#Looking back most of the splits I've had wouldn't have even happened if I had just been treated with kindness from the beginning

[bloodlust-1]

.𖥔 ݁ ˖ Soaked .𖥔 ݁ ˖

Wyll x fem Tav — fluff, Explicit 18+

Summary: Tav's tent is leaking from the heavy rain, leaving her completely soaked, and well - she has to share a tent with someone.

Notes: absolutely nobody asked for this. BUT! I've never read a Wyll fic and I wanted to change that for myself and maybe for some of you ;p Heavy Petting!!

Shit! Tav groggily opened her eyes, only to see the sight of her drenched tent. The rain had seeped through the flimsy fabric, leaving everything inside completely soaked. She let out a frustrated groan, cursing her laziness for not setting up her tent properly earlier that day.

The once comfortable bedroll of blankets and pillows was now a soggy mess, and Tav knew she would be shivering in her damp sleeping bag.

How could she be so careless? She puffed her cheeks out, where the hells is she going to sleep tonight? It was down pouring and Tav needed to get to somewhere dry so she wouldn't get sick.

"Damn it!" She stepped out of the tent, shielding her eyes from the rain. It beaded down on her skin like bullets.

Breathless and drenched, she burst into Wyll's tent, startling him from his sleep. His eyes widened in surprise as he sat up, trying to make sense of the sudden intrusion. But as he recognized her, he relaxed and a small smile crept onto his face, "Tav?"

"What brings you to my humble abode at this ungodly hour?" he rubbed his eyes with a small yawn.

Tav sighed as she pushed back the wet strands of hair that were sticking to her forehead. She half smiled for awkwardly bursting into his tent. "Looks like my tent couldn't handle the rain," She joked shallowly, "and now everything inside is pretty much ruined."

Leave it to Tav to have the worst luck when it comes to camping.

"Do you mind if I bunk with you for the night?" The rain beat against the ground with such force, that it was almost intimidating.

Wyll's tired eyes scanned Tav up and down. Exhaustion and concern were etched across his face as he quickly rummaged through the corner of his tent. Without hesitation, he grabbed one of his own shirts and tossed it towards Tav.

"Here, take this," he said with a hint of urgency in his voice. "I can't have you getting sick in those wet clothes." Wyll's protective nature kicked in.

Tav's fingers tightly gripped the shirt, her eyes fixed on Wyll's stunned expression. It was almost comical how his mouth formed a perfect 'o' shape as the realization dawned on him. "Oh!" In a split second, he spun around, giving Tav a chance to change in privacy.

Tav chuckled at Wyll's reaction. She always found his dramatic responses amusing. But now, as she stood there clutching the shirt, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness. After all, Wyll was someone she thought attractive.

Even in this sorry state, Tav still managed to look pretty damn cute. He couldn't believe she was in his tent, wearing his shirt and changing right behind him.

"Okay, I'm done," she announced, tapping on Wyll's shoulder. He couldn't help but admire her, even in this awkward situation. The way the shirt hung off her curves that stopped at her mid-thighs was quite the sight.

"Sorry about that," Tav said, biting her lip as she tried to contain her awkwardness. "Thanks for letting me borrow your shirt. It's much appreciated." Tav slowly sank onto the floor, trying to get comfortable.

"Wait -" Wyll spoke out instantly.

"Hm?'

He squinted his eyes toward the floor. “Where’s your bedroll?”

Tav scuffed sarcastically, “Soaked.”

Sure, this wasn't the most comfortable situation for her, but it was dry and warm. But this was not good enough for Wyll, he would never let a lady sleep on the floor.

"That's not happening." He sighed and shook his head. Wyll lifted up the covers to his bedding, nudging his head at Tav, "Climb in."

Tav signed in relief, quickly hopping into the bed with Wyll. Her skin lit up with a tingling sensation from the unexpected contact of his skin. It was a bit nerve-wracking, to be this close to him, but she couldn't deny the butterflies that bubbled up inside her.

Just as Tav climbed in Wyll's horn accidentally got caught in her hair. He tried to pull away when he noticed. In a panic, he tugged harder, which only made Tav wince in pain.

"Ouch!" Tav winced, her hand going to her hair as she felt the sudden tug. But before she could even say anything, Wyll was already apologizing profusely.

"S-Sorry!" Wyll stammered. And in that moment, he noticed how close their faces were, their breaths hitting each other in the air.

Tav blushed, She quickly peeled off the strands from Wyll's horn, trying to untangle them as gently as possible. "You're okay, Wyll," she reassured him, "I'm sorry for this nest on my head right now."

Once untangled, Tav squished against Wyll. They both laid silently, trying to shake off their racing hearts. How in the hells were they supposed to sleep now when all they could think about was how closely their skin was touching right now.

"I think you look lovely." Wyll suddenly spoke into the air as he laid on his back.

Tav tilted her head towards him, "Huh?" Her face felt hot for a second, "Oh! You're talking about before..." She felt shy and chuckled amusingly, "Thank you, Wyll..."

He nodded his head in contempt. But Tav spoke up too, "You look good too...I don't think I've ever seen you look bad though when I think about it."

Wyll twisted his body to face Tav, his eyebrow slowly arched upwards "Even with these hideous horns and eyes?" He seemed skeptical.

"Yeah, I never thought of you ugly." Tav was being honest with him and it felt - nice.

Wyll's soft smile twisted into a scowl. "What’s wrong?" Tav asked with concern.

"Zariel. I could hear her in my head." He closed his eyes tightly, and let out a frustrated sigh before responding, "And you'd think she'd be off doing something better than to tease me."

"What is she teasing you about..?"

Wyll's eyes crinkled with a soft smile and giggle, "Ahh..That's a conversation for another day."

Tav brought herself closer to him, she gave him a playful nudge, "What? No - don't be such a buzz kill." she puffed out her cheeks like a child.

"You're too cute." Wyll's eyes softened as she looked into Tav's sincere gaze. "If you really must know, she was making comments about me looking at you."

Tav rolled her eyes sarcastically, "Pfft, why would she make fun of that?"

A smirk spread across his lips, "Well - if I was admiring your beautiful face, then it would give her lots to insult me on."

Tav felt a bit flustered by his comment, but she quickly regained her composure. With a sly smile on her face, "You obviously have good taste. You're quite the charmer, Wyll."

Tav booped his nose, "But don't worry, I won't tell the others. Your secret is safe with me."

Wyll's smirk turned into a genuine smile as he took in her boldness. "I like the way you think."

She felt a sense of pride at his reaction. Tav was used to being the one to surprise people, but it was refreshing to have someone catch her off guard in a good way. "I always speak my mind," she replied confidently.

Wyll chuckled.

Tav gently traced her fingers along his jawline, causing him to shiver in response. "Now tell me - what's really on your mind?"

"Those soft lips, and that little frame," Wyll said, his voice barely above a whisper as he pulled her closer.

Her heart beat faster with each passing second. They were already so close, and it was like an invisible string was pulling them closer and closer. Tav's eyes fluttered close until the warmth of her lips was met with his. It was gentle and soft. Pulling back slightly, she looked up at him with big eyes.

"Is that your way of saying you like what you see?" she teased, her confidence growing by the second.

He chuckled and pulled her in for another kiss, his hands gently caressing her petite frame. She melted into his touch, enjoying the grip of his large hands.

"I more than like it," Wyll replied cockily. "I'm completely captivated by you."

Tav's blood rushed to her face. Everything felt like a dream because just yesterday Wyll was just another attractive man. But now - it felt a little more complicated than that.

Wyll's hand rested on the curve of Tav's lower back. His fingers dipped into her back dimples with gentle strokes, "Even now, I can't help but want to kiss you more."

Tav's fingers traced patterns on Wyll's chest while she gazed into his eyes. Here she was, laid next to the city's righteous rich boy: The Blade of Frontiers. He surely wasn't a disappointment.

Wyll's lips met Tav's in a passionate kiss, their bodies pressed together close-knit. Tav's heart fluttered as Wyll's hand moved from her back to cup her face, deepening the kiss even more.

Their breaths mingled between kisses, and his grip became tighter and possessive. Tav's tongue graced his in a steady motion and her hands clutched the shirt of his back.

Wyll's hands roamed eagerly over Tav's body, his touch sending shivers down her spine. He seemed to put most of his attention on her ass. Wyll actually spent quite some time looking at Tav's body and her bottom was his favorite feature of hers. He filled the palms of his hands with her curves.

He kneaded and groped the pudge of her hips and ass. Tav's body responded instinctively, pressing closer to him, her own hands gripping his shoulders tightly.

With each kiss, the intensity grew, and their bodies molded together. Wyll's hand traveled, his fingers gripped Tav's thigh possessively and pulled her leg up to rest on his hip.

Their hips clashed, each movement sending sparks of pleasure through their bodies. She could feel Wyll's hard length poke at her stomach.

Tav's grip on Wyll tightened, her breath coming in small gasps as she lost herself in the moment. Every touch, every movement, was a desperate attempt to get closer, to feel more of each other.

As their kiss deepened, their bodies moved in perfect synchronization, lost in a dance of passion and desire. Tav's moans mingled with Wyll's, their lips never breaking contact as they explored each other.

Wyll tightly shut his eyes and let out an airy gasp, "You have no idea how much I've been wanting to do that. And now that I have, I can't get enough of you."

Tav planted a single kiss on his cheek, "I never knew how good of a kisser you were.." Her head rested on the nape of Wyll's neck. "I want to keep experiencing that if that's something you want with me?"

a smile spreading across Wyll's face. "Of course. I knew I wanted you from the moment I laid eyes on you."

Any thoughts? Comment 👇🏼 I love to engage!

[emelinstriker]

{Eternal Servants AU} Red Son ♡ Offering

Art drawn by me + the AU itself is mine.

It's still my birthday (November 14th) in my time right now, so might as well post it since it just fits- Peeps voted for fluff, and I wanted to make something with Red Son's cooking, and boom, idea. :D

[TL;DR] Red Son bakes a cake for you.

♡ ~ Fluff ~ ♡

"Maybe this one..? No... This..? No..."

Red Son was flipping through the pages of a book for a recipe and hadn't even started anything. Just because he couldn't decide on which type of cake to bake. It needed to be perfect. It was his Master's birthday after all. He wouldn't be worthy of his title as one of your champions if he managed to fail at such an important task. And he'd rather not be a disgrace to his Master and the other servants.

He did think about asking another champion for some input, but he also didn't want to tell anyone he wanted to bake a cake for you. And he was aware that some champions, which shall not be named, weren't exactly the most quiet about keeping plans for their Master a secret. So putting his trust into the others wasn't much of a safe option... Though, maybe he could ask one of the more quiet ones for help, such as MK.

The red champion hummed in thought before letting out a rather tired groan. He wasn't tired of doing this for you, he was tired about possibly having to rely on another champion again and splitting the work credit. Much like Macaque, he enjoyed your full praises, but having to share the credit would only give him half of your attention and affection.

Suddenly, he snapped his fingers with a little smile as he exclaimed, "I've got it!"

Red Son then flipped through the book for a recipe on (Favorite Cake). Upon finding the page, he read through the required ingredients and grimaced... He knew for a fact he was missing some things from the list. The palace's kitchen was big but was usually low on ingredients after. Half of the palace didn't need to consume food after all. The kitchen was mostly there for their Master if they enjoyed cooking or wanted to try out cooking without the fear of setting anything nearby on fire. And now it was mostly occupied by Red Son so he could develop his own cooking skills more.

Sighing, he decided that he would have to actually go out and collect said ingredients. He wrote down the items that were missing before he closed the book and carefully hid it away in one of the cabinets again. It was best if he kept his plan a secret.

The red champion then picked up the list he wrote with his left hand and quietly made his way out of the kitchen. He had to be quiet yet also casual about how he moved, otherwise Macaque or someone else would-

"What are you up to, Bull Boy?"

...Oh, for fuck's sake.

He grumbled in slight annoyance as he turned to face a certain pink celestial. However, he seemed to be accompanied by MK. "I'm... Just taking a stroll. That's all", he replied.

Nezha crossed his arms as he raised an eyebrow. "Really? By rather suspiciously observing the area while walking, as if you were being hunted?"

Red Son's pursed his lips as he tried to hold back from saying any sassy comment that could trigger the celestial's anger. Instead, he awkwardly cleared his throat while looking away from the other two champions. "...I suppose so, yes."

The yellow champion next to Nezha tilted his head, humming as he noticed the folded up piece of paper in the bull demon's hand. "What's that?" He asked, pointing at it. Red Son nervously took the piece of paper into his right hand, hiding it behind his cape.

"That- That is none of your concern. Just... a shopping list, I guess."

"Then you wouldn't mind if I-" Suddenly, Nezha swiftly flipped up the red champion's cape before snatching the paper from his hand. Due to Nezha's speed, Red Son couldn't even comprehend what was happening until it was already over. And once he saw the celestial open the list, his heart dropped in his chest. There went his chance at getting extra affection from you.

The pink champion skimmed through the list's contents and blinked in surprise. "Wait. You weren't kidding. But then why were you so sneaky about it?" He then handed the list to the yellow champion.

And before Red Son could come up with any excuses, MK spoke up. "Isn't this a recipe for Master's favorite cake? For today. I can't forget today."

Nezha did a double take as he looked over MK's shoulder and at the list again... After re-reading the ingredients listed and confirming the young monkey's suspicions, he gave Red Son a rather offended look. "...Were you seriously trying to bake a cake behind our backs? And for Master's birthday nonetheless!"

The celestial glared daggers at the young demon. But before he could scold him or physically harm him, MK stepped in front of him, blocking him. "Let's help. It's Master's birthday. No fighting on Master's birthday."

Pausing, Nezha thought about his words and reluctantly let out a sigh to calm his anger. "You're right", he said before turning back towards the red champion, still seemingly annoyed at this form of betrayal, but he's holding it all back quite well. "Do you perhaps need help retrieving those things on the list?"

Red Son slowly shook his head. "...Uh, no thanks. I'm... I'm pretty sure I can just get it all quickly for Master's cake by myself-"

Suddenly, a shadow portal opened next to the red champion, startling him. And out popped Macaque with an excited grin on his face. He was practically vibrating as his tail happily swished around behind him from what he just heard. "I heard about a cake you're making for Master's birthday from the other side of the palace! I wanna help too!"

It wasn't noticeable, but the others could tell Nezha had a shit-eating grin beneath his mask as he spoke. "The more the merrier, right? Bull Boy over here could have us get the ingredients he needs so he can bake." At this point Red Son could most definitely not talk his way out of it. And he hated this fact.

He cursed a little under his breath, which probably only Macaque caught but brushed off, before reluctantly agreeing to it. "Fine. You can help me. I know you wouldn't stop asking me about it."

"Wonderful! Now, what's on the list? What do I get to collect for Master?" Macaque asked eagerly as he clasped his hand together.

Nezha snorted as he eyed the purple champion. "Better give him an item he won't have to get lost over. Or one where he can't accidentally piss off every demon in the vicinity like last time."

Macaque huffed as he placed his hands on his hips, giving the celestial a little glare. "Listen. I'm not that reckless when it's not a task Master told me to do."

"But it's still a task for Master's birthday", the celestial retorted. "So I hope I can trust that you won't get caught up in a random side task again and vanish for longer than needed. Not on their special day." 

While they kept arguing about Macaque's inability to keep things simple without doing extra work and getting into trouble in the process, Red Son was already assigning MK to grab an item. The yellow champion gave him a happy salute despite his blank expression before walking away to get said item. He wants to make his Master proud!

Macaque and Nezha very soon noticed the young monkey's absence and they turned back towards Red Son, who was seemingly trying to sneak away.

The pink champion scoffed as he crossed his arms again, "Where do you think you're going, Bull Boy? You still haven't given us any ingredients to look for."

Red Son was most definitely rolling his void-black eyes before turning around to face the remaining two champion, who have been trailing after him to catch up. "Will you leave me alone if I let you each pick an ingredient to get?"

The dark-furred simian nodded with a happy expression. "Yes! I just wanna help make Master's birthday the best of the best birthdays for them!"

"...Fine. Here, just take the whole list. There's only two ingredients left anyway since MK already went off to find one of them", the red champion said reluctantly as he shoved the list into Macaque's chest. And of course, Macaque quickly took the list, ignoring the way Red Son shoved it into him. He finally could help with Master's special day, which was all that mattered.

The two of them then noticed Red Son walking away, looking like a deflated a balloon. Nezha felt a bit of sympathy for him since he knew how much this meant to him. But he genuinely wanted to help the younger demon. Meanwhile Macaque didn't feel such sympathy. The monkey in purple was all too busy being eager helping out, but just to get pets and kisses from you.

The red champion soon returned to the kitchen, leaning with his back against the now door as he sighed in disappointment. Now he had to share that credit with three other champions. Fun. And all he wanted was some extra attention from you just this once...

And of course, considering who all was given the task of retrieving the ingredients, it didn't take long for the three other champions to return and bring the missing items to the kitchen. It was most certainly surprising to see MK actually return with his task complete since he usually forgot things. However, Red Son figured he remembered this task since it's a task for their Master's comfort. And while he usually forgot about what he did, he never seemed to forget about given commands and objectives. He would only question what he did afterwards.

However, thanks to the other servants' work, Red Son was able to focus on his own task of baking a birthday cake. But this time he would not have another servant take his credit. So he told the others to get out and let him work on it himself. And despite Macaque's persistence in helping him further, the red champion wouldn't budge and wouldn't start anything. At least until the monkey left the kitchen through a portal while pouting. And he knew Macaque didn't know how to bake a cake, so Red Son was confident that the simian wouldn't dare try baking one unless it was absolutely perfect on his first try.

And finally, due to Red Son's skills in the kitchen, the bull demon was able to create the perfect cake. Which was also your favorite cake. Just to top it off, he added a birthday candle and lit it up with a little flame in the palm of his hand. He smiled as he proudly glanced over the cake. There was no way you wouldn't enjoy it, he was sure of it.

But then of course another servant just had to startle him by standing behind him without even saying a word. He turned and saw a certain blue champion, just standing there, yet his presence was menacing.

Shit. Macaque probably told him about the cake.

"Oh- Wha-... W-What is it, Wukong? Did you also w-" Red Son tried to question him, but quickly cut himself off the moment he witnessed the quiet simian just casually taking the cake's plate with his hand and walking away. He didn't even bother giving the red champion a second glance.

Red Son just watched silently in disbelief as the monkey walked away towards presumably their Master's bedroom. He could feel his eye twitch in frustration at how, again, yet another champion was stealing more of his credit.

But whatever.

At this point he was already convinced that he'll be pushed to the side again just so the others could get more love and attention from you. Wouldn't be the first time. He groaned a bit before following Wukong. The simian was indeed headed for your bedroom.

Upon reaching your bedroom, Wukong gently knocked with his free hand on the door while still holding the cake in the other. When he heard you tell him to enter, he opened the door and bowed his head. Red Son moved past the simian in blue and also bowed his head. Then he looked up and saw you in bed with Macaque, MK and Nezha already present either on or around your bed. Macaque was the one in the middle of receiving pets from you. Meanwhile you looked very much tired, as if you had just woken up about a minute ago.

Wukong held up the cake in front of him as he said with a little, rare smile, "Happy Birthday, Master."

Which was soon followed up by the other champions wishing you a Happy Birthday. Including Macaque, whose wishes were muffled due to him snuggling into you. You smiled tiredly, still seeming very much confused for a moment before you realized what was happening. "Aw... Thanks, guys", you said. Then you looked at the cake in Wukong's hands. Your eyes lit up a bit at he sight. "Is... Is this (Favorite Cake)? Did you guys make this... for me?"

Red Son remained silent, knowing the others would just claim all the glory and- "Actually, Red Son made it, Master. We didn't do much this time", Nezha quickly responded with a genuine smile underneath his mask. "We just helped out a bit, but the idea and execution was all his doing."

Red Son slowly turned towards him with his void-black eyes wide open in shock. Did... Did Nezha just make up for earlier? And knowing your attention was no longer on your pink champion, but on your red champion instead, the celestial gave the bull demon a knowing wink. Which made the red-haired boy smile with gratitude. He was given the spotlight for once.

Wukong seemed to have understood what Nezha was doing and decided to chime in, which seemed to encourage the bull demon again. "It's true, Master. He did most of it himself."

Your mouth formed an 'o' as your head turned towards Red Son, who was now blushing a little in embarrassment. You reached out your arm and pat your leg, which was still covered by your blanket, beckoning him over while Macaque scooted a bit away to give the bull demon space to sit on. "C'mere, Red. I wanna thank you properly."

His blush only became more noticeable as he approached your bed, seating himself on it. Then you pulled him a bit closer towards yourself and placed a little kiss on his cheek. This only resulted in his blush becoming worse, and you could swear his entire body began to heat up as his tied up hair turned into flames for just a moment. You gave him another kiss on his reddening cheeks once again before smiling at him.

"Thank you, Red."

He smiled back despite his embarrassment as he nuzzled into your chest.

"You're welcome, Master... Happy Birthday..."

.

.

.

"...Hey Master, where is Mink?"

"Um... I'm not sure actually. Probably still with the Oracle. He came in last night and wanted to borrow the scroll for something involving some lion, I think...? But he said he'll bring back the scroll some time later today."

[ Masterlist ]

[autistichalsin]

Do you happen to how / have made a good timeline of The Shadowlands? What was there before? What it was called? When it fell? IIRC one of the writers confirmed that the rude pale elf in the list of customers banned from the pub was a reference to Astarion. IDK is that was canon or more a joke that stayed in. Having a collected resource on that would be amazing for plotting out fics!

I have no idea if the banned elf was Astarion- I've seen conflicting things on it. But for everything else:

So, the Shadow-Cursed Lands cover primarily the town of Reithwin along with Moonrise, in the Western Heartlands. Thaniel is the nature spirit of this land. (Sidenote: because nature spirits can't really leave the area they embody, and Halsin knew Thaniel as a child, this implies that Halsin grew up somewhere near here, probably in a nearby forest. Since he also mentions his family being buried in High Forest, which is quite far away, it seems likely that they moved at some point, or maybe they lived in the area for a few generations but still considered themselves to have very strong ties to High Forest.)

As for a timeline of the Shadow Curse:

1142: Halsin is born in a forest, most likely near Reithwin. Over the next years, he becomes close friends with the nature spirit Thaniel. Growing while Thaniel stays the same age drives him to decide to become a Druid, as he realized nature, his first friend, needed protecting. After his last family member passes away (Halsin being the youngest son of an ancient line of elves that faded out due to illness and accidents, according to Halsin's writer), Halsin is "turned over to the Druids," at a "comparatively young age" (per his writer).

Sometimes before 1392: Isobel Thorm, Ketheric's daughter, is born. Melodia, Isobel's mother, and Ketheric's wife, tragically passes away.

Sometime between this and 1392: Dame Aylin arrives in Reithwin. She and Isobel Thorm fall in love at first sight.

Roughly 1392: Isobel dies. In Early Access, this was at Halsin's hands, as a fight broke out due to Shar's influence, causing Isobel to attack Halsin, and him to stab her on reflex. In the full release version, this was cut, and no one seems to know exactly how or why she died. Ketheric is devastated by grief, converts to Shar worship, and gathers an army of Dark Justiciars.

Later in 1392: The Archdruid who served the Emerald Grove before Halsin gathers a group of Druids and Harpers (including Jaheira) to face them; they win, with many losses, but Ketheric uses Shar's powers to unleash the Shadow Curse as revenge. Almost all the Druids and Harpers who had survived are then killed by the curse. Halsin takes what survivors he can manage, gets back to the Emerald Grove, and is appointed the new Archdruid. Some days later, he returns to the Shadow-Cursed Lands looking for survivors, finds the Shadow-Cursed version of the previous Archdruid, and is forced to kill it. He keeps his glaive as a "reminder that victory can taste bitter" and locks it away, along with his journal from that day. (In the original, this glaive/dagger, called Sorrow, was the weapon Halsin used to kill Isobel, and had a different journal to go with it talking about his guilt.) This curse, of course, also causes the nature spirit Thaniel to be split in two. One half is trapped in the Shadowfell, while the other half stays in the Shadow-Cursed Lands, eventually becoming Oliver.

Meanwhile, Dame Aylin is kidnapped by Ketheric Thorm and locked away so he can leech her power to make himself immortal.

1392-1492: Halsin spends the next 100 years researching the curse and trying to gain Silvanus's favor to be able to break it. Almost everyone else abandons the land; Jaheira admits to doing so, and a note Halsin wrote laments that the Emerald Enclave wouldn't help even if he asked. The few people who do attempt to go there perish- a Druid from another community got some information from Halsin, tried to enter the land, and then fell to the Curse. Some lines Halsin had in Early Access indicated that his being there when the curse fell and his empathy with the suffering of the Shadow-Cursed Lands/its people were key in his ability to later break the curse.

Meanwhile, Art Cullagh, a Flaming Fist, is trapped in the Shadowfell with Thaniel. They form a very close friendship, and Thaniel repeatedly tells Art that Halsin- and only Halsin- can save him.

At some point, Ketheric converts to worshipping Myrkul in exchange for resurrecting Isobel, becomes his Chosen, and helps hatch the Absolute plot along with Gortash and the Dark Urge.

1492: Shortly before the start of canon, Halsin meets Aradin and his band of adventurers, who tell him they're looking for the Nightsong at Moonrise Towers. Seeing a chance to investigate both the Curse and the modified mindflayer tadpoles he's encountered, Halsin joins them, then is betrayed when they're attacked by goblins and Aradin promptly abandons Halsin to the goblins.

After that comes everything in canon with the Break the Shadow Curse quest and all of its sub-quests.

1493, roughly: In the 6 months after the curse is broken, Halsin (/and Tav, if applicable) repurpose what was left of Reithwin to become a new community for those needing a new start, the narrator noting that it's "hidden from those who are not welcome, open to any who need shelter." Halsin is noted to have "built a schoolhouse in a day" for all the nine wagonfuls of children who joined their community, and become an unofficial leader of the community. He says that the place is unrecognizable in a good way, with the scars rapidly becoming invisible even to those who know what happened.

Sadly, Art Cullagh passes away sometime between the curse breaking and the epilogue, but he remained close to Thaniel until the end, and it is noted that Thaniel and Oliver come to the community often to play.

I think that's everything for the parts of the Shadow-Curse story we don't directly play through in canon!

Random interesting fact that @ride-a-dromedary and I noticed: the name "Reithwin" is one letter off from "Relthwin", the Elvish word for "refuge". That may or may not be intentional.

[onesaltyhunter]

Sleep Token x Gender Neutral!Reader HCs

what type of inhuman creatures would they be?

Side note: I've never made one of these before so props to all those people who make these regularly--they're difficult for my 3 brain cells to pop out something in return

VESSEL (I)

VAMPIRE

Protective, yet kind and passionate (he's also moderately awkward but we love that for him)

Tried his best to use his special "mind powers" to make you attracted to him after years of jokingly flirting with you

(It didn't work lmao)

He's still a hopeless romantic so he tried again

it still didn't work but you ended up falling for him anyway (he still believes that it worked)

Has an undeniable urge to hold onto you in some way, whether it may be an arm around your shoulder, waist--holding hands, and even the occasional fumbling with each other's fingers when walking somewhere

he's cold. like SO FUCKING COLD.

You used to jump at how freezing he was to the touch, but you've gotten used to it (for the most part)

If you decide to go to one of their shows and someone looks at you for a split second with even the slightest look of disgust/infatuation, Vessel with put the fear of God into them

He wouldn't tell you what he did, but, you could easily figure it out

bro is HORNY like ON GOD

II

WERECAT

kinda shy--very cuddly though

yeah sure they have a "Holy duty to be constantly awake" but sometimes, II feels a bit eepy

either very energetic or very tired, no in-between

Can barely hold back the urge to wrap his arms around you and nuzzle your neck (even if you're taller than him)

Acts like he needs some alone time every once in a while (lies)

Doesn't really know how to explain to you that he wants to spend more time with you--doesn't want to come off as clingy

Has literally overslept cuddled up to you and nearly missed a show because of it--loves violating his duty to Sleep if it means he can spend more time with you

It doesn't feel like he has to ask to "accidentally" pass out on you, bypassing any means of attempting to ask you if it's alright

You'd always be okay with it though, unless you were nommin on a snack and it felt weird to see him schlumped over your thigh, snoring--which felt weird but eh, its just II being II

After you found out what he was, you jokingly called him a "catboy"

The weird stare off lasted a solid minute

II was a little weirded out by the fact that you were unphased by your reaction to him telling you that he is a LITERAL monster

III

WEREWOLF

sorry if you thought he was going to be some big strong werewolf man--he has the personality of a golden retriever

Needs hugs (SHOW HIM SOME AFFECTION LIKE 24/7 PLS HE NEEDS IT)

VERY ENERGETIC

Fuckin loves running around like a maniac with you on off-days or even after a show

You still wonder how he has the energy to do stuff after bouncing about and toying with Vessel on stage

Will NOT hesitate on making a scene if it looks like someone is harassing you

Will (attempt) stop the ENTIRE SHOW and jump down into the crowd and shove them

if he can't, well--let's just say that he had a very unpleasant snack that night

Comes back acting as if nothing happened

IV

FAE

very chill (as per usual)

loves to dance around

you came home to him jamming out on his own and all of your seemingly dying house plants started living again

(Bro forgot he can do that 💀)

will dance with you until the middle of the night (goblin behavior but we love him fr)

loves taking you to botanical gardens

can't stop bringing you flowers (like no he really can't stop, it almost a problem)

another hugger (you want to hug him--you NEED TO)

[thecaroliner]

NATLA: An Extremely Mediocre Mess

I spent the entire day watching Netflix's ATLA adaptation and oh boy was it...something.

I struggle sometimes with putting my full thoughts into words but here goes. No idea how long this will be.

Spoilers ahead, obviously.

I want to start out by getting a few things I thought were good or at least fine out of the way.

First off I wanna mention the acting (aside from Gran Gran) was fine. I think Gordon Cormier has a lot of potential and it really felt like sometimes he was being held back by the script and direction. Really hope this role opens up new doors for him in his acting career!

Not that I think ATLA needed more violence or anything, and initially I was against them adding more violence just to make it more "realistic", but I actually didn't mind it. It was way more gruesome than I thought it would be, both Sozin and Ozai literally set people on fire and burn them to a crisp. Kind of does help set in the actual horror of what they're doing. We even saw the same happen to Kya in a flashback. Again, this wasn't needed, but I didn't mind it.

The bending effects DID look a little better than in the trailers I thought. Firebending in particular I thought was decent, all the other elements were just okay, with waterbending I feel suffering the most from it. The rest of the CGI kind of sucked though which I'll get into later.

Having Gyatso be more of a presence I thought was nice, as I always felt like he could've been a little more to the front of Aang's mind in the original series than what he was. I honestly LOVE the idea of him hanging around in the Spirit World for Aang, as in the past I've thought of that idea and wished it had happened. Except....they just kind of throw this plotline away later for no reason. So that's great.

Lastly, it was neat to see Indian culture being represented in Omashu.

Now that that's out of the way....time to really dig in.

The series starts with the Air Nomad genocide, pretty brutal stuff but I don't have much to say about this aside from the moments with Gyatso being nice.

Aang can apparently just fly now, but he only really does it to show off in this first episode. Apparently it's because he's an Airbending prodigy, despite the fact that the ability to fly was established in LOK as being a very rare occurance that only comes after letting go of every earthly attachment. But sure, let's just have Aang fly now. Why even have his glider in the first place?

He gets frozen in pretty much the exact same way, which now leads us to the Southern Water Tribe, where Katara is practicing waterbending in secret in the abandoned Fire Nation ship. It's mentioned later that Sokka and Gran Gran forbid her from practicing bending in case the Fire Nation comes back and tries to kill her, which...sure, I guess.

They find Aang's iceberg, but since Sokka isn't sexist anymore, her anger at him isn't what opens the ice, it's her attempting to pull their canoe back to them and she accidentally splits the iceberg open.

Speaking of Sokka's sexism, remember when people were trying to say "Oh the show isn't getting rid of that arc, it's just updating it because a lot of moments in the original show were iffy!" Yeah, no, they got rid of that arc entirely. Which, honestly if they had just done that without making a big deal out of it in interviews wouldn't have been an issue. The issue is them trying to act as though the narrative of the show itself was sexist and not actively showing us that Sokka is in the wrong.

Anyways, Aang literally just falls out of the iceberg and it's lowkey funny cause he just slides out like he's going down a water slide.

They take him back to the village unconscious and once he wakes up, Gran Gran (who's acting was awful by the way. Not sure if it was the actress' fault or the direction, it really felt like the direction to me). She immediately recognizes Aang's tattoos and just tells him flatly that the Air Nomads are all dead. No compassion or anything. Oh, and she out of the blue begins narrating the original series' intro verbatim which was so out of place and funny. HEY REMEMBER THE OPENING FOR THE CARTOON?? THAT'S IN HERE TOO!!!!!

Weirdly enough....it almost felt like Sokka and Aang had more of a bond than Katara and Aang. Sokka was initially skeptical of Aang but then instantly wants to go save him and I swear they had more interactions than Aang did with Katara. The two of them don't even really feel like friends until the last two episodes or so.

Also, they go to the Southern Air Temple in the first episode where Katara doesn't calm Aang down from the Avatar State but rather a memory of Gyatso did. Okay....

Oh, this also had one more thing I liked, and it was Aang giving Gyatso a proper burial. I always assumed that happened at some point, whether during the series or sometime afterwards. Nice to see it here.

Okay, so my thoughts after this are just gonna skip around a bit because I was writing them down as I went. The first half the series really didn't have much egregiously wrong with it, it was mostly just mid.

It's mentioned briefly that...Aang's airbending went out of control sometimes? Like the reason he had to train with the monks was so that he would stop accidentally hurting his friends with airbending. Because why have the storyline of him accidentally hurt Katara with firebending when you could have this instead?

The like...purple and motion blur effects they used for the Spirit World scenes was such an eyestrain....

In the Spirit World, Kyoshi gives Aang a vision of the attack on the Northern Water Tribe. Before, Aang had no reason to even bother going here, because Katara is teaching herself waterbending (turns out Gran Gran had the waterbending scroll the whole time! But hid it from Katara til now). Aang also doesn't even attempt waterbending at all this season btw

The Gaang gets to Omashu, where they decide to combine The King of Omashu, Jet, The Northern Air Temple...and The Cave of Two Lovers. Despite this sounding clunky and weird, I think these storylines together actually did mesh well (except for the COTL, which OH BOY I WILL GET TO)

The idea here is that the Mechanist, whose name is now Sai (don't know if this was ever mentioned in any supplemental material or if it was just made up for this show) and Teo live here. Jet and the Freedom Fighters also live nearby, where they are trying to plant bombs around Omashu and make the Gaang think it's the Fire Nation.

One scene I wanna mention, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I SWEAR Sai said he needed to control the "attitude" of the hot air balloon...not "altitude."

Aang ends up getting captured by Bumi's generals, and he almost immediately figures out who Bumi is. Which...I cannot believe Aang named his son after THIS Bumi. He's kind of a huge asshole and is mad at Aang for abandoning them for the past century. Like you really had to make the character angry at him Bumi???

So, um. Let's talk about the COTL plot now.

Katara and Sokka go to try and find Aang and find out that there's a series of elaborate tunnels underneath Omashu, where they run into the singing nomads. This was literally only a plotline so that they had an excuse to sing Secret Tunnel this season. They explain to the siblings the story of Oma and Shu (which is just verbatim from the original series), ending with "Love is brightest in the dark."

Remember that. They preface the storyline of the tunnels by explicitly telling Katara and Sokka about the two lovers. Very romantic.

Katara and Sokka quickly realize that the cave crystals glow in the dark and begin to follow the path. Love is brightest in the dark, right? Along they way they begin bickering because Katara feels like Sokka still sees and treats her like a child.

Eventually they get pursued by a badger mole who begins to chase them. They apologize to one another and hold hands as they think they're about to be killed but...the badger mole stops attacking.

Why does it stop attacking, you ask?

Because now apparently badger moles can feel human emotions. They don't like feeling people fight and want to feel the love between them instead.

I was LOSING IT at this part. "Love is brightest in the dark" was apparently metaphorical.

And don't get me wrong, I love seeing platonic and familial love portrayed in media...but like, to do this storyline...don't preface it with a romantic tale of two lovers????? It gives off a very unintentionally creepy vibe for the siblings. And I'm sure I don't have to explain why badger moles being able to sense love is just dumb as shit.

Moving on....Bumi is nice again. Yay.

They go to the town where Hei Bai is attacking and Aang somehow accidentally pulls Katara and Sokka into the spirit world with him because the writers also wanted to have The Swamp here. Oh, and the Koh storyline. He doesn't steal faces for showing emotion anymore either, he just captures people and eats them later and steals their faces then. Cool.

Oh, and Wan Shi Tong is there and he looks emaciated.

Katara relives the night her mom dies, while Sokka sees a mysterious looking fox in the forest. Initially I assumed this was one of Wan Shi Tong's knowledge seekers but oh no. Oh no, it is much, MUCH worse. We'll come back to it.

Aang manages to find Gyatso in the Spirit World, which again is an idea that I LOVE. Gyatso explains that after he died, he never moved on to the next cycle of enlightenment, instead choosing to stay in case Aang needed him. They have a really touching moment, and Aang promises to come find him again after he finds Katara and Sokka.........which we'll come back to.

The events of The Blue Spirit happen, not much to talk about here. Aang connects with Roku (apparently he can only connect with past Avatars at their respective shrines, btw) and finds out Roku stole a totem of The Mother of Faces from Koh and that's why Koh hates the Avatar. Why steal that totem?? Hell if I know. Roku's also a funny man now I guess.

Aang saves Katara and Sokka from being Koh food and all is well. Yay.

They finally get to the North and this is where the show really went from being mid to pure cringe for me.

The "women only learn healing" plot is still here. Katara is rightfully angry about it, but Aang's like "oh well maybe you should listen to them". Yes, really.

Here Aang is so worried about losing anyone else, which, obviously understandable. But he doesn't want Katara and Sokka, especially Katara, to fight AT ALL. Which I mean. OG Aang never once tried discouraging her from learning to fight. Obviously he loves her and does have concern for her safety a number of times throughout the show and comics, but he also knows she can kick ass and stand her ground on her own and never tries to stop her.

Katara fights Pakku, and despite literally the day before saying she still has a lot to learn and a long way to go, she's just instantly declared a master waterbender now!

And oh boy my friends, buckle in because now we're gonna talk about Yue.

First off...her wig looks BAD. Like I'm pretty certain I saw her real hair sticking through a few times. Why not just dye the actress' hair....even Shyamalan's Yue hairstyle looked better than this, and we all know what that looked like.

So right off the bat Sokka asks Katara if Yue is at all familiar. Katara says no but Sokka keeps pressing and eventually follows Yue, where we learn she's a waterbender? Okay, not like her being a waterbender or not has any affect whatsoever on the story, but sure. We also learn that she had previously been engaged to Hahn but broke it off because he "wasn't the boy of her dreams". Not sure why they bothered to write him in the first place.

So...Yue and Sokka begin talking, and Sokka finally realizes why she's familiar to him.

I genuinely had to pause the episode to laugh when this reveal happened.

YUE WAS THE FOX SPIRIT SOKKA SAW IN THE SPIRIT WORLD.

Yes, I'm being 100% serious. When Yue was healed by the moon spirit, she turned into Danny Phantom and can now just hop in and out of the Spirit World. As a fox for God knows what reason.

BTW, this has jack shit to do with anything overall. It adds nothing. It serves NO PURPOSE. Genuinely do not know what the hell they were trying to do with that.

Um, so yeah. Moving on.

Apparently in this version, Tui and La only become mortal fish once a year or something? On the night of the "ice moon". Your guess as to what on earth an ice moon is is as good as mine.

Zhao begins to lead an invasion on the north and Momo is killed in the crossfire.

Well, almost.

Again I just busted out laughing because Momo has served NO PURPOSE until now, he's just been there because he was in the og series. I'm sorry Momo, as much as I love you....why were you here.

To save a kid from being crushed by falling debris. He just pushes them out of the way and is crushed. The reason is just so that Yue can take him to the Oasis and use healing on him with the Spirit Water.

Katara and Zuko have their classic fight and Zuko says "Oh you've found a master haven't you?" To which Katara replies, "Yeah, me" because she's a master now after 2 days remember?

Koizilla happens...the tribe is saved...Yue makes her sacrifice. So now she can go be the moon instead of a fox I guess.

Also, I think Iroh killed Zhao, despite earlier in the series refusing to kill the Earth Kingdom soldier who captured him because "we've all seen enough death."

And then...Aang goes back to the Spirit World, to find that the little "house" Gyatso was in is empty now. Gyatso is just gone now, with no explanation, although he seemed to know when he met with Aang beforehand that he would be gone from the Spirit World next time Aang tried to find him. Great job, taking the only interesting storyline made up for this series and just throwing it out the window for no rhyme or reason!

Now lemme talk about Azula....

She's not even Azula anymore. She's really insecure and worried about pleasing her father. Because whenever I thought of Azula, I always thought "insecure!" Like I get what they were going for, Zhao says this honestly kinda raw line about Zuko merely being the fire to sharpen the iron that was Azula, but like....why did she have to be this insecure person now? Also why is she even an archer now? It again has nothing to do with anything

Mai and Ty Lee are there for also no reason at all other than to be like "HEY REMEMBER THESE TWO CHARACTERS FROM THE ORIGINAL SHOW?!" They just stand there and watch Azula train sometimes.

The show ends with a Fire Sage showing Ozai through their planetarium (which they have now I guess) that Sozin's Comet is returning "soon." Who knows when! Just soon!

Also, Kataang shippers do not get your hopes up. Not that I expected much Kataang here at all, but I swear they barely even feel like friends until the end. It almost seems like Katara is more interested in him than he is in her.

My expectations of this series were low from the beginning. When it was first announced this project was in development, I said it was unnecessary and couldn't improve upon the OG in any way...and I was right. Even as its own thing entirely divorced from the cartoon, it's just kind of bland and downright confusing at times.

Anyways, my fingers hurt now so I'm going to wrap this up. Apparently I've been typing for like 1.5 hr now lol

Watch the original series instead :)

[ohtobeleah]

But they deserve to be happy Leah don’t hurt our babies

Listen….. I don’t make the rules okay. I just don’t. But as always here’s the series Masterlist if you’re not caught up!

Funerals. They were always far too much for you. The idea of a loved one being buried six feet under the surface or burnt into a pile of ash. Both concepts of inevitable mortality seemed horrifying—the furthest thing from a peaceful transition.

“Dad’s memory will live on through the Navy, with all he gave, all he aspired to achieve and everything he changed.” You always had a comforting understanding for cultural whose beliefs were that death was only a stepping-off point, not a forever goodbye. But as Chaos Kazansky spoke about her father and his love for all things aviation and his deepest passion of all, his family. You couldn't fight the fear off for much longer. Death was an inevitable goodbye you were running from.

“How's she holding up?” It was odd seeing everyone in their dress whites instead of their usual attire. Their sweaty old flight suits that had seen better days. “Probably not too good under the circumstances?”

“Yeah, she uh–she's shut down.” Rooster spoke to you softly as his eyeline continued to linger on Chaos who stood with Maverick and a few other of Tom's close friends. “I've got her though, no need to worry.” Rooster only let his gaze drop from Chaos to send you a soft smile. “How about you?”

“Can I uh, can I talk to you about something?” You had always trusted Bradley Bradshaw in all the time you had known him. He was a soft spirit, but he’d been through things that made his heart a little harder. You knew he’d have some advice to give. From the heart. Sipping on the beer you’d picked up from the bar the Krazanksy family had provided at the wake. Nothing too extreme, just a few beers, wines and soft drink options to go with the catering. Finger food and hors d'oeuvres.

Rooster turned all his attention to you without hesitation, noticing how it was now your eyes that now lingered over to where Jake Seresin stood in his dress whites with Sarah Kazanksy. Spilling his deepest condolences as the woman still stood holding the framed photo of her late husband.  

“What's bugging you Hawkeye?”

“I keep having this nightmare, about Jake.” You hadn't told anyone about the nightmare that had riddled you, and plagued your mind since before your split with Jake. “About this–” Gesturing to the wake going on around you. Sombre faces everywhere. “Except it's just me, there's no one else around to mourn his death.”

“What scares you the most? The fact it's just you or the fact that he's gone?” You’d never stopped to think about it in too much detail before, but Rooster had a point. “I think both ways you look at it though you can't control the outcome either way.” Rooster explained as you looked back at him. “Jakes a great pilot Y/n, come hell or high water he’ll give his life for the greater good, but he's also a menace to fly with.”

“If something were to happen tomorrow would you have his back after everything?” It was a heavy question Rooster didn't really know how to answer simply with a yes or no.

“I wouldn't risk my life for him, no.” Rooster had his own life, his own love to worry about. You understood where he was coming from even if it made your heart sink into your stomach. “But you know I'd do my best to prevent the situation ever getting to that point Hawk.”

“I know, I know, it's just–I don't know if everyone else would do the same.”

“Everyone would do the same.” Rooster was quick to correct your judgment of the TopGun group. “It's our job, like it's your job to keep us safe with all the parameters you set–I don't think you’d send someone you don't necessarily like to their death because of something they’d said or done in the past.”

“I wouldn't–” You defended yourself as Rooster wrapped his arm around your shoulders, bringing you close to his side.

“Exactly, it's like that with Hangman, we argue and get on each other's nerves and sometimes I really do question how he managed to convince you to marry him but at the end of the day I'm fairly confident if push came to shove up there he’d have my back and id have his.” Rooster was trying to level with you as Jake noticed the moment you two were having, sending Sarah his condolences one final time before making his way over with intent behind his stride. “I wouldn't go out of my way to save his life if he was the one who put himself there though, I’ve made promises to be around for the long hall for a certain someone who won't even look at me right now.” Rooster had lost Chaos in the time he’s spent listening to your insecurities. He’d later find her back at her place, in her childhood treehouse with a sign hung up that said no boys allowed. Knowing he’d come for her.

“She’ll come around Roo, she always does.” You sighed as he let you go. Pressing his lips together as Jake finally made his way to you, eyes off Rooster like he was the son of Satan himself.

“You trying to steal my girl, Bradshaw?” Jake taunted as he pressed his lips to the top of your head. He looked way too good in his dress whites, handsome and all put together. Shoulders squared as they could be. “Something I need to be concerned about?”

“I wouldn't use a wake as a pick-up place.” Bradley sighed, almost annoyed that he’d again insinuated that he was trying to hit on you. Even though if anything he was doing his job for him. “That's definitely a lot further up your alley than mine.”

“You okay?” Jake turned his attention specifically to you as Rooster walked away, trying to find the girl who really had his whole arse heart in the palm of his hand. “You seem a little off?”

“We’re at a funeral, Jake, do you want me to wipe out a couple of backflips or something?” sighing you shrugged him off, making your way over to the nearest table that had some finger food laid out. A little hungry. “How's Sarah holding up?”

“Distraught, she just lost her husband.” Jake explained as he reached over your shoulder for a sandwich triangle. “Wouldn't you be if you–” He physically had to stop himself from finishing that sentence. Jake's brain had momentarily forgotten just who he was talking to. His eyes lingering on yours as you turned back around to face him. “I'm sorry– I shouldn't have–”

“I would be.” You agreed with Jake's assumption. “Distraught would have to be the kindest way to describe it.” Looking around Jake finally understood what you were so afraid of, what you had run away from. It was never about him, it was about the fear you felt of losing him. But you can only run so far. “The only difference between you and Iceman is he quickly learnt how to fly with the idea in the back of his mind that there were people who loved him waiting for him to come home—“ You took in every fine line and small set of Jake Seresins face. “You still fly like you have nothing to lose and that’s what keeps me up at night.”

“I have already told you—“ Jake's voice grew lower, you didn’t miss the little hint of frustration in his tone. “I’d pull back.”

“What does that even mean though.” You questioned as you pushed past your husband, too overly consumed with the emotions the funeral had made you feel. “Your version of easing up is probably something completely different to mine and it still doesn’t change the fact I don’t wanna be the only one who has to say goodbye—“

“Hey?” Jake chased up to you with concern lacing his voice. “Hey slow down will you?” Taking strides to keep by your side Jake took your wrist gently in his hand. Forcing you to stop in your tracks. “What’s this all about?” Trying to read your face, Jake only saw sadness hidden behind your eyes. An inner ear raging on, he wondered what side was winning and hoped that he was on it. “Tell me.”

“I just wanna go home—“ It wasn’t an acceptable excuse but nevertheless Jake let you go. Hoping you’d tell him anyway. “Come home with me?” You asked softly as you stood with your shoulders slightly sloughed, barely enough energy left in the tank to keep yourself upright after the emotionally draining day that was the goodbye of Tom Kazanksy. “I don’t wanna be alone right now.”

“I’ve got an even better idea.” Jake smirked softly as he walked beside you. His hands in his pockets as you wrapped your arm around his. Kissing your temple as you both walked down towards where your cars were parked. “Go change, pajamas only—meet me at the Hard Deck.”

“I’m not wearing my pajamas to the Hard Deck.” You chuckled, scoffing at your husband’s request.

“Okay, just something comfortable at least, and I said meet me there not that we’re staying there.” You wondered what Jake was up to, but chose to let him have this moment—obviously believing whatever he had in mind was better than what the offer you’d given him. “See you soon.” Jake paused, turning to cup your cheeks in his hands before pulling you closer. His forehead on yours. “I love you, so much.” Kissing you softly and with such passion it almost sent you to the moon.

“I love you so much more.”

***~***~***~***~***~***~

Jake Seresin considered himself to be a romantic. Sure he had his flaws but when he wanted to be? He could really turn it on. All he ever really wanted to do was fly planes and marry the girl of his dreams. His highschool sweetheart. His best friend.

Jake stood awkwardly by his locker across the hall from where yours was like he did every morning. Waiting for you to grab your things, he’d been working up the courage to say hello to you ever since you’d transferred.

“She’ll never talk to you—“ Sebastian snickered as he watched the love struck blonde who’s braces were due off in two weeks pine over a girl he’d never even spoken to. “I heard a rumor that she got expelled from her old school in Florida for kicking some kids so hard in a fight she broke his legs.” Jake's eyes widened as he saw you round the corner, headphones on and minding your own business like you typically tried to do most days.

“Shut up douchebag she’s coming.” Pretending to fish his bags from his locker, Jake turned to see if you had stopped behind him. Noticing that you hadn’t as he looked around—Jake let out a heavy sigh. Another day to tick off his calendar as another day gone he didn’t have enough courage to talk to you. The most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. “See ya later Seb, I’ve got P:E with Mr Horron and if I'm late again he’s gonna make me do two hundred pushups.” Jake groaned as he stepped back slightly and shut he locker—revealing that you’d been standing behind Jake's open locker door. Just waiting for him to close it.

“Why do you wait by your locker for me every goddamn morning?” It was the first time you’d ever spoken to him. Jake almost shit his pants with how much you’d managed to scare the junior-year puberty-ridden teenager. His hand over his heart as he looked at you speechless and wide-eyed. “Well?—you gonna tell me or?”

Jake turned around to see that his best friend Sebastian had in fact, bailed. Leaving him to fend for himself.

“Must just be a coincidence?” Hardly, Jake made sure he was at his locker every morning at least twenty minutes before your bus even came in. He didn’t want to miss the best part of his day. “I’m Jake.”

“Y/n—“ You knew Jake was lying, but you didn’t really care. Your heart was beating so fast from the fact you’d worked up enough courage to finally ask the kid who you thought had been glued to his locker all semester if he was in fact waiting for you, that it didn’t really matter what the answer was. So long as he wasn’t trying to run away from you. Kids could be cruel, and the rumours they created even more vicious.

“Oh, I know.” You couldn’t help but to laugh as Jake's cheeks turned a blushed crimson, embarrassed he’d been so quick to let you know he knew who you were. “I mean, I just—“ Fuck he’d fumbled the ball. Big time. “Hi?”

“Hi yourself.” It was your turn to blush. You could feel the heat in your cheeks rising as Jake's eyes stayed lingering on yours well past the bell which meant he’d be getting two hundred push-ups. “I reckon tomorrow morning you come say hello now that we’re not technically strangers anymore?”

“For sure, yeah uh—yeah No definitely I will!” Jake rambled on like you’d just asked him to marry you. Watching as you pushed off the lockers you’d been leaning on and made your way to whatever class you had that morning. Chemistry—Jake knew you had chemistry Wednesday mornings. “Bye!” You didn’t respond but what Jake couldn’t see was just how excited you were that you’d spoken to him. Keeping your composure—ignoring him as you walked away. That’s what you did when you liked a boy right?

“Oh my fucking god dude she left you hanging man—“ Sebastian laughed as he met up with Jake in the hall a little later. “Hangman’s a great nickname though, at least that’s something.” Turns out that nickname stuck a little too well into his adult life, and Into his career for all the wrong reasons.

“What’s all this?” Jake heard you from the top of the dunes, you’d gone in to find Jake at the Hard Deck but Penny had turned you away, pointing to the direction of the beach.

“Pizza, beers and a fire.” Jake bellowed back as he put the finishing touches up. A string of fairy lights that hung across two tiki torches that he’d stolen from Penny and stuck in the sand on either side of the beach chairs. “Come sit.” Jake picked up one of the blankets he’d brought with him to the beach, wrapping it around your shoulders before you sat down.

“What are you up to Hangman?” There it was again. His callsign, that stupid nickname he’d been given all those years ago when he’d left him hanging in the hallway. The original hangman if you will.

“I thought we could just—“ Jake took his own blanket out from the seat before he sat, letting it lay across his legs as the fire warmed you both. “Talk. Thought we could just sit here with a beer and listen to the waves and just talk.”

“Sounds doable.” You cooed as you accepted the beer Jake had given you. Taking the neck gracefully. “Can we maybe talk about what we’re gonna do with the house?” You jumped straight into the opportunity gifted to you as Jake took a bite of the pizza Penny had made him, offering you a piece too. “Do we maybe wanna put it on the market?”

“Depends on what you think the markets gonna do I guess?” Jake's voice fit perfectly with the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. “On one hand we’re making what? a couple of hundred extra each week from rent after we pay our mortgage.” You both still kept your joint account after you’d split up. It all felt too permanent and too real to close it. “On the other hand we split the diff and sell up.”

“I think I was more wondering if you just wanted to start a fresh somewhere else.” Taking a sip of your beer to help the pizza go down. “I mean we could always buy in Texas again? Your mums always said she wanted you closer.” Turning your head towards Jake you watched under the glow of the fire as his chest puffed. Laughing.

“I’m pretty sure that’s just a ruse to be able to see you more often.” Jake explained as he told you about all the times his mother had questioned him about if you were getting back together or not. “She’s always had a soft spot for you.”

“Right, well—we can circle back to the house situation after we figure out what we’re gonna do about our next postings.”

“I overheard Admiral Beau talking to Admiral Bates last week and I think we’re getting a pretty easy ride after this if we want it.” Jake mumbled through his next bite of pizza, talking with his mouth full. “So I’ll go wherever you’re going.” It was nice to think about—being able to spend more time with Jake while working. It always seemed to be touch and go. “But, I do wanna talk about something, if you’ll give me a chance?” Jake took a sip as he let his head fall against the beach chair. The white wooden lounge chairs connected by a table top that held the pizza box.

“What’s on your mind?” You asked, enjoying the serenity and warmth of the fire.

“Today honestly really got to me.” You weren’t expecting that. “I mean, I've never really thought about it before but—yeah it hit me really hard after you left just how much I really need to check myself before I crash and burn babe.” You’d been right. Jake knew deep down that you had been right all along. You had every right to be worried about him. “Seeing the way Sarah was just so lost really made me think—“ Jake turned to look at you with a soft lul in his neck. Mimicking him you did the same. Both of you still holding your respective beers. “I can’t do this to you anymore—I’m done talking risks, if that means I’ve gotta fly with hazards on then so be it.”

“And all the times you’ve called Rooster a conservative—“ You chuckled softly as Jake beamed at you. He loved your laugh, so much. It had been far too long since he’d gone without it. Never again.

“Yeah, I’ll have to eat my words.” Jake just rolled his eyes knowing that that would open a can of worms for Rooster to eat one by one. “You ever gonna tell me what you were talking about today?” You let the question linger a little. Treading water in the silence as waves crashed and the fire crackled.

“I will, one day—“ You smiled softly as Jake sat up. Letting his blanket fall into the sand. “Hopefully I won’t ever need to. But sure, one day.” For a while, you both just sat In comfortable silence. Something you hadn’t had the chance to do in a while. Enjoying each other’s company.

“Are we really gonna make this work again?” Jake's voice drew you back into reality before you had a chance to drift too far away. “Because if we are I reckon we should at least write new vows.”

“Why’s that?” You weren’t opposed to the idea, not in the slightest bit. But you wanted to know Jake's reasons. His thought process, what led him to this decision.

“I wanna be with you forever.” Jake was wearing his whole heart on his sleeve for you. A side no one else ever got to see. “And you wanna be with me forever, right?”

“I do.” You responded with no hesitation. “I absolutely do, although it’ll probably lead me to an early grave the amount of worrying I do.” Jake let you have that one. Watching as you decided enough was enough and that you needed to be closer to him.

“In order to do that, we need to make vows—a commitment, a contract.” Jake continued as you made your way over to him, bringing your beer and blanket as you sat in between his legs. Back against his chest. Reaching out for the notebook he’d brought from the glovebox of his car Jake let his arms prop over your shoulders so you could see the book. “So what do we want to promise each other?”

“We already did this at our wedding?” You tried to side just how smitten you truly become but it was hard to do when Jake kissed the top of your head before clicking the pen he held in his other hand.

“This is for now until forever, clearly the ones we made before just weren’t cutting it.” Jake's voice had dropped a few octaves as the night grew old. The fire still burned bright before you as the lights above your head flickered. “So, what do we want to promise each other?” You didn’t respond instantly, you simply let the waves fill the silence.

“That you’ll always love me—even when you hate me.” Jake couldn’t contain his happiness as he wrote down what you had said.

“To love each other—“ Jake spoke allowed as he chicken scratched his handwriting across the paper. “Even when we hate each other.” Love isn’t random. It’s chosen, Jake Seresin would choose you in every universe.  “How about, no running—ever.” Jake pulled you as close as he possibly could into him. Your back right up against his as you took the pen from him, writing down his words. “Nobody walks out, no matter what.” It just got personal, your past self would never have thought to write something so specific down. But it felt right to promise it now.

“To take care of each other even when we’re old and smelly and senile—to have and to hold forever.” Jake chuckles against your back as you laughed with him, watching as he took the pen and wrote down what you had said.

“This, is, forever.” Jake whispered the words he wrote in your ear as his chin dropped to your shoulder. Signing his signature underneath the bows you both had written down. Passing you the pen and notepad so you could do the same. “Sign here please Mrs Seresin.”

“To have and to hold Mr Seresin.” You signed your signature right next to Jakes. Grinning ear to ear because for the first time in a very long time—you had hope that your marriage was whole again. Under the moon and the stairs next to fire and with the love of your life, everything felt whole as you both sat and listened to the waves crash and the fire crackle. “I feel like we need to exchange rings—“ ripping small strips of paper from the bottom of the same page you’d written your new vows on.

“Paper rings? A nice touch.” Jake cooed as he held his left hand out for you to slide the not so sturdy paper ring down his left ring finger . Covering the tattooed one he’d gotten because he was always forgetting to put the carbon fiber wedding band on. It still sat in the ring box at the bottom of his bedside table. Safety tucked away.

“Love you forever.” You whispered gently as Jake took the one you’d made for yourself. Placing it above the ring that already wrapped around your ring finger snugly.

“And a little bit more—forever and a day.”

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

The night you and Jake had rewritten your vows to each other had been a turning point for Jake Seresin. He wanted nothing more than to be a better version of himself for you. Nothing mattered to him more, more than you, his marriage.

“Captain Mitchell?” Jake knocked before he entered Petes office. Waiting to speak again until spoken to.

“What can I do for you Hangman?” Pete sighed. Frustrated at the stunt Chaos had just pulled in front of the entire class, knowing there was nothing else left he could do to protect her from whatever punishment Admiral Beau had chosen for her. If Jake was quiet enough, he could hear the reprimanding she was getting next door. It didn't sound good. And judging by Petes expressions? It wasn't going to end well.

“I uh, I just wanted to express my concern about the mission, sir.” Jake stood with his chin tall and his shoulder squared. Hands behind his back as he watched Maverick roll his eyes.

“Yeah i know i know, i’m working on it kid–i've got names and times and i know everyone wants to be chosen but i just can't promise an–”

“I’d like to withdraw my name from consideration.” It was the last thing Pete Mitchel ever expected to hear come out of Jake's mouth. His jaw almost hit the floor when he paused in his tracks. Rubbing his face to see if he’d actually fallen asleep at his desk going over reports.

“You what?” Maverick questioned just to make sure he heard the aviator with such potential correctly. Sure he needed some real tough love when it came to teamwork and efficiency but Jake was a fine pilot. A top condenser on Pete's current list.

“My priority list sir, it's uh–it's shifted recently and I can't–” Jake corrected himself as quickly as he could to make sure it was known this wasn't negotiable. “Sorry sir, I won't risk not coming home to see those commitments through.” Pete stood beside himself bewildered into utter silence. Downing in the silence, Jake tried not to let his mind wander.

“It's really funny you mention this sudden change of heart Hangman, because not four days ago your wife was threatening me that if I even considered putting you on this mission she’d hold me personally responsible if anything happened to you.” If there was one thing Jake was good at it was a poker face. As Maverick dropped a bond he wasn't expecting as a response Jake stood calmly as his heart raged a war inside his chest. His temperature rising, his skin boiling. “I can't promise either of you anything, but I'll take both of your requests into consideration.”

“Thank you Mav.” Jake wasn't in the mood to stick around, he did however wait outside Admiral Beaus' office to see what had become of Chaos Kazansky. He needed a distraction from the fact you'd meddled with his career. The only person who got to do that, who got to decide what he did and did not do with his career was him. Not you. Not anyone. Even if you had both come to the same conclusion– you went behind his back before the fact. And didn’t mention it.

Down the hall, you were just coming back from lunch. Admiring the bunch of roses Jake had been ever so kind to surprise you with. The card attached read to have and to hold forever and a day in that same chicken scratch writing he’d down on the notepad that now sat framed on your desk.

A pile of mail sat unopened that had been delivered while you were out. All addressed to Y/n Seresin. On autopilot, one by one you opened each envelope. Reading the mundane work jargon that cluttered your brain. Some real above the shoulders mustard type shit. But soon your heart was falling into a pit so deep you never knew a hole could be dug so deep.

A single letter had been mixed into the mail. Addressed to one Jacob Seresin. It was already too late to put it down, no. You couldn't put it down even if you wanted to. Screaming from the inside to stop reading but you couldn't. Your hands clench at the paper as you read the letter addressed to your husband. A letter from DNALabs.

A paternity test request from a woman by the name of Marissa Mccauley.

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***

Tags: @justanothermagicalsara @alexsisrebekah @stinkyjax@starkleila @luckyladycreator2 @love2write2626 @shanimallina87 @dempy @mintellaine @kiarabellerum31 @abaker74

[nardos-primetime]

You know the casey jr. post makes me wonder again about what was happening with these four in the doomed timeline, if they even made it very far (most of my OCs did not big Fs in chat for them), but maybe that's something you plan to cover at some point.

TW// Suicidal Ideation (kind of), Abuse Between Turtles, Turtle Death

MOST UNDER THE CUT BECAUSE IT'S A LONG POST AND I KINDA WENT OFF. I LOWKEY COOKED ON ACCIDENT I THINK.

I was thinking about that as I was drawing too, because together they'd definitely hold more of a chance like the originals. The main thing I wanted for them was villain turtles that still genuinely loved each other after all. But then I realized. I already had an answer to this question. Because they would have to have died at least before Casey's birth and have it be long enough that the og turtles probably wouldn't have brought them up, either out of trauma (because they end up doing some wack shit and causing some wack shit) or because it was so long ago and not relevant. Since my plan is that Casey would not know about the clones at all.

See, I haven't revealed it yet, but the clones do something really conflicting a while before the events of the movie would take place in this universe. In the main timeline this ironically is be the start of their potential to change into more of a Grey area morally, as the main focus of their overall story is that they can't really change until they want to themselves. And even then, they never really become good guys.

But there's already concepts I've had where the result of this action actually splits them apart instead. Donno would be even more engaged in his more violent work, almost happier with it than ever before as they get more and more impractical and violent, or at least he tries to convince himself that he's happier, maybe a part of him is. Rage would become useless as a direct hitman or guard anymore, more likely to just have to oversee those beneath him since he's so oddly incapable of proper violence after things. Lee would become a workaholic to the max, along with his drinking getting a lot worse (somehow possible), he'd get shorter with his brothers, dropping any pretense of care when they need to get something done, "Hey, it's alright, we can do this, we'll get it done together." Becomes "Just fucking DO it! We have shit to do, and I can't be seen with yokai who refuse to prove their own God damn worth!"

Rage would be overall more resigned while somehow the increase in work ethic between Donno and Lee makes their old rivalry come back, just a lot worse now. Donno openly threatens Lee, and when for whatever reason that doesn't work he'll threaten the others. Rage has had a blade put to his throat mid conversation once because Lee wanted Donno to at the very least update the other workers on how to deal with machines when they break. Donno wanted more workers for experimentation in return. Rage was the only bargaining chip that worked, and even then, it took Lee a while to agree to terms.

Mic would take this all the hardest. He'd be desperate to keep everyone together. Time and time again, he's lost family, and they're the only family he's kept through all of it. He'd try and act like everything's fine. His habit of upping his energy and joy for others hits full swing, he pulls the others into hugs, makes little events, nothing works. Until he starts lashing out finally, and Rage is the only one that takes it seriously.

Lee just looks at him how Draxum used to.

Donno laughs in his face and mocks him.

Family, even if it never was the healthiest, is the only constant the clones have. Normally, it would be the only thing keeping some level of humanity and logic between them. So that breaking would be bad. I think this would be where they would stand in the doomed timeline. As soon as the apocalypse does start for them, they'd probably all die separately after officially leaving each other.

I think Mic would've attacked Lee after he realized Lee wasn't planning on doing much to survive. Not deadly, but lashing out until Rage can stop him and afterwards just leaving. Donno also leaves, mentally unwell as ever, insisting that "There's so many new variables and I'm sure Draxum would want me to look into all of it, even if it kills me!" Just to dig a knife into Lee's chest before he goes.

Rage would stay with Lee, and for once, Lee would be the silent one. Rage may be talking but it's quiet, he asks him how he's doing as he carries him around to safety, he gets them food, water, and finally gets violent again when he has to defend the two of them from the krang.

He even asks if they can go to get help when he sees the original turtles in the distance and Lee's wound from Mic is starting to get infected. He even locks eyes with Mikey.

It's the first time Lee speaks in ages, and it's "No." With a swing of his katana to portal them further away than ever before.

After that Lee starts wandering on purpose. He tries to get away while Rage sleeps. Rage starts to not sleep to stop Lee.

But sometimes you pass out after days of pushing yourself.

And sometimes you have to realize your brothers are dead. The world is dead. And at the end of the day, not a single thing you did actually mattered. All you did was cause pain to those you loved.

And you'll wake up. And he won't be there.

And you'll cry like a baby for the first time in years. Calling out for your dad. Your mom. Your brothers. Your voice is so hoarse and you ramble out all the words you never could, "I love you" "I wanna go home" "Please don't do this" "Please no" "I just wanted a family" "Where's my family" "Please don't leave me again" "I can protect you, I just wanted to protect you" "Let me care for you for once"

They each die alone.

Some fighting for nothing.

Some laughing in the face of reality.

Some silently wishing he knew what the whole point was.

Some sobbing for the chances he never had.

[ghost-doodles]

Alastor's deal

okay so I had my initial thoughts about Alastor's deal way back with episode 5 but I didn't say much because I wanted to wait it out for the series finally and boy am I glad I did.

so here are my thoughts both past and present on Alastor's deal since we now have a shit ton of information

initially like most of the fandom I thought that Alastor had something to do with Lilith especially given husk's comment and the 7 year gap however I didn't quite think he made a deal for his soul. Given the fact it seemed like he had strength already and is a smart character I just figured maybe he didn't actually deal his soul away but was working for Lilith somewhat freely, I say somewhat because that woman is powerful

however, we now have episodes 7 and 8

first I want to nose dive into Alastor's deal with Charlie

Since the pilot Alastor has wanted a deal with Charlie and it's been very clear that he has had alternative reasons for being at the hotel. While I do think he has grown "fond" of the hotel and its participants it evident that isn't why he is there. Now that we actually have the contents of his deal with Charlie I think it really shows he is there for his own gain of freedom. While owning Charlies soul would be quite a feat I think Alastor knew that would be to much to ask for but he's also smart enough to get what he needs, which is a favor

A favor for what, that we don't quite know yet but a favor, that frankly has no limitations, with the princess of hell is one fuckin score. it also seem that he is locked within the bounds of another deal and what's interesting is his look during the making of his and Charlies deal

the main thought floating around is that this is his true self and what his deal has done to him. I've seen two theories popping around that either the string on his mouth is either meant to keep him quiet or is meant to keep him smiling. Honestly I think it's both. Given his lack of comment on his own deal and his cleverness with speaking it would make sense for whoever made the deal to try to keep him quiet. Also given how Alastor speaks about smiling I wouldn't be shocked if even before his deal smiling bastard with the same beliefs on smiling. The little shit has a tendency to piss people off so I also wouldn't be shocked if someone didn't purposefully make it so he couldn't stop smiling as a way to fuck with him.

anyway whatever deal he is locked in is seems quite restraining and strong. strong enough to make him fight for the hotel in order to get that favor from Charlie. While I love the idea of found family I don't think it was his fondness of his friends who made him fight

lets analyze his portion of the song shall we

the portion of the finally song "'Great Alastor Altruist died for his friends'" was put into quotes and followed by "sorry to disappoint but thats not where this ends" which wasn't in quotes. I think this part of the song is suggesting others may think Alastor died protecting his friends but is having Alastor correct that notion and reveal that isn't the case. or at least not fully (for those who like the fond familyness of the hotel I do think he cares for the others but ultimately its his freedom he cares more about)

the nexts lines are "I'm hungry for freedom like never before" obviously the first part is fairly straight forward as it means Alastor wants out of whatever deal he has made. But this part has me split on whether it's involved with the 7 years missing and how. On one hand I think this ties into those 7 years as he badly wants people to question what happened then, as seen in ep.3 with the over lords. I think this is his way of trying to get help or at least someone to understand. But given how he reacted to husk making a comment about his deal if it happened during the 7 years I doubt he would want people snooping as it seems he doesn't want to acknowledge his own leash.

the next part of the song is "the constraints of my deal surely have a back door". Whatever this deal he made he wants out of it so badly he's lookin for whatever loop hole he can. Frankly this line along with the final lines, "Once I figure out how to unclip my wings, Guess who will be pulling all the strings" makes be question what he got in return for whatever he gave.

Whatever he gave it is something thats got him controlled enough to feel like he has clipped wings. Sure it could be his soul, and just given the series so far it seems like the most plausible answer, but he doesn't quite have the same restraints others who signed their soul away do. While clearly trapped he is still practically doing as he pleases, as far as we know, so I dont quite have a clue as to what he could've given. My only other half thought is that he maybe gave up parts of his power but that still doesn't quite work.

But what really has me is what did he get in return. that final line suggest that once he's out of his deal he will be this all powerful being able to control the game. His arrival to hell also supports him by himself having mass power. So clearly he doesn't seem to be lacking in the power category as it seems like his overall goals are for total control. And if he didn't have power to start with then he wouldn't be tryin to get out of a deal that gives him power. Maybe someone healed him, but given my thoughts above who could've possibly wounded him that much. Sure Adam damn near killed him but adam's on a different power scale as he went toe to toe with lucifer for a bit, plus Alastor recovers from that. And sure Vox claims to have beat Alastor but both Alastor and Valentino counter claim this and tbh I just doubt Vox could destroy Alastor so well.

the last line clearly shows Alastor wants to be in control of everything so his deal just baffles me as it doesn't seem to be helping him at all

also with the current Lilith in heaven thing this might just be but I'm to sure its her he made his deal with anymore

this is quite the interesting little mystery that I am so excited to get to see more of when the next season comes out.

[punsmaster69]

8/DEC/20XX

a deep breath, and i feel a sense of nostalgia.

weird nostalgia. wouldn't go back, but i still think fondly of what happened.

the crispness of the cold air in snowdin takes me back- and i'm already reminiscing about random memories.

point to almost any rock formation along the walls of this place, and papyrus can probably tell you exactly how he's climbed it.

kicking the snow with my slippers a little bit, i remember how he used to warn me about wearing 'em outside.

—-

"YOU'LL SLIP AND FALL IN THOSE!!"

"naahh. i'll be fine."

"......"

"SEE? EVEN GRILLBY AGREES IT'S A BAD IDEA!!"

—-

for the most part, i always was fine; just had to be careful around the ice.

fortunately, it's not an issue using shortcuts; really only ever slipping a few times.

—-

"I SAID THIS WOULD HAPPEN."

"you've slipped even in your boots."

"THAT WAS A ONE-OFF ACCIDENT!"

"so was this."

sliding me across the ice until we were close enough to the snow to stand again, papyrus lifted me onto my feet once more.

"I TOLD YOU THIS WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA."

"you've gotta admit that over two weeks without slipping in these is pretty good."

"THERE'D HARDLY BE SLIPPING AT ALL IF YOU WOULD JUST PUT ON BETTER FOOTWEAR."

"these are way better."

"OBVIOUSLY NOT?! YOU 𝘑𝘜𝘚𝘛 SLIPPED!"

"but with snow boots, you have to tie 'em and whatnot."

"YOU DO THAT WITH MOST SHOES, SANS."

"not with slippers."

"YOU'RE GOING TO WEAR SLIPPERS ALL THE TIME.."

"JUST SO THAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO TIE THEM?"

"yep."

"that's the plan."

"YOUR ABILITY TO CONSISTENTLY FIND THE LAZIEST ROUTE IN EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE CONFOUNDS ME, BROTHER."

"IT'S ALMOST IMPRESSIVE."

"thanks. that's the one thing i do put effort into."

"...BEING LAZY."

"it's hard work, doing this little."

—-

ahh.

back when new bad habits of mine still surprised him.

...speakin' of bad habits.

grillby's looks like it hasn't been touched since the day we took all the important stuff up.

the most one'll find in there now is a fine layer of dust only disturbed by me brushing against some stuff.

not that the jukebox ever worked before, but i'm pretty sure it wouldn't turn on if you tried at this point.

——

already knew the librarby was empty; they gave away all the books before leaving to the surface.

took the sciencey ones, myself.

wanted the joke book too, but a certain old lady got to it first.

officially, it is hers.

unofficially, the book keeps bouncing between being in either of our possession for months at a time.

it's gained a few pages over the years, a lined-paper section at the end with a lotta skeleton and snail puns.

think paps split the cookbooks with someone, and hoarded the puzzle books.

(not like anyone else was readin' those, anyway.)

there were a couple on monster history i'm almost certain i've seen frisk with a few times, so they must've gotten those.

as charming as this little place was, the new library's got way more selection.

sorry, not library.

still librarby.

they kept the name. too iconic to change it.

even if it had been changed, we'd all continue to call it the librarby anyway.

——

many of the folks who had shops down here have taken up that same role on the surface.

the two bunnies running the inn and shop moved somewhere closer to new home city for better business.

——

in the snow, i did what i'd done a million times in the past.

i parked myself at the foot of the door which separated snowdin from the ruins.

—-

"knock, knock."

"Who's there?"

she'd say.

"cash."

"Cash who?"

"no thanks, i'm more of a walnut guy."

and i'd heard her burst out into laughter from the other side.

"Knock, knock."

"who's there?"

"Hatch."

"hatch who?"

"Oh, bless you."

then she'd laughed at her own joke hard enough to be contagious.

"knock, knock."

"Who's there?"

"canoe."

"Canoe who?"

"canoe come out here? i'm gettin' bonely."

she got a good kick out of that one, but her laughter had a tinge of sadness to it.

"...But, I am afraid not."

didn't expect any different of an answer.

always thinking it better not to ask quite why, i shrugged.

"one day, maybe."

"or not."

"you could just be mysterious door lady forever if you want."

"....."

"Knock, knock."

"who's there?"

"Peas."

"peas who?"

"Peas excuse my secretiveness. I know it can be a bit off-putting."

"everyone's got their secrets, 𝘴𝘯𝘰𝘸 problem to me if you keep a few."

"Ha! I am glad that you are so 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘭 with it."

"It is a joy to hear your 𝘤𝘰𝘰𝘭 jokes every day!"

"nice to have someone with an a-𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳-able laugh to tell 'em to."

my slight regret about that pun immediately washed away upon hearing the laugh in question follow after it.

—-

....welp.

as fun as reminiscing has been, i've definitely left papyrus alone for far too long.

gotta spend at least a little time in the snow with him.

that's what we came back here for in the first place.

——

"WHEN DO YOU THINK IT'LL SNOW ON THE SURFACE?"

"it's supposed to get pretty cold soon, so probably not too long now."

"besides."

"if your desire for snow gets too awful bad, we'll just come down here again."

"WE SHOULD BRING FRIENDS WITH US NEXT TIME!"

"would be cool to re-visit the whole underground with everyone after all this time."

"OH!"

he sat straight up in the snow, scattering the powder around as he did so.

"YOU KNOW WHAT WE SHOULD DO?"

"what's that?"

"COME, COME! QUICKLY!!"

——

from that very same spot we all first looked in awe at our new future, me and him watched the sun set.

golden light poured over everything; sun beams warm in contrast to the town we've left once again.

"WHEN WE FIRST MOVED OUT FOR GOOD, I REALLY THOUGHT I'D MISS IT MORE."

"THOUGH, I DIDN'T EXACTLY HAVE THAT FEELING OF TRAPPED-NESS ON THE SAME LEVEL EVERYONE ELSE SEEMED TO."

"IT'S HARD TO GET BORED WHEN YOU'RE THE MOST ENTERTAINING SKELETON AROUND!"

"WITH THE COOLEST BROTHER AROUND."

"aww."

"...MAYBE I DID FEEL TRAPPED A LITTLE.. BUT IT DOESN'T MATTER ANYMORE."

"WE'RE ALL ON THE SURFACE TOGETHER, AND THAT 𝗜𝗦 WHAT MATTERS!"

when he turned to look at me, i couldn't tell whether his face was lit up more by the sun or the smile he had.

"I'M REALLY HAPPY HERE."

"me too."

[chiriwritesstuff]

The Impossible Man ✨ 3. The Storybook Lady ✨

Modern-Day Detective! Din Djarin x Witchy! Reader (Soulmates! AU)

Previous Chapter │ Series Masterlist

Chapter Summary: Din (or is it Mando?), Grogu, and Starshine spend a day together.

Chapter Rating: M

Chapter Warnings: Magical Realism, Mentions of (Attempted) Suicide, Mention of (minor) character death, Jealousy between coworkers, not beta-ed

A/N: Hello, I am SO SORRY for the delay of this chapter! I really have no excuse except that I was burnt out, so I took a few weeks to catch up on several fics I've been writing and developing and decided to split the intended last chapter into two parts. I am not sure when the next chapter will be coming out, but it is in the works! Thank you for being patient with me!

Word Count: 3.7K

Dividers by @saradika

Ten years ago.

"So, anyone special in your life, Djarin?" Ben flips through paperwork, feet on the desk, files everywhere.

"No," Din replies calmly.

Ben scoffs, "Oh come on, there's gotta be someone," he pointedly looks at him above the files he's holding, his eyes full of doubt.

Din shrugs. "Not really."

His partner frowns. "Spill it. What's Detective Din Djarin's type?" He air-quotes "type" for emphasis, a teasing look on his partner's face.

"Not talking about it, Solo. It's none of your business."

"Thought we were bonding. You're too serious, Djarin. Wake up, Gym, Work, Eat, Jerk off, Sleep, Repeat. Where's the fun in that?"

"If I had time for someone," Din grumbles, "She wouldn't talk much. She would be someone patient, someone kind. I don't dwell on it much. Our line of work makes relationships tricky, you know that."

"I think that's the most generic answer you can ever give someone," Ben chides, rolling his eyes. "What a fucking cop-out, Djarin. I expected better from you since you got that whole..." he motions his hands in front of him frantically, "... dark and mysterious schtick going on."

Din snorts, shaking his head incredulously. "Please, Solo. Spare me. What do you want me to say? That I want someone who has the brightest eyes, a smile that can knock me off my ass, someone that can charm the living shit out of me with just one look? Someone who can take my breath away? Come on! How is that shit even real? How about this? Maybe I want someone who loves Cinnamon Chai, with a hint of nutmeg. Is that sufficient enough for you?"  

Ben flips him off. "Now that's the fucking spirit, Djarin."

Desperate to change the topic, Din asks, "So when do I get to meet this lucky lady?"

"Who? Starshine?"

"Yes! Your wife, Starshine? The woman you can't stop talking about?! I swear you talk about her so much I know more about her than I do you, and that's fucking saying something, Solo."

"Not sure if I'm up for that," his partner says, pausing with a hint of uncertainty. Ben takes a moment as if thinking carefully. When he looks at Din, there's a quick intense gaze—a curious glare that catches Din's attention. Then, it turns into a friendly smile, as if Ben just noticed they're still facing each other. Din feels a change in the atmosphere, a mysterious vibe in their talk. Weird, Din thinks to himself.

"Why not? She's your wife. Nothing's going to happen. What are you so afraid of?!" He teases, a slight smirk on his face. "What? do you think Starshine would fall for my whole 'dark and mysterious schtick?"

After a moment of awkward silence, Ben snaps back to reality, shaking his head. "That woman you just described? She's my wife, Djarin. Exactly your type. That's what I'm afraid of." Ben frustratedly drops his files, surprising Din as he watches his partner quickly exits the bullpen. Din is left there, bewildered.

What just happened?!

Present Day.

A strange man is staring at you.  

A devastatingly handsome man, but, still. Strange.  

"Oh, Mando!" Vi hands you a cup of cinnamon chai as she greets this intriguing, yet mysterious... person. "...thought I heard Grogu come in! The usual today?"

He looks hesitant. "Uh, sure," he nods, the baritone of his voice sending shivers down your spine. Deep, like Ben, but also distinct. Ben's deep was soft and slow and a bit drawled out, whereas the stranger's voice was deep in a... smooth, bedroom voice kind of way. Did you just say he had a nice, bedroom voice? you think to yourself as you try to play it cool under the scrutiny of his gaze.

Because he's still looking at you, this strange, perplexing, devastatingly handsome man.  Dark and mysterious, just how you like it.

His eyes are intense. Dark - deep brown eyes, pillowy-soft lips, tan skin. His hair is wavy and tousled perfectly, in an 'I woke up like this' kind of way. Tall - not tall in the way that Ben was tall - all 6'-3" of him - but tall in a sense of being just right - just right for me, your traitorous mind thinks. Broad - So very, very broad.  Fuck. You bite your lip, not wanting to be too obvious in your sudden interest. You must look like some desperate, unhinged woman, you muse.

You glance at him again.

It's unnerving, the staring.

But why can't I look away?

"Here we go! A Starshine, just the way you like it," Vi says with a wink as she hands the peculiar stranger a cinnamon chai, the same one that you are drinking, smelling the subtle hint of nutmeg - the way you exactly take it - when the weight of your sister's words finally hit you. The stranger - Mando? - smiles wide, an amused quirk at the corner of his lips as you finally realize it.

You choke on your coffee. "What?!"

"Speaking of," Vi motions to you as if she were giving a sales pitch on QVC. "Mando, meet Starshine, only 10 years late."

You quirk your eyebrows at the stranger as you extend out your hand. "Ten years late? What does that even mean? Did we have an outstanding appointment that I managed to stand you up for ten years ago?" you chide as you observe him, a tell-tell hint of a blush slowly forming on his neck. You frown. "Honestly though - you seem familiar. Have we met before?" you quirk your head in question. "Did I really stand you up for something? Shit," you exclaim to yourself silently, looking up to him somewhat pleadingly - "I'm sorry if I did, just know, it wasn't you."

He looks at you nervously, his Adam's apple bobbing. "No, I don't think so," he replies, slightly shaking his head. "I came in 10 years ago on a friend's recommendation. It's truly a charming place. Vi has spoken a lot about you throughout the years," he glances at Vi, who nods in agreement. 

"All good things, I hope?"

"Well, maybe I keep coming back every Saturday hoping that I'll finally make your acquaintance," he retorts smoothly, a smirk forming at the corner of his lips. "So, you've been in New York all this time? Vi mentioned it to me the first time I visited. You're a writer? I didn't realize it. I tried looking for your stuff, but Vi was sworn by secrecy to not tell anyone your pen name," he replies, an earnest look on his face. It's endearing, you think to yourself.

"... Something like that," you reply, a sad faraway look on your face. "My husband passed away, and I went to Montauk to settle his affairs. One thing led to another, and I ended up staying in the city to write. Only my family and maybe the CIA know my pen name. Are you the CIA?" you tease.

"No. I am... I'm sorry about that," He says, taking a sip of his chai. "I heard about your husband's passing through Vi. It must have been really hard for you, being all alone up there. Ten years is a long time, surely there isn't..."

"There isn't anyone in the picture," you quickly reply. "...not since Ben." You wave your hands in front of you as you try to explain yourself. "I didn't get out much, and didn't feel the need to... meet other people, you know?"

He nods, as if in agreement. "I know exactly what you mean. There's not much room for commitment in my line of work, you know?"

"Oh? What do you do for work? if you're not in the CIA, you must be in the... FBI? Bounty Hunter?"

"I'm a... consultant," he says carefully, "I work with the state," he follows up quickly, clearing his throat.  

"So, Grogu..." you motion to his son, desperately wanting to change the subject, feeling uncomfortable. "It's just the two of you?" you ask nonchalantly, trying to hide the tiny bit of curiosity about whether or not this handsome stranger was single or not.

Mando smiles at that. "Grogu is my adopted son." he replies, "He was in a bad situation, and I decided to adopt him a few years ago. He would have been placed into the system if I hadn't intervened, and it's harder for someone on the spectrum," he gives Grogu a look, sighing, "... to get placed."

"That's pretty amazing, Mando," you say as you place your hand on his shoulder, grasping it slightly, his muscle tensing from your sudden touch. You give him a reassuring smile. "Seriously. Not just anyone would be that selfless."

Suddenly feeling a strong urge to keep his attention, at least for a little bit longer, an idea formulates in your mind. "Since Grogu is so fond of the storybook lady, would you like to help me out with the story today?"

"Help you out? how?" he asks, scratching the back of his neck. "I... don't know about that," he replies, obviously uncomfortable with the prospect of reading in front of a bunch of children. "I don't do well with kids, besides my own, that is."

"Oh come on, it'll be fun," you say. "I'll make it worth your while, I promise."

"How about a deal? I help out today, and in return, you spend the day with Grogu and me," he suggests, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "You can rediscover the city and share some quality time with your biggest little fan," he adds, nodding toward Grogu, who's eagerly waving amidst a group of kids waiting for the Storybook Lady.

"And, well, since you kept me waiting for a good ten years," he playfully admits, lowering his head toward yours. His warm breath grazes your neck as he takes a deliberate breath. "I think it's only fair you grant your most loyal supporter a day to feel appreciated," he whispers in your ear, a sweet mix of sincerity and charm.

You shoot him a satisfied grin and nod in agreement. His eyes casually trace the journey from your eyes to your lips, and you playfully bite your lower lip under the easy yet intense gaze he's giving you.

You slip your hand into his, fingers weaving together effortlessly. "Okay, Prince Charming, time for a grand adventure!" you tease, a playful grin lighting up your face in sync with his. Guiding him to the Storybook Lady's seat, Grogu catches on, his face lighting up with a mix of amusement and anticipation, realizing there's a cute plot twist in the works.

"Daddy's helping the Storybook lady today! That's my daddy!" Grogu excitedly motions towards him, and Mando, clearly embarrassed, grabs the first thing he can find to sit on, not realizing what it was until...

"Daddy's riding the horsey backward!" Grogu suddenly exclaims amid the sea of children. All eyes turn to his father, whose towering figure looms over the pint-sized toy pony. Vi, in the distance, gasps dramatically, shooting you a knowing look and winking, clearly amused by the comical sight. The vision of Mando perched on a toy pony in reverse tugs at your heartstrings a bit. In that moment, the memories of childhood dreams of an unattainable, deep love suddenly feel within reach, as if it has been right in front of you all along.

"So, what's the plan for this afternoon?" you ask Mando, watching as he eases into the driver's seat of his Ford Bronco, Grogu comfortably strapped in the back.

"I'm thinking we grab a bite and head down to Gasworks," he suggests. "It's a gorgeous day, right?" He shoots you a smile as he merges onto the street.

"I wanna see the troll, Daddy!" Grogu pipes up enthusiastically. "Troll first, then food!"

"Troll? Is he talking about the Fremont Troll?" you chuckle, glancing back to see Grogu nodding in agreement. "Troll! Troll first, Daddy!" he exclaims, his arms flailing with excitement.

Mando rolls his eyes. "That's the one. He loves the troll so much that we visit it at least once a month," he mentions, stealing a glance at you as he drives toward Fremont.

"Ad'ika," Mando addresses his son through the rear-view window. "How about this? We'll each pick out one place we want to go today. Sound fun?"

"Yes! Fun! But can we go see the Troll first? Please?"

"... What does ad'ika mean?" you ask.

Mando smiles broadly as if you've uncovered a secret. "Have you ever watched 'Star Wars'?" He nods approvingly when you confirm that you have. "Remember Boba Fett and the Mandalorians? It's kind of nerdy, but it's Mandalorian for 'little one.' I wanted to call him something unique."

"That's... incredibly niche," you laugh. "You might be the least predictable person I've ever met."

"... thank you?"

He finds a good parking spot a few blocks away from the Fremont Troll, Grogu bouncing with excitement as his father unbuckles his car seat. "Starshine," Grogu asks, clinging to his father like a baby koala, "Do you like the troll? I used to think it was scary, but Daddy told me that I'm a big boy now and that nothing should scare me. The troll is my friend now. He can be your friend too!"

"Well, my mommy and daddy used to take Aunt Vi and me to the troll all the time when we were little! We had scavenger hunts and pretended we were princesses running away from the dragon," you share, smiling earnestly. "It was one of my favorite memories growing up."

"Really? If I play the dragon, and you play princess, can Daddy be the prince who saves you?" Grogu asks as you look at Mando from behind, trying to hide a blush. "Grogu..." he stutters, clearly embarrassed.

"Only if the Prince kisses the Princess once he saves her," you reply boldly, winking at him. Mando beams at that, shakily running a hand through his hair. He clears his throat. "I think that can be arranged," winking at you as he suddenly charges towards the both of you, Grogu shrieks in excitement as Mando grabs him from behind, perching his tiny form on his shoulders. "Are you ready, Dragon?" he asks his son, grinning brightly at you, "let's go save us a princess!"

After an hour of playing Princess and the Dragon with the Djarin boys, you spend another 30 minutes trying to convince Grogu to move on to the next item on your agenda for the day. 

"Wait, Daddy!" He whines as his father slings him over his shoulder. "You forgot to kiss the princess after you saved her!"

Mando turns towards you, his eyes darkening as his son wiggles in his grasp. He slowly approaches you, a smirk forming on the corner of his lips. He licks them, causing you to clench your thighs, gasping in surprise at his sudden boldness. His lips hover over yours. "Silly me," he whispers, smiling as he notices your mouth opening slightly in anticipation. "Shame on Daddy, right?" he smiles, his eyes locking you in place.  

"Right," you murmur, trembling. 

"Is this okay?" he asks, suddenly shy.

"More than okay," you beam.  

Without hesitation, his lips gently meet yours. His touch is tender, and you feel yourself becoming enveloped in the warmth of the moment – the softness of his lips, the sincerity of his kiss. In that instance, it's as if the stars themselves have aligned, and the entire universe conspired to bring you both together. If fate or destiny were ever tangible, it would be in this shared space, affirming that you were destined to be right here, in this perfect moment.

"Hey, can you put me down, Daddy? my head's getting all tingly!"

"I don't want this day to end," you say with a hint of sadness, "I haven't felt this alive in the last ten years," grabbing ahold of Mando's hands. He smiles, gently pushing a stray hair behind your ear. "Thank you for this, Mando. I've never felt this happy in such a long time; I didn't think it would ever be possible for me to feel like this again."

"Then let's not end it. Come home with us," he replies. "Let Grogu and me cook you dinner, and we can watch a movie. 'Netflix and Chill'? Is that what they're saying nowadays?"

"I'm pretty sure that's a euphemism for sex?"

A smirk forms on his face. "Is it now?" he replies. "Maybe that's what I meant," he winks, pressing a kiss on your temple.

"Hey Grogu, want to see a magic trick?" you ask him as he helps you set the dining table.

"A magic trick? Yes!" he nods eagerly, handing you a plate. Mando turns his head towards both of you as he continues cooking dinner. He had gently pushed you out of the kitchen earlier after you offered to help him, asking you to keep an eye on Grogu, reminding you that you're his guest and that he will be cooking for you, Mesh'la - Beautiful, you've come to realize - in Mando'a. 

You lean towards the candle set in the middle of the table, gently blowing on it, the flame igniting on the wick. You wink at him as he gasps and claps in excitement. "Wow!" he exclaims. "How did you learn how to do that?"

"My mommy taught me when I was about your age," you reply sweetly, ruffling his wavy hair.

"Can you teach me?" he asks you with a shy smile. "I love magic tricks."

"It's been a long time for me," you whisper, sitting on the sofa, 'Practical Magic' playing on the TV in the background as Mando hands you a glass of wine, Grogu already fast asleep in his room. "I haven't... entertained the possibility of being with someone after Ben died." 

"You must have loved him very much."

You nod. "Honestly, I never meant to get married, let alone fall in love," you sigh as you sip on your wine, smiling to yourself. "My mother... she died because of a broken heart when Vi and I were kids, she couldn't... imagine a life without my father, the loss changed something in her. It broke her. I made a promise to myself all those years ago to not go down that road and..." you gasp, stifling a sob. Mando grabs your hand, his thumb drawing circles on your skin, soothing you. "The night I found out, I ran to the edge of the aunt's property, along Puget Sound. I screamed for the waves to swallow me whole. I was ready, I couldn't... imagine my life without Ben."

"What made you stop yourself from doing... that?" he wipes your tears, grabbing your glass and setting it on the coffee table, grabbing ahold of both of your hands, giving you his undivided attention.

"I heard his voice in my head."

"His voice?"

"I know how crazy this might sound," you chuckle, shaking your head. "I've just met you, and here I am, pouring my heart out to the first person I've allowed myself to open up to in the last ten years."

"Don't worry, I feel it too," he says, looking at you earnestly. "It's like... I've always put up a wall between my desires and what I thought was the right thing to do, you know? I lost my parents at a young age, too. They were... killed," he confesses, a lone tear running down his face. "... and I became so consumed with seeking justice, you know? I worked my ass off to put their killer behind bars. I denied myself the chance to be loved because I didn't want to be the cause of someone else's pain, no matter how damn lonely it got. I get it, you know? I understand where you're coming from." Now, he's crying, the tears he tried so hard to hold back now flowing like rivers down his face. "I used to let myself believe, there is someone out there who knows, who understands the kind of pain that I've been through. I would wish..."

"What did you wish for?"

"I wished for someone like you," he softly confesses, his hand tenderly caressing your cheek. "I wished for you; I swear I dreamed you up. No one has ever made me feel the way I do when I'm with you. I know this sounds crazy, and it doesn't make any sense, but from the moment I laid eyes on you, Starshine, it was like everything aligned for me. Grogu, who also lost his family, and you—after everything, I told myself that if fate ever threw me a bone, I would take it. I have with my son, who adores you, but with you, it feels like you were meant for me and me alone. Everything that has happened, it all leads me to you."

"Mando, you don't mean that. You barely even know me."

"But it feels like I do know you, baby. I know... I know that you feel this, too."

It's as if a bucket of cold water has been poured over you, the enchantment of the day shattering with the sudden weight of reality. It all feels overwhelming, you realize in an instant. Your thoughts rush to Ben, the curse, and the consequences of letting go, which resulted in losing your husband and suddenly becoming a widow. For the past decade, you've carried the weight of guilt, hesitant to let someone else bear the burden of your twisted destiny. I can't let history repeat itself, not with Mando, no matter how much my heart longs for him.

"I... I feel it too," you admit quietly, "but I can't, not again."

"Why, why can't you see what's in front of you? Wouldn't you think that Ben would want you to be happy? To find love again? What's stopping you?" he pleads, taking you into his arms, resting his head on your shoulder as he holds you tight, as if he thinks you're ready to run away.  

"Mando..." you quietly sob, "It's me, I'm the reason why Ben is dead."

Series Taglist: @strawberri-blonde @survivingandenduring

[jeweledflowers]

𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐦. || 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙨.

warnings; obsession, possessiveness, violence and mentions of murder, basically lucas is even more unhinged than usual if that's possible,,,

𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠...

-

𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐬 enjoys having you.

See, he's lived so long. He's the wizard of the tower, he's the most powerful magician, blah blah blah. Behind it is a cold, ruthless man who dislikes attraction, considers love a nonsensical waste of time, and has no regard for regulars human lives.

This was all until he saw you. The spontaneity, the chaos, the mix of colors you brought into his life he couldn't, wouldn't, ever let you go. He looked at you and fell so hard that it might as well have been audible. He wanted you, and so he took you.

You hated him. You hated this twisted man. When you woke up on his bed, dizzy and with a splitting headache, he appeared in front of you and explained the situation.

You had tried to fight.

Amusing, really.

What could you do against him?

You entertained the thought of resistance. You refused to eat, and when things took a turn, stopped talking. You hollowed yourself out, like a worn, empty shell lying on the waves. Lucas watched with sick humor in those red eyes; you poor, foolish thing, don't you know you can't resist him?

'Darling.' He all but sings, so cheerfully walking towards your cowering, trembling form, as if he isn't drenched in someone else's blood. He's just returned from a brutal massacre of some of your closest friends, back when you were actually free. 'I have a gift for you.' He scatters the arms and head of your dead friends in front of you, and you shake like a leaf in the wind, sobbing and shifting away from him. Then the happy demeanor changes and he forces your chin upward harshly with his hand. 'Let this be a lesson to you; you can't leave.'

That never stopped you from trying.

And Lucas grows more and more demented after each day.

He toys with your mind. Shows you visions of escape.

More than one time, you murder an illusion of Lucas, just to feel his arms around your waist and his whispers in your ears.

Lucas finds pleasure in messing with time. You collect small peach blossom petals for each day that passes by, but your hair hasn't grown a bit after six months, and there is no sign on any other human being or the change of seasons. What was happening to time?

Overtime your stubbornness faded. You weren't truly happy, but Lucas knows you'll come around. You're eating, and you reply to his questions and engage in conversation with him. You don't fight it when he wraps you in his embrace or holds you against himself at night; and you're settling down finally. The tower, once so cold and dark, now with you. Your perfume, your scent, your shampoo, your peach blossom spread all over the couch as Lucas presses you against it.

You've gotten way too comfortable.

Lucas just finds you adorable.

-

peach blossoms, in the language of flowers, mean: 'i am your captive.'

neeways, i really hope you liked it, it's not meant to be a proper fic I've just been having yan! lucas brainrot for days and needed to get it out.

-

Tags: @mysticmeena (just tagging you in everything I write--sorry if it's kinda annoying-!),

@writerinthedeepwoods,

@that-one-pretty-bitch,

@dxmoness.

-

[galaxysharks]

Last time I read the Madlyn Office AU uhm Maddox and Ashlyn are in a rocky situation that ended up Maddox telling Ashlyn that she was offered another job and Ashlyn remember what EJ had told her. I was just wondering what happened to them after that?

Ashlyn Bursts through the door to the office building. Ignoring the elevator, she sprints up the stairs, using the end of the railing to swing around and dart down the hallway.

Careful not to drop the wrapped package under her arm, she had to get there.

This has to work.

After she failed to respond to Maddox pouring her heart out, she'd tried to catch-up to her, but the Techie had already managed to make herself scarce.

She did run into Jet though. He was......less than receptive to her, at least at first. Apparently he wasn't about to let 'another rich white girl drag Maddie through hell before breaking her heart in the middle of an office event' ......which opened more questions, and made Ash feel even worse.

After an hour or so of frankly humiliating pleading, Jet did decide he believed her and offered to help. His help was a phone number for her to get something made for Maddox.

Specifically it was the number of their adoptive father Dewey. Which again added questions, she didn't even know they were adopted. Jet did warn her that she'd have a much harder time convincing Dewey, or Janine if she picked up, Maddox was their favorite.

Ash awkwardly tried to assure him that he was loved just the same, but he interrupted her and said it was obvious and he was fine with it. "A LOT of people in our lives have blatantly preferred me over her, and they weren't as nice about it, I can live with Dewey and Janine loving me just okay"

So, armed with a chance, Ashlyn went home. Later the next day, she called the number, and started a video chat with Maddox's adoptive parents. And clearly Maddie had called before, because they were initially less than thrilled to see her. After a long, long conversation that felt like taking a test she hadn't studied for, Janine finally agreed that they would help, Dewey grunting beside her.

And so here she was. Hoping she isn't too late. Quinn and Uncle Cash were in the office today to ask Maddox for her final verdict and in theory drive her to the main office, if she accepted.

Ashlyn ran into the Tech Support office, shamelessly shoving past her uncle and clumsily stopping herself with Maddie's corner desk.

"Wait!.....huff.....wait......oh my god, the stairs....."

Her sudden appearance has clearly startled the room, with loud exclamations of alarm. Maddox had a guarded look to her, but patiently waited for Ashlyn to catch her breath. Taking a final deep breath in, Ashlyn started her speech:

"Maddie I like you! I like you so so much! And I don't know why I couldn't say it before, but I can say it now, and I need you to know. I'm so sorry I ever made you think this wasn't serious for me, I've never felt this way about anyone before! I can't ask you not to go, because this is a great opportunity, but I have to ask that you at least take this with you." Ashlyn pushed the package into Maddie's hands.

Maddox stared at her for a moment before carefully peeling away the brown paper. Within the wrapping was a thin cross section to a pine tree, sanded and polished. Carved into the wood, "Ashlyn 🧡 Maddox" stood out.

A little cringe, maybe but Ashlyn is far past the point of pride in this endeavor anyway. Recognizing the handwriting and carving skills, Maddox's eyes snapped back up.

"Ash, this is..."

"You're parents scare the shit out of me. Also that's from your backyard, or theirs? The video call said it was coming from California."

The little grin that had started to form at the tree plate split as Maddie began to laugh. It was the most beautiful sound Ashlyn had ever heard. What she wouldn't give for a recording of that laugh, so that she might spend the rest of her life waking up to that sound.

"Ahem, as touching as this is, we kind of need an answer Maddox." And God, there have been dozens of times throughout her life that she wished Cash Caswell would just go mute, but maybe none with so much ferver as now.

Quinn for her part just looked thrilled with the amount of drama she's gotten to witness.

"I.....I'm so sorry sir, I really appreciate the opportunity, but I think I need to stay at the outlet office." Maddox said, never taking her eyes off of Ashlyn.

"Very well, it's a shame that a highschool relationship has taken precedence over your career, but--"

"actually Cash, we take pride in having the most state of the art system in the country, correct? I don't see any reason why Maddox could not perform her duties from the outlet office. If that is amenable to you?" Quinn spoke up finally, an amused and playful glare directed at Maddox, noticing that the teen had curled up under Ashlyn's arm, leaning into her side.

Ruffled, but too smart to pass up the opportunity, Cash agreed, but stated there would be a two month probationary period, after which Maddox would be transferred to the main office if her work showed any dip in quality.

And if Ashlyn got teased for the next two weeks about being extra with everything.....she could live with that.

[asena-graywolf]

I’m Scared Without You

It was already past midnight. You were alone at home. Tsuki had a full-time job at the gas station and was on the night shift.

You hardly see your boyfriend except on weekends. Even if he did, he would come home tired and the most he could do with you was to eat. Then she would take a shower and go to bed. But you could meet in bed. Then Tsuki wouldn't be conscious either. You would watch him for hours while he was sleeping and when you were sleepy you would put your head on his chest and sleep.

And when you wake up in the morning, you'd wake up to an empty bed without it. You usually spent the day sleeping. Being alone at home for a long time made you depressed. You had a hard time even getting out of bed. You didn't even know what you ate or drank. You lost your appetite

Worse still, your paranoia had set in. You were starting to fear something for no reason. Especially when your boyfriend is on the night shift and spending time alone at home.

Your heart was in your mouth if the phone or doorbell rang. You would never open the door to strangers who entered your apartment and rang your bell. The many possibilities that could happen to you if you were hungry ran through your mind and even just imagining it gave you goosebumps.

Tonight was one of the nights when his fears started again. You went to bed and tried to sleep. There was a terrible storm outside. Lightning flashed as if the sky was splitting, and it was pouring rain. After a while, the electricity went out. You were about to lose your mind. You were trembling under the covers.

You reached for your phone on the empty side of your double bed. Even as you searched for Tsuki from the directory, your hands were shaking badly.

The phone rang for a while

“Come on Tsuki! Respond the my call now!” you're getting impatient

The answer you've been waiting for has finally arrived. You were a little relieved when you heard Tsuki's voice on the other line.

“Oh Tsuki! Finally!"

“What happened y/n? I am currently working”

"I know. I just…"

"Say what you have to say quickly, I have to get back to work"

“Tsuki…I am so scared at home alone. When you will come?"

“Offf y/n. Are you a child? Go to bed, close your eyes and sleep. I will come one hour later"

“Oh, it's like you don't know what condition I'm in. I've been like this for a long time"

You heard your boyfriend sigh

“Look y/n. I am very busy right now. The boss will be mad at me if I don't go now. Let's talk about these when i come back, okay?"

"But…"

"Goodbye"

Before you could say a word, he hung up and left you alone at home on this stormy night, alone with your fear.

You turned on your phone's flashlight and walked cautiously down the dark hallway to the door. You locked the door of your house from the bottom and the top 3 times. Insert the key into the lower slot of the door.

You knew that thieves could easily open doors with crowbars and the like. Even though the fierce storm outside scared you, you felt safe because the door was locked.

With the flashlight in hand, you looked at the fuses and didn't see any change. In this situation, you had no choice but to wait for the electricity to come.

You're back in bed. You pulled the duvet over your head and closed your eyes and tried to sleep on Tsuki's side. His fragrance permeated the pillow and it calmed you down a bit.

You were thoroughly mingled with the sound of rain and the scent of your lover on the pillow. It was over, you fell asleep without even realizing it. Until there's a loud knock on the door

You jumped out of fright. It was in your heart. Had Tsuki arrived? Tsuki always took her key with her when she left the house. In the rush you forgot that you locked the door three times from above and below. Who was knocking on your door at this hour?

You were afraid of being a foreigner. You quietly walked towards the door. When you looked through the hole you could see nothing but a phone flashlight.

His heart was beating in his throat. The door was knocked more forcefully. You were about to lose your mind with fear.

You walked away from the door and your phone, which was on silent at the time, vibrated. Fortunately, it was Tsuki who called.

“A-Hello? Tsuki…Tsuki, please come quick, there's someone at the door! I am so afraid"

Your voice trembled. Your rising pulse was pumping adrenaline throughout your body without slowing down. Tears began to flow from his eyes

“Y/N. Will you open the door?"

There was boredom in Tsuki's voice

"W-What?"

"I'm telling you open it. I'm locked out. I can't open the door with the key because it's locked."

You hung up the phone and ran to the door. You called from inside

“T-…Tsuki? Is it really you?"

Tsuki's voice echoed in the apartment

“It’s me y/n.! Who else will it be? Open that door, don't make me talk in the apartment at night! People will be bother.”

"Ok! Ok I'm opening"

Hearing his voice, you were now sure that it was Tsuki who was at the door. You opened the locks one by one and hugged your boyfriend tight as soon as he opened the door

“Oh Tsuki! I was so scared that I can't explain"

You clung to his chest and began to sob.

Tsuki's hands were full. She threw the bags in her hands on the floor and closed the door.

He couldn't stand your crying, even though it was childish for him to be afraid when you were alone at home. He hugged you tightly and patted the back of your head. He placed his chin on his head

“Okay, it's over. You stupid! Why do you scare yourself so much?"

He kissed the top of your head

“Don't leave me alone again! I'm so scared without you!”

His heart broke once again when he remembered that he had neglected you. In fact, he knew he was in this state because of her.

He patted your back and head to calm you down

"Sorry. I neglected you. I ignored that he was depressed. Forgive me y/n"

You lifted your head from your chest and looked at him with teary eyes

“Tsuki! Don't work in that damn job anymore! Why do you still value work when I need you so much?

She wiped her tears with two thumbs. He tucked his bangs behind his ear

"You're right. My fault. Nothing is important than you. If that will make you happy, I will resign. After all, you are the most precious to me. Just don't be sad"

“Do you really do it?”

“Have you ever seen me say no to you until now? Of course I will. You just want it"

You smiled slightly. He then took you to bed and wrapped the blanket over you. A few minutes after he went to the kitchen, he came back with a mug of hot milk.

“Take this and drink it. Warms up for you”

With trembling hands you grasped the cup he held out

You said "thank you" and took a sip of milk

"How have you been? Are you better?" ' he asked, sitting down in the space beside him.

"Yes. I'm a little better"

“There is a strong storm outside. The electricity is also out. I had to warm the milk to you in a tube. Judging by the storm, electricity has no future until morning. I must admit, I was afraid of the darkness of the apartment, too. It's like someone is going to attack me from behind at any moment."

You answered him as you sipped your milk slowly.

“And you would dunk in the face of the attacker. The real attacker should be afraid of you"

“Not that much,” he said with a laugh.

You had a little chat. After you finished your milk, you put the mug on the nightstand next to the bed

There was nothing left in him for fear. You could sleep well now.

Tsuki put on her pajamas and took off her glasses and put them on the nightstand. You lay in bed together. He pulled you to his chest on the bed. His hands started to run through his hair.

"Come on! Get some rest" and kissed his head

You muttered "good night" in response.

His caressing hands helped you fall asleep in no time. After loving you for a while while you were sleeping, he too closed his eyes and fell asleep.

[the-cult-of-riley]

Sleeping With Ghosts (Act one: Chapter Fourteen)

Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Female OC

[[Masterlist]]

A/N: I’ve decided not to put a song with every single chapter because there’s a fuck tonne of them and it’s getting harder to pick ones lmao I have a few saved for certain chapters, songs I listened to when I wrote them etc but from now on, there won’t be a song with every single one. Mostly because my OCD brain decided to only pick Placebo or NIN songs which is making my life harder lololol That being said, this chapter, ironically, does have a song lmao

Also, it took me an ungodly amount of time to realise how much of myself I put into Charlotte :’)

Placebo - I’ll Be Yours

I'll be your water bathing you clean

The liquid piece

I'll be your ether you'll breathe me in

You won't release

Well I've seen you suffer, I've seen you cry the whole night through

So I'll be your water bathing you clean

Liquid blue

I'll be your father, I'll be your mother

I'll be your lover, I'll be yours

I'll be your lover, I'll be yours

I'll be your liquor bathing your soul

With juice that's pure

And I'll be your anchor you'll never leave

Shores that cure

Well I've seen you suffer, I've seen you cry for days and days

So I'll be your liquor demons will drown

And float away

I'll be your father, I'll be your mother

I'll be your lover, I'll be yours

I'll be your lover, I'll be yours

I'll be your lover, I'll be yours

Yours

The cold autumn breeze blew through the front garden and Simon glanced to his left, eyeing his companion as she wrung her hands nervously, her eyes wide as saucers. She had a look reminiscent of Privates going on their first ever tour, convinced they wouldn't make it back. 

“Just breathe, love,” he murmured and he felt like a right bastard for putting her in this situation. He’d been back a week now and he’d been staying with her most nights but not all, didn't want to annoy her too much. But he’d mentioned how his family wanted to meet her because his mum wouldn't stop fucking nagging him about it and honestly, he wanted them to meet. 

She’d been shocked for some reason he couldn't fathom but she’d been more than happy to agree. He’d decided it was best to split it up, not wanting to overwhelm her with too many people and knowing how Tommy can be. He settled on his mum first who wanted to cook dinner for her. After hearing Charlotte’s favourite food was bolognese, that's what she settled on making and he knew from experience his mum's bolognese was fucking mint. He planned on taking her to a pub to meet Tommy and Beth the next day, somewhere more neutral and a little less over the top so she could handle his baby brother who was a frantic ball of energy on the best of days. 

Right now though, they were outside his mother’s house as Lottie seemed to suddenly realise what was about to happen and she had some sort of existential crisis. He felt bad for putting this on her now seeing how utterly nervous she was. Poor girl was shitting herself.

“It’ll be alright, Lottie,” he murmured, rubbing her back soothingly as she looked up at him with those wide, scared eyes.

“What if she doesn't like me? What if I say something she doesn't like and then she hates me and then you’ll hate me and-” she rambled anxiously and he pressed a hand over her mouth to stop her. 

“Get outta that head of yours, Charlotte. Mum loves you already and she hasn't even met you yet and she's as soft hearted as they come. There's nothin’ you could do to make her hate you. And even if you did somehow, doesn't mean I’d give two shits, does it?” he asked, trying to calm her mind. He really hadn't expected her to get so worked up about it but then again, she had no parents of her own, did she? This whole thing must have been alien to her. 

Her breathing was all over the place and the hand on her mouth moved to settle over her chest, rubbing it gently as if he could stimulate her lungs to function at a normal capacity. She started to take slow and deep breaths and he really looked at her. Despite the panic all over her, she looked beautiful. She’d settled on a sage green polar neck sweater and some black jeans. Her hair was down and wavy, a pretty clip of a raven pinning the side of her hair up and away from her face. 

“I’m sorry,” she frowned once she got her breathing under control and he moved to press a kiss to her forehead. 

“Don’t be sorry, it’s a big step for us. Just take it at your pace. If this is too much, we can go back to yours,” he said softly and he meant it too. Even if he would be disappointed, he wouldn't mind, it’d do no good to push her into something she wasn't ready for. She shook her head vehemently at his words, laying her hand over his on her chest. 

“No! I… I want to be here, it’s just… I get overwhelmed easy, I guess,” her brows were pinched together and he didn't need to be inside of that pretty head of hers to know she was mentally berating herself for feeling this way. Those three little words almost fell from his lips, the urge to tell her, to reassure her burrowing its way into his brain. He ignored the urge though, now wasn't the time to fuck everything up. 

“Just take some breaths and we’ll go in, yeah? I promise she’s nice, you got nothin’ to worry about,” as if on cue, the front door swung open and his mother stood there in a knee length floral dress, her shorter hair styled all nice, showing him she really made an effort for this and it warmed his chest. 

She eyed the couple, her eyes shining with something Simon was unsure of as a smile spread on her face. It was then he realised his hand was still over Charlotte's chest and her hand was over his. It wasn't sexual by any means but it was definitely an intimate moment his mother had stumbled upon. Loving even. Maybe that's why she was giving him that look from the doorway. Charlotte stood there like a deer caught in the headlights as if his mother was a big fucking truck about to slap into her. 

“Charlotte! It's so lovely to meet you!” his mother beamed, stepping out of the door. Charlotte relaxed a little, a shy smile tugging at her lips as Simon put a hand on her lower back and guided her to the door. 

“You too, Mrs Riley,” she replied quietly. 

“Oh, no need for formalities, hun. Just call me Anne,” she smiled and moved to give Charlotte a hug. Simon watched carefully, his heart thumping a little too wildly in his chest for his liking as he started to panic it would be too much for his girl. She hugged his mum back though and when they moved away he noticed her pink tinged cheeks. 

“Our Simon told us you love spaghetti so that's what I’ve made. I don't know if it’ll be as good as you're used to, but my boys love it,” his mum babbled, acting like she hadn't seen another human in months and was so excited to see one. 

She ushered the both of them in the house and Simon guided her to the living room/dining room. The large table was on the far side, already set out with placemats and a basket of fucking garlic bread in the middle. She never usually went this all out but maybe it was a big deal, being his first girlfriend and all. 

“You two sit down, I'm just plating up,” his mum told them as she left the room to go into the kitchen. He glanced at Lottie, seeing her standing rigidly in her spot like she was made of stone. 

“Wanna see a picture?” he asked, desperate to take her mind somewhere else so she’d finally relax. She turned her eyes to him then, nodding as she chewed her lower lip restlessly. 

He led her over to the fireplace despite his mum’s previous insistence of sitting down, led her right to a framed picture on it. He grabbed it, a wistful smile on his face as he held it between them so she could peer at it. It was of him about 13 years old, holding Tommy upside down by his ankles, the pair with matching grins. He didn't often get to smile in his childhood but on the rare occasions his dad fucked off on a long bender, it happened. 

He didn't have many pictures of being a baby or a child because of how rough everything was and it was something his mum had expressed regret over time and time again. He couldn't tear his gaze away from her as her eyes scanned the photo and her lips tugged up in amusement. He was relieved to see she was capable of calming down after all.

“You’ve always been a little shit, then,” she stated wryly and he chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her close to him as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. 

Movement out of the corner of his eye tore his eyes off her to the doorway, seeing his mum standing there with two plates in her hand. He wasn't sure how long she’d been standing there but she had this soft look in her eyes as she observed the pair of them, a warm and tender smile gracing her face as her eyes met his. His chest felt a little tight and he quickly looked away, dropping the arm from around Lottie as he suddenly became self conscious of having an audience. 

His mum cleared her throat, breezing into the room as if she hadn't been peeping at them like their relationship was the next best soap opera. Simon guided her to the table and they sat side by side, his mother coming back with her own plate and sitting opposite them. 

“Well, Charlotte, tell me about yourself. Simon’s been so embarrassed, I feel like I don’t know much,” his mum started with a smile and Simon’s eyes could have fallen from their sockets.

“Mum!” he chided, a stupefied look on his face as he shook his head. 

“What?! I don't mean embarrassed of the relationship but you’ve been so hush hush. God knows it's your first relationship, Simon, it's okay to be feeling out of sorts,” she huffed and Simon wanted a hole to open up from the ground and swallow him whole. He was glad he’d told her about not having a girlfriend beforehand or this would have been a fucking uncomfortable dinner.

“She’s here for dinner, not a fuckin’ interrogation,” he bit out and his mum narrowed her eyes at him in exasperation. He didn't mean to be a dick but Charlotte had already been panicking, he didn't want to make it worse with his mother’s prying. Didn't need the girl getting spooked and running off.

“It’s okay,” Charlotte spoke up softly, looking at him pleadingly. The look very much said ‘please stop’ and he knew he was the one making it worse right now. He blew out a breath, giving his mum a firm look before he looked back at Lottie and his eyes softened immensely.

“I just don’t want you to be uncomfortable, love,” he murmured apologetically. She gave him a little smile and he felt her nudge her leg into his under the table. A small gesture that let him know she appreciated him looking out for her. 

“I’m not trying to make her uncomfortable, Simon. I just… I’m excited to get to know her,” his mother added, only making his guilt get worse. There were a fair few times in his life where he’d snap at his mother and feel like an utter twat afterwards over it. 

“I know, mum… I know. Sorry, I’m just…” he frowned, feeling like he’d ruined the dinner before any of them had even eaten anything. His mother reached out, a smaller hand settling over his own and he glanced at her, seeing her soft and affectionate look aimed at him. 

“You're protective, it's sweet,” she murmured and he felt heat creep up his face. He figured it was best to just eat his fucking food now and keep out of it before he dug himself a hole and buried himself in it.

They all ate, Charlotte telling him mum bits and pieces about herself and answering questions as they did. He felt himself slowly start to unwind, muscles uncoiling with each passing moment. His mum got a little less overbearing and Lottie got a little more relaxed the more she spoke. By the time dinner was done, the pair of women were smiling and chatting away while Simon sat at the table watching, a warmth starting in his chest and spreading through his entire body. It was nice, seeing them getting along like this. 

“I’ll go sort the dishes out, mum,” he said when there was a slight lull in conversation, not wanting to interrupt. 

“Alright, pet,” she smiled at him and he piled the plates up on top of one another. He stood up, leaning down and placing a kiss to Charlotte’s head without a thought. 

He disappeared into the kitchen, washing the dishes in the sink as he felt pleased it had gone well. He was glad Tommy and Beth weren’t here though, he was sure Lottie would have had a fucking aneurysm if they had been. He was still nervous for that exchange, but one at a time. He hadn't really known just how much it meant to him, having Charlotte and his mum get along like this, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders and he felt weightless. He was so lost in thought when he was drying and putting away the dishes that he jumped when the kitchen door opened. His mother walked in, a smile on her face.

“I really love her, Simon. It's easy to see why you do,” she breathed, batting him out of the way and taking over with putting the plates away. 

“Mum,” he sighed, giving her a sharp look before he glanced to the door worriedly. 

“She can’t hear us from here. And you should tell her anyway, you two are head over heels for each other,” she tutted. He knew she cared about him, he wasn't stupid, but his treacherous brain had a hard time believing she actually loved him. Not the way he did her. 

“Thanks for dinner, mum,” he murmured sincerely and her face softened at his tone. If anyone could read him, it was his mother. 

“Don’t mention it, just make sure you bring her around again,” she pointed an accusing finger at him and he raised his hands up in mock surrender.

“I will,” he answered and she nodded, looking pleased with herself. 

“When is Tommy meeting her?” she asked curiously, turning to face him. 

“Tomorrow. Gonna meet him and Beth at the pub in town we usually go to,” he explained. 

“Just make sure you warn her beforehand, you know how Tommy gets,” she snorted fondly and he chuckled.

“‘Course I do,” amusement coloured his tone as he thought of his baby brother. He was pretty sure he never really grew up with the amount of energy he still had, it was insane. 

“I’ll let you two get back then, you’ll both need rest for tomorrow and I think she’s probably had enough stress for one day,” the tea towel got chucked on the counter with her words and he nodded.

“You just want us to fuck off,” he replied cheekily and she gave him a dirty look.

“Mind your language, you cheeky shit,” she squinted and his lips quirked up before he left the room, his mum hot on his heels. Charlotte was sitting at the now empty table and he felt a little bad about leaving her on her own, despite knowing she probably appreciated a moment to herself.

“Right, love. You ready?” he asked her and she nodded, standing up and swiping at invisible crumbs on her jumper. He hadn't been sure how long they'd stay for but he was pretty sure his mother wanted rid of them because her soaps were about to start and she never missed an episode. 

“Thanks for dinner, Mrs- Anne,” she corrected herself quickly, cheeks slightly pink as he guided her to the front door and opened it. 

“No need to thank me and you’re welcome here anytime, you both are,” his mum’s words were punctuated by a pointed look at him and he knew she wanted to see more of him, of them both. 

She leaned in to give Charlotte a hug, murmuring about how she couldn't wait to see her again and Charlotte nodded. Poor girl was flustered when she pulled away, he was sure she wasn't used to people paying her such attention. His mum moved over to him then, wrapping her arms around his middle and giving him a squeeze. He hugged her back and tried to ignore the pinching in his chest that always seemed to accompany him when he visited her. 

“I love you, Simon,” she murmured quietly and the pinching got worse.

“Love you too, mum. Be by again soon, yeah?” His voice was low and soft and she moved away with a smile and an eager nod. 

“I look forward to it. You both stay safe on the way home.'' With those parting words, Simon grasped Charlotte’s hand and led her down the path and out of the front garden. 

She was quiet as they walked to the bus stop and he kept stealing glances at her. 

“Alright, love?” he asked hesitantly as they sat waiting for the bus. He still had that worry that it had been too much for her, that despite her smiles when she was there, that she’d hated it.

“I’m okay. Today’s just been… a lot. It was good though, we got along. She likes me… I think,” her frantic eyes turned to him then, wide and pleading and he smiled, bringing her hand to his mouth and kissing it. 

“She loved you, sweetheart. No need to worry,” he replied easily and it seemed to settle her right away. A relieved smile painted her face and her tension seemed to melt. 

“You want a bath when you get in?” he asked her as he toyed with her fingers.

“You just want to get me naked,” she snorted impishly and he rolled his eyes playfully.

“Never gonna turn down an opportunity to get you naked, sweetheart, but I’m more concerned with makin’ sure you're not stressed out,” he murmured and her impish smile turned into something more sweet, those pretty blue eyes sparkling at him.

“I’m fine but I wouldn't say no to a bath,” she replied, blinking her long lashes up at him. He couldn't tear his eyes away, his heart turning to nothing but mush inside of his chest the longer he looked. She was like the opposite of Medusa, instead of turning him to stone, she was turning him into nothing but jelly. 

Simon was happy, very fucking happy. In his current situation, he realised he’d been right to have Lottie meet his mum first, breaking the ice in meeting his family so to speak. She’d been nervous as they headed out to the pub, of course she had, but it hadn’t been as bad as when they’d gone to dinner at his dear old mum’s house. He wondered if part of it had been wanting to win his mum over more than Tommy. He’d told her a lot more about his brother and his antics and how he got on with everyone, so maybe it was less daunting than trying to win over his mum. He’d heard stories of nightmare mother in laws before who were weird with their sons and shit, maybe Charlotte had thought his mum would get possessive or something. Not that his mum was her mother in law, they weren't close to being married and the idea of popping that question to her was dizzying when he couldn't even get the balls to tell her he loved her. 

Right now though, he, Lottie, Tommy and Beth were all sitting around a table in the pub, and right now, he felt like he was looking at a different person to the girl from the day before. Surprisingly, Tommy had behaved himself although there were a few embarrassing stories he just had to get in there but he’d kick the shit out of him later. But other than that, he hadn't been over the top and Simon was grateful, he knew his brother was reigning in it for a reason. 

Lottie had really taken to Beth, maybe it was a girl thing or something or maybe she missed having that dynamic since her last best mate had fucked her boyfriend. Either way, the girls hadn’t stopped talking since they got here to the point that Tommy kept whining about how Beth was hogging Charlotte, the boy practically pouting. Things had been going smoothly, so smoothly in fact that he was pretty sure he jinxed himself while he sat there happy with the outcome. 

The switch in her had been so minute that Tommy and Beth hadn't even clocked onto it, but he had. Of course he fucking had, there wasn’t a damn thing he wouldn’t notice about her. He couldn't quite place what set off his radar because she still continued to converse with Beth, still laughed at Tommy’s shitty jokes and still smiled, but maybe that was it. Her smile suddenly didn't reach her eyes, those blue eyes that had been just a moment ago vibrant and alive now dulled. 

It made him anxious, worried about what had bothered her, wondered if his brother or Beth had said something that had somehow upset her. He couldn’t look away from her, his brain obsessing over where the fuck it had gone wrong. He didn't like it at all, didn't like her feeling uncomfortable or upset, didn't like not knowing the cause. He was half a moment away from telling Tommy and Beth they were going home and dragging her back to hers to get it out of her when she stood up, excusing herself to the bathroom. 

Anxiety was eating him up from the inside out and his baby brother was none the wiser as he rubbed Beth’s now large belly and spoke in hushed tones to her. He drummed his fingers restlessly on the table before he got up too, not even bothering to say anything as he went to the back of the pub where the toilets were. He couldn't sit there and just allow this to happen, not if something was bothering her. He needed to find out what was going on and how the fuck he could fix it.

Charlotte blinked at her reflection for a moment, taking a long and steadying breath as she tried to get her head together. She hated her own mind sometimes, hated how it was ruining what had been a good night. It had been far less scary to meet Tommy and Beth and with how nice Anne had been, she hadn't been as nervous about it. She liked Tommy, had enjoyed witnessing him and Simon banter and try to upstage each other with terrible jokes and Beth had been lovely. She’d really gotten along with Beth and she hoped Beth liked her too, it was nice having a friend again. So why was her own mind trying to put a downer on the whole thing? 

She took another deep inhale, telling herself to get it together. She didn't want to be that person, the wet blanket that always ruined the mood or a decent time. It was hardly a good impression if that was the case and Simon would soon tire of her and her overactive mind. She exited the bathroom to come face to face with the man in question and her heart faltered. He was leaning on the wall opposite the door, thick arms crossed over his broad chest. She tried to give him a smile as she walked the little distance between them.

“You alright?” He asked carefully. She should have known he'd pick up on her mood shift, he was crazy perceptive of everything. 

“I'm fine,” she tried, getting narrowed eyes for her trouble that told her he wasn't buying it. He shifted on his feet, suddenly looking unsure of himself.

“If it's .. if this is too much then… then we can go back-” he started fumbling with an anxious frown, unable to meet her eyes. Her chest ached at the idea of him thinking he or his family had caused her upset. It may have triggered it but it was her own past haunting her. 

“No! It's not…I-” she cut him off, mouth floundering as she tried to find the words. He relaxed but only minutely, dark eyes glued to her as if he was trying to see through her skull and into her brain. Trying to figure out just what was going on with her. 

“It's stupid,” she sighed, feeling a twinge of heat bloom on her cheeks. She felt embarrassed for feeling the way she did, it was so inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

“Let's get some air, yeah?” He asked, his tone telling her it was more of a command than a suggestion. 

Before she could answer, he took her hand, leading her through the pub. He quickly passed by the table, letting Tommy and Beth know he wanted to go for a smoke before gently tugging her along outside. She’d found out in her time with him that he didn't smoke too often, he’d referred to himself as a social smoker. The air was crisp but not too cold and he moved them to sit on the wall surrounding the pub. 

They sat side by side and she sat in silence as he smoked. She knew he was waiting for her to start talking but she wasn't sure how to bring it up without sounding like a whiny baby. His family had been nothing but kind to her and she knew she was being ridiculous. He gave her the space she needed until he was done with his smoke, stubbing it out and tossing it in the bin not too far from them. Decidingly having enough of her silence, he finally spoke up.

“Talk to me, Lottie,” he pleaded, taking her hand and pulling it to his lap. 

“I told you, it's stupid,” she frowned softly, eyes glued to his fingers of his other hand that were slowly gliding up her forearm. They were tracing soothing patterns on her skin. 

“It's not stupid. You're upset and I wanna know why,” he said firmly and she nibbled her lower lip for a moment. She blew out a breath, eyes still watching his fingers as she swallowed thickly. 

“It's just… I've had a nice time and I started to realise that I don’t… I don’t have anyone to introduce you to and it's just… depressing. I met someone amazing and I’m excited about it and I don't have a single person to tell,” she lamented. 

In the past, she’d at least had Jessica to talk to about things like this, about anything she was excited about, but now she had no one. She had Simon but she couldn't exactly talk to him about himself, could she? It had just made her realise how isolated she was, how miserable and lonely her life was. 

“Charlotte…” he murmured sadly and she shook her head, blinking rapidly before the tears could start. She was already embarrassing herself enough, she wasn't about to cry in front of him.

“No, it's fine. I know that it's stupid, I guess it just hit me how alone I am,” she rambled.

“I wish that I could go back and change your past, change it so you don't feel so alone… But you've got me now. You never have to be alone again, I promise you that,” he insisted and she gave him a watery smile that didn't meet her eyes.

“You can't promise me that, Simon. You're in the army, anything could happen to you,” she uttered darkly, causing a deafening silence between them as his fingers stilled on her skin.

“You worry about that?” He asked in a low voice, sounding like he'd never considered it. It was her own fault really. She'd never voiced those very real fears she had, never made it known that him being in the military bothered her. It wasn't like she wanted him to get out or anything but it was something that always lingered in the periphery of her mind.

“Of course I do. Thought about it all the time when you were gone,” she admitted with a frown, unable to look at him. Those six months had been hell for her and knowing it would come again soon enough made her feel sick.

“Why didn't you say anything?” He asked, voice guarded and it made her frown deepen.

“What was I supposed to say? We both know the risks of you being there, it's just part of the package. Doesn't mean I don't worry about you though,” she huffed and he sighed, moving to put his arm around her.

“Don't need to worry about me, love. As long as I've got you to come home to, nothin’ll stop me,” he said sweetly, and while she knew it was a ridiculous statement and something so far out of his control, it still made her smile up at him that he was trying.

“I'll hold you to that,” she murmured, making him smile as he leaned down and placed a soft kiss to her lips.

“You and Beth seemed to get on well… maybe you two could become friends. Maybe that might help,” he uttered, nuzzling her temple softly and she nodded. 

“I hope so, she’s really nice,” she replied, leaning into him more. “I’m sorry if I ruined the night for you,” she frowned, anxiety prickling at her. 

“Didn't ruin anythin’, yeah? Wish you didn't feel the way you do but it's also understandable. You can always talk to me though, Lottie. Don’t want you keepin’ shit like this from me. I need to know when my girl’s sad so I can try and make it better,” he insisted and she felt a smile pulling at her lips at his words. His girl. It made her feel all soft and mushy on the inside. 

“I know, I’m sorry. This whole thing is different to what I’m used to,” she confessed and she knew that he’d know exactly what she was getting at. Talking about her feelings in her last relationship hadn't happened because her feelings hadn't mattered.

“Well, you need to get used to it. You're important to me and I need to know you're alright,” he kissed her head again as if it would kiss some sense into her and she smiled to herself. She still couldn't quite fathom how she landed a man like Simon. 

They sat like that for a moment longer as she allowed her sadness to ebb away, replaced by Simon’s tenderness. Maybe she was a little isolated right now but she had Simon and some potential friends in Tommy and Beth, some potential family in Anne. Maybe soon she wouldn't feel so alone, maybe by the time of his next deployment she would have people in her life to make it a little less lonely. 

“Ready to go back in?” He asked after a while and she nodded. She was glad to get some things off her chest and now she just wanted to enjoy herself a little longer. Maybe she and Beth could meet up sometimes, become friends like Simon said. 

When they stood up, she leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. She felt him smile into the kiss as he grabbed her face and deepened the kiss. When he pulled away, he looked so happy, his dark eyes radiant and it made her stomach flutter.

“Thank you,” she murmured with a soft smile, hoping her eyes could convey what her words couldn't, not yet. His face softened even more, looking at her with that expression that always made her melt. 

“No need to thank me, love,” he replied, giving her a tender smile before he led her back into the pub. She still had a long way to go with all her issues and insecurities but she was glad she had Simon by her side to help her through it. 

[tartrazeen]

Why am I making myself sad 😭

I've had this really nice (sad 😭) head canon about Angus and Rohan growing up. I could write it as fanfic...

... or I could just barf it into a post like I'm doing now.

So this is about the two of them when they were very young.

Basic backstory: in my head, when they say they've known each other for "practically all their lives" and "as long as either of them could remember," they mean it: I have Angus as being a year older, and the two of them meeting when Rohan was six and Angus was seven. Both orphans. Both without a home. Rohan woke up from where he'd fallen in a forest one day, and Angus was the kid standing over him, the first thing Rohan saw, who was waiting to see if he was dead or not lol

Angus took enough of a liking to Rohan when they were in that forest that when Angus went to leave, and Rohan sort of baby-duck'd onto him and followed along, Angus mostly just shrugged. There was a village nearby, after all, and that's where Angus had been headed anyway, having just been passing through that forest when he saw a maybe-corpse. When Angus goes to leave that village a few days later, Rohan continues baby-ducking and following his new best friend. Angus, being seven and not thinking any further than his next meal, shrugs and accepts that he's got a buddy now. He has no idea that he's just signed up for a life-long commitment.

Skip ahead to their present day, or maybe a few months after the finale. Maeve's exiled, Nemain hasn't started her shenanigans yet, so there's a decent sense of peace over Kells.

Rohan is telling the others about how he and Angus grew up. In this particular version of my daydream (I like changing it), it's because Rohan's still trying to bond with Lugad but doesn't know how to be an older brother to him. Ivar explains that an older brother's supposed to protect his younger siblings, guide them through life, keep them happy, and help shape them into who they are as adults. And Rohan's miffed, because Lugad's already grown, so it seems like the ship's sailed on that.

Deirdre tries to think of ideas for Rohan to try, and eventually asks how it was for him and Angus. Rohan does his little scoff-laugh, saying he doesn't see what that matters. When the others push, he says Angus is his best friend...

... but to be honest, he wouldn't say Angus was 'protecting' him. Rohan was usually the one getting Angus out of trouble, and Lugad isn't antagonizing every guard in every village. In fact, Lugad grew up in one place. It might have been on a horrible island, but at least Lugad didn't make Rohan move a hundred times because of some tiny thing he didn't like about where they were one morning.

This gets into him explaining that when they were boys - Rohan being seven, Angus being eight - they'd had some rough times trying to survive by themselves. They did take care of each other, but Angus would... well, he'd be a little selfish from time to time. Rohan doesn't blame him because they were both so young, but he says that's the difference between being brothers and being best friends. Rohan loves him and obviously Angus is his family now, but back then, they were just two kids that happened to meet one day.

He gives examples when the others ask. For instance: food. There wasn't much of it. Sometimes, they'd be close to starving. And sometimes, Angus would let the hunger get the best of him, and he'd eat his whole share - more than that - before Rohan even got back to split it. And then Rohan would be stuck eating whatever happened to be left.

It was almost funny, because Rohan could even see how bad it was. Sometimes, Angus would get caught by the guards for stealing and be gone for a few days. Magically, there'd be enough food the whole time that Angus was gone. No hard feelings, Rohan stresses, but it was entertaining to look back on it. Angus had never lost that appetite either; even now, he'd eat everything around him.

The most frustrating part was how Angus always had to complain about where they were living. It'd be over something small, and so small that Rohan can't remember now that nearly fifteen years have passed, but Angus would think it was more than enough reason to pack up that very night and head onto the next village. Eventually, they got to the village closest to the castle, and they had to stay there because where else were they going to go? Rohan had genuinely been afraid when he first became Cathbad's druid, thinking that in the meantime, Angus was going to head off again - without Rohan.

He hadn't. :) All was well.

Anyway, that was why taking lessons from Angus wasn't the best approach.

There's dinner in the throne room later on, and Angus is here now. There's a light conversation and Rohan idly laughs about having to move from village to village so often. Angus rolls his eyes and laughs like he agrees the whole thing was a chore, and Rohan says that at least a lot of good came out of it: if Angus hadn't been so picky, they would've never been where they needed to be for Rohan to become Draganta.

To be honest, there were fun moments while they were moving, too. Angus would whine endlessly about how much he hated the forest, which would shut him up when they finally got to their next village. But despite that, Angus would tell Rohan story after story. They'd be made up, but Rohan still remembers some of them. They were vivid - Angus has always had a way of spinning a tale, and those would lull him to sleep under those trees. It was peaceful. Rohan kind of misses it. Too bad Angus hates sleeping on the ground.

Deirdre asks what sort of stories these were. Rohan says they'd be ones about a clumsy bunny who kept dropping its magic rings, or even one about the princess herself, trying to pluck a silver plate from a waterfall of plates, and only having one chance. Or there'd be a field of grass made out of gold, and a knight having to stomp through with his armour, trying to stop the sheep from eating all the golden grass. Cute things like that.

Angus is a little impressed that Rohan remembers those. Rohan shrugs, saying he's always enjoyed Angus' stories. But now that they're talking about it, and knowing that Rohan did appreciate getting to be in the forest enough to hear them all, what did Angus hate about all those villages?

There's a thoughtful silence and smirk from Angus like he thinks Rohan's making a joke, but Rohan insists he's serious. Angus decides to only half-joke back, glibly replying that it mostly had to do with all of them getting burned down.

Rohan's confused. The others are more surprised, and are able to ask Angus what he means. Angus says that each of those villages were attacked by Temrans. There was a war, after all.

Rohan's very confused.

Not about the war - yes, obviously, there was a war - but about being attacked. They never got attacked by Temrans.

Angus says yes, that's true. Because Angus got them out of the village when he'd heard enough rumours to predict an attack was coming. So then he'd get them both out of there.

The others start asking Angus what it was like, growing up like that. Rohan is quiet as Angus brushes it off and says it was fine, that's how it used to be by the border, and the trick was to keep moving deeper into Kells - towards the castle. In fact, that's how Angus met Rohan: he'd been leaving one village that'd just been attacked, and found this lump of a boy lying in the middle of a forest between the next one. And so a friendship was born.

Rohan says they were never attacked.

Angus agrees again, saying they always stayed a night ahead of it.

Rohan asks how Angus could know.

Angus says they could hear it from the forest.

Rohan says he never heard a thing.

Angus squints at him.

The stories, Angus explains, still kind of smirking because he thinks it's funny that he has to spell this out, were him trying to cover it up. He makes Rohan go through the ones he remembers. What did they have in common? Metal. Crashing on metal. Angus barely remembers any of them, but he's sure there would've been a few to cover any screams.

...

Rohan thinks.

In the awkward silence that Angus is trying to break for the others, Rohan brings up that one story about the wolves that were terrible at howling.

Angus grins. Exactly his point. One of them had to get some sleep, so it might as well have been Rohan.

The others start to chat excitedly about this, Ivar even alluding to Rohan being wrong about Angus looking after him, until Rohan interrupts again. He's beginning to frown.

Rohan asks what Angus means by 'getting some sleep'. He remembers Angus sleeping all the time back then. It was partly why it took so long to leave the forest.

Angus says he'd tell Rohan stories to get the boy to sleep, but Angus himself would be awake to keep an eye out for Temrans. They liked to attack at night back then, so night-time was all he'd been worried about. He'd take naps throughout the day to get some rest in. Which was fine. It helped with the hunger anyway.

Rohan calls Angus out on that, saying Rohan never took naps and he'd have even less to eat than Angus would. That earns him a look from Angus, so he explains how there'd be times where someone wouldn't stick to eating their fair share.

Angus is mildly outraged by the accusation, asking when that had ever happened. Back then, he clarifies. He sneaks a bit now 'cause Rohan always puts the good stuff in his half.

Rohan says that when they were boys, Angus would wait until Rohan was out and then help himself to the food. There'd barely be enough for one of them, and Angus decided to take the first bites anyway.

Angus squints at him.

Rohan frowns back.

Angus asks, starting to smile, like Rohan is playing a trick on him, if Rohan had ever seen Angus this so-called 'share'.

Rohan says no, and that was the point. Angus waited until Rohan had left.

Angus says yes, that was the point. He'd wait for Rohan to go, then wait for him to come back so Angus could lie. There was barely enough for one of them, after all, and Rohan would always make them split it evenly. Angus starts joking about it with the others, bragging about how he'd let Rohan split the food, then just hide his own share and give it back to Rohan at night. There they were, starving orphans, and Angus still had that boy eating twice a day. Better to spread it out like that, obviously.

Rohan doesn't believe this. He can't quite argue it, but he wants to. Eventually he says that if that's true, why would there be food to spare whenever Angus got taken away by the guards?

Angus laughs outright at that, but not at the part about food. The part about the guards. They were living in villages - what guards? Rohan's been living in a castle for too long.

Before Rohan can ask about that, Angus answers his first question with a question: what exactly did he get taken away for? Stealing, was it? And what did he steal? Oh, there was food to spare? Funny, that.

Garrett asks who took Angus to jail, then. Angus says there was no jail. Whatever villager he'd taken food from would find out, beat him half to death, and then he'd need a few days to come limping back to Rohan. He means it light-heartedly, but it's a little more bitter than the rest of what he's said, and the meaning of his words bring an unmistakable sense of pity to the table.

Except for Rohan, who is deeply confused and a tad angry.

Rohan asks if Angus is saying that he wouldn't eat, just give Rohan his food, then sleep through the hunger as they ran from village to village, always only barely ahead of the Temrans.

Angus says yup.

Angus says he's also surprised that Rohan's only figuring this out now. He thought Rohan had known from the beginning. Why else was he following Angus around?

Rohan says it's because they were friends.

Angus shrugs and says that's fair enough.

Rohan can't stomach what he's been hearing. This is news that's come crashing onto him, and Angus is happily chatting with the others and assuring them it was for the best - well, it was horrible, but at least it got them Draganta. Small price to pay for a kingdom, isn't it? And Angus gives a innocent bat of his eyes to the king and says, "You're welcome."

Which is when Rohan leaves the table. Not consciously, of course, but steadily. His ears are ringing at this point. He's not sure if he's cold or sweaty and he doesn't understand why he'd be either.

Rohan doesn't answer when he feels someone calling him. Ivar, he imagines. Although these feel like Garrett's hands leading him to sit. After... months, it seems, his vision - which had blurred some time ago - starts to clear again.

He sees Angus knelt over him. One hand gripping Rohan's shoulder. Angus looks worried and even scared, so different from the boy who'd only grinned in amazement that Rohan wasn't dead in a forest.

Angus had been talking. Rohan hadn't heard. Eventually, the sounds around him returned, and Angus was asking what was wrong. The others were there as well, in varying states of crowding around or stepping back to let Angus handle this.

In my last version of this daydream, Rohan and Angus talk this out right now. In this version, Rohan's more emotionally stunted than that. He apologizes for a making scene, says he isn't feeling well, and then excuses himself back to the hut.

Angus arrives later in the night. By how sheepishly he enters, it's clear to Rohan that Angus thinks he's the one who screwed up. He says as much, apologizing for lying, swearing he thought Rohan knew or puzzled it out by now.

And Rohan breaks.

I mean, truly breaks.

His entire plan was to be stoic about this. He was going to solemnly thank Angus for taking care of them as boys... and still even now, with how much work Angus did to keep him fed and with mended clothes...

But he breaks.

Because Angus was his best friend and was eight and never once complained about the truth of what there was to complain about. And Rohan had complained about that, calling Angus selfish. In hindsight, it was all so perfectly clear that Rohan felt like an ass for not figuring it out. Angus was right to assume he would. So now Rohan was left with an overwhelming guilt of having put that all onto a child, who'd been barely older than him and who'd needed someone's care, but was stuck with Rohan instead.

He cries so hard, he doesn't even realize he's crying into Angus' shoulder or that he's clutching onto his friend as tightly as he is. And Angus allows it to happen, in a flood of patience that never appears unless it's as dire as this. Rohan can feel himself being carefully handled until he's sat on the edge of his cot. It's there that Angus asks if Rohan wants to hear one more story. Rohan agrees by not disagreeing, and Angus sits Rohan back until he's propped up against the thief.

It's exactly like they used to be in those nights: Rohan lying against Angus, curled up under him, and Angus gently holding him there. It isn't perfect, since Rohan's bigger than Angus now, but it feels like a home that Rohan didn't earn.

Angus, in his half-dream of a voice that would never fail to have Rohan at ease, tells a story about a little boy named Schmangus.

Apparently, Schmangus had a hard life growing up. It'd been filled with war and hunger and cold and all the awful things those would do. He doesn't mince words, because he says Schmangus was terrified. Every corner had something new to fear, and he knew he had no choice but to face them anyway if he wanted to live.

One day, Schmangus found a corpse in a forest - only it wasn't a corpse, and it had a name: Schmohan. Schmangus and Schmohan - Rohan would've hit him if this dumb name wasn't so badly what he needed right now - became best friends and went everywhere together. Schmangus never asked him to, but Schmohan always followed along.

The trouble was that Schmohan had all the brains of a child who would drop dead in a forest, and was always trying to share food that wasn't enough to share, and fight wars with a dinky sword that hadn't helped against whatever had knocked Schmohan out in the first place. That meant it was up to Schmangus to keep them alive, and that meant Schmangus had to lie about it.

It wasn't so bad the first time. Or the second. By the third, it had become a pattern. And it got harder and harder to do. Schmangus felt like everywhere he went and everything he touched was cursed, and Schmohan hadn't asked for any of it. Schmangus wanted to keep that curse away from Schmohan for as long as he could; just like food, there was only so much peace to go around, and with how terrified Schmangus was, it only made sense to give that peace to Schmohan.

Stories turned the sounds of war and fire into a melody. Pockets turned a meager scrap into a meal for later. Sleep and water from the river, plus whatever he ate right from a villager's home, got Schmangus through most of it. The villagers didn't catch him often - sometimes Schmangus would just be hiding - but when they did, it was still worth the risk.

He only needed the peace to last until they were somewhere safe. He didn't know where 'safe' was, but now he was making an effort to look for it. Before, Schmangus would simply wander around. Now, he had Schmohan to care for.

Rohan says that Angus was only eight.

Angus says yes, he was, but this wasn't about him, it was about Schmangus, and also, shut it, he isn't done yet.

Schmangus felt a new kind of fear: one of failure. He knew he was only eight, and he knew he didn't know what he was doing. But if he could keep Schmohan from hating him for - shut it, Rohan - for dragging him all over the place like this, he'd be satisfied.

And he was. When they eventually made it to the castle, Schmohan had simply teased him about living in there. It was the best thing Schmangus had heard. It was like everything he'd gone through was worth it. Maybe he'd gone through it alone, but Rohan would always try to split everything - he meant Schmohan, shut up Rohan - and now one of them had enough of a peaceful life to share.

The story used to end there, Angus says, but there's a new ending to it now. Rohan is utterly relaxed into Angus, and at any other time, would have been dozing off already. He asks Angus for the new ending, and Angus provides.

Schmohan, as he'd said, was the sort of boy who'd fight a tree and have it topple over and crush him, so of course he grew up and never figured out any of this until Schmangus told it to him outright. But Schmohan wasn't a fool. Schmohan had become the best warrior of a kingdom named Schmells - Rohan did shove him a little for that - and had figured out many things, even if he still held a spoon like an angry rat - a lot of a shove from Rohan - so it had to mean that Schmangus was very good at lying.

Even on the nights where there were no sounds of war, Schmangus would lie awake worrying that Schmohan had enough. If there'd been any way for him to know that fifteen years later, Schmohan would still be looking back on those days as peaceful journeys with his friend, never aware of attacks, thinking food would appear by itself...

... that boy would've slept with a smile on his face, knowing he'd saved his friend from so much, so completely, his friend would long for those nights. He'd remember the stories as stories alone, and remember what they'd been about. He'd be happy. Still, obviously, very hungry and cold and awake, but happy for what it did.

Rohan asks if it's because Schmells got Schagmanta.

Angus says that's a dumb name, and everyone knows the champion of Schmells is called Footsy O'Bigtooth, and no, that's not why. It was worth it for Rohan alone. And he knows that isn't much, what with how upset Rohan is, but Angus was eight and trying his best. He would've done everything differently if he'd had a way to see their fate, but he didn't. So he doesn't regret doing what he could.

Especially not when it brought them here.

It sits in Rohan's mind for hours. Angus doesn't budge him, save to settle them better on the cot. Eventually, Rohan hears the steady, telltale breath of sleep brushing the top of his head.

He very slowly and carefully chances moving to look up. There, as it'd been in the story, was the softest smile on Angus' face.

Rohan curled himself back under his brother's chin, and went to sleep as well.

[another-clive-blog]

Waiwaitwait what if Clive got killed in his own fake shootout at the casino?

You got Clive thinking about how he didn’t plan on dying, Luke seeing “himself” die, Dimitri wondering where his accomplice is when they show up at the pagoda, and the mobile fortress… uh. I don’t know what happens to it since Clive is dead.

Claire could come in as their guide where Clive would have been.

technically i used this for a story about claire in a time loop where clive keeps dying despite her trying to stop it but it’s fun as a standalone idea

!!! Oooh this is the good good stuff. I know you're here for Clive dying so I focused on that, but I am definitely doing a Dimitri part in the future 👀 Thank you for the idea !! (Also I'm keeping this fic rec hehe)

List of TW : Gunshots, gun wound, mention of death, blood. No graphic injury description besides the blood, no medical stuff (this takes place in a casino after all). Also I've never died before so this may not be accurate, my apologies

(On a very related note and contrary to what these past few days may indicate, I am not stopping the silly meme redraws and regular fanarts. I'm back from work so I can start working on these again !!)

Layton hid behind a slot machine, clenching his teeth as bullets wheezed all around him. He hated the very thought of leaving Luke alone in the middle of this battlefield, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

The other Luke should have been close by. He had taken a late start because of that punch, yes, but he should have been able to catch up : and yet, Hershel couldn't see him anywhere.

He had a feeling the solution to this puzzle wouldn't be a pleasant one.

Seeing an opening, Layton left his hiding spot to run across the casino, his focus split between the bullets flying by and the person he was looking for. A blue silhouette, probably hiding behind another slot machine, most definitely near the entrance of the casino-

There.

He almost missed him because he wasn't wearing his blue hat -it must have fallen at some point when he ran for cover-, but once he had spotted him, Hershel didn't waste any time. Stepping next to Future Luke, the professor immediately pressed his back against the slot machine to occupy less space, to make himself harder to spot too. This hiding spot was- well, not quite good, to put it that way. Bullets were flying dangerously close. Machines were falling apart, revealing their presence to their enemies. They had to move fast or they would soon be cornered.

A swear caught his attention, and Hershel turned to his apprentice with a frown.

When he saw the state he was in though, it seemed to him that the bullets were so far away all of a sudden, even though they had suddenly gotten far too close at the same time.

Future Luke sat on the ground next to him, shaking and sweating and swearing under his breath. His clumsy hands were trying and failing to compress a specific spot on his chest, one that was turning more and more crimson each passing second.

The professor stopped thinking.

"When did you get hit ?" he asked quickly while taking the younger man's jacket off, making sure not to add to his tremors.

Future Luke watched as Layton pressed the blue fabric against his stomach. "A- I-," he struggled to mutter, which was both ridiculous and humiliating, "Few minutes- I think"

The professor only nodded, brows furrowed in silence.

Clive could see the math the professor was doing, the way he was recalling knowledge about biology and firearms and fatal injuries- although this injury was hardly fatal, really, not with the professor here.

"Professor-" he wheezed, "You have- to save me"

Layton's eyes went up, watching his face for a second, then down again, to the blue fabric that wasn't blue anymore. "I am trying to, my boy."

Oh, funny. Did he call Luke his boy ? Did he see Luke as some sort of son, or was it more of a mentor-apprentice kind of thing ? Had this been a slip-up, or was he too his boy, despite not being this professor's apprentice ?

Wait. He wasn't anyone's apprentice. He wasn't Luke, he meant nothing to them, the professor didn't even remember him. He could die here and no one would mourn him- the actual him. "You- you have to," he muttered in panic because it was finally kicking in, the realization that all of this was play pretend but the bullet wasn't, he was going to die, he was going to actually die here in this stupid and meaningless place- "Professor you have to- you have to save me again-"

Layton put a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm the boy. "Not so loud, they could hear you."

Oh right, because the shooting was still going on, the plan was still going on, it didn't matter if Clive died in the middle of it now did it ? Dimitri didn't need him, right ? None of them had bothered to spare him, to give him enough time to stand up after that first punch because it was so much easier to shoot him while he was down.

"I- I can't die. It can't end like- like this," Layton heard the young man say- but it didn't sound like denial this time.

It sounded like anger.

It was odd, Layton realized, how different he was. So commanding and self-righteous. Without the blue hat and the blue vest, now entirely red, he almost looked like someone else entirely- like he had never been Luke in the first place.

Layton was glad that Luke wasn't here.

Of course, that was the moment the boy chose to arrive.

"Professor !!" Luke was breathless, panicked tears in his eyes : he was looking back in fear because the bullets had not stopped, how long could they keep going for ? "Professor, you-"

Luke's eyes fell upon his dying future self.

Layton loosened his grip on the vest as he tried to divert his apprentice's attention instead.

Clive did not look at either of them, too busy bleeding out on the ground.

He felt very weak suddenly, which was definitely because the professor wasn't compressing his wound anymore. He tried to do it himself, but his arms remained still on the ground.

"Professor-" He needed him to compress the wound. Why was he talking to the kid ? Clive was right there, bleeding out, and he needed the professor to save him- why wasn't the professor saving him ?? Layton was supposed to do something, to make him all better and maybe things would finally go well then !

"You can't die !!" The kid was at his side now, and yep, he was crying. Marvelous. "You are me, and therefore you can't die !!"

That didn't make any sense, but he couldn't even tell him that much. He felt weak- no actually, he wasn't even sure he felt weak anymore. He couldn't feel much of anything in his body and mind, even the pain seemed like a distant memory now.

"Luke, you shouldn't look-" The professor said, and was he trying to hold the kid back ? Why had he let go of the vest ? Why wasn't anything working ?

Dimitri would make fun of him- he could already hear him. He would say that he was always trying to be dramatic, and that maybe this would teach him a lesson. And Clive would answer that Dimitri was wrong because well, Clive was right, had been right all along, the professor had saved him and Dimitri really couldn't say the same, now could he ? The professor had always been there to fix Dimitri's mistakes. He had always made the world a better place. He had come here of all places to play his part, play his role, and stop them- save them. He would save Clive, just like he always had. And then Dimitri would feel stupid, like he deserved to, and he would apologize. And Layton-

"I am sorry," Clive heard somewhere next to him, and farther away there was crying. Turning his head with great pain, he managed to see the professor looking at him regretfully, holding back a devastated teenage boy in his arms. "I can't help you."

Clive watched the professor. His sorrow. His grip on the young boy who was fighting to try and do something, anything.

An image formed in his mind. He couldn't see it. It was already too dark.

The last words his brain registered were an apology.