#Stars + shadowy darkness = space lmao

[puppetmaster13u]

Another Prompt in Memes?! Yes.

[aquidragon]

in the shroud of night [leon kennedy x reader]

good evening squad, I have prepared some DINNER!! enjoy my first publicly posted smut. Also, I’m looking for a potential BESTIE to beta-read these fics for me. DM me if interested :)) Also, this is actually aimed to be Leon a bit before/after Operation Javier but I also tried to write him to be more ambiguous to whatever arc he’s in lmao !!MINORS DNI!! Content Warning(s): graphic nsfw (smut) content, implied intoxication (everything here is consensual and both parties are fully aware), soft dom! Leon, a hint of a breeding kink, fluff, etc (let me know if I should list anything else, I’m terrible at cws) Word Count: 4017 words of pure delight --- Something about the darkness of night was inherently romantic. More than just the scandalous activities that often took place in the backs of alleyways, comfortable bedrooms, office desks, and behind closed doors across the world. The lustful dance of clashing lips and twisting tongues was not a stranger to the stars. Yes, as soon as the sun sank below the horizon, something in the atmosphere shifted into something less innocent. 

Even more, this impacted more than just human beings. In fact, it seemed that all sorts of living beings basked under the romantic shine of the moon. It was impossible to miss, especially during the hot summer months; with the croaking of frogs and the orchestra of crickets. A symphony of mating calls reverbed through the night, as well as the twinkle of fireflies darting amongst the shadowy leaves.  Yes, the nighttime was a time for the most universal sin; lust.  This time, you were also a victim to the dizzying nature of the carnal emotion as your back was pinned to the rough brick wall behind you. Lips desperately pressed against your own as your hands helplessly trailed down his shoulders, dipping onto the firm muscles of his pectorals. His own hands were in two different locations on your figure; one was tightly wrapped around your waist, as the other firmly cupped your cheek.

Your lungs burned, desperate for air as your tongue tangled with the blonde’s, grasping onto his tight black undershirt. As soon as your lips disconnected with a small pop, you gasped loudly, intaking as much oxygen as possible. This made the man chuckle, thumb lazily stroking your cheekbone. 

“Sorry,” he mumbles, the slightest hint of gentle affection within his baby blue eyes. 

“It’s fine.” You pant, hands still pressed against his chest. “I just needed to breathe.” 

He tilts his head, the bangs of his 90s haircut flopping over his face. The corner of his swollen, pale rosy lips turns upwards in a smirk. Large hand moving to delicately ghost over the features of your face, fingers exploring every bump and divot of your skin. “You’re gorgeous.” 

You feel all the heat in your body seep into the space between your legs, your thighs tightening together slightly. Shyly, you advert your gaze from his intimating glowing blues, afraid of their ability to lure you in closer. You weren’t sure if it was the slightest bit of alcohol flowing through your system, or the warm hands pressed tightly against your body- you felt like you were floating. 

What had driven you to the local club with your childhood friend Claire was a mystery, perhaps, it was fate that had led you directly into the magnetizing arms of Leon Scott Kennedy. It didn’t matter to you anymore, instead, you were too enamored with the spell he had cast on you to ponder the question. 

“Are you sure you want this?” Leon asks, mint and whisky heavy on his breath as he leans closer to your face. His pointed nose brushes against yours,  the heat of his question hot against your sensitive flesh. You kept your eyes away from his intense gaze, but a guiding finger on your chin brought it back. Your name is gentle on his tongue. “I can stop, we can stop. I can take you home.” 

You shake your head, this time, your hands float up to cup his sharp cheekbones. “Leon, I want this. I want you.” You look around nervously, taking in the surroundings of the dark alleyway. All it would take is someone exiting a bar for a smoke break to see the both of you, limbs tied together intimately. “-But not here.” 

The blonde nods his head in agreement, shifting his head to press a kiss to the palm of your hand. “That sounds like a great idea to me, doll.” He gestures to the opposite end of the narrow street, towards the parking lot. “Let’s get out of here.” Before you could respond, his arm hooks your knees, bringing you up in a bridal carry. 

You squeal out a laugh, your arms wrapping around his neck to stabilize yourself as he carries you back to his car. You figure that Claire would figure out that you had left early with Leon, you would send her a text message as soon as you could, just in case. The government agent effortlessly took you back to his car, a sleek, black, Jaguar, that reflected the yellow street lights. 

He places you back down to your feet, reaching into his deep jeans pockets to unlock the doors. Before you can reach over and step into the passenger side, he beats you to it, a charming grin drawn across his pearly teeth. “After you.” 

Your cheeks darken, barely managing to thank him as you slide onto the leather seat. The door thumps shut beside you, and then Leon jumps into the driver’s seat on the opposite side. He winks at you as he stabs his key into the ignition. 

With shaky fingers, you fish your cellphone from your purse, quickly thumbing a message to send to your friend (whom you felt a bit bad for abandoning). Right as you press the send button, Leon’s arm on the seat behind you to reverse catches your attention. You turn your attention to him, who gives you a cheeky grin. 

You have been to Leon’s apartment before, years ago, when he first moved to Washington DC to start working as a DSO agent. Claire had called you since you were the only person (besides Chris) who lived in the city. You helped him move but hardly interacted afterward. 

Now, here you were, sitting in the passenger side of his car; heading to his apartment to relish in the atmosphere of what the night provided. The thought made your spine tremble deliciously, shooting down to your core, with just the thought of his touch. 

There weren’t any words that could cut open the heavy thickness of lustful tension in the small car. In fact, it even thickened as Leon lowered his right hand onto your thigh, giving it a delicious squeeze. You glare at him accusingly, but his eyes are focused on the road ahead, expression blank. 

Your heart pounded in anticipation. You could already tell that the agent was a massive fucking tease. A gentlemanly tease, but still a tease nonetheless. His fingers played with the rim of your dress, brushing against the warm skin that was hidden under the fabric. 

As you slowed to a stop at a red light, Leon’s ministrations intensified. His lips quirked in a devious smirk as he traced mindless patterns on your hot thigh. Arousal shot up your legs, making your clit throb impatiently as your panties dampened. 

“Leon-” you breathed a warning, but he ignored you. Your face felt like it was burning as you wished you could throw your clothes off, and lust began to bleed into every single one of your thoughts. Was this all it took for him to infect your mind? 

What could he do to you in the confines of a bedroom? 

Your thighs pressed together at the idea, your mind wandering to the events that soon approached you. This made the driver chuckle lowly, almost like a growl. “Careful now, we’re almost there, sweetheart. Don’t get too excited for me.” 

His hand slides from your leg, and back onto the black steering wheel. You feel as if you’re going to boil alive, as your blood pumps wildly to important locations. Leon Kennedy had cast his spell upon you, and you hadn’t even seen him naked. 

As soon as he parks his car, he opens the passenger door for you, Cheshire’s smile revealing his perfectly aligned teeth. You step out, shaky on your noir pumps as he guides you to his apartment. His arm is wrapped around the curve of your waist, thumb rubbing against the exposed skin on your back as you head toward the elevator up to his room. 

The murky fog of lust had followed you from the car, into the tiny, confined space of the elevator. Most of the residents of the complex were fast asleep, which meant you were alone with Leon inside the cramped metal box. He silently pressed a button to the third floor, and the box began its ascent with a loud thump.

Before you could open your mouth to speak, you were once again pushed onto a flat surface. The blonde’s mouth was hot onto yours, both hands on your hips as he thoroughly made out with you. Your surprise quickly transformed into satisfaction as you melded your lips with his, knowing that it seemed your spell was working on him as well. 

You swallow deeply, heart pounding wildly against your chest, desperate to fly out. Your answer would determine how the rest of your night would go. You mimic his smile, looking up at him deviously. “I do, Agent Kennedy.”

The elevator door rumbled open following a ding, forcing Leon away from you. He offered you his hand, as he tugged you along. The hallway down to his apartment was familiar, you giggled softly, high off of lust as you reach the steel blue door that opened to his room. 

As soon as the door is unlocked, you stumble back into the vast space, bumping into the back of a plush leather couch. Leon slowly approaches you, shouldering off his leather jacket, azure eyes pinned on you like a predator. He allowed the article of clothing to fall onto the floor, he had other things to focus on. 

Your heart pounds as every nerve in your body vibrates with excitement. Your hands tighten on the dark fabric cushions of the couch, chest heaving with every breath. Before you knew it, you were sitting on the back of the couch, body pressed against the hard muscles of Leon Kennedy’s torso.

His chapped lips press against your exposed neck, teeth nipping at the sensitive flesh, as his hands cup your back-preventing you from falling backward from your delicate perch. You let out a delighted whimper at his kisses, fingers toying with the hair at the back of his neck. 

“Your skin tastes so good.” Leon purrs, pulling away from the crook of your neck to look at you. The azure of his irises was almost completely hidden, eclipsed by his blown-out pupils. “I bet the rest of you taste just as sweet, darling.” 

You melt into his touch, hands tracing the strong muscles of his back and shoulders. The firm couch backing against your ass was starting to hurt, but the sheer lust in your head brushed it off. You were gonna be sore the next morning anyway, it wouldn’t matter. 

“Leon.” You whine, hands finding their way down to the faint abdominal muscles underneath his thin shirt. “I need-”

The blonde hushes you, a finger pressed against your abused lips. “I know.” He effortlessly lifts you from the couch, and onto his shoulder. The angle allows you to admire the curve of his back, and delicious-looking ass. 

A loud squeal escapes your lips as Leon swats a quick slap to your ass. The tight cocktail dress you were wearing started to ride up your hips, revealing a bit of your plump flesh. He sets you back onto your feet, lips peeled in a dangerous, devious smile.

“Do you like games, Y/N?” He growls playfully. 

Leon lets out a delighted hum, reaching out to caress your jaw, thumb ghosting over your tender lips. “Run.” He orders, eyes darkened like a starving animal. 

Without needing to be told twice, you sprint off, unable to contain your excitement as you prance away from him. You hear his footsteps behind you, close on your heels. You figured he could’ve easily overtaken you, but what would be the fun in that? You sprint down the pitch-black hallway, vaguely remembering the layout of his apartment. You sharply turn a corner into his bedroom, grinning wildly. Right as you’re close enough to his King sized bed, Leon pounces on you.

He pins you to the plush mattress, both of your hands trapped under his grip. You both laugh breathlessly before he leans down to kiss you again. You whimper in his mouth as his knee brushes against your sensitive, still-clothed, core. “Thank you for playing with me, gorgeous, I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting your needs.” 

Leon sits up, perched on his haunches, inspecting you from head to toe. “Go on, strip for me, I want to see all of you.” He cooed. 

You almost scream in relief, finally able to peel off the abrasive fabric against your burning skin. Slowly, seductively, you pull down the straps from your shoulders. Then, you shimmy out of the rest of the figure-hugging dress. Your naked figure was almost completely exposed to the man before you, now just left in a lacy pair of panties. 

Right as your fingers go under the waistband of your underwear, preparing to tear it off, Leon stops you. His head lowers to your throbbing center, hooking the elastic rim of the garment with his upper teeth. You watch, mouth gaping as he pulls your panties down the length of your legs with his teeth. 

He looks exceedingly sexy with the damp fabric dangling from his teeth, looking down at you smugly. You feel totally vulnerable underneath his gaze, thighs rubbing against each other in a feeble attempt to soothe the desperate need for friction. The handsome blonde notices this, and drops the garment from his mouth. 

“You’re so wet.” He mumbles darkly, as a long finger traces the length of your cunt. Your juices coat his digit as he teasingly circles it over your clit. You let out a desperate moan at his touch, toes curling slightly at the new sensation. 

“I- “Shhhhhh,” Leon leans over your body to put a hand over your lips. “I got you now, just lay back and relax, love.” He studies your heated face with a lustful gaze. “I’m going to be all you think about for days when I’m done with you.” 

The man hums against your nipple, sending vibrations throughout your entire nervous system in waves. You gasp, before it quickly turns into a loud moan. Your head throws back, as your body shakes in uncontrollable spasms. White stars spark in your vision as a tsunami of pure bliss washes over you.

You let out a breathless moan, muffled against his calloused palm, still pressed against your mouth. The agent moves his fingers, thumb rubbing slow circles over your sensitive clit, while his pointer finger begins to sink inside you. This elicits a gasp from you, and the hand silencing your noises moves away. 

“You’re so soaked.” Leon grunts, leaning forward to whisper into your ear. “You want me that badly? Sweetheart, how long have you wanted me to touch you like this?” He peppers sloppy kisses along your jaw, stopping to press another one on your lips. “Speak up, doll.” 

“Since I, ah, met you.” You gasp, arching your back slightly as he adds his middle finger inside you. Stretching you out just a little bit more, curling his fingers.

He lets out a delighted chuckle, a genuine smile stretching across his cheeks. “Oh? Since you met me?” His breath is hot on your face. “When you helped me move in four years ago? It’s been that long? Poor thing.” 

You choke out a moan as he adds his ring finger inside you, pumping them steadily. “I’ve wanted you too.” Leon breathes against your ear, tickling the sensitive hairs on your neck. “Ever since I’ve laid eyes on you, Y/N, I’ve wanted you for myself.” 

You cry out loudly, as his lithe fingers brush against your G-Spot, rubbing the sensitive spot deliciously. As he lifts his head from your ear, his soft blonde hair tickles your cheek, elating a whimper. His pace increases, thrusting his fingers in and out of you as his thumb continues to rub circles around your clit. 

Your hips lift from the mattress, moaning out his name loudly, feeling the small pressure band in your lower stomach begin to tighten. “I’m- I’m gonna-” you throw your head back with a pleasured moan. “God” 

“Do you want to cum, sweetheart? Is that what you want?” Leon purrs, looking down at you, azure eyes burning the sight into his memories. “Do you want to cum all over my fingers?” 

You pant heavily, nodding rapidly as you struggle to find your words. The blonde grins, lowering his lips to suckle on one of your perky nipples. You squeal out in lustful delight as his teeth gently graze against the sensitive bud, dragging his tongue across the pebbled surface. 

“F-Fuck,” you breathe hotly, feeling your core continue to tighten. “Leon, that feels, hah, so good.” 

With a deep grunt, he pushes himself inside you, eliciting moans from both of you. Slowly, inching deeper into your soaking wet pussy as he basks in your warmth. “You’re so tight, so warm, so perfect.” He moans, shamelessly praising you. “All mine.”

As you ride out the high of your orgasm, Leon slips his fingers from your pulsing pussy. He observes the glistening juices on his hand, which was barely illuminated from the full moon peeking outside the window. He catches you staring at him, and smiles sultrily at you. Wordlessly, he slips the fingers in his mouth, noisily tasting you on his hand. 

You almost moan at the arousing sight, but you’re silenced by him shifting your positions. You were dragged toward him, head sliding off the pillow and your hips flush against his clothed bulge.

His cock was straining against the fabric of his tight jeans, desperate for freedom. You scramble up, kneeling in front of him, and began to undo his belt. Leon gently keeps a hand on the back of your head as you fumble with the belt buckle, softly praising you once you slide the leather strip from the belt loops. 

Before you can undo the buttons of his trousers, his free hand is already on them. Effortlessly undoing the button and dragging down the zipper with a single hand. The bulge of his black boxers peeks through his fly. “Go on, doll, take them off.” He urges a bit breathlessly. 

“Of course, agent.” You tease with a small smirk of your own. You delicately hook the waistbands of both garments in your fingers, before yanking the articles of clothing down to his bent knees. The abrupt motion allowed his dick to spring free, inches away from your face. 

His cock looked like it had been sculpted by Adonis himself, perfectly curved upwards. Pulsating veins wrapped his dick like decorative vines. Leading up to the pink tip of his penis, slick with pre-cum, leaking with anticipation. The sight made your mouth water, as another wave of electrifying heat sunk into your wet cunt. 

“You see what you do to me?” Leon asked, stroking your hair gently. “I want you so badly.” He gently shoves you back toward the push pillow, crawling up to you, and positioning himself between your open legs.

“Now, you need to tell me something before we proceed.” He whispers gently, looking down at you. “I’m clean of any STDs, do you need protection? I have condoms in my nightstand.” His voice is low, rumbling from his chest. 

You stumble over your words, opening and closing your mouth before settling on an answer. “N-No, I’m on Birth Control. Please just fuck me, Leon Kennedy.” 

Leon laughs deeply, rubbing his cockhead against your hot entrance. “You want me raw? Such an eager girl, such a slut.” He kisses your temple, “my slut.” 

You whimper slightly at his words, wrapping your legs around his waist. His dick is definitely girthier than his fingers, making your hole stretch delightfully around him. Your hands tremble as they move to tug at the ends of his skintight shirt, urging for to take it off. 

Wordlessly, Leon obeys your silent request, lifting his shirt off of him while still inside you. He carelessly tosses the fabric aside, leaning forward to press his body against yours. His muscular body is warm against yours, damp with a fine layer of sweat, melting against you.

Cautiously, he begins to thrust his hips against yours, dick stretching your plush walls. You both moan at the sensation, which sounded like the perfect symphony to your ears. Leon’s moans are desperate and loud. His breaths are heavy between each delightful moan from his chest, not afraid to hide them from you. 

“You’re beautiful.” Leon praises, eyes blown out with lust and unbridled affection. 

You manage to smile at him, hands tracing his bare shoulders. “You’re quite beautiful yourself, Leon.” Your sentence trails out with a whimper as one of his hands lowers down to brush against your clit. 

His thrusts inside you intensify, kissing your lips sloppily. He grunts into your mouth, fingers circling your clit in a quick motion. You arch your back against him, pushing his cock deeper inside you, the tip brushing against your cervix with a delightful sting. 

Teeth clacking together, you tighten your grip on his shoulders, as well as around his waist. The sensation of his dick deep inside you as well as fingers on your clit were almost too much, making you cry out into his mouth. 

Leon breaks the kiss briefly, only to moan your name delightfully against your sweaty forehead. “You feel so good, God, where do you want me?” He pants breathlessly, pace becoming a bit wild. 

Without hesitation, you cry out as he drills into you, clinging to his back. “Inside me! Leon! I want you to cum inside me!” You throw your head back, as another orgasm begins to sneak up on you.

This makes the blonde chuckle breathlessly, pressing his forehead against yours. “You want me to fill you up doll? Make you mine once and for all?” He exhales heavily, struggling to restrain himself. “Is that what you want?” 

“Fuck! Yes! Leon!” You shriek back with orgasmic pleasure, legs trembling violently against his pelvis. “Please!”

With a loud, lustful moan, Leon bottoms out deep against your cervix. Hot cum pulsates deep within your womb as he ensures that he coats your gummy walls with each drop. His head dips back, enjoying the bliss of orgasm as he empties out inside you. 

After a few moments, he pulls out of you with a satisfying squelching noise, a dazed smile on his face as he sees white cum leaking out of your used cunt.

Something about testosterone-driven hormones made his chest swell up in pride at the sight as if it assured that you were completely his. Wordlessly, he climbs out of his bed and rushes to the bathroom nearby. Within moments, he’s back between your legs, with a warm, wet rag. 

The feeling of the texture against your sensitive labia makes you jump slightly, overwhelmed with overstimulation. “Shhhh it’s alright, I’m just cleaning you up,” Leon whispers gently, making sure that you were cleaned of your shared juices before tossing the rag onto the floor. 

He’d worry about that later, you were the priority at the moment anyway. 

“Are you alright, Y/N?” The blonde asks gently, baby blue eyes soft with worry. This makes you smile, reaching over to rub his cheekbone affectionately.

“I’m better than alright Leon, I promise. You?” You breathe out, watching as the man visibly relaxes his shoulders. 

“I’m amazing, thanks for asking, doll.” He presses a kiss to your hairline. “Do you want me to take you home?” The agent’s voice is sweet, as he gently traces soothing patterns into your burning shoulder.

You shake your head, turning your body to be parallel to his. “Can I stay here for tonight?” You ask hopefully, making Leon grin.

“Of course.” 

His pale lips brush press against your cheek as he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you close. “You can stay as long as you like.”  ---

[n7punk]

"the long way down" Fic Notes

TLWD is done now so I get to be a little insane about it. I’ve had meta about Outside of the War fics before, but this one… is certainly something Else, so I’ve enough to say to need the structure of a fic notes post.

Chapter 1:

⦁ Off the bat, the Mara thing: again, I’ve said this a couple times, but I don’t think her surviving in the portal is canon. I’m not sure what the timeline of the Heart going off and Mara moving Etheria was, much less what was up with the first version of the portal (something happened from what Razz said, but who knows it if it was the exact same thing), so it’s hard to say if she even would have gotten suspended like that in the first place. It was fun to write that fic, but I didn’t want to carry that continuity into this one. I wanted this idea to stand on its own and Mara being alive would have complicated the hell out of this. She would have known stuff, and either wanted or really not wanted to see the ruins of Eternia, and it just… would have been so many complications, especially if she didn’t go with them on that journey, because then they would have had to debate going back for her or not and…. Yeah it’s just Too Much.

⦁ The little italic preview (something I use so sparingly I think this might be my first time ever) at the beginning of the fic is obviously from the scene in chapter three, but cut down to size because again, sparing. It’s contextless here and half-context wouldn’t have served it.

⦁ It has come up a lot in my fics, but Adora being into cartography is something Aimee (her VA) mentioned at a con as like, a headcanon, and my brain immediately accepted that and went right that’s canon now lol. It just fits really well so it’s come up in my post-canon fics a lot as a hobby, but this is the first time it has been plot-important.

⦁ Catra getting jealous of paper is from a previous OotW fic, return from civility.

⦁ George and Lance literally have a 3D-projection star chart in their library that they show off in the season 2 finale, but the star charts Adora pulls out are very different from that because it’s a 2D inscription of flight paths between systems rather than a chart of constellations, so it wasn’t blatantly obvious what it was until they could start translating things with Adora’s help.

⦁ Let’s talk about the chapter art because you cannot imagine how much work that took! Like it’s stupid! I wanted essentially an “arrow” made from First Ones numbers pointing in the direction of Eternia. I went through a lot of rough drafts before I decided, for simplicity’s sake (my sanity) instead of it literally saying “One thousand four hundred and sixteen” it would say “1416” because god is that a lot to cram into a small space and stay readable, much less connected. I’m like 95% sure what I produced is correct by the guidelines of the language, but it’s a lot of lines to track, so if it’s wrong… I don’t want to hear it. Some details, though. The shadowy background compass has an “indent” in the center of it — that’s actually the letter E, standing for “Eternia,” in the First Ones’ script. Each of the numbers/words gets progressively smaller as it goes on, which isn’t in the rules, but in my opinion it makes it easier to read because you can intuit that you’re supposed to start at least one of the ends, and Clare approved, so I’m keeping it. (Yeah, if you know what post I’m talking about, I’ve been sitting on this fic idea that long. I wrote half the fic then and got distracted by shiny new things lmao). It was really hard picking colors for the image that would show up well on various site backgrounds, but in the end I decided it was impossible to accommodate for most skins, so I should focus on the two most-used ones instead and ended up with the blue and gray that show up decently on both the white and dark mode site skins. It’s not perfect on either, but it’s pretty good on both, and that’s the best I could ask for. I purposefully picked numbers that were one syllable so I didn’t have to deal with multiple syllable branches since making this image do what I want was already so much work lmao. I tried to figure out the words by myself first but I always double-check my First Ones script work with the translator on itch.io so thank you to whoever made that you have been a life-saver multiple times for me <3

⦁ I went back and forth on whether they’d be wives by the time of this one, and then I remembered it’s somewhere around two years post-canon and they’re lesbians. I think they probably got married shortly before leaving. I also stand by the idea of Glimbow getting engaged first but married way later (royal wedding nonsense, it came up in either "to make a home," or "her heart on her sleeve." Maybe both) and since they were getting married right after this trip, that would mean Catra and Adora are married.

⦁ Trolla is a planet in the MOTU. It’s where Orko is from… which means nothing to you if you haven’t watched the original He-man, but google an image of him, because somehow that exact character design pops up in so much shit. I’m pretty sure there’s a character like that in Kingdom Hearts, which means there’s also a character like that in Final Fantasy, but don’t quote me on that. I feel like he and Loo-Kee were pretty equivalent to me when I was a kid and Loo-Kee was at the end of every damn She-ra episode with his little “today’s moral” shtick.

Chapter 2:

⦁ Honestly, part of the reason Catra is wielding a staff in the cult scene is because I did all the research for the dolls and her accessory in that line was a staff. Which… okay sure, but she does use them in canon. Like twice. But it felt right here with the potential flashback stuff.

⦁ I made sure to include mention of the two moons originally shown around Eternia in my Children of the Crystal series. Just a little bit of consistency.

⦁ I thought about the… manufactured planet thing from Mass Effect Andromeda (listen, I haven’t played the game since it came out, I don’t really remember) while describing Eternia, and it got me thinking about how in sci-fi and stuff, structures like this are always in grayscale. They’re gray, or maybe white, but never like… yellow, and certainly not rainbow. The First Ones ruins we’ve seen have all been very colorful, so I thought a vibrant, rainbow planet, indicating life and art and culture, but still from this destructive society, would really be interesting.

⦁ The “ruins incident” is the impotence for a fic I’ve never written and probably never will but damn has that not stopped me thinking it through every few months. The timeline doesn’t even work out because that’s supposed to happen like five years after this but it’s mostly a reference for myself lmao.

⦁ I know Catra and Adora have “memes” personal to them dating back to their time in the Horde and still forming to this day, but I imagine Catra and Melog have their own jokes too that no one else has even the faintest idea about because it all happens in their heads.

⦁ Originally I explained it in the fic before I decided the Gatekeeper wouldn’t know it, but the reason there were only signs of evacuation deep inside was because part of Protocol Zero’s mandatory evacuation was evacuation tiers. It’s the highest threat level possible and that means everybody needs to leave and could clog the skies, making it impossible for anyone to really escape. There’s also bullshit prioritization of “well, these people deserve to get out more than others” so it's stratified to ensure some people (the most important) get out first. First in line was royalty and the highest ranks of the military (to coordinate rebuilding efforts once escaped), then the highest ranks of state-sponsored scientists and nobility, followed by the mid ranks of state-sponsors scientists and high rank state-sponsored artists, and then concurrently mid-level military, more scientists, and high-rank citizens. Finally, the rest of the artists and citizens (aka free-for-all tier).

⦁ The Citadel is a reference to Mass Effect.

⦁ A whole decade ago I saw a post on Tumblr claiming a “moment” used to be an actual measurement of time (roughly 90 seconds) that I never forgot and it turns out that was actually true (this was the era of Alexandria’s Genesis so you know… easily could have been bullshit I never bothered to google) so I threw it in in this fic as a fun fact about medieval sundial measurement.

⦁ Almost nothing works on the planet because it all ran on wireless power, and the transmission towers for that were completely destroyed by the Horde’s invasion. The Horde them pulverized everything else it could find, tracing down every last electrical signal or sign of life and snuffing it out. The only thing that survived were bugs that were hibernating underground or in the rare piece of plant life that wasn’t destroyed. Seeds in the earth also sprouted later, leaving those as the only survivors of the massacre. The Horde occupied Eternia for a while making sure nothing else would pop up, but eventually Prime was satisfied and got the fuck out of there, afraid of their integration of tech and magic and tired of losing clones to lingering mechanical boobytraps.

⦁ Okay the meta for Mara’s painting is that one of the quickest paths to state sponsorship was art depicting the planet. The Eternians really did view it as the ultimate art piece. Mara did something groundbreaking for her time and portrayed it as it originally was before all the terraforming. The establishment didn’t like that. Even worse, she used an ephemeral medium involving a mix of materials that would break down over time, and while it was good and above average, she was far from the most impressive artist that year alone. Mara really did think the transformation of Eternia was awe-inspiring at the time, but doubt set in after she was assigned to the brand-new (not even begun, really) colony on Etheria and started falling in love with its vibrant nature. Eternia still had plenty of it, but it was carefully cultivated through landscaping and terraforming. Ironically, it has become a lot closer to Etheria’s untamed state by the time of the fic, thanks to the lack of direct intervention and partially-damaged terraformers. (Side note: the terraforming system ran on its own network with a million safeties in place because, you know, if they ever shut off the path of the planet around the sun could permanently be altered from its irregular shape. It was Very Important they survive anything, and Horde Prime didn't try to destroy them while occupying it because he also needed it to not be flung into the sun)

⦁ Being a state-sponsored artist basically means you get a salary instead of living commission-to-commission, access to grant programs to create big pieces of art, essentially advertising and general public approval, and access to exclusive display locations, especially in architecture or high-traffic areas (think the mosaics they found). Mara wanted to try, so she applied to the symposium basically fresh out of high school with the plan that if it didn’t work out she would follow in her parent’s footsteps (military family) and join a colony exploration program. If she got approval or even just a grant she would go to art school, but, well, she didn’t. So she ended up training in military academy, bouncing around a few colonies, and then making her way to Commander rank and Etheria.

Chapter 3:

⦁ The “three workshops that they know about” thing is because Catra is sure Entrapta is hiding more questionable experiments from them in the walls. And she’s right.

⦁ The data crystal art says “Final log” on its front and “Distress” (as in, distress signal) in the background. I never really translate that in the fic but it was also going in the final chapter when the fic notes were about to be posted so I wasn’t too worried about it.

⦁ My idea for the crystal was that it would be really hard to find any logs of what happened because, well, everybody who would have made or kept those logs was dead and the Horde destroyed a lot of what they found. This was a transmission that was intercepted at long-range on this smaller mining planet and was basically a portent of their imminent doom to them, the Horde arriving shortly after they received it, leaving this as one of the few logs the Eternians managed to preserve.

⦁ I didn’t actually reference a data crystal from the show for my drawing, I just ran off my memory of what it looked like, so it’s probably a little off, but I thought that would actually fit with the “artistic representation” thing like the planet had. The downward slanting of the words (and especially the descending of the sounds in the word “Distress”) are a visual representation of the signal dropping off and the “long way down” metaphor.

⦁ I didn’t actually intend to have an illustration per chapter for this fic initially. It was just supposed to be the first one. I drew that all the way back in January/February when I first started working on this fic, but as I was describing Eternia, I was like… this would actually be fun to draw. And then it seemed weird to have a drawing for 2 out of 3 chapters, so I added the data crystal, and I like how that worked out since I got to do the “subtle” stuff (so subtle it needs to be explained lmao) with the distress signal in the background.

⦁ Yeah so what’s up with that metaphor, right? I don’t know. Like, okay, I kind of do, but basically that song latched onto this fic and then they fed off each other and I have NO idea why. Like, it fits, but it’s also like… why this. For the people who don’t listen to songs when fics link them (I’ll be honest, I rarely do, even though I discovered my favorite band in the world that way), “Long Way Down” is a song about going to hell. I think the specific story is supposed to reflect preachers and religious folk who espouse how everyone else is full of sin and going to hell, but really they’re just going to end up down there too (“I’ve been fucking around while you’ve been saving the world... from nothing”). It’s not a direct fit in that way, but in the hubris, where you think you’re giants but you’re actually going to fall like all the others? Yeah, seemed fitting for the First Ones.

⦁ Tellus is earth in Latin. Being that the originals are 80s cartoons, Earth is of course canon and there was a Christmas special set there. As I remember it, Earth was some #Isekai shit (okay not really but) where it was just the normal modern world and then He-man and She-ra showed up to take teens on adventures so Americans could teach them the true meaning of Christmas or something. I haven’t watched it since I was a very small child so I could be wrong. I got sidetracked. Yes Earth went kaput in this universe. Yes that had consequences. Yes he was saying “Commander Adam, signing off.”

⦁ Having just come off of CotC where I finally really went into my time travel headcanon… Yeah a lot of people knew this wasn’t going to end well. Honestly, when I initially planned this fic, I had this idea that Adora would touch the console and it would greet her as the lost princess — or even that she would find a recording from her lost twin brother — but either way she would find out that she probably came from the past. The problem was… that also doesn’t match my headcanon? (Refresher/If you didn’t read CotC: my headcanon is that since dimensional portals were cut off in Despondos, only time portals worked, so Light Hope pulled Adora through after spending a long time building one and trying to figure out where to open it to get her. This is why she popped out in the middle of a field: that’s just where she was physically located in the past.) My headcanon is that Adora was a regular child to settlers on Etheria when the Horde attacked and Light Hope eventually made the time portal and snatched her away before she could die. The system back home on Eternia probably wouldn’t recognize her as a random baby in the colonies, so it just didn’t track (especially the princess thing. That was something I thought about when I was first forming the headcanon in 2020, but it didn’t stick. Adora being “normal” is what made sense to me). I did consider having it be some thing where like, well maybe she was still born on Eternia or some major colony where she would be registered in the system, but honestly, that was all too definitive, and I liked the idea of it recognizing She-ra and them learning a little more about Mara.

⦁ Honestly, I don’t think Adora and Adam are even twins in this verse for me. I think cousins makes the most sense here (especially since he was like 20-30 in the recording and Adora would have been Very Small). If he were her sibling, that would make him some random twin she doesn’t know and never learns much about, but this way he’s still important to present Adora because his recording is the one that really made her accept what happened, and isn’t that the kind of thing that older siblings are supposed to do? Take care of their siblings, loving them and telling them the hard truths, through losing their family/home/way of life, etc? Idk, this somehow felt closer to the spirit of the OG canon than giving her a random twin that she didn’t know much about. Her finding a living twin who lives somewhere out in space didn’t feel like the spirit of this SPOP either (especially since they were expressly forbidden to even consider Adam/He-man), so we ended up here.

⦁ This is gonna sound weird but — canonically — I don’t think Adora has parents unless they make a movie. Like the time travel theory still makes sense to me, and if they ever made a movie I feel like finding her parents out in space would be an obvious plot point to get a bit more of a “happy ending” and tie up loose ends from the show, but like… I don’t think the show — in isolation — intends for them to be out there, and I think her not finding them is more tragic if they’re alive somewhere than the time travel thing where they’ve been gone for a thousand years so there’s no chance of recovery.

⦁ After some discussion with a Science Person I determined that it was possible for the DNA changes to be passed down in people who constantly produce sperm, and for people with eggs too if the process also affected the eggs inside of them (since they're only produced once). Also, magic bullshit is floating around helps and all of this is all theoretical anyway so I’m doing what I want lol.

⦁ Edit: Somehow I forgot to talk about this but. The First Ones. Yeah so, in this... I mean they are basically human. Their terraforming (and general tech) processes changed them into something distinguishable, but not all that different. After a thousand years, any First Ones that did survive the original genocide would have to have intermixed with humans to survive. The changes from terraforming would long be diluted and mutated away until humans really are all that's left. Catra's speculation about resettling an old colony planet is the best chance for them still existing, and like she said, they wouldn't even know that they're secretly picking up the genetic signatures of Eternians. I've never been sure if the First Ones are actually different from humans, or just a nationality, or perhaps an ancestor/divergent race from them (I think that question is purposefully left open-ended), so I did... this, which is kind of a combination. IDK, I just thought it was a cool possibility that would explain their humanness while still making them distinct in a (fairly) plausible way. The materials our modern world is made of are causing changes to our bodies (from lettuce insecticide in our blood to earlier hormone development) so something as extensive as terraforming would produce changes that could diverge them enough to be detectable. This leads to things like Adora's puberty being a bit different (unnaturally fast) and her alcohol tolerance being wild (I mean, that's something that varies between people already without a genetic splinter) but leaves her still - essentially - human. First Ones and humans started from the same place but splintered eventually. This isn't like some other things where it's my firm headcanon, but I do think it's a cool idea, so it was fun to do here and it both acts as another hint to the time travel possibility while also explaining how Adora could have parents and there could be "surviving First Ones" in the present. It wasn't part of the original plan for the fic, but I'm really glad it developed as I wrote because it's really interesting to me.

⦁ Catra is right about the cycle wearing on Adora, but it’s a little more than that: Adora could only convince herself to leave Eternia by turning her attention back to their mission, and the moment there was a real pause in it she realized that she didn’t want to keep doing this after all.

⦁ Adora will have questions for a while, and wonder about it occasionally, but she has kind of accepted that what really makes her happy is Etheria. She wishes she knew the answers, but not enough to abandon where she's actually happy and search for them. She doesn't want to fly for a year to some location in far space for answers, she wants her true family, and that's Catra and her friends.

Meta:

Compass art (1416)

Eternia art

Data crystal art

Upcoming:

Uhhhh I really don’t know right now? Could be a lot of things. My brain can’t settle on anything long enough to choose right now so it’ll probably be a week before I’m even sure enough to tell y’all. Check back here I guess lol

[missblissy]

Uhh yo this blog so pretty - anyWAY, do ya reckon I could get some Al trying to get his s/o to sleep? I canNOT get to bed as hard as i try, and I'd just love for the dusty ole' bastard to maybe sing me a lullaby or warm some milk ... also blog so pretty-

((WHEEZE INTO THE VOID PLS LMAO. Thank you nonny xDD I worked really hard to make my blog as pink as can be lol, anyways. Yes xD I can do that. Im sorry it was a little wait, but I hope this helps you get some sleep. It certainly helped me UwU. Enjoy Stinky Deer~~)) ((PS: Here is the song that plays in this story!!))

It was getting ridiculous at this point. You couldn't stand it anymore. If you could bear yourself in the face to fall asleep you would. You laid in a bed too big and too empty to feel warm or comfortable. It wasn't even your bed, or at least it wasn't your room. If you knew that sleeping as a demon would be this hard you wouldn't have let yourself die so easily. Nothing about hell was enjoyable.

Well, aside from your uncanny relationship with Alastor. What would you call it? Many people assumed you were together of some fashion. Which they were not wrong to assume. You were incredibly close with Alastor, that was true. Close enough to sleep in his bed. But personally, you wouldn't put a label on your relationship with Alastor. And if anyone asked, you'd often reply with, "Why don't you ask him these questions?" Because no one would ever question anything about Alastor.

So you tossed and turned in the plush bed. The red silk sheets were too much so you kicked them off, leaving the fluffy comforter. You laid there for a second then groaned before turning into your other side. He wasn't here, but you could easily change that.

You took in a deep breath, let out a sigh, took in another breath then called out, "Alastor!" He was never far. He made sure of that, but he also had his ways of always keeping an eye on you, even if he was gone. You waited in silence for a few seconds then slammed a fist down beside you on the bed and called, "Alastoorr... I can't sleep!" With as much irritation as you could.

There was the small build-up of a hum. And like the pop of a balloon, Alastor's shadowy form manifested before you. Bright red eyes filled the darkness of the room and bringing the only light. He smiled and tilted his head slightly to one side, "Yes, my dear?"

You gave him a puppy dog look and started to scoot over, "Please?" You didn't even have to ask. Alastor only smiled then gave a snap of his fingers. In a cloud of smoke you could barely see, he changed into what looked like pajamas. He climbed into the bed and used some kind of magic to fix the mess you made. You scooted close, but not enough to invade his space. You knew how little he liked being touched and you knew how great of an act of kindness this was for him. So did little to spoil it. You were lucky, however, because he draped an arm behind your head just enough so that he could comb the random strands of hair out of your face.

Here came the best part. No, it wasn't the small amount of warmth, or him playing softly with your hair. It was the low static in the air as music played ever so softly from within Alastor. It was an airy tune, slow and soft with a twist of jazz that he so loved. It always sounded different coming from him. And it always seemed so much more magical as you tipped over the edge of sleep. You closed your eyes and listened to his voice as he sang quietly along with the tune, "Stars shining bright above you. Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you." Birds singing in the sycamore tree, dream a little dream of me."

You could compare it to being close to a speaker when loud music is played. But Alastor wasn't a speaker and the music was barely a whisper in the wind. It was just enough to fill the void of silence but not enough to be disturbed. Alastor still slowly curled strands of hair around your ear and away from your face, "Say "Night-ie night" and kiss me. Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me... While I'm alone and blue as can be, dream a little dream of me."

"Stars fading but I linger on, dear. Still craving your kiss, I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear." His voice grew only slightly louder. It filled your ears as you drifted off. Enjoying every bit of this. You were so very lucky to even be gifted with his company let alone the spoils of his songs. "Just saying this: Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you. Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you. But in your dreams whatever they be, dream a little dream of me."

The music went on playing. You could hear him humming along with the piano while the song played out. Alastor had gotten close enough to pull you into his arms, but only once you had started to finally drift to sleep. He leaned in close and let his nose brush against your forehead while giving the lightest kiss imaginable. Though his lips brushed against your skins as he sang the last of his song, "Stars fading but I linger on, dear. Still craving your kiss, I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear. Just saying this: Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you. Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you. But in your dreams whatever they be, dream a little dream of me..."

[laws-yellow-submarine]

🌠Shooting Stars🌠

An entry for the One Piece Summer challenge!

Law x Reader

Prompt: Stargazing Word Count: 1.6k

Synopsis: While travelling on the Polar Tang, you don't usually stay afloat for long. However, a starry night is too tempting...

♡

Summer.

Does it really matter?

Your head prompted on your palm, you were lost in the vagueness of the ocean. It was one of the few days that the Polar Tang would stay afloat in the middle of the sea. Actually, tonight, was a special night; the sky was a dark canvas painted with falling stars, decorated with brushstrokes of unmethodical, colourful patterns and dancing spots everywhere.

Even the air, it brought the salty aroma on deck, filling your lungs with it and cheering you up. You would never get used to it... and it was always such a pain to let it out of your system...

Travelling in a submarine had forever been quite depressing. The empty spaces were blocking any source of light from entering, therefore transforming themselves into a cloistered prison. You felt so cooped up sometimes, like a caged bird. Not even the palliative company of your nakama could alleviate the gloomy mood that was slowly eating you away.

Every single time you disappeared into the depths of  the bottomless sea, it was as if the time froze. There was no morning, noon, nor afternoon. There was no spring, summer, autumn, nor winter. There was only the black of night.

Unlit and shadowy, it swallowed everything in its wake, you included.

You had always lived in the open air, enjoyed the blessings of nature, the warmth of the sun caressing your body and somehow driving all your preoccupations away. That's the very reason you became a pirate, to begin with.

If it weren't for those silver eyes, you wouldn't be here. Trafalgar Law, the Surgeon of Death, had managed to get his hands gripped around your heart, squeezing for all they were worth, leaving you aching with longing and a breath stuck in your throat. You knew he was no good but, there was something in him... something... hypnotising, that you simply couldn't ignore.

Even though the feeling of drowning in the blackness between the walls had been torturing you ever since you begun your journey, the mysterious glimmer in his look dragged you out of your fear and anguish. He was always by your side, in his own way.

A great Captain, indeed.

Yet, you couldn't omit the fact that something was seriously troubling him the past few weeks. He always had a tendency to isolate himself in his cabin, reading books and making research on medical grounds -- his muttering jargon under his breath confirming that -- but he didn't use to be that distant.

Especially tonight, when the scenery above you was remarkable to the point where one could literally gawk with their mouth hanging open. He would never miss a rain of falling stars.

"They remind of someone... special." he would always say.

You wanted to ask him, delve deeper into his obscure past, yet, he was too reserved. He kept his feelings and thoughts to himself, you highly doubt he could trust even his first mate. However, it was evident in his indolent eyes, an agony, a tremendous feeling, deeply rooted in his soul.

That you could tell, for the eyes are the window to the soul... And this man's eyes... they held many sorrowful secrets...

What with all this thoughts swirling around your head, you lost your grip on the reality, so you never noticed the lovable white bear of the crew standing next to you.

Bepo.

You never understood why he would want to become a pirate and leave his life in the Mokomo Dukedom behind, a place fraught with peace-loving, cheerful creatures. Maybe he was curious to see what was beyond that land.

Come to think of it, the entire crew is quite absurd.

But I love them anyways.

The way the salty breeze messed with his fur was making him look even more adorable.

"Aren't those stars beautiful?" he asked, breaking the awkward silence.

"Yes, they are."

The previous silence took over once again, until...

"Uh, Bepo... Do you know where the Captain is? I mean..." you tried to sound as indifferent as possible, "...he never misses this."

You saw no reaction for some seconds.

"He was working in his cabin... I guess he'll come soon..."

A voiceless nod of agreement and then you were sinking in your thoughts anew.

*

*

*

You didn't have the foggiest idea how long you had been staring at the starry horizon. The moon seemed gigantic now, the only embellishment that begged to differ in that symmetry of white and black.

Bepo had departed some minutes ago, because he couldn't stare at the full moon for too long, as he couldn't control his Sulong form completely.

So, for the moment, you were standing alone behind the railing of the submarine, admiring the view and the expansion of dark blue stretching in front of you. It was so relaxing, you couldn't get enough of it.

Until a certain tattooed hand was placed on your shoulder.

"Oi, (Y/n)."

You turned to face the long awaited raven-haired pirate.

"Yes, Captain?"

His touch immediately abandoned you and his grey eyes narrowed. "How many times do I have to tell you? You don't have to call me captain. Just call me Law."

You tried to look away, but he was pinning you with his intense and demanding look. You couldn't help but simply nod to avoid any more of... this.

I could easily drown in these pools of silver...

He stood beside you, supporting himself on the railing while he took an eyeful of the scene ahead. At first, you didn't pay too much attention to him but tried to focus elsewhere. You didn't manage to stay like that for long, though.

You took glances of your captain now and then, curious to witness all his reactions to this boon. You saw his grey orbs meeting the pale one in the sky and glowing in delight, then a weak smile bending his lips.

He looked at the moon as if it was a person; a person he held dear.

"Law."

He averted his star-kissed gaze slowly, reluctantly, until it locked with yours. "Yes?"

"That special someone you had told me about... do you want to talk about them?" you asked timidly, eyeing him expectantly, albeit you practically knew you'd get  negative answer.

"It's a very old and long story."

Is he actually going to talk about it?!

He paused for some good moments, making you reasonably think that he had no intention of giving more details, but... he had.

He didn't exactly give you chapter and verse of his backstory, but he explained how he lost his entire family and hometown due to Amber Lead Syndrome, how he ended up in the Donquixote Pirates, how the noble and kind Cora-san sacrificed himself to save him....

You always sensed he'd got a dark background but, that was just too dark. How could a child possibly endure all this losses and trauma at once?

However, he never ceased his recounting. He went on, revealed more about his experiences, his life. Until, a shocking exposure was made and pretty much explained everything.

The Will of D.

He, Trafalgar Law, was carrying the tremendous Will of D. Well, that pretty much accounted for everything.

"But why are you telling me all this?"

He shifted, his grey eyes boring into yours in a vertiginous labyrinth.

"I'll be leaving soon." he replied, his tone colder than before.

"What?! Why?!"

"I need to take care of certain things... and now that we are in the New World... you know that we either go against or ally with the Emperors..."

"And whose side are we on?" you enquired, still struggling to process all these information.

"It's too early for you to know..." he grabbed you by your shoulders, gazing fiercely at you, "...but you needn't worry..." he said, his voice softening as well as his sharp features.

A hefty sigh escaped from your lips, before you glanced at the stars. You were fixated there, observing them make their steady descent, leaving trails of glimmering starlight behind.

"Do you want to make a wish?"

Law's frown was followed by a chuckle. "Isn't that too childish?"

"No, come on! The shooting stars don't stay for long!"

He closed his eyes in defeat, probably wishing for something. His hands hadn't abandoned your shoulders, not even then. You waited patiently for the moment his steel grey gaze met yours and you almost melted on the spot.

"What did you wish for?"

"I can't tell you..." he reminded you, his lips stretching into a mischievous smile.

Right.

"...but I can show you." was all he said, before his soft lips landed on yours.

Taken by surprise, could be an understatement. It felt so surreal, it gave you the impression you were hallucinating. It was all slow and passionate, with the dull light of the stars showering you, the low splash of the waves resonating and the slight rocking of the Polar Tang dolling it all up.

Hell, even the scratching of his goatee against your glabrous chin was alluring. You were swimming in a pool of bliss by now, unable and unwilling to get out. You knew it wasn't going to last long yet, you flung yourself into it. You were only a couple of hours away from being trapped in that cage of darkness again, but now you didn't seem to care.

Now you knew.

Summer matters.

Because I'm the summer to his winter heart.

~End~

----- OMG this was so cute <3 Law, shooting stars, and kissing are like...three of my favorite things lmao “I can’t tell you...but I can show you” GAH! I died, my face has been squished in happiness, and I’m still squealing. Great job, hun!! 

@doctorgerth​ 

[twoidiotwriters1]

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

A/N: Part 100! Wow, finally a number that won’t take all the space on the masterlist lmao great bc let me tell you, next book has A LOT of chapters

P.S. Friendly reminder that I have a playlist on spotify for this story in case u want to listen to the songs while reading :) -Danny

Words: 4,912

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Chapter Thirty-Five: Strings of Magic.

"NOW!" Harry yelled; he didn't think he could have held on for another moment anyway — he pulled his wand upward with an almighty wrench, and the golden thread broke; the cage of light vanished, the phoenix song died — but the shadowy figures of Voldemort's victims did not disappear — they were closing in upon Voldemort, shielding Harry from his gaze —

And Harry ran as he had never run in his life, knocking two stunned Death Eaters aside as he passed; he zigzagged behind headstones, feeling their curses following him, hearing them hit the headstones — he was dodging curses and graves, pelting toward Cedric's body, no longer aware of the pain in his leg, his whole being concentrated on what he had to do —

"Stun him!" he heard Voldemort scream.

Ten feet from Cedric, Harry dived behind a marble angel to avoid the jets of red light and saw the tip of its wing shatter as the spells hit it. Gripping his wand more tightly, he dashed out from behind the angel —

"Impedimenta!" he bellowed, pointing his wand wildly over his shoulder at the Death Eaters running at him.

From a muffled yell, he thought he had stopped at least one of them, but there was no time to stop and look; he jumped over the cup and dived as he heard more wand blasts behind him; more jets of light flew over his head as he fell, stretching out his hand to grab Cedric's arm —

"Stand aside! I will kill him! He is mine!" shrieked Voldemort.

Harry's hand had closed on Cedric's wrist; one tombstone stood between him and Voldemort, but Cedric was too heavy to carry, and the cup was out of reach —

Voldemort's red eyes flamed in the darkness. Harry saw his mouth curl into a smile, saw him raise his wand.

"Accio!" Harry yelled, pointing his wand at the Triwizard Cup.

It flew into the air and soared toward him. Harry caught it by the handle —

He heard Voldemort's scream of fury at the same moment that he felt the jerk behind his navel that meant the Portkey had worked — it was speeding him away in a whirl of wind and colour, and Cedric along with him... They were going back.

"It's gone," Mel said.

"Who's gone?"

"The thing..." Mel blinked rapidly, feeling a void where moments ago Harry's voice had been. "I–I... I can't hear him... He told me he could see our parents."

"Professor?" Erick ran back into the tent, "They're back."

Dumbledore stood up and left. Mel stood up too, but her legs wouldn't stop shaking, Erick stopped her, holding her in place.

"You shouldn't."

"What?" She tried to push him away. "Don't be stupid..."

"Mel, you sounded like you were dying," The boy said in exasperation. "You're not well!"

"I don't care!" She fought to get past him.

She ran for it, she needed to see he was okay. The exact moment she arrived, she heard Fudge said:

"Dumbledore — he's dead!"

Mel's breathing stopped for what felt the hundred time that night, she pushed past the crowd until she came face to face with the scene. Harry and Cedric were laying on the grass, one of Harry's hands was closed tightly around Dumbledore's wrist, the other was holding onto Cedric... Cedric's body.

"Harry, let go of him," Fudge said, kneeling down to take him away.

Harry wasn't looking directly at anyone, his eyes would lose focus, he was disoriented, but his hand remained closed.

"Harry, you can't help him now. It's over. Let go," Dumbledore spoke.

It was all true, all she saw while she was in the middle of that... trance, it was all real.

Mel gawked and covered her mouth, she was definitely going to be sick. People walked past her, pushed her in all directions as she stood there, just listening.

"He wanted me to bring him back," Harry muttered, blinking rapidly as he struggled to look at Dumbledore's face. "He wanted me to bring him back to his parents..."

"That's right, Harry... just let go now..."

Dumbledore help Harry stand up, he stumbled a bit, his leg was still bleeding, exactly as she'd seen in her dream.

"What's happened?"

"What's wrong with him?"

"Diggory's dead!"

Mel stirred into action, she got closer and put one arm around Harry's waist without even asking, supporting his weight on her even though she was just as weak. Harry looked at her in a daze.

"You were there," He told her.

"I know," Mel panted, trying to steady their bodies. "I promise I would..."

"He'll need to go to the hospital wing!" Fudge exclaimed next to them. "He's ill, he's injured — Dumbledore, Diggory's parents, they're here, they're in the stands..."

"I'll take Harry, Dumbledore, I'll take him —"

"No, I would prefer —"

"Dumbledore, Amos Diggory's running... he's coming over... Don't you think you should tell him — before he sees — ?"

"Harry," Dumbledore then noticed Mel standing there as well, and he looked at them intently. "Stay here —"

There was so much noise, all Mel wanted was to take Harry away, have a nap in her old bedroom... they could lay in silence forever until things were back to normal...

"It's all right, son, I've got you... come on... hospital wing..."

"Dumbledore said stay," said Harry.

His voice was soft and childish, she could tell by the way he kept his eyes closed that his scar was hurting. She felt so much like a child too: small, weak. Her energy was long gone, she didn't fight when a pair of hands pushed her along, guiding them back to the castle.

"You need to lie down... Come on now..."

The screams were dying, she heard the thumping of Moody's leg against the floor. She should've been worried, but she was so tired...

"What happened, Harry?"

"Cup was a Portkey," Harry replied clumsily. "Took me and Cedric to a graveyard... and Voldemort was there... Lord Voldemort..."

"The Dark Lord was there? What happened then?"

"Killed Cedric... they killed Cedric..."

"And then?"

"Made a potion... got his body back..."

"The Dark Lord got his body back? He's returned?"

Flashes of her nightmare came back and forth as Harry narrated.

"And the Death Eaters came... and then we duelled..."

"You duelled with the Dark Lord?"

"Mel was talking to me..."

"You were?" Moody addressed her then, eyes suddenly wide. "How?"

Mel gulped, her mouth felt like sand. "Thought I was dreaming..."

"After you helped my wand... did something funny... I saw my mum and dad... your dad... they came out of his wand..."

"In here... in here, and sit down... You'll be all right now... drink this..."

She looked up. They weren't in the infirmary.

"Drink it... you'll feel better... come on, now, Harry, I need to know exactly what happened..."

As Moody poured a liquid down Harry's throat, she looked back to the door and felt something heavy on her chest. It was locked.

"Voldemort's back, Harry? You're sure he's back? How did he do it?"

"Harry..." She whispered.

"He took stuff from his father's grave, and from Wormtail, and me," Harry said, not listening.

"What did the Dark Lord take from you?" said Moody.

"Blood," He showed them his arm. Moody barely flinched at the sight.

"And the Death Eaters? They returned?"

"Yes," said Harry. "Loads of them..."

"Harry..."

"How did he treat them?" Moody asked quietly. "Did he forgive them?"

"Why does that matter?" Mel said, cursing internally for forgetting her wand back in the tent. She couldn't muster enough strength to do wandless magic.

"There's a Death Eater at Hogwarts!" Harry gave a start. "There's a Death Eater here — they put my name in the Goblet of Fire, they made sure I got through to the end —"

Harry tried to stand, and Moody pushed him.

"I know who the Death Eater is," He said.

"Harry," Mel tried again, this time louder.

"Karkaroff?" Harry was shaking. "Where is he? Have you got him? Is he locked up?"

"Karkaroff?" Moody laughed. "Karkaroff fled tonight when he felt the Dark Mark burn upon his arm. He betrayed too many faithful supporters of the Dark Lord to wish to meet them... but I doubt he will get far. The Dark Lord has ways of tracking his enemies."

"Karkaroff's gone? He ran away? But then — he didn't put my name in the goblet?"

"No," said Moody slowly. "No, he didn't. It was I who did that."

Mel whimpered before she could stop herself, sinking further in her chair. The nightmare wasn't over.

"No, you didn't," Harry said, still too confused. "You didn't do that... you can't have done..."

"I assure you I did," said Moody.

"He's not Moody," Mel said. "He's not the real Moody, Harry..."

Moody pointed his wand at them.

"Ah, Miss Dumbledore, you knew! Told you to leave it to the adults, didn't I? But true to you nature, you kept digging... I guess I should be happy you're still young and gullible to listen to what you're told, otherwise I would've had to kill you."

Mel curled up scared to death, there was nothing she could do against a Death Eater, weak as she was.

"He forgave them, then?" Moody said, turning to Harry. "The Death Eaters who went free? The ones who escaped Azkaban?"

"What?" said Harry, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"I asked you whether he forgave the scum who never even went to look for him. Those treacherous cowards who wouldn't even brave Azkaban for him. The faithless, worthless bits of filth who were brave enough to cavort in masks at the Quidditch World Cup, but fled at the sight of the Dark Mark when I fired it into the sky."

"You fired... What are you talking about..?"

"I told you, Harry... I told you. If there's one thing I hate more than any other, it's a Death Eater who walked free. They turned their backs on my master when he needed them most. I expected him to punish them. I expected him to torture them. Tell me he hurt them, Harry... Tell me he told them that I, I alone remained faithful... prepared to risk everything to deliver to him the one thing he wanted above all... you."

"You're insane," Mel choked out, trying to muster enough force to push him away, but she barely could've lighted a candle.

"You didn't... it — it can't be you..." Harry stammered.

"Who put your name in the Goblet of Fire, under the name of a different school? I did. Who frightened off every person I thought might try to hurt you or prevent you from winning the tournament? I did. Who nudged Hagrid into showing you the dragons? I did. Who helped you see the only way you could beat the dragon? I did. It hasn't been easy, Harry, guiding you through these tasks without arousing suspicion. I have had to use every ounce of cunning I possess so that my hand would not be detectable in your success.

"Dumbledore would have been very suspicious if you had managed everything too easily. As long as you got into that maze, preferably with a decent head start — then, I knew, I would have a chance of getting rid of the other champions and leaving your way clear. But I also had to contend with your stupidity. The second task... that was when I was most afraid we would fail. I was keeping watch on you, Potter. I knew you hadn't worked out the egg's clue, so I had to give you another hint —"

"You didn't," Harry said hoarsely. "Cedric gave me the clue —"

"Who told Cedric to open it underwater? I did. I trusted that he would pass the information on to you. Decent people are so easy to manipulate, Potter. I was sure Cedric would want to repay you for telling him about the dragons, and so he did. But even then, Potter, even then you seemed likely to fail. I was watching all the time... all those hours in the library. Didn't you realize that the book you needed was in your dormitory all along?

"I planted it there early on, I gave it to the Longbottom boy, don't you remember? Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean. It would have told you all you needed to know about gillyweed. I expected you to ask everyone and anyone you could for help. Longbottom would have told you in an instant. But you did not... you did not... You have a streak of pride and independence that might have ruined all."

She had to think, she had to do something. She'd seen Dumbledore sending a type of Patronus the day Krum had been stunned, but she couldn't send that, there wasn't an ounce of happiness in her at the moment, but she had to send the message... Her heart jumped, Mel had the answer in her pocket.

"So what could I do? Feed you information from another innocent source. You told me at the Yule Ball a house-elf called Dobby had given you a Christmas present. I called the elf to the staffroom to collect some robes for cleaning. I staged a loud conversation with Professor McGonagall about the hostages who had been taken, and whether Potter would think to use gillyweed.

"And your little elf friend ran straight to Snape's office and then hurried to find you... Looking back I see I should've pushed all the information onto Miss Dumbledore's hands!" He laughed. "I kept an eye on her, always helping, not only that, but she solved everything twice as fast! I'm sure she would've helped you solve the second task in less than a week if you would've let her... seems to be the only person you actually listen to..."

Moody kept both eyes on Harry, she slowly reached for her pocket and pulled out the golden watch. She tampered with the buttons as silently as possible.

"You were so long in that lake, Potter, I thought you had drowned. But luckily, Dumbledore took your idiocy for nobility and marked you high for it. I breathed again... You had an easier time of it than you should have in that maze tonight, of course. I was patrolling around it, able to see through the outer hedges, able to curse many obstacles out of your way. I Stunned Fleur Delacour as she passed. I put the Imperius Curse on Krum so that he would finish Diggory and leave your path to the cup clear."

She read her own message:

NOT MOODY. HELP.

Mel pressed the button.

A minute after, four figures started to form on the Foe-Glass -she'd read about it- and she tried to keep Moody's attention on her and Harry so he wouldn't look back.

"I knew," Her voice was destroyed after the hour spent screaming. "You're right– I was going to tell Dumbledore tonight all I knew..." Which was practically nothing, but Moody doesn't have to know that. "I saved Harry–"

"I see that," He spat. "I won't kill you until I know exactly how. I underestimated you, Aberforth's descendant couldn't be that much of a nuisance, but alas... It's true what they say about the women of your blood. As for Harry... imagine how the Dark Lord will reward me when he finds I have done it for him. I gave you to him — the thing he needed above all to regenerate — and then I killed you for him. Both of you. I will be honoured beyond all other Death Eaters. I will be his dearest, his closest supporter... closer than a son..."

"I'll tell you everything but I want to know something too," Mel blurted out, her adrenaline helping to keep a steady voice. "Why did you take Crouch?"

Moody's eyes widened, it was a wild guess, but correct nonetheless judging by the way he reacted.

"The Dark Lord and I," said Moody, "have much in common. Both of us, for instance, had very disappointing fathers... very disappointing indeed. Both of us suffered the indignity of being named after those fathers. And both of us had the pleasure... the very great pleasure... of killing our fathers to ensure the continued rise of the Dark Order!"

Mel frowned, that didn't give anything away! Not unless... but it was impossible, he was dead, Sirius watched as the dementors buried him...

"You're mad," Harry said, "you're mad!"

"Mad, am I? We'll see! We'll see who's mad, now that the Dark Lord has returned, with me at his side! He is back, Harry Potter, you did not conquer him — and now — I conquer you!"

Her eyes moved from the man to the Foe-Glass, the faces were crystal clear.

"WE'RE HERE!" She yelled, damaging her vocal cords even further. "HELP!"

Moody raised his wand, but Mel grabbed Harry by the neck of his robes and covered both of their bodies.

"Stupefy!" Someone yelled behind the door, bursting it open.

Moody fell backwards, the boy held onto her and looked around, coming face to face with Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall... and Erick, white as a ghost.

Dumbledore stepped into the office radiating power, he stared down at Moody and turned him upwards. Snape followed, eyes fixed on the Foe-Glass. Professor McGonagall and Erick went to them.

"Come along, children," she said softly. "Come along... your mother is waiting for the both of you, Mel... hospital wing..."

"No," said Dumbledore.

"Dumbledore, he ought to — look at them — They'd been through enough tonight —"

"They will stay, Minerva, because Harry needs to understand," Dumbledore insisted. "Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery. He needs to know who has put him through the ordeal he has suffered tonight, and why. Mel–"  He raised his left hand, Erick's watch was hanging from it, "though you figured it out, I believe you haven't heard all there is to know. Stay."

"Moody," Harry said shakily, still holding tightly to her arm. "How can it have been Moody?"

"This is not Alastor Moody," said Dumbledore. "You have never known Alastor Moody. The real Moody would not have removed you from my sight after what happened tonight. Mr Flint ran after me and showed me this, saying it was a message from you– and I knew..."

Dumbledore pulled out Moody's flask and a set of keys.

"Severus, please fetch me the strongest Truth Potion you possess, and then go down to the kitchens and bring up the house-elf called Winky. Minerva, kindly go down to Hagrid's house, where you will find a large black dog sitting in the pumpkin patch. Take the dog up to my office, tell him I will be with him shortly, then come back here. Mr Flint–" He handed the watch to its owner. "Go to the Minister, tell him to come here as soon as he can."

Dumbledore walked over to the trunk with seven locks, fitted the first key in the lock, and opened it. It contained a mass of spell-books. Dumbledore closed the trunk, placed a second key in the second lock, and opened the trunk again. The spellbooks had vanished; this time it contained an assortment of broken Sneakoscopes, some parchment and quills, and what looked like a silvery Invisibility Cloak. Harry watched, astounded, as Dumbledore placed the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth keys in their respective locks, reopening the trunk, and each time revealing different contents. Then he placed the seventh key in the lock, threw open the lid, and Harry let out a cry of amazement.

He was looking down into a kind of pit, an underground room, and lying on the floor some ten feet below, apparently fast asleep, thin and starved in appearance, was the real Mad-Eye Moody. His wooden leg was gone, the socket that should have held the magical eye looked empty beneath its lid, and chunks of his grizzled hair were missing. Harry stared, thunderstruck, between the sleeping Moody in the trunk and the unconscious Moody lying on the floor of the office.

Dumbledore climbed into the trunk, lowered himself, and fell lightly onto the floor beside the sleeping Moody. He bent over him.

"Stunned — controlled by the Imperius Curse — very weak," he said. "Of course, they would have needed to keep him alive. Harry, throw down the imposter's cloak — he's freezing. Madam Pomfrey will need to see him, but he seems in no immediate danger."

Harry did as he was told; Dumbledore covered Moody in the cloak, tucked it around him, and clambered out of the trunk again. Then he picked up the hip flask that stood upon the desk, unscrewed it, and turned it over. A thick glutinous liquid splattered onto the office floor.

"Polyjuice Potion... You see the simplicity of it and the brilliance. For Moody never does drink except from his hip flask, he's well known for it. The imposter needed, of course, to keep the real Moody close by, so that he could continue making the potion. You see his hair... The imposter has been cutting it off all year, see where it is uneven? But I think, in the excitement of tonight, our fake Moody might have forgotten to take it as frequently as he should have done... on the hour... every hour. We shall see."

Dumbledore pulled out the chair and sat down, his eyes moved from Moody to her, a glint similar to the one he adopted during her lessons.

"How did you know, Mel?" He asked calmly.

"I didn't," Mel confessed. "I mentioned it to Erick this evening, I didn't know for real until now..."

"You must have seen the signs either way if you suspected..."

Mel told him everything and Dumbledore listened when she mentioned Crouch, and Moody's reply to her question, his eyes returned to the fake Alastor Moody.

"So it was Crouch..." Dumbledore let out heavily.

Then, before Harry's very eyes, the face of the man on the floor began to change. The scars were disappearing, the skin was becoming smooth; the mangled nose became whole and started to shrink. The long mane of grizzled grey hair was withdrawing into the scalp and turning the colour of straw. Suddenly, with a loud clunk, the wooden leg fell away as a normal leg regrew in its place; next moment, the magical eyeball had popped out of the man's face as a real eye replaced it; it rolled away across the floor and continued to swivel in every direction.

Harry saw a man lying before him, pale-skinned, slightly freckled, with a mop of fair hair. He knew who he was. He had seen him in Dumbledore's Pensieve, had watched him being led away from court by the dementors, trying to convince Mr Crouch that he was innocent... but he was lined around the eyes now and looked much older...

There were hurried footsteps outside in the corridor. Snape had returned with Winky at his heels. Professor McGonagall was right behind them.

"Crouch!" Snape said, stopping dead in the doorway. "Barty Crouch!"

"Good heavens," said Professor McGonagall, stopping dead and staring down at the man on the floor.

Filthy, dishevelled, Winky peered around Snape's legs. Her mouth opened wide and she let out a piercing shriek.

"Master Barty, Master Barty, what is you doing here?"

She flung herself forward onto the young man's chest.

Mel was faster, she caught Winky and stopped her from touching the man.

"You is killed him! You is killed him! You is killed Master's son!" She squirmed in her arms.

"Stop it!" She grunted. "He's all right!"

"He is simply Stunned, Winky," Dumbledore nodded. "Severus, you have the potion?"

Dumbledore sat Barty Crouch and poured a few drops down his throat just like he'd done to Harry. Winky was no longer fighting, she was hiding her face behind her skinny hands.

"Rennervate," He said, pointing his wand directly at the man's chest.

Crouch's son opened his eyes. His face was slack, his gaze unfocused. Dumbledore knelt before him, so that their faces were level.

"Can you hear me?" Dumbledore asked quietly. The man's eyelids flickered.

"Yes," he muttered.

"I would like you to tell us," said Dumbledore softly, "how you came to be here. How did you escape from Azkaban?"

Crouch took a deep, shuddering breath, then began to speak in a flat, expressionless voice.

"My mother saved me. She knew she was dying. She persuaded my father to rescue me as a last favour to her. He loved her as he had never loved me. He agreed. They came to visit me. They gave me a draft of Polyjuice Potion containing one of my mother's hairs. She took a draft of Polyjuice Potion containing one of my hairs. We took on each other's appearance."

"Say no more, Master Barty, say no more, you is getting your father into trouble!"

Simpler than what she'd thought. It felt surreal, how close she was to the truth and yet had decided to ignore it she was because it just felt too crazy.

"The dementors are blind. They sensed one healthy, one dying person entering Azkaban. They sensed one healthy, one dying person leaving it. My father smuggled me out, disguised as my mother, in case any prisoners were watching through their doors. My mother died a short while afterward in Azkaban. She was careful to drink Polyjuice Potion until the end. She was buried under my name and bearing my appearance. Everyone believed her to be me."

"And what did your father do with you, when he had got you home?"

"Staged my mother's death. A quiet, private funeral. That grave is empty. The house-elf nursed me back to health. Then I had to be concealed. I had to be controlled. My father had to use a number of spells to subdue me. When I had recovered my strength, I thought only of finding my master... of returning to his service."

"How did your father subdue you?"

"The Imperius Curse. I was under my father's control. I was forced to wear an Invisibility Cloak day and night. I was always with the house-elf. She was my keeper and caretaker. She pitied me. She persuaded my father to give me occasional treats. Rewards for my good behaviour."

"He was there during the Quidditch Final," Mel spoke. "Winky was looking after you, wasn't she?"

"Yes."

"Did anybody ever discover that you were still alive?" said Dumbledore. "Did anyone know except your father and the house-elf ?"

"A witch in my father's office. Bertha Jorkins. She came to the house with papers for my father's signature. He was not at home. Winky showed her inside and returned to the kitchen, to me. But Bertha Jorkins heard Winky talking to me. She came to investigate. She heard enough to guess who was hiding under the Invisibility Cloak. My father arrived home. She confronted him. He put a very powerful Memory Charm on her to make her forget what she'd found out. Too powerful. He said it damaged her memory permanently."

"Why is she coming to nose into my master's private business? Why isn't she leaving us be?"

"Tell me about the Quidditch World Cup," said Dumbledore, addressing to Mel's question.

He told them about how he fought against the Imperius Curse, Harry's wand and the rage towards the Death Eaters' that woke him up completely. How Wormtail found him thanks to Bertha Jorkins and how they subdued his father in order to have a free will himself. She was right about him stealing from Snape, about him attacking Moody during summer. She'd been right.

"But your father escaped."

"My master sent me word of my father's escape. He told me to stop him at all costs. So I waited and watched. I used the map I had taken from Harry Potter. The map that had almost ruined everything."

"Map?" Dumbledore glanced at her. "What map is this?"

"Potter's map of Hogwarts. Potter saw me on it. Potter saw me stealing more ingredients for the Polyjuice Potion from Snape's office one night. He thought I was my father. We have the same first name. I took the map from Potter that night. I told him my father hated Dark wizards. Potter believed my father was after Snape."

She avoided Dumbledore's eyes, ashamed of her own doing keeping the map a secret.

"For a week I waited for my father to arrive at Hogwarts. At last, one evening, the map showed my father entering the grounds. I pulled on my Invisibility Cloak and went down to meet him. He was walking around the edge of the forest. Then Potter came, and Krum. I waited. I could not hurt Potter; my master needed him. Potter ran to get Dumbledore. I Stunned Krum. I killed my father."

After he was done with his story, all they could hear was Winky's cries.

"And tonight..." Dumbledore continued.

"I offered to carry the Triwizard Cup into the maze before dinner. Turned it into a Portkey. My master's plan worked. He is returned to power and I will be honoured by him beyond the dreams of wizards."

The insane smile lit his features once more, and his head drooped onto his shoulder as Winky wailed and sobbed at his side.

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha​ @vampiregirl1797 @siriuslysirius1107 @stardusthigh @mikariell95 @vernon-dursley @thesuitelifeofafangirl @tomshollandz @kylosleftbuttcheek @reverse-hxlland @bloodorangemoonlight @omiwashere​ @t-rexs-world

[0hmydekiru]

A whole new world and Late Birthday Surprises

Gigi belongs to @melyaliz and this is a late birthday drabble (she is why they sing the song ngl lmao)

Adi, Marisol, Anani, and Dana belong to me.

The concept of a cotton candy taco is not mine, it is from a video i saw and tagged melyaliz in, in reference to Gigi.

Tagging: @coffee-randomness

~~

Adi was late. She felt horrible that she had missed Gigi's birthday especially when Gigi, along with her other friends, always went out of their way to make Adi’s birthday special. She had been away on a mission but that was no excuse, at least in her own mind, for not planning in advance or at least calling even though Adi had ended up with a fractured rib from that mission.

Adi had gone with Marisol to shop the day before and seen a poster advertising the state fair. One of the listed venues had caught her eye and Adi had begged Marisol to take her to check it out, to see if it was actually true or if someone had made up a lie to bring in customers.

Marisol had agreed with mostly amusement which only increased when the advertisement was true. Adi had finally found something that would at least work as a birthday present though it would only be a night at the fair instead of a physical gift that Gigi might keep. Bringing Gigi to the fair might be the only part that was considered hard especially if Adi wanted to be sure Gigi was surprised.

~~

Gigi sat on the couch in the mountain watching Bart attempt to show off at mario kart even as he was blue shelled by Jaime. Bart made an outraged sound as Jaime cheered making Gigi laugh as Jaime's kart crashed into the side of the road.

Adi floated over with a smile as Bart started cheering at Jaime crashing while Jaime groaned as the computer characters started to pass him. "Sorry to interrupt but i am here to borrow Gigi for a bit." Adi said gaining the attention of the three of them.

"Ohhh! What is happening? Are we going somewhere?" Gigi asked trying to pry purely because Adi looked so excited. Gigi stood to stand in front of Adi who mimed zipping her lips before grabbing Gigi's hand and gently pulling her from the room. They both bid the boys farewell for now and they were off.

They took the Zeta out before Adi turned back to face Gigi and ask "You trust me to fly us to the surprise, yes?" Adi knew that she wouldn't be able to hide the fair from Gigi but the particular venue was easily missed unless one knew where to look. Gigi's response of a smile, so bright and contagious it made Adi smile back, and an "Of course!" Caused Adi to pause for a second to rein in her emotions that were so touched by the lack of hesitation in Gigi's positive response. She was the only one to respond in that way.

Anani would agree immediately but that was out of knowledge that she could levitate herself and that Adi had more experience than most people, even Adi herself, knew. Marisol and the other members of the second team that Adi was apart of would agree but than ask questions as they normally only flew with her when there were missions. Jaime always paused in surprise, as if her desire for acknowledgement of his trust in her was unexpected though not an insult by any means, and as he listened to Khaji Da's deadpan comments. Most of their other friends tended to hesitate out of uncertainty, Adi was always considered even more of a ticking time bomb than Conner despite her seeming so innocent.

"Let's do it like a piggyback ride, that is the correct usage of that?" Adi asked and Gigi laughed nodding in agreement. They were quick to get situated before Adi was taking off with Gigi's arms around her neck. They flew over buildings, Gigi pointing out apartment windows that had tvs that were playing movies that she had seen or waving at the few children looking out their windows with wide eyes.

After pointing out one television that was playing a cartoon, Gigi started gently singing "I can show you the world. Shining, shimmering, splendid!" She started as they flew above the skyscrapers and could see the glittering of the city as they headed out toward where it was darker. They had a long way to get to the fair as there wasn't a Zeta connected there, as far as Adi knew.

"Tell me, princess! Now, when did you last let your heart decide?" Gigi continued and Adi was grinning despite herself. Things were rather complicated recently but Gigi was making everything feel not as bad. "I can open your eyes! Take you wonder by wonder!" Gigi continued as they could finally see all the stars lighting up the sky without the city lights.

"Over, sideways and under" Gigi said before laughing when Adi flew in that manner over and under rock formations. "On a magic carpet ride!" Gigi said and Adi snorted amused at being compared to a magic carpet.

"A whole new world! A new fantastic point of view" Gigi sang before pointing out the dark shapes that were the shadowy forms of bats flying. "No one to tell us, 'No'! Or where to go!Or say we're only dreaming!" Gigi continued holding out an arm and feeling the air move past them. The air was warm but thankfully not hot.

"A whole new world! A dazzling place I never knew, But when I'm way up here" Adi sang carefully as if unsure if she should sing too. "It's crystal clear, That now I'm in a whole new world with you!" Adi continued with Gigi singing the last line too before laughing with delight making Adi feel much better that Gigi wasn't mad at her for singing some lines. They were now able to see some lights from the nearing town and Adi was so excited.

"Unbelievable sights! Indescribable feeling!" Gigi sang loudly startling some birds as they flew by. "Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling! Through an endless diamond sky!" Gigi continued and pointed at the glittering sky above them. Adi silently promised herself that if her friends ever wanted, She would take them to see the stars in person.

"A whole new world!" Gigi sang as Adi flew upward with Gigi's cheering in her ears before zooming downwards making Gigi close her eyes against the wind hitting her face.

"Don't you dare close your eyes!" Adi sang with a laugh as they flew mere inches above a lake and Adi reached out a hand to ripple the water. Gigi opened her eyes and was faced with their reflections which looked to be having a lot of fun.

"A hundred thousand things to see!" Gigi sang as she stretched out a moment to pluck two flowers from a tree for them to wear later. Gigi was always telling Adi that she should wear more flowers which looked so pretty on her but Adi was still uncertain about it.

Adi’s reflection shows her expression going slightly mischievous as she sang "Hold your breath, it gets better!" Before they started descending and Gigi let out a small squeal. Gigi took a deep breath before they were submerged under the surface of the lake for a minute.

Once they came up, Adi was grinning even as Gigi laughed while scolding Adi for getting them soaked despite the wind that would have them drier soon. "I'm like a shooting star, I've come so far! I can't go back to where I used to be!" Gigi sang and both girls felt an understanding from that line that momentarily caused the atmosphere to be serious.

"With new horizons to pursue! I'll chase them anywhere" Adi sang with her mind on her idea to see if she could withstand going under the sea or into space with nothing to help her. "There's time to spare, Let me share this whole new world with you!" Adi continued as she gently spun them a few times so Gigi went upside down twice which made her giggle.

"A whole new world, That's where we'll be!" Gigi sang seeing the small dot of lights that went even into the sky a bit. Her curiosity was piqued and she was growing more excited as they flew. "A thrilling chase!" She added when Adi flew over a car, above a road which looked like a highway.

"a wondrous place!" Adi sang as they flew closer until Gigi could see so many lights that she could recognize was a fair. "For you and me!" They both sang together as Adi landed in a dark shadow nearby the entrance.

~~

Gigi released her hold on Adi before squealing and hugging Adi. "your taking me to the fair?!?" Gigi asked almost unable to believe it. She couldn't remember when she had last been but probably before Adi had been around and she was so excited to share this experience with Adi.

"Your so excited and you haven't even seen the main part of the surprise!" Adi laughed beaming as she returned the hug before gently leading Gigi toward the entrance. Adi waved at the girl that was letting people in, Gigi was almost certian she was a friend of Adi's and she thought her name was Dana.

"There's more!?!" Gigi asked jumping a bit in excitement especially when Adi nodded. She looked around as Adi lead her through the fair to whatever the next surprise was. She figured that Adi wanted to show her first before they got to actually have fun at the fair.

"Here we are!" Adi said to Gigi before she held up two fingers to the guy behind the table. Gigi watched as he started making something, her eyes widening as she recognized cotton candy, ice cream, and so many other different treats being made into what faintly resembled a taco.

Gigi turned to Adi with an expression that was almost in awe as she spoke "This might just be the best thing ever and i haven't even tried it yet!" Gigi looked as if she was seconds from vibrating through the floor or somehow tapping into the speed force.

Adi beamed before she accepted the cotton candy from the vendor, handing one to Gigi, and leading her a bit away from the vendor so they both could try it. "Once we are done, we can do anything in the fair! So let's have fun! Happy late birthday, Gigi!" Adi said with a warm smile.

[the-erik-police]

Lmao I made a deal with @raouls-opera that if she went on this rollercoaster I would write her an AU where Erik’s ticklish so.. here it is.

——————————————

It was a pleasant, autumn evening, and Erik and Christine were walking down the jagged pathway of the forest. The forest was deeming to be a fine place to walk, as the trees shielded rain, and the leaves held the warmth beneath them. Squirrels and birds scuttled quickly around them, looking for places on the ground and in the trees to settle.

Today was the first of many where they had managed to leave their cottage, as the nights lately had been cold and bitter, and they had found no strength to venture out on their nightly strolls.

Although they quite often they walked in silence, she thoroughly enjoyed every moment of his company. His presence seemed to calm her. It was something that helped put her mind to rest.

Now, the last rays of sunshine were filtering through the trees, causing both of them to pull their hats over their faces to shield their eyes from the harsh beams of light.

As the sun went down, however, it meant that it’s blazing warmth was disappearing, and Christine started to feel the chill of the night descending.

Perhaps we should’ve just stayed home, she thought. No, we haven’t managed to get out for days, a little chill shouldn’t keep us indoors.

She started to shiver, and tried to hide her coldness from Erik, but he was far too smart for her disguise.

“Christine, my dear, if you’re cold we can always make our way back home.” He asked, courteously.

“It’s hardly anything to worry about, Erik, I’m sure the cold will die down a little.” She responded. In reality, though, she felt as though she was a block of ice, and did wish to take refuge somewhere. But she didn’t want to disturb their walk, which had been victim to the cold itself for the past few days.

“Only if you’re sure.” He looked down at her, and she nodded in response.

With that, he seemed to gaze at her for a while with a shy smile, and apprehensively pressed his hand into hers. His touch was gentle and tender, and sent little shivers up her neck. Her worsening coldness seemed to vanish in an instant.

They carried on walking through the darkening woodland, and while doing so he continued to hold her hand affectionately in his, often drawing her towards him, so he can kiss her palm, causing her to laugh softly.

“Your certainly in a charming mood, aren’t you?” She teased

He looked at the ground, “Well, mon chèri, what more could anyone ask for than an evening with you?”

Colour rose to Christine’s cheeks at his words.

“You flatter me Erik, you really do.” She tightened her grip on his hand, and brought it up the her face so she could kiss his in return for all the ones he’d given her.

Erik seemed to stiffen slightly at her gesture.

“Christine... You really are too lovely for words, I hope you know that.”

She turned quickly away so he couldn’t see her blush even more furiously than before, and was glad no-one else was around to see.

Again, however, his sharp vision saw through her pretence, and she heard him chuckle lightly under his breath.

They carried on walking in peaceful silence until eventually reaching the lake.

It was beautiful at this time of day. The water shimmered under the twilight like diamonds sparkling under candles. Horses came at night, when most had retired back to their houses, to feed on the luscious grass that lay beside the waters border. The first ones were starting to steal out of their usual space in the forest.

They stopped simultaneously to take in the elegant view.

“I’ve forgotten how wonderful the water looks at this time of day.” She pondered, half to herself. Erik mumbled his agreement. He seemed to be in a sort of daze.

It was at that moment Christine saw a boat at the edge of the water, and an idea sprung into her head.

Christine asked him to follow her. Obliging, she took him to the boat lying on the rocks, clearly having been abandoned by someone.

“Erik, wouldn’t it be nice if we went on a trip around the lake?”

He looked down at her, surprised;

“Christine, it’s getting very dark, and I feel the chill is getting worse, I wouldn’t want you freezing to death.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that, look!” She pointed to the point of the boat. “There’s a lantern, and the cold isn’t proving to be that bad anymore. Surely just 5 minutes won’t do us any harm, as everyone’s gone and it’s such a nice evening,” Even though she was fully aware of his hesitation, she still persisted. Tonight was proving to be wonderful, and she wanted to make the most of it.

Erik sighed, “If that’s what you really want, then I’ll be happy to.”

Christine smiled. She immediately went to pull it off the shore into the water, but soon found that the weight of the boat drastically outweighed her. Her feet became unsteady and quickly fell back into Erik.

He chuckled and helped her to regain her posture, “Let me help you with that, dear.”

Slightly embarrassed, she gave him her thanks, and they went to tug the raft into the lake.

It eventually slid off the sandy grass, the splash causing the nearby horses to flee. Erik untied the rope that also kept the boat at bay, and when he was finished, he outstretched his hand to help her into the boat.

She sat down, and Erik got in after her and picked up the oars.

He started to row out of the shore and into the lake at a slow, but steady pace. The slight breeze was causing small ripples to form on the water, and mixed with the reflection of stars, Christine had to admit that it was a very tranquil sight.

Venturing further into the lake, fish were becoming a more frequent sight. They were also becoming bigger in size, as before she’d only glimpsed minnows, and now perches and basses were starting to make an appearance.

Christine carried on looking in the water, but soon realised her eyes were becoming tired from squinting, and looked up to see that the sun had gone down completely, and could barely make out that Erik was sitting on the opposite side of her.

He seemed to blend in with the darkness of night, the only hint of his presence were his two yellow orbs.

She reached out to try and feel where he was and ended up grabbing his knee.

“Christine, may I ask what you are do-“ his sentence was cut off, and she swore that she heard him snicker.

She took her hand away, and could vaguely make out his shadowy figure relax, as if something she did caused something odd to stir inside him.

“Erik-“ She reached out again, and, like last time, caught her hand on his knee,

“Sorry, It’s just hard trying to make you out in this blackness”

Erik didn’t respond, but just carried on rowing.

She then remembered seeing a lantern on the side of the boat when they were still on land, so keeping hold of Erik’s knee for support, Christine leaned over the side to grab it. Hoping this would help lighten their surroundings up.

The boat quickly became unsteady, and it wobbled about frantically, but she eventually got a hold of it. In doing so, however, she almost fell out, and ended up digging her fingers into Erik’s knee for balance.

She lit it with a match she found in a box underneath the seats, and sighed in relief.

Realising the boat had stopped moving, she looked up to see what was wrong, and found Erik with his head turned away from her.

“Erik, dear, are you alright?”

He thereupon turned around after a few seconds with a stern look in his eyes,

“Yes, Christine, I’m perfectly fine.”

Something in his tone suggested otherwise, but she chose to ignore it.

He carried on rowing, but it seemed the breeze was starting to pick up, and the boat rocked back and fourth feverishly.

She found herself, again, holding onto Erik’s knee for support, grasping her fingers into the fabric of his trousers.

She noticed he seemed to become distressed because of her actions... Turning away from her, hands fidgeting on the handles of the oars, and seeming to make a sort of cackle, as if he was trying to suppress laughter.

Laughter.

She carried on lightly digging her hands into the curves in his knees.

“Sorry, Erik, I’m just getting quite dizzy from the boat rocking about” she said, trying not to sound suspicious, and leaned to try and see his face.

He took one of his hands off the oars, and adjusted his mask, before turning back to her. She could have sworn he quickly wiped a smirk off his face...

“That’s quite alright, Chri-“ he tried to finish his sentence, but his eyes widened and he burst into sort of...tittering laughter.

It then occurred to her that her actions were the cause of such reaction.

Could it be that my husband is, ticklish?

It never even occurred to her that he would own a trait like that.

She couldn’t help but laugh herself, and couldn’t resist seeing if she could stretch his wits any further.

She stood up carefully, and walked a couple of steps towards him. He glanced up at her.

Is that fear in his eyes? She thought

She leaned down, and Erik moved away, as if anticipating what she was going to do. Before he could stop her, though, she reached out her arms and tickled his neck.

“Christine! Stop, if you know what’s good for you, stop it this instant!”

Erik was in hysterics at this point, and she found she couldn’t stop, no matter how hard she tried to, which wasn’t very much.

Christine was getting great enjoyment out of this moment, and she had no intention to do as he said.

He tried to reach out to pull her away, but she had the advantage as she was standing.

What did eventually stop her, however, was the boat itself. The rocking became too intense, and she fell back.

Erik finally gasped for breath when she broke away from him, and leaned to the side of the boat.

“I’m sorry, Erik, but I couldn’t help it”

He turned round slowly to look at her, and then stood up and started pacing towards her.

She wondered what he was intending to do, but before he could, he tripped on a plank of wood, and fell back onto the side of the boat.

“Erik! Grab my hand!”

He reached out for her, but it was too late. He tipped the boat over and they both fell into the water.

She hung her head above the water, and saw to see if Erik was okay.

From what she could see, he was fine.

“My apologies, Christine. But this wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t had any great ideas”

She knew he was being sarcastic, though, as he straight away guided her to the shore, making sure her head stayed above the water.

Reaching dry land, they walked onto the grass, and Christine started shivering from her being soaking wet and the wind blowing against her.

Erik noticed this and wrapped his cloak around her.

“So, do you forgive me?” She asked, slightly slyly.

“Hm?”

“I said, do you forgive me for my impostrous actions?”

He buried his face in her hair, “You know I could never be truly outraged at you, my dear, even if you do deserve it.”

She chuckled lightly, and gasped as he swept her up off her feet.

“I think it would be for the best if we headed home now.”

And with that, he carried her all the way back to their home.