#Pat Hidy

[oldschoolfrp]

Wizard demonstrating proper casting form (Pat Hidy, The Space Gamer 17, Metagaming, May-June 1978)

[weridpersonhelp]

CASA BONITA PT2

KYLE X READER!

Description: Y/n tries to find the best gift to give to Kyle for his birthday, getting help from her best friend butters. Y/n becomes a little closer to the gang. :)

Warning: Swearing, Fluff, Sad, color coded a little.

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"guy's I need help." I ask sitting down at the girl lunch table and just like that I had all of their attention on me.

" what's up Y/n?" Wendy asks.

"okay so I was invited to Kyle's birthday for Casa Bonita.-"

"CASA BONITA!!' "LUCKY!"

"OMG i WISH!"

"SO COOL!"

the girls gawk at this information, this was a shock. I had only moved to America a couple month ago so was still getting use to some cultural norms.

"What is Casa Bonita and what do I get Kyle for his birthday?" I ask the girls.

"Casa Bonita a super awesome mexican resturant" Bebe started

"Yeah! they have cliff divers, puppet shows, forever lasting food!" Nichole continues

"and they even have photoshoots you can do with friends. it's the best!" Hidi finishes I nod but sigh again.

"Okay that's done but what do I get Kyle for his birthday? he told me not to get him anything, but It would be way too weird!" I explain they all hum in agreement and we all start thinking.

"What were you thinking of getting him Y/n?" Wendy asks me I feel my cheeks heat up for some odd reason when she asked.

"Umm I was going it knit him a scarf with his favioute-" "Kyle probably already has a lot of stuff like that! Plus, he's loaded Y/n he could buy one whenever he wants" Hidi says.

"yeah, he took me too a basketball game in another town for a date!" Nichole says they all agree.

"he's loaded?"

"Yeah, all Jew's are! aren't there any jews in Australia?" Bebe asks me.

"Well of course there are, but their quite rare I've actually never met a Jew before Kyle. I wasn't really taught about it."

"don't worry about its Y/n, you can't make him a scarf do you know what he likes?" Bebe asks me, it took me minute to think...

"Umm, Terriance and Philp but everyone likes that! wait! he loves video games like guitar hero!"

"Nice why not get him something like that then?"

"Okay, then. thanks guys!" And like that the topic changed instantly but the question was still on my mind, should I get him something with video games? he probably already has stuff like that.

"You alright Y/n?" Wendy asks I nod my head and sigh.

"You know, personally I feel like Kyle would like the scarf better." this catches my attention.

"How so?"

"OH, just a feeling" She winks at me giggles and goes back to eating, we all catch up and soon enough it was class time.

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I walk onto the bus and make my way down Kyle waves back I sit across from his ale next to butters. Butters and I got along well, apparently, we have familiar attuites to life or that's what craigs say. Butters was a cool dude we play video games together at his sometimes.

"Butter's, I need your help."

"Well, whatever you need I'm here!" He says, I glance to Kyle who was talking to Kenny and Stan, he almost catches my eyes before I turn my back to him to face. butters.

"I don't know what to get Kyle for his birthday, I was going to knit him a scarf. But then the girls said he's rich and won't want that and to get him a video game."

"Oh boy that is a tough one!"

"Yeah! So, I wanted to know what you're getting him!" I ask my friend.

"Well, I was just going to get him. something with Philp and Terriance, like a T-shirt or a plush maybe I'm still thinking about it. But I mean Kyle already has a lot of winter clothes, so I think the video games are a good idea!" Butters explains I nod but then he starts talking again.

"But then again, I love the mittens you made me, I wear them all the time! there in my bag right now! So, Kyle might like the scarf better! oh man this is a hard one. I'm sorry Y/n." Butter apologies, you pat you friends shoulder a little and give him a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry butters, but thanks anyways I'll probably just ask craig if he's not too busy."

"I though you where g-going the Kyles tonight too play games?"

"Oh fuck-" I quickly turn around to Kyle and see if the bus driver is paying. attention.

I jump seats to Kyles quickly, as soon as a speed bump came. Kyle jumps slightly at this.

"Y/n? You shouldn't move seats the bus drivers going to get mad!"

"I know, sorry Kyle but I need to cancel our plans! just for today can we move it too tomorrow?" I ask him he seemed shocked but gives me a nod.

"Thanks Kyle! I know you love your schedules and I'm super sorry for cancelling last minute. seriously dude."

"Yeah, it's fine, but is it okay if I ask why?"

I freeze I can't tell him the reason I am cancelling is go to shopping with Craig for a gift for him.

"Oh, Craige needs help with something- it's a family thing you know! anyway, thank dude" I go sit on the very edge of the seat and wave the butters, who smiles back. but Kyle pulls me back to him by the back of my jumper.

"Umm, you shouldn't move because you'll get in trouble..." the boys cheeks where a little red and mine where heating up a little at this for some reason.

"I guess." silence appeared and was very hard not to feel Awkard by it,

"Kyle what's your favioute video game?"

"I love guitar hero, but I really want this game called Minecraft I'm hoping my parents get it for my birthday.!" we started to talk of video games, then our grades and how our day was and soon enough it was mine and Craigs stop.

"Bye Tweek, come on Y/n!" Craig says catching my attention.

"Okay Bye Kyle! see ya tomorrow.!" I say and grab my bag from butter seat.

"bye butters!"

"bye, Y/n be safe!"

I walk pass Tweek and wave bye to the boy with a smile, he smiles and waves back. and we get of the buss.

"Craig how was your day?"

"It was good, why arn't you going to kyles again?" he asks me as we enter his house.

"Hey kids how were school?!" Aunty asks.

"Good thanks Aunty!" I call entering the house.

"Craige, I need your help! what do I get Kyle for his birthday?" I ask him.

"I don't know, what were you thinking" Craig could read me like a book, and I follow him up to his room as we continue talking.

"I was going to Knit something for him, but the girls said he probably won't like it and I should play it safe and get him this video game called Minecraft or something! But Wendy said I should knit him something! and Butter couldn't help me! And I'm slightly freaking out!" I blurted it all out, he just stands there...

"Just take a deep breath, Your gonna be fine. Kyle will be happy with whatever you get him, don't start stressing over something silly." he walks me to his bed I sigh and I sit on it and breath like Craige told me.

"Okay, thank you Craig. but what do you think?" craig sits next to me and thinks, I wait patiently for my cousin.

"I think you should knit him that scarf you're really talented at that, when's the party?"

"This Saturday, 5:30 I already texted Aunty about it."

"Yeah, that should be enough time to knit him a scarf, He's going to like it Y/n. I mean I love the hat you gave me; I wear it everywhere." he points to his hat which makes me smile thinking of when I made him it. his old one was wearying out and getting too small so I made him one so the next time we came to America he could have it. It's weird to think I live in it and with him now. Waiting for my parents to finish the move before and buy a house in south park.

"Thanks, Craige You're the best cousin I could have asked for."

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Y/n was 15 minutes early when they pulled up to Kyles house. Y/n waves goodbye to her Aunty after dropping her off. She walks up to the door and knock. A woman with big red hair and a blue dress opens the door.

'So, this is Kyles mum?'

"Ooh hello their! you must be one of Kyles friends! I'm Sheila nice to meet you. Your here early! KYLE YOUR FRIENDS HERE EARLY!"

"It's nice to meet you ma'am, I apologies if I'm late- "No, no. your fine come in! Your actually early! it's lovely to meet you.

"Oh, what a polite young girl! it's lovely to meet you Y/n!" when she got in she saw stan and Kenny their as well.

"Y/n! Glade you made it!" "Happy birthday Kyle! hey guys!" I greet them.

"hey Y/n"

"hey Y/n, how you going?"

"excited I've never been to Casa Bonita before!"

"what they don't have a Casa Bonita in Australia?"

"No, so I'm excited to see one. All the girls told me it's fun."

"You'll love it! it's fucking cool!" I chuckle a little at kenny.

"hey I said not to get me anything!" kyle says notcing the small box I was holding it was so tiny compared to the other boys gifts.

"Sorry! I couldn't help it. It would be werid if I didn't get you a gift kyle. It's your birthday after all."

"Seriously you didn't have too." their was a small silence Kyle looked handsome in his suit, though his green hat stood out. You didn't question it.

"bu-bu-bu-bu" Ike voice was heard from down the hall as the little boy walks down the hall when he enters the room, he enters and made his way to the boy's and Y/n though no one had noticed yet.

"So Y/n do you go to the same school as the boys?" Sheila asks you.

"Yeah I only joined like a month or two ago- huh?" you feel something wrap around your legs and see a tiny little boy their hugging your leg.

"IKE GET BACK HERE! SORRY SHEILA HE GOT AWAY!" a man with a jewish hat on his head.

"IS this your brother kyle?" Y/n asks kyle who sighs at his little brother.

"Yeah, Ike come here-" "NO!" he shouts, Kyle eye brows cross.

"Ike come on-" "NOOOO!" he screams Y/n chuckles at how frusterated kyle was getting.

"Kyle your brother got a crush on Y/n!" Stan teases, making kenny burst out laughing.

"hi Ike could you let go of me for a second please? just a second." And like that Ike obeys your request you kneel down to his hight and pick the boy up.

"Your brother adorable Kyle!" "NONONONONONONONO!" Ike shouts making Kenny laugh harder and stan chuckle. even Kyles mum joined in a little.

"isn't that adorable Kyle! Your brother likes your little friend!" Kyle bit his tongue at the scene as his father tried to take back ike, but he gripped onto your dress tightly hidding his face in your neck.

"I'm so sorry about this?"

" Y/n nice to meet you sir." the mans eyes widden slightly.

"You have very good manners young lady, but I am sorry about Ike Shelia could you?"

"come on Ike let the poor girl go!" Ike lets go of your and heads to his mother, You give an awkard smile at this. as Ike is passes off to Kyle's dad.

"It was lovely meeting you Y/n," "you too sir." "oh just Gerald! anyway have fun boys!"

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by now everyone was there, Kenny, stan me, Kyle. Everyone but butters. which was weird, butters were normally on time for these things.

Kyle was pacing the room while waiting for butters.

"so, what did you guys get Kyle?" I ask

"A new video game Minecraft the one he wanted and some other games."

"I got him a controller for his Xbox."

Y/n thinks about their gift they were pricier than mine they probably thought about it longer. Maybe I shouldn't give him the gist? no that would look rude now!

"what did you get him?"

"umm-"

"Where are butters? we were supposed to leave 40 minutes ago!" Kyle asks looking down at his watch.

"Well, I think we just go without him Kyle! it's getting late!" his mum says.

"Yeah, screw him let's go." Kyle says We quickly get ready to leave, when the doorbell rang.

"Oh, there he is!" Kyle goes to open the door, and none other than Cartman appears. to be honest I was not impressed.

"Happy birthday Kyle I just wanted to stop by and give you your present." cartman says Kyle took his present and I couldn't help but role my eyes at this. he obviously did something to come. it's cartman were talking about here! the whole scene I was just giving him a side eye. then butter parents came looking for him. I was shocked, and scared for my friend Butters. Where could he of gone?! I only just saw him friday!

"Dude I can't have a part while butters are missing that weird." Kyle

cartman tries to convince him otherwise almost slipping up.

"How about we go looking for him?"

"Yeah, he always by starks pound he's always over their!" stan add we all cheer and Sheila says she will drive us.

"I hope butters okay." I mutter under my breath as we get into the car

"I'm sure he's fine Y/n, w-we'll just keep. looking.

"Yeah!"

"don't worry Y/n we'll find him." the guy's words make you smile a little, you didn't hang out with this gang much normally with your cousin craig and his gang or with Wendy's. You and butters being super close thanks to your similar personality's.

You sure hope he is okay. :(

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okay i'm tired night comment if you want a part 3

[ilyhaitanii]

concrete bloodied knees ft. haitani brothers

nsfw, dark-ish content (no smut but heavy violence and gore) blood, description of injuries, sexual content at the end, bullying, rindou beats someone to death, mention of vomit, mention of suicide, please read at your own discretion!!!

the haitani’s are bullies, for a lack of better terms. they’re awful, rude, snarky, everything horrible. every week they go around their school trying to find any willing (unwilling) people to be their little victim for a week.

ran has his arm tight around your shoulders, his baton resting over his other one. he makes you watch rindou beat the shit out of this poor convenient store worker. he hadn’t done anything wrong, he simply smiled at you after he sold you the items the haitani’s made you go get. that pissed rindou off.

“fuck is he smiling for?” he asked, rubbing the back of his neck angrily.

“dunno, maybe he likes your little girlfriend,” ran taunted his younger brother, snickering in his ear. rindou decides then he’s gonna fuck the guy up.

every time you beg rindou to stop, or tear your eyes away from the man ran threatens to beat him even harder than his little brother.

“i could break his skull instead, pretty. do you want that to happen?” you promptly shake your head, pretty diamonds falling from your eyes. “why? you like the guy?” rindou perks his head up, eyeing you up and down.

“no, no! i promise, no!” more tears flood your vision. you can’t even see straight and the cold in roppongi makes your cheeks and ears red. rindou raises a brow,

“then why do ya care what happens to him?” rindou punches the guy harder, slamming his head into the concrete. he tangles his fingers into the man’s hair, tugging on it so the man looks at you. his nose is sideways, cheeks beat so roughly that it looks puffed up, and his eyes are as black as the concrete. you feel like you’re going to hurl and before you know it you’re on the floor vomiting into the dead grass on the side of the alley.

ran chuckles, rubbing your back gently. he coos and pats your head saying, “it’s okay pretty thing. it could be worse, he could die!” he says it so casually, like this is something they do often. you shake and sob, vomit coating your bottom lip. ran takes the bottom of your jacket, wiping your mouth. you hear rindou cracking the man’s ribs when all of a sudden the man goes silent. no more wails or pleading for mercy. he just…stops.

ran perks his head up, watching rindou stand up and dust himself off. you feel rindou pull you up by your hood, making you stand on your shaky feet. he turns you to look at the man on the floor, shoving your face right into his. you cant hear him breathe, not even a heartbeat.

the man has blood oozing out of skull, his nose dripping with goo and blood, and his head is in a weird position. you can see the raw pinkish-yellow flesh peaking out from the bald spot in his hair. you knew you had to get away from them, right now.

you wail, fighting rindou off your back and make a run for it. he lets you run on purpose. this is just fun for them. whoever catches you gets to toy with you for the day and the cycle continues until either you move schools or you inevitably try to kill yourself. however, the haitani’s think they won’t let that happen this time. they very much enjoy your little reactions and weak stomach.

you make a run for it, running in every direction. ran is right on your trail. you forgot one minor detail, this is their city. they know every hidy-hole you could be in, every twist in turn, every shortcut you could take. ran knows where to cut you off. he disappears and you think you’re in the clear when you dont spot him or rindou for ten minutes.

so when ran catches you and pins you to a wall in a different alley, you roll onto the floor. you dig your knees into the concrete, begging him for mercy. “i won’t tell a soul!” you say to them, but ran doesn’t budge. sure, he feels a little sorry for you, but he doesn’t feel as sorry when he finds himself throbbing in his own pants at you on your knees with tears down your throat. oh rindou might kill him for this…

© ilyhaitanii - please do not repost, translate, or plagarize any of my content, and do not repost it to any other platforms

[liminal-storage]

#28: Disturbance

Prompt: Blunt

Characters: Kuni

Content Warnings: Violence, mentions of sexual assault

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Red eyes watched from between paper-barked trees crowned to bursting with yellow leaves. Hands braced on moss-flocked stones, ears perked for any sound she might be able to pick up from the Wood Wailer standing next to the path just a few fulms away. Impatience curled clawed fingers against the stone, and it was only their soft, velvety surface which kept the ensuing loud scrape at bay. She'd been here for three hours already, crouched uncomfortably in the dirt. Just in case of any early shift in the guard. But such a thing never came, and she found herself grateful that the man's drowsiness kept him from taking notice. 

The man yawned for what had to be the third time in ten minutes, swayed a little on his feet and leaned upon his lance to keep himself from toppling over. Just a little longer. Before long he'd move away from the path to relieve himself. That would be the time for her to move too. But until that perfect moment came, she must not move, must not allow her tail to swish in agitation lest she brush it through a patch of crisp fallen leaves and make a noise. Even were this not something akin to a hunt, she needed to hone her patience. 

Though it pained her to admit it, she could not in fact follow her urge to simply spring from hiding and bury a dagger in the Wailer's throat. Though she'd met them, she herself was no Erinyes. Nor was she of the Elementals, an entity crafted solely, it seemed, to spin their whims for man. And what whims they were. This man walked free and unseen while outsiders lay dying and denied healing.

No. Not unseen. She saw him. She'd been tailing him off and on for three days now. Even if the Elementals could not see his sin all because of some arbitrary rules and a hunk of wood over his face, she did. And what she witnessed, there where shade was, made her very teeth itch.

At last, the man moved off the path. On silent steps, she followed. She saw the moment he leaned his spear against a tree to fiddle with his belt. A leg kicked forward to strike him in the back of the knee. The Wailer buckled and stumbled forward, face scraping bark on his way down. Supple vines pushed through the dirt to bind him in place face down. She watched him flail and struggle a while before clearing her throat. 

"Well, well. Bet you didn't think you'd be caught with your pants down, huh?" 

She didn't bother turning him over. Let him struggle like a fly in a web, she thought. She did reach down to pull off his mask though. Now there was no hiding. Not his face, not his crimes. 

"L-let me g–"

"No." 

A mask of her own covered her cold expression, the judgment in her eyes. The irony of hidiing her face to hide from greenwrath wasn't lost on her. She cut off his protests before he could even make them, vines growing up over his mouth. 

"I know what you did. I know you grabbed her. The pretty young…what was it you called her? Ah yes. The 'shade wench.' She came out this way to gather wild honey and you cornered her. Put your hands up her skirt."

The man wouldn't manage to break free. But he did manage to twist, just enough to try to see her, and enough for her to read the expression on his face.

"You let her go. But only after she smashed a rock into your face. It was your first time doing that sort of thing, wasn't it?'

She'd been too far away to help. Walking another path through the woods to go home. But she'd heard the scream and gone running. By the time she got there she'd had to get the details from a very shaken young Duskwight woman, and she'd promised she'd see to it that such crimes wouldn't go unpunished.

The Hyur gave some muffled response and Kuni tsked. She reached down and patted the side of his face, fingers stiff like they wanted to wrap around his neck instead.

"You won't get the chance to perfect your method. Ah, and before you ask me. No, I'm not going to kill you."

But the vines wrapped themselves tighter, pinned his limbs to the earth. A lie. But not a lie. She wondered if the magic in the vines would give out before he did. What would get to him first? Sun? Dehydration? Predatory beasts? The guard rotation would probably look for him. But by that time he'd be practically buried in green, smothered to death if nothing managed to get to him first.

"But you're going to have plenty of time to reflect on what you've done."

[writersmilex]

Artist

Eugene Roe X FemReader

Summary: When an artist has no outlet, weird things start to happen. My first story for this fandom. I'm nervous showing this, I hope I got the character right. But most likely not quite.

The real and the portrayal should be seen as two different entities

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It's not unknown that you have an artistic side. Hell, you even mentioned that you were an artist before enlisting yourself. You have this small sketchbook you carry around as a personal item. However, once in the Ardennes you ran out of pencils. You can't sketch anymore... which has made you become restless and twitchy. artistic expression is your outlet, a way to express your thoughts that can't be described with words alone.

Eugene noticed your little quirks, it was easy to notice for many close to you. To find you sketching in your little sketchbook. He would watch you sketch whenever he had the chance, whether it was random scribbles or a direct replica of a nearby view captured on paper like a photograph. You never openly showed your drawings out of embarrassment, you always refused when someone asked to see when you drew. Which is too bad for Eugene really wanted to see and wouldn't judge at all.

But now though, you're out of pencils. You asked some of the men for pencils but none were of help. Left with not much of a choice, you had to find another outlet for yourself.

And that's when the snow sculptures appeared...

~~~~

At his round check-ups when he first saw the strange things that you did with the snow around your foxhole. They were shapeless at first, little hopes of snow surrounding your foxhole like an altar. Eugene approaches slowly and kneels down by you, watching you mess with the snow. "What're you doin'?" He questions suddenly, startling you. You let out a yelp, accidentally clenching the snow in your hand causing it to pulverize and fall on your lap onto bits. Your head whips around and your shocked expression causes the medic to raise his hand in defence. "sorry..." He mumbles an apology for scaring you.

Your whole shivering complexion relaxes almost right away as you see who is knocking at the door of your foxhole. "I... uh." You stammer, you become bashful once again, as you usually do when someone catches you being artistic. "can't really hide that can't I?" You chuckle, whipping your cold hand on your coat. "I'm... making snow sculptures, as you can see." You gesture to the shaped snow. "Doesn't look like much, I've never really sculpted before." You explain quietly. "needs practice." You poke one of the sculptures and it immediately falls apart at your touch.

Eugene hums in acknowledgement, he's somewhat surprised you found something to occupy yourself while all alone in your frozen hidy hole. "everythin' alright?" He finally asks a question he originally came to ask you. You look back up at him and offer him a soft smile, such a gesture makes him feel a little better about himself even. "I'm alright. Cold...sure, but we all are. I'm rather tired as well, but we all are, haha." your dry laugh makes him think you're disregarding your own well-being, and he doesn't like the sound of that. "Well... Get some rest while you can. And I'll see if one of the others has a blanket to spare." He replies with a curt smile, gesturing to the rest of the forest behind him where the others are located. Your grin grows and you reach over to pat the medic on the knee, "awh thank you, Gene, thank you." You gleam, although your smile does not quite reach your eyes. Eugene hopes a blanket and some rest would help with that. Eugene nods before wandering off again. You watch as his silhouette disappears within the trees, and once you're alone again you resume your little art project.

~~~~

A couple of friends have showed up just to see what you were doing, your snow sculptures have taken much more of a recognizable shape. One of the most famous ones is the Squirrel, the owl and the tiny snowman. The sculptures are now decorated with twigs and dead leaves that you find.

A few days later your foxhole is surrounded by sculptures and you were well occupied with your art. And Eugene could tell that this new art form is doing you good. As he slanders towards your foxhole once again, tiny art pieces all around.

You can see Eugene coming, and once he reaches your position, you smile at him and offer a meek wave. "Good..." you pull your sleeve back and go check your watch, "afternoon, Gene." you greet with a keen smile, which Eugene returns. "Before you ask, I'm doing quite alright if I say so myself. I've got a blanket and I slept for a solid three hours last night!" You announce proudly to him. He can tell that you're able to keep your spirits up, and he is not sure rather be glad or concerned about your mental status. But the look in your eyes tells him enough. "Come." You gingerly scoot aside in your foxhole and pat the now-free spot next to you, inviting Eugene to join you. He can hardly say no to that kind of look you have, so he steps over the sculptures and joins your foxhole. From here Eugene can look at all the sculptures that you have made, and he can recognise the shapes now. "an owl, an oohoo to be precise." He says as he observes the sculptures, he can tell from the protruding sticks at the top of the owl's head that represents feathers, distinctive to an oohoo. "It's... Cute." He mumbles. You smile at him as he basks in the greatness of your artwork. You're quite proud of it. There is more of your art that you'd like to show him. And you feel like you've gained the courage to, "that's not the only art I've made you know?" You say as you dig around through your many pockets for your sketchbook.

Finally! You reveal your sketchbook to Eugene, who is surprised that you have to show him your usually secret artwork with him, He almost feels honoured. "You want to take a look? I know the others always ask to see." You offer, not knowing it Eugene wants to look at all. But alas he nods and takes the sketchbook from you as you gesture to him.

Opening the sketchbook, he finds rough sketches of a mythical-looking creature he can't identify, flipping the next pace there is a sketch of Toccoa, a view of the barracks and mass hall. Eugene looks on in awe at the following drawings of sights the company has been to. It's just as he had imagined, the drawing looks like you directly took the view and put it on paper, a perfect copy. There is only one view that he doesn't recognize. "Oh," You pipe in, scooting closer to Eugene, nearly pressing against his side. "That's my family home right there. I got a little homesick and hoped that drawing my home from memory would make me feel better... In the end, it only made me sadder..." you explain the picture. Eugene doesn't take his eyes off the picture of your family home, it's a rather large looking house, you must have a big family. "this is a work of art." He gapes at the page. Your gut bubbles with pride at Eugene's compliments.

The next page housed a face; More specifically a portrait of Sergeant Lipton. "he was one of my first friends back when everyone else was still scared of me," You giggle as you're recalling memories. Eugene remembers too, vividly almost. Most men at Toccoa were unsure what to think of you, even Eugene himself was one of those. He never hated you, merely perplexed at the sight of a woman in the army, and not just for nursing. You had trouble getting along with the company at first until Lipton willingly sat with you one breakfast morning and introduced himself. He then spread a few good words about you, later during medical training Eugene befriended you over home stories.

The next page had Winters' portrait, then Nixon, Liebgott, Grant, Randleman, Talbert and then himself. Down to every detail of his face, sketched on the paper. It has been a while since he got a look at himself, but it's like looking at a mirror. "oh look, that's you!" You quip proudly while pointing at the page. "That explains your starin'..."  Eugene concludes one of your typical quirks he picked up on over the years, seemingly mindless staring is what you did a lot, though it doesn't look so mindless now. Merely memorizing the men's features to draw portraits. His comment makes you chuckle, "You got me there. You can keep yours for 10 bucks." You reply with wit, then your expression suddenly falters a little. You reach over and turn the page of your sketchbook, revealing portraits of Muck, Malarkey and Penkala. The following pages had a few other fallen friends. "If only I had some pencils down I'd be able to draw again..." You look around your foxhole at the sculptures. "You're an amazin' artist, (Y/L)." Eugene compliments, causing you to flush pink and not just from the cold. "Plan on doin' something with it?" He questions as he continues to flip through your sketchbook until he discovers empty pages, the book is not full just yet. You shrug, at this point, you live by the day and you're not really thinking about the future. "maybe, I don't know. It's more of a hobby thing. I sell pieces sometimes at local fairs." You look out in the distance you familiarized yourself with, you wish to put this view on paper someday. Despite the surrounding horror, a snow wonderland like this you'll most likely never see again. You do have a strong desire never to see this place again once you're out.

Eugene follows your gaze into the snowed-over forest, gently closing your beloved sketchbook and treating it like thin glass and handing it back to you.

It's silent for a moment, neither sure of what to say nor merely enjoying each other's presence. It's rather pleasant until you jerk back to life, turning to the man beside you. "You should resume your check-up now.  I think the others are starting to wonder where you are." You speak up sitha a reassuring smile. You do have a good point, and Eugene agrees. Looking around cautiously before climbing out of your foxhole, he says goodbye and continues on his rounds, feeling a bit lighter than he did before.

_________________________________________

This is my first story for this fandom, even though the show is just as old as I am it is a great show.

I haven't watched the show yet and started watching the first part, but I already heavily spoiled it like I usually do for myself.

Thanks for reading.

- Smilex🙂

[rpgworldcomic]

723 - Something Coming This Way This Way Comes

Hidy ho! I'm eating an orange! AND a croissant! For breakfast? Nay, for lunch! But also yes for breakfast. I ate this exact same thing for breakfast and went "Damn! That's dandy!" and decided to have it again for lunch.

You know, I used to really not like oranges. Thought they were disgusting. Orange juice was disgusting. And with pulp? Get outta town! Now I enjoy those things. People change, is what I'm saying. But that is NOT an excuse to take back your toxic ex!!! Don't do it!!!!! Just go eat a fucking orange. Goddamn. One step at a time babes. You can try to get back your toxic ex after some time has passed, you've healed, and eaten a lot of oranges. Then you can discover that you don't WANT your toxic ex back. Because of all the oranges!

Is this making sense? *pats my lap* What? I'm supposed to pat my lap before the lesson? Look. Life can't be so rigid. Go eat an orange and see how you feel after.

Know what I'm excited for? Breath of the Wild 2!! And the Mario Movie!! And Spiderverse 2!! And the Netflix Power Rangers Movie!! You gotta have stuff to be excited for. Otherwise you might just throw yourself into a river, amirite? Am I right?… Maybe I need more oranges.

-Doomie Out (Just for now babes. Don't worry, I'll be back. I don't even like swimming.)

[knynumber1simphere]

Sabito x Male y/n (Chap 4)

2 years skip.

You sat they're next to the twin water pillars, Giyu and Sabito. In the fight against the hand demon, you were able to save his life, making him trust you completely. You were a Crystal Hashira, and your were the 3rd strongest, and yet you still longed to get stronger.

You pat Sabito's head humming a sweet song, while he snuggled into your neck from the side. He was cute but he could be fierce it you were o his bad side. Your feelings started when he helped you with moving into your pillar passion.

He was moving boxes with Giyu, when the black haired emo decided to take a break and get some coffee, leaving both you and Sabito alone. Sabito grabbed your shoulder gently, "We should continue till Giyu gets back, right?", he teased nudging your cheek with his knuckle. You laugh, "Alright workaholic", you teased him back. You were planning to kiss his cheek to see his embarrassed face which at the time would've been so funny, but suddenly he moved his head making your lips just scape each other. You completely freaked out jumping back to much and hitting your head on the top of the door, knocking yourself out dead.

Around an hour later You woke up with Giyu and Sabito staring at you. Giyu smirks, "Scared of spiders are you?", Giyu teased. You tilted your head forgetting what just happened, "What are you-", suddenly the memories came rushing back like a rustling wind blowing a wooden plank in your face. You looked over at Sabito who was looking away, with a cold energy coming of of him. You felt guilt in yourself. You just ruined Sabito's first kiss. You laugh, "I guess the spider was just as shocked as I was. I also hope the spider will forgive me for the mistake I made, that Sabi- I mean the spider will forget this ever happened. Sabito looked at you and smiled, "I think the spider thinks your very sorry, and will try to forget about your scream", he giggled. His giggle, you've never heard it like that before, and then suddenly you felt your heart race increasing. What was this feeling?

Soon enough he went back to normal, well you that is, but Sabito, for some season kept taking of his mask around you, which didn't happen often, but now it was like a normal thing. He also smiled a lot, and I mean a lot. Then one night when he was drunk he tried to kiss you, and you thinking that it was just because he was drunk, it still didn't explain how straight after that he started hugging you and even would kiss your hand time to time. These actions wouldn't help with your love growing for him, and you would even notice small things he likes. Examples are coffee, books, smells, fighting, music. He was so perfect in your eyes, and to think he was basically ready to kill you.

Present: The cheeries front eh trees would be ripe in 3 days and you and Sabito couldn't wait to pick them. They were so pink and looked so smoove, and-, "Y/n?"

You glanced at him, as he moved his head from your neck, and you noticed he was red, "OMG! Are you okay, your completely red, are you si-", you rambled quite loudly. He cups your cheek, "I've wanted to tell you something for a while, and-"

"What is it?", your asked smiling. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. You grab his chin and move closer, "What would you like little Sabito?"

"Li-little, Sa-sabi-Sabito?", he stuttered, and god it was cute. You smile, "If you want something then say it, because I have to leave soon, you know that?"

"Can I take it, please~", he pleaded.

"Umm, sure, but what is-mh", your word were covered with Sabito pressing his lips on yours and your face lit up like the purest and reddest apple. You moved forward kissing him back, but it was soon pushed back (literally). You were push back on the ground and Sabito landing in your chest. He sat up quickly, "SORRY I SLIPT", he screamed, covering his face with his mask, "It's just that I've liked you for a while, and I want you to be mine, and I- I-I, just don't know what to do with all these feeling for you hiding within"

You were shocked, but happy,, so you smiled. You grabbed his hand, "I've been feeling the sea away for so long, I can't remember how many time's I've just wanted to kiss you like not was ever going to know or hear a thing. I love you Sabito", you said with tears running down your cheery like cheeks.

[notanrp-littlesister]

Jack reads hedcannons and stories and stuff anout his favortie heros being like his adopted daddy. but thats cause jack never has a daddy. he had papa suchong but that's not the same thign. and he had mama tenenbaum but shes like clair and thats not the same at all.

but i have memories of having a daddy. cause i had a big daddy. and mr bubbles was the best. he was the best daddy.

he couldnt tuck me into bed cause hewas too big for the hidy hole. but he would pat my head and help me climb in. and he would wait outside it until i ws so far in that no monsters could get me at all. and he would play any games i wanted. and hed hold my hand when we lookd for angels and butterlfies. and he'd stop monsters from hruting me. all the best thigns about daddies.

the end

[random-fandoms-fanfics]

@itsalwaysme-1

I’m sorry for the really long delay, I just started Uni and I have to deal with a really busy orientation week. With uni stuff will take a lot longer to get out, so again sorry.

Like any other day in Encanto the day started calm, peaceful and almost perfect, but when the sun was at its highest point in the sky this calm day was disturbed by loud music, a rapid amount of the banging of metal and the yelling of people that filled the air. Just as a few members of the village were about to investigate the commotion a crowd of people wearing strange clothing entered the village, some exploring the village and talking to the village after some confusion, while the others examined the village and some of the villagers, it wasn’t until the Madrigal family approached the strangers did things become clearer.

The group claimed to be a family of explorers who wanted to discover every secret in the world and Encanto was their latest discovery, the family consisted of you, who wasn’t there, your mother and your father, your two sisters, your brother, your uncle, his wife and their three boys, plus your crazy grandfather who was the one who forced all of you to go on these adventures with him.

“Hey hey hey I wanna talk to you, please just a few minutes,” a young girl about Mirable's age jumped out in front of Luisa, stopping her in her tracks, the strong woman standing still before nodding at the girl, “what’s your name?”

“Luisa Madrigal, nice to meet you…”

“Hidie (L/N), the nurse of my family, so what do you do around here?”

“Well I retrieve the donkeys when they get out, I fix sinking houses, carry building material,”

“So you’re the town’s muscle,” Luisa nodded her head, watching Hidie grab onto her  skirt and trot beside her, “have you ever dated anyone?”

“No, I never had time for a partner,” lifting Hidie up onto her shoulder Luisa lifted a barrel filled with water up into her arms, “did you ever have a crush, there’s gotta be a cute boy or girl who caught your eye?”

“Mmm, well I’ve had a few but I’ve never gone for them, you know,” Luisa patted her arms and side, “oh, I’m sure there’s someone who like big woman,” Luisa scoffed, dropping Hidie off her shoulders and picked up more barrels, Hidie soon running off “ok I’ll be back,”

The sun was just beginning to set when Hidie re-found, convinced and led Luisa to the campsite where your family was set up, leaving Luisa to run around the campsite and rip open the doors of some of the tents, yelling out for you, “(Y/N) where are you! I want you to meet someone!” the two could hear a loud groan coming from one of the largest tents with a ‘go away’ after the groan, Hidie immediately running over to the tent and shaking it, yelling for you to ‘get up’, the two standing outside heard a large thump along with a yelp from you. Scrambling up onto your feet you ran for your tent door, ready to grab Hidie, “you little shite, I’m going to throw you off a cliff,” bursting out of your tent you went to grab your younger sister but instead you ran into the shorter women standing besides her, the force throwing the two of you onto the ground.

Pushing yourself up onto your elbows you looked down at the stranger, admiring the small freckles that adorned her face as you laid on top of her, “Luisa this is (Y/N), (Y/N) this is Luisa, I thought you two might get along so, get to a-chatting,” as you got off Luisa you saw your sister leave out of the corner of your eye with a smirk on her face and a thumbs up towards you. Holding your hand out for Luisa she hesitantly grabbed it, surprised when you were able to help her up on her feet, “so, you’re the woman I’ve heard about, you certainly live up to your tales,” Luisa looked you over, viewing your muscular form under the massive crinkled shirt that hung off you “I do? which lies has my sister told you?”

“That you’re a giant who’s strong enough to lift a tree with a single arm,”

“Huh that seems truthful enough, Hidie normal hypes me up when she wants to set me up,”

“What?” laughing up patted her shoulder puffing out your chest,

“She wants to get a girlfriend and with you being a beautiful and strong woman, I can’t blame her,” grabbing her chin with your fingers you lifted it up, looking into her eyes as she stood there with a mouth agape, the two of you stood in silence staring at each other until you pulled away from her, your face burning, “you do like woman right, Hidie didn’t just bring you here without asking?” Luisa just stared at you not saying anything, which just scared you even more, “oh god I am so sorry, I’ve told her about this sought of stuff but she barely listens, sorry,”

“No it’s just surprising, I didn't think you'd stay long enough,”

“Well maybe you'll be able to convince me to stay,” holding your hand out to Luisa you waited for her reaction.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

You held Luisa in your lap, her laying back against your chest as you brushed your fingers through her hair, braiding some of the strains as the two of you enjoyed the peaceful quiet in Luisa’s room “you seem to be liking Encanto?”

“Yeah it’s really nice here, plus it's better than travelling with gramps,” burying your face into her shoulder and wrapping your arms around Luisa's waist, you felt her chest rumble, “oh yeah?”

“Yeah, sitting with you is much better than getting sore feet travelling everywhere,” Luisa turned in your lap, lifting your head out of her shoulder and pressing her lips to yours, holding you there until you had to separate for air, “you know you don’t have to try to steal my breath,”

“I know,”

[oldschoolfrp]

Mighty-thewed barbarians of The Fantasy Trip, Melee, and Wizard (Pat Hidy, The Space Gamer 16, Metagaming, March-April 1978)  Two of these previously appeared in Microquest 1: Death Test

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CXLIII (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I knew ppl were going to drop my fic in this book bc I made things complicated but I don’t regret the plot— did it still made me sad? yes it sure did -Danny

Words: 5,256

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘No Control’ -by Dylan Reynolds

Chapter Five: The New Routine.

Dumbledore knocked on the door three times and Mrs Weasley's voice was quick to answer.

"Who's there? Declare yourself!"

"It is I, Dumbledore, bringing Harry. Mel and Erick are with us."

"Harry, dear!" Mrs Weasley opened the door at once, letting them in. "Mel! Erick! Gracious, Albus, you gave me a fright, you said not to expect you before morning!"

"We were lucky, Slughorn proved much more persuadable than I had expected. The children's doing, of course. Ah, hello, Nymphadora!"

"Hello, Professor... Wotcher, kids."

"Hi, Tonks."

Tonks was looking remarkably grim, Mel looked around the kitchen.

"Where's my mum?"

"I told her to go to bed," Mrs Weasley said sweetly, "it's almost midnight, the baby kept her up last night and she needed to sleep."

"I'd better be off," Tonks stood up. "Thanks for the tea and sympathy, Molly."

"Please don't leave on my account," said Dumbledore, "I cannot stay, I have urgent matters to discuss with Rufus Scrimgeour."

"No, no, I need to get going," She replied. "'Night —"

"Dear, why not come to dinner at the weekend, Remus and Mad-Eye are coming — ?"

"My uncle's coming?" Mel asked with excitement.

"No, really, Molly... thanks anyway..." Tonks said tensely. "Good night, everyone."

"Well, I shall see you at Hogwarts," Dumbledore told them. "Take care of yourself. Molly, your servant."

He and Tonks disapparated, Erick spoke up.

"You have a lovely house, Mrs Weasley."

"Oh dear, well, we do make an effort on making it cosy," Mrs Weasley smiled.  "You're like Ron, all of you, you look as though you've had Stretching Jinxes put on you. I swear Ron's grown four inches since I last bought him school robes. Are you hungry?"

"Yeah, I am," said Harry.

"A bit," Erick agreed.

Mel sat down between them, she was quite pleased about Mrs Weasley's comment on her growth, even though hers was less noticeable than the boys' who now were five and seven inches taller than her.

Crookshanks and Grey quickly made their way to them. Grey didn't like Erick very much, though Mel didn't know why. Crookshanks, on the other hand, was a huge fan.

"So Hermione's here?" Harry asked as he watched the ginger cat ruin the impeccable set of clothes Erick was wearing.

"Oh yes, she arrived the day before yesterday. Everyone's in bed, of course, we didn't expect you for hours. Here you are — Bread, dears?"

"Thanks, Mrs Weasley."

"So you persuaded Horace Slughorn to take the job?"

"It wasn't hard," Mel smiled. "Professor Slughorn was eager to get to know us better."

"He taught Arthur and me. He was at Hogwarts for ages, started around the same time as Dumbledore, I think. Did you like him?"

Harry and Erick shrugged, Mel kept her attention on her plate.

"I know what you mean... Of course he can be charming when he wants to be, but Arthur's never liked him much. The Ministry's littered with Slughorn's old favorites, he was always good at giving leg ups, but he never had much time for Arthur — didn't seem to think he was enough of a highflier. Well, that just shows you, even Slughorn makes mistakes. I don't know whether Ron's told you in any of his letters — it's only just happened — but Arthur's been promoted!"

Harry made a funny noise, taken by surprise. Erick did a sort of delighted hum and Mel stopped eating, staring at her attentively.

"That's great!" Harry said.

"You are sweet... Yes, Rufus Scrimgeour has set up several new offices in response to the present situation, and Arthur's heading the Office for the Detection and Confiscation of Counterfeit Defensive Spells and Protective Objects. It's a big job, he's got ten people reporting to him now!"

"Sounds important," Erick smiled.

"What exactly — ?"

"Well, you see, in all the panic about You-Know-Who, odd things have been cropping up for sale everywhere, things that are supposed to guard against You-Know-Who and the Death Eaters. You can imagine the kind of thing — so-called protective potions that are really gravy with a bit of bubotuber pus added, or instructions for defensive jinxes that actually make your ears fall off..."

Mrs Weasley looked beyond proud as she told them all about her husband's new job. Mel was happy for him, she couldn't think of a man who deserved a promotion more than Mr Weasley.

"...So you see, it's a very important job, and I tell him it's just silly to miss dealing with spark plugs and toasters and all the rest of that Muggle rubbish."

"Well, the heart wants what it wants," Mel chuckled, she was unaware of the way both boys looked at her.

"Is Mr Weasley still at work?" Harry questioned.

"Yes, he is. As a matter of fact, he's a tiny bit late... He said he'd be back around midnight..."

Mel felt something awful crawling up her chest when she noticed all the tiny hands on the clock were now pointing at 'Mortal peril'.

"It's been like that for a while now," Mrs Weasley commented, "ever since You-Know-Who came back into the open. I suppose everybody's in mortal danger now... I don't think it can be just our family... but I don't know anyone else who's got a clock like this, so I can't check. Oh!"

Mr Weasley's was now currently pointing at 'travelling.'

"He's coming!" She got up, a second later there was a knock on the door. "Arthur, is that you?"

"Yes. But I would say that even if I were a Death Eater, dear. Ask the question!"

"Oh, honestly..."

"Molly!"

"All right, all right... What is your dearest ambition?"

"To find out how airplanes stay up."

Mel and Harry shared a look of amusement, she heard Erick mumbling 'How do they stay up?' Mrs Weasley tried to open the door but her husband kept it shut.

"Molly! I've got to ask you your question first!"

"Arthur, really, this is just silly..."

"What do you like me to call you when we're alone together?"

The group of teenagers froze.

"Mollywobbles," Mrs Weasley whispered to the tiny crack in the door.

Mel choked on the soup, Harry had to hide his face entirely to control his laughing fit after watching her almost die, Erick quickly patted her back.

"Correct," Mr Weasley said brightly. "Now you can let me in."

"I still don't see why we have to go through that every time you come home!" Mrs Weasley complained as the man walked in. "I mean, a Death Eater might have forced the answer out of you before impersonating you!"

"I know, dear, but it's Ministry procedure, and I have to set an example. Something smells good — onion soup? Kids! We didn't expect you until morning!"

They all greeted Mr Weasley, Mel finally able to breathe and Harry able to speak without cracking up.

"Thanks, Molly," He said when the woman set a plate for him. "It's been a tough night. Some idiot's started selling Metamorph-Medals. Just sling them around your neck and you'll be able to change your appearance at will. A hundred thousand disguises, all for ten Galleons!"

"And what really happens when you put them on?"

"Mostly you just turn a fairly unpleasant orange color, but a couple of people have also sprouted tentaclelike warts all over their bodies. As if St. Mungo's didn't have enough to do already!"

"It sounds like the sort of thing Fred and George would find funny," said Mrs Weasley with doubt. "Are you sure — ?"

"Of course I am! The boys wouldn't do anything like that now, not when people are desperate for protection!"

"So is that why you're late, Metamorph-Medals?"

"No, we got wind of a nasty backfiring jinx down in Elephant and Castle, but luckily the Magical Law Enforcement Squad had sorted it out by the time we got there..."

Harry yawned beside her, Mel was starting to feel weary herself after days of sleeping in the backseat of a car.

"Bed," said Mrs Weasley. "I've got Fred and George's room all ready for you, boys. Mel, you're sharing Ginny's bedroom but I don't want you to wake the girls up. Is it okay if you sleep with Erick and Harry tonight?"

"Yeah, it's fine," Mel yawned, too sleepy to care.

"Where are the twins?" Harry asked.

"Oh, they're in Diagon Alley, sleeping in the little flat over their joke shop as they're so busy," said Mrs Weasley, and Mel could tell there was a hint of pride in her voice. "I must say, I didn't approve at first, but they do seem to have a bit of a flair for business! Come on, dears, your trunks are already up there."

"'Night, Mr Weasley," said Harry.

"Thank you for letting us stay," Erick added.

"Have a goodnight!" Mel ended.

"G'night," said Mr Weasley.

Mel had been in the twins' room a couple of times through the years, it was startling when she walked in and couldn't recognize it. The smell of fireworks was still hanging in the air and there was a few boxes of their personal items laying around, but almost nothing left from their essence in the room, it made her feel homesick.

There were only two beds since they weren't expected until the next morning. Mrs Weasley quickly made a third bed appear with a flick of her wand, it was smaller than the other two, mostly blankets and cushions piled together. She apologized profusely, but Mel didn't mind, she would've slept on the floor considering how exhausted she was.

The boys insisted that she took one of their beds but Mel refused, when she came back from changing Erick was already tucked in her pile of blankets. Harry was grinning at the way his feet were hanging over the edge.

The following morning she was awoken by the door slamming open and a pair of feet stomping into the room. She hid her face between the pillows, Harry's mattress squeaked as he sat up, and fabric rustled as Erick pushed down his blankets.

"Wuzzgoinon?" Harry asked sleepily.

"We didn't know you were here already!" There was a soft thud coming from Harry's bed after Ron sat down on it.

"Ron, don't hit him!" Hermione sat on Mel's bed.

"Dear Merlin," She groaned, hiding under the covers. "I'm going to murder you two..."

"All right?" Ron asked.

"Never been better," said Harry, sounding a bit more awake. "You?"

"Not bad."

"I knew there was no way I'd have a quiet morning here," Erick grumbled. "Hi, 'Mione..."

"Hi!" She said brightly, then shook one of Mel's legs. "Wake up! I want to hear all you did during your mission!"

"When did you get here? Mum's only just told us!" Ron said.

"About one o'clock this morning," Harry replied, Mel turned around and squinted, trying to get used to the sunlight.

"Were the Muggles all right? Did they treat you okay?"

"Same as usual... they didn't talk to me much, but I like it better that way. How're you, Hermione?"

"Oh, I'm fine."

"What's the time? Have we missed breakfast?" Harry said.

"Don't worry about that, Mum's bringing you up a tray; she reckons you look underfed," said Ron.

"Well, he is," Mel replied, finally sitting up. "You should've seen my mum — almost forced the food down his throat once..."

Harry threw a pillow at her, but he missed by a considerable distance.

"So, what's been going on?" Ron asked eagerly.

"Nothing much, I've just been stuck at my aunt and uncle's, haven't I?"

"And we just had a road trip around some towns," Erick said, getting out of his covers only to sit down on Harry's bed.

"Come off it!" said Ron. "You've been off with Dumbledore!"

"It wasn't that exciting. He just wanted us to help him persuade this old teacher to come out of retirement. His name's Horace Slughorn."

"Oh... We thought —" Hermione hushed him, Ron was quick to correct his mistake. "— we thought it'd be something like that."

"You did?" Harry grinned.

"Yeah... yeah, now Umbridge has left, obviously we need a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, don't we? So, er, what's he like?"

"He looks a bit like a walrus, and he used to be Head of Slytherin," Harry shrugged, then he glanced back at their friend and raised a brow. "Something wrong, Hermione?"

The girl gave a start, straightening in her place.

"No, of course not! So, um, did Slughorn seem like he'll be a good teacher?"

"Well, he's got a sharp mind no doubt," Erick yawned, laying on the mattress.

"He can't be worse than Umbridge, can he?" added Harry, softly kicking Erick to move him away from his legs.

"I know someone who's worse than Umbridge," Ginny walked in sulking. "Hi, guys."

"What's up with you?" Ron questioned.

"It's her, she's driving me mad."

"What's she done now?" asked Hermione.

"It's the way she talks to me — you'd think I was about three!"

"I know, she's so full of herself..."

"You better not be talking about my mum," Mel joked.

"Can't you two lay off her for five seconds?" Ron scoffed.

"Oh, that's right, defend her! We all know you can't get enough of her," Ginny rolled her eyes.

Harry and Mel shared a confused look, and just when he was about to ask the door opened again. The boy pulled up his covers so fast that Erick fell to the floor.

"Oh," Mel said quietly, staring up at Fleur Delacour.

"Children," she said brightly. "Eet 'as been too long!"

Mrs Weasley walked in right after her, looking upset.

"There was no need to bring up the tray, I was just about to do it myself!"

"Eet was no trouble," Fleur left the tray floating between their beds and kissed her and Harry on both cheeks. Erick got up with a scowl, he shook Fleur's hand, not letting her touch him any further. "I 'ave been longing to see you. You remember my seester, Gabrielle? She never stops talking about 'Arry Potter. She will be delighted to see you again."

"Oh... is she here too?" Harry asked.

"No, no, silly boy," Fleur laughed, "I mean next summer, when we — but do you not know?"

"We hadn't got around to telling him yet," Mrs Weasley said grumpily.

"Bill and I are going to be married!"

"Oh," said Harry, looking back at Mel begging her to help him. "Wow. Er — congratulations!"

"That's brilliant," Mel was unsure of how to react, none of the other women in the room looked happy.

"Bill is very busy at ze moment, working very 'ard, and I only work part-time at Gringotts for my Eenglish, so he brought me 'ere for a few days to get to know 'is family properly. I was so pleased to 'ear you would be coming — zere isn't much to do 'ere, unless you like cooking and chickens! Well — enjoy your breakfast!"

She turned around and left the room with a joyous air, then Emily walked in, holding her son.

"Hi kids," She smiled.

Mel jumped out of bed and gave her mother a big hug. She took her baby brother and kissed him all over his small face. Mrs Weasley muttered something Mel could not hear, Ginny inched closer and started to play with Reggie's little fingers.

"Mum hates her," the girl told her, clearly talking about Fleur.

"I do not hate her! I just think they've hurried into this engagement, that's all!"

"Well, it's not like we all have time to spare, do we?" Emily asked carefully, brushing the hair away from Mel's forehead.

"They've known each other a year," said Ron crossly.

"Well, that's not very long! I know why it's happened, of course. It's all this uncertainty with You-Know-Who coming back, people think they might be dead tomorrow, so they're rushing all sorts of decisions they'd normally take time over. It was the same last time he was powerful, people eloping left, right, and center—"

"Including you and Dad," Ginny smirked.

"Yes, well, your father and I were made for each other, what was the point in waiting? Whereas Bill and Fleur... well... what have they really got in common? He's a hard-working, down-to-earth sort of person, whereas she's —"

"A cow," Ginny replied. "But Bill's not that down-to-earth. He's a Curse-Breaker, isn't he, he likes a bit of adventure, a bit of glamour... I expect that's why he's gone for Phlegm."

"That's exactly what people used to say about me and Matthew," Emily raised a brow. "Now they tell me we were the perfect couple! You see, time's all it takes to change one's opinion, I think we shouldn't talk about relationships that aren't ours."

"I think she's lovely," Mel shrugged, softly kissing her brother's cheek. "You guys are being too harsh on her. I mean, Ginny, you're beautiful —"

"I'm sorry, Mel, I have a boyfriend," She joked.

"— But that doesn't mean you're silly, does it?" Mel sat down on her bed. "Have you forgotten how nice she was to Ron after he helped her sister?"

Mrs Weasley left looking rather tired, Emily kissed Mel, Harry and Erick on the cheek before leaving, leaving Leon Regulus in the room.

"Don't you get used to her if she's staying in the same house?" Harry chuckled, staring at the way Ron was struggling to breathe.

"Well, you do... but if she jumps out at you unexpectedly, like then..."

"It's pathetic," said Hermione, without even asking she took Regulus out of Mel's hold, ignoring the girl's protests.

"I feel your pain, Ronnie, don't listen to them," Mel sighed, leaning back on the bed frame.

"You don't really want her around forever?" Ginny insisted. "Well, Mum's going to put a stop to it if she can, I bet you anything."

"She shouldn't!" Mel replied. "What would you feel if you were deeply in love with someone and everyone tried to keep you away from them? You're own family!"

"How's she going to manage that, anyway?" asked Harry.

"She keeps trying to get Tonks round for dinner. I think she's hoping Bill will fall for Tonks instead. I hope he does, I'd much rather have her in the family."

"Yeah, that'll work," Ron snorted. "Listen, no bloke in his right mind's going to fancy Tonks when Fleur's around. I mean, Tonks is okay-looking when she isn't doing stupid things to her hair and her nose, but —"

"She's a damn sight nicer than Phlegm,'' Ginny made a face of disgust.

"And she's more intelligent, she's an Auror!" said Hermione, Reggie cried a bit and Ginny took it away from Hermione.

"Fleur's not stupid, she was good enough to enter the Triwizard Tournament," Harry argued.

"Not you as well!" Hermione scowled.

"I suppose you like the way Phlegm says ' 'Arry,' do you?" Ginny huffed.

"No," said Harry, blushing a bit, "I was just saying, Phlegm — I mean, Fleur —"

"Oh, please," Mel snorted. "You're just upset because Bill is your favourite brother, Ginny — you're scared he'll stop hanging out here once he marries Fleur. Hermione, I know you're lying, you're not angry because she isn't smart enough for your standards."

Hermione blushed a deep shade of red.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Sure you don't," She grinned. "But you know she's not any of those things, I know you do. I mean, so what if she's confident, as long as she loves Bill like he deserves, right? Don't you want him to be happy?"

Ginny looked at Reggie for a long time, then she sighed heavily.

"I would like her to respect our way of handling the house, that's all..."

"That's understandable," Mel nodded. "But she's the one having to get used to the Weasleys, and if I may give my opinion, you guys are as peculiar as any French girl."

Ginny's face showed a small grin.

"In my opinion," Erick spoke casually, grabbing a toast from the tray. "Fleur's too ostentatious — but she knows how to use her charm, which means she's got a brain. Joseph told me she was a great conversationalist—"

"Can't you talk like a normal bloke?" Ron frowned. "Do you like her, yes or no?"

"I'm saying she's nice."

"Nice?" The redheaded boy asked in bewilderment.

"She's not my type," The older boy rolled his eyes.

"What's your type, then?" Ron demanded.

Erick threw a quick glance at Mel before replying.

"Friendly."

"Okay, maybe Mel's right," Ginny continued, Reggie started to get restless and she swayed him a bit from side to side. "But I still get along with Tonks better, at least she's a laugh..."

"Well, she can still come and hang out, but you can't force love."

"She hasn't been much of a laugh lately though," Ron pointed out. "Every time I've seen her she's looked more like Moaning Myrtle."

"That's not fair," Hermione frowned. "She still hasn't got over what happened... you know... I mean, he was her cousin!"

Harry quickly looked down and busied himself with a spoonful of eggs, Mel grabbed a cup of tea and drank half of it in one large sip.

"Tonks and Sirius barely knew each other! Sirius was in Azkaban half her life and before that their families never met —"

"That's not the point — She thinks it was her fault he died!"

"How does she work that one out?" Harry asked, his mouth half-full.

"Well, she was fighting Bellatrix Lestrange, wasn't she? I think she feels that if only she had finished her off, Bellatrix couldn't have killed Sirius."

Mel tried to remember, there was a huge part of that night she couldn't recall.

"That's stupid," said Ron.

"It's survivor's guilt. I know Lupin's tried to talk her round, but she's still really down. She's actually having trouble with her Metamorphosing!"

"With her — ?"

"She can't change her appearance like she used to. I think her powers must have been affected by shock, or something."

"I didn't know that could happen," said Harry.

"Nor did I, but I suppose if you're really depressed..."

Mel suddenly looked down at her hands and gulped. She hadn't tried to do any kind of magic ever since she'd come back from the Ministry, now a new fear was rising above everything else, the possibility of not being able to be as good as before because of her anguish.

"Ginny," Mrs Weasley walked in again, "come downstairs and help me with the lunch."

"I'm talking to this lot!" Ginny exclaimed, her attention quickly leaving Mel's brother.

"Now!"

"She only wants me there so she doesn't have to be alone with Fleur! Emily's too tired all the time, mum doesn't let her do anything..." The girl got up to leave the room, but Mel stopped her.

"Hey, give that baby back!" She demanded. "I was holding him first!"

Ron stood up and took the baby, claiming no one ever allowed him to play with him. Ginny turned around swiftly, mocking the way Fleur would usually move, once she got to the door she looked over her shoulder one last time before leaving.

"You lot had better come down quickly too!"

Harry, Mel and Erick ate silently while Hermione examined some boxes, Ron was now playing with Reg.

"What's this?" Hermione held up a small telescope.

"Dunno, but if Fred and George've left it here, it's probably not ready for the joke shop yet, so be careful."

"Your mum said the shop's going well," Harry mentioned. "Said Fred and George have got a real flair for business."

"That's an understatement. They're raking in the Galleons! I can't wait to see the place, we haven't been to Diagon Alley yet, because Mum says Dad's got to be there for extra security and he's been really busy at work, but it sounds excellent."

"And what about Percy? Is he talking to your mum and dad again?"

"Nope."

"What a git," Erick muttered, drinking his tea while watching Hermione examine the telescope.

"But he knows your dad was right all along now about Voldemort being back —"

"Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right," said Hermione. "I heard him telling your mum, Ron."

"Sounds like the sort of mental thing Dumbledore would say," said Ron.

Mel didn't try to contradict him this time.

"He's going to be giving me private lessons this year," Harry said casually. "Mel already finished hers and he'll have time to teach me."

Hermione gasped, Erick merely looked up from his food.

"You kept that quiet!" Ron exclaimed, Mel's brother slipping from his hold without him noticing.

"I only just remembered. He told me last night in your broom shed."

"Blimey... private lessons with Dumbledore! And he said you're ready to go, Mel? I wonder why he's—?"

"Careful with Lee before you drop him flat on the floor!" Mel scowled. "I see why no one lets you hold him..."

"I don't know exactly why he's going to be giving me lessons, but I think it must be because of the prophecy," Harry continued to speak, eyes fixed on his food. "You know, the one they were trying to steal at the Ministry..."

Erick pulled out his wand and with a quick movement, his plate started to follow him around the room. He took Leon Regulus and mumbled something about the baby needing a nap and Ginny needing help back in the kitchen. Mel wished she could've left with him.

"Nobody knows what it said, though," said Hermione once the Slytherin was gone. "Mel broke it."

"Although the Prophet says —" Ron started.

"Shh!" Hermione interrupted.

"The Prophet's got it right," Harry forced himself to look up. "That glass ball Mel destroyed wasn't the only record of the prophecy. I heard the whole thing in Dumbledore's office, he was the one the prophecy was made to, so he could tell me. From what it said... it looks like I'm the one who's got to finish off Voldemort... At least, it said neither of us could live while the other survives."

She wished she could've spent at least one day without thinking about the prophecy, but Harry had to live knowing that he'd have to face Voldemort, so she couldn't complain.

BANG!

Hermione vanished behind a cloud of dark smoke.

"Hermione!" shouted the three of them.

The girl stood up, coughing.

"I squeezed it and it — it punched me!"

"Don't worry," said Ron biting his lip so he wouldn't laugh, "Mum'll fix that, she's good at healing minor injuries —"

"Oh well, never mind that now!" said Hermione, pushing it aside. "Harry, oh, Harry... We wondered, after we got back from the Ministry... Obviously, we didn't want to say anything to you, but from what Lucius Malfoy said about the prophecy, how it was about you and Voldemort, well, we thought it might be something like this... Oh, Harry... Are you scared?"

"Not as much as I was," Harry shrugged. "When I first heard it, I was... but now, it seems as though I always knew I'd have to face him in the end..."

"When we heard Dumbledore was collecting you in person, we thought he might be telling you something or showing you something to do with the prophecy. And we were kind of right, weren't we? He wouldn't be giving you lessons if he thought you were a goner, wouldn't waste his time — he must think you've got a chance!"

"Of course he does!" Mel got up, starting to pick up the pieces of the tray that had smashed when the boys ran to help Hermione. "Harry's a great wizard, we just need to teach him how to fight..."

Her friends looked at her with pity, they must've been thinking of her lifeline connection with Harry and how it could affect her, but Mel couldn't look afraid or else they wouldn't believe her words.

"Guys, we'll get through this..." Mel looked down a the tiny scars on her palm, rubbing them gently.

"That's true," said Hermione. "I wonder what he'll teach you, Harry? Really advanced defensive magic, probably... powerful countercurses... anti-jinxes... probably the same things he taught to Mel. And evasive enchantments generally— Well, at least you know one lesson you'll be having this year, that's one more than Ron and me. I wonder when our O.W.L. results will come?"

"Can't be long now, it's been a month," said Ron.

"Hang on, I think Dumbledore said our O.W.L. results would be arriving today!"

"Yeah, that's true!" Mel admitted, leaving the broken plates on the desk.

"Today? Today? But why didn't you — oh my God — you should have said —" Hermione squeaked. "I'm going to see whether any owls have come..."

Ron and Hermione left the room quickly, Harry and her were left alone, but this felt a thousand times less awkward than a year before.

"Thank you," Harry said, helping her fold the blankets.

"I didn't do anything. You know they're scared, even if they don't show it..."

"I'm thanking you because it must be hard for you as well, not to show it," He tilted his head. "Usually, you're an open book..."

"I used to be," She corrected. "My feelings are just mine, Harry, and no one else needs to know about them."

He frowned.

"Still, you know it's better not to hold things in, right?"

Mel stared at him.

"Look at you, teaching me about how to handle my emotions!"

The boy let out a chuckle and reached to hold her hand.

"It's going to be okay, Mellow."

She melted at the name, it'd been a long time since he'd called her that. She looked down again at her scarred hand, and that stirred her into talking. An idea started to take form in her mind.

"What if there's a chance you don't have to be the only chosen one?"

Harry blinked.

"What?"

"What if I am your backup?"

"H-How would that even..?"

"Think about it," Mel started. "I was there when he tried to kill you, and that's when our connection was created — it grows stronger when you inch closer to death... What if the reason we can feel each other's pain, is because it warns us about the incoming danger? What if the reason we're connected it's because I'm destined to take your place if you die?"

"But — but the prophecy said it was a boy —"

"Prophecies can change, you're not obliged to copy them exactly as they're told! Even Dumbledore thought I could be the child of the prophecy! What if, in a way, we both are?"

"It doesn't mean anything, Mel. I chose to be —"

"Who says I can't choose to help you?" She lifted her right hand. "I marked myself with the prophecy, see? If we do this together we'll have a real advantage. We even promised it back in the ministry, didn't we? If you die I take your place, if I die —"

"I make sure is not in vain," Harry had finally made up his mind. "D'you think Dumbledore knows? Do you think that's why he wants us to decide for ourselves what we'll do with our lifeline?"

"I have no idea," Mel responded sincerely. "But if we're doing this, we need to set the rules now."

Harry thought about it, then he grabbed her hands and squeezed them lightly.

"Let's talk."

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha​​​​ @vampiregirl1797​​​​ @siriuslysirius1107​​​​ @stardusthigh​​​​ @mikariell95​​​​ @vernon-dursley​​​​ @thesuitelifeofafangirl​​​​ @tomshollandz​​​​ ​​ @reverse-hxlland​​​​ @hamiltonwc​​​​ @omiwashere​​​​ @t-rexs-world​​​​ @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @21bruhs​​​​ @i-am-scared-and-useless-bisexual @dielgonacoffee​​​​ @thelastpyle​​​ @cedricisnotdead​​​ @aconfusedslytherin​

[hoodie-lover]

Palette and Goth Sitting in a Tree

Goth and Palette, the child of the god of death and an alternate timeline of the original and the child of the guardian of the universes and guardian of positivity respectively, were in love. Very few objected to the pairing, everyone was excited for the fact that the two children of the most powerful people in the multiverse were going to unite the multiverse once and for all.

“Goth!” Palette cried out as he ran into Goth’s room, present in hand.

“Palette!” The birthday boy cried out as he hugged and then kissed the side of his boyfriend’s skull.

“Happy birthday sweetie~. How are you?” Palette asked as he placed the gift on the dresser and kissed his boyfriend back.

“Amazing. And godly now that you’re here.” Goth said, giggling as he was kissed.

“Was that a pun?” Palette asked as he sat down on Goth’s large and fluffy bed, it almost ate him alive.

“Geno is or rather was Classic. Classic is the pun lord, puns are in my genes.” Goth replied as he flopped down next to his boyfriend.

“I see. So what are you going to do for your birthday?” Palette asked, looking over at his boyfriend, though his face was obscured by the fluffy blankets.

“This.” Goth said, holding his hands up and cheering.

“Anything else? This is your 13th birthday after all.”

“Out of literally infinite ones.” Goth said, scoffing.

“But 13 is special! You need to do something to celebrate it!” Palette urged, doing his best to climb over the mounds of blankets to reach his beloved.

“I am doing something to celebrate it, I’m with you~.” Goth said grabbing his boyfriend’s hand and pulling him towards himself.

“Get a room!” A voice called out, snarky, cruel, wicked.

“It's my room Chara! You get out!” Goth cried out, glaring at the ghost-like figure.

“Where’s the fun in that? How about you two just fu-” Chara said, but was cut off by a crash down the hall.

Their black dress, tattered at the ends, flowed like water and complemented their empty eyes and short burgundy hair. All of it was outlined by their paper white skin, deathly ill figure, and boney clawed hands. Goth was a skeleton and had thicker fingers, and a cleaner and brighter cloak.

“I’m staying here, who knows what that was. Though I would love to see the chaos that would and was caused by, this is more fun.” Chara said, winking suggestively.

Goth huffed, flipping his large white hood up over his one blank and lit eye. His red scarf fluttered as it settled.

“Don’t be an ass Chara. Leave us alone.” Palette said, crossing his arms. His sailor hat bounced as he jerked his head away. Though it wasn;t very far, the tight rainbow splattered sailor outfit didn’t allow for much movement.

“I’m bored ok! No one is yelling at you or pounding at your door with pitchforks and torches anymore! There’s no fun!” Chara complained, turning over on their back, still floating above the bed.

“Then go out and start a forest fire or something! Make an earthquake! Do something to cause panic!” Goth cried out, Palette sitting awkwardly.

“How about you go to my parent’s house? We can swap his vials and watch him freak out.” Palette suggested and Chara’s dark eyes gleamed.

“YES!” Chara screamed and Goth giggled.

“Sure.” Goth said, shrugging as an evil grin spread across his face.

Palette sighed as he regretted his suggestion. Chara opened a portal to a bright paper filled world, but Palley snickered as Chara rammed straight into a solid yet clear wall in the middle of the portal.

“What…?” Chara said looking at Palette with daggers.

“Only certain people, either powerful, politically or magically, or people I, or my parents trust can answer.” Palette said, remembering the reason Error and Nightmare hadn’t destroyed it or corrupted the easy to find universe.

“Get dunked on Chara.” Goth said, smiling a creepy ear to ear smile.

“I WILL KILL YOU!” Chara said, screaming and lunging at the duo.

The two kids screamed as Goth dragged Palette out of the room and they ran down the hall. Chara’s eyes dripped black as they barred large fangs and crawled on the walls and ceiling screaming eldritch nonsense.

“Dad! Help!” Goth yelled, his small feet pounding on the wooden floor of their cave situated house.

With a furious swipe of a large metal scythe, Death appeared in front of the two kids and they dove behind him, Palette not touching him.

“Stand down Chaos.” Death growled, holding his scythe in both hands.

“Death.” Chara spat, getting on all fours and snarling.

The standoff lasted five minutes before Chara got bored and vanished in a cloud of black smoke.

“You two ok?” Death asked, his eyes blank but loving and worried, it still made Palette uncomfortable.

“Yeah Dad.” Goth said as he hugged his dad.

“Palette? Did it hurt you?” Palette was taken aback by the use of ‘it’ but nodded his head.

“I’m going to call Ink and Dream to send you home Palette. I’m sorry this had to end so suddenly but you need to go.” Death said, slithering like a snake to the wall phone.

“I still can’t believe you have a wall phone.” Palette said, and Goth sighed.

“The house is old!” Goth protested and Palette kissed him on the cheek.

“Sure it is. Are you sure it’s not your old man?” Palette teased and Goth glared at him.

“Shut up!” Goth said, huffing as a portal opened and Dream embraced Palette, crying yellow tears.

“Palette! Are you hurt?!” Dream cried out, inspecting his son thoroughly.

“I’m fine! Sheesh!” Palette said, prying himself free from his dad’s grip.

“When Death called us I was so worried! Now what were you thinking sending Chaos the Doodlesphere’s way?! They would have hurt billions of people when they got distracted!” Dream scolded, getting on Palette’s level.

“They wouldn’t leave us alone.” Palette defended, but it was useless.

“Then ask Death. Don’t take Chaos into your own hands, you can’t handle them.” Dream said, hugging Palette once more.

“Ok. I won’t.” Palette said, nearly being suffocated by the tight hug.

“Dream! Palette! I can balance three pens on top of each other on my nose.” Ink said through the portal, Dream sighed.

“Awesome Ink. Now can you come see your son?” Dream said, less than enthused.

“Oh! Right!” Ink said and walked out of the portal. He had pens taped to pens and the stick taped to his nose bone.

Palette sighed as he was pat on the head by his dad, who was three inches taller than his son. Dream pushes Ink back through the portal and let Palette wave goodbye before the portal closed.

The Doodlesphere was bright. Really bright. The light was always downplayed when a portal was opened but the glowing was always on full display when it was not being viewed through a portal. Sure it was Palette’s home, but he needed sunglasses.

“I’m adding more!” Ink said as he taped more pens to the long stick and stood higher and higher on his tiptoes.

“Ok Ink.” Dream said, before sighing and bringing Palette inside their small cottage.

The cottage was very old fashioned and had a very rustic theme. Though it had electric lighting, running water, and plumbing, it was hard to see at first.

“Did Goth like his present?” Dream asked as he got out a cookbook and some plates and cups.

“We didn’t open it. We just talked for a while before Chara messes things up.” Palette explained, resting his chin on the table as he sat down in the kitchen.

“Ok. How about we call him later today? That way he can tell you how much he loved his gift.” Dream suggested and Palette smiled.

“I’d like that.” Palette said as Dream turned on the oven.

In Death’s house, Geno was organizing the presents, who they were from, size, how potentially dangerous they were. Geno had marked Palette’s the most dangerous, that kid was Ink’s child, the present could be literally anything.

“Daddy! Let me open Palette’s gift!” Goth whined, grabbing Geno’s scarf and yanking hard.

“Keep doing that and you’ll open it next week.” Geno threatened and Goth gasped.

“No! Please don’t!” Goth said, giving Geno puppy eyes.

“I may be half dead and dying but I don’t have a weak will. You’ve used those puppy eyes too much Goth.” Geno said, cracking a slight smile.

“No fair! Dad!” Goth yelled and Death appeared before them.

“Yes my dear child?” Death said and Geno faceplalmed.

“Tell Daddy to let me open Palette’s present to me!” Goth pouted, his small hands making trembling fists.

“Sorry squirt. I can’t argue here.” Death said, picking at his nonexistent nails.

Tears formed in Goth’s eyes as he sat down, legs and arms crossed, on the floor, looking at the ground.

“Keep up that attitude and you’ll not be opening any presents until next week. Palette’s in two.” Geno said, and Goth flopped on the hardwood, spread out like he was going to make a snow angel.

“I’m sorry. I just really want to open his present.” Goth said.

“We know. But you are 13, you can’t be throwing fits anymore, you really should’ve stopped at age two. But when I was your age I started reaping souls, and most gods do their work when they turn 13. So this is an important age for you.” Death explained, picking up Goth and cradling him in his arms, the fabric was silky and soft like a cloud.

“Death, when you put Goth down, can you help me with the presents?” Geno asked and gestures to a pile of about 10 presents on the counter.

“Sure babe.” Death said as he placed Goth down. “Goth we need you to go upstairs. I doubt you want to be spoiled.” Death said and Goth hugged as he went to his room.

“You really want to train him?” Geno said when Goth was out of earshot.

“Yes. Mine and my brother’s powers, and that of every god, manifested when we were 13. I don’t want him to reap someone he shouldn’t simply because he wasn’t trained.” Death said, inspecting the presents carefully.

“I know. But we promised, when we start to train him, we tell him and let him open the now 39 secret presents he’s gotten.” Geno said, sighing a heavy sigh.

“I know. And I know that Goth isn’t ready for that, he’d tell Palette, who’d remind Ink, and then Ink will spread the information around like wildfire and we’ll need to go into hiding. But if we start to trust the power of life and death in his little hands, we should be able to trust him with this.” Death said, looking over and Geno.

“So it’s not Goth we’re worried about.” Geno said.

“I thought you were against it.” Death said, pointing a finger.

“Devil’s advocate. And if we can keep Ink quiet, wishful thinking I know, then we won’t have to worry.” Geno said, lowering Death’s hand.

“Think we can call in a favor from Dream?” Death said and Geno shrugged.

“Don’t see why not.” Geno said, kissing Death.

“Alright.” Death said, returning the kiss.

After a quick call to set up a viewing portal so Palette could see Goth open his present to him, they were ready to party. The cake was thirteen layers, had rainbows all over it, and had small versions of Goth and Palette on it. All in all, it looked like a wedding cake but the duo designed it together.

“Make a wish Goth.” Geno said as he held his phone, ready to take the shot.

Goth blew out the candles, one on each level, in a single divine breath. As divine as a 13-year-old can be. Everyone, which included Palette via the portal, Geno, Death, and Life or Reapertale!Toriel. Dream was there by proxy, but he was listening in if something bad happened as he made lunch.

“What did you wish for?” Palette asked, his face close as it could be to the viewing portal.

“For us to be together forever!” Goth cheered and everyone awed as the two blushed and tried to kiss each other on the cheek.

“Who wants to open presents?” Geno asked, holding most the the presents in his two arms and putting them on the table, somehow not hitting the cake with his view obstructed.

“ME!” Goth yelled, taking a fistfull of uncut cake and stuffing it in his mouth as he grabbed Palette’s present.

The present was small and rectangular, with a large pink bow and white wrapping holographic paper. Goth ripped the paper to shreds and threw the bow across the room, stuffing more cake in his mouth until Geno picked him up and held him but the arms until he calmed down and Geno was able to cut the cake so no one would be contaminated.

When Goth had massacred the present, he saw a leather bound book with a yellow glass disk on the front and Goth’s name printed in calligraphy at the bottom.

“They can be used to talk. When I write something in mine, it appears in yours. You can tell when the circle glows. I have a copy but it says my name and the circle is red.” Palette explained and Goth began to cry from joy.

Dream refused to take down the viewing part of the viewing portal, he was still paranoid about Chaos. Palette even threw a Goth style fit about it and was promptly grounded for a week.

It was then he closed the portal. Life gave Goth a large and suffocating, but very fluffy, hug and vanished in a shower of golden sparks.

“I see why she was your first pick. Life is really sweet.” Geno said and Death blushed.

“Well I hadn’t met you yet.” Death defended, but Geno gave a small chuckle and gave Death a small kiss on the cheek.

“If you prefer me over a god, does that mean I’m divine?” Geno said, and Goth was gagging and hiding under a pile of pillows.

“You’re more than that. You’re Geno.” Death said as he returned the kiss and Goth was fake crying from his fort.

“Alright Goth. If you’re going to be like that, but there is something we’ve been talking about and want to tell you.” Death said, and Goth peeked out from his fortress of solitude.

“What is it?” Goth asked, and his parents sat next to him, one on each side.

“As you know, gods develop their powers at age 13, though domain may be known beforehand. Since today you are turning 13, we have decided to see if you have inherited any of my power.” Death explained, and Goth was ecstatic.

“That sounds awesome!” Goth cheered, but Geno had a somber look on his face.

“But there’s something else we need to tell you.” Geno said, sighing a shaky breath.

“What is it?” Goth asked, tilting his head.

“Before I knew about the multiverse, this is actually how I found out, I was in contact with, friends with, and nearly recruited by the Dark Sanses. Specifically Horror, Dust, and Killer.” Geno said and Goth’s jaw nearly dropped. “That was the primary reason no one trusted me when your dad and I were dating. They were scared I was a spy.” Geno explained, and Goth was silent. “And since you were born, they gave you presents. One from each every year, so you have 39 unopened presents in the Save Screen right now. They are in quarantine because I don’t know how dangerous they are.” Geno finished and Goth was silent, both his eyes blank.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Goth asked, hugging his knees.

“You’d tell Palette, and Palette would remind Ink and then, you can see what would happen. It wasn’t that we didn’t trust you, but we were worried about Ink. And we could tell you not to tell Palette, but that would do nothing to stop you. We’re not punishing you for being open with him and we did plan on telling him soon, but can you understand why we were and are scared?” Geno asked and Goth nodded his head.

“Ink has no inhibitions. The whole multiverse would know within the day.” Goth laughed, but he had a question. “Why are you telling me now if you’re scared of Ink?”

“We weren’t sure how on board Dream would be, but if you are going to learn and maybe use the power of Death himself, I honk you should know.” Geno said.

“Ok. You’re ok with me telling Palette?” Goth said and his parents nodded.

“But let us talk to Dream.” Death said and Goth cheerfully nodded.

“Is that it? Can I open the presents now?” Goth asked, giving his cutest puppy dog eyes.

“Don’t see why not. But not right now, we need to get those set up.” Geno said and Goth slightly melted at the news, but was content.

Palette was thrilled when he was the red circle on his journal light up. Sure he was grounded, but Goth probably didn’t know that, and what harm would a single conversation do? They had to test it out sometime.

“Guess what my parents just told me?” Goth had written.

“Where babies come from?” Palette seriously guessed, it took a second for what he said to process.

“Ew. No. And I already knew that.” Goth replied, drawing a cute gagging emoji.

“Then what is it?” Palette was on the edge of his seat.

“Geno knows the Dark Sanses. Horror, Killer, and Dust have been sending me birthday presents for 13 years and they didn’t tell me until now! Daddy said he doesn’t talk to them anymore.” Goth said and Palette’s jaw had dropped.

“How?! Aren’t they evil murderers?” Palette asked and Goth was quick to reply.

“Yeah. But this was before he met my Dad. So he had the excuse of ignorance.” Goth explained and Palette sighed in relief.

“Are your parents ok with you telling me this?” Palette asked cautiously.

“Yeah. But they want to talk it over with Dream so Ink won’t tell everybody.” Goth said and Palette agreed.

“Ink is an idiot.” Palette said, giggling.

“Now what are you laughing about?” Ink said, resting an arm in the door frame and smiling.

“Ink’s at my door. Gotta go. Love you.” Palette wrote and Goth said goodbye.

“Just a joke Goth sent me.” Palette lied, pushing a tiny bit of the aura he could do, it was nothing compared to Dream but it was good for white lies, when he wasn’t fooling Dream who was immune.

“I see. What was it?” Ink asked and Palette froze.

“Y-your sanity?” Palette replied, shrugging as he saw Ink blank out for a moment.

“That’s not just a joke. That’s a fact.” Ink said and Palette gave a sigh of relief internally.

“Yeah.” Palette agreed as Ink sat down next to him.

“So, you know you’re grounded right?” Ink reminded Palette and the child froze.

“Don’t tell Dream please!” Palette begged and Ink laughed.

“It’ll cost ya. And I’m adding another fine onto that for the use of your aura to lie to me.” Ink said and Palette cursed internally. “I may be an insane idiot but I am perceptive.” Ink commented and Palette relented, flopping down on his small white wood bed.

“What’s the currency?” Palette asked, preparing his will as Ink thought with a devilish smirk.

“Your desert. All of it for a week after you're ungrounded.” Ink said and Palette gasped.

“You heathen!” Palette screamed as he threw his pillow at his father.

“Oh you’ve done it now.” Ink said as his eyes turned red and one turned into a target sign.

“Crap.” Palette said aloud and both children froze.

“Palette? Did you swear?” Dream asked from downstairs.

“No.” Palette lied and Ink was quiet as well.

“I’m coming up.” Dream said and the two boys looked at each other, sweat dripping from their skulls.

Next

[susanmillender-blog]

Kitten-Proofing Your Home

Nothing beats a kitten for fun. But the feline “wonder years” can also be the most frustrating and dangerous time in your kitten’s life. Do not let his sweet, innocent face fool you. Behind those twinkling bright eyes is a mind brimful of curiosity, and the boundless energy to try and satisfy it. Kittens have a way of turning the most innocuous situation into a disaster. Whether you survive with your sanity intact and whether your kitten survives at all depend on you kitten-proofing your home.

Kitten-proofing is done to make the house safe so that your kitty does not hurt himself. It also prevents him from laying waste to your house. First, try to think like a cat. Invest in knee pads, get down on all fours, and tour your house at kitten level. But jumping and climbing kittens rarely stop at floor level, so you also need to kitten-proof the heights.

Kittens do not have hands. Instead, they use patting paws to explore their world and they stick their tiny noses into everything. Anything left within reach is fair game, so place anything breakable out of feline range. The more intelligent the kitten, the more ways he will find to get into trouble.

Protect your kitten from houseplants and vice versa. Chewing on houseplants like pothos and English ivy can cause toxic reactions. Kitty may even lick off the poison when he grooms his claws after shredding the plant. Keep plants out of your kitten’s reach by hanging them or placing them on shelves. Choose nontoxic plants like the jade plant, the prayer plant, or the begonia.

Kittens do not tend to chew as much as puppies, but they do play-attack and bite nearly everything. Electric cords can be particularly tempting, and bitten cords can result in severe burns or even death. Get rid of as many electrical cords as possible, and check remaining wires regularly for signs of chewing. Tape cords to the floor to keep them from moving.

Keep garbage away from your kitten. Although cats are generally more fastidious than their canine counterparts, the smell of scraps may tempt them to scrounge. Your kitten might be poisoned by eating chocolate or he might end up with an upset stomach that results in a predictable mess.

Securely fasten lids on trash containers, or store them under the sink or in the garage where he cannot reach them. Never leaving sharp knives, food processor blades or other utensils out on counters where he might try to lick them clean and cut her tongue.

Like children, kittens have a tendency to swallow small nonfood items like coins, erasers and paper clips. Anything left out is fair game for the cat. Carefully cap all medications, and put them away. Pills are fun to bat around the floor, but if swallowed can be poisonous.

Christmas is a wonderful yet dangerous time of year for kittens. The tree seems meant for climbing, and the blinking lights and swinging ornaments tempt the most stoic kitty to indulge. But broken ornaments, extra electric cords, metal hooks or tinsel, sprayed lead-based “snow” and tree needles all pose dangers. Avoid placing decorations on the bottom branches, be sure the tree is securely anchored, avoid tinsel, and use ribbon to hang nonbreakable ornaments. Carefully inspect cat toys and remove small eyes or tails that come loose and may be swallowed. Put away sewing baskets and tackle boxes. Kittens love to play with thread, string and yarn, but unsupervised games can lead to accidental strangulation, swallowed needles, cuts from fishing line or embedded fish hooks.

Cats can swallow several yards of ribbon or string, which will require surgical removal. Tie up curtain cords out of his reach, or purchase breakaway cords. The standard double cords on window blinds can hang and strangle a kitten. Always check cupboards and dresser drawers before shutting them to be sure your kitten is not hiding inside.

Keep appliances closed or he may think he has found the perfect warm hidy-hole to sleep in until the appliance is turned on. It may sound funny at first, but kittens die every day by being accidentally shut inside a dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or stove.

[theseviolentdelightss]

Counting Paths XV

Series Summary: After a lifetime on the run from the Empire, Reader makes a move that could have drastic impacts for both friend and foe. A Reader insert/fanfic. Gifs belong to their respective owners.

Word Count: 6719

Author’s Note: So I’m not going to tip to around it, in the past few months I’ve gone through a very personal, horrifically traumatizing experience that I am still coming to terms with. Depression and anxiety have always been issues I’ve struggled with but I never thought I would one day experience the effects of PTSD. Seeing death, truly seeing it firsthand, changes you as a person and it has taken months for me just to come back around to some sense of normality. Writing this latest bit has helped and I know some of that inner struggle poured over into my writing. Hopefully it’s not too particularly jarring,and as always I am so thankful for those of you that have stuck around for this long. You have no idea how very much it means to me.

-Side note: I took complete unabashed inspiration from one of my favorite television shows of all time in this chapter. Shiny on you if you recognize it.

Part I Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII Part IX Part X Part XIPart XII Part XIII Part XIV

-8 MONTHS LATER-

You awoke to the loud sound of someone banging away in the cargo hold. Most likely Roland, busy securing yet another hidy-hole for whatever you had been sent to fetch this time. That man was like a magician when it came to securing supplies in the most unlikely of spaces. You once saw him retrieve a pallet of medicine hidden beneath your core containment unit. One miss step and he would've gotten a doze of radiation strong enough to kill him a thousand times over. None of that seemed to bother him, even as you watched on petrified, the older man simply shimmied beneath the small crawl space and flung the first container of vials over his shoulder. Leaving you no other option than to leap forward and catch it. This went on another two dozen times until Roland eventually crawled out from under the containment unit like a drunk toddler. Rolling carelessly as he dragged his larger bottom half upwards. The symphony of obscenities that awaited him as soon as he rose to his feet reminded Roland that though he may have surpassed you in rank Songbird was your ship and you were her captain. Considering your recent reinstatement into the Rebel Alliance Roland had no choice but to respect your terms.  

That lasted for about a fortnight.

Rolling over you clung tightly to the sheets. Not yet willing to forego the warmth of your thick blankets to return to the waking world. No matter how elusive it felt at times you had grown to love sleep more in the recent months. 75 percent of the time it left you gasping for air, fumbling off the side of your bed and onto the cold floor below but that remaining 25 percent was the only true escape from reality afforded to you. Everything else was a just poor mans attempt.

Today had been no exception.

Thankfully in your clumsiness you had taken some of your pillows overboard with you and had softened the blow. Nevertheless, you had undoubtedly collected your share of bruises that would likely show their ugly purple faces over the next few days. So there was that to look forward to, how lovely...

Chirping somberly V1-S4 switched from his hibernation and rolled across the small space that was your cabin. Bits of decorations hung over the walls, the flag of your homeworld, a bouquet of Alderaanian flame lilies glowing on the bedside table atop a stack of books you had read easily a dozen times. It wasn't much but it was the closest thing to having a home as you could get; though, even as the thought crossed your mind you knew that wasn't entirely true. Like it or not a small part of you missed your cramped room on Yavin 4. At least there had always been something to do, a project to work on, someone to talk to... Sure you had Roland and the rest of your crew to keep you company but that was different.

You had told yourself you simply missed Theodren. He was your best friend after all and the two of you had missed time to make up for given how long the two of you had been apart in the past. To be separated again so shortly after reuniting felt cruel but war doesn’t wait for things such as sentiment.

War doesn’t wait at all. 

You missed your lunches with Penelope. The sweet mechanic you had befriended after she taught you how to fix your port control a few weeks before your first mission. The girl was so cheerful that any time the two of you met up for lunch or worked on your ship together you couldn’t help but smile. Her kindness was infectious and a welcome change to the coldness you had experienced from other Rebels in the past. After you became one of them again all that changed. Suddenly you had amassed a fair amount of acquaintances during your time on base, most of whom you missed. Still, that did nothing to change the truth of the matter...

The person you found yourself missing the most was Cassian. 

Any time something especially odd happened on a job or Roland got too drunk and began declaring his secret love for show tunes it was Cassian you found yourself wishing you could run to. The two of you had come to share so much of your time together that it felt foreign to have so much apart. As if some part of yourself was missing. This was made all the worse given how you had left things between the two of you. The memory of which you seemed incapable of getting out of your head.

As S4 inched closer to where you lay you're reminded of just how grateful you were to have the loyal droid by your side again. When you had finally been allowed access to him again after months apart it felt as if you were being reunited with a family member that had gone missing. Hands shaking slightly you reached out to place your palm atop the droid’s shiny dome shaped head before gently leaning your forehead against the smooth surface.

“I'm alright buddy.” You reassured S4 as if you were a mother soothing a child. “Just another bad dream.”

S4 hummed happily as you smiled, giving him a gentle pat on the side. Pushing yourself off your knees you gathered your blankets and tossed them back atop your bed before stumbling towards the shower. Hopefully you'll have better luck tonight...

The day passed by as per usual. Rolland had taken over the ships controls while you had busied yourself helping the crew encode your inventory manifest to hide your ship's true cargo in case you ran into Imperial scanners. Nine hours later and your dozenth supply run had went off without a hitch. If everything went according to plan you would be returning to Base 1 with a ship full of enough stolen Imperial power cells to supply an entire Rebellion division for a month.  

Only problem was that flying with Imperial stamped cargo was a death sentence to anyone stupid enough to get caught. Even so, most pilots would rather take the risk of staring down the barrel of a trooper's blaster than traveling through raider territory. Low life pirates that sat out in the darkness of the outer rim waiting to attack and pillage any unsuspecting vessel that wandered their way. Still you had no other choice but to choose the later, set your scanners to their full capacity, and hope you could pass through long enough to make it to the nearest hyperspace lane. It had been months since you last returned to base, and even that had only been for a single night. Just enough time to make a drop before heading back out again. 

After your return from Nar Shaddah you had been busy to say the least. Everything had happened so quickly, one moment you're swearing in as soldier in the Rebel Alliance, again, the next you're in the midst of a shouting match with Cassian. One that left you feeling shaken and uncertain as to where you stood with the captain. Not a word was said to mend what had been broken. Instead settling for uncomfortable silences and unresolved issues. 

You had thought he would be happy. That perhaps it would make up for crashing his last mission so spectacularly. The next day you received your first orders; an immediate mission to help secure a shipment from a core planet that had been secretly aiding the Rebellion for months. Though you still had some reservations about committing to the Alliance's entirely, you were delighted to be doing something other than sitting around twiddling your thumbs. When the time came to leave you searched all over base for Cassian to say goodbye, but the dark eyed rebel was no where to be found.

Thus began a new strange chapter in your life. A smuggler for the Rebellion, who would've thought?

More often than not you and Roland simply served as a single link in a very long chain that connected various Rebel outposts. Picking up supplies from one location just to deliver them to another. It was all part of the Alliances attempt to keep the Empire from pinpointing any potential drop off points. Large quantities would be brought in by ships such as your own on outlying moons and planets with lax security to be smuggled into larger settlements in smaller quantities later. Essentially you were spice runners, only instead of smuggling drugs you were transporting medical supplies, power cells, food. This however was your last in a very long trek across the galaxy. Normally you preferred the sky to staying grounded but you couldn't deny that you were eager to return to Yavin 4.

Two weeks, Mon Monthma had promised you two weeks off the job if you managed to secure the shipments in half the usual time table. A task you had pulled off flawlessly. All that time working with Han and Chewie had made you adept in this line of work. Something you were sure Cassian wouldn't care for. Not that you would know. It had been weeks since the two of you had last spoken.

252 days to be exact.

Everything had been going smoothly. Roland and S4 had navigated a clear course as you triple checked your  hyperdrive when suddenly the alarms began to ring over head. The bright white lights in the hallway illuminated off and on in a dizzying fashion as you ran towards the cockpit. S4 chirped erratically as you ducked your head through the doorway and hurried inside.

“What the hell is going on I thought you two got us around them-”

“It's not Imperial.” Roland said as he spun in his chair, keying into Songbirds own enhanced scanners to bring up a read out of the strange ship that had just entered a spacelane dangerously close to your own.

“Commercial vessel?”

“Looks like it.”

Chirping beside you S4 illuminated a hologram of the vessel in question.

“I'm reading it as an old 908 Trans-Q model.” Rolland's brow furrowed as he read the droid’s intel.

“That doesn't make any sense, I didn't think Trans-Q operated anymore. Weren't they bought out by the Empire?”

Leaning over Roland you tried to get a better look at the ships read out. Anything that might possibly explain why you had suddenly run into a passing ship, whose make was no longer in operation, while traveling an unmapped route, with a cargo full of stolen goods, set for the head quarters of the Rebellion. All of which seemed a bit too coincidental for your liking.

“Yea they were.”

“Do we have a visual?” You asked, S4's low hum quickly answered your question. He did however manage to pull up the ships internal system's processing data, instantly something about it struck you as odd. “Wait, look at their radiation level.”

Leaning closer Roland's eyes trailed down the screen to where you were pointing. The number was more than just suspiciously high, it was unheard of. Utterly unfit for sustaining human life.

“They're operating without their flux stabilizer that's ch'sei...that's suicide.”

Stepping back your eyes were drawn to a small spot in the distance. Growing larger with each passing second. It wasn't often that you truly felt fear. Not because you were especially brave but because the majority of the time you didn't much care if things suddenly ended bloody. Its what you had signed up for after all. You were back in the game. All it takes is one wrong step and you're dead. You knew just how dangerous what you did was; none the less, for the most part you had grown calloused to the fear of death. It was more an inevitability than a concern. That didn't stop your heart from dropping into your stomach as the first beads of cold sweat began to prickle your skin.

“Ravangers.”

Every childhood horror story, every supposed sighting from other pilots, every alleged encounter you had ever heard of Ravangers played in your mind like some twisted nightmare come to life.

“Oh fuck.” Roland swore breathlessly. “Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck...”

“We have to tell the others.” The blood in your veins felt suddenly frigid as you reached for the ships intercom.   With trembling fingers you pressed the button at the base of your ship's controls. Eyes never once straying from the ship in the distance. Its rusty color and dilapidated state gradually coming into view.

“This your captain speaking.” You began, breathing in and out slowly in an attempt to keep your voice calm. In truth, for the first time in months you were completely, and utterly terrified. “We've intercepted another ship, appears to be Ravangers, most likely a raiding party. We haven't been hailed yet and we are holding course so everyone please remain calm. We should be passing them in a few minutes. We'll take it from there.”

Letting go of the intercom button you stepped back, eyes aching from staring so harshly into the dark distance. Digging in your vest pocket you retrieved your com link.

“Zara I need you up here, now.”

Stepping back you stood on unsteady feet for what felt like hours when the sound of Zara coming to a stop beside you shook you from your trance.

“What's going on why are we-” She began, eyes darting to the ship in the distance before falling eerily quite. “Who are they?”

“Ravangers.” You replied coolly.

“Ravangers aren't real.” The young girl scoffed gently. “My grandma used to tell us stories about them to get us to stay in bed at night or do our chores. They're just a myth.”

“Well if grandma says it then it must be true.” Roland muttered sarcastically, busy preparing the ships engines in case you were given no choice but to run.

“They're not myths.” You said, grabbing the young teen by the wrist and forcing her to look you in the eye.

“You're not lying?” Zara asked, all confidence drained from her voice. The majority of the time all the young girl did was glare at you, still fostering a mountain worth of reinstatement towards you over her sister's death. Now; however, the only emotion she wore was one of complete fear. “What happens if they hail us?”

“If they board us...” You sighed, trying to decide rather you should be utterly truthful in the face of impending danger or try and appeal to the young girls age. “They'll flay us alive, feast on our flesh, and sew our entrails into their armor...”

Zara's face turned white, even her darker complexion couldn't hide the noticeable rush of blood. Her hands began to shake as she looked up to you, still just a child, so much youth shone through her eyes that were now wide with fear.

“And if they're feeling generous they'll do it in that order.”

You finished, your grip on Zara's wrist loosening as you took her hand in your own. Pealing back her fingers you placed a small dark capsule in her palm. Though she shook her head at first you folded her fingers over the deadly pill and held them there.

“Just in case.” You spoke gently.

“What about you?” She asked, her voice steady though she appeared anything but.

“Songbird is my ship, I'm her captain. I won't abandon her.”

“They're hailing us!” Roland shouted, immediately sending a rush of adrenaline through your body. Letting go of the young girl you threw yourself behind the controls and began deploying counter measures.

“They've got magnetic grappling!” Zara exclaimed, pointing to the electric arm that had began to stretch out from the ships left side.

“Yes thank you I can see that!” Though your voice was laced with sarcasm you knew that if you wanted to survive this you had only one option. Slamming your fist against the intercom button you shouted a warning. “Quick, everyone find something to hold on to!”

“They're on us!” Zara's voice was becoming frantic. A sound you hadn't heard since the night the two of you met. 

“S4 cut the hydraulics!” You yelled for the droid who made quick work of your order. Efficient as ever.

“What the hell are you doing?” Roland watched as you flipped various switches, unsure of what it was you were hoping to accomplish.

“You'll see.” You couldn’t help but grin at the absurdity of what you were attempting. “Roland as soon as I say so, you make the jump. Now hold on!”

Pulling the yolk tightly to the side you engaged your reverse thrusters on one side while going full burn on the other. Immediately the ship whipped into a jarringly fast turn that found you suddenly behind the Ravanger ship that had only seconds before been in front of you. Yanking the yolk back to the opposite side you managed to steady the ship long enough to align your coordinates, albeit backwards.

“Please let this work.” You prayed, switching the ships directional system into neutral. “Now!”

The moment you shouted the words you felt the force of the leap pressing you into your seat as your ship made its jump into hyperspace. Albeit in reverse. A moment of silence hung in the air before being quickly replaced with shouts and whoops of excitement. Most people go their entire lives without ever crossing paths with a Ravanger, let alone an entire raiding party. They were a rarity, even in the outer rim. They're community was such a small offset of a larger cultural species that it came has no surprise that most people thought of them as myths but you knew better. You had seen their handiwork before. Not a sight you would soon forget and yet you had left them burning in your wake.

“That was amazing!” Zara squealed as she leap up and down before wrapping her arms around you where you sat, still partially in shock, and pulled you out of your seat.

“As much as I hate to inflate your ego that was pretty damn impressive kid.” Roland smiled, a sight you usually only witnessed at 3 in the morning after two pints too many, or anytime someone fell. The man had an oddly specific sense of humor to say the least. As he ruffled your hair with his calloused hand you thought for a moment that perhaps you had actually died upon making the jump and this was all some sort of weird afterlife experience. It wasn't until you started to fall asleep that night, half drunk and giggling, did you realize for sure you weren't dead or dreaming. Puking your guts out will bring you back to reality all too quick.

As you broke into the atmosphere of Yavin 4 the following day you were still mildly hung over yet happy all the same. You hadn't seen Theodren in months and had been too far out to safely contact your best friend for nearly six weeks. You had expected him to be there waiting in the hanger when you returned. What you hadn't expected was for him to be surrounded by so many of your fellow comrades. One look at Roland was all it took, you really need to start taking his communication privileges away from him when he drinks. Apparently everyone on base had heard of your quick maneuvering with the Ravangers the night before. Though you should have known better you forgot how much of a superstitious lot a fair amount of the Rebellion was. It reminded you of your old grandmother, sitting in her knitting chair, reading the smudges left behind in her tea cup. This recent run in would undoubtedly have their interests peaked.

As Theodren spread his arms wide you returned his hug almost as tightly as you had the last time the two of you had reunited. This time though, when he pulled back to look at your face Theodren glimpsed more than just excitement. He saw exhaustion, anxiety, even a lingering hint of fear that seemed to dull the flecks of gold in your eyes. He wanted to ask right there what was wrong but knew better.

“You look ghastly.” He quipped, the corners of his mouth turning up in a grin as the two of you pulled apart.

“Still look better than you.”

“Hm, I don't know if I'd go quite that far.” Theodren continued. “I do believe there are some sects of society that would perhaps find this-” Taking his hand he gestured up and down your frame. You were covered in soot and grease from working on your ship all night. Trying to repair the damage done by your daring Ravanger escape. “Attractive. I'm sure you'd be a shoe in for a beauty pageant on Jakku.”

With that you gave your old friend a playful shove as you swung your bag over your shoulder.

“I get it! I need a shower.” You shouted jokingly as you made your way towards the open hanger.

“Why not two?” Theodren replied, cupping his hands around his mouth to project the sound of his voice as you stepped further away. “Make up for lost time.”

Chuckling softly you shook your head. Eyes scanning the nearby ships for a particular U-Wing. When you failed to spot it you felt a small surge of comfort, at least he hadn't simply known of your return and chosen not to greet you along with the others. Surely, he wasn't still that mad... Moving through the crowded hanger and hallways you were welcomed back by a number of familiar faces, some new. Perhaps word of your Ravanger escape had made the rounds more than you had originally thought. It made sense truthfully, other than war and work there wasn't a whole lot for people to talk about on base. Conversations could get dull fairly quickly so whenever something particularly unusual or spectacular happened it was typically the main topic of conversations until something else came along or people simply got bored.

Keying in your door code you were welcomed by the cool darkness of your room instantly. The only light came from the narrow windows and through it was still quite warm outside the inside was blessedly cool. Like a puppet whose strings have been cut you lost what little hold you had left the moment the door shut behind you. Your knees began to wobble uncontrollably, forcing you to grasp the corner of your bed as your bag tumbled to the floor. Stumbling forward your legs eventually gave out as you slid down the side of your bed. Now that you were alone, in a place you felt safe from prying eyes, the reality of yesterday's events hit you like a smack in the face. Leaving you shaking as you fumbled behind you to pull a pillow close to your chest. You had been so distant, so detached for weeks that this sudden burst of intense emotion was almost too much to bare. Burying your face inside the pillow you let lose the scream that you had been holding in for hours. The thick cotton did a fair job of muffling the sound of your screams but did nothing to hide the creak of the floor behind you. 

In an instant you sprung to your feet. Turning on a dime and throwing the pillow in your hands directly at the intruders face.

“The hell?” Cassian's accent was instantly recognizable. Leaving you feeling like a fool as your hands flew to cover your mouth. It wasn't till you noticed Cassian's state that you felt your cheeks begin to burn as you turned your eyes towards the ceiling.

“I didn't think you were here.” You stuttered.

“I just got out of the shower you idiot!” He hissed, dropping the pillow in his hands to retrieve his towel from off the floor. Quickly securing it around his waste and holding it tight with one hand just to be safe.

“Yup, kinda put that one together.”

“You're not supposed to be back yet. They said you wouldn't get here till this evening.” Cassian shook his head as he turned away from you. Moving over to his dresser where he began to dig out his daily uniform. Trying his best not to pay you much attention as you sat yourself on the corner of your bed. Gaze still firmly in the opposite direction. Hopefully he had done a good enough job of straightening the comforter and pillows that you wouldn't notice the impression his body had left. Nearly every day he worked on base he would find himself taking his lunch hour to sneak away to his room, crawl atop your bed, and escape the world for a moment. It was the only time he felt any sense of peace and even after all these weeks a small hint of your perfume lingered in the linen.

“Made the jump quicker than expected.” You replied, pealing off your jacket before falling backwards atop your bed. Relishing the comfort of it as you spread out your arms to stretch.

“What happened? You run into another old flame you'd like to impress?” Cassian scoffed before instantly wishing he could take it back. In the reflection of his mirror he could see you spread out on your back. Pale curls cascading down your side as you clung to pillow he had always used.

“Ravangers.” You mumbled, kicking off your boots as you pulled the pillow in your arms tighter.

“What?” Cassian asked, spinning on his heal and stepping towards your bed. Surely he hadn't heard you correctly.

“We ran into Ravangers.” You repeated, sitting up to find Cassian standing noticeably closer than before and thankfully at least partially dressed. His shirt still gripped in his left hand. A look of confusion and something else washed over his face. For a moment you thought perhaps it was concern but that didn't much fit into the current state of affairs when it came to yourself and Cassian. As much as you hated to admit it, it seemed he was indeed still pissed.

Leave it to a man to hold a grudge after 8 months of zero communication.

“We had to run so of course they had to chase us.” You explained, keeping your hands busy playing with a fray in the threading of your comforter. Strange you hadn't noticed it before, normally little things like that would drive the perfectionist inside of you crazy. “Fried my hydraulics but I was able to make the jump. Shaved a few hours off my time.”

“Aren't you impressive?”

Though you had tried to hide it, you were hurt by Cassian's words. A truth that undoubtedly showed on your face. After everything you had been through the past few months, after everything you had done for his cause, and still he treated you as an inconvenience.

“Why do you have to be like that?” You muttered, turning up to face him. His own expression unreadable to you. “I just wanted to come home.”

And there it was. The slow knife that was gradually killing the both of you. Cassian knew what you had meant. What home truly was but that was not a responsibility he wanted. Not because he didn't share the same sentiment but because he couldn't bare to be the one responsible for taking that home away.

“Yea, well welcome home.” Was all he could think to say before tossing on his shirt and boots before hurrying out the door. Your very presence was suffocating to him. Leaving him no option but to hurry off in no particular direction.

Sighing you kept still for a few moments. Allowing it all to sink in as you stared blankly ahead. A part of you wanted to cry while the other half wanted to scream and break everything in sight. Instead you settled for reaching inside your duffel and pulling out a bottle of Tevraki Whiskey. A parting gift from your crew for getting them out of a particularly sticky situation. Pulling out the cork with your teeth you spit it across the room where it rolled beneath Cassian's bed. The inside of the refresher was still warm as you stepped in and turned on the shower. Discarding bits of clothing as you gulped down the smooth whiskey. Allowing it to burn your throat as you cherished each swig.

An hour later you had dried your hair and slipped into your usual casual attire with the full intent of meeting Theodren and the others at the cantina on base. All it took was sitting down to pull on your boots and you were out like a light. Head crashing into your pillow as the exhaustion you had fought suddenly overtook you.

When your eyes finally began to flutter open a handful of hours later it took a moment for you to gather your surroundings before remembering where you were. Home. Except something felt off. Unnatural. As your gaze drifted around the room your heart dropped into your stomach before returning with a vengeance. It was him, again. After all this time.

Instinctively you willed yourself to sit up, to leap out of bed but you were frozen. You couldn't move, couldn't even scream for help. It was an old sensation, and one you hadn't missed. Of course you had been told what it truly was: just a simple sleeping sickness that wasn't entirely uncommon, particularly in those suffering from past trauma. Still, waking up to find yourself paralyzed, staring at the bloody specter of someone you loved, is not an easy experience to rationalize.

As the door swung open, casting a warm glow into the room you felt as if you were drowning at sea and had spotted a ship in the distance. In walked Cassian, nonchalantly as ever, hardly so much a glance in your direction. Already you could feel the tears begin to swell in the corner of your eyes. As he turned towards the refresher you prayed he would catch a glimpse of your face, perhaps see the anguish burning beneath your frozen exterior. You thought for sure all hope was lost and that you were doomed to ride this one out alone; however long it may last, when Cassian's feet came to an abrupt stop. Slowly turning his head to peer through the darkness in your direction.

Cassian had been grateful when he came in to find you sleeping. Thankful that he would have more time to think of a proper apology, not some drunken slurred excuse which was currently all he had to offer. He even thought you were talking in your sleep again. Right up to the point that he was about to walk away entirely when he heard it. Such a pitiful whimper, like a fawn separated from its mother. It wasn't the normal chaotic mumbling of your sleep talking. This sounded deliberate. Desperate. Stumbling forward Cassian switched on your bedside lamp and found the look of terror on your face far more sobering than any cold shower he could've taken.

“What is it?” He asked, kneeling at your side. As much as you wanted to turn your head to face him all you could do was peer out of the corner of your eyes. Trying to focus on him entirely, ignoring the other pale face that stared out from the darkness. Cold dead eyes looking at you and seeing nothing. “What's wrong?”

Cassian did his best to speak calmly as he settled on the edge of the bed. As his hands fell to your shoulders he found them tense as stone; yet, he could see the rapid rate of your heart as the vein in your neck throbbed with each passing beat. His fingers found their way to your wrist in the dark. Easily taking your pulse as it thumped against the tips of his fingers with far too much force and speed. You were more than just terrified, you were petrified. Nearly on the verge of shock. He knew you had issues with sleep, he had even witnessed some himself,  but nothing like this. It broke him to see you this afraid, this helpless.

“You're okay.” He whispered, rubbing a hand up and down your left arm while the other maintained its grip on your right shoulder. “You're okay, just breathe in and out.”

The more Cassian spoke the calmer you felt, as if each word had been a tiny doze of peace, of comfort. As he inched closer, the warm light washing over his face so that you could finally see him clearly, you felt your strength returning. Taking your hand in his own Cassian could feel as each digit began to crawl across his palm.  You could sense your body shaking as you drew on every ounce of strength inside you to propel yourself upwards. Arms draping around Cassian as you fell into his grasp. In the haze you couldn't think of anything else that had happened between the two of you. None of the bickering or resentment even registered. In that moment he was all you had.

A life preserver in a sea of nothing.

Your only tangible connection to reality. The one thing you could feel other than fear. So you clung tightly to him. Fingernails digging into the fabric of his shirt as your body continued to shake.

“It's alright, it's alright.” He repeated softly into your ear, arms inching around your waist as you pulled yourself closer until you were practically sitting in his lap. He could feel your chest rise and fall against his own. Your panicked breath against his neck. The warm tears that escaped your eyes to cascade down his cheek from where your faces were pressed against each other.

Cassian tried to remember the last time he felt this close to someone. It was only a moment later, as he buried his face into your hair, the sweet smell of your shampoo filling his senses, that Cassian realized the last time he had been this close to anyone was you. The memory of that night came flooding back to him, filling his head with all manner of thoughts. He wasn't sure how much time had passed before your body finally began to still, the grip of your hands loosening as you slowly lent back to face him. Instinctively Cassian found himself pushing the stray strands of hair out of your face. Reaching up you took a hold of his hand gently. Your gaze now locked with his.

“Thank you.” Your voice was barely a breath, so quite that had Cassian not been so close you aren't sure he would have heard it.

“Are you alright?” He whispered, rolling his hand over in your own to hold it gently between the two of you.

“Yea I'm...” Damn you wished you could lie to him, tell him that everything was fine and that he could go to bed. Not to worry about you considering you weren't his problem. He had been so cold to you earlier after all. But looking into those brown eyes of his all you wanted to do was stay fixed, planted exactly where you were until the tenderness that hid beneath his gaze had rid you of every terrible thought, every horrible memory. “I was so afraid...”

“It was just a bad dream.”

“No I-I mean the Ravangers.” You stuttered. Cassian furrowed his brow, looking down for a moment as you struggled to catch your breath. Your body still trembling gently beneath his hands. “I saw that ship and I was terrified.”

“Anyone would be.” Cassian assured you, his voice soft as he spoke.

“It wasn't just that I was scared of dying Cass, it was...” Chewing your bottom lip you found yourself at a loss, unsure if this was the sort of thing you should be sharing with someone, let alone Cassian of all people.

“What?” He asked tenderly, once again reaching up to tuck another rebellious curl out of your face.

“It was everything I was leaving behind.” You sighed, looking away from Cassian's piercing gaze. “So much left unfinished, so many words left unsaid...”

The moment the words left your lips you felt the heavy thump of Cassian's heart against your chest. Neither of you had moved more than an inch apart since you had awoken entirely, a realization that seemed to only strike you now as you became hyper aware of how the close the two of you were. It had been months since the two of you had last been this close yet it wasn't until now that you realized just how much you had subconsciously yearned for it.

How very much at home you finally felt.    

“Can you stay?” You asked hesitantly, nearly certain that you had over stepped your bounds. “Please?”

As Cassian sat there, allowing your words a moment to sink in he thought for a moment that he surely must be dreaming. How many times had he fallen asleep after a long day to find himself in a moment similar to this. How many times had he wished he could have gone back in time and been honest with you about everything. About his job, about his fears, and how he hadn't felt like himself since that night the two of you had kissed. How he had lied to himself by convincing you it meant nothing. All he could think to do was touch you. Gently he rested his palm against your cheek, thumbing away a single delayed tear that had fallen. Looking you deep in the eye he nodded softly.

Cassian maneuvered the two of you smoothly, maintaining his hold on you as he laid the both of you back onto your bed. Moving your arm out from under him you waited until he had kicked off his boots and pealed off his outer shirt to leave only a cotton tank underneath before pulling the blankets over the two of you. As Cassian laid back down you weren't sure if he intended to keep his current distance. As if he had read your mind the Captain turned his head to face you, trying to read your expression in the dark before turning his attention to the ceiling. His heart suddenly in his throat. He felt like a teenager again, too scared to speak up. Instead he inched his hand closer to yours, bit by bit until he felt the soft flesh of your fingers aside his own. Like two dancers in sync each of you laced your fingers together. A feeling like warm liquor filled your stomach as you rolled onto your side, mustering up the courage to pull the captain's arm around your waist as you nuzzled yourself into his chest.

The sigh of relief that left your lungs was only mirrored by Cassian's as his arms again wrapped tightly around you. Bringing your body flush against his own. With your ear pressed against him you could hear every beat of Cassian's heart. The comforting repetition easing you into a sense of calm. His strong arms around you made you feel safe for the first time in months, allowing sleep to quickly creep up on you. Your eyes had almost closed when you looked up only to find Cassian watching you. Too tired himself to make an attempt at hiding it.

“I missed you.” Smiling softly, your eyes flutter once, twice before closing entirely. Calm, steady breaths escape your lips as Cassian tries to get a grip on himself. Just that morning he had sworn to himself that he would not allow himself to fall back into whatever it was the two of you had going on. He had even forced himself to say those rude, hell mildly cruel things to you, in the hopes to stave you off. Eight months he had spent convincing himself that there was nothing between the two of you and not even twelve hours after landing you were back in his arms. The one place he swore he wouldn't find you. The one place he so desperately wanted to keep you. It was torture feeling this way. A sweet pain that he found himself wanting again and again. There was a word for it, he knew that for certain, he just wasn't ready to say it. Not even to himself. Instead he settled for pulling you closer if possible, relishing the way you instinctively shifted in his arms, hands gripping the fabric of his clothing as if even in sleep you wanted him closer.

Just as he had that night on his ship so many months ago he found himself leaning down and pressing his lips against your forehead. That same surge of adrenaline pulsing through his veins leaving him with no hope of denial. Giving in, if only for tonight, Cassian rested his head atop yours and slept soundly for the first time in years.

[kyloxox]

Can’t

Pairing: Remus Lupin x plus size reader

Warnings: I don’t think any

AN: this is the first part to a series I will be writing! It will be at least 5 parts long but I may make it longer👍👍

Summary: Y/n has never really noticed Remus Lupin but all Remus thinks about is her. In mindset of getting the two together, Sirius hatches a plan to get them together, but will it work?

Tagging: @toniinhere

Masterlist for series

Part 2 Part 3

Sirius was being dragged by his arm by Remus, who he was forcing to go to the library with him.

“Moonnnnyyyy.” Sirius whined “I don’t understand why do I have to go to nerd central with you.” Remus rolled his eyes at his friend’s stupidity.

“Because I got stuck with you as my partner, and it’s not going to be like last time where I do all the work and you just write your name on the project.”

“Pfff Moony I didn’t do that.” Remus gave his long haired friend an eye roll “Fine but that was only one time.” Remus opened the door to the library and quickly walked in, hoping his usual seat wasn’t taken.

After the first couple minutes of being there Sirius had already sensed that Remus wasn’t paying much attention.

“Moony…….moonyyyy?” Sirius balled up one of his pieces of parchment paper and threw it at Remus. Remus jumped a little, surprised by the piece of paper hitting his face. He looked over at Remus and rolled his eyes. Remus turned his gaze back to what he was staring at.

The beautiful h/c girl. That’s who occupied his attention for right now and for the last two months. You were the only thing on his mind these days. He just-just couldn’t stop thinking about you.

As sixth year began you had become friends with Lily and Marlene so you started to sit next to them and the marauders at meals. You mostly stayed quiet during those times but the first minute Remus saw you, he was hooked.

“Moony!” Sirius yelled shortly. Remus blushed at how loudly Sirius yelled.

“What?” He gritted through his teeth.

“You’re staring……staring at that…at that chubby Gryffindor over there!” Remus turned to Sirius with an angered expression. “Hey isn’t that one of Lily’s friends?”

“Don’t call her that.” Remus said as he smacked the side of Sirius’s head.

“Dude I didn’t mean it in a mean way-“ he started to pat Remus’s back to calm him down.

“Whatever, it’s fine. Just don’t-don’t do it again-n.” Remus stuttered knowing that his friend was going to question him for his defense manner.

“So you like her?” Remus blushed.

“No-o.”

“No-o.” Sirius mocked Remus. “Do you want me to talk to her for you.” Sirius started to get up from his chair not even waiting for Remus to respond.

“No-would you….” Remus roughly pulled Sirius back down to his chair “sit down. Please. Pads she probably doesn’t even know who I am. Please don’t embarrass me, she’s-she’s already caught me staring at her five times today.”

“Five-five times today!? Bloody Moony if i didn’t know any better I’d say you’re in love!” Sirius exclaimed.

“No, no, no. I haven’t said one word to her and she probably thinks I’m creepy.”

“Well you are pretty creepy…..”

“And-and she’s so perfect and I’m just-just me.” Sirius’s smirk he had been wearing because started to grow.

“Awwww Remus has a crush!“ Sirius yelled loudly, resulting in people turning their heads towards him, including you.

“Will you shut it!” As Remus said that he made eye contact with you. Panicking not knowing what to do, he gave you a goofy looking smile, nervously laughed and waved his hand. You just smiled weakly at him and waved your hand back. Your attention then turned to your book but Remus’s focused fully on you, the same giddy smile on his face.

“I’ve already started thinking of a plan in my head! This is brilliant!” Sirius began to get up from his chair. This snapped Remus out of his gaze.

“No Sirius, please just leave her alone!” before Remus could reason with him he was half way to the door. Remus turned to you then back to Sirius and then to you.

“This is going to be a bloody disaster.” He then hiding his head in his hand, leaning on the table.

-

“Alright Sirius are you sure this is going to work?” Lily said.

“Of course, everyday before bed Remus sits in front of the fireplace and you said that you could get y/n down there?”

“Yes.” Sirius decided that it would be the best for his plan if he got help from your friends.

“Let’s get Moony a girlfriend.”

-

“Ugh I can’t sleep.” You said laying in your bed, eyes wide open. Lily and Marlene smirked at each other.

“Might I suggest going down to the common room and sitting by the fire. That’s always helps me get to sleep.” Marlene suggested.

“Yep! Maybe you could have a cup of hot chocolate too.” Lily said.

“You know what that’s a good idea.” Your feet hit the cold floor as you got up from your bed and walked to the door. As you opened the door and walked into the hallway the cold air hit you. You shivered a bit and wrapped the cardigan you were wearing around you tighter. You walked down the hallway and down the stairs.

As you emerged from the stairs, you saw the blazing fire. You walked closer to see a boy sitting on the couch. You recognized the boy as Remus Lupin.

Remus noticed someone’s gaze on him and he turned his head to see who it was. You both made eye contact and blushed.

“I-I-I’m sorry I didn’t realize-e you were there. I can leave if you want-t“

“Oh it’s fine. I’ll just head back up and leave you alone.” You stated and started to head for the staircase.

‘Come on Remus, ask her to sit with you. This might be the only chance you get to talk to her’ Remus thought as he stared into the fire.

“You could-“ Remus turned his head to face you but before he could you were already gone “stay if you like……” Remus mumbled with disappointment but soon he was filled with joy. He talked to you!

The moment after he mumbled that he moved himself to his dorm room. He quickly ran up the stairs to tell Sirius what happened.

“Sirius! I talked to her! I bloody talk to her!” Sirius smirked over at James.

“Talked to who Moony my boy?”

“Y/n!” He huffed and slid down onto his bed. “She’s so bloody beautiful.” He said as he stared up at the sealing daydreaming about you.

“Awwww.” James squeaked “Remus has a crush!” Remus grew red as a tomato.

“Holy shit I do…..what am I supposed to do?” He frantically looked at Sirius and James.

“Well….” James started “if it was me I’d just ask her out and if she says no just keep asking her again and again until she says yes.” Remus furrowed his eyebrows.

“No…no,no all you need to do his charm your way into her pants and-“

“No!” They all turned around to the voice who yelled “those are all terrible ideas! Moony you need to actually talk to her first like a real conversation then you have to do small sweet things like help her carry her books or ummm help her study.” Remus, Sirius and James stood there stunned.

“Since when did wormtail have such good dating advice?” James said walking up to him and ruffling his hair.

Remus smiled to himself thinking about helping you study getting to stare at you for hours. He thinks about how that helping you study could turn into something else. You becoming his girlfriend. Him getting to kiss you late into the night. Holding you early into the morning. He once again threw himself on his bed daydreaming about you.

[batkatbrown]

Gt Merman AU C2

Jesse swam back to the large rock on the right side of his tank and dipped low to find his chosen hidey hole. It was just big enough for him to squeeze in and curl into a tight bundle. His belly was full and he allowed himself to relax against the stone. The water was warm and clean in his gills and for a moment, he almost felt like himself again.

He woke at midnight as if by the chime of a clock.

The witching hour grew around him and the magical symbols glowed around the tank. They shimmered and flickered as the witch’s power ran through the glass and iron bindings on the edge of the prison. He could hear her cackle still and he curled tight around himself with a whimper.

At least his new master was kinder than his last.

He held onto that sliver of hope through the dark of the night.

Sleep was strange in the weightlessness and he still struggled to get rest. He was awake before his master, rising to the sunny rock above the water under the light. It was brightening to simulate dawn and he rolled in the fine sand and warmth.

He took time to scrub himself down yet again. Dull scales fell out of his tail as he rubbed sand over it and he carefully gathered them. He washed each one in the water and set it carefully aside. It was hard to part with them and he wished he looked better.

Gently worked his hair with the sand, he scoured away the grease and rank of the old tank he couldn’t get out earlier. Untangling it took longer and he delved into the task to avoid the ravaging hunger coiled in his belly like a beast.

Hanzo appeared on soft feet, the vibrations only stirring the water around his fin the slightest amount. His hair was done and curling around his face. The mark of a ponytail worn too long put a strange kink in it and exhaustion colored the man’s face.

“Goodmorning sweetheart,” Jesse called, knowing that the sound came out as babbling chitter. Another cruel twist of the witch’s curse.

“Why hello there,” Hanzo purred the words and they rumbled around jesse. “Good to see you up and enjoying yourself.”

“I would enjoy myself more with some breakfast?” Jesse raised his hand up, and then to his mouth.

“Hungry? Me too.” Hanzo chuckled and dipped a fingertip into the warm water near him.

Jesse pushed off the sandy rock and nuzzled the digit happily. Hanzo smelled good and he sank his teeth into the tough callous on the pad of his index finger. Playfully gnawing at it, he soothed any sting with happy little pats. The salt on his master’s skin was delicious and something primal and insticual demanded he gather as much as he could. Kissing and licking, he gulped down the gritty resource with a coo of pleasure.

Hanzo hummed in response and wiggled the digit. Jesse wasn’t having it and hugged his arm around it. He put his cheek on the warm solid weight and pouted up.

“Okay, Okay, i’ll get breakfast going.”

Hanzo lifted his hand from the water and Jesse wrapped himself around the finger as hard as he could. “Don’t leave. Please.”

“Do you… wish to come over to the kitchen?” Hanzo looked puzzled, his head tilted to the side and blinking sleep from his eyes.

Jesse eagerly nodded and when that didn’t get the response he wanted, he switched to slapping his tail loudly against the water’s surface. “C’mon, Darlin, let me be close to you. Closer to the food? Please?”

Hanzo glanced around the room and Jesse started to wilt. He would be regulated to his tank and left to starve until Hanzo had eaten and completed his morning. Maybe not even fed until that afternoon or later if the man remembered. It was a familiar type of loneliness.

“One moment,” Hanzo’s voice was pitched low and thoughtful. He pulled away from the tank and walked into the kitchen. Jesse was left to drift in the warm water and pushed against the glass in the shelter of swaying plants. The shadows let him hide away, free to stare as Hanzo checked in different cabinets and dragged out a skillet and a rice cooker.

A large pot that he filled with water before pausing to scroll through his phone for a few minutes. The sunlight filtered through the large window over the gas stove and a light breeze stirred the dangling collection of warding charms, dried herbs and living vines that had overtaken the space.

“You’re a weird one,” Jesse sighed, absently gnawing on a leaf just to give his mouth something to do. He was so hungry. He would kill for a hunk of meat and the bright bitter tang of blood.

It always started the same way, the hunger, the need. He tried to stop it, biting his lip and pushing down the urges. He just needed to eat something. Shoving the leave into his mouth he ground it with a low, bubbling growl. It helped some and he spit out the paste to fill his fanged maw without the thick stem of the plant instead.

The fibrous strands burst apart under his powerful jaw, watching Hanzo shape sausage patties. Fire burned in Jesse’s chest at the bloody scent of pork and the hulking figure of pure muscle and meat handling it.

A long, wiggling tongue slide past his lips, licking at the water as if he could taste the man himself. His pupil grew slitted and narrowed as he tracked each movement. The gentle sway of his tail in the water promised a deadly burst of power and speed if the glass had not been in the way.

His claws scratched the smooth surface as Hanzo approached the tank. His blood was hot and loud in his veins, pounding against his brain. Watching Hanzo pick up a piece of barely cooked meat and lower it to the water’s surface.

The human said something, a cooing bubbling sound that barely registered. Jesse burst out of the water and swiped the glob of meat and diving down to death roll around it. He slashed it and ripped the meat in a frenzy. The water bubbled furiously around him and grew dingy. He destroyed his prey thoroughly before skimming chunks of meat from the water. It was harder to eat with just one hand but he stuffed himself quickly.

As soon as he cleaned the water of the bits of meat, more was placed carefully on the lamp warmed rock. He raced through the water after it, splashing to show his dominance before beaching himself.

The meat tasted better without the water and he shoved his face down into the pile. Too eager to waste with manners, he stuffed himself on the offering. When it was gone, another replaced it and he fell on it just a furiously.

It went on and on in that fashion, the expression on Hanzo’s face unreadable, until it was finally enough. Jesse gasped for breath in the sands, realizing he’d been eating so fast he had forgotten to get enough air.

It sickened him.

He was too full to move, face down on the sand with the lamp heating his back. He wished he could hide from his master’s gaze. The tank water was dirty with meat and shredded plants and he hated it.

“Feeling better, Jesse?”

The little merman could only nod and slap his tail against the water. He put his hands on his slightly swollen middle as the fires inside him cooled. It was almost chilly now, despite the lamp and warmed water.

Hanzo settled near him with his own plate of food and Jesse was left to warm himself under the light. He stayed there on dry land until Hanzo had eaten his breakfast, it gave him time to digest a little and the madness fall away.

He slipped below the water’s surface and swam to the bottom. He kicked up the sand and gravel at the base of the rock with his tail. Wiggling into the little hollow, he tucked himself up and looked up through the waving strands of flora. He remembered the taste of leaves and the hard crunch of the stems. It was for the best that he was locked up where the curse couldn’t turn him into a real monster.

“Jesse? Do you want to come out?” Hanzo’s voice rumbled above him and his pretty face appeared. A dark strand of hair cascaded down and wavered on the surface. It glimmered with the lamp light.

Jesse agreed with a slap of his tail on the bottom of the tank. He wanted to be held and soothed and made to feel normal but there was a fear in the back of his mind. He was dangerous.

“I need to clean your tank, Jesse,” Hanzo murmured, mouth curled into a gentle smile. “I have prepared a pot of clean water for you to relax in while i work.” Hanzo lowered his finger into the water and wiggled it like a tasty worm.

Jesse was lured out of his hidy place, slowly stretching up to bump his head against the fingertip. He didn’t push passed the surface, just nuzzling the rough skin. His powerful tail kept him in place easily in the water and he used his webbed hand to trace the swirl of Hanzo’s fingerprint.

It twitched agianst him before Hanzo was suddenly gently petting him. Jesse froze, a great gulp of water rushing into his gills. The touch was so careful, patting at the curve of his shoulder and down his back. A light stroke had him shivering and arching his back into it.

Ripples of pleasure spread out from the warm caress and he bunted his head and shoulders up against the touch. A second finger joined the first and he was delicately grasped between them. Fear zap through him and his ribs expanded in anticipation of a cruel squeeze. Water gushed off his scales and back as he was lifted out of the tank and settled into Hanzo’s other hand.

He wriggled in the man’s palm, fearfully clutching whatever he could grab. Heaving breathes shook his frame and he struggled to breathe air. The surface of the shelf was so far below and he was slippery and small. He wrapped his tail up and around till he covered himself with his flashy red fin.

Hanzo murmured to him in a foreign language, tone soothing. He couldn’t stop shaking, feeling each tiny shift in Hanzo’s hand beneath him. “Please, shit, please put me down or somethin’. Fuck,” he swore and slapped the smaller fins by his hips down against hanzo’s palm.

“Do not fear, Jesse.” Hanzo’s fingers curled over him in a comforting cave. “It is alright. I am not going to drop you.”

“I don’t know that.” Jesse grumbled but he did pull the edge of his fin back a little so he could peer up at his master.

Hanzo stroked Jesse’s chest tenderly with his index finger. It was warm and solid and he found himself melting. It brought a flush to his cheeks and something wild and rough thickened in his veins. He indulgently rolled his hips and tail to reposition himself. It felt safer with his back pressed to Hanzo’s curled fingers and his tail lazily wrapped around his thumb.

Hanzo brushed against his stomach and traced over one hip. He laughed and snorted as it tickled. Hanzo joined him, the sound deep and rumbling. It made Jesse’s heart leap and thunder in time. He flashed his tail, showing off the red and gold flecked scales.

“You’re a handsome merman,” Hanzo praised, sending shivers to the tip of Jesse’s fins. It was followed with tender caresses over his belly and down the curve of his side. Jesse rolled to grab it with his good arm and he bumped his nose and face against the first knuckle.

“You are mighty fine lookin’ too, Hanzo.” he flashed a roguish wink and smile, full of sharp teeth that could rip through flesh and bone.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five | Part Six