#I just want to scoop up my birds and let them live together peacefully away from their family’s bullshit

[laughterbynight]

DC: “…and we’ll have Tim and Damian working together and probably not getting along. won’t that be fun!”

Me, who just wants to see Tim and Jason working together and being brothers w/o trauma:

[weelittleweasley]

a house on the beach (g.w.)

prompt: a little beach getaway makes you grateful for all that you have.

pairing: george weasley x fem! reader

warnings: food, mention of the war, mention of Fred’s death, mention of children

word count: 2.2k

taglist: @rosaliepostsstuff​ @harrysweasleys​ @gcdricreads​ @lumos-barnes​ @whizboingies​ @lumosandnoxwriting​ @pxroxide-prinxcesss​ @c-t-h​ @lol-idk-oops​ @another-lonely-heart-blog​ @kaseyrose96-blog​ @hufflepuff5972​ @amourtentiaa​ @parseltongueswriting​ @shilohpug​ @peachypotter​ @spacexcowgirl​ @paintballkid711​ @vogueweasley​ @freddie-weaselbee​ @gryffindcrghost​ @wand3ringr0s3​ @valwritesx​ @sweeterthansammy​ @loonylovegood13​ @lostaurorax​

Excitement overwhelmed your senses as you dropped your bag to the floor of the house, running to the back porch and down the stairs, ignoring George’s calls, too desperate to feel the sand underneath your feet. You pried your shoes off from the long drive and plunged them into the warm sand as you sighed out with a happy giggle. The sand covered your skin as you smiled to yourself, giving your toes a wiggle before walking, more running, over to the salty ocean water. 

The moment your toes touched the water, relief and relaxation flooded over you, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the echos of birds chirping sounded down the beach. The smell of salty air and sun cream filled your nose as you inhaled happily, finally in the place that made you happy. The early summer sun beat down on your skin, warming you through your t-shirt as you extended your arms, embracing the sensations that washed over you like the waves. 

George watched you from the porch, how you happily danced in the water, waving your hands, inviting you to join him. He smiled to himself with a sigh before taking off his own shoes, joining you on the shore. 

As he walked to you, he watched how the breeze moved through your hair, making it dance, as you kicked your feet in the blue water, giggling to yourself. You were unearthly, standing there in your radiance with a beaming smile on your face. George’s heart swelled in his chest as he looked upon you with love in his eyes and adoration in his heart. 

When he reached you, he slipped his fingers in yours and placed a soft kiss to your lips, tilting your chin up with one of his fingers to reach your lips. “Happy?” he asked with a teasing grin on his lips as you beamed and nodded.

“Thrilled,” you giggled. “Isn’t this nice? Much needed getaway for the both of us, don’t you think?” you combed your fingers through his hair, already crunchy with sea breeze. 

This holiday was unprompted, but with the booming business of the joke shoppe and your overwhelming work schedule, you both decided a getaway was much needed for the both of you. Just a quiet weekend with the two of you, enjoying some peace and quiet together. An escape to the beach seemed like the perfect place to do so considering it was one of your favorite places in the world. And George would do anything to see that smile on your face that he loved so much.

George placed a kiss to your forehead, “Much needed.” He wrapped his arms around your waist from behind you and rested his chin on the top of your head as the two of you stood and stared out at the ocean, watching the waves rise and fall and crash. You could stand there forever, in your lover’s arms, enjoying each other’s company whilst the ocean washed upon your ankles and toes every once in awhile. You sighed in contentment, not needing much more in this moment.

After about an hour of standing and walking up and down the beach, the two of you decided to unpack your overnight bags, settling yourself in the rental house. As you unpacked, you looked out the window, smiling to yourself. Right in front of the bed was a large window that faced the ocean. “Georgie?”

“Yes, my love?” he responded sweetly, looking up at you from the dresser, making your heart pitter-patter in your chest as his sweet chocolate eyes peered at you.

You nodded your head to the window. “I know I said we should sleep in this weekend, but I think we should get up for the sunrise tomorrow. We can watch it from the bed,” you suggest with a playful smile on your lips. Godric knows the two of you needed to sleep in, but the thought of watching an orangey sunrise from the bed sounded heavenly.

He gave a light chuckle before speaking, “Sounds like a plan. As long as we can go back to bed after.” You nodded excitedly which only made George laugh and walk over to you, taking you in his arms as you pressed a kiss to his jaw. “I’m glad I have you all to myself this weekend. No work, no distractions, no nothing. Just us.”

“I am, too,” you cooed back at him as he pressed his lips to yours gently, your kiss familiar and gentle. You could be hours away from shared flat, but wherever you were with George, that’s when you felt the most at home. In his arms, him holding you tight and not daring to let you. Gentle kisses pressed to lips, foreheads, and jaws, whispered I love you’s, and small giggles exchanged. This was your heaven. 

The day was spent well. Laying in the sand, George’s head in your lap as you brushed his hair with one hand, the other holding a book as George closed his eyes, falling asleep to the sounds of the ocean and the sensation of you combing fingers through his hair. Every once in awhile, you lay your book down on the sand and just breathe in the salty air as the sun shone down on your skin. You smiled to yourself when you looked down at George, resting peacefully in your lap, sun cream smeared on his nose and under his eyes, making you gently giggle. He insisted he burned easily as he smeared the thick paste on his nose, refusing to blend it in. You shook your head and pressed a kiss to his freckled forehead, leaning back on your hands, sand flowing between your fingers.

The beach was empty, you and George being the only people on the beach for as far as your eye could see. It was nice, knowing that no one could disturb your peaceful getaway. Much needed after the last few years and the chaos that had weaseled its way into your lives. Some peace and quiet is exactly what you needed. 

George eventually woke from his nap and insisted to go on a walk down the beach which you gladly accepted. His fingers laced with yours as you walked along the shoreline, water dancing over your feet now. George would groan each time the water caught the bottoms of his cuffed jeans, making you laugh. You looked at George with so much adoration in your eyes as he walked beside you. A shirtless wonder, his dark wash jeans hanging low on his toned body, one of his hands holding his shoes, the other cradling your hand as he pressed a kiss to it every few seconds, reminding you he was there. You’d smile sweet as you leaned over to press a kiss to his sun chapped lips. 

Jokingly, George kicked over water so it splashed on you as you squealed, the cold water hitting your exposed skin. “Don’t you dare, George Weasley,” you warned him as he laughed before doing it yet again, making you break out in a run away from him, darting down the beach. But George of course wasn’t too far behind as you giggled, running away from him as he chased after you.

“Not so fast, you,” he laughed before scooping you up in his arms, peppering your face with kisses as you wildly laughed, writhing in his grip. His strong arms wrapped around you, squeezing you tight as you threw your head back with laughter, George taking the opportunity to place kisses all over your jaw and neck. “Can’t get away from me that easily.”

Back at the house, you and George munched on takeout as you two draped yourselves on the couch, soft music playing in the background. The two of you enjoyed the comfortable silence, eating your food, listening to the gentle music, legs tangled as you rested on opposite sides of the couch. As the two of you finished your dinner, George broke the silence with a quiet question. “You think we’ll have a boy or a girl first?” he asked, wiping his mouth with a crinkled napkin.

You furrowed your brows. You and George often spoke of your future, but usually about where you would move or marriage. Never really about kids. “What do you mean?”

“You know,” George smiled. “Our kids. Which do you think we’ll have first?”

With a smile, you placed your empty plate on the coffee table and scooted closer to George, wrapping your arms around his neck as he rested his hands on your hips with a small smile. “Well,” you think, searching your mind, “I don’t mind which we have first. As long as the baby is happy and healthy.”

George smiled and placed a kiss on the tip of your nose. “What names do you like?” he asked, rubbing small circles on your hip bones, smiling gently.

“For a girl...I like Giselle or Emilia,” you smiled to yourself. You had always loved those two names for your baby girl, having them in your memory since you were a fifth year. George nodded his head in agreement. “For a boy...” you trailed off as you thought. When selecting a name for your future children, you wanted to pick a name you liked, but also something with meaning. Something with significance. And that’s when it hit you. “...if it’s alright with you, G,” you started, “I’d want to name our son after Fred.”

The mention of his twin’s name tugs at George’s heart strings. Memories of his twin flood his mind and bring warmth in his chest. George missed his other half every day and it only grew. Coping with Fred’s death was brutal for George and he was thankful that he had you next to him every step of the way. Each day got a little easier, but each day he missed him more and more. George swallowed thickly before giving a shaky sigh, “Yeah. I’d like that.”

You cupped George’s cheek and brushed it softly with your thumb as he sighed, leaning into your touch. With a small smile, he bit down softly on your thumb, making you giggle lightly. “Where are we living?” you change the subject as George runs his fingers through his hair.

“Somewhere with lots of space,” he smiled. “I want the kids to have space to run and play like we did as kids,” he beamed as you smiled to yourself, combing fingers through his hair, making him melt underneath your touch. “Not too close to the shoppe, but not too far away. Somewhere just right,” he smiles softly. “Just me, you, and our nine kids,” he pokes at your sides, making you roll your eyes and laugh.

Even though you rarely spoke about children, you knew that George wanted a large family. He wanted a house full of children, loudly stomping around, filling the house with love and laughter that reminded him so of his own childhood. George wanted to have a family, you the mother of his children and the love of his life by his side. George thought about you as a mother and how loving you would be towards your future children. It made his chest warm and his cheeks red with delight. 

“Well, if we’re having nine children, we’re going to need more names,” you tease him as he chuckles, placing a kiss to your chin. “So, we’ve got the house, we’ve got the kids, what else is in store for us?” you gently smile as George gives your hips a squeeze.

He thinks for a moment before a toothy grin appears on his face. “I’m going to get us a house like this one,” he suggests as you furrow your brows. “I’m going to get us a house on the beach.” But before you can interrupt him with how you both didn’t need a house like this, he starts, “You love the beach, angel. The look on your face when we first got here was priceless. I want to get you a house like this so you can feel like that whenever you want.”

Your heart swells with so much love as you sigh happily, brushing George’s cheek with your thumb. George wanted to give you the world and he would do it with a grin on his face and pep in his step. You knew growing up he didn’t have much, so the fact that he was so adamant on giving you and your future family a life he didn’t have made your heart melt. “Georgie...” you sigh.

“I want to give you the life you deserve,” he speaks simply with sincerity.

Taking his face in your hands, you place a firm kiss to his lips before pressing your forehead against his. “The life I want is a life with you,” you tell him. “I don’t need anything else, George. Just you and me.” George smiles lightly before placing one, two soft kisses on your lips. “I don’t need a house on the beach. You’re my beach,” you giggle.

He chuckles, “I like that. I’m like the sand. I get everywhere and you can’t get rid of me.” His comment makes you laugh as he cuddles closer to you, wrapping his arms around your middle, pulling you further into his lap.

[twisted-crumpets]

May I have headcanons for Trey, Riddle, Vil, Rook, and Jamil about fem!MC fell asleep on their shoulder? Thank you! ❤️

Hello fellow sleepy Anon, nice to meet you.

I honestly awwwed at this it’s so cute.

━━ Riddle Rosehearts ━━

Riddle was in the Rose Gardens enjoying the lovely warm tea warming his body and the sunshine brightening up the area around him.

“So, I hope your day has gone well, otherwise I may have to cut off the heads of those who ruined it.”

Hearing a non-comitial hum, Riddle went to move his head to face his Rose until he felt a soft weight on his shoulder.

It took him a hot second to realise.

When he did, his face turned a beautiful shade of crimson.

He attempts to slightly nudge her cheek with his finger into waking up, but upon hearing her groan of protest, he stopped and froze in place.

Riddle admires her decication to her work and how hard she strives to get to the top. But, he also understands that it’s no easy task.

He gingerly traces her facial features, softly smiling at the small grin that adorned her face.

“Look at what you are doing to me, this shouldn’t go unpunished you know.. sleep well, my Rose.”

Nothing mattered in that moment, not even the obvious sniggering from Cater and Ace from behind the hedges.

His darling needs rest after all.

━━ Trey Clover ━━

Trey slightly regretted asking for her help in baking the tarts for the upcoming Unbirthday Party when he realised the extent of how tired his dearest was.

They had been working tirelessly the whole evening after a busy day of classes, mixing ingredients together over and over until the recipes began to blur.

For someone who’s been living in a bakery his whole life, it’s easy to forget that people can get tired from such a job.

“Add the final finishing touches andddd... DONE. Doesn’t that tart look splendid Berry? ... Berry?”

Before he could even turn his head his sweet was already snoozing away on his shoulder.

He couldn’t help himself from snapping a photo and chuckling at the innocent expression on her face.

Pressing a light kiss to her hand he whispered his thanks.

“It’s okay you get some sleep, little Berry. Thank you for your hard work.”

━━ Jamil Viper ━━

Jamil hates running late, he is always punctual for work and likes the finish every day at the same time. But, too many messes had to be cleaned up.

He was surrounded by the mess that was once a spotless lounge that he was expected to clean, covered from corner to corner in dust and debris.

Taking out his phone with a heavy heart, Jamil scrolled through all his texts saying how he would be just a minute longer and proceeds to cancel their plans.

That was until he heard his love call his name.

He was very grateful to have you help him quicken the cleaning time with him and was very guilty and resentful for his position that means this is commonplace.

After hours of sweeping, scrubbing and polishing, finally the room was restored to its former glory, and Jamil slid down the wall with a heavy sigh.

His S/O followed suit and rested their head on Jamil’s lap and released a relieved breath.

Instinctively, he combs his hands through her hair, calmly massaging the scalp.

“I’m sorry I had to rope you into this, and thank you for helping me out, I deeply appreciate you being here with-“

He was cut off by a light snore and smirked at the sight of his love passed out before him.

Leaning down slightly, he nuzzles her head and presses a soft kiss on her cheek.

If she could wait for him, he can wait for her.

━━ Vil Shoenheit ━━

Vil didn’t expect so many visitors on a busy school day, but tried his best to appease them all and get him and his dearest to Pomefiore as quick as he could.

Whilst he does adore his position and fame, sometimes it can be rather exhausting, especially with all the questions and cameras in his face.

Luckily for him, he has Rook to help clear the way and manages to escape from all the fuss.

“Ah~ what rude potatoes... that was utterly exhausting and one of them dared grab my clothing.. LOOK it’s slightly stretched, how ghastly.”

Finally settling down, he seats himself at his vanity with a indignant huff, reaching for some products to fix his makeup.

Lipstick smears he expected, his darling falling asleep on his shoulder was different.

Jokingly glaring at her through the mirror, he tucks loose strands of hair away from her face and coos.

“My sweet, the limelight must not be your cup of tea. Nevermind, I’ll personally ensure this is never repeated again.”

He carefully corrects any issues he has with his makeup, mindful of his love sleeping peacefully on his shoulder.

━━ Rook Hunt ━━

Rook adores archery, it’s the very essence of his being, his life and soul.. or so he said.

Upon hearing his partner’s lack of experience weilding a bow, he let out a mortified gasp and dragged his love to the sports field.

Being the romantic that he was, Rook couldn’t resists doing little acts like wrapping his arms around his darling to demonstrate proper form in order to make her heart flutter.

The day ended as fast as it began and Rook could admit that his dearest made some good progress.

However, he forgot that archery is a skill that takes time to learn due to all his years spent honing the skill.

Aching muscles and sore joints made his love rather grumpy, and she slammed her head onto his toned thighs with a groan.

Giggling, Rook showered her in kisses until she grinned back at him.

“Heehhee my my Cheri what a nasty frown.... there’s that gorgeous smile.”

All the work caused his dear to fall asleep nap fast that he was almost startled.

Cooing and giggling at her sweet expression, Rook could have written poems for days. However, the setting sun was inclination enough that it was time to go back to their dorms.

With little to no effort, he scooped her into his arms and carried her home.

“Merci, my little song bird.”

Woooooo this was a hefty one, I didn’t want them to sound too similar.

I hope you enjoyed your meal!

[rawritzrobin]

Angel Amongst Bats Chapter 17

Title: Angel Amongst Bats

Pairing: Jason Todd x Stella Covington (My OC)

Warnings: Cursing, past major character death, a little bit angsty, fluff.

Summary: Stella and Jason have been reunited. The family is very interested in their new guests.

A/N: Wanna be on my tag list? DM me and let me know (:

Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16

Chapter 17: Reunion

Jason and Stella held each other in the garden for a while. Renegade got up off the floor and stared at the couple in front of him. He turned away when they went in for another kiss. A familiar pang of jealousy filled his body.

The family finally got to the garden and smiled at the scene in front of them. Nightwing looked so relieved and let out a breath he felt like he was holding in for weeks. No one said anything.

Stella pulled away from Jason’s embrace and placed both her hands on his cheek. “I missed you.” She said quietly.

“I missed you too doll.” He said smiling through his tears.

After a few moments, Alfred cleared his throat. “Might we take this inside? It’s starting to get a little chilly out here.”

They all turned to face Alfred and nodded.

Jason scoops Stella into his arms and carries her inside bridal style. She wrapped her uninjured arms around his neck and buried her face in his hair, taking in his scent. She pressed a line of kisses down his jaw. Jason chuckled, and leaned into it.

Alfred opened the door to the manor and they all stepped inside.

Jason carefully sat down on the couch with Stella still in his arms. He pulled away for one second to examine her injuries. Stella could see the cogs turning in his brain and placed a hand on his cheek.

“I’m fine Jay. Honest.”

Jason relaxes into her touch, and for a moment, pushes his worries aside.

Nightwing sat next to him, his mask was off now. A sense of relief washed over his eyes.

“Hey Dickie.” Stella says with a grin.

“Missed you baby bird.” She leans over and gives him a small hug. “You have no idea how hard it has been dealing with him without you.” Stella giggles and Jason rolls his eyes.

The rest of the family just stared at the three of them.

Dick was admiring himself, as usual. “I look good in my hero gear.” He announced loudly. Barbara smacked him in the back of the head and he laughed. “What it’s true. He said as he took a seat next to his twin. “Hi I’m Dick. But you know that already.” He said to Nightwing, extending his hand out.

Nightwing smirked at him and shook his hand. “Hi, let’s call me Nightwing. It’s going to get a little confusing if we start calling me Dick too.”

Dick shrugged. “Makes sense.”

Renegade took a seat across from his doppelgänger. He studied him. The way he was whispering to Stella. The private smiles they shared with each other. The way he held her like she was the only thing that mattered to him. He felt a familiar sense of longing in the pit of his stomach. His heart ached looking at the two of them.

“Will you three be staying for dinner?” Alfred asks.

Nightwing and Jason exchange glances. Jason didn’t care what they did. Now that Stella was safe in his arms, he was up for anything.

“Sure. Why not?”

———————

Dinner was, interesting to say the least.

Dick and Nightwing spent the entire time talking non stop to each other. Well more like spent the whole time complimenting each other. Barbara watched in amusement as she did not know how in the world he was able to talk this much. They were basically the entertainment for everyone that night.

Tim was very interested in the device they used to get here. He asked Nightwing if he could examine it and he obliged, as long as he did not break it that is. Tim was ecstatic. He ate his dinner with one hand while examining the device with his other.

Damian frowned at his food the entire time. He knew at this point Stella was leaving. He actually started to enjoy her company. He was sad to see her go. He said almost nothing the entire night.

Jason and Stella never left each others side. Alfred managed to push both of their chairs together so they could continue to be close to one another. Jason had his arms around the back of her waist, careful not to aggravate her ribs. Stella had her legs draped around his and had her hand on his lap as they fed each other pieces of bread and shared soft kisses.

Bruce admired the scene in front of him. This was the first time in years that the whole family was actually together and not fighting. He watched Alfred hustle around, trying to serve each and every member of the family. Damian was glaring at his food like always, and Tim was fascinated by the object in front of him. He glanced over at Renegade. He noticed the young man was still watching the couple in front of him with wanting eyes.

He would have to finally talk to him after their visitors were gone.

Dinner was peaceful. So when Alfred asked if they wanted to stay the night, Nightwing, Jason, and Stella agreed.

Dick and Nightwing went down to the Batcave. They wanted to fight each other to see who really was the superior Nightwing. Barbara, Damian, Bruce, and Tim followed them.

Jason took Stella upstairs to her room. It was a very eventful day, but Stella was still recovering from her injuries and he knew she needed to rest. They spent a few hours talking to each other while laying on the bed. Jason had his arms wrapped around her the entire time.

Stella told him everything that happened to her in this world. From waking up in a dark alley dressed in her PJs, to being kidnapped and nearly beaten to death by Joker’s son. She made sure to leave out the parts about her sneaking out into Gotham alone. She didn’t want Jason to have an aneurism. Jason smiled down at her.

“How did you know I was here?” She finally asked.

“Well, Zatanna helped us the most. She was able to track down your location using some type of aura scanner or something. Once she was able to pinpoint your location, I used the tracker in your necklace to track you here.”

Stella looked down at her necklace. She wore it so often she forgot she even had it. It was just a simple gold necklace with the letters JT at the end. She held the necklace in her hand.

“Huh, so the tracker wasn’t actually a stupid idea like I thought.” She says with a laugh.

“Told you it would come in handy.” He chuckles.

Stella looks at him and places her right hand on his cheek. Jason closes his eyes and gently presses a kiss onto her hand.

“Just making sure you’re real and not a hallucination.”

“I’m real princess. I promise.”

They shift positions so that Stella is laying on her uninjured side. She hugs him tight, taking over as the big spoon. She runs her hands through his hair with her uninjured arm. He hums and melts into her touch.

“So tell me, how did you keep this a secret from my dad?” She asked with a smirk.

“Lets just say we had a little help from Miss Martian…” He went on to tell her the many ways they covered up her disappearance. They talked until Stella started to get sleepy. Jason handed her the pain pills Alfred left by her bedside, and she fell asleep peacefully in his arms.

Jason took in the room he was in. It was an exact replica of his old room back at the manor. He chuckled at the idea that Stella stayed in his childhood bedroom while she was here. He admires the photographs on top of the dresser. He pauses at the photo of him as Robin, standing with Batman.

Just then, he realized that he had left his mask and helmet downstairs. He didn’t feel comfortable leaving his stuff out in the open like that. Especially since the helmet was pretty much a walking bomb to anyone that wasn’t him. He carefully wiggled out from Stella’s grasp, careful not to wake her. Thankfully, she stayed asleep, the pills working their magic.

Jason tip toed out of the bedroom and carefully closed the door behind him. He made his way into the foyer where he found his hood and mask sitting on the table he left them on. He picked up his things and started to head up the stairs, when he noticed someone was watching him from the living room. Jason turned to face his doppelgänger.

Renegade got up from his seat on the couch and made his way towards Jason. He stood in front of him and looked him up and down. It was like looking in the mirror, except it wasn’t.

The white stripe was a given. Something he remembered Stella talking about. A side effect of his dip in the Lazarus Pit. Jason had many scars on his face, and he was sure he had many more under his armor. And his eyes. They were harder, like he had seen a lot of things. They were the eyes of a man who have clearly been through a lot. He looked at the red bat on his chest.

“So, Red Hood?”

Jason smirked. “Yeah. Kinda just fit.”

“The clown still alive in your universe?”

“Yeah.” Jason answers, in a dark tone.

Renegade frowns, but didn’t say anything more.

“Hey, uh. I just wanted to thank you. For you know. Taking care of her.” Jason said looking away from his twin. He was never too good at these things.

Renegade shrugs. “You should thank the family. I was barely here most of the time.”

“Stella told me everything. To be honest, I probably would have done the same thing. God knows how many things I destroyed in this place while she was gone. I can’t imagine what I would do if I lost her.”

Renegade stayed silent, not knowing how to respond to that statement. “Take care of her.” He says as he turns to return to the living room.

“Always.” Jason replies. He turns and jogs up the stairs with his helmet and mask in hand.

Renegade watches him ascend the stairs. Once he heard the door softly close, he pulled out a cigarette, and made his way out the front door.

Jason enters the room as quietly as possible. Stella turns to look at him as he closes the door behind him. She smiles up at him.

“Sorry doll. Didn’t mean to wake you.” He said as he stripped off his armor and boots. He grabs the spare PJs Alfred left in the room and slips them on. Stella watches him with tired eyes as he gets under the covers and holds her tight against his chest.

“I love you.” She mumbled into his chest, snuggling as close as possible.

Jason kisses her on the head, before whispering back. “I love you too princess.”

[newobsessioneveryweek]

The Bounty Hunter: Chpt. 1

This is chapter 1 of a book I started writing about a year or two ago. If you like it and want me to continue please leave a comment! Enjoy!

People I’m tagging because I love them and need their advice: @xicarusisfallingx @kirii-thenotreally-kitten @awesomeunicat @haze517 @jdc1717

‘So,’ Luna said impatiently, ‘what’s the payment?’

‘Ten gold for turning in disloyal citizens. You know your king. Wouldn’t spare a cup of water for a beggar on the street. Still, this offer is generous for a bastard like him.’

Luna huffed but she knew Aaron was right. This offer was by far the best she would get for such a task even though that pathetic amount of money wouldn’t even be enough to buy a cheap whore. She needed the money though and wouldn’t let any opportunity pass no matter how demeaning. She was already a criminal. Cowards looking to get their hands on otherwise unreachable items often employ her services, though she’s not always faithful to her clients. Not a very good reputation for a mere seventeen-year-old but struggle builds character, and she’d gotten to know a lot about struggle. She didn’t care much for her pride either. She’d lost that luxury years ago, replaced by desperation. All she needed was enough money to pay for a decent doctor for her father. Once she’d done that she’d live a normal, care-free life.

‘So,’ Aaron said, jarring her from her thoughts with his deep whisper, ‘Are you in or what?’

Luna didn’t need to think twice before she said, ‘I’m in.’

Aaron gave a slight nod before explaining their objective. ‘You know Estagio Vanamir, baker’s son? Asked for a very special gem from the king’s repository. Probably Selena’s Ruby. Says he’ll pay handsomely. Twenty silver.’

‘Twenty Silver? A handsome reward?’ Luna stifled a laugh and was about to berate her partner for not haggling for a higher price, before he continued, ‘That’s a high price for the son of a baker Luna,’ Aaron said, ‘obviously it was no use haggling. We’re going to turn him at the guard anyway for the king’s meager reward.’

‘Yes, but we could’ve brought the man the gem, gotten his reward and then led the guards to him to make a greater profit. Honestly, Aaron, why am I always three steps ahead of you when you are supposed to come up with our strategies?’

‘If the heist was to fail and we were to be spotted we would be the ones behind the bars of a cell,’ he said, exasperated, ‘So Vanami’s offer won’t matter in the end.’

‘I still think you were scammed. For the job he expects us to do, a small fortune would be the least he could offer. What does he want with the ruby anyway?’

Aaron shrugged. ‘I don’t know and I didn’t bother to ask.’

Luna gave a resigned huff. The two stood in silence for a brief moment.

‘Be ready at sunrise tomorrow,’ Aaron said seriously.

‘Since when do you give orders? Have you suddenly grown bold,’ Luna said only half-seriously.

‘I’m merely making suggestions, a good one at that. We’ve been working together long enough to be considered equal partners in trade. Or is it just me who thinks that?’

‘It’s just you Aaron,’ Luna said before turning and walking to her father’s house. It was beginning to get late and her father was probably wondering where she was. He wasn’t aware of her criminal reputation at all and she intended to keep it that way. She wouldn’t want to cause him an early death if he found out.

Before she managed two steps she heard Aaron calling her. Luna turned around and acknowledged him. ‘I can’t imagine you’re leaving so soon,’ he said, ‘would you care to join me for a flagon? I still have some coin left from our last haul.’

Luna rolled her eyes. ‘I’m a thief, not a drunk. You have fun drowning your sorrows away.’

‘Don’t be a sissy. Join me, and even if you don’t drink, you could still have yourself a good time, if ya know what I mean.’

‘I’m not interested. Enjoy with your whores you pervert. And don’t blame me at sunrise when your head becomes a blacksmith’s anvil if ya know what I mean.’ Luna swiftly turned around tittering to herself and hurried home to her father. His condition had been steadily worsening for months and had finally driven him to incapacitation. No doubt the death of Luna’s mother had spurred his illness into action. She had been one of his only joys in life: since she worked as a servant in the king’s palace she earned a helpful sum, partially supporting them financially while he made his earnings working at his forge, she kept his health in check and made sure their needs were taken care of. The love he had for his wife was unmatched by any and all human emotion. When she suddenly died, his health spiraled downwards.

Luna arrived at the small house. She’d prepared a pot of vegetable soup that morning that was simmering on the cooking fire. She picked up the ladle and gingerly spooned the mixture into a bowl to serve to her father, who was sitting up in bed, staring dazed at the drab brown curtains hung in front of him.

Luna quietly walked to his bedside and hesitantly put a hand of his shoulder. He jolted in surprise, causing Luna to nearly spill the contents of the bowl as she jumped in shock.

Luna’s father turned his head sleepily in her direction and stared at her confused for a moment before his face lit up in recognition. ‘Luna, my dear, did I startle you? I’m afraid I haven’t been able to get up to much aside from admiring the scenery,’ he glanced at the curtain and attempted a good-natured laugh, which came out more as a wheeze followed by a series of painful coughs.

Luna set the bowl of soup on the bedside table and sat on the edge of the bed. ‘Did Katherine come? She said she would bring a remedy for that cough.’

The man rolled his eyes, giving Luna a full view of his reddening sclerae. ‘You just arrived and are already playing physician. Have a rest, child. Have you eaten? You’re so thin.’ Luna thought it strange that the man was worrying for her sake when his own body looked as if it had been constructed out of twigs with skin as thin and pale as a bedsheet. His pale eyes, once sparkling like the polished silver, were dull and lifeless.

‘I understand that my worry is warranted since you refuse to attend to your own health. I will eat once you have finished your supper.’ Luna took the bowl from the bedside table and scooped a spoonful, blowing on it to cool it down before holding the spoon out to her father. His eyes went to the spoon before darting to his daughter. ‘What is the meaning of this? I am perfectly capable of feeding myself. I’ve hefted axes, hammered at steel for hours, and you doubt I can lift a spoon,’ he spluttered in discontent.

Luna raised an eyebrow, still holding out the utensil. She understood that he must have felt undignified, but his circumstances simply did not allow him the freedom he used to relish only months ago. As hard as it was for her to see the once-proud man he was confined to a state of total helplessness, she had no choice. The man gave a sigh of resignation and opened his mouth. The way he pouted like a sad child broke Luna’s heart, but she continued feeding him until the bowl was empty.

Her father blinked slowly and scooted lower in the bed until his head rested on the thin pillow. His face glistened with a sheen of sweat and he looked utterly exhausted. ‘I’m spent. You go eat my dear, you need not worry any longer. A sleeping figure threatens no danger,’ he uttered with a joking smile.

Luna nodded and leaned over to place a kiss on her father’s forehead, subsequently wiping the sweat off her mouth, earning a chuckle from the man.

She did as her father requested and ate her supper. The sun had set long before she had finished so she dressed down for bed and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

  When the sun had just begun steadily crawling over the horizon, before the cocks began to crow, Luna rose from her bed and tiredly rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She quickly threw her dress on and attached her dagger to her belt along with a vile of a potent sleeping draught she’d used on her father a few times just in case. She preferred to render enemies unconscious rather than kill them but underestimating her battle prowess was a grave mistake people dared not make. She wouldn’t hesitate to take action if need be. After making sure her father was peacefully asleep, she laced up her boots and made her way to the tavern to meet with Aaron.

She arrived just in time to see the tall boy retching in the adjacent ally, his curly brown locks drenched in sweat. Luna recoiled at the sight, but couldn’t help smiling at her confirmed prediction. The boy leaned miserably against the wall with his eyes closed. He looked exhausted but Luna had to applaud his commitment, which was exactly what she did. She snuck quietly to his side, avoiding his disgorged stomach contents, and loudly clapped her hands right next to his ear. Aaron nearly jumped in the air, but he opted instead to double over clutching his aching head.

‘Fuck you,’ he said as he rose from his stooped position, punctuating the effort with a groan of discomfort.

‘Did I not foresee this,’ I asked mockingly, ‘I knew you would drown in your cups. You possess the minimum amount of self-control equal to that of a horny dog.’

‘What can I say? I blame the impulsiveness of youth.’ He made of gesture of shaking his fist in the air before letting it drop listlessly to his side.

‘Do you really expect me to bring you with me in the state you’re in? You’ll only be a hindrance.’

‘What are you talking about,’ he asked, looking at her with tired golden eyes, ‘did we not agree to turn Vanamir in? There’s no heist involved, hence you won’t need me for much. I just came to discuss our approach.’

‘No, you wanted to turn him in, I wanted to kill two birds with one stone, earn some extra coin, and not be a sissy about getting caught. Now that you’re no longer an asset on this mission, I’ll be opting for my plan.’

Aaron pushed away from the wall, stumbling before regaining his footing and somewhat steady composure. ‘Whatever,’ he said, ‘as long as you get it done. Though I should warn you, the king has upped his guard recently. I have no idea why so I advise you to just watch your back.’

‘And I would advise you to stay away from the bar. You look positively awful and you smell like a piss pot.’

Aaron blinked and made a face. ‘Incredible. I never would have thought it possible but, I must say, your social skills have gotten better,’ Aaron retorted sarcastically.

 The two parted ways, Luna making for the castle.

While Luna’s mother was a servant she had learned that the castle had a servants’ entrance separate from the main doors. If she looked the part she could easily slip by bustling maids and watchful guards. Navigating the castle wasn’t a problem either. The king’s private business hadn’t been kept very private at all from careful listeners so Luna was aware that the repository was situated on the lowest level. All she had to do was make her way there without being noticed. She hoped she hadn’t bitten off more than she could chew, but she was confident in her abilities. If worse came to worst she could simply render her victims unconscious.

She set her plan into action; she walked through the servants’ entrance and picked up a basket of the king’s laundry to carry around with her. Luckily none of the other servants questioned this. A person could mistake her for a servant just by her attire and the way she walked with purpose as if washing the king’s clothing was her only goal and pleasure in life (which, for most servants, it was). With the laundry basket balancing on her hip, Luna turned down hallway after hallway, ignoring suspicious glances from guards and trying to muster as much confidence in her step as she could, which was proving to work. The guards she passed had stopped paying much attention to her apart from the occasional lustful gaze and so she continued until she made it all the way to the stairwell that led down to the king’s repository. Unfortunately, the stairwell was guarded by two rather distracted guards, who were sitting at a wooden table gambling with dice and gulping down mouthfuls of whatever beverage was in their cups.

This posed a problem of course. Before she could approach them she needed a plan. She couldn’t simply stab them; one of them might sound an alarm before she can get in a clean blow. Her only chance was to lace their drinks somehow. Luna had never been one for flirting, but she might’ve needed to summon what little knowledge she has on the subject and use it to her advantage. Her mother had taught her how to dance before Luna became more interested in learning how to use her dagger, so she knew how to move her body to get the right reactions.

She moved seductively towards the men, swaying her hips while still balancing the basket. One guard noticed her advancing and stood from his seat, while the other glanced over and fumbled to rise, but ended up toppling onto the floor. Luna knelt down with a kind smile on her face and offered her hand to the fallen guard, who furrowed his brow in confusion.

Luna giggled in response to the guard’s baffled expression, ‘I don’t bite, I promise,’ she said as sweetly as her shaking voice allowed. The guard continued to stare for a moment longer before accepting her help and smiling goofily at the wink Luna gave him once he stood.

‘My my, it isn’t often we get visitors here, especially ones this beautiful,’ said the guard on the left. ‘Tell me, my dear, what is your business here?’

Luna spoke convincingly, ‘I’m a servant washing the king’s clothing. I’m new so I got lost-’

‘A servant, eh,’ said the guard on the right, clearly not too interested in her reason for being there. ‘What’s a beauty such as yourself doing serving the king? A maiden this lovely, why your time would be better spent gracing a dance floor.’

‘Don’t you know how to flatter a girl,’ Luna ran her hand down the guard’s chest, ‘tell me,’ she said glancing over to his gawking friend, ‘may I join you?’

The two guards glanced at each other, smirks creeping up both of their faces. Luna felt rather uncomfortable with that but she had a mission to accomplish. The guard on the right answered, ‘Of course, you can. However, we only have two chairs, but, if you want, you can sit on my lap,’ the man said, a wild glint in his eyes and a slit of a smile on his face. Luna nearly outright retched at the man’s offer, though instead, she gave a shy smile and an innocent nod. The guard whom she had helped looked mildly jealous but sat down, sipping his drink miserably. The other sat down slowly, trying his best to appear sexy but failing rather spectacularly. He patted his lap and Luna begrudgingly sat down, swallowing the bile rising in the back of her throat. She had to drug them quickly. She inconspicuously slipped the draught under the long sleeve of her dress and folded her fingers over the cork.

‘Do you mind if I have a taste,’ she asked pointing at the drink in front of her. The man held it out to her. She took the cup, the guard rocking his leg as if to tease her, sloshing the liquid in the cup. He laughed as if he’d just made the funniest joke ever, Luna laughing along to please him. She held the cup close to her lap so the guard wouldn’t see her slyly pour the liquid in the cup. She emptied the vile before realizing too late that she hadn’t laced the second guard's drink. Luna panicked, still holding the cup low. The guard furrowed his brow, looking slightly annoyed that she hadn’t drunk anything and took the cup from her, taking a long sip. ‘When you get to be a big girl you can have a sip of my drink,’ he set down his drink and put a hand on Luna’s back, ‘So what do you do for fun lass? Or, more importantly,’ he made eye contact with Luna and Luna saw the man’s intentions written plain as day on his features, ‘ what would you like to do? Whatever it is, we can do it together if ya fancy. Maybe afterward I’ll let you have a sip.’ The man laughed and it was the vilest thing Luna had ever heard. His hand started sliding down Luna’s back until it was far too low for comfort.

She inwardly scowled and blanched at the man’s suggestion. She knew the effects of the draught would kick in soon, but she was getting worried that this man was going to do something unsavory to her. She needed to stall for time.

‘Um… H-how about you two tell me your names first?’

The man let loose a booming laugh, his eyelids drooping, but his advances continued. He looked at his partner with a smug smirk, ‘this one likes to get personal,’ his friend rolled his eyes. ‘My name’s Gilbert, and that over there,’ he said, pointing at the guards across the table, ‘is Simeon. And what’s your name sweetheart,’ he asked, but before Luna could answer his head lulled forward and he planted his head firmly on the table, his torso folding over her lap. Luna heaved a sigh of relief and took the guards inactivity as an opportunity to take action. She drew her dagger, threw the man’s upper body away from her and jumped up. The remaining guard hurriedly got up from his chair. She saw him notice the dagger in her hand. He looked up at her, an angry expression marring his features, ‘What did you do to him,’ he shouted, ‘Intruder,’ he alerted the forces. ‘Wait! He’s not dead,’ Luna said, but it was too late. She had to act quickly. She made a run for the stairwell, but the guard lunged at her. Luna swung her dagger at his chest, but he was too quick. He dodged her attack and made a grab at her shoulders and pinned her to the wall. He twisted her arm until she dropped her dagger, the silver blade clattering helplessly to the floor. She had been caught. She heard the hurried footsteps of the alerted forces making their way. If she tried to escape she would just be caught by the oncoming support. There was nothing she could do.

Before long two new faces pulled her from the wall and held her firmly by the shoulders, the sleeping guard lying unmoving on his chair. Luna had to think of a plan, and quickly before she was brought to the king for sentencing. She could acknowledge how suspicious it looked that a guard somehow dropped down while she held a dagger in her hand, and with a witness present, it made her case even less convincing. The fact that she’s tried to run into the repository made her case vastly doubtful. Did she even have a case to present? She had really made this a very difficult situation.