#PLEASE sir bore ME with the stars and moons!! I love listening!!

[beskarberry]

Star-crossed

Bargaining with Beskar, Chapter 11

(The Mandalorian x f!reader) (+18)

"His heartbeat picked up to a wicked cantor, echoing in his helmet like a storm of leathery wings. Whispering demons crawled up his brainstem and dragged beloved memories down from his skull and into the light of judgement. Memories of you."

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Rating: Explicit

Word count: 9.k oh no

Content warnings: Major angst, nightmares, premonitions, auditory hallucinations, unsavory parental figures, paranoia, domestic disputes, child endangerment, violence. No smut in this one, the only thing getting fucked in this chapter are our feelings.

A/N: This one hurt to write, there were definitely some tears shed while putting this together this so fair warning do not expect this one to end well. :(

High above the metal decking of the engine room, you were elbow deep in an exhaust port, clearing away the slag to replace one of the durasteel plates that had started to warp from the excess heat. You were singing, as you always did when you worked; a vulgar, brassy shanty that was almost louder than the reciprocating scraper in your hands. You spat and wiped a wayward chunk of grease from your mouth, the taste of it oily and burnt. No matter how many times you’d been taught the lesson of ‘keep your mouth closed’ you couldn’t help it. Whenever you worked, you sang.

Raucous as a mudhorn in heat and louder than a full grown krayt, your songs were a favorite of your unit, and the chief of engineering would often come stand a while and listen; though the moment he was caught eavesdropping he would scold you for not working harder. Tough love is what he called it. He was yelling at you now from far below at the base of the hyperdrive engine, and you pushed your goggles up your grime-smeared face to see him.

Bilgerat! Get’cher ass down ‘ere, posthaste!

Yessir!

Now you were standing in front of the chief, though there was another man standing there too. Tall, thin and pale with eyes like a dead fish and a tight, steelset jaw. You didn’t recognize him, but he looked important, his lapel shining with the badge of a high-ranking officer.

You there, girl, sing.

Sir?

Don’t argue with me, child, I heard you from three decks over. Sing.

Being watched made you nervous, but you did as you were ordered. You sang something, maybe everything, either way the stranger watched you, no, judged you, his eyes never leaving your face. The dead-eyed man furrowed his brow and stroked his chin thoughtfully, but you had already stopped watching him, caught in your song, powerless against the siren song that was your own voice.

It always felt so good to let loose, your voice could set your soul free, and yet it also felt like it was pulling something in. Something greater than yourself, flowing through you, connecting you to every living thing that ever was or ever will be. Your boots were firmly stuck aboard the starship called the Wyvern’s Tongue, but your songs carried your heart to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, to worlds beyond your durasteel home.

~

The humming is what woke Din up, though he hadn’t slept much through the night anyway, too suspicious of the artifact he had found aboard his ship. Fully armored, sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall of the borrowed quarters he had stood guard over his tiny clan, dozing in and out of restless sleep.

He lifted his helmeted head to zero in on the noise you were making. It was one he was familiar with, you often hummed in your sleep, it was something he loved about you. The warm, wavering sound coming from the floor where you had made a nest of quilts for yourself was comforting, but tonight something about it seemed off.

He watched you sleep, noticing the way that your fingers twitched and your legs kicked behind you slightly. It wasn’t like you to be so energetic, so distressed. Clutched to your chest the foundling purred softly, but you didn’t seem to hear him. Your hums turned to whimpers, making the Mandalorian’s blood run cold.

She’s having a nightmare.

She’s perfect. I’ll take her.

But sir, she’s m’best bilgie. How’ll I-

Is that insubordination I hear, Chief Wellers?

N-no Cap’n Forescythe. She’s all yours.

Good. Come along, little sparrow, your talents are being wasted here.

You remember being so scared, looking to your chief for reassurance, but he wouldn’t meet your eyes. Though you’d lived aboard the Wyvern’s Tongue since she had left Corellia’s port you’d never actually met the captain. The starcruiser was well over a thousand meters long and home to hundreds of crewmates, putting bilgerats far below the captain’s sphere of influence. What did he want from you?

Each step you took in your dream you got taller, your strides lengthening as you grew from a gangly teenager to a young woman. You were at the bridge now, being sat in a stiff but comfortable chair. You were taught to relay orders, delegate operations, interpret incoming transmissions and their origins. It was a station high above your birthright, but you were never one to turn down a challenge, and you bullied your way to excellence; much to your captain’s pride.

Captain Forescythe was usually described as a cold, unforgiving man, but he treated you remarkably well for a boat-brat dug up from the scuppers, much to the disdain of his fellow officers. He told you that you were a natural talent, gifted by the Maker with a voice so strong, so beautiful, almost like he revered you for it. Much like the ship's namesake, the Wyvern’s captain lorded over you like treasure, jealousy guarding you like a priceless jewel.

The captain’s precious little pet.

Sing, my little Sparrow.

~

Unable to spectate any longer, Din crawled over to you, brushing an armored hand over your sweat-streaked face. “Mesh’la? Are you alright? Wake up cyare, you’re having a nightmare.”

Wake up.

You couldn’t tear your eyes away. Once where a beautiful, peaceful world had once been there was now only dust. The Death Star your ship was escorting had succeeded in her mission, and you had been graciously allowed to watch as the mechanical moon obliterated a billion lives as one would exterminate a nest of roaches. Around you your crew cheered, hooray for the Empire! Death to the Resistance! But you couldn’t hear them.

You heard screaming.

Clawing at your ears and squeezing your eyes closed did nothing to make it stop. As if millions of voices were funneling directly into your skull.

You ran. Ran through the labyrinthian hallways, ran as fast as you could to your quarters. Even your blankets would not protect you, the wailing only growing louder.

Murderers! Monsters! You killed us! Why? Why why why!

You ran from your tiny room, backpack slung over your shoulder, filled with what few things you owned. Ran all the way to the hangar. You’d worked on interceptors a thousand times before when your hands were still small, when you could weasel your way into the narrowest of spaces and prove yourself worthy of not getting jettisoned. Knife in hand you unlocked the security protocols easier than picking your teeth, and the hangar fell away beneath you.

Turning back one last time to glance at the artificial home you had known for so long you saw a figure standing there. Was it the captain? Had he come to stop you? Stop his precious Sparrow from flying away?

No. They were blue, flickering in and out of corporeality. Their face took up your entire mindscape now, their features ever changing, like you were looking at more than one face at a time. The eldritch being’s eyes bored through yours, shifting rapidly from those of a man to those of a child to those of an elder, a hundred lives all demanding to be seen at once. Their mouth did not move when it spoke.

“i̴͊̎t̴'s̸̉͋ ̵͋c̸͑ȏ̸̕m̸͐͛i̸̽͘n̷̾͂ǵ̵”

You sucked air like your lungs had never known oxygen, nearly launching the foundling into orbit as you bolted upright. Beskar burdened arms coiled around you the next second, and you stung your knuckles on his armor trying to fight him off in your panic.

“Ger’off’a me! It wasn’t my fault! I’m sorry! Please!”

“Cyare! Stop! You’re having a nightmare, it’s ok I’ve got you!” Battleborne muscles held you tight against a cold plate of steel while you thrashed until you were coherent. Husband. You let your body relax against your oathsworn and wept, deep, heaving sobs that tore your throat apart and crackled your ribs. Soft shushing noises came through Din’s modulator next to your ear, but the cold metal of his armor brought you little comfort.

“I-I’m s-s-sor-ry.” You stuttered into the fabric of his cowl, the roughhewn cloth soaked with tears. Strong fingers carded through your dampish hair, still not dried all the way from your shower only a few hours ago. Din pressed his palm against the back of your head, burying you in the crook of his shoulder where he could protect you from whatever had scared you. The yellowed tips of his gloves bumped against your unburdened ear cuffs with each pass of his hand, but the leather scraping the metal couldn’t drown out the whispers that still oozed from your thoughts.

Why why why why why why...

“It’s alright, cyar’ika, I’m here. Grogu’s here.” Without tearing your eyes away from the safe haven of his cloak you groped blindly for the baby, finding the disheveled youngling and pulling him in tight. “Can you tell me what happened?” Din asked, his modulated voice soft with worry. You shook your head against your partner. “Alright, that’s ok.”

-ỉ̶t'̸͑̋́̂s̸ ̵̝͕̏̀͠͝c̷̬͙̃̽͌̑̊o̷̅͑̓̈́m̴̧͓͈̭̃͂́̽͌͑ǐ̶̓̕n̷̓̋̚g̵͕͙͎͊̀͊̽!̶̑̀-

You gasped and pulled away from your husband’s comfort, eyes wider than moons, pupils shrunken to pinpoints. Gloved hands found your face, cupping your cheeks and trying to get you to look into his hidden honeywells that were searching your eyes. Unblinking, you looked right through him.

“Can you hear that?” You whispered, your voice far, far away.

“Hear what?”

-I̴̭̊̚͘͘T̷́̽̕S̴̔̅̈́ ̸̋C̸̀͋Ỏ̸̉̄͝M̸̐͂I̶N̷̽͗̈̌G̵͓̎̈̊̀͛͘͠!̶!̷̤̏-

“That!” you shrieked, making both your boys jump. You clawed at your ears, though you knew that wouldn’t help, the voices were coming from inside. “I-I have.. I have to go! I have to go now!” You tried to spring up off the floor, but your arm was caught in the iron grip you knew and trusted, keeping you at your knees. “I have to warn Alewyn!”

“Cyar’ika what are you talking about? Warn her about what?”

The phantom voice wailed again, and you doubled over from the force of it, sending a fresh wave of tears down your face. Din was getting scared now, his eyes wide with worry behind the visor, his throat bobbing around dry swallows. You’d never woken up like this before, so distraught and inconsolable, and it was making him feel helpless. He couldn’t put binders on your emotions, grapple with your fears, slay your inner demons.

“Let go!” You roared and flew from his grasp, tripping over your faceplate and the pile of quilts as you blasted out the door, sprinting down the Sunskate’s curving corridors towards the bridge with your foundling stuffed under your arm. Haunting voices chased you through the halls, making you deaf to the armored thunder that was following dutifully behind.

You charged through the bulkhead to the bridge, nearly busting the durasteel door off its hinges when you flew through it, skittering to a halt in front of the viewport. With wild eyes you searched the void, ignoring the concerned questions that were being asked of you. Where is it where is it where is it?! From corner to corner you scanned, locking your red-rimmed eyes on every flicker, every spark.

Nothing.

Nothing for miles.

Slowly you became aware of those around you, the soft leather gloves of your mate pulling on your face and the warm but worried voice of the Sunskate’s captain.

“Cyare?”

“Tra’laar?”

“Patu?”

Your legs gave out under you and you let yourself be caught in the steelbound arms of your husband, the two of you sinking to the floor with the foundling still locked to your chest. Terror replaced itself with scalding embarrassment, making you bury your unblinking eyes in the foundling’s forgiving tummy. Your eyelids wouldn’t close no matter how hard you willed them to, because they knew that somewhere, out there,

Was a dragon.

“What’s wrong with her? Did you do something to upset her?!” Alewyn hissed, becoming defensive of her ill-begotten rescue.

“No! She had a nightmare, I think. Cyar’ika whatever it is, it’s not real. There’s nothing out there, come back to me, please.” Mando’s loving pleas and careful touches went unrecognized, no matter how diligent they were.

What finally drew you back to reality was the gentle pat pat pat of fat baby paws on your face. You turned your wilted gaze to the foundling, the embarrassment of being seen so vulnerable only growing stronger and more painful. “I-I’m s-sorry, Goober, you s-sh-sh-shouldn’t have to see me like-”

Pap.

Baby beans smacked you softly on your forehead and closed his eyes, making you furrow your brow. “What are you- oh.” Your eyes slid closed, and a warm peacefulness breezed through you, exorcising the whispering voices between your ears. You took a deep, somewhat stuttered breath and let go, feeling whatever weird baby magic the foundling possessed flow through you. The night terror faded to the back of your mind, dissipating like mist until it evaporated entirely from your thoughts.

“Thank you…” You whispered, nuzzling the baby’s chubby belly. Heart rate steady and breath even, you leaned back against the man who was still holding you up. Din rested the edge of his helmet on the top of your head and hummed, a low, brassy tone, sounding relieved. Where his hands were wrapped around your sides you felt the slow roll of his palms, warm and protective. “I’m sorry, Mando, Alewyn, I don’t know what came over me...”

“S’all right, missy, t’ain’t the first time I’ve seen someone go wailin’ through the halls. We all have our burdens to bear.” Alewyn combed a dainty hand through your hair, brushing it out of your face. “Good thing them boys’ve gotcha though.” She glanced between the visor of the Mandalorian that was coiled so defensively around you and the little green baby you held so dearly. “I can tell they love ya.”

You nodded sheepishly and let Din help you to your feet, his hands never leaving you lest you waver. Angrily you wiped at the corners of your eyes, trying to cover your shame as the three of you walked back to your room. When the bedroom door closed behind you, you went straight for the porthole window, cautiously searching the stars again.

“What are you looking for?” Din asked hesitantly, “What… what were you dreaming about?”

“Um. I had a dream we were… under attack.” You lied, your eyes still locked to the void. If you could help it, the secrets of your past would someday die with you, though by the sounds of the whispers you had heard not even death could keep its mouth closed.

“Must have been one hell of a nightmare, I’ve never seen you like this. Is there anything I can do for you?” Din the ever-thoughtful asked, draping a quilt over your shoulders. The fabric was still warm from where you had been sleeping on it, the weight of it reassuring on your back. You shook your head. He glanced at the back of one vambrace, “We’re still another hour from the station, why don’t we get our things packed and back on the Crest? Would that be ok?”

It was better than going back to sleep, you didn’t trust your own thoughts not to terrorize you again, and you nodded enthusiastically. Din didn’t allow you to lift a finger while he zoomed around the little room, collecting your armor and laundry and then you, scooping you and the foundling up in his arms.

“Put me down, tinman, I’m not helpless!” you chided with a weak little laugh.

“There’s my girl. Nope, I’m carrying you. Deal with it.”

You sighed in a heavy, mocking tone, covering your face with your mask like a shy child while he proudly tromped back to the hangar to where your immobile home lay. Once you were all lifted up the half-hanging ramp you dropped graclessly onto a crate with a huff. You were beat, but it felt nice to be back in your ship, the familiarity adding to whatever calming effect the foundling had used. The little green terror was drowsy in your arms, spent from using his wild baby powers to vanquish your demons. You kissed his wrinkly little head and swaddled him in the quilt Din had accidentally stolen for you.

Tinman was digging through the larder, looking for something for breakfast and found a pack of biscuits to give you. Though the suspicious item he still carried in his pocket had kept him sleepless, the need to care for his loved ones overrode every other instinct, making him forget it for the time being. You weren’t hungry, if anything you were nauseous from your night terror, but Din was insistent; and you nibbled on a bright blue macaroon, splitting bites with the sleepy baby.

Eventually a soft beeping chimed from the Mandalorian’s vambrace, stationfall in fifteen minutes. Outside the ship you heard a holler, and you strode to the ramp to find Alewyn and Lilah, ready to bid thee farewell.

”Alright, so!” Alewyn exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Here’s the dealy-o. The Sunskate can’t actually… dock with the station. M’good ole dad’s still got hunters on the loose, never know when they’ll turn up, eh?” She laughed. “Your ship’s gonna have’ta dock on’er own, but Lilah’s patchwork should hold ya together long ‘nough for the service droids’ta pick ya up.”

You ignored the loud, audible groan from behind you. “I think we can manage that.” You started to hop down off the ramp, but the spry Togruta was already climbing up into the Crest, barreling you over. Alewyn the Affectionate squeezed your ribs so hard you felt the air leave your lungs, making you grunt ugly. One of her nimble hands disappeared from you into her many secret pockets, then snuck into one of yours, leaving a sizable weight of credits behind. “Wynnie!” you hissed against her montral, “Not again!”

“S’least I can do, since we nearly ripped that old bucket’a shit in half and you spared another spacer from the slab.” She held you out at arms length, bobbling her montrals at you with an arrogant grin. “Take care’a yerself, missy. And you too, Mando! Be good to this woman’n’er son or so help me!” The princess raised a fist at him that turned into an outstretched hand. He shook it hesitantly, but the lavender lady reeled him in, and you giggled at his hover-hands while she squeezed the life out of him.

Lilah helped her wife down from the ramp, and the two of them waved before hefting the ramp closed, sealing you inside with your crew. You dashed up the ladder to the cockpit, looking for a horn to honk but there wasn’t one, giving you another item to add to your mental grocery list. Din followed you up with Grogu in tow, taking his seat in the captain’s chair.

The Sunskate’s hangar jaws slid open slowly, pulling a blue force field over the stretch of stars. Far ahead you could just barely make out the shiny little dot where the station was, glittering just a little brighter than the stars themselves. With the cockpit door tightly sealed, Din carefully started up the old gunship, and on instinct you covered Grogu’s ears to protect him from the inevitable backfire.

The Razor Crest sputtered to life and slowly floated out of the hangar door, relying more on inertia than propulsion to get her towards the station. Out the window you saw the enormous rayship that had carried you here bank away from you, the starlight glittering briefly on her copper-colored belly before her propulsion engines flared back to life, and soon enough she was nothing more than a comet streaking through the void.

Din fussed with the radio transponder, opening up a hailing frequency that would alert the attention of the station droids, and it wasn’t long before a large transport unit was making its way to you. The automatic taxi magnetized itself to the roof of the Crest, easing the strain off of your damaged engines.

A robotic voice beeped through the comms: “THANK YOU FOR CHOS-ING EL-GON AU-TO-MA-TED SER-VI-CES. SMILE-Y FACE. CO-MEN-CING TRANS-PORT TO HAN-GAR SEV-EN-TEEN FOR EV-AL-U-A-TION AND RE-PAIR. HAVE A NICE DAY. SMILE-Y FACE”

Din groaned, his fists creaking on the steering wheel. “Why’s it gotta be droids…”

You shrugged in your chair. “Elgon’s old as dirt, prob’ly older than the Crest. I’d be surprised if there wasn’t anything on it that wasn’t animatronic.”

“Great.”

Ahead of you, the station dominated your viewport, humming with a myriad of activity. A neutral starport, Elgon boasted service to any and all as long as they had coin in their pockets, regardless of their commendations or crimes. You’d been to the old outpost many a time, both on your own and while you still wore a uniform, and excitedly you remembered a particular sweets shop that used to operate in the center.

Your service droid was nearly at the station now, approaching a large closed hangar with the number seventeen painted on it in orange Basic. You playfully kicked at the side of the pilots’ seat where Din’s butt was unguarded by the arm rests. “You excited to get fixed up, bucket boy?”

He nodded, he was ready to get back on the trail towards the last bounty. The thought of hunting again reminded him of the Imp device in his pocket that still mystified him, reigniting buried suspicions. I should ask her about it, maybe she knows what it is. He hadn’t wanted to disturb you while you were showering, or when you were getting ready to sleep, so being the polite riddur he decided he would bring it up with you in the morning.

Din reached into his pocket, closing his fingers around the mechanical spider, ready to pull it into the light when the hangar doors opened.

Revealing a blizzard of white duraplast.

“Oh fuck.” Your collective hearts went through the decking at the sight before you. There, swarming the station proper were dozens of Imperial stormtroopers, their eggheads covering the hangar like dirty snow. “Get down!” you hissed at Din who was already two steps ahead of you, sliding out of the pilots seat and under the dashboard. You tore the faceplate off of your crown and stuffed it into his hands along with Grogu and caged your two boys in with your knees, determined to keep anything mando-factured out of sight.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Din spat, slamming his fist on the floor. “This station is supposed to be neutral territory! We need to turn around, we can not stay here!”

Under you the Crest swayed gently in the droid’s grasp before being lowered onto a maintenance skiff, the hoversled bouncing slightly from the weight of your ship. Desperately you threw levers and pushed switches, trying to get the Crest to restart, but her engines were long gone, the turbines spinning almost mockingly slow. You weren’t going anywhere.

The comms light lit up on the dashboard with a soft chime, and on reflex you went to answer it when Din grabbed your leg. “Don’t even think about it.”

You made ‘what-choice-do-we-have’ hands at him, “Dude we are fucked unless I answer them, I-I speak their language, I can get us through.”

“Yeah? So do I.” He hissed from the floor, smacking the side of his thigh where his firearm hung.

“-Ksst!- hush! I’m handling this.” You straightened your shoulders and set your jaw straight before flipping on the receiver.

The holoprojector lit up in front of you with a tiny stormtrooper. “Identify yourself.”

“TK number SPW dash seven-zero-four-two, engaged in dogfight planetside and in need of repairs.”

“Why isn’t your ship running a beacon, soldier?”

“It's pre-empire surplus, it doesn’t have one.”

“What are you doing flying around in such a relic?” The stationmaster said with a bite of suspicion.

“...Budget cuts.”

They chuckled. ”No kidding. Alright then, what’s your designation?”

Shit, uh... “Prisoner transport unit.”

“Roger. Stand-by for transportation to engineering bay and prepare for inspection.”

The trooper winked out of existence, and you started to sigh with relief when the hand on your boot yanked you down to the ground.

“Prisoner transport unit?!” He rasped once you were at visor level with him on the floor. “Could you have come up with something else?!”

Unwillingly, your lips curled back and bared your teeth at his hateful tone. “There’s a shitload of guns and a goddamn carbonite freezer down in the hold, we’re not exactly delivering cookies. We need to get you two hidden before we get to the mechanics, come on!”

Din watched you drop through the ladder hatch with his heart in his throat, the fluttering organ violently trying to break out of his ribs. The Maker must think this is hilarious. After everything I’ve done to keep this kid away from the Imps we’re just going to go knocking on their fucking door. Everything was stacked against him. He was tired from lack of sleep, he was scared for the safety of his clan, and to top it all off he was becoming more distrustful of the microchip by the second; the mounting tension he emanated filling the cockpit like carbonite fog.

Maybe it’s a tracking device?

That… might make sense. Elgon station was out in the middle of buttfuck nowhere, why else would a shitload of Imps be here if not to capture him and his crew? To take his son? Through the night he had grown suspicious of the item he had found, and a nagging thought had seeded itself in his frontal lobe, one that he refused to give audience.

What if it came from her?

No, that’s stupid. That’s your riddur, she’s obviously not an Imp. He reasoned, slowly soldier-crawling his way to the hatch with his son and your armor in tow. It must have been in the coral already, or come from one of the pirates, maybe they planted it here. But if that’s the case then we’ve been handed right over into a trap. He lept down the ladder with Grogu squashed under his arm, watching you fly around the cabin looking for an acceptable hiding spot for your foundling and a full grown Mandalorian.

Time started to move in slow motion as it usually did for him when he was sizing up quarry. What did her puck say, before I decided not to turn her in? He ran through his mental rolodex, digging for your file. Ex hunter. Guild dissenter. Bribed out of high-profile bounty. Now that he had met the high-profiler for himself he really couldn’t blame you, though it was suspicious that you had returned from the bridge one bounty short after speaking with Alewyn in private.

Alewyn. Princess-turned-pirate, a renegade royal that had made a name for herself literally ripping ships down from the sky. Hunter ships in particular. Awful convenient for her to be right in our line of travel to a station full of Imps out in the middle of fuckall nowhere. He froze, his visor locked to your frantic form. As if…

As if she was waiting for us.

The corners of his lips bared his teeth to no-one behind his visor as the distrust he had sown in his own heart dug its claws in deep. This has been a trap from the beginning! She’s been playing the long con since Tatooine. In his other hand he held your betrothal gift, the beskar faceplate that he had presented to you when you swore your vows. It reflected his own visor back to him, the hazy lighting of the cabin shimmering on the mudhorn embossed on the brow. No… that’s not it… that’s not true, she loves you…

Right…?

Or… so she says. His heartbeat picked up to a wicked cantor, echoing in his helmet like a storm of leathery wings. Whispering demons crawled up his brainstem and dragged beloved memories down from his skull and into the light of judgement. Memories of you.

He’d caught you so easily on that dirtball of a planet, too easily for a hunter of your stature. You’d practically tossed yourself into the arms of a complete stranger, assumed the role of the child’s caregiver without question. Agreed to marry him after barely a month.

Grogu made a sniffling noise under Din’s arm, gaining both of his buir’s attentions. His nebulous eyes were beginning to moisten, threatening to spill over with tears at any moment. Instantly you ran to your baby’s defense. “Hey buddy boy, what’s wrong?” You carefully took the baby from Din, hugging him to your chest and making the tiniest sob bubble out of his nose. “No no no it’s ok, please don’t cry sweetheart!”

“He’s scared.” Din growled in a manner not at all comforting. You glared at the indomitable mountain of metal, offended that he would use such a tone in front of his own son. “He knows when there’s a threat nearby.” Under you the Crest wobbled slightly, signaling the start of her trek to the engineering bay. Tick tock.

“Fuck! Can you get in a storage crate?” you asked frantically, bouncing Grogu on your hip to get him to quiet down. The baby could sense the mounting anxiety radiating off of his buir, and was getting himself spun up into a fresh panic. His cries devolved into sobs, making the hull echo with despair. “Shh.. it’s ok! Baby boy please, we can’t do this right now!”

“Too obvious.”

“Ok, the sleeping cubby? The lockers? C’mon Mando work with me!”

“They’ll tear this ship apart the second it hits the bay. There’s no hiding. That’s it, we’re done for.” Din tossed up his hands and made some kind of noise in the back of his throat, some kind of strained laugh, the husk of it making the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. You knew that sound, it was the sound of acceptance, of defeat.

Like fuck you were giving up. You made to retaliate when something past his shoulder caught your eyes. Expecting you to fight with him he stopped his pacing and glared at you, then followed your eyes to the carbonite freezer. He whipped back around, gawking at you like you’d grown a second head. “Oh fuck no.”

“We are out of options!” you nearly screamed, “I can’t just cuff you, there’s no guarantee that they won't take you and Beans hostage, freezing you would be safer. I-it would only be for an hour or two, tops, just to pass inspection! That thing can unfreeze, right?”

“That is not the point!” Din bellowed, “You are suggesting not only to freeze me but to freeze him as well?” Din jabbed a finger at the baby, a rush of emotions threatening to boil his bucket right off his head. He widened his shoulders, broadening himself so large that he seemed to encompass the entire ship, glossy black eye turning dark and hateful on you. He couldn’t keep his suspicions to himself any longer. “You… has this been your plan all along?”

You balked, “Plan? Plan for what? The hell are you-”

He threw your beskar on the floor and grabbed your shoulders, pinning you against the wall opposite the freezer and making Grogu scream out in terror. Mando’s visor took up your entire field of view, reflecting with your own wild eyes. “Your plan to capture us!” He barked, the malice overflowing like an erupting volcano. “You told that Imp that this was a prisoner transport unit. We don’t have any prisoners on this ship unless you’ve had them since the beginning.”

“Are you out of your fucking bucket?!” You spat back at him, “You think I want to put you in carbonite?! Put my son in carbonite?! There’s nowhere else on this ship to hide you!”

“How convenient.” The joints in your shoulders popped from the force he was applying to them, his weight nearly fusing you with the wall.

“You’re hurting me!” Over you the lights began to flicker, though neither of you saw it with your eyes locked on each other; yours filled with pain and anger, his visor pinning you down as if you were quarry.

At the sound of your pain the tension on your shoulder bones eased slightly, but not enough to let you free of the wall. Scalding shame burnt its way across his face, bitter and stinging. He was hurting you, the one thing he swore never to do to you again, the very first oath he had promised.

You chewed the side of your cheek, trying to steady your words. “Din. I love you. I love Grogu! I lied to that Imp to protect you. I don’t want those rotten eggs to have you, how could you even think that of me?”

She lies. One thing that Din knew about you was that you were unquestionably good at was putting on a ruse, able to sweet-talk quarry or lure droids to their deaths. But the way you took to the comms was different, how you were able to use the Imps own terminology against them, even how you spoke to the pirates before you were ‘rescued’ was delivered with flawless diction. It was too perfect, too natural...

As if that was your real voice.

“I don’t know if I believe you,” He growled, digging armored claws into the flesh of your shoulders, making you suck air through your teeth. Defensively you coiled your arms around Grogu, burying his wrinkly little head against your chest where he would be safe from the man you thought you trusted. Fire cascaded out from under Din's helmet, trying to burn you at the stake. “You told me once that I don’t know you.” His helmet tilted like a serpent poising to strike, words dripping with venom. “But I should have known an Imp when I saw one.”

“I am not an Imp!! That’s not who I am any MORE!” Bulbs exploded around you at your words, glass and sparks raining down from above. The strength of your thundering roar broke the delicate machinery in Din’s helmet, causing his audio intake to screech with feedback. Immediately his hands left your shoulders and went to his ears, trying to protect himself from the horrible noise.

The let-up was all the invitation you needed, and you dropped yourself low; catapulting into Din’s chest plate like a linebacker and knocking him into the freezer. You kicked your faceplate between his boots, thrust Grogu into his arms and punched the activator on the wall, tears flowing hotly down your face. As the fog billowed outward Mando wrapped himself around the foundling, as though his impenetrable armor could protect the child from the nightmare of being frozen alive.

Horrified, you watched as the two creatures you loved most were consumed by the mist, leaving a dark block in its wake that bore their likeness. The metal was already ice cold to the touch when you ran your hand over the glaring curve of your husband's visor, and down to the terrified, tear-streaked face of your baby.

Choked sobs tore at the back of your throat, trying to drown you with guilt. I’m sorry! I’m so, so sorry my loves, I… I did what I had to do. You weren’t given time to process your grief, nearly jumping out of your skin when plasticast fists rapped on the access door with authoritarian vigor. Composing yourself to the best of your abilities, you stuck your finger down the barrel of your blaster, scraping off the dark residue and smearing it under your eyes to hide your welted cheeks.

Glass crunched under your boots as you made your way through the dismembered cabin to the wall panel, punching the buttons with shaky hands. The ramp chuggered and stopped halfway down, but it was down far enough for you to make visor contact with the platoon of troopers who were demanding your attention. Their armor was clean, freshly moulded and recently polished. These weren’t just the Empire’s soggy leftovers, these were new recruits.

Disgracefully hopping down from the ramp among a scurry of pit droids you puffed up your chest and squared your shoulders as you had seen your partner do whenever he was intimidating quarry. You crossed your arms behind your back in parade rest, watching as a painted trooper strode up to you, his rifle pointed at the floor near your feet.

“Stand aside, we have orders to search this ship.”

“Whose orders?”

“Elgon Station is under the Imperial jurisdiction of Admiral Forescythe, no ships in or out without search.”

You felt all the blood in your body evaporate at the name. Forescythe. Shit balls of hell, that fucking bastard is still alive?!

“Is that really necessary?”

The rifle in his hand rose just slightly. “You got something to hide?”

“No, sir.” you said sweetly, hoping politeness would buy you brownie points.

“Stand aside then.” The trooper barked, gesturing to your ship with the barrel of his rifle. You jumped when the heavy access ramp hit the ground, turning to glare daggers at the droid that had unfastened the damaged hydraulics. The stormtrooper marched past you up the ramp, inspecting the interior of the cabin as he went. As predicted, he nudged the lids of the supply crates open, pointing his gun at any would-be threats. Another pair of eggheads followed inside, rudely stomping through the Crest’s belly like they owned the place.

The painted trooper made loud, gross sniffing noises. “Smells like carbonite in here, your freezer might be leaking, better get that checked out…” He trailed off when he clocked the machine and its contents, taking big strides towards it. “Lookit that, Is that an actual mando? I didn’t even think they were real, I’ve only ever heard stories.” He gestured to you with his gun, “How’d you do it?”

“Do what?” You asked coldly.

“How’d you catch him? And his... weird dog?” The trooper tapped harshly on the solidified metal that covered your foundling's eyeball, making your blood pyroclast through your veins, but you remained composed.

“I’m more dangerous than I look.” You seethed, digging your nails into the skin of your arms behind your back. And you’re about to find out just how fucking dangerous if you don’t back off!

One of the unpainted soldiers piped up. “Do you think this is the one they’ve been looking for? The one the Admiral was talking about?”

“Could be, I’ll radio the Wyvern when it makes stationfall, should be dropping out of hyperspace in a few hours.” Cotton seemed to grow in your mouth at his words, making it impossible to swallow. No, it can't be.

-ī̶̱̩͋t's̴̈̅ ̵̛̂̈̋͋̏͘͝c̷ŏ̷̐̓͑ṁ̸͌̋̾̕in̵̨͎̩̠̼͂͜g̷͑̔.-

Shut up. The commander jabbed his rifle at you. “I heard someone say that mandos never take their helmets off, we should unfreeze it and see what it looks like.”

“No.” You barked, making the soldiers flinch. Haha. “He’s very dangerous, even under the effects of hibernation sickness he can still be quite lethal.”

“There’s three of us and only one of it.” A rifle was pointed your way, “Thaw it out.”

Like hell. “Alright, then I won’t have to be the one to explain to the Admiral why a Mandalorian is loose in the station, or dead. I’ve heard he’s a reasonable man.”

The three troopers looked at each other with questioning glances, suddenly unsure. That seemed enough to deter them, and you waited while the troopers barked orders at the repair droids, ordering them to get your ship fixed up. A battalion of robots swarmed the Razor Crest inside and out, almost making you thankful Mando wasn’t there to blast them full of holes. The greasy robots would make quick work of the damage, and hopefully have you out of the station before the Wyvern arrived.

The Wyvern. You wanted to curl in a ball and die. Of all the bullshit the galaxy had to offer it had decided that you deserved a double helping of unwanted nostalgia. Not only was the Wyvern’s Tongue still operational she would be bringing with her good old Admiral Forscythe, though last time you saw him he was just a captain.

Your captain.

And he was on his way.

To this station.

To your ship.

To you.

Oh fuck.

Immediately you turned to your partner for reassurance, only to meet his frozen stare. You wanted to release him, let him carry you safely away from this place, but you weren’t out of the woods yet; so you were both going to have to wait. You’d never been frozen, thank the Maker, but you’d heard stories. How being frozen is like being trapped alive, trying to breathe but not being able to move your lungs. Still being conscious but feeling your blood stop in your veins. A living death.

A waking nightmare.

Repair droids swarmed your ship’s interior like a hive of bees, but they were making quick work of the damage and would hopefully be gone soon. Shaky legs carried you back over to the carbonite freezer, and you leaned heavily on the block of frozen metal, stretching your arms around it in an attempted hug. I wish you were here, my love, but it will be over soon.

You pressed a kiss to both of your boy’s faces and slumped to the floor, leaning on the bandoliered boots behind you. Between the wide open ramp and the droids working on the stardrive you were too exposed to unfreeze your family, and the thought of having to wait even a minute longer made the edges of your eyes threaten to spill anew.

Stars above you wanted this to be over. The back of your throat tasted like bile, and the plasma residue smeared under your eyes was starting to burn. You needed to get away, to blast off into space with your boys and put your draconian past behind you before the literal beast reared her ugly head.

But… now he knows. You groaned into your knees, digging claws into your own hair. He knows! You fucking asshat now he knows! Your greatest, vilest secret had been spilled, and you were going to have to find a way to live with the consequences. He... he’ll understand. Bilgerats are practically foundlings, I just need to explain myself better. Yeah! That’s it! I didn’t have the chance to explain myself. He’ll forgive me… right?

Time seemed to crawl, languid and slow, forcing you to wallow in your own guilt. You cautiously eyed the platoons of troopers that would often march past, trying to glare daggers through their shiny white buckets, but they paid you no mind. The hours ticked by, making you more and more anxious by the second. You had no way of knowing how soon the Wyvern would arrive, could be hours, could be minutes. Could be seconds.

-į̶̱̩̄͋ͅt'̶̡̳̰̝̇s̴̈̅ ̵̧̛̺̂̈̋͋̏͘͝c̷̄͋͛̚oṁ̸͌̋̾́̈́̕͝i̸̇̏-

I’m aware! You snapped at your thoughts, pissed that they were still present long after Grogu had purged them from your mind. I must be going crazy, it’s the guilt. It has to be the guilt. You rubbed at your temples, trying to dispel the mounting tension in your skull. When you opened your eyes a sweeper droid was clearing away the glass shards from the floor, and you cocked your brows at it as it went by. When did the lights burn out?

Eventually the interior repairs were completed to the fullest, and the moment the ramp hydraulics were functional again you slammed the door shut and booked it back to the freezer controls.You turned a pair of knobs on the side of the carbonite block and took a step back. The metal that covered your beloved crewmates turned red, then bright gold, sloughing off in luminous waves.

You jumped to catch Din and the foundling before they hit the ground, his strength lost from the effects of hibernation sickness, nearly causing him to melt onto the floor along with the aurelius sludge pooling at your feet. In your ear you heard both of your boys taking desperate, broken breaths; and you rubbed at Din’s dorsal plate, encouraging him to fill his lungs.

As a unit you sank down to the floor where the child practically rolled into your lap. His enormous eyes were squinty and blinking, making you think that he may be temporarily blinded. “Hey booger, it’s ok, can you hear me?” Grogu made a sad little noise, but that meant he could at least still hear. “There ya go, that’s it, nice’n slow. Y’ok?” The child looked up at you with a twisted expression, then immediately yarked bright blue all over your shirt. “You know what, I deserved that, thanks.”

Din’s modulated cough grated in your ear. “How… long?”

“Couple hours, but the repairs are finished, we can get the fuck outta here now. Are you alright? You gonna barf?” He started to shake his head no, but the shaking might have been his downfall because you felt him start to heave. “Not in the bucket not in the bucket! Come on, up! Heeere we go…” You gently set Grogu down on the floor and bullied yourself up under Din’s arm, dragging him as fast as you could to the fresher. You barely got the beskar out of the way in time for your partner to empty his stomach. “That’s it, let it all out, I gotcha.”

Din hung on to the sides of the fresher like his life depended on it, shaking violently with every hurl, and there wasn’t much else you could do but hold on. He released one armored claw from the side of the fresher to reach back and find you, but when you tried to hold his hand to comfort him he pulled his fingers from your grasp. Again you tried, but this time he didn’t just let go, he pushed you away, and you heard him mumble something into the fresher bowl.

“-..a...tor-”

“What’d you say?”

“Traitor!!!” Din spat, curling back around at you with viciously bared teeth, eyes wild and bloodshot. You backpedaled away from the fuming warrior that was half crawling half leaping towards you, making weak throws that were slowly gaining in strength. “You fucking traitor! I should have known! I should have known from the very fucking start!” You’d never seen him angry without the helmet, and it terrified you. He terrified you.

You put up your hands defensively, backing away from him. “Please! Let me explain! It wasn’t-”

“I don’t listen to Imps!” He swung at you and missed, but his agility was quickly returning. You wouldn’t be so lucky the second time.

“Damn it Din, fucking listen-” Ignoring you, he groped for the gun on his belt, and you were barely able to grab your armor in time from the freezer to block his reckless shots. You crouched over Grogu, using your body and the face plate as a shield against the assaulting Mandalorian. “Din! Stop! Please! You’re going to hurt our son!”

“Our?!” He hissed, snarling around the word. “That is MY son! Get away from him!” Din grabbed the beskar mask and tried to pull it from you, yanking you up from the floor. “MY son does not belong to you, this does not belong to you! Who do you think you are?!”

“Who am I?! I’m your wife!”

He stopped trying to wrestle the lovingly-chosen armor away from you, meeting your eyes with his own darkened gaze. His earthly irises flickered fast between both of your own pupils, searching your face for something, some kind of reminder. A reminder that he loves you. The muscles on the side of his jaw clenched and rippled, chewing on the words he was looking for.

When he spoke his voice was hoarse, but certain, as if there would never be a greater truth than the one he breathed into being.

“No, you’re not.”

The coldness in his tone stabbed icicles in your veins and froze your mouth closed, rendering you speechless. His hateful gaze looked down to the mask still in your hands, twisting into a pained expression. “Did… did this mean anything to you?”

“Din… please…” you begged, you voice barely above a whisper, “It means everything to me, you mean everything to me!” Behind you Grogu was already starting to cry again, making the situation even worse. “I love you! I did what I did to protect you, to protect Grogu! I didn’t want those Imp bastards to take you. Can’t you see that?”

The Mandalorian laughed, miasmatic and sickly, infected with distrust. “Isn’t that just like an Imp, lying right up til the very end.” He let go of the beskar as if it was unclean, then turned swiftly around on his heel, striding to the fresher to grab his helmet from where it had been discarded on the floor. He picked it up and looked into it’s visor, almost like he was debating whether or not he could put it back on. It sank over his head with a hiss of it’s latches, amplifying his dominating presence tenfold.

You pressed on, balling your fists in determination. “It shouldn’t matter who I used to be, just who I am now. I don’t know anything about your past, all I know is who you are now, I know that you are my… ner rid-oor…”

He was on you in a flash. “Don’t make me cut out your lying tongue as well, Mando’a is sacred, I should have never taught it to you.” In one swift motion he grabbed the offensive beskar from your useless fingers and threw it somewhere behind him, the iron clanging ugly against the durasteel decking. He dug behind his chestplate and found the lucky talismans you had given him as a sign of your affection, a sign that he now decided should have been a big red flag, shoving them into your empty hands.

“You have dishonored me.”

The Mandalorian bent to pick the crying youngling up off the floor, carrying him over to the bed you had all shared. He didn’t turn around to face you when he spoke again. “Get out.”

His frigid words had you frozen in place, frozen in time. He’s leaving you. Your mind was racing, your heart flooding with sadness and grief. Words abandoned you, giving you only a whisper of your silver tongue.

“Din.. I-I didn’t have a choi-”

“GET OUT!!!” He ripped your backpack off the wall and flung it at you, making you reel from the impact. The ramp opened behind you, and you were suddenly being shoved out the door, rolling backwards out of the Crest. You scrambled to your feet, clutching the krayt teeth so hard that the edges cut your palms while you banged on the rising wall of steel.

From behind the closing door you heard a sound, faint but desperate, nearly inaudible over your own pounding heartbeat. It sounded distinctly like a baby’s cry.

“Bubu!”

-SLAM!-

The access ramp sealed shut, and a shiny silver dome appeared in the rounded transparisteel viewport where Mando was taking his seat at the controls. Imps began swarming you while the old gunship’s engines flared to life, burning like a newly risen phoenix. Poorly-aimed blaster fire ricocheted off the ship’s hull while her landing gear tucked itself up, and soon the home you had grown to know and love was blasting towards the hangar exit without you.

The Razor Crest slid through the magcon field, the backs of her engines turning bright blue as her stardrive kicked into gear, rocketing her into warp speed just as an enormous star cruiser dropped out of hyperspace, dwarfing the station with her size. As prideful and arrogant as the Empire she sailed for, she took up the starfield with the domineering presence of a ship that had once served as the Death Star’s loyal guard dog.

It could be no other than the Wyvern’s Tongue.

-ȉ̴͗t̴'̴s̶̛̓͝͠ he̷̍̂r̶̔ë̷́.-

If you had a single coherent thought left to your name you would have made a series of snide remarks to the completely useless voice that whispered in your ears. You would have fought back against the stormtroopers that were roughly grabbing you and forcing you down under the barrels of their guns. You would have ran through the station and commandeered one of the other ships that had come in for repairs and blasted off to somewhere, anywhere else.

If you weren’t so grief-stricken, so heart-broken, so lost, you would have hurled literal dragonfire at the man who was approaching you now.

The troop commander spoke first. “Sir, this one allowed the mando to esca-”

“Get her up. Now.” You were hauled back up to your feet, but your eyes stayed on the forcefield that was draped over the stars, just waiting for the Razor to come back around.

To come back for you.

Your view became blocked by a tall, thin man in an Imperial uniform, his lapel shining with an even bigger emblem of authority than the last time you had seen it. His soulless eyes bored right into yours, and you knew instantly by the look on his face that he hadn’t forgotten his favorite communications officer. “Sparrow? Is that you?”

The long abandoned nickname stung like needles in your ears, reeling you violently into the present. The admiral cupped your chin and brought your eyes up, forcing you to see him and stop pretending that he wasn’t real; that he was an apparition brought to life by your wailing night terrors. “It is. My little Sparrow has flown back to me.”

The stormtrooper braved an interruption, “Sir, the mando-”

Admiral Forescythe silenced him with a wave of his hand, “No matter, the universe has brought me something even better than whatever Moff Gideon had been after.” The glare on the Admirals face turned to a sickly smile “Pray tell, little bird, won’t you sing me a song? I’ve so missed your lovely voice.”

You shook your head from his hand and pointed to the electromagnetic cuffs that still hung from the backs of your ears, the last remainder of the beloved faceplate you had been gifted. “Hull breach, tone deaf.” was all the excuse you could muster. A stiff leather glove rose up to brush over the Mandalorian steel, and you fought every animalistic urge to go batshit ballistic, rip the admiral limb from limb.

“What a pity, but at least you can still speak.” He was standing too close now, and the disgust you felt for the man who practically raised you made your flesh boil under his gaze. His gloved hand slid down from your ear and grabbed at the bottom of your jaw, forcing your head to tilt while he inspected the bitemarks Din had put on your neck when he still loved you. “At least you haven’t been lonely, good thing I had you chipped when I did. Shame on you for letting someone defile you in such a manner, were you still on my ship I would have had them jettisoned.”

The Admiral raked his eyes over your disheveled form, from your marked flesh to your blackened eyes and your blue-stained shirt, his face twisting in disgust. “Whatever life you have been living clearly doesn’t suit you, it’s high time you cease this reckless behavior and come back to where you belong.” He bent down and picked your backpack up off the floor where it had fallen, slinging one ratty strap over his neatly-pressed shoulder; then extended a hand to you. “Are you ready to come home now, my little Sparrow?”

You blinked a few times at the question, your heart becoming as cold as stone. Home? The Wyvern was not your home anymore, and the admiral was not your family. But the home you knew, the family you loved was now lightyears away, far far away from where you were now; and they weren’t coming back.

Din wasn’t coming back.

That left only one place left for you to go.

Back... home.

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[abraxos-is-toothless]

I love how you write Andrew getting to heal! If you take requests, could you please do something like post-canon where Neil makes Andrew smile or chuckle for the first time? No pressure though :) have a good day!

Andrew deserves to heal and I just love to write him happy with Neil. I really hope this lives up to what you asked for, I’m very emotional🥺

:D

—————

Neil has made Andrew laugh many times. Not like anyone else would laugh, no, just huffs of air through his nose, eyes crinkling slightly in the corners. Sometimes even his lips quirked up a little. He doesn’t need to do anything else, doesn’t need to laugh ‘normally’, because all of those tiny little things let Neil know that his partner was happy. That he felt good enough to show it to Neil outwardly. Andrew was a man who liked to keep to himself, like to show things in his own secretive way because that’s how he knew to do it best.

So, the first time it happened, Neil thought his heart had stopped beating in his chest.

They were spending a lazy weekend in their apartment, just the two of them and Sir and King. King was lounging on the back of the sofa behind Andrew’s head, and Sir was curled up in Andrew’s lap. Neil thought it was unfair for the cats to love the blonde so much, since Neil was the one who had found them abandoned in an alley. Neil was the one who brought them home and persuaded Andrew into keeping them and giving them a home, yet the cute little bastards didn’t like him. He thinks it’s just because Andrew gives them extra treats.

Kevin had called Neil almost an hour ago to complain about anything he could think of. The season had just ended and the prick decided Neil was not allowed to slack off, not even for a day.

Are you sticking to your meal plan?

Have you practiced yet today? And if so how long for?

Don’t let Andrew buy too much ice cream, it’s not good for him.

Neil has been nodding and mumbling short answers for what has felt like years and quite frankly, he’d had enough. “Kevin, I’ve told you all of this three time this week. I’m hanging up now.”

“No Neil! We still have things to discuss, this is the pros, you can’t just act all breezy about it.”

Neil smirked, knowing how to get Kevin distracted enough to hang up without the fear of him calling back. “We have nothing to discuss, so unless you’d like to listen to Andrew blow me, I’m hanging up.” He presses and call just as the sputtering started on the other end of the phone. When he turned to Andrew again, the blonde had a single brow raised, hand stroking along Sir’s back as she purred. The sight was so adorable Neil thought he might melt into a puddle.

“Care to tell me what the Queen himself wanted this time? And no, I’m not blowing you, you haven’t earned it yet.”

Neil ignored the shivers down his spine and began to tell Andrew all of the stupid shit Kevin had decided to bring up today, but not as he normally would. On any other day he’d just drawl about the idiot in his usual voice, completely bored and annoyed by the Son of Exy. Andrew had made Neil watch all of the Harry Potter movies recently, and they were quite enjoyable. He liked the idea of there being a completely different and wonderful world hidden amongst your own.

From all of his years on the run, Neil had perfected the art of becoming someone else, changing names, languages and even accents. Because of this, Neil found it quite easy to mimick the voice of Snape from the movies. When he told Andrew what Kevin had shouted about the ice cream, he did so in that drawling voice. “Do not let Andrew buy too much ice cream, he needs to have a proper diet.”

He had not expected the laugh he received in return. Andrew let out a low deep chuckle, almost a full belly laugh as he tipped his head back, and Neil couldn’t help the way his eyes widened, jaw dropping just slightly. When Andrew looked back at him again, he stopped almost instantly at whatever emotion he saw in Neil’s eyes, beginning to push his walls back up. “What, Abram?”

“Do that again.” Neil breathed, almost a whisper in the peaceful air between them. The blonde’s brow crinkled, lips parted at the soft demand. Neil knee he was going to try and change the subject, shift the attention away from himself so, he didn’t give Andrew the chance. “You’re beautiful when you laugh Drew, so beautiful.” Andrew’s cheeks and ears started to go pink, making his freckles stand out more and Neil wanted to trace them with fingers and lips. The cats were shifted and moved from the couch, all grumpy disgruntled and then Andrew was crawling over to Neil and settling in his lap, knees on either side of his hips as he carefully settled himself on Neil’s thighs.

There were fingers in his hair, pushing a few curls back from his forehead before scratching at his scalp, making Neil hum in contentment. “You say such silly things, junkie.” Andrew spoke softly, leaning in to press a kiss behind Neil’s ear and dragging his lips down his neck. “Can you say more of those silly things?” Hands moved down his chest, under his shirt to trace and rub his scars. And so, with every little thing Andrew did to him with gentle hands, soft touches and kisses that left him breathless, he told Andrew how beautiful he was, how much Neil loved him. He was and always would be:

Amazing, amazing, amazing.

Neil would never have it any other way, would never want anything else. Because this, this was perfect just as it was.

He was safe, in a place with man he loved and two pesky little furballs. He’d survived, he’d lived and he’d be damned if he wasted any of it.

—————

Only a short little thing I know, but this is just how my brain wanted this to go:))

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[oliverwxod]

The hardest part is letting go (Part 2) - Geralt imagine

Pairing: Geralt x reader

Warnings: swearing, mentions of sex. 

Summary: Part 2 to this 

"Another day, another slay" Jaskier mumbled under his breath, strumming a small musical tune , "wait no... Another day... Another... Another..."

 "You okay?" Y/n chuckled to herself, throwing Jaskier a look. "You've been mumbling for the past 10 minutes"

 Jaskier looked up at her, meeting her eyes with a sigh. 

 "I need some inspiration" he huffed. 

 "Things got too boring for you?" Y/n asked, raising an eyebrow up at him. 

 "Oh- no - that's not what I meant I just-" y/n laugh at his stuttering. 

 "I'm not offended" she laughed "it's fine, I'm bored too".

"You should be glad" Geralts voice came from the trees, the two of them squinting to see him appear out of the mist that had not cleared due to the early morning sun that was still trying to rise and cut through the clouds so a new day could begin. 

 "Glad for what?" Y/n questioned, staring at the Witcher. He looked like he hadn't even slept last night. Y/n guessed that he didn't, not when he had paid to spend the night with a woman. 

 "That you're bored" he spoke, staring at her briefly before looking away. 

 "But being bored is so- boring" she complained, stretching her arms out and yawning just to make her point stronger. 

 Jaskier let out a laugh, Geralt once again hated how Jaskier was looking at Y/n. Like she had hung the moon and the stars, he'll even all the other planets that existed up their. Geralt scoffed under his breath.

 "Lets move" he grunted, swinging himself on to his horse with ease, whereas Y/n and Jaskier both struggled with theirs. 

 "Where to?" Jaskier spoke "another great Witcher adventure, maybe I'll get my inspiration" 

 "Why don't you write a song about me" Y/n spoke, a teasing gleam in her eyes that spoke trouble. She flashed a quick grin to Geralt who glared at her. 

 "What makes you think that I haven't already?" Jaskier teased back. He hadn't ever had the confidence to ever come up with a comeback to her teasing before. A spark lightening up in Y/n's eyes that had Geralt grunting again in distaste.

 "Can I hear it?" She asked, smirking at the bard. 

 "Nope". 

"What? Why not?" She whined "please Jaskier" 

 "I'm going to save it" he spoke proudly.

 "Save it for what?" She asked, confusion closing over her face and curiously running through her. She was eager to hear it, a song written about her by a bard. A talented one at that.

 "For when the times right for others to hear it, for they will all fall in love with the mighty Y/n once they do. And I don't think you're ready for all the people to love you" Y/n let out a laugh. 

"Well now I really want to hear it".

 "Would you two stop this wanton talk, " Geralt spoke harshly. He hated it. Couldn't deal with the bards constant talking and Y/n's teasingly. He knew she was only doing it because she was bored. 

 "Just because you barely speak doesn't mean we can't. It's just teasing Geralt" she spoke, her voice didn't hold any kind of annoyance though.

 "Watch it" he glared in response to her first comment. 

 "Oh mysterious Wicther, why do though not speak" y/n spoke exaggeratedly, calling out to the Forrest, arms spread open in exclamation. "Why does though not laugh or play" 

 Jaskier started to strum a tune making her laugh, before he carried on, turning her words into a song.

 "Very funny" Geralt huffed, glaring once again at the two of them who had both broken out into fits of giggles. "The two of you are children" he spoke gruffly, turning his nose up at them.

 Y/n rolled her eyes when she met Jaskiers eyes, the two of them sharing a smile as Geralt had ridden ahead, now leading them. 

 "Soooo" Jaskier spoke, it had been quiet for nearing an hour as they all rode, the pathways were widening suggesting they would probably be reaching a village soon. 

"Has anybody ever been in love?" Y/n coughed, a laugh spluttering from her lips at the question. 

 "Why does that amuse you dear Y/n?" Jaskier asked, smirking slightly at her .

 "Just wasn't expecting such an - outrageous question" 

 "You think love is outrageous?" Jaskier asked shocked. Geralt found himself actually listening to their conversation with interest this time. 

 "Of course it is" she spoke. 

 "What makes you say that?" The bard asked, slowing down. 

 "Because I imagine it to hurt, a lot" she said quietly. "Because there's going to be a point where the person you love is going to love someone else"

 "That's a depressing way to look at it" Jaskier stated. Silence falling over the trio. 

Geralt was a little shocked by her words, y/n seemed to be a joyful soul, much like Jaskier, he thought she would easily be the kind of person who believed in love, the kind of girl that would want to get married and have a family. The conversation died there, the only sounds being those of the silence in the forest and the chirping of birds and distant chatter from a nearby village.

 "There was once a man" y/n spoke gaining the attention of the two men and breaking the silence. "He wanted to prove his love to his wife. So he went on an adventure, He climbed the highest mountain, swam the deepest seas and slayed a silver dragon. Do you know what his wife did?" She left the question open, neither Geralt or Jaskier knowing but staring at her curiously. 

 "She left him" she said, her voice quietening "she left him because he was never there." 

 Geralt stared at her, figuring out what she was trying to say. The way her posture had changed and the way she had cowered in on herself allowed him to understand.

 "Your parents" he said out loud. Y/n's head whipped round to his direction, meeting his eyes. 

 "Yes. My mother left my god forsaken awful Father" she said "and me"

 "I'm sorry-" Jaskier started. "Don't be" she glared at him. 

"She was a coward and he was an asshole" Geralt was unsure for the first time ever what to say. He wasn't good with emotions especially other people's emotions. He didn't want to say the wrong thing and upset her. 

 "I met her" he spoke up. Y/n stared at him once again, speechless. "She paid me" 

 "For what? To kill a monster because once again she was too much of a coward?" Y/n spat a new spiteful side revealing itself. 

 "No. To take you away from there." He said plainly. This was the explanation y/n had been waiting for since she had been traveling with the Wicther after he turned up one day stating he had to protect her. 

 She had always assumed it was her Father who had given him the job of getting her out of the kingdom when the war started. Her father had said it was no place for a princess to be, one of the only good thing he had ever done was letting her leave win the Witcher. 

 She never knew it was because of her mother that the Witcher was actually there "Oh" she replied, in somewhat shock. 

 "She wanted you out of there, war or no war." Geralt said. 

"Wait, you're a princess?" Jaskier spoke in shock. Both Y/n and Geralt momentarily forgot he was there, turning to see Jaskier jaw dropped open in surprise. "I've been- I've been travelling with a princess- talking to a princess-"

 "Jaskier" Geralt spoke "not so loud out here in the open." Conscious of their surrounding he scanned the area briefly. 

 "Let's just keep moving" y/n spoke "we can talk about it later". 

 "So we established that Y/n will never fall in love but has the mighty Witcher or Rivia ever fallen in love" Jaskier asked changing the subject only a little. Geralt gave him a stern look before answering quickly and shortly. 

 "No" 

 "Not even once in your whole entire life time?" Jaskier asked. 

 "No" Geralt spoke again, clearly bored with the conversation. 

 "Witchers don't feel anything" y/n spoke. "Can confirm that" she whispered the last part under her breath but Gedalt still heard, but turned a blind eye to it.

 "Well if neither of you don't believe in love than you sound perfect for each other" Jaskier said, oblivious to the silence and roaming thoughts he had created inside both of their heads with his simple words. 

 The two of them dared not to look at each other, awkwardness falling upon them as they silently follow Jaskier. A cloud of thought running through Y/n's mind.

 Would she be sad if she ever had to leave Geralt? Yes. Would she be sad if Geralt fell in love with someone who was not herself? Yes. It was all starting to make sense. The way she felt under his stare, his brief touches. How she always felt queasy when Geralt spent the night with a woman in a inn room and she was left by herself. Shit. It was all falling into perfect sense. She liked him.

 She liked the Wicther who did not feel anything. The man who barely spoke to her. The person who never seemed to care. 

 Similar thoughts were going through Geralts mind. Why he always felt so angry when Jaskier would talk to y/n, taking all her attention with him. How he would always feel that little bit more protective over her when anything or anyone even came near her. If explained why his heart skipped every time she mentioned that she didn't want to be traveling around all her life, a hint at the fact she would have to leave at some point. Maybe even return to her kingdom if the war was won. 

 "A village" Jaskier spoke excitedly. Geralt looked up, briefly glancing at Y/n, seeing she was already looking at him in question. He looked away quickly before getting off his horse and walking further into the village. 

 People stared. Villagers stopped still, pointing, gossiping, watching them with caution and hostile glances. An inn was up ahead of them, not too far into the village. They could get some food and drink their, maybe even a bed each for the night.

 ----------------------------

  "Do you have three beds for the night?" Jaskier asked the inn keeper politely. "We've been travelling a while" The inn keeper stared at them before his eyes landed on Geralts, eyes narrowing slightly. 

 "Two" the inn keeper spoke cautiously. "We have two beds" 

 "That's fine"y/n spoke as Jaskier began to protest. 

"Thank you Sir" No one spoke about the bed situation, leaving it for a later problem. Instead they were all too focused on getting food, sitting in a corner of the inn waiting with baited breaths and silence. 

"So, Jaskier" y/n spoke. "Have you ever been in love?" She threw his question back at him, watching as the bard blushed. 

 "Uh- well" 

 "He falls in love every night he spends with a different woman" Geralt spoke. Y/n let out a laugh as Jaskier glared at the Witcher. 

 "I do not" he defended himself. He looked at the two of them seeing how neither of them seemed to believe him. "Okay, so maybe sometimes i do. But not all of them" he admitted. 

 "A bard that gets around. So how many?" Y/n asked in curiosity. She watched as he blushed once again. 

 "I'm not telling you that-" 

 "7" Geralt spoke. 

 "Actually it's 8 but- hey!" Jaskier said realising what just happened. 

"Okay mr Witcher what about you"

 "Too many to count Bard" he huffed, smirking at him. 

 "So like a hundred?" Jaskier asked, but only received a look. "More than that!" He exclaimed, his jaw dropping again. Y/n was silent hoping the question wouldn't turn to her.

 But of course Jaskier being the curious person he was asked her. 

 "What about you?" Jaskier said, meeting her eyes. She frowned at him, before looking to Geralt for help, but she found he was looking at her too, his stare intense. 

 "Well- I've lived in a castle, surrounded by guards for my whole life so that would be zero".

 "What!" Came Jaskiers reply first "you mean, you mean you've never?" She glared at him for bringing attention to it. Shaking her head through the blush that coated her cheeks, gaze flickering to stare at the table. She could feel his stare still on her, but she dared not to meet his eyes. 

 "Sorry y/n" Jaskier spoke "I shouldn't have asked you, I didn't mean to make you feel-" 

 "It's fine, I asked you first" she said. They were silent, no one knowing what to say. It was broken when the inn keeper came over, bring 3 bowls of hot stew and rolls of bread, the three of them thanking him gratefully. 

 They finished their food quickly, relishing in the warmth of the meal. It was only when they were finished that Y/n finally spared a look at Geralt, meeting his eyes and finding he was already watching her, his lip caught between his teeth. He didn't look away, not backing down from her gaze. 

 Y/n gave in, quickly looking away and engaging in conversation with Jaskier.

 "I'm going to sleep" Geralt spoke standing up. "Jaskier, you take the other room" he spoke chucking him the key on the table. “Y/n you share my room, I'll take the floor".   

"She can share mine-" Jaskier spoke. 

 "No" he said bluntly as he turned to leave. The two of them watched him retreat away to the door, silent for a quick moment before Jaskier turned to her with a shit eating grin.

 "You don't see the way he looks at you do you?" Jaskier asked. 

 "What do you mean by that?" Y/n replied, confused.

 "He wants you." he spoke, voice teasing him, y/n lightly hit his arm.

 "Stop playing" she said. 

 "I'm not. That man” he spoke gesturing to where Geralt had disappeared to “wants to fuck you" Jaskier smirked.

Y/n was staring at the door the Witcher had gone through just moments ago, Jaskiers words burning into her head. How was she meant to face him now?

TAGS: @sdavid09​ @c-s-stars @bitcheswithbrokenhearts​ @fandomhell97​ @flowercrownsandmetallicarms​ @tdntu0​ @soulmatelove96​ @saelwen-the-shy-elf​ @momc95​ @kingniazx​ @diab1a​ @whatanicepanohthatsjustme​ @marvels-gurl​

[cardsthings]

The Kidnapping of Goro Akechi

The courtyard was bathed in a bright orange glow, so much so that the flicker of candlelight drowned out the stars. Goro stared up at the blank sky. In just under an hour, guests would start to arrive. He grimaced at the thought. A full night of mingling with nobles he didn't even know or care enough to recognize. It was a joke. The entire masquerade was nothing but an excuse for disgusting people to indulge in vices without causing a scandal.

"Is something the matter my Lord?" Goro turned to the masked woman in front of him. One of the many servants at the palace who was being forced to attend to the wretched event. He felt sorry for her, no doubt she would have a far worse night than he ever could. Dealing with entitled drunks who thought, no, knew they could get away with whatever they wanted... He suppressed the urge to tell her to run far away. No doubt, it would have ended poorly for both of them. "You seem... distracted."

"Oh no," He carefully smiled. There was no point in letting some random servant know his true thoughts. At best, having someone to listen would be a mild comfort, at worst, word might get back to his father. If he ever got the idea that Goro was ungrateful in any way, well, he didn't want to think about the consequences. "It's just a shame that you can't see the stars tonight."

The woman nodded with a clearly fake smile. Before she could continue the conversation with some meaningless platitudes, the sound of broken glass and his father's angry shouts drew her attention. She left in a hurry to placate the raging king. Goro turned to look, Shido's cheeks were flushed, whether with anger or alcohol he couldn't tell. At least four people were attending to him, trying to prevent an even larger outburst.

Goro quickly turned away when Shido set his eyes on him. He didn't need that sort of attention right now. He just needed to keep his head down and wait for the horrid night to be over.

*****

The hours passed by painfully slow. Even with the minor indulgence of wine, Goro's barely buzzed state hardly soothed how horrendously boring everything was. Maybe if he could let himself go safely... but as it was, every fake smile he had to give to some masked idiot just made him feel like he was dying inside a little more. At least the effect that the flowing booze had on others worked to his favor. The drunk crowd was more interested in gossiping among themselves and harassing the staff who hadn't yet managed to slip away instead of trying to get on the good side of the crowned prince.

Goro spent some of his down time scanning the crowd. He noticed Okumura however, his young daughter was conspicuously absent. Likely because even someone like him knew not to bring her to these sorts of events. Especially not when Goro had heard rumors of her engagement. Although, the other subject of said rumors was right at Okumura's side. Honestly, Goro pitied Haru despite having met her once. From what he could tell, she wasn't yet like the vile nobility that plagued the land. Of course, yet was the key term. No one decent ever rose to power.

As Goro continued to search through the crowd from afar, he caught sight of Shido. His father was predictably drunk. It's not like these parties served much other purpose than to allow him indulge in every vice he could think of under the cover of "high class mingling". When Shido suddenly turned to face him, Goro turned away, hoping that he hadn't been caught staring. It was unlikely he'd be punished for something so simple but still... When his father was drunk he could be particularly petty and unpredictable.

He sighed and gave up on looking at the crowd. Most of them were complete strangers to him anyways. Instead, he entertained himself with thoughts of Shido's downfall. The idea of slitting his father's throat and stealing his crown and throne while he looked on, choking on his own-

"Hellooo~" Goro took a deep breath. The person behind him absolutely reeked with alcohol. It was clear they'd been drinking all night. He pretended not to hear them, hoping that they would go away on their own. "Hey, hey!" The drunk grabbed his shoulder. If they stained the white shirt he was wearing with their filthy hands, he'd be pissed.

Goro turned around with a polite smile as he shrugged off their hand. "Good evening sir." He used a more pleasant voice to address them. What a night it would be if some random drunk ran off to his father to tattle that his son hadn't been the perfect little prince he was always supposed to be.

"You're a cutieee~" Goro tried his best not to glare at the man. He simply gave a polite chuckle.

"I think you're drunk sir." The man grabbed Goro's wrist as he tried to disengage. "Maybe you should have some water and sit down."

"Aww, that's no fun! Come on, why don't we go somewhere..." He leaned in. Goro wrinkled his nose as the smell of alcohol became even worse. "A little more private."

Goro leaned back. Did this man not know who he was? He certainly didn't know who the man was. "As... lovely as that sounds... I'll have to decline. Now, please let go before I-"

"Come oooon!" The man attempted to yank Goro forward but he resisted. Suddenly, the man's expression darkened beneath his mask. "What?! You think you're too good for me or something!"

Goro tried to push the man off him but his grip on his wrist tightened until it was painful. "I'd rather not cause a scene-"

The man yanked Goro in close again, this time succeeding. "Then fucking-"

"Excuse me." Goro craned his neck to see over the drunk man. A handsome young man stood behind him with a confident smirk. "I think you're bothering him."

The drunk whipped his head to see the newcomer, letting go of Goro's wrist as he did. Goro immediately put some distance between himself and the man. "Who the hell're you!?" Goro had similar thoughts. He didn't quite recognize him but he still seemed somehow familiar. Maybe it was the alcohol or the dimming lights that were causing such an effect.

The young man tilted his head with an amused expression. "I'm just a concerned bystander." He looked past the drunk directly at Goro. His eyes widened slightly beneath his black and white mask. "And I'd appreciate it if you left my friend alone."

"Go fuck yourself!" The drunk attempted a sloppy punch but it was easily dodged. The young man used the drunk's momentum against him to knock him to the ground. As the drunk struggled to get back up, the young man walked past him. He stopped in front of Goro and smiled.

"Are you okay?" The young man offered him a gloved hand for a handshake.

"I'm fine. And I had the situation under control." Goro turned away. "You have no idea what trouble you could have just caused for me."

"I'm sorry," Somehow Goro didn't think he was being genuine. "Let me make it up to you."

Goro turned to him with an unimpressed look. "How exactly?" He crossed his arms.

"I dunno, I guess you'll just have to find out." Ren reached out his hand again, a mischievous smirk crossed his face. "I'm Ren by the way, and you are..?"

Ren. Goro looked him over. The bright red gloves served as a pop of color in his otherwise black outfit. It seemed almost more suited to sneaking than to partying... Maybe it was the miniscule amount of alcohol or maybe it was genuine curiosity (Goro wanted to blame the alcohol), but he was tempted. It was something that would let him not focus on the horrendous party going on around them.

"...I'm Goro." He kept his expression even. "It's a pleasure to meet you Ren."

Ren smirked and gave a dramatic bow. "I wasn't aware I was mingling with the prince himself."

Goro huffed and turned away. A strange feeling made itself known in his chest. He really didn't know? Had he really helped without thinking that it could have gotten him a favor from the prince? Or was it that he was lying and simply waiting for an opportunity to use the whole event against him? "There's no need to make such a big deal out of it..."

"Of course not." Goro's eyes flicked back to Ren when he began to speak again. "Why don't we get out of here?"

"I can't exactly leave right now, if my father saw me..." What conclusions would he draw? Ren was about his age and he was undeniably handsome...

Ren smirked. "Not even for a second?" Goro looked him over once again. He looked harmless but looks could be deceiving. What did he want? What was his motive here? "I'm sure I could find a way to sneak you out if you really wanted me too, come on, I'm trying to make things up to you."

Goro sighed. "I suppose a few minutes couldn't hurt..." It was probably a stupid idea but he was curious. There was something strange about Ren and he wanted to know more.

Ren grabbed Goro by the hand. He quickly looked around the courtyard before he pulled Goro in a darker area. He kept Goro closer to the wall, using himself as cover to compensate for Goro's bright white outfit. It didn't take long for Ren to find a door that Goro hadn't even seen in the dimmed lights. He pulled it open and quickly entered right after Goro. After that, they made their way through the halls and out to the front of the palace.

Once outside, Goro took a deep breath of fresh air. He felt a smile creep onto his face as a nice breeze blew through the air. He took a moment to look up at the stars. The lights from the palace behind them still dimmed them but now they were at least visible.

"Much better." Goro turned to Ren. His mask was off and away. In the dim light of the moon, Goro suddenly realized why he had seemed so familiar. Before he could call for help or say anything, he felt a sudden horrible pain explode on the side of his head. He fell to the ground as black spots filled his vision. Vaguely, he could make out Ren walking towards him. Someone else grabbed him while Ren approached.

"Sorry your highness..." Were the last words Goro heard before the world drifted into darkness.

*****

A light breeze blew Goro's hair into his face. The smell of the sea surrounded him. In the distance, he could hear a few assorted voices. As he opened his eyes, he could see a blur of brown beneath his feet. His arms hurt but when he tried to move them into a more comfortable position, he met painful resistance from what must have been a rope around his wrists. His head was absolutely pounding.

"-ink he's awake." Goro looked up. A blurry figure stood above him, their bright yellow hair stood out. Slowly, they came into focus. A large grin was plastered on his face.

"Where-" Goro's question was cut off by a sudden sharp pain in his head. He winced as a shadow blocked out the sun. The sun... how long had he been out?

"Good morning, your highness." Goro's eyes shot up to the source of the familiar voice. Ren stood there with an annoyingly smug smirk. Immediately, Goro tried to lunge at Ren. He would have wrung his neck if he wasn't stopped by the stupid rope. "Nice to see you're doing well."

"Let me go you piece of shit!" He struggled against his restraints to little success. Either he was too weak, the rope was tied very well, or both.

Ren simply laughed at him. "I wasn't expecting the prince to be so vulgar." He leaned down so that he was eye level with Goro. "I think it suits you."

"Fuck off." Goro glared at him, if looks could kill he'd be dead a hundred times over. "Whatever the hell you think you're going to get from me-"

"Don't worry, I don't want anything from you." Ren smiled. "You should actually be back home pretty quick. We already sent word to the king that we have you, as soon as he pays the ransom, you'll be returned completely unharmed."

"You already attacked me last night."

"Mostly unharmed." Ren amended. "But don't worry, nobody wants to hurt you... again. As long as you don't try anything, you'll be fine." He flashed a smile and gave the same bow he had the night before. "You have my word, your highness."

Goro's eyes were drawn to the dagger that poked out slightly from Ren's belt. He struggled against his restraints one more time but found his hands thoroughly stuck in place. He sighed and hung his head in defeat.

"Glad you understand." Akira turned around and addressed his crew. Goro kept his eyes trained to the ground but strained his ears to hear what they were saying. Unfortunately, the sounds of the ocean drowned out their already quiet conversation. It was fine. Everything was fine. Goro could be patient. He could learn what he needed to know. It wouldn't be long before he escaped.

Crossposted on AO3, https://archiveofourown.org/works/32254492

[xazz]

Okay now that I’m not always on the cusp of passing out from anemia we can get back to writing and posting

Pairing: AltMal, Altair+Desmond Rating: Explicit Tags: vampires, romance, servant AU, music AU, fluff, angst, flangst Status: WIP

As before Tumblr gets updated before AO3, meanwhile Patreon is like 40k words ahead of everyone. Like Malik and Altair have fucked already lol

-----

Altair was woken with a start to the sound of a slamming door. His eyes popped open and he didn’t know where he was. Then he looked next to him and saw a window, the curtains drawn. It was pitch black out.

He sat bolt upright, all the blood leaving his face.

He’d slept too late. He needed to go get Desmond. Oh the mistress would be furious with him! He was about to scramble out of bed when he realized he wasn’t alone in the bed.

Sitting on top of the comforter, was Desmond. “Altear,” he said when he saw Altair was awake.

“Desmond- what are you doing here— oh where am I?” He looked around in confusion. He was in a lovely bedroom. It hit him like a beam of wood. He was in Malik’s bed. The foreign vampire had insisted he take it and he sleep in the sarcophagus.

“Altear, plaw,” Desmond said.

“Not now,” he said gently. “Just a moment. I-“ he got out of bed as a figure stepped into the doorway. He froze but relaxed somewhat when he saw it was Malik.

“Ah, apologies. Did the door wake you? I didn’t think of that,” he said. Malik was unusually flushed, his skin ruddy and warm looking.

“I should have been up,” Altair said. “What’s he doing here?”

“I brought him here of course,” Malik said. “He’s been fed, its the one thing that useless mother of his does for him,” Malik rolled his eyes.

Altair remembered the conversation from last night. “Did— you talk with my masters?” he asked nervously. It would explain the slamming door and Malik being flushed from an argument.

“I did,” Malik said calmly. “We do not see eye to eye on how to treat the help.” His eyes narrowed. “But that’s not your problem.”

“... Am I going to be punished for what you did?”

“What? No. Why would you? William knows it was my idea alone.”

Altair breathed a sigh of relief. “Altear, plaw,” Desmond said.

“Desmond, I just woke up. Give me a moment here,” he said. Desmond folded his little arms. He ran his hands through his hair trying to think. “What now then?” he asked Malik. He knew Malik had ideas already. “Will you let me alone?”

“Am I such a bother?”

“I would have rather been ignorant than know what you told me,” Altair said. “I can never unknow this now. I know my stay here at the castle will be a long one. And your stay will end before that. I wish you hadn’t told me about the cellar.”

Malik frowned and he walked into his bedroom properly. “You deserve to know, and be treated with some damn dignity.”

“They already basically kidnapped me, Malik. I have no dignity left,” Altair said loudly. “You think I wanted to come here? I had a life, a livlihood. I’m my father’s only child. If he dies before this is over there will be no more luthiers in the valley,” he rubbed his face miserably.

“Do they know that?”

“They don’t care,” Altair said weakly. “They’ll care in twenty years when no more instruments are made and the ones around become broken and no one can fix them and their parties will be only full of brass and percussion. Fiddle players will keep their instruments carefully but they’ll eventually become warped with time and age and wet and they won’t sound right anymore.” Altair sighed deeply. “But right now they don’t care the only heir to the luthier family in the valley is here, in the castle, raising their son because they won’t.” He hugged himself.

Malik came closer. “Can I do anything-

“No,” he sat on the bed miserably. “No one can do anything. I’m stuck here until Desmond is big enough. Who knows when that will be,” he looked at Desmond.

“Plaw,” he said.

Altair sighed. “Alright. I need to go get the violin-

“Oh, I brought it,” Malik said and nodded to next to him. Altair looked and the case was there. “I figured you’d want it.”

“Thank you,” Altair picked it up and put it on the bed. Malik sat on the end of the bed as he tightened the bow and tuned the strings, listening carefully as he turned the pegs. It needed only slight adjustment each time, as he loosened the strings some at night so they wouldn’t have too much tension on them.

“Plaw, plaw!” Desmond cried happily. He immediately became quiet when Altair drew the bow across the strings in a rich chord. He closed his eyes and like last night started with the lullaby with a flourish before breaking off into some riffs he didn’t remember as soon as he played them. But they sounded good. That’s all the two vampires cared about, that they sounded good, they didn’t care if Altair played an actual song or not.

He played for a while before his stomach started to complain quietly. He pulled the bow across one last time as he opened his eyes. Desmond was watching with wide eyes of amazement. Malik was watching with equal intensity. “No,” Desmond complained.

“Yes. I’m hungry,” he told Desmond.

“Plaw, plaw.”

“Later,” Altair put the violin away. He then picked Desmond up and grabbed the case. “We’ll be off now,” he told Malik. “Thank you for letting me sleep here, sir. But please, leave me alone.” Malik frowned at him but he didn’t care if he’d hurt the vampire’s feelings. He’d single handedly upturned Altair’s entire life by telling him he was being treated like less than livestock and he had a miserable existence to look forward to for years to come.

He put the violin in Desmond’s room and carried the child down to the kitchen. Desmond busied himself investigating all the lower cabinets while Altair had a cold pasta salad. It had been in the cool box a while too long and was mushy. It tasted awful. He didn’t finish it and just put his face in his hand tiredly.

Why did this have to happen to him?

He looked down when Desmond pulled on his shirt. “What is it, Desmond?” he asked quietly, looking at the little vampire boy. Desmond made a motion like he was hungry. Of course he was. Just what Altair needed. To look at one of those damn vampires who lied to his face and ask them to go get Desmond a meal from the ‘livestock’. Yeah. Sure.

“Are you really hungry or are you bored huh? You had breakfast just a little while ago,” Altair said and combed Desmond’s bangs from his eyes gently. Desmond just shrugged.

He wasn’t going to ask a vampire for help. He just pushed himself to his feet and stuck one of the chickens. Desmond wouldn’t care and his parents wouldn’t know. Not like Desmond would tell them. Desmond still drank out of the big syringe, not quite coordinated enough to drink from a cup and Altair didn’t feel like cleaning up all the blood when he spilled. He put Desmond in his lap and fed him thinking about what to do.

Moonlight slanted through the thick window into the kitchen. It was well and truly dark out. Dawn was a long way away but he didn’t think it was so late yet really. Once Desmond had finished Altair left the kitchen through the side door and looked down the mountain. Castlesong still had lights on down below.

“Desmond,” Altair called. “You want to play?”

“Plaw!” Desmond jumped over to him, his useless little wings fluttering behind him excitedly.

Altair wanted a fresh, hot, meal damnit. “Okay. C’mon,” and he grabbed Desmond’s hand. “We’re going to go see the people.”

“Pople?” Desmond asked.

“Yes,” Altair stepped outside.

“Awwwww,” Desmond looked up. It occurred to Altair then that he’d never taken Desmond outside before. “Altear,” he pointed up at the stars and the moon.

“That’s the moon, and the stars,” Altair said. Desmond jumped like he wanted to fly but his insectoid wings were far too weak to carry him. Altair just smiled and led him down the stairs away from the castle.

On the road he hoisted Desmond up so he didn’t trip and continued the walk down to the town. Desmond reached up trying to grab the moon and Altair just chuckled. At least his wings had curled back up against his back.

It was late enough that the pub was mostly empty except for the lag abouts and drunks. A half asleep bard was in the corner plucking at his guitar, slumpee over the fat belly of the instrument. Altair sat with Desmond at a booth so he could lock the boy against the wall. Desmond’s mouth was open and he was staring all around in wonder at the building.

The maid came over, looked like she had a snide remark but noticed the vampire sitting next to Altair. Even if she didn’t know Desmond’s teeth still barely fit in his little mouth and hung open they were like little jagged knives behind his lips. She didn’t say anything at all. Altair just ordered the stew and bread, fresh bread, and an ale. The maid retreated, casting a look over her shoulder at Desmond as she left, white as a ghost.

“This place is neat huh?” Altair asked Desmond, propping his chin up with a fist. “It’s called a pub. Can you say pub?”

“Pup,” Desmond said, popping the second p.

“Pub,” Altair said back, popping the b instead.

Desmond giggled. “Pup pup,” popping the p each time. Altair smiled.

“That is a puppy. This is a pub.”

“Pub,” Desmond finally said.

“Good boy,” and Altair gave him a squeeze.

“Pup,” Desmond squeaked and Altair just chuckled. “Pupie? Pupie?”

“It’s a little... dog. But you don’t know what a dog is,” Altair sighed.

“Doug— dougy?”

“I’ll find a book with a dog in it, okay? And maybe a puppy too.”

“Pup pup,” Desmond peeped. Then he leaned back against the seat when someone came up to their table.

It was the bard with his fat bellied guitar. “Eavening,” he said, tipping his head to Altair.

“Morning,” Altair replied and the bard smirked.

“Mind if I join ya?”

“Depends on what you want.”

“Never seen a vampire before. He’s real little,” he smiled at Desmond who sunk under the table.

“He’s shy,” Altair said. “But he likes music.”

“You don’t say?” The bard swung his guitar around to be over his chest. “Well I happen to know a guy,” and he plucked a little ditty as cheerful and bouncy as a new fawn. Desmond’s eyes appeared over the top of the table with interest. “Ah, you like that huh?” he asked Desmond. Desmond nodded. “Good taste you got there, young master,” and the bard played a song Altair recognized.

“Come In, Come In, we'll do the best we can

Come In, Come In, bring your whole bloody clan

take it nice and easy and we'll take you by the hand

set ye down and treat ye 'dasent' I'm a valley man”

Altair felt himself singing along a little as the bard played. Desmond was enthralled. He crawled under the table to sit on the other booth seat to be closer to the bard. As the bard started the chorus the maid returned with Altair’s stew and bread. She eyed the bard but didn’t say anything and also didn’t ask Altair for any money. Good. Fuck her.

The bard had turned to Desmond now as he played and sang, bouncing his foot to keep the beat. It let Altair eat in peace. He hummed along to some of the song. The bard was very good and had a nice voice. After a few songs Desmond started making noises like he was singing along too and the bard started repeating verses so the child could catch on. Altair had by now finished his warm meal and was just watching them. It was cute to see Desmond happily going along with the bard just like a human child would. If you ignored the teeth and the eyes he even looked like a human child.

The bard played a fast song high on the register. A song he probably only sang to show off. He had a good range and could get those high notes that would normally require a woman singer to reach. But reached them. Desmond beeped up there at the high register too, trying to match the bard’s high chords. Then he did something that made Altair go white. He opened his mouth wide, far too wide for a human child, for a moment it looked like he was tearing open his mouth, and displaying a huge assortment of teeth so he could scream at a high octave. So much so that it made the glass of Altair’s tankard sing.

The bard jumped back, the music stopping abruptly. Altair lunged over the table and clapped his hand under Desmond’s chin to close his mouth, abruptly shutting off the sound.

The noise had roused the drunks and the lay abouts. They were all turned towards their little booth. The bard was white as a sheet and looked visibly shaken to really see how big Desmond’s mouth was and how full of teeth it was. “I think that’s enough for tonight,” and Altair got up and picked Desmond up. He protested but Altair paid him no mind. “I’m sorry for the trouble,” and Altair put the money he would have used to pay for the meal onto the table for the bard.

“No. No!” Desmond cried as Altair took him out of the pub.

“Yes,” Altair said sternly once they were outside. “You scared that man.”

“Plaw!”

Altair took some steps away from the front door and set Desmond down, then he took a knee in front of him. “You can’t do that,” he said sternly. Desmond folded his little arms, pouting. “You scared him. You made him afraid. Like when the light comes in from the outside sometimes when we don’t close your drapes all the way? That’s scary right?” Desmond nodded. “These are scary,” he pushed Desmond’s lips open to indicate his teeth. He knew Desmond wouldn’t bite.

“Wha?”

“Why? Because you’re a vampire, Desmond,” he said patiently. “I don’t have teeth like that, see,” and he bared his teeth at Desmond. Desmond nodded. “But outside vampire teeth are very scary to people.”

“Bad?”

“No. Not bad. But if you want people to like you you need to not frighten them,” he stroked Desmond’s hair gently.

“Altear do?”

Altair softened. “Yes. I like you. Do you feel bad?” Desmond nodded. “If you want people to be okay with mistakes you’ve made you need to say sorry. It’s important to apologize.”

“Altear, sowwy,” Desmond said, his little lips pursed sadly.

Altair hugged him. “Apology accepted,” he said gently. “Now let’s go home, okay?” When Altair picked him up Desmond didn’t protest. He just leaned on Altair’s shoulder and watched as they walked out of town and back up to the castle.

--

Hey you, yeah, if you liked it, consider reblogging. It helps me a lot. Maybe leave something nice in the tags idk.

[im-just-trying-to-get-bi]

Onward, Ohauncey! To the highest room of the tallest tower... ...where my princess awaits rescue from her handsome Prince Oharming! This is worse than " Love Letters" . I hate dinner theater! Me, too. Whoa there, Ohauncey! Hark! The brave Prince Oharming approacheth. Fear not, fair maiden. I shall slay the monster that guards you... ...then take my place as rightful king. What did she say? It's Shrek! Whoo, Shrek, yeah! Prepare, foul beast... ...to enter into a world of pain with which you are not familiar! Happy birthday to thee Happy birthday to thee Do you mind? Do you mind? Boring! Prepare, foul beast... Someday you'll be sorry. We already are! Mommy... You're right. I can't let this happen. I can't ! I am the rightful King of Far Far Away. And I promise you this, Mother... ...I will restore dignity to my throne. And this time, no one will stand in my way. Good morning. Good morning. Morning breath. I know. Isn't it wonderful? Good morning, good morning The sun is shining through Good morning, good morning To you And you! And you! They grow up so fast. Not fast enough. You'll be filling in for the King and Queen. Several functions require your attendance, sir. Great! Let's get started. Oome on, lazybones. Time to get moving! You need to get a pair ofjammies. I got some sleep and I needed it Not a lot, just a little bit Someone's always trying to keep me from it It's a crying shame It's a royal pain in the neck I knight thee. If you're filling in for a king, you should look like one. Oan somebody come in and work on Shrek? I will see what I can do. Yeah, wow. Is this really necessary? Quite necessary, Fiona. I'm Shrek, you twit. Whatever. This isn't a rehearsal, peoples. Let's see some hustle! Smiles, everyone! Smiles! I don't know how much longer I can keep this up. I'm sorry, but can you just try to grin and bear it? It's just until Dad gets better. Shrek? You look handsome. Oome here, you. My butt is itching up a storm and I can't reach it in this monkey suit. Hey, you! Oome here. What's your name? Fiddlesworth, sir. Perfect. Ladies and gentlemen... ...Princess Fiona and Sir Shrek! Ahh! You've got it. A little to the left. That's it! That's good. Oh, yeah! Scratch that thing! You're on it. Shrek! My eye! What are you doing? Fiona! Are you okay? Yeah. I'm fine. Shrimp! My favorite! That's it! We're leaving! Oalm down. Oalm down? Who do you think we're kidding? I am an ogre. I'm not cut out for this, Fiona, and I never will be. I think that went well. Donkey! Oome on, Shrek! Some people just don't understand boundaries. Just think. A couple more days and we'll be back home... ...in our vermin-filled shack strewn with fungus... ...and filled with the stench of mud and neglect. You had me at "vermin-filled" . And, um... maybe even the pitter-patter of little feet on the floor. That's right, the swamp rats will be spawning. Uh, no. What I'm thinking of is a little bigger than a swamp rat. Donkey? No, Shrek. What if, theoretically... ...they were little ogre feet? Honey, let's be rational about this. Have you seen a baby lately? They just eat and poop, and they cry... ...then they cry when they poop and poop when they cry. Now, imagine an ogre baby. They extra-cry and they extra-poop. Shrek, don't you ever think about having a family? Right now, you're my family. Somebody better be dying. I'm dying. Harold? Don't forget to pay the gardener, Lillian. Of course, darling. Fiona. Yes, Daddy? I know I made many mistakes with you. It's okay. But your love for Shrek has... ...taught me much. My dear boy... ...I am proud to call you my son. And I'm proud to call you my frog... ...King dad-in-law. Now there is a matter of business to attend to. The Frog King... is dead. Put your hat back on, fool. Shrek... ...please come hither. Yeah, Dad? This kingdom needs a new king. You and Fiona are next in line for the throne. Next in line. You see, Dad, that's why people love you. Even on your deathbed, you're still making jokes. Oome on, Dad. An ogre as king? That's not such a good idea. There must be somebody else. Anybody! Aside from

you, there is only one remaining heir. Really? Who is he, Dad? His name is... ...is... What's his name? ...is... Daddy! His name is Arthur. Arthur? I know you'll do... ...what's right. Harold? Dad? Dad! Dad? Do your thing, man. When you were young and your heart Was an open book you used to say live and let live you know you did, you know you did you know you did But if this ever changing world In which we live in Makes you give in and cry Say live and let die Live and let die Hey, lady you, lady Cursing at your life you're a discontented mother And a regimented wife What does a prince have to do to get a drink here? Ah, Mabel! Why they call you an ugly stepsister, I'll never know. Where's Doris? Taking the night off? She's not welcome here, and neither are you. What do you want, Oharming? Not much. Just a chance at redemption. And a Fuzzy Navel. And Fuzzy Navels for all my friends! We're not your friends. You don't belong here. You're absolutely right, but, I mean, do any of us? Do a number on his face. Wait, wait, wait! We are more alike than you think. Wicked Witch! The Seven Dwarfs saved Snow White, and what happened? Oh, what's it to you? They left you the unfairest of them all. Now here you are, hustling pool to get your next meal. How does that feel? Pretty unfair. And you! Your star puppet abandons the show to go and find his father. I hate that little wooden puppet. And Hook. Need I say more? And you, Frumpypigskin! Rumpelstiltskin. Where's that firstborn you were promised? Mabel. Remember how you couldn't get your little fat foot... ...into that tiny glass slipper? Oinderella is in Far Far Away right now... ...eating bonbons, cavorting with every last fairy tale creature... ...that has ever done you wrong! Once upon a time, someone decided that we were the losers. But there are two sides to every story... ...and our side has not been told! So who will join me? Who wants to come out on top for once? Who wants their... ..." happily ever after" ? This way, gents. It's out of my hands, senorita. The winds of fate have blown on my destiny. But I will never forget you. You are the love of my life. As are you. And, uh, you. I don't know you, but I'd like to. I got to go! I don't wanna leave you either. But you know how Shrek is. The dude's lost without me. But don't worry. I'll send you airmail kisses every day! Be strong, babies. Ooco, Peanut, listen to your mama. Bananas, no roasting marshmallows on your sister's head. That's my special boy! Oome here, all of you! Give your daddy a big hug! Shrek? Maybe you should just stay and be King. Oome on. There's no way I could run a kingdom. That's why your cousin Arthur is a perfect choice. It's not that. You see... And if he gives me trouble, I always have persuasion and reason. Here's persuasion... and here's reason. Fiona... ...soon it's just going to be you, me... ...and our swamp. It's not going to be just you and me. All aboard! It will be. I promise. I love you. That's lovely. Bye-bye, babies! Shrek! Wait! What is it? I'm ... I'm ... I love you, too, honey! No! I said I'm ... You're what? I said I'm pregnant! What was that? You're going to be a father! That's great! Really? I'm glad you think so! I love you! Yeah! Me, too! You! I'm going to be an uncle! I'm going to be an uncle! And you, my friend, are royally... Home. Shrek! Fiona! Fiona? Oh, no. Better out than in, I always say. No, no, no! It's okay. It's gonna be all right. Stop! Hey, wait! Donkey. Donkey! Wake up! Dada! Shrek! Are you okay? I can't believe I'm going to be a father. How did this happen? Allow me to explain. When a man has feelings for a woman... ...a powerful urge sweeps over him. I know how it happened. I just can't believe it. How does it happen? And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon Little Boy Blue and the Man in the Moon When you coming home, son? I don't know when But we'll get together then, Dad. Donkey! Oan you just cut to the part where you're supposed to make me feel better? You know I love Fiona, boss. Right? What I am talking about is you, me, my cousin's boat... ...an ice

cold pitcher of mojitos and two weeks of nothing but fishing. Don't listen to him! Having a baby isn't going to ruin your life. It's not my life I'm worried about ruining, it's the kid's . When have you ever heard the phrase "as sweet as an ogre" ... ...or " as nurturing as an ogre" ... ...or "You'll love my dad. He's a real ogre." Okay. I get it. It's not going to be easy. But you got us to help you. That's true. I'm doomed. You'll be fine. You're finished. Uh, with yourjourney. "Wor-ces-ters-shiree" ? Now that sounds fancy! It's Worcestershire. Like the sauce? It's spicy! They must be expecting us. What in the shista-shire kind of place is this? Well, my stomach aches and my palms just got sweaty. Must be a high school. High school? Ready? Okay! Wherefore art thou headed, to the top? Yeah, we think so, we think so! And dost thou thinkest thine can be stopped? Nay, we thinkst not, we thinkst not! All right, Mr. Percival, ease up on the reins. For lo, bro, don't burn all my frankincense and myrrh. I'm feeling nauseous from memories of wedgies and swirlies! How did you receive wedgies when you are clearly not the wearer of underpants? Let's just say some things are better left unsaid. So I was all like, " I'd rather get the black plague than go out with you." Oh, totally. Pardon me. Totally ew-eth. Yeah, totally. I just altered my character level to +3 superb-ability. Hi. We're looking for someone named... Who rolled a +9 dork spell and summoned the beast and his quadruped? I know you're busy not fitting in, but can you tell me where I can find Arthur? He's over there. There is no sweeter taste on thy tongue than victory! Strong, handsome, face of a leader. Does Arthur look like a king or what? Sorry. Did you say you were looking for Arthur? That information is on a need-to-know basis. It's top secret! Now, gentlemen, let's away. To the showers! Greetings, Your Majesty. This is your lucky day. What are you supposed to be? Some kind of giant mutant leprechaun or something? Giant mutant... You made a funny. Unhand me, monster! Stop squirming, Arthur. I'm not Arthur. I am Lancelot. That dork over there is Arthur. This is, like, totally embarrassing... ...but Tiffany thinkest thou vex her so soothly. She thought perchance thou would ask her to the Homecoming Dance. Excuse me? Like, whatever. She's into college guys and mythical creatures. Oh, Arthur... ...come out, come out, wherever you are! You better run, you little punk no-goodniks! The days of Donkey Dumpy Drawers are over! Hold it. We're here for the mascot contest. We're here for the mascot contest, too. This is a costume? Worked on it all night long. Looks pretty real to me. If he were real, could I do this? Or this? If it were real, that would have been agonizingly painful. Now watch this! That's quite enough, boys. Thank you to Professor Primbottom and his lecture... ...on "just say nay" . And now, without further ado, let's give a warm Worcestershire hoozah... ...to the winner of our mascot contest, the... ...ogre? That's right. I'm the new mascot. So let's really try and beat the other guys at... ...whatever it is they're doing! This is all a bit unorthodox... Where can I find Arthur Pendragon? Hey, wait... Olassic. You should be ashamed of yourself! I didn't do it. They did. Please don't eat me. Eat him! Eat him! Eat him! I'm not here to eat him! Time to pack up your toothbrush and jammies. You're the new King of Far Far Away. What? Artie a king? More like the Mayor of Loserville! Burn. Is this for real? Absolutely. Olean out your locker, kid. You have a kingdom to run. So, wait...l'm really the only heir? The one and only. Give me a second. My good people... ...there's a lesson here for all of us. Next time you're about to dunk a kid's head in a chamber pot, stop and think, " Hey, maybe this guy has feelings. Maybe I should cut him some slack. Cause maybe... just maybe... ...this guy's gonna turn out to be, I don't know, a king? Maybe his first royal decree will be to banish everyone who ever picked on him." I'm looking at you, jousting team! And Guin? Oh,

Guin. I've always loved you. Good friends, it breaks my heart, but... ...enjoy your stay here in prison while I rule the free world! Okay, let's not overdo it. I'm building my city, people... on rock 'n ' roll! You just overdid it. Look at you! You look darling. Just precious. Look at her. Any cravings since you got pregnant? No. Not at all. Do you smell ham? It's present time! Fiona, please open mine first. It's the one in front. " Oongratulations on your new mess mak..." Oh, mess maker! " Hopefully this helps. Love, Oinderella." Look at that! What is it? It's for the poopies. Wait... babies poop? Everyone poops, Beauty. Fiona! We all chipped in for a little present, too. Ta-da! You know the baby will love it, because I do! Guys, that's so sweet. Thank you. Who's this one from? I got you the biggest one, because I love you most. " Have one on me. Love, Snow White." What is it? He's a live-in babysitter. Where's the baby? You're too kind, Snow, but I can't accept this. It's nothing. I have six more at home. What does he do? Oleaning. Feeding. Burping. So, what are Shrek and I supposed to do? Work on your marriage. Thanks, Rapunzel. What's that supposed to mean? Oome on now, Fiona. You know what happens. You're tired all the time. You start letting yourself go. Stretch marks. Say goodbye to romance. I'm sorry, but how many of you have kids? She's right! A baby will only strengthen the love Shrek and Fiona have. How did Shrek react when you told him? When he first found out, Shrek said... Onward, my new friends! To our happily ever afters! Now... bombs away! Well, well, well. If it isn't Peter Pan. His name's not Peter. Shut it, Wendy. Enough pillaging! To the castle! You go! Take care of the baby! Everybody stay calm! We're going to die! Everyone in! Now! Oome on! Put some back into it! We don't have time. Now go! Quickly, ladies! We'll hold them off as long as we can! Where are Shrek and Fiona? The name doesn't ring a bell. No bell. I suggest you freaks cooperate... ...with the new King of Far Far Away! The only thing you're ever gonna be king of is King of the Stupids! Hook! Right! Avast, ye cookie. Start talking. Gingy! Papa! Settle down now. On the good ship Lollipop It's a sweet trip to the candy shop You! You can't lie. So tell me, puppet... where is Shrek? Well... I don't know where he's not. You don't know where Shrek is? It wouldn't be inaccurate to assume... ...that I couldn't exactly not say that is or isn't almost partially incorrect. So you do know where he is! On the contrary, I'm possibly more or less not definitely rejecting the idea that in no way, with any amount of uncertainty... Stop it! ...I do not know where he shouldn't be. If that indeed wasn't where he isn't . Even if he wasn't not where I knew he was, it could mean... On the good ship Lollipop Enough! Shrek went off to bring back the next heir! He's bringing back the next heir? No! Hook! Get rid of this new " King" . But bring Shrek to me. I have something special in mind for him. He'll never fall for your tricks! Oh, boy. I can't believe it. Me, a king? I knew I came from royalty, but... ...I figured everyone forgot about me. Oh, no. In fact the King asked for you personally. Really? Wow. But I know it's not all fun and games. It really is all fun and games, actually. Sure, you have to knight a few heroes, launch a ship or two. By the way, make sure you hit the boat just right with the bottle. Any idiot can hit a boat with a bottle. Well, I've heard it's harder than it looks. This is going to be huge. Parties, princesses, castles. Princesses. You'll be living in the lap of luxury. The finest chefs will wait for your order. And fortunately, you'll have the royal food tasters. What do they do? Taste the food before the King eats, to make sure it's not poisoned. Poisoned? Or too salty. Don't worry. Your bodyguards will keep you safe. All of them willing at a moment's notice to lay down their lives out of devotion to you. Really? The whole kingdom will look to you for wisdom and guidance. Make sure they don't die of famine! Or plague. Plague is

bad. The coughing, the groaning, the festering sores. Festering sores! You are one funny kitty cat. What did I say? We don't want Artie getting the wrong idea. Artie? There goes my hip! Artie! What are you doing? What does it look like?! This really isn't up to you. I don't know anything about being king! You'll learn on the job! Sorry, but I'm going back. Back to what? Being a loser? Now look what you did! Look what I did? Who's holding the wheel, chief? Shrek! Land ho! How humiliating. Oh, nice going, Your Highness. Now it's "Your Highness" ? What happened to " loser" ? If you think this is getting you out of anything, it isn't . We're heading back to Far Far Away one way or another... ...and you're going to be a father! What? You just said "father" . King! You're going to be king! "You're going to be king!" Yeah, right. Where are you going? Far Far Away... from you! Get back here, young man! Boss? I don't think he's coming back. Maybe it's for the best. He's not exactly king material. When did you plan to tell him you were supposed to be king? Oome on. Why would I do that? Besides, he'll be ten times better at it than me. Then change your tactics if you want to get anywhere with him. You're right, Donkey. What about this? Shrek! Oome on. It's just a joke. Still... Listen, Artie. If you think this whole mad scene ain't dope, I feel you, dude. I'm not trying to get up in your grill or raise your roof. But what I am screamin' is, yo... ...check out this kazing thazing, bazaby! If it doesn't groove, or what I'm saying ain't straight trippin', say, " Oh, no, you didn't ! You're getting on my last nerve." And then I'll know it's ... I'll know it's wack! Help! I've been kidnapped by a monster who's trying to relate to me! Artie, wait. Oome on! Help! Hello? Greetings, cosmic children of the universe. Welcome to my serenity circle. Please leave any bad vibes outside the healing vortex. Now prepare to... I knew I should have got that warranty! Mr. Merlin? You know this guy? Yeah. He was the school magic teacher, until he had his nervous breakdown. Technically, I was merely a victim of a level 3 fatigue. At the request of my therapist, and the school authorities, I retired to the tranquility of nature to discover my divine purpose. Oan I interest anyone in a snack or beverage? Uh, no. Sure you don't want to try my Rock Au Gratin? It's organic. Thanks. I ate a boulder on the way in. We need directions to Far Far Away. "We" ? Who said I was going with you? I did. People are counting on you, so don't try to weasel out of it. If the job's so great, you do it. Understand this, kid. No more Mr. Nice Guy from here on out. That was your Mr. Nice Guy? Yeah, and I'm going to miss him. Why don't you go terrorize a village and leave me alone! Was that a crack about ogres? You get your royal highness to Far Far Away... ...before I kick it there! Now, which way am I kicking? I could tell you, but since you're in the midst of a self-destructive rage spiral, it would be karmically irresponsible. Self-destructive...? Are you going to help us or not? Most definitely, but only after you take the journey to your soul! I don't think so. It's either that or primal scream therapy. All right. Journey to the soul. Now, all of you, look into the Fire of Truth and tell me what you see. Ooh, charades! Okay, I see a Dutch fudge torte with cinnamon swirls! Okay, monster... go for it. I see a rainbow pony. Excellent work! Now the boy. This is lame. You're lame! Now just go for it. Okay. There's a baby bird and a father bird sitting in a nest. Yes! Stay with it! The dad just flew away. Why did he leave the little bird all alone? It's trying to fly, but it doesn't know how to. It's going to fall! Proper head case you are. Really messed up. Okay, I get it. The bird's me. My dad left. So what? Look, Artie, um... Just thought I'd help set the mood... ...for your big heart-to-heart chat. I know what it's like to not feel ready for something. Even ogres get scared. You know... once in a while. I know you want me to be king, but I can't . I'm not cut out for it,

and I never will be. Even my own dad knew I wasn't worth the trouble. He dumped me at that school first chance he got... ...and I never heard from him again. My dad wasn't really the fatherly type, either. I doubt he was worse than mine. Oh, yeah? My father was an ogre. He tried to eat me. I guess I should have realized it. He bathed me in barbecue sauce and put me to bed with an apple in my mouth. I guess that's pretty bad. It may be hard to believe, what, with my obvious charm and good looks, but people used to think I was a monster. And for a long time, I believed them. But after a while, you learn to ignore the names people call you and just trust who you are. You know... you're okay, Shrek. You just need to do a little less yelling and use a little more soap. Thanks, Artie. The soap's because you stink... really bad. Yeah... I got that. This place is filthy! I feel like a hobo. I'm sorry, but this isn't working for me. Everything's always about you. It's not like your attitude is helping. Maybe itjust bothers you I was voted fairest in the land. You mean in that rigged election? Give me a break. " Rapunzel, Rapunzel... ...let down thy golden extensions!" Ladies, let go of your petty complaints and let's work together! So I guess the plan is we just wander aimlessly in this stinkhole until we rot. No, we get inside and find out what Oharming's up to. I know he's a jerk and everything, but that Oharming makes me hotter than July. That's it! Oome on! This way! Rapunzel, wait! Oharming, let go of her. But why would I want to do that? What? Say hello, ladies, to the new Queen of Far Far Away. Rapunzel, how could you? Jealous much? Soon you'll be back where you started, scrubbing floors or locked away in towers. That is, if I let you last the week. Pookie, you promised not to hurt them. Not here, kitten whiskers. Daddy will discuss it later. Now forgive us. We have a show to put on. Shrek will be back soon, and you'll be sorry. Sorry?! Don't you realize once Shrek sets foot in Far Far Away... ...he's doomed? Look out! They got a piano! Kill them all... except the fat one. King Oharming has something special in mind for you, ogre. King Oharming? Attack! Artie, duck! Ready the plank! Shrek! Help! Oowards! What has Oharming done with Fiona? She's going to get what's coming to her. And there ain't nothing you can do to stop him! We've got to save her. But she's so far far away! Get yourself back to Worcestershire, kid. No, Shrek. Hold on. I've got an idea. I am a buzzing bee. Mr. Merlin? They need a spell to get them... ...I mean us, back to Far Far Away. Forget it. I don't have that kind of magic in me anymore. How about a hug? That's the best kind of magic. Please. I know you can do it. I said forget it! But... What's with you? It's just so hard, you know? They need to get back, cause their kingdom's in trouble. Cause there's a really bad man. It's just so hard! Take it easy. No! I don't think you understand! There's a mean person doing mean things to good people. Have a heart, old man. They really need your help to get back. Why won't you help them?! Okay. I'll go get my things. Piece of cake. Well, well. You want eggs with that ham? I am a little rusty, so there could be some side effects. Side effects? Don't worry. Whatever it is, no matter how excruciatingly painful, it will wear off eventually. I think. Oops. You sure about this? If Artie trusts him, that's good enough for me. Even if his robe doesn't cover... Alacritious expeditious... ...a-zoomy-zoom-zoom! Let's help our friends get back... ...soon! It worked! I haven't been on a trip like that since college! Donkey? What? Is something in my teeth? Oh, no! I've been abracadabra-ed into a Fancy Feastin', second-rate sidekick! At least you don't look like some kind of bloated pi�ata! You should think about going on a diet! You should get yourself a pair of pants. I feel all exposed and nasty! So you two think this is funny? I'm really sorry, guys. Don't be. You got us back, kid. How in the Hans Ohristian Andersen am I supposed to parade around in these goofy boots?

Hey, hey, hey! Be very careful with those. They were made in Madrid by the finest... You'll learn to control that. Seriously. Ow! You need some comfort inserts or arch supports or something. Watch it. I'm walking here and I'm gonna keep going until... Pinocchio! Shrek! Help me! What happened? Oharming and the villains took over! Fiona and the Princesses got away. Now she's ... She's what?! What?! Puss! Loan me five bucks. You heard him. Help the brother out. Do you see any pockets on me? Hold on a second. I had no idea, really. I... I swear. Quick! Where is Fiona? Oharming has her locked away someplace. You have to find him! He's probably getting ready for the show! Wait, Pinocchio! What show? " It's a Happily Ever After After All" . " Shrek's final performance" ? Shrek! You didn't tell us you were in a play! I guess I've been so busy I forgot to mention it. The ogre! Get him! Don't worry, jefe. I got this. Uck! Kill it! Look. Don't you know who he thinks he is? How dare you! We're dealing with amateurs. He's a star, people! Hello? I'm so sorry about this, Mr. Shrek. I'm going to lose it! Is everything ready? You did get the list for the dressing room? Breakfast croissant stuffed with seared sashimi tuna. And I hope you have the saffron corn with jalapeno honey butter. Our client cannot get into his proper emotional state withoutjalapeno honey butter! I just lost it. They should talk to Nancy in Human Resources. Oh, we will have much to say to Nancy, I promise! "With this sword, I do..." No. "With..." "With this sword, I do smote thee!" Is " smote" the right word? " Smoot" ? I don't think that's a word. Maybe I should just " smite" him. Let's try this again. Now... Shrek attacks me. I pretend to be afraid. " Now the kingdom will get the happily ever after they deserve. Die, ogre!" Blah, blah, blah. Oh, itjust doesn't feel real enough! Who told you to stop dancing?! Wink and turn. What are you laying around for? Get up! Honestly! Our happily ever after is nearly complete, Mummy. And I assure you... ...the people of this kingdom will pay dearly for every second... ...we've had to wait. Break a leg. On second thought, let me break it for you. Thank goodness. I was afraid you wouldn't get back in time. Where's Fiona? Don't worry. She and the others are safe... for now. Let me guess. Arthur. It's Artie, actually. This boy is supposed to be the new King of Far Far Away? How pathetic. Stand still, so I won't make a mess. Oharming, stop! I'm here now. You got what you wanted. This isn't about him. Then who's it about? I'm supposed to be king, right? You weren't really next in line for the throne. I was. But you said the King asked for me personally. Not exactly. What does that mean? I said whatever I had to say, all right? I wasn't right for the job, so I needed some fool to replace me. And you fit the bill. So just go! You were playing me the whole time. You catch on real fast, kid. Maybe you're not as big of a loser as I thought. You know, for a minute... ...I actually thought... What? That he cared about you? He's an ogre. What did you expect? You really do have a way with children, Shrek. Leave me out with the waste This is not what I do It's the wrong time She's pulling me through It's a small crime And I got no excuse And is that all right, yeah? Is that all right with you? Is that all right, yeah? If I give my gun away when it's loaded? If you don't shoot it how am I supposed to hold it? Is that all right? Is that all right? Is that all right with you? No. Had we stayed put like I suggested, we'd be sipping tea out of little heart-shaped cups. Yeah, heart-shaped cups. And eating crumpets smothered with loganberries. Yeah, loganberries. Shut up, Oindy. Yeah, shut up. No, you shut up. Stay out of this. Who cares who's " running the kingdom" ? I care. You should all care. I have your badge number, tin can! Donkey? Princess! Puss? I am Puss, stuck here inside this hideous body. And I'm me! But you're... Everything's fruity in the loops, but what happened is we went to high school, the boat crashed and we got

bippity-boppity-booped by the magic man. You poor sweet things. I don't get it. The cat turned into a little horse that smells like feet. What's to get? Who dat? Where's Shrek? Oharming has him. He plans to kill Shrek tonight in front of the whole kingdom! All right, everyone. We need to find a way out now. You're right. Ladies, assume the position! What are you doing? Waiting to be rescued. You've got to be kidding me. What else can we do? We're just four... ...I mean three, super-hot princesses... ...two circus freaks, a pregnant ogre and an old lady! Excuse me. Old lady coming through. Mom! You didn't think you got your fighting skills from your father, did you? Excuse me. There's still one more. Why don't you just lie down? Okay, girls, from here on out... ...we take care of business ourselves. The Far Far Away Theatre at the Charming Pavilion is proud to present... ..."It's A Happily Ever After After AII." Enjoy your evening of theatrical reverie, citizen. Oi! No food or beverages in the theater! Places, everyone! Easy! Sorry. I was showing off for the little one. It's Bring Your Kids to Work Day. Oome here, beautiful. Well, she's got your eye. Who would have thought a monster like me deserved something as special as you? Little birdies, take wing Flitting down from the trees they appear And to chirp in my ear All because I sing Move it! Go! My babies! Help! Hey, how's it goin' O to the K. The coast is clear. Let's do this. Go, Team Dynamite! I thought we agreed to use the name Team Super Oool. I recall it was Team Awesome. I voted for Team Alpha Wolf Squadron. Okay! From henceforth, we will be Team Alpha Super Awesome Oool Dynamite Wolf Squadron. Ach de liebe! There is some strange little girl over there staring at us! Artie! Wait, wait! Where is the fire, se�or? Please. Don't act so innocent. You both knew what was going on and kept it to yourselves. It's not like it seems. It's not? I think it seems pretty clear. He was using me. That's all. Using you? You really don't get it. Shrek only said those things to protect you. Oharming was going to kill you, Artie! Shrek saved your life. Oue the spot! I wait alone up here I'm trapped another day Locked up here, please set me free My new life I almost see A castle, you and me Yes, a castle, you and me Oherubs! Tis I, Tis I Upon my regal steed Princess, my love At last you shall be freed I'm strong And brave And dashing my way there With speed! With might! With soft and bouncy hair! - Through the blistering desert Hot! - Across the stormiest sea Wet! Facing creatures so vile Foul! So you can gaze upon me! I knew you'd come for me And now we finally meet I knew you'd wait And from my plate of love you'd eat Who is this terribly ugly fiend Who so rudely intervened? Will Charming fight or flee? Please rescue me! From this monstrosity! Fear thee not, honey lamb! I will slice this thing up like a ham! Oh, boy. You are about to enter a world of pain With which you are not familiar! It can't be any more painful than your lousy performance. " Prepare, foul beast." Prepare, foul beast, your time is done! Oould you kill me and then sing? Be quiet! I'm just having fun with you. That's actually a very nice leotard. Thank you. Do they come in men's sizes? Now that be funny! Enough! Now you'll finally know what it's like... ...to have everything you worked for... ...everything that's precious to you, taken away. Now you'll know how I felt. Sausage roll! Pray for mercy from Puss! And Donkey! D Hi, honey. Sorry we're late. You okay? Much better, now that you're here. So, Oharming, you want to let me out of these so we can settle this ogre-to-man? Ooh, that sounds fun. But I have a better idea. No! Let go of me! You will not ruin things this time, ogre. Kill it. Everybody, stop! Oh, what is it now?! Artie? Who thinks we need to settle things this way? You mean you want to be villains your whole lives? But we are villains! It's the only thing we know. You never wish you could be something else? Easy for you to say. You're not some evil enchanted tree. You morons! Don't listen to him!

Attack! What Steve means is it's hard to come by honest work when the whole world's against you. Right. Thanks, Ed. Fair enough. You're right. I'm not a talking tree. But you know... ...a good friend once told me... ...just because people treat you like a villain, or an ogre... ...orjust some loser... ...doesn't mean you are one. What matters most is what you think of yourself. If there's something you really want, or someone you want to be... ...the only person standing in your way is you. Me? Get him! No, no, no! What I mean is each of you... ...is standing in your own way. I always wanted to play the flute. I'd like to open up a spa... in France! I grow daffodils. And they're beautiful. A new era finally begins! Now all of you... ...bow before your King! You need to work on your aim. This was supposed to be my happily ever after! Well, you need to keep looking... ...because I'm not giving up mine. Mommy? It's yours if you want it. But this time it's your choice. Author! Artie! Artie! Artie! Artie! Excuse me. That's my seat. Okay, Se�or Hocusy-Pocusy, the time has come to rectify some wrongs! Though I have been enjoying these cat baths. Please say you didn't . All right! Look. You'll feel a pinch and possibly lower intestinal discomfort... ...but this should do the trick. Are you...? I'm me again! And I am not you! All right! Oops. Ah, never mind. What did I tell you? The kid's going to be a great king. Well, for what it's worth, you would have, too. I have something much more important in mind. Finally. Dada. Was I wrong about the world? It's a beautiful new place I smell Shrek Junior! Where else could a creep like me Meet such a pretty face Meeting every day with the rising sun Looking up, it's looking like My losing streak is done Peek-a-boo! Peek-a-boo! A bouncy, bouncy, boy! Used to always feel like Wished that I was dressed better Where's the baby? Never had a lot of luck Until I finally met her Meeting every day with the rising sun Looking up, it's looking like My losing streak is done My losing streak is done Well... what shall we do now? I got it. Puss and Donkey, baby! Once again, come on! I want to thank you for letting me be myself Again! Look at my hips! I want to thank you for letting me be myself Again! Break it down! Let's go! Stiff all in the collar Fluffy in the face Chit chat chatter trying Stuffy in the place Thank you for the par-tay But I could never stay I'm sorry. I got many things on my mind But the word's in the way And I want to thank you for letting me be myself Again Different strokes for different folks Thank you for letting me be myself Again Break it down! Puss and Donkey, baby! Puss and Donkey, baby! Puss and Donkey, baby! Dance to the music All night long Everyday people Sing a simple song Mama's so happy Mama start to cry Papa's still singing You can make it if you try So try! Thank you for letting me be myself Again Thank you for letting me be myself Again Oome on, Donkey. Do something right! Put the hoofs together! Put the hoofs together! Stomp your boots, baby! Stomp your boots, baby! Stomp your boots, baby! Thank you for letting me be myself Again I want to thank you for letting me be myself Again Thank you, thank you, thank you. Want to thank you Just to be my Because I just want to be my... See? Can I, can I thank you! Can I Yes! Yes!

Omg

[starlocked01]

I Know the Stars Will Start to Fade

AO3 @tsshipmonth2020

Masterpost- Previous- Next

Summary-  Roman was born with three soul marks but now has only one. He doesn't want to ruin his last great chance for happiness but finds his final soulmate, Logan, isn't what he expected. And neither is he what he expected of himself.

Day 10 LAMP (Platonic Logince focused, Romantic Moxiety)- Soulmates are born with matching soul marks

Roman was starting to feel desperate. He had been born with three different soul marks but now was left with one. He really couldn't blame Patton or Virgil for getting upset with him. Somehow this was his fault.

The soul marks had been beautiful. Three shields with different intricate patterns inside. One had a castle overshadowed by a storm cloud. That one had matched Virgil’s. One had a heart floating in a broiling sea. That one had matched with Patton's. The last showed a brain at the foot of the mountains with a field of stars above. He hoped whoever this brain matched to would be the one who lasted and stuck around.

He'd met Virgil on an online forum for people with multiple soul marks. They hadn't talked much but Virgil went by st0rmcl0ud online and had described a soul mark that sounded remarkably similar to Roman’s. So he reached out in DMs and they swapped photos of their marks and then phone numbers and at Roman's insistence planned to meet up. He was already head over heels for his soulmate and giddy with excitement to meet Virgil in real life. Virgil and Patton had found each other through a dating app. Virgil recognized the heart shield as matching one of Patton's marks and had introduced the two of them as well.

For the first month, it was wonderful. Roman had never been so enamored, so certain of a future together with these two. It felt wonderful and nerve-wracking and exciting and passionate and everything the fairy tales had promised love would be.

They went on dates and got to know each other better. Roman went from infatuated to admiring his soulmates. He still put forth the full effort to love them but his heart wasn't behind it the way it should have been.

The stormy castle started to fade. He loved- no- cared for his two soulmates deeply. But the mark started to fade. Roman’s grand romantic vision of the future started to settle into something more friendly and domestic. He hid his soul marks, not wanting to upset either of them.

The stormy castle faded completely and the heart in the ocean was beginning to dull in color as well. Roman loved going on dates because it made his friends happy, but he felt no happier than if they had a quiet movie night at home together or spent the night video calling each other.

Roman had been frustrated, because Virgil and Patton were still head over heels for each other, in their own ways of course. Why didn't he feel that romantic spark that had pulled them all together?

One day, the heart in the ocean faded completely. Roman was terrified to tell his soulmates that the marks were gone. He was even more frightened by the realization that he didn't really love them the way they loved him and each other. He absolutely cared for Patton and Virgil with his whole heart, but the romantic vision was gone. He wanted them in his life but the idea of dating twisted his gut in the most unpleasant way.

Virgil noticed first. Roman didn't think it was possible to see the man any paler than his normal complexion.

"You lied to us…"

"No, they disappeared. They were there. They were real!"

"How do you expect me to believe that, Roman," Virgil's eyes were clouded with fear and pain. Roman couldn’t meet his gaze any longer and looked away.

"Why would you-"

"I don't know! I- you're my soulmate, Virgil… I don't know why our mark disappeared."

Virgil shook his head and pulled out his phone, dialing from memory.

If Virgil's anger had been difficult, Patton's disappointment was worse. His sad eyes bore into Roman’s soul and he couldn't even soften the blow by blaming Roman.

"Roman, do you not want us?" Roman's heart crumbled at the question.

"Patton, of course, I-"

"He was never our soulmate, Pat! I don't know how but he lied to us," Virgil hissed, pulling Patton back away from Roman.

"Guys, please listen to me," Roman was on the verge of tears.

"Yeah, Virge. I'm sure there's an explanation here that we aren't seeing. Roman, you still love us, right?"

Roman couldn’t help it. He balked and that sealed his fate. The moment Patton's heart broke was embedded in his memory, unlike the disappearing soul marks.

That was a week ago. And here he was, riding the bus to rehearsal as though his emotions weren't in shambles, one chance left to find happiness.

"Excuse me, sir? May I see your soul mark?" Roman turned to the unfamiliar voice and saw the hottest man he'd ever met giving him a difficult to decipher look.

Roman already had names picked out for the dogs they would adopt together.

"Ah, sure," Roman held out his arm and the stranger leaned down to inspect it. After a moment he pulled the sleeve of his jacket up and held up an arm with three familiar marks up to Roman's, "it's you! The brain…"

The stranger cleared his throat and pushed his sleeve back down, "yes. It appears we are soulmates. My name is Logan Crawford. What is yours?"

"Roman Prince," Roman replied breathlessly. He felt like he was on cloud nine and had his final chance.

"Well, Roman, I suppose you'll want to be in contact. Although, I must warn you that I am a disappointing soulmate and refuse date," Logan had pulled out his phone and was handing it to Roman.

"What do you mean 'disappointing'?" Roman frowned more in confusion than any negative feeling for Logan.

"I suppose you'll find out anyway. I am romance-repulsed. Even as one of my soulmates I won't date you or the others. Most everyone tells me that I will be a disappointment for you three but frankly, I know my boundaries and refuse to change them."

Roman stared at his final soulmate. He hadn't expected this. He took the offered phone and plugged in his number, taking a quick selfie for the contact photo.

"Well then, Logan, let's agree to just talk. Have you met Patton or Virgil?" Roman was met with an indifferent look that lacked any recognition.

"No, I have not. Have you?"

"Yes and I don't think you'd like them…" Roman said bitterly.

"Do you think I dislike you, Roman?" Logan said with the most emotion Roman had heard from him yet.

"No, I didn't mean that," Roman stammered, "I- I just meant that they're… very romantic. And I thought I had 'hopeless romantic' cornered!" Roman laughed to hide his discomfort.

"Wait, but you only had one soul mark. How did you meet them?" Logan asked with curiosity.

"My stop is coming up, perhaps we save the tragic backstory for another time?" Roman grinned as the bus rolled to a stop a block from the theater, "call me!" He rushed off the bus before Logan could respond, bewildered by the chance meeting with the handsome stranger.

Over the next few weeks, Roman and Logan texted and met up for coffee a few times. Roman was terrified of pushing things too fast and watched the soul mark on his arm constantly for any sign that it was fading. Logan never asked about the other two soulmates so Roman decided to not talk about them. He was still hurt but they had to be happier without him.

"So, Roman, you never told me the tragic story of how you met Patton and Virgil," Roman nearly spit out his tea.

"Do you really want to know, dear?" Logan bristled at the nickname but nodded.

"Well," Roman recounted the events of how they met and started seeing each other almost casually. He slowed down as he got to the part where the soul marks started fading. Logan encouraged him to continue but he couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud.

"Roman, did they hurt you?"

Roman shook his head no, not meeting Logan’s eyes.

"Can you tell me what happened?" Logan asked gently, resting his hand on Roman’s across the cafe table. Roman felt a metaphorical shock at the physical contact. He wanted a romantic connection with Logan so badly sometimes that the other’s staunch refusal to date felt like an arrow to the heart.

"My soul marks disappeared," Roman whispered, "and I couldn't promise them I was still in love, so they left."

"Disappeared? How unusual. Did they match before disappearing?" Roman looked up, surprised by the reaction. Logan just opened a new tab on his laptop and started searching a few keywords, "what? You know I don't care for sentiment. But soul marks that aren't permanent is a fascinating concept. And you say you fell out of love when the marks disappeared? Was it sudden overnight?"

"N-no… actually the marks- and the feelings- faded over time. About a week, really," Roman sighed, "actually, Logan I need to confess-" Roman pulled up the sleeve of his jacket to reveal his last soul mark, "-yours started fading a few days ago. The colors aren't as saturated as before."

Logan looked down at the mark, "and how do you feel about me? Regardless of my stance on the matter."

Roman sucked in a long breath, "I…. Honestly, I've been in love with you from that day on the bus. But I respect your boundaries and I wasn’t going to push it and as we have been talking and getting to know each other, I really value you as a friend as well. I'm still a little hopelessly over the moon about you but it's not like when we first met."

"Fascinating, it seems the intensity of your soul mark is directly proportionate to your capacity for romantic attraction. One moment," Logan turned back to the laptop and after a moment turned the screen to face Roman, "does this sound like you?"

The word and definition almost popped off the screen at Roman. Frayromantic - an aromantic spectrum identity where one feels an intense romantic attraction to strangers that fades as they get to know the person

"Yes…" Roman took a sip of tea to try and calm his swirling thoughts.

Logan turned the laptop back around and did another search. He read for a moment before reading aloud from the screen, "other frayromantics have experienced fading soul marks. Some say that the marks came back after they realized and recognized their identity or came to terms with their soulmate about it. Others never had the marks come back naturally but rather decided to get them recreated. Or they decided they didn't want the marks and carried on markless, with or without their soulmate."

"So I'm not broken, it's happened before? The marks could come back? It's not wrong to not love my soulmates romantically?" The questions spilled from Roman’s mouth before he could stop them.

"I'd actually prefer if you would hurry up and get over your crush on me, thanks," Logan said with a smirk.

Roman held back a snort of laughter. He was feeling immeasurably better.

Roman was glad he had kept Patton's phone number. After discussing it with Logan, he decided to reach back out, hoping Patton would be understanding and could encourage Virgil to be as well.

The phone rang and rang. Roman started to sweat. Logan was preoccupied with personal research but he offered a comforting hand on Roman’s shoulder. Roman was glad for his friend's support, the soul mark a faint but distinct outline anymore. It had never fully disappeared even as Roman’s crush had evaporated.

Roman was ready to give up when the line connected, "Roman?"

"Patton! Oh, thank the stars you picked up. Do you have time to talk? If not now, maybe we can meet up?" Roman grinned happily.

"Why? I thought we weren't… " Patton trailed off.

"Pat, two things. One, I figured out why the soul marks faded. Two, I found Logan. We can all know each other and work things out because despite what Virgil said, we are soulmates," Roman waited with bated breath for the response.

"Hold on a second- Virgil!" Patton pulled the phone away from his mouth as he called out. Logan squeezed Roman’s shoulder to comfort him.

"Yeah, Pops? What's up?" From what Roman could hear it sounded like Virgil had just woken up, at 3 in the afternoon. What followed was a muffled conversation from which Roman could only pick out a few words.

"Okay, Roman. Can you and Logan meet us for dinner tonight?" Patton asked brightly.

"Logan, how does dinner tonight sound?" Roman grinned as Logan nodded, "sounds great, Pat. Where do you want to meet?"

"You two should come on over here about 7, alright? Awesome, see you soon!" Patton ended the call, mind already bustling with plans to get ready for dinner.

"Roman, please don't try to speak for me tonight," Logan smiled nervously as Roman parked the car.

"Of course not. I know you can handle yourself," Roman replied.

"Yes, I just worry that you're going to try too hard to be what Patton and Virgil want, not who you are. I like you and respect you for who you are and they will too if they're smart. But in the all too likely case that you can't help trying to be a people pleaser, at least let me establish my own boundaries."

Roman gasped, "do you have so little faith in me?"

"Yes," Logan grinned and stepped out of the car. Roman started chuckling and both were smiling as the front door of the apartment duplex opened.

"Roman. And I guess that makes you Logan. Come on in, I guess," Virgil was as dour as ever as he showed them to the living room, "Patton says dinner should be ready in a few minutes so make yourselves at home."

"Virgil, it's so good to see you! I've missed your pale, crabby face," Roman grinned although Virgil did not seem amused.

Logan held out his hand, "it's nice to meet you, Virgil."

Virgil stared at the offered hand and poked it with his finger, "Nice to meet you too, Logan."

"Are they here? V, why didn't you tell me?" Patton came bustling from the kitchen and immediately wrapped Roman in a tight hug, "oh it's been too long! How ya doing, Prince?"

Roman grinned and hugged Patton back, "better now, that's for sure."

"Ah, and you must be Logan, come on in buddy!" Patton turned to offer Logan a hug.

"No, thank you. I'd rather not," Logan tried to wave Patton off.

"You sure?" Logan nodded, "Okay, dinner is almost done and we've got so much to talk about!"

Roman helped Virgil set the table while Logan followed Patton into the kitchen to help with the final preparations.

The conversation was light as they ate until Virgil asked the question no one else was bringing up.

"So Princey, why did the soul marks disappear?"

Roman took a deep breath. He could feel Logan’s hand on his knee under the table and was grateful for his soulmate’s support once again. "Virgil, Patton, I have discovered that I am frayromantic. I know that word doesn't make sense, but hear me out," he proceeded to explain, talking about how he had truly loved them when they met, and still wanted to care about them now. He even showed them the faded soul mark that matched Logan’s, explaining that it never faded completely because they had come to an understanding with each other about their relationship. He didn't bring up that the soul marks could come back, not wanting to give them undue hope or misguided ideas about his emotions. By the time he was done explaining, Patton was smiling with tears in his eyes and Virgil was nodding.

"Mark or not, I still want you in my life," Patton sniffed and reached across the table to take Roman’s hand, "we can work out the particulars later."

"Ah, Roman, I'm sorry. I was wrong to accuse you and I can't imagine how much that must have hurt you," Virgil spoke just above a whisper.

Roman nodded, "thank you, Virgil. I'll consider forgiving you."

"That's fair-"

"Consider it done!"

"Oh- kay thank you," Virgil chuckled.

"So Logan, why is tonight the first time we're meeting you?" Patton smiled at the stoic man.

"Simply put, I wasn’t seeking out my soulmates. I happened upon Roman by chance. I want to make it clear that I am not interested in dating any of you," Logan spoke with confidence. Roman was proud of him, returning the comforting hand on his knee gesture.

"Wait you two aren't dating?" Patton asked, confused.

"No. We are not dating. I am aromantic and romance-repulsed. I want nothing to do with mushy, complicated romantic emotions. However, and I hope Roman doesn't mind me saying this, I do consider him my best friend," Logan coughed, "and I actually wanted to talk with you later about a platonic partnership," Roman was surprised to hear this but more surprised by the blush on Logan's cheeks.

"Yeah, we can talk about that later, Lo. I definitely think you're my best friend as well."

"Wow, so… being soulmates isn't going to be easy for any of us," Virgil murmured.

"But we'll all work it out together!" Patton finished the sentiment, clasping his boyfriend's hand in his and smiling at the two soulmates across the table.

The soul marks that had faded completely never came back on their own. After a few years together, Roman decided to get them tattooed back on, asking the artist to match the intensity to Logan’s mark. The three faint marks helped reassure Roman that he was who he was and that he didn't need to change that to love his soulmates just as much as he could.

[saradiasz]

Pairing: Lin Manuel X Reader

Note: Hi, this is my first Fanfic here, i hope you enjoy it!

Warning: Cursing, Teenager Lin, Lin's accent in Spanish, Smut, Fluff, Lin's baby pictures.

Word Count: 5.001

1998- Summer Vacations

I can't wait to meet my new neighbors, it's pretty lonely here since Cameron that lived nextdoor had to go to live in another country with her parents, she was my best friend and maybe my only one, she said that we will still be friends but...it's different, she's going to find new ones and I'm going to be here alone as always...Fuck that, I have to focus on the new neighbors now, maybe they have a daughter...Well, nobody compares to Cam...Ok, ok I'm forgetting that for now. Anyway, my mom is baking a cake to the neighbors when they arrive, I'm so nervous and anxious for...some reason, so I go downstairs to talk to my mom and see if the cake is ready.

 — Hey mom, how it's going there?  — I said looking to the oven and seeing the chocolate cake inside.

 — Right on time honey, I'm going to take it out in 5 minutes, wanna help me with the frosting?  — She said giving me a spatula that i take with enthusiasm.

 — Sure mom.  — I smile to her and she start to pouring condensed milk slowly in the wipped cream that I was stirring.

After that she put the frosting on the fridge and take the cake of the oven and put it on the table to rest, we talk for some time about nothing important until the cake was cold enough for the frosting. Is between spread frosting on the cake and put it on a plate that we heard a knock at the door.

 — Can you see who is for me Y/N? 

 — Sure.  — I said with a bored face, it's impossible that anyone liked to host people at your door, impossible.

I open the door and I see a latin little man, or a big kid... I'm not sure yet, he is wearing a Star Wars t-shirt way too big with large, large pants that another person could fit there with him comfortably, there's a hat laying on his head too, very fancy. He just stay there starring at me with his big brown eyes and then say:

 — Hi I'm Lin son of the new neighbors, my mom is throwing a party tonight and she's inviting your family, nothing fancy just some foods and a lot of dancing, there's none dress code or those shit, we just want to have a good time with everyone and make new friends.  — He said in one breathe with a lot of hand gestures, impressive...He dresses like a kid and talk as much as one.

 — Okay.  — I said slowly.  — I'm gonna say to my mom, actually she's baking a welcome cake for your family, we can take with us tonight then.

 — That would be perfect, thank you so much. — He said gesturing with his hands again. — Bye.  — He turn around and go in the way to the next house as I close the door.

 — Okay, mom you won't belie... What are you looking at?  — She look at me with a weird smile and say:

 — He likes you honey, did you saw the look on his eyes and how he was literally throwing words at you?  — She said giving me a malicious face.

 — What are you saying, of course he don't like me, we talk for 2 minutes...Well he talked for 2 minutes I just listened. — I said rolling my eyes.

 — Well, think what you want, and about the party...we are definitely going, so find a good dress. 

 — Why mom? Let me stay home, please. — I said with fake tears in my eyes.

 — I know you, don't fake a face for me, we are going and period. — Damnit, she know me too well.

 — Ugh, okay okay.

After we both get ready, I take the cake and we go to Lin's house, i can hear music from a far, we get there and knock, a woman full of energy open the door and hug me and my mom tightly at the same time what almost caused a cake accident.

 — Wepa, I'm so happy you maded, come in, come in. — She said with a heavy accent and then pushed us into her house.

 — And we are very happy that you invited us, I baked a cake for you, take it. — My mom said giving her the cake that was in my arms.

 — Mas no precisava, you didn't need too. I'm going to place this with the rest of the food, thank you...I don't even asked your name honey, what am I thinking... — Own, like mom, like son. She said as fast as Lin did before.

 — It's Y/M/N and what's yours? If I may ask. — Okay, so I'm probably gonna be here for a while, it's always like that when my mom finds another "talkative" mom. 

 — It's Luz, and this is your hija? Uh tan hermosa... — She said giving me a look — Lin has a good taste...

 — Mama, ¿Qué estás diciendo? Excuse us ladies — A blushed Lin appears of nowhere almost screaming and then he leaves with his mother.

 — That was... — My mom start thinking in a word.

 — Freaking weird? Yeah, I know. I told you so, if you excuse me I'm going to find food.  — I go right to the place that's probably the kitchen, there's some latin people talking, probably Lin's family or something, I found a table with some snacks in the corner and go straight to them taking one bowl of... something that I don't know what it is but tastes good. I go to find somewhere safe to eat alone, what's not very complicated since they don't unpacked almost anything, I go upstairs and enter a room with some furniture, I turn the light on and then sit on the floor behind some boxes trying to hide for a while. I really didn't wanted to came here in the first place, don't get me wrong, the people aren't the problem, I am...I just don't like parties, and parties with my mom are even worse. The door opens interrupting my monologue about how much I hate parties. I see Lin talking on the phone entering the room like a thunder, closing the door and laying on the carpet.

 — Tú no entiendes, ella es la cosa más linda que yo ví en toda mi vida...obviamente no consegui hablar com ela Carlos, I'm too shy for that... — He finally realize that I'm in the room and say almost choking on the phone. — Oh fuck, yo tengo que ir bye. Hi, what're you doing here? The party isn't in my bedroom.  — He said with a...smile? Or he's dying? 

 — Your what? Oh I'm sorry I was just... scaping for my mom, I didn't realized that this was your room. — Oh fuck, of course it's his bedroom.

 — It's okay, it's nothing yet actually just a bunch of boxes and I relate with the mom thing, my mom drives me crazy sometimes too.  — He opens a beautiful smile, I never took a deep look at him but he's not that bad actually, even kinda cute with a goofy smile. 

 — Mothers hun. — We both laugh looking at the floor.

 — Did you understood what I was talking on the phone? — He asked nervous.

 — Not even a word. — He's relief came hard.

 — Oh, nice.

 — What you were saying, though? — That's really weird, he start to panic.

 — Ah, uh...porn — That's a bad liar over here my friends.

 — Sure...

 — Yeah. — Awkward silence, yummy...

 — So...

 — What's your name again? I don't think you never said to me actually.  — He said with a question mark all over his face.

 — Well, you never gave me the chance. — He start to blush because of my words and then he whisper an sorry. — It's okay Lin, and my name is Y/N at your service sir. 

 — Yeah, this name suits you. — He said now smiling. 

 — Do you want some?  — I said pointing the bowl to him. — I don't know what this is but is pretty damn good.

 — Sure. — He said taking some of the bowl and then sitting next to me, his leg touching mine. — It's tostones, basically fried plantain, it's a Puerto Rican thing, well latin thing but this one my aunt brought from Puerto Rico. — He said with his eyes glowing. 

 — You used to live there? 

 — No, actually. My parents came to here and then they meet on college so i was born here too, but I love Puerto Rico it's my happy place you know. — He said with a half smile.

 — That's so sweet Lin.  — His eyes finds mine and we stare each other for a minute, but then I look away...This boy is like...affecting me? 

 — So, did you want to get back there? It's dinner time.  — He stand up and offers me his hand.

 — We really have to? — I said forcing a sad face.

 — Of course we do, but if you get uncomfortable I promise that we can stay here okay? — His hand still waiting for mine.

 — Okay then.  — I take his hand leaving the empty bowl behind, we get out of the room still holding hands, until I see my mom, in that moment I go crazy and i walk in her direction leaving Lin.

 — Hm, very strange that you were together inside a room, did you wear protection honey? I don't want a...

 — MOM, we were just talking.  — I said interrupting her before she said something even crazier.

 — I'm just saying...Well, let's go to get dinner, this are really nice people doll you're gonna love them. — She said leading me to the backyard where a big table was full of food, hell yes, that's what I'm talking about, don't like parties who?

I sit with my mom by my right side, Lin appears and sit in front of me, after everybody was at the table we start to eat, people asking food, pouring juice, telling jokes, Lin's look finding mine between conversations, was all really nice, I even forgot why I was so worried at the first place. 

We are at home now, I'm looking at the sky from my window, there's a lot of stars and is a full moon day. The curtains of the other house in front of my window opens all of sudden, of course Lin's window is there, how I didn't noticed that? He don't seems to see me, what makes sense since my lights are off, he's shirtless and writing something on the desk that places below the window, there's a lamp on the desk and the only thing that's on at the room. He seems so relaxed, his mouth is moving fast what means he's probably singing, maybe writing music? I don't know but it's a beautiful view, wait...is this creepy? I'm feeling like a stalker right now, i try to hide but he see me for my own despair. He smile and wave his hand to me, I do the same with a Awkward smile. Crap, I'm so dumb...he take a paper and write "Hi, can't sleep either?", i write fast in a old piece of paper a big "No", he smile and write another thing and then show me "Meet me in 10?" Oh fuck, why he want to see me? he's totally going to report me to the police for harassment. I raise my thumb to him and he closes his curtains, I look at the mirror and remember that I was in my pajamas but who cares, I go downstairs slowly so my mom couldn't hear me, the door make a noise when I open it...damnit, hope she didn't hear this, I close the door and turn to Lin's house, he's standing right in front sadly with clothes now, wait, why am I disappointed? He has a little smile in his face until he reaches me.

 — I'm sorry, I wasn't stalking you I swear, please don't sue me...

 — What're you talking about?  — He said confused, crap crap crap, a thousand times crap, I fell my cheeks hot so I close my eyes so I won't be able to see his face.

 — Nice pajamas by the way... Wait, are this pineapples? — He said with a stupid smirk on his face.

 — Oh shut up, you're wearing Star Wars clothes all day and I never said a word about it. — I try to say this mad but my smile wins the battle on my face.

 — Yo, Star Wars is a classic but I never see a movie about pineapples. — Why do I didn't changed my clothes again? Right, laziness.

 — Uh, rude. — I hit his arm weakly.

 — Au. — He smile and take my hand. — Let's go, we can lay down in the garden and look at the stars and...talk.

 — Okay Yoda. — He laugh a little as we go to the background of his house. 

We lay on the ground with our bodies almost touching, the stars really look beautiful tonight... He turn his head in my direction...We both know what's going to happen but the wait make all better, I turn to him and his laches are beating slowly, the light of the stars make his face glow, he put one hand on my face and start to make little circles around my cheek and say that my eyes are more shining than the stars, his face is literally one inch far from mine. I'm the one who kisses first, his lips are soft and warm, he put his hand in my wrist and push me closer to him, his tongue is touching mine now in a sweet kiss, we end the kiss but we stay closer as possible.

 — That was unexpected. — I said breaking the silence.

 — Well, not for me. I was hoping to do that since I meet you. — He says letting small kisses on my face.

 — So my mom was right this time. — He goes a little far laughing.

 — I was that obvious?

 — I don't think so, but in the moment you walked away she said that you liked me, what I thought that was craziness until now.  — I said with one hand in his soft hair. — No that I'm saying that you like me i just... — He stop me pressing our lips together.

 — Mothers hun... — He said quoting me and then opening one of those beautiful smiles.

The sun is rising when we go back to home, I say a last goodbye to him from the window before jumping on the bed, my back are in pain but I don't care...This was one of the best days of my life, I sleep and my dreams are full of dancing and laughing. 

I wake up with a knock at my door, I look to the clock next to my bed and it's almost 12 o'clock, after a little battle against myself I get up and open the door, Lin is with a big smile in his face, the large clothes now are just a cargo shorts and a light white shirt showing his shoulders and a lot of skin, so much skin...

 — Good morning Sleepyhead. — He said still smiling.

 — How you're up after last night? And smiling... — I said outraged giving room for him get inside.

 — Actually I barely sleep, no i can't get inside. Your mother only let me in when I promised not to enter your room.

 — Of course she did, by the way what are you doing here? — I ask him. — No that I didn't liked, I do, I really do. — I said fast.

 — Really? — He's cheeks are turning red, how he can be this cute?

 — Yeah. — I get closer to him and I let a little kiss into his lips. 

 — So, I was thinking that we could go to somewhere today, I know a place in the woods that's perfect for do absolutely nothing, it's not far so we can walk a little bit and since you didn't eat breakfast, we can do a picnic and no one else goes there so we can stay together in peace. — He said showing me the basket in his hand.

 — That sounds perfect, I just have to take a shower, I see you in 30? — He nodd his head in affirmation and I kiss him more deeply this time.

 — See ya. — He said in the middle of the kiss and then goes away...God I could live in his lips forever...

I take a quick bath and go downstairs, Lin is talking to my mother, he's drinking a cup of coffee and they're... Laughing? Weird...I say a hi to my mom and we go to Lin's place. It's really a perfect place, there's a lot of trees and a little lake in the middle, we rest on a big towel under a tree for some time, we eat a lot, it's a perfect afternoon...

  — Thank you Lin, this is so nice. — My head is resting on his shoulder.

 — You know what would be nicer? — He said standing up and slowly taking his shirt off and running into the lake direction. I take my dress off and follow him with a goofy smile on my face. We jump into the almost warm water together, he start to splashing water in my face and I do it back, he came closer and kiss me, his shy hands are laying in my lower back, i surround his waist with my legs and I feel something getting harder under his belly, he stop the kiss looking at me with his big eyes, his laches are moving fast. 

 — I...it's... — He tries to talk but he doesn't have words for this.

 — Shhhh, kiss me Lin. — I whisper into his ear and he does what i ask, then i take his hand and guide him to where we were before.

 — I never done this before. — He said with his voice shaking. We lay on the towel and I kiss him, i run my hand through his wet soft hair and feel them between my fingers, meanwhile his hands is caressing my back, making little circles.

— We don't have to do it if you aren't ready yet. — He's looking at me with those big brown puppy eyes, I'm losing all control that i have. — I never done this with someone that i just meet either, but you're making me crazy without doing anything.

— I want you, i just don't know...how... — He gaze up avoiding my eyes with his cheeks all red now, did i mention how cute he's with red cheeks? 

— Hey, look at me. — I said touching his face and making he look at mine — I'll not say that i didn't do it before, but i can lead you...if you let me. — He don't say anything, just came closer and kiss me taking all the breath of my lungs.

— Okay...— He said more whispering than really talking. 

— If you want to stop anytime just say, okay? — He nodd his head in confirmation. I stay on top of him and take my bra and throw in the floor next to us, he look at my breasts with his eyes wide open then look to my face like he was asking for permission, what was really cute, i take his warm hands and put them in there and he squeeze very softly, i feel him getting even harder under me, i kiss him urgently like i never kissed someone before, he turn our positions and now he's on top of me going down to my lips and kissing my neck and collarbone, a little noise come out of my mouth when i feel his lips on my nipple pressing it softly and letting small kisses. I hear he saying all the time how soft my skin is and how sweet i taste in his mouth, our underwear go out of our body in some point.

I said that i would lead him but he's doing a great job from himself, driving me crazy with all the wait and his kisses in my body, i can feel everything, every part of our body that's touching, every drop of sweat that roll in our body. The beautiful things that came out of his mouth are like a melody, i never felt so loved when i feel him inside me, filling me whole.

— Am i hurting you baby? — He ask with the most beautiful face of concern.

— Just a little, but it's normal don't worry my love. — He nodd and then lay his forehead in mine starting to move inside me, our bodies colliding softly, his lips is barely pressing mine, he's not moving fast what make all feel even better, he's saying how gorgeous i am and i how i make him feel the luckiest guy in the whole world for let him be with me in his arms, my name come out of his mouth like a poem, we are moaning together and it's together that we come too, my eyes are out of orbit, i can't feel anything else than the goosebumps all over my body, he's head is resting in my chest and he's hugging me tight in his arms.

— You're so amazing Y/N...I'm really happy that my first time was with you. — He said softly looking deep in my eyes after we recover and lay on the ground side by side with our bodys tangled. — I never felt like this before for anyone else.

— Me neither Lin, i love how you make me feel... — I said and i feel the cold wind in my naked body what make me shiver for a moment but Lin hold me closer to his body. — I think we should put our clothes on and go back now, it's starting to get cold and the sun is going down, my mom will kill me if I get home late.

— Yeah, let's go doll. — He said throwing my clothes on me and getting up.

At home i take a shower but Lin's taste and smell are still in my body, i still can feel his arms wrapping me. I touch my lips remembering of when he was kissing me slowly, savouring my mouth. I think about check the window just to see if he's there but before I came into a conclusion my mom calls me for dinner. It's 9am when i sleep, all that i didn't slept the night before mixed with all the "exercise" from the afternoon make me sleep 10 hours uninterrupted. I get up really excited for the day, the sun is rised and it's a beautiful day, i take a quick shower and go catch some breakfast before knock at Lin's door.

— Good morning mom. — I said almost singing.

— Good Morning honey, why you're so happy? You're never like this in the morning. — She said looking at me suspiciously.

— I'm just happy mom, i can't be happy anymore? Jesus

— Of course you can, but it's strange. Let me guess, Lin is the reason of your happiness? — She ask smirking for me.

— Maybe, why? — I ask drinking my coffee 

— Nothing... i like him, he's a very good boy and he's super respectful and I think he really really likes you. 

— I really like him too mom...

— I can see, your eyes glow when you talk about him, i'm really glad that you found each other honey. — She said cupping my face.

— Me too mom, i have to go now. — I kiss her face and go out listening to her voice saying for me not to came home late. I knock at his door and his mom open for me.

— Good morning Mrs. Miranda, is Lin at home? 

— Good morning Y/N, he's in shower but come in, you can wait for him here, and don't call me that, I'm just Luz for you— She said all too happy, probably Lin told her about us.

— Okay Luz. — She guide me to the couch, i look around and everything is in place, just one or two boxes in the corner now, the decoration in very happy with a lot of color everywhere. — This is so pretty Luz.

— Thank you, i really liked how turned too. Come here let me show you a thing. — We get up and she show me trophys and some papers that belongs to Lin, there's some more things but are from a girl, maybe a sister? He didn't told me he had a sister. She takes a big album and we sit on the couch again, that's the good stuff, the blackmail material.

— This is when he born, tan precioso. — She show me a photo in white and black with a baby Lin in it, so cute. — I never thought that he would became this writing machine that never sleep properly, i blame his father they're exactly the same. — She show me a lot of another photos, in graduations, in piano recitals what apparently he was really good at, in family reunions. He appears when we're almost done, he smile when he see me but then he panic when he realize that his mom is with his kid album.

— Mami, i can't believe you're embarrassing me again. — He said hiding his face with his hands.

— I'm just showing to her como tú eras pequeño e precioso mi hijo. — She said standing up and pinching his red cheek, then she put the album where it was before and go out of the room.

— Stop laughing at me. — He said with the most adorable angry face when i start to laugh. I stand up and kiss his cheek as he touch my back and bring me close pressing his lips against mine. — What are we going to do today baby? 

— Movie? My mom's going to shop what will probably take a while so we can watch it in my house. — He smirk at me. — God, you barely discovered sex and you're already addicted? — What i said make him laugh loudly.

— I'm sorry, so...just a movie. I will just say to my mom so she won't be crazy that I'm not home — He kiss my cheek and go talk to his mom.

After we fight for 10 minutes we finally agree in watch the Ghostbusters, we both have watched it one hundred times but it's just too good. My mom finally go to work and we go to the kitchen to do popcorn and take some snacks. After that we lay on the carpet to watch the movie.

— You never told me that you had a sister. — I said playing with his hair in my finger, his head resting in my lap.

— I thought that i did, anyway she's the best, she prefer to be in our aunt's house for the summer, that's why she isn't here.

— I always wanted to have a sister, but my dad died when I was young and my mom never was the same. 

— I'm so sorry Y/N. — He said cupping my face.

— I'm okay now, was a really long time ago. — I put my hand over his. — What about your father, why i didn't meet him yet? 

— He's in New Jersey for work, he'll probably be here in the weekend, I'll make sure that he meet my girl. — He said pressing our lips quickly.

— Your girl? You didn't even asked me yet. — I said throwing a popcorn in his face.

— I have to? — He said confused.

— No, but it won't harm if you do it.

— Okay, Okay. — He said sitting in front of me and taking my hands, i can't believe he'll really do that. I burst into laughter

— I'm just kidding...

— Shh... I'm concentrating. — He put a finger in my lips and then clean his throat and start...rapping?. — I know I'm not much but my heart belongs to you, even more when I remember of that afternoon, baby I can't take you out of my mind, here holding your hands i ask you, will you be mine? 

— You just made that out of nowhere? Cool

— It's that a yes? 

— Of course it's your dummy. — I said jumping into him kissing his lips, the popcorn that was in my lap spreads to everywhere.

I never thought that I would find love in such a young age and so fast, but i couldn't imagine my life without Lin, he's the only man I loved and will always be, and the felling is mutual by what he say every morning that we wake up together, side by side, i never felt so loved in someone's arms before and i hope this felling last until the day I die. This is the end but not our end, we'll last forever.

[storiesof-humanity]

A Warning

***warning content***

Finally after years of waiting they finally received a message from outer space. After years of technology improvements and being able to colonize their moons they finally gotten a message from a species from a far away.

'We aren't alone' that's all the scientist could think as they prepared to play the message all over their world and colonies.

A dozen scientists and engineers tapped away at their devices to prepare that the playing of the message would go uninterrupted.

Everyone held their breath as every screen counted down for the message to play.

6

5

4

3

2

1

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

The screen stayed black before showing the image of a tired creature with big mat black eyes its clothes was ripped and burned in some spots a dozen of other different creatures in the background carried stuff off screen before running back to get other stuff and repeat. Others typed away on devices and others carried some sort of weapon.

The creature looked at the screen for what seemed hours before speaking.

"My name is Gur'vil, commander of the Nova Star cluster. I'm here to warn you. I do not if this will reach you on time but if does I want say I'm sorry." The commander looked at the screen as a liquid leaked from its eyes.

"We shouldn't have attacked their nests," his voice sounding in desperation,"we thought 'kill the all the young ones before they can spread' that they were going to be crippled by grief and sadness", more liquid leaked from his eyes, "that's what the scientists told us but by the love of Lichanik they were wrong, they weren't sad or grieved like the scientist predicted they were angry have you ever seen a angry human?" The alien commander said as his body started to shake slightly. "You won't believe us if we told you so just watch the videos we have from some of the humans attacks on our civilian and military centers."

The screen changed and showed a tall, bipedal creatures with no hair but some on their heads, in front of the creatures (which they had assumed they were the 'humans' the commander talked about) a huddled grouped of different species sat together as the human soldiers took away from them smaller creatures that cried out for help. The humans proceeded to grab them by a limp and smash the small defenseless creatures against rocks and pillars painting them in green and blue blood. As the older huddled group of creatures tried to run to the help of the young ones only to be shot. The camera then moves to a different group of humans laughing around a fire as more small creatures cried out for help as they slowly rotated on top a fire and being cooked alive. The camera moves one more time to reveal a small pit surrounded by humans as they cheered on two creatures from different species to keep on fighting to the death only for the winner to be shot and 2 more creatures were brought out to fight.

A growl could be heard from outside the cameras view before the camera spanning back around to show a tall, bulking figure, with glowing eyes stalked forward on its 4 legs towards whoever controlled the camera. With its eyes never leaving the creature controlling the camera it rushed forward and everything going black.

Moments later commander Gur'vil appeared back on bit this time small pops and screaming could be heard off in the distance.

*Pop*Pop*Pop*

"I beg of you," the commander started.

*Pop*Pop*Pop*

More loud screaming could be heard now of in the distance.

"don't make the same mistakes as us and hide yourselves they can't be stopped they can't be reasoned with," the commander slowly backed up a bit before pulling a small weapon from his coat.

*Pop*Pop*Pop*Boom*Pop*Pop*Pop*

The poping noises could be heard now and more clear screams could be heard now some saying to 'hold the line' well others were that of pain and death. Behind the commander alien troops aimed at something off in the distance of that of the camera behind their makeshift forts.

"I leave you this and hope you will be spared from the scourge and plague that is humanity." The commander said before raising his small weapon up to his head only to be stopped by a loud explosion followed by a wave of dust and rubble. For a moment nothing could be seen expect for small flashes of light followed by popping noises and screams.

As the dust settled the only thing left where tall creatures in black armor with black masks covering their face. Around them the other creatures were dead or bound with gags in their mouths including the commander that seemed to be dazed.

One of the creatures pulled out a small device and speakers into it,"All clear sir we have the commander as while as some of the scientist you are clear to move in."

Moments later a tall human with gray hair walked in and looked around before his eyes landing on the commander.

"Hello commander," the gray haired human said with a grin before he pulled out a thick long silver looking stick with a handle. "A pleasure to finally meet the creature that killed an entire generation of humans," the human said before he turned to the scientist," oh I almost forgot you are the scientist that helped with the attacks pleasure to meet you as while I have to admit you're species taste exactly like chicken but back to what we came here to do."

The commander stood straight making all the other human soldiers stand straight and gripping their black metal sticks.

"By the power invested in me by the empire of Humanity, I Captian Demorio Steven of the 74th death squad, in charge of the revenge killings of this sector of the galaxy declare that you and your species and everyone else in this room not human to death due to the attack on human schools, hospitals, orphanages, and daycare, any last words?"

The captain raised his sliver stick towards the commanders head.

The commander looked at the captain then at the camera,"Run. Hide. Protect yourselves you don't have much time. Please." The commander then lowered his head in defeat before the commander pulled the trigger blowing the commander's head into pieces with a pop covering everything in blue blood. All around the room human soldiers followed suit and killing everyone in the room.

As the captain wiped his face with some type of cloth he walked towards the camera before picking it up and smiling and tossing it towards one of the soldiers.

"Track that signal and report back."

"Yes sir."

The screen went black.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................

No one spoke no one moved.

This message wasn't a welcome message from space. It was a warning of what was waiting for their species out there.

As their species stared at black screens in shock a small beeping noise started sounding out of one the computers.

"Sir something just entered our system and its heading straight for us."

As all the scientist rushed towards the computer a message came through across the screen.

'You didn't listen' - Humans

.........................................................................................................................................................................................

Hey guys !! So yeah I'm here still alive and breathing and doing some crack jk... Not really.... But anyways :) just here to say that I hope you guys enjoy this story even tho its rushed and its short and its kinda boring but fuck it here you go.

So real quick I'm just going to awnser some questions I'm getting asked a lot so here we go :

Q) why don't you finish some of the series you write?

A) I suck at writing second or third parts so I just leave them like that

Q) why don't update/post that often?

A) I'm in school and I'm trying to graduate that bitch also work

Q) are you racist?

A) no I'm a speciest meaning I prefer a species over another #HumansAreTheBest

Q) where 2nd parts to some of the stories?

A) I have them on draft. I literally have 30 stories on draft 💀 (including the 2nd, 3rd, and the 4th part to Feral and like the 2 more stories about occupation)

Q) why are your stories so shit?

A) cause they fucking are you don't have to read them so suck my cock :)

Q) why are your stories so dark?

A) cause I always read stories about humans being nice and cute and being friendly and shit but fuck that humans are fucked up and crual. Just read about some of the stuff we've done to each other what do you guys think we'll do to others that are not part of our species? Like come on be realistic.

So anyways hope you guys enjoy and I promise to post if I can so yeah later :)

[nightglcw]

MUN FUN FACTS 

alias  / name   Circe , pronounced  SIR-SEE birthday   I’d rather not say . zodiac sign  Sun in Sagittarius . Moon in Libra . Mars in Scorpio . Mercury in Sagittarius . Venus in Capricorn . And to round it off , Cancer rising. height   5 ‘ 6 hobbies   very common , reading , writing , drawing , etc. I read a lot of webtoons now , but I’m always down for a good book . I also like to talk about religion or safer topics like video game lore . absolutely a hobby . favourite color.   blues , blacks , reds , purples , and soft shades of pink . favourite books    Snow White , Blood Red and Ruby Slippers , Golden Tears edited by Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling . Psyche in a Dress by Francesca Lia Block .  last song listened to    getting messy with diluc ragnivider | a playlist  ( this is really embarrassing , but I like these very specific playlist / mixes that people put together . they’re my bread and butter . for writing Inari , I have to put on a lot of . . . polite mixes to get your organs rearranged to mixes . ) last show watched   Midnight Diner : Tokyo Stories on netflix . it’s so damn good , please give it a watch .

inspiration for muse   !! the mythology surrounding the Shinto deity Inari , kitsunes , and the visual appearance and aesthetic of the F/GO take on Kamadeva , the Hindu God of Love and Desire and so on . I think it really began a long time ago when I read a short story by Neil Gaiman ,  The Sandman : The Dream Hunters . It’s a short story which involves a kitsune falling in love with a Buddhist monk and her attempting to save his life . That’s what started my deep love for Japanese mythology . Then, in Ruby Slippers , Golden Tears, there was a short story which featured a woman giving herself up to a kitsune to save her from her marriage . 

Honestly , there was just something about Genshin which made me want to bring this type of character to life . Initially I was going to pen my own take on the deity Inari , but as some God in the world of Genshin , hailing from Inazuma , but I instead wanted to make a fox who bore their name but was not , and never claimed to be them . Using Kama as an fc happened because their appearance just happened to be unforgettable . The stars , the burns , those red eyes . I just had to . 

As for Inari as a whole , they are very much a coalescence of a lot of my favorite character tropes and archetypes , and a lot of my old OCs , just given a fresh coat of paint . They are the young lovers , the depressed queer youths , the forgotten cosmic gods , and so on that I once wrote with wild abandon . Now I’ve scaled them back quite a bit , but I’m happy with them and their presence . I hope and plan to write this muse for a long time .

meaning behind your url   0iran is just Oiran with a zero instead of an o . It’s their preferred profession , though in modern settings they’re just a pretty high paid callgirl / camgirl .  I have a lot of respect for sexworkers , and I wanted to portray a sexworker who owned what they were , who was not ashamed of it . Oirans used to be respected , held in high regard by the Shogun . Their work was not always sexual in nature , as they were often asked to preform numerous other tasks .

[tillmays]

They didn't notice when the last two weeks with Riley flew away... The last mission together, as a team, as a family. Matty called everyone to the war room. Riley was zoned out and for some reason was really nervous.

Matty- well before we start, let's make the best of it today. Riley, show me how hard can you go.

Bozer- wait ... what?! We still have a week left?!

Riley- that was a week ago.

Mac- it can't be I thought the same thing. bozer made a calendar about it.

desi- he made that thing THIS week.

Riley- it's okay boz, but today isn't my last day, don't worry.

Bozer- oh thank god because that means we still have time to make a Farewell party!

Matty- let the partying for later we have work to do.

But in fact Riley was lying Matty and her knew that was the last time within two months they were going to see each other. Matty sends them to a mission where the team faces an entire army. when they help an American reporter escape across the border from a South American dictatorship. They completed the mission in full success. 3 hours later they are back at the phoenix. They were all sweaty and covered in dirt and Matty was already waiting for them at the lab, she was looking for some dresses.

Mac- hey Matty.. We are here what's going on?

Matty- something surged. I need...

Riley- what?!  But we just got here.

Matty stared at her in a way saying to shut up. — I NEED to you guys go to this event.

Mac- Matty, I get that something surged, but we just fought an entire army in another country in the other extreme of this continent.

Matty- well I get you're tired but need to do your job and stop complaining Blondie.

Riley- can we shower first?

Matty- later.

Bozer- and where are we going?

Matty- It's a big event, you're going to the mansion of this Director, producer, I don't remember his name. , but he produced...what is that movie of the weird alien and the kid that flies into the moon?

Bozer and Mac got excited they jumped out of joy cause they knew who she was talking. — OH MY GOD it's Steven Spielberg!! *They said at the same time.*

Bozer- he's one of my favorites from my childhood oh god if I was making movies right now...and the movie is ET by the way.

Desi- how old are you? Jesus.

Matty- well but its fine since y'all are too tired to go.

Mac and Bozer- no it's fine we can do it.

Matty- well apparently your hero likes to make it big but hastily and very private. He's celebrating the premiere of his new project at his house. It's a big party it will have a red carpet and please, behave. Don't you dare to embarrass me, and if you try to make a move to meet him I will kill you. Your job is to get back a microfilm.

Riley- I microfilm? All this for a microfilm?!

Matty- it's not just that, someone is going to trade it at the event. There is something important in that, that the bad guys can't have.

Riley- can we shower now?

Matty raised her arm pointing towards the door.

At the party.

Mac was wearing his classic black suit. Bozer was wearing a dark blue suit. Desi was wearing this gorgeous light blue metallic dress. With clear heels, she was wearing a bun and a light makeup. And our girl Riley, she was breaking necks that night. She was wearing this black and red dress, black heels and her box braids.

Riley and bozer walked together thru the red carpet. while Desi an Mac did the same. they are in.

Bozer- uh this is exciting. 

Desi- someone's not sleeping tonight.

Riley- let him enjoy this.

Bozer- yeah.. it's not everyday you are this close to meet one of your heroes.

Riley and Bozer were on this mission together. They were walking around until Bozer got distracted. He went to talk to some men, he knew they were producers and other writers, Bozer was in his element. Riley was at the bar behind him, listening to how well he thrived in that environment. Riley used his phone to hack into the cameras and see what was going on in the other rooms.

Desi- Has anyone seen anything?

Riley, well, nothing here. Unless you count all the attention Bozer gets, nothing.

Mac- me neither, I don't think something's wrong here.

Desi- I think the same. * said as Mac walked towards her, and she gave him his drink *

This man went to the bar and saw Riley all alone, he thought of saying hi.

Riley was playing with her drink, she was bored, she felt like she was wasting time, she felt stuck, she felt lost, she felt ... nothing ... and everything at the same time. ”why im here, we will finish this in a couple of hours..*she looked at the clock counting the last hours before she left to her undercover job, she saw Bozer behind her* i bet they aren't even going to miss me* but in that moment someone saved her from her own thoughts 

Man- didn't your mom told you that you shouldn't play with your food?

Riley made no move, showed no sign of interest.

Riley- well, if you pay more attention, you'll see that this is not food.

Man- your right. *Riley kept playing with her glass of whiskey and keeping her eyes down on the table as he sat next to her * so who your with?

Riley- excuse me. *she was giving him the back looking to the other way, but keeping her head slightly in his direction. Bozer was paying attention of what was going on behind him*

Man- I mean, what production are you with on the movie? Or something?

Riley- no, I'm just ... here you know. With one of “the productions” *she imitates him as if to imply that she was not going to say anything *

Man- oh I get it, I just wanted to know if you wanted

Riley- no uh

Man, but what if we could?

Riley- never gonna happen.

Man- Damn, are you psychic or just not interested?

Riley- no, I'm just busy.

Man- and what's keeping you so busy and alone in this beautiful party? *Riley turned around but didn't expect to see that. It was Chris Evans. She was amazed, but she was good with hiding her face expressions but for a second she was melting inside*

Riley- Well “Mr. Want to know it all”, I'm not alone, but I wish I was right now.

Chris- oh I see you keep it real.

Riley- mm I try.

Chris- you want to come with me, let me introduce you to some friends.

Riley thought it was a good idea. Might help to start moving around and cover more time, and see who had the microfilm.

Riley- you know what? Okay, hey Boz come on!. *She called to Bozer without taking her eyes off of his, they caught him off guard, and he said*

Chris- oh well I, I mean, I thought-

Riley- what?

Chris looked at her feeling somehow, he knew she was a big deal  and that dress wasn't helping.

Chris- uh no, it's just that, * put a hand in his pocket * I mean, I thought it was just the two of us.

Riley- well, you were wrong, move it Bozer. * Bozer turns around*

Bozer- oh my god!! It's Chris Evans !! Oh! Man I love your job and your last movie .. Man you kill it!

Chris- thank you man, apparently it seems that, today only one person likes me. *said while looking at Riley *

Chris- well come on.

Riley, Bozer and Chris hit it off at the other room, they were having such a good time, she almost forgot she was working.

At the projection Room.

Desi- hey so what's your thing with the alien movies?

Mac- it's not a thing, but Stevens work has changed the way movies are made now, and you can't deny he's good at his work.

Desi- so you're that kind of nerd.

Mac- good news for you, I get that a lot.

They laughed and kept talking. Riley saw them from the other room. But why she was checking up on them, she didn't care what they were talking, or why Mac was smiling that way, she didn't care. Well that was that she was telling herself.

Chris- so you want to head it off?

Riley- yeah I don't know.

Chris- oh come on, live a little.

Riley- let me check something with my friends first.

Chris- fine, but you better hurry. Some friends are bringing old microfilms to choose and watch an old movie.

Riley- they bring what? *Riley senses were alert and tried to get information about it*

Chris- yeah they are putting old movies at my place later.

Riley- well wait for me ok.

Chris- I knew you were gonna say yes. We live in 5.

Riley and Bozer went running back to Mac and Desi*

Bozer- dude where are they?

Riley- I don't know let me check my phone and see what I got on the cameras. Look they are close to the entrance, lets go.

They found them and they formed a little circle.

Bozer- we have to go.

Mac- why?

Desi- what did you do?

Mac- please tell me you weren't looking for Mr Spielberg?

Bozer- what?! No! Why y'all always think it's me!

Riley- guys!, pay attention. The microfilm isn't here.

Mac- what do you mean that the microfilm isn't here?

Riley- Chris friends are going to have a little screening at his place. And he told me that they are bringing some microfilms.

Mac- so they used this party to hide the real one.

Desi- but that makes no sense.

Bozer- just like this whole day girl.

In that moment someone crashed the party. They heard when the tires of a car screeched and everybody outside the red carpet started to run and scream. The gunshots started and the 4 of them looked at the door.

Riley- everyone outside in 3 ok.

Desi-  count on it.

Bozer and Mac helped everyone to run to the other side to escape. They went to the second floor to see if someone was there but no one was up there. They were walking back downstairs went they popped in to the star of the night.

Mac and Bozer got froze.

Steven S- oh guys are people up there? we gotta get everyone safe! Are you ok?

Mac and Bozer couldn't believe what was happening, but they snapped out of it.

Mac- yeah we're good, everybody it's outside. 

Steven S- well come on!

Bozer- I know this isn't the right time but sir I love your work I'm your fan!

Steve S- oh thank you son.

They were outside and they met with the girls.

Mac- hey you ok?

Desi- yeah we are good and you guys? *she got closer to mac, Riley looked what was going on, but she just frowned. Bozer and Mac walked a side and Mr Spielberg was behind them.

Riley- oh my god! I guess you are more than fine. haha

SS- oh this young man's help me get out.

Riley- yeah the safety of others is their top priority. *she winked*

SS- you two are to lucky ladies.

Desi and Riley just laughed.

Man- oh Steven where have you been? 

The guys were more the surprised.

SS- oh Bruce calm down, I'm fine.

Bozer- you're... you're.

Mac- Bruce Willis. Hi nice to meet you.

Bruce- hi nice to meet you all. Steven what the hell it's going on man??

SS- Bruce I want to introduce you to these young mans who helped me get out of that chaos.

Bruce-  uh they remind me of the goonies.

Bozer- the goonies??

Bruce- yeah.. you have that vibe of that kid, the chubby one. *everyone laughed* 

Mac- no we actually are more of the die hard type.

Bruce- oh really, i dig it.

SS- you can't see it even when you have it in front of your face they clearly are like the A- team.

Bruce- what? youre out of your mind. they are more of a... * they kept discussing while walking away.*

Bozer- wow they are like a Mac and Jack uh.

Riley- uhh Jack isn't going to believe this.

Desi- don't worry he can watch Die Hard anytime he want.

Riley- hahaha, i really miss him. *Bozer put his hand on Rileys shoulder.* 

Desi received a phone call. she looks at her phone. -its Matty.

Bozer- do not answer that, we better move now.

Riley- i will go find Chris.

Mac thinking “ why? we can just track his phone and find the place” but as always he didn't said something. 

Mac- i will go with Desi we will meet you there.

Mac just raised his eyebrows making a little smirk. Just trying to see her reaction. he make that Jack Daltons face when is trying to be provoke someone and put them on their nerves. 

Riley turned around and stared at him frowning her face. while saying to herself “dude what” she thought. while her mind was spinning like crazy wondering what was that. he was just saying it or he was trying to play mind games. 

       ..........................................................

This is the hair i picked for Riley for this one. wait for the second part :) ;)

[swimmingdeerpeach]

Just some Ideas I had for Yandere BNHA

WARNING: Slight yandere themes

Bakugou:

It was just another day of work for Bakugou, he was going undercover and searching for a villain who had hacked into several bank accounts and had stolen over 4 million. After some extensive research Bakugou had figured out that this villain worked as a theater manager and worked behind the scenes as this hacking mastermind.

Bakugou sighed as he waited for the show to end there was only one more solo dance performance left and he was bored out of his mind. He sighed as the announcer went backstage to bring in the next performer.

“Ladies and Gentleman I am pleased to introduce the dancing sensation of Roko city y/n!”

Within a flash he saw y/n. His breath hitched and his bored expression turned into a more curious one as he saw y/n how her beautiful hair danced in the light, her gorgeous dress fitting her perfectly and how she smiled at everyone. Something about this girl made him feel different, made him feel like he was complete. 

He stared into her eyes and for the first time ever he felt happy, he didn’t want to shout, he didn’t want to yell, he wasn’t angry, it was just him.

Y/N’s eyes met his briefly which made his heart beat faster but she turned away and as soon as the music started, she swayed elegantly with it. She was calming and refreshing to watch and he couldn’t help but wonder if it was love at first sight...

It must have been, right?

Of course it was! He loved y/n! And he was going to go to the moon and back for her. He would kill for her! He would die for her! 

She was an enchantress her beautiful long tresses swaying with her every movement and how she was the perfect girl for Bakugou.

She was his and no damn extra or reject could take her away from him! They were bound together from that moment on.

Izuku:

This sweet cinnamon roll was walking down the street recently dumped by Ochako Uraraka. He was slowly moving on but the thought of his old girlfriend made his eyes flood with tears. They loved each other and he simply couldn’t understand why she would leave him. He huffed as his eyes watered again.

CRASH

He bumped into someone who was on the ground.

“Geez! Watch where you’re going” she said as Izuku reached down to help her. Both of their eyes met and they took each other in.

She wore a red hat and red jumpsuit with a tag ‘y/n’

Then their eyes met- Izuku couldn’t possibly look away from those beautiful e/c eyes. 

“What?” y/n snapped rudely “cat caught your tongue”

“No-no I’m very sorry...I’m Izuku by the way, Izuku Midoriya” he said with a little stutter here and there. y/n worried over the distraught man and looked down guiltily.

“No I’m sorry” she said looking back at him with a tired smile, “I’m y/n by the way- I was just grumpy because I’d done a 24 hour shift to cover for a friend, y’kow? I just want to go home and get some sleep”

Izuku felt really bad, y/n wouldn’t have to work a day if she was with him. He would make her happy and keep her to himself. She was more than Uraraka could have ever been to him. She was his sun, his moon, his star. He would protect her and this time yn wouldn’t hurt him like Uraraka did, she was an angel- no a goddess. It was love at first sight and he wasn’t going to ever let her go! Of course not!

“y/n you seem really tired, do you want me to walk you home?” Izuku asked slyly.

“No I wouldn’t want to bother you and besides we’ve just met” she said shifting uncomfortably.

“No we know each other” he said

“huh?” she asked alarmed

“your y/n and I’m Izuku... We know each other now” he said giving her a sweet smile and his puppy eyes which she couldn’t refuse.

“Oh alright! Fine by me!” y/n said smiling back at the man who she guided to her house unsuspectingly. After all she really doesn’t know that he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Shoto Todoroki:

Shoto was enjoying a lonely walk down his usual way until a paper smacked him in the face unsuspectingly. 

“ugh” he groaned as he fell backward. Just his luck.

“Oops! Sorry” A melodic voice from nearby spoke out. 

Shoto quickly grabbed the paper harshly and glanced at the girl running towards him, her eyes shone concern catching him off-guard and building up a warm feeling in his chest. He’s never quiet felt this way before and wishes he did because the feeling was a pleasant one.

“I’m really sorry sir, I’m y/n and I work for an orphanage nearby. I was actually just handing out papers for donations. You see we’ve been running low on our government funds lately so I was handing these papers out. I guess my clumsiness speaks for itself.” She said quickly cutting herself off as she noticed his unfamiliar gaze.

“S-s-sorry sir” y/n said bowing her head down low too embarrassed by this situation. 

“How much money?” Shoto asked all of a sudden pulling out his wallet.

“What?” The girl asked money.

“How much money do you have left to collect for your donations?” He asked. He sounded impatient but in his mind he wanted to stay just like that with her forever.

“We still have 1 million dollars-” y/n was silenced by Shoto’s immediate reaction to take out his check.

“Sir what are you doing?” y/n asked.

“Can’t you see what I am doing? I’m giving you the money” Of course he would. He had decided from the moment he saw her that he was going to take care of her and he would do anything for her.

He quickly signed it and handed it over to her with a donation of 1 million dollars. To say the least the girl was starstruck, she could barely get a hold of herself. She flung herself into his arms and kissed his cheek and that sealed her fate forever.

“Thank you so much sir!” she said still hugging him as tears of joy streamed down her face. The orphanage would be saved after all! 

“Shoto” the man said piping up from this position, “the name’s Shoto” he said and left the girl who would soon be his wife.

Denki:

Denki Kaminari wasn’t a marrying man, he was more of a one night stand kind of person. He was so used to girls fawning over him because of his career, his money, his looks. All that didn’t matter to him but he could never say that it wasn’t fun. He hung out in the clubs every night swaying with the beat with a ton of his fan girls. 

And this day was just like any other, after a hard day at work he went to his favorite club across the street and was hanging out in the bar after dancing for two hours. Seemingly a beautiful girl had come his way, he couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Her vibrant hair and eyes, her sheepish smile. Oh he could just stare at her for hours.

“Um sir-?” she started but was quickly cut off by Denki

“You want my autograph, picture, and number right?” he asked grabbing her hand quickly while taking out his pen and signing his name onto her hand. 

“To whom do I make it out-” Before Denki could finish the girl grabbed her hand back.

“You Fool! How the hell did you get the idea that I wanted your fucking autograph on my hand? huh? I was just going to ask if you knew where the exit was! Geez! The gull you have to sign your name onto my hand!” She yelled.

He couldn’t lie- she was hot when she was angry. He continued to listen to her rant until her friend came up behind her and tapped gently on her shoulder.

“What is it?” she asked impatiently.

“Y/n! That’s chargebolt, he is-”

“I don’t give a damn about who this pikachu is! I just want to go home!” she yelled furiously and walked away from that scene.

Denki didn’t want her to go- not yet- no, not ever. He loved the way that this beautiful girl named y/n changed his life within minutes. He would come to that same club everyday in hopes that y/n would be there. He refused to dance with any girl that wasn’t y/n. He would search the streets and the world! All for his dear y/n. He decided that he was going to marry her and they would be the perfect husband and wife together.

Kirishima:

Kirishima was shopping for groceries.

Yeah, heroes had to eat to and the manliest of them all also had to cook for himself. He had a break today and he might as well buy the next meal.

He reached out to grab dome ocra but bumped into the most beautiful girl he had ever seen.

Her beautiful hair cascading down her shoulders, her beautiful eyes widening at the sight of bumping into him and then doing a 360.

She was beyond beautiful.

“Oh sorry” she said monotonously.

“hehe it’s fine” he replied while rubbing his neck sheepishly while grabbing ocra for the both of them.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“y/n, what’s yours?” she asked back trying not to be rude. It was her worst day by far and she couldn’t take it out on a kind stranger!

“Ejirou Kirishima!” he replied back enthusiastically to which she smiled slightly, “something seems to be bothering you” he said quietly.

“Oh well it isn’t much- oh fine your just a stranger that I’m never going to see anyways! So what the hell? Y’know my parents they are super annoying even though I’m a grown women they work me to death and I’m supposed to give them half of the money I earned to them! It’s evil! I can’t afford for food myself and they can even without the support of my income they can buy thousands of rich people meals for themselves! They said that I owed them something and took away everything I loved from me-” and so the story went on.

Kirishima couldn’t seem to break his mind away from this rant he was onto every word that came out of her beautiful mouth. How dare her parents do this to her? She was his beautiful angel now and he will become manly and protect her! The red riot wanted to save his princess from trouble and lock her up in a lavish castle where they both could live happily ever after.

Shinsou:

Shinsou was up late in the U.A library. It was a long day, he came back to U.A to meet his adoptive father, Aizawa, his adoptive sister Eri who was a U.A student herself now. After one whole day of hanging out with his family, he sat back in the library enjoying the peace and quiet. 

After a few minutes of resting his eyes he heard a loud CLANG towards the south of the library. He quickly woke up and ran towards the source of the noise.

There was a woman in a tight formfitting black jumpsuit and a black mask holding a few textbooks and a small romance novel that he liked as well. He smiled a little in amusement as the women stopped and backed up into the wall.

Shinsou put both his hands on either side of her to stop her from escaping trapping her as she squirmed. Shinsou snatched the mask away from her face and stared at her beautiful face. 

Her eyes slightly widened as Shinsou’s smile grew.

“What are you doing here darling?” he asked

“What does it look like?! Do you think I’m a f-fool? I’m sealing books” she said- she was scared but she was trying to act tough.

“Security!-” Shinsou tried to yell but the woman crashed her mouth into his to just shut him up.

Shinsou was quiet surprised but melted into her soft kiss and passionately kissed back. Both of them pulled apart and the woman breathed out and crashed back into the wall.

“You know if you wanted me to kiss you, you could have just asked” he breathed out still flustered from the kiss.

“I had no other choice! Listen I’m y/n and I’m 19 and the daughter of the U.A school librarian... I want to go to college but my family doesn’t have enough money... So I’m just studying. I didn’t want you to call security so I did what felt right at the moment, and in order to shut you up I kissed you... Please don’t say anything about me to anyone... I return all of my books anyway! I just don’t go here so I can’t get books-”

“What University did you want to go to?”

“(insert your favorite university name)”

“Oh alright I’ll talk to the librarian tomorrow and get you in there” He said absent minded still staring at the woman waiting for her answer.

“How will you get me in?” she asked innocently

Anything for her of course! She was his the moment she kissed him and he wasn’t going to let her go! She was never to be sad because from that moment on she was his.

“I saved that university a couple of months ago, they owe me a favor anyways” he said nonchalantly while bending down to her height and whispering into her ears, “you should never be unhappy love” 

With that Shinsou walked away in total bliss, they were fated together afterall.

Iida:

Iida was interrogating a villain to gather information about her group. She was the queen bee and apparently she had sacrificed herself for her group. He didn’t want to interrogate her, he was conflicted. He just couldn’t because he was in love with her. Even though it was so wrong it felt so right. He wanted her to be a hero but what’s the fun in that? Love threw it’s challenges at everyone-their challenge was the fact that they were on different sides. 

“What is the name of your villain organization y/n?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know pretty boy?” she asked with sarcasm dripping from every word. His partner kicked her.

“He asked a question! Answer it!” His partner fumed.

“As if I’d ever answer to you shorty!” She yelled back in pain.

“What did you call me?”

“Shorty” she replied back earning her another kick as her chair fell down and she groaned. Tears pricked the corner of her eyes,

“Go easy on her” Iida said from the background trying his hardest to hide his tears.

“We are going easy on her Iida” his partner reminded him.

“Ugh” Iida groaned and grabbed his partner and walked out of that room. 

“We are done for the day, release her!” he said and the guards reluctantly complied and set her free.

“I-I-ida what the fuck are you doing?!” The partner asked

“Doing what’s right” he said, “By the way you are fired from my agency” he said without sparing him a second glance. 

He walked away with his heart on his sleeve. Iida was madly in love with y/n the villain and he would do anything for her. After all she was his.

[novalucitor-blog]

A Change of Fate ch.1

Read up through chapter 8 now on Archiveofourown

Star Butterfly, princess of the Kingdom of the Moon. Marco, her best friend and right-hand knight. Tom, prince of the Kingdom of Fire and Star's fiance. Star would do anything to get out of a marriage that will form an alliance between the two kingdoms but she can't change her fate without also changing the fate of those around her.

Chapter one

Star Butterfly, princess of the Kingdom of the Moon. Marco, her best friend and right-hand knight. The two were inseparable from a young age and had grown up together. They knew everything about each other and could read each other’s facial expressions without having to say a word. So, when Marco noticed Star’s lips close tight and her back straighten, he knew it was time to get her out of the banquet hall.

Tom, prince of the Kingdom of Fire, was visiting. He had visited Star many times in the past. Those visits usually consisted of him talking to nobody but her, and her hiding out from him whenever she could escape. This visit, however, was much, much different that those of the past for this visit was more than just that. Tom had come to retrieve Star and take her home with him.

The two had been engaged since they were small. An alliance was to be made between the two kingdoms in the form of a marriage. As soon as the princess turned eighteen, she would leave for the Kingdom of Fire to wed the prince and become Queen and King of both kingdoms. Well, as soon as Star’s parents bit the dust anyway.

Star’s dislike for prince Tom was no secret to anyone. Except maybe him. He seemed blinded by love, even though she treated him like garbage and ignored most of what he said. Marco, however, heard all the time about how awful he was. He’s a snake, a dork, full of himself and completely annoying in every possible way. Star did not want to marry the prince and she pleaded with her parents that very morning before his arrival to change their minds or have another child that could marry him instead.

“Please, please, please! He’s so terrible and annoying! I don’t want to marry him! Can’t we just sign a treaty or something and be done with it?” Star pleaded.

“Enough, Star. We’ve heard your complaints numerous times and it’s time you give up. I was married to your father without even meeting him before the wedding day. At least you know the man you’re to marry.” Her mother said, waving off her daughter’s words.

“Why must we be forced to marry anyone against our will? Shouldn’t we marry for love?”

“We are royals, my dear. We don’t have that luxury. You will grow to love him, just as I grew to love your father.”

“Dad, talk to her. Tell her it’s a bad idea!”

“Now, Star you know I can’t change her mind. Besides, if it wasn’t prince Tom it would just be another royal.” Her father said, stuffing a piece of bread in his mouth.

“I will not marry him! I will run away and live in the forest before I will marry that creature!”

“Which is why we’ve posted guards outside your door and beneath your window. Your favorite knight will also be escorting you around, so you don’t flee.” Her mother leaned in close, a threatening air to her voice. “I am always three steps ahead of you, my dear. Do not test me.”

Star had seemingly given up but anyone who knew the girl knew that she was constantly scheming and that would not be the last they heard from her. She’d managed to contain her anger through the rest of the day, although she did vent to Marco for at least an hour. When Tom arrived, she bit her tongue and smiled when she welcomed him before trying to escape. However, after hours of him following her and trying to get her attention, she just couldn’t take it anymore.

As they sat in the banquet hall, Tom by her side, she began to lose her patience. He was going on about the wedding planner he hired back in the Kingdom of Fire that Star would meet with when they returned. Star clenched her hands together under the table to contain herself, but Marco knew better, and he saw her façade begin to crack. He approached quickly.

“Your majesties, I’m sorry to interrupt but it seems there was a bit of an accident in princess Star’s bedroom that she must oversee.” He quickly lied.

Star sprung to her feet. “Oh, that sounds just terrible. I’ll go right now.”

She tried her best to hide her smile until she and Marco were out of sight. They walked out into the corridor that overlooked the garden. Once they were a good distance away she let out a loud sigh of relief.

“I can’t do this anymore! I’ve barely survived the day and I’m expected to spend the rest of my life with him. There’s no way I’ll make it past our wedding day.” She complained as she paced back and forth in front of her friend.

“You’ve tried talking to your parents and they’ve insisted you have the marry him. Why not trying to appeal to his sympathy? He says he loves you so maybe he’ll let you go for your happiness.”

“And then what? My parents will just find another prince or king to marry me off to and I’ll be right back in the same spot I am now. I don’t want this at all. I want to join knight training with you and do something worthwhile for my kingdom.”

“What can you do to accomplish that? Your fate is sealed by the title you were born into. How would you change their minds to allow you to become a knight?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I’ll run away to a kingdom where I can start anew.”

“They’d never stop looking for you.”

She sighed. “I know. I wish I could change my fate.”

“Only magic can change your fate and you know it’s too dangerous.”

“I know, I know. I’m just desperate for a solution.”

“Promise me you’re not going to go looking for a spell.” Marco crossed his arms and gave her a stern look.

Star rolled her eyes. “I promise I won’t go looking for a spell to change my fate.”

“Good. Now prepare yourself because you’re going to have to go back.”

“But I don’t want to.” She whined.

“Maybe marrying him won’t be so bad. Once you’re Queen you can do whatever you want, right? You can start training with the knights under royal decree or something.”

“Yes, but I’ll have to get my husband to agree.” Star scrunched up her nose in disgust as she said the word husband.

Marco leaned against one of the windows and looked out over the garden. “I think it would be great to rule. I do like being a knight, but I don’t have a lot of power and many of the others give me a hard time for being friends with you.”

“They’re just jealous that they don’t get to hang out with a princess all day.”

“Probably. I’d just love to lead them and then I could punish them for speaking out of turn.”

“I didn’t take you for someone who was power hungry.” Star grinned.

“It’s not so much that I want power. I just want the respect that you command when you walk into a room. Whether you realize it or not, everyone looks up to you just because of your title alone.”

“But all eyes are on me, all of the time. I have no say in what my future holds, and I can’t even shop without an army of guards surrounding me. Marco, you have no idea how blessed you are to be able to choose your fate.”

“I guess it’s true when they say everyone wants what they can’t have.” Marco sighed.

The two friends looked solemnly out at the garden and the rapidly setting sun that cast shadows across the grounds. Tomorrow, Star would be leaving, and they could no longer have these talks. She hoped to eventually take Marco with her but with Tom around, their alone time would be short and far between. Tomorrow everything would change, and Star had as much control as a leaf caught in the wind.

---

Star had reluctantly returned to the banquet hall and listened to Tom drone on for another hour and a half before dinner was finally called to an end. Star attempted to make her escape but was stopped before she could even make it to the door.

“Princess Star, it would be my honor to escort you to your quarters.” Tom said, a big grin filling his face.

“I don’t think that’s appropriate.” Star said, turning to leave.

“Nonsense dear, it’s only inappropriate if he enters your quarters.” Her mother said, appearing beside her.

“But mother-.”

“Star would love for you to escort her. Don’t stay in the corridor too late talking now. You two have a long day of traveling ahead of you.”

“Mother!” Star shouted as her mother walked away, ignoring her daughter completely.

Star could feel Tom standing beside her, staring holes into the side of her face. She wondered if she ran if he’d chase her. Probably. He’d most likely think she was playing a game or just in a hurry to get to her room. As her escort he’d definitely follow her all the way to her door and if she made it inside he’d knock until she answered. Star truly loathed his existence.

“Shall we?” He asked, offering her his arm.

Star looked around the room for anything she could use to get out of alone time with Tom. Her eyes landed on Marco. He was near the wall, yawning from the boring and uneventful evening. The wheels in Star’s head set in motion as she perked up and turned a smile toward Tom.

“Absolutely, but first I was instructed to keep a knight at my side at all times today. So, please allow me to fetch one before we head out.”

Before Tom could answer, Star ran across the room and grabbed Marco by the wrist. He startled from the action, having nearly fallen asleep against the wall in his boredom.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, looking around for any danger.

“You were instructed to not leave my side today, sir knight. I believe that includes after dinner when the prince is escorting me to my room, don’t you?” She gave him a look that said he better not refuse.

“Of course, milady.” Marco rolled his eyes as he allowed her to pull him across the room to where Tom was waiting.

Tom’s smile fell away when he saw who was with Star. He knew Marco all too well as the knight who occupied her attention most days. He understood that he was her childhood friend, but he didn’t believe that Star should be so familiar with a knight. She was his fiancé and soon to be queen of two kingdoms. She didn’t need to waste her time on fruitless friendships.

“Ok, I’m ready.” Star said, ignoring Tom’s offered arm and exiting the banquet hall dragging Marco behind her.

Tom glared at the retreating back of the knight he loathed before quickly catching up with them. Star was walking quickly, her gown bunched up in one hand to keep it away from her feet and slowing her down.

“So, Star, the wedding planner is going to be staying at the castle with us until our big day. We can stay up until all hours of the night planning everything out with her. Isn’t that exciting?” Tom asked, his smile returning.

“Oh, uh, I’m not really interested in planning, so I’ll let you two handle that.” Star said, picking up her pace.

“Nonsense, you’re the bride to be! You have to have a say in everything.”

“No point in planning what’s never going to happen.” Star said quietly to herself.

After a few minutes of racing through winding corridors the trio finally found their way to Star’s large double bedroom doors. Star stood beside Marco and turned toward Tom. She noticed the unpleasant look he was giving Marco and she rolled her eyes. He was always jealous of their friendship, but Marco was like a brother to her.

“Well, thanks for escorting me. Good night.” Star said, turning her back to him and reaching for her doorknob.

“Wait!” Tom called out, appearing beside her and placing a hand on top of hers. “Princess Star, I just want to say that I don’t know what I’ve done to be so lucky to be marrying a beautiful girl such as yourself.”

“Er…thanks.” Star said, trying to shake free of his grip.

“Tomorrow is the beginning of our lives together. I know you’ll be happy in my kingdom, which is soon to be yours as well.”

“Uh-huh.”

“I wish for you pleasant dreams and restful sleep to prepare for our journey tomorrow. Good night my princess.” Tom bowed his head and raised her hand to his lips.

Star cringed and pulled her hand away after he laid a kiss on her fingers. Before he could say or do anything else, she opened her door and scurried inside. She poked her head just beyond the door to say her goodnights.

“Right, uh, good night prince Tom.” She said quickly and without emotion. “Good night Marco, please escort Tom to his sleep quarters and do try to be nice.” She smirked at him before closing the door.

Marco rolled his eyes and smiled. Tom’s smile fell away the second Star was out of sight. The two boys began their way back down the corridor toward the guest room Tom was staying in. The silence that hung between them was tense and Marco didn’t want to open his mouth and accidentally offend him.

“I’m told you’ll be joining us in my kingdom in a few weeks.” Tom said, breaking the awkward silence.

“Yes. As soon as you two are married.” Marco responded keeping his eyes forward and making sure to walk two steps behind Tom.

“You know, if you really want to stay in the Kingdom of the Moon you have that choice. We have plenty of knights around to keep Star safe.”

“I’m sure you do, but this is princess Star’s wishes.”

“Yes, you are her favorite knight, aren’t you?” Tom sneered.

Marco didn’t respond, knowing he wasn’t actually asking him. He thought it was silly that Tom envied their relationship. Marco’s parents were both knights in the castle when he was born. Princess Star was born around the same time. When the queen found out about Marco she suggested that the two spend some time together since Star didn’t have much of a chance to socialize with other babies. From then on they were inseparable.

When Marco joined the knights, Star would sneak out of lessons and hide to watch them train. Every evening they’d recount their days to each other. Star would talk about how boring it was to sip tea and balance books on her head and Marco would show her his new scars and secretly teach her to sword fight.

When Star turned eighteen and the wedding date was announced, Star went to her parents and insisted that she would run away if Marco wasn’t permitted to go with her. Marco had agreed, of course. He didn’t really want to leave his parents, but he knew he couldn’t abandon his best friend during this change in her life. Now her husband to be was angry about him coming along. Marco prayed that Star’s life wouldn’t be unhappy in the Kingdom of Fire.

[rawrmeansmemes]

DISNEY QUOTES MEME

send a   🏰  and I’ll generate a number, 1-166 and post the sentence as a starter. 

Ah, yes. Now what are you, and who are you doin' here?

Now, I'm warnin' ya. Don't let nobody or nothin' in the house.

I'm so ashamed of the fuss I made.

A lie keeps growing and growing until it's as plain as the nose on your face.

Well... guess he won't need me anymore. What does an actor want with a conscience, anyway?

You buttered your bread. Now sleep in it!

All we gotta do is build an act. Make ya a star. A headliner! 

Gab, gab, gab. They're always gossipin'.

If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all.

You know, just the other day, I was talking to myself about you, and we were wondering what had become of you.

So this is love. So this is what makes life divine. I'm all aglow...

Oh, that clock! Old killjoy. I hear you. "Come on, get up," you say, "Time to start another day."

I can't believe. Not anymore. There's nothing left to believe in. Nothing.

Oh, I wasn't... I mean, I do, but-but don't you think my dress...

Why, it's like a dream. A wonderful dream come true.

Oh, I understand, but... it's more than I ever hoped for.

Read the directions and directly you will be directed in the right direction.

It would be so nice if something would make sense for a change.

Ah, that's just it. If you don't think, then you shouldn't talk.

if I lose my temper, you lose your head! Understand?

Curiosity often leads to trouble.

Better look first, for if one drinks much from a bottle marked "Poison", it's almost certain to disagree with you sooner or later.

Of course not. This is an unbirthday party.

Mustard! Yes, mu- MUSTARD? Don't let's be silly! Lemon, that's different...

Of all the silly nonsense, this is the stupidest tea party I've ever been to in all my life.

Goodness gracious, whatever shall we do?

It's... It's just that I never thought about it before. Say, that's it! You think of a wonderful thought.

Don't you understand, _____? You mean more to me than anything in this whole world!

Just a cute little bundle... of trouble!

You know, sometimes I don't think she's really very happy.

Well, I'm really not supposed to speak to strangers, but we've met before.

Well, *that* would make me happy.

But don't you remember? We've met before.

I'm awfully sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you.

Oh... I just love happy endings.

I'm so hungry I could eat  a whole elephant.

You idiots! You fools! You imbeciles!

I'm not sleepy. I'm hungry.

I'd like to tear his gizzard out.

Sounds like someone's sick. How lovely. I do hope it's serious. Something dreadful.

When he stays out all night, he's always grumpy the next morning.

This will take brains, not brawn.

I was just wonderin', are we good guys or bad guys? You know, I mean, uh? Our robbin' the rich to feed the poor.

Rob? Tsk tsk tsk. That's a naughty word. We never rob. We just sort of borrow a bit from those who can afford it.

Oh, he's so handsome, just like his reward posters.

Wowee! I'm tip-top, alright, but I'm not as good as he is.

Look, why don't you stop moonin' and mopin' around? - Just - Just marry the girl.

Ladies don't start fights, but they can finish them!

Why, your eyes are like sapphires sparkling so bright. They make the morning radiant and light.

Wait a minute. I'm the leader! I'm the one that says when we go.

You FORCE them to like you, idiot!

You get down there and find the big diamond, or you will never see the teddy a - gain!

We're still friends, right?

Don't worry, old fellow. It's not *entirely* hopeless.

There's no evil scheme he wouldn't concoct! No depravity he wouldn't commit.

Now, you will remember to smile for the camera, won't you? Say "Cheese".

I'm afraid that you've gone and upset me. You know what happens when someone upsets me.

Hey, man, if this is torture, chain me to the wall.

Isn't it rather dangerous to use ones entire vocabulary in a single sentence?

Hey, man, you're ugly! And you're uglier than him! And you're Ugly, Part Three! Hey, you're Revenge of the Ugly!

Ooh, I think she likes me, man!

Hm. Teenagers. They think they know everything. You give them an inch, they swim all over you.

My nerves are shot. This is a catastrophe!

Have I ever been wrong? I mean when it's important!

I just don't see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be bad.

You'll have your looks. Your pretty face and don't underestimate the importance of "body language." Ha!

This has got to be, without a doubt, the single most humiliating day of my life!

I didn't make it all the way through third grade for nothing.

Well, there's the usual things. Flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep.

How can you read this? There's no pictures!

This is yet another example of the late neoclassic Baroque period. And, as I always say, "If it's not Baroque, don't fix it!".

Oh dear. That didn't go very well at all, did it?

Couldn't keep quiet, could we? Just had to invite him to stay, didn't we?

I'd like to thank you all for coming to my wedding. But first I'd better go in there and uh, propose to the girl!

All right, Sparky, here's the deal. If you wanna court the little lady, you gotta be a straight shooter. Do ya got it?

No, really. On a scale of one to ten, you are an eleven.

How many cups of sugar does it take to get to the moon?

Arrrgh! This is the *stupidest* vacation! You drag me from home, jam me into this dumb car, drive me a million miles away to see some stupid rat show!

Oh yes, the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it, or... learn from it.

I'm surrounded by idiots...

I laugh in the face of danger

Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble

For what? This? I've gotten out of worse scrapes than this. Can't think of anything right now, but.

I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.

Is this bottomless pit a friend of yours?

You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.

You uncultured swine! What're you lookin' at, ya hockey puck?

I've set my laser from stun to kill.

Oh, great. If anyone attacks we can blink em' to death.

Candlelight, privacy, music. Can't think of a better place for hand-to-hand combat.

Speaking of trouble, we should have run into some by now.

Why is it, whenever we meet, I end up bleeding?

You leave town for a couple of decades and they change everything.

I'm a damsel, I'm in distress, I can handle this. Have a nice day.

You know, wh-when I was a kid, I-I would have given anything to be exactly like everybody else.

Fabulous party. You know, I haven't seen this much love in a room since Narcissus discovered himself.

Would you like to stay forever?

My little baby, off to destroy people.

Ooh, I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover. Come on, scare me, girl!

They popped out of the snow, like daisies!

First rule of leadership: Everything is your fault.

You listen to me, my boy. I've made a living out of being a failure, and you, sir, are not a failure.

Do I look stupid to you? 

I was saved! I was saved by a flying wild man in a loincloth.

Are you sure this water's sanitary? It looks questionable to me!

Um, okay, but it won't be the same coming from me.

But I don't wanna use my head!

I may not be a smart dog, but I know what roadkill is.

Don't tell me. We're about to go over a huge waterfall.

It's called a "cruel irony", like my dependence on you.

Why do we even *have* that lever?

Break it down? Are ya kidding me? This is hand-carved mahogany.

That is the last time we take directions from a squirrel.

Oh, he's doing his own theme music? Big, dumb and tone deaf. 

Is there anything on this menu that is not swimming in gravy?

We done a lot of things we're not proud of. Robbing graves, eh, plundering tombs, double parking. But, nobody got hurt. Well, maybe somebody got hurt, but nobody we knew.

Hey, look, I made a bridge. It only took me like, what? Ten seconds? Eleven, tops.

Well, as far as me goes, I just like to blow things up.

C'mon, fight that plaque! Fight that plaque! Scary monsters don't have plaque!'

Now, put that thing back where it came from, or so help me...!

Ha, ha, ha. You've been jealous of my good looks since the fourth grade, pal.

You know, like on the street, with the honk-honk and the vroom-vroom, and the no walking involved?

Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten.

My friends need to be punished.

Leave me alone to diiieee...

This is you, and this is your badness level. It's unusually high for someone your size.

You'll like it, 'cause it's stinky, LIKE YOU! 

"Oh, look at me, I'm a flippy little dolphin, let me flip for you! Ain't I something?"

Well, you never really know you know, but when they know, you'll know, ya know?

There he is. Ha ha! Come here, loverboy.

I mean, who wants the pressure of being super all the time?

You know?! For a little bit. I feel like the maid: "I just cleaned up this mess! Can we keep it clean for, for 10 minutes?! Please?!"

Now, I'll tell you what we're not gonna do. We're not gonna panic, we're not gonna die.

I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now.

Boy, I'm pretty good at this lawyerin' stuff!

You and me... we're in a club now.

Swear you'll take us there. Cross your heart! Cross it! Cross your heart!

I know this may seem boring, but I think the boring stuff is what I remember the most.

I was hiding under your porch because I love you.

There is no way I am kissing a frog and eating a bug on the same day.

If I can mince, you can dance.

I was beginning to think wishing on stars was just for babies and crazy people...

Oh, no. No, no, no, no, no. This is bad. This is very, very bad. This is really bad'! 

Stay calm. It can probably smell fear.

I've always wanted to go out with a bang!

Yeah, this one we caught sticking his bumper where it didn't belong!

I'm bad, and that's good. I will never be good, and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be than me.

I don't wanna be the bad guy anymore.

Well, this place just got interesting.

Tut tut! As your merciful princess, I hereby decree that everyone who was ever mean to me shall be… executed.

They get away with murder! I can never get away with anything!

I'm gonna wipe the floor with that little know-it-all.

Wait, what am I looking at right now? Why are you hanging off the earth like a bat?

I've always wanted a nose! So cute; it's like little baby unicorn!

Oh, look at that. I've been impaled.

On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your pain?

Hey, kid? If you're pullin' my leg, I'm gonna eat yours.

I'm doing the happy dance, I'm not wearing any pants!

Crying helps me slow down and obsess over the weight of life's problems.

Well, he was right about one thing; I don't know when to quit!

Never let them see that they get to you.

It's called a hustle, sweetheart.

Life isn't some cartoon musical where you sing a little song and all your insipid dreams magically come true! So let...it...go.

I'm sorry. I gotta blink. How do you hold your eyes open that long?

You trust her. Becky's eating a cup.

When you use a bird to write with, it's called tweeting.

[rallis-fatalis]

The Siren

Even the Legends' Guild has some legends of its own, and not just in the form of the guild members there. Adam and Rallis hear rumors of a songstress that roams the Guild at night and lulls everyone into a deep slumber, and decide to get to the bottom of the mystery right in their own backyard.

The Legends' Guild was bustling with people this morning. Legends ran back and forth delivering reports, or discussed their mission plans over breakfast, or looked over the boring jobs posted on the notice board that anyone could take and as such held no real appeal. It was here the great Legend Adam Kananga Neeson stood, perusing the details of countless missions up for grabs. They really were nothing special, and he wanted something with at least a hint of challenge to see his new partner's skills in action.

It hadn't been long since he had met the wild card that was Rallis Fatalis, the famous dragon lady of the Legends' Guild, in the flesh. After they agreed to join forces and make a team, and after taking time to recover from their Wilderness excursion, they had only done a few small tasks to get to know each other and learn the other's skills. Currently, Adam was looking for another task where they could do just that.

A loud yawn broke his concentration as his partner in question shuffled beside him. That was something he learned quickly. The dragon had no concept of a sleep schedule and woke up and napped whenever she wanted. Adam had already had breakfast and prepared for the day before she had even strolled downstairs.

She yawned again and rocked on the balls of her feet. "Good morning," she sang. "Whatchu doing?"

"Looking for something to do," he replied. "You should probably eat before I pick something. It's already getting late."

"The sun isn't even all the way up yet! It's not late!" She ran off and grabbed an apple and quickly came back. She picked the stem off and tossed it aside before downing the apple in a single bite, core and all. "Besides, it looks like everyone woke up late and on the wrong side of the bed. They're all grumpy!"

"Probably because the lodgings are too fucking small to get a decent sleep," Adam growled. If he bumped his head on the ceiling of that broom closet excuse of a bedroom one more damn time, he was going to take his sword and get physical with the support beams. He looked over to the tables and Rallis was right. It seemed most of the Legends downstairs today were tired, pissy, or both. There were arguments over the simplest things, like who in the party would get the last bite of bacon or who would get to choose the job of the day. People shoved each other as they walked and glared at each other, practically begging for a fight. Even the people standing at the job board with them didn't seem like they wanted to be there.

"How odd. Why is everyone in a foul mood today?"

"Because the Siren has been gone for weeks."

Adam and Rallis turned to find Radimus walking up to pin more notices to the board. "Hello and excuse me, you two," he greeted as he got to work. Rallis gave a bouncy hello and Adam helped him with his paper stack.

"'The Siren,' sir?" Adam questioned.

"Oh, you haven't heard of her? I'm surprised! You've been here long enough to have had the chance to at least hear her once!"

Rallis hopped into the conversation excitedly. "I didn't know we had a siren! I've heard they're super pretty and sing super nice! Tell us more, please!"

"The Siren of the Legends' Guild," Radimus continued. "She appears only at night to sing in the garden. Her otherworldly songs bring sleep to everyone who listens, the beautifully stunning sound enchanting all to fall into a deep slumber. It doesn't take long for the music to take effect, and thus no one has ever seen her. She has been singing here on random nights for almost half a year now, and even though she has been here for so long, no one can predict when she will arrive and sing. I have no interest in finding her."

"Why not?" Adam asked. "Sirens can be extremely dangerous, if you choose to believe the tales. And we aren't terribly far from an ocean..."

"Well, none of my Legends have gone missing or drowned at the Witchaven docks so I'm confident that we'll all be fine. Honestly, I rather appreciate her song. Best rest I've ever had. I'm sure everyone else would tell you the same." He pinned the last job to the board with a smile. "Now that's done! So long you two!" He grabbed another handful of snacks before returning to his office.

Rallis scooted between Adam and the board, eyes sparkling with determination. "Adam we gotta find the siren!"

"We have to do no such thing," he retorted. "We don't need to go near anything that dangerous."

"But I love pretty music! I want to meet someone who can sing so nicely they make everyone sleep and feel better! Maybe she can teach me how to do that too!"

"You have heard what they can do, right? They lure sailors with their song and drown them! And we're right next to an ocean! Hell, if I remember correctly a siren is what caused Witchaven to turn so desolate and ruined."

"Well isn't it a good thing I'm not a sailor and I know how to swim! I'm gonna find her and tell her to sing and make everyone feel better!"

Adam pulled a job off the board. "Not right now you're not. Right now we're helping the Ardougne zoo with some escaped monkeys. Now go get ready."

__________________________________

Later that evening, once everyone had returned for the night and readied for bed, Rallis perched herself on the windowsill of their little closet sized room and stared at the garden a couple storeys below. She had a view of some of the large shady trees but that was about it. She wouldn't see much even if she wanted to. Adam sighed as he finished getting ready for bed.

"Get to sleep, Rallis. Don't waste the night trying to look for some fairy tale."

"But I wanna see her! Even just once!"

Adam rolled his eyes and turned the light off. "When you're tired tomorrow because you didn't go to bed, I don't want to hear any complaining."

She pulled the chair over, wrapped her blanket around herself, and got comfy. "You know, I used to sit in the garden at night too before I met you. Sometimes I'd sleep out there too. It reminded me a little bit of home. It's really nice to watch the stars and sleep under the willow tree by the pond. I was out there all the time! I wonder why I never saw her."

"Maybe she doesn't like someone sharing her stage. And perhaps she doesn't like nosy dragons trying to watch her performance. There's a reason people have only heard her and never seen her."

Rallis gasped. "You might be right! She knows I'm watching! If I pretend to sleep but listen for her, maybe she'll come!" She dove to the rug on the floor and curled up tightly in her blanket, ears trained toward the window.

"Is the siren Santa now?" Adam teased.

"Shhh!" she hushed. "I'm trying to listen!"

Adam snickered under his breath. "Have fun then. Good night."

The next morning was the same as before. Sleepy grumpy Legends stalked the hallways, going through the motions with added yawns. Rallis had fallen asleep, much to her disappointment, but upon seeing everyone else still tired she knew she hadn't failed her mission. Days passed and they played out the same. Rallis would wait for the siren until she fell asleep, and the next morning would reveal she had never come. Rallis was growing more disappointed by the day, and she settled on a plan that she kept to herself. That night, she would sleep in the garden and keep watch! She would do it every night until she met the siren! All she had to do was sneak out once Adam had fallen asleep. It was perfect!

She would begin her vigil tonight, and she'd meet the siren for sure!

That night, far into the wee hours of the day before the sun rose and the moon fell, Adam woke with a stretch. The accursed 3am desire for a drink. He knew he should've had more water before bed. He kicked the covers off and shuffled to the door, careful not to wake Rallis. He tried his best to find his way in the dark, but something underfoot made him slip with a trip, man yelping as he fell to the ground on his butt. He cursed and hissed and grabbed whatever had made him trip. It was Rallis' blanket, but there was no Rallis.

'Where did she run off to this late at--?'

A beautiful quiet sound broke the silence of night. It was faint and gentle, almost hidden by the chirps of the crickets.

'What is that?'

He walked closer to the window and the sound grew slightly clearer and louder. It sounded like singing, quiet singing in a foreign language. And it was coming from the garden below.

'The siren!' Adam jolted awake fast, grabbed his sword, and ran down the stairs. Had she lured Rallis into her clutches?! It was time to see just what this songstress of a monster looked like and stop her!

He slipped through the doors of the main hall and made his way to the garden entrance. The singing was louder now, though only slightly. It sounded like this siren was singing more to herself right now than for others. He slowly crept deeper into the garden and closer to the noise.

The song grew more clear as he walked, and with every step he took, it grew louder, and his footsteps grew slower. His stealthy steps grew sloppier and shuffled in the grass. His sword grew heavy and he could hardly find the strength to pick it up. His eyelids began to slide shut and his body grew tired.

'What the hell... is going on?'

Adam turned a corner around a row of bushes and someone was there, sitting under a tree! He couldn't quite make out what, the tree's shadow obscuring the figure. He tried to call out but all that came out of his mouth was a yawn. He dropped his sword, his eyes fell shut, and he collapsed in the grass listening to the beautiful sound of music.

His rest didn't last long.

"Wake up! Wake up, Adam!" Someone was calling his name and shaking him. "Get up before I scratch you!" A nasty pinprick of a scratch on his cheek jolted him awake. He shot up from the grass with a start. His wake up call had been Rallis. She smiled as she sat in the grass in front of him. "Hello sleepy head!"

"Rallis? What are you doing out here?"

"Looking for the siren! I've been out here all night! I thought I heard her walking this way but turns out it was just you. Why are you here?"

"The siren!" he shouted. "She's here! I heard her singing! It was coming from the garden and I came to investigate."

Rallis chirped in confusion. "I didn't hear anything and I've got much better ears. The only singing out here was--"

A window overhead slammed open and a grumpy tired looking older man stuck his face out the window. "Would yee do me tha' favor of shutting the hell up! Do yee 'ave any idea the time o' night it is?! How can I be expected to sleep with all this ruckus!"

Rallis' ears drooped. "Sorry Mister Tony. We'll be quiet now."

The man harrumphed and slammed his window shut. Rallis stuck her tongue out. "Grumpy old gardener."

"The gardener?"

"Yeah. Tony is the gardener that takes care of everything. He hates me because I wake him up when I come out here at night. He doesn't like any kind of music or singing, the ornery fun-hating grump! I call him Tony the tone-deaf."

"Singing! Right!" Adam quietly exclaimed. "I heard singing! It's the siren!"

"I didn't hear anything other than you. The only one singing out here was me."

Adam slowly blinked at her. "...What?"

"I was getting tired keeping watch so I sang to myself to wake back up! I thought I was being super quiet though. I didn't mean for anyone to hear me."

"So you were the only one singing?" he confirmed. "You didn't hear anyone else?"

Rallis shook her head and Adam face-palmed with a groan of realization.

"Then tell me, why did I fall asleep to the song that you, not the siren, but you were singing?"

"Because you were tired...?" the dragon tried.

"For Saradomin's sake Rallis, no! You're the damn siren!"

Her cheeks went red. "Huh?! But! Everyone who hears her says her songs are beautiful! Mine aren't beautiful! And her songs are so peaceful they can calm anyone and put them to sleep. I don't sound that good at all! Momma sings like that, not me."

An idea came to Adam. "Sing for me. Right now." Rallis squawked in protest. "Sing like you just were. If I start to fall asleep, that will prove I'm right!"

Rallis covered her blushing face. "I can't sing with an audience! I only did that twice and I never want to do that again."

"Then I'll turn away and close my eyes." Adam did just that, waiting for her to begin.

Rallis whined. She hated singing in front of anyone other than... She supposed she could just pretend Adam was him then. She very quietly began to sing, a gentle calming tune of chirps and trills. Her voice was as soft as silk and sweeter than honey, and it made his head heavy with sleep. He started to nod off and Rallis noticed.

"You're just playing along!" she interrupted.

Adam let out another huge yawn. "I swear I'm not. Believe it or not, you're the Siren of the Legends' Guild. You've even been here long enough for it to make sense. Didn't Radimus say it started about half a year ago? If I remember correctly, that's around the time the report on Kreathkren was published."

Rallis' entire face turned bright red as she came to the realization that her friend was right. "This is so embarrassing. To think all those people like my singing so much they can't even sleep without it!" She wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. Or maybe drown at the bottom of the pond. Either worked. "Why doesn't Tony like it then?"

"Rallis, he's tone-deaf. To him it probably sounds like you're a screeching bird."

The dragon sighed and rubbed some of the red from her cheeks. "I guess I'll make everyone have a nice sleep then! It's been a while. You should cover your ears or something so you don't pass out again."

"Way ahead of you." He pressed a finger into each ear. "I'll be back upstairs. Good night and see you tomorrow, Miss Siren."

Rallis stuck her tongue out at his comment and giggled once he left. She still couldn't believe so many people liked her singing. She smiled and walked back to her favorite spot under the willow by the pond and began to sing. Everyone would have a good sleep and be so nice tomorrow.

A familiar window slammed open and an angry old voice broke her song. "WILL YEE SHUT UP?!"

Well, everyone except Tony.

[inqshead]

no vacancy.

it was the second part of our family we met. and luckily the only one left. they had been visiting my granny every other month, but we never took the journey of driving for two days to them. it was family on blood and name. nothing else. still everyone was kinda excited to see them. me excluded. my thoughts were surprisingly not with him, but at home. i missed my two best friends. and for the first time since i met him i thought of sava. he had been drunk the night before we left home which was exactly eight nights ago. he was drunk, and high, and a mess. we layed in his bed, the stars and a bright moon shone bright on our faces and suddenly he sat on me, he kissed me. as if there was no morning. i always had a small crush on him, being openly bisexual, absolutely sexy and a huge fuckboy. and yes, my male best friend for almost seventeen years. i don’t know how we stopped, but i remember him throwing up for hours ongoing and him being completely unaware of everything the morning after that. (not great). i love his black hair, that falls in his eyes whenever he moves his head; i love his intense grey eyes that seem to take off all my clothes in a rush; i love his strong arms, the way he smiles and just how hot it is when he lies besides me  and tells me stories with that passion. i also missed katy, which used to be kaiden,, she was born a he. i wanted to talk with her about what happened, if she heard anything from sava or if he just looked like he remembered anything. but as i said, wifi is not to be found here. also i wasn’t really sure if it was a good idea, i thought talking with sava first would be better. anyways, i was really surprised that i forgot about that the moment we stepped into the motel. when we arrived in the nearby town and the whole time we stayed, there was this cloud in my head which made my mood pretty bad. not cool man. everyone was convinced i needed some strong homebrewed wodka to feel better and to look happier. it felt like drinking fire; which doesn’t feel good. my dad was really happy, my mom overwhelmed by all the love and my brother annoyed coz his phone died halfthrough a ‘really important match’. i laughed. when we drove back to the motel mommy fell asleep and i felt some kind of peace and good silence in my head, watching the sky that was dark blue above us and orange near the horizont, stretching the dark parts wider with each second passing. there weren’t many cars and only a few trees around. the radio played some old love song and i felt my heart aching, so much that i cried a bit. home seemed way too far away. everyone was really tired when entering the dining room at ten pm. we were afraid that, after foodtime was over for more than some hours already, we wouldn’t find any food anymore. but still, many people were drinking and having a good time. my brother and i searched for a place to sit while my parents searched for tryah or some other employee that could tell them what to pay, since the blue eyed demon told us to do it later. tho i wasn’t sure how they planned on doing the communication. ten seconds after we sat down, someone came to take our order. i was too focused on my menu, when my brother hit me with his foot underneath the table to signal me that it was my part to order. i didn`t even notice my parents coming back to us. when i looked up, i was killed by blue eyes. he was like an angel, and that angel looked at me. not nice tho. pretty mean actually. he opened his lips a bit and his breath started going faster. i couldn’t think and said the most random and classy thing i could find in my head: ,,Pommes’‘. After saying that and his ears turning red i wanted to die. dumb dumb answer ty. my mom laughed. pommes was something she understood. ,,Oh tyty’‘, was everything she could add. my goose was so cooked. trying to save me, i pointed on the menu without looking and confidentally smiling, saying ,,And this one please’‘. Now he was the one showing me a small smile. bitch. i was suffering like so much. my face must have looked like a tomato. cute cute smile gosh. i should open a fanclub. ,,the snails for the sir then?’‘ i didn’t nod and he just turned around and walked away. this is when i noticed that this wasn’t a shitty motel, this was a high luxury hotel with a restaurant. he wore a white button-down shirt with a red tie and black pants. and this was when i realized how different he was compared to sava. tho i didn’t know him, he was gorgeous. just stunning, a god. breathing fire and throwing darts made of ice. he walked with grace and laughed like an innocent baby. (lol i only knew him for a few hours gods). he had no name yet and he acted so mature and lovely, passionate and polite. sava was so different. i mean, yes, both were sexy and hot as fuck. but to sava was no grace, no hard beauty. he knew which moves to make to make everyone turn crazy, while he wasn’t even aware of his whole impact. sava was focused on drugs and sex and fun, on his sports, his status and surviving. well, he always accepted me, the loner, as his friend and defended me, even fought for me. but just because i was listening, because i knew how broken and depressed he really was. he turned somewhat grey, boring and uninteresting in my head. but not enough. i still remember his demanding lips and his hands that told me he waited for too long to wait any longer. i sighed, excused myself to my angry parents telling them i was tired and ran to my room. i met a mirror in a hallway, a red one, and sighed again when seeing my ugly blue jeans and that plain black shirt tucked  into it under the belt. my vans seemed unnecessary and dirty. i needed to look better the next day. oh and the dark circles around my eyes made it worse. i ran my fingers through my hair, lost in my head, in the thoughts that continued to turn around each other in a never ending circle. when doing that, a door opened and someone crashed into me. i was the one to fall down, but just came back up to my feet, ignoring the words spoken and the hand that wanted to help me. i mumbled sorry and made my way to my room. it took me ten minutes to recognize the british accent, when laying on my cold bed under an open window which let in a cold breeze, watching the sky and thousands of stars.

chapter three end.