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pinkkittysaw · 3 months

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CHAPTER II

- MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE?

← chapter one

series master-list can be found here!

summary: the night of your brother’s annual birthday ball takes an unexpected turn

paring: knight! clive rosfield x princess! reader

word count: 9,613

content: NSFW (minors + ageless blogs DNI! you will be BLOCKED!) heavy plot, oral (f! receiving), fingering (f! receiving) handjob, power imbalance, dirty talk, spit, slight humiliation kink, parental loss.

disclaimer(s): although this series is inspired by the medieval and regency time periods, they are not 1:1 representations. although i will always do my best to represent both as accurately as possible, there may be some minor changes.

some of the plot points in the original game story have been altered or taken out to fit this au better. there are no eikons

a/n: i want to dedicate this chapter to my AMAZING friend, and fellow writer, jordy (@cryptictongues) who not only let me bounce ideas off her constantly, but also beta read some of this chapter as well. thank you for everything!!!!!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

dividers by @/saradika-graphics and art is by edmund blair leighton

A month or so passed since your last tryst with Clive, leaving the relationship between the two of you to be strained with pent-up tension. In light of the momentary heat of passion, you both agreed that such conduct would be better kept private, in places where no wandering eyes could intrude, so as to not arouse any more suspicion. There were to be absolutely no dubious behaviors in public, which proved to be undoubtedly difficult.

With every promenade you'd take around the castle grounds, you'd see him training, all sweaty and flush in his fit form, and all you'd be able to think about was mounting him then and there, riding him until you were both run ragged.

Your confidants and lady's maid have caught your prolonged glances during your strolls in the sunshine, but you've always met their accusations with a dismissive flap of your hand fan, stating that you were "simply curious about the training regiment that the knights were conducting," even if your eyes always lingered on one knight in particular. Baddies

There was talk around the palace for a while about the sudden disappearance of a certain scullery maid, but seeing as the crown had more pressing matters to deal with than the loss of a single maid, one who could easily be replaced, any investigation resulted in the conclusion that she had simply "fleed her duties," and it was left at that.

In reality, though, you had visited her late in the night after your passionate affair with Clive many moons ago, offering to pay off her debts and then some if she swore to secrecy that nothing she saw that night would make its way into the ears of the public.

The amount of gil being offered was unlike anything she could have ever imagined. Seeing as your father amassed insurmountable fortunes during his reign, idle gossip wasn't worth the consequences if she were to be found out as the source of the rumor, so she took the small fortune and fled the palace walls that very same night.

Now you find yourself sitting in another store room, one that's presumed to be in less use than the previous one, perched upon an old barrel.

A royal ball was in attendance, and all nobility within the realm were invited. The occasion? Your younger brother and future heir to the throne's birthday. He reached the tender age of one and twenty, which just so happens to be the legal age of marriage in your country, so, of course, your father invited all the reputable debutantes in the realm in hopes that your brother would secure a future queen, though he'd never admit to such schemes out loud.

You were hoping that tonight would be another secret rendezvous with your lover, but you haven't so much as gotten a single word with him all evening.

All you had thought about during the preparation was how you were going to tease him throughout the night. The gown you had selected to wear was chosen with him in mind. The silhouette hugged your figure to perfection, and your cleavage was heavily accentuated in the lavender muslin. The hem was detailed with a layer of tulle tulips, and crystals of various sizes decorated the bustline. Put simply, you looked ravishing—the epitome of the most elegantly cut diamond.

Your father would spare no expense when it came to his son's birthday ball, so you were in luck to some degree, but the only man whose eyes you wanted on you was nowhere to be found.

The ball was supposed to provide perfect cover. All the orderly staff would be at your father's beck and call all evening, and he'd be too busy showing off your brother like a prized chocobo to notice your disappearance, leaving you to your own devices after a certain amount of time.

You and Clive would be able to sneak off without a trace or care in the world, but for some reason, every man of nobility just happened to be extremely insistent upon getting in at least one dance with you, all whilst having meaningless conversations regarding topics you couldn't bother yourself with caring about.

The ball started off well enough. You knew you couldn't immediately disappear into the shadows; you owed both your father and brother a dance to start the evening, as was tradition for the royal balls in your country.

The three of you walked out into the ballroom together. Your father went first, then you and your brother in succession.

The room was lavish, as it often was whenever such events were hosted in your kingdom. Multiple chandeliers holding long wax candles filled the ceiling, and the light reflecting off the gems on your gown made you shine beautifully. A golden hue encapsulates the entire room, casting wispy shadows and twinkling shapes on the hardwood floor. Your family emblem was painted in stark white chalk at the center of it. Various flowers from the royal gardens hung in sconces around the perimeter of the room, with vines filling out the empty space in between. Fine fabric in your kingdom's colors was draped over the windows in high arch shapes.

Scanning the room, you look for where to make your grand escape. After a few dances and perhaps some intermingling at the refreshments table, you'd be skittering along the ballroom walls, hiding in the shadows, before making your exit.

There was still a short amount of time before the guests started to file in, so after the final touches were made to the decorations, you took your place on the dais next to your family, with your father in the center and your brother to your right.

The royal knights line up in front of the small stage, and though Clive is always the pinnacle of orderliness while on duty—excellent posture and great form—you swear that you catch his eye as he files inside the room. He's not so careless as to let his emotions wear on his face while in the presence of others, especially your father and the Lord Commander, but you're certain that the slightest tinge of pink floods his cheeks at the sight of you.

As the knights continue to get into position, your gaze falls upon Clive's shaggy hair, reminiscing about how the thick yet soft tendrils felt between the length of your fingers as he made his presence known between your legs moons prior.

Your father's voice reels you back from your fantasies as you clear your throat slightly and hope that the bright lights of the chandelier won't give way to your previous thoughts.

Nobles from all across the realm begin to file in and make their greetings, some familiar and some new. A part of you is surprised that all these people traveled from their home countries just to visit your brother, but you supposed that none of the nations wanted bad blood between your kingdom and theirs.

After all the introductions were made, your father began his long-winded speech about your brother, the future of the country, and how proud he is of how far his children have come. The smile plastered on your face feels stiff, and your thighs feel as though they're about to collapse from the amount of curtsying you've been forced to do.

Finally, after what felt like hours, you're granted some relief from the spotlight while the band sets up on the stage where you and your family previously resided.

You make your way over to the refreshment table, nodding and curtseying to the fellow noble ladies as you make your way over to procure yourself a glass of iced lemonade.

It was not even three seconds later that your father was introducing you to some nobleman.

"Dearest daughter," he starts. You take a deep breath and settle your princessly smile on your face once more before turning around.

"I'd be pleased to introduce you to the Archduke of Rosaria and his mother." You gaze upon the both of them; this is the first meeting you've had with the current Archduke of Rosaria. You met the previous archduke, Elwin, when you were still of tender age, before your brother was born. You scantly recall the details of the meeting, only that he gifted both you and your mother bouquets of Rosarian wildflowers and that he had a penchant for making you laugh (as later on confirmed by your mother).

It's clear, though, that the man standing before you bears no resemblance to his father, sharing the same icy eyes and pale hair as his mother.

"His Imperial and Royal Highness, Joshua, the Archduke of Rosaria, and her Imperial and Royal Highness, Annabella, the Dowager Archduchess of Rosaria," your father continues, giving you room to make your formal introductions.

"It is an honor, your Highness," you state, giving a swift curtsey to the both of them, and although Annabella merely nods to you in acknowledgment, her son gives a full bow in return.

"Come now, Joshua. There's no need for that," she chastises, as if her son were still a child and not a grown man.

"But mother, how could I not marvel at the beauty bestowed upon me?" He responds in full. At your astonishment at his bold declaration, he takes your gloved hand into his own and presses a delicate kiss to the back of your knuckles.

"Might I say that your gown looks exquisite tonight, my lady? You shine bright like a diamond." Both you and the Dowager Archduchess share a similar look of shock on your faces, and even though you can't see your father's expression from behind you, you're sure that he mirrors both of yours.

Heat floods your face as your eyes meet Joshua's, then his mother's, and although their eyes bear the same shade of cerulean, her gaze pierces through you like daggers of ice, whereas the strawberry blonde beside her carries a lot more warmth.

Time stands still, and you wonder if such flirtations were a product of his father, seeing as his mother held very little kindness or regard in her heart.

You feel your father's hands on your shoulders and realize you've spent the last minute or so gawking at Joshua and his display.

"Please forgive my daughter; she isn't used to such blatant declarations of affection from esteemed gentlemen." It's at your father's statement that your brain kicks back into gear. Your hand is withdrawn, and an immediate curtsey follows in its place.

"My sincerest apologies, Your Highness." As you raise your head, your eyes meet Clive's just across the way from behind Joshua, but he's quick to refocus and march forward in front of him.

"No apology is necessary," the Archduke smiles, "though if you truly wish to win my forgiveness, you'll allow me your hand in a dance."

Before you even get the chance to respond, Annabella interrupts, "Joshua, you mustn't. Think of your health."

"Mother," a domineering smile plasters itself on Joshua's face, "certainly I have enough energy to last me at least one dance with the most elegant princess in all of Valisthea."

Annabella sends another harsh glance toward her son before muttering, "Of course," and taking her leave elsewhere.

Joshua heaves a heavy sigh before extending his hand, silently asking for your dance card. You raise your wrist and allow him to pencil himself in before he gives one final bow, and retreats toward his inconsolable mother.

Your father exhales the breath you were unaware he was holding when the band gets in position for their first song. Both you and your father take place in the center of the ballroom as the first dance of the evening.

You couldn't help but notice as you scanned the faces in the surrounding audience that someone was missing. As the starting notes boomed from the instruments, you whisper to your father, "Papa, where's Dion?"

Prince Dion, next in line to be the Emperor of Sanbreque, had grown to be one of your close friends—well, as close of a friend as a princess could have when confined to castle walls for most of her life. You were close in age, and given that there weren't as many young heirs throughout the realm at the time of your childhood, it was only natural that the two of you would become fast friends.

Rumors quickly spread that you and Dion would become betrothed when you were older, securing an indisputable alliance between both nations, but as the years trickled on and both of you came of age, no such proposals were made. After he became leader of the dragoons, it was apparent that one such proposal would never come, but you weren't deterred; if anything, you were relieved.

You held love for Dion in your heart; you'd known each other since you were children, but the love you held wasn't the type of love fostered between two individuals who were passionate about each other romantically.

Your father's face held a quick grimace before lowering his voice as the two of you prepared to take your first steps in tune together. "Dion is busy preparing for a war effort; he sends his regards."

"What?" You mutter, trying to keep the look of shock from developing on your face.

Though you and Dion couldn't frequently meet in person, the two of you penned missives back and forth. In none of your most recent correspondence with each other, had he mentioned anything in regards to an oncoming war.

Your father wasn't a gossip, but being the ruler of an entire kingdom, one must be well knowledgeable about the state of other nations.

He lowers his voice even further: "It seems that the King of Waloed is insistent on reclaiming his territory from Sanbreque."

"Dion never mentioned anything of the sort in his letters."

Your father gives you a lopsided smile in an attempt to reassure you: "He probably didn't want to worry you unnecessarily, especially with the ball coming up."

Your father was more than likely correct in his assumptions, but you couldn't shake the sinking feeling in your stomach.

"I'm sure Dion will be alright," he adds, brushing his thumb over your hand after noticing the newfound stiffness in your movements.

You nod. Dion was and is strong; he turned the tides for Sanbreque in battle many a time before. This was a fact, but something about him having to go against Waloed's army shakes you to your core.

Your father and the king of Waloed, Barnabas Tharmr, were amiable allies for the most part, but you've heard stories, many in particular when he visited your kingdom after the death of your mother. You were still young then, so you couldn't quite grasp the weight and meaning of the whispers your handmaidens had shared in secrecy upon his arrival.

He visited annually for some years after his initial visit before they died down altogether, though you could never ascertain what the meetings were for besides the first one.

Barnabas was kind enough, as one of his nature could be on his trip, but you could never help the feeling that something more sinister lingered beneath the surface when your young eyes met his.

You did your best to quell the unease in your heart and continued to dance with your father. Although he had gotten up there in years, he still moved swiftly across the ballroom floor, even if you had to slow your steps a bit.

It seemed that just as soon as the dance with your father began, it was over, and you were anxiously anticipating the next dance with your brother. You go hand in hand with him while the band begins to play.

"So, Crown Prince," you begin, filling the air in an attempt to quell your nerves. "Future heir to the throne, how does it feel to be Papa's favorite?" You smile, albeit teasingly.

"Surely you jest, dear sister. For without you, I'd be hopeless."

"Now who's jesting?" Your grin graces your face once more as the two of you glide across the ballroom before a somber expression soon replaces your previous jubilant one. "It pains me to think that this ball may be the last time we see each other like this."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Look at all the people here," you whisper to him, "surely you don't think Father is just merely celebrating your birthday. You're twenty-one years of age now, dear brother; officially legal to be wed."

"You don't truly think he'd see to it that I'd be married right away, do you?

You both twirl around, and your father comes into view, standing next to the royal guard.

"Maybe not right away, but you know how he is. Ever since Mama died, all he's wanted is to see our futures secured, and in your case, our bloodline. If that means marrying us off early, then so be it, I suppose. At least you have the luxury of choices in who you'll marry."

"Then how come you weren't married off as soon as you came of age?"

"Because you still needed me. You had no mother to set an example, so I needed to be in your life to show you how proper noble ladies should act," you snirk as he rolls his eyes. "If I'm speaking honestly, I feel the answer is more sentimental than logical. I don't think Father wanted to lose another member of our family before we were both of breeding age."

"I suppose you're right. It's more than what most fathers would do. Now that I'm able to be wed, do you suppose that'll hasten his plans for your marriage?"

You sigh, the thought has lingered in the back of your mind since your brother grew out of being a child. "I'm not sure, but who knows?"

"Don't look so down," he smirks. "If you reach spinsterdom, you'll always have a place here with me."

You smile kindly. "Thank you."

As the instruments die down, signaling the dance coming to a close, you once again find yourself on the outskirts of the ballroom. You snag a look at your dance card to check where Joshua has penciled himself in. A waltz, of course. He'd undoubtedly use this opportunity of close quarters to flirt with you some more.

His name was listed far enough down the line that you could make a break for the storeroom now, and...

"Your Royal Highness!"

The next hour and a half was filled with nothing but dancing, with only a few minutes of rest provided in between.

You had been skirting along the edges of the ballroom when you just so happened to catch the eyes of an old presiding duke who resides in your kingdom, and it was all downhill from there.

What was supposed to have been a "romantic" evening was turning into a disaster. At every turn, you were swept into the arms of yet another elderly gentleman looking for a younger and more agreeable wife.

As you twirled and spun around the hardwood flooring, you were afforded only mere glances at your lover from afar. Every time you laid your eyes on him, he always appeared to be preoccupied with something else. Not that any of your concurrent dance partners would've noticed your wandering eye, as theirs were doing much of the same.

If there was one thing that all these men had in common, it was the ogling. Some of them "tried" to be more polite about it than others, going for glances at your cleavage in between the minimal required time they had to actually look you in the eye instead of blatantly staring at your chest the whole time.

It was clear, though, that all of them were oblivious to just how obvious they were being with their gaping looks, not realizing that you could tell when people were talking to your chest instead of your face.

Though you're certain that a drink limit was set for this ball, it was becoming quite clear that a majority of the "gentlemen" had imbibed to their pleasure, the smell of port lingering on their breath whenever they'd lean in close.

After a while, you had managed to escape all your suitors and camouflage yourself in a nearby group of gossiping noble ladies, the majority of them being mothers, who were well-equipped with an onslaught of questions about your brother and the future of the kingdom.

After quelling their curiosity, you nestled yourself in a corner, facing the wall of the ballroom, and let out an exasperated sigh, taking a few moments to collect yourself.

You were beyond frustrated, both sexually and mentally. All you desired was to climb between the sheets with your lover and have him pleasure your body until your thoughts were reduced to a mindless fog. To say you were having intense urges was an understatement.

It'd be easier to deal with if Clive wasn't a member of staff that you saw often, like a cook or a coachman, but being your sworn shield, he was in your presence a majority of the time. So close, yet so far.

His touch was often the source of your fantasies at night. Your mind wanders, flitting between thoughts of his scruff against your neck, his breath on your skin, and how his strong hands would grip your body.

You were never able to help but wonder what your first time together would be like. What does he look like when he comes? What does he sound like? Does he moan, grunt, or whimper? Would he be gentle with you? Similar to how he grasps your hand when helping you step down from a carriage, slow, languid thrusts into your heat as he whispers sweet nothings in your ear, both of your bodies clinging onto each other for purchase. Or would he be rough? Similar to how he fights: powerful, unrelenting thrusts into your cunt, overwhelming as he batters into you, stealing the breath from your lungs. You were often unable to decide which scenario you liked better as you reached your climax, whispering his name as you came down.

You know you shouldn't have such intense lust for someone who's working in your service, but knowing that just excites you more.

"Princess!"

You release another deep exhale as you turn around. You're really starting to get irritated at the word "princess."

"Your Highness!" you exclaim with a half gasp. Apparently, Joshua was set on keeping his promise of a dance.

"My sincerest apologies," you curtsey.

He gives a dismissive wave of his hand before extending it toward you. "You owe me no such things, my lady. Are you still willing to accept my dance proposal?"

"Of course, Your Highness," you place your gloved hand in his as he walks you to the dance floor, and you can't help the smile that rises on your face as you take your place together.

"I know it's against propriety for you to deny me a dance, but I'm not so cruel to force a lady when she doesn't want to."

"It's a pleasure, Your Highness. I assure you. You're perhaps the most polite man I've danced with thus far, besides my father and brother, of course."

His hand makes its way to the small of your back as more couples fall in toe behind you and the Archduke. Your conversation lulls until the music picks up, your hand delicately resting on his shoulder.

"Although I am most disappointed to hear that these gentlemen would treat a beautiful woman such as yourself with little regard, I can't deny that I'm pleased to be the only one who's seemed to win your affections."

This man.

As much as you try not to fawn over the attention, his words are like silk in your ears, as if they're the most natural sound you've ever heard.

It doesn't register that you're smiling so brightly until he comments on it: "You have one of the most radiant smiles, my lady."

You shake your head from side to side as if trying to regain your composure. Despite all the time you shared with Clive over a month ago, you weren't used to such blatant flirtations in front of so many people at once. Even if they couldn't hear your conversation, the smiles on both your faces single you out from the other couples on the floor. It leaves you feeling exposed, as if a bright light has been shone on both of you.

"Forgive me if I speak out of line, Your Highness," you inhale, "but where on Valisthea did you learn to become so charming?"

He offers a chuckle and a swoop of his strawberry-blonde hair. "I'm quite a fan of the written word. It was often one of the few escapes I truly had as a child, so I may have picked up a few techniques after reading a romance or two."

"Perhaps you could lend your novels to some of the other gentlemen here so they can learn how to properly woo a lady."

"And risk losing being the sole recipient of your affections?"

"Feeling insecure over your abilities?" You cock your head to the side, a small smirk appearing on your lips.

Joshua ponders the question for a moment, putting on a good face of deep thought as if he's truly rolling the question around in his head before responding, "More so like...I don't want to give the poor blokes false hope when I'm sure to come out on top anyway."

"It seems that you're very confident indeed."

The two of you chuckle as he twirls you around, only to be met with the scorn of Annabella's icy gaze after locking eyes with her from the other side of the ballroom. The joy in your expression quickly dies off, and the figurative noose tightens itself around your neck, suffocating the life from your lungs.

With your newfound stillness, Joshua has to guide you back into his arms. He looks off in the direction of your eye line and sighs before speaking once more, "I apologize on behalf of my mother."

"You needn't do so for my sake," you're quick to respond, attempting to reassure him that you were unaffected by Annabella's glare.

"Do you think I can't sense the dread in your eyes?" He smirks, and you offer a strained half-laugh in response while waiting for him to continue.

"I was frequently ill as a child, thus it was very rare to step foot outside the archduchy," he clears his throat, "after my father had passed, it seems that her protective nature only grew."

"I'm sorry about the loss of your father. I've only met him a handful of times, but he was always very kind. My mother once told me that I frequently laughed in his presence." You understood Joshua's pain well, having lost your mother during the birth of your brother years before the former Archduke passed.

A solemn look graces his features before he relaxes once more. "He was a good man, from what I can recall from my memories of him," he pauses, "I can only hope that I can be half the man he was when it comes to ruling the archduchy."

You take a moment to mull over your words before voicing them. "It seems like you've managed to capture his kind and generous spirit. I'm sure you're already well on your way to living up to his name."

"You're very kind," he nods, and a genuine smile fixes itself on his face, unlike the charming one he's graced you with before.

The music slows to a stop, indicating the end of the waltz, and Joshua walks you back to the fray of the ballroom as slowly as possible. "Perhaps this is inappropriate to say given the present company, but I'd love to call upon you some time."

A part of you is surprised, not expecting a courting proposal from someone you could actually tolerate. Being thoroughly charmed, you agree.

"There's a jousting tournament within the next fortnight. It's always an invigorating time. You should attend if you're able."

He takes your gloved hand in his, raising it until your knuckles graze his lips. "I'd be most delighted to attend. Until then, my lady." He releases your hand and turns off in the direction of his mother, who looks all too unhappy with him, and you, by extension.

You sigh, ready to be completely done with the evening. You move toward your father, ready to meander around where he sits near the dais, hoping that any lingering suitors would see him situated nearby and turn the other direction.

Once you've raised your head and made your way toward your father, Clive comes into view. He's moving toward you at a fast pace, and before you can stop yourself, your feet turn to guide you in his direction instead. Momentarily forgetting your place, you call out his name, though it's difficult to hear over the chatter of the ballroom.

At the same time, two overlapping voices call out to you. One is Clive's; the sound of his voice is more familiar to you, but there's another that cuts through the air.

A gruff "princess" is all you're afforded in terms of a greeting.

Both you and Clive come to a halt and turn in the direction of the unknown voice.

The man has a familiar face, though you can't exactly place from where you know him. He's around your father's age, with wrinkles lining his eyes and forehead as well as dashes of grey in his facial hair, so you conclude that your father must be how you've made his acquaintance before.

The man is decently handsome, more so than the other creeps you've had the displeasure of dancing with. He has stark eyes, almost crystalline in nature, which are a sharp contrast to his raven-colored hair.

These traits prove to be startlingly similar to those of your current lover, but you decide it's best to dissect that later.

Clive is the one who breaks the silence. "My sincerest apologies, Your Majesty."

Your majesty?

You offer the man a curtsey in apology while Clive bows, but the stranger pays you no mind, choosing to focus on the knight instead.

"Is something the matter?" Though it's merely a question, his voice carries a wealth of command behind it.

"Nothing that can't wait," Clive begins, his eyes flitting between you and the unknown—at least unknown to you. "Please pardon my intrusion." He bows to the both of you before stalking off toward your father.

You suppose you'll be informed later if it's truly so important.

The silence fills between you and the man again before he asks, "May I have this dance?" His mouth quirks up in a smirk.

“It's only a country dance; nothing too intimate,” you think to yourself.

If you were being honest, the last thing you wanted to do was begrudgingly endure a dance with this gentleman after having more than your fair share of imbeciles indulge themselves in your assets, but propriety comes first. So instead of telling this man to kindly fuck off, you put on your best princessly smile and place your hand in his.

"Of course," you reply, and he leads you toward the floor.

You stand next to each other in between other couples before the band begins to pick up once again. The melody starts slow enough, so you take this time to ask the man exactly who he is, keeping your tone light and polite.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty; it seems that I remember the face but not the name.”

He must've made his entrance later on in the evening after the formal introductions, because you certainly would've remembered him during the greetings.

He offers a light chuckle before muttering, "Barnabas, King of Waloed."

King of Waloed. The very same king who's planning to go toe to toe with one of your closest confidants. He's aged quite a bit in the fifteen-odd years it's been since you've seen him last; it's no wonder you didn't recognize him.

Your body language gives you away despite your best efforts, and his laugh pierces through you. "It seems my reputation proceeds me."

The disdain is thinly veiled in your voice. "Don't you have a battle to prepare for?" you grit, and he laughs again as if the prospect were beneath him.

"I'm not worried," is all he offers in response. His presence must've been what Clive was trying to warn you about.

You take a deep breath, seeing it best not to stir anything up in the public eye.

You get a better look at him when the succession of people in the line with you turns around. He certainly doesn't dress like a king—definitely not one like your father. There are no bells and whistles to his outfit, no ornate capes lined with exotic furs, or gilded crowns.

If anything, it seemed like he'd dressed down for this event, and you can't tell what pisses you off more: his pompous attitude toward heading into battle that may surely send Dion to an all too early grave or his nonchalance in showing up to a royal ball in only a blue tunic and black leathers. It felt like a jab. Though his pompousness in battle may be deserved, this blatant display of disrespect was not.

He gave the impression of a venomous snake, intriguing to look at but ultimately best viewed from a faraway distance.

It takes everything in you not to grind your teeth together and overemphasize the stiffness in your movements.

As if sensing your irritation with him, Barnabas probes, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

No, you're quite simply NOT!

"I've gotten to the age where these sorts of gatherings lose their luster."

It wasn't exactly the truth, but it wasn't a lie either. As you got older and balls became more about finding matches, you started to dread them. You were hoping that it being your brother's birthday would be enough to spare you from marriage prospects, but alas, you were clearly wrong.

"A shame," he mutters, his words lacking enthusiasm.

The group moves along to the beat of the tune when Clive comes into your view, talking to your father.

"Who's that brooding fellow you're staring at?" Barnabas asks, trying to cut off whatever is taking your attention away from him.

The two of you move in succession toward the back of the group when it registers just how much you've been gawking at Clive in Barnabas' presence.

"Him? He's my first shield," you answer nonchalantly, letting no indication of fondness slip into your voice.

Barnabas snickers, "I had no idea noble ladies were so heavily invested in the lives of their shields."

"I know naught of what you mean," you scoff, acting like the princess you are.

His voice rises in volume as he declares, "Why don't you let a real man take care of you?"

Heat floods your body at his words, and you do little to hide your disgust.

"Excuse me?"

"He's nothing but filth," he continues to say, and the rage inside you reaches a boiling point.

"You speak of him as if he's nothing but a lowly street rat."

"He might as well be, compared to us. You could have an entire kingdom of knights protecting you as well as one of the most powerful men in the realm, instead of just one lowly feeble knight."

"Are you always so incorrigible toward those who are beneath you? It's a miracle that your kingdom still stands."

He laughs out loud, beside himself. You were sure he'd have your head. Instead, his volume just gets louder, so those dancing alongside you can hear.

"I've heard rumors that your precious first shield is actually a royal bastard, but from whom he's a descendant, I've no idea. A man of his standing is simply not fit to be in the position of protecting a princess. I'm just looking out for you."

If you were feeling rage before, now you're furious. As much as the people in your dance group tried to be respectful, heads couldn't help but turn at Barnabas' accusations.

Whether Clive being a bastard was true or not didn't matter; you refused for someone who valiantly defended your life to be made a mockery of over such trivial matters in your eyes.

"I was the one who held the sword that knighted Clive!" You start off loud, similar to him, but your voice gets lower as you draw near.

"My father gave him a title under his tutelage. Clive's been protecting me since I was the tender age of twelve years old and is the only man I'd trust with my life outside of my father and brother."

There's a pause before you continue.

"If you wish to win my favor, it'd be wise to watch what you say in regards to him," you grit.

You're not sure when the rest of the group stopped dancing alongside you, but by the time you realize it, all their eyes are on you. Though the people outside of the circle couldn't hear your conversation, the crowd caused those on the fray of the ballroom to turn their attention toward you.

Barnabas only snirks, scanning your face plainly when you turn back to face him. Your glare is prominent as he escorts you back off the dance floor once the music dies down.

He speaks in a low voice, right in your ear, "You're a feisty one, but don't worry, I enjoy a challenge." He smiles menacingly before releasing you.

All the wandering heads seem to return to their original activities upon the group's dispersal. You don't want to cause any more disturbance, something you're sure you'll get a lecture for later on, so you give a curtsey to Barnabas, lowering your head.

"I shall bid you adieu, Your Majesty." The words are choked out, and not a moment later you're turning on your heels and making your exit out of the ballroom.

Which is how you ended up in an old store room, with nothing but your various frustrations and the ebbs n flows of silence to keep you company.

You're not sure how long you've been sitting there, but by the time you hear the door open, you're convinced that it was a servant sent to escort you back to the ballroom, but instead, it's Clive.

There's no hesitation in his movements as he steps toward you, catching your face in his gloved hands as he reads your expression.

"Are you alright?" He asks. Even if there's no threat of physical danger, that doesn't mean emotional scars weren't left after your interaction with the king.

"I tried to warn you...I tried to-"

You cut him off, "I'm okay, Clive. A little embarrassed, but it's nothing I couldn't handle." You smiled softly at him, which he returned in full.

"What were you two talking about?"

Warmth flows throughout your body once more, and you don't want to admit that the cause of the outburst you had was because of him, so you act nonchalant.

"Nothing of importance."

He raises his eyebrows like he doesn't believe what you're saying at all, but he doesn't press you on it, not now at least, and you won't give him the chance to when you ask, "Jealous?"

He smirks, shaking his head back and forth slightly. "Do you enjoy tormenting me, my lady?"

"I beg your pardon."

"Do you enjoy watching my torment? Does it give you pleasure?"

"I'm afraid I know naught of what you mean. Have you perhaps forgotten your place, knight?" You put extra emphasis on the word as you toss a smirk his way.

He backs up from where you're sitting on the barrel. "All those men, dancing with you, ogling you. All the while, I'm forced to stand by and watch them all make a pass at you."

You offer a faux pout. "Aw, come on. They're not all bad."

"Enough of them are."

"Are you truly so jealous of those who're above your peerage?" You can't help but snirk in amusement. This was the first time you'd seen him act like this.

"Yes, no!" He takes a deep breath to collect his thoughts: "The Archduke and that bastard king."

Your eyebrows rise at his declaration. "You hate them so much that you've forgone proper titles?"

He rolls his eyes at your statement, and you're unable to hold back your giggles. You hop off the barrel and take his face into your hands.

"There is absolutely no affection for that king in my heart, I assure you. As for the Archduke, though he is roguishly charming, I happen to prefer meaner mugs to delicate pretty features like his," you move to press a kiss to his cheek.

His head hangs low in shame. "I cannot deny that jealousy and resentment burn in my heart at the thought of you with another."

"Believe me," you say, stroking his cheek, "I'd much rather spend my time with you than with stiff men who smell of port. I've been looking for an escape practically all evening.“

"They don’t deserve you at all, my lady. Those men don’t deserve to know the softness of your skin,” he lowers his mouth to place delicate kisses on your neck, then moves toward the exposed flesh of your bosom above your gown.

"Clive," you gasp, tangling your fingers in his thick locks.

“They don't deserve to know the sweetness in your voice when you cry out in pleasure," he whispers, pulling away from your skin to trace his thumb along the frame of your face.

“I’ve missed you," he states.

“I’ve missed you too.”

He pulls you into him for a kiss, one full of hunger and desperation, eager to taste each other once more. The kiss is sticky; the clear gloss painted on your lips transfers onto his. He’s licking into your mouth as your lips brush against each other, tongues wrestling each other for dominance.

You're moved backward until you're pressed against the storeroom wall. Clive reaches down, grazing your bum with his palms over the fabric of your skirts before lifting your legs in the air. The back wall holds you steady as he wraps your legs around his waist.

Desperate to get close to him once more, not even wanting to separate for a second, you pull him back into you and kiss him fervently, not wanting to be parted from each other. He angles his hips toward you, teasingly grinding himself into your heat, causing you to whine into the kiss.

“Looks like you did miss me, hm?” He separates from your lips, moving to kiss down your neck once more.

“Let me make it up to you for being so neglectful of your needs.” He continues kissing down your neck, moving over to your décolleté, and then finally down the swell of your breasts.

“Founder, how I wish I could mark these tits,” he murmurs, dropping your legs back down onto the floor so that he can skim your torso and squeeze at your chest through the fabric of your gown.

“You have an intense infatuation with my breasts, don't you?” You giggle, laughing at his awestruck countenance while he continues to knead the fat in his hands.

“You've no idea." He smirks at you, then suddenly kneels before you.

“What are you doing?” You pet his hair softly as he looks up at you.

“I’m just being a good knight, my lady. On my knees for you, like I should be.”

"Oh, really now?"

"Mhm," he mumbles, taking your gloved hand in his. “I truly did miss you, and I plan on showing you just how much.” He reaches towards the hem of your gown, bunching it up over your navel.

"If you'd be so kind as to help hold up your skirts, my lady."

"I suppose I should be so kind." You lift the hem of your dress over your hips as Clive places your leg over his shoulder.

“Now this is how I shall swear fealty to you,” he leans towards your bare mound, planting a few kisses upon your mons before blowing cool air onto your cunt.

“I’ve missed your taste. I dreamt about it for so many nights." His thumbs trace slow circles into the skin near your pelvis as he continues teasing. He trails his tongue where your thigh meets the stark white stocking covering the majority of your leg.

"Fuck." He leans his face into your pussy once more, inhaling the rich scent before finally dipping his tongue into your wetness. He groans into your cunt.

Holding up the skirts of your gown the best you can in one hand, you snake the other into his shaggy locks, taking hold of his roots. Your chest heaves in anticipation.

“Please, please, Clive, don’t tease me," you whine, "it’s been too long.”

“Aw, did my sweet princess miss me?” He goads, sticking his tongue in your entrance and greedily sucking up your arousal on his wet muscle.

“Did her princess pussy miss how good I made her feel?” He kisses up the seam of your cunt until he reaches your clit.

"Did she miss how I made love to her with my mouth?” He spits on your pussy, the glob of saliva sticking to the hairs that cover your mound, some of it dripping to the ground.

He's quick to remove his gloves, tossing them aside before he takes his thumbs and spreads your folds apart, watching as your quivering hole twitches in anticipation.

“She must have missed me, with how much she’s leaking just for me."

All you're able to do is bite your lip and nod, feeling embarrassed as his words generate heat in both your cheeks and core.

He plugs your warm hole with his tongue, not wanting a single morsel of your essence to be wasted.

“It’s alright, princess; I’m right here.” He speaks directly into your cunt, looking at you with a deeply enamored gaze.

"I’ve missed her too, you know," he says, sliding his tongue all around your sopping pussy.

“I’ve missed her wetness, her sweetness, and her warmth. I missed how she clenched around me as I gave her pleasure," he groans.

Making his way to your clit, he gives it sweet kisses and drags the length of his tongue along the entirety of the bundle of nerves before pulling it into his mouth. His teeth graze the nub, causing your hips to jump forward, pressing more of yourself into his face.

Your fingers curl into his shaggy locks, struggling to keep your dress in your hold as you lose yourself in the feeling of pleasure, his pretty face proving to be useful for more than just gazing upon.

His teeth nip at your inner thigh, “getting greedy now, aren’t we princess?” He traces the divots of your thighs with his fingers, enjoying the feeling of your skin.

You don’t say anything, choosing to instead respond with an angry huff and pull his face back into your cunt by his hair.

“Point taken,” he smirks against you before pulling your clit back into his mouth again.

He moves his hand from your thigh and down to your pussy, sliding his middle finger back and forth between your folds, coating it in your slick. He slips to your entrance, circling the quivering hole and waiting, drawing out a whine from you.

“Please,” you exhale, your head rolling back against the wall, desperate to have him deep inside you. Though you’d much prefer squeezing down on his cock, that’d have to wait for another day.

He chuckles, the vibration from his voice moving through you, causing you to keel over slightly. Clive breeches your warm hole, slowly, letting you enjoy the feeling of his thick finger stretching you out.

“Fuck yes,” you whimper.

“That’s it, princess; you’re so wound up. Just take what you need," he coos, murmuring against you, his breath hot on your skin.

He curls his finger into you, the pad of his digit hitting the spongey spot along your walls.

“Looking for another audience? Was the poor maid not enough the first time?” He’s smirking against you now as he begins to pump his finger in and out of your cunt.

“What if your father were to catch you with me, hm? How do you think he’d react to his little girl stuffing her cunt in the face of someone he deigned worthy enough to protect her?"

Your breath is ragged, unable to form words due to the sound of his voice, deep and gravelly as he spews more filth at you.

“Keep moaning like that, and we’ll soon know the answer yet.”

He moves to your clit once more, slurping and sucking at your swollen pussy, desperate to push you over the edge. He fucks his finger into you at a rapid pace now, and his tongue is quick to catch whatever dribbles out onto his fingers, dining on your essence like it’s the finest ambrosia known to man, and to him, it might as well be.

Your head is lulled back against the wall as heat creeps onto your face and into your core. You don’t dare look down at Clive, who's nestling his face further in the hair that covers your cunt, knowing that you’ll surely come undone at the sight.

After the night you’ve had, you more than deserve this a thousand times over, and if it were up to him, he would happily oblige in all your desires.

The tips of your fingers cinch into his scalp, tugging him impossibly closer to your core, your orgasm building rapidly.

Clive pulls no punches, suctioning his lips around your clit and sucking it like a piece of hard candy. His index finger has joined the middle digit, fucking in and out of your cunt.

With practiced strokes, he contorts his fingers until your climax is upon you. Your lips part with a silent scream as your eyes roll into the back of your skull.

Your thighs shake as they try to close around his head, and his steady palms hold them apart as he removes his fingers from your pussy. Every drop of arousal that leaks from your womanhood is lapped up by his tongue til your hands are pushing his face away.

Clive gets the hint, removing your thigh from his shoulder and setting it back down on the floor. You attempt to move away from the wall, but he holds you in position until the jitter in your leg ceases.

He wipes the remnants of your spend from his face onto your inner thighs, and the roughness of his facial hair sends a shiver up your spine.

Once you've settled, he moves to help with fixing the skirts of your gown.

"Do you like it?" You smile brightly. "I wore it with you in mind."

You twirl slowly, your dress billowing slightly, wanting to show off all the detailing. His face warms at the gesture, and he presses a soft kiss on your forehead.

"I think lavender may be my new favorite color."

You allow yourself a moment to indulge in the blissful feeling before Clive speaks up once more.

"We should get moving. The break for supper will be happening soon, and we don't want any whispers of our whereabouts if we're not in attendance."

He moves to make a break for the storeroom door when you grab his forearm.

"Surely you're not going to go out there with your... predisposition," you flit your eyes down to the front of his trousers, where a prominent erection has made itself known.

"I'll take care of it myself, later."

"Let me help you..." There wasn't much time for you to return the favor with your mouth, and any other activities would leave you disheveled in a way that everyone would know of what happened between the two of you, but you could provide relief with your hand.

Despite the time restraint, you wanted to tease Clive a little, putting the tips of your silk gloves into your mouth and pulling them off of each hand slowly with your teeth before setting them aside nearby, so as to not be sullied with bodily fluids.

You wanted to get a good look at what you'd be working with, so you sink to your knees and pull his trousers down to his thighs. You give him a wide-eyed expression as the appendage bobs free, hitting his stomach gently.

His cock looked a lot different than those pictured in the medical texts that you've snuck from the royal library. He had extra skin and hair and garnered a much bigger girth as well.

As tempted as you are to swallow the whole of him into your mouth, you settle for a simple kiss right on the tip, and his cock twitches back at you cutely in appreciation.

You rise to your feet once more with his aid and grasp him in your hand. His fingers are quick to cover your own, the size of them dwarfing yours.

"Are you positive that you want to go through with this? I truly don't mind taking care of myself," he asks.

"And not return the favor?" You chuckle. "I promise, I am doing this out of my own desire." You move to the column of his throat, placing soft and delicate kisses on the skin before moving toward the junction of his jaw.

"Now just relax," you coo, running your fingers delicately up and down his shaft.

He's so pent-up that it won't take long for him to climax, but you do your best to be as teasing as possible. His head lulls back as muffled sounds are delivered from his throat, and you can't help but admire how pretty he looks like this.

Not only does he have an impressive amount of girth, but his length is nothing to scoff at either, with a protruding vein running along the underside of him. The sheer size of him fills up your entire palm as you continue to pump slowly, the softness of your skin akin to silk upon his cock.

"So tell me, Clive, how many nights have you been fucking your fist to the thought of me?" You whisper in his ear, and his eyes shoot wide open as he takes in a gulp of air.

His hips buck lightly against you in response, giving you all the permission you need to continue your questioning.

"Come on, tell me. It can't be that bad." Your kisses continue on his neck as his hips continue to rock.

He takes in another gulp of air before answering.

"E-every night.”

"Every night? How cute," you tease, speeding up your movements on his cock. He bites his lip in an attempt to hide his noises while the rhythm of his hips meets your hand every time.

"I touch myself thinking of you too. Except my fingers are nowhere near as filling as yours," you chuckle to yourself as he groans out.

"Founder, above."

His cock is fully slick now, and at any moment, he looks like he's ready to burst, taking to wrapping his fist around yours and creating a vice-like grip with your fingers. All his movements are hurried and rushed as he chases his release.

For the final blow, you mutter to him, "Fuck my fist like you would fuck my pussy."

Clive full body shudders, tightening his grip once more before thrusting wildly. It's only a few short moments later that he's removing your hand from himself and laying his seed on the floor below, groaning your name in the process.

Afterward, the two of you take a few moments to collect yourselves and tidy your appearance. Old rags were used to wipe off the remnants of Clive from the floor, and you were just about to make your exit when the melody from one of your favorite songs played through the door.

"Clive, may I have this dance?" You extend your hand toward him, giggling to yourself.

From looking at your dance card earlier, this song was the second-to-last song to be played before the break for supper.

"And don't give me the excuse of not having enough time. We'll make it back to the ballroom before everyone's filed out for the evening."

"Even if that is true, my lady, I assure you that I know nothing of ballroom dancing."

"Did I ask you if you knew how?"

There's a momentary pause, one that he fills with a shake of his head. You nod in return.

"No, I did not. I simply asked you to dance with me. I'd still wish to so even if you had two left feet."

There's another pause as you extend your hand toward him again.

"I even saved you a spot on my dance card," you smile, shaking the parchment in front of his face, where the line for this dance is indeed left blank.

In his indecisiveness, you take his hand in your own and press yourselves close together.

"It's just you and me," you whisper, resting your head against his frame, the sound of the music filling the silence. His opposite hand moves to the small of your back, and the two of you end the evening in each other's arms, swaying to the sound of muffled music.

#clive rosfield x reader #clive rosfield smut #final fantasy x reader #final fantasy smut #final fantasy xvi x reader #final fantasy xvi smut #final fantasy 16 smut #final fantasy 16 x reader #x reader smut #knight x reader #knight x princess #✰ミ angel writes

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valkyriepirate · 1 year

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Elrond x Reader- Always Been Yours

Summary: You and Elrond have been close for many years because of your positions on the council. When an army of orcs unexpectedly attacks Lindon while Elrond is away in the dwarven kingdom, you become near-fatally wounded in battle. Elrond rushes home to find you barely alive, calling the name of your lover in your sleep. Little does he know you are dreaming of him.

Word count: 4.9k words

Warnings: Battle violence, fluff <3

#1- Always Been Yours

Spring had finally arrived in Lindon, and the air was thrumming with the promise of life. A fresh, warm breeze gently swayed the trees of the forest like a rebellious eddy on the open sea, lifting your long sleeves and carrying your voice to the sky. It wasn’t often that you sang on the palace grounds; while you had a beautiful voice, you never prided yourself in it, but the day was far too beautiful not to let it fill your heart with joy through song. You could almost sense the flowers readying to break the surface of the soil and taste the dew that would settle on their leaves.

You knelt next to a tree by the river, caressing the dirt with your fingers. Your mother had always said that the forest should be greeted as your dearest friend, for it was your greatest protector. As you ran your hand through the crystalline water, you could imagine her voice intertwining with yours, just like how you two would sing together all those years ago. Being here amongst the trees and the earth made you feel closer to her, as if her spirit lived on in the forest.

“I didn’t know you sang,” a familiar voice from behind lurched you from your thoughts. You turned around, already feeling the tips of your ears heat in embarrassment, to face your longtime friend.

“Anyone with a voice to speak can just as well sing, can they not?” You brushed loose dirt from your dress as you stood up.

Elrond smiled, glancing politely toward the ground. “Many can speak, but not many can sing like you. Please- don't stop on my account.”

“I’m afraid that is a song for the wind and water, not for the ears of well-meaning friends,” you teased.

“Then it would be best I said nothing at all,” said Elrond.

“And leave me to go on with silent listeners nearby? I think not.”

You stepped out onto the main path, Elrond falling in step beside you. Even though you were reluctant to let him hear your voice, you felt comfortable in every other way around him. You couldn’t help the little spark of gladness that flickered in your chest whenever he was near.

“What are you doing out here in the forest?” you asked, glancing sidelong at him. The sun was casting amber hues through his hair, making him look like a crowned prince.

“Looking for you,” he folded his hands behind him. “The High King Gil-galad is sending me to Forodwaith to establish terms of trade with Durin and the dwarves of Khazad-Dum. He expects me to leave in the morning.”

“So soon? It feels as if you just returned from your last journey,” you said, trying and failing to keep the disappointment out of your voice. Seeming to hear it, he nodded regretfully.

“Apparently I was specifically requested by Durin. The High King fears he won’t negotiate terms with any elf other than I.”

“Ah, I see. The dwarf wants another excuse to see you.”

Elrond laughed good-naturedly. “I doubt that. I think I’m simply the one he wants to hit with his hammer the least.”

“You give yourself too little credit, Elrond. You have a spirit more kind and gentle than anyone I know. Even a dwarf can see that.”

He pinked in the cheeks. “And I think you give me too much credit, (Y/N). Besides, the kindest heart in Eriador certainly doesn’t belong to me. I’m afraid that title is taken by a particular elf-maiden with a lovely voice.”

A fluttering sensation enveloped your stomach, and you bit your lip to keep from smiling. “When do you think you’ll return?” you asked evenly.

“In a fortnight, perhaps. Though these trips always seem to take longer than initially planned. You know Disa’s hospitality.”

That you did. You considered the female dwarrow a dear friend. Your position as the general of the Sindarin army sometimes took you to distant lands across Middle-earth, and you had become acquainted with Disa in your travels long ago, before she had married Durin. Though you suspected you were in for a thorough scolding the next time you saw her, if Elrond’s account of Durin’s anger amounted to anything. Your kind were wont to lose track of the days, unlike the mortal races. It made you wonder how long it really had been since you’d seen Disa last.

“Give her the warmest tidings from me,” you said sincerely. “I miss her dearly. How I wish I could accompany you.”

“I wish much the same,” said Elrond bashfully, not meeting your eyes. “The road travel can be quite lonely and tedious at times.”

“Here.” You bent and plucked a white-plumed daylily from a bush that was rooted in the stream, handing it to him. “Keep it with you. When you feel alone, you can pull it out and think of me.”

He handled the flower reverently, as if you had bestowed upon him a precious jewel. He looked up at you, the sweetest, humblest smile gracing his features. “I most certainly shall.”

The two of you talked far into midday, wandering the forest and ignoring the existence of your duties. Your heart began to ache the more time you spent with him, however, knowing that he was bound to disappear once more, and all too soon you bid him goodbye. There were several things concerning the Sindarin warriors to discuss with the king, and Gil-galad was not one to be kept waiting.

You slept fitfully that night, Elrond’s face flashing in your mind every time you closed your eyes. You rose before the sun the next morning and raced as elegantly as possible to the road past the waterfall where Elrond was set to depart. Only the guards were awake, nodding respectfully to you as you passed. All of Lindon dutifully recognized your position as a war general even when you weren’t in your armor.

As periwinkle streaks of dawn bled across the sky, you nearly began to worry that you had missed him, but your worries ameliorated when you caught sight of his robes by the front gates. Elrond was loading his supplies onto his horse, his face turned away from you. Silently, you approached him from behind, hoping you didn’t appear as if you’d rushed out to meet him in a frenzy.

“Attempting to leave without saying goodbye, are we?” you said into the still morning air. Elrond looked up, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he tied one last knot around his knapsack. “I only wished for you to have as much rest as possible. It is early to be awake even for I.”

“So you may say.” One side of your mouth quirked up. “Is everything prepared?”

“Yes. All I need is to collect my will to mount this horse and leave Lindon behind.” His voice caught as he said Lindon, as if he were about to say you.

Your heart was buzzing inside your chest as if you were a restless bumblebee being separated from your flower. “Do not forget,” you reminded him softly, spotting the daylily tucked into his robe. You reached over and tenderly pressed the petals against his chest. “This flower means I am with you. You will be in my thoughts, Elrond.”

He held your gaze, his eyes filled with some deep emotion you couldn’t express. Gently, he grasped your hand and grazed your fingers with the barest of kisses. Physical affection was rare among your kind, particularly in public, though you sensed the only bystanders observing your interaction were the dandelions beneath your feet and the forest critters slipping between the trees.

“And you will be in my heart, (Y/N),” promised Elrond. He was the embodiment of a dulcet predawn dream, the kind you wanted to get lost in forever, to never wake up from. Yet you knew both his duties and yours were to the kingdom before they answered your own desires.

You gave his fingers a slight squeeze. “You will give Durin and Disa my best, will you not?”

He smiled. “I shall.”

“Do be safe. You have duties and friends to come back to, you know.”

“I will do my best,” he bowed. “I am sure my heart will ache with every step I take away from you.”

You parted, feeling as if you were forcing yourself awake from a pleasant dream, and watched as he mounted his horse and trotted away from the front gates. At the end of the path, he halted and turned to face you one last time.

“Goodbye, (Y/N),” he called.

“Goodbye, Elrond,” you returned, and didn’t allow yourself to blink until he had passed over the hill into the far reaches of the forest, where the trees seemed to lean down and caress him with their branches as if he were not simply an elf, but a king venturing into a distant land, riding away with your stolen heart.

*****

A harsh, screeching noise tore you from your sleep. With a jolt of panic, you bolted upright in bed, trying to collect your bearings. Liquid moonlight spilled through your leaf-paned window and leaked over the floor. You judged that it was a little over two hours past midnight. The horrible, dissonant noise seemed to come from all around you. You picked out the sound of Lindon’s warning bell from among the chaos, coupled with pained screams and the sound of something shattering.

In a heartbeat, you leaped out of bed and grabbed your silver-plated longsword by the door. You burst out of your room and flew down the stairs towards the commotion. The clanging noises intensified as you ran to the royal courtyard. You deduced the source before you saw them- orcs.

Dozens of the grisly fiends were pouring over the gates, brandishing crude, makeshift weapons and baring their black teeth. Several other elves had already arrived on the scene, defending against the attackers with deadly grace. Swords flashed and arrows flew under the silvery light of the moon, and blood the color of the night sky painted the ground before your eyes.

You seamlessly entered the battle, lopping the heads off one orc after the other, not stopping to ponder how or why the orcs were leading this raid. Your senses clicked into the mode of war, as familiar to you as breathing. Within seconds, you had effortlessly picked out the opening points of the battleground that were most concentrated by the enemy, and called out regiment orders as more of your brethren rushed into the courtyard. The few elves donning soldier’s gear hastened to obey your command.

You drove your sword into the gut of a nearby orc and sliced another in half at the waist. The rest of your thoughts fell away with every kill as you allowed your sword to become a part of you, as dexterous and fluid as an extension of your arm. Any sleepiness you might have felt was replaced by an acute focus of your surroundings.

You worked your way towards the gates to quell the flush of orcs streaming into your territory. With a spin, you dropped three of the beasts at once, moving with all the poise and accuracy of an elven warrior. As you did, you spotted Galadriel at the far side of the courtyard.

You had to step over the bodies of your victims to make berth towards her in the rushing sea, as if you were caught in a dangerous dance between life and death. “Galadriel!” you yelled. “How did this happen?”

“Someone has left the anterior parapets unfortified,” she called back, ducking to avoid a swinging club. “These gates were open when I arrived!”

“How can that be? There are guards stationed here day and night!”

“I do not know. The Dark Lord must have found out about our affairs in Númenor. We are at half our strength. He senses weakness.”

“He won’t find any,” you gritted your teeth. You stabbed a nearby orc in the neck and spun to avoid the spray of black blood. If the Dark Lord thought catching you off your guard would give him the advantage, you were prepared to prove him wrong.

“There is something adrift about this attack. Something...foul. Within the kingdom.”

You raised an eyebrow, though it was doubtful Galadriel could see it in the dark. “You think there is a traitor?”

“Perhaps,” she said. “Or an intruder yet to be detected.”

This troubled you. You were the head of the Sindarin army. It was your job to keep the kingdom safe. If there was a spy under your nose, you would be the first to know about it. Yet with half the army stationed in the Southlands aiding the Númenorians, an attack could come from any side.

Irrationally, you found yourself becoming steeped in worry for Elrond. It had been days since his departure, and if this orc army had advanced in from the south, it was likely Elrond may have crossed paths with them. While he was more than a capable warrior, standing alone against an entire army wouldn’t be easy even for you. You hoped he had already made it to Khazad-Dum...

Suddenly you cried out in alarm. While you were worrying about Elrond, an orc had approached on your left flank and slashed you across the shoulder.

Focus, you reprimanded yourself. Do not forget the battle in front of you.

You dispatched the orc quickly and kicked the dismembered helmet away. Then Galadriel screamed. You whirled around to come face-to-face with the largest orc you had ever seen.

It was almost twice your size, and armed with a cruel-looking blade. Its armor was detached in places, as if it had outgrown its battle garments too fast for them to be replaced. Galadriel had taken a swipe at the exposed part of its hide, but her sword had lodged in its armor on an angle. In a blink, the orc slammed both its fists into her arm, emitting a sickening crack.

Her sword dropped to the dirt. You rushed to her side, ferociously stabbing your sword through its calf. The orc roared in pain and slashed at you with its blade. You deflected and thrust upward at its chest, but its height momentarily gave it leverage. It swung again and you narrowly dodged what could have been a fatal slice to the throat.

“Archers, to me!” you yelled over the din of battle. Two elves equipped with bows and arrows raced toward you, taking aim. “On my count!”

You pressed forward, trying to prompt the orc to step into the open. Galadriel took position on your right, one of her arms hanging limply at her side. Together you attacked as fiercely as you could. You needed to wound it somehow and step out of range for your archers to have a clear shot. Any head shots would be futile against its obsidian helmet.

You moved to the left, trying to keep it distracted, but the orc was swiping at you with its sword in one hand and swatting at Galadriel with the other. You ordered the archers to fire, but most of the arrows struck harmlessly over the thick armor. The ones that buried in its skin didn’t seem to slow it down at all.

With a growl, the orc hobbled forward and shoved Galadriel to the ground. She cried out as she landed on her broken arm. Without hesitation, you lunged to put yourself between her and your attacker. It raised its blade above its head.

“Fire!” you screamed at the archers, but it was too late. Time seemed to slow down. Arrows flew. Your sword glinted in the light of the moon, sending the world up in a flash of white, and you swung.

There was a thump and you looked to see the orc’s meaty arm lying in the grass, separated from its body. Its crooked fingers were no longer clasped around its blade. You blinked and gasped, suddenly hit with a wave of pain, and looked down to see that the blade was buried in your stomach.

One of the archer’s arrows struck clean through the orc’s bare neck, and it was dead before it hit the ground. The sound of it rattled your brain. You felt blood gushing from your torso and trickling down the front of your white nightgown. Your hands grasped the hilt of the orcish blade, but you didn’t have the strength to dislodge it. Your knees gave out and you crumpled.

Galadriel was frantically calling out your name, but her voice soon melded into the sounds of swords clashing and orcs roaring in the battlefield around you. Your vision went blurry, your lungs desperately searching for air; you were drowning, and all you could see was red before the night itself bled over the trees, overtaking your body completely.

*****

Elrond rode on a steed of wind and rain. The sky over the next range of hills was darkening so quickly it was as if clouds of ink had been spilled from the heavens, leaking down to the earth in the form of icy droplets that stung his eyes and soaked through his cloak. His heart was pounding in tune with the beat of his horse’s hooves on the soil. Desperately, he pressed one hand against his heart, where (Y/N) had tucked the daylily. He had taken it out each morning of his journey and run his fingers over its soft petals, knowing that with every step he was farther away from her, but feeling her presence in his mind at the very thought of her face.

He pictured her now and fervently prayed that she was unharmed. Elrond had only been in the dwarven kingdom two days when Durin informed him of the attack on Lindon. The report hadn’t come with many details, only word of casualties among the elves. Elrond was trying to ignore the fact that (Y/N) would have been on the front lines, leading the defense.

He urged his horse faster. Lindon’s sunset-orange elm trees came into view. He sped into the kingdom, past the gates, and into the royal courtyard. The midnight battle occurred over a day ago, but Elrond could still see the bloodstains painting the ground, a canvas saturated with too much color. He averted his eyes as he dismounted his horse and rushed into the palace.

Lindon’s exquisite halls, which usually shimmered with magic and light, were opaque and desolate, echoing the sound of thunder and rain pattering against marble. No one was about roaming the palace grounds. It almost seemed that the kingdom was deserted.

He spotted Gil-galad as he turned the corner, standing in the hall outside the infirmary. The High King, usually so serious and serene, was gazing in concern at the inside of the room.

“My King,” Elrond said as he approached. “I came as soon as I heard of the attack.”

Gil-galad nodded solemnly. “The Dark Lord sees too much. I’m afraid if he were to advance again, with double the forces, we may not be able to hold our position for long.”

“Our army. Is it...?”

“Intact? Yes. Yet not entirely stable. All we can do is wait and recover.”

“And the wounded?”

The King looked at Elrond and in his eyes was utter sorrow. “Perhaps you should go in.”

Elrond bowed, feeling as though his thoughts were laid bare. With his heart in his throat, he steeled his emotions and stepped into the infirmary.

It was a wide, circular room, the far side bordered by an arched veranda that opened out onto a terrace with a view of the waterfalls. Curtains of leaves were draped over the arches to keep out the rain, cloaking the room in dim light. Cots layered with forest-green silk were placed evenly about the space. Nearly every one was occupied by a wounded elf. A handful of healers moved about the room, pressing cold cloths to foreheads and spoon-feeding herbal concoctions. A scatter of lit candles cast the place in a sleepy red hue like blood washing away in a river.

Elrond walked among the wounded. Most of them were familiar faces. Some had sheets pulled over their heads. Others were so scarred and bloodied or covered in salve that he couldn’t recognize them. But there was one elf he was searching for in particular.

He found her on a cot by the far wall. Her face was so gray that she looked on the verge of melting into a puddle of raindrops. Heavy gauze was wrapped around her navel up to her sternum. Her hands rested peacefully at her sides.

Elrond’s heart broke at the very sight of her. (Y/N) looked so drained, so lifeless- the stark opposite of the lively elf maiden he knew.

He lowered into the chair at her side and took her hand in his. Her fingers were like ice. Fighting the tears that threatened to spill from his eyes, he whispered, “I’m here, hiril vuin. It’s me.”

She didn’t stir. Elrond could almost imagine that she was a statue made of marble, carved by a delicate hand, framed in stormy light. Her breathing was so shallow it was hard to believe she was alive at all.

Elrond didn’t know how long he sat there, staring at her unmoving form. He murmured sweet nothings under his breath as he stroked her palm, as if his whispers would coax her from her sleep.

A healer came by at some point to check up on (Y/N), but there wasn’t much to do besides dab her forehead with a cloth and make her as comfortable as possible. The healer hummed an old elven healing song over her before moving on.

“Come back to me,” Elrond whispered as soon as the healer was out of earshot. “You are the light in my life, (Y/N). I cannot walk the darkness alone.”

He reached into his cloak and brought out the daylily. The tips of its petals were wilting, as if responding to the condition of its giver. He leaned over and tucked the flower into (Y/N)’s hair. “There was never a moment you escaped my thoughts,” he said. “You, nin lilui, my daylily, are my dearest friend. Yet you are also so much more.” A tear traced its way down his cheek and dripped onto her fingers. Elrond caressed her cheek, his voice breaking. “You are so much more to me.”

He stayed by her side as the night passed. Soon enough rogue streaks of dawn shone through the curtains. Weariness and heartache weighed him down, but he couldn’t sleep while she was like this. Her eyes moved rapidly beneath her eyelids like she was trapped in a dream and couldn’t find the way out.

Elrond pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Dawn is here, nin lilui. Do not let the darkness claim you.”

(Y/N) made a sound in the back of her throat. Her brow furrowed in pain. “Nin onlui mel...”

Elrond sat up straight. He searched her face for signs of life. “(Y/N)?”

She mumbled unintelligibly in Elvish. Elrond’s heart raced. “It’s me,” he said. “It’s Elrond. I’m here.”

“Nin onlui mel,” she muttered. “Mi van me, nin mel...”

Where are you, my love?

Emotions clouded Elrond’s mind in a swift blur. She was on the verge of consciousness. She was going to be okay. His daylily hadn’t left him. And yet a bitter taste filled his mouth.

She was calling out for her true love. And it wasn’t him.

*****

You ran through an endless forest. Black trees like twisting claws kept bursting from the dirt, redirecting your path. The hungry screams of your enemies echoed from all sides, and you spun in confusion and fear, unsure where to run. You had no weapon. Your nightgown was drenched in blood. Your heart beat frantically in your chest like you were a wild, hunted animal.

You followed the line of trees, but shadows formed illusions in the darkness. The trees seemed to grasp at you, pulling your hair, tearing your clothes. Everything looked the same. There was no way out.

The screams sounded closer now. You turned and ran, but the ground was wet and you slipped. When you got to your knees, you realized you had fallen in a pool of your own blood.

Your vision was hazy, but you could see vicious shapes snarling and snapping out of the corner of your eye. You felt so weak, so tired. Looking up at the gray sky, you were ready to give up hope.

“Elrond,” you sobbed. You yearned for him with an aching you couldn’t express. The thought of him was like sunlight in this dark place. Your Elrond- kind as summer, gentle as a breeze. “Where are you?”

Your enemies howled, and the world was then no more.

*****

You didn’t remember opening your eyes.

At first, you weren’t sure what was a dream and what was reality. The shadows seemed to linger around your body, their wispy hands trailing against your skin. Your head felt like it had been stuffed with cotton. The gray sky had disappeared, and the light of day was pouring into the room from somewhere.

You blinked, feeling like your eyelids were made of iron. Your entire body ached. An incisive pain ripped through your stomach as you woke, bringing your surroundings into focus. You laid on a cot in the infirmary. Sitting to your left was an elf with tousled brown hair.

“Elrond?” you groaned. It was as if your throat had been charred with firewood.

"(Y/N),” he sat forward, holding your hand. In his eyes were a million emotions. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

The sight of him was going to make you cry. “Oh, Elrond.”

He quickly poured you a glass of water and held it to your lips. “Drink this.”

You obliged, though just the movement of your neck set your torso on fire. You had been wounded in battle countless times, though never as bad as this.

“You came back for me,” you said. Your voice sounded scratchy to your own ears.

Elrond looked on the verge of tears. He smiled at you, and despite your pain, giddiness fizzed in your veins. “No sooner had I been in Khazad-Dum two days when Durin gave me word of the attack. I set off again that same hour. I came as fast as I could.” He looked down. “(Y/N), I am so sorry.”

“Elrond,” you reached out and cupped his face. “I am a soldier. Battles happen. Warriors fall. Nothing is your fault.”

He closed his fingers around yours. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. His eyes were drawn and his hair was a tangled mess. You had the urge to run your fingers through it.

“(Y/N),” he said carefully, “What were you dreaming of?”

You closed your eyes again, remembering the figures in the darkness, the gnarled trees moving you about the forest like a ghost, the way you were drenched in blood.

“I thought I was dead,” you responded weakly. “There was darkness, and I was lost- there was so much blood...”

“You were calling out for someone in your sleep,” he said softly.

“I was? W-who?”

You saw the answer in his eyes before he spoke. “’Nin onlui mel.’”

Silence like an ocean stretched between you two. You turned to face the terrace, where the curtains had been pulled back to provide you with a view of the waterfall. “My true love,” you translated, unable to look at him.

He let go of your hand, placing it at your side. He didn’t speak for a long time. The silence was devastating.

Eventually you couldn’t take it anymore. “Elrond-”

“(Y/N)-”

You turned to face him again. He didn’t meet your eyes.

“It would be a lie to say some part of my heart does not ache,” he said. “Yet the desire of my heart is for you to be happy. I will not get in the way of your devotion to another.”

You tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea forced you back down. “Elrond, I don’t understand.”

“I am sorry if I have been a bother. It was foolish of me to think...to think with such selfishness.”

“What are you saying?”

He glanced at you. “Whoever he is, as much as I wish not to be, I am, shamefully, envious. I only hope that you can forgive me.”

“No.” You shook your head. “No, Elrond, you don’t understand. There isn’t someone else.” You took a deep breath, gathering your courage. “Nin onlui mel. It’s you. It’s always been you.”

His expression matched himself on the day you’d given him the daylily- as if your small kindness was as valuable to him as sparkling treasure. “Me?”

You nodded. “I cannot help it. You are the water to my soil; you have made spring bloom once more in my heart where I thought it not possible. You give me hope. My soul longs for you, nin mel. I love you as I love life.”

Tears fell from his eyes. He was beautiful. He brushed a stray curl from your face and murmured, “And to truly live is to love. Will you allow me to love you with all of myself?”

“My love,” you whispered, “I cannot live any other way.”

His lips were soft as he kissed your temple. He leaned his forehead against yours, and in that moment, you had the world.

Masterlist

#elrond x reader #rings of power x reader #lotr x reader #trop elrond x reader #lotr #the hobbit #elrond fanfiction #elrond imagine

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dangermousie · 8 months

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Watching this season of My Dearest crystallized something I was already thinking:

Is Jang Hyun a perfect choice in abstract? Probably not. He is terrible at making himself emotionally vulnerable first or communicating or trusting.

Guess what? None of it matters in the least.

He’s the perfect choice for Gil Chae, a 17th century lady living a horrifying invasion and its even more horrifying aftermath.

You know why? Because in the insane, bloody, human lives have literally no value and death and rape are constants world she finds herself in, all that matters is that Jang Hyun is the sole man who is both willing AND capable to do anything to save and protect her. Whether it’s fighting an entire military unit alone while ill and winning or committing to save her from Qing concubinage to a literal prince and everything else in between large and small.

If she were a 21st century yuppie, she could discuss with her girlfriends at leisure as to whether his habit of verbally lashing out when he’s hurt is acceptable or whether the fact that he tries very hard to pretend he doesn’t care as much as he does and just teases is annoying or whether the fact that he doesn’t understand her ties to her family and doesn’t want to accommodate them makes him a problematic long term prospect. Hell, she would even think long and hard whether his issues about his background would come back to bite if they have kids.

But none of it matters in the least in Gil Chae’s circumstances. All that matters is that he’s the sole man who always protects her. Everyone else, her husband included, is incapable, unwilling or both. They all have limits to what they will do. Jang Hyun does not. It’s like the Maslow hierarchy of needs only in a relationship.

I often joke watching period shows that the most attractive quality in a period man is his giant army. Jang Hyun does not have an army. But he does all he can to become a one-man army for Gil Chae and in 17th century, during an invasion and its aftermath, nothing else ever can compete with that.

#kdrama #my dearest

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scatteredlight1 · 3 months

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Height comparisons - Part 1

Finwe - Ridiculously tall as compared to everyone else, at least until Maedhros is born, at which point his height isn't that impressive anymore.

Miriel - Rather short as compared to the rest of the population. Feanor inherited his height from her.

Indis - Also rather short, although none of her children inherited her height.

House of Feanor:

Feanor - Literally one of the shortest in the family. Constantly curses his height, especially when he's in an argument with any of his half-siblings.

Nerdanel - Tall. Most of her children inherited her height, and Feanor is very glad for it. The two of them look slightly comical when they walk together though.

Maedhros - Tallest elf ever (in his family at least). He's the first one to outgrow Finwe, and then no one ever beats him, though Turgon gets close.

Maglor - Tall, but willowy, so he doesn't look that tall. He does make most of his cousins look short though.

Celegorm - Second tallest of the brothers, and just below Turgon in their entire family. Argon, Finwe and him have had multiple arguments about who was taller.

Caranthir - Averagely tall. Has never stood beside anyone to compare, but he would definitely be taller than most of his cousins.

Curufin - Does not speak about his height, but the main difference between Feanor and him is their height. If asked, he'll admit that he's on the shorter side in their extended family.

Amrod and Amras - Inherited their father's short genes. Have not outgrown the 'baby' stage of their development, and will always remain at said stage. No one dares to tease them about their height, except Celebrimbor.

Celebrimbor - Shorter than Curufin. Has complained about his lack of height to both Gil-Galad and Elrond multiple times (the two are about a head taller than him).

Part 2 (House of Fingolfin) - Here

Part 3 (House of Finarfin) - Here

#silmarillion #silm #lotr #tolkien #sons of feanor #feanor #nerdanel #celebrimbor #finwe #indis #miriel #headcannons #silm fandom #silm headcanons

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imaginethebeautifulworld · 4 months

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So I was reading Phantom of the Opera and some of Erik's descriptions made me think so much of Gil! I remembered how amazing your Hades and Persephone fic was, and I was hoping you could do something with the Phantom too? Thanks so much!!!!

Hello, Anon! I absolutely adored Erik in the book, and now that I read your ask, I can easily see the similarities, too~ I grew up on a weird blend of the book, musical, and both the 2004 and Lon Chaney films; I tried to honor that blend in this a bit, but a majority was pulled from memories of the book. I hope you enjoy, and thank you for your patience~

The theatre was filled to bursting, the audience awed, riveted, mesmerized, your voice weaving an enchantment over hundreds of unsuspecting admirers.

He was proud of you.

Your voice reached him even in the highest and most of isolated rafters, a platform forgotten- abandoned- by the stagehands stationed several stories below. Your voice was full, carrying all of the strength and conviction and passion as the character you were playing.

Gone was the timid spirit he had stumbled upon all those years ago, broken and shattered from loss, left with only the protections of a then-aloof guardian and a firm, dispassionate teacher.

He was drawn to you from that first day, a twist of compassion, of understanding; in spite of your upbringing and (even then) impressive talent, you were still an outsider, your peers and the other students keeping their distance, leery of your background, and some envious even then.

Yes, the companionship and camaraderie would come in time, but in those first few months, he saw the same loneliness and sadness in you he'd once carried so heavily himself, and his heart ached to comfort you.

The first time he spoke to you was purely accidental, a slip of a whisper he prayed you would dismiss as a ghost, or mere imagination. He had grown too comfortable in answering you when you were alone, his voice always near silent as you spoke to your mother, your father, and sometimes the angels themselves.

It was the latter with which you had caught him, crying out with a broken heart after discovering another student had sabotaged your satin slippers, intent on seeing your failure, your embarrassment, and (as likely was the case with that particular little shrew) your dismissal from the school.

But you persevered, successfully completed your performance, never once showing your distress until you were away from the others. It was only then, hidden away in a forgotten practice room that you showed your anger, your sadness, your hopelessness. The mask had fallen, and he was once again struck by the beauty of the fractured soul he admired so deeply.

"Please," you whispered, and it broke his heart to hear it, "I feel so alone."

It ached, being unable to comfort you, seeing your progress and healing of the past few months tested so needlessly. He ached for you; he was angry for you.

"You are not alone."

It was a fleeting, foolish slip, his temper and his longing both getting the better of him. Your sudden silence choked his own breath, his entire body freezing in terror.

For a moment, for an eternity, there was naught but silence.

He didn't dare move, fearful of how even the slightest shift of fabric could give him away, could startle you, could-

"I was half-afraid I had gone mad, speaking with shadows and expecting them to finally reply."

You were... teasing him, only a little, though at the time he was still petrified that you would demand he reveal himself. You had moved closer to the false panel, studying it closely, seeking out any faults that might give away its secrets. For a moment, your eyes were perfectly level with his own, and he feared you could hear his heart racing in his chest.

But soon enough you had drawn away, crestfallen. "Perhaps I have gone mad," you murmured, sighing in defeat. "Perhaps the rumors are true, and you are nothing but a ghost."

Memories of his time spent serving in the court of a distant empire flickered to memory, a rueful sound resembling laughter slipped past his defenses. "Of the many things they may wish and claim me to be, dead is not yet among them."

Your focus once more returned to the panel, and he instinctively took a step back. "Please-" he began, quickly cutting himself off.

Where others would have pressed forward, you paused, then took several steps away from the wall, granting him his distance, a warm sense of appreciation, and another he couldn't name at the time, sparkling to the surface at the warm breath of relieved laughter you released soon after. "You- You're really there."

That moment, one he could still so clearly remember as the peripeteia, the decided, unexpected change to a familiar script, one which would set the trajectory of both of your lives for the next ten years. It would lead to many late nights spent in practice, in conversation, in debates about the literary characters you loved so dearly. "I am always here."

Your aria had drawn to a close, the spell broken by the deafening roar of the audience's applause, and Gilbert was pulled from his memories, unable to conceal his smile.

Brava, Schatz. Bravissima.

He stood to his full height and began to make his way towards the nearby ladder.

For your role, another scene yet remained- a joyful reunion between your character and the valiant hero following the defeat of the jealous villain, a happy end to a romance so riddled with tragedy.

Gilbert needn't see the ending; it was a tale as old as time.

His footsteps were silent and certain, following a path he could traverse in his sleep; he had already paced it many times in his dreams.

Of all the false doors he had constructed in his opera house, there was one he had yet to pass through, one which now loomed before him. The room beyond was bathed in the ethereal golden glow of candlelight, a world outside of the darkness, fueling even more of the torment already plaguing his mind.

He was haunted by his doubts, by his need to... His need to properly introduce himself.

You had risen so high, could fly even higher, could rise above anything the fools in this theatre could ever hope to imagine. With your voice, your grace, your elegance, and your perspicacity, he had no doubts you could soar to a realm where only angels once dare tread. Perhaps it was wrong to want to burden you, to-

Movement on the other side of the glass brought his thoughts once more to a standstill. You were laughing, carefree, glowing with happiness and a brilliant light which followed everyone through the corridors after a triumphant performance. His heart fluttered to see you so beautifully framed, a living portrait he yearned to touch.

He frowned at the thought.

These feelings...

He had cared for you when you first arrived, a deep friendship slowly growing, even as he never allowed you to glance upon him. Slowly, then almost in an erupting whirlwind, those feelings had adapted, deepened, solidified. He was left hoping, wishing...

You were an Angel, in the most benevolent, compassionate of ways, but even an Angel would surely shun a Devil's Child.

For that was what his eyes and his appearance had always been: that of a devil. And surely-

Another figure was entering the room, and you were quick to abandon the comfort of your velvet settee, rushing to embrace-

No.

You were laughing, falling into conversation with an ease that only came-

You were familiar with this... this boy.

Perhaps even intimate, his traitorous thoughts interfered, the herald to the invasive darkness which followed.

It was a cold, bitter thing, rising from the depths, twisting and corrupting his every breath.

He had been careless, allowing you your freedom, allowing you to slip away to the gilded sanctuary of your guardian's maison de ville.

This boy dared to presume he could even look upon you, let alone embrace you, speak with you so candidly, even addressing you by your given name-

Gilbert felt his rage, his envy, grow stronger, even as that bedamned Raoul finally departed for the evening, leaving your bright smile in his wake.

You often called Gilbert your "Angel of Music," a bringer of light to your once dreary and dark days. You used it affectionately, a term of endearment for one you saw as a companion, a compatriot in curiosity.

But much like his namesake, Gilbert was Fallen, cursed, a creature of shadows and Night.

It took so little to pull him back into the Darkness, and now, with the sting of envy plaguing his every thought, Avarice and Doubt whispering in his ear, his ambitions had changed.

You were his.

He would ensure no one else could dare claim you, would have the slightest chance at your heart.

With skill honed from years of practice, Gilbert silently slid open the trap door, his voice carrying over to you in a tone he himself barely recognized. "Insolent boy. The impertinence of him, sharing in our triumph."

You startled at his voice, turning to him instinctively, your eyes widening in disbelief, before you graced him with your brightest smile yet.

Your joy glittered with more radiance than any star in the heavens, but its glimmer eclipsed your awareness, obscuring the darkness in the figure stealing ever closer.

"Hello, Engel."

Thanks for reading!

Special shout-out to @the-scribe-and-her-scribbles for unwittingly inspiring me today to finally sit down and write. She's an amazing writer, and if you haven't checked it out already, I highly recommend her ongoing series It Will Come Back.

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nightlight-stardust-and-rain · 6 months

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Having Higgs thoughts.

First of all, it's absolutely hilarious that Oggie calls him kid even though Higgs is literally a first-generation Jager. Incredible. This must be the Jeger equivalent of being 40 but having such a bad case of baby face that you look like a teenager and no one takes you seriously.

Secondly. I read a fic with one (1) interaction between Higgs and Lilith/Judy and decided it would be very interesting if Higgs had been the one to 'raise' her (and Punch/Adam too I guess?). But then I really thought about it and it makes at least a bit of sense. Visibly they were created as adults, but the emotional and mental maturity and humanity had to take a while to set in. And who better to teach them how to act human, how to be human, and how to fake being a socially acceptable non-mechanicsburg person than the guy who's not human but whose job is literally to blend in with them? Plus, Dimo said that Bill and Barry didn't like the Jagers being with them because it was bad for their reputation or something but Higgs doesn't look like a Jager so he was probably on Heterodyne-sitting duty way more than the rest of them because he's way more subtle and less réputation-damaging than the others.

Point is. Higgs being the one to teach Punch and Judy How To Be Human When You're Not, Really and then he ends up catching parental feelings which is... Interesting. Never happened before. When Punch and Judy are good enough at passing for human and don't really need him for that anymore he goes back to his job but they keep in touch sporadically. He's really worried when they "disappear" but he can't search for them because he's in a deep cover operation. Plus, signs points to Punch and Judy being very good at hiding if no one found them and Agatha in all those years.

Higgs learning that Judy and Punch were 'killed' and just..... Disappearing from the airship for a while to destroy a forest or two. Only to discover them in Gil's secret lab during his routine patrol of all the secret places in the airship. From then on he tries to visit them as often as he can without compromising his cover.

Obviously he probably learns about the Agatha thing early, but then he learns who raised her and gets confusing grandfatherly feelings. Give him a break, he's just gotten used to the idea of having children, he wasn't expecting a grandkid :/ he goes to Oggie (grandfather many times over) about it. Oggie, surprisingly, takes him absolutely seriously, gives him advice, and only teases him a little ("out ov all de grandkeeds hyu chust had to get de most troublesome one uh ?")

It still takes a while for Agatha to learn that she's got a sort of adopted grandpa (who isn't evil !) who looks barely 20 years older than her and is one of her subordinates oh that's awkward..... But at least he's very trustworthy and now she has to adapt to the idea of her best friend dating her grandpa (Zeetha thinks it's absolutely hilarious).

#girl genius #axel higgs #agatha heterodyne #Lilith clay #Adam clay #Dripping stardust #Fun little fic idea

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descendantofthesparrow · 1 year

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Commission work - The Sea Four - poly! Sea three x Reader

Notes; Reader is trans masc (has had top surgery, no bottom surgery-is on T)- non-bio kid of Hades (more apprentice kinda thing with Hades seeing reader as his son cuz reasons), poly ship with Uma, Harry, and Gil.

THIS IS A LONG BOI; ENDED UP WITH 55 PAGES AND 17580 WORDS

What was originally supposed to be a normal day on the isle, aka running errands for your boss-kinda father figure; Hades. Had turned into something completely different, you had just been heading back to Hades lair when your boyfriend, Harry Hook; came racing up to you, his eyes alight with mischief and near bloodlust.

“(y/n), darlin’, love, firelight, babe-“ you turned, covering the blabbering pirates mouth with your hand, raising your brow at him. “What?” you said with a low sigh, licking your lips as Harry pried off your hand and got into your face, his hook caressing your jaw. “Guess who’s on tha’ isle~” Harry purred, his eyes flashing a slight red and you knew it could only be one person that would make him react this way.

“The dragon bitch is back?” you asked, voice turning dark and sinister, a sadistic smirk growing on your face. Harry just giggled, his hand moving from yours to rest on your shoulder, almost bouncing in place “aye~ and Uma ‘as a plan, she told me ta come get ye” you hummed and nodded, taking Harry's hook from your jaw and shaking it about.

“I’ll be there in an hour, gotta drop the last of the supplies at Hades place” Harry huffed but nodded, grabbing your head and kissing your cheek, rubbing the shaved hair on your head before he bolted off, cackling as you tried to swipe at him for doing that. “Dork” you muttered fondly, shaking your head at your not all, there-there, boyfriend.

Then again, your other boyfriend wasn’t all, there-there either. Gil wasn’t exactly known for his brains, unlike Harry who liked to act kinda stupid to make people underestimate him. The thought made you snort, both your boyfriends were a bit-stupid-mostly on purpose, while you and your girlfriend held the brain cells most of the time.

Well, considering Uma was captain, it was kinda a requirement for her to have the brain cells, though once in a while she let Harry have a turn with it, which led to…sometimes very explosive ideas from him. you chuckled as one of those ideas came to mind, taking out your key to Hades lair and unlocking the front gate, pulling opening the creaking iron gates and stepping inside, spinning on your heel to close and relock the gates before descending into the tunnels, blue lights flashing overhead to illuminate the abandoned mineshaft.

Soon you made it to Hades lair, setting the hefty bag full of food on the floor “Got your stuff” you muttered, spinning on your heel to leave as soon as you could to help Uma plan for revenge when you heard Hades whistle, pointing at you as you turned to face him slowly “c’mere kid” Hades muttered, sitting up properly in his minecart seat and gesturing for you to come closer.

You sighed, stepped up onto his little platform, and crossed your arms “What’s got you in a rush?” Hades asked; a slightly teasing tone to his voice “Got a hot date with your pirates?” you didn’t hesitate to answer his question truthfully “Mal’s back on the isle”

Hades just stared at you, and you could tell he really didn’t care that his biological kid was back on the isle “And Uma wants me to help plan revenge, something about fairy pie” Hades hummed, leaning back in his chair and examining his nails. “Alright, have fun, don’t kill her” you snorted with a nod, knowing Uma had too much planned to kill Mal, saluting him as you turned and left the lair; beelining it to the chip shop.

You let out a cough as you burst into the chip shop, feeling a strong set of arms catching you as you tried to jump down the steps to the main floor “hi Gilly” you grunted as Gil laughed loudly, carrying you over to the main table and setting you down, standing behind you as Uma raced about the shop; trying to keep up with her work while also trying to plan for her revenge against Mal.

Soon enough Uma was finally able to sit down, you, Harry, and Gil surrounding her as she went over the several plans within her mind; one of which Harry wasn’t all too keen to “Wait?!” Harry screeched, slamming his hands on the table, staring wide-eyed at Uma “wait?!?! Why would we wait?! She’s righ’ there, ripe fer the pickin’ and ye want ta wait!!?!”

“She’ll expect us to go after her right away, if we wait, she lets her guard down, if we wait; she makes a stupid move, and then we strike, (y/n) you still got that bleach from doing your hair?” Uma asked you, reaching over and grabbing your arm gently, and you nodded, spinning your turquoise tentacle ring that sat on your left pointer finger. “Good, we’re fucking up her new do” Uma gestured faintly to her hair; which even after seven years still faintly smelled of rotten shrimp, which Uma hated even if Harry adored it since she smelled like the ocean.

Gil snickered at the thought, then gasped “Oh! We can egg her too!” Uma pointed at Gil, an evil smirk on her lips “tha’tta boy Gil, your plan you supply, go get some eggs” Gil nodded, kissing your cheek before he turned and bolted out of the chip shop to go prepare for his part of the ‘humiliate Mal’ plan.

Uma pulled Harry back to the table, holding his wrist as he pouted down at her “I know, I know, just wait; wicked things come to those who wait, and I mean that in both ways” Uma muttered out and Harry licked his lips, glancing up at you with hungry eyes. You smirked, crossing your arms and sitting down next to Uma as she continued to plan.

Only twenty minutes later, Gil burst back into the chip shop, bag full of eggs and eyes sparkling with opportunity “KING BEN’S ON THE ISLE!” Uma stood so fast her chair clattered to the floor, the crew and the customers all staring at him with wide unbelieving eyes “Evie, Carlos, and Jay too! They’re all here! Saw em at the market, Evie tried to dress ‘im up but even I could see through that in a second! He wasn’t even wearing a different color! And he had his symbol!” Gil laughed, waving his hands about as he rambled; walking closer to Uma whose eyes sparked with a new plan for freedom. “I mean-how thick could ya get?”

Uma covered his mouth, her other making a shushing gesture then she turned to Harry “You know what I’m thinkin’, go” Harry grinned, that feral one that sent everyone but you, Gil, and Uma running; and nodded, pressing a hard kiss to Uma’s cheek then grabbing your hand, barking for Gonzo and Bonnie to follow as you all went to go kidnap king Ben.

Harry would not stop giggling as you got closer to the rotten fours hideout, and you could hear the traitors talking as you slowed to a stop at the end of the alleyway. “What now?” Gonzo asked as Bonnie rested her chin on your shoulder to get a better look at the three vks that sat at the bottom of the stairs, squinting as your earring reflected in her eyes.

“We wait,” you said simply, holding Harry’s shoulder as he almost tipped forward in his excitement “from what I’ve seen, Ben is…naive, about the isle, and if they dressed him in his colors and symbol, he’s gonna walk off on his own” you muttered and Harry giggled again, his eyes flashing red within the darkness of the alleyway.

And just as you predicted, Ben came slumping down the alleyway, looking very rejected and sad “idiot” you muttered, watching as Gonzo and Bonnie grabbed him and easily tied him down, the two laughing quietly with Harry as Ben was gagged. “Welcome ta tha’ isle yer majesty~” Harry purred, kneeling to get in the horrified Ben’s face, that snappy smile on his lips before he stood and turned to walk down the alley, reaching back and grabbing your hand so you could make sure the vks got the message.

“Ben…BEN!” Evie called out desperately for the king, the three traitors taking a sigh of relief as they saw Harry, who they thought was Ben, get closer “Ben don’t scare us like that!” Carlos took a wide step back when “Ben’s” shadow split into two, and they stepped into the light, one wearing a maniacal grin and the other looking almost bored, their (e/c) eyes gleaming almost yellow under the burning alley lights.

“Don’t scare ye~? that’s our specialty ~” Harry purred, tilting his head just so as Evie curled her lip, Jay getting into Harry’s face “Harry,” Evie breathed out, Harry leaning towards her with a smirk, but only just so as Jay snarled at him “What did you do with Ben!?”

Harry furrowed his brows, as if he didn’t know what they were talking about! Then he gasped, turning back to point down the alleyway “oh! We uh, nicked him~!” Harry hummed a bit, his grin sharp as he turned back to the traitors, Carlos keeping his eyes on you as you absentmindedly flipped a blade between your fingers. “yeah, um, and if ye want’ta see ‘im again, aaa’ve Mal come to tha’ chip shop tonight~” his voice went serious and he made a gesture that made it clear that if Mal didn’t do as asked, Ben was toast “Alone.”

“Uma wants,” your voice interjected now, a small sing-song tone to it as you smirked at Evie, who was probably the only other person in the group to know why your being here would piss Mal off “a little visit~” Harry giggled a bit, turning to Jay who was glaring at him “aww, Jay~” He gave Jay a once over, pouting a bit at the ex-thief “Seems like ye lost yer touch~” Jay tried to jump Harry only for Evie to hold him back, and you quickly held the back of Harry’s neck to tell him to calm it down before any of you got into a scuffle.

Harry just giggled, turning to Carlos and barking like a dog, hoping to scare the younger vk but Carlos just stared at him, clearly over his phobia of dogs. Harry hummed, turning on his heel and starting to whistle, your hand going from his neck to his shoulder as the traitors stared after you; before Jay started to climb the side of the warehouse to tell Mal the bad news.

“Message delivered” you announced as you entered the chip shop, Harry helping Gonzo and Bonnie get the king nice and comfortable in the brig as you informed Uma of the successful kidnapping. “Mal will probably be here soon” Uma hummed, sliding another order onto a table, to which the pirate said it was wrong but silenced themselves with a glare from you. “Good” Uma muttered, waving you off “Go make sure Harry isn’t torturing him, we both know he goes off the rails when he’s excited” you hummed with a nod, and walked off, grabbing the back of Harry’s neck as you walked up behind him, stopping him mid-sentence as he was taunting Ben.

“Don’t spoil the fun darling” you whispered in his ear, smirking as you felt a shiver go down his spine starting from his neck. “C’mon, let his majesty get some rest, he’ll need it for tomorrow” you muttered, mock bowing to Ben and taking Harry to the captain's quarters, where Gil was already waiting at the edge of the bed, happily indulging in some of the rare candies the isle got that Uma kept in a locked drawer in her room.

“Hi! How was the kidnapping!” Gil asked, crossing his legs on the bed as Harry went to join him. You leaned back as Harry’s boots went flying across the room as he kicked them off; chuckling as he flopped on top of Gil, laying heavily on the just larger teen. “Hi!”

“Hi,” Harry muttered back to Gil, snuggling into Gil’s neck, and relaxing into Gil’s arms as he wrapped them around Harry “Uma will be here soon” you announced as you picked up the boy’s boots, setting them near the door “She just needs to make the deal with Mal” Harry and Gil hummed, sharing a look before slowly getting up and walking towards you as silently as they could.

“You grab my hips, I toss your ass onto the bed,” you said almost too calmly as Harry's hands hovered above your body, groaning as you didn’t even turn around to stare at him. “Gil same to you” Gil pouted, taking his hands back from your torso as you walked away from them, sitting in the captain's chair to take off your boots “You know the rules, we wait for the captain.”

Harry let out a grumbling whine as Gil sighed and went back to the bed, going back to the rare candy as Harry slumped over to you, half hanging off your shoulders as you sat up in Uma’s chair, glazing over the papers on her desk before standing and half dragging Harry back to the bed, where you sat down and let out a cough as Harry practically sat on your lap.

“Bit heavy my dear” you muttered, running one of your hands up his leg, smirking as he hummed happily, Gil looking a bit left out before your other hand rested on his thigh. “But we wait” Harry groaned, falling back till his torso rested next to your hips and his hands trailed up your arm that now was on the bed holding you up as your other hand tapped Gil’s thigh.

Gil rambled on about what real candy would taste like when you all got off the isle, about how the ocean would smell, about anything that came to his mind while you waited for the captain. You and Harry listened in intently, and at some point, you laid down with Harry, his head resting on your shoulder as you trailed your fingers up Gil’s broad back.

Soon-Uma entered, looking triumphant. “Did ye do it!?” Harry gasped, sitting up with his legs on either side of your left thigh. “Did ye behead the pixie~!?” Uma hummed, walking right up to Harry and cupping his face, smirking as he leaned into her hands “No, not yet but~” she turned to you, her eyes flashing with victory “it’s the wand for the crown~ tomorrow, at noon-sharp-Mal will bring us the wand in exchange for the king. We will be free~!”

Gil cheered as Harry whooped, throwing his hands up as Uma laughed, throwing her head back as you smirked, your hand resting on Harry’s hip. “Congratulations captain, a job well done as always” you whispered, smirking as she rested her hands on your knees and leaned towards you, a…spicy, smirk on her lips. “All thanks to you, my boys” she whispered, turning towards Harry as he leaned into her space, Gil doing the same; wanting attention just like Harry.

“Shall we celebrate?” you purred, lifting your leg just enough to rub your knee into Harry’s crotch, smirking as he whined a bit, a pink flush already taking over his cheeks as Uma laughed, taking his jaw and staring into his half-lidded eyes, watching as Harry’s hips rocked against your leg. “We shall” Uma purred, kissing Harry deeply as you happily watched the show, Gil doing the same as Harry whimpered and groaned into Uma’s mouth, your leg rubbing up against the hardness growing in Harry’s pants.

Uma pulled away from Harry’s lips, rubbing her thumb on his bottom lip which was stained with her lipstick “Strip” she commanded, her eyes glazing across the three of you as she stepped back, sitting down in her chair to watch the show as you obeyed, Harry almost tripping over himself as he ripped off his jacket and shirt, getting caught in his belts as you slid off your jacket.

“Dork” you muttered, taking off your shirt and then helping Harry get out of his, rolling your eyes as he grinned sheepishly at you “See what happens when you rush? You get all caught up” you muttered, huffing as you felt his hands on your chest, his thumbs rubbing the scars beneath your pecs. He wasn’t listening to you at all, just looking at you, his eyes as soft as his soul. “My beautiful god” Harry whispered before kissing you, and you melted into him, Uma’s warms wrapping around your waist as Gil went to Harry, kissing the nape of Harry's neck as Harry and Uma explored your torso.

You huffed again as Uma’s hand dipped into your pants, her fingers trailing over your hardened T-dick. “Uma” you whispered, falling back into her arms as she hummed, resting her chin on your shoulder as she watched Gil copy her actions to Harry, Harry’s face flushed dark red as Gil rubbed the head of Harry’s dick.

“Gil, you get Harry, (y/n), you get Harry and I~” Uma said as she sank her teeth into your shoulder, sending a shiver down your spine as Harry gasped, tipping back into Gil’s arms as Gil rubbed his thumb across the slit of Harry’s head. “A-aye cap-mmm~” Harry tried to say, his knees buckling as Gil set a good-sized hickey into the crook of Harry’s shoulder.

“Gladly” you muttered, grabbing Uma’s hand and tossing her into the bed, smirking as she gasped “but as the captain, I think you should be the one receiving, not giving; for all your hard work” you looked back at the boys, Harry desperately gripping onto Gil’s arms as Gil looked up at you, his eyes flashing with hunger “Don’t you think?”

The two nodded and Gil went back to work on Harry, pulling his pants and underwear off as you turned back to Uma, placing gentle kisses on her jaw and down her neck, your free hand popping open her corset and caressing her hip “Just let us do the work tonight, okay?”

“Okay,” Uma breathed, moaning into your mouth as you kissed her, lifting her hips to help you remove her underskirt as Harry flopped on the bed next to Uma, both breathing heavily as you and Gil pulled away.

“Fuck yes” Harry panted, turning and leaning into Uma, taking her cheeks and kissing her as Gil went to work on Harry, his eyes glancing at you as you spread open Uma’s legs and licked your lips. “Bon Appetit (y/n)” Gil joked, holding back a laugh as Uma let out a long moan into Harry’s mouth.

“Fuck!”

You stood at the gangplank, Gil high above in the crow's nest on lookout, while Uma and Harry taunted the king, all four of you had a bit of a pep in your step. One that only a few of the crew understood, the others just thought you were all hyped for your freedom, which you were.

Soon enough Harry was pacing the deck behind you, keeping his eyes on the king and Uma as they talked, his hook brushing against the small of your back every once in a while “stop that you’re going to run the wood through” you muttered, and Harry scoffed, sniffing a bit as he turned on his heel once again.

“Harry!” Uma called for the first mate and he practically skipped over, all too happy to finally hook the king. Soon, about twenty-five minutes later, Mal and her little friends came out from the tunnel, a girl you knew wasn’t a vk following close behind.

“Hey, guys!” Gil called from above, an eager grin on his face “they’re here!” the crew laughed, leering at Mal as she walked up to the other side of the gangplank, her vivid green eyes glaring into yours, a hint of poison swimming within them. You smirked, knowing why she was staring at you in such a hateful way.

Some would say Mal hated you more than she did Uma, and she hated Uma a lot.

“Welcome!” Harry’s voice echoed behind you, pushing the king towards the gangplank as he threw his arms out in a very dramatic pose, bowing out as Uma laughed, stepping into the limelight as you grinned at Mal, following after Harry to make sure he didn’t do anything rash as Uma took command of Mal’s attention. “Finally!”

“let’s get this party started shall we?” Uma purred, rubbing her hands together as mal huffed, taking the wand from Carlos and meeting Uma in the middle of the gangplank. “Wand for the crown dragon breath, or your little king is going down” Harry cackled from his spot at the gangplank, pushing Ben till he was practically tip-toeing off the edge.

Mal just huffed, as if she was more annoyed by the whole situation rather than worried for her, apparently, ex-boyfriend. Mal stepped forward to hand Uma the wand, but Uma simply narrowed her eyes and held her hand up “Hold up…too easy,” Mal dared to look offended “Why don’t you give it a test drive?”

You grinned at the look of clear panic on Mal’s face “We wanna see it work~” the pirates all cheered at Uma’s words and commanded Mal to give the wand a whirl, Uma looking over her shoulder at you to give you a feral grin. Mal was fumbling, she didn’t expect Uma to ask for an example and Mal hasn’t as hard to read as she thought she was.

“What’s wrong Malsy?” you purred, coping Harry’s sharp yet lazy smile as she glared at you, not happy to hear your voice “Can’t produce any spells for us? Something wrong with the wand~?”

Mal just huffed, turning on her heel to face her friends, Carlos subtly nodding at the dog that had suddenly appeared on the docks. You narrowed your eyes, licking your lips as Gil walked up behind you, resting his head on your shoulder as you glanced between Mal and the dog. “oh, and nothing too big or else Ben’s shark bait~” Uma said, her voice serious yet teasing as Harry giggled, hanging Ben over the plank while Mal glared at Uma.

Mal huffed again, turning to the dog again “Although it seems absurd/turn your bark into a word!” Mal flourished the wand, but nothing came from it, nor did anything physical happen to the dog. Your eyes narrowed, the fairy godmother's magic was one of the only magics to exist behind the barrier, a safety precaution or some bullshit like that.

So why was there no magic, if Mal had in fact brought the real fairy godmother's wand?

Something was up. You had never trusted Mal, and honestly, you didn’t trust her to keep up her end of the deal even if it mean her little boyfriend's life was on the line. You came back to reality as Uma commanded Harry to bring Ben over, Harry looking a bit disappointed at the fact that he wouldn’t be sending Ben to swim with the sharks as he dragged the king over to the gangplank.

Ben was forced to his knees, making you and Uma coo as Mal gasped at Harry roughhousing the king. Uma held out her hand, demanding the wand, Mal mirrored her, demanding Ben. Uma just licked the inside of her upper lip and nodded at Harry, keeping her eyes on Mal “Cut ‘em loose Harry”

Harry glanced between Uma and Mal, groaning about how he never got to have any fun as he sliced the rope binding Ben’s ankles and wrists. Ben quickly grabbed Mal’s arm, Uma stopping him from moving any further as Mal handed over the wand. With a grin from Uma and a sneer from Mal; the wand was yours.

“Yes!” Uma cackled, spinning around to run into the middle of the crew, you and Harry staying back slightly to keep anyone from taking the wand back. Your eyes narrowed as the vks rushed to get back to the tunnel, Mal having to push Ben back since he kept trying to get the wand back. Something was up, no one, not even Mal would give THE fairy godmother’s wand up that easily.

“Okay okay okay,” Uma hushed the crew, pointing the wand to the sky, her trapped magic humming as she hurriedly spoke an incantation to set the isle and its children free “by the power of the sea, tear it down and set us free!” the crew cheered, Harry’s eyes bright with hope that died out as nothing happened.

Uma’s nose twitched, examining the wand closely before realizing what had happened “NO!” Uma screeched, snapping the plastic wand over her knee “YOU DO NOT GET TO WIN EVERY TIME!” Ben’s eyes widened at the easy break of the wand, suddenly realizing the same as Uma as you and Garry glared at the vks, mostly Mal. “GET THEM!”

You drew your sword, yelping as smoke suddenly enveloped the ship; you squinted, seeing Carlos through the smoke as he launched smoke bombs at the crew. “The one-time Mal plans ahead” you muttered, cracking your neck and stepping through the smoke, walking right towards Mal; glaring at the smug-looking girl.

You rushed her, chuckling as she nearly immediately bucked under the pressure of your blade. “c’mon Malsy, didn’t you say you could beat me under a table? What was that, seven months ago?” you taunted, easily blocking her weak blows, she had no idea how to use a sword. She was much better using her fists and knives, and even then-she always had Jay do her dirty work.

You quickly and easily backed her into the dock railings; using your sword and arm to block her in, pressing her down against the railing. “what’cha gonna do now mini-Mali~” you purred, using Hades lil ‘nickname’ for Mal, her eyes flashed green-rage flooding through her veins at that name; she hated being compared to her mother. She let out a scream, kicking you in the gut.

You stumbled back, coughing a bit as you held your lower stomach, shaking your head to regain your senses as Mal ran off. She was little, but man her boots packed a punch. “lil brat” you muttered, regripping your blade and running off after the purple imp. you ended up running into Jay as he was going to meet Harry on the upper dock; it was a short clash, because you knew Harry wanted a proper fight with the son of Jafar, so you quickly spun around and fought the Asian Auradon girl.

“And you are?” you asked twisting your blade around to pin hers to the docks. She smiled, a bit too nicely “Lonnie~! Mulan and Shang’s daughter.” you grinned, chuckling as she easily unpinned her sword and swung at you “cool, honestly they’re my favorite of you Auradon bores.” Lonnie let out a small ‘aww’; holding her hand to her chest “Thank you~! I’ll let them know”

You nodded, bowing a bit before you both delved back into the fight; you swiped above her head, smirking as she skillfully dropped down and twisted on her feet in an attempt to knock you over. You leaped back, redirected a stab to your thigh, and grabbed her wrist, tugging her up and around to the other end of the docks.

After a few more swings and jabs, you had her nearly pinned to the dock rails; you wouldn’t kill her-that honestly wasn’t your style, but as you were about to knock her out-you felt a sharp-blinding pain going from your right shoulder to your left hip.

“FUCK!” You screamed out, feeling heat blooming across your back as your legs buckled. “oh shit” you heard someone mutter from behind you. You turned, seeing Jay with blood on his sword, and his face pale. “oh shit!”

“(y/n)!” you heard Gil yell out, he shoved Ben away, sending the king flying back as he bolted towards you; Lonnie and Jay quickly turned on their heels and ran away from you. His hands caught your arm as you sunk to your knees, feeling a wet heat consume your back and soak into your clothes. Jay had sliced open your back.

“fuck fuck fuck” Gil muttered under his breath, the battle behind him continuing on as the crew attempted to either get the king back, or take the core four down. You grit your teeth as Gil carefully pushed your shirt and jacket up, wincing as he saw the extent of the injury. “Man that’s deep” he muttered, flicking your elbow as you wheezed out a small ‘that’s what she said’.

“Dammit, nothing I can do right now” Gil muttered, hovering his hands over the long and open wound “Stay here, I-I need to go get Uma” he muttered, getting to his feet and grabbing his sword, running towards the battle as you adjusted yourself slowly to sit down properly, wincing as pain flared down your back and shoulders.

Soon purple smoke exploded up on the docks near the tunnel that connected to the garage-and the king disappeared, leaving the pirates confused in the smoke. Mal then kicked down the bridge and Uma screamed, pushing everyone out of the way as she raced for the other shortcut-hoping to cut Mal off.

“(y/n)!” Harry yelled out as Gil pulled him over, Gil bit his lip at Uma’s absence but he understood what she was doing and ran over to you with Harry. “fuck-I’m going ta kill him” Harry muttered darkly, taking your hands and helping you stand; his lip curling over his teeth as you cried out in pain. “that’s it, I’m carrying ye” Harry snapped, picking you up and carrying you onto the ship and into Uma’s quarters “Gil, get Des ‘n the medical pack from me room”

Gil nodded and ran back out of the room, grabbing who and what Harry asked for. You huffed and winced as Harry and Desiree cleaned and stitched up your back, nearly breaking Gil’s hand as he held it out to you in comfort. Harry kept grumbling to himself as he bandaged your back; shorting a bit as you muttered how this hurt less than when you chopped off your tits.

“Shut up” he grumbled, sitting up on his knees and kissing the side of your head, pressing his forehead against your shaved hair. “Don’t try to joke yer way out of this” you just laughed, screwing your face a bit as Harry stitched off your bandages. “that’s how I cope, let me joke through my trauma pleaseeee.” you groaned, laying pathetically on the bed as Gil and Harry stood, cleaning up the mess and going out to make sure everything outside was in order; Harry now the acting captain until Uma returned.

A few hours later, you were woken up from a very hard nap as Bonnie slammed on the door, her face peeking through the gap with a…nervous? Look. “(y/n), your dads here and he won't leave, help” she croaked before she sprinted into the room, Hades form stepping through it a moment later, which made him bend down to fit through the door.

“Hades, go away.” you groaned, mostly ignoring how Bonnie called him your dad as he stomped over to you, his platform boots making the floor creak with effort. “Also not my dad-“ Bonnie audibly snorted at that, and waved you off; sneaking out of the room as Hades stared you down. “What?” you grumbled, very much wanting to go back to sleep.

He just stared; his arms crossed like a disappointed parent. “You are not allowed to make that face” you said with a snarky smirk, pointing at his face “Stop making that face” he just deepened the look, narrowing his eyes and tightening his arms “noooooooo”

He couldn’t help the small smirk on his lips at your whining “I might not be your dad, but as your employer kinda father figure person-no bullshit till your healed. I’m putting Harry in charge of you.” You looked at him, as if he was almost stupid; but you realized Harry would actually tie you down to the very bed you lay on to make sure you didn’t do anything stupid.

He himself had zero impulse control, but hell be damned if you did anything stupid when hurt. “fineeee” you huffed out, face planting back in Uma’s pillow and waving Hades off “fine.” He stared at you for a long moment, then huffed, gently patting the back of your head and walking out’ you could hear him talking to Harry but you were already falling back asleep.

“she’s, gone?” you asked, carefully leaning against the headboard of Uma’s bed as Harry gave you an update on the night before-aka what happened at cotillion. Uma appeared, spelling Ben, had almost taken down the barrier, went full sea-god on everyone's ass, and then just-swam away. You knew she had a bigger plan behind her surrender, so you knew she didn’t just give up-she was looking at the bigger picture.

But as of now, she was gone-not a trace of her to be found.

Harry nodded from his spot in front of you, one of his legs tucked under the other that was gently laid across your lap; Gil was laying down behind him-staring at the wall in a near depression.

In just one day, everyone had felt the strain of Uma’s absence, she was an important person on the isle, in your relationship, and in the crew-she was a captain in more ways than one. You sighed, rubbing the back of your neck as you leaned forward, resting your elbow on your knee; wincing as your back flared with pain.

“Dammit, Jay” you grumbled, closing your eyes as you carefully stretched until the pain went away. Harry’s hand found yours, and you looked into his eyes-his pretty ocean blue eyes surrounded by black that were looking so concerned-for you. “I’m fine, it’ll be like a month before I can move without pain but-I’m fine” he just hummed, his eyes dropping down to your fingers as Gil sat up, resting his chin on Harry’s shoulder.

“Do you wanna borrow my razor (y/n)?” Gil asked, pointing at your face. You just rose your brow in confusion, reaching up to feel some scruff on your jaw. “ah, that-nah” you muttered, moving your arms in a way to make the shaving motions just-put too much strain on your back muscles “shavings gonna have ta wait, besides” you glanced at Harry, who was almost starry eyed at the idea of you having a beard-even if it was just scruff “I think Harry likes the idea”

Gil laughed, shaking his head as Harry leaned up and kissed your jaw, watching as you fondly rolled your eyes at the action. You three would be okay, a bit lonely and lost without Uma; but you would be okay.

Harry dyed his hair black and ripped the sleeves off all his jackets and sleeves; Harry was not okay-man went full emo. Gil had to hold him down as you fixed his shit.

“i-what?” Mal asked, almost offended as Hades flipped the ember between his fingers, his yellow eyes staring, almost bored, into her green ones “no-no way.”

“No dice then. You want the ember? (y/n) goes with you; god knows if you have a lick of sense with knowing how to use it.” Hades said in a near-snarky tone, a lazy smile on his lips. Mal huffed, gritting her jaw as Celia stood, pretty confused, at the top of the stairs. She knew you were closer with Hades than most-he had called you his kid before (not realizing he had, and you immediately chucked something at him if you were around to hear him call you that) but for him to bargain the ember, for your freedom?

Wasn’t really like him. Mal just stared at Hades; her eyes hard. Then she closed them, holding out her hand again “Fine. (y/n) comes with” she snapped, not happy with the idea, not happy at all.

Because-what did you have-that she didn’t?! Why would he-her biological father-chose some-random dude like you?! You were just an errand boy for Hades, why did you get special treatment?!

Why did you get the father she had wanted since she was a baby?

Mal turned on her heel as Hades placed the ember in her palm; stomping up the mine shaft stairs, Hades reminded her that if the ember got wet-it was game over.

“Noted, let’s go find (y/n)” Mal grumbled, rushing right past the mine bike and pouting down the mineshaft-Celia doing her best to keep up. It didn’t take long to find you; you were where you always were; the lost revenge. “imp” you muttered in ‘greeting’ as you finished checking up on the last of the ropes and sail anchors, turning to Mal with crossed arms, your lip curling up to give her a sneer as she stood at the other end of the gangplank; Celia right behind her-who seemed much happier to see you. “What do you want?”

“I needed the ember, and Hades told me I couldn’t have it without taking you with me off the isle” Mal grumbled, palming the ember as she glared at you; practically foaming at the mouth as you just rose your brows, pointing at the ember “But-you have it? You could’ve just easily left with it”

Mal froze for a solid five seconds, as if just realizing-yes-she could’ve just, left. And Hades wouldn’t know until after the fact. “Dammit” Mal groaned, face palming, then she shook her head “just-I keep my promises-let’s go” you stared for a moment, then blinked; furrowing your brows as Mal started to walk off, then looked back at you-wondering why you weren’t following. “Come on!”

“What do you even need the ember for? That thing is basically just a battery drainer but for magic?” you muttered, slowly following after Mal as she groaned and muttered curses beneath her breath “Audrey has the scepter, couldn’t get the wand, ember is the next best bet-end of story!” Mal yelled as you walked through the tunnel-Mal easily redirected towards the inner workings of the isle; walking through the market towards the alley where Celia took the lead, so you and Mal followed her into the arcade.

“What's (y/n) doing here?” Evie asked as she joined Mal’s side, intertwining their hands as Mal sighed, clearly wanting to pitch her nose but she had no free hands. “you got the ember?” Jay asked, keeping his eyes on you as you stood in the background-not really wanting to be there; you had first-mate shit to do.

“That's what (y/n) is doing here” Mal muttered, holding the ember tight against her thigh “Hades made a deal, (y/n) goes with us, I get the ember” Carlos, Evie, and Jay looked pretty surprised at those terms; because-Hades would willingly give up his ember to get some-errand boy-off the isle?

They all leaned sideways from behind Mal to look at you, seeing you just staring at all the arcade games, smirking as you saw one you and Harry had hacked a bit back.

“Alright then” Carlos mumbled, shaking his head as Mal asked if they got the bikes back. “the only way back is the bridge” Mal muttered laughing a bit as Evie mumbled about her comfortable heels. Jay grabbed their arms, a deep frown on his face “yeah, we need the remote to access the barrier-and-I uh, left it with my bike” Jay muttered, wincing as Mal just stared at him.

“Man, we have lost our touch” Carlos groaned, rubbing his face as Celia stepped forward, grabbing something from her bag “I lifted it off of you” Celia announced, lifting the golden barrier remote into everyone's view; Jay and Carlos lit up at the sight. Mal and Evie looked proud. “I thought it could be important, and it was-so” she handed the remote to Jay, who grinned and nodded.

“Nice” he muttered, reaching out and patting her arm; turning on his heel as Mal called for the bridge. “let’s go” Mal muttered to you, avoiding your eyes as you snorted and strut after the group.

“We did it, we made it!” Harry and Gil had jumped through the barrier after you, Harry grabbing your collar and planting a heated kiss on your cheek; making you laugh as Gil bounced around-before they noticed the other vks, staring at them as if they were insane.

“Hey guys~” Harry cooed, grabbing your hand and bowing a bit “we’re just comin’ for a wee visit~!” he shared a grin with Gil and started to walk forward, only to be pushed back by Carlos. you closed your eyes, huffing into your hands as the boys started to fight, Carlos and Harry shoving at each other until Carlos bumped into Mal, who had been failing to get the boys to calm down; making her drop the ember.

“No!” Mal screeched, alerting Harry of the ember's importance and he quickly kneeled and scooped the ember right out of Mal’s grip, sending the ember into the sky and over the ocean. Mal screeched out again, watching her only chance to save Auradon drop into the ocean right before her very eyes-unable to do anything about it.

You felt your heart skip a beat as a familiar turquoise-colored tentacle popped out of the waves and caught the ember, Uma rose up a second later and shook her head to give a bit of a dramatic flair to her already dramatic entrance. Uma smirked, raising the ember high in the air, taunting Mal with it “Drop something~?” Uma purred, cackling as Mal yelled for her to give it back.

“Uma!” Harry and Gil yelled out, all too happy to see her; Harry almost fell into the water to hug her if it wasn’t for your hand on his neck. Uma grinned up at them, tilting her head happily as she waved “That’s my name~”

She made eye contact with you, and winked, giggling at the flash of happiness within your eyes, your grin almost rivaling Harry’s. Uma locked eyes with Mal again, taunting her with a smirk as she curled the ember tightly between her tentacles and dove back into the water-Mal yelping out in panic; she couldn't lose the ember!

Everyone watched in near awe as a tower of swirling water began to rise, soon exploding and soaking everyone, you looked behind you at the other side of the bridge as everyone else searched the waters, wondering if Uma had just-left. She hadn’t, there she was, on the bridge, holding the ember with that wonderful smile of hers.

“hey boys~” she purred, laughing as Harry and Gil whirled around to look at her, Mal only looking frustrated and annoyed. Harry cackled, holding out his hook as he practically skipped over to Uma, her pinkie curling around his hook in greeting as he welcomed her back.

“Welcome back~” Harry purred, getting a good look at her to make sure she wasn’t hurt before settling behind her, his eyes on the other vks to make sure they (Mal) didn’t do anything stupid. Lest they face the wrath of Uma’s boys. “Where have you been?” Gil asked, frowning a bit as he stepped up to Uma “it’s been like-two years”

“Planning her revenge no doubt” Mal snapped, scrunching her nose in anger as Uma scoffed and rolled her eyes; she actually hadn’t, she had been enjoying her life outside the isle and sunbathing on the beaches Auradon had to offer “It’s not all about you Mal” Uma taunted, all too happy to shove that fact in Mal’s face.

Mal just rose her brow, as if saying ‘so? I’ll make it about me’ (if yall don’t know/can't tell by now, I don’t like canon Mal :/) “I was looking for a hole in the barrier, to let everybody out? And you know what I found boys?” Uma completely turned her back to Mal, knowing her boys would protect her if needed while also telling Mal ‘you aren’t worthy enough to have my guard up around you’. “it’s way better out there than we thought!”

Uma’s eyes sparkled as she began to recount what she had seen while outside the barrier “there's this thing that looks like a furry rock, called a coconut; and fish so big you can dance on their backs!” Uma turned back to Mal, the purple-haired girl just crossing her arms with a sour look on her face. “and they’ve kept it all for themselves?” Uma taunted as Harry made a small clicking noise with his tongue, shaming the vks for withholding the freedom of Auradon from the vks still on the isle.

“Whatever,” Mal said with a roll of her eyes, holding out her hand for the ember; somehow expecting Uma to just-give it back. “I need that, to break a spell.” Uma chuckled a bit at the demand while Carlos provided some insight, something that actually might have Uma decide to help instead of dooming Auradon.

“Cast by Audrey, sleeping beauties daughter” Uma actually looked a bit surprised at that, she had seen the once brown-haired princess before on the news; she always seemed so much like her mother. But Uma knew to never judge a book by its cover, and that princess must’ve held some dark secrets if she had cast such a spell as the one covering Auradon.

“So, the good guys the bad guy?” Uma laughed, turning back to her boys who just smirked at her “hmm, well-I might not give it back” she pursed her lips; clearly just trying to antagonize Mal “see what happens~”

“Uma, it is not the time for games, people's lives are in danger!” Mal yelled out, quite dramatically; making Uma snort while you and Harry started laughing, Gil rolling his eyes as Harry leaned towards him with a sharp grin.

Uma glanced back down at the ember, slowly making her way towards the edge of the bridge without Mal noticing what she was actually doing “Guarantee me, that every single villain kid that wants to; can get off the isle” it was a solid deal, the isle’s freedom in return for Auradon’s safety. But Mal just huffed, throwing her hands up as if she didn’t have the power to promise such a thing (which, she really doesn’t??? she’s lady of the court, girl ain't the queen yet)

“I can’t do that” Mal sneered, her lip curling slightly as Uma just rose her brows, rolling her eyes as she went towards her boys, you and Harry giving her an opening to the edge as she whirled back around and held the ember over the water. “Can’t do that? Well, how about now!”

“DEAL!” Mal yelled out, her eyes wide with panic, but she quickly tried to save face; trying to seem as if she wasn’t at all worried about Uma extinguishing her only hope to save her new home. “Deal.”

Uma smirked, pretending to stumble and nearly drop the ember, cackling as Mal let out a panicked semblance of a word; Evie reached out to stop Uma from doing anything more “Uma!” Mal almost looked mad Evie was trying to help, glaring at the blue haired girl “her word is good” Uma rose her brow, knowing Mal was a creature of lies, and you saw how Mal’s eyes flickered to the bridge for a moment.

She felt guilty over something, she had that same tell since you were all kids; something her mother had tried to beat out to no avail. Your eyes narrowed, keeping your eyes on Mal as Uma pursed her lips, her eyes on the ember as she stalked towards Mal; who still kept her hand out, still expecting Uma to just hand over the ember. Uma sucked on her teeth before shoving the ember into her vest pocket, smirking as Mal huffed and crossed her arms like a pouting child who lost their toy “I’ll still keep this, for the time being. Because if you think I trust you to save the world on your own?” Uma chuckled, leaning towards Mal with a sinister yet knowing smirk “Think again.”

Mal just glared, clearly not happy about the situation. She took a moment to glare at you, her nose scrunching in anger as you laughed with your boys, taking Uma’s waist as she turned to you “this is a job for pirates~!!” Harry cackled and gave Uma a solid palm smack, Gil taking her shoulder and looking very excited for the adventure to come.

Uma rubbed her hands together, excited to see if Mal would swallow her pride and accept Uma’s offer or if she would pull a Mal. Mal glared full-heartedly at you and Uma, her eyes beginning to glow but Jay quickly de-escalated the situation and pulled Mal back by her arm, muttering something into her ear.

Her eyes went off the side for a moment, as if contemplating something, then she huffed, clenching her jaw “fine.” She snapped lowly, tilting her head in a way that told Jay to take over for talking; since Mal wanted to be a pouty baby. ‘for a leader, she’s real bad at getting along with anyone’ you thought to yourself, and she had been that way since you were all young, another trait handed down from her parents. Yes, parents. As in both Hades and Maleficent, both stubborn assholes who didn’t like to share.

So really, it was no wonder Mal was a stubborn bitch who refused to meet in the middle.

With the nod from Mal, Jay nodded back, turning to gil and Harry; glaring. “where are our bikes?” bikes? What bikes? You glanced at Harry, who started to giggle, Uma looking just as ‘what did you two do?’ as you did. “oh yeah” Gil laughed, gesturing back towards the isle with that smile of his “we crashed em~!”

Jay and Carlos looked pissed, and you would be too if you didn’t give a fuck. Harry nodded with a cackle, beginning to act out revving the bike and driving it off a ramp, then it crashing and exploding. He giggled at Jay’s reaction, pointing at his face and turning to Uma to see her reaction. She just rolled her eyes with a fond snort.

Your eyes drifted to Evie as she stepped forward, and you wondered when she had gone from the fake ditsy fashionista to mom friend. “Here’s a thought?” Evie said loudly, Harry hiccupping as she interrupted his teasing laughter, she sounded almost completely over everyone being at each other's throat, Auradon was on the line and fighting between each other wasn’t going to help “we could try to be friends? Put our history behind us and celebrate our differences.”

Mal just started at Evie like she was insane, as if she would ever consider being friends with shrimpy and homewrecker. Mal turned, glaring at you and Uma as you both just stared at Evie, wondering why she was doing this now and if there was a point to it.

“yeah?” Evie encouraged with a smile, looking towards Mal, who just blinked at her, Jay and Carlos staring hard at Gil and Harry. Evie then reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small red drawstring bag that held several blue gumballs “Who wants gum?”

“Do you carry that with you everywhere?” you asked, pointing at the bag, Evie nodded with a grin “that’s weird” Evie snorted slightly, still smiling. When she noticed everyone else staring at her like she was crazy, her smile dropped slightly, her lips pursing as she shook the bag “no?”

Uma rolled her eyes, hands on her hips as she turned on her heel and began to lead the way towards Auradon “let's go” Mal let out a sharp noise, holding up her hand, you and Harry rolling your eyes at Mal’s need to control everything. “No. I’m in charge” Mal glanced around, seeing her side of the group had no complaints, while Uma’s side glared at her, one looking just-so bored (you, you were very bored, and over Mal’s stupidity) “let’s go”

With that, Mal started off, Uma snorting as she did; knowing she was getting under Mal’s skin with little effort, she was going to enjoy tormenting Mal during this little joint rescue. Evie sighed, taking a gumball and popping one into her mouth, sliding the bag back into her sleeve and following after her fellow vks.

After what felt like two hours of walking, the group of mismatched vks made it to the Auradon prep gardens, all pausing at the sight of dozens of students sleeping away. Clearly not willingly. “they’re asleep” Evie whispered as if she was afraid to wake anyone up “all of them.”

“Spelled by your princess” Uma muttered, moving further into the gardens, eyes peeled for any sign of danger while the Auradon-bound VK’s were too busy paying attention to their phones, trying to get ahold of their loved ones. Well, minus Jay, who made sure the spelled students were okay.

Gil followed Jay around while you and Harry kept close to Uma, though Harry did go off to snatch a wallet or two. “five, four, three, two, one” you muttered to Uma as you counted down the time until Jay would step in and stop Harry, to which-he was right on cue. “you do,” Jay said as he took the stolen cash from Harry, continuing Harry’s little ramble about him deserving compensation for joining the rescue mission “me not squashing you like a bug” Harry just giggled at Jay’s threat, tossing the now empty wallet on the white metal table and taking his hook, getting into Jay’s face with a maniac grin.

“Think I’m scared of you Jay~?” Harry cooed; his eyes bright with the urge to shove his hook through Jay’s jaw. Jay just glared right back, the two boys straightening up as Mal and Uma called for them to cut their shit out. Harry huffed, giving Jay a dark glare as he walked away, soon Harry made his way back to you and Uma, pouting as he did so.

“Hey, we have to play nice, for now,” you muttered, taking Harry’s free hand “you and Jay can hash at it later, right now; we focus on Auradon and the kids” Harry glanced at you, and huffed, but nodded; leaning down to kiss your forehead.

“fine” he grumbled, perking up as Evie called for everyone's attention, her eyes wide with terror and shock as she stumbled away from a statue of a frightened girl “Ha-Hannah turned to stone” Evie whispered, Jay catching her shoulders as Evie’s hands went to cover her mouth.

“holy shit” you muttered, walking up to the stone girl and resting your hand gently on her shoulder, the stone was ice cold, nothing compared to the comfortable temperatures of the school grounds.

“All right everyone stay on your toes, we’re not dealing with just a sleeping spell anymore” Jay muttered, and his words rang sharply in everyone's chest this was no longer just a race to find Audrey and stop her from sending everyone off to sleep, this was to stop her from doing worse.

Hanna gave no notion of life within her stone-turned eyes, Audrey had invertedly killed her, and however more people she had turned to stone. “since we’re here” Uma said as she passed by the statue “let's check the school, even if that princess ain’t here we might find a clue” Mal pursed her lips, glancing to the side before she spoke up “No”. Uma slowly turned back, not liking the tone of Mal’s voice, as if Uma’s suggestion was stupid. “Audrey went after the crown, so, I think it's safe to assume she went after Ben and the castle next?” she looked to her friends to see if they agreed, and they nodded, it was in fact the most logical answer. Mal nodded back, happy to know they agreed. “then that’s where we'll go.”

Uma licked her lips, turning back on her heel to step closer to Mal, her shoulders back in defense “says who?” Uma challenged; Mal just frowned, stepping up to copy Uma’s movements, her eyes narrowed with warning “says me” Mal spat back, the two girls getting almost nose to nose as they glared at each other.

“says you and that’s supposed to mean something to me?” Uma huffed, tilting her head up slightly as she tilted closer to Mal, who was about to insult Uma right back when you and Evie spoke up, interrupting their little tough talk.

“Guys,” the two said, already tired of their bullshit, you continued to speak as Evie shook her head at Mal, telling her to knock it off with the whole holier than thou bit. “we don’t have time for your bickering, yet here we are watching you two bitch as if we’re not on a time crunch now.” you hissed, stepping closer to the girls and pushing them apart, glaring at Mal as she smacked his arm.

“Don’t touch me” Mal snapped, surprising her friends with the venom in her voice, one not even heard for Uma. You just glared, unaffected by it, then raised your brow “Then get you’re shit together, ain't leaders supposed to be level-headed? And not wasting time picking fights?” Mal let out a low hiss between her teeth, pouting a bit, not wanting to admit you were right.

So she just turned to her friends, stepping away on her right foot “to the castle” with that, she was off, her friends at her heels as the pirates and Celia lagged slightly behind; Harry’s arm once again around your shoulder, Gil holding your free hand.

Uma peeked over her shoulder, smiling at the sight of her boys, she had missed them so much and she couldn’t be happier to be with them again; now she just had to endure mal and her goons and they would be home free.

They were bickering again. You sighed, rubbing the bridge of your nose. They really couldn't just-chill for five minutes, could they? Nearly the entire way to the castle they had bickered, and now you were inside the castle, looking for Ben; they were once again-bickering.

“Bet you lost sleep thinking ‘bout me being on the loose” Uma hummed, crossing her arms as she, Evie, and Mal strut down the hall of armors. Evie sighed, giving you a glance that clearly said she was over the two’s bullshit. You just huffed back with a chuckle, feeling the same; you loved Uma, but her and Mal’s little shit fest wasn’t all that fun to listen to for the thousandth time.

“No, dragons don’t really lose sleep” Mal spat back, trying to keep her cool, but with another glance from Evie; you knew she was bull-shitting, she had lost sleep, while Uma simply went about with her freedom. You let out another huffed chuckle, ending up next to mal while Evie stepped between the two girls, trying to get them to chill out “I wonder what fried shrimp tastes like~?” Mal wondered aloud, attempting to intimidate Uma to no avail, only succeeding in annoying her by bringing the stupid shrimp thing back up.

“Can you two not do this? I thought we were looking for Ben, who could be in danger, and yet here we stand as if waiting for coffee~!” you said in a snarky tone, glaring at Mal as she huffed and turned to sneer at you, her eyes alight with near hate that didn’t seem to be completely directed at you.

“Shut it, gravedigger, no one asked you” Mal spat, flinching as Harry, Uma, and Gil let out a loud offended noise at your defense; Uma grabbing Mal’s shoulder to get Mal’s attention back on her. You didn’t care much about her little insult; it was hardly one anyways; so you used to be a grave digger so what?

Though with how Mal was basically royalty on the isle, and now almost royalty in Auradon, she might be a bit classist, and a grave digger was one of the lower classes of any society, at least to Mal.

“What the hell is your problem with him?!” Uma practically yelled, her lip curling over her teeth as Harry glared at Mal over Uma’s shoulder “You’ve been practically bullying him all day, If it's me you gotta problem with; take it up with me, don’t take it out on him!” Mal sputtered for a moment, unable to tell Uma the truth about why she hated you but Harry, accidentally, saved her ass; calling out in panic as the suits of armor surrounding the walls of the room jerked to life.

“Girls, cut tha’ shit! we ‘ave a problem!” he yelled out, grabbing Uma’s arm as the two knights nearest to the group turned to them, pink smoke flowing from their visors. Mal gasped in fright, bumping back into Evie and Gil as Audrey’s voice echoed from the knights “It would be wise to listen to the pirate, Malsy~ your pride will be your downfall” Audrey hissed, and the knights soon attacked, the horde slowly and loudly making their way to the group.

“Run, run!!” you yelled, pushing at Mal and forcing her frozen form to move, everyone made a run towards the doors, only for the way to be blocked, Celia on the other side of them holding Dude in her arms, her eyes wide with fright.

Luckily she was out of the way, and hopefully would stay safe. “no choice, we hav’ta fight!” Harry yelled, grabbing a sword from a nearby holster and slashing at a knight that just came a bit too close to Uma, the blades clashing against each other.

You sighed, taking one long look around the room, you were heavily outnumbered; this wasn’t going to be easy. Hopefully, Mal and Uma could get their shit together long enough to get through this, cuz hell if you were dying by enchanted armor.

You tossed down the sword you had taken from the wall holsters, cracking your neck as the rest of the boys celebrated with each other, Harry and Jay chest bumped; Carlos and Gil did the same a moment later, their previous plights with each other forgotten for a moment.

That is until Mal and Uma almost high-fived and immediately jumped away from each other in disgust, Mal wiping her untouched hand on her pants. The boys cleared their thoughts uncomfortably, joining their respectful leaders. You sighed, shaking your head and joining your boys, closing your eyes as Uma’s hand curled around your jaw, her thumb against your scruff which she grinned at.

You heard a huff of distress from Evie, and you let out a sigh of your own; knowing what she was about to say “Guys come on!” Evie cried out, glancing between the toppled knights, and the two groups “this was so great! All of us, working together! Everything was easier, right? Just-think about it-if we all stop-bickering with each other” She gave a stern look to both Uma and Mal; Mal glancing away while Uma rolled her eyes “We can maybe save Auradon before tomorrow, huh?”

Evie looked around, hoping to see some compromise from either side, Mal just pouted, while Uma sighed; seeing Evie’s point but not wanting to budge unless Mal pushed aside her pride. Evie let out a long sigh, seeing that neither girl was going to budge, she put her hands on her hips, pursing her lips as she tried to think of a way to get everyone to *at least* stop being at each other's throats.

A slow smirk grew on her face, if they wouldn’t willingly get along, she could embarrass them into it. “I know what we can try~” Evie sang, giving Carlos a small side glance, stifling her laugh as Carlos subtly shook his head, begging her not to do it. “An ice breaker.” Mal, Carlos, and Jay all groaned, Mal covering her face in practical 2nd hand embarrassment as Evie brushed her hair back and turned to the pirates, her eyes sparkling with devious intent.

The pirates look suddenly fearful for their lives, all leaning away from Evie as if that would protect them from her ‘ice-breaker’ “Now” Evie started, clapping her hands together and beaming at the pirates “You say something you really like about the person, and then they return the favor~ okay? I’ll start” she got a good look at each of the pirates, slightly laughing through her nose as she did so.

Gil just looked utterly confused, Uma was just looking back at her as if she was crazy, Harry was-legit holding his breath and looking away-like a child in trouble, and you-you were nearly doing the same as Uma; through your arms were crossed and you were biting the inside of your lip-hoping she wouldn’t choose you.

“Harry,” Evie finally decided, Harry groaning lightly as he closed his eyes and finally released his breath “great accent” Harry blinked-not expecting Evie to-actually compliment him-something that was actually his-not his ability to fight, or how scary he was-but something that was-him. He blinked at her again, furrowing his brows a bit as Evie beamed and gestured for him to go. “Now you go~”

Harry pursed his lips, slightly debating on whether or not to go along with the little game when Uma interrupted it, holding up her hands and stepping forward “okay-where does this cheerleader bunk down? We may not find her there, but we might find a clue about where she actually is? We’re wasting time here as it is.”

Evie pouted a bit; she could tell Harry was about to speak but-Uma had a point “Evie?” Mal said, taking Evie’s hand and leaning into her point of view “I love you,” Evie beamed and echoed her words back “and as much as I hate to admit it-Uma’s right” Uma looked surprised to hear Mal say those words. Evie only looked delighted to hear that, finally! Some progress~!! “Audrey clearly knows we’re here, and what we’re trying to do-we need to find out where she is, and where ben is-if we’re going to save Auradon. The longer she has the scepter-the more powerful she becomes and the harder it’ll be to save her and Auradon”

Evie frowned and nodded, squaring her shoulders as Uma stepped up, looking right at Mal “yeah-so-where does she hang out usually? We’ll need to start somewhere.” Mal huffed, furrowing her brows as she thought, Evie providing the much-needed information “actually” Evie muttered, tapping her chin “she’s still in the dorms” Mal gasped and tapped Evie’s shoulder in revelation, remembering why Audrey was still in the dorms.

“Right! Because of summer school!” at this, Harry burst into laughter, so the precious spoiled princess was still in school? Summer school?? “What?! summer school?” you glanced at Hartry, huffing as he bumped your shoulder and then grabbed Uma’s “Summer! School! No wonder she wants revenge~” he ended with a pitched giggle, hiccupping as Mal clapped her hands together loudly and interrupted him.

"Okay! I need you guys” she looked to both sets of boys on either side of the room “to go find Ben. we will meet up at Evie’s in, two hours. Okay? We” she gestured to herself, Evie, Uma, and Celia “will go to the dorms to look for any clues on Audrey.”

Uma hummed, pursing her lips a bit-seeing the perfect opportunity to mess with Mal “Sounds like we’re going with my plan, I’m jus’ saying” Mal rolled her eyes, throwing her hands up in exasperation, not wanting to admit Uma’s plan was a smart one “It was kind’ve the obvious plan." Mal snapped, scrunching her nose as Gil loudly announced that Uma had thought of it first, Uma turned to him with a snarky grin “Right so my plan?” you and Harry nodded in agreement while Mal threw up her hands again and stormed off, Uma quickly catching up as to not let Mal take the lead again.

You sighed and tilted into Gil’s side as he threw his arm over your shoulder, glancing back at Evie to make sure she was following before the six of you(plus dude) split from the girls, following Dude into the forest where Ben’s cent trailed off into.

You huffed as you all came to a stop a few miles into the woods that surrounded the royal castle; wondering where the king had gone. Dude was sniffing around towards the path that apparently led to the enchanted lake-his head perking up towards the left of the path. You blinked, remembering the marks that covered the walls and flowers of the castle-that all seemed to originate from the hallway where Ben’s office apparently was.

You had to wonder-what if Audrey turned Ben into a Be-“so-you got any idea why Mal hates you so much?” you jumped as Carlos’ voice suddenly broke through your train of thought, glancing to the side to see the freckled teen, his hands on his hips as he joined you in watching Dude smell for Ben.

You shrugged “Don’t know, and I don’t care. Whatever beef she’s got with me is entirely her own. I mean-I do got problems with her, but that relates to Uma. As far as I know, I’ve never done anything to her to make her so” you waved your hand in a vague gesture that Carlos easily understood “iffy towards me.” Well, you did have a small idea, but that was her bullshit and her bullshit alone. It wasn’t your fault or choice her deadbeat dad chose some random kid over his own.

Carlos slowly nodded, smiling a bit as he saw Gil and Jay chatting away over the blueberry bush, Harry in the background pouting away “so how long have you four been tougher?” you laughed, shaking your head, honestly-you didn’t even remember when you had gone from friends, to a fling, to a full relationship with the sea three-it just-kinda happened.

“bold of you to assume it’s a relationship” you teased, fully implying that it was in-fact a relationship and not a fling. Carlos just snorted, crossing his arms “yeah, that’s what Mal, Evie, n Jay think; I think im the only one who's caught onto you four. Mal keeps betting the fling will burn out, Evie thinks ya’ll will get married, and Jay doesn’t really care…or at least he tries to say he doesn’t.” you had to cover your face to stop your laughter, because oh my gods the core four(minus Carlos) were fucking betting on you and the pirate's relationship.

“They got nothing better to do?” you chuckled, covering your face again as Carlos rolled his eyes with a shrug “you’d think huh? I can't wait to see Mal’s face whenever ya’ll announce your relationship.” You snorted at his words, perking up as Harry let out a piercing whistle and started walking after Dude who was suddenly bee-lining into the forest.

“yer mutt’s goin’ off on ‘is own pup!” Harry snapped out, Carlos quickly following after the taller pirate as you, Gil, and Jay followed their lead-Dude led the group deeper and deeper into the forest, following a trail of deep claw marks on the trees and forest floor; setting a nervous feeling into everyone's gut as they followed Dude.

Still no sign of Ben.

Where the hell was he-you spun around at the sound of something heavy cracking leaves and sticks on the forest floor, and it didn’t sound like it was alone. It sounded like there were several sets of footsteps-all walking on fours. You turned back around, seeing Gil and Carlos both looking where you had been a moment before; Harry and Jay still following dude.

You opened your mouth to call for them to stop when a terrifying roar broke through the almost eerie silence of the forest. You turned, screaming with Carlos and Gil as a stone lion pounced towards you, its pearly jaw wide open in preparation to snap your neck through.

You hit the floor with it on your chest, your hands pressed to its nose and chin and pushing back against the stone, eyes wide in panic. “FUCK” you yelled out, planting your boot on its smooth underbelly and pushing-but alas-you were only human, and 80 pounds of stone pressing on you like an actual lion was not looking good.

Your head hit the floor again, your vision upside-down as you saw Harry being pinned, screaming as a pair of jaws bit into his shoulder, Jay and Gil being cornered into a tree, as another lion circled Carlos and Dude; the fourth lion eyeing the group-as if determining which boy to make its meal.

Harry screamed again, his voice breaking as he sobbed in immense pain. You looked back at him, tears burning at your eyes as you felt a heat burn at your inner left wrist-almost feeling like a fire was sparking at your skin. “Harry!” you yelled out, giving one final shove to the lion on top of you, not bothering to look as you somehow pushed it off of you and it landed a few feet away, looking shocked you had done that.

You ignored the sudden burst of strength and bolted over to your boyfriend, the flurry of adrenaline and fire licking up your skin making you ignore the even larger lion-like figure that leaped over you towards Gil and Jay, the stone lion crumbling under its form.

You slammed into the lion that was pinning Harry, clenching your jaw as it ripped away from Harry’s shoulder and ripped his skin further, making him scream out in pain as the lion crashed into a tree and made it topple over-the lion's head cracking off from the impact.

“fuck-Harry!” you yelped, practically straddling your injured boyfriend, his free hand desperately grabbing at your thigh as you tried to figure out how to help him-the skin and clothes on his shoulder horribly mangled and bleeding rapidly. “fuck-fuck fuck!”

Your shoulders were grabbed and you were pulled back, you nearly bit whoever grabbed you but you calmed when you noticed a girl with dark long hair and a water gun spraying Harry, his wounds healing in an instant. “the fuck?” you whispered, but you pushed the how away and hugged Harry tightly as he sat up, wincing as the girl got the back of his shoulder as well. “oh my gods-don’t you ever do that again!” “call it payback fer Jay slicing yer back” Harry grunted, giving jay a sharp grin as he winced and rubbed the back of his head, muttering a small apology, Ben-BEN!(who was…very furry and had fangs?) hanging off his side, looking worried.

“Is he okay?” Ben asked, a slight lisp to his words, you turned back to Harry, who nodded, seeing his bite wound was gone, not even a scar. “thank the gods, actually-thank you Jane” jane, the girl with the water gun, nodded with a small smile, leaning into Carlos’ side as he hugged her.

“Ignoring furry Ben and magic water,” Gil suddenly said, grabbing your shoulder and making you stand “how in the hell did you do that? You can't even beat me in arm wrestling on a good day?” you furrowed your brows, wondering what he meant when he pointed at the decapitated lion and the other than you had pushed off of you(which was now crumbled to pieces thanks to Ben). you shrugged “adrenaline?” you questioned, not really knowing what you had done that was so miraculous, you had heard some people were able to access something akin to superhuman strength in times of need or desperation, yours was saving your boyfriend.

“I don’ think so” Harry muttered, pointing at your left inner wrist, where your leather bracelet was beginning to smoke. You yelped and ripped it off, seeing an indent in the inside of it, in the same shape as your tattoo-which was Hades’ symbol-one he made you get around 15 years old “so people know you’re under my protection” he had said.

Maybe he had given you much more than just protection.

“Fucking Hades” you grumbled, rubbing the tattoo-it was hot-like a lit ember. He really just had to do the most, didn’t he? Mal was going to be so fucking pissed.

Whatever-she should really direct at her dad though, it’s not like you chose him to give you so much attention. You didn’t mind it, but gods he was a weird one.

It took nearly an hour to get to Evie’s place-which-you had to admit was very nice. As you walked up the path to the patio/front doors(?), Mal and Uma threw open the doors, Mal bolting up to Ben as Uma met you and Harry halfway, eyes widening as she saw his torn shoulder. “what happened?!” Uma yelped, gingerly taking the ripped jacket fabric and folding it away from his skin, the fabric still stained with his blood-yet there was no injury to be seen.

“Audrey sent stone lions at us” you muttered, squeezing Harry’s free hand as he offered his hook to Uma, a small smile of comfort on his lips as Uma took it with her pinkie “one of ‘em went after Harry and got his shoulder bad-Jane” you nodded over to her, still holding the water-gun. “healed him with that magic water, so-no permanent damage”

Uma sighed in relief, waving her hand over Harry’s shoulder and fixing his clothes. Harry hummed with a smile, shaking his shoulder-happy to have his clothes back to normal and taking Uma in a hug-quietly asking her if she was okay. She nodded and patted his shoulder, then went to Gil to check him over.

You turned to Harry, smiling as he looked down at you, his thumb rubbing your exposed wrist after he took your arm. “you gonna tell her?” Harry asked quietly, meaning Uma-since you apparently had been fully claimed by Hades-her uncle. You shrugged “don’t really see a point to, might’ve been a one-time thing” you muttered back, leaning into his shoulder as everyone gathered up, Mal letting Ben/the group know about the clue they(Uma) found at Audrey’s dorm.

Harry led you over to Uma and Gil, Gil eating an orange that he somehow got. “we all think Audrey might be at Fairy cottage, any idea where that might be?” Mal asked, biting the inside of her lip as Ben nodded, crossing his arms as he glanced off to the side “yeah, Audrey took me there every fairy godmothers day…where is FG when you need her" he grumbled as an afterthought, everyone looking to Jane at that. She shrugged, suddenly looking crestfallen “I wish I knew” Jane mumbled, and then Carlos was at her side, a small red box in his hands-looking a bit flustered.

You turned away at that, letting them have their moment. Suddenly, it was decided that Jane and Doug would go out to look for FG, Uma stepped up to suggest they have some extra muscle, since-well-Doug wasn’t the best guard. Gil volunteered himself, and everyone announced they would feel better if he did go. Including Doug.

And soon enough, the three were off, leaving everyone else to plan for the fight/sneak attack on Audrey. Mal’s gaze caught on your inner left wrist as you passed by her to go inside, and she felt a small fire of jealousy ignite in her chest-but she ignored it for the moment, there were more important things going on than her daddy issues.

“so-you were just-stringing us all along??? And then what? then what Mal?? What were you going to do when we all realized-no more kids were coming off the isle? What was your plan??” Uma seethed at Mal, her eyes glowing with unparalleled anger. Mal stumbled with her words, stepping back as Uma stepped forward “were you just going to keep lying??? Keep dragging it on till you were backed into another corner?! What the absolute fuck mal!?!”

Uma threw her hands up, spinning on her heel and storming away from Mal, who looked worse than a deer caught in headlights. “I cannot believe I let myself trust you, that I let myself forgive you!? You never changed, you’re still that lying snide rotten no-good bitch!” Mal gasped for breath, shaking her head and trying to regain her footing but Uma just whirled around on her, getting in her face once more. “fuck you Mal. And here I thought I could be friends with you again, I thought Auradon did you good. All it did was put a wolf in sheep's clothing.” With that-Uma shoved Mal back, snapping her head towards the forest and storming off-you and Harry following behind her.

You stepped closer to Uma as you walked further into the forest-away from Mal-and grabbed her hand, squeezing it as she clutched it tightly, shaking in your grip. She was just-so angry-so angry she just wanted to stop and cry-she really couldn’t believe she let herself trust Mal again. Mal had done nothing but hurt her over and over again, and yet Uma let herself trust Mal again….only to be hurt-again.

Harry was just as angry, though his anger was quiet-and sad, his eyes downturned to the floor, his breath shaking and hook hanging limply from his fingertips-he had failed Uma-he promised to protect her and he failed, he let Mal hurt her…again.

As you crossed the threshold of Auroria castle courtyard-you heard Mal running up behind you, panting for breath and sounding heartbroken, an extinguished ember in her hands. “Uma!” Mal called out, her eyes and cheeks red and wet with tears “Uma-please-stop-please! We have a chance if we do this together!”

Uma stopped in her tracks, glaring into Mal’s red-rimmed eyes, uncaring for the sob fest Mal was offering “your friends kick you to the curb?” Mal just looked sad-her lip wobbling “good” Uma snapped, baring her teeth a little, and about to continue forward to find Gil, then get the hell outta Auradon after making a stop at the isle for the crew.

“Uma,” Mal started again, holding her hands up in near surrender “Ben-Ben saw something in you, and-and I finally saw it too; you-you care, about everyone! On the isle, your friends, hell even us four who-who practically left you all for dead three years ago” Uma frowned, trying to recall when she had cared about the four, but remembered the moments she protected them during the battle with the nights, and when she had helped Mal at the starter castle. “please-please help me, Auradon is worth saving, if not for me-then the kids that deserve to be here-I know I did a stupid thing and im sorry but” Mal sobbed, offering the ember that was black as coal-hoping Uma could help her reignite it. “please…”

Uma just stared, almost moved by her words-but-Harry, being done with Mal and her constant betrayals, took one look at Uma, and made a decision to not let Mal get the chance to hurt Uma again “you talk pretty” Harry snapped, glaring down at Mal, who suddenly realized he was also there “but-she’s already made up ‘er mind” Harry ended in a whisper, looking back down at Uma, not wanting to overstep her boundaries.

She looked back up at him, realized what he was doing, and nodded, looking back at Mal “you got yourself into this mess Mal, you get yourself outta it. Let’s go.” Uma patted Harry’s chest and grabbed your hand, the three of you moving around Mal and away from her.

Uma held her head up high as you entered the other side of the forest, taking the path you had taken from Evie’s place to hopefully find where Gil had gone. You all stopped at the sudden dragon roar that echoed through the forest and Uma turned on her heel, furrowing her brows as bright green fire and pink flashes of light illuminated the spaces between the trees.

Uma snarled to herself, turning again and kicking a tree, you and Harry jumping back to give her space as she cursed loudly “This is stupid, this is stupid-this is so fucking stupid!” Uma finally yelled out, turning and bolting back towards the castle, you and Harry close behind. “are we helping Mal all of a sudden?!” Harry yelped out, puffing as you chased after Uma. You shrugged, your feet nearly sliding out from under you as you came to a sudden stop-Audrey was on one of the spires of the castle, Mal flying around her attempting to do-something-you didn’t know what.

But you heard someone screaming out in fear and panic-and it sounded like “Celia!” Uma yelped, regaining her senses and bolting forward again, you and Harry once again at her heels “Mal doesn't stand a chance without the ember, and without the ember, Ceila’s gonna get hurt!” Uma hurriedly explained, running towards the battle between Audrey and Mal-Mal attempting to ignite the ember with her dragon fire-only for nothing to happen.

Audrey took Mal’s moment of confusion with the ember to strike her wing and chest-the ember flying out of her claw and sending Mal spiraling to the ground, a pained roar echoing across the courtyard. The ember hit the grass along with Mal-who whined and rubbed her scaley face into the dirt crater she had created with her crash.

Audrey cackled from her place upon the spires, pink lightning crashing into the sky, Celia screaming as she was held tight to Audrey’s side, the scepter nearly pressed to her face in a threatening motion.

“shit-where the ember go?!” Uma yelled, running up to Mal to assess the damage done by Audrey, while you and Harry turned to look for the dropped ember. You spotted a slight spark in the dark of the grass, bolting over and grabbing the dark ember; flipping the crystal in your fingers “got’cha” you muttered, wincing as you felt your wrist burn again, eyes widening as the ember begin to relight, your wrist tattoo glowing the same color. You sighed and shook your head, fucking Hades.

You turned, about to get the ember to Mal and Uma when a strike of lightning missed you by only a few inches, Harry and Uma calling your name in panic. You looked up, seeing Audrey looking right back down at her, eyes locked onto the sparking ember-her eyes lit with rage.

“oh, shit” you muttered, taking a leaping step back as she sent another bolt at you, clearly trying to stop you from reigniting the ember. Uma and Harry called your name again, and you turned, seeing Mal looking right at you-her dragon eyes wide with panic. You grunted as you were blasted off your feet, rolling into the hit and soon standing back up-looking down at the ember that was still sparking-waiting for you to put a little more juice into it.

You looked up, seeing smoke curling into the sky, still Audrey's magic; but not the same spell she had been using. Something told you; you couldn’t be able to dodge this one. You took a deep breath, clutching the ember in your hands and reeling your arm back, throwing it just as lightning came down from the sky, hitting you just as the ember left your fingers-glowing a bright blue as it ignited at the last second.

Harry let out a wail, bolting towards you-or well-were you used to be-now there only stood a statue-mid throw and face set into determination. “(Y/N)!!” Harry screamed-dropping his hook into the grass and cupping your face, tears polluted by his eyeliner streaming down his face.

Uma stared in shock, the ember sitting limply in her hands, Mal next to her staring in shock, her dragon eyes blinking rapidly-you-you had just sacrificed yourself…to-to save Auradon? Mal huffed quietly, jumping as the sky above darkened with clouds, rain suddenly falling upon them like sheets. Mal turned, eyes widening as Uma began to emit a glow from her body, her necklace echoing like a homing beacon.

The ember dropped to the grass and Mal quickly picked it up with her claws-watching in near horror as lightning and thunder coursed across the sky-Uma staring at Audrey with a stare that could kill a god. Audrey stared back, looking very frightened. “oh I fucked up” Audrey muttered, screaming as Uma suddenly appeared in front of her in a flash of lightning and punched her in the face, sending Audrey off the spire.

Harry looked up as thunder crashed in his ears, his hands on your shoulders as he stepped closer to you, hoping whatever Uma had tapped into wouldn’t hurt you. Celia was suddenly at his feet in a swirl of teal-looking dizzy and confused before she jumped up and hugged his waist, the two watching in near awe as Uma hit Audrey over and over again, flashes of lightning marking her sudden teleportation skills as Audrey was blasted back with a powerful tunnel of water. Audrey gagged, dropping the scepter and bending over, hugging her stomach after Uma hit her right in the gut.

“How-fuckin-dare-“ Audrey cursed, eyes widening as Uma came to a sudden stop, her eyes glowing gold as Mal rose up behind her, roaring as her wings spread wide-the ember glowing brightly in her hands. “Don’t you Auradon brats know?” Uma snarled, tilting her head down dangerously “villains never win.” In a bright flash of blue light-Audrey dropped to the floor, the scepter dim once more and the queen's crown rolling off of Audrey’s head, the princess cleansed of the evil magic.

Uma let out a shuddering sigh, turning and bolting over to Harry-the pirate still holding your stone form-Celia still clinging to him-letting him go in favor of Uma-who quickly took the girl in her arms and made sure she was okay before she slipped under Harry’s arms and held your face-sobbing at the cold feeling against her fingers “(y/n)” she whispered, rubbing her thumb against your cheek.

Uma’s lip wobbled, years in her eyes as she nearly collapsed; she had just gotten her boys back, and now one was a statue. Harry held her tight as her legs shook, pressing his cheek to the top of her head as she sobbed into her hands. They turned as Mal’s friends burst out of the tree line on the opposite side of the courtyard, Mal looking overjoyed to see them. “you’re okay!” Mal cried as she transformed back into a human, jumping into Evie’s arms. Evie let her have the hug, but still looked very upset with Mal.

Mal suddenly pulled back, her eyes wide “But-if you guys are okay-then why isn’t…” Mal turned, looking towards you, wondering why you were still stone. Uma frowned, overhearing Mal and turning to her “What? what do you mean?” Uma cried, and Mal bit her lip “They-Audrey turned them to stone” Mal gestured to her friends and fiancé “but-with her defeat and they turned back-so-why?” Mal gestured to the defeated Audrey, and then to you-still stone. “Why didn’t (y/n) turn back?”

Uma glanced between you and Mal, then pointed at the ember “use the fucking-dumb thing-undo it!” Mal swallowed, seeing Audrey was dead asleep-and she could sense the spells Audrey cast were turning against her-and Mal wasn’t sure the ember could reverse this-as far as she knew-it was just a power drainer. “i-I don’t think I can use it to do that” Mal whispered, bowing her head as Uma let out an enraged cry, Harry holding her tight, hiding his face in her hair, his shoulders shaking a bit.

Did-did they just lose you? Did they risk their fucking lives just to lose one of the loves of their lives??? In what way was that fair?! It was deadly quiet in the courtyard as Uma sobbed in Harry’s arms, the two grieving for their lost love-oh god-what would they tell Gil?

Mal realized-the relationship between the four pirates-were much more serious than she thought…idea! “Uma!” Mal suddenly yelped out, running over to her and sliding to a stop next to her “you three-you love (y/n), right?” Harry and Uma glanced at each other, then at (y/n), then they nodded “and you all love each other?” they nodded again, and Mal grinned, gesturing to (y/n)’s stone form “remember what you said earlier, to Evie?” Uma furrowed her brows, wondering what Mal meant “True loves kiss?” Mal encouraged, hoping that helping the pirates help get (y/n) back-would ease the guilt she felt (about multiple things) “works every time?”

Uma swallowed harshly, stepping away from Harry and towards (y/n)-biting the inside of her lip as Harry followed her. “you think that’ll work?” Uma asked quietly, not really talking to anyone. Mal nodded- stepping back and covering her mouth as Harry and Uma stepped closer to you. “yeah-I think you might need Gil though” Mal muttered, jumping as Uma waved her hand-Gil appearing in a swirl of teal.

He looked utterly confused; before a heartbroken expression spread across his face at the sight of you “What happened?” Gil cried, rushing to his lover’s side, reaching out to take your outstretched hand. Uma quietly muttered the events that had happened only minutes before and Gil slowly nodded, understanding what they had to do.

Mal turned with a glance from Harry, making her ‘friends’ do the same. With their backs turned, the three pirates each took a place close to you, Uma was on your front, her hands on your shoulders, Harry on your left, and Gil on your right. They all took a deep breath and leaned in, pressing their lips to your skin (Uma to your lips), all stepping back after a long moment, holding their breaths as they waited all too long to see if their kisses worked.

The tension fell from their bodies as the stone began to crack and crumble away from your body, your chest rising with a deep breath as your upper body was freed from your stone prison. “That was fucking terrifying” you muttered, collapsing into your beloved’s arms, wrapping your arms around Harry’s waist as Uma buried her face in your neck, soaking your jacket with her fresh tears of relief.

You hummed, feeling Gil wrapping his arms around you, Uma, and Harry, squeezing the three of you tightly and comfortably “Thank the gods that worked” Gil muttered, making the others nod in agreement. You pulled away slightly, pecking Harry’s lips, then Uma’s, then Gil’s, bringing them all back in for another hug “I love you” you whispered, and they all whispered it back.

It was decided that Hades would be brought over to Auradon to hopefully save Audrey from her rebounded spells; and Uma, Harry, you, Gil, and Celia; would return to the isle as well-to protect the kids still there. in the meantime-Ben had a few rooms set up for you four-but you all clambered up in one room anyway-not caring for how scandalized FG looked at the idea of four people dating at one time-but she quickly got over it-spelling the bed into one that could fit you all.

Hours later-after Uma, Harry, and Gil had settled-you couldn’t sleep, wandering about the halls of Beast castle-trailing your hands upon the claw marks Ben had set into the walls. You ended up in the library, sitting on one of the window seats, a book resting in your hands, the pages flipping idly by once in a while as you read.

You heard someone walk up about an hour into your reading, you glanced up-seeing Mal in her pajamas, looking like she had seen a ghost. She was probably still reeling from the fact that everyone turned against her after she revealed her lies-and from the fact she had been the deciding factor in Audrey’s turn to evil. You hummed as she stepped closer, flipping the page of your book as you finished the page. She climbed up onto the window seat with you, sitting cross-legged across from you, staring at you while you continued to read.

You glanced up after a few minutes, seeing her just-still staring at you, her hand clenched around the glowing ember. “yes?” you muttered, closing the book and setting it aside, leaning back against the window seat wall. Mal huffed, curling gin on herself, hugging her legs as her eyes went down to the ember “why did he choose you?” Mal asked quietly, her nose scrunching slightly-finally airing out the question that had been bugging her for so many years now-the reason she had been so mean to you.

You sighed, letting your head hit the wall behind you “he-he who? I hate the pronoun game Mal.” Mal rolled her eyes, tossing the ember at you, you easily caught it, spinning it between your fingers “Hades. My dad. Why did he choose you? Why did you get him? why did you get my dad when I was left with my crazy mother” Mal hissed, pouting as you let out a low sigh, rubbing the bridge of your nose.

“look-Mal” you leaned towards her, resting your elbows on your knees “I don’t know. And frankly-I don’t care. but-“ Mal was about to yell, you could tell, so you quickly held your hand up-stopping her from doing so “-I do understand why you care-and I agree, it’s not fair to you. You’re his kid, his biological kid, and yet he didn’t claim you. It has to sting, I get that, my actual parents shunned me for being trans-“ Mal frowned, remembering the day your biological “mother” chased you down the market street-cursing your dead name to the heavens about how you were such a disappointment, and how god would never forgive you.

Your father had disowned you the same day, throwing all your stuff out of your house. It had been the same week you had become a grave digger. But you didn’t care about that now-you had a better family, your pirates-your….boss/father figure that was actually Mal’s dead-beat dad. “-so believe me-I do get not being wanted by your parents.” You reached out, taking Mal’s hand.

A tear streaked down her cheek, her face crumpling and she sniffed “its-just…he found someone worth changing for…but I just wish it was me” Mal sobbed, her father-her father who abandoned her when she was a baby, not even old enough to remember him ever holding her-had easily taken in a child that wasn’t his own-becoming a father of someone not his blood.

Honestly-she was proud of that change-she-she just wanted to be the reason he did. You hummed at her words, tilting your head slightly, encouraging her to continue. Mal sniffed again, tears streaming down her face “because if he changed for you, it means-it means-I wasn’t worthy enough for him to change.” You let out a long sigh, gripping Mal’s hand tightly.

“He’s an asshole Mal, it’s not hard to admit” Mal snorted, wiping away her tears with her free hand, yet they still kept coming “he’s an asshole who ignored his kid for some random one who couldn’t care less about him-you did deserve to have a proper parent, everyone does. So fuck him. I don’t know why he chose me-and I don’t care-but blame him for that shit-that was all his choice-“ you leaned towards her, tipping up her chin and giving her a small grin “but don’t blame me for his choices, don’t blame me for his assholery-you don’t wanna be judged by your parents right?”

Mal suddenly flushed, realizing how much of a hypocrite she had been “Then don’t do the same for me, okay?” Mal let out a long shaking sigh, nodding and wiping her tears, letting out a whimpered apology to you-a true heartfelt apology “I’m so-so sorry (y/n)” Mal whispered, her shoulders slumping. “I shouldn’t have treated you the way I have these last years-just because of my dad being a butt” you snorted “i-I’m so sorry.”

You smiled, taking her hand again “Apology accepted.” Mal sated at you, her eyes filling with years again “Now if you can give that kinda apology to your friends, and make up for your choice-I’m sure they’ll accept your apology too” Mal rolled her eyes, sliding off the window seat and starting to walk away “Mallll”

“I will-I promise. Thank you (y/n), goodnight….and I’ve changed my mind on the barrier thing” Mal muttered as a final word as she walked away, making you grin-flipping the ember in your fingers, your eyes flashing yellow with the gift of hades.

“She actually apologized to you? Mal??” Uma asked as she looked up at you from your lap, Harry’s head tucked into your shoulder as Gil lay across his chest. It had only been a few hours since the four of you returned to the isle-Hades probably being transported back to the isle by now-hopefully after successfully waking Audrey. But the four of you had settled into Uma’s cabin upon your return-finally able to enjoy each other's company.

You nodded with a hum, curling a strand of Uma’s braided hair around your fingers, shrugging as Harry let out a scoff “she did-actually admitted why she hated me n stuff” you muttered, dropping your hand into Harry’s that rested on your stomach “Girls got a lotta parental issues-it’s a wonder she hasn’t gone to therapy yet.”

Harry let out a loud snort, shaking his head as he got comfortable in your side, Gil rearranging himself to do the same. “The day she goes to therapy, is the day I’ll give Jay a hug” Harry joked-giggling as you wrapped your arm around his neck and pulled him up to kiss the top of his head. he easily turned that into a full kiss-soon turning heated as he pulled himself up and wrapped his arms around you, his tongue poking at your bottom lip.

You chuckled into his mouth, letting him explore your mouth as Uma’s warm hands drifted under your shirt, her thumb caressing the scars across your chest. “Getting frisky are we?” you purred as Harry pulled away, his soft lips trailing down your scruffy jaw, his hands cupping the back of your head.

Gil laughed as he sat up from Harry’s torso-moving to sit on your other side and taking off his shirt “honestly-you got turned to stone a few days ago-I think we all need a bit of tlc” you let out a laugh, soon interrupted by Uma’s lips as Harry’s attached to your neck, his hands trailing down to your waist, sliding under your boxers.

You hummed into Uma’s mouth as Harry’s fingers trailed over the sensitive nerve that was soaked with your slick-his fingers eventually venturing inside you-pressing against your g-spot. You moaned into Uma’s mouth, rocking your hips into Harry’s fingers, Harry’s still-clothed cock rocking up against your thigh. Gil watched the show with excited eyes, his hand resting on his thigh as the other trailed up Uma’s arm as she continued to lavish you with kisses.

“you wanna fuck or be fucked (y/n)” Gil asked, drawing his hand Under Uma’s Shirt, undoing her bra. You hummed at the question, licking your lips as Harry’s palm rubbed against your nerve. You smirked, turning to Harry, grabbing his chin-forcing him to look up at you, his eyes dilated and half-lidded-his cheeks bright red “fuck me my pretty pirate” you purred, chuckling as he leaned up and kissed you heavily, Uma leaning back to enjoy the show, taking off her shirt as Gil rubbed her back-her clothes joining Gil’s on the floor.

“kiss me sunshine boy” Uma purred, giggling as Gil took her face and kissed her, Harry climbing on top of you as Uma was moved to Gil’s lap. You watched Gil lavish Uma with his lips, Harry taking your pants and sliding them own-allowing you to sit up and take off your jacket and shirt. You kissed Harry as he popped back up, smirking as he moaned, his nimble fingers curling around your wrists, thumb rubbing your exposed tattoo.

“Love ya bug” you whispered to Harry as he pulled away, his lips swollen, he smiled at you and kissed you again, echoing your words back as your arms wrapped around his waist.

“love ya too (y/n)”

-end-

Sorry for not doing full smut!!! Not really in a mood for that heh. But daaaaaaaaaaang this took me WAY too long to write T_T I think I got this commission way back in September-and now its nearly Christmas-legit less than a week away-but-! Hey! I got it done before the new year!!! But yeah-this will be the last of my harry fics for now-unless I get very inspired. My commissions aren’t closed tho-so-don’t be afraid to ask-I just will limit what I write about if it’s about Harry(aka no d3-that was what fucked me over on this fic)

But anyways-thank you @random-thoughts-004 for being so patient while I wrote this!!!

permtaglist!

@queer-cosette @sephiralorange @lunanight2012

@daughter-of-the-stars11 @musicarose @rintheemolion

@anythingbutmar @dai-tsukki-desu @imtryingthisout @remembered-license @thecaptainsgingersnap @thetrueghostqueen @littlewierdalien

#disney descendants #harry hook descendants #harry hook x reader #trans masc reader #poly sea three #uma x reader #Gil x reader #uma x harry hook #gil x harry #gil x uma x harry #smut involved #not full #but smut

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