replace the brake cables too?”

🚨Hold up… I reread this post, and it reads like I’m being really flipping about something very serious, or like I’m in denial about something serious. I’m not. I probably should’ve preface this with the thinking behind what I decide to worry about and what I decided to not worry about:

I worry about the things that I can control and things that could go wrong because I chose not to do what I can do:

I worry about the ways I could fix my bike wrong, by not reviewing the tutorials or reading the instructions or bringing the right tools and working carefully.

I used to worry about things like big vacations to far away places that I didn’t understand, but I’ve now done a couple of those trips and have enough experience to feel comfortable setting off.

I don’t worry about things like the threat of prostate carcinoma, because they’re common, they’re treatable, I live in a country where we set aside parts of our income as taxes so we can have what the Americans might call “free” health care. (We pay, we just pay smarter, together, and with an unspoken sense of family that we’re getting a bit louder about, lately.)

And honestly, I don’t worry about the “what-ifs?” either. “What if the PSA levels are some sort of House M.D. plot twist and it’s something dreadful?” Then it is, and we’ll deal with that or move on to the Next Chapter.

But you are not me, and these are not rules.

Now, each of those three numbered paragraph starts with the letter I. Those are the things I do, and they are that way because I’ve had a lot of time and opportunity and disastrous experience to learn to do it that way.

You are in a different place, emotionally. You have different shit to deal with, and you’ve been given different tools, conditions, problems, and even different rules to operate under.

There was a time when I couldn’t deal with my general anxiety, because I had a parent who didn’t believe people of his race could have a “flaw” like anxiety. For my entire life under his reign, there was no way for me to apply good advice. You might be in a place like that, too. If you are, know that millions of us love you, and if you make it to your next morning, then you’re our fucking hero. This is the way.

#I don’t even know what to tag this.#what to worry about and what to not worry about

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anxious-acorn · 9 months ago

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Black Coffee 🔞

Chapter 10: Interlude

Summary:

Time to wake up from the dream and get back to life, but information you learn helps provide some hope and your beau seems confident enough.

“Are you sure I can’t make you some coffee to go?”

Alastor shook his head before cupping your face to pull you in to a gentle kiss. “No, mon cœur. I can grab some once I’m back at the hotel.” He rubbed his nose against yours and kissed your forehead- such a darling man. “I will let you know how things went when we see each other next. I’m unsure when I will be able to call on you again.”

You smiled sweetly and leaned into his touch, reluctant to let him leave. The warm glow in your heart from being in his presence was addictive and you wanted nothing more than to crawl inside your love and live in him. What’s more, he’d probably happily let you. Oh, the absolute bliss of being in love!

“I understand, darling. I’ve integrated your aura to the lock for recognized entry, so feel free to shadow over whenever you like. I have a couple of shoots on Thursday but I’ll be writing scripts at home the rest of the time.”

Alastor nodded and gave you one last kiss before his shadows swallowed him up. You wished he would give in and just get a cellphone, but your beau could be such a grandpa about technology. With a lovesick sigh you closed the door and walked to the kitchen to grab some caffeine. Yesterday had been such a dream, but it was time to wake up now.

Your phone buzzed as you were enjoying the morning peace; Velvette had finished your costume for your next scene and needed you to come in for a fitting.

Oh! You had completely forgotten about your pelt! “Argh!” ‘I really hope it dried alright,’ you thought to yourself. Maybe you could text Angel to ask Alastor to bring it to you- oh but you didn’t want to bother him when you would be getting out anyway.

You had showered with Alastor at his house; all you needed was some fresh clothes- well, something other than the dress you’d had on the last couple of days. You decided to wear a soft and comfortable lavender and black romper, adding a pair of black flats. You texted Angel to let him know you were coming over to pick up your pelt before heading to the hotel.

Thankfully you arrived quickly enough and Angel met you at the door, large wrapped package in his hands, looking worried.

“What’s going on, sweetheart?” Your concerned question was interrupted by the whirlwind of a powerful deal being made, large cracks of green energy flowing over the entire building. That was Alastor’s energy, with the princess. ‘Oh no,’ you thought as you watched Vaggie run up the stairs in a desperate fury.

You followed with Angel and Husk, the massive energy dying down as you all entered the room. Alastor looked very pleased with himself while Charlie looked… not defeated but determined, a fire behind her eyes that you recognized. She was preparing to fight!

Charlie walked out with Alastor after explaining that the angels could be killed, and you received a kiss to the cheek from his shade as they left to raise their army. You wanted to follow, to assure the princess that everything would be alright, but you couldn’t- it would just be a lie. How could Heaven allow their general to target the home of the hellborn princess?

‘Giving free reign to terrorize so he leaves them alone. Those angels are far more human than they would ever care to admit.’

“What can I do to help?” Your question made everyone look your way, and Angels eyes softened on you.

“I think we’ve got this covered, toots. Don’t keep Vel waiting. Oh, and I’m sure everyone will find out anyway, but keep all this on the down low. I can text you when we know what’s going on.” Angel gave you a hug before pushing you towards the door, and you walked away feeling completely powerless.

——————

You tried your best not to think about the situation but Velvette noticed right away how frazzled you were. Taking her package and setting it on her couch, she gave you a look before opening her arms in invitation. You gladly accepted and rushed into her waiting embrace. “I can’t talk about it at the moment, but thank you. I really needed this,” you whispered, your hold tightening as you inhaled the warm scent of your friend.

Velvette cooed at you and combed her fingers through your hair, rubbing at your ears as you soaked in her presence and aura. “You know I’m no good at this shit, but I’m here, you know? Whenever you’re ready, sweetness.” Her soft voice warmed your heart and you snuggled into her neck. “I think you’re better at this than you think you are.”

You parted after a moment and opened the package together- the pelt had turned out beautifully! The fur was silky soft; you felt such pride in your beau’s effort and care- he truly was perfect.

Velvette laid the fur out over her couch to cuddle into it, and you felt that wonderful demented joy at seeing her so pleased with your gift. “I think we both deserve a girl’s day once we’re done with this fitting. What do you say?”

You were surprised, but excited at the woman’s offer, nodding gleefully before disrobing. Velvette pointed to you and you were immensely pleased with the costume, tight green bodice splattered with sequins and fake leaves. Sheer green stockings that you would definitely need to zap on were delicately adorned with leafy vines wrapping up your legs. Your panties were the simplest part of course, cute cheekies decorated with those same sequins and delicate leaves. Those would most likely be the only article of clothing removed for this scene, unless Val decided otherwise.

You felt a breeze as Velvette instantly dyed your hair a beautiful red and your body turned green. She led you to her mirrored wall and you felt yourself become giddy with anticipation. You looked amazing!

“This is so gorgeous, Vel! I love it so much! Thank you thank you thank you!” Your mood change made the other woman smile with pride.

“It’s all yours, babes. After that little stunt you pulled, Val has pretty much told me any and all costumes for you will be going home with you. I don’t know what you did, but he’s been extra careful now.” She grinned slyly at you and you bounced excitedly in your heels.

“Well, let’s hope he’s learned his lesson. For now at least.” You chuckled darkly as you admired yourself in the mirror. “Is he around for approval? I can’t wait to see Kim’s costume! I’ve been waiting so long to do this scenario, I can barely contain myself!”

Velvette laughed and shook her head at that- you and your weird sexual fantasies. “Yeah, I think he and Kim are both working in Studio 12. Let’s just pop over and you can see each other.” You nodded happily and followed her to the elevator, your heels clacking as you walked.

You were quite impressed by Kim’s performance as you walked into the darkened studio. The beautiful mouse was portraying a human sacrifice to her large hyena scene partner. Both women were incredible actresses, but Kim was especially talented with her ability to enjoy size kink. The other demon was almost a head shorter than you, but was currently egging on her fully transformed monstrous partner as she plunged her phallus roughly into her heat.

You took a seat and enjoyed the show, Velvette whispering little quips and questions as you watched. Velvette was typically not overly interested in sex, but would occasionally take her love drops to indulge with her partners, and you were her favorite source of information when expanding her extensive repertoire.

“So how is it with the radio freak? I’m guessing he’s all kinds of kinky.” Velvette grinned slyly and bumped her shoulder into yours, giggling at the love struck expression that fell over your face. “That good, huh?”

You chuckled softly and sighed, cupping your cheek. “I’m down bad, Vel. That demon sets this dead heart ablaze, and I’m not even afraid, which you know how rare that is for me. I’ve never quite felt this kind of love without some sort of fear behind it, but with him… He makes me feel so safe. Oh Vel, it’s sublime torturous ecstasy just to be near him.”

“Aww, good for you, sweetness. You fucking deserve that shit.” Her words earned another giggle and you wrapped an arm around her, kissing her forehead. “Thank you darling.”

Once the scene was finished, Val called cut and waved you over as the two actresses complimented each other’s performances before heading to their dressing rooms to shower.

Valentino gave a whistle when he was able to see you. “Damn chiquita, you’re gonna make us some good money.” The highest compliment one could receive from the moth.

You smiled and spun around for him to see the entire ensemble. “Vel really outdid herself, didn’t she? I’m absolutely in love with this piece! And I appreciate the bribery, darling. Just try not to fuck up again; my sweetheart is just dying for my dinner invitation.” You winked up at Valentino and he flinched, yet was that a blush that was creeping up his face? Ugh, you’d have to make sure he didn’t get too keen on that one. Your only ace was his fear of your fangs. Maybe it was the addition of your darling? Could be; Vox definitely had an Alastor kink, it wouldn’t surprise you in the least if being feasted on by the radio demon was a fantasy in one way or another for the moth as well. You could see Valentino role playing in a radio demon costume for his partner.

“Yes, well, uhh… fuck, what was I saying?”

“You were going to complement your darling partner on her incredible work of art.” You suggested and wrapped your arm around Velvette as you wiggled your eyebrows at Valentino.

“Right,” he cleared his throat and looked to Velvette. “The outfit really is lovely, princessa. Thank you for your hard work.” His head tilted and he smiled, shocking you- you weren’t expecting him to actually compliment her. Velvette’s face mirrored your surprise before her lips turned up in glee.

“Oh, you really are puttin’ it on!” She gave a small punch to the moth’s arm and he softened. “Hey, baby steps. I’m trying.” Well, good for him, but you’d be waiting in the shadows for his ass when he fucked up next.

“Vixy! How’s my favorite foxy?”

Your now auburn ear flicked and your head turned to face Kim bounding towards you in her robe, freshly showered and smelling of fresh pine and woods.

“Kimmy! I’m doing well, especially after such a brilliant show! I’ll certainly be buying my own copy!” You winked and hugged the mouse, who giggled and hugged you back.

“Isn’t Rachael just magnificent? That’s some of the best sex I’ve had ever, much less on set! Whewie!” Kim fanned herself playfully with her hand before noticing your complete change of appearance.

“Damn Vix, you look so sexy! Is this for the Thursday shoot?” You nodded to her and she squeaked in excitement, large smile adorning her face.

“Best. Week. Ever!” Kim’s joy was as contagious as your own. You were both huge fans of your characters and had collaborated to bring your script to life. Velvette laughed at you and zapped Kim into her outfit- a long, off the shoulders glittering gown of black and red, long slit up to her thigh. Another zap and Kim’s lovely brown hair changed to blonde, red and blue fading down each side to meet in the middle. Her olive skin turned bright clown white, red and blue smears of color on her lovely blue eyes. She looked perfect!

“Oh Kimmy, you look so good! Spin, spin, spin!” You held the other woman’s hand and spun her as she laughed. “So I get the gorgeous ballgown and she gets panties?”

You raised your eyebrow at her, a smirk forming on your lips as you pulled her back in to dance. “I mean, are you really complaining? Have you seen the stockings?” It was so rare that you were taller than your partners, there was something so nice about being larger- it scratched one of your many itches.

Kim blushed and laughed as you danced around for a moment while Valentino watched and planned his shots. “They look really good together. Vixen!” Your head rose mid-dipping your partner to show he had your attention before pulling Kim back up and parting.

“Let’s see your vine work and then we can work on making it more realistic.”

“You got it, boss,” you replied, closing your eyes and imagining your shadows forming around you, lengthening them out and twisting them to look more like gnarled vines. Your shade helped to guide the phantom vines with you, blowing your hair to flair out around your frame, and you heard Velvette whistle low. “Okay babes, now I kinda get it. That’s pretty hot.”

“See? I told you!” Your concentration broke and your shade struggled to keep the vines together. You thanked them for their effort before the shadows dispersed, your shade giving you a kiss to you cheek before folding back in.

“Well, that’s all I needed you for today. See you Thursday at 2:00?” Valentino aimed his question your way and you nodded before turning to Kim and bumped hips with her. “Tell Rach I said fabulous job, hot stuff. I’ll see you on set.”

Kim nodded and waved goodbye after Velvette changed her back to her robe and normal appearance. She still had another shoot before her day was done after all.

Once you arrived back at Velvette’s apartment, she zapped you out of your outfit and back into your comfortable romper. You stopped her as she went to change your skin and hair back, asking to keep it on until the shoot so as to “get into character” and she grinned, knowing you just loved the look. You could always zap yourself back later.

The rest of the day was spent watching comedy horrors, pigging out on junk food and enough popcorn to fill a theater. The two of you cuddled in your fur and sang along whenever there came a musical number. You had started with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, throwing your popcorn at the screen and cackling through the entire film. You ended up watching Repo! The Genetic Opera and Cabin in the Woods before finally you decided it was time to go home. You hugged your friend and hummed happily as you walked home.

You were surprised when you arrived to a completely empty Cannibal Town. Where was everyone? It was late, sure, but there were always pedestrians out on a stroll or feasting on some poor wandering soul. There wasn’t even a sound, an almost eerie silence that left you unnerved as you neared your house.

Relief flooded you when you walked in to hear soft jazz playing and saw Alastor lounging on your couch reading a book, half-drunk coffee on the side table. He looked up and cocked his head as he took in you new appearance.

“I do hope this isn’t a permanent change.” His comment earned a laugh as you walked toward him and sat in his lap, wrapping your arms around his neck and rubbed your nose against his.

“Not permanent, but totally touchable,” you grinned at him seductively, earning yourself a chuckle as he ran his fingers through your auburn hair. It seemed your beau was in the mood to just cuddle, his arms wrapping around you as he rested his chin on your head and sighed in contentment. You settled yourself down and nuzzled into his neck, purring softly.

“Angelic steel.”

Your head lifted up in question, and he elaborated. “That’s how we kill the angels. I can’t believe I haven’t thought of it before, but there it is. The simplest of solutions, straight from the horse’s mouth, if you will. Carmilla is selling the princess all of the steel she has, and with the help of Rosie and Cannibal Town, we will have an incredible opportunity!”

The gleam in his eyes stole your breath away and you felt a mixture of apprehension with your love. He saw everything in your gaze, his smile softening. “Do try not to worry too much, mon cœur,” he said softly, rubbing at the crease of your brow in soothing circles. “You might make me think you see me as a weak little fawn.”

His tease did nothing to quell the anxiety building in your gut, and you planted your face in his neck, rubbing as much of his scent into your skin as you could. Alastor cooed at your display and rubbed soothing circles into your back.

“You’re anything but weak, my buck. But these are angels… please promise me�� if things get… bad… Promise me you’ll get out of there.” You pressed yourself into him as you curled your body to fit in his lap fully. “Promise me you won’t die. I can’t lose you…”

Clawed fingers lifted your chin to look up at your lover’s intense gaze before he pulled you in for a gentle kiss. “The only one allowed to kill me, mon cœur, is you…”

Your heart lurched and you felt tears prick at your eyes as Alastor kissed you once more before pulling your head back under his chin, humming softly along with the music.

You felt his shadows consume you before laying you both down on your bed, Alastor in his pajama pants and you in a soft black nightgown.

“I’ll fight too…”

Your soft words caused your lover’s arms to tighten, his chest swelling as he took a large breath.

“Then I expect the same promise from you, Y/N… You’re not allowed to die by anyone else’s hand.” He pulled away to look at you, his eyes blazing in his intensity. “You are mine, Y/N… Mine to kill, mine to touch. Mine to torture… Mine to love…”

His kiss stole your breath away, and you whined against his lips. “Alastor…”

“Do you need me, mon cœur?”

His words were so soft as he stared at you, that sweet shine of love filling his crimson eyes. You couldn’t help but reach for him, to stroke his cheek, to run your fingers through his hair and over his ear as you wriggled into him. He wasn’t close enough. But you couldn’t move any closer, your body flush against his as you nosed against any exposed skin you could find.

“Alastor. I need… Can I?”

Your teeth were at his throat, scraping gently against his delicious flesh, your hands trembling on his abdomen. You were trembling from holding yourself back, the effort tensing your muscles, and you felt your love pet your hair.

“Eat your fill, my vixen,” he nuzzled and kissed your forehead, his eyes glowing as he regarded your desperate tears. You were crying?

Your tears fell steadily as you rolled on top of him and pulled him in for a scorching kiss, your claws piercing his hips. You separated from your kiss and sank your teeth into his chest, ripping out a large chunk of muscle. Alastor grunted from the pain, but remained silent as he watched you chew and swallow him. You must have looked like a rabid beast in your desperation to hold any part of him inside your soul. That your darling allowed you your brutal show of affection filled your entire being with that warmth and safety you’d only felt in his presence.

Your claws slashed any clothing in your way as you bit piece after mouthwatering piece from your darling while he watched on with that mad love gleaming in his gaze. How much pain could he take without screaming? With each bite he would grunt or whimper, and your heart bled at the thought of anyone hurting your sweet buck. He was yours to hurt, and he happily accepted your demented love. He was perfect.

“My buck…” you moaned as you tore a piece of muscle from his thigh. The flavor was exquisite! Your claws dug into his hip as you lavished your tongue at the wound. His low moan caused an ear to flick his direction.

“Are you alright, sweetheart?” Your eyes met and your breath hitched when you took in his form. His eyes were wide and unfocused, ears drooping and lips parted as he panted and reached for you.

“I love you, mon cœur.” His voice was clear and unfiltered as he brought your bloody lips to his.

You moaned into the kiss, and settled against your lover.

“I love you Alastor. Thank you my darling.”

“Oh we’re not done yet, my vixen. I believe I gave you permission to eat.” His hands trailed over the top of your nightgown as he peppered kisses along your jaw. “Your.” His claws sliced into the soft fabric as his teeth nipped gently at your ear.

“Fill.” He finished his words with a searing kiss as his hands ran over your stomach and hips, his shadow forming behind you to kiss and nip at your shoulder. You cried out at the unexpected sensation, bringing your hands up to stroke the shade’s hair as theirs explored your body.

Alastor laid back down, those glowing eyes burning into you as he watched you give in to your need atop of him. You felt so out of control, yet you felt so safe that for once it didn’t scare you in the least. Your fangs found their way back to his skin, ripping and tearing into your lover while his shadow ran soothing hands down your hair and back, chirping softly as they nibbled at your shoulders.

His thighs were the sweetest meat you’d ever tasted, and you took every piece you could in your frenzy before continuing down his legs. He was far thinner than you, and you ran out of muscle to bite before your crazed crimson gaze met his.

Alastor was a panting, bloody mess beneath you, and you whined before crawling up his mutilated body to pepper kisses all over his face as you curled around him. His breath was unsteady, you worried that you’d taken too much- that he’d disappear to respawn, but he stayed, his will alone keeping his broken body by your side as his shade folded back into him.

You nuzzled and stroked his hair, whispering your devotion and thanks for his sacrifice, your praise earning his soft smile as those coral eyes closed to heal. Your heart swelled with such love and pride in your strong mate- you would never be able to get enough of him. This was a hunger that no matter how many times you consumed him would never be fully sated, and you felt such immense satisfaction at that thought.

You stayed like that for the rest of the night, curled around Alastor’s healing form, awaiting his consciousness. Because you were still so hungry, and the only thing that could fill you was him.

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